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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Investors with around $400,000 to spend may be able to acquire a Bankstown strata office with the potential to deliver a return in excess of 7%.
The 103 square metre office is in the NAB Building at 410 Chapel Road in the heart of the Bankstown CBD.
It is listed for sale at $399,000 plus GST having previously been advertised at $428,000 in September last year - a discount of around 7%.
It is for sale as vacant possession.
It has been listed for rent at $29,000 per annum net, which equates to a yield of around 7.2%.
Bankstown is around 20 kilometres south west of Sydney and part of the Greater Western Sydney growth corridor.
It is being sold by <a target="_parent" href="https://commercial.net.au/listing/details.aspx?listingID=1974926">Chris Wade of the Commercial Property Group.</a>
It includes a reception area, boardroom, four offices and server room plus self contained kitchen facilities and two basement car spaces with direct lift access.
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Reduced Bankstown office offers 7% plus yield potential

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A common strategy for propert i nvestors is to hold on to their old home as an investment propertywhile borrowing to buy a new home.
This presents an opportunity and a tax trap.
Interest payable on your old home’s remaining mortgage will become tax deductible once the property is available for rent.
However, interest on the loan for your new home is non-deductible.
“Beware of redraws,” warns Eddie Chung, partner and property tax specialist with accountants BDO in Brisbane.
“If you're draw on the old loan on the old home to buy the new home, the interest attributable to the redraw will not be tax-deductible.”
See our free ebook on the <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-top-24-tax-strategies" target="_blank">top 24 tax strategies</a> for property investors.
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Turn your old home into your next rental property

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The Pace Development Group, which is building the Evo apartment project in Parkville, have instructed Gadens Lawyers to act on its behalf, in order to seek further details from Linking Melbourne Authority with respect to how the East West Link may affect the development.
Pace is due meet with Linking Melbourne Authority tomorrow to discuss the impact of the East West Link.
"At this stage we are unable to comment with any certainty given that the East West Link is at a preliminary stage," said a spokesperson for Pace.
To our knowledge, funding has not been provided to complete the delivery of the project and prioritization of this project does not appear to be high in the recently released National Infrastructure Plan (June 2013) prepared by Infrastructure Australia."
An East West Link video shows Evo apartments completely surrounded by highways with Linking Melbourne Authority chief executive Ken Mathers telling The Age the tollway would probably rise to the level of the fifth floor of the development.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/evo_east_west_link.jpg" width="470" height="211" alt="evo_east_west_link">
At the same time Australand has confirmed that it does not anticipate any unexpected impact on its Jardin Parkville apartment development following the release of plans for stage one of the Melbourne East West Link – the six kilometre roadway and tunnel which will link the Eastern Freeway to CityLink - with a number of construction sites earmarked for the suburb.
An article in the Melbourne Leader published earlier this week, which ran with the headline "Residents and developers look for certainty over East West toll road" included a reference that Australand state manager of residential properties ­Robert Pradolin suggested that "he did not know if the government would acquire Australand property".
<h1></h1>
Australand's publicists were unable to shed any light on the suggestion about possible government acquisition of Australand property when contacted by Property Observer.
There has been no statement issued by Australand, but Robert Pradolin has since contacted Property Observer to confirm that the project will not be impacted in any unexpected way.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/monday-july-1-jardin-parkville-the-latest-to-launch-in-the-parkville-master-planned-community/2013062862793">Jardin Parkville at Cade Way </a>is the latest stage of the apartment precinct of the master-planned community within Parkville Garden.
He repeated comments to the Melbourne Leader that the East West link would actually improve transport options.
"It will mean easy access to both northern and southern suburbs."
But, another apartment project that will be seriously impacted is the soon to be completed Evo Apartments featuring 175 apartments over seven levels developed by the Pace Development Group at 107-115 Manningham Street (pictured above).
It is directly across from the Ross Straw Field, which will be occupied for construction of the link and tunnel.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/07/july1parkville]}
Both developments are being promoted as offering close proximity to Royal Park, part of which will become a freeway connecting City Link from the south to the new tunnel and the Eastern Freeway.
“An Evo lifestyle is having Melbourne’s largest area of open space, Royal Park, beckoning from the front door – where parklands, reserves and tree-lined streets offer the ideal environment for relaxation and rejuvenation,” says the Evo marketing website.
As part of the development of the 18 kilometre cross-city road connection extending across Melbourne from the Eastern Freeway to the Western Ring Road, tunnel boring is expected to begin in Royal Park near the Up?eld railway line, which will also be established as place for the storage of materials and equipment and construction personnel parking.
Ross Straw Field would also be occupied for construction while project maps prepared by Linking Melbourne Authority show that Elliot Avenue, in the heart of Royal Park will provide an “important access point to and from the tunnels”.
“The entry and exit points remain below ground level until they meet with the existing road surface, minimising the footprint on Royal Park,” the project map notes.
While upset residents in established homes caught up in the path of the new tunnel have been promised they will receive compensation for their homes at market value as well as have their stamp duty and legal fees paid, those who bought off the plan in Evo will receive no compensation from the Victorian government for any loss in value or the inconvenience caused by construction works, noise, disruption and any loss of park-promised lifestyle.
Victorian premier Denis Napthine says the state government is committed to delivering the project sustainably, “which will mean protecting and restoring any parkland affected by the project”.
“A lot of work has been undertaken already, including geotechnical drilling, flora and fauna studies and extensive ongoing community consultation to inform the best design for the project,” he says.
The design identifies 118 properties that may be directly affected by surface construction that is required for the project, with these numbers subject to change as the project develops.
This includes 92 residential and 26 commercial properties.
“We recognise that this is a very sensitive process and we have made every effort to contact residents before publicly releasing the detailed design. We will be supporting landowners every step of the way by providing them with advice relating to their individual circumstances,” said Victorian transport minister Terry Mulder.
“Should a property be required for construction of the project, the acquisition and compensation process provides a fair price, based on market value.
“Compensation will also include claims for reasonable costs such as stamp duty, registrations fees and conveyancing costs incurred in purchasing a replacement property, up to the value of the acquired property.”
An earlier version of the story incorrectly suggested that there may have been doubt over Australand's Jardin Parkville apartment development proceeding.
 
