Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<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/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

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>

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Ellen Walker

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

For the first time in a long time, Australia's inflation story is starting to look more like a landing than a fight.

The latest Consumer Price Index figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed annual inflation eased to four per cent in May, down from 4.2 per cent in April. On the surface, that might not seem like a major move. Inflation remains above the Reserve Bank's target range and some categories continue to record stubborn price growth.

But the significance of this result lies less in where inflation sits today and more in what it means for where interest rates are likely heading next.

The biggest takeaway is that inflation continues to move in the right direction.

Markets had been bracing for another sticky result after a period where progress appeared to stall. Instead, headline inflation came in softer than expected, helped by falling fuel prices and easing transport costs. Annual transport inflation halved from 6.6 per cent in April to 3.3 per cent in May, while automotive fuel prices fell 11.9 per cent during the month following lower oil prices and the impact of reduced fuel excise measures.

While petrol prices don't solve Australia's affordability challenges, they are one of the most visible and immediate costs for consumers. Falling fuel costs feed through the economy quickly, helping ease pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses.

The ABS data also showed headline inflation is now sitting at its lowest annual level in several months, reinforcing the broader trend that price growth is gradually moderating.

That trend is important because it aligns with what many economists and lenders have been saying for the last month.

Prior to this week's inflation data, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank had all shifted their forecasts, now believing the Reserve Bank had likely reached the peak of the interest rate cycle. Following the May inflation release, ANZ reaffirmed that view.

In its latest economic update, ANZ said it expects quarterly trimmed mean inflation to come in at 3.7 per cent for the June quarter, slightly below the Reserve Bank's forecast of 3.8 per cent. Importantly, the bank said that outcome, when combined with slowing economic activity, "supports our view that the cash rate has peaked".

The Reserve Bank has spent the better part of three years attempting to bring inflation under control through higher interest rates. If Australia's major banks are correct and rates have now peaked, the conversation shifts from how much higher rates could go to when they might begin coming down.

Westpac's caution comes from underlying inflation. The trimmed mean, the measure most closely watched by the Reserve Bank, increased from 3.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent annually. Housing inflation remains elevated at 6.5 per cent, reflecting ongoing increases in rents, electricity costs and new dwelling construction.

Electricity prices remain particularly problematic, rising 21.1 per cent over the past year following the removal of government rebates.

Housing construction costs are also showing signs of renewed pressure. ANZ noted new dwelling costs rose 0.9 per cent in May and are now running at an annualised pace of 8.6 per cent over the past three months. Builders continue to face higher labour, fuel and material costs, a reminder that inflationary pressures have not completely disappeared.

Housing affordability has deteriorated largely because of higher interest rates rather than higher property prices alone. Even modest reductions in mortgage rates would improve borrowing capacity, increase buyer confidence and reduce repayment pressure on existing homeowners.

While August is far from a certainty, the latest inflation result has strengthened the view that the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up. For borrowers, buyers and the development sector, that alone represents a significant shift from the conversation that dominated much of the past two years.

