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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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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<div class="detailText">An analysis of auction offerings across Sydney on the weekend indicated that there was an 18% gap between the price guidance and the eventual sale price.</div>
<div class="detailText"> </div>
<div class="detailText">The 12 sales ranged from two results which were 8% over the price guide to three sales that fetched 30% or higher than the initial price guidance.</div>
<div class="detailText"> </div>
<div class="detailText">During the prior weekend the Property Observer analysis <a href="/expert-insights/buying/buyers-needed-to-add-11-to-weekend-sydney-pre-auction-price-guidance">reflected an 11% gap</a>, and then in <a href="/expert-insights/buying/paying-18-over-auction-estimates-sydneys-pre-spring-price-spurt">early August there was an 18% gap</a>.</div>
<div class="detailText">
 <table border="1" cellpadding="0">
<thead><tr>
<td width="171">
Address
</td>
<td width="111">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="92">
State
</td>
<td width="456">
Price Guide
</td>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-middle-cove-nsw-2068/232130" target="_blank">193 Eastern Valley Way</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
MIDDLE COVE
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $1,050,000 SOLD $1.277m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-cammeray-nsw-2062/229948" target="_blank">11/24 Moodie Street</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
CAMMERAY
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $480,000 SOLD $540,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-engadine-nsw-2233/232274" target="_blank">3 Stephen Road</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
ENGADINE
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $700,000 SOLD $760,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-guildford-nsw-2161/232557" target="_blank">12 Hawksview Street</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
GUILDFORD
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $570,000 SOLD $743,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023/228664" target="_blank">6/51 Birriga Road</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
BELLEVUE HILL
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $600,000 SOLD $660,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-woollahra-nsw-2025/233883" target="_blank">3/281A Edgecliff Road</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
WOOLLAHRA
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $725,000 SOLD $823,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-cremorne-point-nsw-2090/174693" target="_blank">7/58 Kareela Road</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
CREMORNE POINT
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $780,000 SOLD $955,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-oatley-nsw-2223/232871" target="_blank">97 Letitia Street</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
OATLEY
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $1,250,000 SOLD $1.66m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-neutral-bay-nsw-2089/235383" target="_blank">8/25 Harriette Street</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
NEUTRAL BAY
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $700,000 SOLD $825,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-south-hurstville-nsw-2221/234589" target="_blank">4 Halstead Street</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
SOUTH HURSTVILLE
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $850,000 SOLD $920,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-manly-vale-nsw-2093/227076" target="_blank">24 Campbell Parade</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
MANLY VALE
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $1,055,000 SOLD $1.387m
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="171">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-mccarrs-creek-nsw-2015/222854" target="_blank">8 &amp; 10 Douglass Estate</a>
</td>
<td width="111">
MCCARRS CREEK
</td>
<td width="92">
NSW
</td>
<td width="456">
Over $925,000 SOLD $1.01m
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
There was an initial Sydney weekend clearance rate of 83% from the 320 auctions reported to Domain Group's Australian Property Monitors.
There are another 120 results yet to be reported given the total of 440 auctions.
Cooley Auctions saw its highest clearance rate ever for 58 auctions when 55 auctions sold, however auctioneer Damien Cooley noted that 27 auctions sold prior.
"What’s pushing vendors to sell prior is that buyers are making strong offers before auction day," he said.
"Buyers are aware of the high clearance rates and lack of stock and are making such offers based on a fear of missing out.
"Another contributor is fear of competition. Buyers are looking for ways out of auction day to avoid competition and paying more than they’re comfortable with," Damien Cooley said.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Damien Cooley, the auctioneer said the market is incredibly strong at the moment and vendors who are looking to sell should get their property on the market as soon as possible. With less stock on the market, buyers have less choice and this is fuelling increased competition.”
</div>
</div>
</div>
Sotheby's sold the weekend's highest sale when a five-bedroom house on 697 square-metres at 73 O'Sullivan Road, Rose Bay fetched $4.39 million through Michael Pallier at Sotheby's. It previously traded at $3,075,000 in 2007.
The Rose Bay property briefly had high price hopes which were revised down to $4.5 million.
It was available for rent at $3500 a week in 2012.
</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Gap above Sydney auction price guidance rebounds to 18%

