<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

<html><body>
Due to London's high property prices, its rental yields are relatively modest on the whole.
Southwark with a £401,405 ($A594,800) average price tops the list of boroughs with a yield of 6.15% arising from a £2,058 ($A3050) monthly rental.
Areas in Outer London offer some of the strongest yields in the capital including Newham, Enfield, Brent and Kingston upon Thames.
Just three of the top ten areas are in inner London and each of these is in the East of the city, traditionally the more affordable end of the capital.
Top 10 London Buy To Let Hotspots by Rental Yield
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Location
</td>
<td>
Average Property Price
</td>
<td>
Average Rent (Monthly)
</td>
<td>
Rental Yield (gross)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>1. Southwark </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£401,405
</td>
<td>
£2,058
</td>
<td>
6.15%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>2. Newham </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£229,141
</td>
<td>
£1,126
</td>
<td>
5.90%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>3. Enfield </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£261,163
</td>
<td>
£1,200
</td>
<td>
5.51%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>4. Brent </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£337,723
</td>
<td>
£1,517
</td>
<td>
5.39%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>5. Kingston upon Thames </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£333,122
</td>
<td>
£1,363
</td>
<td>
4.91%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>6. Hounslow </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£285,927
</td>
<td>
£1,148
</td>
<td>
4.82%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>7. Wandsworth </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£428,987
</td>
<td>
£1,694
</td>
<td>
4.74%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>8. Lewisham </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£283,031
</td>
<td>
£1,101
</td>
<td>
4.67%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>9. Tower Hamlets </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£364,296
</td>
<td>
£1,387
</td>
<td>
4.57%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>10. Harrow </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£306,381
</td>
<td>
£1,148
</td>
<td>
4.50%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
HSBC
Peter Dockar, head of mortgages at HSBC, suggested buy to let remained a good investment for those looking for above average returns.
"Twenty-three of the top 50 areas offer yields above 5%, significantly more than is available from more traditional savings options.
"However, it is clear there is a fine line between a property in a desirable area, the rents that can be achieved and the returns that can be yielded so it is key landlords do their research as often the most popular locations may not offer the best return," he said.
 
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Southwark heads London's top 10 investor rental hotspots: HSBC

<html><body>
Due to holiday rentals and seasonal work, many seaside towns are buy to let hotspots with 17 of the top 50 areas found on the coast.
At £75,943 ($A112,400) Blackpool topped the seaside town list with a yield of 7.81% and a £494 ($A730) average montly rent.
The rest of the top ten is made up of southern seaside areas, including holiday destinations such as Brighton, Bournemouth and Eastbourne.
While property prices tend to be higher in these areas, rents are also above average, meaning yields are strong for investors.
Top 10 Seaside Buy To Let Hotspots by Rental Yield
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Location
</td>
<td>
Average Property Price
</td>
<td>
Average Rent (Monthly)
</td>
<td>
Rental Yield (gross)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>1. Blackpool </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£75,943
</td>
<td>
£494
</td>
<td>
7.81%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>2. Bournemouth </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£170,493
</td>
<td>
£825
</td>
<td>
5.81%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>3. Brighton and Hove </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£229,622
</td>
<td>
£1,049
</td>
<td>
5.48%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>4. Torbay </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£139,168
</td>
<td>
£598
</td>
<td>
5.16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>5. Southend-on-Sea </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£152,171
</td>
<td>
£650
</td>
<td>
5.13%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>6. Shepway </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£181,399
</td>
<td>
£695
</td>
<td>
4.60%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>7. Eastbourne </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£177,408
</td>
<td>
£675
</td>
<td>
4.57%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>8. Isles of Scilly </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£180,227
</td>
<td>
£654
</td>
<td>
4.35%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>9. Hastings </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£177,408
</td>
<td>
£550
</td>
<td>
3.72%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>10. Thanet </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£181,399
</td>
<td>
£524
</td>
<td>
3.47%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
HSBC
</body></html>

