Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

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Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

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The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

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Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

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Joel Robinson

The Maybelle brings 27-storey parkside tower to market near North Strathfield

Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pdg-corporation">PDG</a> has unveiled its vision for the former Water Tank Site in Ivanhoe, which would see it transformed into a thriving residential neighbourhood, complete with a 2000 sqm public park.&nbsp;

Delivered in partnership with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/development-victoria">Development Victoria</a>, the proposal would transform the prominent corner of Bell Street and Upper Heidelberg Road into a connected community comprising two residential buildings, generous public open space and shared amenities.&nbsp;

The vision includes 287 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with a minimum of 10 per cent allocated to affordable housing, alongside a 2,000-square-metre publicly accessible park featuring a children's playground, activity lawn, indigenous planting, timber climbing logs, seating areas and a rock gathering circle.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>, the proposal draws on the site's industrial heritage, using a robust architectural language that references the former water tank through expressive structural elements and durable, self-finished materials.&nbsp;

Extensive landscaping has been woven throughout the development, creating a living landscape that strengthens connections to nature while responding sensitively to the surrounding neighbourhood. Two residential buildings ranging from three to 12 storeys are linked by a landscaped forecourt, creating a welcoming arrival experience and improving pedestrian connections through the site.&nbsp;

Residents would also enjoy more than 1,000 square metres of communal open space, including barbecue and dining facilities, vegetable gardens, landscaped seating pavilions and a dedicated coworking space.&nbsp;

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the vision reflected an opportunity to transform one of Ivanhoe's most recognisable sites into a place that balanced housing, community and landscape.&nbsp;

"This is an opportunity to reimagine an important site and create a neighbourhood that delivers lasting benefits for Ivanhoe," Giuliano said.&nbsp;

"We're creating much more than new homes. The vision brings together affordable housing, quality architecture, meaningful public open space and shared places that encourage people to connect, while respecting the site's history and its place within the local community."&nbsp;

Development Victoria’s Executive General Manager Precincts, Niall Cunningham, said the application is an important step for the government-owned site.&nbsp;

“This is about delivering more homes in a well-connected location, along with public open space that the Ivanhoe community will benefit from for years to come,” Cunningham said.&nbsp;

PDG was selected as development partner in late 2025 following a competitive tender process.&nbsp;

A planning submission for the project is currently being progressed through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with positive early engagement from both Banyule Council and the Department of Transport and Planning.

PDG unveils plans to transform landmark Ivanhoe Water Tank Site

Shane Wilkinson's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pace-development-group">Pace Development Group</a> has lodged plans for a major residential precinct on the former Presentation College site in Windsor, with an eight-building masterplan ultimately rising to 10 storeys.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/167-dandenong-road-windsor-vic-3181">167–187 Dandenong Road</a> spans a substantial 19,027 sqm site and is being progressed across six stages, with the first residential stages comprising 170 homes across four buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>.

Stage Two will deliver the bulk of the initial housing, with Building A comprising 81 apartments and Building B 49 apartments, both rising to six storeys.

Stage Three will deliver a further 40 homes. The heritage Nagel Building, identified as Building C, will be converted to 12 dwellings, while a new five-storey Building D will comprise 28 apartments at the Hornby Street and Dandenong Road corner.

The 170 homes across Stages Two and Three will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including townhouse-style dwellings.<img alt="First look: Pace plans landscaped housing precinct on former Windsor school site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83c56e3e-dfb9-4e12-b172-c3f18513ec32" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_9.png?VersionId=xRcRpSZsxX.UX_NDDGcRZktw7HVrzx7u" />

&nbsp;

The longer-term masterplan points to considerably greater density across the site.

Indicative plans show Building E accommodating around 80 dwellings across up to 10 storeys, while Building F is earmarked for around 120 dwellings and also up to 10 storeys. Building G is planned to range between four and 10 storeys, however its apartment yield is yet to be determined. That means the masterplan currently identifies at least 370 dwellings across Buildings A to F before any apartments within Building G are counted.

Across the 1.9-hectare site, that represents an indicative density of at least 194 dwellings per hectare, with the final figure to increase once the yield of Building G is established.

Pace is pursuing the project through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program, with Urbis lodging a combined Section 96A planning scheme amendment and planning application on behalf of the developer, which secured the site earlier this year.

The application seeks detailed approval for Stages One, Two and Three, alongside approval of the broader masterplan framework that will guide the later residential stages. Stage One will see an existing heritage building adaptively reused for a wellness and fitness-related facility, while the broader precinct will retain several significant heritage buildings and established trees as part of the redevelopment.

A minimum 10 per cent affordable housing contribution is proposed across both the initial residential stages and the later masterplan stages, delivered through a discounted rental model.

The project comes immediately after a major change to the site's planning controls.

The site was rezoned to the Housing Choice and Transport Zone through Planning Scheme Amendment GC285, gazetted on July 22, 2026, and now sits within the inner catchment of the Windsor Station precinct under the State Government's Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres Program.

