<p style="text-align:left; margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">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;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">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;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px">“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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px">“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:16px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px">Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:left; margin-top:5px; margin-bottom:8px"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#1f4e79"><b>Fast Facts: What the reform means</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<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"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>Proven at scale:&nbsp;</b>Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>10 years of cover:&nbsp;</b>Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;</b>Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>Part of a national shift:&nbsp;</b>The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;</b>Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>Cost-competitive:&nbsp;</b>At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>Market position:&nbsp;</b>Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align:left"><span style="font-size:small"><span style="color:#222222"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures:normal"><span style="font-weight:400"><span style="white-space:normal"><span style="background-color:#ffffff"><span style="text-decoration-thickness:initial"><span style="text-decoration-style:initial"><span style="text-decoration-color:initial"><span style="line-height:18.4px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<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"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):</b>&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>Consumer-first:</b>&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>Cost advantage:</b>&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</span></span></span></li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000"><span role="presentation" style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Helvetica"><span style="line-height:16.8667px"><b>Market leader:&nbsp;</b>&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>


Joel Robinson

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

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.</p>

<p>"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p data-end="309" data-start="290"><strong data-end="309" data-start="290">Article summary</strong></p>

<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" />
<p data-end="896" data-section-id="ojaazg" data-start="792">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.</p>

<p data-end="1358" data-start="1137">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.</p>

<p data-end="1358" data-start="1137">[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]</p>

<p data-end="1577" data-start="1360">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.</p>

<p data-end="1781" data-start="1579">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.</p>

<p data-end="1977" data-start="1783">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.</p>

<p data-end="1977" data-start="1783">[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]</p>

<p data-end="2314" data-start="1979">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.</p>

<p data-end="2423" data-start="2316">Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.</p>

<p data-end="2519" data-start="2425">"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.</p>

<p data-end="2688" data-start="2521">"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."</p>

<p data-end="2688" data-start="2521">[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]</p>

<p data-end="2840" data-start="2690">Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.</p>

<p data-end="2900" data-start="2842">"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.</p>

<p data-end="3105" data-start="2902">"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."</p>

<p data-end="3300" data-start="3107">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.</p>

<p data-end="3300" data-start="3107">[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]</p>


Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

<p>Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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).</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:</p>

<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>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.</p>

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="252" data-start="225">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="413" data-start="389">Stamp Duty Benefits:</strong> Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.</p>

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Benefits</strong>: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.</p>

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="920" data-start="893">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="1162" data-start="1135">Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.</p>

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.</p>

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="1617" data-start="1590">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.</p>

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Relief:</strong> Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.</p>

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant</strong>: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: 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.</p>

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.</p>

<p>Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.</p>

<p>A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.</p>

<p>NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p>NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.</p>

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

<p><strong>Energy Efficiency:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Cost Savings:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Environmental Impact:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Improved Comfort: </strong>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.</p>

<p><strong>Market Value and Desirability:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Compliance with Building Codes:</strong> 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.</p>


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?

<p>Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.</p>

<p>Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.</p>

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.</p>

<p>It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;"><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></p>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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!</p>

<p>Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:</p>

<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>

<p style="line-height:1.38">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.</p>


Ellen Walker

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

<p>When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.</p>

<p>But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<html><body>
<p>Melbourne’s auction numbers for the September quarter have raised the bar for auction clearance rates.</p>
<p>The city had about 8,165 auctions in the past three months, which is 15% up on the same time last year, according to Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV).</p>
<p>Melbourne’s middle and outer suburbs staged more auctions and accounted for 16% of total auctions, showing a 3% increase.</p>
<p>Clearance rates in middle suburbs remained strong led by Dingley Village, Bulleen and Montmorency with clearance of over 90%.</p>
<p>A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/10-st-marks-close-dingley-village/Property-Details-sold-residential-7544324" target="_blank">10 St Marks Close, Dingley Village</a> sold for $773,000 through Buxtons. The median house price for Dingley Village is $605,000 according to realestateview.com.au.</p>
<p>Inner locations such a Hawthorn East and Collingwood also posted high clearance rates.</p>
<p>Renovated houses in Hawthorn East are hot items with a three-bedroom Invermay Close house <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/3-invermay-grove-hawthorn-east" target="_blank">selling for $1.22 million</a>.</p>
<p> “The inner and middle south-east and eastern suburbs have consistently been the city’s hot spots in terms of the volume of auctions,” says REIV chief executive Enzo Raimondo.</p>
</body></html>

