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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With the Australian and New Zealand student accommodation markets set to benefit from the fastest growing foreign populations in the world, Savills has hired two experienced executives to look after its student business in these two countries.
Conal Newland is joining Savills from JLL where he was the national head of Student Accommodation. Newland has spent more than 10 years in the sector, in both Australia and the UK, and has been involved in several large-scale projects in the sector, including the University of Exeter (3,000 beds) and the University of Hertfordshire (2,500 beds).
Joining Newland is Rachel Coates, also from JLL, who has Student Accommodation advisory experience in both Australia and the UK. Together, they have more than 14 years combined sector-specific experience.
Based in Sydney, Newland will head the expansion of the student accommodation business alongside Coates. Both will be focusing on growing this platform in Australia and New Zealand.
“The student accommodation sector is a growing investment class welcomed by both local and international investors and with Conal and Rachel now on board, we can now be at the forefront of this growing platform," said Paul Craig, Savills CEO Australia &amp; New Zealand.
Newland said more than $2 billion were invested in 2015 into development projects in the region.
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Savills hires two senior executives for student accommodation business in Australia and Zealand

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GUEST OBSERVER
In March this year, investigation from the City Futures Research Centre at the University of New South Wales suggested that vacant properties across Sydney were constricting supply and adding to unaffordability.
The number of unoccupied dwellings in Sydney was derived from 2011 Census data, and researchers found that approximately 120,000 dwellings across Sydney were unoccupied on the night of the Census. It was also found that a higher concentration of vacant properties were found in inner-city suburbs, where rental yields are low.
The study concluded that the ability to negatively gear investment properties and receive large capital gains tax concessions incentivised investors to hold properties empty. This would explain why vacancies were higher where the capital gains on an untouched property exceeded the benefit of renting it out.
However, the evidence found may not support this conclusion, partly because properties have to be rented out or at least available for rent in order to receive benefits from negative gearing.
Representatives from the real estate sector claimed that the figure of vacant properties and its impact on affordability was overstated, as the data did not take into account properties that were vacant because they were on the market and people were in between moving homes. However, Residex data shows that on the night of the Census, there were approximately 6,100 properties listed for rent and approximately 14,200 properties listed for sale in Sydney. Listed properties are not necessarily vacant, but assuming they are, this would account for just 17% of the vacant properties estimated across the greater Sydney region on Census night.
It would seem that market activity cannot account for the majority of the vacant properties in Sydney’s metropolitan.
Eliza Owen is the market analyst for Onthehouse.com.au. She can be contacted <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">here.</a>
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Vacant properties: are the figures overstated? Onthehouse.com.au's Eliza Owen

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<div>The Housing Industry Association (HIA) released its Land Report for the December 2015 quarter, which showed that land prices continued to soar through 2015. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The median lot price in Australia ripped +5.2 percent higher in the three months to December alone to $234,600. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the last half decade median lot values have increased by about +22 percent, while lot sizes have also been shrinking, meaning that land prices per square metre have been increasing sharply. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/04/21/HIA.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/HIA.jpg" alt=""> <div> </div>
<div>This has not been regional Australia phenomenon through this cycle, with price rises driven overwhelmingly by the capital cities (although Adelaide's lot prices actually decreased in the year to September 2015). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The same dynamic was in evidence this quarter, with capital city land prices screaming another +6.6 percent higher in just three months, while the number of transactions tightened again by a further -2.3 percent. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, there are two "regional" locations which have experienced solid population and employment growth, and now have elevated and rising land prices, being the Sunshine Coast ($272,000) and the Gold Coast ($230,500). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The coastal areas of south-eastern Queensland are enjoying the lower dollar and increasing tourism, particularly from China as far as I can tell.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As you can see in the chart above, it's clear that supply isn't keeping pace with demand, with the number of lot sales actually declining by -1.6 percent in the December quarter. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Transaction levels have been fading for nearly two years now despite rampant demand.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Indeed vacant residential land sales crashed lower in Sydney (-22.3 percent) and Brisbane (-20.1 percent) on supply restrictions in the quarter, although there were increased sales volumes in some other capital cities. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Through the course of 2015 vacant land sales dived by 14 percent, and by a staggering 19 percent in the capital cities, where demand is actually higher. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The HIA noted that the dynamic of falling sales and rapidly rising prices points to supply bottlenecks.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
</div>
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Capital city land prices through the roof: Pete Wargent