While the new controls identify large sites within the inner catchment for buildings of up to six storeys, Pace's masterplan pushes height to 10 storeys in parts of the site, with the taller buildings concentrated toward the centre and along the Sandringham railway corridor.

Lower-scale built form is proposed toward the site's more sensitive residential and heritage edges, with Buildings A and B generally stepping from three storeys at their interfaces to six storeys at upper levels.

Cera Stribley's masterplan breaks the development into a collection of separate buildings rather than a continuous built form, with landscaped spaces, new pedestrian links and a new publicly accessible road forming part of the precinct.

The planning report says the development will create new pedestrian connections to Elm Place and along the railway corridor, as well as a new publicly accessible road linking Elm Place with Dandenong Road. The proposed buildings will occupy around 54 per cent of the site, leaving a substantial portion available for landscaping, communal areas and permeable surfaces.

Urbis said the scale of the project reflected the site's strategic location close to Windsor Station, tram services and the Chapel Street Activity Centre, with the former school campus identified as a significant opportunity to increase housing supply on an underutilised inner-Melbourne site.

&nbsp;

First look: Pace plans landscaped housing precinct on former Windsor school site

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/jl-place">JL PLACE</a>'s Veil Brighton is approaching its final months of construction, with the nine-townhouse development at 17 Rooding Street expected to complete in December 2026.

The milestone is bringing the boutique project closer to becoming a finished part of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brighton-vic-3186">Brighton</a> streetscape, with much of Brighton's everyday amenity within a short walk.

Palace Cinema, Coles Supermarket and North Brighton Station are all around five minutes on foot from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/veil-brighton-17-rooding-street-brighton-vic-3186">Veil</a>, alongside numerous cafés, restaurants and bars. The station provides a direct rail connection toward Melbourne's CBD, while Bay Street and the wider Brighton retail and dining network add to the range of services accessible without relying on a car for every trip.

"The location was fundamental to the project. Brighton is an established suburb where many buyers already have strong connections to the area and want to remain close to the people, places and amenities that form part of their everyday life," the developer said.

"Veil sits in a highly walkable part of Brighton, with a Walk Score of 90/100."

For buyers looking to right-size within Bayside, that level of walkability adds to the appeal of a more manageable way of living. Everyday shopping, dining, entertainment and public transport can be accessed without relying on the car for every trip, while residents remain connected to the places and routines that make Brighton familiar. It allows buyers to simplify day-to-day life without giving up the convenience, amenity and connections they already value.

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As completion approaches, the architecture, landscaping and material palette are progressively becoming visible on site, giving prospective purchasers a clearer view of the finished development beyond its plans and renders.

Veil comprises nine townhouses, predominantly three-bedroom homes with between 2.5 and 3.5 bathrooms, two car spaces and, depending on the residence, study areas and private outdoor space. Selected homes include a bedroom on the ground floor.

Veil occupies a middle ground between detached housing and apartment living, retaining private gardens, storage and secure parking within a more manageable residential format.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/schmidt-pang-architects">Schmidt &amp; Pang</a> designed the architecture around natural light, ventilation, privacy and practical use of space. From Rooding Street, the façade has been composed to read as a cohesive residential building rather than nine individual townhouses, with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick Landscape Architects</a> integrated throughout the site.

Inside, natural stone, oak flooring, integrated joinery and brushed nickel finishes establish a restrained material palette, while kitchens include Miele appliances and substantial storage such as pantries. Walk-in robes and dedicated study spaces have also been incorporated across the collection.

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The project team said the planning of the homes has been informed by how the spaces function for both daily routines and larger gatherings.

"Our new homes owners at Veil have enjoyed the attention to detail in creating efficient layouts that use every space well. Hosting Christmas lunch and large family gatherings is an ease when care is taken to consider how people really live and entertain."

Private landscaped gardens extend the living spaces outdoors, while secure basement parking and bicycle parking are provided below. The homes have also been designed to achieve a 7-star energy rating, supported by double glazing, high-quality insulation, natural ventilation, LED lighting, water tanks and water-efficient fittings. Each residence is backed by a 10-year building guarantee.

Veil is being built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/jeniton">Jeniton</a>.&nbsp;Limited-time stamp duty savings are also currently available on selected purchases at Veil, adding another consideration as the project moves toward completion.

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Veil Brighton nears completion in one of the suburb's most walkable pockets

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a> has recorded 134 sales worth just over $400 million in two months of pre-release activity at The Riversdale, as the developer brings its $750 million South Brisbane riverfront project to the broader market.

The sales represent more than 60 per cent of the project's 213 apartments, with Mosaic reporting the majority of purchasers have been local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale</a> will rise 39 storeys from its north-facing site at 91 Montague Road, delivering a mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments alongside a collection of Mosaic's premium Masterpiece Series Sky Homes.

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The early buyer response comes ahead of the wider evolution of the northern end of Montague Road, where The Riversdale will be one of the first major residential projects delivered within an emerging riverfront precinct.

