<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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7877 project_image_fid=355754]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7877 project_image_fid=355852]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7877]

Joel Robinson

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=371872]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=372083]

"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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=371890]

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=371877]

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151614]

Mosaic records more than $400m in two months at South Brisbane's The Riversdale

Lender, fund manager and apartment developer Princeton has completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/marque-rockdale-602-608-princes-highway-rockdale-nsw-2216">Marque Rockdale</a>, the first new apartment development in South Sydney to provide its owners with a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, the most comprehensive insurance available for a new apartment building.

The policy has been a key consideration for prospective purchasers of the 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, strategically located between&nbsp;Rockdale Plaza and Rockdale Station.&nbsp;

Buyers have also been drawn to the fact that it is one of few new apartment developments delivered in the suburb in the last 10 years, and the only one located on Princes Highway to be set well back from the street to reduce noise. There's also a communal rooftop, a rarity in the suburb, complete barbecue facilities, landscaped seating areas, a children's play zone and herb gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374084]

Ray White Projects’ Matt Otway said buyer enquiry reflected the increasingly diverse and cosmopolitan population that has made Rockdale home.

“We’re seeing strong interest from a broad mix of buyers, including young professionals and people who have rented in Rockdale and the surrounding suburbs and now see Marque as an opportunity to buy a brand-new apartment in an area they already know,” Otway said.

“Proximity to the CBD and Sydney Airport is another key advantage particularly for buyers working in these locations who want the added convenience of living close by.”

Investors have also been attracted to the project, with rental yields of more than five per cent, which is considered a strong result for the Sydney market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374090]

Adding another layer to the buyer proposition is Marque's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance, making it the only new apartment development in Rockdale to offer the cover.

The policy protects apartment owners against major structural and waterproofing defects for 10 years following completion, giving Marque purchasers cover until early 2036 at no additional cost.

The likelihood of defects emerging has also been mitigated through the Technical Inspection Service (TIS), which saw independent experts inspect the building at various stages throughout construction to identify potential issues during the build, rather than after the fact.

SDSS, which provided the TIS, consistently ranked the construction quality at Marque, undertaken by iCIRT-rated builder Coplex, among the best across its extensive portfolio of projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136442 project_image_fid=374088]

Otway said the LDI had become a major drawcard for buyers, particularly given Rockdale has seen relatively little new apartment development over the past decade.

"Rockdale hasn't had a lot of new apartment buildings in the last decade, and has never had a project with 10-year defect insurance," Otway said.

"Marque presents a truly rare opportunity at an affordable price point, so well connected to the Sydney CBD."

One-bedroom apartments at Marque start from $735,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136442]

Marque Rockdale completes as South Sydney’s first apartments backed by 10-year defect insurance

Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/odus">ODUS Property Group</a> is continuing to expand its local Gold Coast development pipeline, filing plans for a new 40-storey tower in the Southport CBD.

Odus, which bought two luxury Main Beach projects, now La Mer and Le Reve, to make its move into the booming Gold Coast apartment market, has secured its third site. But it is tweaking the plans for a previously proposed 50-storey skyscraper, now seeking to deliver 40 storeys.

The project, dubbed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/80-marine-parade-74-80-marine-parade-southport-qld-4215">80 Marine Parade</a>, sits on a prime&nbsp;2,032 sqm amalgamated corner site at 74–80 Marine Parade and 4 Welch Street, across the road from the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. It will have unobstructed, never-to-be-built-out views to the east given its position opposite the Broadbwater Parklands.&nbsp;

The plans are for 316 apartments, ground-floor retail, and resort-style resident amenities. The project sits within Precinct 1 (Central Business District) of the Southport Priority Development Area, where high-density residential and commercial development is actively encouraged.

BGD, ran by Bayden Goddard and the architecture firm behind Le Reve, has revised the original concept plans, substantially reworking the built form. Basement parking has been replaced by an expanded podium designed to improve functionality while reducing the tower's overall visual impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Odus Property Group plots landmark 40-storey tower for Southport's Broadwater gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f13d065-2cf5-45ec-aa17-1a03754d93d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Southport%20da%202.png?VersionId=.9QS2n7kBc_U3PyaI247uOyNSXIqnXSE" />

The tower rises above the eight-storey landscaped podium with a distinctive architectural language defined by sweeping arches, integrated greenery, bronze-toned glazing, and a sculptural rooftop crown.

