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.

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[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>

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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?

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We are moving away from 9-5 and Monday to Friday work to a "work when, where and how is appropriate model" according to Morris Miselowski of Business Futurist.
In this new world, he says many of us will have 6 careers and 14 jobs, work into our 80's and have a "work portfolio" rather than a "job".
The work portfolio means we can gain income from a range of activities as well as mix in a more cash flow stable 'salary' job. 
I totally agree with the idea of a work portfolio. Technology gives us the freedom to work anywhere, at any time. You no longer have to be tied to a desk working for one business to earn your money. 
In fact, you could be working several jobs at once to meet your needs. For instance, you may want to sell on the global market those unique items you make on Etsy, manage your various property investments and superannuation fund, do the odd task for money and also perhaps hold down a 2-3 day a week salary job.  
It's the hay day for entrepreneurs as crowd funding has become the norm and new businesses can be "incubated". This means being nurtured and supported in free office space with access to all the services required to get started on your new business journey. Wow, I wish this was around when I started out! 
File sharing systems like Dropbox allow us to access cloud based storage systems again from anywhere at any time and share information easily. 
I feel like a bit of an accidental pioneer as without knowing it, I've created a business working in this way. 
Even when I had my last "salary job" which was regional marketing manager for a major USA cosmetic brand, I worked from home and in the hours I needed to get my work done. My office was in New York but I lived in Sydney's beachside suburb of North Curl Curl. 
Property Bloom offers staff a flexible work environment where they can project manage our developments in their own time. This often means some after hours work but also gives them time out with their family, for sports and also importantly, other income producing activities. One of my project managers also owns a palates studio, another runs installations for outdoor signage in his spare time. My admin assistant has two small children to care for. So all their work for me is done in their own time. 
This way of working is flexible and puts less stress on us, so maybe we will continue working into our 80's, although I do hope I'll be at least semi retired by then!  There are health benefits for this flexible working arrangement, keeping our minds active and giving us a sense of contributing.
In all our customs designs for our property developments we are including home offices where tenants have a dedicated work space in case they also want to do enjoy a flexible 'work portfolio'.
Jo Chivers is Chief Executive Officer of property development project managers <a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/about" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>.
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jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

Create your own flexible 'work portfolio': Jo Chivers

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Where should property investors stand in the debate on new washing machines in their rental property?
The question on whether to get a top-loader or a front-loader. 
Recent findings from Roy Morgan research show that while traditional top-loading machines still outnumber front-loaders in Australian households, but they are on the wane as front-loaders becoming more popular.
<div class="wysiwyg">
It found 52% of Aussie households own a top-loading washing machine, a decrease from 2010 when it was 60%. 
The proportion of households with a front-loader now sits at 34%, so there must be still some washboards!
For investors i was worth noting that whether a household opts for one or the other appears to be linked to what stage of the life cycle its occupants are at. 
Front-loaders prevalence varies considerably.
<h3>Proportion of household types with front-loading and top-loading washing machines</h3>
<img src="https://www.roymorgan.com/~/media/files/morgan%20poll/2015/may/washing-machine-households-chart.jpg?la=en" alt="hh-stage-washing-machine" width="800" height="523">
Source: Roy Morgan Single Source (Australia), January–December 2014 
Households occupied by young parents or mid-life families are the most likely to own a front-loading washing machine (41% and 42% respectively), while older households (27%) are the least likely.
Households occupied by young singles are the least likely to own a washing machine of any kind.
Using less power and less water, front-loaders are widely acknowledged to be better for the environment — and households with front-loading machines tend to be a little more green-leaning than those with top-loaders, Angela Smith, Group Account Director, Roy Morgan Research said. 
 
{mijopolls 110}
 
</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Front versus top-loader washing machine: which should property investors install?

