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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Developers Victoria Investments &amp; Properties (VIP) and Mirvac adopted a ballot system to sell off the first stage of their housing estate in Melbourne's western growth corridor this weekend.
VIP and Mirvac enlisted television personality Livinia Nixon to host the event on Saturday, where registered buyers had the opportunity to select one of 70 plots at <a href="https://woodlea.com.au/" target="_blank">Woodlea</a>. Each registrant had placed a $1,000 deposit to enter the draw.
There were 185 buyers registered on the day for a chance to select a lot, which were priced from $183,500 for 500 square metres. All 70 lots have now sold.
Upon completion, the $2 billion masterplanned community located 29 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD will span 711 hectares. Saturday's event at Galli Windery was the first stage of the development's land releases.
In total, the community is expected to hold 7,100 residential lots when completed, with two pre-schools, two primary schools and a secondary school.
There are also plans for childcare facilities, a public library and a town centre. The development, located in the City of Melton, is expected to house 20,000 residents. The planned development is located between Melton to the west and Caroline Springs to the east, and will make use of the Rockbank railway station, the Western Highway, the Deerpark Bypass and the Melton Freeway.
VIP's chairman, K.T. Lim, acquired the Woodlea site 15 years ago. Prior to Woodlea, VIP has largely worked on industrial and office projects, including various commercial redevelopments in the Melbourne CBD.
Photo: Supplied.
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Woodlea sells out first stage of lots with ballot system

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The Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens has urged the Federal government to stay the course on meaningful budget repair or it will face consequences as the debt blows out.
"We're not on the correct path for the long run and we need to get onto a better path I think during benign times," RBA governor Glenn Stevens said on Friday.
We don't have a budgetary crisis, he added.
But during questioning Glenn Stevens told an Australia America Chamber of Commerce lunch that the budget repair should happen during "benign times" to build resilience for the next downturn.
"We should be taking early measured steps that build up in their effect over the long term so that we sustain the position we have," he said.
"If God forbid a large negative shock came along right now, we still have macroeconomic scope to respond to that" with the fiscal firepower to respond, he said.
"A deficit that's 3% of GDP right now that would be at 5 or 6 or 7% very quickly if we had a significant recession. If you were then thinking we'd like to do some discretionary stimulus on top of that then you are talking about pretty big deficits," Stevens said.
But scope for discretionary stimulus on top of that could be limited, if the deficit was already high. 
"When you go into a downtown the deficit gets bigger anyway because the government does nothing because of the so-called automatic stabilisers and that's appropriate," he said.
His formal notes advised that looking back at the history: "If we come through this terms of trade event with neither a major outbreak of inflation in the upswing nor a major crash in the downswing, even if we have a period of sub-average growth in the process, we will have done far, far better than in any previous event of this kind, let alone one of this magnitude."
"I still think that is the most likely outcome.
"Even so, the lower terms of trade mean that, all other things equal, the path of future incomes is not as high as it might have looked a few years ago.
"Even allowing for the fact that we all knew, intellectually, that at least part of the boom was not permanent, there is a human tendency to project what we see now (good or bad) into the future. Eventually reality intrudes and we have to re-evaluate.
"That has happened countless times before and will again, no doubt."
Glenn Stevens noted while that the economy continued in its adjustment to the end of the investment phase of the ‘mining boom’. 
"The massive run-up in resources sector capital spending that was a natural response to earlier very high prices is reversing, causing a drag on demand. 
"So we hope for other sources of demand to speed up to help make up the difference. 
"Some of them are, though not as seamlessly as any of us would like. 
"It is a major transition. 
"We can hope to assist it, and the Reserve Bank is doing that, and will continue to lend what support it can, within the limits of its powers and consistent with its mandate.
"The decline in the exchange rate is assisting the transition (as it assisted in absorbing the earlier phase of the mining boom). 
"But we have always said we cannot hope to fine-tune this transition, however much we may wish otherwise."
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

