High-profile apartment defect cases have changed the way many NSW buyers approach purchasing, putting greater scrutiny on building quality, strata records and the parties behind a development before a contract is signed.

The industry buyers are assessing today, however, is also different from the one in which cases such as Opal Tower and Mascot Towers emerged.

NSW has introduced a series of regulatory measures aimed at strengthening oversight of apartment construction, including Building Commission NSW, the Residential Apartment Buildings Act 2020 and the Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme. Under the latter, developers are required to lodge a bond, with independent inspections forming part of the process for identifying defects in new strata developments.

Those changes provide another layer of protection, but they haven't removed the importance of buyer due diligence.

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For purchasers considering an apartment, that means looking beyond the residence itself. Building and strata history, strata reports, the track record of the builder and developer, the condition of common property and any known or planned expenditure by the owners corporation can all form part of assessing a building before purchase.

Whether the development is already complete can also materially change what can be assessed.

An off-the-plan purchaser is necessarily buying before the finished product exists. A completed apartment, by comparison, can be walked through before contracts are signed, allowing the purchaser to see the finishes, common areas and broader building as they have actually been delivered rather than relying solely on plans and renders.

It also removes exposure to some of the uncertainties that exist between an off-the-plan purchase and completion, including construction delays, cost pressures and builder insolvency during the delivery period.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a> National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said that greater focus on tangible evidence is increasingly evident among apartment purchasers.

“The biggest shift we're seeing is buyers wanting proof, not promises,” Hamblett said.

“That's exactly why we deal in completed stock - you can inspect the building before you commit - and why we've backed every purchase with a cash bond against special levies.”

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> in Parramatta, that emphasis on a completed, inspectable product is already in place.

The 413-apartment, 46-level tower at 12 Phillip Street is being marketed by Projects by Equitifund, allowing prospective purchasers to inspect the residences, common areas and resident facilities before committing.

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The Lennox also introduces another layer to the due-diligence conversation through Strata Surety.

The vendor-funded arrangement provides purchasers with a cash-backed bond held in their own solicitor's trust account from settlement. According to Equitifund, the bond covers any special levy raised during the applicable cover period and is provided at no cost to the purchaser.

Special levies can create an unexpected cost for apartment owners where an owners corporation needs funding beyond its existing strata contributions. Under NSW strata law, a special levy requires approval by owners at a general meeting.

Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said Strata Surety was designed to provide something more concrete than reassurance about that potential exposure.

“Buyers have every right to ask hard questions about strata risk - the industry has given them plenty of reasons to,” Huxley said.

“Our answer isn't a reassurance, it's a bond. Strata Surety puts real money behind that confidence, held by the buyer's own solicitor, not by us.”

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For The Lennox, its completed status also means purchasers can assess not only the apartment itself, but a building that has already been occupied and operating for several years.

Completed in 2021, the $300 million development, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, with open-plan living areas extending to private balconies. Interiors incorporate engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops and integrated appliances, while many upper-level residences have views across the river and surrounding district.

Its established amenity can similarly be inspected in operation. Resident facilities include the Watermark precinct with a 20-metre pool, outdoor terrace, barbecue areas, gym, fitness studio and conference room, while ground-floor retail addresses the river walk and surrounding public space.

The Lennox is also home to the Southern Hemisphere's first fully robotic residential car park, which has now operated for several years. Its nine-level basement combines three conventional parking levels with six automated levels, accommodating 327 vehicles using technology from German firm Lödige Industries.

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The riverfront address puts The Lennox close to much of central <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a>'s existing infrastructure, including Parramatta Station, Westfield Parramatta, Parramatta Park, and the Church Street dining precinct.

The remaining apartments form part of a limited release secured by Equitifund, following the sale of the majority of residences before and shortly after completion.

The regulatory environment around NSW apartment construction has changed considerably since the defect cases that reshaped public discussion around the sector. For purchasers, however, regulation is only one part of the equation. The ability to investigate a building's history, review its strata position and, where possible, inspect what has actually been delivered remains central to making an informed apartment purchase.

At The Lennox, its completed status provides that opportunity before contracts are signed, while Strata Surety adds a financial backstop against special levies beyond the protections already provided under NSW strata law.

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Joel Robinson

Buying with confidence: What NSW apartment buyers should check beyond the defect headlines

Too often, heritage buildings become the podium for a contemporary tower. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/623-collins-607-623-collins-street-melbourne-vic-3000">623 Collins</a>, <a>Sterling Global</a> challenged its design team to reverse that process.

The brief to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> was deliberately simple: "Don't design around the heritage. Design from it." It became the philosophy behind a project that draws inspiration not only from two landmark heritage buildings, but from Collins Street itself, a street layered with architectural history and civic significance.

That philosophy has shaped one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a> CBD's most considered residential projects, where the 1924 State Savings Bank and neighbouring Batman's Hill Hotel have become the architectural foundation for 623 Collins rather than remnants preserved beneath a new development.

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Rather than approaching the site as a blank canvas, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sterling-global">Sterling Global</a> saw the existing buildings as the beginning of the story.

"Sites like this rarely become available," the developer said.

"623 Collins wasn't simply an opportunity to develop a prominent CBD site. It was an opportunity to restore and reimagine one of Melbourne's important heritage landmarks while contributing to the continued evolution of Collins Street. For us, the existing buildings weren't constraints. They were the beginning of the story."

Instead of mimicking the ornate heritage architecture, Plus Studio studied the proportions, rhythm and craftsmanship of the original buildings before translating those characteristics into a contemporary 42-storey tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=372748]

"The brief challenged us to create a contemporary landmark that respected Melbourne's architectural history without becoming nostalgic," Plus Studio said.

"Rather than mimicking heritage, we sought to understand its proportions, rhythm and material language before translating those qualities into a distinctly contemporary architectural expression."

The practice says the State Savings Bank and Batman's Hill Hotel became the project's primary source of inspiration, allowing the heritage buildings and contemporary architecture to exist "in conversation rather than contrast." Generous planted terraces further soften the transition between old and new, creating elevated green spaces while reinforcing the dialogue between the restored podium and the contemporary tower.

