Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

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.

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

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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A 350 square metre office in Hawthorn will be leased to information technology company WhiteGold Solutions.
The office space at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-hawthorn-501029535" target="_blank">443 Auburn Road</a> is owned by a private investor, with the lease negotiated by JLL director of Office Leasing Michael Simonds and Leasing Executive Shane Keogh.
The fully fitted out office has a five year lease term. JLL also negotiated the lease for vacating BluePrint Group, who moved to larger premises at 192 Burwood Road, Hawthorn.
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WhiteGold Solutions finds home in Hawthorn

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Peter Rhodes, the managing director of Reed Midem UK, is in Sydney this week to seek Australian interest in the 2015 MIPIM Japan exhibition.
Reed Midem, which has run the highly successful MIPIM Cannes exhibition for 25 years, says the Japanese government sought out the group to inaugurate the real estate forum for property leaders and finance professionals from all asset classes to explore opportunities in Japan and identify potential investment sources.
He says the timing of <a href="https://www.mipimjapan.jp" target="_blank">MIPIM Japan</a> coincided with nascent signs of renewed interest in ventures between Japanese and Australian partners after a dormant decade or so.
Recently EG Funds Management inked a $300 million partnership deal with Japan's largest home builder, Daiwa House, to redevelop the former Allied Mills site at Summer Hill.
He noted Japan investment abroad has jumped up from US$763 million in 2010 to US$3,118 million in 2013.
Ad despite the recession Tokyo stands as the first city targeted for property investment in Asia Pacific and ranks fourth in the world in 2014
"With over €4 billion inbound international property investment in 2013, Japan ranked 6th in the world," <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=37310297&amp;authType=NAME_SEARCH&amp;authToken=YcTb&amp;locale=en_US&amp;srchid=1644771001416977125970&amp;srchindex=1&amp;srchtotal=158&amp;trk=vsrp_people_res_name&amp;trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A1644771001416977125970%2CVSRPtargetId%3A37310297%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary" target="_blank">Peter Rhodes</a> said.
"For 2020 Olympics €4 billion investment in infrastructure and venues are expected, and the government aims for doubling the yearly number of foreign tourists to 20 million visitors," he said.
Exhibitors would gain visibility and recognition for real estate projects and identify potential Japanese partners and investment sources.
"This is the first real estate forum for Japanese and global leaders, joining together property and finance professionals from all asset classes – office, retail, infrastructure, leisure, residential - enabling Japanese real estate professionals to share their projects and know-how with the world and international stakeholders to source capital or new opportunities in Japan," the website for MIPIM Japan reads.
Some of the Japanese players who will be showcased include:
<ul>
<li>Mitsui Fudosan</li>
<li>Mitsubishi estate</li>
<li>Sumimoto Realty &amp; Development</li>
<li>Mori Building</li>
<li>Nomura real estate</li>
<li>Tokyo Tatemono</li>
<li>Tokyu Fudosan</li>
<li>Odakyu Electric Railway</li>
<li>Seibu Properties</li>
<li>NTT Urban Development</li>
<li>NTT Facilities</li>
<li>Sankei Building</li>
<li>Orix Real Estate</li>
<li>
Other local authorities and associations including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. 
</li>
</ul>
The Olympics will be a major theme given the proximity to the 2020 event.
Ken Livingstone, the former Mayor of London (2000-2008), and key protagonist in the success of the nomination of London for the 2012 Olympics will be among the speakers at the May 20-21 event.
Hiromichi Iwasa, the chairman of Mitsui Fudosan and chairman of the Association for Real Estate Securization Chairman of the Real Estate Companies Association of Japan will also speak at the forum.
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Japan MIPIM 2015 exhibition roadshow hits Sydney