Blackpool heads the list of UK seaside town hotspots for investors  

<html><body>
Rental yields of 7.82% and private rental accommodation making up almost a quarter of its housing stock make Southampton the best place in the UK for buy to let (BTL) investors, according to research from HSBC.
Of the fifty towns and cities with the highest concentration of private rental housing stock, Southampton topped the list for rental yield due to relatively affordable housing and an average rent of £901 per month ($A1334) with an average price of £138,311 ($204,800).
The relatively inexpensive property prices in Blackpool, Hull Manchester and Nottingham mean that these four Northern areas make up the rest of the top five, offering strong returns for BTL investors with yields of 7.81%, 7.77%, 7.60% and 7.55% respectively.
In sixth place, Coventry is the only other city offering returns above seven per cent with a yield of 7.13%.
Despite the high proportion of private rentals in the capital, London does not score highly in terms of rental yields due to the comparably high property prices.
 The top performing borough in the capital, Southwark, is 13th overall while the affluent London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea are ranked in the bottom two places in the top 50 due to the high initial outlay to purchase a property, generating returns of just 3.42% and 3.34% respectively.
Top 10 Buy To Let Hotspots by Rental Yield
<table><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Location
</td>
<td>
Average Property Price
</td>
<td>
Average Rent (Monthly)
</td>
<td>
Rental Yield (gross)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>1. Southampton </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£138,311
</td>
<td>
£901
</td>
<td>
7.82%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>2. Blackpool </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£75,943
</td>
<td>
£494
</td>
<td>
7.81%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>3. Kingston upon Hull </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£69,519
</td>
<td>
£450
</td>
<td>
7.77%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>4. Manchester </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£102,631
</td>
<td>
£650
</td>
<td>
7.60%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>5. Nottingham </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£83,313
</td>
<td>
£524
</td>
<td>
7.55%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>6. Coventry </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£104,970
</td>
<td>
£624
</td>
<td>
7.13%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>7. Slough </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£171,581
</td>
<td>
£975
</td>
<td>
6.82%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>8. Oxford </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£244,893
</td>
<td>
£1,375
</td>
<td>
6.74%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>9. Liverpool </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£91,012
</td>
<td>
£498
</td>
<td>
6.57%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
<li>10. Portsmouth </li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
£141,971
</td>
<td>
£775
</td>
<td>
6.55%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
HSBC</body></html>

Southampton heads the United Kingdom's top 10 investor hostpots: HSBC 

<html><body>
Hi Margaret,
 I was wondering, if I buy a house that can be rented out on the short-term holiday rental market, can I, if I wanted to, stay there and rent this back from myself?
 Regards,
Scott
Hi Scott,  
The issue of whether you can rent it back from yourself is only one of the many to consider, and when you buy such a property you have to think of them all! Often the ability to get some kind of personal benefit from a property causes investors to buy property which is not in a potentially good area and which, without the benefit of the holiday option would not be a good investment at all.  
Here are some important points:
<ul>
<li>
The tax office may not see this as an arm’s length transaction if you stay there yourself and may not allow claims for that period
</li>
<li>
Paying the rent, or not receiving the rent if you stayed there free, is pretty similar and still represents a period of personal benefit
</li>
</ul>
Scott I am unclear as to why you would be doing this anyway – paying rent to yourself, presumably via the manager who would be looking after it, means you only get the net rent after management costs.
As I said earlier, the problem is that few places we would like to holiday too are actually good places to invest and a holiday unit is often amongst the worst type of property too. Therefore, doing this could mean you would end up with a bad property, in the wrong area, just for the few weeks benefit, which is not a benefit since you are paying rent anyway!
Stick to buying great properties in strong areas which you legally rent to bona fide tenants – build up a solid portfolio and soon enough you’ll be choosing to holiday anywhere you want.
Margaret Lomas is a best-selling author and writes and hosts the popularProperty Success With Margaret Lomas and heads up the panel onYour Money, Your Call, both on Sky News. She is the founder of <a href="https://destiny.com.au/dotnetnuke/en-au/home.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Destiny</a>.
Have a property question? <a href="mailto:askmargaret@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">Ask Margaret!</a>
</body></html>

mlomas-KC9MUPZ6Ca

Ask Margaret: can I rent my holiday house from myself?

