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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The low interest rate environment has been good for home buyers and those wanting to refinance, while not being so good for those who live on their savings. Another group of people displeased with the falling cash rate has been those who fixed their home loans around two years ago.
Back then – in 2011, when the cash rate was 4.75% – banks were offering three-year fixed rate mortgages around 6.3%, and many borrowers did better than that.
Who was to know the Reserve Bank would get to the end of 2011 and almost half the cash rate over the next two years?
People with three-year fixed rate mortgages taken in 2011 are still paying 6.3% to be fixed, while variable rate mortgages are around 4.8%.
On a 350,000 home loan, that’s a monthly repayment difference of more than $300.
Even the lucky ones who got in on the 5.99% fixed rates are now paying a full 1% over the variable rate.
So should people with eight or 10 months left to run on their fixed-rate mortgages bail out and take a variable rate instead?
In the financial services industry, we call this a ‘break’.
Banks tie their fixed rates to the bond and ‘swap’ markets. And these markets are run on terms of debt: 30-day, 90-day, one year, three years etc.
If you want to stop paying your fixed rate mortgage before your three-year term is up, someone has to pay for that ‘break’, and it won’t be the bank.
Fixed rate mortgages include a page dedicated to the ‘break fee’. This is a number formulated on the size of the fixed loan, the term left on the loan and the profit the lender loses having to close-out your loan and accept lower rates in the market.
Your first job is to have the bank give you this number.
Then you must calculate the size of the break fee versus what you can save by moving to a variable interest rate.
There are a couple of tips I can give: firstly, always negotiate with the lender when thinking about breaking a fixed loan. All lenders are different and some will give you concessions on the break fee if you’re rolling over into a loan at the same institution.
Secondly, most lenders will allow you to roll your break fee into your refinanced loan, so long as you have the equity. This might suit you for short-term cash-flow reasons but remember that if you do this you’ll be paying interest on your break cost for years to come! So, this leads to my third point: if you do break and go to a lower cost loan, think about keeping your repayments the same. It’s a great way to speed your repayment of the loan and wipe that break fee.
As with everything financial, ensure you have accurate market and technical information. An expert adviser such as a mortgage broker could be a good place to start.

<hr>
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ybr.com.au/">Yellow Brick Road</a>, a financial services company offering home loans, financial planning, accounting and tax, and insurance.
You can contact Mark on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/markbouris" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.
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Switching from a fixed rate to a variable rate: Mark Bouris

