Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

Joel Robinson

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

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]

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

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

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GUEST OBSERVATION
In the past few weeks, I have spoken to several people who all think that property prices never fall and will only plateau. 
One guy even convinced himself that house prices didn’t go down in the global financial crisis (GFC). 
Wow, memories are short lived and the power of current day marketing can sure twist and make people believe whatever they publish. 
It’s scary to think that people are so naïve to think property always goes up. Look at historical numbers, it’s not the case. In fact Google it and see for yourself. 
Now some may call me a 'doomsdayer', but nah, I’m a realist who has lived through two major price corrections in the property market, along with a few smaller ones too. 
I’m sure the owners and investors on the Gold Coast would agree with me. The GFC took a hard hit on this region, in particular places like Hope Island, with the median house price dropping 19% over four years. Yes that’s right, for four years the house prices keep reducing. Even today, they are still not back to 2009 levels. 
We all remember the huge unprecedented WA boom of 2005-2007. House prices in Wannanup (Port Bouvard) dropped 17% in two years. So think about it this way, your $60,000 house is now worth $500,000 two years later. 
But given that Sydney is immune to this, lets look at Caringbah (where I live). The median four bedroom houses in 2010 was $997,500 and then it went down to $884,500 in 2012.
Huh? No way, it can’t go down, Caringbah. In Sydney. Must be a misprint.
No – it did drop, and dropped by 11% in two years, only two years ago. 
Sure, prices have since jumped again and surpassed previous levels but there were many who realised that loss. Remember, the median can only be calculated by actual sales, meaning many in Caringbah sold cheap for those two years. 
We have been purchasing houses in Brisbane that were sold to investors in 2007 for $460,000 and seven years later we are picking them up for $360,000 – $375,000. That’s a lazy $100,000 loss plus stamp duty and legals and real estate sales commissions, so it’s more like $130,000. Or around a 22% drop in value. 
Units have a similar story. Don’t be the owner of a two bedroom unit in Crestwood NSW (near Canberra) as they have had negative growth for over three years totalling 16%. 
Now I can already hear some of you saying “well you only lose if you sell”. Well yes, if you like to sell it to yourself that way then that’s fine, but the value of your property has reduced. 
Let’s explain it in a different way – if you had $460,000 in a cash management account and then seven years later you only had $360,000 would you think about it the same way? I don’t think you would; the same way self-funded retirees don’t.
Now the figures I have quoted are on house sales or actual experiences and not the general median house price. The reason is because the general median house price is incorrect. I have<a href="https://www.wheregroup.com.au/the-median-measurement-is-misaligned/" target="_blank"> written this previously</a>.
Well, the winners of this huge upswing in houses prices, particularly Sydney property owners, are those who are selling or those who are taking advantage of higher valuations and using the equity to invest in more property. But not those home owners who sell and buy in the same market, they are virtually in the same place. 
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
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Those buying now in Sydney are nothing short of crazy in my opinion. Even if Sydney continues to rise a little more, all that means is the correction will hurt even more. Historically low interest rates and borrowing to your maximum borrowing level is suicide. Rates are going to go up at some stage. 
Now if you have been living in a cave lately and not up to date on whats going on in the Sydney/ Melbourne markets, let me explain.
List prices are set by real estate agents as the properties fairly true value. Negotiations generally take place from there, downwards. But of late, the list price is a starting guide to head upwards from. Auctions see the hammer falling far beyond the reserve price and by all accounts foreign investment is also driving prices above where they should be. 
Looking at that practically, when you pay more than retail, are you not buying your own future capital growth? 
In what world does that make sense? 
It seems I am not the only one here either. Bank of Queensland (BOQ) recently announced it is restricting all lending for Sydney and Melbourne securitized loans. All of the majors have tightened their belts in relation to investment lending and high LVR loans are more and more difficult to get approved. 
It would appear the hierarchy hob knobs are also getting a little nervous.
But it’s not the same picture in all capital cities, so here are my thoughts on each of them: 
<ul>
<li>Sydney – Don’t touch, not until interest rates are over 7% and prices drop dramatically. </li>
<li>Melbourne – Don’t touch, major oversupply issues in many markets. Not sure when it’s a good time to re-enter at this stage. </li>
<li>Adelaide – some good buys but yields are low.  </li>
<li>Hobart – some good buying, timing is right but stay to low purchase prices under $250,000.  </li>
<li>Darwin – sorry haven’t researched of late but never found anything worth while buying up there.  </li>
<li>Canberra – timing is right but be wary of oversupply issues in Gungahlin area.  </li>
<li>Perth – coming off the boil. Some opportunities will start to reveal themselves soon.  </li>
<li>Brisbane – Market is hitting full swing, still some good buying opportunities but you must be Johnny on the Spot and make quick decisions.</li>
</ul>
So be smart, don’t be a statistic! Do your numbers on a minimum 9% interest rates and if you can afford the mortgage at that level then you should be fairly safe to proceed. That is, of course, that your own personal circumstances don’t change in the future. 
And don’t kid yourself that interest rates wont go up. From late 2010 til early 2012 (18 months) they were over 7% and from early 2008 til early 2009 they were almost 9%. That’s twice in the last six years. 
Now, I know I am just barking and no-one is going to really pay attention to this… blah blah blah… but when I invest: 
<ul>
<li>I do my numbers at principle and interest at 9%. </li>
<li>Invest with an exit strategy in mind as you never know what life throws at you. </li>
<li>Always have rainy day money aside.</li>
</ul>
So I guess time will tell, one thing I know is, that I will be cashed up ready to pounce for when rates go up and Sydney house prices go down.
TODD HUNTER is buyer’s agent, director and location researcher for Sydney-based <a href="https://www.wheregroup.com.au/" target="_blank">wHeregroup</a>.
He reached a personal investment portfolio of 50 properties in 2006 and has also started building an SMSF portfolio.
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Time for a reality check: Property prices certainly can, and do, go down

