The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

Joel Robinson

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

The wave of apartment proposals sweeping through Mosman shows no signs of slowing, with another major residential development lodged through the NSW Government's State Significant Development pathway.

Developer First Quadrant Properties, which recently completed Willoughby Grounds and has several projects in planning across the North Shore, has unveiled plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cove-on-ourimbah-40-56-ourimbah-road-mosman-nsw-2088">Cove on Ourimbah</a>, a 63-apartment development on Ourimbah Road, adding to the growing pipeline of projects reshaping one of Sydney's most tightly held harbour suburbs.

The proposal would consolidate nine properties at 40-56 Ourimbah Road into a part eight, part nine-storey apartment building, continuing the momentum created by the NSW Government's accelerated planning pathways that have seen several significant developments emerge across Mosman over the past 12 months.

Designed by Doroch Architects, the project would deliver 63 apartments, resident wellness facilities including a gym, pool and sauna, landscaped communal spaces and basement parking, while using recessed upper levels, generous setbacks and extensive planting to reduce the perceived scale of the building.

<img alt="First look: First Quadrant Properties eyes nine-storey Mosman apartment project under State Significant pathway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32ee68e4-141e-4a10-8f83-48e961a5e71e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ourimbah%20Road%2C%20Mosman%20a.png?VersionId=CUeILFc6APlwXPc.iplElbxHvREKwjig" />

Doroch Architects said the building had been designed to reinforce Mosman's established character.

"The building's aesthetic is grounded in the existing residential character of Ourimbah Road and the broader Mosman context," the architect noted in the planning documents submitted to the NSW Government.

The design adopts a contemporary material palette of natural stone, textured concrete and brown concave metal cladding, complemented by integrated planters and deep balconies. The podium incorporates softened curved concrete forms, while increased setbacks have been provided adjacent to the heritage-listed property at 60 Ourimbah Road to create a more sympathetic transition.

The site sits around 330 metres from Mosman Town Centre, placing it within the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy area, where increased residential density is being encouraged close to shops, transport and services.

The proposal follows a string of major apartment projects lodged or declared State Significant in Mosman in recent months, including Abadeen's 100-apartment Honeysuckle Garden redevelopment on Military Road and several other developments across Awaba Street, Redan Street and Muston Street from the likes of Time &amp; Place, HELM and Prosker Property.

&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Time &amp; Place to take on Mosman apartment market</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-abadeen-plans-100-apartments-on-former-honeysuckle-garden-site-in-mosman">First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Another major apartment proposal signals Mosman's development boom

A new State Significant Development Application (SSDA) could reshape a prominent vacant site in Gosford's CBD, with Ming Tian Real Property proposing a mixed-use precinct that combines affordable housing, retail activation and a new public plaza.

The proposal for 43-45 Beane Street and 2 Keevers Lane would deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/43-45-beane-street-gosford-nsw-2250">two-building development</a> comprising a 26-storey residential tower and a five-storey affordable housing building above ground-floor commercial space. A key focus of the project is the delivery of dedicated affordable housing alongside new public domain improvements designed to transform Keevers Lane into a more active urban destination.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/tony-owen-partners">Tony Owen Partners</a>, the development would provide 130 apartments, including 20 affordable housing dwellings managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years. The market housing component comprises 110 apartments across a mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences, while the affordable housing includes six one-bedroom, 13 two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartment. The proposal also incorporates 416 sqm of ground-floor retail, three basement levels accommodating 140 car spaces, 42 bicycle spaces, communal open space and extensive landscaping.

<img alt="First look: Ming Tian Real Property plans landmark affordable housing tower for Gosford city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b858791-9060-4ee7-9178-44cb9e640a85" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Beane%20Street%20b_0.png?VersionId=_jbY0mqPEs7.jBZxozR7d6T4u85FoPmb" />

The affordable housing component has been distributed across both buildings, with four apartments located within the main tower and a dedicated five-storey building delivering a further 16 affordable homes. The project also includes 12 adaptable apartments and 24 dwellings designed to Silver Level Liveable Housing Guidelines.

