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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<div>With an 85.5% initial clearance rate, the red hot Sydney summer home auction market continued today despite it being a record volume for a February Saturday.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
Houses achieved a median price of $1.24 million while apartments sat at a $764,000 median.
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Some 788 homes were scheduled to be offered under the hammer on 28 February, higher than last weekend’s 636 and the 665 conducted over the same weekend last year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Andrew Wilson, the Domain Group senior economist said Sydney passed with "flying colours".</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The preliminary results covered 605 auctions.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>The top residential sale was $4.62 million for a contemporary home at Castle Hill through Belle Glebe. There was also the $4.64 million sale of an Ashfield block of nine two bedroom apartments through Elders Inner West agent Sebastian Bonaccorso.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The top auction offer, which was not accepted, was <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/house/nsw/woollahra/?adid=2011731748" target="_blank">$6.25 million in Woollahra</a>, but that was less than the $6.5 million paid for the contemporary Holdsworth Street terrace in 2011, and highlighting all the Sydney print headlines of premium property recovery being premature. 
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is among the terraces (above) previously occupied by the Holdsworth Gallery. It was the former Rothschild banking director Geoffrey Hodgkinson, a former assistant Reserve Bank governor, and his wife Tina who were the fortunate 2011 vendors securing the $6.5 million.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The city and east hosted the most number of auctions with 125 followed by the inner west with 119. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The most popular Sydney suburbs for auctions this weekend were Mosman and Maroubra each with 12 followed by Drummoyne 11, Randwick 10 and Epping, Surry Hills and Glebe each with eight auctions.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There was a $1.72 million Chadwick Real Estate sale (below) at Epping, a 1940s house on 840 square metes which last sold in late 1994 at $350,000, reflecting 8% annual price growth.</div>
<div>
<div id="photoViewerCont">
<div id="mainPhoto" class="preview">
<div class="innerCont"><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=119068843&amp;theme=rea.sold" rel="photos" data-id="119068843"><img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/800x600/af882dfc26d02f817f4ed9c26693dfc0a4fcd01198fee3901e8b58cadf6f7ca4/image5.jpg" alt="11 Dunmore Road, Epping" title="11 Dunmore Road, Epping" data-index="4"></a></div>
</div>
<div class="thumbs">
<div class="innerCont">
<div class="paginated">
<div class="pages">
<div class="page">
<div class="thumb"> </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>Last Saturday Sydney's clearance rate was adjusted to 83.1%, down from the preliminary near-record 84.6% result.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>TOP SALES ACROSS THE CAPITALS
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<table style="width: 605px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"><tbody align="left">
<tr id="ecxrpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_0">
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_0" align="left">Sydney</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_0"> 54 Cammeray Road, Castle Cove, 5br House, Belle Glebe</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_0"> $4.62m</td>
</tr>
<tr id="ecxrpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_1">
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_1" align="left">Melbourne</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_1">136 Page St, Middle Park VIC 3206, 4 br House, Cayzer Real Estate</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_1">$5,500,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="ecxrpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_2">
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_2" align="left">Adelaide</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_2">8 Netley Av, Lockleys SA 5032, 3 br House, Ouwens Casserly</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_2">$910,000</td>
</tr>
<tr id="ecxrpMostExpensive_trMostExpensiveRow_3">
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveCity_3" align="left">Brisbane</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveLocation_3">89 Towers St, Ascot QLD 4007, 4 br House, RW - New Farm</td>
<td id="ecxrpMostExpensive_tdMostExpensiveSold_3">$1,496,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Australian Property Monitors
One of the weekend buyers was the Channel 10 Shark Tank series presenter Sarah Harris and husband Tom Ward, an IT professional, who paid $2,175,000 for a contemporary Cremorne semi, paying $75,000 above the reserve price.
APM incorrectly noted the weekend's top sale, which prompted an update to the article.
</div>
</div>
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An 85.5% success rate for Sydney's first 2015 Super Saturday