Directly adjoining the development is a planned 7.1-hectare mixed-use precinct, set to introduce new residences, parkland and public realm along the river's edge. The Riversdale's position directly on the Brisbane River gives it a relationship with the waterfront that Mosaic says cannot be replicated by future buildings within the precinct.

The site is also the result of a years-long pursuit by Mosaic. The developer first earmarked the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-brisbane-qld-4101">South Brisbane</a> property in 2018, reflecting what Founder and Managing Director Brook Monahan has described as a deliberately patient approach to acquiring development sites.

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"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan previously told Apartments.com.au.

"Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau Proberts</a>, The Riversdale has been shaped around the qualities of the riverfront site, with apartments oriented to capture northern light and uninterrupted Brisbane River views.

Generous floorplans and expansive balconies extend the living spaces towards the river, while natural materials and a restrained interior palette have been selected with longevity in mind.

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Residents will have access to a level of amenity more commonly associated with world-class hotels and private members' clubs, with almost 3,000 sqm dedicated to wellness, connection, recreation and everyday convenience.

At ground level is a business lounge, private meeting rooms and dedicated workspaces. Mid-tower is a wellness sanctuary featuring magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, sauna, steam room, infrared therapy facilities, a Pilates and yoga studio, and a commercial-grade gymnasium.

Crowning The Riversdale is a rooftop featuring a 35-metre swimming pool with lap lane and spa, outdoor dining and seating terraces, firepit lounges and views of the city, river and Mount Coot-tha.

A private members' club-inspired retreat offers private dining rooms, a whisky lounge, media rooms and immersive entertainment experiences. Completing the amenity offering are two hotel-style guest suites and a resident-exclusive electric vehicle fleet and car-share program.

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The Riversdale sits at the northern end of Montague Road between South Bank and West End, around 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, providing access to the city's major cultural, dining and recreation precincts.

It becomes Mosaic's largest Brisbane project to date and adds to a pipeline already under construction across the city.

In Brisbane, the developer is currently delivering The Bedford and The Carter at Kangaroo Point, both of which are approaching sell-out, with a further four projects being delivered on the Gold Coast. Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects since 2012 and has a further development pipeline exceeding $2 billion across South East Queensland.

Early works are underway at The Riversdale, which will be delivered by Mosaic's in-house construction division. Completion is anticipated in late 2029, with remaining apartments priced from $1.98 million.

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Mosaic records more than $400m in two months at South Brisbane's The Riversdale

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.

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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.

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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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In response to  Australian Property Investor's  list of 152 "bulletproof" suburbs, Property Observer regular <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/a-suburb-can-show-consistent-gorwth-year-after-year-but-nowhere-can-be-labeled-bulletproof-terry-ryder/2013072463538?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=hotspotting'sterryryder" target="_blank">Terry Ryder wrote yesterday</a> that while there are certainly markets that show consistent growth year after year, a bulletproof suburb doesn't exist.
Terry Ryder said that "the data is not the problem... but I find most people believe what the media tells them and they will be entering dangerous territory if they buy in some of the places carelessly labeled as bulletproof".
{module Do you think that any suburb can be claimed to be bulletproof price wise?}
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Do you think that any suburb can be claimed to be bulletproof price wise?

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Daniel Grollo’s Grocon development group is partnering with private developer Harry Stamoulis on plans to build a $600 million office tower at 555 Collins Street.
An earlier proposal by the Stamoulis Property Group to build a 404 metre tower on the Western side of Collins Street, just behind the Rialto Tower, was deemed too tall and there were also concerns it would cast a shadow over the Yarra River.
Grocon and Stamoulis are working on a proposal for an office tower to feature around 60,000 square metres of prime space and are already seeking out potential anchor tenants, reports the Australian Financial Review.
There is currently a 24 storey building on the site built in 1975 and owned by the Stamoulis Property Group. It is leased to NAB, with the lease due to expire in 2014.
The partnership with Grocon, should add gravitas to the Stamoulis proposals – the Rialto Tower at 524 Collins Street, once the second tallest building in Melbourne after the Eureka tower was developed by the Grollo family and completed in 1986.
It is all part of efforts to regenerate the less glamorous Western end of Collins Street with construction now underway of the 26 storey 55,000-square-metre office building at 567 Collins Street on the site of a former ‘black hole’.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/richard-branson-s-virgin-active-group-virginactiveoz-exercises-leasing-deal-at-leighton-properties-567-collins-street-development/2013060661996">567 Collins Street, being built by Leighton Contractors</a> and due for completion in 2015, was acquired by Investa Office Fund (IOF) and Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF) earlier this year and has signed Richard Branson's Virgin Active gym group as ground floor tenants with other tenants including law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth who will lease 8,800 square metres.
GPT has recently “revitalised” its premium grade 530 Collins Street, which now has a 5.5 star NABERS Energy rating.
Office space in the tower was advertised for lease last year via an advertising campaign that included street performers and tram advertising, which won Jones Lang LaSalle the REIV’s 2012 Commercial &amp; Industrial Marketing Awards.
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Daniel Grollo's Grocon joins forces with Harry Stamoulis on 555 Collins Street tower project

