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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GUEST OBSERVATION
Strengthening compliance and enforcement around foreign investment in Australia was a good thing, however a fee structure that made Australia non-competitive was not.
When foreign investors are looking at Australia, they are also likely to be looking at New Zealand, where there is no stamp duty and no capital gains, for instance.
The UK, USA and Canada may also be considered as investment markets, and no residential property application fees exist.
So the proposed fee for foreign investment in Australian property is higher than that in other countries such as Switzerland and Austria; but Austria and Switzerland are not realistically on the same real estate page.
Sure, the fee will generate dollars; but don’t turn the foreign investors away for any short-term financial gain.
Michael Davoren is managing director of <a href="https://www.remax.com.au/about-us" target="_blank">RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand</a>.
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mdavoren-BoeuVwusdi

FIRB fee could turn away foreign investors: RE/MAX's Michael Davoren

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GUEST OBSERVATION
We welcome the focus that the Intergenerational Report has placed on meeting Australia’s future economic, social and housing needs.
The Intergenerational Report is an essential exercise in looking ahead over the coming decades, highlighting the challenges we are facing as a nation to our economy and to our standard of living.
Top of this list must be housing Australia’s growing and ageing population, which is forecast to reach almost 40 million by 2050.
Housing is the bedrock on which all other facets of society are built. Without shelter, families and individuals cannot participate in the economy to their full potential.
Fortunately, residential construction is not only the challenge, but also the answer.
Challenges highlighted by the IGR are:
<ol>
<li>Housing our growing population;</li>
<li>Providing appropriate housing for an ageing population;</li>
<li>Ensuring housing is affordable for all Australians;</li>
<li>Job creation and workforce capacity to retain our standard of living for future generations.</li>
</ol>
New housing construction generates a range of economic benefits, which flow from the IGR, including:
<ul>
<li>New job creation;</li>
<li>Greater economic activity;</li>
<li>Appropriate shelter for all;</li>
<li>Productivity growth through housing policy reform;</li>
<li>Flow on activity to other sectors, including manufacturing and retail;</li>
<li>Broader government revenue base.</li>
</ul>
To achieve a significant increase in the delivery of housing that is affordable and meets the nation’s future demographic needs, governments must focus on investment in economic and social infrastructure, increasing the supply of residential land, and removing impediments in the planning system.
Graham Wolfe is the <a href="https://hia.com.au/" target="_blank">HIA</a>'s chief executive of industry policy and media.
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GrahamWolfe-vFAV6n7AS3

Increasing housing supply can help solve intergenerational challenges: Graham Wolfe

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The Block South Yarra is slipping.
It had a poor 609,000 viewers Wednesday night, it’s lowest Block ratings this season outside of its Thursday night Unlocked show. 
There were 191,000 Sydney metro viewers and 183,000 in Melbourne, according to the five city metro OzTam ratings. There were 127,000 in Brisbane, 61,000 in Perth and 47,000 in Brisbane.
Last night's regular Thursday Unlocked show made way for the NRL season opener on Channel 9.
Title Tattle reckons the boss David Gyngell, with more series in the pipeline for late this year, must be possibly considering replacing the reality show with The Big Bang Theory instead, with The Block over to the Gem channel.
Let's not forget that The Block started out as one night a week, with then proprietor Kerry Packer not being sure as to its likely success. "You're kidding me...What viewers watching paint dry?," is the cleaned-up version of Kerry's initial thoughts on the program idea. Episode one attracted more than two million viewers!
Interestingly the viewers who have turned off more of late have been from its new adopted home town, Melbourne.
They were underpinning <a href="/expert-insights/building/sydney-audiences-shun-the-blocks-lengthening-melbourne-residency">it </a><a href="/expert-insights/building/sydney-audiences-shun-the-blocks-lengthening-melbourne-residency">in the</a><a href="/expert-insights/building/sydney-audiences-shun-the-blocks-lengthening-melbourne-residency"> early weeks</a>. 
Crikey television ratings columnist Glenn Dwyer noted yesterday The Block was doing "miserably".
Noting 7.30 on ABC had more metro viewers twice this week.
"This version of The Block is a dud," wrote Dwyer.
"Being beaten by 7.30 didn't happen last year." 
He added that The Block was suffering from viewers being too familiar with its formula.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Block South Yarra is proving neither ratings threat or treat