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People keep lining up to win my coveted “misinformation of the year” award. New contenders have nominated themselves with the publication of a list that purports to name the 10 best places to buy for high yields.
This one is also in the running for “most humorous material masquerading as research”.
The funny thing about the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/australia-s-top-10-highest-yielding-house-suburbs-corelogic">10 best-yielding locations list</a>, published by CoreLogic RP Data, is that it’s almost identical to my “worst places to buy in Australia” list.
As part of the Price Predictor Index, which generally charts rising markets around the nation, I publish what I call The Dirty Dozen – the 12 worst places to buy. These are places where the market is in serious trouble, with sales activity falling, followed inevitably by price decline.
The Top 10 rental yields list from CoreLogic includes five of my Dirty Dozen. Four others listed as high yielding were serious Dirty Dozen contenders but narrowly missed the cut.
They’re all places with massive vacancies, falling rentals and declining markets. The only place on the Top 10 rental yields list worthy of consideration by investors is Broken Hill.
Number one on the Top 10 rental yields list was Miles in Queensland. This was a truly tragic choice because the property market in Miles is the biggest basket case in Australian real estate, bar none. One in three properties is vacant. Even Moranbah is doing better than this.
To suggest you can get a 9.8% rental yield in Miles is laughable. The rental yield for most landlords out there is zero. You can’t have a yield if you can’t find a tenant.
Here’s what I wrote in The Dirty Dozen: “The property market in Miles has been effectively destroyed (by developer oversupply). Vacancies are now 30% and the median house price has dropped 27% in the past 12 months. It now takes six months, and discounting around 20%, to sell a house. In the past five quarters, house sales in Miles have dropped from 24 to 15 to 12 to six to one.
“It’s little better in Chinchilla, where sales volumes have dropped from 78, to 51 to 40 to 27 to 19 in the past five consecutive quarters and the median house price is down 10%. The vacancy rate in Chinchilla is now 19%, according to SQM Research. Another market to vanish without trace is Wandoan, where there have been just two sales in 2014.”
Number two on the Top 10 high yields list was Newman in Western Australia. The vacancy rate in Newman is 11% and typical rents are now less than half their peak levels. Rental yields, previously in double digits, are now 5.3%, according to Australian Property Monitors – not the 9.8% quoted by CoreLogic.
Kambalda East came in at number three and Kambalda West was number eight. The two Kambaldas together have a vacancy rate a tick under 20%. Good luck achieving the 8.9% rental yield claimed by CoreLogic.
Queenstown in Tasmania was number four on the list. Here’s my report on Queenstown: “If there’s a more depressing town in Australia, or a more depressed property market, please tell me about it. This town in Tasmania’s wild west resembles the film set for a western movie, with tumbleweeds in the main street.
“The median house price ($90,000) says a lot. It’s been as low as $70,000 this year, which was lower than it was five years ago, having dropped an average of 3% per year since 2009. The typical house on the market takes seven months and discounting around 15% to sell. The vacancy rate is 17%, according to SQM Research. The mid-year closures of the Mt Lyell copper mine and the Henty gold mine, with the loss of hundreds of jobs, haven’t helped.
“Nearby towns Zeehan and Rosebery are equally depressed, with a vacancy rate around 25% in Zeehan. You can buy cottages for under $50,000, not that there’s a reason to.”
The Top 10 list also includes other seriously declining markets about which I have written recently, like South Hedland, Port Hedland and Karratha, which has recorded the biggest decline in prices in WA (down 40%), according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.
The problem with this kind of sloppy “research” is that it’s picked up by media and repeated as credible information. Local media has reported these locations as being as among the nation’s leading hotspots.
Anyone silly enough to act on the interference that these are good places to invest will end up, in many cases, without any yield at all.
You can contact Terry via  <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> or <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. 
Photo: Michael Sigrist/<a class="mw-mmv-license" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>.
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