The development will comprise 104 one-bedroom apartments, 208 two-bedroom apartments, and four four-bedroom penthouses across levels 9 to 36. Apartments are designed to accommodate both permanent residents and short-term accommodation within the same building.

A double-height lobby and reception will anchor the ground floor alongside a 23 sqm food and drink outlet, activating the Marine Parade frontage.

Parking will be accommodated within the podium, providing 288 vehicle spaces and 74 bicycle spaces, accessed from Welch Street.

<img alt="First look: Odus Property Group plots landmark 40-storey tower for Southport's Broadwater gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7528b91-2c47-4094-98b3-5eecbacc0041" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Southport%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=efF5oWs4T9PDvxJwJEDHu5kSQ5eE3IBy" />

Residents will have access to an extensive suite of amenities spread across multiple levels. A podium recreation deck will include a swimming pool, spas, sauna, steam room, cinema, residents' lounge and children's games room, while a second wellness level near the top of the building will feature a gym, co-working spaces, reading room, dining areas and communal kitchen. Extensive podium landscaping wraps the building to soften the built form and strengthen its interface with the surrounding streetscape.

The planning report notes the project responds directly to Southport's ongoing urban transformation.

"Consistent with much of Southport, the surrounding area is undergoing significant transition, with many older low-rise developments progressively being redeveloped for higher-intensity urban outcomes, as envisaged within Precinct 1."

It also states that the proposal "will contribute to a defined and legible eastern gateway to the Southport CBD, reinforcing the area's high-density urban character while maintaining a strong visual connection to the adjoining public open space network."

<img alt="First look: Odus Property Group plots landmark 40-storey tower for Southport's Broadwater gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b9fdebd-4b35-400b-a287-6bd1cdbcdb1b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Southport%20da.png?VersionId=4LG35XR5mfir7jvG2TShtQx.utMLYBxu" />

Located opposite the Broadwater Parklands, the site enjoys immediate access to the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Australia Fair Shopping Centre, TAFE Queensland Southport campus, the G:link light rail corridor and Southport's established commercial precinct. The location places future residents within one of the Gold Coast's fastest-evolving mixed-use centres, where numerous high-rise residential projects are reshaping the CBD skyline.

Odus is headed by development professionals Byron Sakha, Jarrod Younan and Sebastian Younan. The Younans also head family-owned builder Nazero Constructions, established in the 1960s.

They are currently delivering La Mer, 24 luxury apartments on Main Beach Parade, and Le&nbsp;Rêve, on the same street but on the prized beachfront side of the sought-after strip.

ODUS plans landmark 40-storey tower for Southport's Broadwater gateway

A boutique collection of just 10 residences could become the catalyst for the next phase of renewal along the southern end of Surfers Paradise Boulevard, with new plans laid for a mixed-use tower designed to transform a long-vacant site.

The proposal for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/3098-surfers-paradise-boulevard-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">3098 Surfers Paradise Boulevard</a> has been conceived as more than a standalone residential project. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the development aims to spark the revitalisation of what the design team describes as the "South Boulevard" precinct, creating an active streetscape with retail uses at ground level beneath a collection of full-floor luxury residences.

The application, by PR Property Holdings, an entity directed by the Brisbane-based Ryan and Petrovic families, seeks approval for a 17-storey, 62.2-metre mixed-use development on a compact 427 sqm site between Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Appel Street.

The project will comprise just 10 apartments, including eight full-floor residences and two duplex apartments, positioned above a two-level retail podium. Three podium parking levels will accommodate 26 vehicle spaces, while a recreation deck is proposed on Level 4.

<img alt="First look: PR Property Holdings plans boutique apartment tower to kickstart Surfers Paradise's 'South Boulevard' revival" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46cfa37d-5051-4449-8d8e-6724f8ca0d59" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_8.png?VersionId=e7UkeV1eTZAC2lXhdq72E3jpUbwiFD2t" />

Rather than pursuing apartment volume, the proposal focuses on large-format homes with a slender tower form intended to maximise outlooks while limiting visual bulk.

