High-profile apartment defect cases have changed the way many NSW buyers approach purchasing, putting greater scrutiny on building quality, strata records and the parties behind a development before a contract is signed.

The industry buyers are assessing today, however, is also different from the one in which cases such as Opal Tower and Mascot Towers emerged.

NSW has introduced a series of regulatory measures aimed at strengthening oversight of apartment construction, including Building Commission NSW, the Residential Apartment Buildings Act 2020 and the Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme. Under the latter, developers are required to lodge a bond, with independent inspections forming part of the process for identifying defects in new strata developments.

Those changes provide another layer of protection, but they haven't removed the importance of buyer due diligence.

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For purchasers considering an apartment, that means looking beyond the residence itself. Building and strata history, strata reports, the track record of the builder and developer, the condition of common property and any known or planned expenditure by the owners corporation can all form part of assessing a building before purchase.

Whether the development is already complete can also materially change what can be assessed.

An off-the-plan purchaser is necessarily buying before the finished product exists. A completed apartment, by comparison, can be walked through before contracts are signed, allowing the purchaser to see the finishes, common areas and broader building as they have actually been delivered rather than relying solely on plans and renders.

It also removes exposure to some of the uncertainties that exist between an off-the-plan purchase and completion, including construction delays, cost pressures and builder insolvency during the delivery period.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a> National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said that greater focus on tangible evidence is increasingly evident among apartment purchasers.

“The biggest shift we're seeing is buyers wanting proof, not promises,” Hamblett said.

“That's exactly why we deal in completed stock - you can inspect the building before you commit - and why we've backed every purchase with a cash bond against special levies.”

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> in Parramatta, that emphasis on a completed, inspectable product is already in place.

The 413-apartment, 46-level tower at 12 Phillip Street is being marketed by Projects by Equitifund, allowing prospective purchasers to inspect the residences, common areas and resident facilities before committing.

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The Lennox also introduces another layer to the due-diligence conversation through Strata Surety.

The vendor-funded arrangement provides purchasers with a cash-backed bond held in their own solicitor's trust account from settlement. According to Equitifund, the bond covers any special levy raised during the applicable cover period and is provided at no cost to the purchaser.

Special levies can create an unexpected cost for apartment owners where an owners corporation needs funding beyond its existing strata contributions. Under NSW strata law, a special levy requires approval by owners at a general meeting.

Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said Strata Surety was designed to provide something more concrete than reassurance about that potential exposure.

“Buyers have every right to ask hard questions about strata risk - the industry has given them plenty of reasons to,” Huxley said.

“Our answer isn't a reassurance, it's a bond. Strata Surety puts real money behind that confidence, held by the buyer's own solicitor, not by us.”

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For The Lennox, its completed status also means purchasers can assess not only the apartment itself, but a building that has already been occupied and operating for several years.

Completed in 2021, the $300 million development, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, with open-plan living areas extending to private balconies. Interiors incorporate engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops and integrated appliances, while many upper-level residences have views across the river and surrounding district.

Its established amenity can similarly be inspected in operation. Resident facilities include the Watermark precinct with a 20-metre pool, outdoor terrace, barbecue areas, gym, fitness studio and conference room, while ground-floor retail addresses the river walk and surrounding public space.

The Lennox is also home to the Southern Hemisphere's first fully robotic residential car park, which has now operated for several years. Its nine-level basement combines three conventional parking levels with six automated levels, accommodating 327 vehicles using technology from German firm Lödige Industries.

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The riverfront address puts The Lennox close to much of central <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a>'s existing infrastructure, including Parramatta Station, Westfield Parramatta, Parramatta Park, and the Church Street dining precinct.

The remaining apartments form part of a limited release secured by Equitifund, following the sale of the majority of residences before and shortly after completion.

The regulatory environment around NSW apartment construction has changed considerably since the defect cases that reshaped public discussion around the sector. For purchasers, however, regulation is only one part of the equation. The ability to investigate a building's history, review its strata position and, where possible, inspect what has actually been delivered remains central to making an informed apartment purchase.

At The Lennox, its completed status provides that opportunity before contracts are signed, while Strata Surety adds a financial backstop against special levies beyond the protections already provided under NSW strata law.

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Joel Robinson

Buying with confidence: What NSW apartment buyers should check beyond the defect headlines

Too often, heritage buildings become the podium for a contemporary tower. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/623-collins-607-623-collins-street-melbourne-vic-3000">623 Collins</a>, <a>Sterling Global</a> challenged its design team to reverse that process.

The brief to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> was deliberately simple: "Don't design around the heritage. Design from it." It became the philosophy behind a project that draws inspiration not only from two landmark heritage buildings, but from Collins Street itself, a street layered with architectural history and civic significance.

That philosophy has shaped one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a> CBD's most considered residential projects, where the 1924 State Savings Bank and neighbouring Batman's Hill Hotel have become the architectural foundation for 623 Collins rather than remnants preserved beneath a new development.

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Rather than approaching the site as a blank canvas, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sterling-global">Sterling Global</a> saw the existing buildings as the beginning of the story.

"Sites like this rarely become available," the developer said.

"623 Collins wasn't simply an opportunity to develop a prominent CBD site. It was an opportunity to restore and reimagine one of Melbourne's important heritage landmarks while contributing to the continued evolution of Collins Street. For us, the existing buildings weren't constraints. They were the beginning of the story."

Instead of mimicking the ornate heritage architecture, Plus Studio studied the proportions, rhythm and craftsmanship of the original buildings before translating those characteristics into a contemporary 42-storey tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=372748]

"The brief challenged us to create a contemporary landmark that respected Melbourne's architectural history without becoming nostalgic," Plus Studio said.

"Rather than mimicking heritage, we sought to understand its proportions, rhythm and material language before translating those qualities into a distinctly contemporary architectural expression."

The practice says the State Savings Bank and Batman's Hill Hotel became the project's primary source of inspiration, allowing the heritage buildings and contemporary architecture to exist "in conversation rather than contrast." Generous planted terraces further soften the transition between old and new, creating elevated green spaces while reinforcing the dialogue between the restored podium and the contemporary tower.

That dialogue continues throughout the interiors, where Melbourne designer Fiona Lynch developed a material palette inspired by the idea of alchemy, balancing contrasting materials that reference both the Neo-Grec detailing of the original bank and contemporary urban living. The result is a series of spaces that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

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The project will deliver 316 residences across four collections, Heirloom, Signature, Reserve and the Penthouse Collection, with each responding differently to its position within the building, from the restored heritage podium through to the upper levels of the tower. The Heirloom Residences retain defining heritage elements including original heritage windows, generous proportions and high ceilings, while the tower introduces contemporary homes with expansive layouts and elevated views.