andreadixon-oif3j7eKne

Dingley Village strong as Melbourne auction volumes up 15%: REIV

<html><body>
<p>Investors are making it increasingly difficult for other buyers to enter the market, according to Bob Guth’s weekly <em>Realestatement</em>.</p>
<p>This is particularly challenging among the apartment market in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.</p>
<p>He notes that more than a third of all occupied housing in Australia are rentals, with almost half of all new housing loans in 2014 defined as investment loans.</p>
<p>“It’s unsurprising that competition from investors has resulted in many would-be homebuyers forgoing the idea of owner-occupation. Instead, they are joining the investor ranks to gain a foothold in the marketplace,” says the director and chief auctioneer of Sydney agency BradfieldCleary.</p>
<p>Recent first-home owner figures show that home loan applications are at record lows while many first-time buyers decide to gain a foothold by turning to investment.</p>
<p>The Australian Bureau of Statistics records that 64% of the population in NSW is in Sydney and that is projected to grow to 74% by 2061.</p>
<p>This will drive housing demand, further push up prices and have a spill on effective on values of established property similar to Europe and Asia.</p>
<p>Bob Guth points out that declining interest rates has helped owner-occupiers and investors to buy residential property and this has underpinned housing performance for the last two years.</p>
<p>“The major banks cut fixed-term interest rates in July 2014 and this is fuelling greater interest in this class of asset,” he says.</p>
<p>Records are not likely to be set this spring. Bob Guth believes the market will experience more property volume from now.</p>
<p> </p>
</body></html>

Investors creating challenging market for other buyers: Bob Guth

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 4">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Savills, in the 12 months to September 2014, identified 29,989 square metres of leases in the Parramatta market. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">This was up 55% on the 12 months prior, and up on the five year average (22,860 square metres).</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Parramatta office leases to September 2014</strong> </span></p>
</div>
</div>
<br><table>
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Date </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Property </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>NLA (sq m) </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Rent ($/sq m) </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Tenant </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Feb-14 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>25 George St, Parramatta </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>1,300 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>400 G </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Careers Australia </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Feb-14 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>91 Phillip St, Parramatta </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>426 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>350 N </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Knight Frank </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>May-14 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>426 Church St, Parramatta </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>815 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>305 N </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Community Connections </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>May-14 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>110 George St, Parramatta </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>528 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>335 N </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Government Property NSW </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Aug-14 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>169 Macquarie St, Parramatta </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>26,000 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>na </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>University of Western Sydney </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Sep-14 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>91 Phillip St, Parramatta </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>940 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>na </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>KPMG </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Net absorption of 1,737 square metres was recorded in the Parramatta market in the 12 months to June 2014.</span></p>
<p><span>With only 675 square metres of A Grade available space according to the latest Property Council of Australia (PCA) <em>Office Market Report</em>, Savills says any future demand for prime buildings will likely be soaked up by well positioned secondary grade assets in the short-term, as there are no new major developments under construction. </span></p>
<p><span>This is forecast to continue placing downward pressure on the overall vacancy rate in the Parramatta office market and further reinforcing the need for development of new space in the market. </span></p>
<p><span>Net face rents in Parramatta as at September 2014 typically range between $350 and $450 per square metre per annum for A Grade buildings, and between $265 and $340 per square metre per annum for secondary grade buildings. </span></p>
<p><span>The average A Grade face rent in Parramatta is $400 per square metre per annum, a 7% increase over the last 12 months.</span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 5">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>As a result of the University of Western Sydney committing to 1PSQ, Government and Community was the dominant sector <span><span> in the Parramatta office market in the last 12 months</span></span>, accounting for 95% of the stock, or 28,623 square metres o<span>f the 29,989 square metres leased</span>. Similarly, the largest number of transactions was through the Government and Community sector (four transactions).</span></p>
<p><span>The latest PCA <em>Office Market Report</em> shows that the overall vacancy rate in Parramatta decreased by 0.8 percentage points over the 12 months to June 2014 and currently sits at 6.7%. Parramatta vacancy has experienced a downward trend since July 2010, where vacancy was as high as 10.8%. </span></p>
<p><span>Over the last 12 months, A Grade vacancy in Parramatta fell by 2.2 percentage points to an all time low of just 0.2% (675 square metres). This reflects a decline of approximately 5,539 square metres of available space over the period. However, the PCA recorded an increase of 18,600 square metres in total A Grade stock due to a regrade of buildings over the same period. B Grade vacancy in Parramatta recorded an increase from 5.3 % to 9.5% over the last 12 months. </span></p>
<p><span>With no new office supply expected in Parramatta until 2016, coupled with limited A Grade offerings in the market, strong demand in the precommitment market is expected, as well as a tangible benefit to the secondary market in the short-term. </span></p>
</div>
</div>
<br><table>
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Grade </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Stock (sq m) </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Vacancy (sq m) </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Vac % Jun-14 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Vac % Jun-13 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>A Grade </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>273,617 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>675 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>0.2 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>2.4 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>B Grade </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>212,026 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>20,182 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>9.5 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>5.3 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>C Grade </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>104,972 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>19,234 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>18.3 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>17.2 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>D Grade </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>97,413 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>6,096 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>6.3 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>9.0 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>Total </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>688,028 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>46,187 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>6.7 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span>7.5 </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<br><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<p><span> </span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Parramatta has downward pressure on office vacancy rate: Savills