BDA Architecture said the proposal has been designed to become an urban renewal catalyst for the precinct.

"The ambition of 3098 Surfer's Paradise is that it provides the catalyst for incremental infill redevelopment and upgrade of what is coined the 'South Boulevarde' of Surfers Paradise which connects to the beating heart of Cavill Avenue."

The architects added: "An incremental approach to development that provides quality ground plane interface, human scale design, integrated subtropical landscape and semipublic permeable frontage can over time entirely upgrade a precinct."

The architecture adopts soft curves, articulated balconies and a slender tower profile rising from a human-scaled podium. The design report describes the project as delivering "bespoke residences of enduring distinction, sculpted with precision and quiet sophistication," with a focus on timeless coastal architecture.

The application also includes retail tenancies addressing Surfers Paradise Boulevard, reinforcing the site's role as an active mixed-use destination rather than a purely residential address. The planning report states the combination of the podium, landscaping and active frontage is intended to strengthen the pedestrian experience while contributing to the evolving character of the boulevard.

The site occupies a prominent position in the southern section of Surfers Paradise, directly opposite the G:link light rail corridor and within walking distance of Surfers Paradise Beach, Cavill Avenue, the Nerang River and Bruce Bishop Car Park. It is currently vacant, having previously accommodated a single-storey commercial building that was demolished in 2022. The planning report notes the surrounding area is characterised by a mix of commercial buildings and residential towers, with unlimited building height provisions applying under the Centre Zone.

The proposal also replaces an earlier 2022 approval for a restaurant and bar on the site, instead introducing a permanent mixed-use development that combines retail activation with boutique residential living.

Boutique apartment tower to "kickstart" Surfers Paradise's 'South Boulevard' revival

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

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

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

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Thinking about one day renting the heritage premises at 70 Errol Street, North Melbourne tenanted by Australia Post? Take a number. Better yet wait 868 years, as only 131 years of the lease has gone.
According to the Melbourne City Council book on lease agreements, recently opened to public inspection, Australia Post has the lease on the premises (pictured below) until 2881.
And that’s not a typo.
<img alt="postofficemay13one" height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/postofficemay13one.jpg">
According to The Age’s city editor Jason Dowling, lord mayor Cornelius Job Ham signed a 999-year lease with Australia Post in 1882.
Melbourne City Council finance committee chairman Stephen Mayne called the lease agreement “ridiculous” and said it should be renegotiated.
Image courtesy of Travel Victoria.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Australia Post’s 999-year lease in North Melbourne revealed by Melbourne City Council

