<p>Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.</p>

<p>For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.</p>

<p>Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.</p>

<p>"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]</p>

<p>Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.</p>

<p>The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.</p>

<p>Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]</p>

<p>Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.</p>

<p>"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."</p>

<p>The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.</p>

<p>"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]</p>

<p>Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.</p>

<p>Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]</p>


Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

<p>Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.</p>

<p>The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.</p>

<p>The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.</p>

<p>The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]</p>

<p>The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.</p>

<p>"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.</p>

<p>"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.</p>

<p>"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.</p>

<p>"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]</p>

<p>The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.</p>

<p>Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.</p>

<p>EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.</p>

<p>WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.</p>

<p>"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.</p>

<p>"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."</p>

<p>Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]</p>


Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

<p>When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.</p>

<p>But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.</p>

<p>As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.</p>

<p>For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.</p>

<p>If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.</p>

<p>That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.</p>

<p>It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.</p>

<p>As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.</p>

<p>Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.</p>

<p><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/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.</p>

<p>The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.</p>

<p>For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.</p>

<p>For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.</p>

<p>A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.</p>


The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.</p>

<p>Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.</p>

<p>A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" /></p>

<p>"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.</p>

<p>"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."</p>

<p>The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" /></p>

<p>Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.</p>

<p>The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.</p>

<p>"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."</p>

<p>"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."</p>

<p>Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.</p>

<p>HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.</p>


HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

<p>Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.</p>

<p>But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.</p>

<p>Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.</p>

<p>In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.</p>

<p>That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.</p>

<p>The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.</p>

<p>Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.</p>

<p>Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.</p>

<p>Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.</p>

<p>"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.</p>

<p>"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.</p>

<p>"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."</p>

<p>Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.</p>

<p>Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.</p>

<p>"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.</p>

<p>"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.</p>

<p>"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."</p>

<p>For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.</p>

<p>Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?</p>

<p>As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.</p>


What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

<p>Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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).</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:</p>

<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>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.</p>

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="252" data-start="225">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="413" data-start="389">Stamp Duty Benefits:</strong> Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.</p>

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Benefits</strong>: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.</p>

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="920" data-start="893">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="1162" data-start="1135">Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.</p>

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.</p>

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="1617" data-start="1590">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.</p>

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Relief:</strong> Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.</p>

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant</strong>: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: 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.</p>

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.</p>

<p>Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.</p>

<p>A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.</p>

<p>NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p>NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.</p>

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

<p><strong>Energy Efficiency:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Cost Savings:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Environmental Impact:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Improved Comfort: </strong>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.</p>

<p><strong>Market Value and Desirability:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Compliance with Building Codes:</strong> 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.</p>


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?

<p>Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.</p>

<p>Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.</p>

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.</p>

<p>It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;"><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></p>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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!</p>

<p>Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:</p>

<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>

<p style="line-height:1.38">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.</p>