Amenities have likewise been designed to support long-term city living rather than short-stay convenience. Residents will have access to concierge services, wellness facilities including a pool, cold plunge, sauna, steam room and gym, alongside private lounges, entertaining spaces and dedicated resident clubs.

Sterling Global says that approach is resonating with buyers seeking permanence rather than novelty.

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According to the sales team, purchasers are looking for enduring architecture, generous floorplans, heritage character and long-term value, with many commenting that 623 Collins "doesn't feel like another apartment development" because of the way the architecture has been curated around the site's history.

Situated on the prominent corner of Collins and Spencer streets, the project occupies one of Melbourne's most recognisable gateway sites, marking the western entrance to the city's best-known street. For Sterling Global, it also reflects a broader shift in city-making.

"Rather than maximising development yield, the project embraces adaptive reuse as a design philosophy, allowing heritage to inform architecture, interiors and the overall resident experience," the developer said.

"The result is a building that feels uniquely connected to Melbourne."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145324]

How Sterling Global designed 623 Collins from Melbourne's history

Avant Townhomes is adding to Ivanhoe’s family-sized housing options with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/three-82-ivanhoe-382-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Three 82</a>, a collection of just 16 four-bedroom townhomes on Upper Heidelberg Road.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/intrapac-property">Intrapac Property</a> townhome division has taken a contemporary approach to the traditional family home, pairing larger floorplans with the lower-maintenance format of a townhouse.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/arcadia-studio">Arcadia</a>, with landscaping by Landsite, the homes feature generous open-plan living and dining areas that connect directly to outdoor spaces, with layouts also designed to maximise natural light and privacy.

Natural stone is used throughout the interiors, including in kitchens that pair stone surfaces with bespoke cabinetry, considered storage and SMEG appliances.

The four-bedroom layouts include built-in wardrobes and a main bedroom with its own ensuite, while family bathrooms service the additional bedrooms. Each home also includes a lock-up double garage and intercom entry.

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Energy efficiency has been incorporated into the design through solar panels, double glazing and reverse-cycle heating and cooling, with the homes targeting 7-star energy ratings.

Rather than incorporating extensive communal facilities, Three 82 has been conceived around private residential amenity, with the 16-home scale keeping the focus on individual homes and their own indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development is located at 382 Upper Heidelberg Road, around one kilometre from Ivanhoe Village's cafés and retail and a short drive from Eaglemont Station and Ivanhoe Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374393]

Several of Ivanhoe's established schools are also nearby, including Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The address also provides access to the suburb's parklands and the wider Yarra River corridor.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/nelson-alexander">Nelson Alexander</a> has been appointed to handle sales.

Construction is underway and progressing well, with Three 82 currently tracking toward completion in Q2 2027.

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Three 82 brings boutique four-bedroom townhome collection to Ivanhoe

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

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A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

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The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

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?

For most Australians, buying an apartment is one of the biggest financial decisions they'll ever make

The location, floorplan and price are often the first considerations, but in recent years another question has become increasingly important: who is actually delivering the project?

A series of high-profile builder collapses, construction delays and defect concerns have fundamentally changed how many Victorians approach buying off the plan. The collapse of Porter Davis in 2023, which reportedly left around 1,700 homes unfinished, became one of the most visible examples of the risks that can emerge when a construction company fails. <a href="https://www.equifax.com.au/sites/default/files/lpassets/pdf/Final-Business-Market-Pulse-June-Sector-Deep-Dive-Report-2.pdf">Similar challenges across the broader construction sector</a> have left buyers asking more questions before signing a contract.

As Victoria continues encouraging higher-density housing to address supply shortages, transparency is becoming just as important as location or price.

One tool increasingly entering the conversation is the <a href="https://icirt.com/">Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT)</a>, an independent assessment framework designed to help buyers better understand the developer or builder behind a project. Originally developed by Equifax in consultation with government and industry as part of NSW's Construct NSW reforms, the system has since expanded nationally.

<h2 data-end="1519" data-section-id="7nmx3" data-start="1492">What is an iCIRT rating?</h2>

Most Australians are familiar with independent ratings in everyday life.

We compare ANCAP safety ratings before buying a car. We look at Health Star Ratings in supermarkets. Banks rely on credit assessments when lending money.

Until recently, however, there has been very little independent information available to help apartment buyers assess the business responsible for delivering a residential project.

That gap is what iCIRT was designed to address.

Builders, developers and other construction professionals with an iCIRT rating have demonstrated high-trust characteristics through an independent, evidence-based assessment across six criteria: Character, Capability, Conduct, Capacity, Capital and Counterparties. This involves a rigorous review of financial health, past project track record, and ethical conduct. Crucially, an iCIRT rating could help provide property buyers with confidence that they are working with a professional who has demonstrated the capability, capacity, and willingness to return and rectify issues.

Importantly, iCIRT is not a recommendation to purchase a particular property, nor is it a traditional credit rating. It is an independent assessment framework designed to provide objective information about a construction business using a <a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Methodology-Issue1-May-2021.pdf">published methodology</a>.

The system has been widely adopted in New South Wales, where more than one-third of medium and large residential builders and developers now hold an iCIRT rating, representing over two-thirds of the state's residential building market by value as of 2025/26.

<h2 data-end="3126" data-section-id="h6ohtj" data-start="3084">Why buyers are doing more due diligence</h2>

For many buyers, particularly those purchasing off the plan, the biggest risk isn't whether they'll like the kitchen finishes.

It's whether the project will be delivered on time, to the expected quality, and by a company capable of completing the development.

<a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/iCIRT%202025%20Consumer%20Survey%20Report%20v05.pdf">Consumer research commissioned by iCIRT</a> found more than half of respondents believed current protections do not adequately safeguard buyers from builder insolvencies or defective projects. Other research found 88 per cent of prospective buyers would seek independent ratings or due diligence before purchasing, while 90 per cent said trust in construction professionals is essential.

That doesn't mean buyers should rely on a single rating alone.

Independent legal advice, understanding the contract, and seeking financial advice all remain important parts of the due diligence process.

However, an independent assessment can provide another source of information alongside those traditional checks.

<h2 data-end="4138" data-section-id="pquzxc" data-start="4094">Trust is becoming a competitive advantage</h2>

The conversation isn't only changing for buyers.

Developers are also recognising that trust has become an increasingly important part of the sales process.

