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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Sydney pub patriarch Arthur Laundy has snapped up Noosa’s iconic Sheraton Spa and Resort on Hastings Street for around $110 million, partnering with the Sydney-based liquor king turned property investor Theo Karedis in acquiring the 176-suite resort.
Valad Property Group sold its ­Sheraton Noosa resort at one of the highest price per room rates achieved in Australia through McVay Real Estate.
Managing partner Sam McVay said the passing income of the property was about $6.6 million, putting the yield at about 6%, according to The Australian Financial Review. 
The reported price represents a rate of $615,000 per room. 
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The buying syndicate expects tourism on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is set to grow.
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Laundy and Karedis partner to buy Noosa Sheraton Spa and Resort

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What makes a shopping centre attractive?

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Kulangoor’s big cow has been officially handed over to new owners for the first time in 14 years.
The icon is among the 150 ‘BIG’ things scattered across Australia that make up some of the country's most loved attractions, from the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour to the big boxing crocodile at Humpty Doo.
The spotlight has been thrown on the Big Cow with its sale being confirmed earlier in the week.
ONE Agency Noosa principal Grant Baker said a successful marketing campaign was the driving force behind the sale.
“The team at ONE Agency Noosa has worked diligently to create an outcome where both buyers and sellers are happy,” Grant said.
The property was first designed as the Country World tourist attraction. It had a working dairy farm with Ayrshire cows. Visitors could learn firsthand how dairy farms were run.
The property was last sold in 2000 and was run as The Outdoor Centre for years. Owners then transformed it into the Nambour Regional Training Centre.
Since then the training centre has been leasing out its facilities to companies across Australia. Tenants include marines and mining and disability industries.  
Over the past 14 years the big cow has became synonymous with the property. Sculpted by Hugh Anderson, who also did the big bulls at Rockhampton, the big cow is an exact replica of an Ayrshire cow, only seven times bigger.
The big cow also became home to Sunshine Coast’s first sea and air rescue helicopter, with the old helipad on site.
The complex has 70 parking spaces and has easy access off and on the Bruce Highway. 
Picture: Stuart Edwards/<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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Queensland’s Big Cow icon sold after owners decide to moo-ve on

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GUEST OBSERVATION
People are pretty comfortable with the idea of residential property investment. 
Most people (I’m guessing) have lived in a house or a unit before; many have also rented them.  So it’s a known quantity and having a few houses in our portfolio makes us feel pretty good.
Now, maybe you’ve been to realestate.com.au on the odd occasion, and you’ve noticed the ‘commercial’ tab on the far right.  A quick search in your local area brings up a plethora of offices, retail shops, warehouses, hotels and even commercial farms, many with the words ‘outstanding opportunity’. 
So is commercial property investment something within the reach of all property investors?  How does it compare to investing in residential property?  Should you be looking to diversify into commercial? 
Well the attractiveness and suitability of any investment boils down to risk vs return.  So let’s compare the two asset classes:
<ul>
<li>Returns</li>
</ul>
Show me the money, as they say.  Here, commercial has the upper hand with returns usually around 6-8%, and sometimes significantly higher for the real 'unicorns'. Residential returns are a little lower at 4-5%, but as you’ll see, less risky and cheaper.
<ul>
<li>Vacancy</li>
</ul>
One of the biggest risks in property is the vacancy rate.  How long can you afford to make repayments and pay outgoings on a property receiving no income? 
Residential property has lower vacancy rates than commercial.  A house or unit may stand vacant for a few weeks before it’s rented, whereas a warehouse, a shop or an office might be vacant for months or years at a time. 
The commercial leasing sector tends to be more affected by the economic climate - they’ll lay off staff and consolidate space when times are tough, causing a contraction in demand for space, whereas individuals still need somewhere to live.  That tends to make the residential property sector a bit more stable.
<ul>
<li>Rental / Lease agreements</li>
</ul>
In the residential world, striking a deal with a tenant is pretty straightforward with much of the common terms (or boilerplate) outlined in a mandated Residential Tenancies Agreement.  All you need to consider are your variables like lease term, rental amount, bond, etc. 
In the commercial world, there’s no statutory authority to tell you how to reach agreement - it’s all up for negotiation (there are conventions though).  Commercial leases run to dozens of pages and include things like incentives paid by the lessor to put towards fit out, and make good clauses, specifying if and how the tenant should return the tenancy when they vacate.  You’ll need specialist property lawyers or a tenant advisor to help with this process.
<ul>
<li>Cost</li>
</ul>
Square metre for square metre, commercial real estate is often cheaper than residential property (unless you’re talking about CBD office space north of $700 a square metre per annum) but because you’re buying more square metres per property, commercial is usually dearer in real terms.  And you have outgoings such as electricity, security, and base building maintenance to consider, however these are passed on to the tenant in some way (net or gross lease). 
In commercial, it’s easier to pass on costs if utility prices climb, but harder to do so with residential property.
<ul>
<li>Maintenance</li>
</ul>
A dripping tap or faulty ceiling fan in a residential property is an annoyance to a tenant and something you should get fixed promptly to keep your tenant happy.  However in the commercial world, tenants tend to be more demanding, particularly if the fault or shortcoming is costing them money - for example the air conditioning breaking down in a shopping centre in summer. 
For this reason, you’ll need a professional property manager with agreements in place with services contractors like air conditioning technicians, plumbers, electricians, security contractors, and who knows the language of that world.
<ul>
<li>So which is better?</li>
</ul>
You may get sick of hearing me say this, but it really comes down to your personal financial strategy, your financial situation, and your appetite for risk &amp; return. 
Before investing in property or any asset class, know what you’re getting into, retain good advice and don’t overcommit yourself. 
For many investors, commercial property represents ‘the next level’ where the scale is greater, the sums are larger, and the returns are higher.
Owen Davis is the principal of <a href="https://dfgproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">DFG Property</a>, a full service property management, finance &amp; sales firm based in Sydney. 
Owen has over 15 years experience in property financing, real estate and property management.
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OwenDavis-dWJoq5LscE