Ellen Walker

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

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<p><span>On the last day of the month the Reserve Bank released its </span>Financial Aggregates <span>data for the month of August 2015, which showed another solid month for both housing credit growth (+0.6%) and business credit growth (+0.5%).</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/10/01/RBA1.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2015/10/01/RBA1.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p> </p>
<div>Over the year housing (+7.5 per cent) and business (+5.3 per cent) credit has helped to take total private sector credit growth to its highest level since 2008 at +6.3 per cent.</div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Business credit grows</span></strong></p>
<div>Total business credit outstanding ticked up to above $800 billion, having recovered steadily since the financial crisis.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/10/01/RBA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/10/01/RBA2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>Annual credit growth for the business sector increased at its strongest annual pace since February 2009, with Westpac forecasting further moderate gains in the months ahead.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/10/01/RBA3.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/10/01/RBA3.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Investor loans slowed</span></strong><br><br><div>There has evidently been a little innocent jiggery-pokery by Australia's major lenders when it comes to the splitting of investor and owner-occupier credit.</div>
<br><div>As you can see in the chart below, last month it transpired that tens of billions of dollars of credit had been misreported as owner-occupier credit, when in fact in related to investment housing.<br><br>The direction of the misstatement can hardly come as a shock.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>As a result the share of outstanding credit for investment housing is materially higher than previously had been thought (or at least, reported - I expect few market participants would be surprised).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, the slow drip of measures taken to douse investor credit first became a trickle and now it is a flow, and it appears that APRA's intervention has now taken the sting right out of the investment lending sector, with some lenders having put the kibosh on new investment loans altogether.<br><br>You can see the impact of the restatement and then APRA's macroprudential measures in the red line below, with the total stock of outstanding credit not rising on a seasonally adjusted basis this month for the first time since 2011.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/10/01/RBA4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/10/01/RBA4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Overall this is a healthy move for the market, which was at risk of becoming too "top heavy" with investors.<br><br>Although there is no oversupply of dwellings in aggregate, there clearly were too many investors piling into the market which had helped to slow rental growth to a 20 year low.<br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The return of owner-occupiers</span></strong>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, it is too simplistic to say that the slowdown in investor lending will automatically put dwelling price growth into reverse gear.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>If there is one thing we know about banks in this country it is that they will look to lend against housing where possible, and as such we can expect lenders to push owner-occupier loans ever harder, using enticing mortgage rates of around 4 per cent to in order to expand home loan books.<br><br>The Reserve Bank Governor himself has predicted that more folk will opt to place themselves as "owner-occupiers" in due course. </div>
<br><div>Indeed, while investor credit is now almost certain to fall below APRA's advisory +10 per cent growth threshold over the next few months, owner-occupier credit has already been picking up the slack in rising by rising by +0.6 per cent in August.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There has been a clear pick-up in the pace of owner-occupier credit growth over the past three months, and annualised home lending growth to owner-occupiers has increased to 43 month high at +5.6 per cent.</div>
<div>
<br>In turn this has helped total home lending credit growth rise to +7.5 per cent, which is now a 59 month high.</div>
<p><a href="/images/2015/10/01/RBA5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/10/01/RBA5.jpg" alt=""></p>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Investor share of credit falls</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The restatement of the categorisation of investor loans saw the total share of investor credit blow out to an unprecedented 38.6 per cent last month.</div>
<div>However, with APRA's cooling measures now taking effect the investor share ticked downwards in August for the first time in 30 months, more evidence that the regulatory intervention will have a material impact on the investor sector.</div>
<p><a href="/images/2015/10/01/RBA6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/10/01/RBA6.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></p>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall it was another month of strengthening housing credit, with owner-occupiers increasingly willing to take advantage of record low borrowing rates. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investor credit growth looks set to fall back to an annual growth rate of below 10 per cent, but in total housing credit is still picking up its pace to multi-year highs.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>---</div>
<div> </div>
<div>August was a quieter month for initial capital raised on the Australian Securities Exchange, although there was a strong volume of secondary cap raisings.<br><br>Total capital raised on a rolling annual basis has increased to its highest level since the great flood of recapitalisation over the year to May 2010.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/10/01/ASX-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/10/01/ASX-1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Owner-occupiers pick up housing market baton: Pete Wargent

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<p><span>Three vacant government land sites north of Sydney are being auctioned off with the potential for development into 100 dwellings.</span></p>
<p><span>The three residential sites, a</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> high density residential development site at 2 Burley Street, Lane Cove </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">North, a</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> medium density residential development site at 460 Willoughby Road, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Willoughby and s</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">even lots in Kerela Avenue, Muttama Street and The Broadway, Wahroonga, will be offered online 5 November through Frank Knight.</span></p>
<p>Government Property NSW chief executive officer Brett Newman, said proceeds from these sales will be reinvested back into government agencies. </p>
<p>“These sales reflect the Government’s approach to divesting latent property assets which are not core to service delivery," he said.</p>
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

