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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The national commercial and industrial security fencing contractor Fencewright Pty Ltd have taken up a tenancy in a refurbished industrial facility at Geebung in Brisbane’s north.
The company’s new Queensland headquarters will be at 21 Kingtel Place, Geebung.
Fencewright has taken out a three plus three year lease at a gross rental at $130,000 per annum.
The lease was negotiated by Paul Anderson and Dan Costello of Ray White Industrial Milton.
FenceWright was established in Perth four years ago.
FenceWright moved on the lease listing within 48 hours of Ray White Industrial Milton listing it for lease.
The 2,000 square metre holding comes with a refurbished building area of 1,150 square metres, including a 1,000 square metre warehouse and a 150 square metre office/showroom space.
FenceWright managing director Matthew Sivewright said they had been searching for several months.
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Industrial lease in Geebung for Fencewright

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AMP Capital has announced the retirement of its longest serving fund manager, Louise Joslin.
The fund manager of the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF) will retire mid-2015 after a 34-year career in the property industry including 20 years at AMP Capital. 
It is anticipated Joslin will work with her successor to effect a seamless transition.
Joining in 1995, Joslin’s time with AMP Capital includes nine years as fund manager of the flagship Australian Core Property Portfolio and in late 2014 she was integral to the acquisition of $4 billion of assets by ADPF and a successful capital raising by the Fund. 
She is a former director and NSW president of the Property Council of Australia. She was in the late 1980s a Raine and Horne Commercial associate director. 
One of the largest, unlisted property funds in the country, ADPF has total assets of $4 billion with 18 assets aross the Australian office, retail and industrial property sectors, as well as units in the AMP Capital Shopping Centre Fund and AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund. 
This includes the newly-developed Macquarie Centre in Sydney, Pacific Fair on Queensland’s Gold Coast, which is currently undergoing significant re-development, and potential developments at Garden City Booragoon in Western Australia and Quay Quarter Sydney.
Last year AMP Capital announced the retirement of another one of the longest-serving members of its leadership team: the director and chief investment officer, property, Andrew Bird.
Andrew Bird will retire this year after a 37-year career in the property industry in the UK and Asia Pacific. He has been responsible for AMP Capital’s property investment and management business since 2004. Mr Bird will be replaced by Adam Tindall, who has been promoted from his current role of Chief Operating Officer, Property.
 
 
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Fund manager Louise Joslin retiring from AMP Capital

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Business outlook on profitability has hit a 23-year low for the December quarter, but Small Business Minister Bruce Billson says there are plenty of positive “green shoots” to give the small business community confidence in 2015.
The latest Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Survey of Investor Confidence shows businesses had a <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/44757-aussies-tipped-to-spend-30-billion-in-december-but-it-s-not-all-holiday-cheer-the-three-biggest-problems-facing-retailers-this-christmas" target="_blank">tough Christmas period</a> and have a gloomy outlook for the year ahead.
The survey’s 641 respondents, mainly from the construction and manufacturing industries, said conditions in their own businesses had fallen further into negative territory, from 49.5 to 48.6 over the December quarter. Sales and profits indicators also dipped for the quarter.
Outlook on profitability hit its lowest level in 23 years, drastically falling from 44.4 to 41.7 in the December quarter.  The profitability index has remained in negative territory since the global financial crisis, but has tumbled steeply over the last two quarters.
Businesses’ expectations for their own prospects are also on a downward slide, with respondents saying they are pessimistic about the prospects for broader economic growth and the general investment climate.
ACCI chief executive Kate Carnell used the results to call on the federal government to act.
"We need the government, and the Parliament to act to restore business confidence by fixing the budget and undertaking productivity-enhancing structural reforms,” Carnell said in a statement.
Billson said this morning Carnell’s comments point to the need for Parliament to be more constructive and collaborative around budget repair.
“I think you’ll find the political climate quite unsettled for the business community,” says Billson.