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In the modern era we have made confusion an art – form given our tendency to over analyse, which in turn leads to over dramatized responses. The highway of fear is the shortest route to defeat.
Over the past week we have seen some very interesting observations namely: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/10/4/economy/weekend-economist-rate-cuts-revised" title="Rate cuts revised">Rate cuts revised</a> where analysts now have all but ruled out another cash rate reduction in 2013. Global growth forecasts for 2014 tend to fluctuate between 3-4% so everyone will be looking for the stand out economies. Many are suggesting that Australia may very well be a star performer.
The National Australia Bank Business Survey showed <a href="https://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-business/business-confidence-at-35year-high-20131008-2v57f" target="_blank">business confidence rose eight index points</a> to 12 in September – its highest level since March 2010. The jobless rate fell from 5.8% to 5.6% which really surprised everyone given once again our over – analysis had the jobless rate higher.
The heavy lifting for the rebounding Australian economy starts in Canberra – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2013/10/10/national-affairs/how-six-senators-will-transform-australia" title="How six senators will transform Australia.">how six senators will transform Australia.</a> “Wake up Australia, wake up. After six years of federal government chaos we now have one of the most stable governments in the developed world. Not only does the government have a strong majority in the lower house but “The Six” plan to support the government in all its major policy decisions.” With the government now assured of a clear passage it can get on with the job of rejuvenating the Australian economy which in itself is a mammoth task.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2013/10/8/australian-news/australia-urged-diversify-economy" title="Australia urged to diversify economy">Australia urged to diversify economy</a> as five “super growth” industries could boost the national economy by $250 billion over the next twenty years. Mining is expected to remain a major driver of prosperity, according to a new Delloitte Access Economics report released on Tuesday, with agribusiness, gas, tourism, international education and wealth management well – placed to join it.
We also saw that “property bubble theory” laid to rest – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/economy/is-there-a-property-bubble-the-experts-have-their-say/2013100365490" title="Is there a property bubble? The experts have their say">Is there a property bubble? The experts have their say</a>.  As I’ve said all along the “property bubble theory” in Australia is just a pile of rubbish theory. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/its-a-housing-boom-not-a-bubble-hsbc-20131008-2v5qn" title="Housing boom is a necessary evil: HSBC">Housing boom is a necessary evil</a> said HSBC<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/its-a-housing-boom-not-a-bubble-hsbc-20131008-2v5qn" title="Housing boom is a necessary evil: HSBC"></a>, with house prices having risen 9% since the May 2012 lows, and up 5.5% over the past year, it’s clear that momentum is picking up. I must admit that when these increases are scrutinized much closer we will see that the increases are not reflected in every suburb – more so at the lower end markets although eventually it will move to the top – end markets.
The property markets are simply at the early stages of rebalancing growth and the Reserve Bank of Australia would be most happy to see these green shoots. What many forget is that at the lowest cash rate Australia has ever seen it is very easy to service debt. It only becomes interesting once the cash rate is restored to what many call normality which is somewhere from 5.5% to 7%.
<img style="margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; display: block; max-width: 100%;" height="276" width="470" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/files/2013/10/10-10-2013-9-40-08-AM.jpg" alt="10-10-2013 9-40-08 AM" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8225">
New lending has been a key driver of the recent pick – up in real estate values where it should be noted that over the last twelve months home loan approvals have risen by 18%. On that basis it is fair to suggest that we will see single digit growth for the remainder of 2013 and this will move to double – digit growth in 2014.
With school holidays now over the anticipated new listings did not materialise this week with just marginal new stock entering the market. Having said that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" title="this week’s sales">this week’s sales</a> were somewhat on the soft side too it should be added in all fairness. We are now into week one of the selling run through to Christmas where by all intent and purpose it looks like property listings will remain on the subdued side. This is not a bad sign given if we were to see an oversupply of stock to hit the market I would have serious doubts about the market engagement – what would then happen is a stagnated market.
It has been a long time coming, but now <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/strong-housing-market-fuels-dwelling-construction-tim-lawless/2013100865476" title="strong market fuels dwelling construction">strong market fuels dwelling construction</a> and it's great to see the RBA’s monetary policy settings reigniting the construction market again. The NSW region is the driving force behind the surge in dwelling approvals with the latest August data showing a 48% lift in private sector approvals compared to August 2012. Certainly the O’Farrell government can take much of the credit given their relentless push for infrastructure in NSW.
Before we start popping the champagne corks it should also be noted <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/foreign-buyers-snap-up-residential-property-20131010-2va7c" title="foreign buyers snap up residential property">foreign buyers snap up residential property</a> for the three months to September 30, 165 of new property was bought by foreigners up from 11% in the previous quarter. Unfortunately there really is no accurate measure to get an exacting figure as nobody actually offers this service.
Out of frustration we recently set up RWM Research where our number crunchers are busily digesting data for our area so we will have more to report on this in coming months. I personally don’t believe we will be the only real estate agency to have an in-house research team given its importance for market surveillance.
Like most things in our industry we are just happy to be first.
 