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East-West link casts no shadow over Australand's Parkville project progress but Evo buyers caught in the middle

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Art deco apartments in Perth might be seeing a resurgence with a new influx of apartment living in Western Australia.
As of the 2011 Census, there are 56,754 apartments in Greater Perth, with a post-census fillip underway. This figure comprises 9.1% of the total occupied dwellings in Greater Perth.
Ten years earlier, in 2001, Greater Perth had just 42,670 apartments, which then comprised 8.3% of the total occupied dwellings for the region.
This demonstrates a growth in demand for apartment living in the last decade.
According to the 1996 Census, the whole of Western Australia had 39,914 apartments. There were 62,990 apartments in Western Australia by 2011.
Its most prominent art deco apartments have been Perth’s Lawson Apartments, and Applecross’ Raffles Hotel. The latter was owned by the late Sydney businessman Abe Saffron whose plans to demolish the property was opposed by the Art Deco Society of Western Australia.
The property was sold to developer Brookfield Multiplex in 2002 - since been preserved but with a 17-storey apartment aptly named Raffles Waterfront completed in 2006.
The latest art deco complex is in Subiaco, the Simon Chugg building at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-subiaco-114067739">23 Railway Road </a> which was purchased by property investment group Devwest for $4,000,000, according to RP Data records.
Simon Chugg started his business in 1897 at the former premises of his father-in-law, A. E. Atkins. The business supplied funeral furniture and soft furnishings, and is one of Subiaco’s oldest retail outlets.
The developer plans to retain the façade of the art deco building, while incorporating elements of art deco architecture into the $7 million mixed-use development, named <a target="_blank" href="https://railway23.com.au/index.php">Railway 23</a>.
The five-storey development designed by local Subiaco architects McDonald Jones (and pictured below) will incorporate ground floor retail, three levels of office space, and luxury apartments on the top floor.
<img height="289" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/subiacojuly17one.jpg" alt="subiacojuly17one">
One-bedroom apartments are <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-subiaco-114067739">priced from $575,000</a>, while two-bedroom apartments start from $875,000.
Railway 23 has attracted some opposition from the Subiaco town council, which feared the new development would be too tall and therefore overshadow the heritage value of the S. Chugg building. In addition, there were concerns that the bulk of the building would not be in line with Subiaco’s “intimate streetscape”.
However, a response by TPH heritage planner Susannah Kendall referenced a four-storey office building currently being erected next door to Railway 23.
“Requiring the height to be reduced on the basis that the existing streetscape is ‘intimate’ and ‘low density/low scale’ is misinformed and as a result is unreasonable,” Kendall said in her response.
The Simon Chugg building was sold in 1994 for $600,000, according to RP Data records.
The building was listed for rent in November 2010 at an asking price of $65,000 per annum, and in January 2010 at an asking price of $80,000 per annum.
According to the <a target="_blank" href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for units in Subiaco is $621,500, up 9% on last year. The average discount required to sell a unit in Subiaco is 9.2%, while private treaty sales average 67 days on market.
The median asking rent for units in Subiaco is $600 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5%.
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Perth's art deco renaissance as apartment living takes off

