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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Australian listed property companies with a focus on commercial property delivered solid results in the February reporting season while corporate activity and property transactions were high on the agenda.
Property companies have outperformed the broader share market. The S&amp;P/ASX 200 A-REIT index, which tracks Australian listed real estate investment trusts, is up 30% over the year to the end of February compared with 10% for the ASX 200 index.
Companies with exposure to retail property performed well in the latest reporting season as sales growth and asset revaluations lifted profits.
While not specifically a property company, homeware giant Harvey Norman has a sizeable holding of retail property. It said improving consumer confidence and growth in equity and housing markets benefited its results while its own property assets increased in value.
The company reported a first-half net profit of $142 million, up 27.4%. Sales revenue increased 8% to $839.3 million, while the value of its property assets rose to $2.31 billion from $2.27 billion.
Fellow retailer Wesfarmers reported that Coles’ revenue increased 2.8%, while homewares sales, including Bunnings, were up 11.8%. Sales from Woolworths’ home improvements business were also up, although overall the grocery giant reported weaker sales results.
Declining sales growth for Woolworths is a risk for listed property companies such as SCA Property Group, Charter Hall Retail REIT and Federation Property, which own mostly neighbourhood and smaller shopping centres with those retailers as anchor tenants. However, each of those groups reported solid results and increasing property values.
Gains in asset values was a common theme for retail-focused Australian real estate investment trusts. There was also a large number of shopping centre sales through the period with commercial property agent Savills reporting $5.7 billion worth of retail property changed hands in 2014, down from $7.4 billion in 2013, but up compared with the five-year average.
Corporate activity was also a feature of the most recent reporting season.
Novion Property Group is in merger talks with Federation Property while Scentre Group formed in mid-2014 out of the restructure of the Westfield Group. All three companies reported higher asset valuations and positive results.
Westfield Corporation, which also formed out of Westfield Group and invests in shopping centres in the US and UK, reported half-year profit increased 20% to US$582.3 million.
“Retail has performed strongly in recent years, but rental growth is expected to moderate going forward because of pressures of sales leakage to online retailers, consumer deleveraging and declining sales productivity,” Morningstar analysts said.
Industrial property is seen as one of the beneficiaries of increasing online sales as warehouse and logistics-focused property gains importance. There has been strong growth in investor demand for industrial properties over the past 12 months, particularly top quality properties, CBRE’s 2014 Q4 Industrial MarketView report showed.
Investor demand for office property has also been strong although tenant demand, particularly in Perth and Brisbane has been weaker as a result of the downturn in mining investment. 
In total $24 billion worth of commercial property transacted in 2014, Savills’ research shows.
Growthpoint Properties Australia, which invests in office and industrial property, noted in its interim report that there has been a “disconnect between weaker occupier demand and high investment demand” for Australian commercial property over the past two years.
“This appears to be the result of mixed economic conditions coupled with historically low interest rates and bond yields” Growthpoint noted.
“In the office sector, weak occupier demand has resulted in high levels of vacancies and incentirves across Australia. Within the industrial market, occupier demand was patchy over 2014 with the gross take-up being substantially below the 10 year average and at its lowest level since 2009.
“Office market leasing conditions are expected to remain difficult in 2015 … Moderate occupier demand for industrial space is being experienced. Competition for well leased office and industrial properties will continue as the demand for investment outweighs the supply of property coming to market for sale with the strong demand from offshore investors, as well as domestic institutional and A-REIT investors expected.”
Growthpoint reported half-year profit up 123.4% from the previous corresponding period to $141.8 million. Its properties were revalued 4.5% higher in the first half.
Analysts at CLSA reportedly expect B-grade office, industrial and regional retail asset classes to outperform in 2015, and anticipate further mergers and acquisitions from the likes of Mirvac, Cromwell, Dexus, GPT and Charter Hall. They believe stocks in the sector are expensive but estimate an 11% return in 2015 if bond rates stay low.  
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zfielding-GvX3Uq9KTa

REITs deliver strong results in February reporting season

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Ride sharing service Uber has taken a converted warehouse property in the inner-city Melbourne suburb of Cremorne to run its operations.
