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.

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.

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.

"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

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.

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;

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"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."

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.

"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

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.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

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.

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.

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.

<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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<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.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"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.

"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.

"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."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

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.

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.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"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."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

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.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

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.

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.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

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.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<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>

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.

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.

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.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

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.

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

<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.

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.

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.

<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" />

"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.

"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."

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.

<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" />

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.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"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."

"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."

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.

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.

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

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.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

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.

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.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

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.

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.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

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.

"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.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"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."

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.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

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

<html><body>
Sydney and Melbourne clearance rates remain strong but continue to trend lower.
But CoreLogic RP Data note Brisbane’s auction market sits at the highest preliminary clearance rate since 2009. 
This week, Brisbane’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 66.0 per cent, compared to 60.2 per cent the previous week and just 44.7 per cent last year. So far, 17 Gold Coast auction results have been reported and the clearance rate for the region is 64.7 per cent. 
<div>
Oaklands, an Ipswich home (below) sold for the first time in a century when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tivoli-120113625" target="_blank">100 Mt Crosby Rd </a>at Tivoli fetched $650,000 through Ray White Ipswich.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/0e38edc397d82bc5d745aff40a3e8195d3162e1e574449980e3d9907a0d82cb9/main.jpg" alt="100 Mount Crosby Road, Tivoli" title="100 Mount Crosby Road, Tivoli" data-index="0">
</div>
Prior to this week, the year to date national clearance rate across the combined capital cities was 76.9 per cent, indicating that this week’s preliminary clearance rate of 77.7 per cent is performing above this level. This week, there were 1,998 auctions held across Australia’s capital cities, with 1,307 results reported so far.
Over the previous week, 1,827 residential auctions were held with a clearance rate of 75.4 per cent. In comparison, at the same time last year 67.9 per cent of the 1,705 auctions were sold, indicating the current auction conditions remain stronger than they were one year ago.
The preliminary clearance rate across Melbourne was recorded at 76.5 per cent this week across 638 auction results. There were 845 auctions held across the city this week, up from 759 last week when the final auction clearance rate was recorded at 76.0 per cent and similarly, higher than at the same time last year when there were 736 Melbourne auctions with 68.5 per cent of homes selling. This week, there were 3 sub regions which recorded a clearance rate above 80 per cent; Outer East at 89.0 per cent, North West at 82.5 per cent and North East at 82.2 per cent. The region with the highest volume of auctions this week was the Inner region (141).
For Sydney, the clearance rate across the city this week increased, up to 82.7 per cent from 79.7 per cent last week and 75.4 per cent at the same time last year. Across the city, 841 homes were taken to auction this week, more than last week (794) and significantly higher than one year ago, when 660 Sydney auctions were held. Since mid-August, Sydney’s auction clearance rate has been trending downwards, after the city has seen a record strong performance over the first six months of the year. Despite this, the clearance rate still remains stronger than any other capital city and there are still sub-regions across the city where the clearance rate remains above the 90 per cent mark including Ryde, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and City and Inner South.
There were 80 Adelaide auctions this week, with a clearance rate of 60.6 per cent across the 33 results reported so far. Last week, Adelaide’s final auction clearance rate was 64.3 per cent, while one year ago the city saw 60.3 per cent of homes taken to auction sell.
Across Perth, 10 auctions have been reported so far with a clearance rate of 80.0 per cent, compared to just 18.8 per cent last week and 50.0 per cent at the same time last year. Perth’s clearance rate is often subjected to highs and lows given the low volume of auctions across the city.
Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate was 80.0 per cent this week across 25 results. Last week, 82.1 per cent of Canberra auctions were successful, the second strongest result for the city so far this year.
So far this week, 4 Tasmanian auctions have been reported and of these reported results there has been 1 sale.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Brisbane auction success rate on the rise, but Gold Coast even stronger: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body>
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Sphere Developments sold more than $56 million worth of off the plan apartments at its Blacktown project, Altitude Tower.
First home buyers leapt at the chance to enter Sydney’s property market, snapping up apartments priced from $395,000 in Blacktown’s first premium residential high-rise building.
It's estimated first homebuyers made up 25% of today’s purchasers.
The top-selling apartment was a three-bedroom selling for $775,000 with prices per square metre reaching more than $8000 through Colliers International.
Colliers International residential project marketing director David Chittenden said first home buyers took advantage of the government grant, and some help from their parents.
The 24-storey, mixed-use residential tower at the edge of the Blacktown CBD was approved in May by the Sydney West Region Planning Panel with a design by architects Tony Owen Partners.
Located at the corner of Boys and Second Avenue, Altitude Tower will include 19 x one-bedroom, 74 x two-bedroom and 13 with three bedrooms.
Robert Cassab, who heads Sphere Developments with business partner Ben Suttor, says the demand proved Blacktown was an undersupplied market for premium quality apartments in an emerging CBD. Blacktown City Council’s forecast is for the region to grow to 500,000 residents by 2036, requiring 180,000 dwellings.
 
