One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<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/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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The preliminary auction clearance rate nudged higher over the first week of winter, however the number of auctions dipped compared with the previous week. 
There were 1,953 auctions held over the week, down from 2,480 last week, however higher than one year ago when 1,201 auctions were held and auction volumes were low due to the Queen’s birthday public holiday in all cities with the exclusion of Perth.
Preliminary results show that 70.4 percent of capital city auctions held this week were successful, rising from a final result of 67.7 percent last week. One year ago, across the lower number of auctions, 78.5 percent sold. Melbourne and Sydney, the two largest auction markets have maintained strength this week, while across the remaining, significantly smaller auction markets, results have been more varied.
<a href="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Capital-city.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Capital-city.png" alt="">
This week, 959 residential properties were taken to auction in Melbourne with 71.4 percent clearing, based on preliminary results. In comparison, over the previous week 1,170 auctions were held with a 71.5 percent clearance rate, while one year ago, given the following Monday was a public holiday, just 315 homes went to auction, with a strong clearance rate of 80.3 percent. While Melbourne as a whole had a clearance rate of 71.4 percent this week, across the individual sub-regions clearance rates ranged from as high as 79.2 percent across the Inner South region and as low as 60.6 percent across the South East region. The busiest sub-region for auctions was the Inner region with 180 auctions.
<a href="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Melbourne.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Melbourne.png" alt="">
Sydney’s clearance rate rose over the week from 73.2 percent last week to 76.7 percent. The number of auctions held across the city this week was lower than last week, at 654, compared to 811. One year ago 603 Sydney auctions were held with 88.7 percent clearing. So far this year, Sydney’s clearance rate has remained relatively robust, after dipping to as low as 52.9 percent at the end of last year. However, results across the city are substantially lower than they were at the same time last year, and the volume of auctions held over the year to date is around 20 percent lower. This week, the City and Inner South region had the strongest preliminary clearance result across the city (85.7 percent), followed by Ryde at 85 percent and Eastern Suburbs at 84.9 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Sydney.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Sydney.png" alt="">
This week auction activity across Brisbane fell, from 192 auctions last week to 129 this week. Last week Brisbane’s clearance rate was 41.7 percent, however preliminary results show a weekly rise to 55.4 percent this week. One year ago, 130 Brisbane auctions were held with a clearance rate of 48.5 percent. Across the Gold Coast, the preliminary clearance rate this week is 35.3 percent, compared to 40.7 percent last week. There were 46 auctions held across the region, down from 84 last week.
<a href="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Brisbane.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Brisbane.png" alt="">
The preliminary auction clearance rate for Adelaide was 67.2 percent this week, up from 52.6 percent last week, which was the second lowest clearance rate result seen across the city so far this year. 98 homes were taken to auction this week, compared to 125 last week. Over the corresponding week last year, 62 Adelaide auctions were held with 71.2 percent clearing.
<a href="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Adelaide.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/20160606-Adelaide.png" alt="">
Perth’s preliminary results show that 30 per cent of the 10 reported auctions were successful this week. Perth’s clearance rate tends to move around a lot, however this week’s result is only slightly lower than last week (30.6 percent) and down compared to last year (45.9 percent).
For the first time in five weeks, Canberra’s clearance rate edged over the 70 percent mark last week, recorded at 70.5 percent. This week, however, the clearance rate for the city fell to 46.8 percent across 77 auctions. One year ago, Canberra’s final auction clearance rate for the week was 61.3 percent across 38 auctions.
8 auctions were held across Tasmania this week, with 4 reported so far and 3 sold.
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smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Auction clearance rate maintains strength over first week of winter: CoreLogic's Shana Miller 

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The former Austrian tennis champion Thomas Muster has listed one of his Noosa Heads riverfront properties at $5.9 million.
It was the first he bought on the water paying $2.8 million in 2013, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-noosa+heads-122755794" target="_blank">with the house then designed by architect Tim Ditchfield</a>, according to the marketing by Tom Offerman who declined to comment. 
Muster has most mystified since he's consolidated three nearby properties for a combined $9.9 million, though no application has yet been lodged with council.
Muster first bought into Noosa in 1994 when he paid $1 million for Cintamani, a 35-hectare hinterland property.
He sold it in 2002 for $7.6 million and bought back in 2006, spending $3.5 million on Noosa Hill, which he later sold to motor racing driver Mark Webber.