The 64 Gwynne Street property comprises 520 square meres of converted office space. 
Uber has signed up for a three-year term at an annual rental of $136,000 net. 
The company's growth meant that the St Kilda office was no longer suitable.
CBRE’s Joshua Jennings negotiated the lease in conjunction with DBR Property.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Uber take Cremorne, Melbourne warehouse lease

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Following his narrow loss at the recent Victorian state election, Clem Newton-Brown has launched a new property consultancy, pushing through difficult planning applications.
He was a former planning barrister before winning the marginal seat of Prahran for the Liberal Party. Gracious in defeat, Clem Newton-Brown lost to the Greens, who he will no doubt continue to battle with on planning issues.
Whitemark Property and Planning offers to maximise land owner's value by reviewing the potential at the beginning of the planning process, all the way through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
"Planning does not need to be confrontational and much can be done to get sensible development permits through with community support and without the angst and uncertainty of VCAT appeals," Newton-Brown said.
He has been pro-actively suggesting and reviewing sites, including a dual apartment block on Clara Street in South Yarra.
"This site has attracted a lot of developer interest due to its large open air carpark at the rear and three street frontages," he noted.
"However, it is located in the Neighbourhood Residential zone and is incapable of further development, either to the rear or on top.
"The only options for adding value appear to be landscaping and creating private open space for ground floor tenants and attaching balconies for the upper levels."
There's also <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whitemark-Property-and-Planning/1587975278085100" target="_blank">some comments</a> he had made on a South Melbourne development site at 201-209 Ferrars Street.
"This is a really interesting opportunity for an investor with some vision," he said.
"It is located in the Commercial 1 zone and the IM is suggesting 3 commercial tenancies and 23 apartments over three levels above.
"I think this is quite conservative given the site is in the transition zone between Fishermans Bend and the older residential areas of South Melbourne.
"It is far enough away from the residential areas for greater height to not have an impact on existing neighbours.
"Due to the long and skinny site the units would have great internal amenity," he noted adding the agent was quoting $2.5 plus.
Newton-Brown has personal expertise having developed the Ponyfish Island cafe on a flood-prone island set under the Southgate footbridge.
Then in 2008, he offloaded a development-sensitive site on the banks of the Yarra River in Toorak with a permit.
<video width="938" height="100" src="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/2015/03/05/Caller%20JOHN%20040315.mp3" preload="none"></video>
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Former Liberal politician Clem Newton-Brown establishes Whitemark Property & Planning consultancy

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The Garibaldi Inn commercial retail premises at 37 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill have been listed for sale.
The landmark property comprises the original sandstone building and two substantial separate retail and commercial buildings. 
The centre has 14 retail and commercial tenants with a total lettable area of approximately 770 square metres and underground parking for 14 cars.
Its net income is $555,885.
It sits within what became known in the 1850s as The French Village, at Hunters Hill, Sydney's smallest and oldest municipality.  
The two-storey sandstone building, Garibaldi on the corner of Ferry and Alexandra streets in Hunters Hill was the early home base for some of the stonemasons who worked for the wealthy settlers, Didier and Jules Joubert and Count de Milhau for building the many enduring beautiful homes. 
The cosy emporium takes its revolutionary name from Giuseppe Garibaldi via the Genoese stonemason, John Cuneo who built the first inn and grocery store.
It was renovated in 1983.
Then for many years in the late 1980s Garibaldi was the home and office to advertising man John Singleton.
It has been listed for 10 March auction <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-hunters+hill-501453179" target="_blank">through LJ Hooker Mosman agent Scott Stephens</a>.
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Sandstone Garibaldi, Hunters Hill commercial offering

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Last year, the Gladstone property market was frequently wheeled out as yet another commodity-linked decline story.
After peaking in 2011 the port town's property market saw climbing vacancy rates and rental falls, leading to some claiming that Gladstone was <a href="/news/is-the-gladstone-market-positioned-to-crash">"positioned to crash"</a>.
In June 2014, Terry Ryder wrote that <a href="/news/qld/the-worst-is-yet-to-come-for-gladstone">"the worst is yet to come for Gladstone"</a>, with three big gas projects to wind up eventually. He cautioned readers then not to buy into media hype around the town, with some claiming that the market had stabilised.
