<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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<div>Although commentary often tends to focus on the dollar value of loans written in the housing market (which in the case of Sydney have been going through the roof) the actual number of home loans being written in Australia on a monthly basis is still some way below the levels seen across 2006-8. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In Sydney home loan volumes have even been tracking well below where they were in 2003 when the headount of the harbour city was considerably smaller, though the past two months of figures have recorded a big surge which is not yet fully reflected in the trend data. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Looking at the high level figures the trend in home loan volumes has generally been up for the three most populous states since 2012, but transaction volumes can hardly be said to be high compared to where they have been in the past. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Volumes have been trending down in Western Australia since July 2014, while the trend in the Northern Territory for want of a better word has "crashed" by a third since September and is threatening to soon take out the lowest levels seen in more than a decade. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Home loan activity levels in South Australia are...flatlining. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/15/HF1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/09/15/HF1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>A similar pattern is also evident when looking at the below chart of home loans by property type, with home loans to purchase established properties in a multi-year uptrend but still not even close to previous heights.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/15/hf5.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/09/15/hf5.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stamp</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>There are a number of reasons for these muted home loans volumes, not least the more significant market share of investors seen through this cycle in Sydney and Melbourne in particular.</div>
<br><span>I'll offer another: stamp duty.</span><br><br><div>With rising property prices already pushing the boundaries of detached housing affordability in Sydney and Melbourne close to breaking point, stamp duty - a levy which is ratcheted up as the purchase price increases - acts as a further disincentive to trade.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This has long been an issue in London at the premium end of the market, where plainly ridiculous<a href="https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/residential-property-rates" target="_blank"> </a>rates of stamp duty above GBP 925,000 absolutely discourage buying and selling, and instead encourage owners to sit on prime location sites for as long as they feasibly can. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>I can't speak for others, but certainly whenever I've written a stamp duty cheque to the OSR the last thing I am thinking of is subsequently selling a property, and indeed neither my wife nor I have ever sold a property in 19 years, in part for that very reason.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>While stamp duty can serve one useful purpose in making the market more stable and less attractive to "flippers", it also discourages labour market mobility and creates a royal pain in the tail for homeowners who are required relocate for work. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Arguably both homeowners and investors are becoming more inclined to such buy and hold strategies while accepting that there will be inevitable market downturns, in part because the transaction costs are so punitive: buy, hold, and hold some more. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">First homebuyers</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>On a related note, the share of first homebuyers loans in the market has trended down to 15.4 per cent, which is at least a couple of full percentage points below what was seemingly becoming the norm before the financial crisis struck (whereupon market incentives led to an enormous spike in first homebuyer market share). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>We know that the data may be incompete, but affordability - and specifically the deposit hurdle - is playing an obvious role here too, nudging a proportion of first time buyers towards buying an investment property as a first step onto the housing ladder instead of a place of residence. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/15/HF3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/09/15/HF3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Stamp duty is a key consideration for first homebuyers or new market entrants too.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is often said or implied that first homebuyers should start with an entry level property and then look to trade up later, but with the average first homebuyer <strong>loan</strong> <strong>size </strong>now passing $340,000, new entrants to to the market must be seriously considering how many times in their lives they want to be trading property. I know that I would be. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/15/HF4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/09/15/HF4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dwelling starts to peak in 2015</span></strong><br><br><div>A number of forecasts and indicators have suggested that dwelling starts could peak in 2015, and the new dwellings data does not contradict them, although with so many new builds being sold offshore to Asia through this cycle arguably this data series is a less useful indicator than it once was. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/15/HF2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/09/15/HF2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<span>Construction loans written to owner-occupiers have also been trending down in recent months.</span><br><br><div>On the other hand the rise in property prices and associated equity gains has for some time been predicted to cause a renovations boom. Certainly this is what we witnessed through 2003 as the preceding Sydney market boom approached its peak. </div>