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section"><img class="lazy620x0" src="https://www.afr.com/content/dam/images/g/i/k/p/n/h/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1437890098792.jpg" alt="More than 90 per cent of the apartments in Altitude Tower in Blacktown, in Sydney's west, sold in just hours at the weekend." width="620" data-src="/content/dam/images/g/i/k/p/n/h/image.imgtype.afrArticleInline.620x0.png/1437890098792.jpg"></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Colliers International has noted significant infrastructure investment in Sydney's Western suburbs has seen a rise in demand for quality new living options from both an owner occupier and an investor perspective.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>"Altitude in Blacktown is the first true high rise of its kind in the area, and a sign of the kind of quality residential offering that we can expect to see coming to this powerful growing Sydney corridor."</div>
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Blacktown's Altitude Tower sees strong first time buyer sales

<html><body>
Strong auction results again this weekend, according to CoreLogic-RP Data. <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-caVr-pJicB0/VbQb_HcnQzI/AAAAAAAAXKk/JsLhEF8qZZI/s1600/RP1.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-caVr-pJicB0/VbQb_HcnQzI/AAAAAAAAXKk/JsLhEF8qZZI/s640/RP1.jpg" width="640" height="334"></a> 
<div>For Sydney the preliminary clearance rate across the city this week increased, rising to 82.7 per cent from 79.7 per cent last week and 75.4 per cent at the same time last year. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sydney's reported clearance rate remains stronger than that of any other capital city.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There remain sub-regions across Sydney where the clearance rate remains above the 90 per cent mark.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>These include Ryde, the Eastern Suburbs, the Inner West, and the City and Inner South.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Meanwhile, the Brisbane market continues to recover.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This week the Brisbane preliminary auction clearance rate was 66.0 per cent, compared to 60.2 per cent the previous week and just 44.7 per cent last year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It's has been a long, slow recovery since 2010/11.</div>
 
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsVHoPCWUXc/VbQb-AUpx4I/AAAAAAAAXKc/zSNHH6l3TB0/s1600/RP2.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsVHoPCWUXc/VbQb-AUpx4I/AAAAAAAAXKc/zSNHH6l3TB0/s640/RP2.jpg" width="640" height="314"></a></div>
 
</body></html>

Brisbane auction market in recovery: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
Perth office transactions fell 64% for the year ending June 2015, down to $134 million from $424 million in the previous year.
According to the latest Perth office briefing from Savills Research, five properties were sold during the year to June, down from the previous year of nine, and less than half than the five year average of 11. 
<a href="/images/2015/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-26%20at%208.45.19%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a><img src="/images/2015/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-26%20at%208.45.19%20PM.png" alt="" width="857" height="513" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
 
 
<a href="/images/2015/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-26%20at%209.23.09%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-26%20at%209.23.09%20PM.png" alt="" width="777" height="529">
<div class="page" title="Page 4">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
 
Up to June 2015 an average of 53% of spaces leased were in the Mid CBD precinct, with 54% of the deals were new tenants, 23% subleases and 17% renewals. 
 
<a href="/images/2015/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-26%20at%209.29.40%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/27/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-26%20at%209.29.40%20PM.png" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Perth office transactions fall to half long term trend: Savills

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 9">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Brisbane CBD office transactions are up 27% for the 12 months to June 2015 when compared to the previous year, with a total of approximately $1.473 billion worth of sales.
According to Savills 14 properties were sold to June 2015 , down on the five year average of 15.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="/images/2015/07/25/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-25%20at%2011.30.20%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/25/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-25%20at%2011.30.20%20PM.png" alt="" width="758" height="387">
<div class="page" title="Page 5">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Leasing deals greater than 500sqm increased 46% when compared to year ending June 2014, with around 49% of space leased in the Government precinct. 
<a href="/images/2015/07/25/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-25%20at%2011.42.05%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/25/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-25%20at%2011.42.05%20PM.png" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Brisbane office transactions up 27% to June: Savills

