<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>House and apartment rents are growing for landlords at the slowest pace since at least 1995 - and actually fell in July - according to CoreLogic RP Data.</p>
<p>Tim Lawless, CoreLogic's head of research, described rental appreciation was sluggish, on average less than 1 per cent a year, due to the boom currently underway in dwelling construction along with record participation in housing by investors, both domestic and foreign purchasers.</p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">Rental rates fell by 0.3% in July 2015 across the combined capital cities. </span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">The current annual rate of rental appreciation has reached a new record low of 0.9% and is continuing to trend lower. </span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">Sydney and Hobart recorded the greatest increases in weekly rents.</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US"><span>Dwelling rental rates across the combined capital cities are sitting at $486 per week after they fell by 0.3% over the month of July. </span></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-US"><span>However, weekly rents are up by 0.3% over the first seven months of the year and have increased by just 0.9% over the past 12 months.</span></span></p>
<p>At a combined capital city level, gross rental yields were recorded at 3.4% for houses in July 2015 and at 4.3% for units while house rents are currently at a record low level.</p>
<p>One year ago, gross rental yields were recorded at 3.8% for houses and 4.6% for units across the combined capitals.</p>
<p>“With capital growth likely to continue outpacing rental growth, we expect that rental returns could push even lower over the coming months. From an investment perspective it means that capital growth is going to be much more important for a return on investment,” Tim Lawless said.</p>
<p>CoreLogic RP Data started its rental statistical collection in 1995.</p>
<p><span lang="EN-US"><span> </span></span></p>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

National rental growth sluggish: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body>
<div id="post-body-2519359441485115611" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>Given the weak state of other sectors of the economy, the Retail Trade figures for the month and the June quarter took on an added significance.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In this context, especially given soft wages and slowing population growth, the June data was happily very good.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In seasonally adjusted terms retail turnover was up by 0.7 per cent for the month leading to a strong annual result to June 2015 as charted below.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rivhiKoFaUo/VcHqnRk1RpI/AAAAAAAAXXg/LMg9AYRe9MU/s1600/RT1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rivhiKoFaUo/VcHqnRk1RpI/AAAAAAAAXXg/LMg9AYRe9MU/s1600/RT1.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rivhiKoFaUo/VcHqnRk1RpI/AAAAAAAAXXg/LMg9AYRe9MU/s640/RT1.jpg" width="640" height="272"></a></div>
<br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State versus state</span></strong><br><br><div>At the state level the impact of Sydney's housing boom and to a lesser extent that of Melbourne is evident with retail turnover rising very strongly in New South Wales and Victoria.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shpWGnWcZqo/VcHqoDxbUTI/AAAAAAAAXXw/BQGk6eE1D-Q/s1600/rt2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shpWGnWcZqo/VcHqoDxbUTI/AAAAAAAAXXw/BQGk6eE1D-Q/s1600/rt2.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shpWGnWcZqo/VcHqoDxbUTI/AAAAAAAAXXw/BQGk6eE1D-Q/s640/rt2.jpg" width="640" height="270"></a></div>
<br><div>Perhaps more surprisingly, in turnover terms retail appears to have fired up a little elsewhere too, particularly in South Australia. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN4Bjh9HqmY/VcHqoHUFBvI/AAAAAAAAXXs/GoRQd1PsoJk/s1600/rt3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN4Bjh9HqmY/VcHqoHUFBvI/AAAAAAAAXXs/GoRQd1PsoJk/s1600/rt3.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KN4Bjh9HqmY/VcHqoHUFBvI/AAAAAAAAXXs/GoRQd1PsoJk/s640/rt3.jpg" width="640" height="272"></a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Industry groups</span></strong><br><div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">It has been a relatively poor time for department stores retailing, perhaps reflective of increasing demand in the online shopping space.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">The big winner over the past year has been household goods with retail turnover pumped up by the housing prices and construction boom.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEggBGfpMgY/VcHqnWJRVaI/AAAAAAAAXXc/wTRwGxQsAHg/s1600/Rt5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEggBGfpMgY/VcHqnWJRVaI/AAAAAAAAXXc/wTRwGxQsAHg/s1600/Rt5.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEggBGfpMgY/VcHqnWJRVaI/AAAAAAAAXXc/wTRwGxQsAHg/s640/Rt5.jpg" width="640" height="270"></a></div>
<br><div>
<span><span>Cafés</span>, restaurants </span>and takeaway expenditure has also continued to rise relentlessly over the past year, a trend which has been ongoing over the past decade, another shift which feeds off increased apartment dwelling.</div>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content"> </div>
<div class="post-body entry-content"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJLrK-Q2toQ/VcHqnU2X9ZI/AAAAAAAAXXk/X8z5SQvVElQ/s1600/Rt6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
<br><div class="separator"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJLrK-Q2toQ/VcHqnU2X9ZI/AAAAAAAAXXk/X8z5SQvVElQ/s1600/Rt6.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YJLrK-Q2toQ/VcHqnU2X9ZI/AAAAAAAAXXk/X8z5SQvVElQ/s640/Rt6.jpg" width="640" height="280"></a></div>