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House Rules premieres tommorow night at 7.30pm, up against the Channel 9 perennial, The Block.
The new state-versus-state renovation series, from the makers of My Kitchen Rules, aims to deliver true home renovations.
The six contestant couples have put their entire home on the line promising an emotional return to their new homes after the seven-day renovation.
The teams have to work independently on their own zone within each house but they also have to work as a team to ensure each room complements the other when it's completed.
The six teams competing are: <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802165/michelle-steve-nsw/"></a>
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802165/michelle-steve-nsw/" target="_blank">Michelle &amp; Steve</a> (Collaroy Plateau, New South Wales) <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802279/nick-chris-vic/"></a>
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802347/amy-sean-qld/" target="_blank">Amy &amp; Sean</a>(Nundah, Queensland)
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802523/carly-leighton-sa/" target="_blank">Carly &amp; Leighton</a> (Warradale, South Australia) <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802965/jemma-ben-wa/"></a>
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802965/jemma-ben-wa/" target="_blank">Jemma &amp; Ben</a> (Melville, Western Australia)
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16803037/jane-plinio-tas/" target="_blank">Jane &amp; Plinio</a> (New Town, Tasmania)
<a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/house-rules/teams/article/-/16802279/nick-chris-vic/" target="_blank">Nick and Chris</a> (Preston, Victoria)
Each of the six House Rules teams hand over the keys to their homes and allow their competitors free reign to transform their house, so the host Johanna Griggs expects lots of passion and pride in the way teams tackle the renovations.
"It's a bunch of likeable Australians with amazing back stories," Griggs said.
Apparently the teams have longed to be able to renovate, but not been able to accomplish it until now because of large mortgages.
As there's a "life-changing prize on the line," Property Observer guesses it may well be having the winner's mortgage paid off in part or maybe even in full.
Perth local papers have been quick to identify newlyweds Jemma Blenkinsop, who runs a spray-tan business and builder, Ben Van Ryt as recent first-home buyers in late 2011, but with the Perth property market the way it is, they couldn't afford to renovate their 1950s Melville home. Property Observer notes it cost $555,000.
The Tasmanian couple paid $355,000 in 2010 for a house initially listed at $380,000-plus.
The so-called Sydney battlers Steve and Michelle Ball who live at Collaroy Plateau on the northern beaches paid $650,000 for their house in March 2012.
The South Australian couple paid $450,000 for the house which had been listed with $485,000 hopes in May 2012.
Johanna Griggs, the presenter of Better Homes and Gardens, is herself a keen home renovator, currently building her fourth home with husband, builder Todd Huggins.
“I’ve been in this industry for 20 years now and this is the first time I’ve had a go at this style of show.
"Because we are dealing with people’s own homes, I’m expecting the stakes to be high, the competition to be tough and the results incredible.
"We are the rare combination of two people who absolutely love home renovating.
"Even though this is something we love to do, I’d be lying if I didn’t say it can be extremely stressful.
"There are so many things you can’t control on a building site; not to mention the tension that usually arises around budgets, general fatigue and soreness when you are working towards a deadline.
"But the upside is that most days you can actually see tangible change.
"I love the fact you can look at a room and feel a great sense of satisfaction at what you can achieve.
"You put your heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears into what you produce and when you realise you’ve done it together it’s an incredibly satisfying and addictive feeling."
Chester Drife is the House Rules building supervisor.
With its catchy theme song, "Change Your Life" by Little Mix, House Rules airs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30 pm on Seven.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

House Rules, the new addictive reality television show on the block, renovates for keeps

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The NSW government’s decision to only incentivise first-home buyers who purchase new homes from October last year appears to be gaining traction, the Reserve Bank has noted in its May monthly statement on monetary policy.
"For the state as a whole, there has been an increase in demand from first home buyers, which is likely to reflect the increase in government incentives to first-home buyers purchasing new homes relative to the incentives available for purchases of established homes," says the RBA.
The following graph prepared by the RBA shows the trend of rising first-home owner grants (FHOGs) in NSW for new dwellings and also a small uptick in Queensland, where a similar incentive scheme is in place.
In Victoria the trend is heading in the other direction, but this is ahead of the introduction of a <a target="_blank" href="/news">$10,000 FHB grant for new homes only from July 1</a>, with an expected rush among some FHBs to finalise purchases of existing dwellings.
<img alt="fhb_in_nsw" src="/images/stories/2013/fhb_in_nsw.jpg" width="470" height="402">
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-nsw-first-home-buyer-%2415000-grant/2012092756828/Page-1" target="_blank">NSW government provides $15,000 to first-home buyers</a> purchasing a new home up to $650,000 but has removed the previous $7,000 grant available for both new and existing FHBs.
A first-home buyer maximum stamp duty exemption of $20,240 is also available for new homes worth up to $550,000.
From January 1 2014 the $15,000 grant will reduce to $10,000.
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FHB demand for new homes rising in NSW: RBA

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The media tycoon Rupert Murdoch is currently in escrow to buy the Moraga Vineyards Estate at Bel Air.
He has tweeted about celebrating his purchase of the "beautiful small vineyard right in LA."
"Great wine,"  tweeted the News Corp chairman on Twitter.
<a href="https://www.moragavineyards.com" target="_blank">Moraga is a 13-acre vineyard located in Bel Air</a>.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may13murdoch]}
Murdoch reportedly saw the Los Angeles property featured in the real estate pages of News Corp newspaper, The Wall Street Journal listed for $US29.5 million.
Rupert Murdoch is currently in escrow to buy the Moraga Vineyards Estate at Bel Air. Moraga Vineyards is a wine growing estate in the Santa Monica Mountains at an elevation of 600 to 900 feet, five miles from the Pacific Ocean in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air.
Moraga is located next to the 405 Freeway and its near neighbours include the Getty Center.
In the 1930s, Victor Fleming, director of The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind, owned the then horse ranch property which was the first commercial winery to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles after prohibition ended in 1933.
 