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<div>There was a 79% success rate in the first big test of the strengthening Melbourne auction property market.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
Houses achieved a median price of $866,250 while apartments sat at a $590,000 median.
</div>
<div>
The REIV was expecting about 1,530 auctions in 288 suburbs this weekend, its chief Enzo Raimondo said.
The preliminary results of around 1240 auctions saw the top reported sale of $5.5 million in Middle Park, a four bedroom Edwardian home at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/136-page-street-middle-park/Property-Details-buy-residential-8244022" target="_blank">136 Park Street</a> (pictured above). It had been initially listed by Cayzer Real Estate with $4 million plus price guidance which was raised to $4.2 million plus hopes. It was announced on the market at $4.7 million.
There was a similar $1 million plus over achievement in the second top price set in a $5.085 million Hawthorn result. Marshall White auctioneer John Manton had <a href="https://marketnews.com.au/auction-reviews/38472/38-Kooyongkoot-Road-HAWTHORN/" target="_blank">four motivated bidders</a> with two after it went on the market at $4,100,000.
Property Observer is also aware of <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/11-maple-grove-toorak/Property-Details-buy-residential-8286286" target="_blank">a $7,625,000 Toorak auction sale</a>. There were three bidders for the renovated 1940s Maple Grove house last sold at $6.2 million in 2009. Some $7 million plus had been tipped for 11 Maple Grove by Jellis Craig.
The busiest auction locations were St Kilda (25 auctions), Kew (24 auctions) and Reservoir (23 auctions).
There was a $550,000 sale (below) at 89 Crookston Road, Reservoir.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=118980127&amp;theme=rea.sold" rel="photos" data-id="118980127"><img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/e2cc686241cb7b474082a33ada32bda56bac426005978491e3a45b3bc4b7446f/main.jpg" alt="89 Crookston Road, Reservoir" title="89 Crookston Road, Reservoir" data-index="0"></a> There were around 3,000 auctions held for the month of February, the highest number of auctions ever for the month of February.
The REIV noted the previous record being 2,574 in February 2014.
The top clearance rate suburbs in the year to date before today's results were Bentleigh East (91%), South Yarra (81%) and Brighton (74%), and after today's auctions the busiest auction suburbs this year have been South Yarra (43 auctions), Reservoir (42 auctions) and Bentleigh East (33 auctions). 
There will be fewer auctions next weekend with 317 scheduled.
This weekend’s Super Saturday of auctions reflected a decision by sellers to avoid a clash with next weekend’s Labour Day holiday.  
</div>
<div>Melbourne recorded a clearance rate of 75% last Saturday – and 73% recorded over the same weekend last year.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The weekend's sales included:</div>
<div>
<div class="wysiwyg">
TOP 5 HOUSES 1. 136 Page Street, Middle Park $5,500,000 2. 38 Kooyongkoot Road, Hawthorn $5,085,000 3. 266 Cotham Road, Kew $3,610,000 4. 146 Yarrbat Avenue, Balwyn $3,500,000 5. 29 Myers Avenue, Glen Waverley $3,308,800 
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 1. 1A Dartford Court, Craigieburn $277,500 2. 155 Morris Road, Hoppers Crossing $282,500 3. 32 Ovens Circuit, Whittlesea $290,000 4. 9 The Glen, Pakenham $301,000 5. 14 Kimberley Grove, Pakenham $315,000
TOP 5 APARTMENTS 1. 1/2A Ormsby Grove, Toorak $1,755,000 2. 20-22 Setani Crescent, Heidelberg West $1,640,000 3. 8.1/193 Domain Road, South Yarra $1,610,000 4. 3/5 Thomson Street, South Melbourne $1,531,000 5. 11/243 Beaconsfield Parade, Middle Park $1,485,000 
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 1. 3/39 Ovens Circuit, Whittlesea $180,000 2. 2/232 Nicholson Street, Footscray $200,000 3. 7/230 Ascot Vale Road, Ascot Vale $250,000 4. 5/24 Daly Street, Brunswick $260,000 5. 4/21 Nepean Avenue, Hampton East $267,000
</div>
</div>
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A 79% success rate for Melbourne's first 2015 Super Saturday

