Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Joel Robinson

Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

A proposal to redevelop one of North Sydney's ageing commercial buildings has taken another step forward, with plans for a 38-storey mixed-use tower adding momentum to the long-awaited transformation of the Alfred Street precinct.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority-led State Significant Development pathway, the proposal for 271-273 Alfred Street would replace an underutilised commercial building with 95 apartments, ground-floor retail, commercial space and affordable housing. The proposal was submitted by&nbsp;Tara Shore Pty Ltd, acting for the John Taylor Family Trust.

While the project will deliver much-needed housing on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, it also represents another piece of a broader precinct that has spent years in planning limbo.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e1ce1b4-38df-48ab-992f-386814d86308" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=sC_h6w.A9VEoB98qsqowPlIoz__sBZBt" />

Despite its proximity to both North Sydney Station and the Victoria Cross Metro, redevelopment of Alfred Street has progressed slowly over the past decade as broader planning controls, zoning and building heights remained unresolved. The introduction of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway has provided a new avenue for projects to progress, allowing rezoning and development assessment to occur concurrently and unlocking sites that have long been earmarked for renewal.

Designed by Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder, the proposal seeks to do more than replace an ageing office building. The architects have positioned the project as the first stage of a wider public domain vision that would improve pedestrian connectivity and create a more cohesive mixed-use precinct as neighbouring sites are redeveloped over time.

The proposal includes a widened Alfred Street setback, new street trees, landscaping and outdoor seating, along with a landscaped through-site pedestrian link connecting Alfred Street with Little Alfred Street. The connection is intended to become the first section of a future east-west pedestrian network extending across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ea39ac3-46ad-4562-b4a0-b862e91c2dda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20site.png?VersionId=K7umCd21KpetEFuVfsPlnJKhUOsmTTdV" />

The mixed-use tower would comprise retail space at ground level, commercial uses on level two and apartments from level three upwards.

In total, the development would deliver 95 apartments, including nine one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, 56 three-bedroom and two four-bedroom residences. Twenty-one apartments, representing 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area, would be secured as affordable housing and managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years.

Nine basement levels would provide 133 resident car spaces, seven motorcycle spaces and 111 bicycle spaces.

According to the Architecture and Urban Design Report, the public domain strategy is designed to transform what is currently an inward-facing commercial edge into a more active and connected pedestrian environment, creating a stronger relationship between the commercial core and surrounding residential neighbourhoods.

Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder has also prepared a broader public domain framework spanning neighbouring properties between 263 and 283 Alfred Street, arguing that a coordinated approach to redevelopment will deliver better public spaces, improved tower separation and a more connected streetscape as the precinct evolves.

The proposal comes at a time where North Sydney is slated for future residential growth. Commercial developer FiveX has residential plans for the neighbouring site at 275 Alfred Street. They've proposed a 39-storey mixed-use tower with 184 apartments, while Freecity was recently approved for nearly 300 apartments across a 51-storey building on Walker Street.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-freecity-gets-green-light-for-mixed-use-apartment-and-hotel-tower-in-north-sydney">First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-plans-39-storey-residential-tower-in-booming-north-sydney">First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney</a>

&nbsp;

Alfred Street the latest North Sydney pocket to be transformed by residential development

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]

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 

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>

&nbsp;

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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<img src="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/images/supermarket-power-600-4057.jpg">
Source: <a href="https://www.farmersjournal.ie/">The Farmers Journal</a>.
This infographic first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Infographic: The power of supermarkets