<br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">National accounts for Q2</span></strong><br><br><div>With June being the last month of the second quarter we also got the turnover figures reported in volume terms, which threw out an excellent result.</div>
<br><div>Retail volumes doubled market expectations to be up by 0.8 per cent for the quarter and 3.6 per cent for the year. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZDz1D5_n4Q/VcHqoYIc3SI/AAAAAAAAXX0/4srRCHtdALo/s1600/rt4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZDz1D5_n4Q/VcHqoYIc3SI/AAAAAAAAXX0/4srRCHtdALo/s1600/rt4.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZDz1D5_n4Q/VcHqoYIc3SI/AAAAAAAAXX0/4srRCHtdALo/s640/rt4.jpg" width="640" height="286"></a><br><br><div>I used to do a chart here on quarterly volumes at the state level, but to be frank it's a Sunday morning and believe it or not I actually have better things to do!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Suffice to say that New South Wales (+4.6 per cent) and Victoria (+4.4 per cent) have been the retail trade linchpins over the year to June 2015.</div>
<br>This is a very notable result given that net exports (which have contributed significantly to GDP over the past year) will evidently not been doing so in the second quarter.<br><br>I looked at how Australia racked up a record trade deficit for the second quarter in a little more detail here.<br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong><br><div> </div>
<div>Overall this was a really good result for retail trade in the second quarter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And although the retail trade data is not necessarily representative of all household consumption this suggests that GDP for the second quarter will be held up by the strong capital city economies.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Lately various surveys have hinted at gradually improving business conditions and confidence - and jobs growth has been strong over the past year at +233,600, particularly so in Sydney.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>On the other hand capital expenditure surveys have pointed towards very weak business investment.</div>
<div>
<br>In that context, it is important that household consumption continues to produce sound results.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The other contributor to a surprisingly upbeat GDP print in the first quarter (ex-inventories) was that of new housing, with the dwelling construction boom expected to continue over the next couple of years.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0n0iSGst2w/VW7aRC8nfwI/AAAAAAAAV1A/jrn7C21AbNY/s640/gdp6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0n0iSGst2w/VW7aRC8nfwI/AAAAAAAAV1A/jrn7C21AbNY/s640/gdp6.jpg" width="640" height="275"></div>
<div> </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 class="post-footer"> </div>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Housing construction helps retail remain robust: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<div>I've been quite reserved on here, but what a great Ashes series win for Alastair Cook's England team in the cricket, surprising everyone, including Alastair himself!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Haven't done a "Cranewatch" post for a while. so here goes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The basic premise is that I take my camera out to areas of Australia which are undergoing a major transformation.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Previously I've looked at Darling Harbour Live, Barangaroo (several times...including a site tour), Mascot, Green Square, Rosebery and Zetland in Sydney.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I've also look at the Central Business District, West End and South Brisbane in...um, Brisbane.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Today, a quick look around what's happening Newstead.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>As I looked at Fortitude Valley and Newstead are two other suburbs in Brisbane which are set to be transformed into apartment-dwelling hubs within close proximity to the city.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And over the short term, of course, this will lead to an oversupply of units, a spike in vacancy rates, and softening rents.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfFR3QaK4_U/VYsLRzQaGJI/AAAAAAAAWY4/PXWxo14m46I/s640/Inner%2Bnorth.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WfFR3QaK4_U/VYsLRzQaGJI/AAAAAAAAWY4/PXWxo14m46I/s640/Inner%2Bnorth.jpg" width="640" height="500"></div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">In pictures</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Facts, figures and statistics are one thing.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But what does it all look like and feel like in practice?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Surprisingly neat is the answer.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>I took the camera down yesterday for a look around the Newstead gasworks locality, which has been converted into a retail precinct with a pleasant picnic area.</div>
<div> </div>
<p><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uxzj5BpL_Zc/VcXDXZBV4UI/AAAAAAAAXfU/fU_0U0mfRF4/s1600/DSCN3261.JPG"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uxzj5BpL_Zc/VcXDXZBV4UI/AAAAAAAAXfU/fU_0U0mfRF4/s640/DSCN3261.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a><br><br><span>The new dwellings will look like a mirror image of what is now in place in Sydney's Mascot.</span><br><br></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqbr26pkIl8/VcXDUpw8MUI/AAAAAAAAXeo/VS1lJcI96EU/s1600/DSCN3255.JPG"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hqbr26pkIl8/VcXDUpw8MUI/AAAAAAAAXeo/VS1lJcI96EU/s640/DSCN3255.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a></div>