The architectural design draws inspiration from Indigenous storytelling.

"The design is based on the indigenous motif of the Rainbow Serpent," Tony Owen Partners said in the Design Verification Statement.

"The Rainbow Serpent is a traditional totem of coastal eastern Australia. It represents natural forces, creation, change, and rebirth and is often associated with bodies of water. This motif can be seen in the undulation of the balconies rising on the building," Tony Owen Partners said in the Design Verification Statement.

Beyond the residential offering, the proposal seeks to revitalise the surrounding public realm, particularly Keevers Lane.

"The ground floor streetscape includes a commercial and dining precinct which will significantly improve the amenity of the area. This strategy transforms a currently inhospitable laneway into a thriving centre of urban renewal and day and night time activation to compliment the new adjoining UNC facilities," the architects said.

<img alt="First look: Ming Tian Real Property plans landmark affordable housing tower for Gosford city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36b0ca6b-af15-424c-81db-9f3049c07b0c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Beane%20Street%20podium.png?VersionId=QCAv7bCitrg3zIGZUHI2z_HR8qVfKbp1" />

The Environmental Impact Statement notes that the project aims to "improve the provision of diverse housing options within Gosford City Centre, enhancing the mixed-use precinct by delivering high quality residential development, whilst concurrently providing a diverse range of housing choices through the provision of affordable housing, which is in growing need within the Gosford City Centre."

The site occupies approximately 2,070 sqm in the Gosford city centre, around 250 metres from Gosford Railway Station and within walking distance of Gosford Hospital, Mann Street's retail precinct and the University of Newcastle's Gosford campus currently under construction. The currently vacant site previously received approval for a lower-scale residential development, with the new proposal leveraging the NSW Government's in-fill affordable housing pathway to increase density while introducing dedicated affordable housing.

First look: Rainbow Serpent inspires bold new Gosford apartment tower

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]

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

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

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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Scentre Group, owner and operator of Westfield Australia and New Zealand, has reported comparable specialty sales in the Australian portfolio grew 5.3% over the past 12 months, with average annual specialty sales of $10,826 per square metre (psm).
It noted strong sales performance was seen across most categories, with good increases in the fashion, footwear, jewellery, leisure, health and beauty, technology and cinemas categories.
Average annual specialty retail sales in New Zealand increased to NZ$12,117 psm, representing comparable specialty sales growth of 6.6% for the year.
In Australia, average specialty retail sales had been at $10,666 per square metre and comparable specialty store sales growth was 5.8% for the nine months to September.
In New Zealand, average specialty retail sales increased to NZ$10,534 per square metre, and comparable specialty store sales growth was 6.5% for the initial nine months.
 