<html><body>
The last five years have been difficult for investors. The GFC and its aftermath of private sector deleveraging, public sector debt problems and household, business and investor caution have led to poor and volatile returns from shares. It seems we are constantly on edge with prognostications of doom getting constant replay with every twitch in markets. Just like The Rolling Stones single last year "all I hear is doom and gloom". Methods of investing that seemed to work well for years have seemingly broken down, or at least many have lost faith in them.
So what should investors do? The following is a list of things that are critical for investors to know and do. Obviously when it comes to investing everything is debatable to some degree, but I hope you find this list to be of value. First, some investment market realities.
Investment market realities
There are four key things to bear in mind about investment markets.
There is always a cycle. The historical experience of investment markets - be they bonds, shares, property, infrastructure, whatever - constantly reminds us they go through cyclical phases of good times and bad. Some are short term, such as those that relate to the 3 to 5 year business cycle. Some are longer, such as the secular swings seen over ten to twenty year periods in shares. But all eventually contain the seeds of their own reversal. Ultimately there is no such thing as new eras, new paradigms and new normals. Such jingles - as wheeled out through the tech boom and more recently through the post GFC gloom - make good marketing spin. But markets tell us there is nothing new under the sun. In fact, when someone tells you about a new whatever, it’s probably already run its course.
It’s a mad, mad, mad world. It’s well known that investment markets are prone to bouts of irrationality which take them well away from levels that may be justified on a long term basis. This is rooted in investor psychology, which is far from rational and flows from a range of behavioural biases investors suffer from. These include the tendency to overreact to the current state of the world, the tendency to look for evidence that confirms your views, overconfidence (particularly amongst males!), an erroneous feeling of safety in numbers and a lower tolerance for losses than gains. While shifts in fundamentals may be at the core of cyclical swings in markets, they are usually magnified by investor psychology if enough people suffer from the same irrational biases at the same time. This in turn creates opportunities for investors who can take a longer term approach and look through extremes of market madness either on the upside or the downside.
Starting point valuations matter, a lot. It stands to reason that the cheaper you buy an asset the higher its prospective return will be and vice versa. Good guides to this are price to earnings ratios (the lower the better) and yields, ie the ratio of dividends, rents or interest payments to the value of the asset (the higher the better). But while this seems obvious, the reality is that many find it easier to buy after shares have had a strong run because confidence is high, and sell when they have had a strong fall because confidence is low.
The power of compound interest. Although the average annual return on Australian shares (11.9% pa) is just double that on Australian bonds (6% pa) over the last 113 years, $1 invested in bonds in 1900 would today be worth $704 whereas $1 invested in shares would now be worth $350,356. Yes there were lots of rough periods along the way for shares just like the last few years (eg the 1930s, 1970s, 1987-96), but the impact of compounding at a higher long term return is huge over long periods of time.
What should investors do?
So, given these market realities, what should investors do?
Know yourself. Now I know we all like to think that everyone is mad except you and me, but the reality is that we all suffer from the psychological weaknesses referred to earlier. But smart investors have an awareness of their weaknesses and seek to manage them. One way to do this is to take a long term approach to investing. But this is also about knowing what you want to do. If you want to take a day to day role in managing your investments then regular trading and/or a self managed super fund (SMSF)  may work, but you need to recognise that investing is not easy. If you are going to trade or run your own investments with, for example, an SMSF, then recognise that this requires a lot of effort to get right and will need a rigorous process. If you don't have the time and would rather do other things like sailing, working at your day job, or having fun with the kids then it may be best to use managed funds
Seek advice. Flowing on from the last point, given the psychological traps we fall into as investors and the fact it is not easy, a good approach is to simply seek the advise of a coach such as a financial adviser, in much the same way you might use a specialist to look after other aspects of your life like fixing the plumbing, your medical needs or helping you get fit. Even I’ve got one.
Invest for the long term. In the 1970s a US investment professional named Charles Ellis observed that for most of us investing is a loser’s game. A loser’s game is a game where bad play by the loser determines the victor. Amateur tennis is an example, where the trick is to avoid stupid mistakes and thereby win by not losing. The best way to avoid losing at investments is to invest for the long term. Get a long term plan that suits your level of wealth, age, tolerance of volatility, etc, and stick to it. This may involve a high exposure to shares and property when you are young or a focus on funds targeting a particular return outcome or level of cash lows when you are close to or in retirement.
 
