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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The ABS have release figures showing unemployment rate dropping from 6 percent to 5.8 percent from January to February.
Nine News finance editor Ross Greenwood said it takes real pressure off the Reserve Bank when it comes to considering interest rate cuts.
New South Wales unemployment rate has dropped to 5.3 per cent.
South Australia's unemployment rate increased for 6.6 percent to 7.7 percent from January to February.
Finance expert <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteWargent" target="_blank">Pete Wargent took to Twitter</a> to show the unemployment rates across the country, highlighting the southern states struggles
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Property 101: March unemployment numbers drop from 6 percent to 5.8 percent

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Most property investors are out there chasing the big growth. Many of them end up disappointed citizens, especially those who chase it in the wrong places, like resources-influenced regional centres.
Very few places sustain that big growth for more than short periods.
There’s a lot to be said for a less popular but much safer and often more profitable policy: chasing consistency.
In our quarterly survey of sales activity around Australia, a report we call The Price Predictor Index, we have a prominent spot for the consistent markets. I tend to think of them as The Stayers of residential real estate.
They sit in the middle of the market, between the growth locations and the declining ones. These Consistency markets record steady rates of sale, quarter after quarter, year after year.
These locations, above all else, represent safety for investors. They are usually not boom markets, but have the valuable quality of solidity and consistency. And markets with this high level of even performance usually produce solid price growth over time.
Bowral in the Southern Highlands of NSW is one of those wonderfully consistent markets. It tends to sell between 100 and 110 homes every quarter, regardless of what’s happening in the wider market or the general economy.
In the past 12 months its median house price has risen 14% to $710,000 – and over the longer-term it has averaged 7% per year for the past decade.
The Sydney suburb of Sutherland has a modest median price, by Sydney standards, of $780,000 but it is good performer on price growth, on the back on a steady sales performance.
Over the past three years it has recorded between 78 and 88 sales virtually every quarter. No dramatic peaks and troughs, just good steady performance. Its median has grown 13% in the past year and it has averaged 9% per year over the past decade, which means values doubling in eight years.
The Brisbane suburb of Bulimba is another of those stayers – selling a similar number of properties quarter after quarter, year after year. Its median price has grown an average of 7% per year over 10 years, including 9% in the past 12 months, and its median is now above a million dollars.
These case studies – and there are many more like them - show that Consistency markets can produce good price growth and, in particular, steady long-term capital growth rates.
And they can be found anywhere, including in city markets that are generally in decline.
Perth is towards the bottom of the pile in terms of capital city markets. In the new Autumn edition of The Price Predictor Index, we can now identify only four suburbs with any kind of forward momentum in the entire Perth metropolitan area. But one Perth suburb has grabbed our nomination as the most consistent market in the nation.
Middle-market Willeton has sold between 80 and 87 homes per quarter in 10 of the past 11 quarters (with one quarter recording 100 sales). In the past six quarters, sales have been 83, 84, 83, 86, 87 and 81. Willeton is in the Canning LGA in the southern suburbs of Perth and currently has a median house price of $755,000.
While Perth prices generally are going backwards, three years after that market peaked, Willeton’s median price grew 3.4% in the past 12 months and has grown an average 7% per year over the past three years. Its long-term performance is 8.5% per year, which means values doubling in 8-9 years.
It’s a good example of how The Stayers perform, even when surrounded by a broader market in decline.
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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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

The Stayers perform, even when the market is in decline: Terry Ryder

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Industry super fund-owned bank ME reported a rise of 8 percent in underlying net profit for the six months ended December 31, 2015 at $30.2 million on the previous corresponding period and forecast further profit growth in the second half. 
“Net interest margin in the next six months will benefit from recent rate increases following regulatory capital changes imposed on the banking sector, although this will be partially offset by the increased cost of funding that is putting current margins under pressure,” ME CEO Jamie McPhee said in a media release. 
ME’s statutory profit after tax, which includes gains on hedging instruments, was $34.5 million (HY15:$39.1 million). Net interest income rose 9 percent to $149.3 million.
But the bank's total operating expenses were up 7 percent to $133.2 million due to its investments in technology and the brand.
It said brand awareness rose 11 points to 51 percent since the bank rebranded in July 2015, resulting in customer numbers growing to 347,000.
ME’s new mobile app, launched in July 2015, has increased mobile-based transactions threefold.
The bank is close to finalising the technical infrastructure to display industry super member balances on its online and mobile banking platforms through a joint partnership with Link Group, it said.
The bank launched co-branded low-rate credit cards with AustralianSuper, Hostplus, and Cbus in late 2015, which are being marketed directly through the funds. 
McPhee said more regulatory changes were required in 2016 to further level the playing field between the regional and major banks, including the amount of capital held by the advanced model banks.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