That dialogue continues throughout the interiors, where Melbourne designer Fiona Lynch developed a material palette inspired by the idea of alchemy, balancing contrasting materials that reference both the Neo-Grec detailing of the original bank and contemporary urban living. The result is a series of spaces that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

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The project will deliver 316 residences across four collections, Heirloom, Signature, Reserve and the Penthouse Collection, with each responding differently to its position within the building, from the restored heritage podium through to the upper levels of the tower. The Heirloom Residences retain defining heritage elements including original heritage windows, generous proportions and high ceilings, while the tower introduces contemporary homes with expansive layouts and elevated views.

Amenities have likewise been designed to support long-term city living rather than short-stay convenience. Residents will have access to concierge services, wellness facilities including a pool, cold plunge, sauna, steam room and gym, alongside private lounges, entertaining spaces and dedicated resident clubs.

Sterling Global says that approach is resonating with buyers seeking permanence rather than novelty.

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According to the sales team, purchasers are looking for enduring architecture, generous floorplans, heritage character and long-term value, with many commenting that 623 Collins "doesn't feel like another apartment development" because of the way the architecture has been curated around the site's history.

Situated on the prominent corner of Collins and Spencer streets, the project occupies one of Melbourne's most recognisable gateway sites, marking the western entrance to the city's best-known street. For Sterling Global, it also reflects a broader shift in city-making.

"Rather than maximising development yield, the project embraces adaptive reuse as a design philosophy, allowing heritage to inform architecture, interiors and the overall resident experience," the developer said.

"The result is a building that feels uniquely connected to Melbourne."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145324]

How Sterling Global designed 623 Collins from Melbourne's history

Avant Townhomes is adding to Ivanhoe’s family-sized housing options with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/three-82-ivanhoe-382-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Three 82</a>, a collection of just 16 four-bedroom townhomes on Upper Heidelberg Road.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/intrapac-property">Intrapac Property</a> townhome division has taken a contemporary approach to the traditional family home, pairing larger floorplans with the lower-maintenance format of a townhouse.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/arcadia-studio">Arcadia</a>, with landscaping by Landsite, the homes feature generous open-plan living and dining areas that connect directly to outdoor spaces, with layouts also designed to maximise natural light and privacy.

Natural stone is used throughout the interiors, including in kitchens that pair stone surfaces with bespoke cabinetry, considered storage and SMEG appliances.

The four-bedroom layouts include built-in wardrobes and a main bedroom with its own ensuite, while family bathrooms service the additional bedrooms. Each home also includes a lock-up double garage and intercom entry.

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Energy efficiency has been incorporated into the design through solar panels, double glazing and reverse-cycle heating and cooling, with the homes targeting 7-star energy ratings.

Rather than incorporating extensive communal facilities, Three 82 has been conceived around private residential amenity, with the 16-home scale keeping the focus on individual homes and their own indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development is located at 382 Upper Heidelberg Road, around one kilometre from Ivanhoe Village's cafés and retail and a short drive from Eaglemont Station and Ivanhoe Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374393]

Several of Ivanhoe's established schools are also nearby, including Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The address also provides access to the suburb's parklands and the wider Yarra River corridor.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/nelson-alexander">Nelson Alexander</a> has been appointed to handle sales.

Construction is underway and progressing well, with Three 82 currently tracking toward completion in Q2 2027.

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Three 82 brings boutique four-bedroom townhome collection to Ivanhoe

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

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A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

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The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