<p><br><span>i.e. high density living.</span><br><br><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oE1pg7QO2W8/VcXDV7gAFZI/AAAAAAAAXe4/_1J4B4zFZUQ/s1600/DSCN3257.JPG"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oE1pg7QO2W8/VcXDV7gAFZI/AAAAAAAAXe4/_1J4B4zFZUQ/s640/DSCN3257.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<div>The new developments have yet to fill up, but the generally "feeling" of the area is actually pretty good - the coffee shops and food bars are busy, even in the evenings. </div>
<div> </div>
<p><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79J1UNKftPc/VcXDWL4ImZI/AAAAAAAAXfA/35xvAQMcfWg/s1600/DSCN3259.JPG"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79J1UNKftPc/VcXDWL4ImZI/AAAAAAAAXfA/35xvAQMcfWg/s640/DSCN3259.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a><br><br><a href="https://www.waterfront.mirvac.com/" target="_blank">Waterfront</a><span> by Mirvac is now under construction (below).</span></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAEtZ1aIGBM/VcXDUhxDYfI/AAAAAAAAXek/2Pkb0XILffU/s1600/DSCN3256.JPG"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAEtZ1aIGBM/VcXDUhxDYfI/AAAAAAAAXek/2Pkb0XILffU/s640/DSCN3256.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a></div>
<p><br><span>Cranes are pretty much everywhere in Newstead and the Valley.</span><br><br></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3GHmduOQAE/VcXDWM7o7uI/AAAAAAAAXe8/xlYt43c7Wg8/s1600/DSCN3258.JPG"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a3GHmduOQAE/VcXDWM7o7uI/AAAAAAAAXe8/xlYt43c7Wg8/s640/DSCN3258.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a></div>
<p><br><span>Max Brenner and the rest are set to benefit from the new infill.</span><br><br></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzRJtr_7xe8/VcXDXZWb5DI/AAAAAAAAXfQ/C9RGKI76VFw/s1600/DSCN3260.JPG"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzRJtr_7xe8/VcXDXZWb5DI/AAAAAAAAXfQ/C9RGKI76VFw/s640/DSCN3260.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">The new apartments are expensive and will likely be largely sold offshore to Chinese investors.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">Much better value elsewhere for domestic buyers. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">
<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>
</body></html>

Brisbane's Newstead, neat but pricey: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<div>The latest <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3401.0/" target="_blank">Overseas Arrivals and Departures</a> data for the month of June 2015 confirmed that population growth in Australia will be once again be slower in this calendar year.<br><br>As I argued a year ago, by the third quarter of 2014 it had become evident that the assumption reported widely in the media that the population of Australia would boom by around 2.4 million persons over the next six years was too high - much too high, in fact!<br><br><div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK9-CCXjNWs/VcWS2tAESjI/AAAAAAAAXd0/LM0ux2QIp00/s1600/A1.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZK9-CCXjNWs/VcWS2tAESjI/AAAAAAAAXd0/LM0ux2QIp00/s400/A1.jpg" width="400" height="65"></a></div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuwjFKRKYYA/VcWS2ljUtxI/AAAAAAAAXd4/r3tiw5jf7cE/s1600/A2.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MuwjFKRKYYA/VcWS2ljUtxI/AAAAAAAAXd4/r3tiw5jf7cE/s400/A2.jpg" width="400" height="110"></a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
</div>
<div>In the event population growth slowed considerably to be up by an estimated +330,200 in 2014, and population growth will be slower again in 2015.<br><br>Over the longer term we might indeed expect to see much stronger levels of population growth return for the reasons I have already explored, but for the foreseeable future lower population growth will be the new norm.<br><br>Let's take a look at the implications of the latest figures in three parts.<br><br>
</div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Part (i) - Slowing immigration nationally</span></strong><br><br></p>
<div>The number of long term arrivals into Australia has slowed further over the past year, and consequently net long term migration has pulled back to +292,000 on a rolling annual basis, sliding from a recent peak of more than +400,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This suggests that population growth in 2015 will likely slow further perhaps to around +300,000 persons from +330,200 in 2014.</div>
<p><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l47JN3T3sRc/VcWZDBPOGOI/AAAAAAAAXeM/e9Bki5YjSO8/s1600/A3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l47JN3T3sRc/VcWZDBPOGOI/AAAAAAAAXeM/e9Bki5YjSO8/s1600/A3.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l47JN3T3sRc/VcWZDBPOGOI/AAAAAAAAXeM/e9Bki5YjSO8/s640/A3.jpg" width="640" height="284"></a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">One of several key potential drivers of this trend has been the sharp reduction in the number of permanent settlers from New Zealand.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">Meanwhile the number of permanent settler Brits has slowed to a mere trickle - just 470 settlers in June hailed from the United Kingdom, the lowest monthly figure across the full 25 years of available data.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">Kiwi citizens can move freely between Australia and "home" and as such are theoretically far more sensitive to shifts in labour market conditions.