ME Bank says mid-year profit up 8 percent, forecasts further growth

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Queensland's Rockhampton is approaching the bottom of market according to HTW's property clock for March, which also predicts that 2016 won't be an easy year for the city and surrounding residential markets.
The valuation firm also discusses the impact of gentrification on the city. 
HTW's property clock is a simple broad brush means to suggest where property markets are and what direction prices are moving in.
<a href="/images/2016/03/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-17%20at%209.55.26%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/17/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-17%20at%209.55.26%20AM.png" alt="">
 
After a tough 2015, confidence still appears to be down, with many resource and associated service industries still dealing with tumbling commodity prices and a declining workforce.
The lower end of the market (sub $300,000) has experienced some of the worst declines in value across the region with a significant number of mortgagee sales recording drops in value from 20 to 40% against their previous sale prices which can generally be any where from one to eight years prior. The worst affected areas include Gracemere, Zilzie and older established suburbs of Rockhampton such as Depot Hill, Berserker and Park Avenue. 
This has largely been the result of a mass exit of investors leaving the market reliant upon first home owners and lower income buyers with substantial budget restraints. 2016 will be another tough year for the localities and as such they should be treated with caution however at the same time they may present opportunities should we reach the bottom of the property cycle, but as always this is something very dif cult to ag at the time. 
Better quality localities and properties where owner- occupiers are active in the medium price range ($300,000 to $500,000) appear to be holding their values. Suburbs include large areas of the Capricorn Coast, Norman Gardens, Frenchville and Wandal. Despite these areas holding well, it is unlikely that they will experience any substantial gains in value throughout 2016.
Medium to high-end properties above $500,000 have been also holding relatively well and include suburbs such as Rockyview, parts of Norman Gardens, and The Range.
In terms of gentrification, Rockhampton has been going through it since late 2005 when the first high-rise unit complex in over 30 years was completed along the river bank.  
Since then there have been an additional six high-rise unit complexes completed comprising a mix of permanent and short term accommodation and of late the addition of various restaurants and cafés in the Empire and Edge buildings which were both completed in the past five years. Victoria Parade and Quay Street have become the heart of the city and this is supported by Council’s recent announcements regarding the funding and approvals for the Rockhampton Revitalisation Concept Plan, which focuses on the Fitzroy River from Quay Street to William Street.
A set of new pathways, landscaping concepts, memorial and historical features are all incorporated into the project. Rockhampton has seen an increase in the number of small cafés and boutique shops with a noticeable increase in alfresco and street side dining areas. 
Within Rockhampton city itself there is a slow but gradual phasing out of old timber and fibro dwellings and replacement with more modern charismatic small and compact unit developments, often available for under $300,000. Given that the current economic climate is considered to be somewhat weak, this process may take some time however the diversity of the local economy is sure to keep the gentrification process ticking over.  
As an example of a sale, a three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-rockhampton+city-110897251" target="_blank">303/6 Victoria Parade Rockhampton City Qld 4700</a> went for $433,000.
 
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In summary, 2016 sees many challenges facing the Rockhampton market and values will be dependent on a range of factors including the mining/resource industry outlook, state and local council initiatives and on a positive note the local agricultural industry, particularly beef is experiencing record cattle prices which are forecast to continue and will no doubt act as a positive indicator for the region. 
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Rocky year ahead for Rockhampton: HTW