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Guest observation
On The Block: Triple Threat this week, Charlotte and Josh and Deanne and Darren received the highest scores from the property buyer's advocates jury.
I advised the contestants then to renovate to the area's demographic, and compare their renovations to hotels in the local area.
The scores from the buyer's advocate jury:
<ul>
<li>Charlotte and Josh: 26</li>
<li>Tim and Anastasia: 19</li>
<li>Aidan and Jess: 23.5</li>
<li>Dee and Darren: 26</li>
</ul>
Below are a list of features for renovators and investors to consider when it comes to bathrooms.
Some will pertain to powder rooms specifically, while others are more general comments about bathrooms.
<ul>
<li>Quality of finish</li>
</ul>
Consider tiles, bench tops and vanity / cabinetry, tiles and flooring, lighting, tap fittings, basin, glass screen fittings or shower screen, toilet (porcelain with soft close), metal towel racks and toilet roll holders (not plastic or imitation), soap dishes.
<ul>
<li>Design should be sleek, simple and practical. </li>
<li>
Bathroom should be well-lit, preferably with natural light, but also with white practical lighting. If there's no external window, could a skylight work? 
</li>
<li>
Space should be functional With practical basin (not something too shallow), adequate storage and bench space, as well as sufficient power outlets. Also, include a power point on the inside of the vanity, or behind the mirror if used for storage. Shower heads should be practical too, with sufficient water pressure. Check the pressure! 
</li>
<li>
Separate toilets are preferable, if possible. 
</li>
<li>
Use of natural materials Such as real timber, granite and porcelain. 
</li>
<li>
Frameless showers are popular and easier to clean. However, ensure the return adequately collects the water so the bathroom isn't flooded. 
</li>
<li>It's ideal to have external windows and adequate ventilation to allow light and air circulation. </li>
<li>
Have sufficient privacy with privacy glass and/or window furnishings, and perhaps a lockable door. 
</li>
<li>
Include a heated towel rack. Heated floors and heated lighting and exhaust fan should also be considered. 
</li>
<li>
Ensure bathroom is practical and not difficult to use for elderly or the young. If a toilet is too close to the wall it may be hard to access. Are there sharp corners that could cause injury? 
</li>
<li>
Baths and spas shouldn't be too close to the wall if freestanding. Make sure the bath can be cleaned easily and to facilitate air flow to reduce or prevent the occurrence of mould. 
</li>
<li>One basin or two? </li>
<li>
Non-slip tiles or flooring. Greville Pabst is CEO of <a href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;ved=0CEAQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbpproperty.com%2F&amp;ei=Jb4hUevODOyamQX6mIGYDQ&amp;usg=AFQjCNH0u8Ji9ymluq8AKARfB-KjHZ-aFA&amp;sig2=DNsIKQR7tQj4PtYuiJOHPA&amp;bvm=bv.42553238,d.dGY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">WBP Property Group</a> and a judge on The Block Triple Threat.</li>
</ul>
Above: Deanne and Darren's bathroom, courtesy Channel 9.
 
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How to renovate a bathroom: The Block's Greville Pabst

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Australian restaurant Granger &amp; Co has secured its third London site.
It is in King's Cross, a 2,500 square foot restaurant site in restored industrial dwellings known as the Stanley Building, at 7 St Pancras Square.
The new site adds to their existing London sites in Clerkenwell and Notting Hill. The third outlet, not far from Google, will be opening in late spring. The 86-cover restaurant will offer all-day dining and take-out coffee.
Bill Granger also operates restaurants worldwide in Tokyo, Honolulu and Seoul.
Bill Granger, the Darlinghurst chef, restaurateur and food writer, and his wife Natalie Elliott recently sold their Bronte house.
Bills Bondi at 79 Hall Street, Bondi was the recent new addition to his stable of restaurants around the world.
Bill Granger got his training at the iconic La Passion du Fruit on Paddington's Oxford Street after hailing from Melbourne. 
The La Passion proprietors Chrissie Juillet and Jean-Claude Wane had that communal sense of a family kitchen table interaction at the cafe, which Granger replicated when he opened the original Bills in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst in 1993, when he was 22.
His Queens Court, Woollahra restaurant recently closed, replaced by the vibrant Luxe.
Photograph courtesy of kingscross.co.uk. 
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Bill Granger secures third London restaurant premises