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"This is the best market I have seen in 20 years, for sellers," founder and CEO of McGrath Real Estate Agents, John McGrath, estimates.
"The Sydney market is up from late last year," he told Radio 2UE today.
"Cool heads are important at this time, so don't over-stretch," he added.
He said one of the reasons for the recent price gains was that listing volumes were down by about 10%, according to the realestate.com.au website.
"It is a short-term blip," he said.
He said another reason for the reduced volume was that the recent intensity of sales had meant potential vendors were worried they would struggle to buy back into the market after any sale.
"They are concerned about going on the market before buying, which is not the natural cycle," he said.
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Best sellers' market for 20 years: John McGrath

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Interest rate cuts are losing their potential at stimulating the economy, Reserve Bank deputy governor Philip Lowe says.
Lowe said rate cuts were having little effect on household consumption because retirees and other savers were instead cutting back spending as their incomes fell in line with deposit rates.
"At the end of the day, the solution to the problems caused by the disconnect between the desire to save and the desire to invest cannot lie with monetary policy," he said in a speech in Sydney yesterday.
"Instead, it lies in measures to improve the investment environment so that once again there is strong productive demand for the use of our societies’ savings."
Lowe noted borrowers with debts have been using the lower rates to accelerate repayments rather than raising their spending.
<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph11.gif" target="_blank" title="Graph 11: Mortgage Repayments"><img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph11-small.gif" alt="Graph 11: Mortgage Repayments"></a>
Lowe said monetary policy was becoming less effective worldwide, in a speech titled, 'Low Inflation in a World of Monetary Stimulus' to the Goldman Sachs Annual Global Macro Economic Conference.
<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph10.gif" target="_blank" title="Graph 10: Housing Equity Withdrawal"><img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph10-small.gif" alt="Graph 10: Housing Equity Withdrawal"></a>
“In the years leading up to the (global financial) crisis, a reduction in interest rates could be reliably predicted to encourage such a response,” Lowe said.
“Credit was easily accessible, economic volatility in many economies was low and people were prepared to borrow.
"In today’s world, things look quite different.”
“Many borrowers have responded to the lower interest rates of recent years by paying off their loan a little faster, rather than increasing their spending.
“Conversely, it seems likely that those relying on interest income have reduced their spending by more than would previously have been the case.
 “Certainly, the many letters we have been receiving at the bank recent­ly would suggest this.
“In (this) earlier period, the level of interest rates that we have today would have caused a large boom in borrowing, but this has not occurred.”
<a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph9.gif" target="_blank" title="Graph 9: Household Saving and Debt"><img src="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2015/images/sp-dg-2015-03-05-graph9-small.gif" alt="Graph 9: Household Saving and Debt"></a>
Dr Lowe said the same reaction to low interest rates could be seen in governments.
“Few governments have seen the very low intere­st rates as an opportunity to support long-term infrastructure investment at low cost.
“Rather, much as households have done, governments have taken advantage of the lower debt-servicing costs to help shore up their finances.”
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There is no boom in borrowing says RBA

