Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bottega-property-group">Bottega House</a> has secured council approval for its first Brisbane project - a $270 million luxury residential development on an absolute riverfront site in leafy St Lucia.&nbsp;

The 15-storey project, known as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-lucia-by-bottega-house-180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">St Lucia by Bottega House</a> , will occupy a prime north-facing site at 178-180 Macquarie Street, directly fronting the Brisbane River in the established inner-west suburb known for its rowing clubs, golf courses and sprawling University of Queensland campus.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House will feature a suite of amenities including dedicated wellness spaces, a mineral pool and cold plunge. The project has been positioned to attract affluent owner-occupiers seeking high-quality, house-sized apartments.&nbsp;

Bottega House has been set up by co-directors Nick Malloch, Louis Mennes and Craig Marsh.

Malloch said the project drew inspiration from its Brisbane River setting and leafy inner-west surrounds, while responding to the demands of discerning locals looking to transition from freestanding homes into apartment living.&nbsp;

"With an expansive river frontage and lush green surrounds, we knew we had to create something special that reflects the natural beauty of the location while offering residents masterfully crafted homes," said Malloch.&nbsp;

"Our intent was to complement the project's quiet, private setting by introducing residences that offer a calm retreat and sanctuary from the everyday. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture, interiors and amenity that emphasises wellbeing, comfort and beauty without excess."&nbsp;

Malloch added that project consultants had been carefully selected in alignment with Bottega House's commitment to care, quality and attention to detail. The design team includes architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a>, interiors practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/urbis">Urbis</a>.&nbsp;

Three-bedroom apartments are expected to start around $5 millio. Selling agents Keenan &amp; Byrne said the pricing strategy for the project was anticipated to achieve upwards of $25,500 per square metre.&nbsp;

The project's development approval this week follows the success of Bottega House's inaugural Queensland project - a 22-storey collection of full-floor sky homes at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast which included the sale of a two-storey penthouse at a record price for a beachside residence.&nbsp;

St Lucia by Bottega House is expected to launch to market in November, with construction anticipated to be completed mid 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151826]

Joel Robinson

Bottega House to make Brisbane debut with St Lucia riverfront apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is advancing its affordable apartment model into Brisbane with the acquisition of another site at Cordelia Street in South Brisbane for $27 million.

Sherpa, which has a $1.7 billion pipeline across Southeast Queensland, intends to bring a cohort of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers into its proposed 186-apartment project to be built at 2 Cordelia Street.

The Sherpa model has already been incredibly well received from their Gold Coast projects, where Sherpa Group set aside a number of apartments exclusively for first homebuyers.

The new $320 million project marks Sherpa Group's second development in Brisbane, following its $255 million Symphony project, also on Cordelia Street, which is currently under construction.

Symphony will deliver 146 apartments across 28 levels, offering a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. With 114 already sold, construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=351654]

Sherpa Founder, Christie Leet, said the company was excited to be venturing into Brisbane for its second residential project.

“We’re big believers in the future of Brisbane as we lead into the 2032 Olympics and beyond,” Leet said.

“The success of Symphony has guided us into what will be our second project and we look forward to submitting our plans with council soon so we can deliver yet another quality project to the inner city residential market.

“Our Flourish model has been very well received both in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and we’re excited to be able to offer some of these apartments again exclusively to first homebuyers to help get them into the property market.

“The model has been extraordinarily well received in our previous projects and it is something we are committed to moving forward.”

2 Cordelia Street will be designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hal-architects">HAL Architects</a> &amp; Finegrain and will include Sherpa’s signature residential amenities including pool, gym, recreation, wellness and work from home spaces.

The project will feature ground-floor commercial space, creating a vibrant amenity for residents and the surrounding community.

A development application will be lodged with Brisbane City Council in August on the code compliant site and will be launched to the market early 2027.

Sherpa acquires new site for second Brisbane apartment tower

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.

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

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?