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">And while spare capacity in the labour market has being rising over the past three years in Australia, it had been tightening for some time in New Zealand.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">With mining construction activity now slowing sharply in Australia - and Christchurch in New Zealand seeing a high volume of reconstruction activity - it is perhaps unsurprising that fewer New Zealanders are making the trans-Tasman trip on a permanent footing (although a record 1.27 million still came to Australian shores on a short-term basis over the past year).</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">On the other hand the number of settlers from countries such as China and India continues to slowly but surely break new heights.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3t9V6rJXEx4/VcVDUvK0AdI/AAAAAAAAXco/XFqtxZxRjsE/s1600/Arr6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3t9V6rJXEx4/VcVDUvK0AdI/AAAAAAAAXco/XFqtxZxRjsE/s1600/Arr6.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3t9V6rJXEx4/VcVDUvK0AdI/AAAAAAAAXco/XFqtxZxRjsE/s640/Arr6.jpg" width="640" height="278"></a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">Indeed, the overwhelming majority of settlers in Australia now hail from Asia, with the middle east the only other region or continent presently in a confirmed uptrend.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6P7CisOE5w/VcVDUyRlWmI/AAAAAAAAXck/EIlxWS9olsY/s1600/Arr7.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6P7CisOE5w/VcVDUyRlWmI/AAAAAAAAXck/EIlxWS9olsY/s1600/Arr7.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6P7CisOE5w/VcVDUyRlWmI/AAAAAAAAXck/EIlxWS9olsY/s640/Arr7.jpg" width="640" height="282"></a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Part (ii) - Record visitors to Australia</span></strong></p>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>There is a flip side to the softer pace of growth in Australia's economy, and that is that falling interest rates and a correspondingly weakening currency have encouraged the tourism sector to attract a record number of short term arrivals Down Under. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>This year the rolling annual number of short term arrivals blasted past 7 million for the first time to a record 7.12 million in the 2015 financial year (denoted by the blue line below).</div>
<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSVe0fqeMkA/VcVDTzyHU8I/AAAAAAAAXcM/3J4ENKKyCxk/s1600/Arr2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSVe0fqeMkA/VcVDTzyHU8I/AAAAAAAAXcM/3J4ENKKyCxk/s1600/Arr2.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSVe0fqeMkA/VcVDTzyHU8I/AAAAAAAAXcM/3J4ENKKyCxk/s640/Arr2.jpg" width="640" height="280"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">While the corresponding drag on overseas travel by Australians has only been fairly gradual to date (denoted by the red line above), the weaker dollar also means that over time comparatively fewer Aussies will be inclined to make overseas trips, which in turn will act as a further boost for the domestic economy. </span></p>
<div>I holidayed on the Sunshine Coast myself in the past week, and it is quite evident that more Aussies are inclined to hang out in locations such as Noosa over the winter than has been the case in recent years.<br><br>After all, travelling overseas is not <em>quite</em> as much fun as when the dollar was at sky high levels just a few years ago!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Accordingly the ratio of short term departures to short term arrivals has steadily been trending down for the past two years.</div>
<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dS7i5xs8Fc/VcVDTx-uYTI/AAAAAAAAXcQ/kB4tYIqk8kg/s1600/Arr3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a> </p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dS7i5xs8Fc/VcVDTx-uYTI/AAAAAAAAXcQ/kB4tYIqk8kg/s1600/Arr3.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7dS7i5xs8Fc/VcVDTx-uYTI/AAAAAAAAXcQ/kB4tYIqk8kg/s640/Arr3.jpg" width="640" height="280"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">One trend which is definitely </span><strong style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> slowing down is the number of Chinese visitors to Australia with more than 1.25 million visitors from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong over the past 12 months, with the latest figures showing no signs of this emerging mega-trend easing off.</span></p>
<div>A record 563,800 Americans have also enjoyed the dramatic shift in the exchange rate over the past year.</div>
<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcD37dvFQYY/VcVDUnbykGI/AAAAAAAAXcg/2RkrnpmPbWg/s1600/Arr4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcD37dvFQYY/VcVDUnbykGI/AAAAAAAAXcg/2RkrnpmPbWg/s1600/Arr4.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcD37dvFQYY/VcVDUnbykGI/AAAAAAAAXcg/2RkrnpmPbWg/s640/Arr4.jpg" width="640" height="276"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Furthermore there has been an explosion in the number of foreign students in Australia - also largely hailing from Asia - another trend which has in part been driven by exchange rate movements. </span></p>
<div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4h5vgAvj_7I/VcVDVj9-pdI/AAAAAAAAXc0/JuJ1O1YC4k0/s1600/arr5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4h5vgAvj_7I/VcVDVj9-pdI/AAAAAAAAXc0/JuJ1O1YC4k0/s1600/arr5.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4h5vgAvj_7I/VcVDVj9-pdI/AAAAAAAAXc0/JuJ1O1YC4k0/s640/arr5.jpg" width="640" height="280"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">This is an emerging demographic trend which will impact Sydney and Melbourne most keenly.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<div class="separator">The full impact of the depreciation of Australia's currency has yet to flow through to this data and we will certainly now see further short visitor records broken in the year ahead.</div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Part (iii) - 3 implications of lower population growth</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">So what are the impacts of slower population growth in Australia, which could continue for the foreseeable future? </span></p>
