<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?

<html><body>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Statistics fatigue</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>I've been suffering from quite heavily from a case of DSF recently - Demographic Statistics Fatigue.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>After putting the data series on hold for months, the statistics bureau has been releasing monthly data in rapid-fire succession in recent weeks. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>A bit like London buses, you wait seemingly ages for one to come along, and then...</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Anyway, we're nearly up to speed now with the May 2015 <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/3401.0Main+Features1May%202015?OpenDocument" target="_blank">Overseas Arrivals and Departures</a> figures having been released.</div>
<div>
<br>Rather than re-cap on old ground too much, I'll just make four short observations here, starting with...</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1 - Migration slowing</span></strong></div>
<div>
<br>Firstly, net overseas migration on a rolling annual basis has continued to slow through 2015. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>With the economy moving through something of a sticky patch, population growth in Australia slowed from a massive 396,200 in calendar year 2013 to a somewhat more sedate 330,200 in 2014.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The latest figures suggest that net overseas migration into Australia will be slower again in 2015.</div>
<p><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2laFJ2BRIQ/VbCdbx7Jo9I/AAAAAAAAXHc/vimFTm3OtTQ/s1600/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2laFJ2BRIQ/VbCdbx7Jo9I/AAAAAAAAXHc/vimFTm3OtTQ/s1600/A1.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2laFJ2BRIQ/VbCdbx7Jo9I/AAAAAAAAXHc/vimFTm3OtTQ/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="286"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div>While property observers in particular seem to love to see rampant headcount growth at any cost, the reduced population growth rate of 1.4 per cent that we have seen through 2014 has had one major benefit in particular.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And that benefit is that over past year the economy has been stacking on new jobs faster - much faster - than the rate of population growth - with an employment growth rate of 1.9 per cent, or just shy of 225,000 new jobs.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Indeed, since October alone the economy has added more than 205,000 new jobs, which in turn has seen the rate of total employment growth over recent months romping along at nearly <strong><em>twice </em></strong>the rate of the growth in population.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Perhaps unsurprisingly, therefore, the unemployment rate has fallen from 6.3% at the beginning of the year to 6.0 per cent.<br><br>
</div>
<div>The latest Reserve Bank Board Meeting Minutes suggested that we may even see the unemployment rate falling further from this point, thereby contradicting earlier forecasts which had expected unemployment to run up to a peak of 6.5% in this cycle.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And long may this particular dynamic continue.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>You can read more about employment growth and where it is (and isn't) taking place in Australia here. </div>
<p><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2 - Rebalancing underway</span></strong></p>
<div> </div>
<div>The Australian dollar has now declined from a mining-boom-inspired peak of around 110 US cents to below 74 cents.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It seems likely that the Aussie dollar will need to fall further too, in order to help the rebalancing of the economy.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This depreciation of the currency will have a major impact on demographic trends.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In short, fewer and fewer Aussies will be inclined to travel and holiday overseas, while more and more folk from foreign fields will see Australia as an attractive destination for a visit.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Indeed, this enormous benefit to the tourism services industry is already well underway.</div>
<div>
<br>While it may sound like jargon, the ratio of short term departures to short term arrivals has declined to its lowest level in years. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In plain English, more tourists are now coming to Oz, and fewer Aussies are taking overseas trips.</div>
<p><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amAhvKUtOUs/VbChJ_9a81I/AAAAAAAAXIE/iIONagTCWqc/s1600/a6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amAhvKUtOUs/VbChJ_9a81I/AAAAAAAAXIE/iIONagTCWqc/s1600/a6.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amAhvKUtOUs/VbChJ_9a81I/AAAAAAAAXIE/iIONagTCWqc/s640/a6.jpg" width="640" height="278"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div>Looked at another way, the number of short term arrivals into Australia has blazed well past 7 million for the first time on record.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And while the tide has only turned slowly to date, fewer Aussies are now electing to take overseas trips. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The two lines representing these trends on the chart will meet again, possibly sooner than we think, and in time Australia will once again see a net inflow of short term demographic movements.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLJHtYv4c5A/VbCdb5AdEcI/AAAAAAAAXHw/CXxv0GdI6RA/s1600/a2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLJHtYv4c5A/VbCdb5AdEcI/AAAAAAAAXHw/CXxv0GdI6RA/s1600/a2.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLJHtYv4c5A/VbCdb5AdEcI/AAAAAAAAXHw/CXxv0GdI6RA/s640/a2.jpg" width="640" height="284"></a></div>