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The February CoreLogic RP Data Home Value Index results (<a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/media-release/dwelling-values-continue-to-rise-while-rental-yields-compress-further" target="_blank" title="Read Indices results">read results here</a>) showed Melbourne dwelling prices rose at a greater rate over the last three months than any other capital city.
When viewed in conjunction with the strengthening auction market this data confirms the solid position intending sellers now find themselves in.  This will also encourage a rise in listings over the next few months and provide buyers with good choice in April and May.
In the last three months house values have risen 4.8% and over the last month the rise was a more moderate 0.2%. Based on settled sales in the last quarter the median sale price was $549,000.
In the last three months unit values have risen 1.8% and over the last month the rise 0.5%. Based on settled sales in the last quarter the median sale price was $450,000. Unit values continue to be subdued due to high supply.
The clearance rate also rose compared to last year. In February a clearance rate of 74.1% was recorded from 3,452 auctions compared to 71.5% from 2,623 auctions a year ago.
AUCTION MARKET PREVIEW
Strong auction demand continued in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra last week with all three markets recording clearance rates in excess of their 2014 trend and they were joined by Adelaide where a clearance rate in excess of 70% was recorded for the first time in a year. National volumes also fell this week due to the impact of the Labour Day long weekend, particularly in Melbourne,
There are 1,818 auctions expected this week across Australia with 1,448 expected in capital cities. This is compared to 3,238 last week and 1,520 for the same week last year.
In Sydney 801 auctions are expected compared to 1,223 last week and 859 this week last year. As volumes reached a record high last year, it is remarkable that they are higher again this year and that demand remains very strong.
There are 144 auctions expected in Brisbane compared to 216 last week and 138 this week last year.
This week there are 62 auctions expected in Adelaide compared to 109 last week and 80 on the same week last year.
In Canberra there are 75 auctions expected compared to 84 last week and 64 this week last year.
In Perth 42 auctions are expected compared to 27 last week and 33 this week last year.
Across Australia the highest volume of auctions in one suburb are 16 in Mosman (NSW).
There are 312 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 329 for the same time last year. Volumes are low due to the Labour Day long weekend. The highest volume of auctions in one suburb is the very popular Glen Waverley where 7 are scheduled.
The February Home Value Index results showed the dwelling prices rose at a greater rate over the last three months than any other capital city and rose slightly in the last month.
When viewed in conjunction with the strengthening auction market this data confirms the solid position intending sellers now find themselves.  This will also encourage a rise in listings over the next few months and provide buyers with good choice in April and May.
The clearance rate also rose compared to last year. In February a clearance rate of 74.2% was recorded from 3,452 auctions compared to 71.5% from 2,623 auctions a year ago.
In respect of the private sale market in the past week, on a citywide basis, the time on market results for houses sold at private sale fell to 43 days, down from 60 days in the previous week. Overall vendor discounting was up slightly to -5.5% from -5.4%.
Melbourne auction market Key data
<ul>
<li>Clearance rate week ending 1 March: 77.1%</li>
<li>Melbourne auctions expected week ending 8 March: 312</li>
<li>Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 1 March: 43 days (houses)</li>
<li>Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 1 March: -5.5% (houses)</li>
</ul>
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rlarocca-zWhvjay44N

Melbourne residential market provides highest growth over quarter: Robert Larocca

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Well, the property is actually named Villa del Mare and I don’t really see the current owners having too much trouble as they correct their divestiture order.
The nightmare is actually faced by treasurer Joe Hockey given he now has to investigate millions and millions of property transactions – which we all know by now that such a task is impossible. First of all they don’t have the manpower nor the most important criteria – the data.
Let’s be honest here, the Abbott government decided to announce their ‘ferocious’ crackdown on foreign buyers simply to distract attention from its decision to back-flip on the Medicare co-payments, and what a smoke screen this proved to be.
Naturally, this was all tied into Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) statistics where it was revealed to The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics that in the first nine months of 2014 foreign investment had surged 44%. One would seriously have to ask the question is there a hotter real estate market in the world at the moment than Sydney?
For the federal government to forensically investigate all the property transactions and we are talking about millions and millions of transactions the answer is simple – no chance. In 2013-14 alone NSW recorded 860,000 property transactions.
So front and centre we have a $39 million Point Piper mansion that must now find a new buyer within the next 90 days. Well didn’t the media fall for that bait hook, line and sinker. I’m happy to bet that this property will not be offered for sale, rather the present owners will simply transfer the property into another name. At the heart of the problem is that Joe Hockey is totally wrong when he claims that: “Under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeover Act 1975, foreign investors must notify the treasurer through the Foreign Investment Review Board before purchasing residential real estate.”
Sorry to tell you Joe, but foreign buyers have found much better ways to acquire residential real estate and yes, thanks to your crackdown, you’re about to find out just how. Although I am sure that there will be many cases of foreign buyers who have simply disregarded FIRB regulations and purchased properties without application.
The much preferred method that foreign buyers have pursued is to simply transfer funds to their newly appointed “trustee” who has Australian residency, and they then legally purchase a property. When it suits the foreign buyer they apply for Australian residency and once this is granted they then apply the <a href="https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/da199793/s18" target="_blank" title="Duties Act 1997 – Sect 18">Duties Act 1997 – Sect 18</a> which applies to “no double duty”. Given that they can prove that they actually provided all the funds to acquire the property to their appointed “trustee” they then pay a duty of $50 to have the property transferred into their name. So you see there is absolutely no need to advise the FIRB given this is totally legal in NSW – so Joe Hockey should be looking at all the legally available loopholes first.
At last count the treasurer’s FIRB consisted of just 10 staff, so given the recent announcements we may assume that this department has been increased tenfold so that they can energetically confront these serious concerns. In all probability this too will be placed in the too hard Canberra basket, although I believe everyone would agree that this is a serious problem that requires urgent attention.
The reality of the matter is that the FIRB is, as I have said on many occasions now, “hopeless’’ given they don’t even know where to start to take control of this crisis. For most obvious reasons the states and territories won’t exactly be energetically offering assistance given they are only concerned about protecting their “rivers of gold”, otherwise known as stamp duty.
The only way that the federal government can get to the bottom of these foreign acquisitions is to somehow get hold of the stamp duty records – which won’t happen anytime soon.
Like a bull at a gate Joe Hockey has opened up his very own house of worms without even realising the sheer magnitude of the job at hand. From past experience we all know only too well what happens next, don’t we.
Nothing happening here folks, move along, we have everything under control. Next question?
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