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/68804/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Consumers are key players in the economy, they purchase goods and services, supply labour and make savings and investment decisions. Hence, their sense of what’s happening in the economy has a flow on effect.
If they feel confident, they might spend a bit extra or go into debt. If they don’t, they won’t leave their job to start a risky venture.
Surveying how consumers feel, then, can provide a useful snapshot of how an economy is faring right now, and in the near future.
<h2>The survey</h2>
The idea that consumer confidence - optimism or pessimism – is important for real activity dates back to the Great Depression and John Maynard Keynes. The University of Michigan Survey of Consumers – the first of its kind, was designed in 1946 to track changes in consumer confidence. 
The Australian version of the Michigan survey – the Melbourne Institute Consumer Attitudes, Sentiments and Expectations (CASiE) survey began in March 1973. The sample size comprises 1,200 households and is sorted by age, gender and state so that it is representative of the Australian population. 
The CASiE survey contains five core questions. Consumers are asked about:
<ol>
<li>their family finances compared to 12 months ago</li>
<li>their expected family finances in the next 12 months</li>
<li>expected economic conditions in the next 12 months</li>
<li>expected economic conditions in the next five years</li>
<li>whether it is good/bad time to buy major household items. </li>
</ol>
The answers are ordinal, such as “better-off”/“good”, “same”, “worse-off”/“bad” or “don’t know”. 
The responses to these five questions are used to construct five component indexes, one for each question. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index is a simple average of these five component indexes. 100 is the neutral mark, a value greater than 100 indicates that optimism outweighs pessimism and vice versa. 
<h2>What the survey shows us</h2>
Since its introduction, the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index has served as a reliable and timely indicator of economic activity in Australia. Swings in consumer sentiment, as displayed in this first chart, have proven valuable in signalling major turning points in the Australian business cycle such as the early 1980s and 1990s recessions.
<h4>
<a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/149189/area14mp/image-20161208-31364-hnlzcu.png"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/149189/width754/image-20161208-31364-hnlzcu.png" alt=""></a> 
</h4>
<h4>
Note: Grey areas indicate Australian recessions. Source: Melbourne Institute. Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index, Author provided
</h4>
Importantly the consumer sentiment index embed both coincident and leading information about current and future real economic activity. In particular, the index relating to family finances over the previous 12 months is a timely indicator of changes in real consumption patterns. 
<h4><a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/149191/area14mp/image-20161208-31405-1cufqge.png"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/149191/width754/image-20161208-31405-1cufqge.png" alt=""></a></h4>
<div class="enlarge_hint"> </div>
<h4>
Note: Grey areas indicate Australian recessions. Source: Melbourne Institute. Smooth series are defined as 4-quarter moving averages. Index relating to Family Finances last 12 months vs Real Consumption Growth (smoothed series), Author provided
</h4>
Meanwhile, the expectations index, constructed as an average of three forward-looking components (relating to family finances over the next 12 months, economic conditions over the next 12 months and the next five years), appears to be a reliable indicator of future real activity. For example, it has consistently foreshadowed important changes in Australian labour market conditions.
<h4><a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/149190/area14mp/image-20161208-31383-d1nd3g.png"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/149190/width754/image-20161208-31383-d1nd3g.png" alt=""></a></h4>
<div class="enlarge_hint"> </div>
<h4>
Note: Grey areas indicate Australian recessions. Source: Melbourne Institute. Smooth series are defined as 4-quarter moving averages. Expectations Index vs Employment Growth (smoothed series), Author provided
</h4>
<h2>Changes</h2>
Over its long history, the CASiE survey has also evolved gradually to keep up with changes in technology and demographics. Traditional face-to-face interviews were replaced with telephone interviews in the early 1990s and online surveys have been recently introduced to complement telephone ones. 
The decreasing cost of internet usage and the increasing influence of personal mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, appear to have improved the flow of information. With easier and faster access to news, consumers appear to be more informed about current affairs. 
The average proportion of interviewees replying “don’t know” to the five survey questions used to be around 9% during the 1990s and through to the mid-2000s. This proportion, however, has declined gradually since the introduction of smartphones in 2007 and recently has plateaued to around 3%. 
<h4><a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/149192/area14mp/image-20161208-31367-39fkok.png"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/149192/width754/image-20161208-31367-39fkok.png" alt=""></a></h4>
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<h4>
Note: Vertical lines indicate Australian Federal Elections. Source: Melbourne Institute. Trend series is computed using Hodrick-Prescott filter. Proportion of ‘Don’t Know’ Respondents, Author provided
</h4>
In the future, new innovations and advances in information technology will likely help reduce the cost even more. But increasing the frequency of surveys may not be beneficial as they will likely capture more randomness. Research about how people form expectations suggests consumers tend to update their expectations every six to twelve months and most consumers’ current and future family financial conditions are unlikely to change on a weekly or daily basis. 
Over the years, the consumer sentiment index has attracted the attention of policy makers, market economists and academics, mainly because it is a useful signal about future household consumption and saving. Since the household sector is the largest sector in the economy, it is no wonder the Index receives a lot of attention as large swings in consumer confidence are often followed by large swings in real activity.
Viet Nguyen is senior research fellow in Applied Macroeconomics, University of Melbourne and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/viet-nguyen-265801" target="_blank">here</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Why and how do we measure what consumers feel?