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The first sod was turned by City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Crown Group CEO Iwan Sunito in the construction of a $575-million tower project named Infinity in Sydney's Green Square on Thursday.
The 20-storey design was named winner of the 2014 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW Concept Design award. 
The tower on the corner of Bourke and Botany Roads, part of the council's $8-billion Green Square redevelopment precinct, will have direct underground access to Green Square train station.
Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the mixed-use project features a 1180-sqm open-air plaza with gardens and surrounded by retail outlets, restaurants and cafés.
Crown Group Holdings was co-founded by architect Iwan Sunito and engineer Paul Sathio in 1996. 
Sunito was also named Urban Taskforce Australia’s 2015 Property Person of the Year.
"We've been inundated with buyers," Crown Group chief executive Iwan Sunito said on its sales' day last August. 
The total value of the off the plan apartments sold had reached $350 million by 3pm Saturday.
"We released 326 apartments and 105 apartments sold in the first hour. 
"It's great to see so many people proud and excited to own their own piece of Infinity by Crown Group." 
Some 60 percent of the buyers were investors and the rest owner-occupiers, the Australian Financial Review noted, with exchange e-contracts on an iPad for one-bedroom units to penthouses priced from $650,000 to $3.5 million. 
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said Infinity by Crown Group was emblematic of what the city hoped to achieve at Green Square, one of the most significant urban renewal projects in Australia.    “When completed, Infinity will be home to hundreds of new residents, its eateries and retail outlets will facilitate new jobs, while a new conference facility in the building will attract new events to Green Square," he said.    “Throughout history, cities have attracted the best and the brightest and in an era with increasing competition between cities in our region, developments like Infinity and the Green Square renewal will make sure Sydney continues to do just that.”   Sunito said he envisaged Infinity would become a residential and retail hub. “Infinity by Crown Group will set a new benchmark in city living and architecture,” he added.
“Infinity by Crown Group has been an exceptional project from the start – from the first stages of development and design selection through to the most successful sales launch in Crown Group’s history.” The City of Sydney has committed $540 million over the next 10 years to build facilities and infrastructure in Green Square including a library, a civic plaza, a new park and playing fields, an aquatic leisure centre and a new childcare centre; part of an $8-billion redevelopment of the 278-hectare Green Square precinct.   Green Square is forecast to have a population of 61 000 people by 2030 and provide 21,000 new permanent jobs by 2030. 
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Lord Mayor turns first sod at Infinity, Crown Group's Green Square tower

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The Australia and New Zealand Bank has a list of more than 50 postcodes, concentrated around Western Australia, Queensland and NSW mining towns, that it describes as "not acceptable" for providing lenders mortgage insurance.
The number of postcodes has increased from 30 in 2013. 
Last year June it emerged ANZ required a deposit of at least 30 percent for mortgages in 44 postcodes, including to reflect the “localised downturn in a small number of towns dependent on the mining sector”.
"We regularly review lending policies to ensure we are operating within our risk appetite and practising responsible lending for our customers," a spokesman told The Australian Financial Review this week.
 "There are no designated 'blackspots'," he added. The AFR published a selection of the 50 postcodes. 
 
<table style="height: 903px; width: 421px;" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Postcode</td>
<td>Suburb</td>
<td>State</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2835</td>
<td>Bulla</td>
<td>NSW</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2880</td>
<td>Broken Hill</td>
<td>NSW</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2898</td>
<td>Lord Howe Is</td>
<td>NSW</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2899</td>
<td>Norfolk Is</td>
<td>NSW</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 853</td>
<td> Tindal</td>
<td> NT</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 885</td>
<td> Alyangula</td>
<td> NT</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 886</td>
<td> Jabiru</td>
<td> NT</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4745</td>
<td> Dysart</td>
<td> Queensland</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4717</td>
<td> Blackwater</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4413</td>
<td> Baking Board</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4415</td>
<td> Columboola</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4702</td>
<td> Alberta</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4680</td>
<td> Barney Point</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4719</td>
<td> Camboon</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4721</td>
<td> Argyll</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4744</td>
<td> Morambah</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4801</td>
<td> Hayman Is</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4803</td>
<td> Hamilton Is</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 4804</td>
<td> Collinsvile</td>
<td> Qld</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 5725</td>
<td> Olympic Dam</td>
<td> SA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 5722</td>
<td> Andamooka</td>
<td> SA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 5731</td>
<td> Bollards Lagoon</td>
<td> SA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 7470</td>
<td> Rosebery</td>
<td> Tas</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 7467</td>
<td> Lake Margaret</td>
<td> Tas</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 7151</td>
<td> Casey</td>
<td> Tas</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 7257</td>
<td> Cape Barren Is</td>
<td> Tas</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 3852</td>
<td> East Sale</td>
<td> Victoria</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6716</td>
<td> Fortescue</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6751</td>
<td> Chichester</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6760</td>
<td> Marble Bar</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6429 </td>
<td> Coolgardie</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6718</td>
<td> Roebourne</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6161</td>
<td> Rottnest Is</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6430</td>
<td> South Kalgoorlie</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6432</td>
<td> Boulder</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6638</td>
<td> Cooladar Hill</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6639</td>
<td> Sandstone</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6710</td>
<td> Cane</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6728</td>
<td> Camballin</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> 6798</td>
<td> Christmas Is</td>
<td> WA</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>  
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The ANZ's 50 property investor no-go postcodes