Residential or commercial - which should I invest in?

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To achieve the first home owners grant there are a number of rules around how long you can live in a property, the type and value of the property and whether or not your partner owns property.
Usually, no one is eligible for the grant if they or their partner have received the grant before. They must also not have owned a property that they have lived in.
However, if you have owned an investment property then in some areas this may be a different story and you may still be eligible for the grant. In many cases, if you held interest in a commercial property investment then this does not affect your ability to obtain a grant either.
When we look at the below scenarios, usually the same applies for the applicants spouse as well.
<h3>ACT</h3>
In the ACT you must “not have previously owned or held a relevant interest in a residential property anywhere in Australia prior to 1 July 2000.”
You must also have not occupied a residential property in which you held a relevant interest on or after 1 July 2000 but before 1 January 2004, nor have occupied a property for a period of at least six months in which you acquired a relevant interest on or after 1 January 2004.
<h3>NSW</h3>
“You or your partner have not previously owned residential property in any form in any State or Territory of Australia.”
<h3>NT</h3>
You must not have owned residential property in Australia prior to 1 July 2000 and not have occupied a residential property in Australia that you or your spouse owned on or after 1 July 2000.
<h3>QLD</h3>
“You or your spouse has not previously owned property in Australia.”
<h3>SA</h3>
You and your partner must not have owned residential property jointly, separately or with some other person before  1 July 2000 anywhere in Australia. And you must not have lived in a property for a continuous period of six months in which you had an interested on or after 1 July 2000.
<h3>TAS</h3>
You must not have owned and occupied a property for more than six months after 1 July 2000.
<h3>WA</h3>
You cannot have owned property anywhere in Australia prior to 1 July 2000. You can not have owned property, and have lived in it, for six continuous months on or after  from 1 July 2000.
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If you buy an investment property, do you lose FHOG eligibility?