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NAME: Ben Pomroy<img src="/images/2014/11/26/punroy-nov-26-proifle.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
POSITION: Principal
COMPANY: Rothelowman
OFFICE LOCATION: Level 2, 171 William Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 
How long have you been in the industry?
16 years
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
Historically disparate development types – residential apartments and neighbourhood retail developments are co-locating within single development sites, creating high intensity mixed-use developments in outer urban areas. These development types come from traditionally disparate funding and delivery models, so combining them brings a unique set of design and delivery challenges. Describe the most interesting commercial property you have worked on?
I have always been interested in adaptive reuse projects, working on several adaptions from small to large scale. A conversion I designed, of an old fish processing facility into residential apartments in the inner city, is a favourite. The old building opened up all kinds of unique and interesting challenges, from its triangular site plan that tapered down to a 800mm wide point, to using the tight proximity of surrounding neighbours to generate an architectural form. Needless to say, the conversion was positively received by the neighbours with the removal of processing waste from the area.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
To take an idea from its early conception, through to construction demands the architect to be passionate advocate for the project throughout its life. This responsibility is a great opportunity that needs to be embraced by any architect to be successful.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
The moment working with a client when the idea comes together, the “aha” when the lines of the paper crystalise to form the future building.
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?
In property I would be looking at fringe areas to the Parramatta CBD for what are still good value sites. On the north side of Sydney, the Northern Beaches still has opportunities in this price range.
Which football team do you support?
My early years were in QLD, so the Brisbane Broncos.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
Favourite app is Paper by 53.
How do you use social media?
Each media platform has its own specific use and audience. I like using Twitter as a place to research and test new design issues and agendas. Condensing an idea down to 140 characters hones an ability to clearly articulate design concepts to wider audiences than just other design professionals.
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In profile: Rothelowman principal, Ben Pomroy

Retail rents on Sydney&rsquo;s Pitt Street Mall ranked as the fifth highest in the world in 2014, up from eighth most expensive the year before, a report from Cushman and Wakefield has found.

The report, Main Streets Across the World 2014/15,&nbsp;showed retail rents on the premier shopping strip grew by 25% over the year.

Pitt Street&#39;s increase was the second largest in the Asia-Pacific region after rents for retail space in Beijing&#39;s CBD, which rose by 26.4%.

In San Fransisco&#39;s Union Square, retail rents soared 30%, while in Istanbul&#39;s Istiklal Street, shop rents increased by 27.3%.

The report attributed the rapid growth of rents on Pitt Street Mall to international retailers signing new leases and taking up larger space through the amalgamation of smaller stores, which reduced the supply of space.

It noted there was a global trend for major retail brands to experiment with design, layout, content and services in their flagship stores. This was expected to remain a key factor influencing growth in major retail centres in the coming year.

Market activity was expected to improve in the next 12 months, despite uncertain economic outlooks for parts of the world.

&ldquo;Premier shopping locations will remain in high demand as retailers are keen to establish a presence and raise their brand profile, but supply as ever will remain tight,&rdquo; the report noted.

The world&rsquo;s most costly retail space was along New York&#39;s Upper 5th Avenue, where rents were US$3,500 per square foot per year.

Hong Kong&rsquo;s Causeway Bay shopping district, the Champs Elysees in Paris and London&#39;s New Bond Street ranked second, third and fourth, respectively.

Rents on Pitt Street Mall cost US$1,016 per square foot, the report found, making retail space along the mall more costly than prime shopping areas in Milan&#39;s Via Montenapoleone and Tokyo&#39;s Ginza district.

Retail rent rises in Australia were confined mainly to Pitt Street Mall and high performing regional shopping centres, where rents rose by 7.8% to A$2,200 per square metre per year, the report found

Landlords of premises in other prime retail strips in Australia have not shared the fortunes of Pitt Street Mall. No rental growth was reported for shops on Rundle Mall in Adelaide, Queen Street Mall in Brisbane, Bourke Street in Melbourne or in Perth&#39;s CBD.