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New vegan food outlet Supercharger Wholefood, from the brains behind Bar Napoli – George Incretolli and Paul Mathis – will be opened in Lonsdale Street's Emporium Melbourne.
Pizza joint Bar Napoli is located on Emporium's third level shop 3027.
It will be located in the Café Court level three food court and will be staffed by a crew of seven chefs. It calls itself a "micro cafe".
They will trade seven days a week, from 10am to 7pm, with hours extended until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
The café court is home to a number of popular outlets, including Subway, Starbucks, South Melbourne Dim Sim, I Love Pho and Charlie &amp; Co. Burgers.
Paul Mathis, who refers to the store as Supercharger, told Property Observer the opening will be in August either on the 21st or 22nd.
Currently looking for staff, their advertisements suggest the food will be modern vegetarian, perhaps with a raw and ‘superfood’ aspect to it, but mainly vegan. Their menu is likely to include soups, juices, salads and fermented foods. Vegans should note that they may use some honey bee pollen and potentially other dairy products - the official menu is set for release next week.
The sneak preview of menu ideas includes early morning breakfast porridges, including bircher museli with orange juice and tropical fruit; and jasmine rice congee with ginger and spring onion.  Sides and snacks include dishes such as house made roasted kale chips with paprika and sea salt, chia and amaranth zucchini and mint fritters and "air fried" chips.
For lunch and dinner, you choose a 'base' served in a large mixing bowl, which is then paired with either a warm or cold option and then a protein. For instance, you may choose mashed peas with avocado and coconut oil, combined with Ayurvedic style red lentil dhal and kombu broth simmered seitan.
Ferments, grains and vegetables are all looking like stars of the dishes, and all appear to be at very reasonable prices.
Lonsdale Street and surrounds are home to a number of successful organic and vegan eateries.
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Supercharger Wholefood to open at Emporium Melbourne in August

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Supermarket chain Coles Liquor has secured its first hotel nationally in four years on Hope Island, Queensland.
Knight Frank director of hotels, Craig Harley negotiated the Coles Liquor acquisition for the business leasehold interest of Marina Quays Tavern at 93 Broadwater Avenue, Hope Island.
“The substantial hotel property is adjacent to a planned shopping centre, retirement village, service station, and is surrounded by residential development which enjoys high visibility and extensive passing traffic,” continued Harley.
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Coles Liquor secures Hope Island, Gold Coast tavern

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Patonga Beach Hotel on NSW’s Central Coast has been sold, five months after being listed with $10 million sale hopes.
Listed by the Osborne family, the Patonga Beach Hotel and the adjoining fish shop is set in the gully on the shores of Broken Bay at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River.
No sale price or buyer has yet been revealed.
It is the only hotel in a 12-kilometre radius.
It is opposite the Patonga Beach ferry wharf, popular with day-trippers and visitors from the Central Coast.
<a href="https://rca.joneslanglasalle.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-patonga-501053471" target="_blank">Jones Lang LaSalle Hotel and Hospitality Group agent John Musca</a> had the 1546 square metre hotel offering, the only hotel in the two bays.
"There's no doubt that by incorporating the adjoining fish shop building and subject to necessary approvals, you could expand the boutique accommodation to become another Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay," Musca said.
"Many in the industry believe the hotel would be perfect for a celebrity chef hotel style repositioning, similar to that being embarked upon by TV chef George Calombaris in recent acquisition of the Hobsons Bay Hotel in Preston," the marketing suggested.
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Patonga Beach Hotel sold on NSW Central Coast

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GUEST OBSERVATION
While many vendors and owners believe that spring is the only ‘golden’ time of the year, the period between now and spring is actually a fantastic period to both buy and sell.
I believe it is important to create a point of difference for a property and importantly, not to compete in an overcrowded and noisy market, as property stock levels increase dramatically in spring.
If you have a challenging property, it is still going to be challenging in spring, perhaps more so as you will be up against so many other standout properties.
We have seen the property market as fairly consistent, month in month out, for the last few years. You don’t have to follow the masses. My advice would be to get in before spring; there are plenty of other times in the year to sell if your property doesn’t tick all the boxes.
We don’t always subscribe to what everyone else does, as the property market is actually quite random and sporadic at times.
Most real estate agencies are geared towards the seasonal aspect, and in Melbourne, that is spring.
But we now live and operate in a global economy. It's worth considering that when it is spring in Melbourne, it is autumn in Beijing and Asia is now a very important market force.
Property is a global commodity and the Asian market is impacting markets from London to New York - it's a market that is only going to get stronger in the future. It’s not a local market any more - there are hot spots all around the world. Asia, and specifically China, are deploying funds and investing in property around the world. Melbourne is one of the preferred destinations due to the quality of education and lifestyle as one of the worlds top 10 cities.
Everything has changed and you cannot do the same things now that you did 20 years ago - it won't necessarily work anymore. 
Andrew Fawell is director of <a href="https://www.bellergroup.com.au/" target="_blank">Beller Property Group</a>. 
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It's not all about spring: Now is also a great time to buy and sell