<p><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3 - Chinese...and Kiwi visitors!</span></strong></p>
<div>The most notable of all demographic trends has been the incredible explosion in Chinese visitors to Australia, an obvious precursor to what lies ahead in terms of permanent migration.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Over the last year there have been 1.25 million visitors from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and the latest data suggests that these extraordinary figures are set to accelerate plenty higher still in due course.</div>
<p><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgaRYzF4V4o/VbCdbz-kJqI/AAAAAAAAXHY/QczN1Dsy7Rk/s1600/a3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgaRYzF4V4o/VbCdbz-kJqI/AAAAAAAAXHY/QczN1Dsy7Rk/s1600/a3.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pgaRYzF4V4o/VbCdbz-kJqI/AAAAAAAAXHY/QczN1Dsy7Rk/s640/a3.jpg" width="640" height="280"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div>Chinese migrants are settling in Australia too, with 18,550 settlers in the year to May - essentially as high a figure as we have seen to date - while there were also a record 19,930 settlers hailing from India over the same 12 month period.</div>
<div>
<br>Watch this space, as these numbers are growing apace.</div>
<p><span>Indeed, the number of settlers hailing from Asia is now overwhelming compared to the numbers from all other continents - outnumbering European migrants by a ratio of five to one, for example.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Much has been made of the rapidly diminishing numbers of settlers from Oceania (essentially New Zealand), with permanent migrants effectively having halved since 2012. </span></p>
<div>There are also ever fewer Britons emigrating to Australia at present as the UK economy has become an "incredible job-creating machine" over the past few years.<br><br>
</div>
<div>For all that, it's worth noting that there were well over 1.25 million short-term arrivals from New Zealand over the past year - a record high - so it's hardly all one way traffic, bro.<br><br>
</div>
<div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2_ZEM-cr5A/VbCddFNBaPI/AAAAAAAAXHs/qZZIxA2adOA/s1600/a5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<p><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2_ZEM-cr5A/VbCddFNBaPI/AAAAAAAAXHs/qZZIxA2adOA/s1600/a5.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2_ZEM-cr5A/VbCddFNBaPI/AAAAAAAAXHs/qZZIxA2adOA/s640/a5.jpg" width="640" height="280"></a><br><br></p>
<div>At the same time there were also a record 567,100 American visitors enjoying the turnaround in exchange rate in Australia over the past year...the delayed Oprah effect.</div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4 - Record foreign students</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Recent data from Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) liaison projects a huge ramp up in the number of foreign students in Australia over the years ahead, one of Australia's fast-growing "export" industries.</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<div>In fact, this is already happening, with Chinese students playing a major role here too. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The first quarter of 2015 witnessed record enrolments of foreign students in Australia.</div>
<p><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_yQJnV4-_2c/VbCdcgG3JfI/AAAAAAAAXHk/HTPWS2Z482s/s1600/a4.jpg" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_yQJnV4-_2c/VbCdcgG3JfI/AAAAAAAAXHk/HTPWS2Z482s/s1600/a4.jpg"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_yQJnV4-_2c/VbCdcgG3JfI/AAAAAAAAXHk/HTPWS2Z482s/s640/a4.jpg" width="640" height="280"></a></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">The RBA data also confirmed that most foreign students are overwhelmingly bound for Sydney and Melbourne.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">The main themes here are that we can expect population growth in 2015 again to be slower than it has been in recent years.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">This slowdon has clearly had a positive effect on the unemployment rate to date, and it is hoped that if the economy continues to add jobs at the pace it has been since October the unemployment rate may fall into a range with a "5 handle".</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">The other obvious theme here which stands out is the sheer dominance of migration from Asia, a story which is only set to grow in Australia over the decades ahead.</div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div class="separator">The role of Chinese investment in Australia in particular is set to be very material over the next five years.</div>
<div class="separator">
<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>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Foreign student numbers and other demographic property investor trends: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<p><span>Sydney property prices have attracted the attention of the BBC, the British broadcaster, given their reaching the A$1m mark for the house median according to the Domain Group.</span></p>
<p><span>The article loses weight in conversion of course, €$736,000,and £471,000.</span></p>
<p><span>Melbourne - the next most-expensive city in the June conversion - was noted for being at A$668,030 (€$492,000, £315,000).</span></p>
<p><span>The occurance was referenced to <a href="/news/sydneys-1-million-house-median-arrives-326-days-early"><span>international city price comparisons by the local Sydney press</span></a>.</span></p>
<p><span>They reported the Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey said the Federal government was willing to work with the New South Wales government to address what he described as a housing "supply logjam".</span></p>
<p><span>"The demand is extraordinary for Sydney so the response has to be to increase the supply of housing," Mr Hockey told reporters on Thursday.</span></p>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney's $1 million median becomes international point of interest