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

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Reserve Bank has released its latest quarterly Statement on Monetary Policy (SoMP) for May.
While its growth and unemployment forecasts were left unchanged compared to February, the Banks’ inflation forecasts are more dovish than we had expected.
There is always considerable interest in the Bank’s SoMP forecasts as they offer the clearest guidance to its policy inclinations. That is even more the case this month given the May rate cut and the somewhat limited guidance in the Governor’s statement accompanying the move.
Note that an important consideration is how the Bank’s forecasts are framed by its assumptions on the exchange rate and interest rates. For May, these are for an AUD of USD 0.75 and 62.5 in TWI terms, and for ‘market pricing’ that has the cash rate falling 15bps by August and to 1.50% by February next year. That compares with forecasts in the February SoMP that assumed an AUD at  USD 0.72 and 62.0 in TWI terms, and ‘market pricing’ that had a full rate cut (from 2% to 1.75%) by September. Noting that the RBA favours the TWI for its forecasting, the assumptions around the AUD will not have significantly affected the forecasts. However, the May forecasts are based on a cash rate that is 0.25% lower across the entire forecast period.
Growth forecasts
Recall that in the last SoMP, on February 4, the RBA had growth forecast to run at 3.0% in the year to December 2016; 3.0% for the year to December 2017; and 3.5% for the year to June 2018 (all figures are mid-points of 1ppt forecast ranges).
The May SoMP forecasts for growth are unchanged. This implies that if the Bank had not cut rates by 0.25% earlier this week then the growth rate for 2017 would have been revised down.
Inflation forecasts
In February the Bank forecast underlying inflation at 2.0 percent to June 2016; 2.5 percent to December 2016; and 2.5 percent to December 2017 (again all mid-points of 1ppt forecast ranges).
The Bank is now forecasting underlying inflation to come in at 1.5 perch t to June 2016 (implying a June quarter print of 0.5 percent qtr).
Beyond that it is forecasting inflation of 1-2 percent for the year to December 2016 and 1.5-2.5 percent for the year to December 2017 and the year to June 2018, i.e. a mid-point forecast of 1.5 percent for December 2016 lifting to 2 percent thereafter.
These forecasts are at the lower end of our expectations and can therefore be interpreted as clearly more dovish than we had expected.
They are saying that even after taking into account the latest rate cut and market pricing which anticipates a further cut by early 2017, underlying inflation is most likely to remain 0.5% below the bottom of the RBA’s 2-3 percent target band in 2016 and at the very bottom of the band in 2017, staying there even out to the end of the forecast period (June 2018).
Key to understanding the outlook for policy is the discussion on inflation
The downward revisions to the RBA’s inflation forecasts reflect a structural change in its view on domestic inflation and wages growth.
The reassessment is specifically attributed to: “the broad-based” nature of the weakness in non-tradables inflation and the fact that wage outcomes were lower than expected over 2015”. 
On wages, the Bank notes that wages growth has been “much lower than the historical relationship with measures of spare capacity, such as the unemployment rate”. They suggest several factors may account for the divergence including: declining inflation expectations; the falling terms of trade; and a more flexible labour market. They also note that the phenomenon of “surprisingly low wage growth for given labour market conditions which has been apparent across a number of advanced economies” and particularly, the breakdown of the relationship between the unemployment rate and wages growth. They also, sensibly, observe the impact on wages of the movement of workers from highly paid mining related jobs to other employment. 
Accordingly the Bank has revised down its outlook for wage growth: “will remain around current low levels for longer than previously forecast and pick up only very gradually over the forecast period”. More generally, unit labour costs are expected to be much slower to pick up than in previous cycles (historically, they have tended to pick up once the unemployment rate starts to decline).
Other factors seen as contributing to weak domestic cost pressures include: heightened retail competition (also affecting tradables, softer conditions in rental and housing construction markets and declines in the costs of business inputs such as fuel and utilities.
Also notable in the discussion of uncertainties around the forecast is the comment that “it is possible that inflation expectations will be persistently lower for longer than currently anticipated”. While that is placed alongside a range of other upside and downside risks, the risks around expectations are clearly skewed to the downside.
While clearly more downbeat on the outlook for non tradables inflation, the Bank has broadly retained its view that the gradual pass-through from the fall in the AUD since 2013 can be expected to add “a bit less than half a percentage point to underlying inflation over each year of the forecast period.”
This observation is ‘hedged’ a little with both the size and timing of the effect described as “inevitably imprecise”. The Bank also sees the impact being limited by heightened retail competition.
However, the discussion still implies that the bulk of the downward adjustment in the forecasts (from 2.5% to 1.5% in 2016 and from 2.5% to 2.0% in 2017) is due to the impact from lower non-tradable inflation.
Other points of interest
While the main message is clearly around the outlook for inflation and wages growth there were some other notable comments in the May SoMP.
On the global backdrop, the RBA has lowered its forecast for growth in Australia’s major trading partners “a little” with this now seen tracking 0.5% below its 10yr average. In particular, growth momentum was assessed as slower in Asia although within the region, expectations for China were unchanged since February, the soft March quarter outcome offset by a near term boost from policy measures. China remains a standout risk for Australia with the RBA voicing concerns that these recent stimulus measures appear to run counter to the Chinese authorities’ medium term goals of deleveraging and reducing dependence on investment and heavy industry and could see problems emerge if progress towards these medium term goals is delayed.
There is also an important sidenote on commodity prices. These have rallied strongly since the February SoMP. However, the Bank makes an explicit assumption that “prices for bulk commodities will not be sustained at current levels” with iron ore and coal prices after 2016 unchanged from the February SoMP. Oil prices are assumed to sustain at US$/47bbl but these have a mixed impact on Australia due to our high imports – the net effect is to leave the Bank’s terms of trade forecast largely unchanged compared to February. This is an important assumption as the rise over the last three months, if it had been assumed to continue, would likely have led to some (albeit minor) upward revisions to its growth and inflation forecasts.
Finally, there were some notable ‘absences’ in the SoMP overview. The closing paragraphs in the overview often take a similar form to those in the Governor’s decision statement and the ‘Considerations for policy’ section. Hence it can sometimes provide a bit more guidance around the Bank’s policy views, e.g. wording that sets out a clearer view on where the Bank would like the AUD to go or gives a framework implying a clear ‘policy bias’ going forward. Neither were offered in the May SoMP although the significance of the Banks’ forecast revisions is clearly the dominant policy ‘message’ this time around.
Conclusion
The changes to the forecasts for underlying inflation in this SoMP are, for a central bank like the RBA, nothing short of spectacular. This is particularly so given the new forecasts are based on a profile for interest rates that is 0.25% lower.
The revisions entirely support our expectation of a further rate cut in August. With inflation now driving the policy decision and rates so low, we would be surprised if the Bank chose to move any earlier.
For now, we think they will stick with a plan to re-assess the inflation outlook after the next inflation report (due July 27) and deliver a further rate cut at the Bank’s August meeting.
Updates on wage inflation (May 18), unit labour costs (with the Q1 national accounts release on June 1, a week prior to the RBA’s June meeting), and a wide range of inflation expectations measures will also be of keen interest.
On face value we have to ask ourselves whether the forecasts in the Statement, being based on the expected rate cut, are acceptable for an inflation targeting central bank.
Will the Board be comfortable with a forecast that inflation only rises to the bottom of the target range by the ‘policy year’? (i.e. 2017, the 12-18mth horizon over which current monetary policy settings and assumed near term adjustments are expected to have fully worked through to the wider economy).
We cannot entirely dismiss the prospect that reaching the bottom of the zone is unacceptable to the Board and, in due course, it will assess that even further action is required.
It will certainly be a challenging introduction for the new Governor when he takes over in September. 
BILL EVANS is chief economist of <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

