<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>The unit market around the Sunshine Coast is patchy, according to Herron Todd White, who believe the market peaked early 2008 and unit sales activity halved to their lowest point in 2012.</span></p>
<p><span>Herron Todd White's September Month in Review said sellers became more accepting of the repriced unit market with an increase in volumes in 2014 and sales volumes and median prices are on track to beating that in 2015.</span></p>
<p><span>"Unlike houses, the unit values have increased but far more slowly with a median unit price in 2014 of $352,000," the report noted.</span></p>
<p><span>"In 2015 we are on track for sales volumes and median prices to better 2014. Most of the activity is below $500,000 which accounts for 77% of the sales. </span></p>
<p><span>"The median unit price reached around $370,000 in 2008 and the volume of sales reaching 4,465 for 2007 and 3,337 for 2008. After this, sales halved to their lowest point in 2012 at 2,290 sales and a median unit price low of $345,000."</span></p>
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Sunshine Coast units peaked in 2008: Herron Todd White

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<p><span>Property investors have been warned of a looming oversupply of new units either in the pipeline or currently developed within the popular CBD region of Wollongong, according to Herron Todd White.</span></p>
<p><span>Herron Todd White's September Month in Review noted demand for units was previously driven by locals however the "Sydney spill over" from investors and self managed superannuation funds is putting pressure on the local market.</span></p>
<p><span>"The combined effect of a recent retreat by several of the main stream lenders to the SMSF market together with an increase in interest rates could put downward pressure on rental returns and potential stock over-supply," the report warned.</span></p>
<p><span>"Well located 2-bedroom CBD units are presently commanding prices in the high $500,000 to $620,000 mark, and 3-bedroom units in good locations fetch over $800,000 up to $1 million in some cases."</span></p>
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Wollongong's looming oversupply of new units: Herron Todd White

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<div>
<em>SQM Research</em>'s released its latest news and views on vacancy rates and asking rents in Australia - with capital city vacancy rates nationally ticking down from 2.4 per cent to 2.3 per cent in August.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>SQM found that vacancy rates have increased strongly in Darwin (+2.0 per cent to 3.5 per cent) and Perth (+1.1 per cent to 3.7 per cent) over the past year. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, SQM also found that vacancy rates ticked down slightly across most capital cities in August. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Given the strength of the dwelling supply response one would be forgiven for thinking that vacancy rates might have increased in Sydney and Melbourne over the past year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Yet this has not played out in either case, with city-wide vacancy rates declining to just 1.7 per cent in Sydney and 2.2 per cent in Melbourne respectively (from 2.6 per cent one year ago in the case of Melbourne).</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/16/SQM.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/09/16/SQM.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>SQM's data showed that while rents in the largest capitals had increased ahead of the headline rate of inflation over the past year, asking rents for houses in Darwin have crashed by -21.3 per cent, while asking rents for houses in Perth were also down by -8.1 per cent.</div>
<div>
<br>Asking rents for houses were up strongly in Hobart (+6.7 per cent) as the market tightens, with vacancy rates in the Tasmanian capital now at just 1.1 per cent. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Demographics</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Despite very strong levels of approvals and construction, vacancy rates have actually decreased in Sydney and Melbourne over the past year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>How so? One of the clues might be found in the ABS Population by Age &amp; Sex data which I analysed recently. </div>
<br><div>And that is that population growth has become increasingly focussed on the inner and middle ring suburbs of the largest capital cities, both cause and effect of the natrure of the supply response through this cycle, as well as emerging employment trends. </div>
<br><span>For example, see the headline 2009-2014 data for Greater </span>Melbourne<span>...</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/16/Pop1.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/09/16/Pop1.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<span>...Greater </span>Sydney<span>...</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/16/Pop2.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/09/16/Pop2.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<span>...and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Greater </span>Brisbane<span>.</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/16/Pop3.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/09/16/Pop3.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>There is, however, still a high volume of apartment approvals in the pipeline in all three of largest capitals.</div>
<br><div>As the above charts show over the long run the population growth to absorb the new supply has been evident, while much of the new high rise stock isn't that appealing to homebuyers in any case. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Meanwhile, driven by a Sydney economic boom the New South Wales economy has added a thumping +118,800 jobs over the past 12 months.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It should therefore be little surprise that interstate migration away from the Premier State had recently declined to its lowest level on record. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, not much sign of rising vacancy rates in the two largest capitals in this release, but SQM's Louis Christopher does see vacancies rising over the year ahead.</div>
<div>
<br>And I agree, With the strength of the dwelling construction cycle underway this must surely be the case.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>On a related note, dwelling construction surprisingly detracted from GDP growth in the second quarter, which would appear to be an anomalous result given the veritable forest of cranes on the city skylines.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>While I'm not in the business of issuing flash forecasts for GDP - a fool's errand if ever there was one - it wouldn't be a surprise to me to see dwelling construction and a positive reversal in net exports (and possibly, inventories) leading to a +0.5 per cent result for Q3, before quarterly growth of +0.7 per cent returning for the next few quarters thereafter. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, whether or not household consumption and public/government investment can continue to produce the positive contributions that they did in Q2 is another question.</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>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Vacancy rates tighten a little: Pete Wargent