Indeed, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) still termed Gladstone's vacancy rate of 4.2% "weak" in its September 2014 quarter report, although it noted that residential vacancy rates are trending downwards.
REIQ chief executive Antonia Mercorella said the latest Residential Rental Survey showed that "median rents in Gladstone and Mackay continue to ease". The survey recorded a 4.1% decline in Gladstone's median house price for the September quarter, to $374,000.
The market's downturn was attributed in part to an oversupply of housing, thanks to developers chasing incoming QGC workers who were then shifted to accommodation on Curtis Island. But the property market's results were not quarantined to the housing market, with some noting a reflection in the performance of commercial properties.
Last month, REIQ Gladstone chairman Mark Spearing wrote in <a href="https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/residents-cautious-as-tough-business-conditions/2541550/" target="_blank">The Gladstone Observer</a> that "the feel locally is that business in general is very tough and the cost of business is affecting employment", noting a downturn in confidence.
"Our latest commercial property figures confirm this as there are several vacant commercial spaces around town," wrote Spearing.
"Have we conceivably transitioned from an overpriced market to an undervalued one in super-fast time? Time will tell."
While many agree that the property market was over-valued a few years ago, some, like Commercial Property Specialist Dale Ware of Ray White Gladstone, say the "doom and gloom" headlines are unwarranted.
"There's a lot of doom and gloom about the construction phase of the gas projects coming to an end," Ware tells Property Observer.
"Yes, one of the plants is winding down, but two are nowhere near finished, and probably have another 12 months to go."
He notes that some level of market fluctuation is typical for Gladstone, and that in his 35 years of business in the town, he's seen the market go quiet, only to "go crazy again" a few weeks later.
"That's what Gladstone's about."
Ware believes that Gladstone's reputation is in part due to some associating the town with the mining industry.
"We're not a mining town at all. We're a port more than anything," says Ware.
"We export aluminium, grain, coal, power and gas. Even though we're linked to the mining industry, we're not a mining town."
Ware comments that coal mining towns further west like Emerald and Blackwater are experiencing a worse downturn than Gladstone.
"We're alright. It's just that two years ago, we had an enormous boom.
"We've come off that high, and everyone thinks they've had their throats cut." He notes that Gladstone's market was only at its recent peak "for 18 months or so".
He also notes that while rents are "coming down a little bit", he doesn't believe there's been any large increase in the number of vacant commercial properties.
"I've done probably six leases in the last six weeks, which is probably three times what we were doing last year", says Ware. He predicts that when, in September, the Curtis Island workers camps are dismantled, work will be created. That will impact the commercial property space, says Ware, with an increased need for storage space.
This retail and office space at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-gladstone+central-501473747" target="_blank">91 Goondoon Street</a> in Gladstone Central is currently listed to rent at $32,800 per annum, or just over $135 per square metre, per year.
<img src="/images/2015/03/04/gladstoen-mar-4-one.jpg" alt="">
An industrial and warehouse space in Gladstone Central, <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-industrial+warehouse-qld-gladstone+central-500371535" target="_blank">at 1/4 Roseanna Street</a>, is available for $1,600 (plus GST) per month, equating to $218 per square metre, per year.
<img src="/images/2015/03/04/gladstoen-mar-4-two.jpg" alt="">
In his investor warning last year, Ryder wrote that despite its price volatility, Gladstone has a "huge future" as "Australia's leading industrial city".
Ware believes the mix of industries in Gladstone means the market won't stay down.
"We've got powerstations, aluminimum plants, a smelter, the gas, [ammonium nitrate producer] Orica, the coal, the port, the grain – they can't all be quiet at once.
"To succeed in business you've got to be diverse. And Gladstone's diverse", says Ware.
Picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Tough times for Gladstone commercial property as town adjusts to end of mining boom

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After more than 200 enquiries, Peter Tyson and Jon Tyson of Savills Retail Sales have secured the Bribie Harbour Shopping Village for $13.15 million.