Comparable property net operating income increased 2.6% for the 12 months, higher than the forecast range of 2.0 - 2.5%, reflecting lower vacancies and additional income streams. 
Scentre was spun out of the Westfield empire in 2014, and now runs the local malls. Westfield Corp runs the overseas malls.
It reported a 58.9 per cent drop in after tax profit to $2.71 billion for the full year, despite a 32.5 per cent jump in revenue to $2.87 billion. 
Funds from operations for the period was $1.199 billion. 
The group will pay a final dividend of 10.45c a security on February 29, taking the total dividend for the year to 20.9c. 
The results were for the 12 months to 31 December 2015. 
The Chairman of Scentre Group, Mr Frank Lowy said the rationale for the creation of Scentre Group has been validated with the strong results released today.
“Scentre Group’s pre-eminent portfolio and unique market position have provided a strong operating performance and excellent returns for security-holders since the Group was established as a separate entity.”
Scentre Group’s shopping centre assets saw significant revaluations of $1.5 billion during the year.
The value increase was driven by growth in underlying income, the completion of developments and a firming of capitalisation rates across the portfolio. The portfolio weighted average capitalisation rate reduced by 38 bp during 2015 to 5.57% reflecting the quality of the centres.
At 31 December 2015, Scentre Group had a balance sheet with total assets of $31.8 billion, a gearing ratio of 33.3% and liquidity of $3.7 billion.  
In 2015, the Group commenced $830 million (SCG share: $583 million) of redevelopments, including projects at Casey Central, Chatswood, Hurstville, Kotara, North Lakes and Warringah Mall.
“We have already opened the redevelopments at Chatswood, Hurstville, North Lakes and Kotara which are trading strongly. These developments will be accretive to earnings and create substantial long-term value,” chief executive officer of Scentre Group, Peter Allen, said
These recently opened developments featured new experiential precincts and offerings for shoppers and retailers with:
<ul>
<li>a “Hawker Lane” Asian dining market at Westfield Chatswood alongside a new five-level mall on Victoria Avenue including a flagship two level Topshop Topman, H&amp;M, Uniqlo, a relocated Rebel Sport and 40 new retailers.</li>
<li>an extensive ambience upgrade and a new rooftop dining and entertainment precinct at Westfield Hurstville, with a range of late-trading casual dining outlets, linking directly to the refurbished Event Cinemas. New retailers to the centre include a Woolworths supermarket, BIG W discount department store, JB Hi-Fi HOME, Cotton On Mega Store and Rebel Sport.</li>
<li>“The Marketplace” fresh food and “The Laneway” al fresco dining precincts at Westfield North Lakes. </li>
<li>A Hunter Valley-inspired outdoor dining and entertainment precinct, “The Rooftop”, featuring nine new restaurants, a performance stage, play area, and a new Event Cinemas complex at Westfield Kotara.</li>
</ul>
In 2016, the Group has commenced the $355 million redevelopment at Westfield Chermside, which will include the introduction of five international mini-major retailers, a broadening of the range and depth of the centre’s fashion offer as well as the largest lifestyle and entertainment precinct in an Australian centre. The centre will add 26,000 sqm of retail space bringing the total size to 156,643 sqm on completion.
At Westfield North Lakes the Group has also commenced the $140 million Stage 2 IKEA Link Mall project which connects a new IKEA-owned store with the existing centre. The development will include a new Kmart discount department store, JB Hi-Fi HOME, Rebel and approximately 50 new specialty stores over a single level with completion expected in December 2016.
Pre-development work continues across the portfolio and the Group maintains a forward development pipeline in excess of $3 billion.
During the year Scentre Group completed the sales of Figtree, Strathpine, Warrawong and North Rocks in Australia for gross proceeds of $783 million and also announced the sales of Glenfield, Queensgate and Chartwell in New Zealand for a total of NZ$549 million, the latter two being expected to settle in the first half of 2016. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Increased speciality store sales, but stronger in NZ than Australia: Scentre 

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GUEST OBSERVER
Infrastructure Australia’s latest report, Australian Infrastructure Plan, is a substantial contribution to better infrastructure planning.
For our cities, it cogently argues for more compact settlement patterns and transport pricing reform. However, it has some substantial weaknesses.
<h2>Integrating land use and transport priorities</h2>
The report’s discussion about the need for more compact cities is impressive but falls into the same trap as the state governments it criticises for failing to adequately integrate land use development directions and transport priorities.
The Infrastructure Priority List is rather light on initiatives that will support development of Australia’s four largest cities as more compact cities, rather than just cities with a compact core.
For example, while many public transport projects are included, these are mainly rail projects focused on feeding central business districts. These are worthy projects that will improve services and promote agglomeration economies. However, they deal with only part of the overall public transport needs for development of more compact cities.
The report clearly recognises that higher-frequency public transport services will be needed more broadly across our cities. It includes some rail projects for growth areas and bus rapid transport in some locations. It does not focus sufficiently, however, on public transport, walking and cycling projects that will help the middle suburbs achieve their potential.
These are the areas where much more employment and residential development needs to take place if our cities are to become more compact. Supportive infrastructure, particularly public transport and active transport, is central to this goal.
Another illustration of the failure to adequately integrate land use and transport thinking is the discussion of servicing the outskirts of our cities.
A major reason these areas have infrastructure and service delivery problems is that their development densities are too low. Yet I found no reference to the need to increase densities in outer urban areas. This would help with issues such as the need to improve public transport services and associated cost-recovery rates.
<h2>Urban governance</h2>
There is useful discussion in the plan on governance matters but also a significant hole.
International conversations about cities currently emphasise the importance of someone being able to “speak for the city” and of cities having more financial autonomy. These matters are important for cities to have the resources to perform their roles more effectively and be more accountable for their performance.
The plan looks at the need to reform local government, as well as project planning and delivery arrangements, but does not consider the central governance question: “who speaks for our cities?”. This is a challenge that is fundamental to our cities' common difficulties of sustaining long-term land use transport plans.
The apparent answer is “state governments” at present, but the recent Sydney introduction of a Greater Sydney Commission is a very innovative step to strengthen partnerships between the state and local governments at city-wide level. This move is recognition that the right answer needs to be wider than simply the state government. New governance arrangements should have figured more prominently in the report.
 