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<h3>GUEST OBSERVATION</h3>
Labor’s state election victory in Victoria has fatally undermined Melbourne’s most controversial tunnel, the now-doomed <a href="https://www.linkingmelbourne.vic.gov.au/east-west-link" target="_blank">East-West Link</a>, with new Premier Daniel Andrews pledging to rip up the contracts for the project.
His decision is a victory for anyone who values 21st-century urban thinking over the outdated car-first mentality.
It’s also a financial relief, because – as the project’s back story shows – the East-West Link was always more about politics than economics.
<h3>Courting cars</h3>
For many years, the only groups calling for a tunnel to link Melbourne’s Eastern and Citylink freeways were the <a href="https://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/racv/Internet/Primary/home" target="_blank">RAC of Victoria</a> and <a href="https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">VicRoads</a>. The problem was that the tunnel never made economic sense when it was just a freight project, yet most attention in the transport planning system was on public transport, where demand was growing rapidly. The East-West tunnel needed a large dose of cars to justify it.
Enter Tony Abbott, who <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2013/tollfree-eastwest-link-preferable-tony-abbott-20130902-2t0ff" target="_blank">pledged A$1.5 billion</a> before last year’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/federal-election-2013">federal election</a> for the East-West plan, arguing that Australians love their cars and public transport was not in his federal knitting.
The East-West project grew in concept and soon became a massive capital cost, with the price tag for the whole plan, including the western extension to Melbourne’s port, threatening to <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/state-budget-2014-major-road-and-rail-projects-worth-24b-to-transform-melbourne-20140506-zr5mj">hit A$10 billion</a> and swamp the transport budget.
Meanwhile, in the waning days of the first <a href="https://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au" target="_blank">Infrastructure Australia</a> (on which I was privileged to serve for four years), it became obvious that the East-West tunnel and Sydney’s <a href="https://www.westconnex.com.au" target="_blank">WestConnex</a> would never be subject to the scrutiny of our process. They were to be seen as purely political projects and the case for their going ahead would depend on their popularity, not on value for money.
<h3>Why tunnelling Melbourne was a bad idea</h3>
The old shibboleth that building roads is vital for improving the economy is no longer true. Economic growth has divorced itself from car dependence (my new book with <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jeff-kenworthy-15708" target="_blank">Jeff Kenworthy</a>, <a href="https://www.bibliovault.org/BV.book.epl?ISBN=9781610914635" target="_blank">The End of Automobile Dependence</a>, traces the fall of the empire of car-based planning).
Growth in the Victorian and Australian economies now depends on the growth in “knowledge economy” jobs. These jobs at the creative, productive, innovative edge of our economy are now firmly enmeshed in the dense centres of our cities.
As the US urban economists Ed Glaeser and Richard Florida have <a href="https://blog.ted.com/2012/02/29/cities-ed-glaeser-at-ted2012" target="_blank">shown</a>, the knowledge economy depends on close interactions between creative people and those who can deliver projects. This work requires intensive spaces in cities, which in turn need intensive modes of transport to enable them. This means that rail, cycling and walking are critical to the knowledge economy. Although heavily into digital communications, knowledge economy workers need face-to-face contact and are now shifting back into central and inner city locations to optimise this process.
In contrast, cars and trucks are dispersive modes of transport, and are needed for the consumption economy. These jobs are important too, but are essentially based in the dispersed spaces of the suburbs. These jobs are not the ones we are seeking as much as those in the knowledge economy, because they do not drive productivity growth as effectively.
It is no wonder that around the world, we are seeing <a href="https://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=38472#.VH1FI2SUdgA" target="_parent">declining car use per capita and growing public transport use</a>, as well as a widespread return to formerly neglected inner cities.
The six most walkable US cities have <a href="https://urbanful.org/2014/06/20/walkable-cities/" target="_blank">38% higher gross domestic product than the national average</a>. Cities now compete on new measures such as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/opinion/sunday/now-coveted-a-walkable-convenient-place?_r=0" target="_blank">walkability</a> and <a href="https://www.livablecities.org/blog/value-rankings-and-meaning-livability" target="_blank">livability</a>. Governments everywhere are aiming to build quality rail projects and make city centres more human in scale. Even <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberras-780m-light-rail-line-gets-final-go-ahead-business-case-to-be-released-20140915-10gzr3">Canberra</a> and <a href="https://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/work/business_in_parramatta/strategy/solving_transport_problems/light_rail_for_western_sydney">Paramatta</a> are joining in, as they work out how to build light rail.
Melbourne has one of the most attractive city centres in the world for knowledge economy jobs. It needs to ensure that this is not lost by tipping more cars into its walkable centre. Instead it needs to encourage commuting by rail, bike and on foot.
<h3>Change in the air</h3>
Victoria’s people have now spoken. The East-West Link will be scrapped, and should be replaced by more sensible transport planning. Melbourne does need to improve east-west access for people and freight, but it should not be beyond us to find some solutions that do not break the bank.
Clearly there are plans for upgrading rail access through several proposed rail projects, including the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-19/melbourne-rail-a-better-deal-than-east-west-toll-planners-say/5902268" target="_blank">original Melbourne Metro plan</a>, and the <a href="https://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20docs/Melbourne-Airport/Melbourne-Airport-Rail-Link-Study-Overview.pdf" target="_parent">Airport Rail Link</a>. <a href="https://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/rail-projects/doncaster-rail-study" target="_blank">Doncaster Rail</a> should remain on the table, hopefully not for another 100 years, as it is a simple and direct way to move passengers east-west.
The freight system seems to be amenable to much simpler concepts than the East-West Tunnel, like those <a href="https://habitattrustmelbourne.org.au" target="_blank">presented by the Habitat Trust</a>, using several inland rail interchange facilities.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.thefifthestate.com.au/spinifex/bays-precinct-five-principles-emerge-from-summit/69895">same principles</a> should lead New South Wales to modify the Connex West project, especially where it spills traffic into Sydney’s central and inner areas. Such traffic “solutions” actually harm the economy of inner urban areas, burying investment opportunities under bitumen for parking and road-widening, and congesting areas that already have too many cars.
The public can sense that we have to update the way we travel and how we build cities so they are not car-dependent. The road-building brigade needs to take a deep breath and see that their plans are old-fashioned. Perhaps the legacy of the East-West Tunnel will be that such projects will never again be foisted on the Australian public.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/34914/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Peter Newman is professor of sustainability at Curtin University.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
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The East-West Link is dead – a victory for 21st-century thinking

