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

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

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

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

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

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Businesswoman Patricia Ilhan has listed her four-level Melbourne office building at 362 Little Collins Street.
Set between Queen and Elizabeth streets, the building has annual rental returns of nearly $400,000.
The 312-square-metre block has airspace development potential.
It is expected to sell for more than $8 million by listing agent Vinci Carbone.
It was bought for $4.4 million in 2009.
She is believed to be selling the prime CBD property to reinvest in another commercial property.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Patricia IIhan lists 362 Little Collins Street

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The Age has reported entrepreneur Bobby Zagame is the mystery buyer of the former Age printing plant beside the Tullamarine Freeway in Westmeadows.
His already diversified portfolio includes property investments and prestige car dealership operations before the $16 million purchase.
He will use the redundant six-hectare site as a pre-delivery process centre and distribution facility for his automotive group. 
The property at 31-69 Western Avenue includes a modern 24,091-square-metre office with a multi-level basement and a 125-bay open-air car park.
With 375-metre frontage to the freeway, more than 300,000 vehicles pass the frontage each week.
Colliers International’s Tony Iuliano and Marco Sandrin secured the sale with CBRE’s Dean Hunt and Lindsay Davidson represented vendor Fairfax Media while Vinci Carbone’s Frank Vinci and Joseph Carbone represented Bobby Zagame.
The prominent ex-Age spire will be rebranded to Zagame.
The Victorian print site had a $200 million-plus development cost.
 
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Luxury car dealer Zagame takes Age printing plant on Tullamarine Freeway

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In February the Reserve Bank Governor Glen Stevens admitted concern over the Sydney property, with expectations that the median house price ‘may hit $1 million’ by the end of the year. We all know that prediction has already been realised and last week Sydney’s median house price just crept past the $1,000,000 mark.
Since February there has also been an ongoing discussion about the impact of investors on the marketing. Investors have been very active buyers and this shows up in the demand for finance with investors active across the established and new home market, and also buying new apartments off the plan. Among these buyers there are big numbers of SMSF.
With investors being seen as dominant in the market there are now strong concerns being expressed that they are in part (along with offshore buyers) shutting out first home buyers, and with the advantage of very low interest rates possibly over-heating the market. So much so now that the banks and banking regulators have started to make it more difficult for property investors (and it must be said for offshore buyers) by taking a number of steps. These include higher interest rates and bigger deposits for investors and a restriction of loan funds that the banks allocate to this sector of the market.
Taken as a package these measures look like a strong reaction aimed at investors. In accessing if these steps are warranted or not, I think we should firstly remember that property investors have always been an important part of the market, and that they are a very diverse group. This is not a sector dominated by the ‘rich and famous’.
Are Restriction Really Necessary?
Now that some investors will face additional hurdles I think we need to ask if this group is simply an easy target and will, for instance, the measures announced do anything to directly help first time buyers. This sort of direct intervention into the market is rare and there’s little doubt that it’s driven by the idea that the Sydney market and parts of Melbourne in particular, may be overheating.
However just targeting investors in isolation looks puzzling. Mainly I suggest from the point of view that this is as mentioned earlier it’s a very diverse group. Low interest rates and the search for yield are two factors and the flow of SMSF investment I think is also very much tied up in the continued debate over superannuation.
For this group property has always had special appeal because it’s seen as a stable and long-term investment. SMSF already have to comply with a lot of tough rules when they invest in property and so such investments do not really strike me as speculative, in fact just the opposite.
Are such targeted changes really well founded, because from a financial view point I find myself asking why is one dollar of investment better than or worse than another?
I would think that most investors are more than capable of paying their obligations than an owner-occupier when someone else is after all usually paying the rent. Historically it has always been rents and tenants demand that has acted to temper investor demand.
Prior to some of the banks last week lifting interest rates for investors, there was already evidence that increased supply of new apartments was starting to slow down rental growth, a trend that I had noted earlier [see posts June 17th-19th] when looking at 2-3 year rental market trends as reflected in figures from the NSW Rental Bond Board.
And so given the very wide range of factors at work in the property market there is I feel, a need to question why are the regulators and banks are interfering with market process in one very select area.
Appreciating that there are tighter controls also now being focussed on some offshore buyers both measures look like high profile and doubtless popular measures among some sections of the community.
However if the aim is partly to give FHB an improved chance to enter the market, then I suggest that direct action should be taken to approve more land release, ease some rules around apartments, like lifting height restrictions along with much more effort to deliver infrastructure.
While above all, the tax burden, both direct and indirect on homebuyers, should also be addressed as readily as other financial measures now aimed at investors.
This coming at a time when the suggestion of a higher GST would further disadvantage first time buyers without really substantial changes to crippling stamp duty which now stands at $40,523 in NSW on the median house price of $1,000,616. The really horrific fact is that the rates have not been reviewed since December 1986 when the median Sydney house price was $98,325 and this is despite price creeping or the recent price explosion, a fact that is simply a disgrace and shows government’s addiction to property related tax revenue. For any sort of reform this does make investors, and offshore investors look easy targets.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Throwing brick bats at investors: Peter Chittenden