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Singer Guy Sebastian has secured the pre-auction $2.22 million sale of his Clovelly home.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.gdrealestate.com.au/recent-sales/0000112695">The four-bedroom Knox Street house </a>had eight contracts issued since it was on the market through Jason Pantzer of GoodyerDonnelley.
The singer and his wife, Jules, had been seeking $2 million plus for the three level abode.
The X Factor judge bought the architect-designed house <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-clovelly-nsw-2031/112872">in 2010 for $2.15 million</a>. The $70,000 gain would not have covered the $103,000 initial stamp duty.
Its living and dining areas are set over the top floor, with three bedrooms on the middle space and a fourth bedroom and rumpus room on the lower level. 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/singer-guy-sebastian-seeks-to-cut-and-run-from-clovelly/2013070463003">The Sebastian's appeared to be in a similiar price predicament</a> as Braith Anasta and his wife, the actor Jodi Gordon who also recently escaped the Clovelly price downturn.
The injured Wests Tigers champion Braith Anasta secured $1,855,000 when their four-bedroom, two-bathroom Clovelly home sold having been bought for $1,805,000 in 2011 by Anasta.
RP Data gives Clovelly's median house price as $1.635 million, down 12 % over the past year.
Its down 4% over the past five years, according to RP Data.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">The average discounting required of private treaty vendors is typically around 10% to secure a sale</a>.
The Sebastian's have been looking to stay in the coastal strip with a mind to getting lawn space and less stairs for the couple's son, Hudson.
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Singer Guy Sebastian secures Clovelly home sale

Investor magazines' 2011 unit hotspots are more misses than hits two years on

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As our property markets show signs of life again, many investors recognise that this cycle will be different to the last; it will be a cycle of more subdued growth.
In order to outperform the markets one of the most common questions is “where’s the next hotspot?”
People who ask my opinion are usually disappointed that firstly, I don’t know and secondly, I don’t really care.
I’m not in the business of speculating.
Instead, I make my investment decisions based on proven long-term performance, rather than short-term speculation.
The fact is hotspotting – seeking out the “next big boom” location – is speculation and not true property investment.
If you look at the track record of people chasing the next trend it’s been pretty poor.
On the other hand to “invest” in property requires the intention of generating long-term capital growth that tracks above average long-term price growth for the area.
Now, here's what I find interesting: a lot of the hotspots predicted by some of Australia’s property analysts turned out correct.
Some of the regional areas and mining towns boomed, at least for a while as investors chased up prices but, unless they got the timing right, chasing the next hotspot has turned out disastrous for many investors.
Some are left with properties worth considerably less than they paid and with less rental income than they expected. Now, they are unable to sell their properties as buyers have abandoned these markets which have little depth from local demand.
If you're into investing in short-term trends, being right isn't what's important, it's being right at the right time that counts.
Very few can do that, so the history of investors trying to find the next boom town is littered with people who get the story right and the outcome wrong.
Instead I buy in areas that have a proven long-term history of outperforming the average capital growth and are likely to continue to outperform because of the demographics of the people living in the area.
And I like buying the property for the right price - below its intrinsic value.
Hotspotting is virtually the opposite of this sensible, not-so-sexy, tried and tested system for successfully building a property portfolio.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Let’s have a closer look at a few other reasons why I steer clear of looking for hotspots:
1. Hot spotting is about short-term speculation, not long term wealth creation.
Most property investors are trying to build their asset base so that one day it can replace their personal exertion income.
The key to building a substantial property portfolio is to use your first property to leverage into your next property and then use those two properties to leverage into more investments, and so on.
You will only have the ability to do this if you invest in locations that consistently provide long-term capital growth.
By definition, ‘hotspots’ are not these types of areas.
Just as quickly as they heat up, property values in these locations can come off the boil and cool very quickly.
Just look what happened to many mining towns and sea change locations, such as Mandurah.
2. Hot spotting often means following the crowd and more often than not, the crowd gets it wrong!
Many people trying to buy in the next hotspot get their advice from online reports or “get rich quick” seminars and in the short-term some of these predictions are self-fulfilling.
If you suddenly get a diverse group of investors buying up in a small town that has little market depth, this tends to push up prices “proving” this area really is a hotspot.
What’s really happening is that you’re seeing an over-inflated market that more often than not, is unsustainable in the long term.
Some of our mining towns, the Gold Cost and Sunshine Coast are great examples of this phenomenon.
On the other hand strategic investors buy counter cyclically, when others are afraid to get into the market.
3. Hotspotting requires accurate timing, yet most investors don’t have the necessary knowledge to know when it’s the best time to buy.
Some hotspots have excellent potential to generate long term capital growth, but these are rare.
For example, there’s the inner-city suburb that’s yet to take off because while it’s on the verge of gentrification, yet it still has an air of industrialisation.
Some investors can pick these areas before the market takes off, but timing markets like this is difficult.
The real problem is that by the time you find out about the next hotspot, it may be too late to benefit from that substantial early growth.
Or the opposite could be true. You might end up jumping in too early and not reaping the rewards for many years while in the meantime, your money has been tied up and you’ve missed out on real opportunities in proven areas.
A great example of this is the inner western Melbourne suburb of Footscray, which has been “going to improve” for the last 35 years but just hasn’t!
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
4. Hotspotting is usually based on opinions rather than facts.
When you read articles in the media or hear reports on TV that suggest an area is about to take off as the “next big thing”, in reality you’re simply just being given someone’s opinion.
Be careful, are they biased because they have properties to sell and it suits them to be spruiking a certain area?
You’re better off to rely on your own research and due diligence, rather than blindly accepting a so-called expert’s potentially biased advice.
5. Hotspotting can generate short-term inflation in suburbs that can’t sustain a high level of price growth over the long term.
Today’s hotspot could be tomorrow’s over heated market.
For example, when the resources boom hit Western Australia and far north Queensland, thousands of investors jumped on the bandwagon and bought into the mining towns that sprung up overnight and became a buzz of activity.
But now that the resources sector has cooled off, many of these towns have gone from boom to bust as the major industry supporting the local economy came crashing down.
I know of many investors who are still having trouble offloading their under performing properties in these mining towns and regional centres which recently were called hotspots.
My suggestion is avoid the excitement of hotspots.
This may make your investment boring, but it allows the rest of your life to be more exciting as you growth your wealth.
So what is the alternative?
To ensure I buy a property that will outperform the market averages in the long term; I use a Four Stranded Strategic Approach:
<ol>
<li>
I buy a property below its intrinsic value.
</li>
<li>
I buy in an area that has a long history of strong capital growth and one that will continue to outperform average capital growth because of the demographics of the people living there. I look for affluent areas where people are prepared and can afford to pay a premium to live, or gentrifying areas where a wealthier demographic is moving in and pushing up prices as they improve the area.
</li>
<li>
I look for a property with a twist – something unique, special, or a bit different or scarce about the property.
</li>
<li>
And I look for a property where I can manufacture capital growth through refurbishment, renovations or redevelopment.
</li>
</ol>
By following this approach I minimise my risks and maximise my upside.
Each strand represents a way of making money from property and combining all four is a powerful way of putting the odds in my favour.
If one strand lets me down, I have two or three others supporting my property’s performance.
Michael Yardney is a director of <a href="https://www.metropole.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Metropole Property Strategists</a>.
 