<html><body>
Gladstone buyers - home buyers and investors - have been told by the ANZ bank that they will need a 30% deposit given the property market remains quite volatile. 
Other towns reportedly where the higher deposit classification has changed include Roma, Miles, Chinchilla, Blackwater, Rolleston, Cracow and Dysart.
According to mortgage broker Greg Hill, the ANZ in particular has taken a conservative position in funding to towns like Gladstone, and many other smaller towns, "they have classified, for want of a better word, as mining towns."
"The ANZ don't stand alone as Gladstone does also appear on restricted postcode lists with a number of other lenders, and changing policies across the lenders brought on by this increased scrutiny of Australian Prudential Regulation Authority is not simply limited to lending limits."
A borrower quoted by <a href="https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/gladstone-classed-mining-town-one-big-four/2716668/" target="_blank">the Gladstone Observer</a> in its extensive coverage noted only two of the four major banks were interested in borrowers with 20% deposits - National Australia Bank and Commonwealth Bank.
With house prices in Gladstone sitting at around $346,000, the average buyer would need a deposit of just over $100,000.
An ANZ spokesperson told the local paper the change reflected the localised downturn in Gladstone because it was dependent on the mining sector.
Gladstone Home Loans mortgage broker Peter Miller said Gladstone was not a mining town.
"Thousands of people work in industry. Gladstone is self-reliant, it doesn't need mining.
"Mackay is more of a mining town and it's not on the list."
In 2011 the central Queensland coastal town of Gladstone, 550 kilometres north of Brisbane, emerged as a property investment hotspot as vacancy rates tumbled in Gladstone, falling from 4.1% in March 2010 to just 1.4% in 2011, and rents have gone up for all categories of housing.
According to the July 2011 Herron Todd White report, “soaring rents [in Gladstone] are still attracting investors into the market, with very good yields currently available”.
“The Gladstone residential market continues to perform strongly with values still climbing, and heightened activity due to the announcement of major LNG projects in October 2010 and January 2011,” the report says.
“Modern properties are still in high demand and are obtaining the best yields, especially when furnished. There are still opportunities to make a profit in the construction of new dwellings, with end values generally exceeding the total of construction and land costs.”
The latest June 2015 vacancy rate data from the REIQ revealed regional Queensland struggles following the resources downturn but with the claim some of the hardest hit towns are entering a stabilisation phase.
"We can see those towns, where employment rates are stronger and opportunities are greater, that the rental market is recovering more quickly. The State Government has announced a range of regional infrastructure projects in its recent budget and these will doubtless impact on the vacancy rates in the coming quarters," REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said.
The Gladstone vacancy rates sits at a high 5.2%.
 
<a href="/images/2015/07/24/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-24%20at%202.19.13%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/24/Screen%20Shot%202015-07-24%20at%202.19.13%20PM.png" alt="">
The REIQ classifies vacancy rates of 2.5% or below as tight and rates of 2.5% to 3.5% as healthy. Vacancy rates of 3.6 per cent or above is classed as a weak market. 
Banks periodically have flagged Queensland and Western Australian localities as ‘high risk’ due to their single industry basis. 
In 2011 the <a href="/news/qld/moranbah-and-port-hedland-unsustainable-single-industry-mining-boom-hotspots-westpac">suburbs they had placed on the list were</a>:
• Blackwater (4714)
• Moranbah (4744)
• Dysart (4745)
• Middlemount and May Downs in the Isaac region (4746)
And in Western Australia:
• Roebourne (including Karratha, Baynton, Bulgarra and Pegs Creek, 6714)
• Port Hedland (including South Hedland, 6721)
• East Pilbara (6753)
 
</body></html>

Banks insisting on 30% deposit for property buyers in Gladstone and other Queensland mining towns

<html><body>
Traralgon leads Victoria's ten slowest selling suburbs, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Traralgon has a median price of $220,000 with sales taking 182 days.
<table border="1">
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="s0" colspan="3">10 Slowest selling days on market (above 130 days)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s1"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s3">Suburb</td>
<td class="s4">Median Price ($'000)</td>
<td class="s4">Days on Market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s1"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Traralgon</td>
<td class="s6">220</td>
<td class="s6">182</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Crib Point</td>
<td class="s6">256</td>
<td class="s6">174</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Wallan</td>
<td class="s6">256</td>
<td class="s6">173</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Bairnsdale</td>
<td class="s6">221</td>
<td class="s6">168</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Lake Wendouree</td>
<td class="s6">360</td>
<td class="s6">152</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Mooroopna</td>
<td class="s6">161</td>
<td class="s6">152</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Ballarat North</td>
<td class="s6">245</td>
<td class="s6">151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Anglesea</td>
<td class="s6">465</td>
<td class="s6">148</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Inverloch</td>
<td class="s6">335</td>
<td class="s6">140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Hallam</td>
<td class="s6">304</td>
<td class="s6">130</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</body></html>