<br><div>There has already been a decent uplift in renovations activity in Sydney, but the "alts &amp; adds" figures to date have barely even hinted at much going on elsewhere. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/09/15/HF6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/09/15/HF6.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>Driving around Brisbane it certainly "feels" as though there is more renovation work underway, but this may just be good old anecdotal evidence giving a bum steer. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></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>
</div>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Property hot, but volumes not: Pete Wargent

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<p><span>Mortgage Choice Limited has shut down its Help Me Choose business unit five years after its purchase of one of Australia’s leading websites for <span>home loan</span> leads sold to mortgage brokers.</span></p>
<p><span>The comparison website was bought to generates tens of thousands of home loan leads annually from potential home loan customers.</span></p>
<p><span>The then Mortgage Choice CEO Michael Russell said the purchase marked an exciting strategic investment for the company "given that over 70% of our home loan leads are currently sourced online.”</span></p>
<p><span>HelpMeChoose.com.au featured when Mortgage Choice presented its FY15 financial results in August .</span></p>
<p><span>The new chief executive officer John Flavell made it clear that Help Me Choose’s financial result needed addressing.</span></p>
<p><span>“The less than favourable financial result of the Help Me Choose business prompted a comprehensive review of the operation and a decision has been made to close it down in its current form,” John Flavell said yesterday. </span></p>
<p><span>“Continuing to invest in a business that is unlikely to be profitable in the foreseeable future does not make sense.”</span></p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mortgage Choice decides to close Help Me Choose‏

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<p><span>Surging house prices and bigger superannuation balances have lifted the average wealth of Australian households. Older home-owning couples without a mortgage have the highest average level of wealth.</span></p>
<p><span>The hot property market also drove increases in average wealth for home owners with a mortgage to $857,900 in 2013-14, up from $790,000 three years ago.</span></p>
<p><span>It is almost $1.4 million for those who are mortgage free ($1.2 million), according to an Australian Bureau of Statistics report. </span></p>
<p><span>The ABS's Survey of Income and Housing examines changes in average household wealth (assets owned minus liabilities) and income from all sources, including welfare payments and super. </span></p>
<p><span>The average wealth of renting households - a group expected to grow as home ownership rates decline - was approximately $183,000. </span></p>
<p><span>The maturing superannuation system has also contributed to rising wealth. </span></p>
<p><span>Over the two years since 2011-2012, the average super balance per household jumped 21%from $132,000 to $160,000.</span></p>
<p><span>"It is particularly positive to see a 50% increase in the average household super balance for couples aged 55-64, to $488,000," Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia chief executive Pauline Vamos told the Australian Financial Review. </span></p>
<p><span>"We are starting to see the benefits for Australians who have paid [compulsory super] over a large proportion of their working life, and are now retiring with a lump sum close to that we estimate is required for a comfortable standard of living in retirement, which is $640,000."</span></p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Older home-owning couples without a mortgage have highest level of wealth: ABS

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<p>It’s danger time for investors tempted to buy high-rise apartments on the Gold Coast. </p>
<p>There are few entities more skilled in the art of seduction than the Gold Coast propaganda machine. </p>
<p>What makes it doubly dangerous is that the Gold Coast can spin a pretty plausible story right now, as long as it ignores its appalling record on capital growth.</p>
<p>There’s the high level of spending on infrastructure. There’s the billions that corporations, both Australian and foreign, want to throw at casinos, resort hotels, cruise ship terminals and mega high-rise apartment blocks. There’s the marketing appeal of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.</p>
<p>Marketers can pull together some credible-sounding data which suggests that the oversupply of the past has been soaked up and that markets are growing again.</p>
<p>The marketing machine will have little trouble mounting a case that the market is beyond recovery and is rising rapidly. And there is no shortage of gun-for-hire companies purporting to be independent and willing to make a statistics-based case for the viability of all those new mega towers.</p>