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GUEST OBSERVER
It’s reporting season, and over the past few weeks some of Australia’s biggest companies have been releasing information on how they’re travelling.
These reports reflect key themes of how things are going in key sectors of the economy. Over coming days we’re going to report on the results a handful of major companies in key sectors, transport, construction, retail, mining, insurance and banking. Today we look at the retail sector.
Dominant retail giants Wesfarmers - owner of Coles supermarkets - and Woolworths hold a 70 percent of market share of Australia’s fresh food grocery market, but have had contrasting fortunes over the past few years. Half-year results for Wesfarmers and Woolworths for 2016 show very different outlooks.
 
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<img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/113819/width754/image-20160304-9463-1cuzyw1.png" alt=""><a class="license" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a>
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Meanwhile, the major retail players are continuing to feel the disruptive impact of smaller players such as Aldi and highly competitive market conditions; both will have employ new strategies away from the tried and true defensiveness that has worked in the past.
Wesfarmers reported a net profit after tax of $1.4 billion, up 1.2% since the same time last year, while Woolworths reported a net loss of $973 million after a profit of $1.3 billion. Over the last few years Coles has seen stronger sales growth and comparatively better market share.
By contrast, Woolworth’s strategy problems with its home improvement business, Masters, has been widely ventilated. The company attributed $1.8 billion loss to the costs related to its exit from Masters.
Woolworths' underlying profit was $925 million, still down 33 percent on prior year. Woolworths would hope that its exit from the ultimately costly Masters endeavour will serve as a boost to investor confidence.
Woolworths has also struggled with branding and has seen advertising agency changes over the last few years the most recent being the dropping of Leo Burnett and a return to M&amp;C Saatachi.
Perhaps more revealing to the outlook of the industry are some of the underlying similarities in strategy. Both Woolworths and Wesfarmers emphasised price deflation, cost reduction and further price cutting, as key strategies.
The companies expect highly competitive market conditions and consumers to remain price sensitive, and will largely focus on improving supply chain productivity, through cost reduction. Woolworths is reducing its spending on activities such as marketing, property acquisition and rent as part of $500 million in cost savings during the 2016 financial year (July 2015 to July 2016).
Likewise, Wesfarmers has highlighted similar measures, with cost cutting objectives, the company hopes will allow them to lower their prices in the supermarket even further.
In an industry where profit margins are already low, such intense competition would carry significant risk. If sales don’t meet expectations, the retailers have little room to lower prices when margins are low. As a consequence, covering fixed costs like maintenance and rent of stores becomes increasingly difficult and the likelihood of making a loss is higher.
To some extent these price wars reflect the two retail giants directly competing against each other, but another factor is the disruption caused by new entrant Aldi. The supermarket chain has gained 11% of the market since it came onto the scene in 2002, using its streamlined, low cost supply chain to undercut Woolworths and Wesfarmers on price.
Aldi is a unique player in this space. In the past Coles and Woolworths could exercise their market share and size to squeeze out small producers; but Aldi is a different beast, a global company with a presence in both Europe and the USA.
Aldi may not even be the biggest problem facing the locals, if reports that European retailers such as German retailer LIDL are sizing up the Australian market prove true. LIDL is the fourth biggest retailer in the world, with $128 billion in annual sales. Whatever hold true for Aldi is doubly true for LIDL. Other hypotheticals floated around Danish discounter Netto and UK grovery giant, Tesco.
The traditional defensive strategy against competitors employed by the Aussie giants relies on economies of scale, being larger than your rival and being able leverage this efficiency to deliver a cheaper end product or more controversially to loss lead and force your opponent out of business maintain your market share and eventually maximise your profit.
Woolworths and Coles are falling back on their old ways to try and beat Aldi, the companies' corporate strategy for the most part is focused on a doubling down on the traditional squeeze out all newcomers approach. However Aldi brings global resources to the table that Woolworths and Coles don’t have access to.
In the retail sector Aldi will continue to steal market share from Wesfarmers and Woolworths more so if the companies continue with old strategies and don’t think of a way to innovate the retail space.
 