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For those unaccustomed to bidding at auction, buyer's agent Patrick Bright has some advice ahead of this weekend's Sydney Super Saturday.
Firstly, know your budget – and keep it. You also need to prepare for what may happen if you do secure your property.
“Prior to auction, buyers need to ensure the contract has been reviewed by a solicitor, that a pest and building inspection or strata search has been completed and finance pre-approval is in place because if the hammer falls on your bid, then it’s an unconditional sale to you,” said Bright.
“Any variations to the contract of sale must be formally agreed between the vendor’s and buyer’s solicitors before auction day.
Here are seven auction tips from Patrick Bright:
<ol>
<li>
SET YOUR LIMIT ON AN ODD NUMBER When buyers set their limit, they usually choose a round number eg. $600,000, $850,000 or $1.6 million. So if two people happen to have the same limit, which is more likely to happen on a round number, then the first one to get there can buy the property for that price. That’s why it makes sense to set your limit on an odd number. 
</li>
<li>
STICK TO YOUR LIMIT "The most important auction tactic (actually it’s more like a rule) is: set your limit before the auction and NEVER go over it. This is the only tactic that applies in all situations. If you blow your limit, your dream home can become your nightmare liability as you struggle to make mortgage repayments that are more than you’ve budgeted for." 
</li>
<li>
GET THERE EARLY "You should aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the auction so that you can do a final walk through, register to bid and calm your nerves as best as one can." 
</li>
<li>
CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS "You need to control your emotions at auction because emotions will cost you money. The number one auction mistake that you will pay for ‘with interest’ is getting carried away and paying too much for the property. That’s a mistake you will end up regretting for a long, long time." 
</li>
<li>
NEVER BID AGAINST YOURSELF "If you’re the highest bidder and everyone else has stopped bidding, never increase your bid, no matter how much pressure the auctioneer or selling agent puts you under. Some people don’t even need to be asked to bid against themselves. Surprisingly this happens all too often when the highest bidder loses track of their bids. They’re so nervous, caught up in the excitement of the bidding process or confused that they raise their own bid. It sounds ridiculous however it must be easy to do as I see it happen quite a lot." 
</li>
<li>
IS IT ON THE MARKET? "The auctioneer is under no obligation to tell you whether the property is on the market or not, however you have the right to ask. Every property has a reserve and the selling agent and auctioneer know what it is. I like to wait till the property has reached the reserve before I bid as there is not a lot of point bidding until you know you’re playing for keeps. Until a property is called on the market the probability that you’re bidding against a dummy bidder is quite high." 
</li>
<li>
GET SOMEONE TO BID ON YOUR BEHALF "Bidding at auctions is not for everyone. If you really want the best shot at owning the property then you need someone bidding for you who is experienced, confident and knows the tricks and games selling agents and auctioneers play. "If you’re at all nervous it’s a good idea to get a trusted friend or family member to bid at auction for you, especially if you’re worried about going over your limit. Tell them your maximum bid and instruct them not to go above it under any circumstance. You will always be better off hiring an ex auctioneer or experienced buyer’s agent to bid for you though." Source: Patrick Bright’s The Insider’s Guide to Saving Thousands at Auction
</li>
</ol>
Patrick Bright is a Sydney-based buyer’s agent who has purchased more than $500 million worth of real estate for clients and is the best-selling author of four Real Estate books in his ‘Insider’s Guide’ series. The 3rd edition of his best-selling book “The Insider’s Guide to Buying Real Estate” reveals the latest trends on how to search for and negotiate the best possible deal for purchasing property. For more information on Patrick Bright or EPS Property Search visit www.epspropertysearch.com.au.
 