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The retail outlet underneath the landmark Coca Cola sign in Sydney's Kings Cross has sold to a private trust for $37.3 million, netting the seller a 57% capital gain in two years.
The Kings Cross Centre, 82-94 Darlinghurst Road, currently has 98.5% tenancy, with Coles leasing until 2022.
LJ Hooker Commercial Sydney chief executive officer Warren Duncan said when the Kings Cross Centre was sold in 2013, it transacted on a passing yield of 8.3%, and this week it sold at 6.9%.
"We’ve seen yields compress dramatically over the last 24 months in Sydney," Mr Duncan said.
"The centre was well positioned for capital growth, and tenants were following the changing demographic of the Potts Point area. 
“Adding to the appeal of the Kings Cross Centre is the fact it’s located in one of the most densely populated areas of Sydney, with an estimated 30,000 people living within a square kilometre.”
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Landmark Kings Cross retail outlet sold

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<div>Sydney house prices have accelerated to be up by 20.36% over the past year to June 2015, according to Residex.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sydney house prices jumped by 6.94% for the past quarter alone.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Rents for houses in Sydney also boomed over past year on this index, up 12.4% to $680/week. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sydney unit prices were up 15.44%, with rents up 6.67% to $560/week.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Not too much doing elsewhere, with prices down marginally for the quarter in Adelaide, and declining moderately over the past year in Perth and Darwin. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/04/T1_Stats_Update.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/04/T1_Stats_Update.jpg" alt=""></div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Sydney achieves record growth: Pete Wargent

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An offshore developer has paid $7.2 million at a record land rate for a Doncaster development site.
The plans are for a retail and residential redevelopment.
It sold through Savills as total sales to off-shore buyers nears half a billion dollars in the last 12 months through Savills Victorian office alone.
According to selling agent, Nick Peden the price, at $4467 a square metre, represented a record land rate for Doncaster.
The sale campaign generated nearly 150 enquiries from a range of buyers including local and off-shore developers, investors and owner-occupiers.
"We were expecting $6 million plus."
 
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Doncaster site snapped up by offshore developer

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There was a time when the announcement of a $6 billion mine creating 7,300 jobs would have set investors’ pulses racing and their fingers dialing.
If your heart is pounding at the prospect of a property boom around the China Stone coal mine in central Queensland, you haven’t been keeping up with modern trends.
The way mining companies operate these days, it’s possible to have thousands of highly-paid personnel working on a resources project without creating any local real estate demand to speak of.
Last week there was an announcement about the mine planned by Chinese mining company Macmines in the Galilee Basin region near Emerald. It was more of a confirmation than an announcement because, despite many newspapers treating it as new information, the project has been known a long time.
Construction cost $6.7 billion, 3,900 construction jobs, 3,400 operational jobs, $6 billion in royalties to government – it’s all been reported before.
China Stone is one of six mega-mines planned for the Galilee Basin, the others being Carmichael, Alpha, Kevin’s Corner, China First and Galilee South. They add up to $40 billion in investment, tens of thousands of jobs and lots of court time dealing with environmental opposition.
There was a time when this would have meant a property boom in the immediate area, with mining personnel paying huge rents for local houses.
But towns like Moranbah and Chinchilla in Queensland, and Port Hedland and Newman in Western Australia, became victims of their own success. The resources industry rebelled against rents topping $2,000 per week and tin-shed houses fetching over $1 million.
This created the concept that is now the scourge of many rural communities: the FIFO workforce and construction of temporary accommodation camps.
A mega-billion mine with thousands of employees doesn’t add up to a property boom any more. In many recent cases, it has destroyed real estate markets. 
Developers have piled in, building lots of new homes in expectation of rich rewards, while the big miners have flown their workers in and out, putting them up in special camps outside the towns that expected to benefit from the influx of workers and money.
Massive vacancies have resulted in the towns of the Surat Basin and the Bowen Basin in Queensland. If developers haven’t done their research, it will happen again in the Galilee Basin.
There are scarcely any benefits to local towns from major mining projects now. Locals don’t even get to apply for jobs in the big mines on their doorsteps, because the workers are recruited elsewhere and flown in.
In the case of the multiple mega mines of the Galilee Basin, there will be economic benefits for nearby regional centres with airports, such as Emerald, if and when one of the mega projects starts construction. 
Emerald has been hit by the current downturn in the coal industry, with vacancies around 7% (previously as high as 10%), houses typically taking 5-6 months to sell and discounting close to 20%. The median house price dropped 16% in the past 12 months and is now well below the level of five years ago.
If one of these mines proceeds, there will be a considerable uplift in air and road traffic through Emerald and inevitably some boost to its economy.
Consequently, the property numbers will improve.
But the days when Emerald and nearby coal towns like Moranbah and Dysart boomed, with astronomical prices and rents, are over - until the system changes.
In the current climate, these coal mines represent fools gold for developers and investors.
TERRY RYDER is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Emerald hit by coal downturn, property prices may improve: Terry Ryder