The 'highest yielding suburbs' are almost identical to my 'worst places to buy in Australia' list

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The Bank of Queensland (BOQ), expects this month’s relocation of its national headquarters to 100 Skyring at Newstead’s Gasworks precinct will further support the organisation’s operational and cultural transformation.
BOQ has taken five floors at the $175 million, A-Grade, 12-storey building, which will be home to around 960 employees.
The bank has also secured the naming rights for100 Skyring.
The new headquarters at 100 Skyring has a five-floor atrium stair space.
Located within the new Gasworks precinct at Newstead which is home to Energex, Leighton Contractors, Bechtel, Virgin, AECOM, Macquarie Bank and Australian Agricultural Company, and will soon be home to the national headquarters of Tatts Group.
Charter Hall Regional Asset Manager, Belinda Kalinin said 100 Skyring offers improved amenity and campus-style opportunities on the Brisbane fringe which has major appeal for organisations looking to renew themselves in a contemporary and innovative business environment. 
“With easy access to the City Cat, City Glider, ferries, train stations and bike paths as well as retail, cafes, bars and shopping, the precinct offers a variety of quality choice in a vibrant location, only 1.7km from the CBD,” she added.
The building, which reached practical completion three months ahead of schedule in August  this year, has received a 5 Star Green Star – Office Design v3 rating, and is targeting a 4.5 Star NABERS Energy rating.
BOQ will be joined by fellow tenants including Redchip Lawyers and Konica Minolta, leaving over 35% or 8,000 square metres of contiguous office space available for lease on the top four levels of the building. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Five floor atrium stair space at BOQs new headquarters

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Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, chief executive and managing director of ASX listed developer Mirvac, took out the Private &amp; Corporate Award at the Telstra Australian Business Women's Awards.
But she wasn't the only housing sector boss to win at the awards. The other was Andrea Galloway, the chief executive of Evolve Housing, a community housing provider which has provided accommodation for 9,500 people who have experienced homelessness or housing stress.
Galloway received a joint award for Business Innovation. The award recognized Evolve Housing's "Journey Home" program, which supports the progression from social housing to supported home ownership via affordable housing and private rentals.
The program aims to help provide stability for communities, improving health and employment outcomes through the provision of secure housing.
"In leading a community housing provider and operating within a sector of uncertainty, one of my key roles is to constantly seek to elevate the needs and issues around homelessness and housing stress and the obstacles faced by not-for-profits in addressing these needs," said Galloway.
In her acceptance speech, she noted that over 105,000 Australians, including 16,000 children do not have a home.
"I passionately believe that everyone has a right to a home," she said.
She told the audience at the awards she had left home at the age of 16 due to personal circumstances and raised the systemic failures contributing to homelessness.
"The current system does not do enough to change the lives of people it does serve. We need an innovative system that provides people with a safety net when they need it.
"We need to give them a pathway to independence in cases where that is a realistic goal.
"This cannot be delivered by government alone, and requires strong partnerships to deliver outcomes around housing affordability, across the entire spectrum, whether it's relating to disability, social, affordable, or even shared equity arrangements."
Lloyd-Hurwitz has been the chief executive of Mirvac, where she is spearheading a growth strategy, since 2012. This year, Mirvac expects to release 2,700 apartments onto the market.
In her acceptance speech, Lloyd-Hurwitz likened careers to spiders' webs, rather than ladders: "Everybody here's got a different journey. You can go up it, round it, through it – down and up again. And there's plenty of room from others on the spider web, as opposed to the ladder."
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Two very different housing chiefs win at 2014 Telstra Australian Business Women's Awards