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When owner-occupiers and investors enter the market they want to achieve different things. 
Owner-occupiers want to buy a property they like and that suits their lifestyle requirements, while investors buy property to make money.  
The problem for many investors is they enter the property market as an investor but they make decisions as a home buyer. They develop an investment strategy based on what they like and let their heart take over the decision-making when it really should be the head that’s in control.  
Unfortunately the location and features that appeal to you on an emotional or lifestyle level may not be those that stack up on an investment level. Here are a few tips to help you make clear-headed decisions.
<ol>
<li>
Don’t buy near your own home  Many investors buy close to where they live because they like driving past the property, admiring their investment and keeping an eye on it. The problem is that many investors live in areas with strong demand from owner-occupiers, but little demand from tenants.   What’s more, owner-occupier strongholds are often some distance from the infrastructure tenants look for, such as public transport, shopping and entertainment precincts.   
</li>
<li>
Don’t fit out the property according to your own tastes  Too many investors buy a property and renovate it according to their personal tastes. For example, installing granite bench tops and expensive appliances in the kitchen, or putting a spa in the bathroom. This is fine if it’s your own home, but it’s a potential waste of money for an investment property.   Tenants rent for primarily for location, proximity to infrastructure, and price. There’s little point spending thousands on items that tenants don’t need — particularly when those items are depreciable and will lose value over the time you own the property. Instead of focusing on expensive fittings and fixtures, focus on buying a property with strong capital growth potential, located in an area where land values are driven by strong ongoing demand from owner-occupiers and investors alike.   
</li>
<li>
Don’t buy where you like to holiday It’s one thing to fall in love with a holiday spot, but quite another to buy there and expect it to perform like a prime investment location. Most holiday homes are owned by people who don’t live there full-time. When finances are tight, many owners will sacrifice their holiday home so they can hold onto their family home.   If you’re forced to sell, you may not be the only one. The more properties for sale in a particular area, the harder it will be for you to achieve your desired price. Worse still, you may be unable to sell at all.   
</li>
<li>
Don’t pay an emotional premium  When you fall in love with a property, you may be prepared to pay more than its true market value, to be sure of securing it. If it’s going to be your family home, overpaying may be justified, because you’re buying for lifestyle reasons.   If it’s going to be an investment property, however, overpaying doesn’t make sense. Not only will you have to take out a bigger loan and pay more interest, but you’re eating into the profit you’ll make when you eventually sell. That’s not an investment; that’s a millstone around your neck. Research the market before throwing your hat in the ring, then set a limit and stick to it.
</li>
</ol>
MARK ARMSTRONG is a director of <a href="https://ratemyagent.com.au/" target="_blank">ratemyagent.com.au</a>, Australia’s number one real estate agent rating website.
This article was originally published on Property Observer in September 2013.
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Use you head, not your heart: Four tips for buying the right investment property