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A common stereotype of fraudsters is that they are psychopaths. That fraudsters are considered manipulative, callous and remorseless is understandable, considering the consequences of fraud. 
But these traits are not necessarily typical. Different people commit different types of fraud in different circumstances.
I reviewed decisions handed down in fraud trials and found that some fraudsters were completely remorseful, some were partly remorseful and others showed no remorse at all. Several fraudsters I interviewed described distress at violating their morals. One fraudster spoke of his regret at causing harm to his victims. 
False stereotypes of who fraudsters are, and why they do what they do, could lead us to go after the wrong people.
<h2>Stereotypes aren’t helping</h2>
That the “typical” fraudster is a middle-aged male manager is another stereotype. But this does not explain two of the largest frauds by individuals in Australian history, both committed by women – Rajina Subramaniam (A$45 million) and Sonya Causer ($20 million). 
Theories about fraud offer little help in predicting fraudsters. The dominant theory, The Fraud Triangle, presents fraud as comprising motive, opportunity and a justification. 
But it says nothing about who will have both a motive for fraud anddecide to commit fraud.
<h4><a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/152052/area14mp/image-20170108-18659-1uk63h0.png"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/152052/width754/image-20170108-18659-1uk63h0.png" alt=""></a></h4>
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<h4>
The Fraud Triangle and Diamond. Author provided
</h4>
An adaptation of The Fraud Triangle, The Fraud Diamond, adds an extra element – capability. The rationale is that some level of capability is needed to identify and exploit an opportunity for fraud. 
But, as I will explain later, this also is too simplistic. 
<h2>How to spot a fraudster</h2>
Opinions differ on whether fraudsters are different from the rest of us and, if so, what makes them different. Some fraudsters who offend to protect their employers are highly conscientious, irresponsible and lack regard for social norms. In contrast, fraudsters who offend for their own benefit have been found to be narcissistic and lacking conscientiousness.
Some fraudsters have gambling addictions, but not all addicts commit fraud. Some researchers question whether gambling may sometimes be an excuse rather than a reason for fraud. 
One of the fraudsters I interviewed described feeling desperate to provide for his family after some investments went bad. He said his shame about his crimes would prevent him from re-offending. Another said he would not re-offend because the risk of a criminal record could prevent him from providing for a family if he had one in future. 
The varied results from all this research show the folly in picking just one metric to try to identify a fraudster. Organisations that screen using only criminal records, for example, may wind up hiring more risky, rather than less risky, employees.
Anyway, most employees convicted of fraud do not have prior criminal records and may never re-offend.
Career fraudsters may not show up in a criminal records check. Some are smart or lucky enough not to be convicted, charged, or even caught. Previous employers may not realise they have been victimised. Employers may also decide not to involve the authorities to avoid bad publicity.
<h2>So what do you do?</h2>
So how do organisations predict which employees might commit fraud when there is no reliable psychological test to screen them? 
Employers need to start by avoiding what psychologists call a fundamental attribution error – focusing on characteristics of individuals while ignoring the effect of environment on their behaviour. This means that to predict who is likely to commit fraud, we need to understand the effect of fraudsters’ environments.
I have created a model to explain how different factors, involving both the potential fraudster and their wider context, may influence different stages of fraud in different ways.
<h4><a href="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/152054/area14mp/image-20170108-18641-bznfwg.png"><img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/152054/width754/image-20170108-18641-bznfwg.png" alt=""></a></h4>
<div class="enlarge_hint"> </div>
<h4>
The person-process model. Author provided
</h4>
As you can see, there is no one thing we can point to that leads to fraud. 
To illustrate the model using the capability element of The Fraud Diamond, an incompetent manager may start falsifying financial statements to disguise his or her mistakes. A lack of capability is no barrier if organisations have poor accounting controls. A smart fraudster may steal more money over a longer period than a less capable fraudster. He or she may also avoid detection altogether.
There is no silver bullet to stop fraudsters. Predicting who is likely to commit which type of fraud under which circumstances would involve comparing a lot of people in the same circumstances who offend and with those who don’t. But we don’t yet have the data to do this.
If employers want researchers to tell them which employees are likely to commit fraud, they need to help by reporting fraudsters to the authorities instead of sweeping their offences under the carpet. Researchers need to understand that someone who steals repeatedly may have more in common with a kleptomaniac than a serial killer.
In the meantime, we all need to consider that someone who steals to pay for medical treatment for a dying relative may have little in common with a billionaire Ponzi scheme operator.
Jennifer Wilson is combined PhD / Master of Organisational Psychology candidate, Macquarie University and author for The Conversation. She can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-wilson-132930" target="_blank">here</a>.
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There is no silver bullet to stop fraudsters