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Longueville has a new record price after the riverfront home of Matilda Cruises founder Tim Lloyd sold pre-auction for around $7.6 million.
The 1,182 square metre property <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-longueville-nsw-2066/226833/?searchID=42076578" target="_blank">had initial $6.5 million-plus price guidance</a>. It boasts a private beach, boatshed and slipway on the Lane Cove River.
The previous suburb high was $7.4 million for a Poole Street 3,604 square metre riverfront reserve holding in 2005.
Longueville's non-waterfront record also hit a new high recently when another Chinese buyer bought on Arabella Street for around $7.25 million.
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Chinese buyers set Longueville records on and off the riverfront

<html><body>
A preliminary weighted average clearance rate of 66.7% was recorded this week across capital cities compared to 70.8% last week and 70% this time last year.
All capital cities have seen a higher number of auctions than last year. Compared to last year the best performing auction markets from the perspective of relative improvement this year have been Sydney, Tasmania and then Adelaide. Sydney has seen a 63% rise in the number of homes sold at auction, Tasmania a 56% rise and a 48% rise was recorded in Adelaide.  
It should be noted that there have been 357 auctions in Tasmania this year, 2,467 in Adelaide and 22,329 in Sydney.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Capital-city.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g3640]"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-3641 size-large" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Capital-city-580x430.jpg" alt="RP Data auction market review | Capital city" width="580" height="430"></a>
In Sydney a preliminary clearance rate of 76.2% was recorded this week compared to 76.2% last week. Compared to last year and over recent months Sydney has clearly been the strongest auction market.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Sydney.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g3640]"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-3642 size-large" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Sydney-580x382.jpg" alt="RP Data auction market review | Sydney" width="580" height="382"></a>
In Melbourne there was a preliminary clearance rate of 64.1% recorded compared to 73.3% last week. Melbourne remains on trend and once final results are in should confirm it has a healthy auction market on the eve of spring.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Melbourne.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g3640]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3643" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Melbourne-580x386.jpg" alt="RP Data auction market review | Melbourne" width="580" height="386"></a>
In Brisbane a preliminary clearance rate of 52.1% was recorded compared to 50% last week.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Brisbane.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g3640]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3644" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Brisbane-580x383.jpg" alt="RP Data auction market review | Brisbane" width="580" height="383"></a>
Adelaide recorded a clearance rate of 68.5% compared to 65.6% last week.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Adelaide.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g3640]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3645" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140824-Adelaide-580x391.jpg" alt="RP Data auction market review | Adelaide" width="580" height="391"></a>
In Canberra a clearance rate of 46.9% was recorded and in Perth there was a clearance rate of 38.9%.
</body></html>

rlarocca-zWhvjay44N

National auction market well placed for spring sales: RP Data's national auction wrap

<html><body>
The word ‘depreciation’ is bandied about a lot and you may have noticed it being used more often around tax time.
This isn’t a surprise – depreciation is one thing that you can claim on your tax return every year to make your property investment’s overall cash flow a little bit better.
But what is it and how do you use it?
Think about depreciation like buying a new car. The second you drive it out of the car garage, as is often said, it has lost a bit of value. Over time, it further loses its re-sale value. This is a little bit like depreciation on property. Over time, your property depreciates.  You may be thinking “but I am investing for the property value to go up!”. Correct. However, while land appreciates in value, the building itself and all your fancy carpets and paint slowly drop in value over time.
This is what is called ‘depreciation’. What this means for property investors is that you can claim back a portion of these losses in your tax return each year – without it actually being a loss directly from your pocket. You are best placed to have a quantity surveyor assess your property and create what is known as a depreciation schedule. This figures out, based on what is in your property (and any renovations that have occurred), how much it will depreciate by over its life span.
As a rule of thumb, brand new properties have more depreciation to claim – as they haven’t depreciated at all yet – when compared to an equal size and quality established property. These figures can range significantly, but have been known to be in the thousands of dollars.
Depreciation isn’t limited to property, although we’ll obviously discuss it in those terms. For instance, businesses who purchase a vehicle, or equipment, can also claim depreciation. <a href="/expert-insights/investing/claiming-depreciation-is-your-key-to-increasing-cash-flow-on-commercial-properties">Commercial property investors are also able to use depreciation. </a>
Want more? Here’s what to read next
<a href="/expert-insights/finance/your-guide-to-property-depreciation">Your guide to property depreciation</a>
How to: Check your depreciation entitlements
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