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

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Accepted economic theory suggests that cuts to interest rates stimulate housing markets and the economy, since lower mortgage payments open up the housing market to a larger pool of purchasers. The theory suggests that with more money in their pockets, consumers will either spend or invest. Housing serves two masters — arguably poorly — as an investment (a store of value) and a necessity (shelter).
As the number of commercial exchanges increase, opportunities emerge which drive the economy. Additional staff are hired as new businesses open and existing ones expand, which in turn creates further demand and spending — hopefully within Australia rather than as leakages to imports, travel or internet retail. Business funding costs are lower, which should benefit the whole economy, especially the credit-hungry construction sector, setting in train a strong multiplier, estimated at around 2.8 for NSW — i.e. for every $1 spent in residential construction another $2.80 is generated and spent elsewhere in the economy. Growth begets growth as the economy beats a path to its natural constraints. Or else inflation sets in. Or the RBA put up interest rates. Or there’s an election.
An initial boost to housing affordability occurs, as lower mortgage costs attract a larger pool of potential buyers — raising a paradox in Sydney, as affordability without additional supply is the last thing the city needs. Since housing supply is finite and slow to respond — i.e. increase — in the short term, this reduces the effectiveness of the “cheap money” as purchasers are crowded out of the market and prices are driven up. But, in an appreciating market, project feasibilities “stack up”, encouraging construction and new housing supply is (eventually) delivered. Anyone who has witnessed the glacial progress of a DA through council will note the overlap between the short and the medium term stories, which I hope I’ll be forgiven for.
Sound as this line of thinking may well be, we just haven’t seen the expected result in housing markets (or the economy for that matter) as median prices have generally tracked sideways despite successive RBA rate cuts. Why? Well, the short answer; “it’s the economy…” or more specifically, the rate cuts have mostly quelled vendor discounting, but have done little to exorcise our collective fears and pessimisms. Consumer confidence fits hand in glove with an appreciating housing market.
Put simply, the non-mining part of the economy — i.e. most of the rest of us — has been living in a phantom recession; while the economy in the macro sense has been spared widespread unemployment, some sectors (particularly currency sensitive ones) have contracted, while old economy retail is doing it very hard and confidence is at a low point. Under such a dark and heavy cloud, investors are unwilling to speculate (oops, invest) and their focus is on paying down debt — and specifically, shoring-up equity in the family nest egg by selling-off holiday houses, online discounted shopping, and so forth. Similarly, banks have reigned in risk, drip feeding token portions of the RBA rate cuts to existing borrowers while scrutinising every new loan application and strangling the economy of credit. And this is what is meant by low consumer confidence — a self-fulfilling Mayan prophecy of doom and gloom.
The current economic norm is an emerging cautious conservatism as the weight of funds shifts to wealth preservation mode with an aging population is likely to reiterate this. After the debt-fuelled orgy of the early noughties, borrowers are building buffers into their loans to uphold the one non-malleable constant of Australian investors — you don’t lose the family home. The <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/fsr/boxes/2012/sep/b.pdf">RBA reports</a> that some 15% of borrowers are ahead in their repayments by two or more years while 40% are ahead. The data indicates that borrowers who are ahead in their payments tend to be older and have higher incomes. This is consistent with where they are up to in their life’s journey — having had more time and/or income to accumulate such buffers and potentially fewer/diminished commitments (e.g. adult children). This is the Baby Boomer generation getting their pre-retirement house in order. Literally. The effects of this are visible in discretionary housing markets as holiday houses and hobby farms were jettisoned.
Returning to the interest rate story, there is a tenuous — at best — correlation between interest rates and house prices. The following chart examines the relationship between the change to interest rates and the change to the nominal median Australian house price — taken as the weighted average of the six capital cities. Quite an abstraction, to be sure, especially when the median house is the one you’ll never buy. Prices naturally fluctuate from month to month because of seasonality and other factors. Median nominal prices are a relatively crude instrument, because they aren't adjusted for inflation, they lump numerous local markets into broad geographical areas, and they don't account for variations in the mix of homes sold, a weakness that can tilt the median up or down. Nonetheless, median prices often are looked to as a broad measurement of housing market trends.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/02/bregozzofeb25chart.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/02/bregozzofeb25chartthumb.gif"></a>
For the past 32 years to 2012, the annual change to nominal house prices may be explained by changes to interest rates for some 37.8% of the time. But, the story doesn’t end here, what’s really interesting is that for part of the time the correlation is negative — when rates go down, prices go up and vice versa — while for part, a positive correlation, and for part of the time there is no correlation. And when the data is examined on a quarterly basis, the “relationship” becomes even more tenuous 12% correlation. Further, when comparing of the annual change to interest rates and real house prices the correlation is 20.7%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/interest-rates-do-little-to-influence-australian-property-prices-catherine-cashmore/2013011358683/Page-1?utm_campaign=newjonathan%2Fjoye&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_source=po&amp;utm_source=Property+Observer+List&amp;utm_campaign=b0ca95adfb-January_14_201313_8_2013&amp;utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Catherine Cashmore </a> rightly noted the low correlation between property prices and interest rates; surprising to many, but actually the topic of a number of academic papers. What needs to be recalled here is the statistics dictum, that: correlation does not imply causality. While interest rates have some impact on house prices, both are responding to (and participating in) something else—the economic cycle.
I think a more interesting discussion is around how the specifics of locality and population interact with the economic cycle as these are key drivers of price to a local level. So, should interest rates as a measure of the housing markets be thrown out the window? Well, not entirely, for there are (at least) two notable areas where they are still useful — the building cycle and housing affordability. There is a strong connection between rate cuts and the building cycle as interest rates are a short term driver of the construction cycles. And the connection between the cost of money, the supply of housing, prices and rents neatly returns us to the beginning of this article. Thanks for reading. 
Martin Bregozzo is a property economist with <a href="https://www.bis.com.au/" target="_blank">BIS Shrapnel.</a>
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Only a tenuous link between RBA rate cuts and house prices: Martin Bregozzo