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Units in Brisbane are in a declining market according to the March property clock from Herron Todd White, with apartments in Canberra, Townsville and the Whitsundays at the bottom of the market.
Melbourne, the New South Wales Central Coast, Gold Coast and Newcastle are at market peak.
Apartments in Brisbane began to decline last month.
According to Herron Todd White's latest report you don’t need much coin to enjoy Brisbane, but the city does struggle to snag the sort of numbers (both in transactions and values) that Sydney and Melbourne property achieve.
"Among the major cities, Brisbane really is one that has plenty to offer the entry-level investor, but initial steps must include a realistic assessment of your finances and the ability to compromise now, in order to benefit later," HTW said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/5/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-05%20at%201.27.20%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/5/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-05%20at%201.27.20%20pm.jpg" alt="">
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"If you’re willing to position yourself a reasonable distance from the CBD, there are a plethora of options for first time buyers and investors.
"It’s all about realising this first purchase won’t necessarily be a home on the hill in St Lucia or penthouse in New Farm.
Target something that’s had some wear and tear but still includes that key property component of location. Nearby services and facilities are major factors in price growth.
"You can renovate the improvements, but you can’t relocate the real estate.
"Locations that are worth considering for first homeowners should include those with a comparably lower median house price.
"Think about addresses such as Runcorn, Calamvale, Drewvale, Doolandella, Salisbury, Coopers Plains, Heathwood and Forest Lake. Look for housing priced at sub-$600,000 (which is the typical Brisbane median house price). Although you are competing with investors in these locations, with enough preparation, you stand a great chance of nding your first home.
"Another area to search is our western corridor through to Ipswich. This patch offers some of our region’s lowest entry-level price points, and with great access to all the facilities you’d expect of a big city. There’s also great transport options if you do need to commute into the capital’s CBD.
Check out the suburb of Camira for some of those cheaper, larger blocks. If new housing is more your bag, then Springfield and Springfield Lakes are popular suburbs for first home buyers where there is affordability and proximity to both great public infrastructure and transport. It’s also kind of nice to be living in a brand new or near new home for your first foray into residential. However if you do choose second hand, it’s possible to get a three-bed, two-bath, one-car car dwelling on a small allotment at Spring eld Lakes from $330,000 to $380,000. There’s also the option to buy a townhouses or unit, although these historically don’t achieve the same capital growth as houses.
"If you’re an entry-level investor looking to be part of Brissie, then you’re probably considering units and townhouses at the moment – but as we’ve been warning for some time now, be careful!
"Off-the-plan investor stock that has limited appeal to owner- occupiers is at oversupply and the potential for capital gain is limited.
"Many investors are also looking at detached homes. We’ve seen a trend towards housing in areas like Sunnybank Hills, Macgregor and Coopers Plains where investors buy highset housing and rent out the lower level separately to increase the return.
"In the western corridor once more, investors like Redbank Plains, Gailes and Collingwood Park. These suburbs have very low price points for established housing and while touts can be modest, rent returns are strong.
"Overall, our advice for first time buyers is to be prepared and look for smart strategies that help you get into the market. Maybe there’s the option of gaining support from the bank of “mum and dad”. Even if they don’t have the ready cash, going guarantor on a loan can be great step up from your folks."
Property Observer found a two bedroom apartment with city views, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-brisbane+city-124760210" target="_blank">193/18 Tank Street</a> on the market for around $500,000 (below).
It last traded for $520,000 at the start of 2016.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-06%20at%2010.25.21%20AM.png" alt="">
 