What is ‘depreciation’ and how can it help me? Investment terms explained

<html><body>
Australia’s property market had a solid weekend at auction, despite the clearance rate taking <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/investment/43308-auction-numbers-swells-as-spring-approaches">a slight dip from last week</a>.
The national market achieved a 66.7% clearance rate on the 1,675 auctions held across the county at the weekend, down from 68.4% of 1,544 auctions the week before, according to RP Data.
Sydney again outshone the other capital cities with a robust 76.2% clearance as 632 homes went under the hammer.
RP Data Victorian housing market specialist Robert Larocca said Sydney is continuing to be a strong market in more ways than one.
“Sydney is continuing to set a whole range of records,” says Larocca.
Larocca says Sydney has seen the biggest rise in the number of homes sold at auction compared to the same time last year, at 63%.
But he notes this trend towards auction is true of all the capital cities, with particularly strong results also recorded in Tasmania, with a 56% rise in auction volumes, and Adelaide, with a 48% lift in homes sold at auction. 
Larocca says although Tasmania’s relatively lower figures should be taken into account, vendors are still trending strongly towards the auction sales method in the state and finding good results.
This week, Melbourne had a solid clearance of 64.1% off 749 auctions, while Brisbane continued to struggle with a 52.1% off 134 auctions.
Larocca shrugged off comments made by Jeremy Lawson, a former senior economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia, this week that suggested the housing market was overvalued by at least 30%.
Larocca says, in Melbourne, values still haven’t reached the peaks of 2010 and transactions numbers overall were down from figures seen in 2007.
However, he says the points Lawson makes about the impact of the economy on the property market are sound.
“Australia is an island geographically, not economically,” he says.
“Employment figures and the economy as a whole has to have an impact on prices.”
Yet Larocca says evidence currently points to the market’s strength.
“On the eve of spring, the market is looking very sound,” says Larocca.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
</body></html>