RBA cuts inflation forecasts strongly: Westpac's Bill Evans

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Most properties in Western Australia are sold through an offer and acceptance process. 
A person makes a formal offer in writing to buy a property, and the seller, sometimes called the vendor, can either make a counter offer, reject the offer, or accept it and communicate that acceptance to the buyer.
Usually an offer to buy property is made using both the Contract for Sale of Land or Strata Title by Offer and Acceptance form, commonly called the O &amp; A; and the Joint Form of General Conditions for the Sale of Land, commonly referred to as the General Conditions. Together, the O &amp; A and the General Conditions constitute the standard contract for the sale of real estate in Western Australia.
The wording of the O &amp; A is owned by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) which is the peak industry body representing the interests of real estate agents. The General Conditions document is owned jointly by REIWA and the Law Society of Western Australia. Although there are other versions of these two contractual documents, the versions produced by REIWA and the Law Society of Western Australia are the most widely used in this State.
In 2011, the General Conditions were amended to reflect changes to the Duties Act 2008. Buyers and sellers are advised to ensure that the latest version is used when a contract is being drawn up. Importantly, the O &amp; A form can be amended to include any agreed special conditions that meet the needs of the seller and/or the buyer. The General Conditions document is a standard set of contractual conditions that are not usually amended, although it is possible to ‘contract out’ some of these conditions.
For more information, <a href="https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/real-estate-contracts-sale-offer-and-acceptance" target="_blank">click here.</a>
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Property 101: WA sale, offer and acceptance process