Traralgon leads Victoria's 10 slowest selling suburbs

<html><body>
Croydon South heads the list of Victoria's fastest selling suburbs, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
Its private treaty house sales are typically selling in around 28 days. 
<table border="1">
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="s0" colspan="3">10 Fastest selling days on market (under 40 days)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s1"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s3">Suburb</td>
<td class="s4">Median Price ($'000)</td>
<td class="s4">Days on Market</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s1"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
<td class="s2"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Croydon South</td>
<td class="s6">459</td>
<td class="s6">28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Ferntree Gully</td>
<td class="s6">403</td>
<td class="s6">29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Chelsea</td>
<td class="s6">423</td>
<td class="s6">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Vermont</td>
<td class="s6">595</td>
<td class="s6">34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Bayswater North</td>
<td class="s6">345</td>
<td class="s6">35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Carlton North</td>
<td class="s6">600</td>
<td class="s6">35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Wantirna South</td>
<td class="s6">477</td>
<td class="s6">36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Ringwood East</td>
<td class="s6">426</td>
<td class="s6">37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Forest Hill</td>
<td class="s6">600</td>
<td class="s6">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="s5">Murrumbeena</td>
<td class="s6">549</td>
<td class="s6">39</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
</body></html>

Victoria's 10 fastest selling suburbs headed by Croydon South

<html><body>
According to Time Magazine, second citizenships are very popular among the wealthy of the world.
But where do they choose to move to?
Net inflow of millionaires 2000 to 2014
UK - 125,000
US - 52,000
Singapore - 46,000
Australia - 35,000
Hong Kong - 29.000
UAE - 18,000
Source; Time Magazine
Some of these locations will remain popular due to their favourable tax legislation.
Others will become more sought after due to them being desirable places to live.
I expect to see Australia moving up this list, particularly becoming a country of choice for with the wealthy of Asia. 
We even have a visa system which encourages this. 
Where would you move to, if you could live anywhere?
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>. 
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>.
 
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

The international flow of millioniares: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
The house market is securing greater price growth in regional Victoria than unit price growth, according to the REIV's June quarter data.
Regional
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="152">
<col width="152">
<col width="156">
<col width="132">
<col width="119">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Regional Victoria"]'>Regional Victoria</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Jun-15 Quarter"]'>Jun-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Quarterly change"]'>Quarterly change</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Mar-15 Quarter"]'>Mar-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Annual change"]'>Annual change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"House"]'>House</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,346000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$346,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.015]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>1.5%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,341000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$341,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.063]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]'>6.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Unit and Apartment"]'>Unit and Apartment</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,257500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$257,500</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,-0.015]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>-1.5%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,261500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$261,500</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.03]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.00%",1]'>3.00%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 The median prices are seasonally adjusted and annual change are based on rolling annual figures.
 
 House prices, Regional centres  
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="152">
<col width="152">
<col width="156">
<col width="132">
<col width="119">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Jun-15 Quarter"]'>Jun-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Quarterly change"]'>Quarterly change</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Mar-15 Quarter"]'>Mar-15 Quarter</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Annual change"]'>Annual change</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"City of Greater Geelong"]'>City of Greater Geelong</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,411250]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$411,250</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.003]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>0.3%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,410000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$410,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,-0.013]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>-1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"City of Greater Bendigo"]'>City of Greater Bendigo</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,338250]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$338,250</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.004]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>0.4%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,337000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$337,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.01]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"City of Ballarat"]'>City of Ballarat</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,317250]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$317,250</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.023]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>2.3%</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,310000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$310,000</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.054]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]'>5.4%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 Note: regional median prices are based on 12 months ending the quarter
<a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/~/media/Files/Median%20Prices/2015%20Q2%20Jun/Median%20price%20Regional_June%20Q%202015.ashx" target="_blank">Click to enlarge </a>
 <img src="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/~/media/Files/Median%20Prices/2015%20Q2%20Jun/Median%20price%20Regional_June%20Q%202015.ashx?h=422&amp;w=700&amp;as=1" alt="" width="700" height="422"><a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/~/media/Files/Median%20Prices/2015%20Q1%20Mar/Chart_Mar15medians_Regional.ashx"></a><a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/~/media/Files/Median%20Prices/2014%20Q4%20Dec/Chart_Dec14medians_Regional.ashx"></a><a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/~/media/Files/Median%20Prices/2014%20Q3%20Sep/Chart_Sep14medians_Regional_EMiNcV6J.ashx"></a>
 This graph shows median house and unit prices in Regional Victoria over the past decade in seasonally adjusted terms.
</body></html>

Latest Expert Insights

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

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Expert Insights

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

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News