The centre occupies a 1.71 hectare site at 25 Sunderland Drive at Banksia Beach on Bribie Island, 45 kilometres north of Brisbane.
 The 4,514 square metre centre is anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, which is secured on a 15 year lease to 2023 with further options. 
The centre has 16 specialty shops plus on-grade parking for some 316 vehicles. With several shops vacant, the passing yield was around 8.7 per cent.
The neighbourhood-shopping centre asset class has seen a big uplift in transactions in Queensland.
"We expect this to continue to similar or greater levels over the next 12 months,” Peter Tyson said.
Savills recorded a total of $1.48 billion worth of retail property transactions above $5 million in value in Queensland in 2014, up from $1.1 billion in the previous year and up on the five-year average of $1.29 billion. 
The 39 shopping centres sold in 2014 was also up from the previous year’s tally, and five-year average, of 37 sales.
About half of the total number of retail properties transacted in Queensland in 2014 were in the $10 million to $50 million price range. 
"While fund managers accounted for some 58% of the value of all retail properties purchased in Queensland in 2014, private investors were responsible for the majority of transactions," he said.
Savills have commenced marketing <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-qld-mount+warren+park-501470807" target="_blank">the 2005-built Mt Warren Park Shopping Centre</a> located in the Brisbane/Gold Coast growth corridor. 
It's estimated net income is $1,030,659 per annum.
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Bribie Harbour shopping village sold at $13.15 million

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Since the start of quantitative easing in the US and UK in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, yields on fixed interest investments have fallen significantly.
This has encouraged investors to seek investments with higher yields. One of the attractive asset classes has been real estate investment trusts (AREITs). AREITs provide both attractive yields and prospective capital growth.
What Attractions?
AREITs have a history of providing investors with strong and growing distribution income through growth in rental income. Investors have been embracing REITs in recent years for their attractive income yields.
Table 1 compares the income return of AREITs and the 10 year Australian government bond yield for 15 years to 31 December 2014. The average income yield of AREITs over 15 years to 31 December 2014 is 1.6% higher than that of the average10 year government bond yield.
Table 1- AREITs Income Yield vs Government Bond Yield – 15 Years
<table style="width: 455px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="285">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="170">
Average Yield (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="285">
AREITs
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="170">
6.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="285">
10 Year Government Bond
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="170">
5.2
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
In the current environment, AREITs provides attractive absolute earnings yields of 6.0% and a margin of 3.0% over the 10 year government bond yield. Chart 1 compares the AREITs earnings yield and 10 year government bond yield. AREITs have been providing significantly higher earnings yields than that of the 10 year government bond since March 2011.
Chart 1 – Australian Listed Property Earnings Yield vs Government Bond Yield
<img src="/images/2015/03/04/nui%20mar%204%20one.png" alt="">
Source: RBA, IRESS
In addition to yield, investors have benefited from capital gains. Large numbers of investors who have found the yields from AREITs attractive have invested in listed property trusts, pushing up AREITs prices. Over the one year period to 31 January 2015, the AREITs price has risen by 29.1%.
When Interest Rates Rise?
Investors will be concerned that AREITs will become less attractive when interest rates rise. While we acknowledge that this is a valid concern, there are some offsetting factors.
Firstly, although higher interest rates will cause higher costs of borrowing, the rise of interest rates is also a signal of a strengthening economy. Higher growth in the economy will increase the demand for commercial real estate, improve occupancy rates and rental income. Hence, any increase in cost of borrowing may be offset by the landlord’s ability to raise rental rates, which will flow through to higher distributions to investors.
Secondly, the AREITs sector today does not show the same risky characteristics as it did during the GFC. Table 2 below shows that AREITs, on average, have reduced their gearing levels, as measured by debt/asset ratios, since the GFC. The highly geared trusts, which are more likely to suffer from negative cash flow impacts when interest rates rise, are less exposed than in 2009. It is believed that the burden of rising interest rates on AREITs will be much less.