On funding, the report cites London on a number of occasions. There is no better city to use as a model, given that its population is about what Sydney and Melbourne can expect in 40 years – and that nobody does it better. London has already resolved the problem of “who speaks for the city”.
Under the mayor’s leadership, London is pursuing greater financial autonomy. The city is using measures such as value capture quite aggressively to increase its financial autonomy. The plan discusses value capture to an extent, but it needs a stronger focus on this as a great funding opportunity for more autonomous and accountable cities.
<h2>Externalities and pricing reform</h2>
From a public transport perspective, the weak treatment of externalities is the biggest problem in the plan.
There is much discussion of congestion and recognition of potential issues of social disadvantage, but not much systematic recognition of other externalities of cities, particularly transport externalities. The assumption seems to be, for example, that:
<ul>
<li>
agglomeration economies (or wider economic benefits more broadly) will be recognised somehow and dealt with at an appropriate time in some way;
</li>
<li>
greenhouse gas emissions will be dealt with by whatever Australia decides to do to meet its international obligations;
</li>
<li>
air pollution externalities will be met by vehicle emission standards; and
</li>
<li>
accident and health externalities do not exist or are not important.
</li>
</ul>
This provides scant comfort for the pricing reform the plan proposes. Road pricing reform is about more than recovering infrastructure costs and making motorists aware of congestion costs.
It is about improving the efficient allocation of scarce resources by making road users (and public transport users) more accountable for all the net external costs attributable to their travel choices. This includes (for example) the air pollution costs that remain after emission standards are applied, the accident costs not covered by insurance, rising health costs from a lack of exercise linked to motor vehicle dependence, and the costs of greenhouse gas emissions.
The report should have been much stronger on all the externalities involved in all modes of transport being internalised within reformed transport pricing arrangements.
The plan cites evidence that Australia’s urban public transport cost-recovery rates are low by comparison with similar cities elsewhere. If road pricing reform is implemented and includes a wide range of external costs, the case for increasing these cost-recovery rates is defensible, on two conditions:
<ol>
<li>
measures are in place to support particular disadvantaged groups (which could be through government funding of targeted fare concessions); and
</li>
<li>
external benefits of public transport (for example, agglomeration economies) are recognised as warranting cost-recovery rates that are less than 100%.
</li>
</ol>
<h2>Road funding model</h2>
The discussion about reforming the road funding model is hard to evaluate because the treatment of external costs of vehicle use is too vague.
If those costs were all internalised, as they should be for more efficient asset use, then it would be a mistake to hypothecate all the revenue in the road funding model to roads. The payments for air pollution damage, health and accident costs, for example, would need to be separated and be available for other uses that help lower such external costs.
More broadly, the process of determining road infrastructure priorities should not be ultimately devolved to the board of a road funding entity. It should be subject to an integrated process of planning land use and transport, to which that board contributes. Elected politicians ought to remain the ultimate decision-makers on major works.
<h2>Infrastructure planning vs integrated planning</h2>
The plan’s discussion about long-term infrastructure planning being “an opportunity to improve the value of community engagement” needs to provide more clarity about just what this means.
If long-term integrated land use transport planning had been undertaken more effectively in Australian cities, we would not need separate infrastructure agencies at federal and state levels.
If the report is suggesting community consultation on strategic infrastructure planning that is separate to what should be happening around long-term land use transport plans, which are becoming increasingly broad in international best-practice cities, then we will have very confused communities.
The long-term process of planning integrated land use transport should be where strategic consultation takes place. Infrastructure would be one of the matters subject to consultation and infrastructure priorities one output from the planning process.
The fundamental discussion point needs to be what we want our cities to be like in 30 to 40 years' time. Transport and other infrastructure discussions and priorities should be placed in the context of creating those cities.
<h2>The market’s role in public transport</h2>
The plan argues for more competition in the delivery of public transport services.
The cost savings it cites are essentially from settings where a private operator replaces a public operator (the greater the savings, the more bloated the initial public operator). International experience is that subsequent rounds of market testing, once a private provider is in place, deliver few savings.
Furthermore, recent research by David Hensher, from the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at University of Sydney, suggests that if you have an efficient private operator operating under a negotiated performance-based contract, this will be as efficient as a tendered outcome. The report does not seem to be aware of these important nuances.
<h2>Improving the policy debate</h2>
Infrastructure Australia has done much to raise the quality of debate about infrastructure planning and delivery. Its Australian Infrastructure Plan continues this contribution.
However, so far as our cities are concerned, the effectiveness of the plan will be compromised unless Infrastructure Australia walks the walk in terms of land use transport integration. It needs to align its priorities much more comprehensively with its well-framed land use development directions, and take a broader perspective on pricing reform and associated funding and governance matters.
This is about better integration and delivery in the broadest sense.
John Stanley is adjunct professor, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The Business School, University of Sydney and author for The Conversation. He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-stanley-115" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Australian infrastructure plan has some way to go to give our cities what they need

