Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Joel Robinson

Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

A proposal to redevelop one of North Sydney's ageing commercial buildings has taken another step forward, with plans for a 38-storey mixed-use tower adding momentum to the long-awaited transformation of the Alfred Street precinct.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority-led State Significant Development pathway, the proposal for 271-273 Alfred Street would replace an underutilised commercial building with 95 apartments, ground-floor retail, commercial space and affordable housing. The proposal was submitted by&nbsp;Tara Shore Pty Ltd, acting for the John Taylor Family Trust.

While the project will deliver much-needed housing on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, it also represents another piece of a broader precinct that has spent years in planning limbo.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e1ce1b4-38df-48ab-992f-386814d86308" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=sC_h6w.A9VEoB98qsqowPlIoz__sBZBt" />

Despite its proximity to both North Sydney Station and the Victoria Cross Metro, redevelopment of Alfred Street has progressed slowly over the past decade as broader planning controls, zoning and building heights remained unresolved. The introduction of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway has provided a new avenue for projects to progress, allowing rezoning and development assessment to occur concurrently and unlocking sites that have long been earmarked for renewal.

Designed by Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder, the proposal seeks to do more than replace an ageing office building. The architects have positioned the project as the first stage of a wider public domain vision that would improve pedestrian connectivity and create a more cohesive mixed-use precinct as neighbouring sites are redeveloped over time.

The proposal includes a widened Alfred Street setback, new street trees, landscaping and outdoor seating, along with a landscaped through-site pedestrian link connecting Alfred Street with Little Alfred Street. The connection is intended to become the first section of a future east-west pedestrian network extending across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ea39ac3-46ad-4562-b4a0-b862e91c2dda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20site.png?VersionId=K7umCd21KpetEFuVfsPlnJKhUOsmTTdV" />

The mixed-use tower would comprise retail space at ground level, commercial uses on level two and apartments from level three upwards.

In total, the development would deliver 95 apartments, including nine one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, 56 three-bedroom and two four-bedroom residences. Twenty-one apartments, representing 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area, would be secured as affordable housing and managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years.

Nine basement levels would provide 133 resident car spaces, seven motorcycle spaces and 111 bicycle spaces.

According to the Architecture and Urban Design Report, the public domain strategy is designed to transform what is currently an inward-facing commercial edge into a more active and connected pedestrian environment, creating a stronger relationship between the commercial core and surrounding residential neighbourhoods.

Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder has also prepared a broader public domain framework spanning neighbouring properties between 263 and 283 Alfred Street, arguing that a coordinated approach to redevelopment will deliver better public spaces, improved tower separation and a more connected streetscape as the precinct evolves.

The proposal comes at a time where North Sydney is slated for future residential growth. Commercial developer FiveX has residential plans for the neighbouring site at 275 Alfred Street. They've proposed a 39-storey mixed-use tower with 184 apartments, while Freecity was recently approved for nearly 300 apartments across a 51-storey building on Walker Street.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-freecity-gets-green-light-for-mixed-use-apartment-and-hotel-tower-in-north-sydney">First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-plans-39-storey-residential-tower-in-booming-north-sydney">First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney</a>

&nbsp;

Alfred Street the latest North Sydney pocket to be transformed by residential development

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]

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 

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

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If you're interested in buying the townhouse renovated by Deanne and Darren on The Block Triple Threat, you can expect to pay $1,654,000, according to price prediction website realAs.
The website has released its predictions for the upcoming South Yarra auctions, which are based on a tightly-held algorithm.
Deanne and Darren's renovation at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-south+yarra-119444079" target="_blank">4/27 Darling Street</a> (pictured above) is likely to be the most expensive of the four properties, with an advertised price of $1.5 million.
RealAs predicts the next most expensive to be Josh and Charlotte's at 1/27 Darling Street. It tips the triple storey townhouse will go for $1.55 million, with an advertised price of $1.4 million.
Jess and Ayden and Tim and Anastasia's apartments seem to be neck and neck, with RealAs predicting a $1,446,000 price tag for Tim and Anastasia's at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/for-sale/27-darling-street-south-yarra-vic-3141-2011881553" target="_blank">2/27 Darling Street</a>. Jess and Ayden's <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-vic-south+yarra-119448343" target="_blank">unit three</a> is only $20,000 behind, at $1,426,000, despite the $100,000 price gap between their quoted prices.
<ul>
<li>1/27 Darling St:</li>
</ul>
Agent quote: $1.4 million RealAs: $1.55 million
<ul>
<li>2/27 Darling St:</li>
</ul>
Agent quote: $1.3 million RealAs: $1.446 million
<ul>
<li>3/27 Darling St:</li>
</ul>
Agent quote: $1.2 million RealAs: $1.426 million
<ul>
<li>4/27 Darling St:</li>
</ul>
Agent quote: $1.5 million RealAs: $1.654 million
According to RealAs, their average prediction is within 5% of the final sale price of properties, and close to 90% of their predictions fall within a 10% margin of the final sale price.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/the-block-townhouses-tipped-to-sell-for-15m-plus/story-fndba8uq-1227298820902" target="_blank">News Corp earlier this week</a>, Wakelin Property Advisory director Paul Nugent also backed Deanne and Darren's apartment to take out the highest price, pricing it between $1.6 million and $1.8 million.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Darren and Dee's renovation tipped to top The Block and sell for more than $1.6 million

