<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]</p>

<p>Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]</p>


Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]</p>

<p><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.</p>

<p>"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.</p>

<p>WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]</p>


Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

<p>When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.</p>

<p>But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p><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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.</p>

<p>"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.</p>

<p>"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.</p>

<p>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?</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

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


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

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

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


Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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


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

Staff Writer

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

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


alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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


Ellen Walker

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

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


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

<html><body>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>Investors splashed out a record $29 billion to purchase commercial property (more than $2m) – office, industrial and retail - in the 12 months to December nationally, up 20 percent on the last two years with foreign investors taking a 38 percent share.</p>
<p>The total, comprising more than $17.2 billion worth of office transactions, $4.8 billion worth of industrial transactions and $7 billion worth of retail property transactions, is an extraordinary 32 percent up on the five year average of $22 billion following a similar rise on the $18 billion average in the previous year.</p>
<p>It was more likely than not that significant levels of investment would continue with foreign investment, particularly from China, and institutions, the key players.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">What we have seen over the last three years has been an extraordinary investment market in terms of sales by number and value.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Local trusts and funds along with foreign investors have dominated the markets, however in 2015 domestic institutions, recovering from the GFC and replacing private investors as competitive buyers once again, have suddenly found themselves outbid.</span></p>
<p>While institutional investors were the second largest player with 35 per cent of purchasers, their share of the market had fallen from 48 percent (Funds 31 percent, Trusts 17 percent) in 2014 to 35 percent (Funds 21 percent, Trusts 14 percent) in 2015, while the foreign investor take at 38 percent was more than 70 percent up on its 22 percent share in 2014.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Weakness in the currency, high relative yields and economic growth (however below trend) had been the key drivers while the large amount of off-shore capital seeking  Australian property had encouraged many domestic investors to dispose of property, reweight portfolios and change exposures.</span></p>
<p>This led to a record year of approximately $29 billion of turnover in commercial property. Conversely, many market fundamentals demonstrated the two-tone nature of the Australian economy – some indicators deteriorated in Perth and Brisbane, many showed substantial improvement in Melbourne and Sydney. Brisbane appeared to have reached a base whilst Melbourne and Sydney continue to improve.</p>
<p>The capital markets had exhibited greater degrees of volatility throughout the year and had finished the year largely unchanged with the ASX200 returning around 1 per cent, the Australian dollar down over 10% against the US dollar and 10 year bonds yielding approximately 2.8 percent.</p>
<p>While property yields have firmed across the board returns remain significantly higher with unlisted property returning up to 10 percent and AREITS returning 13 percent over the last five years. There is no doubt this has also had an impact on investment decisions.</p>
<p>He said the firming of investment yields had yet to fully run its course.</p>
<p>In some markets fundamentals are improving rapidly. We believe this will lead to further tightening in yields as investment capital starts to price in expectations of future NOI (net operating income) growth. This part of the yield cycle is just beginning.</p>
<p><strong>At a glance:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Office sales</strong> - $17.2 billion in sales; previous year $16.7 billion; five year average $12.4 billion. 221 properties sold, 326 in 2014.  Foreign investors purchased 45 percent of the stock ($7.6 <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">billion).</span></p>
<p><strong>Industrial sales</strong> - $4.8 billion in sales; previous year $5.55 billion; five year average $3.8 billion;  221 properties sold, 277 in previous year. Foreign investors purchased 36 percent:</p>
<p><strong>Retail sales</strong> - $7 billion in sales ; previous year $7.2 billion; five year average $5,8 billion. 197 properties were sold, down from the previous year of 221. Foreign investors purchased 26 percent.</p>
<p><em>Tony Crabb is Savills Australia’s national head of research and can be contacted <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/blog/author/109174/Tony" target="_blank">here</a>. </em></p>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Foreigners take 38% of record commercial property sales: Tony Crabb