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Monaco experienced a surge in residential market activity in 2014 with transaction volumes exceeding their 2007 peak for the first time, says international real estate advisor Savills.
They counted 555 re-sale properties sold in 2014, putting the number of sales 21% above their 2007 activity.
The very upper tiers of the market have been the most liquid, pushing re-sale volumes in euro terms to new highs with around €2bn of re-sale property traded in 2014. 
The new development market is tiny and exclusive and since the global economic downturn, developers in the Principality have shifted their focus to the global ultra-prime segment, developing larger units at higher price points. This has pushed new build sales volumes to €345million, 2.5 times the volume recorded in 2013 and 13 times that of 2008.
 <img src="/images/2015/05/22/Screen%20Shot%202015-05-22%20at%209.03.38%20AM.png" alt="">
But average prices have remained static, Paul Tostevin, associate director, Savills World Research, said.
“Price are at, or near, a high plateau and will be for some time to come.
“The unique offering of Monaco’s global appeal and its extremely limited land supply will all combine to keep its real estate prices high with few or no mechanisms for them to fall. 
"A weak euro has meant that Monaco has dropped down the global league table and is now second to Hong Kong in US dollar terms, purely on currency movements," Paul Tostevin added. 
<img src="/images/2015/05/22/Screen%20Shot%202015-05-22%20at%209.02.20%20AM.png" alt="">
<a name="graphic04" href=""></a>
Savills expect prices to remain stable. 
"Homes in Monaco are most commonly paired with London, followed by New York and Moscow. 
"Monaco remains a premier destination for motor sport, yachting, gambling and recreation. 
"This combination, right on Europe’s doorstep, sets it apart from almost any other city or state. 
"Only Macau is beginning to come close but the attractions of the South China Sea are not the same as the Mediterranean. 
"In the longer term, Gibraltar has the potential perhaps to be a rival but it will need investment and infrastructure if it is to challenge Monaco." 
<a href="/images/2015/05/22/Monaco_map.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/05/22/Monaco_map.jpg" alt=""> 
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Monaco's tiny prestige residential market on a high plateau: Savills International

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When Australia’s head cashier Joe Hockey proudly announced that he had nailed an illegal foreign purchase with the $39.000 million sale of Villa del Mare or Villa del Nightmare as I prefer to call it he would not have realised he had opened the largest can of worms in Australian property history. Mark my words this is a now a major election issue that must be intelligently resolved given what is actually happening now is unprecedented and will cost a party an election if it continues to go unchecked and ignored.
I have said for many years now that the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) is right up there in terms of the most hopeless departments in Canberra. As was the case with Villa del Mare you don’t need to contact FIRB all you need to do is just buy it and if investigated once the divestment order is issued just phone a friend (as was the case with Villa del Mare) and transfer the property into an Australian residents name – which is totally legal and requires no further questions. 
This now opens the flood gates for all illegal purchases to follow suit as this is the legal precedent thanks to this approved divestment order. We can also expect criminals from all over the world will be eyeing Australian real estate as a wonderful vehicle to wash the proceeds of crime. What we have now is a person on unemployment benefits can appear as the owner on say a twenty plus million dollar home due entirely to the many legal loopholes. 
When we look back on federal governments in action we note that they only act quickly on three things – terrorism, natural disasters and wars. When you look at what’s happening to Australian property you could say that today it has a bit of all three in its DNA. 
The burning question is how do you fix this to ensure that the loopholes are closed once and for all? Well that’s easy as I have always been mystified as to why federal governments are so backwards and lazy in keeping records on Australian property. 
All that needs to be done is when a property exchanges the lawyer or conveyancer immediately after exchange logs onto the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website under Australian Property Register (password protected of course) and provides the name(s) of the purchaser, their address, who acted for them, the address of the property and wait for it – their tax file number. Then the ATO can wash this data as well as providing the information to the FIRB for review. 
If you have a divestment order and the owner phones a friend to transfer the property into their name in order to hold onto the property. Then Joe Hockey should immediately get rid of his stupid $5,000 fee on a foreign purchase and replace it with an annual Federal Property Holding Tax at 1.75% of the calculated land value. In the case of Villa del Mare that would be a $525,000 annual tax – so get the foreign buyers to assist Australia in getting its budget back to surplus faster.
But sadly it’s just not that simple given from July 1 the Abbott government is set to release its Premium Invest Visa (PIV), which is for sale at $15 million. Once an applicant has completed their PIV and handed over the required $15.000 you are rewarded with permanent residency in less than twelve months. The PIV replaces the SIV (Significant Investor Visa) which required $5.000 million investment over a four year term to then get permanent residency. You could be excused for asking oneself just who exactly does the SIV and PIV benefit? But I’m sure you already know the answer to that. 
In the meantime the House of Representatives Economics Committee has announced a “new” inquiry into home ownership. I find that simply fascinating given none of them would actually know what exactly they are looking for. The Chair of the Committee, John “Love ‘n Deuce” Alexander, said that ‘home ownership is an issue that lies at the core of the Australian dream and represents the largest investment that most taxpayers will make during their lifetime.
The importance of this issue throughout our nation makes it worthy of a detailed inquiry.’ Well isn’t that riveting? Submissions to the inquiry are requested by 26 June 2015, and the proposed reporting date is 03 December 2015. 
Oh I get it the Abbott government will release its action plan just before the next election. See I told you foreign ownership is an election issue. 
I wonder what will happen when I email them this blog titled ‘My Submission’.
MOSMAN – 2088
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 102
• Number of houses on the market last week – 57
• Number of houses on the market this week – 57
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 72
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 50
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 49
CREMORNE – 2090
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 7
• Number of houses on the market last week – 3
• Number of houses on the market this week – 4
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year – 27
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 13
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 10
NEUTRAL BAY – 2089
• Number of houses on the market this time last year – 7
• Number of houses on the market last week – 3
• Number of houses on the market this week – 3
• Number of apartments on the market this time last year– 48
• Number of apartments on the market last week – 31
• Number of apartments on the market this week – 27
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