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Oops. We referred in last week’s edition to the Australian <a in_rurl="https://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=QVU6MjkxMDg6NzI2OnN0b2NrIG1hcmtldDo3OWMwOWNmYzMxZTY0OGMxODFjYTE4NGNlMDVlODIxNDp6LTEwNjMtMTAzMTczOnd3dy5yd20uY29tLmF1OjIzODQ4OjkwOGVjZmFiMzRkMDU1YmE1NTM1ZDJmNGM3ZWU1ZmI1" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" title="Click to Continue &gt; by Browse to Save" id="_GPLITA_0" target="_blank">stock market</a> being off to a swashbuckling start when it broke the psychological 5000 barrier – what a difference a week makes. Last Thursday, the 'shock market' wiped $30 billion although I am at a loss to understand why this would be termed ‘Super Thursday’? I would think a more appropriate name would be ‘Hedge Thursday’, given it was the hedge funds who were cashing in. Investors who have ventured back into the 'shock market' are only in pursuit of fully franked yields – which are a long-term hold. The benchmark S&amp;P/ASX200 index fell 2.03% to 4995 points. Alas, no fear – by the time you're reading this those ‘psychological’ 5 points will have been found. Problem solved!
That’s enough of the 'shock market' for us, given our property markets are identifying a completely different market response. In years gone by, the share market would boom then the profits were realised and then transferred into the property markets. We have not seen this trend for quite some considerable time, so we very much doubt this will happen in 2013, nor anytime over the next five years. Baby Boomers are focused on their super funds, hence chasing fully franked yields. The entry markets (otherwise known as First <a in_rurl="https://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=QVU6MzM5ODQ6MTk5NTpob21lOjc5YWM1MmVhMDhmODBmOGI5ZjQyM2Q2YzhlNzk5OGI2OnotMTA2My0xMDMxNzM6d3d3LnJ3bS5jb20uYXU6MzQyNzM6ZWFlZTQ3NTJmOGJlYTgzYTcxMTk0ZmNlMWY5ZThiZGE" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" title="Click to Continue &gt; by Browse to Save" id="_GPLITA_2" target="_blank">Home</a> Buyers) have left property markets –<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/First-home-buyers-fail-to-shine-in-2012-4X9ZA?OpenDocument" title=" rate cuts, incentives fail to lure first home buyers. RP Data reported"> rate cuts, incentives fail to lure first home buyers. RP Data reported</a> figures showed an annual average of 117,686 housing commitments to first home buyers between 2000 and 2012. Housing finance activity by first home buyers (in 2012) was 17% below the average.
So where have they gone? <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/rental-market-tightens-in-january-to-national-vacancy-rate-of-19-mainly-due-to-seasonality-sqm/2013021959430" title="Rental market tightens in January to national vacancy rate of 1.9% mainly due to seasonality: SQM. ">Rental market tightens in January to national vacancy rate of 1.9% mainly due to seasonality: SQM.</a> The national vacancy rate tightened by 0.4 percentage points from 2.3% to 1.9% over January, with just over 54,000 properties available for rent across the eight capital city markets, compared with 63,000 in December. It should be noted that our total markets are approximately divided into thirds – one third rent, one third own a home without a mortgage and the final third own with a mortgage.
Last week, APM Research released their <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/content/files/Camilla/Domain%20market%20update%20report%20Jan%202013.pdf" title="Housing Market Report">Housing Market Report</a> – Australian capital cities and Gold Coast property market. In a nutshell, “positive signs continue to emerge in 2013 – Australia’s housing markets will build on the improved performances recorded in 2012”. Let me preface that with when the housing market booms it historically takes approximately a decade before we see over – heated markets again. This would then suggest that we won’t see a bull property market in Sydney until 2017.
<a target="_blank" rel="attachment wp-att-7452" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/2013/02/first-home-buyers-going-going-gone/21-02-2013-10-34-18-am/"><img height="167" width="470" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/21-02-2013-10-34-18-AM.jpg" alt="21-02-2013 10-34-18 AM"></a>
<h4>SYDNEY</h4>
<ul>
<li>The Sydney market continues to provide positive indications of increasing buyer activity although the prestige markets remain dormant.</li>
<li>Latest ABS data for November 2012 revealed the highest monthly loans approved for non – first home buyers in New South Wales for five years.</li>
<li>By contrast first home buyers in New South Wales have gone missing with the latest ABS loan numbers at the lowest level for 20 years. This result is however no surprise given the surge in demand from first home buyers at the end of 2011 and into 2012 motivated by changes to state government buyer incentive programs.</li>
</ul>
<a target="_blank" rel="attachment wp-att-7453" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/2013/02/first-home-buyers-going-going-gone/12-02-2013-10-40-10-am/"><img height="319" width="470" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/12-02-2013-10-40-10-AM.jpg" alt="12-02-2013 10-40-10 AM"></a>
<a target="_blank" rel="attachment wp-att-7454" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/2013/02/first-home-buyers-going-going-gone/12-02-2013-10-26-48-am/"><img height="557" width="470" src="https://www.rwm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/12-02-2013-10-26-48-AM.jpg" alt="12-02-2013 10-26-48 AM"></a>
Hallelujah – Mosman houses finally score a century, albeit a month behind 2012 data.
Robert Simeon is a director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/" title="RWM">Richardson  Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay </a>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. He has also been writing real estate blog <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/" title="Virtual Realty News">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. The RWM real estate model has sold in excess of $1 billion in database sales globally.
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Mosman houses finally score a century albeit a month behind 2012 data: Robert Simeon

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After<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/australians-are-not-saving-enough-for-retirement/2013021759365" target="_blank"> last week’s column</a> where I asked for your thoughts on why there’s so little engagement with superannuation, I got a lot of responses, and the clear message that comes through is one of ownership and confidence.
Firstly, because the superannuation guarantee is siphoned off from an employee’s pay packet – into a superannuation account – Australians have little sense of ownership. It feels like a tax; it feels like something the government takes rather than something that employees actually own.
Secondly, those who responded made the emphatic point that it’s hard to have confidence in a system that’s supposed to be our long-term retirement savings but is seen as a short-term proposition by governments. "Stop changing the rules" seems to be the clear signal to governments.
Moreover, there are deeper problems in retirement savings, as I discovered this week when I found myself in a small group of high-achieving people whose ages ran from 25 to 74.
As we spoke it became apparent that superannuation was as hard to engage with in this group as with any. In other words, a general disengagement from super is as prevalent in high achievers as it is for anyone, and in all age groups.
The younger people I was speaking with were embarrassed that they weren’t more interested – none of them felt they had a good grasp on planning for their future. The more mature folks admitted they only became interested on the verge of retirement and urged the youngsters to become interested now. The people in between – in their 40s – were pushing to do the best they could with the time they had left.
Interestingly, among these high earners, the ones who didn’t have an adviser had no little knowledge about how to find one, or more importantly, how to find one who they could trust.
In my mind, the most important part of retirement planning is to take the responsibility and to take action. Responsibility and action.
Once you’ve established these two things, you don’t have to leap further into super if it doesn’t make sense to you. There are other ways to provide for retirement, such as share portfolios, building a business and investing in property.
I happen to think that the tax benefits and security of superannuation is a compelling reason to use this system, especially since the law requires a certain amount of your income is invested in super anyway.
Nevertheless, the important thing is to accept that it’s your responsibility to provide for your retirement, and with life expectancies increasing, you should be looking at providing for 30 years of living rather than 20.
And having taken this responsibility – your money, your retirement, your investments – then you have to take action: find an adviser, establish what you need to do, and do it.
Don’t be embarrassed. Embarrassment makes people duck the obvious questions and avoid making decisions. Embarrassment makes people procrastinate and that’s no way to approach retirement planning.
It’s your retirement, and it’s your money. So, be active, be responsible and take action before it’s too late.
Mark Bouris is executive chairman of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ybr.com.au/">Yellow Brick Road</a>, a financial services company offering home loans, financial planning, accounting and tax, and insurance. 
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Don't be afraid to ask the obvious super questions: Mark Bouris

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The 'Great Australian Dream' of a home with a sizeable backyard is increasingly being abandoned in favour of medium-density dwellings such as units, townhouses and semi-detached houses, according to new research by Bankwest.