And Billson blames Labor’s “negativity” for the downturn in confidence.
“Labor has returned to type as a party of protest. Bill Shorten has proved he is a purveyor of pessimism. They are creating uncertainty and undermining the surefootedness that the business community needs,” Billson says.
“This [survey] is a wake-up call to the Labor opposition. There is too much at stake to be playing short-term populism.”
Billson urges the small business community to look at several economic “green shoots”, including rising job numbers, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/45291-australia-japan-fta-comes-into-effect-today-what-it-will-mean-for-your-business" target="_blank">recent trade agreements</a> and retail trade figures for Christmas.
“The survey also highlights that many businesses are faring better than anticipated,” says Billson.
“Focusing exclusively on the negative suffocates news that, I certainly feel, adds to optimism about the new year,” he says.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Business confidence lowest in 23 years

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GUEST OBSERVATION
With all the chatter about beautiful office design, it would be easy to assume workplaces have come a long way from the days of the cubicle farm. But recent research has shown this may not actually be the case.
In spite of increasing <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/the-deal-magazine/gpt-nab-and-macquarie-make-hot-desking-cool-again/story-e6frgabx-1227125767954" target="_blank">images</a> of attractive workplaces from many large Australian companies, many of today’s workplaces are <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4112857.htm?site=%28none%29&amp;topic=%28none%29&amp;listaction=unsubscribe">not well designed</a>. Poor workplace design leads to increased conflict and stress, which reduces performance and leads to employees resigning.
Workspace is the second largest overhead for most organisations and can <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/096132199369615#.VHa_pleUcdI">influence productivity</a> by up to 20%. This is why organisations are increasingly exploring ways of using the environment to support performance and innovation.
To accommodate changes in work and the changing needs of workers, the corporate world has seen a significant shift to activity based working or “free addressing”.
Activity based working allows organisations to save on their accommodation costs, fitting in <a href="https://www.afr.com/f/free/national/professional_services/kpmg_to_trial_activity_based_working_Bd5StvXbxlGX0DFCCMhkuO">up to 20% more people</a> in the building by designing workplaces where employees have no fixed desk. The concept arose in part in response to the increased desire by organisations for collaboration and networking among employees, and secondly to the increasingly mobile and virtual nature of work.
Initial research however, has indicated growing concern. A 2013 <a href="https://www.gensler.com/uploads/documents/2013_US_Workplace_Survey_07_15_2013.pdf">global study</a> by Gensler found that as few as one in four workers report working in an optimal workplace environment, and more than half report being disturbed by others when trying to focus.
Employees report being constantly interrupted, distracted by noise, and not having enough space. Cortisol tests conducted on employees have shown stress levels in quiet private spaces at around half those in noisy open areas.  
Difficult to focus
<a href="https://www.gensler.com/uploads/documents/2013_US_Workplace_Survey_07_15_2013.pdf" target="_blank">Research</a> on knowledge workers has shown an increase in the time needed for focused individual work, with the time required for collaborative work decreasing. The concept of the activity-based workplace may be actually producing counter-productive results.
When people can’t focus, the <a href="https://www.gensler.com/uploads/documents/2013_US_Workplace_Survey_07_15_2013.pdf" target="_blank">research</a> indicates, they are less effective at learning, building relationships and at collaborating.
In many new offices based around the concept of activity based working, employees are using boxes and posters and plants, pretty much anything they can find, to try and create a space where they can actually get work done.
A recent <a href="https://www.cbre.com/o/international/AssetLibrary/Genesis%20Report_Exec%20Summary_1029.pdf" target="_blank">study of 5,500 office workers</a> globally by commercial real estate company CBRE showing that the ability to think and concentrate was important for workers of all ages; millennials and baby boomers want the same thing.
Innovation remains a top priority for organisations, and yet changes in workplace design may be negatively affecting innovation potential.