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GUEST OBSERVATION
This week, CoreLogic RP Data is currently tracking 2,936 auctions across Australia, with 2,296 scheduled in the capital cities. 
The coming week of auction activity will bring auction volumes back into line with where they were sitting prior to the seasonal Easter slow-down. At the same time last year, only 642 capital city auctions were held, given the seasonal effect from Easter.
The final auction clearance rate for last week confirms that Sydney’s auction market is not showing any signs of slowing down; with last week signifying the 9th week in a row in which the Sydney auction clearance rate remained above the 80% mark. 
The consistently high rate of clearance highlights that there is increasingly more incentive for Sydney vendors to consider selling their home by auction. The last time an auction market was recording results this strong was towards the end of 2009 and the start of 2010, when Melbourne’s clearance rate was trending above the 80% mark.
At this time, however, the number of auctions being held across the city was lower than what is currently being experienced across Sydney.
Melbourne is set to host 1,145 auctions this week, an increase from 716 last week. Melbourne’s final auction clearance rate was recorded at 77.6% last week, strengthening when compared to the 76.2% clearance rate recorded over the first quarter of 2015.
Last week, 671 Sydney auctions were held with a final auction clearance rate of 83.4%. This week, 845 Sydney auctions are expected. The number of auctions have not returned to the volumes seen in the lead up to Easter, however, the clearance rate is maintaining strength with no signs of slowing down.
Brisbane is expecting 119 auctions this week, almost unchanged when compared to the 117 auctions held last week. Brisbane’s final auction clearance rate was recorded at 54.4% last week, a strong result for the city. Over the March 2015 quarter, Brisbane’s auction clearance rate was recorded at 46.5%, having improved from 44.3% over the final three months of last year.
This week, Adelaide has 85 auctions scheduled, up only slightly from 83 last week. While Adelaide recorded a strong preliminary auction clearance rate this week, as additional results were reported the clearance rate revised down to 68.6%, which is trending in line with what was observed over the few weeks leading up to the Easter slow down.
Canberra has 56 auctions scheduled this week, compared to 53 last week, when a final clearance rate of 72.7% was recorded.
There are 32 Perth auctions scheduled for this week, up from 24 last week. Over the same week last year, Easter brought the volume of Perth auctions down to virtually nothing, with just 3 homes taken to auction over the seven day period.
Nationally, the two suburbs with the most auctions scheduled this week are both located in Melbourne. The neighboring suburbs of Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley each have 17 auctions scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Shana Miller is a research analyst at <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">RP Data</a>.
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smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Auction volumes to rise in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth: Shana Miller

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A Hong Kong property group who paid about $65 million for a Surfers Paradise oceanfront reserve site has plans for a 78 storey plus high-rise residential apartment block.
The developer secured the now razed 3,494 square metre Iluka site unconditionally last week, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
The planned tower is set to be taller than the 78-storey Q1.
The Iluka site was sold by US group Goldman Sachs, which gained control of it in 2013 when it paid Suncorp for a basket of distressed loans.
The building’s 72 apartments were amalgamated by the Raptis Group nearly 10 years ago.
The 17-level, early 1970s Iluka, home to the Billy’s Beach House nightclub and bar, was demolished in late 2013.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Gold Coast's Q1 to be topped by nearby 78 plus storey residential highrise