<hr>
 Robert Simeon is a director of <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" title="RWM">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 style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" title="Virtual Realty News">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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On the rebound, Australia may be the star performer of 2014: Robert Simeon

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Population growth is arguably the most important indicator of housing demand. More residents generally translate to a larger requirement for dwellings. Of course there are changes in household formation that need to be taken into account (for example, more people under one roof and maximising existing bedrooms in an effort to combat housing affordability), however population growth remains the most important indicator for housing demand.
Over the first three months of 2013 the Australian population increased by 114,751 new residents; close to a record high (there have only been five previous quarters over the past 30 years where the population has grown by a larger amount). 36% of this population growth was attributable to natural increase (ie births minus deaths) while the majority of new residents came from net overseas migration.
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2578" alt="qtrly change in national pop net os migration v natural increaes" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/qtrly-change-in-national-pop-net-os-migration-v-natural-increaes-580x249.jpg" width="470" height="202" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
Unfortunately the quarterly demographic updates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics aren’t all that timely; in fact the statistics are about six months in arrears. The most up to date population estimates at a state/territory/national level are current to March 2013 and the June update won’t be available until December 17th.
Fortunately we do have interim data on overseas arrivals and departures which is published monthly and provides a useful indicator for where overseas population growth is heading. Focussing on permanent and long term arrivals and departures data from the ABS, it is clear that overseas migration, while remaining historically high, has already passed the peak rate of growth.
Over the month of August the ABS reported 53,470 permanent and long term arrivals. In balance there were 30,390 permanent and long term departures resulting in a net increase of 23,080 new permanent and long term movements. An annual summation of the overseas arrivals and departures data shows 680,200 arrival movements and 371,440 departure movements; a net gain of 308,760 permanent and long term residents/visitors who require accommodation of some description.
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2575" alt="annual perm and lt arrivals v departures" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/annual-perm-and-lt-arrivals-v-departures-580x226.jpg" width="470" height="183" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2577" alt="net perm and lt movements to aust" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/net-perm-and-lt-movements-to-aust-580x232.jpg" width="470" height="188" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
The inflow of migrants remains high; however an examination of the annual trend shows that net migration into Australia has been slowing since commodity prices peaked back in late 2011. The last time we saw the rate of overseas migration falling away like this was in early 2009; a trend which was policy driven in response to a rising rate of unemployment.
Currently, despite the improved unemployment reading for August (the national rate of unemployment shifted from 5.8% in July to 5.6% in August due to a drop in the participation rate) it is widely anticipated that national unemployment will continue to trend higher and is likely to peak around 6.25% according to Federal Treasury. Potentially we will see similar calls for migration policy change if unemployment continues to trend higher.
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2576" alt="month on month percent change in net annual os arrivals and departure movements" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/month-on-month-percent-change-in-net-annual-os-arrivals-and-departure-movements-580x247.jpg" width="470" height="200" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship, based on their June 2013 update, is still forecasting modest rises in net overseas migration, as can be seen in the table below (extracted from their latest immigration update (<a href="https://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/immigration-update/nom-june-2013.pdf">click here</a>)).
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2579" alt="table 1 - nom" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/table-1-nom-580x153.jpg" width="470" height="124" style="margin: 0px auto 15px; padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; outline-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.701961); max-width: 100%; text-align: center; height: auto; display: block; vertical-align: bottom;">
If the department is correct in their forecasts we should continue to see a strong rate of overseas migration which will continue to fuel the high rate of national population growth. The month to month overseas arrivals and departures data supports the notion that overseas migrants are continuing to grow in numbers, but the rate of growth has moderated since 2011.
Without doubt, as unemployment moves higher we can expect more debate about whether this strong rate of migration is the correct policy for our country.
Personally, I am very much pro ‘Big Australia’ but it is absolutely essential that any population growth targets run parallel with infrastructure development; something that both federal and state government have struggled with in the past. Additionally, migration targets need to be strategically matched with domestic labour shortages and aimed at sectors that will benefit from the rapid ramp up of human resources that overseas migration can provide.

<hr>
Tim Lawless is national research director of <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" target="_blank">RP Data.</a>
 
 
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Housing demand created by overseas migration is a strong force, but slowing: Tim Lawless

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Research by RP Data shows that while capital city values are climbing, rental yields began to decline and with further drops expected to emerge over the coming year.