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The decision of Powell v Stone [2014] NSWSC of the Supreme Court of New South Wales has sounded a clear warning to parties in family law proceedings regarding the lodgment of a caveat over a property which is the subject of a court order.
The decision makes it clear the caveator must have an "interest" in the property as they otherwise face an indemnity costs order being made against them as the Court aims to discourage the lodgment of caveats in these circumstances.
In this Alert, Special Counsel Alexandra Moles and Solicitor David Hall highlight this case as a warning to parties to be careful when attempting to further protect their assets during family law proceedings.
Key take away points
<ol>
<li>A Family Court Order giving a party a right to the proceeds of sale of a property is not a caveatable interest; and</li>
<li>There is a risk of an indemnity costs order being made against parties who lodge a caveat over property in which they have no caveatable interest even if the caveat is subsequently voluntarily withdrawn.</li>
</ol>
A right to proceeds of sale is not a caveatable interest
Powell involved factual circumstances which are common in family law proceedings. An Order was made in the Family Court of Australia that a husband was ordered to pay a wife a sum of money and if he failed to do so by a specific date then the order required him to sell a property and pay the wife a specific amount out of the proceeds of the sale of that property.
In order to protect her payment the wife lodged a caveat over the property.
In finding that the caveat was 'doomed to be removed' Justice Brereton stated:
'A right to the proceeds of sale of property is not an interest in property'
He cited the cases of Epple v Wilson [1972] VR 440; Simons v David Benge Motors Pty Ltd VR 585 andEfax Proprietary Limited v Charrer (Supreme Court (NSW), Young J 30 October 1987, unreported)
Justice Brereton drew an analogy between the facts in this case and that of a trustee who had an obligation to sell a property and account for the proceeds to the beneficiaries. His Honour considered that in both circumstances a right to part of the proceeds of sale from a property was not a 'caveatable interest in the land itself'.
Parties seeking to protect an entitlement to proceeds of sale must look to an alternative to a caveat. Alternatives may include seeking more prescriptive Orders about the sale of the property or remedies where a party seeks to breach an order.
Risk of an Indemnity Cost Order
In awarding an indemnity cost order Justice Brereton was extremely critical of the caveat being lodged in the circumstance described above and stated it was a practice 'to be depreciated and one which the court would do the utmost to discourage'.
Justice Brereton was also not dissuaded from making an indemnity cost order despite the wife removing the caveat before the hearing, following negotiations between the parties.
Justice Brereton found that the caveat should not have been lodged in the first instance or should have been immediately withdrawn indicating that anything short of that should attract an indemnity cost order.
Conclusion
Caveats are to be used with caution and only after careful consideration. Particularly, a caveat should not be used to protect a party's interest to a part of proceeds of sale of a property following an order under the Family Law Act. Parties who do so risk an indemnity costs order being made against them for any costs incurred by the other side in attempting to remove that caveat.
Law firm HopgoodGanim offers commercially-focused advice, coupled with reliable and responsive service, to clients throughout Australia and across international borders. For more information, <a href="https://www.hopgoodganim.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Warning on caveats on matrimonial properties 