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A large development site in the Western Australia city of Mandurah has been listed for sale.
Located at the corner of Old Mandurah Road and Oakleigh Drive, Erskine, the 12,112 sqm land parcel consists of three titles, comprising a main corner site of 9,914 sqm and two smaller sites of about 1,100 sqm each.
Zoned for Mixed Use, Residential R40, Medical Centre and Retirement Village R80, the land can also be developed for other commercial, retail and higher density residential uses subject to council approval.
CBRE’s Michael Milne and Ben Younger, along with Raine &amp; Horne’s Peter Vetten, will conduct the sale campaign via a formal public Offers Invited process closing May 12.
Milne said the property’s size and development potential was expected to attract strong buyer interest.
“Benefitting from such a prominent corner location and versatile range of use, this property will appeal to a broad range of buyers including developers, medical groups and aged care providers,” said Milne.
 
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Mandurah development site comes to the market   

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SPONSORED POST
Buyers want technology in their dwellings and lives.
So Avantra, the Longton Property Group’s $300 million project in Sydney’s Mascot, aims to bring this new dimension to the luxury residential living with its mix of high-end design and technology. 
On completion residents of the 328-apartment complex will have access to a unique iButler service that simplifies tasks like shopping, cleaning, pet care etc.
iButler is a cross-platform application that offers customers a search and booking function for domestic services such as shopping, car washing, pet care, household cleaning, dry cleaning and booking removalists. 
Avantra residents will be able to use their provided iPads and other personal devices to book services simply by entering their postcode from any location and choosing the desired service.
Home automation is one of the unique technological offerings of the Avantra project, and the developer's apartment project offers unique home automation through the iButler service.
Online grocery shopping through the iButler system is a convenient service.
It also including ‘smart’ digital lockers that residents can use to receive home delivered goods.
Avantra is spread over a 8,762 square metre site and comprises two multi-storey buildings, including ground floor retail and a courtyard garden.   
Residents will also have their own information sharing network, iCommunity, providing updates on the news, weather and finance on personal devices and electronic noticeboards placed in the lobby.
The iCommunity Network is a dedicated community social media platform for each Longton apartment complex, which uses Twitter and its Chinese sister, Weibo, to create a virtual neighbourhood. 
The social media network will deliver daily updates regarding neighbourhood events (like BBQs, birthdays, catch ups), community initiatives (sports or groups) and a classified advertisements section. 
The courtyard overlooked by the multi-storey apartments also focuses on the concept of community.
Avantra’s landscape designer, Daniel Baffsky of 360 Degree Landscape says it is designed to bring “a higher level of detail to the landscape spaces so we bring in a domestic feel”.
The internal size of studios in Avantra are 60m˛to 61m, one-bedroom plus MPR units are 75m to 82m, two-bedroom plus MPR units are 100m to 127m, while three-bedroom plus MPR unit is 154 m. 
Avantra builds on a blend of an iconic industrial past with contemporary city living, boasting roof top gardens and a swimming pool with a view of the CBD, according to the developer.
It is close from Mascot station and 5 km from the Sydney CBD. 
Residents can expect to move in by December 2017.
For more information, <a href="https://www.avantra.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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New housing project in Sydney's Mascot makes life easy with Hi-Tech