NSW Government land sales announced for Sydney's north

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<p>Melbourne is the best performing capital city over the three months to September with a 7.4% rise in dwelling values, according to CoreLogic RP Data's Home Value Index.</p>
<p>Melbourne houses had a gross rental yield of 2.9% and units on par with Sydney at 4.1%</p>
<p>Highest rental yields were recorded in Darwin, with houses reaping a grow rental yield of 5.4% and units at 5.8%</p>
<p>CoreLogic RP Data head of research Tim Lawless said the first month of Spring provided mixed results across the capital city housing markets with the headline results showing a 0.9% rise in capital city dwelling values over the month, and a 4.0% increase over the September quarter.</p>
<p>"Across the capital cities, the month-on-month results ranged from a 2.4% rise in Melbourne dwelling values, through to a 1.9% fall in values across the Hobart market. Australia’s largest and most expensive capital city housing market, Sydney, posted a month-on-month gain of just 0.1% in September," he said.<br><br>"During the September quarter, half of Australia’s capital cities posted a decline in dwelling values with Hobart down 2.0% over the three months. Adelaide values slipped by 1.6%, Perth by 0.7%, and Canberra values were down 0.4%.  The most substantial capital gains over the quarter were achieved in Melbourne where dwelling values were up by 7.4%, followed by Sydney (+4.6%), Brisbane (+1.9%) and Darwin where values were up by 0.4%."</p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/10/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-01%20at%209.22.28%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/10/01/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-01%20at%209.22.28%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
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Melbourne takes the baton of strong housing price growth: CoreLogic RP Data

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<p><span><span>The top sale of the week was a four bedroom home in the Sydney beachside suburb of Bronte that sold for the first time in 34 years.</span></span></p>
<p><span>CoreLogic RP Data's top ten sales listing for the week ending 27 September noted the home, </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/9-mirimar-avenue-tamarama/Property-Details-sold-residential-9317606" target="_blank">9 Mirimar Avenue, Bronte</a> is on a <span>474sqm block with 180 degree views and sold for $7,780,000.</span></span></p>
<p><span>Top ten sales</span></p>
<p><span>9 Mirimar Avenue, Bronte, NSW, 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car house $7,780,000 through Laing + Simmons Double Bay </span></p>
<p><span>48a Hampden Road, Armadale, Vic 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car house $5,300,000 through Jellis Craig Armadale </span></p>
<p><span>41D New South Head Road, Vaucluse, NSW5 bed, 5 bath, 2 car house $5,250,000 through Laing + Simmons Double Bay </span></p>
<p><span>417/6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo, NSW 3 bed, 3 bath, 2 car unit $4,500,001 through BresicWhitney Darlinghurst </span></p>
<p><span>23 Burran Avenue, Mosman, NSW 3bed,2bath,2 car house $4,390,000 through McGrath Estate Agents </span></p>
<p><span>1101/39 Castlebar Street, Kangaroo Point, Qld 4 bed, 4 bath, 6 car unit $4,315,000 through McGrath Estate Agents </span></p>
<p><span>240 Morack Road, Vermont South, Vic 5 bed, 3 bath, 2 car house $4,150,000 through Ray White Blackburn </span></p>
<p><span>71 Barnstaple Road, Russell Lea, NSW 5 bed, 4 bath, 4 car house $3,910,000 through McGrath Estate Agents </span></p>
<p><span>41 Salisbury Road, Rose Bay, NSW 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car house $3,900,000 through Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay </span></p>
<p><span>96 Livingstone Avenue, Pymble, NSW 5 bed, 5 bath, 2 car house $3,800,000 through LJ Hooker Wahroonga </span></p>
</div>
</div>
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Bronte $7.78 million sale tops CoreLogic RP Data top 10 list