Muster spends time in Queensland because his former wife, Jo Beth Taylor, the former Australia's Funniest Home Videos host, has resided there on the Sunshine Coast with their son.
This article was first published in the Weekend Australian Mansion Australia property section. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Thomas Muster lists Noosa home

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The weather failed to inflict much damage on the east coast residential sales success despite the hazardous first auction weekend of winter.
Sydney’s clearance rate rose from 73 percent last week to 76 per cent, according to the preliminary CoreLogic RP Data tally. The Domain data even suggested it bettered 80 percent.
Auction prices across Sydney ranged between $348,000 in Canley Vale and $5.7 million in Strathfield.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-122626106" target="_blank">It was a contemporary Strathfield home</a> with the most modern of fireplaces featured in the living room at 20 Llandilo Avenue, Strathfield.
There were four bidders - from among the 12 registered parties - after the opening $4.5 million offer at the auction by Strathfield Partners agent Hawre Ahmad.
The Sydney auctioneer Damien Cooley noted that while fewer attendees come to onsite auctions when the weather isn’t friendly, the percentage of serious bidders among the attendees actually increases.
"You know you have a keen buyer if they are turning up to your auction," Damien Cooley said on the turn in the weather. 
There was a similiar tick-up trend, with the reduced early winter offerings, in Brisbane where vendors fared well too despite rising flood waters.
Brisbane’s clearance rate rose from 41 percent last week to 55 percent.
Melbourne's success rate held steady at 71 percent with prices ranging between $240,000 in Braybrook and $5.1 million in East Melbourne.
Around 959 residential properties were taken to auction in Melbourne down on the 1,170 auctions in the prior week as the winter slowdown commences.
Lower winter market listings will become even more noticeable from the Queen’s Birthday holiday break. 
The winter property auction hibernation doesn't necessarily happen across all Sydney suburbs, according to CoreLogic RP Data statistics.
Since 2011 Sydney auction volumes have jumped over the three month winter season from around 5000 offerings to 11,000 listings.
The forthcoming federal election might distract some potential vendors but recent July auction volumes have been Sydney’s busiest on record.
Auction hibernation continues to happen more so in Sydney's higher-priced suburbs through winter as overseas vacations are popular with owners and agents alike.
Garden suburb vendors also tend to hold back too until spring.
"June and July usually see’s the average number of buyers taper off, and this was certainly evident in the first weekend of June," auctioneer Rocky Bartolotto said.
"Give the very wet day, it’s fair to say that any buyers at auctions were no doubt very serious about securing a property," he added.
He advised certain Sydney properties continued to attract high inspections usually matched with a higher number of registered buyers.
The average was four bidders, Bartolotto noted, down from six to seven buyers last June.
But the recent strong autumn sales period must ensure there are still plenty of committed buyers around as we head into winter, James Pratt, director of auction services at Raine &amp; Horne said.
Estate agent John McGrath also recently suggested that winter was not a bad time to sell.
"Actually, the opposite is usually true," he said especially as buyers with approved finance are typically only given six months to buy before they have to re-apply, so they don’t have time to take three months off over winter.
Some lenders are imposing tougher new borrowing conditions that reduce the amount property buyers qualify for as the six months comes up, according to Mortgage Choice, the listed broker.
Conditions used to assess a property loan are being tightened so that living expenses are increased, assessable incomes reduced and the maximum amount borrowed cut in some cases by more than 10 percent, the brokerage told Fairfax Media. 
It cited an example of a couple six months ago earning net income of about $116,000 could have qualified for a loan of about $1.1 million, according to Mortgage Choice analysis.
Under the new rules they would qualify for about $70,000 less, although during this period variable rates have been reduced by up to 25 basis points.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Auction heat remains in Strathfield result despite winter's onset

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GUEST OBSERVER
For prospective buyers of property many understand that they require at least a 5 to 10 percent deposit to purchase a property.
However, what I generally find upon sitting down with a new client is that most aren’t aware that ALL lenders look at the various types of property (also referred to as ‘security’) and rate them with different LVRs. Now what exactly is an LVR? It stands for ‘Loan to Value Ratio’. In a nutshell the way you get a LVR rating is to divide the loan amount by the property’s value. So for example if you have a loan for $800,000 secured by a property worth $1,000,000, then the LVR is 80 percent.