krobb-aCrRNnPq6D

Auction volumes on the rise as Sydney continues to lead the way

<html><body>
Last night, The Block Glasshouse revealed the place where all the magic happens - the master bedrooms.
Each team unveiled their main bedroom and walk in robes in all their muted tone glory. As always, some fared better than others.
The judges raved over Maxine and Karsten's light and airy master offering, pictured below, awarding it 28 points out of a possible 30.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/m1.jpeg" alt=""> Judge Shaynna Blaze was particularly pleased with the room's pair of abstract orange paintings by Thierry B., even complimenting an apparently complimentary orange pillow that sat between them, despite <a href="/news/art-styles-for-apartment-d-cor-lessons-from-the-block">her advice in previous seasons</a> not to match furnishings entirely to artwork.
Interior designer Darren Palmer was a fan of the room's bronze mirror, while Belle Magazine's Neale Whitaker declared the space simple and elegant.
If Shaynna was impressed by Thierry's (not chocolate) orange, she was positively bananas for the seemingly banal detail of a laundry chute she found in a high-end, multi-storey apartment's walk in wardrobe. But we were informed that the concept had not occurred to any other contestant this season, and so Shaynna's reaction was deemed reasonable enough.
Carlene and Michael fared almost as well, with a score of 27.5 from the judges for their room pictured below. Unfortunately, half a point can cost you $10,000 on The Block. The couple remain the only team in the competition who have failed to win a round so far.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/mastercarlene.jpg" alt=""> Despite the pokey size of their master bedroom, with a walk in robe that really didn't meet the definition (of no fault of their own), the judges were big fans of the room, with Darren Palmer saying it felt like a hotel suite and Shaynna calling it sexy. Neale was pleased with the amount of light the room invited, thanks to its position along the apartment's light void, and praised Carlene's bed dressing skills.
In third place came Simon and Shannon, with 27 points. Judges were impressed by the amount of space available in the room, the surplus of which the boys used as a small sitting area, with two chairs and a coffee table.  The room (pictured below) also had a bench running the length of the window which was wide enough to perch on while you read the paper.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/master%20shannon.jpeg" alt=""> Neale noted the clever architectural details the brother inject into every room, with this one featuring a false column and contrasting gyprock paneling to create visual interest on what otherwise would be a plain white space. Darren explained that those details are relatively cheap - budget renovators, take note.
The "biggest ever scandal on The Block" is barely worth mentioning - boy leaves phone under bed, records people who are already being recorded by someone else, gets in less trouble than a first time truant.
Darren and Dee were rushed away before the rooms could be revealed, due to their sick daughter. Host Scott Cam corralled the kind contestants together to help finish the room (pictured below) off in the D's absence. As he said, "family comes first, but also, The Block family comes first". Bob Day would be proud.
Darren and Dee's Block family didn't do too bad a job of it, with the judges awarding the couple 25 out of 30.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/darrenmaster.jpg" alt=""> They were especially enamoured with the gas fireplace Darren and Dee installed in their room, a detail Shaynna said suited the couple's style thus far. What didn't suit their style was the walk in wardrobe, a tall (good) black (bad, next to their provincial white panelling) imposing (but still "sexy") offering. Unfortunately, the couple didn't pick up any points for matching their wardrobe to their neighbours' - every single walk in wardrobe this week was black.
But some wardrobes, and master bedrooms, were even more unpopular that Darren and Dee's. Chris and Jenna came in last place yet again this week, with 23 points for their room (pictured below). The couple were caught worshiping a golden calf in the form of a copper wall and neglecting other important details - for example, the exposed screws and so-called unimpressive materials in their walk in wardrobe, which Shaynna found disappointing given that Chris is a cabinet maker.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/masterchris.jpg" alt="">
 As for the overwhelming copper wall itself, the judges weren't too keen despite its high dollar value, with Neale noting that it made the other furnishings look cheap by comparison. Though the couple tried to up the luxe with timber floors, none of the three were particularly big fans, saying that plush carpet would have been a better choice against the metallic monster.
The couple countered with an accusation that the judges care more about cushions than architectural details, with no comments on their raked ceilings or exposed trusses. They might be onto something - after all, you can't sell a ceiling on The Block Shop.
This week, the teams tackle their stairs, laundry and powder room spaces.
All pictures courtesy of Channel 9.
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The Block room reveals: Martyrs, mavericks and master bedrooms