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Hotspotting is speculation and not true property investment: Michael Yardney

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There are really only three reasons why a property doesn’t sell. There is something wrong with it that’s difficult and expensive to fix, the selling agent they have chosen is pretty ordinary or it’s way overpriced for what it offer.
Many people believe that if a property has been on the market a long time thenthere’s probably something wrong with it.
However, the most common reason why a property has not sold is because it’soverpriced.
When a property is overpriced it often takes the sales agent several weeks, sometimes several months, to adjust the vendor’s expectations down to fair market value. By the time they do this, the market perception of that property is that it’s a lemon.
Buying overpriced properties after they have been listed for sale for a long time is often where we get some of the best genuine bargains. The vendors are usually over the stress, open homes and sales process and if you deploy good negotiation tactics at the right time you can get some great deals.
In many of these instances, there have been no offers at all which significantly reduces the buying competition for you.
Alternatively if you find out that the seller has turned down multiple offers for less money, then it might simply come down to a matter of timing. Next time you see a property that’s been on the market for a couple of months or even longer, don’t automatically ignore it as many people do.
If it meets your needs, and the building and pest inspection checks out, then youmight even be able to buy it below market value.
Patrick Bright is a Sydney-based <a target="_blank" href="https://www.epspropertysearch.com.au/patrick-bright">buyer’s agent and the author</a> of four real estate books in his ‘Insider’s Guide’ series. 
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Bargain can be found in overpriced properties: Patrick Bright