For most standard residential suburban homes/ apartments, banks will generally lend on LVRs anywhere from 90 to 97 percent (inclusive of any Lenders Mortgage insurance). However, there are many properties that are regarded as being of more risk to the bank and are referred to as non-standard securities. Consequently, the maximum LVR the bank wants to be exposed to is less. Below is an example of just some of the restrictions on LVRs for different property types:
Small Apartments/ Bedsit/ Studio
An apartment greater than 40 sqm but less than 50sqm of internal space (and this excludes the balcony and car spot), will see many lenders refuse to lend on these properties altogether. However, those that do, range diversely in the maximum LVR they’ll go to.
Some will go to a maximum of 60 percent whereas there are few that will go up to 95 percent. If you do find a property that has less than 40 sqm, there are only a handful that will consider the deal and often it is assessed on a ‘case by case’ basis with a low LVR applied.
Serviced Apartments/ Student Accommodation
Of the lenders that will consider these securities, the maximum is normally around an LVR of 60 percent to 70 percent regardless of the size of the property.
Over-55 Complexes
At the moment, it’s hard to find lenders out there that will consider these properties due to the fact that if the bank had to sell the property because of a borrower’s default on repayments, then the bank is heavily restricted in who they can sell it to recoup their money. Areas such as the Northern Beaches of Sydney are getting more and more of these complexes so it will be interesting to see if banks change their thinking on this form of security as the Australian populace ages.
Rural Properties
Lenders have varying LVRs when it comes to the assortment of property types available in rural/regional areas. For example if the residential property is 10 hectares or less, is located in a serviced rural/ country town, is connected to power, a landline, sewage, and road access then you can possibly go up to an LVR of 95 percent.
If you are looking at a hobby farm that is between 10 to 50 hectares then some lenders will go to LVRs between 60 to 90 percent. Over 50 hectares and less than 200 hectares is limited to only a few lenders who may go as low as 50 percent on the LVR. In most, if not all cases, the rural property cannot be used for commercial income purposes other than renting out the residence to a tenant.
Company Title
These forms of title are generally restricted to older styled apartments which predate 1961 when strata title was introduced. Since 1961 most apartments have been registered as strata title. It’s in Sydney’s eastern suburbs where the majority of company titled properties are located in NSW. Whilst many lenders won’t lend to these sorts of properties, those that normally do, lend to a maximum LVR between 70 and 85 percent.
In Conclusion
When it comes to financing a property purchase it is always best to engage the services of a qualified mortgage broker who is able to help advise you on what you need to know when it comes to selecting a non-standard security.
Reuben Brown is lending manager of Horizon Mortgages and can be contacted <a href="https://www.horizonmortgages.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Property 101: What is an LVR Loan to Value Ratio?

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Fireplaces are set to become an important selling feature as winter arrives, although selling agents haven't yet lit them all ablaze.
There were three downstairs fireplaces - but none lit in the marketing - at the East Melbourne top seller where the 1904 Chedhertha (above) fetched $5.1 million.
Listed by Caine Real Estate, 36-38 Hotham Street had $4.6 million-plus price guidance having last sold 93 years ago. The family who paid 2000 pounds in the 1920s for the quaint house named it after their children – Cedric, Herman and Bertha.
More elaborate fireplaces were on display, and in one room quitemodern, but again none of them were lit in the marketing of 231 Canterbury Road, St Kilda West (below) which was among the weekend's highest sales in Melbourne.
The Marshall White agent Michael Paproth sold it shortly after it was passed in at $4.85 million, with the buyers' agency in attendance, noting three bidders.
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-06%20at%209.11.30%20AM.png" alt="" width="578" height="370">
There was a blazing fire place at an architectural gem on offer at Mosman, although the $2.29 million buyer will knock down the Modernist, Arthur Cozens-designed two-bedroom house at 20 Bullecourt Avenue (below).
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-06%20at%209.13.02%20AM.png" alt="">
The 1950s Mosman home commissioned by the late Stella Tottenham, an editor of the national architecture magazine Architecture, fetched $290,000 more than its reserve at weekend auction. 
Cozens designed a two-level, flat-roofed house sited high above Middle Harbour, built in warm-toned face brick with white timber fascias, sun-break louvres and window frames, an open-plan living space with fire place lined with natural timber, along with a window wall oriented to the view.
It was such cleverness of Australian small house design that was proclaimed in issue after issue of Architecture.
At Bellevue Hill the modern architectually-designed home that appeared on ABC's Dream Build series in 2013 has been listed for private treaty sale.