<html><body>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">It was almost six months ago that a WA mining town home auction shocked the nation.</span></p>
<p><span>The <em>ABC</em> reported on a Port Hedland February auction where the fibro cottage was passed in at auction for $360,000 unsold.</span></p>
<p><span>Its highest offer reflecting 2006 price levels.</span></p>
<p><span>Immediately after the auction came its declared $600,000 asking price, then $590,000 in March.</span></p>
<p><span>It had last traded four years ago for $1.3 million, and before that at $870,000 in 2009 and at $350,000 nine years ago in 2006. </span></p>
<p><span>This month it had yet another asking price reduction - down from $470,000 to<a href="https://www.janfordrealestate.com.au/1928630/" target="_blank"><span> $435,000</span></a>. </span></p>
<p><span>The three bedroom, one bathroom 1960s house sits in the heart of the Western Australian mining town. It is within the business and commercial district, opposite developments and not far from the boat ramp, Marapikarrinya Park, and fishing wharf.</span></p>
<p><img src="/images/2015/06/17/700_headland.jpg" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;"></p>
<p><span>Real estate agent Barry Walsh at Jan Ford Real Estate told the <em>ABC</em> the top February bid was a sign the mining boom's construction phase had tapered off.</span></p>
<p><span>Negotiations continue for the sale of the cottage with 145 square space on its 600 square metre block.</span></p>
<p><span>It was initially listed for private treaty sale in June 2013 at $1.42 million.</span></p>
</body></html>

Port Hedland asking prices fall further

<html><body>
<p><span>Century 21 Armstrong-Smith secured the recent sale of 11/27 Billyard Avenue, Elizabeth Bay at auction. </span></p>
<p><span>The vendors purchased the property for $615,000 three years ago as a shell and completely renovated to make it <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/11-27-billyard-avenue-elizabeth-bay/Property-Details-buy-residential-8947954" target="_blank"><span>a 75 square metre two bedroom plus study apartment</span></a>. It is in a 1930s block of 11 apartments.</span></p>
<p><span>They had over 240 people inspect the property during the campaign with about 20 contracts issued to potential buyers.</span></p>
<p><span>Around 12 registered to bid at the auction. </span></p>
<p><span>The bidding opened at $900,000 and the reserve of $980,000 was soon surpassed with a $1.3 million selling price.</span></p>
</body></html>

Elizabeth Bay price doubles after renovation

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>CoreLogic RP Data's most recent quarterly Pain &amp; Gain report - which provides a comprehensive list of where profits from properties were made over the March 2015 quarter - </span><span>noted that 30.7% of all homes resold for more than double their previous purchase price.</span></p>
<p><span>Across those homes which sold at a profit, the total value of this profit was recorded at $13.8 billion with the average gross profit recorded at $230,633.</span></p>
<p><span>Although the proportion of loss-making resales rose, the figure has been fairly steady over the past 12 months with the total value of the loss-making resales over the quarter recorded at $417 million, with an average loss of $69,468. </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Average $230,633 profit for March quarter sales: CoreLogic RP Data

<html><body>
<p><span>The REIV report the median number of days on market increased in June to 36 days from a revised 34 days in the previous month.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/~/media/Files/Days%20on%20Market/DOM%20June%202015%20image.ashx" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/~/media/Files/Days%20on%20Market/DOM%20June%202015%20image.ashx" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/~/media/Files/Days%20on%20Market/DOM%20June%202015%20image.ashx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></a></p>
<p> <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/~/media/Files/Days%20on%20Market/DOM%20June%202015%20image.ashx"><img src="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/~/media/Files/Days%20on%20Market/DOM%20June%202015%20image.ashx?h=354&amp;w=600&amp;as=1" alt="" width="600" height="354"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Source <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Days-on-Market" target="_blank">REIV</a></p>
</body></html>