The Bankwest Housing Density report finds 38% of Australian home approvals over the past 12 months were for medium-density housing compared to 31% only five years ago.
The prevalence for medium density dwellings is not surprisingly highest in the capital cities with the reporting find that 87% of medium density approvals across Australia were located in capital cities with only 13% found in regional areas.





This reflects a considerable jump up from 69% in 2007 from the increased volume of medium density approvals recorded in Melbourne and Sydney over this period, with inner city areas facing the highest demand.





Since this 2007 period, inner Melbourne has seen 97% of housing approvals for medium density dwellings with inner Sydney and inner Brisbane following closely behind at 95%.





“The convenience of an inner-city lifestyle is driving demand for medium-density housing in centralised areas. Young city professionals are shunning the traditional homeowner dream in favour of lower overheads and a shorter commute to work,” says Bankwest retail chief executive, Vittoria Shortt.




The report also showed an increase in medium-density housing approvals in seven of Australia’s eight capital cities since 2007, with Perth being the only exception seeing a fall in its share of medium-density housing approvals over the last year of 20% compared to the level of approvals over the last five years of 23%.





“Higher than average wages and a sprawling city mean that Perth’s residents aren’t facing exactly the same space and affordability issues as those on the East Coast,” says Shortt.





The highest proportion of medium density housing approvals recorded outside of Australia’s capital cities, generally occurred in tourist and mining areas. Queensland’s Gold Coast East tourist hub had the biggest number of dwelling approvals over the last five years at 87%.





Mining areas across the Northern Territory, Queensland and WA also saw significantly high numbers of medium housing approvals last year. East Arnhem had 54% of total approvals for medium density dwellings, 43% of approvals for Queensland’s North West and 39% of approvals in De Grey in WA’s Pilbara region.



Shortt says the high property prices in Australia have made the dream of a standalone house in the suburbs significantly harder to achieve, leaving medium density housing the more affordable alternative.





“The popularity of medium-density housing will likely be maintained as older Australians continue downsizing to more manageable self-contained units and first time buyers look to medium-density dwellings as a cost-effective option."





Bankwest's First Time Buyer Deposit Report, released in December 2012, found units were a more suitable option for first time buyers wanting to live in Australia’s capital cities, taking the average first time buyer couple 3.3 years to save for a unit deposit compared with 4.2 years to save for a house deposit.
Photo by Michael Senchuk, courtesy of Flickr.
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Aussie home with a backyard dream over: Bankwest survey

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I must have missed when price quotes became a state secret because – barring a few exceptions – they used to be listed on just about every property advertisement for sale.
Anyone in Victoria who has searched though one of the online real estate websites recently will understand what I’m talking about –and judging from Australia’s real estate obsession with property and wealth building it would no doubt be a fair few million.
Putting a price on a real estate, particularly with homes offered as private treaty, is not difficult.
Ideally, an assessment of the property is undertaken by the sales agent – one familiar with market sales in the immediate locality – and in conjunction with the vendor, a price is set that produces a happy balance between both vendor expectation and local comparable sales.
If interest is lagging in the two weeks following, the agent can negotiate with the vendor to reduce the range.
If sales enquiry is healthy – or an offer in excess of the range is achieved and subsequently rejected – the agent has the ability and ethical responsibility (in conjunction with their vendor) to change the quoted range to reflect the heightened level of interest.
For a proportion of agents acting within their “reasonable” duty of service, this still is the norm.
However, now it seems – in Melbourne at least – every second advertisement you click upon, whether auction or private treaty, has “contact agent” in bold letters underneath the subheading “price”.
An enquiry then produces a roundabout of guessing games with somewhat wishy-washy lines totted out, such as “it’s too early to tell”.
In other words, the agent is indicating he has no idea where to place his price quote, because Joe Blogs hasn’t yet walked through and in some occurrence of pure fiction (which I have yet to see with my own eyes) stopped to tell the agent exactly what he’s prepared to offer.
While we all agree in part that a market can only be valued on what a buyer is prepared to pay, this is precisely why sales agents appraise property against recent comparable market sales in the first place.
When combined with good local knowledge, a market appraisal will give the agent a very good indication of buyer demand – at least to the degree of being able to publish a negotiable price range that falls in line with vendor expectation at the outset.
I should pre-empt before going further that a proportion of agents I speak to will give me a realistic idea of vendor expectation upon enquiry – however, after years of complaints within the industry regarding those who still choose to lowball their price ranges or quote using a ‘+’ price that can mean anything from 5-30% – it seems the practice has now moved into the verbal domain, allowing a number of agencies to continue their lines of deceit with no fear of reprimand.
It’s time we valued the ethical side of our sales industry with a little more seriousness than pricing an auction on e-bay. The continual problem with different methods of quoting – or lack thereof – runs to the very base of mistrust most buyers have against the real estate industry as a whole - and it’s a brush that tars us all.
Furthermore, considering the current atmosphere, in which Victoria has been through roughly two years of minimal movement in actual house prices with the market barely shifting week to week (that is, unless you’re following the “daily house price index”, which seems to bump along, offering its own short-term interpretation of price growth). No agent can use the excuse that he’s been caught out by any dramatic shift in market movements or buyer sentiment. Most homes are selling at their comparable appraised value, and they have been doing so for an extended period of time.
It seems silly to point out the obvious, but no buyer likes to play guessing games when it comes to putting a price on an advertised listing – and neither should they have to. Everyone understands real estate is a negotiated asset, however, the verbal game playing that now surrounds the sales industry in Victoria is often laughable – ranging from “we don’t know yet” to “properties in the area are selling in the $400,000 and $500,000 range” – an insulting response at best.
 