Feds should hang up on the ‘phone a friend’ loophole: Robert Simeon

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Grimes Cottage, at 50 Argyle Place in Millers Point, has been sold by the NSW government, securing the highest price yet in its staggered former social housing selldown.
It had been tipped to fetch more than $4 million at auction tonight, selling for $4.23 million through McGrath's Richard Shalhoub.
It was bought by lawyer John Schembri and his wife Karen, of Greenwich, Fairfax Media reported.
The property came with a 200-page conservation management pal which bans the buyer from using the heritage cobblestone side driveway as off-street parking.
The 15 earlier Millers Point property sales have netted the state government around $34 million.
The freestanding sandstone residence is not expected to be topped amid the 293 properties portfolio disposal over the next 18 months.
The sale tops the previous high of $3.95 million last September when a five-bedroom Victorian terrace sold on Lower Fort Street.
The Colonial Georgian freestanding home comes with six bedrooms, north-facing garden, along with a self-contained studio flat.
There are views of the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks from its rear verandah. 
It was built in 1831 as the first home of master mariner George Grimes and his wife Mary Underwood, the daughter of shipbuilder, merchant and distiller James Underwood. 
Set on 416 square metres, the 1830s home was dubbed by the Australian Financial Review as a "jewel" within the social housing portfolio in the area.
The terraces along Kent Street, Argyle Place, Windmill Street and Lower Fort Street have fetched between $1.624 million and $3.95 million.
Grimes Cottage features in artist Conrad Marten’s work in 1843. 
Grimes was born in 1801 to Charles Grimes, the Second Surveyor-General of NSW, and Elizabeth Matthews, a convict who had arrived in the colony in 1792.
Grimes became a seafarer, and by the 1830s was a master mariner and the commander of the Barque Woodlark.
In 1834 George Grime married Mary Underwood, the daughter of James Underwood, shipbuilder, merchant and distiller. They had nine children between 1834 and 1850, and their first home was ‘Grimes Cottage’ at 50 Argyle Place.
Grimes progressively built Nos. 52 – 60 Argyle Place from east to west commencing with No.s, 52 and 54 in 1842.
The buildings are early examples of investment in residential property by a local resident, and demonstrate a pattern of local development (building in stages as money permitted) that was to become common in Millers Point.
Grimes’ terraces were amongst the first quality dwellings to be built in Millers Point. 
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Grimes Cottage, Millers Point sold by NSW state government