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GUEST OBSERVATION
New Sydney flats will have to be bigger, <a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/ruling-could-make-sydney-apartments-bigger-and-more-expensive-20150414-1mjpmk" target="_blank">the NSW Land and Environment Court ruled last week,</a> overturning long accepted common practice allowing minimum one-bedroom unit sizes at 50 square metres.
Dual-aspect flats must be a minimum 58 square metres and more common single-aspect flats 73.4 square metres.
Property observers have been watching the steady shrinking of highrise flats with some alarm. This isn’t about dizzy planners imposing costs on struggling home buyers, this is about permanent additions to our housing stock and how useful they are.
Highrise reinforced concrete buildings are <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbournes-new-wave-of-skyscrapers-could-survive-100-years-20150318-1m1dmx" target="_blank">very hard if not impossible to change</a>.
The one bedroom flats are mostly being sold to investors who have no intention of living in them. They are the developers’ customers, not the occupants.
In theory, two cramped flats could be amalgamated to make a single spacious one. Sadly the numbers go against this. Putting two $350,000 flats into one worth $600,000 makes no financial sense. The next buyer will simply reverse this and pocket the sacrifice. This is why minimum standards are so important.
Meanwhile, the average size of a <a href="https://www.oliverhume.com.au/news/melbourne-new-apartment-sizes-shrinking-again" target="_blank">new one bedroom flat in Melbourne</a> has fallen to 44 square metres and two bedders to 59 square metre. Smaller flats aren’t cheaper – the savings are simply capitalised into higher land prices on all future developments.
There were moves last year to establish minimum standards in Melbourne, with former Coalition Planning Minister, now Opposition Leader, <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/strict-new-rules-for-highrise-apartments-on-table-20140723-zw4qk">Matthew Guy making encouraging noises</a>, however implausably, but vanished with the election of the Andrews ALP government.
There is a democracy lesson in all this. If the bureaucracy can’t act and the parliament won’t, the judiciary must – which is why the NSW Land and Environment Court ruled on minimum flat sizes.
David Collyer is policy director of <a href="https://www.prosper.org.au/" target="_blank">Prosper Australia</a>.
David ran as a Senate candidate for the Australian Democrats in the 2013 federal election.
This article first appeared on Prosper's website.
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dcollyer-7rQRVBSdz6

Sydney apartment size ruling a lesson in democracy: David Collyer

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Rents in most capital cities have remained at all-time highs over the March quarter despite increased supply from investors and developers, according to the Domain Group Rental Report.
Median weekly asking rents for houses increased by 0.8% over the March quarter while unit rents rose by 0.4% nationally.
The March national capital city vacancy rate was 2% for houses and 2.6% for units, contributing to an overall dwelling vacancy rate of 2.2%.
<img src="/images/2015/04/16/domain-april-16-one.jpg" alt="">
Rental markets were steady or declining in most capital cities with the exception of Melbourne and Hobart which both saw solid increases over the quarter.
Continuing the trend from last quarter, Hobart recorded the strongest increase in asking rents for both houses and units, which rose by 3.1% and 3.7% respectively.
<img src="/images/2015/04/16/domain-april-16-two.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
“Despite this recent growth, Hobart remains the most affordable of all the capitals, although it is rapidly closing-in on the next most affordable, Adelaide,” said Wilson. 
Melbourne was the only other capital city to record increases in the median weekly asking rents over the quarter.
Melbourne unit rents rose by 1.4% to $365, house rents by 2.5% to $390, both new records. 
<img src="/images/2015/04/16/domain-april-16-three.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra house and unit asking rents remained steady during the period, while Darwin house rents decreased by 1.9% and unit rents dropped by 3.7%. In Perth, house rents were again flat while unit rents fell by 1.3%.
“The falls we’ve seen in Darwin and Perth demonstrate a softening of demand and increased supply in those local markets.  Darwin house and unit rents have each fallen by 7.1% over the year, the largest decline of any of the capitals,” Wilson said.
Regular observer Terry Ryder said of Domain Group's figures: "<a href="/expert-insights/domain-group-misses-the-obvious-point-with-rents-terry-ryder">Domain Group rather missed the point</a> with its media release on the latest figures for capital city rents."
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Darwin rents in decline with Hobart the strongest performer: Domain Group