There's hope if a large negative shock hits Australia: RBA's Glenn Stevens

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With construction beginning on more than 50,000 dwelling units in the September 2014 quarter, up almost 20% on the previous year, is the construction sector all that's holding Australia back from a recession?
That may certainly be the case, according to comments from BIS Shrapnel economists at its Melbourne business forecasting conference earlier this week. And the Reserve Bank (RBA) board may just agree.
In its March meeting minutes, the RBA board noted further softening in the mining sector, with "steep declines" in mining investment contributing to below-trend gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the December quarter.
"The ABS survey of capital expenditure intentions implied further large falls in mining investment, as current projects were completed and few new projects were likely to proceed," the minutes read.
Meanwhile, income growth stayed low by historical measures and "the unemployment rate had continued its gradual upward trend".
Aside from low oil prices, the RBA board didn't see much that would continue to support consumer demand – except for residential investment.
"The current strength of housing construction and the increase in housing prices were expected to provide a measure of support for consumption," read March's minutes.
"A range of indicators, including residential building approvals, suggested further strong growth of dwelling investment in the near term."
The Reserve Bank's comments crediting construction investment with supporting the domestic economy are supported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) December quarter GDP figures. The ABS noted that: "In seasonally adjusted terms, the main contributors to GDP growth were Construction and Health care and social assistance each contributing 0.1 percentage points to the increase in GDP."
According to the ABS, $50.35 billion worth of construction work was done (on a seasonally adjusted basis) in the final quarter of 2014. While the figure is slightly down from its previous peak in the final quarter of 2012 (<a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/construction-holds-up-well-thanks-to" target="_blank">as noted by Pete Wargent</a>), on a historical basis, the pace of Australia's construction industry in the past few years has been unprecedented.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/bis-mar-23-one.jpg" alt="">
The value of total construction work done in the December 2014 quarter was also down on the figure recorded in the same period in 2013, by 4.8%. However, the decline can be attributed to engineering work and commercial construction, down 12.3% and 4.8% respectively over the year.
In fact, BIS Shrapnel managing director Robert Mellor noted on Tuesday that the state with the strongest relative commercial property construction sector currently was Tasmania, thanks to the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment.
Nationally, the value of residential work was up 12.7% from the December 2013 quarter.
<img src="/images/2015/03/23/bis-mar-23-two.jpg" alt="">
The Reserve Bank has also acknowledged the weak commercial property construction figures, noting in the March minutes that:
"Overall, survey measures of business conditions had remained around their average levels, while the trend in non-residential building approvals was at a low level and conditions in the commercial property market remained weak, with office vacancy rates in all capital cities at high levels."
But while residential investment has been able to buoy a flagging commercial property market, can it continue to uphold the entire economy as the mining sector slows further?
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Has the apartment construction boom saved Australia from recession?