Although value growth may be strong at the time when mortgage rates are incredibly low, once rates eventually increase, value growth can quickly slow which was evident in late 2009 and 2010.
While there are benefits associated with negative gearing, investors may like to look at the longer term costs and benefits associated with housing market investment rather than just speculating on a short-term capital gains. The problem with a strategy around purchasing for investment purposes in the current market is two-fold.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/10/11/kucher-oct-11-one.png" width="470" height="216" alt="kucher-oct-11-one">
Firstly, capital gains as opposed to rental return is not realised until the point of sale. Secondly, although home value growth may be strong at a time when mortgage rates are incredibly low, once rates eventually increase, value growth can quickly slow. A feature rarely seen across the residential housing market is simultaneous growth in values and growth in rental rates.
Given that yields are based on rental rates and home values, if values rise quicker than rents you will see an erosion of rental returns.
The September RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index covering capital city house values shows an increase by 5.7% over the past year while unit values increased by 4.4%. At the same time, rental rates increased by just 3.1% for capital city houses and 2.6% for capital city units.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/10/11/kucher-oct-11-two.png" width="470" height="194" alt="kucher-oct-11-two">
Over the years, the annual rate of rental growth has seldom outpaced the annual rate of home value growth. The two instances in which this has occurred was when home values fell through 2008, 2011 and 2012. Of note is that rental rates never fell on an annual basis over the period however, the growth was generally moderate.
Movement in gross rental yields over recent time shows that as home values experienced strong growth throughout early 2000, a significant deterioration in rental yields was evident. Since that time an improvement in yields during 2008 and 2011/12 can be seen as rental growth outpaced value growth. However, yields never returned to their previous highs. In recent times, gross rental yields have started to ease as growth in capital city home values outpaced rental growth.
There will always be discrepancies between the performances of rental growth across individual capital cities. If we firstly look at the annual change in major capital city rental rates we will see that the general trend is that rental growth is either slowing or quite sluggish.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/10/11/kucher-oct-11-three.png" width="470" height="192" alt="kucher-oct-11-three">
Rental growth for homes across the major capital cities over the past year has been recorded at: 3.6% in Sydney, 2.1% in Melbourne, 2.3% in Brisbane, 2.5% in Adelaide and 4.6% in Perth. At the same time 12 months ago, the annual rental growth figures were: 2.0% in Sydney, 1.2% in Melbourne, 2.5% in Brisbane, 0.3% in Adelaide and 11.4% in Perth.
Sales volumes estimates show that over the three months to July 2013, sales were higher across each major capital city than over the same period the previous year. As the number of homes purchased increases, this should alleviate many of the rental growth pressures present in the market, reducing the scope for investors to significantly lift rental rates. Given this, the outlook for rental growth is that although it may continue to rise, it is likely to do so at a moderate pace.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/10/11/kucher-oct-11-four.png" width="470" height="216" alt="kucher-oct-11-four">
For Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, value growth over the past year has outstripped rental growth. Should this continue, there will undoubtedly be a further deterioration of rental yields.
In Brisbane and Adelaide rental growth has marginally outperformed value growth however; the gap has narrowed significantly over the year.
With values anticipated to continue to increase in Sydney and Melbourne and the potential for value growth to accelerate in Brisbane and Adelaide over the coming year, we should expect further erosion of rental yields.  
<img src="/images/stories/2013/10/11/kucher-oct-11-five.png" width="470" height="218" alt="kucher-oct-11-five">

<hr>
Cameron Kusher is senior research analyst at <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/">RP Data</a>.
 