<html><body>
<p>Property fraud is one of the worst nightmares of home owners, with recent reports of unidentified third parties attempting to sell other peoples’ homes while the owner is abroad.</p>
<p>In July, an owner was living in South Africa and <a href="/news/act/absentee-macgregor-landlord-loses-act-home-to-south-african-fraudster">found that his Canberra house had been sold </a>after contacting his ACT property manager, having not received four expected rental payments.</p>
<p>The ACT Police became involved to rectifying the issue.</p>
<p>However, what can you do to ensure that things don't get that far for your property? The Office of Regulatory Services has 15 steps that all property owners can take to protect themselves.</p>
<p>They note that investment properties are generally more at risk than owner-occupied homes.</p>
<p><strong>The 15 steps to take:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Before selecting an agent, ask questions about their procedures when dealing with overseas owners.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Keep in regular contact with your agent.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Pre-establish security questions with your property manager/agent, that only you will be able to answer, and requesting these security questions be used whenever the property manager/agent contacts you. The security questions should be established verbally and not written in an email, as emails may be compromised if the account has been hacked.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Regularly check that your property manager/agent has your current and correct contact details on file.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Ensure that your property manager/agent has a process in place to verify any requests to change your contact details, for example by sending notifications to both the old and new addresses, both electronic and postal.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Ensure that your property manager/agent has your correct signature on file and that they check all signed documents to confirm the signatures match.<br><br>
</li>
<li>If travelling overseas, ask a family member or close friend to keep an eye on your property and to keep in contact with your property manager/agent on your behalf. This person should be introduced to the agent by you and security questions should be established for them as well.<br><br>
</li>
<li>If possible, keep in touch with neighbours so they can advise you of any changes in the property.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Check rental statements regularly.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Protect personal information by using secured mailboxes for mail deliveries and shredding or burning letters before disposing of them.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Be wary of giving personal and/or financial information to third parties, either by phone or email.<br><br>
</li>
<li>When replying to an email, typing the known genuine email address rather than simply clicking the ‘reply’ button – an email may have a hidden address in it.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Regularly change passwords for email and banking accounts.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Never click on any links contained in emails from unknown sources.<br><br>
</li>
<li>Install anti-virus/anti-malware software on personal computers and keep it up-to-date<em>.</em>
</li>
</ol>
<p><em><br></em><em>Source: Office of Regulatory Services</em></p>
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