Treasurer Joe’s Villa del Nightmare: Robert Simeon

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Earlier this week, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released building approvals data for January 2015.
 The data showed that over the month, dwelling approvals surged to an all-time high while the annual number of approvals is also at a record high. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4347" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chart-1.jpg" alt="Chart 1" width="500" height="180"> Across the nation, the seasonally adjusted data showed that in January 2015, there were 19,282 dwelling approvals. This was a record high number of monthly approvals, 4.9% higher than the previous peak of 18,389 approvals two months earlier. 
The number of dwelling approvals increased by 7.9% over the month and approvals are 9.1% higher year on year. On an annualised basis, we are also seeing a record high with 203,182 approvals, up 0.8% over the month and 10.8% year on year. This represents a strong pipeline of new dwellings to be constructed. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4349" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chart-2.jpg" alt="Chart 2" width="500" height="181"> Looking more closely at the national figures, it shows that the surge in approvals over the month was entirely due to unit approvals as opposed to house approvals. We also saw a rare occurrence whereby there were more units approved for construction than houses.
 The above chart highlights monthly approvals with the thicker lines showing the six month average number of approvals. Over the month there were 9,588 house approvals and 9,694 unit approvals. The monthly number of house approvals has been fairly flat for the past 11 months while unit approvals tend to be much more volatile but trending higher. 
In January 2015, house approvals fell -0.4% while unit approvals increased by 17.5%. Year on year to January 2015, house approvals have fallen by -2.9% while unit approvals were 24.3% higher. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4350" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chart-3.jpg" alt="Chart 3" width="500" height="178"> Turning the focus to the capital cities it is firstly important to note that unlike the national data the figures are not seasonally adjusted. 
In January 2014 there were 11,926 capital city dwelling approvals which was -14.1% lower over the month but 8.6% higher year on year. Over the past 12 months, there has been a record high 153,323 dwelling approvals across the combined capital cities. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4351" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chart-4.jpg" alt="Chart 4" width="500" height="180"> Once again looking at houses as opposed to units, the data shows that the unit market is the key driver of new housing approvals. 
In January 2015 there were 4,986 capital city house approvals and 6,940 unit approvals. Approvals for both houses (-11.2%) and units (-16.0%) were lower over the month which can largely be attributed to seasonal effect of a weaker January. 
The unit series tends to be more volatile however, house approvals were at their lowest level since December 2013 over the month. 
The chart also shows that unit approvals have generally been outnumbering house approvals since the middle of 2012 (despite some volatility month-to-month). Year-on-year, capital city house approvals are -5.9% lower while unit approvals are 22.1% higher. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4352" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chart-5.jpg" alt="Chart 5" width="500" height="181"> Looking at the individual capital cities and utilising annual data to smooth out some of the volatility, it is clear that there has been a surge in approvals over the past few years across the major regions of Australia. 
First looking at house approvals, over the 12 months to January there were 13,337 approvals in Sydney, 22,198 in Melbourne, 10,574 in Brisbane, 5,879 in Adelaide, 20,001 in Perth, 886 in Hobart, 789 in Darwin and 1,621 in Canberra. 
Year on year, the number of house approvals have changed by 18.1% in Sydney, 16.2% in Melbourne, 34.2% in Brisbane, 8.2% in Adelaide, 12.1% in Perth, 59.1% in Hobart, 7.5% in Darwin and -1.0% in Canberra. 