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Diversify. This is another no brainer. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket as the old saying goes. But plenty do. It seems that common approaches in SMSF funds are to have one or two high yielding and popular shares and a term deposit. This could potentially leave an investor very exposed to either a very low return or if something goes wrong in the high yield share they are invested in.
Turn down the noise. Once you have worked out a strategy that is right for you, it’s important to turn down the noise on the information flow surrounding investment markets. The past couple of decades have seen an explosion in the volume and ease of access to information surrounding economies, investment markets and individual investments. This is great in a way. But there is little evidence that it’s helping investors make better decisions and hence earn better returns. We seem to lurch from worrying about one crisis after another. Just think about this year: already we have seen a long list of worries starting with the US fiscal cliff, then worries the Fed may exit monetary easing too early, then the Italian election, the US budget sequester, Cyprus, bird flu, North Korea, China, etc. In fact the combination of too much information has turned investing into a daily soap opera - as we lurch from worrying about one thing after another. You'd be better off turning the financial soap opera off and watching The Days of Our Lives or Home and Away!
Avoid short termism. Flowing from the last point, the ease with which information on returns can be accessed is likely reinforcing shorter and shorter investment horizons for investors. An end result of taking a shorter and shorter investment horizon is an ever higher allocation to perceived safe assets such as bonds and cash/term deposits. This may have been fine through the GFC and its aftermath, but will ultimately mean locking into ever lower returns given the low yields now prevailing for bonds and bank deposits. Well might you say, at least I won't lose money on term deposits. But the point is that low yielding deposits will lock in low returns making it hard to meet long term financial goals.
Focus on investments offering sustainable cash flow. This is very important. There’s been lots of investments over the decades that have been sold on promises of high returns or low risk but were underpinned by hope based on hot air (eg, many dot com stocks in the 1990s, resources stocks periodically) or financial alchemy where rubbish was supposedly turned into AAA yield generators (the sub-prime CDOs of last decade). But the key is that if it looks dodgy, hard to understand or has to be based on obscure valuation measures to stack up then it’s best to stay away. By contrast, assets that generate sustainable cash flows (profits, rents, interest payments) and don't rely on excessive gearing or financial engineering are more likely to deliver.
Recognise there is no free lunch. Related to the last point, if an investment looks too good to be true in terms of the return and/or riskiness on offer, then it probably is.
Buy low, sell high. If you do have to trade or move your investments around then remember to buy when markets are down and sell when they are up. This seems like a no brainer, but most people do the opposite. There’s an old saying in investment markets: “flows follow returns”! In other words inflows are strongest after periods of strong returns and outflows are strongest after weak returns. It should be the other way around.
Don't fret the small stuff. It’s easy to spend lots to time worrying about an individual share investment or whether to use this fund manager over that fund manager. But the reality is that the key driver of your return is the assets (shares, bonds, cash, property, infrastructure, listed/unlisted, onshore/offshore, hedged/unhedged) that you are exposed to. In other words asset allocation is paramount and it’s very hard to avoid this.
Don't over rely on expert forecasts. The well known economist J.K. Galbraith once observed that there are two types of economists "those who don't know and those who know they don't know". While that may be a bit harsh - you might say I would say that being an economist - the reality is that point forecasts as to where the share market will be at a particular time or as to its short term return have a dismal track record. Hence all the bad jokes about economists! Good experts will help illuminate and point you in the right direction, but this is what they should be used for.
Recognise the aim is to make money, not to be right. Many investors miss this. Lots of people have lost money doggedly following some assessment that they were sure would be right. But the key is to recognise that getting some view right is not what it’s about. What it’s about is making money. Don’t get hung up on extreme views about where markets are going.
Beware the crowd at extremes. For periods of time the crowd can be right and safety in numbers provides a degree of comfort. However, at extremes the crowd is invariably wrong. Whether it’s lemmings running off a cliff, or investors piling into Japanese shares at the end of the 1980s, Asian shares into the mid 1990s, IT stocks in the late 1990s, US housing and dodgy credit in the mid 2000s. The problem with crowds is that eventually everyone who wants to buy will do so and then the only way is down (and vice versa during crowd panics). As Warren Buffet once said the key is to "be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful".
Finally, if you have the right long term strategy, never despair. Things normally turn out ok eventually. Fortunes are invariably made out of tough times.
Dr Shane Oliver is the head of investment strategy and chief economist at AMP Capital. Please note that this article is intended as general information and not as investment advice.
 