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<p><span>The keys and crown of Jonathan and Amanda Erwin are set to be handed over following the sale of their sandstone castle at Avalon for $2,542,500.</span></p>
<p>Set up 100 steps at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-avalon+beach-115993231" target="_blank">40 Chisholm Avenue</a>, it finally achieved its $2.5 million plus expectations, but took more than a year to do so through LJ Hooker Palm Beach selling agent David Edwards.</p>
<p><span>Set on the northern side of an unspoilt rocky summit above Clareville Beach, it was the opera devotee architect Edwin Kingsberry's idea to build the house, however he lacked the funds and the land sold to Leslie Erwin, a salesman for Colgate/Parmolive.</span></p>
<p><span>Erwin constructed it as a present for his wife. However, his wife - and the mother of the current vendors - ran off with the architect.</span></p>
<p><span>Inspired by the music of Wagner, the palatial medieval property got its official name — Götterdämmerung — from the composer’s famous Ring Cycle opera, but locals just call it The Castle.</span></p>
<p><span>Music still resounds from the home, with Jonathan, an antique furniture restorer, a member of the northern beaches band, Bilgola Bop Band.</span></p>
<p><span>At 3238 sq metres, this block of land is one of the largest on the peninsula, with the privacy of the site never to be threatened.</span></p>
<p><em>This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.</em></p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Castle sells at Avalon

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<p><span>Having sold Headingley House in Woollahra, John Spender QC is off to Double Bay.</span></p>

<p><span>He has paid $3.975 million to buy in Juliana Lim's Oceania complex on Bay Street, the Bay Residences , a 14 apartment complex designed by Kann Finch architects. The legal paperwork shows the lawyer transfered the home into joint ownership with wife Catherine earlier this month under 104B of the Duties Act.</span></p>

<p><span>Estate agency 1st City Hasemer &amp; Caldwell.Eyles - Double Bay has one left.</span></p>

<p><span>Headingley, which was his diplomat father, Sir Percy Spender purchase from the Kater pastoralist family in 1949 for £11,676, fetched $13.1 million.</span></p>

<p><span>It was bought by New York fund manger Alwyn Heong who sold in his Rose Bay harbourfront Indah for $27.08 million to barrister Georgina Black, the partner of Graham Edwards, chief executive of the UK’s property giant Telereal Trillium.</span></p>

<p><span>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7758]</span></p>

<p><span>The LJ Hooker Bill Malouf marketing says the 1880s Woollahra house had been redesigned by acclaimed architect Professor Leslie Wilkinson in the 1930s.</span></p>

<p><span>Spender, the dapper Queen's Counsel, who now does commercial arbitration, moved into the stunning Georgian-style Wellington Street residence in 1985.</span></p>

<p><span>While he was the Member of the House of Representatives for the seat of North Sydney - before Joe Hockey's election - he would occasionally take the trip from his eastern suburbs home to the lower North Shore electorate in his late father's white Rolls Royce.</span></p>

<p><em>This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.</em></p>
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John Spender buys $3,975,000 Double Bay apartment after Headingley House sale 

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<p><span>There were ten registered to bid, four that got to after the $5.3 million opening bid when the Roberts family auctioned their Randwick home on the weekend.</span></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-randwick-120499909" target="_blank">8 Dick Street</a> renovated home was knocked down at $6.11 million, just shy of the $6.2 million record on St Marks Road secured four years ago.</p>
<p><em>This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.</em></p>
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Randwick record runner up at $6.11 million