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It’s not just the first time buyers who are eligible for government grants and assistance for purchasing property.
While prospective home owners that have previously owned a property will find themselves needing to jump through more hurdles, there are some available cash grants on the market.
Property Observer notes that not every state and territory has a grant or benefit for property buyers other than first home buyers and they have been omitted where this is the case.
<h3>ACT</h3>
In the ACT, there’s no grant but there is a concession available – the Home Buyer Concession Scheme (HBCS) – that allows those purchasing a brand new home or residential vacant land to have their duty charged at a concessional rate. This was once extended to established properties, but this ended in September 2012.
Currently, this applies to properties until 31 December 2014 with a total gross income threshold of $160,000. The property also counts if it has been “substantially renovated”.
The <a href="https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/home-buyer-assistance/home-buyer-duty-concession/1-July-2014-31-December-2014" target="_blank">ACT Revenue Office</a> also notes that property worth $540,000 or more is not eligible, with land having an upper threshold limit of $292,800.
<h3>NSW</h3>
The New South Wales New Home Grant Scheme is a $5,000 grant that has been available since 1 July 2012.
It applies to new homes, off the plan purchases and vacant land that you can build a home on.
The value of the new home must not be higher than $650,000, or for land, $450,000, to achieve the grant. 
<h3>NT</h3>
Up to $7,000 is available under the Principal Place of Residence Rebate in the Northern Territory. The concession is a stamp duty rebate.
This is only achievable by those purchasing a new home or land to build a home and the property can also have been “substantially renovated”.
<h3>SA</h3>
In South Australia, buyers aged 60 or more who are purchasing or building a new home may be eligible for an $8,500 Seniors Housing Grant. This has been available since 1 July 2014 and is set to continue until 30 June 2016.
A property value upper threshold limit is currently at $450,000.
For those not in their golden years, an Off the plan Stamp Duty Concession is potentially available for those buying a new or substantially refurbished apartment within select areas.  
The partial concession is available until 30 June 2016. You can read the amounts available on the <a href="https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/grants-and-concessions/off-the-plan-concesson" target="_blank">RevenueSA portal.</a>
<h3>VIC</h3>
In Victoria, those purchasing off the plan are eligible for a concession that is deducted from the contract price of the cost of construction or refurbishment.
A concession is also available for those buying house and land packages for the construction of a new house, townhouse, apartment or unit and applies to a single lot development or a multi lot development.
Pensioners are <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/sro/sronav.nsf/LinkView/8F5F78F86966B677CA2575D0002A87C518E490D796850F8ECA2575C1008187C7" target="_blank">also available for a stamp duty concession</a>.
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Grants for non first timers: Buying new property

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The number of sales listings across the country was steady over the month of November, according to SQM Research.
Overall, the number of unsold properties has decreased by 1.4% year on year and is at a 0% change over the month. In total, there were 363,853 properties on the market in November, compared to 369,057 in the same month last year.
The most significant yearly changes were in Perth, where listings are up 25.9%, and Perth, up 14.7%.
The large figure for Darwin is attributed to the drop in the commodities boom.
In Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra the drops are strongest, at 8.2%, 8.1% and 6.9% respectively.
Over the month, minor changes were recorded in every capital city, with Perth's 2.6% increase the biggest change.
<a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">SQM Research</a>’s Louis Christopher said is the direction that Perth has taken recently given the downturn in mining, but that Sydney is performing in the opposite direction.
Sydney’s result, said Christopher, is the result of an ongoing strong sales market.
“Overall the east coast market remains strong. We do not believe that the market is slowing down at this stage,” he said.
“This most recent data suggest that while there was a surge in listings in October that quite a lot of that stock was absorbed and sold. In the resources exposed towns such as Perth and Darwin, we think the downturn continues.” 
<img src="/images/2014/12/02/sqm%20dec%203%20one.png" alt="">
Source: SQM Research
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No slowing of the east coast market: SQM Research