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If we were operating in an ideal world, buyers would ignore price quotes altogether and do their own research to establish market value prior to spending hundreds on a pest and building inspections or solicitor fees chasing an unobtainable dream. However, closely comparable sales data is not readily available for buyers.
Computer-generated “estimates”, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/friday-feb-15-observer-why-you-should-not-rely-on-property-data-reports-patrick-bright/2013021459354" target="_blank">as Patrick Bright pointed out last week </a>– are, more often than not, hopelessly inaccurate.
Suburb reports are equally unhelpful, and while median data will give an indication of the dollars the majority market is spending, it’s no help when evaluating individual property prices.
In Victoria auctions often result in “undeclared” results, and private sales are just that – private. The street name will be listed, but the other relevant and essential data is missing.
Using a buyer advocate who has access to such information combined with the market knowledge to offer an educated opinion is one option – however, unless we’re going to place a rule of law that every single buyer should pay a few thousand for such a service, it’s reasonable to suggest buyers deserve a “hint” of vendor expectation by way of an accurate price quote before wasting time and money chasing a dream.
A handful of agencies dealing with the more volatile luxury end of the market, in which interest is discretionary, understandably choose to sell via expressions of interest. However, the decision to drop the quoted range all together from a large percentage of real estate advertisements seems, in a good number of cases, to have been employed as “self-protection” from accusations of “underquoting” – a feature of which results in the price published bearing no relation whatsoever to the vendor’s reserve.
Vendor expectation can often be inflated.  It’s made worst by the commission based competition that rages between real estate agents and their respective agencies – it unfortunately promotes the need to buy a listing or risk missing out to a competitor who promises more. There then follows a process called vendor education – where high expectations are hopefully modified.
In Victoria, if the vendor does not disclose the reserve on the documentation, quoting below the written estimate of market value on the authority is officially “underquoting”. With no reserve written, the written estimate does not necessarily need to reflect vendor expectation.
It may not be admitted as such, but when agents list a property it is common practice to encourage the vendor to withhold their reserve price. This enables a conservative estimate of value – as either a verbal or published quote range – to glean as much buyer enquiry as possible.
The idea is sold to the vendor via explanation of the “buyer pyramid” – it works a little like step quoting – get the lower priced bidders to build momentum during the auction to fuel those bidding with healthier bank accounts to step in at the end.
Without the lower budget bidders, auctions can pull up short without the usual frenzy that has in our boom eras of growth significantly contributed in pushing prices to unsustainable levels.
Needless to say, by the time the auction occurs any gaping hole between the quote and reserve can be waved off with the excuse that the vendor changed his mind – or ‘upped’ expectation.  Hence why it is so easy to get away with purposefully placing the price range below the level at which you know the vendor will sell – when the price range is verbal, it’s even easier to manipulate the figures.
To suggest that a vendor’s expectations fluctuate to such an extent as to not be represented in the price quote is highly questionable. Having worked as a sales agent in previous years, I can categorically say there was never a time where I didn’t know my vendor’s approximate reserve well enough in advance of the auction to place a reasonable quoted range on a listing from day one.
Furthermore, vendors are not without blame. Assuming the price quote is a estimate based on “recent comparable sales” and the vendor isn’t in the dark when it comes to the price quoted on his or her vendor-paid advertising campaign, why would he or she agree to list the property and quote at a level he or she would not be willing to sell in the first place?
In such instances, I would suggest this is a pretty good example of a lowball quoting – conservative at best, deceitful at worst.
This weekend I’ll be bidding on a property quoted at $430,000-$470,000. I already know from my own research of comparable data it will sell closer to $550,000 – I also know from my conversations with the agent, that over 160 groups have inspected the home and he now has “the low $500,000s covered”. The price quote has not changed throughout the campaign.
It’s time vendors took responsibility for their own paid advertising campaigns and ensured their reserves – or ranges in which they’re prepared to negotiate – are published at the outset. If minds are changed, quotes should be changed, but leaving such a large question mark for buyers who are increasingly growing frustrated at having their time, money, and energy wasted is damaging for all concerned.
Catherine Cashmore is a market analyst with extensive experience in all aspects relating to property acquisition.
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When did agent price quotes become a state secret? Catherine Cashmore

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Westpac’s Bill Evans is now the only major bank economist tipping the RBA to cut the cash rate to 2.75% on March 5.
ANZ’s Warren Hogan has changed his call from a rate cut in March to the RBA leaving the cash rate on hold with 21 out 28 economists (including the Commonwealth Bank’s Michael Blythe and NAB’s Alan Oster) surveyed by Bloomberg expecting the RBA to hold firm.
Last week 20 out of 28 economists surveyed by Bloomberg tipped the cash rate to remain on hold in March.
A similar number – 19 out of 28 – are tipping no change in the cash rate in April with a small majority of economists (16 out of 28) tipping a lower cash rate in May (14 tip 2.75%, two tip 2.5%).
ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and NAB all expect a further rate hold in April but their end-of-year forecasts are quite divergent.
ANZ sees a cash rate of 2.50% by year-end, the Commonwealth Bank sees no more rate cuts this year, NAB sees a cash rate of 2.25% and Westpac expects the March rate cut will be the last for the year.
In his <a target="_blank" href="/news">statement to a parliamentary committee today</a> RBA governor Glenn Stevens hinted rates may not change in the next few months with the telling comment being that it is now “prudent to sit still” and wait to see what further impact lower rates will have on house prices and other sectors of the economy.
Westpac chief economist Bill Evans said on the back of the release of the February consumer sentiment index a week ago that the case remains for lower rates and still expects the RBA to cut rates by another 25 basis points at its March meeting.
According to Evans, the key report the RBA will deliberate on will the next Capital Expenditure Report (CAPEX), which is due to be released by the ABS on Thursday.
“This document will provide the first estimate of mining and non-mining investment intentions for the 2013/14 financial year.
“With the bank’s major concern being the need to rebalance the economy towards non mining investment, this report will be the most reliable assessment of whether business is responding to the low rates and the more constructive global environment, or whether more encouragement is required.
Apart from Westpac, the other respondents tipping a rate cut on March 5 are all foreign-based investment banks - BNP Paribas, CIMB, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Macquarie Bank and Merrill Lynch.
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Westpac’s Bill Evans on his own as ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and NAB tip no rate cut in March or April: Bloomberg

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Lenders continue to cut their fixed rates with CUA today cutting its three-year fixed rate home loan to 5.25% per annum.
It follows fellow mutual lender <a href="/news">ME bank cutting its three-year fixed standard home loan rate to 4.99% </a>on both packaged and non-packaged loans earlier this week and <a href="/news">all the major banks</a> cutting their two-year fixed rates to 4.99%.