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The top sale of the week was Rovina, a five bedroom, five bathroom home Portsea which sold for $10.7 million, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The early 1960's home at 3808 Point Nepean Road was sold through Kay &amp; Burton Portsea.
In a distant second was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cammeray-121670706" target="_blank">46a Cowdroy Avenue</a> in Cammeray which sold for $6 million through Richardson &amp; Wrench. 
The property features extensive outdoor living areas with views over Willoughby Bay as well as a fully tiled glass edge pool, a gym and a cellar.
 
Top Ten
3808 Point Nepean Road, Portsea, VIC: 5 bed, 5 bath, 3 car house, $10.7 million, Kay &amp; Burton Portsea
46a Cowdroy Avenue, Cammeray, NSW: 5 bed, 4 bath, 2 car house, $6 million, Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman/Neutral Bay
78 Sackville Street, Kew, VIC: 5 bed, 2 bath, 2 car house, $5.71 million, Jellis Craig Hawthorn
23 Chamberlain Avenue, Rose Bay, NSW: 4 bed, 2 bath, 1 car house, $4.3 million, Ray White Unlimited North Bondi
75 Carrington Parade, Curl Curl, NSW: 5 bed, 2 bath, 4 car house, $3.68 million, McGrath Estate Agents
11 Stanley Street, Chatswood, NSW: 6 bed, 3 bath, 2 car house, $3.35 million, McGrath Estate Agents
116 Mont Albert Road, Canterbury, VIC: 5 bed, 4 bath, 4 car house $3.35 million Fletchers Canterbury
25 Alfred Street, Kew, VIC: 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car house, $3.25 million, Kay &amp; burton Hawthorn.
4 Ridgemont Close, West Pennant Hills, NSW 5 bed, 3 bath, 3 car house $3.1 million, Louis Carr Real Estate West Pennant Hills/ Cherrybrook 
20 Addison Avenue, Roseville, NSW: 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car house, $3.05 million, McGrath Estate Agents 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Portsea tops the 10 highest sales this week: CoreLogic RP Data

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A Chinese group has bagged a 1,441 sqm South Melbourne mixed-use development site for $15.07 million, more than $5 million above what the vendor paid only three years prior.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+melbourne-501758938" target="_blank">41-49 Bank Street</a> site was sold through an international CBRE expressions of interest campaign.
The agents said the EOI campaign attracted interest from both offshore developers and prominent local groups.
“We anticipate continued strong demand from Chinese developers throughout 2016, irrespective of current concerns with the Chinese stock market, which will drive positive outcomes including jobs in construction, planning and design,” CBRE suggested. 
The site has permit approval for a 16 level mixed-use development, with existing permitted height above current planning parameters. It offers dual street frontage totaling more than 60 metres. 
The location is close to Melbourne's arts, sporting and entertainment precincts.
Julian White, associate director of CBRE’s Victorian Development Sites team, said the continued prominence of Chinese buyers was encouraging, particularly for Melbourne’s accommodation sector.
“Apartment living is the way of the future in Melbourne. The continued high absorption rates of CBD and inner city apartments are a clear sign that the market needs to continue to build more apartments, not slow down development.”
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Chinese developer banks $15 million development site in Melbourne