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<p>There was a time when a big infrastructure project was an economic gold mine for the local community.</p>
<p>The proponents hired local people and bought services from local businesses. Expert personnel brought in from outside rented local houses.</p>
<p>How quaint were those days. How very last century. </p>
<p>Today you fly everyone in from a distance and build a temporary camp to accommodate them. A town can have a $2 billion project happening 5km down the road without any change in the local unemployment rate or the residential vacancy rate.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p>In fact, the vacancy rate may well rise if developers build new dwellings in anticipation of increased demand. Gladstone’s influx of tens of thousands of new jobs coincided with its vacancy rate rising from near zero to 10%. Most of the worker stayed in camps on an offshore island.</p>
<p>If you live locally and want a job on the big new project that comes to town, you may need to migrate interstate because big companies prefer to fly their workers in from outside.</p>
<p>Most companies planning big mining projects put out press releases promising to hire local workers and services, but in most cases they’re lying.</p>
<p>And it’s not just resources projects using the modern-day scourge of FIFO workforces and temporary accommodation camps. Now, everyone’s doing it.</p>
<p>In Bundaberg in Queensland, a business that grows strawberries has received council approval for a nine-stage short-term accommodation development to house seasonal workers. The losers will be local landlords and owners of backpackers accommodation.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p>In Toowoomba, a 500-room workers camp was proposed by one of the companies hoping to become the preferred tenderer for the $1.3 billion Toowoomba bypass, also known as the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing. </p>
<p>As it happens the Rangelink consortium didn’t win the tender. But it demonstrates how the concept of mobile workforces and temporary workers camps is taking hold.</p>
<p>The PR for projects like this always put the number of jobs created up in lights. That used to mean local jobs and politicians would gush about the local benefits. Today it’s likely very few of those jobs will be people living locally.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p>It’s changed the way property investors need to assess locations worthy of their attention. A big infrastructure development may create some economic ripples in the local community but these events no longer create the property booms of the past.</p>
<p>Today, the big infrastructure projects are more likely to create ghost towns than boom towns. Regional Australia is littered with towns that once thrived from the presence of big industrial developments or mining projects – places where investors enjoyed double-digit rental yields.</p>
<p>Now the vacancy rates read like this: Mackay 7%, Port Hedland 8%, Emerald 8%, Newman 9%, Chinchilla 17%, Miles 24%.</p>
<p>Many would speculate that this is evidence of the end of the resources boom. It’s not. In most cases, it’s evidence of the proponents of major mining or infrastructure projects bypassing the local town and putting up their workers in temporary camps. <span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p>The property market in the WA town of Newman has crashed during the construction phase of the $9 billion Roy Hill iron ore mine. Seven thousand people are working on this project but Newman’s median price has dropped 24% in the past year and rents are about a quarter of their peak levels.</p>
<p>And the core message is that  this phenomenon is no longer just a resources sector scenario. It’s spread to other enterprises.</p>
<p><em>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></em></p>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

FIFO accommodation and the rental debacle: Terry Ryder

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<p><span>Heritage Bank has appointed senior banking executive Peter Lock to take over as the chief executive officer from the retiring John Minz. </span></p>
<p><span>Chairman Kerry Betros announced today that Mr Lock would take up the new role on Monday, 23 November.</span><span> </span></p>
<p><span>Mr Lock has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial services sector, including previously the chief operating officer for the Bank of Melbourne. </span></p>
<p><span>From November 2013, he was managing director of Parkside Partners, his own corporate advisory firm based in Melbourne. </span></p>
<p><span>The o</span><span>utgoing CEO John Minz announced his intention to retire, after 22 years at Heritage, including 12 as CEO.  </span></p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Peter Lock to succeed John Minz as Heritage Bank CEO

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<p><span>The ANZ today announced that Shayne Elliott will become its chief executive officer on 1 January 2016 succeeding Mike Smith.</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Elliott, 51, is currently ANZ’s chief financial officer, originally from New Zealand.</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Elliott has over 30 years’ experience in international banking including in Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He joined ANZ as CEO Institutional in June 2009.</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Smith will step down after eight years as chief executive officer and as a Director on 31 December 2015. </span></p>
<p><span>ANZ Chairman David Gonski said Mr Smith had transformed ANZ into Australia’s only international bank with a focus on Asia Pacific.  </span></p>
<p><span>"He has transformed ANZ into one of Asia Pacific’s leading banks with operations in 34 countries, delivering strong outcomes for our customers and for our shareholders."</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Smith, who has an invaluable understanding of and connections in Asia, will be retained as a non-executive advisor to the Board, initially for one year. </span></p>
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Shayne Elliott to succeed Mike Smith at ANZ