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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/57114/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
GUEST OBSERVER
Luar Batang, one of Jakarta’s oldest waterfront squatter areas, is being flattened. Residents and their homes will be removed to free up flood-prone land and access to the city for tourists. Thousands of people will be evicted, disrupting if not destroying livelihoods, jobs, homes and long-established social networks.
Like the illegal settlements in Kalijodo district, Luar Batang has received global attention for the heavy-handiness of the state-led intervention. Yet the decision to demolish a community built on a unique combination of circumstance, place and people is unlikely to be reversed.
The Luar Batang story is not exclusive to Jakarta. In many cities in the Asia-Pacific and developing countries, informal or unplanned settlements continue to grow and are seen as a blight on city development.
These “parasites” of the city are on land that the formal planning system deemed unsuitable for development. Yet state and private developers now see them as a relatively easy land gain to reap higher financial returns.
Rather than engage in strategies to upgrade settlements, some policymakers want them “out of sight, out of mind”. The settlements’ structure, people and image do not conform to middle-class and private developer views.
<h2>Informal settlement isn’t the exception</h2>
Globally, informal settlements in urban areas are growing at an unprecedented rate. In 2016, UN-Habitat estimated that around one billion people live in slums (an extreme type of informal settlement). That’s about one-quarter of the world’s urban population.
A United Nations report, The State of Asian and Pacific Cities 2015, noted that the Asia-Pacific region has gained a reputation as home to the world’s biggest and most populated slums and informal settlements. While the urban middle class has grown and good gains have been made in reducing urban disparities, including poverty, basic human right <a href="https://unhabitat.org/urban-themes/human-rights/">s</a>remain elusive for people in such settlements.
In October 2016, the UN Habitat III Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development takes place in Quito, Ecuador. This global event happens only every 20 years.
Habitat III offers policymakers the chance to adopt a better-managed, more humane approach to the complexities of urbanisation. Regional meetings and other laudable initiatives have been taking place for the last 18 months. Government, civil society and other stakeholders have been working towards a New Urban Agenda to be debated and adopted at Habitat III.
With more than 54% of the world’s population now urban, informal settlements are burgeoning. The challenges are daunting. So where will informal settlements and the people who live in them be placed at Habitat III?
<h2>Seismic shift in attitudes is needed</h2>
The emerging agenda is strongly centred on the Habitat III policy theme of the “Right to the City and Cities for All”. The sociologist Henri Lefebvre proposed the “Right to the City” in 1968. David Harvey developed the concept in the new millennium as a means to reshape urbanisation by enhancing or extending access to human rights.
The Right to the City agenda requires a monumental shift in society attitudes. It requires us to reduce sociospatial injustices, achieve sociospatial inclusion, increase equity, improve multi-level governance and, importantly, respect the sociocultural diversity that increasingly defines cities.
Therein lies a major hurdle. The rights of the people in informal settlements are being taken away or withheld at many levels, such as access to safe water, sanitation and educational opportunities. As well, their non-compliance with the norms and values of prevailing formal planning – such as land tenure and where and how they build houses, construct spaces and undertake social activities – means they have reduced rights to a city.
The Right to the City idea challenges us first and foremost as individuals to decide what basic human rights – such as land, housing, water and sanitation – are “non-negotiable” and “must haves” in city development. Changing how informal settlements and the city are viewed requires a multi-scale and multi-institutional policy underpinned by a major coalition of support.
For teachers in the privileged position of educating university students who will one day be urban planners and designers in a multicultural world, for example, this requires major realignment of planning education. We need to integrate civic responsibility and the broader Right to the City into current approaches.
Initiatives by Australian universities to work with tertiary institutions in developing countries and interested stakeholders are small but important steps. These opportunities to share ideas, work together in the field and experience everyday life in informal settlements let graduates see first-hand what the Right to the City means. This opens eyes to future international development opportunities.
As noted in a recent assessment of the Pulosari kampung (“village”) in Bandung, Indonesia, we need to “step outside our comfort zone on how we view and understand the city”.
The “Right to the City” debate at Habitat III is important for Australia in how it positions itself working with developing countries and with the greater issue of human rights for the next 20 years as mainstreamed into the urban realm.
For example, recognising the role that informal settlements play in providing affordable housing – rather than seeing them as an aesthetic problem – is part of changing society’s blinkered view of an increasingly complex urban world.
With Habitat III looming as a landmark global event, will informal settlements be taken seriously as people seek a reasonable life in the city? What impact will this have on the urban divide?
Paul Jones is associate professor, Urban &amp; Regional Planning, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-jones-2290" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Slums: Will Habitat III defend the human right to the city?