 
 
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soliver-smf6LQXgW9

Four key things to bear in mind about investment markets

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An 1867-built Georgian home in South Melbourne and a redesigned warehouse in Annandale will go under the hammer this weekend.
Only moments from Albert Park Lake, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-south+melbourne-113075879">40 Howe Crescent, South Melbourne</a> (pictured below) has three bedrooms and a studio apartment with a private entrance.
<img alt="propertytycoonapril19one" height="350" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/propertytycoonapril19one.jpg">
The property is situated in a premier location and has a luxurious kitchen that is flooded with natural light and has ample space for entertaining.
Meanwhile, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-annandale-113332955">15 Nelson Street, Annandale</a> (pictured below) will not appeal to everyone but for those who love warehouse conversions it could be a highly prized asset.
<img alt="propertytycoonapril19two" height="352" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/propertytycoonapril19two.jpg">
After it was sold in 2009 for $981,000, it was renovated, and agent Dominic Kuneman from Bresic Whitney has indicated it will sell for more than $1.1 million this time around.
There's now a website, <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess five auction results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.

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marmstrong-sd3emVLPPb

South Melbourne and Annandale feature in this week's Property Tycoon auction tipping

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Byron Bay has recorded the highest median house price among 17 key coastal towns during the second half of 2012, according to PRDnationwide research.
PRDnationwide research analyst Aaron Maskrey noted the Byron Bay house price currently sat at $664,000, equating to an increase of 11.1% from the previous year.
The 17 coastal towns also included Coffs Harbour, The Entrance and Yamba in NSW; Agnes Water, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Port Douglas, Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays and Yeppoon in QLD; the Fleurieu Peninsula in SA; Bells Beach, Lakes Entrance and 90 Mile Beach in Victoria; and Broome and Dunsborough in WA.
The report found the average gross rental yield achieved for Australian coastal town houses was 4.8%, reflecting a small 0.3% decrease from the previous year. 

Coastal town units registered an average gross rental yield of 4.9% reflecting a 0.8%.

But PRDnationwide warn that despite increasing gross rental yields for units "potential investors should do their homework on each particular market they are interested in, as some unit markets could be subject to oversupply.” 

Mr Maskrey said the highest coastal town rental yield for houses was 8.7% in 90 Mile Beach in Victoria and the highest coastal town rental yield for units was Broome in Western Australia at 7.7%.
"Of all coastal towns included, both Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour were in the top three gross rental yields for units - at 6.3% and 5.9% respectively," he said.

"The Byron Bay house market appears to have lifted off the bottom of its cycle from the second half of 2011," he said.
<img alt="byronbayapril19one" height="264" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/byronbayapril19one.jpg">
"Annual growth in the median house price over 2012 was an exceptional.
"And sales activity strengthened by 42%," he added.

"Observing the demographic shifts within Byron Bay, it is apparent that a large portion of the youth population aged 24 and under have left the region over the past five years, amounting to a fall of almost 3%.
"The age segment of 55 to 74 has increased by a large 5.6% of total residents.
"This significant shift is greater than just a resident population ageing, and signifies a growing number of incoming residents that have just retired or are near retirement."

The research indicated that Coffs Harbour also demonstrated similar demographic changes, with a contraction of 1.3% in youths aged 5 to 14, while the portion of residents aged 55 to 44 increased 1.3%.
"Coffs Harbour has recorded a median house price of $365,000, registering an increase of 2.8% from the previous year." 

Mr Maskrey said The Entrance was another New South Wales coastal market with an increase in sales activity despite the adverse macro-economic factors which have influenced other coastal regions.

"Conversely, buyers have taken advantage of the favourably low interest rates and increased government stimulus spending during 2009 which observed a boost in sales activity coupled with a rise in both the median price of houses and units," he said.

"Over 2012, the median house price has increased by 2.4% to $425,000, with the majority of house sales occurring in the $300,000 to $399,999 price bracket. By observing movements within the house price points, it is apparent that the price bracket of $700,000 to $799,999 has expanded by four per cent, while the $900,000 plus bracket has contracted by three per cent."

The house market within Yamba experienced a significant price correction over 2011 and into 2012.

"However, the second half of 2012 has seen renewed demand enter the market with an increase in activity, resulting in the median price rising by $35,000 (9.5%).
"If there is a sustained period of increased sales activity in 2013 (upwards of 40 house sales over a six month period) then the improved buyer sentiment should see house values continue to build upon the growth experienced at the end of 2012."
Images of Byron Bay lighthouse courtesy of Flickr.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Byron Bay prices have lifted off the bottom as it tops the list of 17 Australian coastal towns