Shumi Akhtar is senior lecturer, University of Sydney, and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/shumi-akhtar-228494" target="_blank">here</a>.
Farida Akhtar is lecturer, Curtin Business School, Curtin University, and can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/farida-akhtar-228499" target="_blank">here</a>.
Both are authors for The Conversation.
 
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Big retailers feel the pressure of the new challengers

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GUEST OBSERVER
The US Federal Reserve at its March meeting left interest rates on hold as widely anticipated, but it was more dovish than expected.
While it sees continued moderate growth in the US it also acknowledged ongoing global and financial market risks and lowered its so-called "dot plot" of meeting participants' interest rate expectations to show just two 25 basis point rate hikes this year down from four and lowered the long term interest rate expectation to just 3.25 percent from 3.5 percent.
Fed Chair Janet Yellen in her press conference also signalled a greater willingness to tolerate upside surprise on inflation as opposed to it continuing to run below 2 percent as the Fed has more policy room to deal with an upside surprise in inflation than a downside surprise.
The lowering of the dot plot has again taken the Fed closer to market expectations for interest rates - much as occurred last year when it started by signalling four hikes and only ended up doing one.
The Fed’s dot plot
<a href="/images/2016/03/17/image001.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/17/image001.png" alt="">
Source: Evercore ISI
 
The Fed appears to have no inclination to hike at its April meeting, but a June hike does look like a reasonable base case, particularly given the recent upwards momentum in US inflation, but with only around a 55 percent probability. And its dependent on global threats and financial market turbulence continuing to settle down.
A risk in recent times has been that a too aggressive Fed will threaten the global outlook by further pushing up the US dollar which in turn would threaten US growth, put more downwards pressure on oil prices and hence energy producers and add to the risk of a funding crisis in the emerging world (as some emerging country borrowers struggle to service US dollar denominated debt).
By continuing to indicate that it is conscious of global risks and that US rate hikes will be data dependent and gradual, the Fed is clearly indicating that it is not going to do anything to consciously threaten the global and US outlook.  
So the Fed's latest decision is supportive for shares and growth assets and should lead to an ongoing stabilisation in the value of the US dollar.
A risk for Australia though is that the Fed's continuing dovishness maintains recent upwards pressure on the value of the $A, which rose 1.5 percent on the Fed’s announcement. This could go further in the short term but with the Fed still heading towards rate hikes (albeit ever more gradual) and the RBA still biased towards cutting rates we still see the $A ultimately resuming its downtrend.
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://plus.google.com/110172465327488162875?rel=author" target="_blank">SHANE OLIVER</a> is head of investment strategy and economics and chief economist at <a href="https://www.ampcapital.com.au/home" target="_blank">AMP Capital</a> and is responsible for AMP Capital's diversified investment funds.
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Fed on hold and dovish: AMP Capital's Shane Oliver

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The Windmill, as its design suggests, is a retail property in Gold Coast hinterland's Mudgeeraba well suited for an investor or home-based operator and is up for sale for offers above $659,000.
This <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mudgeeraba-120556117" target="_blank">410 Gold Coast Springbrook Road</a> property on the main road to the Springbrook National Park is set on approximately one acre and offers a complete business with work-from-home set up.
The fully renovated place features a retail store, commercial kitchen, reception/ bar, restaurant and/or cafe with multiple formal and informal dining areas, toilets, private function venue, parking and a two-bedroom residence.
The full-sized reception/ bar includes a point of sale, coffee machine and services the formal and informal dining areas. There is also an alfresco seating area. 
The property is still for sale through Luke Fredericton of Holmes &amp; Moore after being on the market for over 1000 days.
 
