Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

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?

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<html><body>
The total land value of the City of Canterbury increased 22% from 2008 to 2011, according the NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
The land value of the 33,188 properties in the city was found to be $16.093 billion in July 2011, up from $13.104 billion in 2008.
Residential land values in the area showed a strong increase over the three years, Western found.
Year-on-year median residential land prices increased 5% to $403,000 in 2011 from $385,000 in 2010.
Commercial land values generally increased moderately, with larger-than-average increases for commercial land on prime retail strips such as Beamish Street and those with mixed-use development potential.
From 2010 to 2011, commercial land prices increased 4% to $368,000 from $354,000.
Industrial land values in Canterbury remained steady of the three years and had a 0.5% increase from 2010 to 2011.
Landowners and rate-paying-lessees received a notice of valuation this month.
The valuations are used to determine rates and land taxes on investment properties.
Typical residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>481 square metres at Adelaide Street, Belmore valued at $375,000 </li>
<li>441 square metres at Amy Street, Campsie valued at $430,000 </li>
<li>563 square metres at Beauchamp Street, Wiley Park valued at $310,000 </li>
<li>780 square metres at Collingwood Avenue, Earlwood valued at $760,000 </li>
<li>500 square metres at Karne Street, Roselands valued at $335,000 </li>
<li>427 square metres at Merrick Avenue, Lakemba valued at $325,000</li>
</ul>
Typical commercial land values were:
<ul>
<li>233 square metres at Beamish Street, Campsie valued at $1,300,000 </li>
<li>259 square metres at Burwood Road, Belmore valued at $360,000 </li>
<li>511 square metres at Clissold Parade, Campsie valued at $580,000 </li>
<li>304 square metres at Haldon Street, Lakemba valued at $550,000 </li>
<li>259 square metres at Homer Street, Earlwood valued at $475,000 </li>
<li>234 square metres at The Boulevarde , Punchbowl valued at $380,000</li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land values were:
<ul>
<li>6,088 square metres at Garema Circuit, Kingsgrove valued at $2,050,000 </li>
<li>1,500 square metres at Garema Circuit, Kingsgrove valued at $830,000 </li>
<li>626 square metres at Leedham Place, Riverwood valued at $455,000</li>
</ul>
 
 
<ul></ul>
</body></html>

awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Canterbury land values increased 22% in past three years: NSW Valuer-General

<html><body>
Melbourne’s chic inner-city residential project The Garden House has collected the prestigious President’s Award at the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s National Awards in Perth.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh1.jpg">
The collaboration between Piccolo Developments, architect Woods Bagot and interior designer Hecker Guthrie produced a $50 million, 49-residence project that sold out within two weeks of its launch late last year for between $500,000 and $5 million per unit. Since then one apartment has been listed for resale for $975,000 but it was withdrawn. The same unit was relisted this month for $900,000 and remains available.
It is the second major award for the project, which recently won the Victorian chapter of the UDIA’s Medium-Density Development Award. The building was completed late last year.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh2.jpg">
On the corner of Queensberry and Rathdowne streets, Carlton, the building has a mix of townhouses and apartments across five levels – including three terraces with private courtyard – overlooking Carlton Gardens and the World Heritage-listed Exhibition Building.
According to Woods Bagot design director Nik Karalis, the aim was to create a property influenced by Renaissance palazzos and make great use of the character of Carlton and its tall trees.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh3.jpg">
The Garden House’s top floors are finished in zinc reflecting European attic architecture.
“The Royal Exhibition Building and adjoining Carlton Gardens set a beautiful 19th-century European backdrop for the project, which demanded attention to detail. Our approach to the design was to capture a slice of tree canopy into each apartment. The inspiration for the final form of the building was to preserve the important vistas,” Karalis says.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh4.jpg">
The Garden House is the flagship project for the Piccolo family, which is a mother-and-son team led by Mima Piccolo.
Michael Piccolo says that Carlton is an area rich in historical significance and deserves great Australian design talent.
<img src="/images/stories/tgh5.jpg">
“Our vision for The Garden House was to exceed our customers’ expectations and deliver a superior lifestyle experience,” says Michael.
The interiors produced by Hecker Guthrie have bespoke fixtures and curved walls, with no two residences the same.
</body></html>

andreadixon-oif3j7eKne

Melbourne’s chic The Garden House takes out UDIA President’s Award 

<html><body>
1. Plan and research your investment
Buying an investment property is a significant outlay, and making the time to plan and research is essential to achieving a good result. Start by creating a long-term plan with a clear and realistic vision of what you would like to achieve through your investment. This should include working out a budget and considering whether you want your investment to deliver a high rental yield or strong capital growth.
 2. Location is king
Look for properties in established areas in areas no more than a 10- to 12-kilometre radius of the CBD that have a history of strong long-term capital growth. The location should offer good transport links, schools and recreational space. Avoid busy roads, property within earshot of train or tramlines and areas earmarked for significant development.
 3. Seek scarcity and desirable features
A limited supply or unique feature will ensure strong rental demand and deliver healthy capital growth. Period styles such as art deco traditionally outperform newer properties. Desirable features such as balconies and car spaces can also add significant value to your investment.
 4. Don’t over capitalise
Buying within the median price of an area and being smart about renovations will ensure the property will be both easy to rent out and sell when the time comes.
 5. Enlist the help of experts: buyers’ advocate, financial planner, property manager
Enlisting the services of an expert at the vital stages of your purchase and the ongoing management of the property could pay dividends. Engaging an experienced buyers’ advocate takes the guesswork out of buying an investment property. A buyers’ advocate will help eliminate common purchasing mistakes, identify “investment-grade” properties and negotiate favourable terms on your behalf. Seek the advice of a financial planner to develop a framework around your assets and liabilities, select the best loan and use negative gearing as a tax offset. Invest in the right property manager. Property management can make or break your investment – the last thing you want is a rundown property or unhappy tenants. Look for a committed property manager who cares about your investment, ensures the property has reliable tenants and that provides regular rental statements so you can measure your return.
 