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Aspen Group has acquired a 160-site caravan park, Tomago Village Van Park in Tomago in Sydney's Hunter region for $10.5 million.
The purchase reflects an initial yield of 9.3%.
The property has 160 sites, 136 of which are licenced for long-term utilisation, with the balance being short-stay sites.
There is an existing development consent for a further 24 long term sites.
Tomago is located in metropolitan Newcastle, approximately 18 kilometres from the Newcastle CBD.
It is adjacent to the Tomago Industrial area, a substantial source of demand for accommodation at the property. 
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Aspen buy Tomago Village Van Park

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So far this week, 1,494 capital city auction results have been reported to CoreLogic RP Data, resulting in a preliminary auction clearance rate of 75.7% across the combined capital cities. 
There were a total of 1,862 capital city auctions held this week. This week’s result indicates that clearance rates are still tracking higher than they were one year ago, when the final auction clearance rate over the week was 68.9 per cent across 1,473 auctions.
<a href="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Capital-City.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Capital-City.jpg" alt="" width="787" height="588">
 
Across Melbourne, this week’s preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 78.6 per cent, up from a recent low of 75.7 per cent last week and remaining well above the clearance rate for the city one year ago (69.0 per cent). This week, Melbourne was host to 760 auctions, significantly lower than the 918 held last week, but higher than a year ago when there were 636 Melbourne auctions held over the week. Of the 9 individual Melbourne sub-regions, this week the strongest performer, in terms of clearance rates, was the Outer West. So far, CoreLogic RP Data has collected 48 results for the region and the preliminary results shows 93.8 per cent of these auctions were successful.
<a href="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Melbourne.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="491">
 
Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 78.8 per cent this week, the fourth week in a row where Sydney has recorded a result below 80 per cent. Last week, Sydney’s clearance rate was 79.9 per cent, while one year ago results show that 76.7 per cent of Sydney homes taken to auction were successful, showing the gap between this year’s clearance rate and last year’s clearance rate is starting to close. In terms of the number of auctions across the city, this week volumes were lower, down to 816 from 906 last week. One year ago just 588 Sydney homes were taken to auction over the week. The Blacktown sub-region of Sydney has shown the strongest performance so far this week, with 94.4 per cent of the 18 reported results selling, with 2 remaining results yet to be collected.
<a href="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Sydney.jpg" alt="" width="759" height="518">
 
There were 140 Brisbane homes taken to auction this week, with 94 results reported so far. The preliminary clearance rate for the city is 60.6 per cent, up from 54.0 per cent last week and higher than one year ago, when just 36.7 per cent of the 96 properties taken to auction were successful. Across the Gold Coast 44 results have been reported so far, with a success rate of 47.7 per cent (21 sales).
<a href="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Brisbane.jpg" alt="" width="836" height="561">
This week, Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 71.9 per cent, with 57 reported results across a total of 75 scheduled auctions. In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 58.9 per cent and 61.0 per cent one year ago.
<a href="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Adelaide.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Adelaide.jpg" alt="" width="823" height="564">
There were 23 Perth auctions this week, with a preliminary clearance rate of 43.8 per cent. Last week, Perth recorded its strongest auction clearance rate for July, at 52.6 per cent.
Across Canberra a total of 40 auctions were held this week, compared to 49 last week and 28 at the same time last year. Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate of 79.2 per cent is higher than it was the previous week (68.8 per cent).
Of the 6 Tasmanian auction results reported so far this week, 2 sales have been recorded.
 