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A five-bedroom holiday home in Tangalooma Queensland tops the list of the nation's most discounted property with a price slash of 41% over four years, according to SQM Research.
Located in the Bay View Estate of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Tangalooma</a> Island Resort on Moreton Island, the property was first listed in March 2009 for $1,495,000.
It is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-tangalooma-104624146">currently listed</a> by Paul Hagedorn from Ray White Moreton Island for $875,000 and has spent over 1,400 days on the market.
The home (pictured below) features two bathrooms, two living areas, a media room and a rooftop deck.
<img alt="sqmapril15two" src="/images/stories/2013/04/sqmapril15two.jpg" width="470" height="350">
Hagedorn says the original asking price in 2009 was at the top end of the market, and like every owner, the vendors wanted the highest achievable price.
Hagedorn says there is currently a very low demand for holiday let properties and therefore a number of properties have been reduced in price.
He says the 41% price slash is purely a reflection of the market.
“I have never seen prices reduced so much and I’ve been in the industry for over 40 years.
“The market is right at the bottom end,” says Hagedorn.
The current owners built the home around eight years ago.
The property comes with a sub lease to Tangalooma Resort.
Victoria is the only state not represented in the list.
Until recently, <a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=401d6a899d&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">65 Felstead Ave, Sunshine 3020</a> had featured in the list, but the three-bedroom home (pictured below) has recently gone under contract.
<img alt="sqmapril15one" src="/images/stories/2013/04/sqmapril15one.jpg" width="470" height="347">
 
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The top ten most discounted properties nationwide are as follows:


1
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=def11a2629&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">7 Cassidae Crescent, Tangalooma, 4025</a> 
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Days on the market: 1462</div>
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Initial asking price: $1,495,000 Current asking price: $875,000 Reduction: 41%</div>
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2
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=50b2df11cf&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">5756 Arthur Highway, Taranna, 7180</a> 
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Days on the market: 902</div>
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Initial asking price: $499,000 Current asking price: $299,000 Reduction: 40%</div>
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3
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=b9c21ae7f6&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">1/1 Freeman Loop, North Fremantle, 6159</a> 
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Days on the market: 826</div>
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Initial asking price: $4,500,000 Current asking price: $2,795,000 Reduction: 38%</div>
4
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=2c144e1326&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">19 Lychee Drive, Caboolture, 4510</a> 
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Days on the market: 1042</div>
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Initial asking price: $949,000 Current asking price: $598,000 Reduction: 37%</div>
5
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=948f43f499&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">15 Gretel, Two Rocks, 6037</a> 
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Days on the market: 1190</div>
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Initial asking price: $1,100,000 Current asking price: $699,000 Reduction: 36%</div>
6
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=e37ebb72b6&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">19 Cliff Terrace, Macleay Island, 4184</a> 
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Days on the market: 294</div>
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Initial asking price: $600,000 Current asking price: $385,000 Reduction: 36%</div>
7
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=64a99b213a&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">368 Rheban Road, Spring Beach, 7190</a> 
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Days on the market: 875</div>
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Initial asking price: $760,000 Current asking price: $500,000 Reduction: 34%</div>
8
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=1e0368fab2&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">20 Rheban Road, Orford, 7190</a> 
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Days on the market: 538</div>
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Initial asking price: $370,000 Current asking price: $245,000 Reduction: 34%</div>
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9
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=f76162d8ec&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">161 Central Avenue, Mount Lawley, 6050</a> 
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Days on the market: 357</div>
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Initial asking price: $1,295,000 Current asking price: $875,000 Reduction: 32%</div>
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10
<a href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=1084d9914a&amp;e=0aab96dc54" target="_blank">2/106 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach, 2251</a> 
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Days on the market: 238</div>
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Initial asking price: $1,995,000</div>
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Current asking price: $1,350,000</div>
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Reduction: 32%</div>
 
 
 
 
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Moreton Island home tops Australia's 10 most discounted properties: SQM