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Subdivision is one of the many ways you can develop property.  It involves converting one piece of land or existing dwellings into several.
Raw land subdivision entails legally and physically converting raw, undeveloped land into developed land so that one or more buildings - residential, commercial or industrial - can be constructed. 
As you will be changing the lands usage and appearance for example perhaps from a rural rezoned paddock into a residential land subdivision, you’ll also be building the infrastructure required such as roads, paths, drainage systems, water, sewerage and perhaps even public utilities such as a park.
You can also subdivide developed land (much more easily) by simply splitting a block in half.
Subdivision of existing buildings is the conversion of a single title to multiple titles.
For instance, a block of 10 units on a single s title - often referred to as units ‘in one line’ – can be converted into individual titles such a strata title. This is a great way to add value to the properties and allows you to sell them off individually.
Subdivision gives you flexibility to sell off a newly created piece of land to reduce your loan, or to hold and add value to the property by registering the new lots and holding or further developing them. If there is a income producing dwelling on the land you are subdividing, then this can help offset your holding costs.
Be aware of holding costs if you are buying land to subdivide as subdivision can take a long time and you need to have the ability to pay the holding costs, interest payments and council rates whilst waiting for the subdivision to be completed.
An investor might buy a dwelling that is on a large piece of land where they can renovate a house and then subdivide. Or, perhaps you are a homeowner living on a potential development site where subdivision may be permissible.
The site will however, need to adhere to the council regulations.
The first question you need to ask council is what is the minimum lot size?
You can find this out from your council’s Development Control Plan for Subdivision and in their guidelines.  The minimum lot size will vary from council to council and also in the different zonings within the councils. For instance, the residential minimum lot size will be smaller than the rural zoned land size.
One council Property Bloom works with has a residential minimum lot size of 450 square metres.  So we can subdivide a 900 square metre corner block into two lots.
However, if we had a 900 square metre piece of land that was not on a corner, then we could not subdivide this, as we also need to allow for a driveway to access the back lot.  The area needed for the driveway is in addition to the minimum 450 square metres.  So we would need land approximately 1100 square metres in size to be able to subdivide and allow for our access handle.
Another type of property to look for is land with two street frontages, so if it is 900 square metres in size and the minimum lot size is 450 square metres you can literally cut it in half and each lot will have its own street frontage.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
When developing land using subdivision, it’s important you understand the different types of subdivisions.
Strata subdivision – Dividing a property into separate units, apartments or villas.  Strata is land title based on the horizontal division of air space and may involve common areas shared by each title holder and usually managed by a strata manager. Land alone can also be strata subdivided.
Torrens subdivision – Dividing one land lot into two or more separate land titles. This form of subdivision gives the owner complete autonomy with their land as they don’t have to answer to the strata manager or adhere to certain strata rules and regulations.
Community subdivision – A development with common property such as roads may be used by all residents.
Getting professional advice from a local surveyor will help you to make the best decision for your site and also help you decide which potential purchase will make the council process the smoothest.
When budgeting for your subdivision you’ll need to start with a realistic end valuation. How much will the completed development will be worth? Then subtract the costs to calculate profitability.
Sounds simple right? 
Wrong.
There are a lot of costs involved with land subdivision, particularly Torrens title subdivision.
It’s important to run a detailed feasibility analysis on the subdivision including possible costs for; stamp duty, legal fees, surveyor services, council application and developer charges.
In NSW Section 94 or 94a charges can be very hefty – these developer contributions fund the infrastructure which supports the basic needs of population growth and new development.
Right now there is a cap of $20,000 in NSW for Section 94 charges per lot, but this can be a lot less, so check with your local council.
Or, the council can negotiate a higher fee with the Development Application (DA) applicant if warranted.  So call your council and check what they charge.
You’ll need to factor in this charge as it can make or break your profit.
 
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Then there is the civil works – kerb &amp; guttering, footpaths and service connections such as sewer, gas, electricity and water costs. Sewer extension can be costly and will be dependent on the application made to the local water authority.
Each proposed development is unique and requires an investigation by the water authority to determine the impact of the proposed development on existing water and sewer systems, and whether works need to be built, such as whether the developer needs a new reticulation systes and lead-in mains, to provide connection to water and sewer mains.
After an application is made, a 'Notice of Requirements' letter will be issued.
This notice will, in most cases, detail what’s required in order for the water and sewer facilities to be provided to the proposed development.
The requirements for your development may include:
<ol start="1">
<li>Payment of a recycled water developer charge (if applicable)</li>
<li>Design and construct water and sewer infrastructure specified in the notice necessary to serve your development.  Depending on the size and extent of the development, this may include a requirement to prepare a water and/or sewer servicing strategy</li>
<li>Transfer of the infrastructure to the Corporation.</li>
</ol>
You can do some homework on the local water and sewer infrastructure before you purchase the land to get an idea of what works may be required.
Make sure you also discuss your subdivision strategy with an accountant and understand the possible tax and GST implications if you are planning to sell.  
You will also need to estimate your holding costs such as interest on your loan and rates.
Remember, if it’s a straight land subdivision you won’t have an income from the property to help offset your holding costs, so time is literally money in this type of development.
Property Bloom looks for the best way to subdivide as part of our development process and the quickest and most cost effective vway may not always be the most obvious. 
What may look like a simple subdivision can turn into months and months of complicated work.  The plumbing and civil works alone can really blow out a budget, so it’s important to understand the entire process before you embark on your first subdivision.
There are many things to consider when planning a subdivision, so make sure you engage professionals to assist you if you’re a beginner.
A development project manager will be able to work with you on every stage of the process and you’ll be amazed at how much you learn along the way.
Jo Chivers is director of <a style="font-size: 14px;" title="Property Bloom" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
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When is the right time to subdivide and how should you do it?: Jo Chivers