The 2010 new-build took on the best parts of the 1960s home designed by architect Henry Rossler that sat on the 923 sqm land parcel.
The four bedroom home was designed by Marsh Cashman Koolloos Architects (below).
<img src="/images/2016/06/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-06%20at%209.15.18%20AM.png" alt="">
It comes with a Cheminees Chazelles double-side, wood-burning fireplace.
Alison Coopes at Agency by Alison Coopes is taking offers on the Bulkara Road property with $10 million plus likely interest. 
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Fireplaces not quite ablaze at weekend auction offerings

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/57114/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
The Australian government recently released an ambitious Smart Cities Plan, which suggests that cities should be first and foremost for people:
If our cities are to continue to meet their residents’ needs, it is essential for people to engage and participate in planning and policy decisions that have an impact on their lives.
Such statements are a good starting point – and should probably become central to Australia’s implementation efforts. A lot of knowledge has been collected over the past decade from successful and failed smart cities experiments all over the world; reflecting on them could provide useful information for the Australian government as it launches its national plan.
<h2>What is a smart city?</h2>
But, before embarking on such review, it would help to start from a definition of “smart city”.
The term has been used and abused in recent years, so much so that today it has lost meaning. It is often used to encompass disparate applications: we hear people talk and write about “smart city” when they refer to anything from citizen engagement to Zipcar, from open data to Airbnb, from smart biking to broadband.
Where to start with a definition? It is a truism to say the internet has transformed our lives over the past 20 years. Everything in the way we work, meet, mate and so on is very different today than it was just a few decades ago, thanks to a network of connectivity that now encompasses most people on the planet.
In a similar way, we are today at the beginning of a new technological revolution: the internet is entering physical space – the very space of our cities – and is becoming the Internet of Things; it is opening the door to a new world of applications that, as with the first wave of the internet, can incorporate many domains.
From a more philosophical point of view, one could refer to the great Xerox-Park computer scientist Mark Weiser, and his idea of non-intrusive – or “calm” – technology. Weiser wrote:
Ubiquitous computing names the third wave in computing, just now beginning. First were mainframes, each shared by lots of people. Now we are in the personal computing era, person and machine staring uneasily at each other across the desktop. Next comes ubiquitous computing, or the age of calm technology, when technology recedes into the background of our lives.
<h2>What should governments do?</h2>
In the above technological context, what should governments do? Over the past few years, the first wave of smart city applications followed technological excitement.
For instance, some of Korea’s early experiments such as Songdo City were engineered by the likes of Cisco, with technology deployment assisted by top-down policy directives.
In a similar way, in 2010, Rio de Janeiro launched the Integrated Centre of Command and Control, engineered by IBM. It’s a large control room for the city, which collects real-time information from cameras and myriad sensors suffused in the urban fabric.
Such approaches revealed many shortcomings, most notably the lack of civic engagement. It is as if they thought of the city simply as a “computer in open air”. These approaches led to several backlashes in the research and academic community.
A more interesting lesson can come from the US, where the focus is more on developing a rich Internet of Things innovation ecosystem. There are many initiatives fostering spaces – digital and physical – for people to come together and collaborate on urban and civic innovations.
In the US, the general idea of smart urban space has been central to the current generation of successful start-ups. One of the latest examples is Uber: a smartphone app that lets anyone call a cab or be a driver. The company’s operations are polarising – Uber has been the subject of protests and strikes around the world (mainly in Europe) – yet it was recently valued at a stratospheric US$50 billion.
Beyond Uber, the Nest learning thermostat, the apartment-sharing website Airbnb and the recently announced “home operating system” by Apple, to name a few, attest to the new frontiers of digital information when it inhabits physical space.
Similar approaches now promise to revolutionise most aspects of urban life – from commuting to energy consumption to personal health. As such, they are receiving eager support from venture capital funds.
In such a context, governments could use their funds to develop an organic innovation ecosystem geared toward smart cities, similar to the one that is growing in the US. It is more about bottom-up innovation than top-down schemas.
This must go beyond supporting traditional incubators and aim to produce and nurture the regulatory frameworks that allow innovations to thrive. Considering the legal hurdles that continuously plague applications like Uber or Airbnb, this level of support is sorely needed.
<h2>So, any active smart city role for Canberra?</h2>
That isn’t to say that governments should take a completely hands-off approach to urban development. Governments certainly have an important role to play. This includes supporting academic research and promoting applications in fields that might be less appealing to venture capital – unglamorous but nonetheless crucial domains such as municipal waste or water services.