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If you rely on mainstream media for your news, you probably won’t be aware of this: there has been a significant improvement in housing affordability in Australia recently.
In fact, my reading of the HIA’s Affordability Report for the March Quarter is that the Housing Affordability Index for Australia is now the best it’s been in five years. In some parts of the nation, the situation is the best it’s been in 13 years.
Affordability nationally improved 2.7 percent in the March Quarter, compared to the December Quarter, despite slightly higher interest rates.
Affordability is significantly better than it was five years ago, because interest rates are much lower (notwithstanding the recent out-of-cycle increases), average earnings have been gradually rising and price growth (meaning changes in the national median dwelling price) has been relatively muted, despite three years of big growth in Sydney.
Very little was said about this in Australia’s major newspapers. They’re simply not interested in facts that conflict with their cherished storylines about an affordability crisis, young Australians being priced out of the market by foreign investors and negatively-geared Australian investors, and the Great Australian Dream being dead.
A long-standing joke in journalistic circles is that you never let the facts get in the way of a good story. A good story is, by definition, a negative one. If it bleeds, it leads. If something comes along that doesn’t fit the formula (for example, portrays a positive scenario or contradicts beloved beliefs), bury it. 
So we have a situation where the national affordability index portrays a strong position but few people realise it. The national median dwelling price has decreased and average earnings have risen. The situation would be better were it not for major banks lifting their mortgage rates. 
That’s the average national situation. As the HIA report points out, “the differences in affordability across and within states are still considerable”.
In aggregate, affordability improved 4.1 percent in the eight capital cities in the March Quarter, with a lesser improvement in the regional areas.
Sydney’s quarterly improvement was considerably larger than the national average. It recorded an 8.9 percent increase in affordability, while Perth was 4.9 percent better and Darwin 4.4 percent.
Sydney’s affordability is now at its most favourable since the March 2015 Quarter. Price growth has stopped and incomes have risen. But it still has some way to go before it gets in line with the national average situation of being the best in over five years. Regional NSW, on the other hand, needs only a marginal improvement to achieve that.
Melbourne’s affordability index has improved with a slight reduction in the median dwelling price and increases in earnings, but remains 4.4 percent less favourable than a year ago.
Brisbane’s affordability position, on the other hand, has deteriorated because the median dwelling price is up and average earnings are down (slightly). 
But in Perth the affordability index improved 4.9 percent in the quarter and 9.9 percent for the year, because prices have been falling and incomes, surprisingly perhaps, have risen. Perth’s affordability position, and that of Western Australia generally, is the best it’s been for a long time. “Statewide affordability in WA is at its most favourable since the final quarter of 2003,” the HIA report says.
The position has improved also in Hobart and Tasmania. There the economy has been making notable strides and income growth is well above the national average. The HIA notes: “For Tasmania as a whole, affordability has reached its most favourable level since late 2003.” 
In the Northern Territory, the housing affordability index is 11.3 percent better than a year ago. And it’s better than it’s been any time in at least the past five years. Darwin’s index has improved 13.9 percent compared to a year ago. The Darwin market peaked more than three years ago and prices have been trending downwards since then, but average earnings have been rising.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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Significant improvement in housing affordability: Terry Ryder

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Demand for strata office property in the Melbourne CBD has grown in the first quarter of the year, as evident from a recent sale for $1.75 million and another lined up, according to Colliers International.
A 320 sqm whole floor at Level 8, 21 Victoria Street was bought by a private investor for $1.75 million. The sale, through Colliers, represented a yield of 5.62%.
Colliers International executive for Melbourne City Sales, Chris Ling, said the first quarter of 2016 had seen significant demand for CBD strata floors, including both investments and vacant floors.
Another office suite, spread over 360 sqm on the mezzanine level of 58 Franklin Street, is due to hit the market in coming weeks.
Colliers International expects the whole floor, close to Melbourne’s core retail and university precinct, to attract interest for both commercial use and potential residential conversion.
“Our Melbourne City sales team is currently seeing an unprecedented surge in demand for CBD strata office properties in the CBD,” Ling said. “This demand is powered by record low interest rates, a low Australian dollar and instability in offshore markets.
“In addition, given the current timing in the calendar year, business owners and operators are looking to secure new office space to set themselves up for the rest of the year. CBD vendors, meanwhile, are piggy backing off the momentum seen throughout 2015 in order to capitalise on the current environment.”
The property on Victoria Street saw strong competition between local and offshore buyers and sold prior to the close of the EOI campaign, Ling said. 
In 2015, Colliers International recorded more than $35 million in strata office sales in the CBD, with an average sale price of $1.95 million and an average size of 367 sqm.
According to the latest Colliers International CBD Office Research &amp; Forecast Report, Melbourne’s CBD market continued to go from strength to strength, with high levels of net absorption and a corresponding low vacancy rate. The vacancy rate for the Melbourne CBD dropped to 7.7% in Q1 of 2016, dropping to as low as 5.1% in the north eastern pocket.
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Victoria St office fetches $1.75 million as strata office demand rises in Melbourne