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The ABS released its <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/3685CE437B16298ACA257AFC000E9FB3?opendocument" target="_blank">Detailed Labour Force</a> figures for February 2015 and for the quarter, and the news was somewhat mixed.
This data series is not seasonally adjusted, and total jobs growth over the past 12 months was surprisingly strong, with the total number of employed persons surging to 11,762,700. Employment growth was driven overwhelmingly job gains in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.
It will be interesting to see whether this strength is ultimately mirrored in the seasonally adjusted Labour Force data in due course. Let's take a look in four short parts.
 Part 1 - Mining and manufacturing jobs go
While it can hardly be a surprise, the fall in the number of employees in the mining sector has been dramatic, tailing all the way from 270,000 to just 220,400, with nearly 50,000 positions cut in just 12 months.
Manufacturing industries have also shed -23,500 jobs over the past year.
It has long been my contention that the end of the mining investment boom will represent adverse news for many of Australia's regional property markets, a number of which had performed surprisingly well through a once-off decade long resources investment boom.
The decline in manufacturing employment is also in my opinion likely to represent a significant headwind for the city of Adelaide, though for the purposes of balance I do note that a number of other commentators strongly disagree with me on this point.
 Part 2 - Services employment increases
On the positive side of the employment ledger there now is some evidence of rebalancing over the past 12 months, with construction and services jobs helping to more than offset the jobs losses in mining and manufacturing.
As I noted <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/sydney-construction-boom" target="_blank">in by blog post last week</a>, despite the inevitable contraction in the resources sector, total construction employment is still pumping with a net +45,800 jobs added over the past 12 months.
Meanwhile professional, scientific and technical services employment surged by +98,800 from 889,000 to 997,800.
Other non-trivial gains were seen in accommodation and food services (+43,500), arts and recreation (+31,300) and media and telecoms (+24,500).
Generally speaking this is good news for the four largest capital cities, and not such happy news for regional Australia or Adelaide.
Part 3 - Employment by region
Over the past year the greatest absolute employment growth has been seen in Melbourne (+94,800) and Sydney (+49,600).
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2x2GN1SDvR4/VQstUPtkehI/AAAAAAAAT2U/1I5VHfnHuFQ/s1600/dlf3.jpg"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2x2GN1SDvR4/VQstUPtkehI/AAAAAAAAT2U/1I5VHfnHuFQ/s1600/dlf3.jpg"></a>
By contrast, regional employment growth has been weak leading to a divergence in unemployment rates in New South Wales in particular - a dearth of employment growth on a net basis over the past two years has seen regional unemployment in NSW rising to above 8%.
This has partly been driven by mining jobs losses in the coal sector, and on a smoothed moving average basis, the unemployment trend becomes clear.
<img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRGNTMkVQ_k/VQstS3JQr7I/AAAAAAAAT10/g1Y5NxzVWvQ/s1600/DLF6.jpg"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRGNTMkVQ_k/VQstS3JQr7I/AAAAAAAAT10/g1Y5NxzVWvQ/s1600/DLF6.jpg"></a>
In other states, both Perth (+35,700) and Brisbane (+33,200) have recorded robust employment growth over the year to February 2015, with residential property construction having a key role to play.
However, regional employment growth has been weak in Queensland and Western Australia too.
Meanwhile over the past two years total employment in Adelaide has declined (-11,900), with further job losses expected due to Holden's departure.
<img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j5Fbcz5JmlA/VQstTP_yWKI/AAAAAAAAT14/_IwGI2MHbT8/s1600/DLF4.jpg"> 
Looking at these results across a range of time horizons shows how the bulk of employment growth has consistently been seen in the four largest capital cities plus regional Queensland.
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0qMSobbRjc/VQstUFb7chI/AAAAAAAAT2M/TqSSOhV5yzo/s1600/dlf5.jpg">
 Part 4 - Unemployment The month to month unemployment figures are very volatile, but for completeness here they are.
<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4KjNZbSYBw/VQstSpeAdvI/AAAAAAAAT1w/tiQH1F2qcbo/s1600/DLF2.jpg">
In order to make some kind of sense of the capital city unemployment rates (which are not seasonally adjusted) I've run them below on a smoothed moving average basis.
One key takeaway point here for mine is that the unemployment rate in Perth has been trending upwards fairly sharply since 2013, continuing a trend away from near full employment in the period leading up to 2008.
There has been some talk of weakening employment markets in Darwin, though in truth there has not been much evidence of this in the data to date.
On the other hand, the outlook in Tasmania is improving with the unemployment rate beginning to decline and a number of other positive data releases being recorded here on this blog over the past 12 months, including for <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/retail-trade-lifts-in-january" target="_blank">retail trade</a> and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/economy-grows-by-25-percent-in-2014" target="_blank">state final demand</a>.
<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BY7T7X-PgAY/VQstTtPwl8I/AAAAAAAAT2A/hpM-pOCOLeY/s1600/dlf1.jpg">
In fact, while I don't recommend on this blog that anyone dashes out to invest in property in Hobart (or for that matter, anywhere), the Tasmanian capital could well be the surprise package property market of the next few years.
Firstly, this is because so many years of inertia have seen the <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/vacancy-rates-tighten-in-february" target="_blank">rental market tightening considerably</a>.
And while population growth and employment growth have certainly been very weak in Tasmania over recent years, the "X factor" could be Chinese investment capital, with record numbers of Chinese visitors enjoying the fresh produce and fresh air of the Apple Isle.
I haven't been down to Tassie since spending a month there while the dollar was busily crippling the forestry industry, but I've heard from more than one source this week that Chinese tourism is dribving a rebound.
I even received a Tweet to that effect:
<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhgL4zMboQM/VQtGIsykihI/AAAAAAAAT2o/NzT7qlnfH-I/s1600/TAS.jpg">
Moreover, Tasmania has a small enough population that new investment could impact markets more materially at the margin.
Regional unemployment
I'll cover the regional unemployment rates data in a separate blog post, but the areas of concern include:
<ul>
<li>Central Coast</li>
<li>Hunter Valley ex-Newcastle (now 12.4% unemployment in February 2015 as coal mining job losses bit)</li>
<li>Newcastle and Lake Macquarie</li>
<li>Richmond Tweed</li>
<li>Logan-Beaudesert</li>
<li>Moreton Bay North</li>
<li>Mackay</li>
<li>Wide Bay</li>
</ul>
 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.
 