<div>There will be many impacts, of course, but here are just three of the most prominent observations.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Firstly, and most obviously, slower population growth will equate to lower demand for goods and services, which in turn over time should result in <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">lower economic and employment growth.</span></strong><br><br>Over the next few years there will be a lower than expected requirement for investment in building offices, warehouses, housing, machinery, plant and equipment. </div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Secondly, with employment growth having tracked at an estimated 2.1% or 243,600 new jobs over the past year - which is considerably faster than the estimated rate of population growth of just 1.4 per cent - the Reserve Bank now </span><a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/smp/2015/aug/html/index" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">believes</a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> that the </span><strong style="line-height: 1.3em;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">unemployment rate has likely peaked</span></strong><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> for this cycle. </span></p>
<div>Previously it had been forecast that the unemployment rate would continue rising to around 6.5 per cent, but now the unemployment rate is seen as more likely to be falling again from 2017. The darker blue shaded areas represent the Reserve's 70 per cent confidence interval.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Lzmr6uP8M0/VcV_OAii7xI/AAAAAAAAXdc/zeFRKGyrS9o/s1600/UE.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div>
<br><div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Lzmr6uP8M0/VcV_OAii7xI/AAAAAAAAXdc/zeFRKGyrS9o/s1600/UE.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Lzmr6uP8M0/VcV_OAii7xI/AAAAAAAAXdc/zeFRKGyrS9o/s400/UE.jpg" width="400" height="387"></a></div>
</div>
<div>However, there are many regions in Australia where unemployment is still elevated or rising, particularly in resources-influenced regions and in South Australia where the trend rate of unemployment has hit 7.9 per cent and rising.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Thirdly, with the mining investment supernova now set to implode in spectacular style, the strong rates of immigration which benefited the resources areas of regional Western Australia and regional Queensland have now ebbed away.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAU8Pw52o-w/VZsC3PaTSPI/AAAAAAAAWtQ/Ip5KWRT_itE/s640/eng2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div>
<br><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAU8Pw52o-w/VZsC3PaTSPI/AAAAAAAAWtQ/Ip5KWRT_itE/s640/eng2.jpg" width="640" height="274"><br><br>Accordingly <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">population growth has become more capital city focused</span></strong>.<br><br>The most recently available data showed that Greater Melbourne and Greater Sydney alone accounted for all but half of Australia's total population growth, while Greater Brisbane and Greater Perth accounted combined for close to nearly a quarter of the total.<br><br>Regional population growth on the other hand has in aggregate been been slow and slowing.<br><br>As for whether the mining boom will have a second wind? Highly unlikely: that's not the way that commodity cycles typically tend to work.<br><br>The Reserve Bank's Commodity Index was once again smoked by another 5 per cent on a monthly average basis in SDR terms in July to be a punishing 20.2 per cent lower over the past year.<br><br>Ouch.<br><br>In Aussie dollar terms the decline has been a somewhat less dramatic 8.5 per cent year-on-year, but nevertheless Australia's terms of trade (TOT) remain well above their long run average (and TOT booms have historically tended to over-shoot on the downside too).</div>
<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ilkpx3lP19k/VcV_OG-p3zI/AAAAAAAAXdk/KEkm_g7X5W8/s1600/Commods1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ilkpx3lP19k/VcV_OG-p3zI/AAAAAAAAXdk/KEkm_g7X5W8/s1600/Commods1.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ilkpx3lP19k/VcV_OG-p3zI/AAAAAAAAXdk/KEkm_g7X5W8/s640/Commods1.jpg" width="640" height="278"></a><br><br></p>
<div>Note that it's not just iron ore and coal prices which have been hammered as demand from China and elsewhere has slowed in the face of a glut of supply.<br><br>Oil, aluminium, copper and gold have all hit half decade lows in recent times, while the price of silver has tracked little better.</div>
<div>
<br>Slightly bizarrely - given that coal prices are well below the project's notional break even point - the Adani Carmichael Mine is one possible exception to the accelerating decline in mining investment.<br><br>Some folk with the power to exert material influence evidently has the government's ear relating to this essentially unviable mega-project.<br><br>Generally speaking, however, mining production is ramping up, there is heavy downward pressure on commodity prices, and ever fewer material projects have been passing viability.</div>
<div>
<br>Going forward population growth in Australia will follow the employment growth, which has been heavily focused on Sydney and Melbourne, and to a somewhat lesser extent Brisbane and the Gold Coast.</div>