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Trust account dealings and rooming house operators came under the microscope of Consumer Affairs Victoria in the second half of 2015.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Simon Cohen has released the regulator's Half Year Report, which details hundreds of inspections of estate agents and rooming house operators state-wide – resulting in fines, estate agent licence suspensions and jail sentences.
The state’s 4,370 trust accounts are held by more than 2600 estate agents and are worth nearly $2.1 billion.
During the second half of last year, Consumer Affairs Victoria issued 54 infringements to estate agents for failing to get their trust accounts audited within three months of the end of their reporting cycle or failing to submit a copy of the audit report to Consumer Affairs Victoria within 10 business days of receiving it. Penalties ranged from $948 to $1820.
Court action was taken against 16 estate agents over trust account deficiencies, resulting in penalties including a licence suspension of nine years for an agent who caused trust account deficiencies of $37,000. In February 2016, Huntingdale estate agent Anthony Brancatella was sentenced to a 40-month jail sentence for trust account offences of nearly $2 million.
“Victorians put their trust in estate agents to sell their home. While most estate agents are doing the right thing, those who don’t meet their trust account obligations can expect to be investigated,” Mr Cohen said.
“Buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants rely on estate agents to deal with deposits and bonds honestly and scrupulously. Any deviation from strict probity requirements is a serious matter.”
Rooming house operators also came under scrutiny. Consumer Affairs Victoria will inspect all 1,100 rooming houses this financial year, to ensure compliance with minimum standards and the state’s rental laws.
In the second half of 2015, 376 rooming houses throughout Victoria were inspected, and 48 re-inspections were completed to make sure any problems found were quickly addressed.
“Rooming house standards are there to protect the state’s most vulnerable residents, and these are enforced by Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors.”
In October, following a Consumer Affairs Victoria prosecution, the Magistrates’ Court awarded $800 compensation to a rooming house resident after SLM Housing Pty Ltd interfered with the resident’s rights by withdrawing a fridge from his room with the aim of causing the resident to leave. SLM Housing Pty Ltd was also fined $3000 by the Court. 
Consumer Affairs Victoria has commenced further proceedings in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court against the same operator, which is facing 158 charges in relation to alleged breaches of the minimum standards at rooming houses it operates.
For more information <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Trust account dealings, rooming house operators under microscope

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The former petrol station at Dulwich Hill - which has almost shrine like status for devotees of the conservative Prime Minister John Howard - has been listed for sale as a residential development site.
It was the corner servo where the future 25th Prime Minister cut his teeth in the family's battling small business in the 1940s.
The Wardell Road offering will go to auction alongside an adjacent property.
They have a combined price guide of between $3.8 million and $4.2 million.
Born in 1939 John, like his older brothers, Wal, Stan and Bob pumped petrol at weekends for his father who was a supporter of the then newly-formed Liberal Party.
They lived through the post-war turmoil of a long coal strike and petrol rationing, and although he was only 10, John Howard maintained a clear recollection of the 1949 election campaign that brought his hero, Robert Menzies to power.
"I can remember listening to the policy speeches on radio with my father," he told journalist Craig McGregor in 1982.
"I can remember the talk around the house, which was very anti-Labor. It had a particular bias because of petrol rationing.
One of Menzies' slogans had been "Empty out the Chifley socialists and fill up the bowsers." 
John Howard also recalled the family elation on the night of the Menzies election and of a celebratory backyard bonfire to burn the rationing coupons. 
Howard's garage proprietor father, Lyall, who died in 1955, had bought into the business with his own father, Walter who'd purchased the property in 1930. It was the family's livelihood for decades. 
The two properties are being marketed as offering "enormous capital growth potential" coupled with a good holding income.
According to the listing agent, Luke Smith, at Raine &amp; Horne Commercial, the combined 455 square metre site was producing $153,868 revenue annually plus GST. 
The site also has a 2.6:1 floor space ratio, which will attract developers keen to land-bank. 
“This auction represents a rare opportunity to purchase a site in Dulwich Hill,” he added.
It is located just 100 metres from Dulwich Hill train station and the light rail. 
“Buyers can look forward to achieving strong re-sales as part of any future redevelopment,” said Mr Smith.
Over the past two years, five projects have been completed within 100 metres.
<img src="/images/2016/04/21/Lyall20Howard27s20Garage.jpg" alt="" width="2054" height="1092">
Mr Smith believes the property’s links to Australia’s 25th Prime Minister might attract some buying attention.
269 and 271-275 Wardell Road will go under the hammer on May 24.
The garage, on the corner of Wardell Road and Ewart Street, was sold for $100,000 by the family to a Greek immigrant in the mid-1980s, well ahead of John Howard's 1996 election triumph.
He once referred to the days of pumping petrol to empathise with drivers at high petrol prices.
"I know people are feeling it. I learned from a very early age that when you fill your car up you actually look at that click, click, click," he said, referring to the now obsolete bowser price counters.
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Former PM John Howard's Dulwich Hill family petrol station for sale