<html><body>
<p><span>Mirvac Group has exchanged contracts for the sale of 1 Woolworths Way, Bella Vista for $336.45 million, representing a yield of 6.07 percent.</span></p>
<p><span>As part of the transaction, Mirvac Projects will remain responsible for the delivery (including cost) of a new multi-story carpark via a development management agreement.</span></p>
<p><span>The Woolworths headquarters at 1 Woolworths Way is located 30 kilometres north-west of the Sydney CBD within Norwest Business Park.</span></p>
<p><span>It is 100 per cent leased to Woolworths Limited until 2031 with Woolworths recently signing a new 15-year lease extension.</span></p>
<p><span>South Korean-based property investors, advised by Inmark Asset Management, bought the property which was marketed by Paul Noonan, Rob Sewell and Simon Storry of JLL and Graeme Russell, Ian Hetherington and Ben Azar of Savills.</span></p>
<p><span>It had a recent book value of $250 million before the new lease and before the envisaged car parking arrangement.</span></p>
</body></html>

Woolworths HQ at Bella Vista sold to Koreans

<html><body>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Housing finance data for November 2015 was released this month by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of housing finance commitments rose by 1.8% in November to $33.3 billion.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/18/Chart-1-1-580x208.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2016/01/18/Chart-1-1-580x208.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Looking at the different components of mortgage lending, it shows that the value of commitments to owner occupier non-first home buyers (subsequent buyers who are generally either upgrading or downgrading) is now greater than the value of commitments to investors. </p>
<p>With mortgage rates remaining low and competition from lenders being fierce, refinance activity continued to trend higher while demand from the first home buyer segment of the market remains quite weak.  As investment demand has faded, this demand has been replaced by demand from owner occupiers, mainly those upgrading or downgrading.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/18/Chart-2-1-580x207.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2016/01/18/Chart-2-1-580x207.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>In November 2015 there was $21.8 billion worth of housing finance commitments to owner occupiers.  These commitments were split between $1.9 billion for construction of dwellings, $1.2 billion for purchase of new properties, $7.1 billion for refinances and the remaining $11.6 billion for purchase of established properties.  </span></p>
<p><span>A</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">s the chart shows, demand for new properties (construction and purchase of new) is fairly flat while refinance commitments and those for the purchase of established homes continues to rise strongly. Interestingly after its recent low of $17.6 billion in commitments in May 2015, the value of owner occupier commitments has increased by 23.3% to November 2015. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">If you look at the actual number of owner occupier housing finance commitments over the same period they have increased by a much lower 11.8%. This would suggest that although the number of commitments to owner occupiers is rising, the increase in the value of commitments is being exacerbated by borrowers taking out larger mortgages.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/18/Chart-3-580x210.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2016/01/18/Chart-3-580x210.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The value of investor housing finance commitments was recorded at $11.5 billion in November 2015.  Investor mortgage demand has fallen sharply since peaking at $14.2 billion in April 2015, down -18.7% to November 2015.  Although investor mortgage demand has slowed sharply over recent months, it actually rose by 0.7% over the month.</p>
<p>It is important to remember that the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s (APRA) guidelines aim to limit housing credit (total value of outstanding mortgages) to investors at 10% per annum.  Investor credit growth was recorded at 9.1% over the year to November 2015, comfortably within these guidelines.  Given this, it is no surprise we have seen a small bounce in investor mortgage demand and we may see further moderate increases over the coming months as lenders aim to grow investor credit at close to the 10% threshold.</p>
<p>Demand remains for mortgages despite the fact that banks have lifted mortgage rates independently of the Reserve Bank cash rate and have increased mortgage rates to investors. Understandably this has seen a slowing of demand from the investor segment of the market however, demand from owner occupiers is rising and currently filling the space. As previously mentioned demand from the investment segment may actually start to pick-up a little due to the fact investor credit growth is now comfortably below 10% per annum. </p>
<p>With home value growth in Sydney and Melbourne now showing signs of slowing it will be interesting to see over the coming months whether mortgage demand continues to grow. </p>
<p>If it does it may indicate that although demand in Sydney and Melbourne is slowing it is picking up elsewhere.</p>
<p><em>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>.</em></p>
</body></html>

ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Housing finance demand still growing, driven by owner occupier demand: Cameron Kusher

<html><body>
<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p><span>An overhaul of education and training standards is in the best interests of the consumer and the profession.</span><br><br><span>Responding to the review of training in the property services industry conducted by NSW Fair Trading, REINSW is firmly of the view that the overwhelming majority of issues that attract the attention of the regulator and aggravate consumers, can be resolved by substantially improving the education of property professionals for both entry and continuing professional development.</span><br><br><span>We suggest a higher entry level education standard. It not only better equips the new entrant for the profession, it also allows that new entrant the opportunity to commit themselves to the disciplines required by the profession. This will then, it is submitted, positively impact on a higher retention rate and increase the aggregate competencies of the profession.</span><br><br><span>In order to reduce the churn, which the panel has identified at 80 per cent of new entrants, REINSW proposes new entrants complete an additional three units prior to starting work. This will at least in part address this at the commencement of the new entrants employment and with on-going study together with practical on- the-job experience will grow the new entrant into a capable, knowledgeable and skilled professional.</span><br><br><span>REINSW has also called for additional on the job training. Under the Institute’s suggested educational regime the student will take seven units of competence into the workplace and receive an additional 17 units of competence within the context of practical application and repetition.</span><br><br><span>The complete education, which involves both classroom and on the job training, particularly in a service industry such as real estate is not so much desirable, but essential. Without it the service provider is ill-equipped to respond to the demands and disciplines of the profession.</span><br><br><span>The delivery and assessment of training should be undertaken by trainers who regularly update their property industry work experience and skills. The qualification level of the trainers should be at least a one-step higher level than the qualification currently being taught within the relevant property associated discipline.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><em>John Cunningham is President, REINSW and can be contacted <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/imis15_Prod/web" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
</body></html>

Real estate agent education, training overhaul needed: REINSW

<html><body><div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
<p><span>Retail landlords caught in the collapse of electronics retailer Dick Smith have been urged to approach the thriving Jaycar Electronics retail chain.</span></p>
<p><span>Jaycar boss, and former Dick Smith marketing director Gary Johnston has launched an ad campaign in <em>The Australian Financial Review</em>, encouraging landlords with leases to Dick Smith to ring for a "confidential no-obligation discussion" about their premises. </span></p>
<p><span>He told the <em>AFR</em> he would be pleased to pick up half a dozen former Dick Smith premises. </span></p>
<p><span>"We're already in negotiations with a number of landlords," he said.</span></p>
<p><span>"We're interested in the retail strips and good, free-standing sites, but not the shopping centres.</span></p>
<p><span>"The great bulk of our customers are men, who have a deep-seated dislike of shopping centres." </span></p>
<p><span>About a fifth of the Dick Smith stores in Australia and New Zealand are in the malls of the country's two biggest mall landlords, Westfield owner Scentre Group and Vicinity Centres.</span></p>
<p><span>Jaycar more than 90 stores in Australia and New Zealand.</span></p>
<p><span>"I've been around long enough see the threat of the dotcom business, but I believe we are still a nation of shopkeepers and I still have faith in bricks and mortar retail," Mr Johnston said.</span></p>
<p><span>"We have a big website and our customers are tech savvy, but they love to come in and have a browse around."</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Johnston said the Jaycar business owned about half its retail premises.</span></p>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Jaycar seeks expansion into Dick Smith retail space