The public sector can also promote the use of open platforms and standards in such projects, which would speed up adoption in cities worldwide.
Still, the overarching goal should always be to focus on citizens. They are in the best position to determine how to transform their cities and to make decisions that will have – as the Australian Smart Cities Plan puts it – “an impact on their lives”.
Carlo Ratti is director of MIT Senseable City Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/carlo-ratti-260160" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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Smart cities: while governments talks, it's citizens who create them

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GUEST OBSERVER
Having cut its cash rate by 25bp last month, in response to the very low Q1 CPI print, we see the RBA on hold this month.
Although inflation is below the 2-3 percent target, strong local growth is expected to gradually lift inflation back to target over time 
Our central case is for a further 25bp cut in August; however, the RBA will have a keen eye on the Fed, as a further large fall in the AUD could obviate the need for another cut 
The Fed and the AUD 
The key local development over the past month has been the upside surprise to Q1 GDP, which grew by a stronger-than-expected 3.1 percent y-o-y. However, most of the surprise was to exports, with growth in domestic demand remaining only modest and local income growth quite weak. 
In short, although the RBA could consider revising up its growth forecasts as a result of the Q1 GDP print, the composition of the growth means that the outlook for low inflation is likely to remain unchanged. 
However, we do think that the stronger GDP combined with the signs of continued modest improvement in the labour market are likely to keep the RBA from considering a cut in June or July. Indeed, given that the driving factor for the 3 May 25bp cut was the surprisingly weak Q1 CPI print, and that the meeting’s minutes revealed that the RBA board was hesitant about that cut, we think the RBA will need to see the Q2 CPI before it would consider a further cut. 
Our central case is for the RBA to cut its cash rate by a further 25bp to 1.50 percent in August, following the Q2 CPI print (we expect the trimmed mean to be around 0.4-0.5% q-o-q), and for the central bank to hold steady at 1.50% over subsequent quarters.
 However, as always, there are risks to this forecast. A key factor in play at the moment is the Federal Reserve. An improving US economy and more hawkish commentary from Fed officials mean that the market is now pricing in a 55 percent likelihood of a Fed hike by July (HSBC’s economists expect a 25bp Fed hike in September). 
A key result of the more hawkish Fed has been a depreciation of the AUD, which has fallen from USD0.78 in mid-April to around USD0.72 recently. At same time, commodity prices have held up, particularly supported by higher iron ore prices. 
If the Fed does lift its policy rate in coming months and this pushed the AUD lower, it could discourage the RBA from cutting. In addition, local housing prices are, once again, rising, which could make the RBA more reluctant to cut further. We see the RBA on hold in June and July, and have a cut pencilled in for August, after the Q2 CPI. However, the risk to this view is that the RBA delivers less, not more, in our view.
<a href="/images/2016/06/03/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-03%20at%203.39.47%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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The June meeting is likely to be uneventful
The key development since the RBA’s last meeting has been the upside surprise to the Q1 GDP numbers. GDP rose by a stronger-than-expected 1.1 percent in the first quarter and was 3.1 percent higher y-o-y (Chart 1). However, the upside surprise mainly came from exports, while domestic demand and local income growth remained too weak to lift inflation. The consumption deflator – which is the measure of consumer price inflation in the GDP numbers – was particularly weak, falling -0.1 percent q-o-q and up only 1.2 percent y-o-y. This helps to explain why underlying inflation fell to a more than two-decade low in the first quarter, despite the strong GDP growth.
The range of other domestic indicators has generally shown solid growth. Building approvals were stronger than expected, prolonging the housing construction boom, and the retail numbers for April were solid (3.6 percent y-o-y). Jobs growth was as expected in April (2.1 percent y-o-y) and the unemployment rate was steady at 5.7 percent. Our labour market index, which aggregates a collection of timely jobs market indicators, suggests continued modest improvement in labour market conditions (Chart 2).
In sum, although inflation is too low, and the case could be made for a further cut, an immediate cut seems unlikely. Keep in mind that the RBA has a ‘flexible’ inflation-targeting regime, which allows the CPI to be outside the band for periods of time, without requiring an immediate response. The RBA’s own forecasts have underlying inflation remaining below the bottom edge of the target band until mid-2018 (Chart 3). The key question the RBA will now be asking, month-to-month, is whether developments over the past month make it more or less likely that inflation heads back to target over that time horizon.