The clean desk policy required by activity based working, means that workers need to remove all of their work and belongings at the end of each day. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidburkus/2014/05/23/when-to-say-yes-to-the-messy-desk/" target="_blank">Studies</a> have shown that messy desks can increase creative thinking and serendipitous discoveries.
What <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/business-government/griffith-business-school/departments/department-employment-relations-human-resources/hdr-students/elizabeth-sander" target="_blank">research to date</a> does demonstrate is that the design of a workplace needs to accommodate not only the type of work that needs to get done there, but also the individual needs of the people who are completing that work.
There is an increasing focus on objective measurement within the workplace, examining issues such as stress and productivity using physiological and neuroscience tests.
Results have shown employees can be significantly stressed with detrimental effects on both well-being and performance, though they may not report feeling stressed in self-report research.
More work to do
The importance of a well-designed workplace to support connection is as important as ever. A recent Harvard Business Review <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://hbr.org/2014/10/workspaces-that-move-people/ar/1" target="_blank">article</a> reported research that showed digital communication does not replace face-to-face interaction and that remote teams do not perform as well as those co-located.
It is somewhat surprising to realise we actually haven’t worked out how to design offices that make a positive difference to performance for all types of individuals and types of work.
We do know that subtle cues in our environment can cause us to be different versions of ourselves, more innovative, more outgoing, more <a href="https://www.jll.com.au/australia/en-au/Documents/jll-au-activity-based-working-2012.pdf" target="_blank">collaborative</a> for example, but we haven’t understood exactly how the workplace needs to be designed to achieve this.
Emerging theories of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/14725960510630489" target="_blank">integrative workplace design</a> should help us understand how to design workplaces that not only allow employees to perform better and make them feel better, but that could fundamentally change the experience of what it means to be at work.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/33677/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Libby Sander is a PhD candidate, Founder Future of Work Project, Speaker, Author at Griffith University.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>.
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Office design should focus on people, not just the work they do

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NAME: Dean Landy<img src="/images/2015/01/21/dean-landy-jan-21-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Partner in Melbourne architecture firm <a href="https://www.chc.com.au" target="_blank">ClarkeHopkinsClarke </a>(CHC) and founder and director of the <a href="https://www.oneheartchallenge.org" target="_blank">One Heart Foundation</a>, a not for profit organisation working to alleviate poverty in Africa.
COMPANY: Melbourne firm CHC has more than 50 plus years’ experience in creating vibrant communities across the design of entire urban communities as well as education, multi-residential, mixed-use, commercial, health and aged care projects.
OFFICE LOCATION: 115 Sackville Street, Collingwood.
One Heart Challenge operates out of an office in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
I have been a registered architect for 13 years. I’m predominantly involved in the planning and design of retail and mixed use projects, multi-residential, commercial and community infrastructure projects.
My work stitches good architectural outcomes such as a strong design aesthetic, good buildabilty, integrated environmentally sustainable design principles and human-centred design solutions together with a strategic approach that creates a strong local social and economic environment as well as excellent developer returns. In other words, I aim to create vibrant communities.
I began work at CHC in 1998, when it was a practice of only 12 people. Today there are 65 people and the practice has been established for nearly 55 years.
In 2009 I received the ARBV Award for Architectural Services, a client nominated Award based on excellence in the design process. As a result, in 2011 I became an examiner for the ARBV Registration Board, assessing prospective architect’s registration applications for practice in Victoria.
<ul>
<li>What’s happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
'<a href="https://%20www.creatingvibrantcommunities.com" target="_blank">Creating vibrant communities</a>' is how we describe CHC’s overarching approach to urban design. It’s a guiding philosophy that motivates us to carefully consider how the process of creating new places and communities should work to ensure new greenfield, brownfield and urban consolidation projects become more financially, environmentally and socially sustainable places to live.
CHC is currently undertaking research to rethink the way new places evolve. We are designing new processes that can be replicated to ensure a more creative and holistic view is taken when designing new places. From the initial idea, or the visualisation stage, through to the realisation of built infrastructure and beyond to activation by new residents and business and retail tenants. We call this the ‘place evolution process’.