A two bedroom, two bathroom inner city apartment with one car space, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-124871846" target="_blank">7026/7 Parkland Boulevard</a> Brisbane City, (below) is on the market for $649,000.
It last sold for $620,000 in 2015.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

March Brisbane apartment market in decline: HTW property clock

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Celebrity television renovation show stylist and former Vogue Living editor Robyn Holt and her husband, the actor Jim Holt sold their Woollahra home last March for $3.75 million to the Wang family.
The property was pulled unsold from the weekend's damp auction, just 12 months on from its bullish sale.
The top pre-auction offer was advised as $4.025 million.
This week it was suggested Sydney house prices had rocketed 18 percent over the past 12 months, though clearly not if you overpaid then.  
Designed by renowned 1930s architect F. Glynn Gilling, the three bedroom home has a private courtyard garden on its 250 sqm Wallaroy Road holding.
The Holt's had bought from DSC Personnel boss Tom Smith for $1.71 million for 2002, shortly before the family moved to Russia following Robyn's appointment as chief executive of Conde Nast to launch Vogue Russia. 
They have recently relocated to a $1.175 million Exeter, Southern Highlands retreat, along with an $880,000 bolthole in the Rex at Kings Cross.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Woollahra home back for sale after one year 

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ANZ is closing a loophole by tightening rules for investors attempting to switch their investment loan to a standard homeowner loan.
ANZ head of national broker distribution Simone Tilley has advised mortgage brokers it would like to "reinforce that it continues to accept both owner-occupier and investor borrower applications".
But it is also closing down a popular loophole where borrowers switch from investor loan rates to cheaper owner-occupier rates.  
From today, borrowers changing their investment loan to a home loan will need to provide supporting documents to prove it is not being used for investment purposes.
These will include evidence such as utility bills and car licence details.
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ANZ to close loophole for investment home loan switch

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Fox Footy League Teams co-host Paul Roos, the former Sydney Swans coach and wife Tami have snappily sold their redundant Coogee apartment for $3.1 million.
Mark McPherson and Emilee Tayyara at McGrath Coogee exchanged contracts on the whole-floor penthouse style apartment following its first open for inspection.
Paul was flying in from Hawaii and managed to sign the papers at the airport on his interconnecting flight to back to his Brighton, Melbourne base.
Paul and Tami bought the 247 sqm <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-coogee-124789250" target="_blank">2/28 Arcadia Street</a> apartment in 2015, spending $2,165,000 on the Allen Jack+Cottier designed space.
The couple who divide their time between Hawaii and Melbourne spent $3.85 million when upgrading from Elwood last year.
This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.
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Former Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos sells Coogee apartment for $3.1 million

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A five bedroom house with Sydney Harbour Bridge views at McMahons Point sold for $9.38 million, it was the highest priced result at the weekend auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mcmahons+point-124619422" target="_blank">3A Warung Street</a>, the property is placed in a prized waterfront enclave.
It has a tri-level design to incorporate a sequence of living areas including a sunlit alfresco entertaining with harbour views.
There is a gourmet Caesar stone kitchen along with stainless steel gas fittings.
The master bedroom has an ensuite.
Other features include underfloor heating, open fireplace and dual parking.
The property was offered through McGrath agents Peter Shiplee and Nigel Mukhi who suggested it was Sydney's lower north shore highest auction result this year.
After nine contracts were issued, just two interested parties competed for the home which was passed in at $9.1 million. It sold post auction to a couple reportedly downsizing from Hurstville.
The sale was well above the suburb's median of $2.305 million and more than double the highest sale of $4.25 million recorded in McMahons Point last year.
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McMahons Point harbour view house sold for $9.38 million 

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A fire damaged house at Melton West has been sold for $190,000, the cheapest weekend auction result across the country.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-melton+west-124683038" target="_blank">52 Chelmsford Way</a>, the six bedroom property sits on a 682 sqm block.
It was offered with potential for dual occupancy STCA.
The property is located less than a kilometre from Melton Waves and less than two kilometres from Woodgrove shopping centre.
It has potential for either a home or high rental property after repairs.
The property, offered through Professionals agent Travis Bawden, last traded at $200,000 in 2002.
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Fire damaged six bedroom Melton West house sold for $190,000