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CBD office vacancy rates continue to rise with the greater availability of space putting pressure on yields.
Jones Lang LaSalle recorded negative net absorption of -191,900 square metres in the June quarter and a rise in the national CBD office market vacancy rate to 10.9%.
The graph below also shows the impact of vacant sub-leased space on the rising vacancy rate.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/JLL_office_vacancy_rate.jpg" width="470" height="314" alt="JLL_office_vacancy_rate">
Jones Lang LaSalle reports that five of the six CBD office markets are recording double digit vacancy rates as of June 2013.
Brisbane (14.3%), Adelaide (12.7%) and Canberra (11.6%) recorded higher vacancy over the quarter, while Sydney (10.2%) and Melbourne (10.0%) moved above 10% for the first time in the current cycle.
Perth (7.9%) is the only CBD office market now recording vacancy below 10%. 
In line with a rise in vacancies, yields are compressing:
<img src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/JLL_office_vacancy_rate2.jpg" width="470" height="295" alt="JLL_office_vacancy_rate2">
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National CBD office vacancy rates rises to 10.9%: Chart of the week

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Melbourne’s cheapest auction sale price last weekend was in the north-east suburb of Alphington, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Kew and Ivanhoe, the unit at 6/40 Yarralea Sreet, sold for $252,500, with a starting price guide of $220,000 to $250,000.
Real estate vendors Hocking Stuart advertised the home as "offering affordability with a sought after location, live in with convenience at your fingertips, lease out with this popular location, all with an entry level price tag."
The light filled one bedroom apartment in the heart of Alphington features a kitchen with open meals area, lounge, master bedroom and bathroom as well as laundry facilities, car space on title and gas heater.
The apartment was last listed for rent in March 2013 for $250 per week.
The median price of units in the Alphington sits at $502,000, up over the past five years by 24%, with an average rental price of $325 per week, <a href="/news">according to RP Data</a>.
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Alphington $252,000 sale the week's cheapest auction result for Melbourne

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Some of the fastest selling houses in NSW can be found in suburbs such as Eagle Vale and St Peter's, with an average of 33 to 35 days spent on the market, according to RP Data. 

Properties located in Revesby Heights, Heathcote, Bronte and Crows Nest are also quick to sell, with time on the market ranging between 37 to 62 days.
The states slowest selling houses can be found in Crescent Head, with an average of 222 days on the market and Greenwell Point with an average of 221 days on the market.
Denhams Beach, Berridale, Condobolin and Tuggerawong are also amongst the slowest selling suburbs.