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Mudgereeba Windmill still for sale

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Asia-Pacific alternative finance market grew 323 percent to $102.8 billion in 2015, led by four-fold growth to more than $100 billion in China, finds first regional benchmarking report
Survey was conducted by a research team from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, the Tsinghua University Graduate School at Shenzhen and the University of Sydney Business School, in collaboration with KPMG and with the support of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CME Group Foundation.
The Asia-Pacific online alternative finance market including peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding grew 323 per cent in 2015 to $102.8 billion, led by a four-fold increase in China to $101.7 billion, according to the first comprehensive study of the Asia-Pacific online alternative finance market.
“The Asia-Pacific online alternative finance market is fluid, diverse, increasingly complex and growing at a rapid pace,” said the report issued today, entitled Harnessing Potential – The 2015 Asia-Pacific Alternative Finance Benchmarking Report.
Outside of China, the rest of the Asia-Pacific region recorded alternative finance volume of $1.12 billion in 2015, up 313% from the $271.9 million raised in 2014. The largest markets in 2015 beyond China were Japan ($360 million), Australia ($348 million), New Zealand ($268 million), South Korea ($41 million) and India and Singapore (each about $40 million).
China is the world’s largest alternative finance market based on the researchers’ global dataset, the report said. While there have been reports on China’s alternative finance market by Chinese companies, this is the first study to benchmark the Chinese market with a set of comparable international standards.
“The Chinese online alternative finance market grew from a relatively low base of $5.56 billion in 2013 to reach $24.30 billion in 2014 and then went on to reach $101.7 billion in 2015,” the report said. Peer-to-peer consumer lending ($52 billion) and peer-to-peer business lending ($40 billion) are by far the largest market segments in China. Reasons cited in the report for the rapid growth of alternative finance in China include the country’s global leadership in Internet user base and smartphone connections, and the fact that alternative finance has “been mostly unrestricted and unchecked” until recent guidelines by regulators.
The alternative finance market includes peer-to-peer consumer and business lending, equity-based and reward-based crowdfunding, and other provision of finance to individuals and businesses through alternative channels via online marketplaces outside of the banking system.
Other key findings of the report included:
<ul>
<li>More than half surveyed platforms in China (with the exception of equity-based crowdfunding) deemed existing regulation to be inadequate or too relaxed, or recognized the need for specific regulation to be introduced. </li>
<li>In per-capita terms, the largest alternative finance markets in Asia-Pacific in 2015 were China ($74.54), New Zealand ($59.37) and Australia ($14.83). </li>
<li>The institutional funding of online alternative finance is notably higher in the wider Asia-Pacific region outside of China, at 63 percent for peer-to-peer consumer lending outside China and 10 per cent in China. </li>
<li>The institutional ownership of alternative finance platforms is far higher for China, at 23 per cent majority interest for banks or other institutional owners compared to 6 per cent in the Asia-Pacific region outside of China. </li>
<li>Outside of China, peer-to-peer business lending has been the largest alternative finance funding segment for three consecutive years, but peer-to-peer consumer lending is the fastest-growing sector with average year-on-year growth rate of 653% between 2013-2015.</li>
<li>The Asia-Pacific region appears to have relatively high rates of female participation in online alternative finance markets, at 33 per cent for peer-to-peer consumer borrowers outside China and 19 per cent in China. </li>
</ul>
The survey involving 20 research partners was based on data from 503 leading alternative finance platforms in 17 Asia-Pacific countries and regions, of which, 376 were from mainland China. The study captured an estimated 70 per cent of the visible market, yielding the estimates contained in the report.
The report described the regulatory environment for alternative finance across the Asia-Pacific region as “diverse and rapidly changing.” While some countries such as Singapore have chosen to regulate alternative finance within pre-existing frameworks, others including New Zealand have created bespoke regulation. And while surveyed platforms in New Zealand and Malaysia generally felt existing regulation is “adequate and appropriate,” platforms in Japan and South Korea were more concerned that regulation is too strict and Chinese platforms generally felt regulation was too lax.
“The opportunities for the world's most populous region to harness the potential of alternative finance for innovation, economic growth, market efficiency, and creativity are abundant,” the report said. “The present challenge is how to best nurture the alternative finance industry, grow the market in a sustainable manner and develop an appropriate and proportionate regulatory regime that strikes the right balance between encouraging financial innovation and protecting the interests of consumers and investors.”
The survey was conducted by an international research team from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance at Cambridge Judge Business School, the Tsinghua University Graduate School at Shenzhen and the University of Sydney Business School, in partnership with KPMG and with the support of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CME Group Foundation.
This article was written by the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. 
To download a full copy of the report, <a href="https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/alternative-finance/publications/harnessing-potential/#.VunQeOnvhUE" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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