His book '<a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' is out now.
 
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Employment rebalances to capital cities and services: Pete Wargent

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Australian banks are really dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s with prestige property lending in 2015, according to the Melbourne buyers' agent Mal James.
"It is obvious that there have been directives from the top through most banking hierarchies," said James.
"Prudential banking is a good thing, just so long as it’s fair and equitable to local buyers as well," he suggested on the issue of offshore borrowings versus local.
He added the banks will lend if local buyers get in shape – with the right valuations, right loan to value ratios and updated earnings figures.
<div id="attachment_49545">But the now "massive differences between the agents quote and the end result" was becoming a major issue, he said.</div>
"Many Chinese buyers have worked out agent quoting, but some local buyers appear to have not.
"Chinese buyers have in many cases no real contact with agents and in many cases can’t even speak English, yet they are able to buy well and locals are not.
"Chinese buyers form their own opinions on values or get assistance from their friends or buyer advocates.
"Local buyers listen to agents, who fill their heads with mush."
<img src="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Quoting-Bidding-597x448.jpg" alt="Quoting Bidding" width="597" height="448">
<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/2015/03/some-chinese-buyers-have-worked-out-agent-quoting-but-many-local-buyers-appear-to-have-not/" target="_blank">A James Buyers Agency graphic</a> (above) was used to show in red the agent quote on offerings in Brighton, Kew and Hawthorn.
The orange is the Chinese bidding which was consistently high across the board. He said his agency had some Chinese buyers on its books.
The blue is what Mal James bid and the black boxes is the range James Buyer Advocates gave to its clients the week before the auction on where it felt the home would sell.
"See how consistent it is with three different agents on three different homes in three different suburbs," said James.
"During the first few weeks of 2015 it was understandable for agents and advocates and buyers to get it wrong as the market shifted big time and yes, agents and advocates can’t get it right every time (but they shouldn’t get it wrong every time either)."
He noted many were underestimating the power of the inner Melbourne prestige market, saying "they think it is an aberration. 
"We do not share that view while the fundamentals are so obvious and so strong. 
"Of course we have no idea how long it will last but the bidder depth from overseas buyers is as David Hart from Brighton Buxton described it – 'profound'."
He advised values change dramatically with:
+ Building Quality + Chinese Bidding + Better Precincts + Building Size + Auction Volcano Interest - Poor Floor plan - Poor Land Features - Poorer Precincts - High Vendors
James also noted some houses - especially ones that cannot be bulldozed are actually discounting their land value; "such is the insatiable appetite by overseas buyers for land you can build on."
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Local banks unwittingly giving the Chinese advantages in Melbourne's prestige suburbs buyers' race: Mal James