A three-bedroom 1920s home at 19 Florence Street in St Peter's sold prior to auction for $870,000 in June, after a mere 21 days on the market.
Situated on 190 square metres and including two bathrooms, the property last sold in October 2009 for $575,000, reflecting an annual price appreciation of 9.04%.
The property was listing through Oliver Miles of <a target="_blank" href="https://raywhitegladesville.com.au/nsw/st-peters/973088/#contact-the-agent">Ray White Gladesville.</a>
A three-bedroom home at 48 Edith Street was snapped up for $992,000, after being on the market for 23 days.
The property is situated on 299 square metres and includes two bathroom.
It last sold in November 2002 for $490,000, reflecting an annual price appreciation of 6.82%.
The property was listed through Joseph Tropiano and Adam Touma of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.belleproperty.com/selling/NSW/Inner-West/St-Peters/House/34P0546-48-edith-street-st-peters-nsw-2044">Belle Property</a>.
The median house price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Peters</a> is $694,000, according to RP Data. 
Henry Nooyen of LJ Hooker St Andrew's says St Peters and Eagle Vale are among the fastest selling suburbs due to the affordability of properties.
"We have a lot of people who come from the Liverpool area, where the properties are around 20% more expensive.
"Eagle Vale is a cheaper suburb and mostly consists of three-bedroom, one-bathroom homes," says Nooyen.
Nooyen says these suburbs attract investors as they rent our quickly.
The median rental yield for a house in Eagle Vale is 6.1% and 4.4% in St Peter's.
 
Some of NSW fastest selling houses 


 
<a target="_blank" href="/news">St Peters</a> – 35.9 days 

<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bronte</a>  – 62.1 days

<a target="_blank" href="/news">Crows Nest</a>  – 50.2 days 

<a target="_blank" href="/news">Revesby Heights</a>  – 37.4 days

<a target="_blank" href="/news">Eagle Vale</a> – 33.9 days

<a target="_blank" href="/news">Heathcote</a> –  42.6 days

 
Some of NSW slowest selling houses 


 
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Berridale</a>  –217 days

<a target="_blank" href="/news">Greenwell Point</a>  – 221.4 days

<a target="_blank" href="/news">Denhams Beach</a> – 187.9 days

<a target="_blank" href="/news">Condobolin</a> - 188.7 days

<a target="_blank" href="/news">Tuggerawong</a> - 150.8 days
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Crescent Head</a>  – 222.8 days 

 
Readers can expect mild adjustments from month to latest month.
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Eagle Vale and St Peter's among NSW's fastest selling suburbs

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The median house price in Greater Geelong has recorded a slight increase of 0.6% to $392,500 in June, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. It is 1.9% higher than a year ago.

The largest increase in house price was in Bannockburn, which increased by 5.5%t to $382,500, followed by Barwon Heads, increasing by 3.4% to $755,000 and Geelong West, increasing by 3.3% to $427,500.
The median house price in the Surf Coast Shire fell slightly by 0.8% to $605,000 but remains 2.5% above a year ago. The largest increase was in Jan Juc which rose 1.9% to $588,750.
Within the Borough of Queenscliffe, the median house price remained stable at $700,000 in June, reflecting a 1.4% increase from a year ago.
Regarding units, prices remained stable in both the City of Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast Shire at $310,000 and $432,500 respectively in June.
The median unit price in the Borough of Queenscliffe, however, fell by 4.1% to $467,500.
The rental vacancy rate in the Geelong and Barwon region fell from 6.7% in May to 5.5% in June in line with a tightening across regional Victoria.
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Geelong prices holding up despite those unemployment fears

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Colliers International agent Peter Chittenden wrote that for varied reasons a flat, or unit, have historically been seen as ‘second-best’.
He says this <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/demographics/a-flat-or-a-unit-has-always-been-viewed-as-second-best-why-is-this-so-peter-chittenden/2013071563314?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=ourobservers:adviceandanalysisforreaders">stems back to when in the 1830s </a>the first multi-unit homes were built in New York and these were not really flats or apartments, because as inner-city tenements a number of dwellings shared a bathroom.
Peter writes that "from such a humble start apartment living is now a fully mature market, and when it comes to CBD apartments a very complex market and a rich demographic."
{module Do you think that flats or units are still considered to be 'second-best' to houses?}
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Do you think that flats or units are still considered to be 'second-best' to houses?