Five years ago, purchasers typically asked about floorplans, finishes and settlement dates.

Today, sales teams are increasingly being asked about the developer's experience, financial stability, previous projects and construction partners.

For companies with strong governance and established delivery records, an independent iCIRT rating provides another way to demonstrate those credentials before buyers even visit a display suite.

According to Equifax, the assessment can also help businesses drive sales and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/icirt-rating-helps-scion-secure-high-value-projects">secure high-value projects</a>, as well as identify operational improvements and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/mirvac-reinforces-brand-trust-and-quality-independent-icirt-rating">attract top talent</a>.

<h2 data-end="4962" data-section-id="1j54ng5" data-start="4912">Beyond buyers: lenders are paying attention too</h2>

The influence of independent construction ratings is also extending beyond consumers.

According to Stamford Capital's Real Estate Debt Capital Markets Survey, an increasing number of lenders now incorporate iCIRT ratings into their due diligence processes when assessing residential development finance applications.

The survey found lender adoption has continued to rise, with many respondents saying independent assessments provide additional insight into governance, counterparties and delivery capability beyond traditional financial analysis. Some lenders also reported declining funding applications where businesses had poor or no ratings.

As construction costs remain elevated and access to development finance becomes more selective, demonstrating credibility is becoming increasingly valuable.

<h2 data-end="5801" data-section-id="1qazuxs" data-start="5772">What it means for Victoria</h2>

Victoria's apartment market is entering a new phase.

The state is seeking to accelerate higher-density housing while simultaneously introducing reforms aimed at improving confidence in residential construction.

For buyers, that means there are more tools available than ever before to research the businesses behind a project.

For developers, it signals that transparency is becoming another point of differentiation in an increasingly competitive market.

Buyers are asking more questions than ever before and increasingly expecting independent information, not just marketing material, before making one of the biggest financial commitments of their lives.

Find out how to get iCIRT rated <a href="https://www.icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Infographic-Assessment-Process-Final.pdf">here</a>.

<hr data-end="6469" data-start="6466" />
The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal, financial, legal or tax advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.

This article contains links to third-party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. Equifax Australia does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of external sites.

Copyright © 2026 Equifax Australia Information Services and Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Buying off-the-plan in Melbourne? How independent iCIRT ratings are set to change Victorian property

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Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens has again weighed in on the value of the Australian dollar, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2013/sp-gov-211113">telling</a> a group of economists the bank is open to the idea of intervening to bring its value down.

With the Australian dollar having been plus or minus 10 cents from parity with the US dollar for most of the past six years, many of us may have forgotten that only a decade ago Australians were complaining about how stubbornly low it was.
At that time the exchange rate was only a little above 50 cents, and some pundits were predicting worse was to come. Imported goods and holidays were expensive, but of course the beneficiaries of this low exchange rate were exporters of goods, as well as service exporters in the education and tourism sectors in particular.
Movements in the Australian dollar since the floating of the exchange rate in 1983 have been volatile and unpredictable, so that there is in fact nothing particularly unusual about the past decade, as the chart below shows.
<img style="font-size: 0.8em;" width="470" src="https://c479107.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/35280/width668/byzdphds-1384405044.jpg">
Data: Reserve Bank of Australia
Most Australian companies now know how to deal with exchange rate volatility through using hedging, which allows companies to deal with uncertainty about future exchange rates. While volatility might seem to be undesirable, there is remarkably little empirical evidence that the kind of volatility in the exchange rate that we suffer in Australia has significant costs.
Despite this, the majority of economists, including those within the Reserve Bank and the Treasury view the current exchange rate as too high. My view is a fair value for the Australian dollar would be in the range of 70 to 80 US cents, and there has been little to suggest that this range has moved in the past decade. This range would enable the competitiveness required for an even balance of trade over a long period.
In the early 2000s I was arguing that the Australian dollar was significantly undervalued, and today the exchange rate is overvalued to the tune of at least 15%. However, the undervaluation of the Australian dollar lasted for several years, and the current overvaluation is likely to continue for at least the next year or two.
There is no doubt that exchange rates can be misaligned, sometimes for very long periods of time. The exchange rate is an asset price, and as with other asset prices there is reasonable debate about what constitutes fair value, and how to estimate this value.
Misalignments can be driven by a number of factors. The recent overvaluation of the Australian dollar has been largely to do with loose monetary policy in the United States, and also Europe and Japan. With Australia’s economy being relatively strong, and our interest rates remaining above those in the rest of the West, money has flowed into Australia and kept our exchange rate strong.
What can we do about it?
At the moment there are a number of countries that have floating exchange rates that are suffering from similar problems with overvaluation to those facing Australia. These include emerging economies such as Brazil, middle income countries such as South Korea, and richer countries such as Switzerland. Some of these countries have tried to stop appreciation of the exchange rate, with mixed success.
The first means of addressing an overvalued exchange rate is to fix the exchange rate. We could for example, ask the RBA to fix the exchange rate at 75 US cents.
This would require the RBA to buy and sell as many Asutralian dollars as the market required at this fixed rate. At the moment that would have the RBA dramatically increasing its holdings of US dollars, as the supply of US dollars to buy Australian dollars at that price would greatly exceed market demand. Many economists argue that fixed exchange rates are too inflexible and should not be considered.
My view is that fixing the exchange rate should not be completely ruled out, but the problem is that this limits flexibility at times when this is required, and in the case of Australia, why would we fix to the US dollar, when that currency is clearly in such a decline?
At the moment such a peg would require ultra low Australian interest rates, which would no doubt lead to problems such as further overheating in property and other asset markets.
A less extreme form of intervention by central banks involves them buying and selling currency to try to limit exchange rate movements. The RBA for example, sometimes “leans against” big movements in either direction of the Australian dollar. The problem with these interventions is that there is limited evidence of their effectiveness in having a lasting effect on the exchange rate. The reason for this is that the size of the foreign exchange market is huge, even relative to the size of central bank asset holdings.
In the latest survey, turnover in the Australian dollar averages around US$180 billion per day, a very large amount even for central banks to create a dent in. For example, the central bank in Switzerland began intervening to try to limit Swiss Franc appreciation in 2009, and in the subsequent four years these interventions had at best a minimal impact on the exchange rate.
Many countries have tried to limit exchange rate movements by imposing “capital controls.” These controls can take various forms, but the idea is to tax or put some other kind of constraint on foreign money coming into a country, with the aim being to reduce the value of a currency. China has had capital controls as part of its managed exchange rate system, and Chile and Malaysia have also imposed capital controls in recent years.
As with central bank intervention, the evidence on the effectiveness of capital controls in managing exchange rates is mixed. Capital controls can work in a strong economy, but in a country such as Australia that requires significant capital inflow each year, putting costs on these inflows runs the risk of putting off foreign investors. At a minimum that is likely to lead to much higher interest rates, along with running a risk of recession as a result.
Another way to try to limit exchange rate overvaluation is to loosen monetary policy. The Reserve Bank long ago decided that the prime objective for monetary policy was to keep inflation low and stable. Other objectives should be secondary, and should not interfere with this inflation focus. I would agree with this focus, and to cut interest rates to weaken the exchange rate at the current time would not be appropriate.
Are there other options? The IMF lists six types of exchange rate regimes, and classifies countries accordingly. Aside from floating exchange rate systems such as Australia’s, all of the other regimes involve forms of intervention or controls such as those above.
There is only one other possibility. We could of course apply for admission to the Euro, so as to give that system a boost, or adopt the US dollar. Currency unions are not always a bad idea, though they seem to be a bit out of fashion, and in the case of Australia the big question is who should we form a union with? The Europeans? The Americans? Maybe we should cosy up to the Kiwis?
There is no doubt that our overvalued exchange rate is costly. When the US, Japan and Europe unwind their unusually loose monetary policy there is little doubt that the AUD will weaken. Unfortunately in the meantime the best we can do is hope that those days come sooner rather than later.