This idea has gone beyond just research. We are currently developing a strong resource base and are looking to broaden the discussion in the design community to help contribute to our overall understanding for different stakeholders needs.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
St Germain is a new greenfield community by visionary developer Gordon Gill. It is being developed within the City of Casey, a fast developing growth area of the south eastern urban corridor of Melbourne. The development has recently been approved by the former Planning Minister Matthew Guy, and is also a demonstration project for the Metropolitan Planning Authority. We are well into the overall planning but it is still in the visualisation phase.
St Germain has been masterplanned with a strong focus on providing a vibrant and sustainable mixed use community – including a strong commercial aspect. The project features a unique planning initiative that is driven by the early delivery of key infrastructure projects around a village square such as a large medical centre and shopping centre to start contributing to the overall target of 3,500 jobs, and enabling more people to live and work in the same community. Community facilities, retirement living and diverse housing options will soon follow once construction starts in 2015.
The new village square and park will create a distinct sense of place, quality urban infrastructure and amenities, and start to build on the desired sense of community.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
The key ingredient is to form strong relationships with the broad range stakeholders we work with on our projects. This can often go beyond an architect’s traditional role.
By connecting with stakeholders who are most knowledgeable regarding the planning opportunities during visualisation as well as with potential residents and business groups who will be affected during activation, we can much better understand the potential of a site and can act as a type of community advocate earlier on.
By behaving as a catalyst and facilitator of relationships between commercial, government and community stakeholders, greater value can be created for all parties throughout these stages, with the end result being a better place for people to live.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Combining my expertise as an urban planner and architect, with the community infrastructure projects we run at One Heart, means I can enjoy making a positive difference in the world in the profession I love to work in.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
I would encourage any individual or company to invest in their people by supporting them to take part in the life changing leadership event that Run From Poverty will provide.
Since founding a charity to help abandoned and orphaned children I strongly advocate for wealthy western professionals to support those in poverty – so I would “invest” in making a future for some of the 22,000 children who die each day due to poverty. That's over 8 million children needlessly dying each year.
For me, rather than be overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem, I am inspired by the fact that I can help change the world for hundreds of children through the work that One Heart Foundation is doing in Kenya. And I believe this is just the beginning.
As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, CHC are sponsoring two staff members to take part in <a href="https://www.oneheartchallenge.org/run-from-poverty/" target="_blank">Run from Poverty</a>, as we know it will be an invaluable leadership development experience for them.
As a practice with a strong focus on the design of education facilities in Australia, it was an obvious connection for us to fundraise to construct more classrooms in Kenya through One Heart Foundation, as we know that education is the key to breaking the poverty cycle.
I would encourage other companies to consider supporting One Heart Foundation and Run from Poverty in the same way.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
St Kilda.
<ul>
<li>What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
Evernote on my tablet.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
I have to admit to being a bit of a social media novice!
At this stage the use of social media has been very useful for updating sponsors on the work of One Heart in Kenya and to connect with potential sponsors for Run from Poverty. However, I’m keen to learn how I can use it more to connect with others involved in urban development and to share and exchange ideas. 
CHC is a supporter of Dean’s charity, which is holding its inaugural fundraising event, <a href="https://www.oneheartchallenge.org/run-from-poverty/" target="_blank">Run from Poverty</a>, in Kenya between 19 and 28 July, 2015.
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In profile: ClarkeHopkinsClarke's partner, Dean Landy

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The consumer sentiment on housing improved in the latest Westpac Melbourne Institute Index.
Westpac’s chief economist, Bill Evans, noted the index tracing ‘time to buy a dwelling’ increased by 9.4% following the 10.8% fall in the index in December.
"The index is still 11.4% below its one year ago level," he added.
"This reversal of the December result removes some downside risk to the outlook for housing demand but does not change the more general picture of cooling sentiment towards housing.