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RP Data’s statistics revealed four suburbs across Australia where the median price was listed under $100,000. 
Property Observer couldn’t help but ask “Why are they so cheap?”
Digging a little deeper, we decided to discover just why these median recording prices were so suppressed.
Of course, small regional areas – as these tend to be – are usually more volatile in their medians due to the infrequency of transactions, particularly when looking at units. Some of these areas have very few apartment blocks. Investors are always urged to understand what the median price is, and how it is affected by the type of properties that transact over a period. Here are four things to know about the figure before relying on it.
Some areas will be cheap due to their location - far from any employment hubs - while others will have a different makeup that ensures their prices are recorded low. There's a reason that you're unlikely to have heard of some of these four areas - they're not all bustling hubs that property investors are used to looking at. However, this doesn't mean they don't have their opportunities - while re-sale may be a tricky situation and something to consider, the yield figures are strong on paper and at least one listing seems to suggest that rental returns may be attractive.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Gin Gin</a>, Queensland: $41,000</li>
</ul>
The tiny rural township Gin Gin, about 48 kilometres inland from Bundaberg, is the cheapest across the country when looking at the area’s median price for units, according to RP Data.
Houses in the area were recorded at $216,000.
Current listings suggest that it may have been a month of cheaper sales for Gin Gin, with apartments on the market for around the $200,000 mark. The cheapest offerings are blocks of land from $33,500 – including some in an eco-park.
According to the 2011 Census, the suburb of Gin Gin had just 157 people, while the state significant area had around 5,000.
It seems that infrequent sales are skewing the median - with just seven recorded by RP Data to calculate their most recent median.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Mission Beach</a>, Queensland: $69,000</li>
</ul>
Tourist township Mission beach in the Cassowary Coast Region is the lowest priced beachside apartment currently listed at $150,000.
The median house price is set at $342,000.
Property Observer did find a number of $60,000 sales on Sandy Close and Iluka Close for blocks of land that had been tagged as units over June and July that may have skewed the median. There was also a $50,000 sale on Sandpiper Close. These appear to be part of Oasis Mission Beach – Iluka Close was part of Stage Two.
Again, just five sales were recorded for Mission Beach units. It appears that this figure is highly unusual, and not indicative of what you'd be paying for a unit - with a gross rental yield statistic at 25.34% and rent at $335 per week (which aligns with what is currently seen in rental listings), it was a struggle to find a unit under $100,000 that would return this figure.
As a state suburb, the 2011 Census recorded just 765 people in residence
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Risdon Park South</a>, South Australia: $84,000</li>
</ul>
It appears that sub-$100,000 options are certainly on the cards for those looking to buy in Risdon Park South’s surrounding suburbs in <a href="/news">Port Pirie</a>.
At present no listings for the immediate Risdon Park South area were found. Current listings include an $89,900 “maisonette home” or three-bedroom, one-bathroom unit in Port Pirie. However, it is under offer at the moment.
Meanwhile, also in Port Pirie, a one-bedroom, one-bathroom offering for $99,000, which markets itself to investors or retirees, is available.
Port Pirie is the larger township, and as of the 2011 Census Risdon Park South was home to 1,975 people.
It seems a number of duplexes, including one on Hutchinson Street for $75,000 and one on Plenty Street for $80,000, may be keeping the median price down. One property listed in the area, for $85,500, is a solid brick maisonette offering.
In total, 12 unit sales were noted by RP Data. They recorded the median house price at $275,000.
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Hamilton</a>, Victoria: $85,000</li>
</ul>
Currently, in Hamilton, there is one listing under $100,000 – a one bedroom, one bathroom flat asking for $95,000 on Moore Street, currently rented at $120 per week. Two-bedroom units span from $122,000 upwards.
Hamilton’s median house price sits at $197,000.
Located 300 kilometres west of Melbourne, or a three to four hour drive, it’s best known as a sheep grazing and agricultural area, however as a state suburb is recorded as housing 10,104 people in the 2011 Census data.
Just 12 unit sales were recorded. Suggesting a 13.46% gross rental yield, on $220 weekly median advertised rent for units, it appears that while in reality the yield may still be strong - you'd be looking for closer to the $200,000 bracket in a purchase to achieve the $220 rent.
Keen for more data? You can peruse our free suburb data here.
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Why so cheap? The four suburbs with median unit prices sub $100,000

