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 biggest challenge facing the Sydney residential property market is successfully calling the market accurately as against some who pluck figures out of the air with astonishing aplomb.
My preferred guide is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) capital city indexes for Established Houses which is released on a quarterly basis – it’s all about measuring price movements over time.
So I struggle when I see BIS Shrapnel noting that Sydney house prices have soared 45% since 2009 although I remain somewhat confused as we need to add further perspective by taking into account that house prices fell approximately 20 to 30% during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). When we average out the fall in prices at say 25% then factor the recent run on the market prices then they have in real terms only climbed 20% which is a different story to the reported 45%.
Over this same period we have seen the emergence of an entirely new market namely the investment market which has been the stand – out performer, although it has very little to do with the established house prices. I’m sure if one looks hard enough you can find data that identifies Sydney house prices have jumped 45% although I don’t believe this is an accurate assessment – more a market price manipulation.
If we go back a decade for Sydney house prices we see most interesting market price machinations – from the September quarter 2004 through to June 2006 (eight quarters) the Established Houses in Sydney were in negative growth at around -5% per quarter. From September 2006 until June 2008 Sydney went into positive growth mode although not exceeding +10% growth with a quarter average of around 5% – then the GFC hit. From September 2008 through to June 2009 Sydney was back in negative growth with negative growth quarters of 6 and 7% the highest reported. Then in September 2009 until December 2010 house prices went back into positive growth where in March 2010 price growth peaked at 19%. Then in June 2011 through to June 2012 prices fell back into negative growth although not alarming with five quarters of bouncing from -1% to -3%. Then in September 2012 until June 2015 Sydney has been experiencing its bull run which has now extended to twelve consecutive quarters with the June quarter posting the highest quarterly growth of 21% – the previous high was 17% in September 2014. I might add that the month of September seems to be a catalyst month in property price movements both positive and negative.
We also need to recognise that in the December quarter of 2008 the Rudd Government moved the off – the – plan sales for new developments from 50% to 100%, so this has been a significant driver in the investor property market. Sydney has added approximately 20,000 new apartment developments which is unprecedented by modern day property data and this has been strongly assisted by the record low cash rate of 2% that will probably go lower in 2016.
The big question that remains for the best part unanswered is just how many of the new 20,000 apartments will have their purchasers default as APRA has increased the loan value ratios and the much speculated Asian buyer defaults given the massive correction in the Chinese stock market. It’s no secret that many banks and developers have these developments on a red alert for these most obvious reasons.
Having said that we need to clearly identify that these are investors and should not be compared to the traditional housing market. The off – the – plan prices in Sydney apartment blocks has gone off the Richter scale so if there is a price correction there this would then have minimal effect on the established home prices although it would slow the market down as a result.
We just need to balance the debate – over the past 44 quarters for the percentage change in median values for established houses in Sydney 17 quarters have been in negative growth and 27 quarters in positive growth. We also need to look at the cash rate which was 3.00% in April 2013 and fell to 2.75% in May 2013 and has been stuck on 2.00% since May 2015.
The United States has been sitting on their record low cash rate for a decade now so it appears that record low cash rates is the new norm in global economies.
There is no need to panic about property prices for the established homes although the investor market will make for fascinating viewing over the next few years.
I also can’t recall ever seeing the established house market with record low numbers of properties on the market either.
<h5>MOSMAN – 2088</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 82
• Number of houses on the market last week – 48
• Number of houses on the market this week – 49
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 50
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 60
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 60
<h5>CREMORNE – 2090</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 14
• Number of houses on the market last week – 7
• Number of houses on the market this week – 9
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 22
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 23
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 23
<h5>NEUTRAL BAY – 2089</h5>
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 5
• Number of houses on the market last week – 9
•Number of houses on the market this week – 9
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year– 51
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 21
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 23
ROBERT SIMEON is a director of <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" target="_blank" title="RWM" rel="nofollow">Richardson Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay</a> and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985.  He has also been writing real estate blog <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" target="_blank" title="Virtual Realty News" rel="nofollow">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. 
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How to manipulate property market machinations: Robert Simeon