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<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>A wise investor once said: “People’s expectation of the future is set by their experiences in the immediate past.” No truer is this phrase than the phenomena of the Sydney market over the past 2-3 years. It’s also unfortunately why I think there is pain ahead for those still contemplating a residential property investment in Sydney or Melbourne.  </p>
<p>Think about it; with between 62% (all NSW mortgages, July 2015 CoreLogic) and 68% (Nationwide: AFG) of mortgages being investment loans, an investor should realise that with only 32% of participants potentially buying property for its underlying utility value (ie: to live in!), investors will happily shun a location if it presents no potential for meaningful growth in the near future.  Investors certainly don’t need to live there! <br><br> Now, I am certain of the direction of these changes, but of course the timing is open for debate. </p>
<p>At Oasis Property we maintain our bias towards a correction of between 7-15% in the Sydney market. In Melbourne...less so (5-8%). My expectation is that this play out over the next 2-3 years. In almost every extended discussion I have with people about this, I find disagreement. But the startling thing about this is the disagreement is not because they necessarily disagree with our experience OR the fact that Sydney and Melbourne prices have outperformed on every metric. No. They are disagreeing <em>only</em> because of sentiment and psychology. No sound reasoning, just emotion built on expectation, based on recent performance.  <br><br> As I have cited many times publicly...and almost ad nauseum for 12 months now, the fundamental reason for owning property in Sydney and Melbourne has been exhausted. That is, the baseline amenity (a house) being built for a consumer (owner or tenant) that is ready to live in it...is too expensive. Expensive to the point that a homeowner finds it more logical to rent (at 2-3% yields...this is entirely rational) OR the bank will not extend them the finance to lend. (rational or not...the buyer doesn’t have a choice in this!) </p>
<p>All this brings me to a tried and trusted logic that has served me well as an investor. From the mouth of legendary investor Rick Rule. “The cure for low prices...is low prices.” And similarly the inverse of this...the cure for high prices...IS high prices.” </p>
<p>Before you think that notion sounds absurd… hear me out. Rick is a billionaire. You are probably not. Using this narrative below to example this notion, allow me to expand: </p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">If a developer cannot buy land, build a property and make a profit – they will not build that property. There MUST be an incentive to do it. Or building will stop. It is called a </span><em style="line-height: 1.3em;">market clearing price. </em></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">For example. If land can be purchased in Lane Cove for $1m, and a new dwelling costs $600k to build (=$1.6m), yet the market price is only be $1.4m, the dwelling will simply not get built. Why would they? Would you?</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Exacerbated over an extended period of time, if this incentive is not achieved...the will be no properties built over an extended period of time. Demand will build up (like it has). It’s a predictable outcome. </span><br><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><br><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Eventually, the market will realise that there is a housing shortfall. </span><br><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span><br><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Now, with that situation in place as ‘tinder’ for the market, it only took the dovetailing of the low interest rate environment to light a fire under the property. The rest is modern history. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Hence the saying: “the cure for low prices...is low prices.” It is that simple.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Taking that example of that Lane Cove property I referred to.  We see that at $1.4m the maths doesn’t work. In fact, even at $1.6m it doesn’t; what with stamp duties, borrowing and holding costs. In reality, most developers I know wouldn’t even start the project if it returned a market price of $1.9m. (~12% after costs) Developers will roughly work off a model of 30% and often include contingency in this plan to scale downward or upwards from here. They’d want to see $2.2m to get them started on this project. </span></p>
<p>And now we’ve got ourselves a <em>market clearing price! </em>And that’s exactly where Sydney and Melbourne have been over the past 3 years.  Now we’re well past it.    </p>
<p>The problem is of course, that this effect works the same way at the other end of the market...the top! Many more properties are being constructed and have been constructed now that this incentive has been created. This has had the effect of inflating the cost of property well and beyond the affordability of the everyday property owner, which is the benchmark we all must base our assumptions on. </p>
<p>Do <em>not </em>base it off the overseas/Chinese investor. They will (eventually) only pay what is necessary to beat the next highest bidder. Do <em>not</em> base it on the wealthy investor, they will be subject to, and more likely price in higher interest rates. Do <em>not</em> base it on the self managed super fund purchaser. NO. Base it on the home owner. The person that needs a home and can either afford to pay for it or not. (Hint: do some research...[lack of] affordability is now through the roof!)</p>
<p>What we are finally left with is too much stock on the market and elevated prices for those buyers that are left. I think we are almost there. You do <em>not</em> want to be holding that parcel when that music stops! </p>
<p>So eventually, the “cure for high prices” is the high prices themselves that make them unaffordable for those that want and need to live in them. </p>
<p>To combat the claim that people believe that Sydney prices will still keep surging, I cite a most recent, but now almost daily occurrence whereby people actually argue with me that they do not believe that Sydney prices will <span><em>ever</em></span> go backwards. After convulsing in a fit of laughter, I then reply, with a cheeky grin on my face;</p>
<p>“If that occurred (non-stop growth), it would be the only time in history, in any region, in any mature market - that this has occurred. Ever. Let me repeat...EVER!”</p>
<p>On that note, I’ll leave you with one last reminder. “the cure of high prices...IS high prices!” </p>
<p><br><em>Gavin McPherson is chief executive officer of Oasis Property Buyers Agency and author of "Value Investing in Property: What would Warren Buffet do if he was investing in property in Australia?" He can be contacted <a href="https://www.oasisproperty.com.au/oasis-buyers/oasis-property-buyers.php" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
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Is Sydney now the rotten apple for investors? Oasis' Gavin McPherson