Retail rents along Sydney&rsquo;s Oxford Street continued to lag. Cushman and Wakefield&rsquo;s report showed the cost to rent on the once-fashionable retail strip was A$1,050 per square metre per year, compared with A$12,500 per square metre per year on Pitt Street Mall.

The top 10 most expensive retail locations in each country:

Rent price is per square foot per year.&nbsp;Change in rental rates is compared to 2013 rates

<ol>
	<li>USA, New York, Upper Fifth Avenue 
	 
	Rent price: US$3,500 
	Change in rental rates: +13.3% 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Hong Kong, Causeway Bay 
	 
	Rent Price: US$2,735 
	Change in rental rates: -6.8%&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>France, Paris, Avenue des Champs Elysees 
	 
	Rent price: US$1,556 
	Change in rental rates: 0.0 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>UK, London, New Bond Street 
	 
	Rent Price: US$1,216 
	Change in rental rates: +4.2% 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Australia, Sydney, Pitt Street Mall 
	 
	Rent price: US$1,016 
	Change in rental rates: +25% 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Italy, Milan,&nbsp; Via Montenapoleone 
	 
	Rent price: US$998 
	Change in rental rates: +13.3% 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Japan, Tokyo, Ginza 
	 
	Rent price: US$953 
	Change in rental rates: +6.9% 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>South Korea, Seoul, Myeongdong 
	 
	Rent price: US$932 
	Change in rental rates: +17.6% 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Switzerland, Zurich, Bahnhofstrasse 
	 
	Rent price: US$875 
	Change in rental rates: +1.1% 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Russia, Moscow, Stoleshnikov 
	 
	Rental price: US$557&nbsp; 
	Change in rental rates: +20%</li>
</ol>

Source: Cushman and Wakefield.&nbsp;

Picture courtesy of &nbsp;<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Mw12310&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" title="User:Mw12310 (page does not exist)">Mw12310</a>/&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>.

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Sydney's Pitt Street Mall ranked among the world's most expensive retail rental locations

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Raine &amp; Horne Commercial South Sydney/Marrickville has sold two Commonwealth Bank (CBA) branch premises at auction.
A private investor, Ausjo Holdings Pty Limited, secured 202-204 Beamish Street, Campsie (pictured above) for $6.9 million. The building is located on Campsie’s main retail strip, near Campsie Station and Campsie Centre. The property is 100 square metres and has a current rental price is $410,000 per annum.
Luke Smith, director of Raine and Horne Commercial South Sydney/Marrickville, says the sale is a strong result considering the current lease term to the CBA had approximately 12 months remaining.
“We fielded over 300 enquiries during the marketing campaign for this property, and at $6,900,000, this sale represents an approximate net return of 5.9%.”
A private investors syndicate secured 118 Argyle Street, Camden (pictured below) for $6.3 million.
<img src="/images/2014/11/26/camden-nov-26-one.jpg" alt="">
The commercial building is 646 square metres, is two storeys and has the capacity to house five tenants. The CBA has no intentions of moving from the first floor, according to Raine and Horne selling agent, Rebecca Saab.
“The ground floor of 118 Argyle Street, Camden will remain leased to the CBA, while the building has the added bonus of two Telstra tower leases which generate an additional $46,000 per annum in addition to the current net rental of $445,810 per annum,” said Saab.
Smith describes both properties as blue chip opportunities.
Raine and Horne Commercial South Sydney/Marrickville sold an additional four properties sold at the auction.
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Investors bank on CBA branches as Raine & Horne sells two at auction