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Imagine walking through the doors of your new apartment even before a brick has been laid, feeling its interiors and the spaces... 
Brisbane’s Blue Sky Private Real Estate is using Oculus Rift 3D technology to give prospective buyers a walk-through of its apartments at its latest Kangaroo Point development, The Duke, before construction even begins.
Visitors to <a href="https://www.blueskyfunds.com.au/the-duke/" target="_blank">The Duke's display suite at 444 Vulture Street</a> can inspect the property in 3D, where you see photo-realistic impressions of the apartment interiors, by wearing the Oculus Rift headset.
The software has been created by Australian architectural 3D visualisation studio, Binyan.
Blue Sky development manager Edan Norris said the new Facebook-owned technology was a game changer for the industry.
“Oculus Rift got gamers very excited at first, but the potential for the architecture and real estate industry is enormous,” he said.   “Buying a property is a huge decision, one that is very emotional. We want to give prospective owners the ultimate preview into our apartments to ensure they make an informed decision, as we know buying off-the-plan can be daunting.   “As buyers become more sophisticated, the Oculus Rift walk-through will give people a much better sense of space than any artist impressions, and allow them to take in the impressive view from the rooftops.”   Situated close to the Gabba, at the corner of Vulture and Duke streets, the new 15-storey development features 125 one, two and three bedroom apartments targeted at owner occupiers.
One-bedroom apartments range from $375,000 to $450,000, two-bedroom from $475,000 to $655,000 and three-bedroom from $790,000 to $830,000.   Blue Sky Private Real Estate is injecting $185 million in Brisbane’s south side with five residential developments underway to capitalise on rising demand.
The Duke is one of its most luxurious developments. Its will feature marble look benchtops, soft timbers and leather trim. Two landscaped rooftop terraces allow views of the city skyline, while resident facilities include a lap pool, BBQ dining and lounge areas, a herb and citrus garden space, an outdoor cinema screen and a tiered timber grandstand with direct views into the Gabba stadium.   “The architects, Rothelowman, have created a development that is contextually relevant,” Norris said.   The Duke is two kilometres from Brisbane CBD, with Kangaroo Point cliffs, Brisbane River, South Bank, the Story Bridge and the Pacific Motorway all a short walk.     Blue Sky Private Real Estate is a division of Blue Sky Alternative Investments (ASX: BLA).
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brisbane's Blue Sky gives buyers a virtual realty check

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A new housing community in Melbourne’s south-east suburb of Lyndhurst that reduces mains drinking water usage by about 70 percent is set for launch.
Aquarevo, a 460-home community, aims to maximise water efficiency through greater use of recycled and rainwater and the developers claim it will become Australia’s most water efficient large-scale housing development.
Aquarevo is a collaboration between South East Water and Villawood Properties.
The project will be developed on the site of a decommissioned South East Water purification plant. Rather than simply sell it off, the Victorian government utility saw an opportunity to develop and showcase water sustainability technologies within a residential setting. 
South East Water went to the market for a development partner to help achieve its vision, and agreed to join hands with Villawood Properties.
Key water innovations at Aquarevo include:
*  a rainwater tank in each home that directly supplies hot water service for all non-drinking household uses;
* Tank Talk, a rainwater management technology that uses weather forecast data to optimise water storage and reduce stormwater run-off;
* OneBox, a pressure sewerage network technology that transfers waste based on network volumes, requiring smaller pipes and less excavation; and
* an onsite treatment plant, which supplies the development with Class A recycled water, suitable for washing machines, toilets and outdoor use
Sustainability features extend to rooftop solar installations on each home, aiming for 100 per cent renewable energy.
Aquarevo is located in the City of Casey, and is close to schools, shopping centre, medical centre and railway station.
The first blocks of land in the Aquarevo community will be offered to the public in April 2016.
“South East Water is committed to providing innovative and sustainable water solutions to its customers,” said its managing director Kevin Hutchings. “This exciting new development sets a new standard in water sustainability for Australian communities, and will deliver significant sustainability benefits to Aquarevo residents.”
Aquarevo will be displayed at Melbourne’s Sustainable Living Festival at Federation Square from February 12-14.
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Aquarevo housing project in Melbourne aims to conserve water by 70 percent