<div>
<br>Indeed, over the past year more than 80 per cent of employment growth has been found in New South Wales and Victoria, and overwhelmingly in Sydney and Melbourne. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>With the Western Australian economy slowing and net interstate migration going into reverse gear, population growth will is likely to be heavily focused on the three largest capital cities - a trend which will only be exacerbated by the nascent explosion in foreign students.<br><br>The Reserve Bank added its own outlook for the housing market in the latest SOMP:<br><br><em>"Supply constraints, particularly in Sydney, may limit the extent to which new dwelling investment can satisfy growing demand, which raises the possibility that housing prices will grow more quickly than forecast. </em><br><em><br></em><em>Also, housing prices outside Sydney and Melbourne are little changed over the past year or so and may not yet have responded fully to the very low levels of interest rates."</em>
</div>
<div><em> </em></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>
</body></html>

Slower population growth implications for property investors: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<p><span>CoreLogic RP Data’s preliminary auction clearance rate was recorded at 77.0 per cent this week, across a total of 1,790 reported auctions. Auction volumes rose over the week, up from 1,903 the previous week to 2,378 this week, the largest number of capital city auctions held since 10 weeks ago. </span></p>
<p><span>A</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">long with the increase in the number of homes taken to auction, the preliminary clearance rate this week (77.0 per cent) was also higher than the previous week (74.6 per cent) and conditions across the auction market remain stronger than they were one year ago, when 68.0 per cent of the 1,555 homes taken to auction sold.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-capital-city.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-capital-city.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="508"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>As Australia’s largest auction market, </span><strong>Melbourne’s</strong><span> auction market remained strong this week, with a preliminary clearance rate of 78.6 per cent, compared to the previous week, when the clearance rate for the city was 78.2 per cent. The number of homes taken to auction in Melbourne this week was 1,057, up from 787 last week. One year ago, Melbourne’s auction clearance rate was 69.6 per cent across 774 auctions. Across the individual sub-regions of Melbourne, there were three regions where the clearance rate was over 80 per cent this week; Inner Melbourne (80.5 per cent), Inner East Melbourne (81.1 per cent) and Outer East Melbourne (85.6 per cent).</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-Melbourne.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="475"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>After its record strong performance at the start of the year, </span><strong>Sydney’s</strong><span> auction market is starting to show some signs of slowing down. In saying this, Sydney’s preliminary results this week showing that 77.8 per cent of the 711 reported results sold. In comparison, last week 76.0 per cent of Sydney auctions were successful, while last year the clearance rate was 74.7 per cent. The number of auctions across the city is much higher this week (1,008) than last week (825) and substantially higher than at the same time last year when just 530 homes went to auction. This week, the two strongest performing Sydney sub-regions were Northern Beaches and Inner West, where more than 93 per cent of the reported results for each region were successful.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-Sydney.jpg" alt="" width="778" height="535"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Brisbane’s</strong><span> preliminary clearance rate this week was 61.8 per cent, up from 57.9 per cent last week and significantly stronger than the 33.3 per cent from one year ago. There were 141 auctions across the city this week, similar to the number held last week (144) and higher than the 123 held one year ago. Further south of Brisbane, the </span><strong>Gold</strong><span> </span><strong>Coast</strong><span> saw 14 auction results reported this week, with 35.7 per cent selling.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-Brisbane.jpg" alt="" width="721" height="486"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>This week, </span><strong>Adelaide’s</strong><span> preliminary clearance rate was 81.4 per cent, a strong result for the city with 43 results from the 76 auction reported so far. In comparison, last week’s clearance rate for the city was 67.7 per cent and 69.1 per cent at the same time last year. The number of auctions across the city remained steady this week, with 76 held this week, compared to 75 last week and 61 at the same time last year.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-Adelaide.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2015/08/10/20150810-Adelaide.jpg" alt="" width="792" height="538"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The preliminary auction clearance rate for <strong>Perth</strong> was 44.4 per cent this week, with 18 results reported so far. There were 28 Perth auctions held this week, compared to 23 last week, when the final clearance rate was 40.0 per cent and 25 last year, when 57.9 per cent of the auctions were successful.</p>
<p>There were 59 <strong>Canberra</strong> auctions this week and the preliminary clearance rate of 81.1 per cent is higher than last week (72.2 per cent) and one year ago (55.2 per cent).</p>