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Everyone wants to buy in a “hotspot” area that becomes trendy and popular in the near future and allows investors to take advantage of some good capital growth over a shorter time period.
Here are 10 of Melbourne’s suburbs that we believe have the potential to give investors good returns in the coming years.
Click on the suburbs names to find the latest property data, mapping tools and demographic information, from RP Data.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Reservoir</a></li>
</ul>
Reservoir is located 12 kilometres north of the CBD. Bounded by the Merri Creek in the west, and the Darebin Creek in the east, Reservoir is a mixed use suburb in Melbourne's north.
The suburb has significant industrial areas in the west and a commercial focus around the railways station and along Broadway.
Reservoir is well represented by the Italian population and also features the Reservoir Private Hospital and Edwardes Lake Park.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Frankston</a></li>
</ul>
Frankston is located 41 kilometres south of the CBD.
Frankston is the major commercial; retail, educational and transport centre in Melbourne's outer south, servicing a large hinterland including the Mornington Peninsula.
The major commercial area is located between Nepean Highway and the railway station, although Karingal Hub Shopping Centre is located in the east of the suburb. Frankston also features Monash University Peninsula Campus, the Peninsula Institute of TAFE and Frankston Hospital as well as a number of golf courses.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Footscray</a></li>
</ul>
Footscray is located 6 kilometres west of the CBD. Located in the inner west of Melbourne, Footscray is a multicultural community with a significant Vietnamese population.
The suburb has a combination of residential, industrial and commercial land, with retail activity centred on Barkly Street and industrial activity in the east and north. Footscray also features the Whitten Oval, the Victorian University of Technology, a major rail junction for the St Albans and Werribee Railway lines, the Western Hospital - Footscray Campus and Footscray Park.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Preston</a></li>
</ul>
Preston is located 9 kilometres north-east of the CBD. Bounded by the Merri Creek in the west, and the Darebin Creek in the east, Preston is a mixed use suburb in Melbourne's north.
The suburb features a significant commercial district along High Street, while the eastern regions feature a significant amount of light industry. It is also a multicultural suburb, with large Greek and Italian communities. Preston also features Northland Shopping Centre and the Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE - Preston Campus.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Sunshine</a></li>
</ul>
Sunshine is located 12 kilometres west of the CBD. Sunshine is the major commercial, industrial and transport centre for the middle and outer western suburbs of Melbourne.
It is a highly multicultural suburb, comprising a significant Vietnamese community. Although there has been a decrease in manufacturing employment since the early 1980s, it still provides a quarter of all jobs for Sunshine's workforce.
Sunshine is the railway junction for the Ballarat and St Albans railway lines and features the Footscray TAFE - Sunshine Campus and the Sunshine Centre Plaza.
Five more of Frank Valentic's Melbourne hostpots on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Kingsville</a></li>
</ul>
Kingsville is located 8 kilometers west of the CBD.
Kingsville is a small residential area located in Melbourne's western suburbs. It is multiculturally diverse, well represented by people from the countries of the former Yugoslavia and Vietnam.
Kingsville's labour force is concentrated in the manufacturing sector, providing a significant labour base to adjacent industrial suburbs. The suburb also features commercial areas along its boundaries.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Thornbury</a></li>
</ul>
Thornbury is located 7 kilometres north-east of the CBD. Located between the Merri Creek in the west and the Darebin Creek in the east, Thornbury is a residential suburb, with significant areas of commercial activity, especially along High Street.
It is a multicultural community, with the Italian, Greek and Chinese communities being well represented.
Thornbury also features many areas of open space, including the Hayes, Mayer, Penders and John Cain Memorial Parks and the Sir Douglas Nicholls Reserve.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Brunswick West</a></li>
</ul>
Brunswick West is located 6 kilometres north of the CBD. Bounded by the Moonee Ponds Creek in the west and Moreland Road in the north, Brunswick West is a primarily residential suburb.
The suburb is densely populated,featuring a young population, most notably 25-34 year olds.
Brunswick West also features a number of reserves and recreational areas, such as the Dunstan, the Denzil Don, Hudson, Shiels and Wylie Reserves.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Glen Huntly</a></li>
</ul>
Glen Huntly is located 12 kilometres south-east of the CBD. Bounded by Neernim Road in the south and Grange Road in the west, it is a small, primarily residential suburb in Melbourne's south-east. The suburb's retail activity is concentrated around the railway station. 
Glen Huntly also features parkland including Garden Avenue Reserve. The suburb's population includes a large number of renters and small households.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Mornington</a></li>
</ul>
Mornington is located 47 kilometres south of the CBD. Mornington is one of the larger commercial centres on the Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne's south.
This bayside suburb is traditionally a popular retirement area and has a number of aged care facilities.
Mornington also has a large number of families living in the area, especially in the new residential subdivisions on the eastern side of the Nepean Highway. The suburb features the Mornington Racecourse and the Mornington Country Golf Club.
FRANK VALENTIC is managing director of award-winning buyers' agency <a href="https://www.advantageproperty.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Advantage Property Consulting.</a>
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The top 10 Melbourne hotspot suburbs: Frank Valentic