<p>Last week a report claiming the Gold Coast will need another 133 apartment towers just to cope with the impending population boom got widespread media coverage. It’s amazing how readily media will take a piece of crystal-ball-gazing and turn it into fact for consumption by a gullible public.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p>A bullish and self-serving forecast was converted into a statement that the population <span>will</span> jump 76% in the next 20 years. And “many of those people <span>will</span> need to be housed in high-rise apartments” and the population growth <span>will</span> “mean demand for 156,000 new dwellings to cope with the influx”.</p>
<p>I wonder how many investors will pause to consider the outcome if those predictions are wide of the mark. Population projections are never accurate. Even in the short periods between the official census counts, government and private sector population estimates are shown to be faulty, and sometimes wildly inaccurate.</p>
<p>Property investors are essentially herd animals and the impulse to follow the pack as it starts to stampede towards the latest Gold Coast mirage will be irresistible for many. The FOMO Syndrome will drive too many to pay too much for generic high-rise dwellings in an oversupplied market and spend the next five to ten years regretting it.</p>
<p>It’s all happened many times before on the Gold Coast. But investors seldom learn the lessons of history, in some cases because they are blissfully ignorant of it.</p>
<p>They need to know that the Gold Coast has not yet fully emerged from the most recent glut of high-rise apartments, one that has taken six years to absorb. In that time property values have gone backwards in all the major high-rise suburbs – and are still in reverse.</p>
<p>Two major research sources – Australian Property Monitors and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland – confirm that the median prices for apartments Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Broadbeach and Southport remain significantly lower than they were five years ago.</p>
<p>And prices are still falling. In the past 12 months, prices have fallen further in Surfers Paradise (down 2.9%), Main Beach (down 4.1%) and Southport (down 4.3%). </p>
<p>In the cases of both Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, apartments are worth less today than they were in 2005. For both Main Beach and Southport, prices are still at the same levels as 10 years ago. The investors who bought in these locations a decade ago have had no capital growth at all. How many markets can you say that about?</p>
<p>In Surfers Paradise, prices fell in the past three months, the past 12 months ago, the past three years, the past five years and the past 10 years. Not a single growth figure to be found. Of all the big-name markets around Australia, perhaps only Noosa on the Sunshine Coast is a bigger dud.<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p>Those who bought in the Gold Coast high-rise markets five years ago have lost a lot of money. In Main Beach, the median unit price has dropped from $652,000 in 2010 to $561,000 today. The average punter is $91,000 worse off. There are similar results for Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Southport.</p>
<p>And it’s all about to happen all over again. Only this time, the outcomes will be worse, because the towers being built are larger and more numerous.</p>
<p>For investors who are susceptible to a strong marketing pitch, it’s time to be afraid, be very afraid.</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

Beware the Gold Coast propaganda machine: Terry Ryder

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<p><span>A architecturally designed residence at Hamilton in Brisbane’s inner north has been sold for $3.05 million.</span></p>
<p>The modern home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hamilton-119766351" target="_blank">141 Crosby Road, Hamilton</a> was sold to a bank executive through North South Real Estate’s Drew Davies.</p>
<p><span>Mr Davies said the buyer had been living in London and has returned to Australia with their family.</span></p>
<p><span>“The buyer loved the home’s position high on Hamilton Hill as well as the sense of space, style and privacy that is evident the moment you walk through the door,” he said.</span></p>
<p><span>With six bedrooms and five bathrooms, the home features a gym and steam room, wine cellar, billiards room, sitting room, dining room and eight seat cinema.</span></p>
<p><span>Mr Davies said the property had previously been on the market with another agency for three months and a failed auction campaign.</span></p>
<p><span>“The property was sold to the first buyer I showed through the home,” he said.</span></p>
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Hamilton Hill home sells for $3.05 million

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<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>Individually, we use thousands of chemicals in our households and very few of us think about whether they are harming the environment. We often think about buying a “green” detergent to wash our clothes, but the simple act of shampooing and conditioning our hair, even with green products, results in more than 30 chemicals being washed into our sewers.</p>
<p>Despite our best efforts in the supermarket, our waste water treatment systems are well designed for removing most of these chemicals, as the majority are biodegradable. However, a number of household chemicals are difficult to remove and end up being discharged into our coastal environments and waterways.</p>