In this document HSBC may comment on the potential economic impact dependent on the outcome of the UK Referendum. HSBC is not taking a political position and this document and the information contained herein are not intended to promote or procure, or otherwise be in connection with promoting or procuring, a particular outcome in relation to the question asked in the UK Referendum.
 
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What the Fed could mean for the RBA
A key development that could affect the local inflation outlook and the RBA’s willingness to cut further is the recent shift in policy rate expectations of the Federal Reserve. The main channel through which this impacts the RBA is the effect it could have on the AUD.
The AUD has already fallen from a peak of USD0.78 in mid-April to around USD0.72 recently (Chart 4). At same time, commodity prices have held up, particularly supported by higher iron ore prices, which has driven the commodity price index to an seven-month high in AUD terms. The fall in the AUD should help to support growth, particularly as growth is being more driven by services exports, which are exchange-rate sensitive. The lower AUD should also help to lift inflation.
Watching what the Federal Reserve does in coming months has a bearing on the RBA’s outlook largely through its likely effect on the AUD.
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<a href="https://www.about.hsbc.com.au/hsbc-in-australia/management-team" target="_blank">PAUL BLOXHAM</a> IS CHIEF ECONOMIST (AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND) FOR HSBC. 
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RBA on hold, with a keen eye on the Fed: HSBC's Paul Bloxham

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Last month’s surprise cash rate cut is unlikely to be the last for 2016, according to finder.com.au, one of Australia’s biggest comparison websites. 
While all 31 experts (100 percent) in the <a href="https://finder.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc5e9bce699fa1d71a67cf499&amp;id=7dc80c0687&amp;e=58cd8ffd03" target="_blank">finder.com.au Reserve Bank Survey</a> are forecasting the cash rate will hold at the new historic low of 1.75 percent at the Reserve Bank board meeting tomorrow (7 June 2016), 68 percent (21/31) predict there’s a further cut on the way this year 
Most of these experts (14/31 or 45 percent) are tipping August as the month most likely for a rate cut. Three experts (10 percent) are forecasting September for a rate drop, while four experts (13 percent) think we’ll have to wait until November.  
As for how low the cash rate may drop this cycle, the majority (60 percent) of experts are forecasting it will fall to 1.50 percent, while 12 percent believe there’s scope for the cash rate to cut to even lower than this. 
Bessie Hassan, Money Expert at <a href="https://finder.us9.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=cc5e9bce699fa1d71a67cf499&amp;id=8be71cac36&amp;e=58cd8ffd03" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>, says it’s now more important than ever for first home buyers to do their research before entering the market.
“Despite an attractive low rate market, one-third (33 percent) of experts thought that the market pre-GFC was more suitable for first home buyers. Just 10 percent believed the current combination of economic factors in Australia (low interest rates and fluctuating house prices) makes this the best market for first home buyers since the GFC,” says Ms Hassan.
Reasons cited include deteriorating affordability and lack of government stimulus. 
“State governments have different levels of support for first home buyers. Check your state government website to ensure that you’re aware of any grants or concessions that are available to you.”
For example, under the New South Wales First Home - New Home scheme, eligible first home buyers are exempt from transfer duty on new homes valued up to $550,000, while those residing within Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not have any duty concessions available to them.
First home buyers also need to be careful when considering their home loan options, Ms Hassan says. 
“While the cash rate is at a historic low, don’t be enticed by a low advertised rate alone. Make sure you look at the comparison rate on offer, as this is a better reflection of the cost of the loan.  
“Also factor in the features and flexibility of the loan and think about your current and future lifestyle and how these may be impacted financially. For example, if you’re thinking of having children or if you don’t have job security, you may opt for a fixed rate loan for greater peace of mind.  
“There are some fantastic deals out there – for both variable and fixed loans – but you’ve got to make sure you do the groundwork to reap the benefits of a low rate environment.”
Keep in mind, however, that low rates won’t hang around forever, she says. “Two in five experts are predicting a recovery next year, saying a rate rise is in the pipeline beyond 2016.”  
When asked about recent warnings that Australian property market prices could rise by 10 percent by 2020, 35 percent of experts agreed with this prediction. Thirty percent of experts are forecasting a rise of 5 percent by 2020, while 25% predict no change or a drop in house prices between now and then. 