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A generational shift may be coming that will substantially alter the property market, according to Club Plus Super. But what that shift is may catch you off guard.
Club Plus Super’s chief executive officer Paul Cahill says that the current structure of superannuation will see many Australians forced to sell the family home to fund their retirement – and move in with their children.
Modelling undertaken by the company has shown that a 65 year old person’s super balance will likely be dried up after just six years in retirement.
This matches an Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia report that saw the majority of Australians relying on modest levels of superannuation, with many retirees relying on the Age Pension. A Club Plus Super survey also discovered that while more than 50% of the 843 respondents understood the funds needed to retire, just one third were making extra contributions.
“This system and the sheer scale of Australia’s rapidly aging population will potentially see hundreds of thousands of retirees run out of funds and not be able to enjoy the retirement they envisaged,” said Cahill.
What will then potentially be seen is a system where retirees sell their large properties, unlock equity and then either rent, downsize or move in with their children.
“These trends could significantly change the dynamics of Australian families, the Australian property market and the Australian economy,” he said, pointing to moving in with children as the most cost effective option for many retirees.
He says that either Australians need to make additional contributions to grow their superannuation, or the government need to overhaul the system.
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The generational shift set to alter the property market: Club Plus Super

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In recent weeks, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has revealed that the number of loans taken out for the purposes of construction has increased to the highest level in around four and a half years.
If we smooth the numbers out on a rolling annual basis, we can see that while an upturn is entrenched, the uptrend still remains relatively shallow at this stage, and there is much more lifting to be done here:
<img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tqj0YZO7Kec/U8oJqJk0eXI/AAAAAAAAOmc/BmOyCPYotp0/s1600/constr1.jpg">
With dwelling prices having risen over time the total value of construction loans on a rolling annual basis is getting set to break new record highs:
<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBdi5yNpAsg/U8oJqNmc-fI/AAAAAAAAOmY/NcXlcmhEXo4/s1600/consrt2.jpg">
Importance of this?
It's worth noting here why this is considered to be important.
Dwelling construction been extensively researched by the ABS in years gone by, and the data uncovered showed the construction industry to have a very strong multiplier effect on the economy.
One of the more depressing things about visiting Britain over the past six or seven years - apart from the ongoing under-performance of the national sporting teams, that is - has been the near total lack of cranes on the horizon. 
That's rarely a sign of a thriving economy.
Things have been picking up strongly for UK construction of late, but it's been a moribund period indeed for the construction industry.
<a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/ed6220072793785eca256b360003228f!OpenDocument" target="_blank">Here's the ABS</a> on the effect of construction on the multipliers on the wider economy in terms of output and employment in Australia:
"For every $1 million spent on construction output (houses, non-residential buildings, etc.) in 1996-97, a possible $2.9 million in output would be generated in the economy as a whole, giving rise to nine jobs in the construction industry (the initial employment effect), and 37 jobs in the economy as a whole from all effects.
"These flow-on effects are made up as follows. The initial effect of the additional construction is $1 million. The first round effect for this additional construction would be the increased value of activity of around $0.5 million in those businesses manufacturing the materials needed for the additional construction, such as concrete and steel frames.
"The businesses supplying and servicing the concrete and steel frame businesses, such as aggregate quarrying and raw steel production, experience an increased demand for their products and services. This industrial support effect is estimated to be an additional $0.4 million.
"As activity has increased in the construction industry, as well as in the suppliers to that industry and the suppliers to the suppliers, there is an increase in wages and salaries to employees in this chain. The spending of these wages and salaries induces a further round of consumption effects in other areas of the economy totaling an additional $1 million."
Multiplier of three for construction
So, there you have it: construction in Australia has a multiplier effect of close to three. That is, for every $1 million invested, an additional $3 million is generated in the economy as a whole. 
Now let's put this in its wider context.
Below is what has happened in Aussie construction over the long run. Note the gargantuan boom in engineering construction driven by the resources building boom.