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About to celebrate buying beautiful small vineyard right in LA. Great wine, Moraga, owned by great Angelino, Tom Jones. Time cover,1961!
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text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1122093838/Grapes_normal.jpg" alt="LosRoblesHillsWinery" title="LosRoblesHillsWinery" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/msanchezchef" data-user-id="480375375" original-title="Mauricio Sanchez" title="Mauricio Sanchez" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/3560345868/bd1a8c6ce1c5bbcf078768ef3b3e24f8_normal.jpeg" alt="Mauricio Sanchez" title="Mauricio Sanchez" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/WineSpectator" data-user-id="35738491" original-title="Wine Spectator" title="Wine Spectator" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/186366974/WSlogo_twitter_normal.jpg" alt="Wine Spectator" title="Wine Spectator" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/RyanBiddulph" data-user-id="17973137" original-title="Ryan Biddulph" title="Ryan Biddulph" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/3574620551/d79bd24080e9086e37219510af83485a_normal.jpeg" alt="Ryan Biddulph" title="Ryan Biddulph" style="width: 24px; height: 24px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; float: left; margin-right: 5px;"></a><a class="js-profile-popup-actionable js-user-tipsy" href="https://twitter.com/DavidoffCEO" data-user-id="1019903887" original-title="HK Hoejsgaard" title="HK Hoejsgaard" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none; float: left; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 10px; line-height: 16px; text-transform: uppercase; border-left-style: none; width: auto; cursor: pointer;"><img class="avatar size24 js-user-profile-link js-tooltip" src="https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/3085816292/4a78d7d0f826775e8527a8260b2a84ee_normal.jpeg" alt="HK Hoejsgaard" title="HK Hoejsgaard" style="width: 24px; 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<div class="client-and-actions" style="clear: both; margin-top: 10px; overflow: hidden;">12:05 PM - 10 May 13</div>
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The first Moraga red table wine was produced in 1989 and released in 1992 and its first white was produced in 1998 and released in 2000.
Murdoch's celebrations might have been a drop of its Cabernet Sauvignon or its Sauvignon Blanc. Its exclusivity is reflected in its bottle prices - $US145 for the red and $US85 for the white.
Tom Jones, the current owner, is the former CEO of the aircraft manufacturing giant, Northrop Corporation. He has owned the property for 53 years.
The LA Times reports Moraga wines are sold in the city's toniest restaurants, including the Bel Air Country Club, Nobu, the Beverly Hills Hotel, Spago and Morton's Steakhouse, along with a few in New York.
Its homestead is a 7,500 square foot Mediterranean-style main residence boasting four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a lavish octagonal dressing room and maid’s quarters.
Title Tattle recollects Rupert Murdoch was the owner of another home in the hillside of Beverly Hills with tinseltown pedigree.
It was was bought by News International for $US7 million in 1986 from the estate of MCA entertainment founder Jules Stein.
The house, which Stein named Misty Mountain, was built in the 1920s for silent film director Fred Niblo and his Australian actress-wife, Enid Bennett, who starred as Maid Marian opposite Douglas Fairbanks's Robin Hood.
It featured in Dominick Dunne 1990 novel, An Inconvenient Woman.
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Rupert Murdoch buys a drop of tinseltown movie pedigree with Bel Air vineyard, Moraga acquisition