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Many young Australian families are having difficulty getting a foot on the rungs of the property ladder and the common catch cry is “property is unaffordable”. Some blame the high cost of housing on greedy developers while others blame wealthy investors who use tax dodges like negative gearing.  
But is that really the case?  
There is no doubt housing in our capital cities is expensive, but is it really unaffordable? Let’s have a look.  
Why are house prices so high?
House prices are obviously made up of the land component and cost of the dwelling on it.  
The cost of building a new house has hardly moved (in inflation-adjusted terms) over the last 20 years, however land prices have skyrocketed.  
By restricting the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/increasing-land-supply-is-not-the-answer-to-affordability-issues-terry-ryder/2013041060295">amount of land</a> available on the urban fringes of our cities, in part to cap urban sprawl and the associated costs of building infrastructure, state governments have sent the price of entry-level housing through the roof.  
I’ve heard it said that Australia does not have a housing affordability problem, it has a land affordability problem.  
How much of the cost of a new home goes into taxes?
If I asked you how much of the cost of a new home goes toward paying for various taxes, what would your guess be?
Would you guess 5%? Or maybe 10%?  
Well, you would be way of the mark. It can be as much as 44%.  
Research by the Centre for International Economics, commissioned by the HIA, found that Sydneysiders paid about 44% (or an average of $268,000) in various taxes when they built new homes. In Brisbane the figure was about 36% (or $191,000) and in Melbourne taxes accounted for 38% of the cost of new homes.  
In other words, new housing is one of the most heavily taxed sectors of the Australian economy.  
Are houses really unaffordable?
Having said that, do today’s first homebuyers really have it tougher than their parents did?  
Is it all really as bad as what many commentators and the media would have us think?  
I know when I bought my first property close to 40 years ago, properties were unaffordable.  
My first mortgage was for $16,000 and I had no idea how I was ever going to pay it off over the 20-year term. Remember, I was only getting $12 a week rent from my tenant back then in the 1970s.  
According to the ANZ’s head of property research, Paul Braddick, those looking to get their foot in the proverbial property door are no worse off today than purchasers from the 1980s.  
Contrary to popular belief, Australian property prices have increased in line with rising incomes and lower interest rates over the past thirty years. Over the last few decades, increasing income and falling interest rates have been capitalized into house prices.  
The increased number of households with two wages, as well as higher average incomes for women, has put buyers in a better financial position than they were in three decades ago. And recently flat or falling house prices plus falling interest rates have made properties more affordable for many.  
A reality check
Before we complain too much about the cost of new housing, let’s not forget that the type of property many first homebuyers expect today is very different to what their parents started off in. In fact they expect to start off in the type of house it took their parents 30 years to be able to afford.  
Today’s first-home buyers are looking for bigger homes on a large block of land with an ensuite, probably a double garage, all the modern conveniences including air conditioning, a dishwasher and let’s throw in a media room for good measure.  
It’s also worth noting that today around 70% of people own their own home and just 30% rent. In 1911 those figures were reversed; at that time the typical house would have only had one bathroom (an outside toilet).  
By the way, did you know Australia can lay claim to having the largest homes in the world? The average size of our new homes is 214.6 square metres. While US home-builders have been building smaller homes over the last few years, Australian homes have continued to get larger. 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
So what is affordable?
There are many ways to measure housing affordability and many of the models used by overseas economists are not really relevant to Australia.  
To me the key question is: do households in 2013 have more or less disposable income after buying a home and paying down the mortgage than their predecessors?  
Last year the RBA found that, contrary to popular myth, today's households actually have more disposable income than at any other point since they began their analysis in 1993.
Of course, there are some good explanations for this. Per capita disposable income has been growing very strongly, and has outpaced house price appreciation, over the last 7-8 years.  
Over the longer-term, we have had a structural decline in the unemployment rate from the double-digit peaks in the early 1990s to just over 5% today. And then we have had the rise of multi-income households thanks to a secular increase in the female participation rate.  
Last month, the Reserve Bank assistant governor Christoper Kent presented the following chart, which shows that payments on new housing loans now represent less than a quarter of disposable income due to the property price correction we experienced in 2011 and the in first half of 2012 (a time when the cash rate fell from 4.75% to 3.00%).
On the other hand, wages continued to grow <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6345.0" target="_blank">across Australia last year</a> by an average of 3.4%.
<img alt="yardneyapril19one" src="/images/stories/2013/04/yardneyapril19one.jpg" width="374" height="353">
In summary
Currently, interest rates are at record lows and may even fall a little further at a time when incomes are likely to keep rising as our economy chugs along. This will make housing even more affordable for many this year.   Now may be as good a time as any to buy your next property.
Michael Yardney is a director of <a href="https://www.metropole.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Metropole Property Strategists</a>.
 
 
 
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myardney-DFoGhGbSJX

Housing is more affordable than you think

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Two South Australian regions have topped an HIA-RP Data list of the 10 least expensive regional markets for buying residential land.
With a median lot price of $72,000, Murray Lands (SA) was clearly the least expensive market.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2013/04/hiaapril18one.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2013/04/hiaapril18onethumb.gif"></a>
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