15 steps to avoid property fraud: Office of Regulatory Services

<html><body>
<p>Two of the top four sales this week were recent knock down rebuilds.</p>
<p>Sydney’s was in Strathfield for $3,005,000 with<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> the newly constructed five-bedroom, four bathrooms house at </span><a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/residential-investment/sales-and-auctions/36721-strathfield-tops-sydney-weekend-results-as-auction-clearance-rate-eases" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">65 Barker Street</span></a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> sold through Ray White Burwood.</span></p>
<p>The vendor YK Global Developments bought a red brick knock down on 699 square metres in June last year for $1.310 million and created the new home.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Coincidentally, the priciest residential property to sell in Melbourne during weekend auctions was a house in Camberwell, which sold for $3.6 million.</span></p>
<p>The glamorous five-bedroom, four-bathroom house on 743 square metres at <a href="/expert-insights/buying/auction-success-rate-wanes-as-camberwell-tops-melbourne-weekend-results">73 Bowen Street</a> was sold for $1.395 million in May last year as a building block.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Camberwell is 10 kilometres from the CBD, and Strathfield 14 kilometres. The construction outlays are unknown, but the two homes present an interesting comparison all the same.</span></p>
<p><strong>RP Data's top 10 sales of the week:</strong></p>
<ol><ol>
<li>
<strong>73 Bowen Street, Camberwell, VIC, 3124</strong><br><br>A five-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 11 by Bekdon Richards Hawthorn for $3.6 million.<br><br>
</li>
<li>
<strong>4 Chatswood Avenue, Chatswood, NSW, 2067<br><br></strong> A four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 11 by Shead Property Chatswood for $3.28 million.<br><br>
</li>
<li>
<strong>908/18 Woodlands Avenue, Breakfast Point, NSW, 2137<br><br></strong> A three-bedroom unit, sold on October 9 by Rose Group Breakfast Point for $3.1 million.<br><br>
</li>
<li>
<strong>65 Barker Road, Strathfield, NSW, 2135<br><br></strong> A five-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 11 by Ray White Burwood for $3.005 million.<br><br>
</li>
<li>
<strong>38 Pymble Avenue, Pymble, NSW, 2073<br><br></strong> A four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 11 by L J Hooker Wahroonga/Pymble for $3 million.</li>
<li>
<strong>74 Robinson Road, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122<br><br></strong> A four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 11 by Kay &amp; Burton Hawthorn for $2.82 million.<br><br>
</li>
<li>
<strong>382 Montague Street, Albert Park, VIC, 3206</strong><br><br>A three-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 11 by Marshall White Real Estate Albert Park for $2.75 million.<br><br>
</li>
<li>
<strong>16 Tindale Road, Artarmon, NSW, 2064<br><br></strong>A four-bedroom house, sold at auction on October 11 by L J Hooker Willoughby for $2.725 million.<br><br>
</li>
<li>
<strong>10 Castlereagh Crescent, Sylvania Waters, NSW, 2224<br><br></strong>A six-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on October 10 by Elders Sylvania for $2.58 million.<br><br>
</li>
<li>
<strong>40 Collingwood Street, Manly, NSW, 2095<br><br></strong> A five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on October 11 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.5 million.<strong><br></strong><br><br>
</li>
</ol></ol>
</body></html>

Knock down rebuilds dominate top 10 sales: RP Data

<html><body>
<p>The weekend auction sale of a house in Wishart, in southeast of Brisbane, was a record auction price of $1.68 million for the street.</p>
<p>According to Australian Property Monitors, the two-level 2005-built house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-wishart-117921187" target="_blank">10 Saint George Court</a> has five-bedrooms, three bathrooms with parking for three cars was sold through LJ Hooker Sunnybank Hill.</p>
<p>The house, which has a purpose-built business zone with an air-conditioned office, private entrance, kitchen and two storage rooms, is set on a land area of 3,831 square metres.</p>
<p>It last traded as a new house in 2006 for $910,000, as recorded by RP Data.</p>
<p>The median house price for Wishart is at $581,000 for August this year against $530,5000 in August 2013, however, records show it has jumped 15.5% over five years.</p>
<p>Rent in the area has a median of $480 a week.</p>
</body></html>

Wishart, Brisbane home offering with office fetches $1.68 million

<html><body>
<p>The most expensive domestic real estate to sell in Adelaide at the weekend auctions fetched $900,000 in Brighton’s Park Crescent, on the South Australian capital’s coast.</p>
<p>The three-bedroom single-level house was set on a large 1,420 square metre block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-brighton-117876483" target="_blank">5 Park Crescent</a>, and traded through selling agent Elders Brighton, according to Australian Property Monitors.</p>
<p>The 1957-built house last sold in June 2005 for $550,000.</p>
<p>According to RP Data, the median house price in Brighton for August 2014 was $574,000 up from $490,000 in the corresponding month in 2013. </p>
<p>Capital growth for 2013 is at 3.4% for the area, which is a considerable improvement on the -25% recorded for 2012. </p>
<p>The median rental for a house in Brighton is $420 a week. </p>
</body></html>