Slower residential private treaty sales as Melbourne endures winter months

<html><body>
<p><span>GUEST OBSERVER</span></p>
<p><span>Not since 1998 have banks charged a higher rate for investment property loan as compared to owner-occupiers. You may have seen the news that ANZ have decided to slug heaps of their mortgage clients. Independent of any RBA movement, they are increasing the standard variable rate by 0.27% for investment home loans.</span></p>
<p><span>Unfortunately, CBA today announced the same thing. The interest rate for existing variable investment CBA home loans will rise by 0.27% from August 10th. </span></p>
<p><span>The stance of iChoice is that these tactics are opportunistic, and ANZ &amp; CBA clients should think again. </span></p>
<p><span>The APRA directive is for investment lending growth to be limited by 10%. So the unpublished interest rate discounts offered to us high-end brokers will be stronger for those taking a loan against their home. We have accepted this, in fact since some banks are much more flexible than others (some not discounting at all) the importance of a knowledgeable broker is becoming more apparent.</span></p>
<p><span>So why are ANZ &amp; CBA slugging EXISTING clients, if the APRA directive related only to growth? These questions should be asked. The beauty of some banks is that their home loans, whether for a home or an investment, is actually the same product, so they wont have the ability to pinpoint the investors to discriminately slug them. maybe check your statement and see if the name of your product includes the word ’investment’.</span></p>
<p><span>So will this intervention in market forces negatively affect the run of the property market? Will cashed-up foreigners be laughing as local investors get further priced out? What we do know immediately, is that CBA clients with an Investment Home Loan will be fuming as they watch the news tonight, like ANZ customers were last night!</span></p>
<p><span>iChoice will be emailing our client base with facilities at ANZ and CBA this weekend with our recommendation for next steps.</span></p>
<p><span>Off-the plan buyers know that some banks lend against the valuation at completion (not the LOWER of purchase price and valuation like the nasty banks). I say this because I have heard of many people getting slugged with thousands of dollars of LMI because they just don’t know (do they know that us mortgage advisors are free??). </span></p>
<p><span>Also, Westpac for a limited time are lending 85% with no LMI, for purchases OR refinances but applications must be in by the end of August.</span></p>
<p><span>As usual, Citibank have an 85% no-LMI as their standard, and great fixed rates too.</span></p>
<p><span>As an acclaimed Flame broker, I can often lend 90% with no LMI to doctors, pharmacists, dentists, vets, accountants, barristers and solicitors.</span></p>
<p><em>Jason Khoury is principal, iChoice Mortgage Brokers and can be contacted <a href="mailto:jason=ichoice.com.au@mercurymail.connective.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>. </em></p>
</body></html>