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Melbourne agents secured a clearance rate of 70% compared to 65% on the Queen's birthday long weekend.
It was 53% on the same weekend last year, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
It has noted the year to date the residential auction volumes excede the last two years. 
The REIV estimates June will have 3,175 auctions.
"The only time this number was exceeded in the past decade was in June 2010," the REIV chief Enzo Raimondo said.
There were 740 auctions reported to the REIV this weekend, with 521 selling and 219 being passed in, 146 of those on a vendor bid.
Next weekend the REIV expects around 750 auctions.
The weekend's busiest auction suburb was St Kilda which had 18 auctions. Of the reported results there were nine sales and seven unsold.
St Kilda East was stronger with five of the six auctions being sold. There was one unsold result in St Kilda West.
Sydney agents secured a 76.9% success rate. 
"Sydney records an exceptionally strong auction clearance rate of 76.9 per cent over the first full weekend of winter. Winter market clearly set to reach new highs of buyer activity," Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist for Australian Property Monitors said.
APM reported the strongest regional result of the weekend were the Northern beaches 94% (16 auctions); Canterbury-Bankstown 84% (19 auctions) and the upper north shore 82% (38 auctions).
Redfern notched up a record price at <a href="/news">$2.58 million bettering the previous record at 702 Bourke Street which sold for $2.25 million in 2011</a>.
The top five Melbourne house sales were:
 1. 14 Edward Street, Kew $2,880,000 2. 1 Norman Avenue, South Yarra $2,715,000 3. 148 Kooyong Road, Toorak $2,692,000 4. 136 Powlett Street, East Melbourne $2,505,000 5. 57 Crisp Street, Hampton $2,472,500
The top five Melbourne apartment sales were:
 1. 11A Moffat Street, South Yarra $1,745,000 2. 3/17 Talbot Crescent, Kooyong $1,600,000 3. 30 Halstead Street, Caulfield North $1,016,000 4. 5/7 Cromwell Road, South Yarra $950,000 5. 19A Camperdown Street, Brighton East $942,000
Source: <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/en/Property-Research" target="_blank">REIV</a>
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St Kilda weak as Melbourne weekend auctions secure 70% success rate

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The prominent Sydney auctioneer Tom Panos not-so-secretly held an ambition to secure the sale of all 10 of his inner west weekend auction listings.
After all the inner west recorded an 86% clearance rate last weekend, and the RBA cut rates mid-week saw all the banks passing it onto home loan borrowers.
Panos however fell short - selling nine of the 10 homes.
And one of them was a $2 million sale in <a href="/news">Croydon</a>, a Federation bungalow which had been attracting so much interest that the R&amp;H agent Romani Iskander had been forced to close the front door at times to stop the David Street house from being overrun during its open for inspections.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/6-david-street-croydon/Property-Details-buy-residential-5376251">Set on a 735 sq m block in one of the best streets in the Malvern Hill estate</a>, the four-bedroom full-brick house (pictured below) features an entry hallway with moulded archways, formal lounge and dining with restored fireplaces, cedar joinery and picture rails and wonderful high patterned ceilings.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may13croydon]}
More than $1.8 million was being tipped for the house last sold at $1,662,500 in 2007, thereby reflecting a so-so 3% annual price growth for the vendors, ad man Bram Williams, a regular on the ABC’s The Gruen Transfer show, and his wife, designer Eloise Tucci.
Post-auction Panos suggested it was a record price, and perhaps twitter's limiting 140 characters, prevented a more thorough explanation as Property Observer is aware of a 2007 sale at $2.2 million of  a five-bedroom Federation house on Malvern Avenue, Croydon, albeit on 1300 square metres.
His weekend sale did better the suburb's single block house price which stood at $1.93 million since the 2007 sale of a Chelmsford Avenue house, sitting on just 460 square metres.
Another auctioneer Peter Matthews did secure the sale of all 10 of his auctions advising the prices from $465,000 to $1.725 million included eight over reserve sales.
Cooley Auctions clearance rate was 71% today selling 22 of 31.
Rocky Bartolotto's Property Auction Services team secured the sale of 11 of 13.
The sales contributed to Sydney's overall 70.7% preliminary weekend auction clearance rate, based on the 294 reported in the Saturday evening tally, according to Australian Property Monitors.
Some 360 auctions were scheduled to go under the hammer so the final tally may shift as did last weekend’s Sydney auction clearance rate of 78.1% which was revised down quite dramatically with late results to 69.5% success rate.
"Expect this week's extraordinary cut in official interest rates - already passed on by most of the banks - to add more fuel to an already hot Sydney housing market," Australian Property Monitors senior economist <a target="_blank" href="/news">Dr Andrew Wilson had anticipated</a>.
Although Cameron Kusher at RP Data told the Australian Financial Review today it was unlikely the latest rate cut would prompt anything like a property bubble.
“The property market has been improving slowly since around June last year, but there was only a moderate change in prices after 125 basis points were cut in 2012,” Kusher said.
“I don’t see any reason for there to be big gains because of Tuesday’s cut.”
Their comments were against the backdrop of Sydney's April auction clearance rate being the third highest recorded for any April over the past decade - ranking behind the property boom periods of 2002 and 2010.
And also against the backdrop of the Reserve Bank raising their own concern that Australia's low-interest-rate environment could potentially lead to a quicker-than-expected rise in house prices on the back of households taking on higher debt.
The RBA's monetary policy statement, released on Friday after the official cash rate dropped to a historic low of 2.75%, noted in the household sector "a key risk is that established dwelling prices rise more quickly than assumed, spurred by low interest rates."
''The associated boost to wealth and sentiment could in time generate stronger-than-expected consumption growth. If these were accompanied by a return to increasing household leverage, it would raise concerns from a financial stability perspective,'' the RBA statement said.
Property Observer will provide a Sunday update and then a full round-up on Monday of all the capital city results, along with providing the revised figures as they become available.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Property Observer has previously noted that Sydney's Saturday night figures - that gain the big headlines - are quite preliminary, and typically revised downwards with the final late results</a>.
The REIV reported a clearance rate of 72% this weekend compared to 69% last weekend, which was revised down from its preliminary 71% advisory.
There were 628 auctions reported to the REIV today, with 454 selling and 174 being passed in, 110 of those on a vendor bid. There were a scheduled 720 Melbourne auctions.
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Steady, not silly as Sydney auctioneers secure a 70.7% weekend clearance rate as RBA warns of household property borrowings risk