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Despite the cash rate cutting to a historic low this month, research from finder.com.au reveals that around 43% of home loan providers have failed to pass on the full 25 percentage points to borrowers, meaning many Australians are being left with a sting. One option to combat this is by choosing a home loan with a 100% offset account as a way to continually save on the interest.
If your lender won’t pass on the full cut, comparing your home loan options and beating the banks with an offset account could be your most powerful plays.
 finder.com.au’s 3 lowest variable rates that allow for a 100% offset account:
<ul>
<li>
loans.com.au Dream Home Loan Offset Variable: 4.02%
</li>
</ul>
This competitive rate is available to those who have saved a deposit of at least 10% of the property value and aren’t afraid of $520 worth of startup fees (a $300 settlement fee paired with a $220 valuation fee). You’ll have access to a loan that allows splits, extra repayments and redraws, and is portable, too.
<ul>
<li>
State Custodians Standard Variable Offset: 4.09%
</li>
</ul>
This home loan comes with a $299 annual fee price tag, which will be paired with valuation fee of $275 in your first year. This may be a small upfront price to pay for what is one of the lowest rates in the market – meaning an ongoing savings. It’s up to you to factor in the long and short term commitments to the rest of your financial situation
<ul>
<li>
BankWest Super Start: 4.17%
</li>
</ul>
This rate is a discount off their standard variable rate (which is 5.47%) and is effective for 3 years. In return for this low rate you’ll have to pay some substantive fees, such as a $695 application fee (waived if you apply through finder.com.au), $300 company fee and $350 portability fee. Locking in a discounted variable rate for 3 years is a crucial strategic consideration, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the significant fees you’ll be forking out for.
 finder.com.au’s 3 lowest 3-year fixed rates that allow for a 100% offset account:
<ul>
<li>
Bank of Queensland Fixed Rate: 3.99%
</li>
</ul>
This low rate is available through a limited-time discount for new borrowers who have a deposit of at least 20% of the property value. While you’ll have access to a 100% offset account and extra repayment options, the fees associated with this loan total $570 in the first year, made up of an annual service fee of $120, $300 application fee and $150 exit fee.
<ul>
<li>
Greater Building Society Ultimate: 4.29%
</li>
</ul>
For the low rate, this loan also has some flexibility-adding features such as additional repayment, redraw facilities and split options. That being said, you’ll be expected to fork out $375 as an ongoing annual service fee, which could especially sting when combined with the once-off settlement fee of $180.
<ul>
<li>
Commonwealth Bank Fixed Rate Wealth Package: 4.69%
</li>
</ul>
The wealth package is made to accommodate for exactly that – those who can afford a few fees and expenses for a lower rate in return. With a $600 application fee and $375 annual fee, you’ll spend just short of $1000 in additional expenses in your first year of the loan. With that in mind, being allowed unlimited additional repayments could be a means to minimise interest charges, which may offset those initial expenses. All in all, this loan is a portable, flexible account for people that can manage their money enough to offset the expenses that come with this product.
MICHELLE HUTCHISON is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
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mhutchison-SWt6qigzDX

Some Aussies stung in recent rate update: Michelle Hutchison

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Paddington's Grand National Hotel sold this morning.
Bidding started at $6 million when auctioneer Damien Cooley took bids from what appeared to be the five interested parties.
It was knocked down at $7.25 million through <a href="https://www.colliers.com.au/14889#.VV06uutMIzU" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">Colliers International agent Miron Solomon</a> who had the offering in conjunction with CBRE Hotels agent Daniel Dragicevich.
The prominent corner freehold has recently undergone a complete refurbishment over the entire ground floor by new tenants, LJB Hotels, who have a long term lease.
It was sold with a 20 year lease (10+5+5) over ground floor to established tenants, who commenced in 2014, with current net income of $250,000 pa.
The holding was a 437 square metre footprint with upstairs NLA of approximately 600sqm and current inventory of up to 24 pub­-style accommodation rooms.
It was offered with future development of first and second floors to suit a range of types and uses ranging from accommodation, hospitality, residential or commercial office. 
“The buyer was ultimately a private investor looking to unlock the cash flow potential from the top two floors," Colliers International’s Miron Solomons said.
 
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Grand National Hotel Paddington sold

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John Singleton's Killcare beach house has been sold by Gittoes Real Estate, according to the local News Ltd paper, the Gosford Express.
Yesterday's sale price for 80 Beach Drive was not revealed other than the figure “was close to the vendor’s expectations”.
The buyer, a Sydney-based businessman, originally from Queensland, spent somewhere around $4 million on the five-bedroom residence.
Stephen Gittoes and Cathy Baker advised the landmark property attracted over 20 private inspections and 62 email and phone enquiries, with the majority of interest coming from Sydney and overseas buyers who had previously stayed at the prestige holiday rental which secures up to $10,000 per week.
Originally built as a future retirement retreat for Singo and his family, the 73-year-old decided the peace and privacy of his Strawberry Hills acreage in Mount White was more suitable.
Singleton spent $3.85 million for the original cottage in 2011, then commissioning the local architect Karen Burke, master builder Matt Blair and interior designer Chrissie Jeffrey to build the striking new home.
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Singo sells Killcare beach house