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<div>One of the most notable aspects of this building approvals boom has been that it has been focussed on the building of high density housing to an unprecedented extent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>If you want capital growth from property then I suggest that you should be wary of high rise stock since proportionately far too much of it is has been approved.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Approvals in most instances do now seem to be pulling back, but the approvals pipeline has seen 4+ storey dwellings pushed through this cycle to date in unprecedented volumes.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In August the number of approvals pulled back in Victoria from 1,766 to as the new <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/building-approvals-boom-passes-peak" target="_blank">levy</a> takes effect, but the 12mMA trendline tells its own story...</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/30/HR1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/09/30/HR1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>In Queensland the number of 4+ storey dwelling approvals at 895 in August was well below the extraordinarily high volumes approved in 7 of the preceding 9 months, and the trendline peak now seems to be in...</span></div>
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<div> </div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/09/30/QLD.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>Being home to the largest capital city, New South Wales has typically approved the greatest number of high rise apartments, although here too approvals fell from an elevated 3,431 to 1,887 in August...</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/30/HR3.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/09/30/HR3.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Overall it seems that the great flood of approvals of high rise apartments is now easing as developers take note of the looming oversupply.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The problem with the highest density tower blocks for investors is simply that there is no inherent scarcity value. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Pass.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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The high rise apartment glut: Pete Wargent

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<p>As they do every year, new listings increased over the first month of spring, with further additions of stock to the market expected to ramp up until the end of year slow-down in December.</p>
<p>In addition to the number of listings being added to the market CoreLogic RP Data’s lead listings indicator is also showing a 1.6% month-on-month change (seasonally adjusted), with Tasmania (+5.2%) and Victoria (3.4%) showing the most activity of listings being prepared for sale.</p>
<p>In terms of listing stock, the largest proportionate increases this month relative to last month have been observed in Brisbane, where the number of residential properties added to the market over the four weeks ending 27 September was 12.9% higher than the four week period a month earlier. Following Brisbane was Hobart (12.5% higher) and Adelaide (11.0% higher).</p>
<p>Despite the increase in new listings, total stock levels remain just 1.2 per cent higher relative to one year ago across the combined capital cities, while nationally; total listings are -0.6 per cent lower. As at 27 September, there were 234,094 residential properties available for sale across Australia, while one year ago, there were 235,399.</p>
<p>When compared to last year, across the capital cities, total listings are higher in Perth (+20.7%), Darwin (+12.3%) and for the first time this year, Sydney (+4.7%). In Sydney, one of the reasons the total stock levels are now higher than one year ago is likely due to the increase in stock being added to the market. New listings across the city are 16 per cent higher than one year ago, to put this into perspective, over the comparable 28 day period one year ago, 7,431 listings were newly added to the market, compared to 8,617 this year.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/09/30/Table.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/09/30/Table.jpg" alt="" width="886" height="199"></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/09/30/Capital-city.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/09/30/Capital-city.jpg" alt="" width="731" height="276"></p>
<p><span>Across the individual states and territories, there are more listings than one year ago in Western Australia, Northern Territory (both +12.9%) and to a lesser degree, South Australia (+2.2%), while across these three regions, the number of new listings added to the market over the past four weeks is lower than one year ago. In all other states and territories, total listings are currently lower than they were relative to last year.</span></p>
<p><a href="/images/2015/09/30/National.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="/images/2015/09/30/National.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
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First month of spring returns lift in new listings: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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<p>Jones Lang LaSalle is marketing the sale of a 50% interest stake in Sydney's World Square on behalf of Brookfield through an expressions of interest campaign closing Thursday, 12 November.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">World Square, which takes up an entire city block, is bounded by George, Pitt, Liverpool and Goulburn Streets.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">World Square features a Coles Supermarket, six mini-major tenancies, 97 specialty tenancies and a car park with 522 spaces. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Simon Rooney, JLL’s head of retail investments Australasia said a surge in apartment developments in the Sydney CBD has and will continue to directly benefit World Square over the next two to three years.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"One of World Square’s great attributes is its potential to deliver income reversion," he said.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">"Investors are increasingly focusing on assets with the strongest income growth potential, a key driver in capital value enhancement, in an environment where yields have compressed significantly across all the real estate sectors.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">World Square was rated number two in the country for the highest Moving Annual Turnover (MAT) with $248 million and number three for the highest MAT/sqm with $18,188/sqm, according to the 2015 Shopping Centre News “CBD Guns” survey.</span></p>
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