ANZ and CBA slug their property investor customers: Jason Khoury

<html><body>
<p><span>There were 78 suburbs in Melbourne that had a median house price in excess of a million dollars in June quarter 2015. Of these, 38 suburbs had more than 30 sales in the quarter, according to the REIV.</span></p>
<p><span>There were 10 new entrants to this list over the quarter: Heidelberg, Bulleen, Ashwood, Donvale, Doncaster East, Abbotsford, Vermont South, Hughesdale, Templestowe Lower and Blackburn North. </span></p>
<p><span>Another seven suburbs - Portsea, Eaglemont, Caulfield, Murrumbeena, Fairfield, Strathmore and Warrandyte - returned to the list in the three months to June 30.</span></p>
<div id="pagecontentphd_0_maincontentmanagerphd_0_leftColPnl" class="left-col">
<div id="pagecontentphd_0_maincontentmanagerphd_0_mainContentPnl">
<div class="wysiwyg">
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Suburb"]'>Suburb</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Jun-15 Median"]'>Jun-15 Median</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TOORAK"]'>TOORAK</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3400000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$3,400,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MIDDLE PARK*"]'>MIDDLE PARK*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2840000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,840,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CANTERBURY"]'>CANTERBURY</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2499000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,499,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MALVERN"]'>MALVERN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2345000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,345,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAMBERWELL"]'>CAMBERWELL</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2114000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,114,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BALWYN"]'>BALWYN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2105888]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,105,888</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ARMADALE*"]'>ARMADALE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2053500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,053,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HAWTHORN EAST"]'>HAWTHORN EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2040000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,040,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BALWYN NORTH"]'>BALWYN NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2000000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,000,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HAWTHORN"]'>HAWTHORN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1932500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,932,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAULFIELD NORTH*"]'>CAULFIELD NORTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1927500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,927,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MONT ALBERT*"]'>MONT ALBERT*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1877000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,877,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PORTSEA*"]'>PORTSEA*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1862500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,862,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"KEW"]'>KEW</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1860000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,860,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BRIGHTON"]'>BRIGHTON</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1860000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,860,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"GLEN IRIS"]'>GLEN IRIS</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1842500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,842,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SURREY HILLS"]'>SURREY HILLS</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1800000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,800,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"EAGLEMONT*"]'>EAGLEMONT*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1765000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,765,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"KEW EAST*"]'>KEW EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1749500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,749,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ALBERT PARK*"]'>ALBERT PARK*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1710000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,710,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SOUTH YARRA"]'>SOUTH YARRA</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1662500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,662,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BRIGHTON EAST"]'>BRIGHTON EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1600888]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,600,888</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MALVERN EAST"]'>MALVERN EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1599000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,599,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HAMPTON"]'>HAMPTON</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1580000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,580,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ELWOOD*"]'>ELWOOD*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1550000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,550,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAULFIELD*"]'>CAULFIELD*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1536500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,536,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BOX HILL*"]'>BOX HILL*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1535000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,535,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ELSTERNWICK*"]'>ELSTERNWICK*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1530000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,530,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MCKINNON*"]'>MCKINNON*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1529000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,529,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"IVANHOE EAST*"]'>IVANHOE EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1525000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,525,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ASHBURTON*"]'>ASHBURTON*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1525000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,525,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MONT ALBERT NORTH*"]'>MONT ALBERT NORTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1470000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,470,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PORT MELBOURNE"]'>PORT MELBOURNE</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1445000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,445,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BEAUMARIS"]'>BEAUMARIS</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1440000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,440,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SANDRINGHAM*"]'>SANDRINGHAM*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1430000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,430,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BLACK ROCK*"]'>BLACK ROCK*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1387500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,387,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MOUNT WAVERLEY"]'>MOUNT WAVERLEY</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1331500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,331,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PARK