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The property at 12 Attunga Street, Woollahra - the former home of artist Charles Blackman - sold at weekend auction. 
The five bedroom-bedroom home sold for $2.8 million. Sotheby’s International agent Michael Pallier was quoting $2.3 million plus.
The upper level was the studio of Blackman when he and wife Barbara lived in the Attunga Street house.
The Blackmans sold the house in 1994 for $1.22 million.  
It has been renovated by architect Anthony Gill, since it last traded at $2.1 million in 2007.
There was an initial weekend clearance rate of 83% from the 319 auctions reported to Domain Group's Australian Property Monitors.
There are another 120 results yet to be reported given the total of 440 auctions.
Sotheby's sold the weekend's highest sale when a five-bedroom house on 697 square-metres at 73 O'Sullivan Road, Rose Bay fetched $4.39 million through Michael Pallier. It previously traded at $3,075,000 in 2007.
The Rose Bay property briefly had high price hopes which were revised down to $4.5 million.
It was available for rent at $3500 a week in 2012.
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Artist Charles Blackman's former Woollahra home sold

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BIS Shrapnel has forecast inner Sydney ­new apartment completions are set to peak in 2017.
Its report, Inner Sydney Apartments 2014 to 2021, showed around 5,800 apartments were under construction around inner Sydney and 11,500 apartments would be finished over the next three years.
The anticipated peak of 4,500 apartment completions by 2016/17 is expected to be on par with the previous 1999/2000 peak, the BIS Shrapnel report author, Angie Zigomanis said.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/bis-aug-25-one.jpg" alt="">
Source: BIS Shrapnel
Total price growth of around 21%, or just under three percent per annum, is forecast through to 2021.
The report warns landlords of newly completed apartments will have to be more competitive to attract tenants over existing stock, while owners of older apartments may have to discount to attract tenants from neighbouring suburbs,
Zigomanis said declining rental yields will be ­sustainable while interest rates remain low, and the gap between rental income and mortgage repayments is relatively narrow. 
But weak purchaser demand and prices will emerge once interest rates lift, with BIS Shrapnel expecting a rate rise by the end of 2015, and further rises in 2016 and into 2017.
But in the man time short-term demand for inner Sydney apartments is expected to remain buoyant and BIS Shrapnel expects median price growth about 6% per annually over 2014-15 and 2015-16.
The downturn is expected in 2016-17.
Zigomanis said Sydney was still catching up after years of ­under-development and weak demand for new apartments.
He pinpointed three demographics that will assist rental demand including overseas student enrolments increasing for the first time since peaking over 2009–2010; growth in long term overseas visitor arrivals, and professional employment growth in inner Sydney expected to be relatively robust. 
"With most inner Sydney apartments purchased by investors, these groups will contribute to rising tenant demand and help to fill up the new apartment stock," Zigomanis said.
"Owner occupier demand is also likely to grow, with rising inner and middle ring Sydney house prices encouraging some tenants to instead upgrade to a larger apartment in inner Sydney as an owner occupier, while also encouraging empty nesters and retirees to more easily trade down from their existing house to an apartment."
Nevertheless, says Zigomanis, this strengthening in occupier demand is not anticipated to be sufficient to keep pace with the record level of new apartments expected to be completed over the next three years, with vacancy rates forecast to rise in the coming years.
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BIS Shrapnel forecasts 6% annual inner Sydney apartment price growth over next two years

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The 1892 trophy home built for the Northcote's second mayor, fetched $2.52 million at weekend auction through Marek Olech from Nelson Alexander.
Around <a href="/news/grand-view-northcote-listed-by-strange-fruits-roderick-poole">$2 million was the initial price guidance</a>.
It was sold by the Otway-bound Roderick Poole, founder of performing troupe Strange Fruit, and his partner, opera and theatre director Suzanne Chaundy.
They paid $900,000 in 2003.
It was owned between 1974 and 1980 by the then teacher librarian, turned cook Stephanie Alexander with veggie patch of course outback. Stephanie Alexander and her then husband barrister Maurice Alexander sold for $77,500.
The 28 Mitchell Street home is located on the Prospect Grove corner block on Ruckers Hill with views of the Dandenongs.
The two-storey five bedroom home has period detailing. There is as a studio/workshop.
Northcote's second mayor was the Glasgow-born butcher William Smith.
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