<p>In the past, dilution was the solution for dealing with these long-lived chemicals that don’t break down. But with rising populations and non-coastal communities, dilution is not the solution of choice.</p>
<p>Regulations on discharge from our waste water systems means that any chemical that is not degraded will be at very low levels but many are residual in sediments and are chronically harmful to our waterways, even at low concentrations.</p>
<p>This includes being toxic to benthic organisms that live in sediments and binding to hormonal receptors in fish. So which chemicals cause problems and which ones are OK?</p>
<h2>From shower to sewer</h2>
<p>Our everyday lives introduce a wide range of chemicals into our waste water systems. The most common are surfactants and soaps associated with simple cleaning agents and detergents.</p>
<p>Choosing highly biodegradable “green” detergents is a good start in any household since they easily break down in the environment, but this is only the starting point in clearing your environmental conscience.</p>
<p>We also need to consider pharmaceuticals and their metabolites (the breakdown product of these pharmaceuticals), disinfectants, skincare products, deodorants, fragrances, flame retardants, pesticides, insecticides and plasticisers (the chemicals we add to plastics to make them easier to mould). For some of these, there are no “green” choices and use is a medical necessity rather than a social choice.</p>
<p>Detailed analysis of the discharge of waste waters from around Australia, and indeed the world, shows a list of around 70 chemicals that regularly find their way into the environment (recalcitrants).</p>
<p>Some of these are toxic and form a group known as “chemicals of concern”. All waste water is treated before being released into the environment, but advanced treatment is now becoming common to reduce the impact of these chemicals, although this is not available to all communities.</p>
<p>“Source” control, or stopping input into the waste collection system, remains the best option. However, some chemicals have become so ubiquitous to our society that additional waste water treatment may be the only solution.</p>
<h2>The problem chemicals</h2>
<p>Some problematic chemicals of concern that find their way into our waterways are avoidable or their use can be drastically reduced.</p>
<p>Examples include:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>triclosan: a highly effective biocide and antimicrobial now used in a range of mouthwashes, soaps, plastics and hand cleansers. It is debatable as to whether there is a case for its use outside of clinical environments.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>DEET: the active ingredient of many personal insect repellents. As with many other skin products, it is washed into the sewer via the shower.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>bisphenol A: a common plasticiser that mimics the hormone estrogen. Alternatives are available.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>There is a long list of such chemicals and these are just a few examples.</p>
<h2>Removing stubborn chemicals</h2>
<p>Our research looks at how we can remove these chemicals from water. Wastewater treatment systems rely on the fact that molecules are either biodegradable or are removed in treatment.</p>
<p>If the molecule is not removed by these means, there is a propensity for environmental discharge. Typical addition treatment involves ozone treatment to destroy or fragment the molecule through oxidation and/or use of a physical barrier such as a reverse osmosis filtration membrane.</p>
<p>Using a combination of biodegradation, removal, oxidation and filtration is very effective and has been shown to break the pollution cycle for all but a very small number of molecules.</p>
<p>These molecules that still get through are highly problematic and one questions if such molecules should not be more heavily regulated. Not because they are any more toxic than others, but because they are hard to remove.</p>
<p>Interestingly, these are usually fragrances and biocides that we use everyday and not the detergents and pharmaceuticals you might expect. Moving to advanced water treatment as the norm, rather than the exception looks to be the only way forward if we don’t want to stop using spray disinfectants, insecticides and fragrances.</p>
<p><em><span class="fn author-name">Peter Scales is p</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">rofessor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at University of Melbourne and author for The Conversation.</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">He can be contacted <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-scales-190381" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></em></p>
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Down the drain: we need to rethink how we clean our homes

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<p>Sydney's cheapest weekend auction sale was a two bedroom unit located within minutes of Liverpool CBD and Liverpool Train Station.</p>
<p>"The unit is in desperate need of TLC and would be an ideal opportunity for a renovator or investor," the marketing indicated.</p>
<p>The second floor unit with single garage and balcony area fetched $344,000.</p>
<p>The unit had internal area of 58 sqm.</p>
<p>It was offered through <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/12-13-speed-street-liverpool/Property-Details-buy-residential-9359164" target="_blank">Ray White agent Fabio Screpis</a>. It was among three weekend Liverpool sales under $400,000, and the only sales across Sydney at that price level.</p>