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It was inevitable that Sydney would run out of puff eventually and the most likely time for it to happen was in the third year of price growth – which means some time this year. It’s rare for major markets to sustain a boom for any longer than that.
I’ve just finished the research for the latest edition of The Price Predictor Index, examining market activity in suburbs and towns across the nation, and it indicates Sydney has begun a gradual fade. 
The number of suburbs with rising sales activity has dropped and the number of what we call “consistency markets” has risen. This is because suburbs that previously had growing sales volumes have now tapered off at those higher levels or have dropped a little below the peak.
It provides quite a stark contrast with Melbourne. It’s clear from the research that Melbourne is out-pointing Sydney on sales activity, if not on price growth. 
Melbourne now has almost double the number of growth suburbs as Sydney. Melbourne has 134 suburbs classified as rising markets, compared to 72 in Sydney.
As further evidence of the Sydney fade, regional New South Wales now has (slightly) more growth suburbs than does Sydney.
Melbourne continues to produce upwardly-mobile markets across the metro area. According to our ranking system, it has seven Rising Fast, 127 Rising Steadily and 100 Consistency markets, which is an improvement on the results three months ago and represents a general strengthening of the Melbourne residential sector.
Two things stand out in the latest analysis: “middle Melbourne” is still strong and new areas are emerging with strong markets, especially locations on the outskirts of the metropolitan area.
The Whitehorse LGA, east of the Melbourne CBD, remains the No.1 precinct. It has more suburbs with forward momentum than any other precinct in the city. Whitehorse includes Nunawading (median price $700,000), Burwood East ($800,000) and Blackburn South ($800,000). 
Other middle market area of prominence include Monash City, where Mt Waverley ($960,000), the Oakleigh suburbs (around $750,000) and Chadstone ($805,000) are doing well, and the Kingston LGA, which includes Cheltenham ($695,000) and Parkdale ($750,000).
But increasingly, strong markets are popping up on the periphery of Greater Melbourne. The charge is being led by the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula LGAs in the far south: Frankston has eight ranked suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula has 13. Rosebud sales have risen from 117 to 134 to 175 per quarter, while Rye has improved from 91 to 120 to 155.
The Casey LGA in the south-east has two Rising Fast suburbs, five that are Rising Steadily and seven that are ranked as Consistency markets. 
Whittlesea in the north remains a serious contender: it has two Rising Fast suburbs and four Rising Steadily markets. Epping sales have been 77, 113, 107 and 130 in the past four quarters. Also in the affordable north, the Hume LGA is a new challenger, with six Rising Steadily markets, including Roxburgh Park ($400,000) and Westmeadows ($415,000). 
The Brimbank LGA in the western suburbs is a regular standout. It has now has nine Rising Steadily suburbs and six Consistency markets, a marked improvement on three months ago. Wyndham City in the far south-west is another of the big improvers. And Yarra Ranges in the far eastern suburbs, which has not featured previously, now has eight ranked suburbs.
Upmarket areas such as the Boroondara LGA (including Balwyn and Kew and the Glen Eira LGA )  (including Caulfield North and Bentleigh East) feature, each with six or seven growth markets, but most of the standouts are middle market and bottom end suburbs.
TERRY RYDER is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Inevitable Sydney would run out of puff: Terry Ryder

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<div>
A Malaysian billionaire royal, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail of Johor has spent $8.5 million on the former Dalkeith Sunset ­Hospial matron’s house, sparking speculation he plans a grand home overlooking the Swan River.

Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said the sale of the house, located on a 1,993sqm lot on Iris Avenue in Dalkeith was a major step forward in establishing the Sunset project and an important move for WA’s heritage.

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-dalkeith-118606595" target="_blank">The 16 Iris Avenue property</a> was marketed as a one-off opportunity to purchase a large residential block overlooking the Swan River with a 49 metre long riverfront reserve location.

Tenders closed in October 2014 after the Sunset Reserve Transformation Act 2014 was passed by State Parliament in April last year. It was listed through T.M. Residential agent Tonia McNeilly with transfer in March this year by the Ministry for Works.

The larger site was home to the former Claremont Old Men's Home built in 1906 for aged care and accommodation, at one stage housing as many as 750 men.

Its name was changed to the Sunset Hospital in 1943.

Sultan Ibrahim is married to Her Royal Highness Raja ­Zarith Sofiah and they have six children.
</div>

The undeveloped ­riverfront 1993 square metre site was sold by the State Government who had previous plans to develop luxury apartments across the larger site.

The matron’s house — a 1950s brick home with no heritage listing — was referred to in Robert Drewe’s memoir, The Shark Net.

Sale funds will be directed towards urgent conservation works to the nearby Sunset heritage buildings.

<h2>WA homes now selling:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26734]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7836]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7854]
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