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Lights, camera, action! Well, perhaps not within the NSW Supreme Court room.
A three-day Sydney court hearing has been scheduled starting Monday with the actor Toni Collette and her musician husband, David Galafassi, being sued over their failure to settle on an alleged $6.35 million Paddington terrace purchase.
Collette, who was snapped only recently by the paparazzi in Sydney in News Ltd papers, is reportedly, according to Fairfax Media, going to be absent from the courtroom corridors.
She is currently filming a movie about the search for happiness. With filming scheduled in Canada and London, <a href="https://www.tonicollette.org/2013/05/10/hector-and-the-search-for-happiness-first-still/" target="_blank">a first production still </a>for “Hector and the Search for Happiness”, featuring Simon Pegg and Toni Collette, has been recently posted on a Toni Collette fan website.
The May 13 to May 15 court hearing dates back to October 2011 when the couple reputedly signed a contract to buy a double-fronted Paddington terrace from Susie Kelly, the co-founder and owner of Industrie clothing with her husband, Nick.
The Stewart Street house <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/actor-toni-collette-and-muso-david-galafassi-fall-for-the-charms-of-contemporary-inner-city-paddington/2011110752250" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">was snapped up</a> – quite early in its marketing campaign through low-key McGrath agent Ben Collier.
However the Paddington terrace has since been been resold for $5.5 million, so the entertainment industry couple face an $850,000-plus claim against them for the difference.
Designed by architect Anthony Gill and completed in 2009, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom house sits on a 360-square-metre block.
The entertainment industry couple made their alleged decision not to proceed with the Paddington purchase after they struggled to find a buyer of their<a href="/news">Bronte </a>house.
Their 1885 Bronte weatherboard cottage that cost $4.4 million in mid-2009 struggled to find a buyer despite being tipped to sell for around $900,000 less than their purchase price.
Collette and Galafassi instead bought back at Bronte, swapping homes with <a href="/news">the buyer of their own $3.5 million house</a>.
The Kellys bought on Kutti Beach at <a href="/news">Vaucluse </a> in March last year for $15.5 million, so incurred a land tax charge on the redundant Paddington property.
So their damages claim against the entertianment industry couple also includes a claim for $43,516 in state land tax and interest for four months.
The $6.35 million sale of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/actor-toni-collette-and-muso-david-galafassi-fall-for-the-charms-of-contemporary-inner-city-paddington/2011110752250" target="_blank">the five-bedroom home </a>was allegedly due to be settled by late December 2011, but Collette's lawyer, David Carr, told the Kellys' lawyer in an email on New Year's Eve last year his clients intended "not to proceed" with the purchase.
Collette and Galafassi are also arguing the vendors resold the property under value.
They claim the price ought to have been $6.25 million, according to documents filed in the Supreme Court.
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Toni Collette's Paddington terrace property dispute court proceedings kick off Monday in Sydney