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The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has nominated over 50 finalists in their Awards for Excellence, with winners to be named at a gala event on 5 February at Brisbane City Hall.
Winners from the individual and agency categories will advance through to the National Awards for Excellence, to be held in Perth next year.
REIQ CEO, Antonia Mercorella said: “This year’s finalists are drawn from Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Hervey Bay and Townsville, with entries coming from right across the state.”
“They’re being recognised not only for their exceptional achievements but also for their commitment to integrity in the profession.”
Finalists for the 2015 REIQ Auctioneer of the Year and the Best Real Estate Report wil be announced in the coming weeks.
Below is the full list of finalists:
Large Residential Agency of the Year
• Calibre Real Estate, Red Hill, Brisbane
• Place Estate Agents, Brisbane
• Dowling and Neylan, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
• Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
• Amber Werchon Property, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Medium Residential Agency of the Year
• Denovans Real Estate, Mitchelton, Brisbane
• Bowmaker Realty, Northlakes, Brisbane
• Brad Bell Real Estate, Wishart, Brisbane
• Jeff Jones Real Estate, Stones Corner, Brisbane
• Explore Property, Townsville
Small Residential Agency of the Year
• Dixon Family Estate Agents, Toowong, Brisbane
• Urban Property Agents, Paddington, Brisbane
• MTR Property Group, Forest Lake, Brisbane
• Property Pursuit Pty Ltd, Paddington, Brisbane
• Jam Property, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
Commercial Agency of the Year
• Place Projects Pty Ltd
• CBRE
• Century 21 Commercial Hervey Bay
Residential Salesperson of the Year
• Cameron Crouch, Ray White Graceville, Brisbane
• Shannon Harvey, Place Estate Agents, Bulimba, Brisbane
• Brett Andreassen, Doug Disher Real Estate, Toowong, Brisbane
• Daniel Argent, Urban Property Agents, Paddington, Brisbane
• Anne Fidler, Belle Property, Paddington, Brisbane
• Jodie Hedley-Ward, Next Property Group, Buderim, Sunshine Coast
• Mark McGill, Amber Werchon Property, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
• Robbie Neller, Ray White Peregian, Peregian Beach, Sunshine Coast
• Melanie Butcher, Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
• Damien Keyes, Keyes &amp; Co. Property, Townsville
Residential Property Manager of the Year
• Sarah McMillen, Bees Nees City Realty, South Brisbane
• Ranita Patel, Urban Property Agents, Paddington, Brisbane
• Katie Knight, RE/Max Success, Toowoomba
• Loretta Morgan, Jam Property, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
• Maaike Hillegers, Dowling Neylan, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
Business Broker of the Year
• Ian Salter, Benchmark Business &amp; Commercial Sales, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast
• Lincoln Bridge, Benchmark Business &amp; Commercial Sales, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast
Commercial Salesperson of the Year
• Peter Court, CBRE, Brisbane
Commercial Property Manager of the Year
• Lauren Battams, NAI Harcourts Gold Coast, Hope Island
• Julie Magennis, CBRE, Brisbane
Buyers’ Agent of the Year
• Zoran Solano, Hot Property Specialists Buyers Agency, East Brisbane
• Simon Pressley, Propertyology, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
• Karen Young, Property Zest, Chermside West, Brisbane
• Tony Coughran, VFM Property Advisors, Paradise Point, Gold Coast
Corporate Support Person of the Year
• Melitta McDonald, Propertyology, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
• Amy Wolter, Place Estate Agents, East Brisbane, Brisbane
• Kathy Cuthbert, Place Projects Pty Ltd, East Brisbane
• Greg Tate, Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Brisbane Southside, Rocklea, Brisbane
• Penny Choyce, Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
Rookie of the Year
• Nathaniel Smith, Bees Nees City Realty, South Brisbane
• Susan Brant, Amber Werchon Property, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
• Andrew Birkett, NAI Harcourts Gold Coast, Hope Island
Community Service Award
• Harcourts Queensland, Eagle Farm, Brisbane
• LJ Hooker Nerang, Gold Coast
• LJ Hooker Ormeau, Gold Coast
• Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
• Matthew Mandl, Virgo Patterson Realty, Hermit Park, Townsville
Source: REIQ.
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REIQ's Awards for Excellence 2015 finalists announced