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Mirvac is teaming up with Belle Magazine to create three pop-up display apartments at their Sydney Harold Park development, representative of groups of people at different stages of life.
Belle interior designer and editor Steve Cordony has designed the first of the display apartments, which is targeted at the young sophisticate.
One bedroom apartment pictured below
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/07/july26HP1]}
Cordony has used sample furnishing from Coco Republic, Cavit &amp; Co, Cadrys and Great Dane to name a few and has used a mix of raw and polished textures.
The young sophisticate is “brand conscious and wired to the rhythm and pulse of the city.”
Two bedroom apartment pictured below
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/07/july26HP2]} 
Mirvac national marketing and sales director Diana Sarcasmo says there is a huge emotional investment in buying a home and that needs to be reflected in the communication with potential buyers.
“This form of experiential marketing gives our clients an opportunity to feel included in what we are doing and, through the partnership with Belle, reinforces the brand values of Harold Park,” says Sarcasmo.
Three bedroom apartment pictured below
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/07/july26HP3]} 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/mirvac-to-pull-forward-harold-park-project-sales-and-construction-goldman-sachs/2013050761121" target="_blank">Mirvac is transforming the former Harold Park Paceway </a>into a $1 billion-plus infill housing development.
The Harold Park master plan allows for 1,250 dwellings with a 208,000 square metre network of landscaped parks.
<img alt="haroldparkmay8one" height="264" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/haroldparkmay8one.jpg">
“Harold Park has the distinction of offering the perfect lifestyle to a great range of people.
“That is due to a combination of factors – proximity to the city, parkside location, access to public transport and integrity of design.
“This has resulted in an incredibly broad mix of people buying at Harold Park.
“The apartments and terraces have been designed to reflect this diversity and we are giving further expression to it through the Life Series,” says Sarcasmo. 
<img alt="haroldparkmay8two" height="261" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/haroldparkmay8two.jpg">
Belle editor-in-chief and judge on The Block Neale Whitaker launched the collaboration at an event at Harold Park on Tuesday night.
The <a href="https://haroldparkbymirvac.com/contact-us" target="_blank">pop-up display</a> in Glebe will run from July 25 to July 28.
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Belle Magazine and Mirvac join forces at Harold Park development

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Crunching ABS data can be key to investment success: Jo Chivers
Ok, you can call me a nerd if you like, but I love checking out the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) website, there is some really cool stuff on there.
Tick-tock...it’s the population clock.  This is fun, you can see each hour the population clock tick over with real population data. On 9 July 2013 at 05:24:38 PM (Canberra time), the resident population of Australia was projected to be:  23,110,108.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/1647509ef7e25faaca2568a900154b63?OpenDocument">Check it out</a>:
<img height="208" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/chiversjuly12one.jpg" alt="chiversjuly12one">
Another fab thing is the animated population pyramid. This shows a cool graph of male and female populations by age group. You can click on the ‘view surplus’ button to see surpluses of ladies or gentlemen, by age, by state, so if you’re looking for a partner, perhaps start your research here!
There is a button you can click that animates the graph; you can see the population by gender from 1971 – 2056. It’s interesting to watch the shape of the graph change as you move through the years. This is a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/d3310114.nsf/home/Population%20Pyramid%20-%20Australia">good tool to check out</a> when thinking about population demand for housing.
<a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/d3310114.nsf/home/Population%20Pyramid%20-%20Australia"><img height="415" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/chiversjuly12two.jpg" alt="chiversjuly12two"></a>
What I actually went to the ABS website for, before being distracted by clocks and animated graphs, was to check out the latest population growth data for the Hunter Region of NSW.
You see the ABS recently released its small area population estimates for the year ended June 2012.  This is the first insight into population change at smaller areas of geography since the 2011 Census.  Here are my key findings:
STATE SUMMARY
At June 2012, the estimated resident population of New South Wales was 7.29 million people. Between 2011 and 2012, the NSW population increased by 78,900 people (or 1.1%). This was the third largest growth of all states and territories, behind Victoria and Queensland.
At June 2012, just over one-third of NSW residents lived outside Greater Sydney and this increased by 17,600 people in the year to 2012, to reach 2.62 million.
The Hunter Valley (excluding Newcastle) had the largest and fastest population increase in the remainder of NSW (up 4,500 people or 1.8%) in 2011-12. The next largest increase was in adjacent Newcastle and Lake Macquarie (up 3,100 people), followed by Central West (2,100) and Capital Region (1,600). The only area to decline was Coffs Harbour - Grafton on the mid-north coast, down 90 people.
Maitland – West had the fifth largest growth after four Sydney areas. Thank you, we’ve been developing here for some time.
Large growth was recorded near the Australian Capital Territory, in the Hunter Valley and in the Central West.
The ABS is full of important information, at a click of a key I found some industry data for one town Property Bloom works in. It was interesting to see the breakdown by industry by employment. The top employer in this town was manufacturing, closely followed by retail. Now if I asked someone on the street, they may have said tourism as number one and mining close behind. So what sometimes seems obvious is not always the reality.
It’s important to take a ‘big picture’ look at the areas you invest in. That’s what Property Bloom does; we research populations, vacancy, median sales price, and long term sales data and combine it with what we hear on the street and from talking to our agents.  From this, we work out the best locations for our client’s developments.
Whilst it may not seem immediately relative, if you cross check the statistical data with qualitative research i.e. what you find going on in the market, it all makes for some good, solid backing to why you should be investing in that location.
Jo Chivers is director of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" title="Property Bloom" style="font-size: 14px;">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
 