Jason Murray, CUA’s general manager, products &amp; marketing, points out that the three-year fixed rate is 19 basis points lower than the average of the big four banks’ equivalent products, and with fixed rates the most popular option for term home loans, he recommends customers should seize the opportunity to benefit from the lower rates.





“Fixing a mortgage not only provides payment certainty over an extended period, but can also help to stabilise your monthly outgoings. While the Official Cash Rate is at the same low levels it was at the peak of the GFC, economists are seeing signs of an upturn in global economic conditions which suggests that rates may not go much lower, so now could be an ideal time to lock in your mortgage rate,” he says.
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CUA cuts three-year fixed rate to 5.25%

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The Reserve Bank has left the door open to further cash rate cuts if non-mining sector demand does not pick up, but believes it is now "prudent to sit still" with mortgage rates near historic lows and house prices rising since May last year.

“Overall, there is a good deal of interest rate stimulus in the pipeline. At its meeting earlier this month the Board judged that it was sensible to allow it time to do its work,” said RBA governor Glenn Stevens in his opening statement to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics.
“The board believed that the inflation outlook, at least as we assess it at present, would provide scope to ease further, should that be necessary to support demand. But for now, the Board decided it was prudent to sit still.”
CommSec economist Savanth Sebastian said Stevens had delivered “his clearest statement yet that interest rates are on hold at least until mid-year and possibly even longer.
“There wasn’t anything that was overly new in the Reserve Bank Governor’s commentary compared with what was released a fortnight ago in the Monetary Policy Statement.
“Rather his comments today provided more clarity and reinforced our view that interest rates are solidly on hold in the near term – especially given that the “substantial” stimulus measures are having an impact on the economy,” said Sebastian.
In his statement today Stevens continued along the <a href="/news">theme of the February minutes</a>, where he reported a number of signs of improvement in the housing market. Stevens noted that the cash rate has been reduced six times over the past sixteen months, for a total decline of 175 basis points, with house prices rising since May 2012.
“Allowing for some change in the gap between the cash rate and other rates, lending rates nonetheless have fallen to be not far from their historic lows.
As a result, he said the share of household income devoted to interest payments has likewise “declined considerably”.
“Indeed housing ‘affordability’ as conventionally measured, for purchasers, has improved a lot over the past two years.
“That represents quite a substantial change in policy settings. It is having an effect. Housing prices have been rising since last May, having declined for a period prior to that,” he said.
Stevens also expects a strengthening in housing investment due to several factors, “interest rates are low, housing prices are tending to rise, gross rental yields have increased, population growth remains strong and is even picking up a little”.
However, he did express some concerns about the Australian economy as the mining investment peak draws nearer.
“Looking ahead, it appears that the peak in the level of resource sector investment is now close. It is a very high peak, but we do not think that there will be a rapid decline in the near term after the peak. However, it seems pretty clear that this type of investment will not be adding to demand for much longer.
“Investment spending by businesses in other sectors has thus far remained somewhat subdued in comparison. There are good reasons to expect it will strengthen in due course, but the available indicators at present do not suggest that is going to happen in the very near term,” he said.
Answering questions after making his statement, Stevens indicated “a bias to ease” and “an easing was more likely than a tightening" and also commented that the economy "entered a soft patch early in 2013".
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RBA ready to cut cash rate again if needed but for now it is "prudent to sit still": Glenn Stevens

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For much of last year the Australian housing markets were a "tug-of-war", with low interest rates pulling hard on one end of the rope and poor consumer confidence at the other.
Despite many of the fundamentals being sound, consumers were sitting on the sidelines waiting to see how the economy played out or for someone to ring the bell that the property market had bottomed.
Well… no one rang the bell, but our property markets did bottom in the middle of last year and consumer confidence is slowly returning.
In a moment I’m going to share nine reasons why I feel our property markets are going to perform well this year, but let’s first look at:
 
Consumer Confidence 
Last week the Westpac/Melbourne Institute index of consumer confidence rose to its highest level in over two years. Consumer confidence rose sharply in NSW and Western Australia and recorded healthy gains in Victoria and Queensland.
The index is up 7.2% over the year to February and this is the first big jump in confidence since the RBA commenced its rate-cutting cycle which dropped its interest rate by 1.75%.
Now don’t get me wrong, this is good news for our housing markets, but confidence isn’t at the level it was in previous rate-cutting cycles and this points to more subdued property price growth than might be expected given the current level of interest rates.
<div><img src="/images/stories/2013/02/yardneyfeb22graph1.jpg" width="470" height="297" alt="yardneyfeb22graph1"></div>
<div>Source: Westpac</div>
<div></div>
 