Probably the most interesting point to note from the data is that both Melbourne and Perth approved more houses than Sydney, despite Sydney’s larger overall population. <img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4353" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Chart-6.jpg" alt="Chart 6" width="500" height="182"> Turning the focus to the unit market, over the past year the number approvals across the cities have been recorded at: 25,440 in Sydney, 26,712 in Melbourne, 12,012 in Brisbane, 3,241 in Adelaide, 7,432 in Perth, 95 in Hobart, 1,016 in Darwin and 2,090 in Canberra. Only Adelaide, Perth and Hobart have approved more houses than units over the year. 
The annual change in unit approvals across the cities are recorded at: 0.7% in Sydney, 22.8% in Melbourne, 7.6% in Brisbane, 17.8% in Adelaide, 38.0% in Perth, -48.4% in Hobart, -15.4% in Darwin and -38.9% in Canberra.
The supply-side response has generally been quite positive over recent years however, in Sydney, where the dwelling deficiency is greatest, has experienced a much smaller increase in new supply than across other cities. The Perth, Darwin and Canberra housing markets have weakened noticeably over the past year with value growth slowing and rental rates falling. 
New dwelling approvals have eased in Darwin and Canberra however, Perth continues to approve a increasingly larger number of dwellings for construction despite the softening housing market conditions in this city. 
Approvals have surged by a greater amount for units as opposed to houses over the past several years. If we look at how this is now playing out we find some interesting trends:
<ul>
<li>Investors tend to target unit stock rather than detached houses (in particular units in the inner city) and this is where a large amount of unit stock already exists and a high proportion of the new stock is being delivered. </li>
<li>In Melbourne and Brisbane, where the rise in prominence of unit approvals has been greatest over recent years, unit values have recorded an annual increase of 2.8% and 0.5% compared to 8.0% and 6.5% for houses. </li>
<li>Turning to the rental markets, capital city house rents have increased by 1.6% over the past year which is lower than the 2.3% increase in unit rents however, in Melbourne and Brisbane annual growth in rents has been lower for units than houses.</li>
</ul>
The annual rental growth figures for units are 2.2% in Melbourne and 0.5% in Brisbane compared to 2.5% and 2.0% respectively for houses. Keeping in mind that many of these recent unit approvals will take time to be built, it could be the case that value and rental growth for Melbourne and Brisbane units will be minimal due to the higher supply levels coming on line. This may also have an impact for the wider market as the overall composition of unit stock increases it may result in lower overall value growth.
Other cities should be cautious of higher housing stock levels, particularly within the inner city apartment markets. With population growth slowing, particularly from overseas, and a surge in new construction, without careful management an under-supply of dwellings can quite quickly turn to a glut in particular areas if too many new homes are approved.
 Brisbane at least appears to have slowed its rate of approvals growth recently however, it is potentially concerning that Melbourne has seen no such easing of the throttle.
More dwellings are required nationally however, developers and those approving these new homes need to carefully monitor just how many new homes are required at one point in time. 
The RBA has pointed out that they want to extend this period of increased construction for as long as possible. Extending this heightened period of construction will help support jobs, particularly as high rise construction takes much longer than house construction, and will help reduce the housing deficiency. But we must be cautious to ensure that we aren’t just creating oversupplies in inner city areas while maintaining deficiencies in other areas of our cities where cheap and affordable housing options are required.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