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Domain Group rather missed the point with its media release on the latest figures for capital city rents.
The headline it chose to give it, “Rents remain at record highs despite increased supply”, should have been “Rents refuse to rise despite alleged chronic housing shortage”.
The headline that accompanied rental figures from CoreLogic RP Data, “Significant slowdown in rental growth set to continue”, was much closer to the mark.
Meanwhile, Louis Christopher of SQM Research also released figures on rents, noting that asking rents have fallen in several of the capital cities.
Domain Group, in seeking to pander to media’s obsession with the notion of a real estate boom, missed the obvious point that the two other sources noticed: capital city rents continue to stagnate and haven’t delivered meaningful growth for years.
Examining 16 rental markets (eight capital cities, each with a house market and a unit market), <a href="/expert-insights/buying/darwin-rents-in-decline-with-hobart-the-strongest-performer-domain-group">Domain Group data shows that median asking rents have fallen</a> in five markets in the past year. Five others have recorded no change. Three others recorded annual growth around 2%.
That means 13 of the 16 capital city rental markets are dormant or declining. The only city with good rental growth in Hobart (up 6.5% for houses and 12% for units, apparently), while the median asking rent for Sydney houses is up 4%.
SQM Research records falling asking rents in Perth, Canberra and in particular Darwin, which has dropped 13.7% for houses and 4.7% for units for the past 12 months. It says that Adelaide, Hobart and Sydney have recorded modest rises for the same period.
 “Overall, national rental growth is now below annual CPI,” Christopher says.
“The national rental market continues to slow. It is coming up in our vacancy series and in our asking rents, which are now rising at a slower rate than general inflation. With the east coast market still being driven upwards, largely by investor demand, it does make me wonder if investors are aware that it is increasingly a tenants’ market out there.”
CoreLogic RP Data tends to agree with that assessment. Its latest report says: “Rental growth across most of Australia’s capital cities remains sluggish.”
It records overall rental rates in the capital cities during March that were just 1.2% higher than the year before. Similar to the other sources, it reports big declines in rents in Perth and Darwin. It also finds the largest increases in Hobart.
And it says Sydney (up 2%) and Melbourne (up 1,4%) were the only two capital cities to record rental growth increases in unit markets, though both were minor rises.
Research analyst Cameron Kusher says it’s no surprise unit growth is tracking lower than houses, given the high level of investor activity in capital city unit markets.
The key point is this: the latest rental figures are merely a continuation of a pattern that has spanned years.
A year ago, in April 2014, <a href="/expert-insights/if-the-markets-so-hot-then-wheres-the-rental-growth">I wrote on Property Observer</a>: “Can anyone explain the absence of rental growth in our major markets? Are we not suffering from a housing shortage crisis, with an accumulated under-supply of hundreds of thousands of dwellings?
“Can the economists who speak constantly of this dwelling shortage explain how three of our eight capital cities recorded declines in house rentals in the March Quarter, while four others recorded no growth?”
You have to go back to 2012 and early 2013, when both Perth and Darwin had good rental growth driven by the (then) still-booming resources sector, to find increases in city rentals. But even then, there was little or no rental growth outside the mining-pumped cities.
Kusher says: “With new housing supply increasing and investor purchasing at record highs, we have seen a significant slowdown in the rate of rental growth over the past couple of years and we expect this trend to continue over the coming year.”
Therein lies the key point. In contrast to the developer’s lobby relentless party line about a “chronic housing shortage crisis”, the reality is that supply has increased markedly in recent years and the lack of rental growth in the major cities confirms there is no shortage overall.
Note also that Sydney is the only capital city delivering significant price growth.
TERRY RYDER is the founder of <a href="https://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://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Domain Group misses the obvious point with rents: Terry Ryder