ORCHARDS*"]'>PARK ORCHARDS*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1331300]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,331,300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TEMPLESTOWE"]'>TEMPLESTOWE</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1300000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,300,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ABERFELDIE*"]'>ABERFELDIE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1300000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,300,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FITZROY*"]'>FITZROY*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1295000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,295,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FITZROY NORTH"]'>FITZROY NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1282000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,282,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BURWOOD"]'>BURWOOD</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1271000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,271,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAULFIELD SOUTH"]'>CAULFIELD SOUTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1264000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,264,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"GLEN WAVERLEY"]'>GLEN WAVERLEY</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1260000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,260,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ORMOND*"]'>ORMOND*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1258500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,258,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ESSENDON"]'>ESSENDON</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1250000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,250,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BENTLEIGH"]'>BENTLEIGH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1250000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,250,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SOUTH MELBOURNE*"]'>SOUTH MELBOURNE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1250000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,250,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ST KILDA*"]'>ST KILDA*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1245000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,245,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CARNEGIE*"]'>CARNEGIE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1230000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,230,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MURRUMBEENA*"]'>MURRUMBEENA*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1221500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,221,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PRAHRAN"]'>PRAHRAN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1216000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,216,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BLACKBURN"]'>BLACKBURN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1215000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,215,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CARLTON*"]'>CARLTON*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1208500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,208,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ST KILDA EAST*"]'>ST KILDA EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1208000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,208,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DONCASTER"]'>DONCASTER</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1185000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,185,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"IVANHOE*"]'>IVANHOE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1175000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,175,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HEIDELBERG*"]'>HEIDELBERG*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1168000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,168,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BULLEEN"]'>BULLEEN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1168000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,168,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BOX HILL SOUTH*"]'>BOX HILL SOUTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1164750]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,164,750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"RICHMOND"]'>RICHMOND</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1162500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,162,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CARLTON NORTH*"]'>CARLTON NORTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1160000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,160,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ASHWOOD*"]'>ASHWOOD*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1157500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,157,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FAIRFIELD*"]'>FAIRFIELD*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1147000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,147,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DONVALE"]'>DONVALE</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1140000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,140,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BOX HILL NORTH"]'>BOX HILL NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1137500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,137,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DONCASTER EAST"]'>DONCASTER EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1101888]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,101,888</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"WARRANDYTE*"]'>WARRANDYTE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1100000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,100,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"WILLIAMSTOWN"]'>WILLIAMSTOWN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1076500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,076,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"STRATHMORE*"]'>STRATHMORE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1074000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,074,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CLIFTON HILL*"]'>CLIFTON HILL*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1055000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,055,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ABBOTSFORD*"]'>ABBOTSFORD*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1043000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,043,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MOONEE PONDS"]'>MOONEE PONDS</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1030000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,030,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"VERMONT SOUTH"]'>VERMONT SOUTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1015000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,015,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HUGHESDALE*"]'>HUGHESDALE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1001000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,001,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TEMPLESTOWE LOWER"]'>TEMPLESTOWE LOWER</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1000500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,000,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BLACKBURN NORTH*"]'>BLACKBURN NORTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1000000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,000,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> Source <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Median-Prices/Million-dollar-suburbs" target="_blank">REIV</a></p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Blackburn North to Toorak - Melbourne's $1 million dollar plus suburbs: REIV