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With the Reserve Bank leaving rates on hold for all of 2014, 1300HomeLoan’s managing director John Kolenda says that we can expect them to stay low into 2015.
The last 15 consecutive meetings have resulted in no change to the current record low rate of 2.50%, Kolenda says we can expect this period of stasis to last until “well into” next year.
However, will they drop even further off an already low base?
“I’m sure we’ll see official rates kept at the current level for the foreseeable future with the possibility of the RBA taking its cash rate down if the domestic economy continues to under-perform,” Kolenda said.
“The RBA still has plenty of room to play with and if unemployment remains high and consumer and business sentiment subdued going into the New Year then we may see further easing,” he said.
For a rate cut to happen, Kolenda points to the necessity for an uptick in economic conditions. He said that a weaker Australian dollar also reduces the chance of an uptick.
He’s not the only one who thinks another cut is a potential outcome.
Australian Property Monitors’ <a href="/expert-insights/finance/domain-groups-andrew-wilson-predicts-rba-will-cut-rates-further">Andrew Wilson has noted the chance for one more rate cut</a> in the past two months of Finder’s Reserve Bank Survey, and this month he was <a href="/expert-insights/finance/three-experts-tip-interest-rates-to-fall-further-finder-rba-survey">also joined by Market Economics’ Stephen Koukoulas and David Scutt from Scutt Partners</a> in expecting this outcome.
And <a href="/expert-insights/finance/deutsche-bank-tips-two-rate-cuts-in-2015-as-house-price-growth-eases">Deutsche Bank economists believe that the RBA are actually set to drop by 0.5% of cuts</a> in 2015 to a historic low of 2%.
{mijopolls 67}
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Will interest rates fall further in 2015?

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The Lubelso range of homes are architecturally designed turnkey projects, fully built and fit out by Canny Group.
This year, the group has delivered the first home in the <a href="https://www.lubelso.com.au/" target="_blank">Lubelso</a> range for under $1 million, Lubelso Hawthorn. The home is based on the Malvern Lubelso home, which in 2013 was named the HIA Australian Project Home of the Year.
Property Observer visited the Lubelso Hawthorn concept home to speak to Canny Group managing director Damian Canny, design practice manager Michael Stelluto and interior designer Miffy English.
{qtube vid:=5I_zeCWJWIo}
Canny Group deliver the fully finished home – all the way down to the clothes line, intercom, integrated fridge and alarm systems – for $990,000.
The contemporary home has an expansive open plan living and dining area, a home office and powder room downstairs, with the master bedroom and smaller bedrooms on the upper level. With a neutral Scandinavian-inspired palette, the house doesn't impose a particular strong interior aesthetic on the client – important for pre-designed homes intended for a range of buyers.
The home's family-friendly appeal is evident in the details, like its arrival area, full height cabinetry and clean finishes.
According to Canny, the Group introduced the product to this year to meet demand amid low interest rates and strong activity in the housing market.
"In 2012 we identified a market gap for architecturally designed luxury homes in the sub-$1m bracket, so we refined our existing award-winning home model in Malvern to produce a home with the same exterior look, smart design and luxurious elements, to fit a slightly smaller standard block," said Canny.
The house now fits on a 13.5 metre wide block. Canny also offers pre-designed extensions and integrated pools for an additional cost.
The fully integrated pre-designed Lubelso product may suit those those who don't have the time or resources to manage a custom architectural design and construction process.
"For many people it can be a daunting process to contemplate a full design and build. There will always be a market for individual custom designed homes, but pre-designed homes that offer this same quality but with improved value and delivery timeframes are becoming an attractive alternative option – Lubelso makes this process easy," Canny said.
This year, Canny Group launched its in-house architecture practice, Canny Architecture, led by Stelluto. He said the move expanded the construction and development company's existing design services.
"Establishing a formal, registered architecture practice within the business takes this to the next level and strengthens our commitment to a fully integrated offering," said Stelluto.
According to Canny Group, having an internal architecture practice allows the Group to deliver projects within shorter time frames, tighter budgets and greater certainty for the client.
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