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Sir Richard Branson wants to open his mostly private Australian retreat to cheaper guests with plans before council seeking to turn the island into an $850 a night boutique hotel.
Guests can currently only stay on Makepeace Island if they book out the whole island at $8000 plus a night and at $16,500 peak season.
Under the plan - subject to Sunshine Coast Council approval - guests could pay around $850 per person a night with a minimum three-night stay.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november30makepeace]}
Branson opened his private retreat to the luxury holiday market in  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/sir-richard-bransons-noosa-getaway-for-hire-%E2%80%93-for-%2417000-a-night/2011071150769">early 2011</a> for well-heeled travellers.
Many of the island’s visitors have been well-known names who choose to holiday there to escape the pressures of fame.
Branson, along with Virgin Blue executives Brett Godfrey and former colleague Rob Sherrard, had bought the heart-shaped island for $2.86 million in 2007.
Guests travel to and from the island by riverboat, and it contains a host of facilities, such as an outdoor cinema and a full-sized tennis court, to keep them occupied.
It been available to rent for up to 22 guests.
There is a main house, three two-bedroom villas and a four-bedroom guest house. It has a boathouse, lagoon pool and a 15-person spa.
When he initially bought Makepeace there were suggestions it could be available to his hardworking airline crew as a a reward for their endeavours.
But council regulations proved cumbersome in that aim.
"When neither Brett nor myself are visiting Makepeace, we will make the island and its facilities available for others to enjoy the tranquillity of what is a very special place,” he said when announcing Makepeace island would be available to rent to limited paying guests.
This week Branson told News Ltd papers he wanted to make the island accessible to more people.
"We'd like couples to be able to book the island rather than just people who can afford to take the island as a whole,'' he said.
The syndicate has spent more than $7 million on the property, giving it "the look and feel of a Balinese resort."
Under the $850 a person per night plan the price will include meals and transfers, but alcohol will be extra.
The big test for the proposed changes is regarding water treatment on the island.
"Based on the calculated peak hydraulic loading of 2,700L/day (14EP) and the minimum required land application area of 540m2, no change to the existing infrastructure in relation to sizing is considered necessary," Branson's consultant, Future Plus Environmental suggests.
"Provided the on-site sewerage facility is maintained in accordance with the recommendations provided in the Site and Soil Evaluation Report (ref no. 2771- 02) and operation and maintenance manual, there will be minimal risk of impact to the site and surrounding areas," the report says.
"Makepeace Island is my home when I come to Australia,'' Branson told News Ltd's national travel reporter, Angela Saurine.
"Love Noosa, love that part of Australia,' he said. 
 
 
 
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Sir Richard Branson seeks the $850 a night democratisation of his Noosa getaway, Makepeace Island

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Bendigo Bank has announced it will decrease its variable home loan interest rate by 25 basis points to 6.26% p.a.
Customers with an average variable home loan of $250,000 will see their repayments decrease by $41 a month (principal and interest home loan over 30 years).
Under the same banking group, Adelaide Bank has announced it will also reduce its standard variable home loan rates by 25 basis points.
The bank's variable smartfit home loan will reduce from 5.81% to 5.56%.
The lower rates kick in on May 27.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank managing director Mike Hirst said the rate change aims to create a fair balance for all the bank’s key stakeholders. 
“When setting interest rates our Bank needs to take into account a wide range of factors and carefully consider its key stakeholders including borrowers, depositors, staff, shareholders, partners and the wider community,” Hirst said. 
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Bendigo Bank cuts variable home loan rates by 25 basis points

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CUA has cut its standard variable home loan rate by 25 basis points to 5.60% - an average of 57 basis points lower than the average of the big fours banks.


It has also announced fixed rate cuts with its three-year fixed rate home loan by 11 basis points to 4.99% and cut its three-year fixed rate premium home loan to 5.30%. 
The rate breaker package product will be reduced to 5.17% while CUA’s one year introductory standard variable rate will be reduced by 25 basis points to 5.22%. 
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