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Online Australian retailers are increasingly seeing the value of greeting their customers face-to-face, choosing to turn their hands to running bricks-and-mortar stores.
While bricks-and-mortar retailers are often urged to improve their online offerings, the likes of Groupon Australia and online <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/smartcompany-awards-2014/827-smartcompany-awards-2014/43755-7-hard-to-find" target="_blank">homewares boutique HardToFind</a> are using the Christmas period to experiment with physical pop-up shops.
Daily deals site Groupon Australia quietly opened its first Australian pop-up three weeks ago, offering shoppers in Surry Hills 70% off 20 products, which they can either purchase in store, or order online and pick up in person.
Groupon Australia chief executive Alistair Venn said this morning the retailer wanted to ensure the pop-up shop was “running perfectly” before officially launching the concept this week.
“It’s really ramping up now that we are fully into the Christmas period,” Venn says.
So far the feedback has been positive, with Venn saying Groupon is seeing both existing and new customers venturing in store. A spinning prize wheel, and special “Sydney pick up deals” on the Groupon website, offer extra incentives.
Venn says, of the Groupon customers that have purchased one of the 20 stocked products online, 47% have opted to “click and collect” – one of the most popular items to date is a 3 metre-wide deck umbrella – which is a “much higher ratio than we expected”.
“We foresee it will get even higher as we get closer to Christmas,” he says.
“The key is to provide customers with whatever solutions they need at the time they need them.”
Catering to Groupon customers who want to “click and collect” is the primary motivation for opening a physical store, says Venn, but introducing Groupon to new customers is also part of the strategy.
Venn says the concept will appeal to new customers who want to purchase physical goods from Groupon, as well as those who are interested in Groupon’s “experience” vouchers for things like holidays and beauty treatments.
Sydney is home to the largest share of Groupon’s four million members so it was an obvious choice for the site’s first physical store, says Venn. But the company is open to launching pop-up outlets in other cities during the festive season, as well as having a “physical presence all year round”.
“The peak of the benefit will still be in the peak season in the run up to Christmas,” he says.
Another online retailer trialling a Christmas pop-up shop is online homewares boutique HardToFind. The HardtoFind bricks-and-mortar store popped up at The Rocks in Sydney’s CBD last Thursday.
Erica Stewart, co-founder of HardToFind, said the shop has so far been embraced by Sydney shoppers.
“We’ve been open for one weekend and we had a steady flow of people through,” Stewart says.
“We had a lot of great comments about the products, lots of people took home the catalogues or shopped from the iPad stations we set up.”
The HardToFind pop-up shop is open between Thursday and Sunday for the next two weeks, with Stewart and co-founder <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/44120-diary-of-an-entrepreneur-how-trudi-jenkins-found-fashionable-success-with-hard-to-find">Trudi Jenkins</a> hoping to “make the most of weekend traffic and the market activity in the area”.
“For us it’s a way to bring the brand to life,” Stewart says of the decision to venture into bricks-and-mortar retailing.
“It’s the idea of new retail or showrooming, customers can come in and browse and then order in store. We have iPads in store and we printed out 5000 glossy catalogues for the pop-up store. All the products in store are listed in the catalogue so people can order products they have seen from the comfort of their own home.”
This is the first time HardToFind has experimented with a physical store and Stewart says if the pop-up shop is successful, the retailer will consider a more permanent physical presence. At the very least, Stewart says she “would love to roll [the pop-up shop] out to other states”.
While Stewart admits the shop’s fitout was “costly” because the HardToFind team “wanted to do a good job”, she says there are “great rental deals” to be found in Sydney at this time of the year thanks to an abundance of vacant storefronts.
“There is also a bit of a pop-up movement at The Rocks,” she says.
Like Groupon, HardToFind is also running promotions in conjunction with the pop-up shop, including offering shoppers free frozen yoghurt.
“Omni-channel is still a big buzz word in the ecommerce space, customers want something a bit different or experiential,” Stewart says.
“It’s about offering that little bit extra, something a bit different.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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ekeating-PWvazjYE25

Online retailers turn to Christmas pop-up shops in bid to cash in on “new retail”

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Legal services firm CBP Lawyers has signed a new lease to occupy the entire 35th floor of Waterfront Place at 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane.
The firm will be relocating to the 1,867 square metres of riverfront property on an eight and a half year lease.
CBP Lawyers, a law firm with a 110 year history and well established offices in Melbourne and Sydney, recently merged with Brisbane firm Hemming + Hart. 
The deal was negotiated by Amanda Foggo and Mark McCann of office leasing at Colliers International, in conjunction with colleague Chris Orr, director of tenant representation.
CBP'S lease for the entire 35th floor was on a deal struck between $825 per square metre and $850 per square metre with market incentives.
The landmark 40 storey office tower Waterfront Place has also attracted St. George Bank which will relocate to an 1,800 square metre office in 2015. 
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Brisbane's Waterfront Place attracts CBP Lawyers tenancy