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<p><span>RBA board members noted that very low interest rates would continue to support growth in dwelling investment and household consumption.</span></p>
<p><span>But they added in their September minutes that there were indications that the measures implemented by APRA had slowed the growth in lending for investment housing.</span></p>
<p><span>They noted dwelling prices continued to rise strongly in Sydney, "though trends had been more varied across other cities."</span></p>
<p><span>Indeed while the strength in housing price inflation had been concentrated in Sydney and Melbourne, mainly for detached houses, the RBA summarised housing price inflation has having been modest in other parts of the country and "negative in some market segments."</span></p>
<p><span>Members noted that rapid growth in the construction of new apartments had helped to hold down inflation of their prices.</span></p>
<p><span>It also noted there had been a notable decline in the growth in lending for investment housing in July. </span></p>
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Rapid apartment construction holding back price inflation: RBA 

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<p><span>The waterside property at 71 Barnstaple Road, Russell Lea is anticipated to set a sales record for the suburb.</span></p>
<p><span>With a price guide of $3.6 million, the expectations surpass the previous suburb record that belongs to nearby 27 Burnell St. that sold for $3.2 million at 2008 auction.</span></p>
<p>The home, built in 2012 is being advertised as a glamorous, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-russell+lea-120693785" target="_blank">waterside luxury family home</a>.</p>
<p><span>It features five bedrooms, a custom home theatre, a study and a gym.</span></p>
<p><span>Its listed with Martin Lorello at McGrath Inner West.</span></p>
<p>The median house price in <a href="/news">Russell Lea is $1,517,500,</a> according to CoreLogic RP Data.</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Russell Lea's $3.6 million listing

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<p><span>Clifton, an 1891 Camberwell home has been listed for sale with record setting expectations.</span></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/27-29-kintore-street-camberwell/Property-Details-buy-residential-9390872" target="_blank">27-29 Kintore Street</a> trophy home has been listed with $6.5 plus million hopes through Doug McLauchlan at Marshall White for September 19 auction.</p>
<p><span>The corner property was designed by Butler and Ussher on its 2235 square metre lot.</span></p>
<p><span>The house was last traded in 1988 and has been extended since.</span></p>
<p><span>The house has a garden with 120 year old trees, a full-size, floodlit tennis court, and solar heated swimming pool.</span></p>
<p><span>Sims Cooper &amp; Co director Graeme Black and his wife, Sally Romanes, are selling Clifton, which sits at 27-29 Kintore Street, at the intersection of Loch Street</span></p>
<p><span>The double-storey, six-bedroom home is within walking distance to the Camberwell train station and the Burke Road shopping strip.</span></p>
<p>The median price for a house in <a href="/news">Camberwell is $1,720,000</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data. </p>
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