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First-home buyers, both owner-occupiers and investors, were more active in new property markets in the March quarter (around one in three of all sales) but pulled back a little in established markets, according to NAB's Quarterly Australian Residential Property Survey Q1 2016.
FHBs (owner occupiers) increased their presence in new property markets in Q1’16, with their share of total demand rising to 19.1% nationally (18.3% in Q4), with these buyers more active in NSW (21.9%) and QLD (12.9%), the survey showed. The share of FHB (investors) also rose to 14.4% (10.9% in Q4) and increased in NSW (17.9%), QLD (16%) &amp; VIC (8.2%). In total, FHBs accounted for 33.5% of all new property demand in Q1’16 (29.2% in Q4).
Owner occupiers (net of FHBs) were less active in all states (except WA) with their share of national demand falling for new property falling to 27.6% (30.4% in Q4). In contrast, local investors (net of FHBs) were more active, accounting for 24% of new property demand (22.5% in Q4). They were particularly active in VIC where they accounted for 43.8% of total demand (25% in Q4). The share of foreign buyers in new property markets continued to recede, falling to 11.8% of total demand - its lowest level since mid-2014. Foreign buyers were notably less prominent in VIC (10.7%), NSW (11.1%) &amp; WA (2.9%), but played a bigger role in QLD (21.9% vs. 20.9% in Q4).
<img src="/images/2016/04/20/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-20%20at%203.44.11%20PM.png" alt="" width="494" height="289">
Expected demand for new property by type and location
Expectations for new property demand in the next year are stronger for most types of property and in all locations (except middle/outer ring high rise apartments) but weaker than year earlier levels, says the survey. Property professionals are anticipating “good” demand across the board, except for apartments located in the middle/outer ring (“fair”). By state, property professionals see “very good” demand for CBD apartments in NSW and for inner city low rise apartments and houses in QLD. In contrast, their expectations for all types of new property demand in WA are “fair” (except inner city houses). They are also anticipating “fair” demand for CBD and high rise apartments in the middle/outer ring and inner city VIC, and for low rise apartments in the middle/outer ring in NSW.
Constraints on new housing development
Housing affordability replaced tight credit as the biggest constraint for new housing development, particularly in VIC (“very significant”). Tight credit is the next biggest issue (especially in SA/NT), followed by sustainability of house price gains (mainly in VIC, NSW &amp; QLD) and construction costs (mostly in VIC &amp; SA/NT).
Established property
When it came to established property, the share of FHBs (owner occupiers) in established property markets fell to 17.6% in Q1’16 (20.2% in Q4), with these buyers less active in all states except QLD. FHBs (investors) were, however, more active in all states (except WA), with their market share falling to 8% (8.7% in Q4).
Owner occupiers (net of FHBs) accounted for 42.5% of total new property demand in Q1’16 (40.7% in Q4), with these buyers more active in all states except QLD. The share of local investors (net of FHBs) in the market also rose to 20.5% in Q1’16 (up from a Survey low 19.2% in Q4’15), with investors more active in all states except WA.
The share of foreign buyers fell to 7.2% in Q1’16 (8.6% in Q4). Moreover, these buyers were less prevalent in all states, except WA where they accounted for a survey high 8.8% of the market (7.2% in Q4). Elsewhere, their share of demand fell to 7.1% in VIC (8.6% in Q4), 7.8% in NSW (9.4% in Q4) and 6.7% in QLD (8.9% in Q4).
 
<img src="/images/2016/04/20/Screen%20Shot%202016-04-20%20at%203.48.17%20PM.png" alt="" width="549" height="315" style="font-size: 12.16px; line-height: 1.3em;">
Expected demand for established property by type and location
Expectations for established property demand over the next year are mixed, says the NAB survey. They are tipped to strengthen for houses and low and high rise apartments located in the middle/outer ring, but weaken for all other properties. Overall demand is however expected to be “good” for all types of property. By state, property professionals see “good” demand in NSW for most types of property, except inner city houses (“very good”). In VIC, “good” demand is expected for all property except CBD apartments and high rise apartments in the inner city and middle/outer ring. In QLD, demand is tipped to be “good” except for CBD apartments and middle/outer ring high rise apartments (“fair”).
Property professionals in WA anticipate “fair” demand for all types of established property in the next 12 months.
Constraints on established property
Property professionals continue to view employment security as the biggest impediment to buying existing property nationally and in most states (especially in WA &amp; SA/NT) but somewhat less than in Q4. Access to credit was again identified as the second biggest constraint, led by SA/NT. Property professionals also saw house price levels as a “significant” constraint (especially in NSW, VIC and SA/NT), and more so than in Q4. Concerns about rising interest rates have however receded and are now considered only “somewhat significant” in all states.
 
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