 
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Capital city home values rising while rental yield returns are declining: Cameron Kusher

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Reader Letter 1: 
I read your article about the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/finance/off-the-plan-values-coming-back-at-15-below-purchase-price/2013092365217" target="_blank">Off-the-plan values coming back at 15% below purchase price</a>. 
I have purchased an apartment in Melbourne with one bedroom one bath at $347,500 and after the valuation they said  it will be around $320,000. 
I feel I’ve been ripped off in many different ways.
This apartment meant to be completed early this year and has extended till [dates withheld for anonymity]. 
Is there anything I can fight with developer? or claim the difference of $27,000?
- Response: We're currently investigating.
Reader Letter 2
Why do people refer to gross rental yields and not nett rental yields ? 
Wouldn't it be easier to compare properties after costs rather than before ? 
Can you explain what the reason is behind this use in the real estate market for me because it doesn't appear to make sense ? 
- Response: The reason that gross rental yields are used rather than net is that costs vary for every individual property and every investor, and aren't always clear unless you've undertaken a thorough analysis of that particular investor's costs.
For instance, a unit may have higher outgoing costs e.g. it has elevators and pools, and therefore strata fees are higher, it's older and therefore needs more maintenance (refer to depreciation schedule) and the investor may have put down a 30% deposit meaning that the mortgage monthly interest costs are lower than an investor who put down 20%.
There's no way to calculate this for every property from a media perspective, and so gross rental yields are generally used as it helps compare properties/suburbs solely on this return, rather than investor-specific. Also, it gives a gauge on what is happening in that area in terms of overall trends (e.g. market forces affecting yield) rather than the specific finances of individual investors that might not be as useful. 
For individual investors, gross yields can help find an area trending the right way/with good overall numbers. Net yield should then be further used to knuckle down between individual properties that have been selected and to get an understanding of how properties are truly performing individually within a portfolio.
If you have something you want discussed, email: <a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au </a>
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Rental yields, off-the-plan vals

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A new report from the Productivity Commission into small businesses' engagement with regulators has been welcomed by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) who are claiming it will ultimately help to reduce building costs.
HIA chief executive industry policy and media, Graham Wolfe, said that with around 85% of the residential building industry being small businesses, they often do not have the capacity to manage excessive compliance or data collection burdens. 
"Red tape ultimately gets built into the cost of delivering a product or service, which in our case adds to the cost of building a home," said Wolfe.
Wolfe pointed to s<a target="_blank" href="/news">ome of the approaches in the report</a> to reduce the compliance burden on small businesses, including reference in the recommendations to regulators to take a more reasonable approach to the requirements for data and information collection.
"This is particularly current with the problem being faced by the housing industry of mandatory contractor payment reporting to the Australian Tax Office, which is an unnecessary demand on small business and a further example of business undertaking unpaid work for a government agency," he said.
"The incoming federal government has given a strong commitment to address the red tape burden on small business and we look forward to working with them to implement measures from this report where appropriate," concluded Mr Wolfe.
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Home building costs to drop due to red tape reduction

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Hi Margaret,   
I have a brand new home and am about to rent it out.  I have building and contents insurance, as well as landlord insurance.  
The real estate agent in Queensland is telling me that they will not accept my business if I do not have public liability insurance to cover the tenants in case of injury.   
It is my understanding that this was the responsibility of the tenants?  
Your help is appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Salllie
 
Hi Sallie,
This is a good question and one which many new landlords ponder.  The responsibility for ensuring that a person has access to financial recompense if they injure themselves when on premises not owned by them falls to the owner of that premises.  In the case of a rental property, this responsibility clearly lies with the landlord, and so the agent is correct.  
However, you say that you have building, contents and landlord’s insurance already. This means that you will have public liability included in the building policy and the landlord’s policy, and both amounts are likely to be for cover of up to $10m!  Grab your policy and have a good read as I know you will find this inclusion in both.  
Which leads me to my next piece of advice.  Don’t use that particular manager to manage your property!  If you have told them that you already have both building and landlord’s protection insurance, they should know that you already have this cover.  Even if you have not told them you already have this, rather than just refusing your business, they should have explained how to get this cover, and you would then have been able to advise that it was already in place. 
In short it’s you who should be refusing their business!    
Regards Margaret,