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Weekend auction clearance rates remained strong, sitting about 70 percent in both Sydney and Melbourne, underpinned by the past week's policy announcements.
The RBA board lowered the cost of borrowing - with most lending institutions passing it onto home buyers - and the Federal Budget put property investment firmly on the agenda as a byproduct to its mooted superannuation changes. 
Home loan rates are as low as 3.88 per cent for owner-occupiers and 4.04 percent for investors compared with a long-term average of about 7 percent.
Not that the money is free flowing as with stricter loan-to-value ratios (LVRs) being applied by lenders, the capacity of both local and offshore buyers for houses and apartments is being curtailed.
Dr Andrew Wilson, chief economist for Domain Group, says Sydney price growth this year was likely to be around three and four per cent and Melbourne slightly higher at between four and five per cent.
Toorak ought have secured the weekend's top two sales but the interest was not there, with the Chinese influence now just an undercurrent.
There were no bidders when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-toorak-122376458" target="_blank">23 Montalto Avenue, Toorak was offered</a>. The vendor bid was $7.75 million for the Rodney Alsop designed family residence on 1146 sqm with pool and courtyard designed by gardening guru Edna Walling.
Another Toorak offering at 10 Cole Court was passed in on a $6.75 million vendor bid through RT Edgar after rejecting the only buyer bid of $5 million.
The home was converted in the 1950s by Sir Roy Grounds out of stables for the now razed Southdean estate.
It was offered by the Cecil family, the fourth generation owners of menswear retailer Henry Bucks.
Melbourne buyers agent Mal James said the market was missing the Chinese buying interest at prior levels.
He advised that any claims by agents that “we’ve got loads of Chinese interest from overseas” was now "drivel."
"It's not there like it was in most cases," he said.
So the top weekend sale price was instead $4.55 million at Henley in Sydney on the riverfront when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-henley-122395590" target="_blank">6 Sherwin Street</a> (above) sold through Ray White who suggested it needed renovation.
It narrowly exceeded the $4.5 million sale of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-hackham+west-122429454" target="_blank">389 Barkly Street, Elwood</a>. There were five bidders for the investment opportunity of a block of four, three bedroom apartments.
The cheapest result was $250,000 in Adelaide, at just above the $239,000 price guidance.
It was a deceased estate on Beach Road which had been a recent $300 a week four bedroom rental with mechanic's garaging.
There was a $277,500 sale in <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-tullamarine-122299634" target="_blank">Melbourne's Tullamarine</a>, but with little price growth over the five years since sold at $275,000.
It too sold at just above its $250,000 to $275,000 price range.
The single storey one bedroom 1980s villa with courtyard is rented at $265 a week, which also reflected little if any rental price growth over the five year ownership.
This week there were 1,135 auctions in Melbourne, which accounted for 52 percent of all capital city auctions.
CoreLogic RP Data advised the 71 percent Melbourne clearance rate compared to 73 percent last week and 79 per cent one year ago.
Sunshine cracked the $1 million club after a period-style family home sold under the hammer for a record-breaking $1.03 million.
It was the four-bedroom house at 1 Walter St, located on 810 sqm in the coveted Matthews Hill precinct that bettered the $935,000 record set in February this year.
<img src="/images/2016/05/09/main-2.jpg" alt="" width="675" height="506">
In Carlton the former AFL coach Denis Pagan's longtime family home sold with approval for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-sunshine-122361326" target="_blank">three townhouses at $1.8 million</a>.
 