<p>The block's three most recent sales were $310,000, $300,000 and $290,000.</p>
<p>Sydney's most affordable property reported sold on the first weekend of spring was also a two-bedroom unit at 19/60-62 Speed Street, Liverpool sold for $355,000 through Prudential Liverpool.</p>
<p>Agent Simon Perri was quoting $320,000 plus.</p>
<p>Sales this year<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/sold/19-60-62-speed-street-liverpool-nsw-2170-2012172159" target="_blank"> in the block had hit $350,000</a>.</p>
<p>The likely rent by the investor buyer is estimated at between $300 and $320 a week.</p>
<p>There were four registered bidders, with it sold soon after auction.</p>
<p>Liverpool had three of the eight sub-$500,000 weekend sales on September 5.</p>
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Liverpool again Sydney's weekend cheapest

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<p><span>The top sale of the week was a five bedroom, five bathroom freestanding home in Toorak, according to CoreLogic RP Data.</span></p>
<p><span>140 Kooyong Road, Toorak, Vic (above) sold by <span>private treaty</span> for $9,980,000.</span></p>
<p><span><span>Proudly positioned on 1190sqm, the home was designed by the architectural firm Workroom Design and crafted by AGUSHI Builders in</span><span> gardens designed by Jack Merlo. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The use of Off-form Concrete as a finished material is offset by a luxe pallet of Smoked European Oak joinery and travertine flooring, Italian stone bench tops and architectural fixtures giving the house a prestige unsurpassed. The home was marketed as utilising the the best in technology in heating and cooling (Hydronic and reverse cycle), hot water, home automation (CBUS), Audio visual technology, security, solar panelling and double glazing thereby achieving a 9 star energy rating to minimise ongoing energy costs.</span></span></p>
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<p><span>Top Ten</span></p>
<p><span>140 Kooyong Road, Toorak, Vic 5 bed, 5 bath, 4 car house $9,980,000 Castran Gilbert Aust Pty Ltd </span></p>
<p><span>88 Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay, NSW 4 bed, 3 bath, 3 car house $7,400,000 McGrath Estate Agents </span></p>
<p><span>2 Alton Street, Woollahra, NSW 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car house $6,600,000 BradfieldCleary Double Bay </span></p>
<p><span>269 Cobbitty Road, Cobbitty, NSW 9 bed, 8 bath, 6 car house $5,450,000 Bos Realty Carnes Hill </span></p>
<p><span>5 Private Road, Northwood, NSW 5 bed, 4 bath, 3 car house $5,380,000 McGrath Estate Agents </span></p>
<p><span>33 Finch Street, Malvern East, Vic 4 bed, 3 bath, 4 car house $5,230,000 Jellis Craig Armadale </span></p>
<p><span>12 Arthur Street, Bellevue Hill, NSW 5 bed, 4 bath, 2 car house $5,150,000 BradfieldCleary Double Bay </span></p>
<p><span>27 Dorking Road, Cabarita, NSW 4 bed, 2 bath, 3 car house $4,661,000 Raine &amp; Horne Concord </span></p>
<p><span>30 Campbell Street, Kew, Vic 4 bed, 4 bath, 6 car house $4,210,000 Marshall White Hawthorn </span></p>
<p><span>65/299 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car unit $4,020,000 BresicWhitney Darlinghurst  </span></p>
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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><em>Source: CoreLogic RP Data</em></span></p>
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$9.98 million Toorak sale leads CoreLogic RP Data top ten list

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<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">GUEST OBSERVER</span></div>
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<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Last week we noted that petrol prices were primed to lift from near six-month lows. And in the past week pump price have jumped by 2.4 cents a litre. The volatility in global oil prices, a weaker Australian dollar and the shift in the discounting cycle have all had the undesirable impact of lifting pump prices.</span></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">It’s been a great couple of months for motorists, but looking forward it is likely pump prices will be more volatile. The volatility in global oil prices has been nothing short of remarkable. After essentially sliding for ten consecutive weeks to six-month lows, the Singapore unleaded prices has lifted by over US$2 a barrel in the past fortnight. </span></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">However the gains have been even more substantial in Aussie dollar terms - given the slide in the currency. In fact in the past fortnight the Singapore unleaded price has lifted by over AUD$6 a barrel despite modest falls last week. If the price gains are sustained it will filter through to pump prices in coming weeks. Already the terminal gate price has risen by 2.5 cents a litre over the past week.</span></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Looking forward, while the magnitude of the lift in petrol prices is uncertain, what is clear is that the volatility is here to stay. Improvements in the global economic outlook and the possibility of further stimulus from the world’s number one energy consumer, China, could add to further the upward momentum for oil prices. Although we would expect that concerns about an ongoing supply glut and worries about global oil demand will continue to dominate sentiment and trade. </span></div>
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<div class="column"><a href="/images/2015/09/14/Screen%20Shot%202015-09-14%20at%202.07.28%20PM.png" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