<hr>
Mark Crosby is associate professor of economics at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mbs.edu/Pages/Default.aspx">Melbourne Business School</a>
This article was originally published at <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/intervene-or-wait-the-rba-faces-tricky-path-to-a-lower-dollar-20091">original article</a>.
 
<img width="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/20091/count.gif" height="1" alt="The Conversation">
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jake-cSmGT7VXVf

To intervene, or not to intervene? The RBA's dollar dilemma

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It’s no revelation that the retail sector has been doing it tough for the past few years. Every month’s release of retail sales data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics is eagerly awaited. Likewise, the Westpac Melbourne Institute index of consumer sentiment, regarded by many as a pointer towards future retail sales. Has the low interest rate environment caused consumers to loosen their purse strings? What about the impact of rising house prices on consumers’ perceptions of wealth and, hence, willingness to spend? Has the post-election rebound in sentiment been sustained?
These are interesting questions, and the course of retail spending over coming years is critically important to the success of Australian retailers and their landlords.
However, there is another factor of critical importance to both retailers and retail landlords that tends to get overlooked—the impact of a lower Australian dollar on retailer profitability and shopping centre incomes. Of course, there’s plenty of discussion about the fluctuations in the dollar, but it tends to overlook this aspect. It focuses more on the potential upside of a lower dollar—there may be less expenditure leakage overseas (both online and in-store when holidaying overseas) and, conversely, more spending by overseas visitors in Australia as we become a cheaper destination.
However, we believe that these positives are likely to be well and truly offset by a negative impact on retailer profit margins. BIS Shrapnel forecasts that the dollar will fall by around 23% against the trade weighted index from its peak earlier this year. Picking the timing is more difficult, as currency markets are notoriously volatile. Our assessment is that it will happen within around three years.
We have carried out a scenario analysis to estimate the impact of a weaker dollar on retailer profitability and capacity to pay rent. The results aren’t pretty. One of the key issues is that many retailers import a high proportion of the goods that they sell, leaving them exposed to currency fluctuations. Hedging only delays the impact. We estimate that a typical retailer who imports 50% of product sold will see their profitability fall to zero if they continue paying current rents. Clearly, this is not sustainable. In reality, the pain will be spread between the wholesaler (where there is one), retailer and landlord. In this example, downward pressure on rents will be in the order of 10%, albeit spread over several years. In fact, we’re already seeing downwards pressure on rents, but this is not yet reflecting the lower dollar impact.
It will be hard for landlords to absorb the impact and many will be looking to replace tenants with others who are less exposed to the vagaries of the dollar. Service industries are the obvious choice—but how many nail bars do we really need?
 
<hr>
 Maria Lee is senior project manager with <a href="https://www.bis.com.au" target="_blank">BIS Shrapnel</a>.
 
 
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Weaker Aussie dollar could have significant impact on retail landlords

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If you live or work in inner Sydney, you'll only be too aware that the city is now well into a dwelling construction boom.
In particular, the inner city is seeing the building a new apartments aplenty.
The Reserve Bank will certainly be well pleased to see this, for part of their grand plan was for low interest rates to stimulate dwelling construction as the mining investment boom passes its peak and tails off.
And after years of weak supply, Sydney certainly needs the dwellings: the city's population is increasing by more than 60,000 persons per annum.
In the inner city and in parts of the inner south, at times it almost feels as though every available block is under construction.
This will lead, no doubt, to a spate of articles citing a forthcoming oversupply and a "major shake-out" coming.
And in certain sectors of the market, this may indeed be true.
In the central business district (CBD), Sydney tallest residential tower will soon appear. At Barangaroo, a whole new suburb is in the process of springing out of the ground, albeit with much of the space allocated for commercial ventures and parkland, in addition to a number of luxury apartments.
In the city's inner south, a huge amount of development is underway.
If you are a home buyer looking to stay put for a reasonably long period of time, then these new developments may suit you fine.
However, from an investors point of view, there is far better value and potential capital growth to be found elsewhere, in established stock within certain suburbs located a little way from the city.
For some there may be a time and a place for buying expensive apartments 'off-the-plan', but now is probably not that time.
Instead investors should look towards some of the favourably-located leafy suburbs which are located within easy striking distance of the CBD, but not in the CBD itself (where there are few height restrictions on building and there exists an oversupply risk).
Look to suburbs where there is no land available for release and where tall tower blocks will not be granted development approval, thus capping the population growth.
A small amount of redevelopment in a suburb can be a good thing, for the price of new stock can underpin existing dwelling prices, and a six pack of units where a house once stood is not going to suddenly cause an oversupply in a city with a population growth as strong as that of Sydney.
Over the last few years, relatively high vacancy rates in Melbourne led a number of bearish market commentators to predict a major correction in  the city's wider housing market.
But while in certain high rise developments and suburbs prices may have stagnated, established stock in supply-constrained suburbs have defied the gloomy predictions and continued to demonstrate impressive rates of growth.
We'll likely see similar trends unfolding in Sydney. The city is not into a very strong growth cycle as I anticipated long ago, but capital growth does not continue forever.
When the next cyclical downturn arrives - be it in 2016 or 2015, or whenever - investors who hold well located stock close to the median price range in supply-constrained suburbs will be thankful. Those who own over-priced high-rise stock where vacancy rates are higher, will not.
 