Brighton Park sale was Adelaide's dearest weekend auction

<html><body>
<p>The most affordable residential property to change hands at the Brisbane auctions last weekend was $350,000 in Chermside, 10 kilometres north of the riverside city.</p>
<p>The three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-chermside-117871911" target="_blank">621 Webster Road</a> was on a large block of 632 square metres and sold through agent Burton &amp; Ryan Property Agent, according to APM.      </p>
<p>The house was last traded in November 1976 for $32,250.</p>
<p>RP Data sets the median rental for a Chermside house at $388 per week.</p>
<p>The median house price for August this year was $470,000, down from the median house price of August 2013 of $560,000. </p>
<p>The house shares its location with one of Queensland’s largest shopping centres - Westfield Chermside.</p>
</body></html>

Chermside secures Brisbane's cheapest weekend auction result

<html><body>
<p>AVJennings’ new Masterplanned community, Arcadian Hills at Cobbitty, was launched on the weekend with Steve Waugh at the opening ceremony with fundraising for the Steve Waugh Foundation.<strong> <br></strong></p>
<p>Face painting, a mini market, balloon artistry and a baby animal farm were all put on for the launch, explained executive general manager for AVJennings NSW, Alan Soutar.</p>
<p>“The official opening of Arcadian Hills yesterday was a great success and we were thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone with so many members of the local community. The Sales and Information Centre is now open and we look forward to assisting purchasers to find their perfect home at Arcadian Hills,” said Soutar.</p>
<p>The first stage is now selling with homes under construction.</p>
<p>“We are very happy to have raised much-needed funds for the Steve Waugh Foundation and thank everyone who donated to this worthy cause. AVJennings has shared a long partnership with the Steve Waugh Foundation and we are proud to help support the important work the Foundation does with young Australians,” he said.</p>
<p>Arcadian Hills offers a range of living options to suit a variety of needs, along with sought-after community amenities such as manicured open spaces with cycle paths and walkways, a ‘Village Green’ with a dedicated outdoor fitness circuit and playground facilities.</p>
<p class="Body">Despite this being the official opening, the<a href="/expert-insights/building/masterplanned-estate-with-homestead-allotments-for-cobbitty-new-south-wales"> first stage has been available for purchase for some time</a>. The release includes 457 residences, and land only sales in later stages.</p>
<p class="Body">The first stage, of six homes, were priced from $595,000, including single and double storey options.</p>
<p class="Body"><a href="/news">Cobbitty</a> is the location of many amazing homes, including <a href="/news/amanpuri-one-of-the-great-estates-of-west-sydney-sells-for-5-6-million">Amanpuri that sold for $5.6 million earlier this year</a>.</p>
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Arcadian Hills launched by Steve Waugh

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<p><span>A Blackheath cottage in the New South Wales Blue Mount</span>ains, owned by potter Peter Rushforth, sold for $1.02 million.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-blackheath-117870503" target="_blank">Set on 6.5 hectares</a>, it came with his studio and orchard.</p>
<p>Le Var has been the mountain sanctuary of one of Australia's national treasures for several decades.</p>
<p>Art critic John McDonald wrote on Rushforth late last year during a S.H. Ervin Gallery exhibition of the potter's work, the largest since a survey at the National Gallery of Victoria in 1985.</p>
<p>"At that time, Rushforth was a mere 65 years old; today he is 92 and still working assiduously in his Blue Mountains studio," McDonald wrote in Fairfax papers.</p>
<p>He noted Rushforth's artistic interests developed while being held as a prisoner of war in Changi.</p>
<p>He was appointed the first pottery teacher at the National Art School in the early 1950s – then known as East Sydney Technical College. The main farmhouse has one section built with thick walls out of local stone, the rest of the flowing house in weatherboard. </p>
<p>Domain Group's senior economist recently noted<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> overall Blue Mountains house prices  has increase 10.4% in the year to June.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Blackheath saw 13.6% annual growth, the fourth best result according to Domain Group </span>which<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> had Blaxland's 19.3% annual growth the best.</span></p>
<p>Blaxland - $537,500, 19.3%</p>
<p>Leura - $577,500, 19.1%</p>
<p>Faulconbridge - $500,000, 17%</p>
<p>Blackheath - $420,500, 13.6%</p>
<p>Hazelbrook - $392,500, 12.1%</p>
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