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The real estate information provider RP Data has been rebranded as CoreLogic.
The CoreLogic president, Anand Nallathambi, says the Australian business was the “cornerstone” of the US-based company’s strategy to extend services across Asia-Pacific.
CoreLogic Asia CEO Graham Mirabito, who has been increasingly visiting China, said they now take on the brand name of the largest property data and analytics provider in the world.
The RP Data name will be retained as a product brand for its residential property system used by 120,000 finance and property professionals. However, their new website will be hosted at corelogic.com.au.
CoreLogic took a 40% equity interest in RP Data in 2006, floating the combined entity at the end of the year. In 2011 CoreLogic took full ownership.
Formerly, the information solutions group of The First American Corporation, CoreLogic began trading under the ticker CLGX on the NYSE on June 2, 2010.
The company, headquartered in Santa Ana, California, has more than 10,000 employees globally.
Its consolidated operating revenues were US$1,330.6 million (A$1,557 million) for the year ended 31 December, 2013, an increase of US$95.2 million (A$111 million), or 7.7%, when compared to 2012. 
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RP Data rebranded as CoreLogic in Asia-Pacific push

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News Corp has paid US$30 million (A$35 million) for a 25% stake in the parent company of an Indian real estate website.
The PropTiger.com purchase expands News Corp's considerable real estate investments. Their portfolio includes a 61.6% stake in REA Group, the operator of realestate.com.au, Move, which operates the US based realtor.com, and South East Asian iProperty.
PropTiger.com offers both real estate listings and advisory services. About 10,000 Indian properties in 12 cities have been sold through the site since it launched in 2011. It has employees in eight cities.
News Corp now owns a quarter-stake in Elara, the digital venture's parent company.
News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson says the company is "extremely enthusiastic about the potential for PropTiger.com" as India "fulfills its digital destiny".
"PropTiger.com will provide analysis, information and insight so that Indians will be better informed when they make the most significant investment decision any family will make, buying a home," said Thomson in a statement.
PropTiger.com also partners with developers to market their properties to clients. The site claims they carry out "extensive due diligence and research on each of our developer partners to check for any irregular practices on their part".
"We make constant efforts to ensure that our clients are not being exposed to any kind of risks," the website states.
News Corp's senior vice president, Strategy, Raju Narisetti will join Elara's Singapore-based board.
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News Corp buys stake in Indian real estate website PropTiger.com

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Whyte’s from Torquay has committed to a new $270,000 lease at Melbourne Docklands.
It ranks as one of the biggest food and beverage deals done in the Victoria Harbour precinct this year in a deal negotiated by Savills Australia.
Located at 829 Bourke Street, on the south-west corner of Merchant Street, Savills Australia Victorian retail director Michael Di Carlo said the deal was struck at circa $600 a square metre per annum net on a five year term.
The property comprises a 450 square metre building area over two levels with 250 square metres on the ground floor and 200 square metres upstairs with views to the CBD and the Harbour from a large balcony.
Di Carlo said Whyte’s, which has a very popular wine bar and restaurant on The Esplanade, at coastal Torquay, sought to make a grand statement with a contemporary style restaurant offering.
The lessor is Lend Lease.
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Victoria Harbour secures Whyte's from Torquay restaurant lease deal

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The high-end, five suite Sangoma boutique resort in the Blue Mountains has been sold to the Turner family headed by Graham Turner, the boss of Flight Centre.
No price was disclosed but it is understood that the sale price would reflect $1 million plus per suite, being a record for retreat/resort style properties in the country, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
It sold through Paul Kapiris from CBRE Hotels. 
Sangoma Retreat which spans 10 acres of bushland at Bowen Mountain, has room rates of over $1,100 a night.
The private $70 million plus Spicers Group portfolio includes the Victoria Court Hotel in Potts Point and Spicers Vineyards Estate in the Hunter Valley. The group now owns nine high end boutique assets, with six in Queensland.
Turner and his wife, Jude, have said they are focussed on the niche weekend retreat and smaller hotel market.
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