<p>So far, 7 <strong>Tasmanian</strong> auction results have been reported to CoreLogic RP Data and of these 6 were sold.</p>
</body></html>

smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Adelaide, Canberra, Tasmania preliminary clearance rates above 80%: Shana Miller

<html><body>
<div>Market expectations were once again on the money and Housing Finance rebounded in June rising by 2.8% to a seasonally adjusted $32.07 billion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The trend estimate rose slightly to a new record high of $32.15 billion.</div>
<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n153qZAKohA/VcQqOgZcXlI/AAAAAAAAXaY/Fw6I1kqQbtM/s1600/HF1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n153qZAKohA/VcQqOgZcXlI/AAAAAAAAXaY/Fw6I1kqQbtM/s1600/HF1.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n153qZAKohA/VcQqOgZcXlI/AAAAAAAAXaY/Fw6I1kqQbtM/s640/HF1.jpg" width="640" height="270"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div>The number of owner-occupier loans written in the month rebounded by 4.4% to 52,672.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mortgage volumes still some way lower than we have seen in previous cycles, at least partly because through this cycle so many are electing to buy investment properties instead. </div>
<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2WWZh5Cq4Y/VcQqPSrQJYI/AAAAAAAAXa4/cx15Xrv-qG0/s1600/HF5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2WWZh5Cq4Y/VcQqPSrQJYI/AAAAAAAAXa4/cx15Xrv-qG0/s1600/HF5.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2WWZh5Cq4Y/VcQqPSrQJYI/AAAAAAAAXa4/cx15Xrv-qG0/s640/HF5.jpg" width="640" height="272"></a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>While the seasonally adjusted data makes it appear that total housing finance may be peaking, the unadjusted or original data casts some doubt on this - June saw by far the biggest month of lending on record at an unprecedented $34.7 billion.</div>
<p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlnKqJL1vNY/VcQqOo1b1II/AAAAAAAAXac/LDUia57DMlw/s1600/HF2.jpg" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlnKqJL1vNY/VcQqOo1b1II/AAAAAAAAXac/LDUia57DMlw/s1600/HF2.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlnKqJL1vNY/VcQqOo1b1II/AAAAAAAAXac/LDUia57DMlw/s640/HF2.jpg" width="640" height="288"></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Owner-occupier lending rose to a record $212 billion in the 2015 financial year, while investment lending has scorched the earth to rise to a stonking $154 billion.</div>
<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvloUYocZr8/VcQrEC_YxPI/AAAAAAAAXa8/k_b_bEfP1xU/s1600/HF6.jpg" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvloUYocZr8/VcQrEC_YxPI/AAAAAAAAXa8/k_b_bEfP1xU/s1600/HF6.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvloUYocZr8/VcQrEC_YxPI/AAAAAAAAXa8/k_b_bEfP1xU/s640/HF6.jpg" width="640" height="278"></a></div>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">However, we can now expect some downward pressure on investment lending as APRA pulls a few macroprudential levers to slow the pace of lending.</span></p>
<div>Unfortunately for those forecasting a Sydney market slowdown, it appears that homebuyers are now picking up the baton.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>New South Wales saw a massive $6.6 billion of owner-occupier mortgage commitments written in June, which was an 8.1% increase from May and by some margin the biggest month on record. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQTo0TLGaRY/VcQqPY8x15I/AAAAAAAAXao/yiH6zEqV588/s1600/HF4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQTo0TLGaRY/VcQqPY8x15I/AAAAAAAAXao/yiH6zEqV588/s1600/HF4.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQTo0TLGaRY/VcQqPY8x15I/AAAAAAAAXao/yiH6zEqV588/s640/HF4.jpg" width="640" height="280"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div>Owner-occupier loans also increased in Queensland and Victoria in the month, but declined moderately in South Australia and Western Australia.</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>
</body></html>

Sydney home buyers picking up the investor financing baton: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<p><span>The Opposition has again slammed Treasurer Joe Hockey's latest crackdown on foreigners owning Australian land, describing it as a diversion from tackling housing affordability.</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Hockey announced the forced sale of six homes around the country. </span></p>
<p><span>Three of the properties were in the Sydney suburbs of Eastwood, Fairfield and Mosman, two were in Kewdale in Perth and the other at Eight Mile Plains on the outskirts of Brisbane.</span></p>
<p><span>There were five owners from four different countries who had come forward since the crackdown began in ernest with a $39 million diverestiture order against a Piper Point buyer in March.</span></p>
<p><span>The six self reported cases ranged in price from $152,000 to $1.86 million.</span></p>
<p><span>There are 50 investigators looking into 462 cases in which foreigners were suspected of having bought or retained existing property without correct approvals. </span></p>
<p><span>The Australian Taxation Office, the Foreign Investment Review Board, Department of Immigration and AUSTRAC have uncovered more than 2000 pieces of information relating to suspected breaches since monitoring of residential property acquisitions was shifted to the ATO in May from the FIRB. </span></p>
<p><span>The Treasurer outlined his new, harsher penalties that will be enforced from December, against foreign investors who illegally buy established Australian properties or don't sell when the laws required.</span></p>