<a id="LPlnk683209" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-carlton-122301798" target="_blank"></a><img src="/images/2016/05/09/main-3.jpg" alt="" width="568" height="426"> 
Co-owned with brother Larry, it had been mostly empty for the past decade.
Melbourne’s inner East was the softest clearance rate at 63 percent across 135 results collected.
By contrast Sydney's east was super strong. Sydney hosted 647 auctions this week with a preliminary clearance rate of 72 percent, sitting as the strongest of any capital city with three Sydney sub-regions recording success rates in the 80 percent range, including its Eastern suburbs at 89 percent.
Anyone doubting the strength can't view the latest celebrity listing as it sold withn six days of offering and weeks before its scheduled auction.
 
<img src="/images/2016/05/09/main-4.jpg" alt="" width="632" height="474">
It was a Bondi semi that performed poorly in The Block All Stars three years ago.
It has now been snapped up for sold for around $2.55 million, an 86 percent hike on the sale price under the television lights in 2013.
Sunnybrae at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bondi-122539826" target="_blank">10 Tasman Street, Bondi</a>, had an initial price guide of $2.2 million having sold last at $1,375,000.
After two long weekends in a row, Brisbane auction volumes picked up this week, with 192 residential properties going under the hammer, with just 43 per cent selling.
Canberra had their mind on other matters with the 54 percent clearance rate down from 59 per cent last week and the 65 percent last year.
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Sydney and Melbourne still securing 70 percent plus auction clearance rates

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The Pittwater home of Laurence Eastwood, one of Australia's most distinguished production designers, and wife Deborah has been sold.
There's unconfirmed whispers on the fast offshore Pittwater property rumour mill that the buyer may be Justin Hemmes, the hotelier who will be spending plenty of time up that way given his recently opened The Newport by Merivale venture. He will no doubt fly in with his new sea plane.
The Eastwood couple bought the block of land overlooking Morning Bay at Lovett Bay for $510,000 in 1996.
Built in 2006, around the time he returned to his architectural work, the <a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/buying/NSW/North-Shore-~-Upper/Morning-Bay/House/77P1528-32-bona-crescent-morning-bay-nsw-2105" target="_blank">three bedroom Bona Crescent home</a> won him a number of design awards. The house, a post-and-beam design with a vast floating roof and huge stainless steel box gutters that feed rainwater into a 50,000-litre tank, took five months to construct.
The house was designed to take full advantage of both its water and bush views, with wide decks at the front and rear of the living area. He once noted most people build for the water view only but their house was also open at the back to look at the bush.
Belle Property Avalon agent Phil Bell was looking for $3 million.
He had studied architecture in London before taking up theatre design and production.
In 1970, he emigrated to Australia where he joined John Bell, Ken Horler and Richard Wherrett in the formation of the Nimrod Theatre Company at the now Stables Theatre where he designed and production managed many productions including The Removalists.
Laurence worked on Newsfront, Crocodile Dundee II, A Town Like Alice and Phar Lap.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Justin Hemmes secures Pittwater retreat from Laurence Eastwood

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Construction is complete on Salta Properties’ third residential project in the Victoria Gardens Precinct, A Place to Live.
Located at 8 Burnley Street, the 61 apartment development was completed this month with an end value of $35 million.
Designed by multi-awarding winning architects and trusted project partner of Salta Properties, SJB, A Place To Live brings a graceful curvilinear silhouette and natural timber looks to the area.
Salta Properties’ managing director, Sam Tarascio, said A Place To Live was another exciting chapter of the company’s masterplan for the Victoria Gardens Precinct.
“As we complete this property we will be moving focus to our next residential development located across the road in Abbotsford, set to be released in mid-May,” said Mr Tarascio.
The building comprises six stories of one, two and three bedroom apartments, lifestyle amenities including gym facilities, a café and community centre on the ground floor adjacent to soon to be upgraded Williams Reserve.
A Place To Live follows the success of Salta Properties’ residential developments Richmond A Place To Live and Green Square and are all within minutes of each other and the company’s retail hub Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre.
All apartments at A Place To Live were sold prior to construction.
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Salta finishes latest Victoria Gardens Precinct development

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A commercial property suitable for an office, showroom or warehouse at Cheltenham in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs is up for auction on May 27 with price expectations of more than $570,000.
The 13/91-95 Tulip Street property is opposite Sandringham Golf Course, and comprises a two-level building of nearly 255 square metres.
The property is part of a commercial development, said listing agent George Takis of Teska Carson. 
"This is a well presented property in a location which benefits from easy access to the CBD, recreational facilities and proximity to Cheltenham train station,’’ Takis said.
 