<html><body>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Australia's largest and most recently listed mortgage aggregator Australian Finance Group (AFG) released its December 2015 quarter </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Mortgage Index</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">, which now again includes figures at the state level.</span>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The index, which is not seasonally adjusted, showed a solid 7 per cent increase in the volume of mortgages sold from the prior corresponding period, up from $12.9 billion in December 2014 to $13.8 billion last quarter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/14/AFG1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/01/14/AFG1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>This was in spite of the investor share of the market continuing to decline, with this sector slinking back down to a 6 year low.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investor loan volumes are expected to stabilise from here, with the impact of tighter lending rates for investors and tougher lending criteria now largely baked in. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Click to enlarge</div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/01/14/AFG2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>The investor segment of the market had clearly become overheated in 2013, contributing to slowing rental growth.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State versus state</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>At the state level, AFG recorded more than $5 billion of mortgages written in New South Wales for the third time, as the state saw mortgage volumes up by 12 per cent from one year ago.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The data series adds further weight to the suggestion that the Melbourne market may be set for a bright 2016, with mortgage volumes in Victoria up by nearly 18 per cent over the year in rising to a new high, despite the final quarter of the year being a short one due to the Christmas break.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mortgage volumes written also increased by 13 per cent over the year in South Australia, but have declined in Western Australia (-10 per cent) and the Northern Territory (-21 per cent respectively).</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/14/AFG3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/01/14/AFG3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mortgage sizes have soared</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The average size of mortgage written continues to rise, up by 20 per cent over the past three years to a fresh all-time high of $476,479.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/14/AFG4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/01/14/AFG4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>The average size of mortgage written in NSW increased to a new high of $583,708, with mortgage sizes also rising by around 7 per cent over the past year in Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/14/AFG6.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/01/14/AFG6.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>While AFG's index may be distorted by changes in market share, meaning that users should be wary of premature extrapolation, the figures do provide further hints as to what to expect in the year ahead.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is evident that markets will increasingly be driven forward by owner-occupiers rather than investors, while the market in Melbourne continues to defy...well, people like me, I suppose, who felt that the market have may peaked some years ago.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, APRA's cooling measures appear to have worked and the property market seems to have calmed after the frenzy we saw around April and May last year, particularly in Sydney.<br><br>That said, mortgage volumes - and particularly mortgage sizes - have to date remained very high, with owner-occupiers plugging most of the gap being left by investors. Accordingly, we might expect to see a more sustainable and balanced market going forward in 2016. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>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>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>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>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Our mortgages are getting bigger: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<h2 class="mt0"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;">According to the CoreLogic RP Data Home Value Index, dwelling values were absolutely flat across the combined capitals during December, with negative movements in Sydney, Adelaide and Canberra being offset by a rise in dwelling values across the remaining five capital cities.</span></h2>
<p>The Sydney housing market was the main drag on the December results, with dwelling values down 1.2%, while values were down 1.5% in Adelaide and 1.1% in Canberra. The remaining capitals saw a rise in dwelling values, led by a 2.3% bounce in Perth values and a 1.0% rise in Melbourne values over the month.</p>
<h2 class="mt0"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="color: #135cae; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3em;">Index results as at December 31, 2015</span></span></h2>
<div>
<p><img src="https://corelogic.com.au/contentAsset/raw-data/1fa07848-c6e4-4690-9274-f824244c11d9/fileAsset" alt="2016-01-04--Dec_Index" width="569" height="271"></p>
<p>After dwelling values had been broadly rising since June 2012, the December quarter results revealed a 1.4% fall in dwelling values across the combined capitals, the largest quarter on quarter fall since December 2011.</p>
<p>Six of the eight capital cities recorded a negative result over the December quarter, with weaker conditions in Sydney and Melbourne acting as the greatest drag on capital city performance. </p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-13%20at%2010.32.33%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/01/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-13%20at%2010.32.33%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The largest quarterly fall was recorded in Sydney, where dwelling values were down 2.3% over the final three months of the year, followed by Melbourne, where dwelling values were 1.9% lower. The only capital cities to show a rise in dwelling values over the December quarter were Brisbane (+1.3%) and Adelaide (+0.6%).</p>
<p>This was in contrast to the first three quarters of 2015, where capital city dwelling values rose by 9.3%, largely driven by a 14.1% surge in Sydney values and a 13.3% increase in Melbourne. </p>
<p>In stark contrast, the final quarter of 2015 showed Sydney as the weakest performer of any capital city, with dwelling values down by -2.3% while Melbourne recorded the second weakest result of -1.9%.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-13%20at%2010.33.28%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/01/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-13%20at%2010.33.28%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The complete 2015 calendar year results reveal a 7.8% increase in capital city dwelling values which is the lowest rate of capital gain over a calendar year since 2012 when values slipped 0.4% lower over the full year.</p>
<p>Highlighting the diversity in the capital city housing markets, dwelling values fell across four of the eight capitals in the 2015 calendar year. The largest of these falls were recorded in Perth, down by 3.7%, and Darwin down by 3.6%. Hobart and Adelaide also showed subtle falls of 0.7% and 0.1%. </p>
<p>Despite the recent weakening of housing market conditions in Sydney and Melbourne, the two largest capital city housing markets still recorded much stronger annual gains than all other capital cities,  11.5% in Sydney and 11.2% in Melbourne. Dwelling values in Brisbane and Canberra were up a more sustainable 4.1% over the year.</p>
<p>The wealth created from housing in Sydney and Melbourne has been exceptional over the past twelve months.</p>
<p>In dollar terms, Sydney home owners have seen approximately $82,000 added to their wealth thanks to the strong capital gains over the year while home owners in Melbourne have seen the value of their dwelling grow by approximately $60,400. Brisbane home owners are $18,560 better off while Canberra owners have seen the value of their homes increase by approximately $21,900.</p>
<p>Home owners in the remaining capital cities have seen some erosion of their wealth via falls in the value of their dwelling. The largest losses have occurred in Perth where the average dwelling is now worth approximately $19,970 less than it was 12 months ago, while Darwin home owners have seen the value of their home shrink by a similar $18,150.</p>
<p>The annual decline has been milder in Adelaide and Hobart, however dwelling values are still $515 lower in Adelaide over the year and down $2,430 in Hobart.</p>
<p>The slowdown in housing market conditions across Sydney and Melbourne in the last half of 2015 is being driven by a range of factors that can best be described as both organic and externally influenced.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-13%20at%2010.34.56%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/01/13/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-13%20at%2010.34.56%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Organic market conditions have been derived from affordability pressures, rental yield compression and cyclical factors, while factors from external influences largely stem from a change in the regulatory framework introduced by APRA which has made it more expensive and difficult for investors to access housing finance. Added to this is higher mortgage rates and more restrictive credit policies and loan servicing requirements.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Tim Lawless is head of the CoreLogic RP Data research and analytics team and can be contacted <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/author/timlawless/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
</div>
</body></html>

tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

Capital gains stall in the final month of the year: Tim Lawless

<html><body>
<p>2015 was a lacklustre year for rental growth in Australia with rents increasing by just 0.3% in 2015; not exactly the news investors are looking to read about but good news for those looking to rent.</p>
<p>We’ve never seen rental growth as sluggish as it is at the moment. Furthermore, we’re expecting to see more of the same over the coming months due to increases in the supply of new housing, rental stock and a further slowdown in migration rates. </p>
<p>The only cities to see an increase in weekly rental rates were Sydney with an increase of 1.9 percent, Melbourne (2.2 percent), Hobart (0.6 percent) and Canberra (1.9 percent) while rates fell in Brisbane by (-0.3 percent), Adelaide (-0.2 percent), Perth (-8.0 percent) and Darwin (-13.3 percent). <span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p>A comparison between December 2015 and December 2014 shows in 2014 annual rental growth was slowing but was tracking at a much higher 1.8% which highlights just how much the rental market eased throughout 2015. </p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-12%20at%209.21.53%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-12%20at%209.21.53%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>The construction boom across the capital cities, coupled with slowing population growth, low mortgage rates and the recent heightened level of activity from investors are the major contributing factors to the slowing rental growth in 2015.</p>
<p>Although Sydney and Melbourne saw the largest ramp up in new housing supply, both cities still recorded rental increases over the year, although rental growth is slowing relative to 12 months earlier.</p>
<p>It is clear that the increase in investment stock continues to provide landlords with little scope to lift rental rates while the low mortgage rate environment provides little incentive to push yields higher.</p>
<p>We envisage that growth in rental rates is likely to remain weak or potentially slow even further over the coming months. The good news for those looking to rent is the possibility <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">that rental rates will fall even further over the coming year.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">While the news for renters will be welcomed, investors may be facing weaker capital gains coupled with little in the way of rental growth or yield.</span></p>
<p>The large pipeline of residential construction activity and recent high levels of investment demand means that renters are likely to continue to have plenty of choice.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-12%20at%209.15.47%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><em><strong><img src="/images/2016/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-12%20at%209.15.47%20AM.png" alt=""></strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong> </strong></em></p>
<p><em><em>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>.</em></em></p>
</body></html>