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<p><span>Consumers continue to be savvy about card use. The average credit balance has gone backwards over the past year. And given that the inflation rate is near 2 per cent, credit card debt is recording a decent fall in real terms. Cardholders are frequently paying off credit card debt by the due date and using cards to maximise loyalty points. In fact around 60 per cent of CBA credit-card holders pay off the card in full in the 55 day interest free period.</span></p>
<p><span>What do the figures show?</span></p>
<p><span>Petrol prices</span></p>
<p><span>According to the Australian Institute of Petroleum, the national average Australian price of petrol rose by 2.4 cents per litre to 132.2 cents per litre in the week to September 13. The metropolitan petrol price rose by 3.3 cents to 131.6 cents per litre and the regional price rose by 0.6 cents to 133.6 cents per litre.</span></p>
<p><span>The national average Australian price of diesel petrol fell by 0.4 cents to 129.6 cents per litre in the week to September 13. Last week the metropolitan price fell by 0.4 cents to 127.3 c/l, while the regional average price fell by 0.4 cents to 131.5 c/l.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>Average unleaded petrol prices across states and territories over the past week were: Sydney (up 1.7 cents to 132.4 c/l), Melbourne (up 13.6 cents to 135.0 c/l), Brisbane (down 1.8 cents to 130.8 c/l), Adelaide (down 8.3 cents to 123.2 c/l), Perth (up 1.5 cents to 128.5 c/l), Darwin (down by 1.1 cents to 130.9 c/l), Canberra (down 0.9 cents to 132.8 c/l) and Hobart (down by 1.6 cent to 137.5 c/l).</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>Today, the national average wholesale (terminal gate) unleaded petrol price stands at 120.8 cents a litre, up around 2.5 cents a litre on a week ago. The terminal gate diesel price stands at 117.2 cents a litre, up around 1.3 cents over the week.</span></p>
<p><span>Last week the key Singapore gasoline price fell by US$2.25 or 3.4 per cent to US$64.75 a barrel. Singapore gasoline previously hit a near 6-year low (lowest since March 2009) of US$52.20 a barrel on January 13. In Australian dollar terms the Singapore gasoline price fell by $4.42 a barrel or 4.6 per cent last week to $91.67 a barrel or 57.7 cents a litre.</span></p>
<p><span>Credit card lending:</span></p>
<p><span>Figures released from the Reserve Bank show that the average credit card balance fell by $65.20 (2%) to $3,132.70 in July. Compared with a year ago, the average credit card balance was down 2.1%. In smoothed terms (12 month average) the average balance was down by 0.4%.</span></p>
<p><span>Of credit cards attracting interest charges, the average outstanding balance fell by $60.20 in July. The average balance accruing interest is down by 6.9% on a year ago. In smoothed terms (12 month average) the average balance was down by 4.5%.</span></p>
<p><span>The average credit card limit rose by $8.70 to $9,056.30 in July. The average credit card limit rose by 0.3% in the year to July. Usage of credit card limits has fallen to a near 14-year low of 34.6% in July.</span></p>
<p><span>The average repayment per credit card rose from $1,679.90 in June to $1,690 in July. On average, there were 11.8 transactions made per each credit card account in July, up from 11.4 a year ago. The average value of purchases was $135.14 in July.</span></p>
<p><span>What is the importance of the economic data?</span></p>
<p><span>Weekly figures on petrol prices are compiled by ORIMA Research on behalf of the Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP). National average retail prices are calculated as the weighted average of each State/Territory's metropolitan and non-metropolitan retail petrol prices, with the weights based on the number of registered petrol vehicles in each of these regions. AIP data for retail petrol prices is based on available market data supplied by MotorMouth.</span></p>
<p><span>The Reserve Bank releases data on credit and debit card transactions each month. The credit card figures are useful in highlighting consumer borrowing and spending trends.</span></p>
<p><span>What are the implications for interest rates and investors?</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>The Reserve Bank can cut rates further if it believes the economy needs a little more help. However we believe that the Reserve Bank would be a reluctant rate cutter from this point on. CommSec expects interest rates to stay on hold over the rest of 2015. The Reserve Bank Governor’s testimony on Friday to the House of Representatives Economics Committee may provide more detail when it comes to the outlook for monetary policy. </span></p>
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<div class="column"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><em>Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au" target="_blank">CommSec</a>.</em></span></div>
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RBA to hold interest rates for rest of 2015: CommSec's Savanth Sebastian

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<p>A private investor has paid $1.83 million at auction for a childcare centre in the Melbourne suburb of Thornbury.</p>
<p>The site, 200 Smith Street, was sold <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">fully-leased on a ten year term at a current annual rental of $71,461.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Savills’ Julian Heatheric </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">said the 1190 square metre landholding with CBD views has a prized inner-northern suburban location and also offered significant future development potential.</span></p>
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