<p><span>"The period of amnesty we announced in May means that no criminal conviction is recorded for those who self-report by November 30, and they have to re-sell their property in 12 months, instead of three," Mr Hockey said.</span></p>
<p><span>"Australia welcomes foreign investment and Australia needs foreign investment but, at all times, foreign investors must comply with our laws," Joe Hockey said on Saturday.</span></p>
<p><span>"Some of the five investors have purchased property with Foreign Investment Review Board approval, but their circumstances have changed and they have failed to comply with the divestment requirements.</span></p>
<p><span>"Some have simply broken the rules by purchasing a property without approval and done so against the law.</span></p>
<p><span>"Time is running out for foreign investors to voluntarily come forward if they have illegally purchased existing residential real estate," Mr Hockey warned. </span></p>
<p><span>"They have until November 30, 2015 to come to us before we come to them."</span></p>
</body></html>

Foreigners admit overstaying their Australian land ownership  

<html><body>
<p>The Preston house on the first season of Channel Seven’s renovation program House Rules has been listed for August 29 auction.</p>
<p>It is the home of the contestant brothers, Nick and Chris Stavropoulos.</p>
<p>John Petsinis from Hocking Stuart has the three bedroom, two bathroom weatherboard house.</p>
<div>
<div id="property-upper-display">
<div id="pane-tab">
<div id="displayphotos" data-photocount="15" data-floorplancount="1" data-iswa="0">
<div>
<div id="mainphoto">
<div id="link-photo"><img src="https://images.realestateview.com.au/pics/376/19-Jackman-Street-Preston-VIC-3072-Real-Estate-photo-1-large-9273376.jpg" alt="19 Jackman Street Preston VIC 3072 Real Estate Photo 1" title="19 Jackman Street Preston VIC 3072 House - Photo 1"></div>
<div> </div>
<div id="soldbanner">The property at 19 Jackman Street, Preston, last traded at $555,000 in mid-2012.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>One of its new features is the stacked-stone fireplace.</p>
<p>Jackman Street's most recent sale was $895,000 in July this year for another three bedroom 1930s cottage that last sold at $446,000 in 2008.</p>
<p>Nick and Chris, the Channel 7 Melbourne House Rules brothers handed over the keys to fellow renovation contestants of their Californian bungalow in Preston in 2013.</p>
<p>It came with a mortgage of $524,000 which would have beeen wiped off by Channel 7 if they had won the renovation competition series hosted by Johanna Griggs.</p>
<p><img class="img-responsive" src="/images/stories/flexicontent/l_houserulesmay30breakout.jpg" alt="Preston House Rules renovation with $524,000 mortgage after $555,000 brotherly purchase"></p>
<p>The 1930s bungalow went to July 2012 Ray White auction without success, subsequently listed at $580,000.</p>
<p>The brothers paid $555,000 in August 2012 for the 1930s bungalow on its 475 square metre block.</p>
<p>"A lot of our money went into our deposit," <a href="/news/preston-house-rules-renovation-with-524-000-mortgage-after-555-000-brotherly-purchase">the Stavropoulos brothers told the House Rules viewers</a>. </p>
<p>There was a subsequent $49,000 development application with Darebin Council.</p>
<p>The brothers, who also appeared on Channel 9’s Reno Rumble, have made a few minor alterations since the show, including extending the outdoor area.</p>
<p>No price guidance is being given.</p>
<p>The median price of houses in Preston has jumped 8.8 per cent over the past 12 months to $700,000, <a href="/news">according to CoreLogic RP Data</a>, having been at around $575,000 when the house was bought in mid-2012.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
</body></html>

Preston House Rules house hits the Melbourne auction market

<html><body>
<p><span>A hotel just a stone's throw from the Sydney CBD and Randwick Racecourse has sold to a developer for $17.1 million.</span></p>
<p><span>The five-storey Addison Hotel, 147-151 Anzac Parade, Kensington, was sold to a Chinese developer with plans to develop the property, according to Peter Kotzias from Ray White Commercial South Sydney.</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Kotzias said the building includes 42 x 26 sqm serviced apartments as well as a 44 sqm manager’s apartment and 351 sqm of commercial space.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>“The purchaser will be operating the existing hotel/accommodation as it is for the time being and enjoying the current cash flow,” Mr Kotzias said.</span></p>
<p><span>"The building is situated on a land area of 1,453 sqm and comprises 44 strata lots and basement parking for approximately 35 cars.</span></p>
<p><span>"</span><span>It’s also in close proximity to Centennial Park and a short distance to Sydney’s famous eastern suburbs beaches as well as shopping centres and other amenities."</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">There are future plans to redevelop the property.</span></p>
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Sydney's Addison Hotel sells for $17.1 million

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>A 7,530 sqm Mooroolbark site has sold to a Chinese investor for $9.050 million with a weighted average lease expiry of around 5.31 years.</span></p>
<p><span>14 Manchester Road, Mooroolbark, features a retail/commercial building of 2,759 sqm currently yielding a net income of around $712,778 p.a.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">DTZ agent, Patrick O’Callaghan said there was significant competition for the property, with two offshore parties bidding against each other until the very end.</span></p>
<p><span>The building is fully leased, and includes tenants Good Life Health Clubs, G8 Education, licensees for Biggin Scott, Telstra and Pump Café. </span></p>
</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