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As I sat eating dinner with my two sons, the perfect opportunity arose to explain why investing early is so important.
The telly was on and the news story was about uni students degree costs increasing with some changes that the government was proposing to introduce. There was all types of hysteria being reported about degrees costing around $120,000.
I turned to my thirteen year old son and said..."and that's why you need to get into property investing early". 
"Yes I'd love for you to have a uni degree but if you can get started on your property investing early then this will build your wealth faster than your first job can fresh out of uni."
I went on to give him a quick overview on how property investing works. It went something like this...
"When you turn eighteen and have some kind of job, you can buy a little apartment somewhere, we'll use the term deposit money we've been saving for the deposit because that's been growing using compound interest." 
"What's that?" he said.
"It's earning interest from the bank on what you've saved. Then you add the interest each month to your savings and earn interest on the total amount. This keeps on growing, like magic!" I said "You don't have to do anything but keep putting a bit more money in the account".
"Ok, let's get back to that small apartment you'll be buying. Someone will want to live in that little place of yours and they'll pay YOU rent.  You'll be a landlord!  Whilst the rent may not quite cover all your costs, the government might give you a little bit to help as well".
"wow" he said..."that's cool of them".
Then I thought I'd better explain that he will be paying tax on some of the money he earns. "What's tax?" he asked. 
I could see my dinner quickly turning into an economics lesson.  But keeping it really simple I just said "Tax is the money we have to pay to the government when we earn money. They use it to provide stuff for the community like schools and hospitals".
After this very simple overview, I could see him starting to understand.
I said "when you sell this little unit ten or twenty years later, it could be worth double or triple what you paid for it".  And, if you renovate it - add value - you will get more for it.
He was already aware of the concept of adding value thanks to the chats in the car on the way to my development sites.
As he got up to clear the table, I think my message got through when he turned and said, "you know when the value of the house goes up that's like the compound interest magic too isn't it?"
"Yes my darling it is!" I said, ..."but the magic only works if you hold onto the property for a long time."
"OK then", he said. "How much will you give me if I do the dishes tonight mum?". 
I laughed and said, that's your job anyway but I have other jobs you can do to earn some extra cash.
My hope is that these little chats all start to gel over time and the concept of starting to invest in property early is put into action in a few years time. We'll see.
Jo Chivers is chief executive officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
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Dinner time economics: Jo Chivers

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The NRL and AFL grand finals, combined with a long weekend across many states last week saw auction activity take a backseat, however, this week auction volumes have more than tripled, with 3,062 residential properties going to auction across the combined capitals.
This week will be the third busiest for auctions across Melbourne this year, with 1,411 homes being taken to auction, compared to just 98 last week and 1,123 at the same time last year. Similarly, for Sydney, Australia’s second largest auction market, volumes will increase this week, with 1,230 auctions scheduled, up from 583 last week and 918 over the comparable week last year.
In all other capital cities, the number of auctions this week will also increase and volumes in each of the cities are higher relative to last year. There are 129 auctions in Adelaide this week, compared to 33 last week and 115 at the same time last year. Brisbane will be host to 186, the busiest week for the city since May this year, while there are 65 Canberra auctions scheduled and 34 across Perth.
In terms of the latest clearance rates, clearance rates fell further last week, down to 68.2 per cent across the combined capital cities, with Sydney recording a clearance rate below 70 per cent for the first time this year (69.9 per cent). With the increase in auction volumes this week it will be interesting to see how the clearance rate performs.
Mount Waverly in Victoria is host to 31 auctions this week, the highest number of auctions in any one Australian suburb. Following this is Reservoir (Vic) with 25, Glen Waverley (Vic) with 21, Mosman (NSW) and Northcote (Vic), both with 18.
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Buzz across the capital city auction markets: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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Part of the message in this week’s release of price statistics in Perth was an oversupply of properties in the market.
It’s a theme that will recur increasingly in major markets around Australia: contrary to the vested-interest message from the developer lobby, the biggest issue facing real estate is not shortages but surpluses.
In Perth, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia, the growing numbers of homes available for sale has tipped the market into significant oversupply. As a consequence, prices are falling.
Part of Perth’s issue is too many new apartments in the market. The CBD, West Perth and East Perth unit markets all have vacancies of 7.5% or higher and there is massive new supply in the pipeline. The number of apartments to be completed in Perth’s inner suburbs this year is 52% higher than the previous record year – at a time when demand is declining.
This issue will be repeated in other major cities around Australia: rising numbers of properties for sale, in excess of the number of buyers, exacerbated by the insane resolve of developers to keep building mega apartment towers.
The Perth inner-city apartment market features strongly in the new edition of the No Go Zones report I published this week.
The oversupplied unit market problem is one of two core issues at the heart of this report. The other is resources-related locations where developers built too many new dwellings, unaware that most of the new workers coming into their areas would be FIFO personnel staying in temporary workers camps.
Perth is not alone in having high inner-city vacancies set to get worse as new projects are completed. Melbourne and Brisbane also have too many empty apartments but are building more – far too many. The Gold Coast, which can’t seem to shake its boom-bust addiction, is hurtling towards its next catastrophic oversupply.
A recent report purporting to be credible research claimed that Brisbane would run out of apartments to sell within five months. This conclusion, which had property professionals chuckling all over Brisbane, was generated through creative accounting by an entity that makes its living selling inner-city apartments.
The reality is that the Brisbane CBD vacancy rate is already 5% and will get considerably worse as the new high-rise developments are completed. Surrounding suburbs are in similar situations. As I have reported previously in this column, only 10% of buyers in this market are home-buyers and most of the investors who make up the other 90% are distant investors. This is a clear signal to steer clear of this market.
Sydney’s inner-city apartment does not have any oversupply issues – not yet. But it’s headed down the same slippery path as Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane. The number of apartments to be completed across the Sydney metropolitan area over the next three years is double the historical average rate of construction.
The developer lobby’s claims of shortages will begin to look silly over the next couple of years as vacancies rise and values decline. The record rate of construction of new apartments is coinciding with the end of the Sydney property boom.
Properties listed for sale are rising fast as sales rates and auction clearance rates fade.
Developers are banking on being able to sell their stock in Asia. The recent marketing launch of a Melbourne project of 140 units was typical: the project was launched simultaneously to buyers in Beijing, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and Singapore – with no attempt to sell any apartments to local buyers.
Like most of the major unit projects under way in Melbourne – and elsewhere - they’re not being built to meet local demand. They’re being targeted on Asian investors. 
The outcome will be the city’s greatest ever over-supply, with double-digit vacancy rates. Other analysts, like BIS Shrapnel, have made similar predictions. Paul Nugent of Wakelin Property Advisory has said: “Get out as soon as possible [otherwise] it will take 10 to 15 years before you get your money back.”
This is why Melbourne’s inner-city unit market is part of the No Go Zones report – which lists the ten markets across Australia that investors must avoid.
History has shown that the one factor that can collapse property values in Australia is oversupply – and that’s where the locations listed in this report are heading.
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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Part of Perth’s issue is too many new apartments: Terry Ryder