“We also saw a strong rebound in house price expectations.
"The Westpac Melbourne Institute House Price Expectations index increased by 8.6% following an 8.3% fall in December.
"Consistent with the signal from the 'time to buy' index, this index is also indicating that confidence toward housing has cooled.
"This index is still down by 13.9% compared to a year ago.
Evans, noting the Reserve Bank Board next meets on 3 February, says markets are giving little chance to the prospects of a rate cut at that meeting.
"On 4 December last year Westpac forecast that the Bank would cut rates by 25 basic points in both February and March. At that time markets were pricing in the prospect of one rate cut by end 2015.
"They are now expecting close to two cuts by end 2015, in line with Westpac’s view but at a much slower pace.
“We expect that by the time of the release of the inflation report next week the case for a rate cut will have been made.
"The prospect of moving in February should be attractive to the Bank.
"A February decision can be fully explained in the Statement on Monetary Policy released three days after the decision, including the opportunity to update inflation forecasts."
The overall Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment increased by 2.4% in January from 91.1 in December to 93.2 in January.
“However, when assessed in the context of the sharp 5.7% fall in the Index in December it is not a particularly strong result," said Evans.
"The Index is still down by 9.7% on a year ago and really only back at the levels we saw in the immediate aftermath of the federal budget when the Index had tumbled by 6.8%.
"At 93.2 the Index level indicates pessimists still outnumber optimists by a significant majority."
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Time to buy dwelling rebounds, but still cool: Westpac consumer sentiment

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Household debt has increased to an all-time high - at a multiple of 1.7 times annualised household disposable income, the ANZ Bank has noted.
But household debt levels remain ‘comfortable’ given growth in household income, interest rate levels and household assets, says bank researchers, David Cannington and Katie Hill.
Their ANZ Research paper - headed Household Debt: A house of bricks or straw - concludes there is little sign of financial distress among households.
"Mortgage delinquencies are well below 0.5% of total mortgages and have been trending lower for most of the past year," Cannington and Hill wrote.
<img src="/images/2015/01/21/anz-jan-21-five.jpg" alt="">
 <img src="/images/2015/01/21/anz-jan-21-six.jpg" alt="">
"Despite higher levels of debt, households’ ability to service their debt has improved markedly, primarily due to lower interest rates, with household interest payments as a proportion of income below long-run average levels," the report said.
<img src="/images/2015/01/21/anz-jan-21-one.jpg" alt="">
But notwithstanding the current manageable levels of household debt and the current forecast of steady expansion in Australian medium-term economic growth, they suggest under certain economic stress conditions households could see a sharp increase in debt stress, primarily through mortgage default.
"Recent RBA research is consistent with our view that the most likely driver of mortgage defaults would be negative housing equity combined with a sharp increase in debt service difficulty, likely due to broad-based job losses and higher interest rates," Cannington and Hill wrote.
<img src="/images/2015/01/21/anz-jan-21-two.jpg" alt="">
The report noted interest rates are a key variable driver of debt servicing ratios, and have been more volatile since the Global Financial Crisis, particularly to the downside. 
"While we don’t expect interest rates to rise sharply in the coming years, and we have forecast 50bps of rate cuts in 2015 reflecting a subdued economic growth profile, we have modelled the impact of various monetary policy scenarios on the debt servicing capacity of households. 
"Our general view is that, assuming no significant improvement in labour market conditions, debt servicing ratios around 10-11% would start to put pressure on mortgage delinquencies.
"However, interest rates and monetary policy do not adjust completely independently of economic and labour market conditions. In all likelihood, if interest rates were increasing it would be under a scenario of improved labour market conditions and high income growth. However, for the purposes of testing household leverage vulnerability to interest rates, all interest rate scenarios assumed the same income and credit growth assumptions, namely:
<ul>
<li>"Continued weakness in disposable income growth with growth gradually improving to 5% by 2017 and stabilising thereafter; and</li>
<li>"Annual household credit growth between 5-7%.</li>
</ul>
"The baseline scenario in the model assumes our current monetary policy view of 25bp cuts in March and May 2015, before the RBA begins a 100bp hiking cycle in 2016. Modelling suggests our baseline and baseline +50bps scenarios would see debt servicing ratios peak at manageable levels (8.6% and 9.4% respectively in 2017).