<hr>
Margaret Lomas is a best-selling author and writes and hosts the popular Property Success With Margaret Lomas and heads up the panel on Your Money, Your Call, both on Sky News.
She is the founder of <a href="https://destiny.com.au/dotnetnuke/en-au/home.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Destiny</a>.
Have a property question? <a href="mailto:askmargaret@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">Ask Margaret!</a>
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Do I need public liability insurance to cover my tenants? Ask Margaret

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I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that what many people have worried might be a ‘bubble’ is actually just the pop of pent up demand.
Think about it. It’s an undeniable truth that in Australia, and particularly Sydney, we’re obsessed with the property market. In recent years that obsession hasn’t waned but, like a child desperate to ride a roller coaster, we have been too scared to jump on.
Now we’re a bit older and wiser. The potential ups and downs are not quite so scary and we’re ready to go.
But why such a significant spike in demand over recent months? Some might argue that it is in response to interest rates, others to the federal election and change of government fuelling traditional spring demand.
While I think all those factors have played a role the other key point that is often overlooked is the power of the positive trend. It could be a little unkind but you could see it as the ‘sheep factor’. I’m sure you know what I mean. Buyers and sellers don’t necessarily want to go first and test the market but once somebody has taken that plunge with a positive result nobody wants to miss out.
A couple of months ago I was calling for potential vendors to have faith and list their property because demand was there and supply was very low. It was worth it and continues to be worthwhile as demand has increased over and above supply.
 
<hr>
 Ewan Morton is managing director of the Sydney based <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mortonandmorton.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Morton &amp; Morton</a>.
 
 
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Follow the leader, pent up demand behind the rise of Sydney market: Ewan Morton

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Australians have the highest median wealth in the world, with average household wealth having grown a staggering 13% a year since 2000, Credit Suisse’s <a rel="nofollow" href="https://publications.credit-suisse.com/tasks/render/file/index.cfm?fileid=BCDB1364-A105-0560-1332EC9100FF5C83">annual global wealth report</a>, released yesterday, shows.

The world’s done well since 2000. Total global wealth has doubled since 2000, global financial crisis notwithstanding.
This has been driven by emerging markets.
But Australia is unique among the developed nations surveyed by Credit Suisse in also having experienced staggering growth in wealth over the period.
Australia’s average wealth per adult is US$402,600 (AU$426,100), which is the second-highest in the world after Switzerland. Australia’s <a rel="nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Median">median wealth</a>, however, is the highest in the world, at US$219,500 (AU$233,504).
Median wealth is the wealth of the middle wealthiest person in Australia, and so would be higher in a relatively equal society. When it comes to wealth distribution, most (62.6%) Australians had wealth between US$100,000 and US$1 million. Only 6.9% of Australians had a net worth of under $10,000 – a very low proportion by global standards.
Australia’s wealth is heavily skewed towards ‘real assets’ as opposed to financial ones. Australians have the second-highest real asset allocation in the world, behind only Norway, with most of our wealth being bundled up in our houses.
Australia accounts for 3.8% of the world’s richest 1%, despite accounting for only 0.4% of the world’s population.
What’s driving Australia’s extraordinary wealth growth?
Half of it, Credit Suisse writes, has been driven by the appreciation of the Australian dollar. The dollar’s extended parity with the American dollar has made Australian assets relatively more valuable compared to those of other countries when converted into a common currency.
Australia’s Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) system also plays its part: Australia has relatively low student loan debt, which means people start their working lives without being thousands of dollars in the red, as happens in many other parts of the world.
Australia also has relatively low credit-card debt.