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The significant depreciation of the Aussie dollar has encouraged a record 7.2 million short-term visitors to Australia over the past year.
But why are people coming?
The main reason is for holidays (3.24 million), and ever more so from China and its provinces.
Increasingly, though, folk are also coming to Australia to visit their friends, families and relatives, with more than 2 million people falling into this category.
The other huge growth area is for education, with a smashing 451,000 education arrivals in the past year, a massive annual increase of well over 17%.
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<div>These figures suggest a boost for tourism economies such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Tasmania, for example.</div>
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<div>The latest available government data shows that the boom in foreign students is overwhelmingly a capital city dynamic.</div>
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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>.
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Why are people coming Down Under? Pete Wargent

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GUEST OBSERVER
There is a big difference in most world cities between rents paid by a creative or digital scale-up and a hedge fund, although the gap is closing. In June 2015 the total annual office rent paid for each member of staff in a hedge fund averaged $22,399 across the 12 world cities covered in this report. This compares to $10,453 per person for a small digital scale-up or creative company, which represents just 47% of the financial sector office rent. This ‘digital discount’ has eroded since 2008. At the end of 2008 the digital and creative industry paid, on average, 42% of what a hedge fund would pay in rent.
The difference between these rents clearly reflects a different scale of revenue between a financial company and a creative company, but we expect the gap to continue to close. This is because the size of the digital and creative sector is growing faster than the finance industry in many of the world cities we monitor, meaning rental growth is higher too.
Meanwhile, it takes time for the nature and location of office stock to change from the type of large, floor-plate corporate premises required for banking to smaller, flexible and altogether more dynamic spaces required by creative and digital occupiers. This means that scarcity value also increases rents.
In some cities the importance of the digital and creative industry would already seem to have overtaken finance. In Sydney, for example, creative industry companies are paying more per person for office rents than finance companies are. Local supply and demand factors will clearly have an impact here. Relatively low demand for financial offices in Sydney means the city has some of the cheapest rents for this sector among our world cities, paying well below the world average per person.
Globally, the average growth of office rents we monitor among our 12 cities was just 1.7% between December 2008 and June 2015. But this average disguises a big difference between the financial sector and creative and digital sector. While office rents in the financial sector fell by an average of 1.8%, the creative sector offices saw growth of 8.6% over the same period. 
 