Annual national rental growth lowest on record for landlords: Cameron Kusher

<html><body>
<p><span>A decent result for Retail Trade, which increased by 0.4% to a fresh high of $24.77 billion in November. Trend retail trade has increased nicely from $21.7 billion at the end of 2012 to $24.7 billion.</span></p>
<p><span>Over the past 18 months total industry retail turnover has declined only once, in July last year. </span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/12/RT1.jpg" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2016/01/12/RT1.jpg" alt=""> </span></p>
<p><span><span>Year-on-year retail turnover growth improved to 4.3%, which is well ahead of the 5 year average of 3.4%.</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/12/RT2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/01/12/RT2.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State versus state</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The long run data suggests that retail activity has largely followed house price growth, implying in turn that the economy probably needs dwelling prices to continue rising if household consumption is not to stall.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/01/12/RT3.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><img src="/images/2016/01/12/RT3.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p> </p>
<div>Looking at the year-on-year figures suggests that retailers in New South Wales (+4.7 per cent) and Victoria (+6.0 per cent) have been the major beneficiaries of the "wealth effect" of rising house prices.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Slower growth has been experienced in South Australia, Western Australia, and particularly the Northern Territory, as mining construction activity tails off.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/12/RT4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/01/12/RT4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Industry groups</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the long run much of the growth in retail turnover has been accounted for by consumables.<br><br>Although household goods retail has picked up strongly of late, department stores have struggled to main market share as online retail has taken hold.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/12/RT7.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/01/12/RT7.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<span>All industry groups have seen solid growth in retail turnover over the past year, with house price growth making its impact felt here too.</span><br><br><span>Household goods retail turnover has led the way for some time now, with an impressive 6.6 per cent growth over the year to November.</span><br><br><span>Perhaps surprisingly the slowest annual growth was seen in the food retailing space, while department stores saw turnover slip in the month of November.</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/12/RT6.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/01/12/RT6.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong><br><br><div>Overall, a reasonable result that was in line with expectations, but one which suggested that for retail turnover to keep picking up from this level either house prices need to keep rising, or the household savings ratio will need to decline. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>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>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>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>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Australian retail trade trending up nicely: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<div><span>Sadly an inevitable consequence of the internet age for investors has been a focus on shorter and shorter timeframes. </span></div>
<div><span><br>While extra frequency of analysis can be interesting and fun, for most investors the best results will be secured by seeing the big picture and building a long term plan around it, particularly so in property investment which is ideally suited to a longer time horizon.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>When it comes to population and demographic projections, there are certainly plenty of cranks making forecasts, but if you're going to pay attention to any of them, then bugrudgingly it's got to be the cranks that determine policy. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the short term to June 2019, the drivers of a rebound population growth from net overseas migration are clear enough, at least according to the latest available figures from the Department of Immmigration and Border Protection (DIBP). </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/11/A5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/01/11/A5.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">But what about for the longer term?</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is often said that infrastructure investment is a key driver of property price growth, and this can certainly be the case whereby the multiplier effect of new projects generate economic activity, while infrastructure can also make certain suburbs a more appealing prospect. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of course, we have just been through a once-in-a-century resources investment boom, which temporarily caused a spike in dwelling prices in some towns, before they <a href="https://www.smartpropertyinvestment.com.au/news/14137-6-mining-towns-go-from-boom-to-bust" target="_blank">crashed</a> again as supply responded and contractors skipped town. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Infrastructure investment is evidently only one part of the puzzle, and it needs to be coupled with a strong and sustainable growth in population, economic activity, and household wealth. I'd further add land supply constraints to that. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In this context I took another read of Infrastructure Australia's latest estimates and projections, so let's take a 60-second look at what they say. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"Population a key driver of economic growth" </span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The "three Ps" model of economic growth applied by the Australian Treasury has population growth at its very core: </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/11/B1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/01/11/B1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>In the 2015 Intergenerational Report population growth was assumed to drive for <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">almost half</span></strong> of the projected economic growth, measured in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), over the next four decades.