"It is only once the cash rate exceeded our baseline by 150bps (taking it to maximum of 4.5% in December quarter 2016) that the debt servicing ratio would be pushed beyond 10%. 
"There are good reasons to expect households will be able to absorb higher debt servicing ratios more easily than in previous hiking cycles. 
"Our recent research indicates households have opted to maintain elevated repayment rates in recent years and this behaviour has driven excess mortgage repayment rates to historical highs.
"In addition to higher mortgage repayments, balances in mortgage offset and redraw facilities have also increased. 
"In fact, the RBA estimates that balances in mortgage offset and redraw facilities has increased to around 15 per cent of outstanding mortgage balances. 
"As deposits in offset accounts are not officially measured as negative mortgage debt, standard statistical measures of household debt don’t fully reflect the improvement in household balance sheets, particularly in recent years. 
"This more conservative household financial behaviour could provide a significant serviceability buffer in the next hiking cycle."
<img src="/images/2015/01/21/anz-jan-21-four.jpg" alt="">
The report noted household’s inability to meet mortgage repayments would most likely be caused by an adverse shock to unemployment.
The research paper also provided some useful quantitative rules to assess the probability of mortgage distress. These include: 
<ul>
<li>The likelihood of missing a mortgage payment increases with the loan-to- valuation (LVR) ratio at origination, particularly high at an LVR ratio above 90%. </li>
<li>Households with high debt servicing ratios are more likely to miss a mortgage payment. In particular, household debt servicing ratios (including principal repayments) of over 50% were 10ppts more likely to miss mortgage payments than households with debt servicing ratios under 30%. </li>
<li>Households with a full-time employed primary income earner are 8ppts less likely to miss a mortgage payment than households with a primary earner that is not in the labour market. </li>
<li>
A greater proportion of households that miss payments have both high gearing and a high debt servicing ratio compared to households that have either high gearing or a high debt servicing ratio. 
</li>
<li>Loans that are repaid quickly ahead of schedule are less likely to miss payments. Households that are making repayments ahead of schedule are 4ppts less likely to miss a mortgage payment, compared to households paying on time.</li>
</ul>
Source: RBA
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10% debt servicing ratio would trigger mortgage delinquencies: ANZ

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Sydney’s 2015 property market is set to be healthy and buoyant.
In 2014, Sydney’s property market was white hot but the rate of growth was unsustainable.
While the volume of sales last year were impressive, more than half of the transactions made were by investors rather than owner-occupiers and this has started to create a bottleneck in the market. The good news however, is that the market is starting to relax.
With the economy strong, consumer sentiment holding and the Australian dollar balancing against the greenback, I think the 2015 market will go from white hot to red hot and be slightly less frantic for buyers.
Here are my top five trends for Sydney’s property market in 2015:
<ol>
<li>
Increased stability in property prices  The Sydney property market experienced accelerated growth in the past year but this should start easing in 2015. In 2014, average growth rates swelled past 13%. If we continue along this path, I believe that Sydney could be at risk of entering another property bubble, with prices ballooning and competition escalating. As we enter 2015, I expect to see more stability in the market, with growth rates of between 6-8% over the year. With interest rates also likely to remain at low levels and inflation easing, home buyers can take their time in making their biggest life decision without feeling the panic to buy now. 
</li>
<li>
Increased diversity in property portfolios  I think more investors will be ready to spread their wings and generate wealth in 2015. While it’s common for investors to invest in only one property, we are seeing a shift in the investor mindset. Whether it’s mum and dad investors or those planning to retire and live off their rental income, investors are becoming more open minded about how they purchase property and grow their portfolio – such as through structured SMSF investments. More investors are also treating their investments as a business transaction. They are not looking for a property to move into down the track; they are looking for properties in high growth areas where rental vacancies are low, demand is strong, and the property type fits the demographic needs of residents in the area.  