<hr>
 Pete Wargent is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.
 
His new book '<a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' is out now.
 
 
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Sydney's apartment construction boom: What does it mean for investors?

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The sales and marketing centre which is usually associated with any project is a key step in the buyer’s journey and while market conditions will always vary this is an exacting area and one that needs a major investment of time and money. To appreciate why, I want to outline what I see as the buyer’s perspective when they explore any sales centre.
A great opportunity and challenge
The importance of that ‘first impression’ a buyer experiences within a sales centre is great and there are, as might be expected things that need to be avoided.  A poor standard of presentation that is a misfit with the target, can and does lose potential sales and if unchecked will be a problem.
The buyer’s expectations today is that a visit to a display home, or apartment and sales centre will be as good as the best retail experience, or a gallery or even a good restaurant experience because they are all areas where emotions are at their highest.
It is difficult to over-stress how vital the on-site sales office and display centre is. A well-designed and importantly well-managed facility will always help to drive sales during the entire life of the project. And so in looking at the buyer’s experience we find that here is a real challenge and fantastic opportunity.
Planning is one of the most exciting and important tasks. At the start of a new apartment project or land estate we have a blank canvas and the eventual design and presentation of the sales centre will for the buyer represent the starting point for the branding of the project that is being thought-out.
For potential buyers any site is a complete mystery and almost no amount of imagination will easily bridge the gap between today’s reality and future plans, that’s the gap the sales centre must fill. For the buyer the experience has a touch of romance and a lot of emotion involved. There is an opportunity to help concentrate in the mind of the market, the thousands of hours of work that will be undertaken to deliver the project they are possibly buying into.
Reaching out to the buyer under these circumstances is the key role of the sales centre, and in many ways is the heart of the marketing effort. The centre sets the character of any project and given that the facility will be a major investment this is a big topic and an area which is always getting better.
It is important that the facility also reflects the local environment, and while a basic template can be a sensible starting point, it is essential to reflect location and to use the display to amplify the core offer of the project. By linking the display with the area’s resources the design will help build the projects brand values and awareness with potential buyers. The facility is a key three-dimensional and physical connection to the project, it is something that buyers experience, usually many times and hopefully remember. The core idea is create the experience so that it is a ‘hi-touch’ and ‘hi-tug’ environment. In very basic terms the centre needs to display as much about the project as possible that buyers can ‘touch’. The display apartment or home will always be the touch spot however, as we will explore this is simply not a matter of creating a replica, there are a number of subtle points that also need to be addressed.
The ‘hi-tug’ concentrates on the creation of an environment that will tug, as it were, at the heart of the buyers, making them want to connect with the project. Both areas are key tools to help sway a highly emotional connection to the project like a well-planned retail experience. By taking this combination approach it can be possible to trigger and leverage the key benefits and features of any project that will help make a sale.
Both elements are now well represented in design and layout options. The balance between the two will always be dictated by the location and under varied conditions the emphasis on each element may well vary. There are no rules as such, other than having constant reference to the location and the key elements of the project itself and how buyers will experience the centre, as a key point in their sales journey, be it a long or short journey.
As I have highlighted the sales and marketing centre is a big part of the buyer’s journey and possibly in today’s market where so much contact is via email, even more so.
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<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Be flexible
While there is a great deal of product knowledge in this area there are, to my way of thinking, no rules as such because it is important to always consider the individual market and value feedback from people who visit the facility.
And while I do accept that some aspects may be more important than others, planning should reflect individual circumstances and flexibility is always desirable. Display homes and apartments are a key touch point and we all need to consider that when planning interiors to always consider the aspirations of the target market. Do not base ideas only on your own personal considerations, and ensure that any consultants employed also work to the target, not to this or that particular trend. It is important to reflect how the display experience works to enhance the sales path, this is the core reason for the display.
The sales path interaction is important but should not be made overly complex, sometimes a bit of creative spark will make a big impression. The other big impression needs to be made by the sales team to fully engage each person, no matter how busy or how much demand there is for a project. Every buyer has taken an important step to visit and to learn more about the project.
No matter why consumers visit or what has promoted this first step it is the focus of the marketing and should not be wasted. After all they may never return, and I have seen this happen where hurried or a less than interest response can turn people away.
Key factors to engage buyers
Whenever possible the display facilities are best located at the entrance to an estate or in immediate proximity to an apartment project. While remote facilities are used they will always have some disadvantages, be somewhat of a letdown for buyers.
In some land estates, the facility can be placed in the centre of a project, so buyers get a more universal view of the estate and so making it easier to present the land options. However as the estate is developed access to the sales centre through the estate itself may not always be easy for someone who is not familiar with the location and visitors might encounter construction movement and could annoy residents.
There is also the reality that not all estates will give the most positive impression while development is taking place and homes are being built.  The place can appear a mess and so deflate expectations, there are several examples of this in Sydney where a bunch of smaller estates lack the impression that one large community will make.
It is difficult to over-state the major aim for any centre is to control in a positive way how buyers are exposed to a project. The sales centre is the key point of impact with buyers, the project’s shop front. The centre may not be the single reason for the success or otherwise of a project, but it is a big issue, a central factor and apart from the actual location and actual product itself is the most important element in project marketing.
Having talked about this topic in some detail, is it ever possible to spend too much money, is it possible to make the display too expensive and complex so that consumers do not engage the facility. In any market I think the answer is no, as long as the planning is detailed and when you consider how much good work has been done in this area and the quality involved, we should be able ‘to get it right’ every time.
The starting point will be a complete understanding of the target market and the brand values for the project that will best reach that market, if that’s on target the buyer will always react well.
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Content and delivery
Any experienced project marketing team will know what content is required to manage the sales path and to clearly and easily communicate the project to the consumer. The content like the built structure itself is now a highly developed area and in many ways it has been the buyers who have encouraged this.
However from experience to fully engage buyers the content must be easy to read, the content of the display will always need to include some key items, and this includes the use for example of hardworking pointers such as aerial photographs and easy to read plans.
Never forget the buyer
Generally the standard of display material presentation and content is very important, there is a need to present material, in a logical and easy to understand way, where the project remains the hero. Potential buyers can be taken along a logical sales path that gives them the best impression and understanding of the project. Remember this is not, even in Sydney’s hot market, something buyers do every day.
One easy way to test this would be to consider if a buyer visited the space alone, and then walked away, would they have both a good experience but would they also feel they have all of the details that they need?
The sales role (a logical sales path) must remain central, it must help the interaction with the consumer, and the potential buyer’s journey needs to be enhanced. A well planned and presented space will enhance the sales role; it will make it easier and quicker for the sales team to get sales. The sales team will use the space as a tool that they enjoy and so it needs to also add deep value to how sales are managed.
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How to use (and not use) the marketing suite
As possibly the single biggest item of investment and the one element that has the potential for the biggest impact on buyers, how the marketing suite is used is as important if not more so than how the actual space is designed and built.
The sales and marketing display can be the core item around which the sales path is built and managed. It can be the anchor and should be a fantastic tool for the sales team, appealing and exciting.
The display experience should be used to motivate buyers, ignite and then build upon their interest. In combination the sales path (well managed) and a good display centre are solid and well-regarded marketing essentials.
However even an award winning presentation can be undone if the space is badly managed or poorly operated. The possible leverage can be lost, (and this does happen) but with the right sales management this will not happen. Things that go wrong are usually simple, not structure problems, but areas that breakdown sometimes because of complacency. Because the sales and buyer ‘chemistry’ does not work.
The display suite is not a staff room or kitchen and the sight of a sales team member eating lunch in the middle of a display will always have a negative impact on buyers, or simply being unattended. They will either be embarrassed to have interrupted someone’s lunch or they will simply view the entire place a second rate. Either outcome is uncomfortable for all involved. If a sales person is on the telephone, when another person enters the display, deal with both the caller and visitor right away. Apologise to the caller and acknowledge the visitor quickly.
A skilled and professional sales person, even if alone in a sales environment will pick up on these events and prevent either party being relegated to second place. While this is a skill it also entails a degree of common sense and everyday manners, it’s part of the skill set associated with recruiting the right team.
When the display space is being planned it is also important that the project delivery team respects and understands the function, the entrepreneurial role and negotiating skills of the sales team.
This is their tool and the involvement of the sales team is of value. The display suite will never replace or diminish the role of the sales team, this is not as already stated a self-serve environment no matter how well designed. It is also important to be ready to make changes to a display if some area is not working or if materials supplied need to change or they become out of date.
Just like the sales person eating lunch in a display suite, make-shift changes to display material send the wrong message; they say this project is poorly managed. Out of date plans and images send the wrong message, as do scrappy signs or hand written notes. The shop-front for the development must always be 100%.
Every aspect of the display needs to be carefully maintained and presented and constructed so that it works in hand with the sales path and is for buyers a big positive experience that they enjoy and one that adds true value.