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Differing interpretations of building approvals data shows it's best to stick to a longer-term view: Terry Ryder
Building approvals are up 7% - or down 3%. It’s all a question of attitude.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on residential building approvals in May give different perceptions depending on which set of numbers you prefer: in trend terms, the number of dwelling units approved rose 1.0% compared to April, but in seasonally-adjusted terms they fell 1.1%.
Annually, they rose 7.1% in trend terms but fell 3.2% in seasonally-adjusted terms.
Media being media, many outlets focused on the negative numbers – such as: “Building approvals fell more than expected in May, according to the ABS.”
But some emphasized the positive. AAP, for example, reported: “A recovery in the home building sector seems to be taking hold, with approvals for houses gaining for the fifth month in the row. Approvals for detached houses rose 2.5% in May. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham said the gain was a positive sign for the housing sector. It shows that other part of the economy, beside mining, are getting stronger.”
Master Builders Australia took a generally balanced view: “Building approvals figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show mixed signals, some positive … Peter Jones, Master Builders Australia's chief economist, said the positive is that approvals are up 9.9% in the five months to May from the corresponding period a year ago.”
We take a similar view at Hotspotting, believing that the long-term trends are the most significant factor with statistics, rather than month-to-month fluctuations.
The trend graph from the ABS shows approvals of new dwellings rising strongly since the beginning of last year – from less than 12,000 per month to around 13,500 now.
The ABS graphs also show how much the numbers jump around month to month. The longer-term view is always the most informed.
CommSec chief economist Craig James said there have been clear signs of an improvement in housing construction activity in recent months.
"Low interest rates, strong population growth, healthy employment and pent-up housing demand is starting to see the housing sector shake off the shackles and begin a much-needed resurgence," he said.
"Granted it is early days, but the sector is certainly on a recovery path.
"An ongoing lift in approvals would be beneficial for the broader economy, given it is a key forward-looking indicator."
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://hotspotting.com.au/">hotspotting.com.au</a>
 
 
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Room for Debate: Jo Chivers and Terry Ryder evaluate the importance of crunching the stats

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Auction clearance rates have improved substantially in many markets this year, John McGrath has recently noted.
"The clearance rate is up by about 20% on last year and hit a peak of 81% last week, acording to Australian Property Monitors.
"That’s a very strong rate of sale and reflects an increasing urgency among buyers to secure their next property before the market really takes off," he said.  John McGrath saud when there was an urgency in the marketplace, "it’s not uncommon to see buyers making offers on properties in the first week of the campaign."
He suggests with many buyers having been sitting on the sidelines for years, "they’re more than ready to get a deal done now that the bottom of the market has passed."  "We have been noticing a lot of pre-auction sales occurring in today’s market," he said.
"In a rising market, it’s to your advantage to secure the property without the competition of others.
"But if there’s a lot of interest in the property and market conditions are strong, the vendor will probably be more inclined to go through to auction.
"So if you want to buy prior, you need to play your cards right to entice the vendor to sell early," he advised on his blog.  Here are his top tips for buying prior to auction:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numberonejuly11.jpg" alt="numberonejuly11" width="30" height="38">Tell the agent you’re interested and ask if the vendor is willing to sell privately. If the agent gets a flood of offers after the first open and you haven’t made yourself known to them as a serious buyer, you might not get the chance to make an offer.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numbertwojuly11.jpg" alt="numbertwojuly11" width="30" height="35">Let the agent know you have pre-approved finance. This is a very important signal that you’re a serious buyer.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numberthreejuly11.jpg" alt="numberthreejuly11" width="30" height="39">Offer a price that is close to your walk-away figure. Vendors will only entertain the idea of selling prior if a premium price is put forward. As with all negotiations, the vendors will assume your first offer isn’t your best so leave some wiggle room.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numberfourjuly11.jpg" alt="numberfourjuly11" width="30" height="39">Waive your right to a cooling off period to show you’re a serious buyer.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numberfivejuly11.jpg" alt="numberfivejuly11" width="30" height="33">Do more than a verbal offer. The best way of showing you’re serious is by signing the contract and attaching a cheque for the deposit. Alternatively, put your offer in writing and mention you have your finance approved.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numbersixjuly11.jpg" alt="numbersixjuly11" width="30" height="35">Offering odd amounts is a great tactic especially after making a couple of lower offers. For example, rather than offering $460,000 or $465,000, offer $463,500.  An odd amount suggests there’s some logic to your offer and it also implies that you’re at your financial limit.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/07/NUMBERS/numbersevenjuly11.jpg" alt="numbersevenjuly11" width="30" height="36">Be prepared for a situation where you and another buyer are at the same price, so it will come down to a race to exchange. If neither of you are willing to offer more, it will be a matter of who can get themselves organised and in a position to sign the contract first.
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