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GUEST OBSERVER
Fishermans Bend is Australia’s largest urban renewal zone and has Melbourne’s biggest speculative apartment supply pipeline.
17,873 residential dwellings have been proposed in Fishermans Bend since January 2014, yet only one project, Gravity Tower has proceeded. More than 6,500 dwellings currently hold planning approval while a further 23 projects totaling 10,800 dwellings are still awaiting a decision.
So what’s the problem?
The 450 hectares of land located adjacent to Melbourne’s existing CBD is prime for residential living. It presents the growing city an opportunity to expand whilst alleviating current housing affordability concerns. The City of Melbourne is forecast to grow by 100,000 new residents per year and is earmarked as Australia’s largest city by 2051, overtaking Sydney.  Further, social trends to live in close proximity to Melbourne’s CBD have added existing pressure on dwelling supply across the inner ring.
Fishermans Bend was rezoned from an industrial use in 2012. In 2014 the existing Fishermans Bend Strategic Framework Plan was released. But the plan has caused large uncertainty over the precinct’s future livability, which has ultimately stifled development. Vague transport and infrastructure plans specifically have undermined confidence. As a result land owners have postponed construction and flipping approved development sites has become a common practice.
The newly elected Victorian Minister for Planning, the Hon Richard Wynne, is to reboot the plans with the intention to create a clear vision for the future Fishermans Bend community. Appointing the Fishermans Bend Advisory Committee (FBAC) in July 2015 was his first step.  Whilst the plans are not set to be finalised until the end of 2016 multiple amendments have already been made:
<ul>
<li>
Land coverage increased: An additional 250 hectare zone has been added to the Fishermans Bend precinct; labelled as the employment precinct.</li>
<li>
Neighbourhood planning: Individual localised structure plans will be devised for the four neighbourhood precincts of Wirraway, Sandridge, Lormier and Montague, in addition to the overarching plan.</li>
<li>
Interim mandatory height limits: previously discretionary height controls were made mandatory in April 2015.</li>
<li>
Proposed Transport infrastructure: The 2014 infrastructure plans for two metro stations and a tram extension from the western end of Collins Street across the Yarra River were never finalised. A new integrated transport plan will be developed.</li>
<li>
Alternative use of the Port of Melbourne: In 2015 the Victorian State government leased the Port of Melbourne on a further 50 year term putting redevelopment plans on hold.</li>
<li>
Public third party engagement: A draft Communications and Engagement Plan was released in September 2015 putting greater emphasis on community and stakeholder engagement.</li>
</ul>
The sheer magnitude of potential development activity is a major challenge. Docklands, Melbourne’s most recent urban regeneration precinct is 20 years into its urban renewal and has witnessed a mere 5,300 apartments developed in this timeframe.
A multitude of factors will still need to be overcome by the refreshed plans to ensure Fishermans Bend emerges as a complementary mini city to the world’s most livable city, MELBOURNE.
<a href="/images/2016/02/22/Picture2_10Feb2016.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/22/Picture2_10Feb2016.jpg" alt="">
Annabelle Atkins is Research Analyst for JLL in Australia and can be contacted <a href="https://www.jllapsites.com/research/author/annabelle-atkins/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Melbourne’s hot spot for future apartment supply: Annabelle Atkins

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The preliminary clearance rate for the Gold Coast is at 50 percent for the week ending February 21, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Queensland's Sunshine Coast came in at 63.2 percent, Victoria's Geelong at 66.7 percent and Wollongong at 72.2 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/02/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-22%20at%2012.38.43%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-22%20at%2012.38.43%20PM.png" alt="">
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Gold Coast clearance rate at 50 percent: CoreLogic RP Data

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Melbourne's preliminary auction clearance rate came in at 73 percent for the week ending February 21, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The best performing region was the Outer East with a clearance rate of 79.6 percent, with all regions but the Mornington Peninsula posting clearance rates of at least 70 percent.
The Mornington Peninsula preliminary clearance rate came in at 62.5 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/02/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-22%20at%2012.29.15%20PM.png" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/02/22/Screen%20Shot%202016-02-22%20at%2012.29.15%20PM.png" alt="">
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