This sector is set to tail off quite nastily over the coming few years, although it's not yet entirely clear how quickly that will happen. Note how construction has become overwhelming dominated by mining and resources:
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4H062eDXc9U/U8oKjO5YRII/AAAAAAAAOms/774bYa3YBso/s1600/cons3.jpg">
In terms of other building work done, the split between residential and non-residential building has tracked as follows:
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtWrJsICYfs/U8oKvGB0FQI/AAAAAAAAOm0/-JrUJyQa-WU/s1600/CONS4.jpg">
We don't need to get bogged down too much in the headline numbers here, other than to note that if mining capital expenditure falls by 20% in the 2015 financial year (which <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/5625.0Main%20Features3March%202014?opendocument&amp;tabname=Summary&amp;prodno=5625.0&amp;issue=March%202014&amp;num=&amp;view=" target="_blank">forecasts suggest</a> may well eventuate), and does something similar again in the following financial year too, this leaves a monster hole in the Australian economy to somehow be filled.
Only one shining light exists in the state economies at the moment for infrastructure and dwelling construction, that being New South Wales, which is busily tackling its infrastructure and dwelling deficit:
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSjRk0aOP2A/U8oPWO50R4I/AAAAAAAAOnI/YQx8kQ8oq0o/s1600/NSW+cwd.jpg">
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States which need to rebalance?
The implication of the mining and resources construction boom detailed on the previous page is that the Aussie economy has gotten itself quite dramatically out of balance.
In the March 2014 quarter the total value of engineering construction seasonally adjusted at around $31,850 million was way, way bigger than the total value of building at closer to $21,750 million.
This means that some states are going to face very significant challenges when the mining construction drops away.
The quarterly engineering construction figures by state clarify which which states - Queensland and Western Australia in particular - are going to face an uphill struggle in the coming years.
Those two states have benefited greatly from the boom, so they face more of a challenge from the forthcoming downturn:
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o2yTIzIBqpE/U8ouGvfyJNI/AAAAAAAAOnc/-GshYS_mTcY/s1600/BWDa.jpg" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
This is especially so because when you look at the uplift in building work done in this cycle only New South Wales to date has shown any real sign of thriving. These figures are not seasonally adjusted so the next seasonal uplift will be key, but it's clear that Western Australia has hit a plateau, Victoria's house building boom was last decade's news and something is not working as it should be in Queensland in terms of building work. South Australia and the minnow states are floundering, and in any case they aren't going to add much value in chain volume measures terms:
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maZf5-kXmds/U8ouGnGYKhI/AAAAAAAAOnY/q4Z8QSzDQ-w/s1600/BWD1.jpg">
This something to be wary of when commentators start talking up the Brisbane property market with the usual hyperbole this year, stating that it is "due for a boom".
Look, maybe, yes, and the general consensus is that Brisbane offers relatively good bang for the buck and the outlook for the property markets over the the next few years appears bright. But equally it always pays to be careful of the shallow property market commentary which takes little (or more typically zero) account of what is actually happening in relation to these huge structural shifts in the Aussie economy. Yes, there is an argument for dwelling prices to rise strongly in response to low interest rates, but as a general rule people don't buy property when they don't have jobs, and there is a major rebalancing challenge lying right ahead in the Aussie economy, especially in the mining states. You'd need rocks in your head to call a sustainable property boom while taking no account whatsoever of what the wider economy and labour markets are up to. It's one to watch carefully. Rates to fall lower still 
The charts detailed above show quite clearly that the hole left by mining construction can't readily be filled only by building more houses and a moderate level of infrastructure.
Net exports need to increase, which they indeed have been doing, albeit in the face of lower commodity prices. Household consumption needs to increase, which it was doing quite nicely, but then appears to have stalled again post-budget.
With the economy looking likely to tread water in Q2 (the unpredictable effect of inventories left aside), futures markets are quickly getting around to realising that the next move in interest rates must be down. To me another rate cut is looking more and more likely by the week. Pencil in a likely interest rate cut before Xmas, for my money.
You can visit <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) or Pete's <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blog</a>.
His latest book is '<a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' .
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Why residential construction is so important to the Australian economy