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A group of seven petrol stations were on offer at today's Burgess Rawson investment portfolio auction.
Crown Casino's River Room filled with investors keen to snap up a petrol station or one of the 13 other commercial properties on offer.
The first petrol station to go under the hammer with auctioneer David Scholes was a Woolworths Caltex in the Western Australian town of Katanning.
A rather optimistic first bid was put in at $400,000, which was quite firmly rejected by Scholes.
"You have to start somewhere," mumbled the embarrassed under bidder.
The more realistic starting bid was placed at $900,000, and a group of competing bidders from Melbourne, Sydney and Western Australia brought the price to $1.03 million, often at a pace of $5,000 per bid.
The Katanning petrol station at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-wa-katanning-501493547" target="_blank">137-139 Clive Street</a> (pictured above), which brings in $56,818 per annum, was sold on a 5.52% yield. Woolworths have recently signed a 15 year lease.
The next petrol station up for auction was also leased by Woolworths Caltex. Located at<a href="https://www.commercialview.com.au/565-581-sydney-road-coburg-vic/commercial-for-sale-details-8514182" target="_blank"> 565-581 Sydney Road in Victoria's Coburg</a>, the site brings in $253,758 per year, with Scholes noting that more than 32,000 vehicles pass by the service station daily.
Woolworths signed a 15 year lease for the site in 2012. The 1,858 square metre property, Scholes noted, is nearly opposite the former Pentridge Prison, where an apartment development is being planned.
Bidding officially began at $3.8 million after a rejected $2.75 million starting bid, before stalling at $4.15 million. After some consultation, a vendor bid was placed at $4.5 million, which was matched by a bidder. The Coburg petrol station was secured at a 5.64% yield.
Next on the auction block was a Coles Express petrol station in Queensland's Ayr. Located about 85 kilometres south of Townsville, the Coles Express at <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/3P0992#.VS3sfIWM54s" target="_blank">140-132 Edwards Street</a> (Bruce Highway) on a corner site, the 2,015 square metre property came with development approval for a fast food outlet.
Coles Express pay $288,400 net per annum in rent, with fixed 3% annual rental increases.
Scholes suggested that bidders from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne begin at $4 million, and a small group of bidders slowly pushed the price upwards past $5 million. After a tight bidding volley between a Sydney and Melbourne bidder, the winning $5.1 million bid from a Sydney investor saw the Melbourne hopeful walk out of the room.
The Coles Express sold at a 5.65% yield.
The vendors of the next Queensland petrol station to be auctioned weren't quite so lucky.
The Shell SPAR Express in Bundaberg, at <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/4P0146#.VS3uPIWM54s" target="_blank">15 Scotland Street</a>, was passed in after subdued interest from the crowd.
The corner petrol station site, which includes a 378 square metre SPAR convenience supermarket, brings in $337,459 per annum in rent. The tenant has signed a 20 year lease to 2032, with a fixed rental increase of 4% per year.
While Scholes attempted to entice bidders to enter the race at $4.5 million, the first bid was placed at $4 million. After just a handful of bids, the bidding stalled around $4.5 million. It was passed in at $4,525,000.
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Mixed result for petrol station sales at portfolio auction

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A private Melbourne investor has purchased the Williams Landing Masters store for $36 million.
It was bought from listed property company Cedar Woods through CBRE agents Mark Wizel and Justin Dowers. 
The Masters home improvement store was sold with a 20-year net lease, 100% guaranteed by Woolworths and returning a net income of over $2 million.
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2015/04/15/cbre-apirl1-5b-re.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/04/15/cbre-apirl1-5b-re.jpg" alt=""></a>
Reflecting a yield of 6%, the sale of the not yet two year old store represented the strongest yield ever achieved for a hardware store in Australia.
“We were really taken back at both the depth of offers and aggressive nature of bidders for this asset,” Wizel said. He noting other recent Masters store sales included Dandenong, Western Australia and Penrith all achieved yields of between 6.75% and 7%.
“The latest sale at 6% shows the significant increased confidence that buyers have in the Masters covenant and the longer term outlook from investors in relation to the Masters platform as a business,” Wizel commented.
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CBRE nail strongest yield yet for Masters Hardware offering

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A sports medicine centre on Bay Street in Brighton sold to an investor for $3.37 million today.
A packed room at Burgess Rawson's investment portfolio auction at Crown Casino watched a handful of bidders take <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/3P0991#.VS3i0YWM54s" target="_blank">441 Bay Street, Brighton</a>'s price from $2.8 million to $3.37 million.
"Don't think of the yields, think of the position," auctioneer David Scholes urged a handful of potential buyers as bidding slowed to $5,000 increments.
The 1,030 square metre site has been leased to Brighton Spinal Group for more than 16 years. Currently, it attracts $143,402 net income per annum, with annual fixed increases of 3%.
The building comprises a Victorian at the front with a two level contemporary extension at the rear. It includes 11 consulting rooms and a large gym.
Scholes noted the large site's potential for further development, subject to council approval. The medical centre, marketed by Jamie Perlinger and Ben Appell of Burgess Rawson, sold at a 4.26% yield.
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Brighton medical centre sells for $3.37 million on 4.3% yield

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Raine &amp; Horne Commercial WA secured $4 million worth of land sales at the Northlink Industrial Park last week.
It has now sold 83 lots over three stages at Northlink, marketed as the last significant industrial land opportunity located within the inner suburbs of Perth’s rapidly growing north western corridor.
The Raine &amp; Horne selling agent, Anthony Vulinovich said the industrial estate, situated in Wangara and Gnangara, was a premium industrial location with strong amenity for businesses and their employees.
<img src="/images/2015/04/15/Northlink%20001.jpg" alt="">
Due to the strong demand and the limited number of remaining lots in Stage 3, the developer, Linc Property, has brought forward the release of Stage 4. 
The flexible lot sizes range from 1,100 square metres to three hectares, with prices between $300 and $390 per square metre.
The release of the final stage will be split into two phases, with Stage 4A now selling on the open market.
Civil works are well underway with titles expected as early as April 2015, according to Vulinovich.
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