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The current Essendon captain, Dyson Heppell and a former club captain Matthew Lloyd both secured post auction sales for their Melbourne investment properties on the weekend.
Dyson Heppell’s three-bedroom <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-moonee+ponds-124554446" target="_blank">Moonee Ponds terrace</a> (above) fetched $1.44 million after being passed in at $1.35 million to its only bidder.
The 1880s Chaucer St offering had cost $1,065,000 in 2013.
It then became a $700 a week rental property.
Matthew Lloyd’s three-bedroom 1890s <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-albert+park-124659998" target="_blank">Albert Park cottage</a> (below) sold for $1.85 million after it passed in on a vendor bid of $1.8 million at its Greg Hocking Holdsworth auction.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-06%20at%209.01.13%20AM.png" alt="">
Renovated in 2007, it last sold at $1,477,500 in 2010. It became a $1000 a week rental property for the then recently retired champion.
"I thought what better place to invest than Albert Park," he told the Herald Sun.
“I was looking there and found a renovated property where I didn’t have to do any work and could rent it out.”
Heppell secured just over nine percent annual price growth during his three plus years while Lloyd achieved three percent annual growth during his six years.
No renovation work had been done by Heppell, while Lloyd recently put in a new bathroom, redid the floors and had given the whole house a repaint.
A five bedroom house with Sydney Harbour Bridge views at McMahons Point sold post-auction for $9.38 million, the highest priced result at weekend auctions across Australia.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-mcmahons+point-124619422" target="_blank">3A Warung Street</a>, (below) the tri-level property is set in a prized waterfront enclave.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-06%20at%209.02.18%20AM.png" alt="">
The property was offered through McGrath who suggested it was Sydney's lower north shore highest auction result so far this year.
After nine contracts were issued, just two interested parties competed for the home which was passed in at $9.1 million.
It sold post auction to a couple reportedly downsizing from Hurstville, according to Domain. 
Another highlight in Sydney saw the waterfront <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-balmain-124589878" target="_blank">1870s Balmain home</a> (below) of anthropology academic, Professor Richard Wright fetch $6.1 million, well above its $5.5 million reserve, when offered for the first time in more than five decades.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-06%20at%209.03.37%20AM.png" alt="">
A four bedroom 1920s Toorak home sold for $5.5 million was the highest priced result in Melbourne at the weekend auctions.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-124623202" target="_blank">684 Orrong Road</a>, below) the property set on 877 sqm of land had last traded almost 50 years ago.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-06%20at%209.04.28%20AM.png" alt="">
It was marketed with a price guide of $4 million plus through Marshall White agents Richard Mackinnon and Fraser Cahill.
The solid brick residence was marketed as available for immediate residency, renovation or development as apartments or townhouses.
It features leadlight windows, beamed ceilings and timber floors beginning from its reception hall.
Auction results continue their strong run into March, with the east coast auction engine rooms, Sydney and Melbourne recording an 80% clearance rate, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
SQM Research Louis Christopher said the weekend results showed that buyer demand was holding up even as more sellers come back into the market.
The property data firm says that the preliminary clearance rate across the combined capital cities fell slightly, from 78.4 per cent to 77.8 per cent, based on preliminary results.
The number of auctions held across the capitals was lower, with 2,714 held, compared to 3,301 over the previous weekend which was a record high for February.
"In comparison, over the corresponding weekend last year, both the combined capital city clearance rate and the number of auctions were lower, with 2,304 auctions held and 68.6 per cent reported as successful," Kevin Brogan, CoreLogic's auction commentator said. 
Sydney saw the clearance rate remain above 80 per cent for the fourth week in a row, and Melbourne for the second week in a row, while across the remaining cities; week-on-week results show a fall in clearance rates with the exception of Perth where results improved, and Tasmania, which remained unchanged over the week.
Melbourne was host to 1,399 auctions and preliminary results show a clearance rate of 80.4 per cent, down slightly from last week’s final clearance rate of 81 per cent across 1,635 auctions.
At the same time last year, Melbourne’s clearance rate was 72.1 per cent, with 1,236 auctions held across the city.
Melbourne’s Inner region was the busiest for auctions with 295 homes going under the hammer, followed by Inner South (260) and Inner East (179).
The North East region was the best performer in terms of Melbourne clearance rates, with an 87.6 per cent success rate across 133 auctions.
The REIV president Joseph Walton said he summer auction market, from December to February, has delivered the highest number of auction sales on record with close to 5,600 homes sold under the hammer.
Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate increased to 80.5 per cent from 80 per cent last week.
Auction volumes were lower this week with 886 homes taken to auction, compared to 1,210 last week.
The same weekend last year had a clearance rate of 68.7 per cent was recorded across 708 auctions.
The performance across Sydney’s regions was varied - across the South West region with a clearance rate was 66 per cent to the City and Inner South (88 per cent) and also the Northern Beaches (88 per cent).
Across Brisbane, the clearance rate was 59 per cent, down from 62 per cent but higher than one year ago (50 per cent).
Auction volumes were also down with 148 auctions, compared to 176 last weekend and a lower 133 last year.
Hendra had the top price when $3.5 million was paid for a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hendra-124694682" target="_blank">five bedroom home</a> (below) rich in original features.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-06%20at%209.05.29%20AM.png" alt="">
It was marketed by Ray White Real Estate as a modern Queenslander.
A total of 120 auctions were held in Adelaide, down from 122 last weekend, although higher than last year (99).
Preliminary results show 69 per cent sold, down from the prior 71 per cent when the city recorded the highest clearance rate for the year to date.
The preliminary clearance rate for Perth was 36 per cent, compared to 30 per cent last weekend and 21 per cent last year.
Canberra’s clearance rate fell to 70 per cent, after being recorded at 76 per cent last weekend.
There were 116 auctions held across Canberra, up from 103. 
An auction in Forde set a $1.4 million suburb record by $130,000, according to Domain.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/06/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-06%20at%209.06.32%20AM.png" alt="">
It was a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-forde-124693566" target="_blank">five bedroom offering</a> (above) on an 800 sqm block at 3 Arndt Street.
One year ago, 67 percent of Canberra’s 88 auctions cleared.
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Bomber Dyson Heppell sells in Moonee Ponds after weekend auction 