We must be careful new dwellings don't create inner city oversupplies: Cameron Kusher

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This Sunday we celebrate International Women's Day and the theme this year is MAKE IT HAPPEN.
What a great theme. Yes, us ladies really need to make things happen for ourselves and for our families.
As women today, we are responsible for our own financial freedom but also we are role models to our children, teaching them the concept of being entrepreneurial and to invest early. Unfortunately, this is still not taught in school.
I wish I'd learnt to be an entrepreneur at school and wished I'd started on my property investment journey earlier than I did. I now clearly understand that time in the market is such a valuable thing. Property investing is not a short-term investment, although you can make some relatively quick gains by using development strategies to add value, by holding you avoid the exit costs.  If you hold property for the longer term - 10 years plus, you really see the results.
The start of my investment property journey coincides with the birth of my first son. He's turning 14 this year so it's easy to remember when I started to invest. My then husband and I had purchased the family home a good time before this and reaped the rewards of capital growth that a beach side suburb bought.
But it was my will to MAKE IT HAPPEN that started our investment portfolio. I wanted to plan for the future now we had a child on the way and I didn't want to depend on a pension in retirement like my parents had to.
When I was pregnant and after reading the famous book Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kyosaki,  I embarked on an intense property investment course because I wanted to become financially and property literate. I wanted to learn as much as I could so that I could make wise investment decisions rather than trust others with our money. I did this on my weekends and at night whilst I worked full time.
Just before my first son was born after much due diligence, I took a risk and purchased an off the plan property. Not long after my son was born, the completed property made me over $150,000 in less than a year and so my property investment journey began on a high note. I went on to buy, hold and add value to five more properties before my son turned five.
Whilst investing and being a mum, I found a way not to return to the gruelling corporate world by establishing my property development project management business; Property Bloom.
In 12 years we've developed exactly 92 properties for our clients.
I have worked hard and MADE IT HAPPEN. By the time my second son arrived seven years ago my business was established and I was doing what I loved.  Working in my own business gave me the flexibility to be with my kids when I needed and wanted to and to attend the school assemblies, special presentations and coach their soccer teams.
For me MAKING IT HAPPEN means that I am in a great place doing what I love for wonderful people that appreciate the guidance we can give through the property development process.  It also means having choices.
One thing that drove me on my journey of MAKING IT HAPPEN and to keep working whilst raising my kids was the thought of taking time off work which would leave me financially dependent on my husband not only during that period but also into my retirement. There would be no contributions made during this time to my superannuation and how could I keep investing in property if I had no income? 
According to The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA):
<ul>
<li>Women retire, on average, with $112,000 in super savings – $92,000 less than men 
</li>
<li>One in three women will retire with no superannuation at all 
</li>
<li>Around 90% of women will retire with inadequate savings to fund a comfortable lifestyle in retirement.</li>
</ul>
What's astonishing is that if we want to retire at the age of 60 and we live about another 30 years which is becoming more feasible each day as the average life expectancy is rapidly rising - right now there is a massive spike in people living to one hundred.   We will actually need in excess of $2 million in our superannuation to support an annual income of $70,000.
We all have a lot of work to do to build up our super but women in particular are on the back foot because of the pay gap and because women tend to be the primary caregivers for their children. We also tend to care for our aged parents which may limit our earning capacity at that time as well.
The gender pay gap is actually decreasing and is lower now than it was in 1985!  According to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.dca.org.au/News/News/IWD-2015---Are-Australia%E2%80%99s-working-women-heading-back-to-the-future-/456" target="_blank">the Diversity Council of Australia's figures</a>, full time adult ordinary time earnings for women were 17.8% less than men in 1985 – now they are 18.8% less than men.
So what can we do?  Start with asking your boss for a raise, whilst that may not get you that two million bucks in super now, it may give you more serviceability to borrow. By leverage our incomes we can buy more property to hold.  Don't forget to look for property that you can add value to by using smart development strategies.
Finally,  we need to stop waiting and MAKE IT HAPPEN now! Let me know if you need a hand.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