<hr>
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.colliers.com.au/Colliers%20Corporate/Residential.aspx">Colliers International.</a>
 
 
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

The buyer's journey: The gap between today's reality and future plans is what the sales centre must fill

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It’s that time of the year when businesses start working on strategies to implement for next year and removing the strategies that failed – the biggest question is what should be priority one? It’s pretty simple actually given all roads point to Google. In 1998, Google’s first year, the annual number of Google searches reached 3,600,000, in 2010 it reached 1,324,670,000,000 and in 2012 it jumped to 1,873,910,000,000. The problem for most businesses is their online activity is being ignored by Google as it has tightened the way in which it collects data, today it rewards those businesses that adapt their online activities using Google as the platform.
For example businesses now need to be feeding into <a title="Google+" href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/105552035154250004018/+RwmAuMosman/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a>, Google+ Business Page and Google Places to name a few to start with. In recent years we have seen many businesses moving to Gmail as they align themselves to the power of Google’s web asset leverage. Google+ is closing in on Facebook with Google+ now attracting 1,203 million visitors per month and yes, you guessed it, you can’t operate Google+ without a Gmail account.
Joseph Healy from the NAB wrote an interesting piece this week – <a title="Who dares wins in a brave new world." href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/11/18/economy/who-dares-wins-brave-new-world" target="_blank">Who dares wins in a brave new world.</a> “We’ve seen new business models emerge and old ones decline. Established institutions have gone out of business and new leaders have emerged – often through radically altering their business models or even government intervention. The fact is however, looking historically this sense of change is nothing new – for century’s industries, economies and even geographies have been ebbing and flowing. In many ways we have moved to a phase of change that is less evolutionary and more revolutionary or transformational in nature.”
So as we cast our attention to 2014 it’s reassuring that <a title="economists forecast steady growth for Australia" href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/the-economy/economists-forecast-steady-growth-for-australia-20131121-2xx1q" target="_blank">economists forecast steady growth for Australia</a> with economic growth set to climb steadily in the two years ahead. The Australian economy grew 2.6% in the year to June, down from 3.7% a year earlier. The forecasters anticipate that growth will hit 2.9% in 2014 and 3% throughout 2015.
The <a title="RBA eying housing market amid signs of lower rates working" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/rba-eyeing-housing-market-amid-signs-of-lower-rates-working-20131119-2xs8k" target="_blank">RBA is eying the housing market amid signs of lower rates working</a> which is becoming increasingly obvious to all watching the Sydney property markets – I’m tipping that houses in Mosman sales for 2013 will break the $1 billion in sales which has not happened since the global financial crisis. <a title="For the heftiest loans, the winner is Sydney" href="https://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/for-the-heftiest-loans-the-winner-is-sydney-20131119-2xt8t" target="_blank">For the heftiest loans, the winner is Sydney</a>; “The harbourside municipality of Woollahra had the nation’s heftiest monthly mortgage repayments of $3250 in 2011, closely followed by Mosman and Manly (both $3033). The council areas of Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Leichhardt, Pittwater and Waverley were next, each with a median monthly repayment of $3000. Two exclusive waterfront Perth neighbourhoods, Cottesloe and Nedlands, were the only two areas outside Sydney to figure among the top 10 council areas for mortgage repayments.”
<a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2013/11/18-11-2013-12-03-16-PM.jpg"><img alt="18-11-2013 12-03-16 PM" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2013/11/18-11-2013-12-03-16-PM.jpg" width="510" height="411"></a>
Strong price gains over the past year mean Sydney has 123 suburbs with a median price in the $1 million to $2 million dollar range, seven suburbs with a median price in the $2 million to $3 million range and three suburbs with a median price over $3 million, according to Australian Property Monitors. All the signs are there for the property markets to further improve in 2014 and beyond. Mosman briefly hit 100 houses on the market earlier this week then dropped back to 99 when I do the figures each Thursday.
<img alt="18-11-2013 9-32-03 AM" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2013/11/18-11-2013-9-32-03-AM.jpg" width="470" height="307">
<a title="Generation Rent left out in the cold" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/generation-rent-left-out-in-the-cold-20131117-2xp14" target="_blank">Generation rent left out in the cold</a> with the roaring popularity of property investment – aided by generous tax breaks – is turning us into a nation of landlords. And this is inflicting a hefty toll on younger generations. Throw in the strong injection of Chinese buyers and it’s no surprise that the market demographics are so strong. People in China traditionally associate fortune with lucky numbers. Number eight has long been regarded as the luckiest number is Chinese culture and why is Mosman now so popular? Aside from the obvious the postcode is also 2088. The number two usually suggests germination and harmony.