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Yolande Barnes is director, Savills World Research Team and can be contacted <a href="https://www.savills.com/research/" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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Sydney's creative industry pays higher per person rent than finance: Savills' Yolande Barnes  

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The latest 12 Cities report from Savills UK has noted US cities have the smallest gap between prime and mainstream residential values, alongside locally invested cities such as Sydney and Tokyo.
According to authors Yolande Barnes, director, Paul Tostevin, associate director and Vladimir Tikhnenko, research analyst, the 12 cities the most expensive for mainstream residential property are Hong Kong, New York and London respectively.
"This investment has been blamed in some cities for pushing up house prices for ordinary residents. Our data suggests that this is not the case, however, as both New York and Sydney have seen high price rises in recent years, despite restrictions on foreign ownership. Instead, the signs are that investment pushes up prime property values rather than mainstream values," the report noted.
"Mainstream properties generally have, on average, seen growth of 58% across the 12 cities since December 2008. Most of this growth has been associated with economic recovery in the second half of that period, with 33% occurring between December 2011 and June 2015. 
"Growth in prime markets has actually been lower across the 12 cities, growing by an average of 37% over the past seven years. The highest growth (19%) took place in the first half, before 2011, when buyers were more likely to invest capital rather than financing from income. Mainstream property values are, on average, 19% of prime property values in our 12 cities and are most heavily discounted in internationally invested cities such as Hong Kong, Dubai, Paris and London. US cities have the smallest gap between prime and mainstream values, alongside locally invested cities such as Sydney and Tokyo.
"It would appear that international investment is concentrated in prime markets and tends to push up prices in the most expensive echelons of the market. High levels of commercial real estate investment in US cities do result in international investment in multi-family housing, but this would appear to have had a moderating effect on rental growth rather than contributing to price growth in mainstream markets."
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Gap between prime, mainstream values smallest in Sydney, Tokyo, US: Savills

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Sydney based steel fencing provider, Budget Metals Aust Pty Ltd, will open its first Melbourne branch.
It follows a lease over an industrial facility at Dandenong South in Melbourne’s south-east in a deal negotiated by Savills Australia.
The 1/64-68 Nissan Drive property comprises a 1264 square metre building including a high clearance warehouse with a five tonne gantry crane and a ground level office, drive around access, secure yard space, and on-site parking.
According to Savills, the tenant has taken a three year lease at $89,744 per annum net. The lessor is a private Melbourne investor.
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Budget Metals Australia takes Dandenong lease

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The latest research from Parramatta Cityscope shows commercial property sales have dramatically increased in the past three months, the result of several large sales. 
Sales recorded in the quarter ending September 2015 in Parramatta totalled $492.4 million, an increase from the $85.1 million recorded in the three months to June 2015, and an increase from the $170.2 million recorded to March 2015. 
"This data brings the 12 month total to $940.3 million, an increase from the $772.2 million recorded the same time last year," Citiscope commercial research analyst Meredith Baume said.
Sales included 20 Charles Street, Parramatta, an eight-storey office building with retail areas on the ground floor and parking for 162 cars, which was bought for $31 million.
There was also 91 Phillip Street, Parramatta, a nine-storey building with ground floor showrooms, eight levels of offices and parking for 133 cars, which was sold for $30 million.
<a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/products/cityscope" target="_blank">CoreLogic's Cityscope</a> covers 28 predominantly capital city CBD markets across Australia and New Zealand.
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Parramatta CBD commercial sales near $1 billion annually

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Share market volatility along with strong government support for one of the nation’s most rapidly growing industries is driving increasing demand for childcare centre investments, according to Savills Australia director, Julian Heatherich.
He noted recent deals - sold off-market, off-the-plan, prior to auction and at hotly contested auctions - with yields in Melbourne falling as low as 3.89%.
One China based investor paid $2.3 million on a 5.1% yield for a centre at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-rowville-501701601" target="_blank">2 Bernard Hamilton Way, Rowville</a> in Melbourne’s outer east, sold within six days of the campaign start. 
The purpose built centre sold subject to a ten year lease at $118,110 per annum net with 100% occupancy and an extensive waiting list. 
At an earlier auction a Melbourne based private investor outbid five other potential purchasers for a Thornbury childcare centre with a final bid of $1.83 million on what is believed to be a record low 3.89% yield.
Savills agents Tim McIntosh, said the marketing campaign for the 200 Smith Street property attracted more than 100 enquiries, 20 inspections, then 15 requests for the contract.
The tenant on a 10 year lease was the national operator Guardian Early Learning Group which owns or manages up to 90 centres.
In other sales an emerging childcare investment trust paid $4.35 million, in an off-market deal, for a former Hungry Jacks outlet at Coburg, with plans for a childcare centre conversion.
A local private investor paid $3.25 million for an off-the-plan childcare centre in Vantage Avenue, Clyde North, subject to a pre-lease to childcare centre operator Eclipse Early Education Group on a 10-year term.
Mr Heatherich said the average initial yield of childcare centres in metropolitan Melbourne in 2014 had been around 6.75% and that yields this year had, until recently been in the 6 to 7% range. 
"Small investors have traditionally been buyers of retail strip and residential assets and more recently that list has extended to childcare properties and there are a number of reasons for that including the negative performance of share market investments."
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Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

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