<html><body>
<p>AFG’s latest Mortgage Index shows that of new borrowers, just 14.2% opted for a fixed rate mortgage during June 2015, compared to 15.2% in May, with 76% of borrowers choosing a standard or basic variable home loan.</p>
<p>A year ago it was at 17.2%.</p>
<p><span>The March 2013 AFG Mortgage Index had 29.6% of all new home loans fixed. </span></p>
<p><span>The March figure was billed the highest proportion ever recorded by AFG, which ranks as Australia's largest mortgage broker. </span></p>
<p>Historically AFG has released the AFG Mortgage Index on a monthly basis, but following AFG’s listing on the ASX, AFG has determined that the AFG Mortgage Index will be published on a quarterly basis from July 2015 (ie the first quarter will reflect the 3 months ending 30 September 2015).</p>
<p>Established in 1994, AFG now provides more than 20% of brokers nationwide with access to Australia’s leading lending institutions, and has a loan book in excess of $100 billion. </p>
<p> </p>
</body></html>

Fixed or variable? AFG's new borrower numbers

<html><body>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Subdivision is one of the many ways you can develop property. It involves converting one piece of land or existing dwellings into several.  </span></p>
<p>Raw land subdivision entails legally and physically converting raw, undeveloped land into developed land so that one or more buildings - residential, commercial or industrial - can be constructed.  As you will be changing the lands usage and appearance for example perhaps from a rural rezoned paddock into a residential land subdivision, you’ll also be building the infrastructure required such as roads, paths, drainage systems, water, sewerage and perhaps even public utilities such as a park.  </p>
<p>You can also subdivide developed land (much more easily) by simply splitting a block in half.</p>
<p>Subdivision of existing buildings is the conversion of a single title to multiple titles. For instance, a block of 10 units on a single s title - often referred to as units ‘in one line’ – can be converted into individual titles such a strata title. This is a great way to add value to the properties and allows you to sell them off individually.</p>
<p>Subdivision is a great development strategy for the current market conditions.  It gives you flexibility to play is safe and sell off a newly created piece of land to reduce your loan, or to hold and add value to the property by registering the new lots and holding or further developing them. </p>
<p>The objective here is to have a creative outlook while searching for potential subdivision sites as it is this creativity that can determine the success of the development.</p>
<p><strong>So when would you subdivide?</strong></p>
<p>An investor might buy a dwelling that is on a large piece of land, where they can renovate a house and then subdivide or perhaps you are a homeowner living on a potential development site where subdivision may be permissible. The site will however, need to adhere to the council regulations.  The first question you need to ask council is ‘<strong>what is the minimum lot size?’</strong>  You can find this out from your council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) for Subdivision and their guidelines.  The minimum lot size will vary from council to council and from different zonings. </p>
<p>The residential minimum lot size will be smaller than the rural zoned land size.  One council Property Bloom works with has a residential minimum lot size is 450sqm.  So we can subdivide a 900sqm corner block into two lots. However, if we had a 900sqm piece of land that was <em>not</em> on a corner, then we could not subdivide this, as we also need to allow for a driveway to access the back lot and the area needed for the driveway is in addition to the minimum 450sqm.  So we need a block of land approximately 1100sqm in size to be able to subdivide and allow for our access handle.   Another type of property to look for is land with two street frontages, so if it is 900sqm in size and the minimum lot size is 450sqm you can literally cut it in half and each lot will have its own street frontage. </p>
<p><strong>Different types of Subdivision</strong></p>
<p>When looking to develop with subdivision, it’s important you understand the different types of subdivisions. Getting professional advice will help you to make the best decision for your site and also which potential purchase will make the process through council the smoothest. </p>
<p>Strata Subdivision – Dividing a property into separate units, apartments or villas.  Strata is land title based on the horizontal division of air space and may involve common areas shared by each title holder and usually managed by a strata manager.</p>
<p>Torrens Subdivision – Dividing one land lot into two or more separate land titles. This form of subdivision gives the owner complete autonomy with their land as they don’t have to answer to the strata manager or adhere to certain strata rules and regulations.</p>
<p>Community Subdivision – A development with common property such as roads may be used by all residents. </p>
<p><strong>The Figures</strong></p>
<p>When budgeting for your subdivision you’ll need to start with a realistic target for how much the completed development will be worth, and then subtract costs to calculate profitability. It’s important to run a feasibility analysis on the subdivision including possible costs for stamp duty, legal fees, surveyor services, council application and developer charges, civil works and service connections such as gas electricity and water.</p>
<p>Make sure you also discuss your subdivision strategy with an accountant and understand the tax and GST implications if you are planning to sell.  You will also need to estimate your holding costs such as interest on your loan and rates. Remember, if it’s a straight land subdivision you won’t have an income from the property to help offset your holding costs, so time is literally money in this type of development. </p>
<p><strong>Location</strong></p>
<p>Getting the location right can either make or break your development success. Research is essential to ensure you are developing property where people in that area want to live. You have to totally remove yourself from the development as you won’t be living in it, your target market will be.</p>
<p>Inner cities are limited with the availability of land so in this case strata division is being created through developments.  Looking at a radius of a few hours outside of a capital city allows you to be more creative in your development. There may also be more room for growth in the outskirts especially if there is investment in infrastructure taking place in that area. </p>
<p><strong>Choosing the Right Property</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The first item you need to properly assess a potential subdivision site is a survey. It’s amazing how many sales contracts I review that do not include a survey.  You may need to pay for this before exchanging as you need to be sure of the land size and whether there are any easements affecting it.  </li>
<li>The next item I always ask for is the sewer diagram. You need to know where the sewer is located and if it is actually feasible, based on the slope of the land, to cost effectively extend the service to service a new lot. </li>
<li>You need to check the slope of the site for drainage issues.</li>
<li>Check the aspect of the site and think ahead of where any new dwellings will sit to take advantage of the aspect.</li>
<li>Research the zoning regulations and read council’s subdivision guidelines.</li>
<li>Compare market value – is vacant land in demand?</li>
<li>Check service connections – is there sewer available in the area, is there an electricity source close by?</li>
<li>Corner blocks are good for your first subdivision </li>
<li>Structure of Property – this is important if you are developing a strata division as the building will need to be structurally sound to handle the requirements such as firewalls between units.</li>
<li>Have your solicitor check for restrictive covenants or easements. You may find land in a new estate has a covenant over it that does not allow for further subdivision.</li>
</ul>
<p>There are many more things to consider when planning a subdivision, so make sure you engage professionals to assist you if you’re a beginner. A development project manager will be able to work with you on every stage of the process and you’ll be amazed at how much you learn along the way. </p>
<p><em>Jo Chivers is Chief Executive Officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.</em> </p>
</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