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Uncertainty has been cast over the RBA cutting the cash rate on August 6 follows publication of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/gradual-improvement-in-housing-conditions-as-dwelling-prices-rise-rba-july-minutes/2013071663333?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=newsplus">minutes of the July monetary policy meeting</a>, despite three of the four big banks pencilling in a 25 basis point cut next month.
The Australian dollar's depreciation, given added weight in the minutes, is expected to push up inflation and assist trade-exposed non-mining sectors making an August rate cut less likely.
Interest rate futures markets have reduced the probability of a rate cut from around 65% to 50% following the publication of the minutes, and in particurlar the final paragraph which mentions a higher inflation outlook following depreciation of the dollar.
But complicating the picture, the Australian dollar has risen strongly since publication of the minutes yesterday and is currently up more than 1 cent to 92.5 US cents.
HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says the currency and the RBA's interest rate outlook are “intertwined”.
"Slower than expected rebalancing may see the need for further policy stimulus from the RBA, but further weakness in the Australian dollar could obviate the need for further cuts," Bloxham says.
The major banks have played down, to an extent, the impact of the Australian dollar with Westpac, the Commonwealth Bank and NAB all pencilling in a rate cut next month.
ANZ is tipping November as the next likely movement down to a cash rate of 2.5%.
The Westpac economics team, led by chief economist Bill Evans, believes that the language being used in the minutes “is more about justifying the decision not to move in July despite further deterioration in the real economy rather than specifically providing guidance for future meetings”.
“The minutes show the exchange rate adjustment was a key factor in the decision and tend to confirm our view that the currency decline made July tactically unattractive for a rate move.
“A more downbeat assessment of domestic economic conditions in the July minutes and weak data releases since the meeting suggest the case for further easing to support demand has been strengthened,” says Westpac.
Westpac expects two further rate cuts – one in the December quarter and one in the March quarter - to take the cash rate to an expected terminal point of 2% in the current easing cycle.
Commonwealth Bank economist John Peters notes that the bias towards a rate cut is “somewhat more muted” than earlier in the year following the slide in the Australian dollar, but says that nothing in the minutes “makes us uncomfortable with our view that another RBA cash rate cut of 0.25% is coming most probably in August, after the second quarter CPI is released on July 24”.
NAB made its case for an August rate cut <a target="_blank" href="/news">last week</a> – bringing forward an earlier November decision after the bank's business conditions survey hit a four-year low.
The only outlier is ANZ with economist Justin Fabo highlighting expectations that a lower Australian dollar will stay the RBA’s hand with it appearing “relatively content to wait at least a little longer to gauge the effect of accommodative financial conditions on economic activity.
“Importantly, the RBA appears confident that the Australian dollar depreciation will be sustained and that the currency will fall further over time (but this is expected to be associated with lower terms of trade and weaker mining investment which will drag on growth),” he says.
“The minutes noted that the effect of lower interest rates was “apparent across a range of indicators” – mainly associated with the housing market to date – and that this process had further to run.
“Hence, even a low second quarter core CPI print of 0.3% to 0.4% quarter-on-quarter on 25 July is unlikely to be enough to tip the Bank into easing policy in early August.
“That said, near-term rates decisions are likely to be keenly debated as there appears to be little risk from easing policy modestly further.
“Indeed, it might help nudge the Australian dollar a little lower which would be beneficial in our view and seemingly from the RBA’s view.
“The (unknown) timing of the federal election complicates the outlook for monetary policy as the Bank will want to steer clear of the election (and can do so because it is not clearly “behind the curve” in terms of its policy settings).
“Overall, we maintain the view that the cash rate is still likely to be lowered at least modestly further later this year (we have a 25 basis point cut pencilled in for November)," says Fabo.
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