What our experts had to say in the June Reserve Bank Survey: 
Shane Oliver, AMP Capital: "While I expect the RBA to cut the cash rate again this year, not enough will have happened to bring on another move by the June meeting." 
Peter Munckton, Bank of Queensland: "We have had no new information to change RBA's view that 1.75% is the right rate."
Richard Robinson, BIS Shrapnel: "The last cut successfully engineered a fall in the dollar, which the RBA desired. Although inflation is low, deflation is unlikely (oil prices have already risen sharply since January), and the economic growth is sufficient to prevent a marked increase in the unemployment rate. Better to leave some rate cuts for later – when they might need them."
Chris Caton, BT Financial Group: "The Bank may cut again but it is not in a hurry."
Dr Andrew Wilson, Domain Group: "RBA to take a wait and see approach after last month’s cut with data remaining mixed. Inflation critical but bias remains solidly for another cut this year although a near-term rise in US rates may stay the RBA hand." 
Scott Morgan, Greater Bank: "The RBA will wait to see the impact of the most recent cuts. There is no recent economic data that would change the RBA's view." 
Mark Brimble, Griffith University: "While bias remains to easing, the RBA is likely to tread carefully and wait for the reaction to the previous month’s rate cut to emerge and further data in relation to confidence, inflation, lending and capital expenditure prior to easing again."
Mandeep Sodhi, HashChing: "RBA would want to wait till August 2016 to see the flow on effects from rate cut in May 2016. The July 2016 election results will also give some clear directions and would make sense to wait till August 2016. There are no compelling reasons for RBA to change the interest rate in immediate short term. This is a good time for existing homeowners to revisit the interest rate they are getting and negotiate a better rate from existing lender. Home owners do not need to wait for another rate cut in this competitive market where lenders including  big 4 banks are offering home loan interest rates below 4% p.a."
Jason Spencer, homely.com.au: "The Australian economy is looking stronger, global issues are dissipating and the Australian dollar is falling so rates should remain on hold on June 7." 
Shane Garrett, Housing Industry Association: "The RBA will take time to assess the consequences of its May rate cut as well as possible developments in inflation before moving on rates again." 
Paul Bloxham, HSBC: "They just cut last month and, in our view, will want to see the Q2 CPI print before considering a further move."
Michael Witts, ING Bank: "Given low inflation was the driver behind the May decision we would suggest that the RBA will look for further data on this front."
James Boyle, Liberty: "It’s hard to ignore the downgraded inflation forecasts the Board issued earlier in the month, although I still don’t see another cut coming until at least August. This is despite jobs growth and unemployment remaining modest, but steady, and wage growth continuing to slow. The Board will no doubt be monitoring the impacts of the last rate cut on the country’s stronger property markets. Auction clearance rates in Sydney performed strongly on back-to-back weekends in May, while Melbourne is seeing listing numbers similar to the same time as last year. First home buyers and investors are returning to the market with the promise of lower interest rates – and this is improving the outlook for the sector. At the same time Mr Stevens has expressed that there is a bit of flexibility in the RBA’s inflation target, so we’re likely to see the cash rate hold for a few months, despite inflation being low, to see if other improvements come about. Economic recovery abroad in the US and Europe is tipped to be slow and steady over the coming years and I don’t foresee Australia being any different.” 
Grant Harrod, LJ Hooker: "The RBA will now monitor the effect last month's rate cut has on the economy. Lending institutions continue to de-risk the housing market by raising rates to investors, and limiting borrowing by non-resident buyers. This is resulting in price growth moderating and also allows the RBA to cut rates further, later in the year, as needed."
Stephen Koukoulas, Market Economics: "Economy doing reasonably well – no need for further monetary policy stimulus."
John Caelli , ME: "Having just cut, the RBA will likely hold until August to assess CPI figures before cutting again to confirm their initial assessment. The RBA continue to target inflation within a 2 to 3 percent band over the longer term." 
Mark Crosby, Melbourne Business School: "Having just cut, and with the US likely to raise there is no compelling reason to cut despite low inflation numbers."
Effie Zahos, Money Magazine: "The next inflation report isn't due until July 27 so it could be a case of hold steady until August." 
Emily Dabbs, Moody's Analytics: "The central bank will likely wait to see if the May rate cut has bolstered domestic demand and put upward pressure on inflation. Further rate cuts are likely down the track." 