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smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Sydney’s clearance rate below 80%: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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<h2>Melbourne's 78% clearance rate of 78 per cent compared to 76 per cent last weekend and 72 per cent this weekend last year, according to the REIV.</h2>
There were 595 auctions reported to the REIV, with Enzo Raimondo, the REIV chief, noting some $389 million in auction sales.
Houses had a clearance rate of 84% at an $850,000 median price.
Apartments had a clearance rate of 69% with a median price of $608,000.
TOP 5 HOUSES
1. 20 Reed Street, Albert Park $2,810,000 2. 21 Haydens Road, Beaumaris $2,800,000 3. 183 Church Street, Brighton $2,640,000 4. 44 Camperdown Street, Brighton East $2,600,000 5. 15 Fairmount Road, Hawthorn East $2,540,000 TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES
1. 36 Oriole Drive, Werribee $287,500 2. 26 Christie Street, Deer Park $308,000 3. 12 Leisure Way North, Rosebud $328,000 4. 2 Brampton Close, Craigieburn $341,000 5. 70 Kuringai Road, Tootgarook $350,000 TOP 5 APARTMENTS
1. 5/105 Crown Street, Richmond $2,000,000 2. 405 New Street, Brighton $1,751,000 3. 3/11 Monomeath Avenue, Toorak $1,701,000 4. 3/47 Durham Road, Surrey Hills $1,525,000 5. 29A Barnett Street, Hampton $1,448,500 TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS
1. 14/234 Warrigal Road, Camberwell $117,000 2. 11/242 Pascoe Vale Road, Essendon $237,500 3. 2/131 High Street, Thomastown $247,000 4. 2/8 Anzac Street, Carnegie $268,000 5. 3/64-66 Bent Street, St Albans $285,000
 
The REIV was expecting about 730 auctions in 242 suburbs this weekend, so further results will change the clearance rate.
The top auction locations were Mount Waverley (12 auctions) and Bentleigh East (10 auctions), followed by Richmond, South Yarra and St Kilda East with nine auctions in each.
Sales included 50 Swayfield Road, Mt Waverley (below) which sold at $1,267,000.
<img src="https://i3.au.reastatic.net/800x600/27472b9d5957b6d7263292fd13032b1d41eae49ae4fae257832d08ae7be6581f/main.jpg" alt="50 Swayfield Road, Mount Waverley" title="50 Swayfield Road, Mount Waverley" data-index="0">
Mt Waverley is among a select number of Melbourne suburbs to have recorded annual capital growth of more than 20 per cent. Mount Waverley's 28 per cent matched Doncaster (28 per cent), and narrowly bettered Burwood (27 per cent) and Balwyn North (23 per cent). 
Mount Waverley had none of the REIV's top sale results with propertydata.com.au listing recent results as:
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td>381  Blackburn  Rd</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>$1,400,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Passed in at Auction</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
S&amp;L
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2/ 80  Bruce  St</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$580,000</td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Buxton
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1/ 11  Grenfell  Rd</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$628,000</td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1/ 17  Heany  St</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>$590,000</td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td>Passed in at Auction</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>69  Jubilee  St</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>$1,420,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Barry Plant
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16  Leeds  Rd</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>$1,330,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Ray White
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>50  Swayfield  Rd</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>$1,267,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Barry Plant
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>36  Catherine  Av</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>$1,040,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>31/07/2015</td>
<td>
Barry Plant
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33  Wilga  St</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>$1,200,000</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Sold Before Auction</td>
<td>25/07/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2/ 24  Damon  Rd</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>96  Headingley  Rd</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Auction Sale</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Reed
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>36  Oakern  St</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>undisclosed</td>
<td>House</td>
<td>Passed in at Auction</td>
<td>01/08/2015</td>
<td>
Jellis Craig
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
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Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

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