Table 2- AREITs - Average Gearing Levels
<table style="width: 460px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="171">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
GFC 
(Dec-09)
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="113">
Current 
(Dec-14)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="171">
Average Gearing (%)
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
34.0%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="113">
30.0 %
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="171">
Gearing Range (%)
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="132">
24.0% - 61.0%
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="113">
0%-40.9 %
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: UBS, ASX
Moreover, the spread between AREITs earnings yields and 10-year government bond yields remains wide. This point is demonstrated in Chart 2 by comparing the margin of the current earnings yield of AREITs with 10 year government bond yield and the long-term average. The current margin of 3.0% is above the long term average of 2.2%, which provides a buffer when interest rates rise.
Chart 2 –Property Earnings Yield vs Bond Yield - Margin
<img src="/images/2015/03/04/nui%20mar%204%20twol.png" alt="">
Source: UBS, IRESS
Interest rates have remained low for a long time. AREITs provide stable income and prospective capital growth. When interest rates rise, investors still have some support from rising rents, the wide yield spread and the lower gearing levels. Prices may fall but only marginally.
Ming Niu is an analyst at <a href="https://atchison.com.au/" target="_blank">Atchison Consultants</a>.
This article has been updated since initial publication.
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mniu-gkBe4pvnDQ

Will AREITs remain attractive once interest rates start to rise? Ming Niu

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GUEST OBSERVATION
If you are a business owner and have been taking advantage of low interest rates to improve your property portfolio it’s time to think different.
Right now is possibly the best time ever to invest in your business. The government is very concerned about the high price of property, especially for first home buyers, so the pressure is on to find levers to get the business people of Australia to start investing in their businesses rather than their homes or investment properties.
So along the lines of “invest where investors are fearful”, the place people have been fearful to invest is in business. Plenty of business owners are hanging on hoping the economy will change. It is now clearly time to innovate and give the business you have a new lease on life.
Let me share a true story of the demise of a real business and then reflect on some innovation that could be done there.
Missing parts
The business is an auto parts business selling components to auto repair shops and panel beaters. The model has been very simple and in the past very profitable.
The Asian owners started up 20 years ago and started importing after-market products from Asia. They got away with huge mark-ups at first as it was a new market. They started with a very small warehouse and moved two or three times, each time to larger premises.
Most recently they purchased a huge warehouse and continued to fill it with stock of parts common to vehicles on the Australian roads. They built a national reputation for having the right part at a relatively good price. Because the parts were cheap, the businesses they sold to put up with mistakes in delivery and poor quality products.
It did not take too many stock turns to pay off the warehouses and pay off the stock, so with debt minimised the business could add more stock items (currently over 20,000 items in stock.) Over time the quality of manufacture improved and today is not an issue. The business, however, is in dire straits. Their revenue is decreasing.
Why?
Lack of innovation.
The company became complacent and did not innovate on business processes or marketing strategies. They became an inbound sales organisation who sat and waited for the phone to ring with a “part request”.
The strength of the business is in the sheer number of bits they have and a few long-time employees who know the stock items and can help the buyer to determine if it is the clear lens or the orange lens needed for that model of flasher they are fixing or whatever the part is.
There has been no investment in the company website; the buyer cannot select the part they want online.
There has been no investment in a stock management system, so they are not sure what is in stock and not in stock, leading to large inventories and a high cost of ageing and dead stock.
There has been no investment in outbound marketing or sales effort. So they are losing to more aggressive competition.
The rate of returns has been high, driving company costs up. When clients order a part they very much rely on the sales guy having understood what the client was asking for. There is no way for the client to see what will be sent out before it arrives.
To say the internal company culture and morale is on the floor is of course an understatement. They just keep waiting for the phone to ring and can’t understand why their business and revenue is contracting. It must be the economy. Right?
Wrong.
It is time to invest to re-invigorate this business.
Now for the fix-up
Getting an online catalogue up is a no-brainer. Sure it is a big job but it leads nicely into the next step, which is to turn the online catalogue into a shopping cart so customers can log in to their customer account and buy the exact part they are looking for with all doubts removed.
The next step is to integrate that website shopping basket with a smart CRM system that primes the clients with specials via email marketing each week. Then integrate the website with the finance and stock management systems so that the website knows stock levels and the financial system knows sales volumes and the stock management system knows what products to re-order based on lag time for delivery of each component.