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A clearance rate of 77 per cent was recorded across Melbourne on the March 21 weekend, which matched the 77 per cent of last weekend.
Two Middle Park sales dominated the top sales among the 1053 auctions reported to the REIV.
There was 353 Richardson Street at $4,750,000 and 208 Beaconsfield Parade at $4,510,000.
Bidding on the Richardson Street property - with Pleysier Perkins interiors in the heritage listed home - opened with a $4 million vendor bid by the auctioneer John Bongiorno, and sold after it was passed in at $4.5 million.
Hocking Stuart Albert Park auctioneer David Wood secured the $4.51 million sale of the near-derelict 208 Beaconsfield Parade (pictured below) on the corner of Harold Street.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/ccd0d079b39833677079580ef9606691f16a83f9a5aa7b370c491e86bd350cda/image4.jpg" alt="208 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park" title="208 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park" data-index="3">
Enzo Raimondo, the REIV noted there was a median house price of $940,000 and a $595,000 median unit price.
There was a $4.68 million Toorak sale (pictured top above) in between the two Middle Park trophy home sales.
It was a grand 1930s Toorak residence which became the home of then Country Party Prime Minister Sir John "Black Jack" McEwen.
It last sold at $2.6 million in 2003.
The home, at the corner of Orrong Road and Montalto Avenue, has a grand reception hall with formal entertaining rooms to each side.
The four bedroom home with arched windows, ceiling roses and fireplaces, also has two studies.  There is a swimming pool in the garden designed by Paul Thompson.
More than $4 million had been expected by Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello for <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/vic/toorak/?adid=2011800569" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">679 Orrong Road</a>.
John McEwen and his first wife, Annie, bought the house in 1956. It was sold by his second wife, Mary, in 1989 following his death in 1980.
He was the country's 18th prime minister from 19 December 1967 to 10 January 1968 following the death of PM Harold Holt, who lived elsewhere in Toorak.
Kay &amp; Burton achieved a 100% clearance rate for houses in metro Melbourne, including four in South Yarra.
There was an undisclosed Hawthorn sale of around $4.7 million at 4a Kooyongkoot Road. The 1237 square metre holding had last sold in 1999 at $1.01 million.
There was also the sale with an undisclosed price of Alta Vista, at 81 Wellington Parade South through Abercromby's which had $6 million hopes on its initial 2014 listing.
Kooyong's 10 Monaro Road sold through RT Edgar under the hammer at $4.5 million, after a $4.4 million vendor bid. Last sold at $406,000 in 1984, it had been listed initially for sale last October.
TOP 5 HOUSES 
1. 353 Richardson Street, Middle Park $4,750,000 2. 679 Orrong Road, Toorak $4,680,000 3. 208 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park $4,510,000 4. 14 Stirling Street, Kew $4,410,000 5. 3 St James Mews, Brighton $3,550,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 
1. 18 Ardent Court, Hastings $197,500 2. 7 Thredbo Court, Epping $320,000 3. 88 Creedmore Drive, Rye $322,500 4. 15 Miram Court, Westmeadows $330,000 5. 30 Bootie Court, Roxburgh Park $332,000
TOP 5 APARTMENTS 
1. 27 Oak Grove, Brighton $2,397,000 2. 1/36 Dean Street, Kew $1,951,000 3. 40A Cochrane Street, Brighton $1,605,000 4. 3/103 Lucerne Crescent, Alphington $1,400,000 5. 4/103 Lucerne Crescent, Alphington $1,400,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 
1. 5/1-3 Braemer Street, Seaford $215,500 2. 10/29 Raleigh Street, Essendon $260,000 3. 4/7 Stewart Street, Thomastown $265,000 4. 2/2 Martin Street, Rosebud $272,400 5. 7/9 Poplar Grove, Carnegie $275,000
Source <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a> 
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Steady and strong with Middle Park taking two podium places

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It was Sydney's highest weekend sale, on a weekend when another strong 86% auction success rate was achieved.
It was first time the trophy home had been offered by the original owner of the Versace-inspired Sandringham mansion.
The $7.8 million sale was achieved through Liam Tsaprazis and Kelvin Zheng at McGrath Estate Agents.
There was a strong Chinese appeal about the home which was completed about eight years ago by the Tomazin family.
There had been hopes of $8 million, with bidding interest from three parties.The beachfront reserve masterpiece provided a luxurious indoor/outdoor lifestyle with views over Sandringham Bay, setting a record price in the St George District district.
The block cost $2,765,000 in 2002.The home sits on 980 square metre block at its Primrose Avenue cul-de-sac location, moments from Sandringham's café culture.
APM's 86.1% initial clearance rate was the seventh consecutive weekend at 80% or above. There were 602 of the 715 results included in the preliminary tally.
McGrath auctions achieved a clearance of 87% for Sydney.
Last weekend's revised figure came in at 80.4%.
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Sandringham's $7.8 million Versace inspired trophy home tops Sydney's weekend auctions

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It's a bumper crop of auctions in both Sydney and Melbourne this weekend.
There are 1,202 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 1,160 for the same time last year, according to Robert Larocca from CoreLogic RP Data.
The highest volume of auctions are the 21 on offer in both Reservoir and Thornbury
CoreLogic have noted Melbourne auction volumes are higher than last year and on track to exceed last years volumes when there were more auctions and a higher proportion of homes sold at auction.
"Our latest data shows that a record 33.6 per cent of sales were by auction in Melbourne last year, up from 29.4 per cent in 2013 and a mere 20.3 per cent in 2012," said Larocca.
"Remarkably the 30,079 sales at auction last year was near twice the 15,640 recorded in 2012.
"The increase in use of auctions is a market feature, especially when prices rise as they can deliver better outcomes in competitive markets."
APM advised 693 Sydney auctions are scheduled across this weekend.
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Pre-Easter auction momentum builds in Sydney and Melbourne