<hr>
Robert Simeon is a director of <a style="font-size: 14px;" title="RWM" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Richardson  Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay </a>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. 
He has also been writing real estate blog <a title="Virtual Realty News" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. 
The RWM real estate model has sold in excess of $1 billion in database sales globally.
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

The top business strategy for 2014: All roads lead to Google

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Asbestos is the word of the week, and for good reason - it's dangerous stuff. The list of where it can be contained in a property is neverending, from sheeting, tiles, splashbacks and coatings to the glue itself used to hold everything together.
Since it is asbestos week, the media and a number of government agencies are actively getting behind the issue of asbestos and the dangers it poses in and around homes. Most of the drive is centred on the concerns relating to renovations, particularly for DIY renovators. Yes, 61% of DIY renovations are affected but what about the dangers faced by tenants in some areas of Sydney where properties are riddled with compromised asbestos sheeting?
Some weeks ago I noted this (in <a target="_blank" href="/news">a video filmed at a rental here</a>) and made calls to radio stations to inform the public of the then asbestos dangers we will face due to the Blue Mountains fires. At the time, the insurance companies were requesting owners of the burnt out properties to go to their site and photograph their homes. I made a call and alluded to the imminent dangers of such a  request; the primary factor being the simple reason that the asbestos sheeting in the burnt out homes were compromised and had turned to dust, therefore making it highly toxic.
Similarly, there are a large number of leased residencies approximately 230,000 dwellings of similar nature to the homes that were burnt out in the bush fires. Mainly weatherboard homes built prior to 1970’s. Asbestos sheeting is okay if left alone and not compromised by; drilling into it, breaking it, driving a nail through it or cutting and grinding it. Yet, when we inspect properties mainly in the western suburbs, there is an alarming abundance of homes which have the above defects, notes my good friend David Piva from Jims Property Inspections.
Why are the dangers around these dwellings not taken care of? Why are there no national incentives by way of “government funded grants” for landlords to be assisted with the remediation of all asbestos sheeting where tenants are living without knowing of the dangers they are surrounded by?
The picture below was taken at a rental in Sydney. The shed at the back left of the photo shows where the fibro (asbestos) sheeting has broken off leaving the material of the shed (the darker colour) exposed. This leaves a substantial danger to the tenants.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/11/25/asbestos-nov-25-three.jpg" alt="asbestos-nov-25-three" height="402" width="470">
<img alt="asbestos-nov-25-one" height="173" width="230" src="/images/stories/2013/11/26/asbestos-nov-25-one.jpg"><img alt="asbestos-nov-25-two" height="173" width="230" src="/images/stories/2013/11/26/asbestos-nov-25-two.jpg">
Asbestos is a silent-killer and the contamination may not be evident if a person is affected for upwards of 17 – 50 years on. There is a real danger and this need to be addressed now - not tomorrow.
There are children playing in asbestos contaminated backyards, people showering in asbestos contaminated bathrooms and people cooking in and around asbestos contaminated kitchens. Yes, you read correctly. Any home built prior to 1987 has asbestos in some form or another in the wet areas; including bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and toilets. Do I have your attention now?
You wouldn’t live under these conditions, so why are we exposing tenants that don’t know any better to the dangers we ourselves try and avoid?
What is asbestos and where is it found?
{qtube vid:=I7L46PnHXYU}
To find out more go to <a href="https://www.asbestosawareness.com.au/" target="_blank">www.asbestosawareness.com.au</a>.
 
<hr>
 Edwin Almeida is managing partner and licensee-in-charge of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.just-think.com.au/">Just Think Real Estate</a>.
 
 
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ealmedia-arK4DBYLjS

Asbestos is a silent killer and our ignorance is putting people in danger

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Credit card debt will jump 2% in January, following a Christmas consumer spending binge, financial comparison website Rate City predicts.
It predicts credit card providers will earn an extra $10.7 million in credit card interest payments over January.
It says the average credit card interest rate is around 17%.
“On average, January is the month where Aussies stack on the most credit card debt and it’s a good bet they’ll be higher again in January 2014 – for a start, there are over 200,000 more credit cards on issue than there were last Christmas,” Alex Parsons, chief of RateCity.com.au says.
“Interest rates on credit cards remain very high at around 17% on average, and range up to 22.99%, so consumers who carry debt should look at switching to get a better deal.”
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:awalsh@propertyobserver.com.au">awalsh@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Credit card debt to jump 2% in January

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Stone lions at the entrance of a home are supposed to guard against evil spirits.

Last weekend the auction crowd at a Georges Hall offering watched as confident bidding prized a $1,325,000 sale through Themy Panagiotidis at LJ Hooker Auburn.

{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/11/29/geo]}

The 5 Oak Drive property (pictured above) sold through auctioneer, Rob Trovato at Auction Services was a six bedroom double brick residence set on a 685 square metre block. The Georges Hall record stands at $1.5 million since last year.

There were statues everywhere, but outside the front door of the house stood a tall pair of guardian lion statues, which piqued the interest of our property contrarians Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok. This week they consider whether lion statuary is coming back into fashion.

<img alt="georges-hall-nov-29-one" height="283" src="/images/stories/2013/11/29/georges-hall-nov-29-one.jpg" width="470">

HE SAID: A CONDITIONAL YES

Why stop at jungle lions? Surely it's timely to get two Pixiu statues guarding the entrance. Pixiu is the Chinese mythical creature that resembles a winged lion considered to be protectors and also possessing mystical powers of drawing wealth. It is said to have a voracious appetite towards gold and silver.

The statues of a Pixiu are commonly found on the four corners of the roofs of houses—usually houses of important people such as the emperor. One cannot touch the face and head of the Pixiu, because the touch from an ordinary person would ruin their wealth.