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>Projected population figures quoted in April 2015 by the Infrastructure Australia audit background paper were somewhat higher than the equivalent figures released in 2008, and tend to mirror previous projections by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reasonably closely. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>Notably, it is clearly articulated that state governments are planning for their capital cities to continue taking on a continually greater share of the state's population, particularly in the most populous states.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/11/B2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/01/11/B2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>As such, going forward an ever greater share of the actual population growth must correspondingly take place in the capital cities, as confirmed by the projections. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/11/B3.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/01/11/B3.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><span>These are telling numbers indeed, but for mine it's the texture provided by the Government that is the really interesting bit:</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>"Population growth is likely to have its greatest impact in Australia’s cities. Around the globe, cities are increasing their share of national population. Australia is already one of the most urbanised countries in the world. It would be unusual – if not remarkable – if Australia were to chart a materially different path from its past (or where the world is heading), at least over the next 15 years or so."</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span>Looking forward</span></span></strong></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>On the medium level projections, by 2031 Australia’s capital cities will be home to 6.4 million extra people (around 43.4 per cent more than 2011). The growth to 2061 (15.7 million persons) is around 1 million persons more than the current combined population of all of Australia’s capital cities.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>Note in particular the enormous projected growth in Greater Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth respectively (click to enlarge).</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/11/A4.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/01/11/A4.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>Or looked at graphically.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/11/A3.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/01/11/A3.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>Looked at another way, the gradients of capital city projections show how the four largest cities are expected to garner the great bulk of the projected growth in population.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/11/A5-1.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/01/11/A5-1.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Infrastructure plans and peri-urbanisation</span></strong></span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>
<span>Projected population growth between 2011 and 2031 is evidently huge - the equivalent of an entirely new Melbourne and Brisbane combined! - while t</span><span>he projected growth to 2061 is more than all of the existing population of the capital cities cobbled together.</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>However, according to the Australian Government, regional development and decentralisation policies tend to have a short life span, and thus regional population growth is forecast to decline as a share of the pie:</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>
<span>"It is unclear whether governments and the Australian community would support material ongoing interventions over the long term to encourage decentralised growth. P</span><span>roposals for investment in regional areas need to be supported by rigorous and transparent analysis."</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>A handful of areas which are close to the capital cities might be expected to grow appreciably, being "peri-urban" locations with social and economic linkages to the capital cities. These are cited as follows:</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/01/11/B4.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/01/11/B4.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><span>Notes the Government: "In the absence of employment growth in these locations, ‘journey to work’ trips to and from the capital city may increase appreciably."</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Infrastructure investment: cities are critical</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The infrastructure audit background paper could hardly have been more explicit in its conclusions, so to wrap up I will simply quote it directly:</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>"Within the capital cities, the location of new development and population growth will be critical. While the cost of providing new infrastructure in ‘greenfield areas’ is substantial, the cost of retrofitting or augmenting some infrastructure (for example transport links in tunnels) in established areas can also be high. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>
<span>With a few exceptions, the population case for expanding infrastructure networks in regional areas is less obvious. Arguments for investment in infrastructure in those areas will be driven more by social considerations."</span><br><span><br></span>While I don't agree with the intended policy - I don't originally hail from a capital city myself after all - it is abundantly clear that infrastructure investment will be focussed very heavily on the capital cities. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>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>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>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>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</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