Now add RFID tagging or at least a bar code scanner to improve speed and accuracy of stock management. With a connection between the scanner and the stock management and invoicing systems, you can look forward to further productivity gains and some great management reports out of the dashboarding software to see how it is improving and find the bottlenecks.
Now the business can promote itself via SEO to attract new clients, can market out to registered prospects and clients, can sell without  the cost of staff on the phone, can track stock more accurately, reduce the overheads of excess stock and can get the right product in the hands of the client first time, every time. Customer satisfaction will go up and business will be revived.
Next step could be a robotic pick and pack system to reduce the cost and improve the shipping time when a part is ordered. Of course an even larger warehouse might be needed for that. Call it the cost of success.
How consumers and businesses alike do business has changed and is changing more. Old businesses need to invest in new technology solutions to remain competitive in this market place.
Now any home-based business with a double garage can import car parts from China and sell them via a cheap website or via eBay. The clients buying these parts are smart shoppers and can discern a good deal from a bad deal.
While the home trader has lower overheads they also do not offer product range or any kind of reliable warranty, so they will not completely take over the market, but the old model of “stock it and they will come” is dead.
How is your business like the car parts trader?
What should you invest in now to protect the business you spent years building or what should you invest in as a startup to blow the ageing competitor away completely? Perhaps it is time you moved out of the double garage into a warehouse to expand your digital business by carrying a broader range of stock.
Plan your investments to drive growth while the cost of borrowing funds is low. That way you will be the next boom business as the economy is re-invigorated, which will happen as it must in any cyclical system.
David Markus is the founder of <a href="https://www.combo.com.au/" target="_blank">Combo</a> – the IT services company that is known for solving business problems with IT.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>. 
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Is it time to buy business improvements, not more property? David Markus

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The number of new listings and old listings is in decline, seemingly the further the residential property market gets into its long-term upwards cycle. 
The decline is most noticeable in Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart, while the CoreLogic RP Data review shows Darwin is running against the national trend. 
Click charts to open in new window: 
<a href="/images/2015/03/02/core-mar-2-five.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/03/02/core-mar-2-five.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="/images/2015/03/02/core-mar-2-six.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/03/02/core-mar-2-six.jpg" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;"></a>
 
<a href="/images/2015/03/02/core-mar-2-three.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/03/02/core-mar-2-three.jpg" alt=""></a>
<a href="/images/2015/03/02/core-mar-2-four.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/03/02/core-mar-2-four.jpg" alt=""></a>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
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New residential listings in decline: CoreLogic RP Data

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After several decades working in this industry, I often get asked for advice.
I am referring to the casual questions that family, friends and associates ask me, such as: ‘I am looking to buy an apartment, where should I buy and what should I pay?’ or ‘I have been watching prices increase, do you think they’re getting out of control and may soon fall?’ and another common question – ‘Should I buy off the plan or an established apartment?’
Now in today’s fast moving market, these sorts of simple questions are loaded with so many options, because circumstances will be very different for each person. But if I stop and think about these questions, which I do, then I think that we tend to pay a lot of attention, possibly too much so to the big picture issues.
Like reflecting on interest rates, which has now turned into an almost never-ending narrative, or if there is an oversupply or too little supply and the constant reporting of auction results. I think that we forget about the basics. Buyers start to concentrate on the big picture instead of simply concentrating on their own plans and needs, the whole buying process becomes hard work, and it needn’t be.
For almost anyone looking to buy, even in the current market I would always suggest starting with the basics. Not being driven by constant media headlines, but concentrate more on what you as a potential buyer want, what are you looking for in your purchase, what are your immediate needs and plans for the future?
I think the same rules and basic ideas apply if you’re a first time buyer, a second or third time buyer or seasoned investor.
Just what are the basics? Nothing surprising really, but I would suggest: finance (your budget), location, timing and a hard-nosed view on the ‘must-haves’ in your property search. I think in that exact and, I suggest, somewhat logical order. This short list will I think serve any buyer well no matter their individual circumstances, so let’s look at each individually.