Jessica Darnbrough, Mortgage Choice: "There are a couple of reasons why the Reserve Bank may choose to leave the official cash rate on hold this month. In the first instance, unemployment remains low, sitting at 5.7%. Secondly, consumer sentiment has improved significantly over the last month - both of which are positive signs for the broader economy.”
Christopher Schade, MyState Bank: "There's no urgent need to deliver another cut to the Australian economy with the Australian dollar weaker, the economy going OK and May's cut requiring some time to work through the economy. It is more likely the RBA will take some time to see how the Australian economy and global conditions develop over the coming months before making any further changes to the cash rate."
Saul Eslake, Independent Economist and Financial Commentator: "They have responded to the lower-than-expected CPI, the currency has since fallen quite a lot, their other forecasts for economic growth and unemployment haven't changed, no need to lower rates again."
Alan Oster, NAB: "Too early to judge inflation and non mining outlook."
Jonathan Chancellor, Property Observer: "The last move is enough." 
Matthew Peter, QIC: "Having cut in May, the RBA will await the next read of inflation in July before deciding whether to cut another 25 basis points." 
Noel Whittaker, QUT: "[The RBA are] awaiting the outcome of last cut" 
Angus Raine, Raine &amp; Horne: "The RBA made a big call in dropping interest rates last month, and with the Federal Election on the horizon, I don't expect any movement this month." 
Nathan McMullen, RAMS: "Further assessment of impact of recent monetary easing required."
Janu Chan, St.George Bank: "The RBA will choose to wait a while after the decision to cut rates at its last meeting. "
Scott Pape, The Barefoot Investor: "The cuts are coming… just not this month."
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No rate cut at June RBA meeting

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The NSW Fair Trading department will not be appealing the judgement by the magistrate of Blacktown Local Court that dismissed all charges against BresicWhitney Estate Agents Pty Ltd for falsely understating the estimated selling prices when marketing properties in 2014.
After a considerably delayed trial, the dismissal came on a technicality concerning the term ‘employee’ in the Property Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 (the Act).
In this case the ‘operating’ arm of the business was the licence holder and undertook the business of a real estate agent.
A subsidiary company ‘employed’ the employees.
As a result the court found the ‘employees’ who made the statements about price, which were less than the estimated selling price in the agency agreement, were not technically employed by the licensed agent.
"This is not the policy intent of the provisions and in his findings the Magistrate acknowledged the likelihood that the business was structured in a way that would insulate it to some degree against liability in the event of such matters," a department spokesperson advised.
While the prosecution was taken under the old laws, the Government is now committed to legislative repair.
"Consumers can be assured any legal loopholes will be closed," the spokesperson advised.
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No appeal in BresicWhitney underquoting case

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Construction costs in Australia put it the 14th most expensive out of 38 countries surveyed for the latest International Construction Market Survey from Turner &amp; Townsend, with national construction costs expected to rise 2.5 percent on average in 2016 compared to 2.9 percent globally.
Zurich took out first spot with Perth at 18, Melbourne at 20 and Brisbane at 22nd.
Gary Emmett, senior economist for Turner &amp; Townsend comments said since last year’s survey, Australia’s construction costs have only increased a few percent in contrast to other countries where markets are overheated. 
He said to ensure Australian prices stay at reasonable levels, the construction industry must think differently and look for cost savings within the supply chain where the biggest savings and innovation can be found including manufacturing production, design and logistics.
“The industry needs to collaborate with suppliers to look for savings as opposed to traditional adversarial relationships. The use of building information modelling (BIM) will help the industry collaborate to gather data and share plans throughout the lifecycle of an asset to find greater cost saving efficiencies,” he said.
"The costs across Australia’s four major markets show Brisbane increased by 4 per cent in the past 12 months, Sydney hit 3.5 per cent while Perth and Melbourne recorded cost increases of 1 per cent respectively.
“For example, Brisbane and Sydney’s apartment booms have led to the increase in costs in these states. Perth has remained relatively steady due to the mining boom finishing and Melbourne is now experiencing a flat period following a busy apartment boom.
“We are also witnessing increased tender competition which is driving down profit margins.  There is an opportunity now for the industry to look at different delivery and commercial models to improve productivity and margin on projects."
The International Construction Market Survey 2016 analyses input costs uch as labour and materials and charts the average construction cost per sq m for both commercial and residential projects. It can be found <a href="https://turnerandtownsend.cld.bz/icms-16" target="_blank">here</a>.
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