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How to win at auction this Super Saturday: Patrick Bright

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The Killarney Vale couple Kara and Kyal Demmrich – contestants on Channel Nine's The Block Albert Park series – have bought again on the NSW Central Coast.
Their new home is a cottage at Bateau Bay in the Wyong municipality that cost $580,000, with the prize money they earnt coming in handy. 
<div id="description" class="stackItem">
It is an original cottage,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bateau+bay-117226003" target="_blank"> </a>with a north facing front yard on a level 639 square metre block, within easy walk to Shelly and Blue Lagoon Beaches.  
</div>
They sold this week for $735,000 at Killarney Vale, which is five ams away from their next project.
They bought, then renovated their first home in 2008 having paid $285,000, after getting married in February 2007.
Agent Chantel Laing-Chadwick at George Brand Real Estate Avoca Beach/Copacabana described their recently sold house as an "architectural masterpiece".
Last year the couple appeared in The Block: Fans v Faves as the so-called Super Ks.
Around the time of the April Albert Park auction, the couple indicated they were planning to launch a boutique renovations company called Diverse Design and Construct.
The couple also suggested they were considering a move from their home in the Tuggerah Lakes precinct.
“We haven’t thought about it too seriously, but our long-term goal is to get ourselves as close to the coast as possible. So we’re thinking about selling, maybe in the next 12 months," Kyal told Property Observer.
The Super Ks were given the highest reserve of any apartment – $1.9 million – after a stellar number of winning challenges and room reveals.
But they finished third behind Steve and Chantelle and Alisa and Lysandra on auction day.
They indicated they could pay off the mortgage with their $567,250 in prize money.
Bateau Bay's médian house price sits at <a href="/news">$500,000</a>, record levels, while Killarney Vale's median house price likewise tav record levels, but <a href="/news">$375,000</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
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The Block's Kyal and Kara buy at Bateau Bay and sell first home

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CoreLogic RP Data have released a list of the most affordable capital city suburbs in Australia.
Unsurprisingly, given their respective placings at the bottom of capital city home values, Hobart and Adelaide suburbs make up the entire top 10 list.
Suburbs on the eastern shore of the Derwent River were the most affordable in Hobart, while Adelaide's northern Playford region hosts the city's cheapest suburbs for houses.
Top 10 most affordable capital city suburbs for houses
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Gagebrook</a>, Brighton, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $136,649 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Herdsmans Cove</a>, Brighton, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $139,664 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Clarendon Vale</a>, Clarence, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $158,883 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bridgewater</a>, Brighton, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $169,691 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Risdon Vale</a>, Clarence, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $173,468 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elizabeth North</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $174,191 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Davoren Park</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $178,657 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Smithfield Plains</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $184,904 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elizabeth Downs</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $193,780 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elizabeth South</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $196,362
</li>
</ol>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
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No surprise: Australia's cheapest capital city suburbs

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Mortgage Choice has noticed a marked alternate trend of first time investor buying by the traditional first home buyer. 
"More and more are buying investments as their first time buy," Michael Russell, the Mortgage Choice chief executive said.
Their recent survey showed there were 21% of its first time buyers borrowing for an investment property rather than a home to live in.
Last year, Mortgage Choice surveyed one thousand first home buyers (FHBs) and found 21% set to buy an investment property as their first property purchase.
“This is significantly up on what that number would have been five years ago,” Russell said.
It was such a new area of activity, with little historical data, that he added that like for like "we can't make comparisons".
"But there is no way it was 21% in the past.
"There has been a significant paradigm shift."
"They want to live where they want to live not where they can afford to buy.
"My generation bought out on the fringe and commuted in," he said.
"There are valid reasons why we are seeing this paradigm shift," said Russell.
Figures supplied to Property Observer show the majority of first home buyers purchasing owner-occupied properties are taking out loans with a 90% or 95% LVR, while first time investors are largely taking out loans with a 90% LVR.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently advised errors in its first home buyer statistics which were based on government grant recipient numbers rather than the entire market.
“We knew the data we were providing to the banks was not allowing the ABS to identify the true volume of homeowners buying established property,” said Russell. 
“The ABS has now recognised this.
“We have the RBA and APRA looking at investor lending closely. We are encouraging the media and encouraging the regulators to look through the numbers because we are not comparing apples to apples."
Mortgage Choice notched up a record number of loan approvals with $6.9 billion worth of home loan approvals in the six months to December 31, up from $6.2 billion a year earlier.
 