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Sentry Rock, the Hawkesbury River log cabin listed by the horse racing couple, Bob and Wendy Lapointe, is under offer.
They had $5 million expectations through Ray White Windsor agent Peter Chidgey for the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-spencer-124588930" target="_blank">Wiseman’s Ferry</a> retreat ahead of this week's scheduled auction.
They have owned the log cabin since 2011 when they paid $1.45 million for the retreat built by the late Sydney stockbroker, Rene Rivkin. 
It has been extensively expanded and renovated including a central spiral staircase which the Lapointe's imported from the United Kingdom.  
Rene Rivkin built it as a three bedroom house in the late 1990s but the Lapointes have added an extra wing.
Built by Appalachian Log Homes, the cabin was a favourite getaway for Rivkin, who used to fly or boat into the secluded riverfront location, set 60km North West of Sydney CBD.
"When Captain Arthur Phillip and his crew explored the Hawkesbury River in the 1780’s they came across a prominent, vertical slab of sandstone," the agent said.
"They gave this landmark the name Sentry Rock," he noted.
The Sentry Rock property is located on ten acres of flood free riverfront land with its main master craftsman built of Cypress log structure with cathedral ceilings and two separate bedroom wings.
All six bedrooms, four with ensuites, have views of the bushland and river. 
With no neighbours in sight on the Wisemans Ferry Road or on the other side of the river, the new owners will enjoy absolute privacy. 
The garden has an installed water fall and lily pond.
The riverside entertainment area comes with wood fired pizza oven, BBQ area and fire pit close to a sandy beach, boat ramp as well as a 33m x 7m munitions barge permanently moored for large deep water boat access.
The Lapointe's retain Muskoka Farm stud which is further down the road at Gunderman. 
Lapointe came to Australia when 26, later importing Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut and Sizzler.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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