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Commercial property in Melbourne's Cheltenham expected to sell above $570,000

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The Hooters restaurant chain outlet in Surfers paradise has sold to a local investor for $2 million on a yield of around 7.5 percent.
The property, Lot 11 2893-2903 Gold Coast Highway, has a 10 and 5 and 5 year lease and generates net rental income of approximately $156,825 per annum with 4 percent annual increases on gross income.
Steven King of Ray White Commercial Gold Coast said six registered bidders made up the audience, with a late bidder entering the fray after we had paused at $1.75 million and offering a successful bid of $2 million.
“Hooters is situated in a high profile iconic location between Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise fronting the Gold Coast Highway and the light rail network,” he said.
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Surfers Paradise Hooters site sold for $2 million

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UBank have announced it will reduce variable rate loans by 0.25% bringing the standard variable headline rate for new Owner Occupier P&amp;I loans down to 3.74 percent p.a. including a discount of 0.43 percent p.a as part of a value offer.
The new standard variable rate will be effective Monday 16 May 2016. 
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UBank to pass on 0.25 percent p.a. rate reduction to variable rate customers

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Eleven suburbs across Melbourne secured 100 percent home clearance rates in April, according to Domain.
Melbourne had a very successful April under the hammer, with the more modest suburbs such as Keilor Downs and Taylors Hill batting above their average.
They lined up alongside the more traditional blue ribbon areas of Prahran and Canterbury who also enjoyed a 100 percent clearance rate in April.
Dingley Village in the city's south east recorded the highest number of auctions and Buxton director Jason Garlick said auctions have always been popular, but competition picked up in the last 12 months.
Garlick suggested the suburb was popular for its good schools such as Mentone Grammar, the new South Road bypass, the revitalisation of Dingley Village Shopping Centre and the introduction of Hawthorn Football Clubs HQ.
Domain chief economist Andrew Wilson said that there is a remarkably even spread in the Melbourne auction market.
<div>“Even though Melbourne is much flatter than it was this time last year, it is clearly still a seller’s market and clearly the best auction market in the country.”</div>
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<div>Suburbs with 100 percent clearance rates in April for units</div>
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<div>Suburb         Auctions         Clearance rate</div>
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 Armadale                 9              100 percent Toorak                     7              100 percent Croydon                  5              100 percent Elsternwick           5              100 percent Caulfield                 5              100 percent
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Dr. Wilson said many lower-priced suburbs that had been relatively flat for a few years were now playing catch up due to the current low interest rates and an improving economy.
He said buyers had discovered their "almost irresistible affordability".
"Melbourne are also seeing a higher number of auctions in those areas, which is a reflection of that strong competition."
Buyers from suburbs closer to the city have been looking at Keilor Downs and Taylors Hill since the Melbourne market picked up about 18 months ago, according to Barry Plant director James Hatzimoisis.
“They realise they can buy more house for less money,” Mr Hatzimoisis said.
He said young families looking for more space for children were competitive for entry level properties.
Even upgrade buyers fought for higher-end properties because they were cheaper than the eastern suburbs.
The status quo still stands in unit auction clearance rates. Only five suburbs achieved a 100 percent rate across April.
 
Suburbs with 100 percent clearance rates in April for Houses
Suburb                 Auctions         Clearance rate
Dingley Village              14             100 percent
Keilor Downs                  9             100 percent
Parkdale                           9             100 percent
McKinnon                         8             100 percent
Tullamarine                     8             100 percent
Taylors Hill                      7             100 percent
Ashburton                       6             100 percent
Caulfield North               6             100 percent
Canterbury                       6             100 percent
Altona Meadows               6             100 percent
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