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A textile manufacturing company that has been operating in the Victorian regional city of Wangaratta for more than sixty years has collapsed into liquidation due to the offshoring of government contracts and an increasingly competitive market.
Bruck Textile Technologies <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/42794-popular-cake-business-with-reality-tv-show-collapses-for-a-second-time" target="_blank">went into liquidation</a> on 11 July, with Barry Taylor and Andrew Needham from HLB Mann Judd appointed as liquidators.
Speaking to SmartCompany, Taylor said in prior years the manufacturer had a turnover of around $56 million.
“More recently to June 2013 it had dropped to about $38 million,” he said.
Taylor said creditors are owed around $7-8 million, with employees’ entitlements estimated to be worth an additional $4 million.
In recent days the textile manufacturer has been <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/wangaratta-textile-maker-shreds-company-sheds-worker-entitlements-20140713-zt65q" target="_blank">accused of deliberately entering into a questionable business arrangement</a> with another company, Australian Textile Mills, to avoid paying 60 redundant workers their entitlements – including annual leave, long service leave and redundancy pay entitlements.
This has caused Federal Employment Minister Eric Abetz to refer the matter to ASIC, and Taylor said as joint liquidator he is instructing solicitors to review the transaction.
“ASIC have been in touch with us and we are assisting them with their enquiries,” he said.
In a statement, Australian Textile Mills chief executive Geoff Parker told SmartCompany Bruck Textile Technologies was a company losing money despite its best efforts.
“With the demise of the local automotive industry and the offshoring of key government contracts, it was not a sustainable business and was incurring ongoing, significant losses,” said Parker.
“Under this strain, in the last six months alone, significant funds were invested by the shareholder to fund day to day activities, which was simply not sustainable,” he said.
Parker said the manufacturer’s board took professional financial and legal advice and decided it either had to liquidate the company – which would have affected more than 200 jobs – or sell the business to Australian Textile Mills in order to retain two-thirds of its staff.
Parker said all creditors will be paid and Australian Textile Mills will take on liabilities of approximately $20 million.
“The Directors of Australian Textile Mills are confident that they have made the correct decision,” said Parker.
“The only other option would have been far more devastating to the local Wangaratta community, creditors and employees.”
Bruck Textile Technologies has a long history in northeast Victoria and Cathy McGowan, the local federal MP, told SmartCompany there has been a huge amount of support shown for the workers both in Parliament and Wangaratta itself.
“The footwear clothing and textile industry is a very tough industry and it’s extraordinarily competitive,” says McGowan.
“This is a wake-up call for this sector in rural and regional areas.”
McGowan says it’s crucial for government to work with business in order to create an environment where manufacturing can reach its long-term potential.
“When businesses get into trouble they have to seek advice early,” says McGowan.
“There is absolutely no point in waiting until the death knoll. In a much bigger context, we need to look at how we can plan for the future of manufacturing.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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