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One in five first timers set for investment entry onto property ladder: Mortgage Choice

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I've been working with our builder on a new range of duplex plans.
We wanted to offer something different to each of our clients, so their duplex would have a point of difference in the market.
Firstly, to clarify, a duplex is two attached villas/units. A duplex can be single or double story. Property Bloom duplexes are predominately single story, three bedrooms, two bathrooms with single garages. We also build a lot of dual occupancy projects with two freestanding dwellings but today we are just talking about duplexes.
Our goal was to make each side of the duplex, each villa, appear separate from the street.  We don't want the 'mirror image' look that many standard duplexes have.
We started by looking at the exteriors of our duplexes. We use a mix of materials rather than just brickwork. We may render or paint the bricks in sections and add some weatherboard or other cladding. Changing the exterior materials adds texture and interest.
We look at the roof design and try to steer away from a standard hip roof if possible. Adding a few gables will add interest to the roof. However, we did have an issue with one council as we couldn't allow any of the roof surface of one villa to drain to the other's side. This was to do with the subdivision drainage requirements, so always check this before getting too fancy with your roof design.
We may use roof tiles or colourbond roofing depending on the look we are wanting to achieve. Colourbond roofing offers a wider range of colour choices, roof tiles give a more traditional feel to the duplex and can be cheaper.
I like to try and make the front facades a little different too. Even though the villas will be attached, it's nice to give the main entrances privacy and by changing the size and shape of the front porches we can achieve a different look.
Another idea is to splint the garages, moving them, to the external sides of the duplex rather than attaching them at the garages. This then offers a double driveway which will be more expensive but gives the impression the villas are more separate than they actually are.
You can also look at locating one garage in the middle of the duplex, and the other to the side. Often service locations like gutter drains may determine the location of your laybacks and hence driveways.
Finally we use the soft landscaping to individualise the dwellings. It is amazing what a good landscape plan can do to enhance street appeal and style.
We take all the design elements into consideration when working on a new duplex project for our clients as well as the location and surrounding homes to ensure we are building the right dwelling for the area. Our aim is to also appeal to and attract the right tenants when it comes time renting them out. A good design can maximise the rent by making your project stand out from the rest.
<a href="https://propertybloom.com.au">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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jochivers-wq5Bp59R5a

How to make attached dwellings look separate: Jo Chivers

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The buyers' agent Richard Wakelin has suggested the potential policy levers could be pulled that could be used to temper the Sydney property boom.
1) The NSW government could hike stamp duty.
2) The NSW government could reduce first-home buyer grants to dampen demand.
3) The supply of new property could be improved through reducing infrastructure charges levied on developers.
4) Government could heavily tax land-bankers, adopting a solution used in recent times by the Chinese government.
5) Councils could reduce the red tape around planning and redeployment of vacant sites.
6) Macro prudential policy could also be tailored such that banks have to observe tighter lending rules in Sydney than elsewhere in the country.
"Of course, many of these actions would be unpopular in certain quarters and others would have undesirable consequences," Richard Wakelin told The Australian Financial Review.
"For instance, a lax planning regime would likely exacerbate an acute issue.
"Moreover, to work, these policy prescriptions would require an as-yet unseen degree of coordination between the various levels of Australian governments.
"That is clearly unlikely, particularly in the lead-up to a NSW state election.
"But this more holistic approach is perhaps something for the future," he suggested.
{mijopolls 94}
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