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The boutique Italian designer retailer Maliparmi, has committed to a new lease in Melbourne CBD‘s prime fashion precinct in a deal negotiated by Savills Australia.
The 146 Little Collins Street lease comprises a ground floor retail area of 50 square metres leased on a three year term at circa $2,200 a square metre per annum net. 
Savills Australia retail director, Michael Di Carlo said the tenant had expanded its business to take on a CBD location following the success of its existing store in Malvern.
"Little Collins Street is now regarded as prime real estate for fashion and innovative creations which appeal to those looking for somewhat distinctive and diverse fashion products," Di Carlo said.
A private offshore investor paid $2.48 million for a 34 square-metre strata titled shop on Little Collins Street recently on a net yield of 3.9%. 
The shop was leased to British clothing brand Fred Perry till 2017.
It sold through Oliver Hay and Daniel Wolman of Colliers International.
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Maliparmi takes on Little Collins Street retail lease

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Melbourne based private developer the Keo Group has sold a seven level office and retail building in Melbourne’s CBD to a local investor for around $13.7 million on a 6.76% yield in a sale brokered by Savills Australia.
It was one of 20 CBD buildings Savills have sold since March 2014, for a total of more than $250 million
The developer, Mark Keo undertook a refurbishment of the building in 2010 and added an additional level on the rooftop of the 1912 building, known as the Melbourne Steamship Company building.
It is one of a few remaining examples of the  Edwardian Baroque commercial style.
The building comprises 564 square metres of retail space over three - basement, ground and mezzanine levels plus five floors of office totalling 1,224 square metres.
The 1788 square metre building was sold 98% leased to 11 tenants, with a fully leased net income of $926,117 per annum.
The building occupies a 361 square metre site zoned Capital City 1.
Savills’ Divisional Director, Nick Peden, who brokered the deal with head of city sales and investments, Clinton Baxter, said the marketing campaign for the 27-31 King Street property generated more than 100 recorded enquiries.
Baxter said the rate per square metre of building area of $7,656 was a very strong result.
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Keo Group net $13.7 million in Savills Melbourne sale

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Lend Lease has announced Italian food and wine emporium Mercato e Cucina will open at its Barangaroo South development. 
The 700 square metre store will open in early 2016. The store will be run by the brother and sister team Vanessa and Robert Martin, who made their reputation at their Gladesville outlet.
It will be on the new harbourside eat street precinct which will include Gelato Messina and Bourke Street Bakery.
Their genuine Italian hospitality serves up home-style ‘Nonna-worthy’ meals prepared by the head chef Vanessa Martin.
The venue will be inclusive of a panini bar, a walk through cellar, a fresh produce section, delicatessen, bakery and patisserie.
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Mercato e Cucina to open at Barangaroo South

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NAME: Robert da Silva<img src="/images/2014/12/03/Robert-da-Silva-profile.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Head of research, fixed income and alternatives
COMPANY: SQM Research
OFFICE LOCATION: Level 1, 9 Castlereagh Street Sydney
<ul>
<li>How long have you been in the industry?</li>
</ul>
I have been in the funds management industry since 1984, so 30 years.
<ul>
<li>What's happening in the area you specialise in?</li>
</ul>
Fixed income is my current focus - the challenge in that area for funds is how to protect the downside from interest rate rises (when they eventually come) and maintaining income distributions at reasonable levels in a low interest rate environment.
<ul>
<li>Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?</li>
</ul>
I haven't had a direct involvement in commercial property.
<ul>
<li>What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?</li>
</ul>
Extensive knowledge of the markets, keeping up to date on economic and market developments, attention to detail, an ability to communicate well and interact with clients/ fund managers.
<ul>
<li>What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?</li>
</ul>
Meeting and interacting with the best fund managers in the business, across a wide range of markets, asset classes and investment styles.
<ul>
<li>Where would you invest a spare $750,000?</li>
</ul>
Mainly in defensive assets, cash, absolute return fixed income, defensive alternatives that have some downside mitigation and a smattering of the riskier elements small cap stocks and emerging markets equities. Would keep an eye on commodities as well.
<ul>
<li>Which football team do you support?</li>
</ul>
South Sydney Rabbitohs
<ul>
<li>What's your favourite app or techno gadget?</li>
</ul>
The usual suspects from Apple - iPhone, iPad, iPod.
<ul>
<li>How do you use social media?</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://au.linkedin.com/pub/rob-da-silva/21/598/149" target="_blank">LinkedIn </a>for professional reasons, outside of that not really much of a user (yet).
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