<ul>
<li>Finance</li>
</ul>
This is a subject that none of us, except possibly a very lucky Lotto winner can ever escape, the available finance or budget for any purchase is the essential starting point. It’s a topic that any buyer very likely thinks about the most, but I feel it’s important to appreciate that there’s lots of help and options available. Plan your finances and always think well beyond today, take into account the ups and downs, which might happen, in your personal affairs.
But above all, get as much information as you can. From the feedback I get, this is something that every buyer does appear to do these days. Lenders are keener than ever for your business, and help to find the best loan is free.
Right now we have the lowest interest rates since 1959. So plan your finances to take the maximum advantage of competitive rates, but keep in mind that rates will almost certainly go up sometime in the future. So make the best of the prevailing conditions.
If you lock in a three year or five year term, make sure that you still have the ability to make additional repayments, now while rates are low, and always keep in mind add-on costs like stamp duty, legal fees, moving costs, the possible need for temporary accommodation and be aware of any fees that attach to your home loan. Look beyond the headline details and understand the fine detail of your finances, that’s my basic point here, don’t only concentrate on the interest rate.
<ul>
<li>Location</li>
</ul>
When it comes to location, above all I think it pays to be flexible because it can be easy to become fixated about a particular location, and if this happens early in your search, the location can become an unnecessary roadblock. Again, take time to explore options because the ideal option might just be in an area or suburb you have previously overlooked.
The key points of any location often revolve around access to transport and facilities, but there could well be options if you take a flexible approach. As different governments start to roll out new infrastructure many areas will change over the next few years. If for example you want to live close to rail connections, an option might be the drive and park facilities.
Schools and shopping can also be important, the right school can be a tough one, but with many larger shops in particular supermarkets virtually now open 24/7, can you be more flexible? And it pays to be aware of what future developments might be coming to an area that may well add future value.
For apartment buyers open space is also a key point of location. Today many new developments are very well planned and designed with very attractive indoor and outdoor spaces, so when considering location take a close look at what’s on offer with individual projects.
<ul>
<li>Timing</li>
</ul>
Now I think that timing might just be one of those areas that you end up with possibly having the least amount of control over. In the housing market the most common reason to move house is usually associated with family formation. Marriage, living together, having kids, a divorce or retirement, in reality a variety of circumstances will bring buyers into the market.
Sometimes these things might sneak up on some of us, but generally timing of a move should not be allowed to become that critical that it forces you to buy or sell with little time to plan. If you’re in a buyers market, there’s possibly less pressure but even if the market is a sellers market plan your move to suit your own timeline and avoid over commitment of your finances in order to try and beat the market, that might just create more problems in the future.
<ul>
<li>Must Haves</li>
</ul>
This area involves possibly the most heart-burn, the most emotion, where dreams and reality may at times hit a bump. Responding to a marketing headline of ‘Inspired Design’ might be great for us in the business, but for buyers it pays to make sure again that you do not limit your choices.
Any new apartment needs to fit your lifestyle, your aspirations, I understand that, but always aim to sign-off on the basics first, like the number of bedrooms, do you need parking, or is a secure storeroom more important. A good outdoor area, a balcony, terrace or courtyard will always be high on the list of must haves for many buyers. Driven in part out of the reality that in some markets apartments are more compact but I think are generally well-designed.
However today the open plan approach to apartment design really does work to accommodate the living arrangement of most buyers, this creates flexibility. And if you’re buying off the plan there’s often a choice of interiors, finishes and colour schemes.
Kitchens and bathrooms are now attractive spaces, kitchens are evolving into almost bespoke pieces of furniture in their own right – but if everything is not perfect, think about the options you might change. Balance a good location against possible interior changes or furniture options that you can make.
Also keep in mind things like privacy and natural light, and aspect and sunshine because in the rush for the designer-finish these simple things can be overlooked and they can make a great deal of difference to the appeal of an apartment in the long run.
<ul>
<li>It’s Your Home</li>
</ul>
When looking to buy I think it’s important to work to your own timetable, explore all of the options of finance and location and take charge of what should be an exciting time.
Try not to be distracted too much by the big-picture because the market is still full of different options. Your final choice might end up being different from what you had first thought of as your ideal home, it might just be better! My suggestion is concentrate on the basics.
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