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James Symond, the nephew of Aussie founder John Symond, is the new chief executive of the home loan group.
He replaces Ian Corfield in the top role, who joined Aussie from Bankwest <a href="/expert-insights/finance/aussie-home-loans-appoints-bankwest-executive-ian-corfield-as-new-ceo">in mid-2013</a>.
"It was clear after a rigorous international search and comparing a number of external candidates, James was the candidate with the best industry knowledge, track record and passion to be Aussie's CEO," executive chairman John Symond said in a statement.
Working his way up to be an executive director, James Symond has been with the company since his uncle established it in 1992.
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James Symond takes CEO job at Aussie 

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Residential developments are popping up on former commercial and industrial sites in the states’ capital cities as governments rezone land to encourage higher density living close to urban centres.
Investec Australia <a href="https://lifemoreinteresting.com.au/vision/" target="_blank">launched a residential project</a> in Adelaide’s inner city suburb of Bowden at the weekend on the former site of manufacturer Clipsal Corporation’s production facility.
Nigel Brophy, a director of Investec’s Infrastructure Finance &amp; Investment business, said Adelaide’s property market was different from the markets in the other eastern states.
“I wouldn’t say the [Adelaide] market is slow,” Brophy said. “It’s steady and always consistent … It doesn’t have the high peaks but it also has not had the deep troughs. It has always been steadier.
“When the east coast markets look hot, Adelaide might look moderate but it doesn’t fall off those peaks. It has always had relatively balanced supply and demand.”
That more moderate pace meant developers needed to take note of what Adelaide residents want in a property, such as access to parkland and convenience to transport, Brophy added.
“We also have to have regard for the fact that the market is small so we have to make sure the project is in proportion to the size of the market,” he said.
The first release includes 20 two-bedroom apartments, called ‘B’ apartments after the New York B-Line which stretches from Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach to the Bronx. It is planned for completion in early 2016.
Investec is working with the South Australian Government’s Renewal SA on the project, which is part of a wider redevelopment of the former Clipsal site.
The six storey ‘B’ apartments building is the tallest development released in Bowden to date.
Brophy said he expected young people looking for convenience and people who wanted to downsize their homes to a property with security and good access to the city to be attracted to the apartments.
The apartments are opposite Kevin Taylor Park, overlooking the future Bowden Town Square and close to public transport.
Bowden is less than 4 kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD and close to park land, making the former industrial zone a prime candidate for renewal.
Similar trends are occurring in Melbourne and Sydney where rising land values in inner city locations are encouraging developers to convert commercial premises into residential property.
CBRE is marketing a warehouse property in Brunswick in Melbourne’s inner north as an infill residential development site.
That site, zoned for general residential, at 31-37 Stewart St and 12-24 Hardy St spans approximately 8,760 square metres of land over five titles with multiple street frontages. The existing property is multi-tenanted on short term leases.
“In recent years, Brunswick has supported dozens of significant and successfully completed, or under construction medium and high density residential projects, underpinned by the close Melbourne CBD proximity, established public transport links, vast amenity and lifestyle attractions on Lygon St and Sydney Rd retail strips,” said CBRE’s David Minty, who is marketing the site along with Scott Orchard and Julian White.
Orchard said developers in Melbourne’s inner north, including Collingwood, Fitzroy, Northcote and Brunswick, were experiencing strong site sales and record prices, and had strong confidence in the pre-sale market for high and medium density residential accommodation.
​ In August, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/r-corp-makes-west-brunswick-acquisition-with-residential-plans">R.Corp acquired a textiles factory site in West Brunswick</a> with plans to develop the site for residential.<a href="/expert-insights/buying/r-corp-makes-west-brunswick-acquisition-with-residential-plans"> </a>
In Sydney, several office buildings around the city <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/property/cbd-office-space-shrinks-as-resi-rises-20150221-13jqh8" target="_blank">are being redeveloped as residences</a>.
The City of Sydney council<a href="/expert-insights/building/city-of-sydney-planning-to-rezone-swathes-of-southern-industrial-areas"> is consulting on proposals</a> to rezone large tracts of land just to the south of the city to allow residential developments in areas that have traditionally been dominated by industrial property.
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