</li>
<li>
Emergence of a genuine commuter belt Sydney is a global city but transport links between the CBD, and the eastern and western suburbs have been sub-optimal when compared to other global cities. With a fragmented transport system, pockets of the city are closed off and this can be a huge detractor for buyers wanting to live outside inner city areas. With new major rail links and road works underway, such as the North West Rail Link, and upgrades to the M2/M7 and M5 motorways, the divide between Sydney’s east and west is starting to close. New railway stations in the Hills District for instance, such as Rouse Hill, Kellyville and Bella Vista, will open up these family friendly areas to dwellers who may have previously only considered living close to the CBD, where properties are typically more expensive and less spacious.  
</li>
<li>
A ‘freezing out’ of first home buyers A worrying trend I see in 2015 is the continued decline in the number of first home buyers entering the market. This, I believe, correlates with an increase in investors snapping up Sydney properties. In a balanced market, around 20% of property transactions should be made by first home buyers. Instead, transactions by this group have dropped as low as seven%. First home buyers are our future generation. They are encouraged to buy property, yet their ability to enter the market and climb the property ladder is becoming increasingly difficult. More incentives will be needed to enable first home buyers to compete against more established or cashed-up investors; otherwise they risk being left behind,” says Doug. 
</li>
<li>
A continued influx of foreign investors The unprecedented rise in foreign investors purchasing Australian property in 2014 is set to continue. While investment from overseas buyers may help stimulate the economy, we need to be mindful that we already have an undersupply in housing and there is no shortage in locals wanting to buy. Many foreign investors are buying off-the-plan developments in bulk, often purchasing up to five properties at a time. Debate over the number of properties bought by this group could reach a climax in mid-2015. Introducing boundaries, such as limiting the number of properties that an overseas investor can acquire, or requiring developers to sell a percentage of their stock to Australian residents, I believe, will help provide more opportunities for local buyers.
</li>
</ol>
Douglas Driscoll is CEO of real estate agency <a href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/" target="_blank">Starr Partners</a>.
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douglasdriscoll-EkfdEjJSsC

The five Sydney property market trends to watch this year: Douglas Driscoll

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Developers Sekisui House are attempting to tempt January buyers with a special summer offer, though the Sydney weather hasn't been too overheated of late.
The home builders are offering fully ducted air conditioning and $3,000 cash back for New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory homes from their Aurora, Blueprint and Arise collections.
To be eligible, buyers must have paid an initial proposal fee between 1 January and 31 January 2015, with the specifications of the air conditioning dependent on the type of house selected.
On offer is an Actron fully Ducted reverse cycle air‐conditioning system, including installation, 3 phase power (up to 6m underground electrical connection), external concrete pad and truss strengthening if required.
The offer includes 2 or 3 zones only depending on standard house type.
Once <a href="https://www.sekisuihouse.com.au/about-sekisui-house/promotions/promo/nsw-summer-offer" target="_blank">Sekisui House</a> has commenced construction on the new package, they'll give eligible buyers $3,000 cash back. The offer doesn't apply to house and land packages or homes with granny flats.
Sekisui House originated in Japan and has thus far invested $1.5 billion in their Australian ventures.
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Sekisui House seeks summer buyers with aircon deal

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Can I see a virtual show of hands for anyone who can remember bank interest rates at 16% in the 1990s?
Keep your hands up and can I see anyone who can remembers rates at 7% in the 2000s or all the way back in the 1970s?
Now can you put your hand up if you can remember a time besides present when they were at 4%?
As you can see, no one has ever experienced rates this low and from the look at long term fixed rates banks are offering well under 5%. They are going to stay this low for some time.