What does all this mean?
Over the last few years, global as well as local economic uncertainty caused Australians to stash their cash. Some saved their pennies, many reduced their credit card debt and others took advantage of low interest rates to pay off the principal in their home mortgage.
But things are changing and the average Australian is now feeling more confident about their future and their job security. There has also been a strong wealth effect for households from rising stock prices on the ASX.
If history repeats itself, increasing confidence, low interest rates and robust financial   positions will encourage many Australians to ramp up their borrowings again and get into the property market.
The following chart from economist Leith Van Onselen of <a href="https://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2013/02/a-confidence-lift-for-housing/" target="_blank">Macrobusiness</a> plots the annual change in house prices (as measured by the ABS) against the annual change in the consumer sentiment index on a quarterly basis up to December 2012 and shows how rising consumer sentiment is a bullish indicator for Australian house prices.
<img alt="yardneyfeb22graph2" height="335" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/yardneyfeb22graph2.jpg">
What are the implications for interest rates? 
It’s likely we’ll see the increase in confidence feed through to the broader economy, as well as stimulating further rises in our sharemarkets and house prices.
In today’s connected society, as confidence rises there will be a new group of investors who will fear missing out and this will stimulate the investment cycle to once again move forward.
This suggests that the Reserve Bank won’t make changes to interest rates any time soon, preferring to see how the economy responds to the rate cuts it has already made. 
Nine reasons our property markets will perform well this year 
I’m confident about our property markets in 2013, not only because consumer confidence is rising but:
1. Last week NAB confirmed that business confidence is also rising. This is good for our economy and for job prospects.
2. The Australian sharemarket has performed remarkably well over the last year, enhancing people’s wealth, replenishing their super funds and instilling confidence in investors.
3. The world’s economic problems seem to be diminishing. China’s growth seems to be back on track with predictions of 8% growth this year. The USA is slowly working it’s way through its economic problems, and while Europe is still a basket case, no one seems to be worried that it will bring down the world banking system like they were last year.
4. We have record low interest rates. This means existing home owners and investors are benefiting and paying down their debt faster; while new borrowers will reap the benefits of being able to borrow more.
5. Household budgets are in good shape. Since the GFC, Australians have been saving more. Credit card debt is low and 68% of people are ahead on their mortgage payments. Our robust household balance sheets means we have more money to invest and as people hear more good news stories in the media they’ll start to put their money into property.
6. Low interest rates and less volatility in our economy make cash and interest bearing deposits unattractive investments. While some investors will look at getting into the sharemarket, many won’t forget how the volatility of equities burned them a few years ago and will look to the security of bricks and mortar.
7. After the turmoil following the GFC more Baby Boomers are keen to control their own destiny by managing their own self-managed super funds (SMSF). Rivers of cash from SMSFs are going to be flooding the real estate markets over the next few years.
8. Increasing immigration and a shortage of properties in some inner and middle ring suburbs of our capital cities will see rents continue to increase. On the one hand, this will provide investors with better yields, but it will also encourage a new group of first home buyers to get a foot on the property ladder.
9. Recently, economist Christopher Joye used the following graph in <a href="https://www.afr.com/p/blogs/christopher_joye/housing_values_maintain_build_up_N2u1LtLLkNmHCKvZXOxlFJ" target="_blank">The Australian Financial Review</a> to confirm that despite what some of the overseas reports are suggesting, Australian houses are more affordable than they have been for over a decade:
<img alt="yardneyfeb22graph3" height="486" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/yardneyfeb22graph3.jpg">
In summary
The property markets have bottomed, consumer confidence is returning and the property cycle is moving on. Already we’re seeing more people attending open for inspections and making offers on good properties and auction clearance rates for the first few weekends of this year have been strong.
The beginning of a new property cycle is a great opportunity for investors to ride the next property wave and doesn’t come around that often.
2013 will be a good year for property. Educate yourself, learn lesson from the past and take advantage of the opportunities the market has to offer.
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Why 2013 will be a good year for property: Michael Yardney

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Sydney has ranked as the sixth most expensive place in the world to rent prime logistics warehouse space with Brisbane ranking eighth and Perth in 10th place. 
The rankings are based on equivalent US dollar per square foot comparisons with Tokyo ranking first (US$21.33 per square foot) just ahead of London (US$20.32 per square foot). 
The average cost per square metre for prime logistics space in Sydney is US$12.59 per square foot, $11.74 per square foot in Brisbane and $11.02 per square foot in Perth. 
Logistics space is generally purpose-built modern warehouse space that has been specifically developed for storage and distribution purposes and often built to meet the specifications of a certain company or industry. 
While they may be unglamorous, featureless buildings on the outskirts of the city, high yields and low vacancy rates among prime assets have made them a popular investment choice. 
This week ASX-listed commercial property group Dexus acquiring a large industrial property in Brisbane’s southwest for $21 million after a sales campaign that generated a higher than expected level of interest. 
The sale of 13,315 square metre industrial facility at 131 Mica Street in Carole Park, negotiated by Simon Beirne and Troy Whalan of Colliers International, following an expressions of interest campaign that eventuated in 11 offers. 
The vendor was Wesfarmers subsidiary J Blackwood &amp; Son Pty Ltd and the property was sold via a sale and leaseback, with Blackwoods taking on a 15-year lease for the facility plus options for a further ten years, assuring Blackwoods of continued access to this excellent location. 
Whalan said that last year was the best year on record for Colliers International in the industrial property market and 2013 is expected to be even better.
<img height="506" width="419" src="/images/stories/2013/feb_22/cbre_industrial.gif" alt="cbre_industrial">
[Correction to this table: The data for Perth should say "$114 psm pa"]
While occupier demand in Sydney remains cautious, the report highlights that a strong preference still exists for good quality, well-placed logistics space. With vacancy levels low for such stock, pre-commitment activity has been prevalent, helping to boost prime rents during the final quarter of 2012.
CBRE regional director of industrial &amp; logistics services, Joshua Charles, says the vacancy rate for existing A-grade faculties in the major Australian markets was the lowest it had been in a decade which was helping to support rental increases.
“Incentives on prime logistics facilities are now back to pre-GFC levels,” Charles says. 
“Many large retailers are re-organising their distribution networks to incorporate 40,000 square metre to 80,000 square metre ‘mother ship’ distributions hubs in each state which is helping drive new construction. In this environment, developable land has become highly sought after by industrial A-REITs, who are looking at opportunities to speculatively building warehouses to get their jump on competitors.” 
Charles forecasts additional – albeit slight – growth in rentals in 2013 and a further increase in speculative construction. 
“The high Australian dollar has increased the need for local warehousing as importers ramp up their buying and, by extension, their need for storage,” he says. 
However, he noted that e-tailing was not having the massive direct effect that many believed. 
“Instead, third party logistics groups are picking these up as additional contracts that require more storage space,” he says.
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