<hr>
This article first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au">SmartCompany</a>.
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Australians' median wealth is the highest in the world, new research finds

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The tax law contains exemptions from capital gains tax (CGT) for a person's principal or main residence. But, as always, it's not as simple as it sounds. The rules can be tricky to understand.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) recently upheld the Tax Commissioner's decision denying a man's claim for the CGT main residence exemption in relation to a disposal of a property he claimed was his home.
The issues revolved around whether the house became the man's main residence as soon as practicable after the completion of its construction, and whether the house continued to be his main residence for at least three months after that (as the law requires in order to get the CGT exemption).
The man submitted that he had purchased land in July 2002 for $174,000 with his then de facto partner. The construction of the house commenced in April 2004; however, his relationship with his then partner ended in September 2004. In approximately May or June 2005, he and his then ex-partner moved into the house "to enable us to meet the requirements to sell the property 'without' being subject to CGT". In the first week of September 2005, the man moved out of the house and went to live with his sister in Queensland, and in November 2005, the house was sold for $703,000. On December 23, 2005, the man told the AAT that he left Australia “with a three week open (return) ticket, met [his] (now wife) and resettled in the UK”.
A net capital gain of $114,675 on the sale of the property was included as income in the man's tax assessment for the 2006 income year. He disputed the inclusion of the capital gain in his income for the 2006 year on the basis that he was entitled to the CGT main residence exemption. Before the hearing, the man provided the Commissioner with documentary evidence of certain construction, holding and sale costs, which the Commissioner accepted – this reduced the net capital gain to $66,271.
The AAT held the evidence before it failed to establish that the house became the man's main residence as soon as practicable after the completion of its construction and that the house continued to be the taxpayer's main residence for at least three months after that, as required by the relevant tax law.
The Tribunal noted an email the taxpayer had sent to the ATO which indicated that he had moved out of the house in the first week of September 2005, which left open the possibility that he lived in the house for a period of less than three months (i.e. from the second week in June 2005 to the first week of September 2005). The Tribunal also noted the taxpayer had not provided evidence (such as a Certificate of Occupancy, the date that final building inspection approval was granted or any “hand-over” documents from the builder) that the house became his main residence "as soon as practicable" after the completion of the house. Further, it noted there was no evidence of any gas or electricity accounts for the house in the taxpayer's name.
Although the man claimed he moved his personal belongings into the house when he moved into it in about May or June 2005, the Tribunal said the evidence indicated his main residence was at his sister's home in Queensland (and not the house in question) from at least the time of his separation from his ex-partner in September 2004. Other factors noted by the Tribunal included:
<ul>
<li>
from 2002 to September 2005, the man worked as a mine worker on a fly-in fly-out basis which involved working two weeks on and one week off;
</li>
<li>
in October 2004, the man redirected his mail to the Queensland address;
</li>
<li>
in December 2004, the man obtained a Queensland driver's licence (which nominated the Queensland address as his residential address); and
</li>
<li>
in the man's 2004-05 tax return, he nominated the Queensland address as his home address.
</li>
</ul>
Accordingly, the AAT held that the man had failed to discharge the burden of proof that the assessment should not have been made or should have been made differently.
In this particular case, the tax laws surrounding the CGT main residence exemption were relatively straightforward, but the individual in the case simply could not prove to the satisfaction of the AAT that the Tax Commissioner was wrong and that he qualified for the exemption.
For those wanting to know more about how CGT works, including the main residence exemption, the forthcoming Thomson Reuters CGT Guide for SME Practitioners is a very helpful guide. Among other things, it explains how CGT rules are applied to transaction-based issues, and contains useful tips, warnings and checklists. For details, see the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.thomsonreuters.com.au/cgt-guide-for-sme-practitioners-checkpoint/productdetail/120523" rel="nofollow">Thomson Reuters website</a>.
 
<hr>
Terry Hayes is the editor-in-chief of tax news reporting at <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com.au/">Thomson Reuters</a>, a leading Australian provider of tax, accounting and legal information solutions.
This article originally appeared on <a rel="nofollow" target="_parent" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/">SmartCompany</a>.
 
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