Women, it's up to us to make our financial freedom happen: Jo Chivers

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GUEST OBSERVATION
For most people, buying their first home is daunting. But if Australians want to ensure home ownership isn’t out of reach for low- and middle-income earners and get better value out of taxpayer-funded housing support, it’s time to do more than simply hand out <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/billions-in-handouts-but-nothing-gained-20110315-1bvvs">costly first home owner grants</a>.
Evidence from overseas and interstate shows that a good place to start would be with making more options available to those on reasonable income but stuck renting.
Yet New South Wales – Australia’s most populous state, with <a href="https://www.mywealth.commbank.com.au/property/how-does-sydney-property-stack-up-globally--hottopic201410">the most expensive capital city</a> - has done less than many other states and territories to develop cost-effective options for aspiring home owners.
As NSW heads to an election at the end of this month, its next state government has a chance to catch up and make it easier to get a foothold in its notoriously costly housing market.
Rethinking how we own our homes
Australians tend to think of three different ways of being in the housing market: private ownership of a home, renting from a private landlord, or renting public housing from the government.
But there are other models of stable housing, variously called “intermediate housing tenure”, “shared equity”, and “shared equity home ownership”. Basically, the resident owns their home through partnership with either the government or one of Australia’s hundreds of registered community housing providers.
Depending on the arrangement, the resident can either gradually buy out the housing partner (the government or community housing provider), or else they can cash in their portion to move into market-rate ownership.
There are well-established examples in <a href="https://www.cchpr.landecon.cam.ac.uk/Projects/Start-Year/2011/Understanding-second-hand-market-shared-ownership-properties">the United Kingdom</a> and <a href="https://www.nhi.org/pdf/SharedEquityHome.pdf">the United States</a>, as well as in Australia.
Interstate examples of shared ownership schemes
Western Australia’s government-run scheme was applauded in <a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/publications/projects/syn91">a recent report</a> and won its department a 2014 Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management. Under that scheme, the householder buys with up to 30% of the value held by the government, and borrows the remaining 70% through the government-run KeyStart loan scheme. The buyer needs only a 2% or $2,000 deposit and there are no account keeping fees.
Like the WA scheme, the Northern Territory’s HomeNorth scheme enabled residents to buy with the government holding up to 30 per cent of the value. South Australia’s <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing-property-and-land/buying-and-selling/affordable-houses-to-buy/shared-value-affordable-home">Shared Value Affordable Homes</a> program allows low- to moderate-income buyers to buy their home with the government providing a 20% discount. When they sell, the equity gain is shared with the government according to an agreed formula.
The Australian Capital Territory’s <a href="https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/home-buyer-assistance/land-rent-scheme">Land Rent scheme</a> allows low- to moderate-income buyers to pay rent for their land based on its unimproved value, and take out a mortgage for the home’s construction cost.
Yet apart from the ACT, there is a notable absence of schemes on Australia’s heavily populated east coast.
There are some models <a href="https://www.communityhousing.org.au/S8_Shared_Home_Ownership">under investigation</a>, and community groups such as <a href="https://www.sydneyalliance.org.au/shared_equity_faqs">the Sydney Alliance</a> that are advocating for shared equity. But much more could be done with government support.
In NSW alone, there are already nearly 400 <a href="https://www.housing.nsw.gov.au/Community+Housing+Division/Community+Housing+Providers/">not-for-profit community housing providers</a> providing affordable rental homes. Many of these are interested in offering ownership options to their tenants, as well as to people stuck in private rentals who could afford a moderate loan. However, under current First Home Owners Grant legislation, such buyers would be ineligible for funding.
Costly grants versus stable solutions
When we talk about first home buyer assistance, we assume that government grants are the best option. Yet that’s not what the evidence shows.
As prominent <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/firsthome-grants-keep-young-off-property-ladder/story-fniz9vg9-1226806291907">economist Saul Eslake</a> highlighted last year, government grant schemes for first home home buyers have cost taxpayers more than A$22.5 billion since 1964, with poor results: "It’s hard to think of any government policy that has been pursued for so long, in the face of such incontrovertible evidence that it doesn’t work, than the policy of giving cash to first home buyers… Cash grants and other forms of assistance to first time home buyers have served simply to exacerbate the already substantial imbalance between the underlying demand for housing and the supply of it."
Many <a href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/1/21/national-affairs/built-backs-first-home-buyers">other economists</a> and <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/property/calls-for-first-home-owner-grant-to-be-scrapped-20110909-1k1yl">property analysts</a> share Eslake’s view.
If we’re looking for more bang for our housing buck, shared equity homeownership schemes could be a better solution.
<a href="https://www.burlingtonassociates.com/files/3513/4463/1435/1-Lands_in_Trust_Homes_That_Last.pdf">One study</a> in the US found that one scheme used just one-fifth of the tax dollars that would have been spent if the buyers had been given a one-off grant (similar to Australia’s <a href="https://www.firsthome.gov.au/">First Home Owner Grant</a>).
Studies to date show that <a href="https://www.nhi.org/pdf/SharedEquityHome.pdf">US shared ownership schemes</a> can also have a social upside, with much <a href="https://www.lincolninst.edu/pubs/1936_Stable-Home-Ownership-in-a-Turbulent-Economy">lower foreclosure rates</a> than in the broader market in what has been a turbulent time for many US home owners since the global financial crisis.
How to help more people buy their first home
If the next NSW government really wants to help more people in the state own a home for the first time, there are two options they could consider.
Assuming scrapping the First Home Owner Grant is too politically difficult, the government could instead amend the legislation to make the grants available for people buying into shared ownership schemes with community housing providers.
If the government wanted to be more ambitious, it could make some of the grant budget available as competitive funding for not-for-profit community housing providers to develop shared ownership housing.
When designed well, shared ownership can provide viable, stable housing options for low- to moderate-income earners – many of whom might never get to become first home buyers without a helping hand at the start.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/38155/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Louise Crabtree is senior research fellow at University of Western Sydney.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>.
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