You see we live in a world that is debt ridden from tip to toe. This same world was filled with people that love to spend money they don’t have and the issue with spending money you don’t have means you are effectively bringing forward the things you are going to buy in the future to today. You are having Christmas today and paying for it tomorrow.
Unfortunately due to interest, the horrible thing you have to pay when you borrow, the banks will make money from these borrowers till the day they pay every penny back. This interest further increases their future expenditure problem, as they would have been able to spend this interest in the future. There goes another Christmas.
The winners in all this are the bank, home owners through excessive rises in property prices and the businesses who did well in the boom years, which was for nearly 20 years I might add.
The losers were people who spent beyond their means and took on personal debt, anyone who did not own property or investments and those who did not own a business in these boom years.
So what is the new world? 
The increase in debt has caused two major issues; firstly the world cannot afford high interest rates due to every 1% rise causing a major increase in the amount of interest we all need to pay each month.
Secondly, because we have too much debt and have been scared away from taking on more…we are not spending like we used to. This reduction in spending has already caused the world to stagger it’s way through a recession.
We do need to say thanks to the government for following our lead however and spending BIG to get us through it.
So in 2015, we are all debt ridden; governments, individuals and corporations to a certain extent.
Governments are the ones who are in control of interest rates. While they are still at the mercy of the economy, in reality all the governments around the world do not want interests rates to go up. The more interest they pay, the less they can spend. The less they can spend, the less votes they win and the less votes they win.
Without trying to sound pessimistic, as I believe the world will be very productive long-term, I do believe we are in for a long period of slow growth. Slow growth means slow employment and wage growth. If we are not earning more, we are not spending more.
On a side point however there is technology innovation happening on a grand scale. This brings opportunity to be more efficient and to drive a new round of expenditure but at cheaper prices.
For example, like we have seen in big TVs. I see the owners of smart innovative businesses will do very well in the coming years but due to capitalism the profits will stay with the owners of these businesses not the majority of the population, the worker themselves.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
So what does this mean for interest rates?
If we are in a low growth world, the government know that they need to keep rates low as long as possible and that is good news for home owners.
Investors of the past few years, saw this as an opportunity to take on more debt and have geared themselves up to the eye balls, some much wiser than others. This has pushed prices in the Sydney property market up 50% in the past five years, a ridiculous amount.
Will we ever see rates this low again?
The truth is we might. We might this year and we may next year.
When I was working in the UK in 2008, if someone had asked me if rates would still be zero effectively in 2014 I would have fell off my chair. The truth is they are today with no end in sight.
Where are they going to be in five years? The answer is no one knows but long-term interest rates do give you some insight in to what the world is thinking and that is staying low.
<a href="https://www.canopyprivate.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/image_thumb11.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20717" src="https://www.canopyprivate.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/image_thumb11.png" alt="image_thumb[11]" width="782" height="399"></a>
What should I do?
I see this an opportunity to pay your debt down as fast as possible for as long as possible on the home you live in. By paying less interest, you are freeing up more cash flow and your choice is either to spend or to save. I suggest you save.
For investment debt, you should be looking to build a buffer by saving. This will support you as much as possible when rates do finally rise and mean that you can consider further investing in the future.
The best way to save is to know exactly what you are going to spend each month and the biggest expense you have is likely to be your home loan or your kids. To protect yourself you may like to fix a portion for five years at under 5% – unheard of rates.
Secondly, banks know rates are going to stay low and are happy to suffer a little bit to their profits by offering even bigger discounts. The discounts we are seeing today at over 1.3% to small loans was a dream two years ago to home loan borrowing.
I cannot encourage borrowers enough to review their lending rates as i’m sure there are better rates out there.
There are plenty of options but I stress that just because rates are low it is not a reason to spend; it is an incentive to save or to invest wisely in to a business, property or shares.
Christopher Bates is a director at <a href="https://www.canopyprivate.com.au/" target="_blank">Canopy Private</a>.
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