Fierce looking with large fangs for attacking demons and evil spirits, the Pixiu has a fat body which indicates a full stomach loaded with unlimited amounts of good fortune.

A Pixiu myth says the creature disregarded a law of heaven. And so the Jade Emperor reproached it by restricting its diet to gold, and then prevented the creature from defecating. Hence, Pixiu absorb only gold, but cannot expel it.

I've actually rarely seen a pixiu, with just the one sale of recent times when a house at Sunnybank Hills, Queensland was sold for $831,000, a gain on the $650,000 price paid by the Wu family in 2004.

But my favourite classic lions were at Loombah, the 1879 Hunters Hill residence sold in 2000 through Ward Partners agent David Ward in conjunction with Martin Schiller. The sandstone Georgian mansion, set on park-like lawns and gardens high above the Parramatta River, was sold by the sand merchant and horse racing enthusiasts John Cornish and wife Pam. With rich cedar joinery, ornate mantels, soaring ceilings, shady verandas, fine English curtains and antique Waterford chandeliers, the property takes its name from the Aboriginal word for steep banks, having been built for surveyor and lithographic draftsman Arthur Stopps. I wonder are they still insitu?

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90140]

SHE SAID: YES

Lions are the king of outdoor statuary and fashionable from time immemorial – or to be more exact, for more than 3000 years when carved stone sphinxes (statues of a lion’s body with a human head) lined the road from Karnak to Luxor in Egypt - these statues remain a highlight for modern tourists.

Of course in China, pairs of guardian lions have been popular since the Han dynasty (206BC-220AD).

In Australia, lion statues standing sentinel at the entrance to a home have been popular for decades.

My favourite pair of lions graced the front path of a grand Queenslander house at Crescent Road, Hamilton in Brisbane. Named Benson &amp; Hedges by the owners of the property, the white painted lions (lying regally on plaster plynths) were considered part of the family.

Sadly, after the house sold for $3.5 million in 2006, the statues disappeared during renovations.

The lions are best not located at the front fence, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nt-karama-112591355" target="_blank">otherwise they look caged</a>, as apparent at this Northern Territory home.

<img alt="karama-nov-29-one" height="217" src="/images/stories/2013/11/29/karama-nov-29-one.jpg" width="470">
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Lions at the front door! Are lion statues making a regal comeback?

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Overseas Asian buyers in the Gold Coast accounted for a quarter of all sales in October for Ray White Surfers Paradise, clocking up $21.5 million over 46 sales.
Most buyers came from China with additional interest from Malaysia and Singapore.
Most sales were close to universities and schools or central to tourist hubs of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
The group is currently in negotiations for a further $200 million in sales to Asian buyers, including a number of development sites.
Chief of Ray White Surfers Paradise Andrew Bell says the lifestyle of the Gold Coast attracted Asian buyers ahead of cities like Brisbane.
“Lifestyle is also a factor and is probably the main reason the Gold Coast is outstripping Brisbane’s performance in attracting Asian buyers,” Bell says
“A large proportion of Asian buyers also invest with a view to sending their children here to attend university, college or an English language institution.
“Many Australians mistakenly think Asian buyers will pay a premium for property which is rarely the case, but the great benefit to sellers is they are cash purchasers who aren’t dependent on bank finance or valuations.”
There were a number of sales to Asian buyers in high-end developments including the loss-machines <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/hilton-surfers-paradise-resale-price-collapse-for-but-one-exiting-property-investor/2013082164115">Hilton Surfers Paradise</a> and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/poor-fortune-for-those-who-went-to-the-oracle-on-the-gold-coast/2013082664548">Oracle</a> as well as The Glades at Robina and The Address at Sanctuary Cove.
RELATED READING: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/why-australia-must-deepen-its-asian-investment-relationships/2013112366455">Why Australia must deepen its Asian investment relationships</a><a target="_parent" href="/news"> Asian investors keen on Australian inner-city units: Peter Chittenden</a>
awalsh@propertyobserver.com.au 
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Asian buyers make up a quarter of buyers in Gold Coast

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For more than two decades I’ve been approached by people who want to work for me and who want to involve me in their business plans. During this time I’ve noticed that the people I want to be involved with are not just ‘successful’ in the material sense, but they have what I call the 'psychology of achievement'. That is, the ones who I want to talk further with have a way of thinking, a way of being.
Have a look at some of these observations and think about how they can be applied to your own circumstances.
<ol start="1">
<li>
Team builder: successful people think in terms of building teams of other achievement-oriented people, rather than trying to be the ‘lone genius’. This entails putting your ego on the backburner because you will always be trying to attract people who are smarter than you and who have a degree of their own mental autonomy. This means you have to have an eye to the medium-term goal, not the short-term ego-victory.
</li>
<li>
Strategist: the people who achieve the most in life never let tactics overwhelm their strategy. An example is Sir Richard Branson, whose fight to create the Virgin Atlantic airline saw so many tactical twists and turns, against so many powerful enemies, that many people would have become demoralised. Branson is an embodiment of this motto: tactics serve the strategy, not the other way round.
</li>
<li>
Principles: look at the people who seem able to cope with change and deal with set-backs. Invariably they rely on principles rather than following or imposing rules. Applying principles to ever-changing life is more efficient than setting rules and trying to shoe-horn the world into them. It’s also an effective way of managing your partners and smart employees.
</li>
<li>
Learner: the high-achievers of this world have a universal response to a hole in their knowledge. They find someone who does know, they ask, and they listen. Or, they sign up for a course, do a degree, go listen to a speaker at a conference. One of the most important aspects of the psychology of achievement is to avoid being a know-it-all. No one knows it all.
</li>
<li>
Networks: just as they build good teams in their organisations, achievement-oriented people develop broader peer networks from which they can glean experience and know-how. Two caveats: networks only work when you put in as much as you take out; and networks are never about name-dropping. They are mutual support-systems.
</li>
<li>
Energy: this might be the most important component of a psychology of achievement. You have to give a damn. Life unfolds in the moment, not in a spreadsheet or a business plan or a bank statement, which are all just snapshots of some other moment. High achievers understand this sense of urgency which is why they seem to be on the go most of the time.
</li>
<li>
Ideas: ideas change everything, because ideas are everything. Write them down, test them, train yourself to have more. Ideas are currency.</li>
</ol>
 
<hr>
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of <a href="https://www.ybr.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yellow Brick Road</a>, a financial services company offering home loans, financial planning, accounting and tax, and insurance.
You can contact Mark on <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/markbouris" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a>.
 
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