Cameron Deal is founder of Melbourne buyer advocate and property management agency Infolio. He will be hosting a free property seminar <a href="https://www.infolio.com.au/blog/?p=945">“Buy property like a professional” on March 26</a>.
 
</body></html>

cdeal-QdyJUR3QXp

Five tips for buying an investment property

<html><body>
12/46 Kingsville Street, Kingsville, VIC, 3102
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; max-width: 480px;" src="/images/stories/kingsville.jpg"> 
This one-bedroom ground-floor apartment is currently leased for $200 per week, and Barry Plant agent Peter Nichols says this is slightly under market rent. The tenants are on an expired lease, and Nichols says the property could probably rent for $220 per week. The property has parking onsite and is within walking distance of shops. 
Nichols <a target="_blank" href="https://www.barryplant.com.au/property.cfm?propertyID=1985566&amp;realestate=46_Kingsville_st_KINGSVILLE_VIC_3012&amp;menuItemID=41628">is marketing the property</a> with price hopes of $200,000 plus, and if it sells for $200,000 that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.2% at its current rent or 5.7% if it were rented for $220 per week. Both are significantly higher than the indicative gross rental yield for Kingsville units of 4.2%, according to RP Data. 
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $3,000 and over five years to be $6,000.
The median unit price in Kingsville went up by 2.5% in the past year, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection on Saturday, March 24 at noon and will go to auction on Saturday, March 31 at 10.30am.
For more about prices and yields in Kingsville, see the <a target="_blank" href="/news">RP Data suburb page.</a>
For another investment prospect open for inspection this weekend, see page 2.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
104 Stella Street, Fairfield Heights, NSW, 2165
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; max-width: 480px;" src="/images/stories/stellast.jpg"> 
The tenant in this three-bedroom house is paying $380 per week and is on an expired lease. Pretti Real Estate agent Stephen Jurinic says this is below market rent, and the property could be leased for between $400 and $420 per week. The house has timber floors, a timber kitchen and a detatched room that could make a good home office.
Jurinic is marketing the property with price hopes of $480,000 plus, and if it sells at that price it would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.2% at its current rent. If it were rented for $420 per week, that would secure a gross rental yield of 4.6%, below the indicative gross rental yield for Fairfield houses of 5.1%, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $10,000 and over five years to be $28,000.
The median house price in Fairfield Heights rose by 7.2% in the past year, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection on Saturday, March 24 at noon and will go to auction on Saturday, March 31 at 2pm.
For more about prices and yields in Fairfield Heights, see the RP Data suburb page.
</body></html>

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Friday form guide: Yields of up to 5.7% in Kingsville

<html><body>
The Reserve Bank has poured cold water on claims by the major banks that their overall funding costs are increasing.
“Our estimate is that the absolute level of banks' funding costs fell from mid-2011 to February 2012, but by less than the reduction in the cash rate,” said RBA assistant governor Guy Debelle in a speech in Sydney today.
He acknowledged that there were “particularly pronounced increases in the cost of term deposits and long-term wholesale debt relative to the cash rate as financial market conditions deteriorated in late 2011”.
But he said that while the relative cost of new long-term wholesale funds was currently higher than that of maturing funds, “this has had only a moderate effect on the major banks' average bond funding costs relative to the cash rate to date”. 
“This reflects the fact that it takes at least 3 to 4 years for the major banks' existing stock of bond funding to be rolled over,” he said.
In addition, he presented a graph showing current wholesale funding costs are below at the height of the GFC.
<img src="/images/stories/rbamarch22.jpg">
Debelle said its estimates of banks’ funding costs are based on a “wide range of sources” including “data reported by financial institutions to APRA and banks' regular profit statements to the market to track the composition of funding”.
“We monitor the prices offered on various forms of deposit accounts, and maintain a comprehensive database of wholesale funding, which is updated issue by issue.
“We supplement all of this with extensive consultations with financial institutions, big and small,” he said.
However, he said there remained “a degree of imprecision” around RBA estimates of bank funding adding that its estimates “are for the system as a whole, not for any particular financial institution”. 
Debelle did acknowledge that  while cost of funding is the most important factor that influences the lending rates banks set, “there are a number of other factors that affect pricing including: the credit risk associated with the various types of loans, the liquidity risk involved in funding long-term assets with short-term liabilities, and choices about growth strategies in different markets”. 
Following its independent decision to leave its standard variable mortgage rate on hold at 7.36% in March, ANZ Australia CEO Philip Chronican said funding costs remained in an “upward trend” that was “likely to continue as new funding is still coming on at a wider spread to the cash rate than the funding it is replacing”. 
Also in March Westpac CEO Gail Kelly warned borrowers to expect more frequent increases in interest rates because of more expensive funding costs.
 
 
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

RBA says bank funding costs falling but by less than rate cuts

<html><body>
First-home buyers are more confident about entering the property market but around one third of first-home buyers still believe they need to save a 20% deposit to acquire a mortgage, according to the March Genworth Homebuyer Confidence Index. 
First-home buyer confidence was up by 1.5% to 99, levels similar to the national confidence level before the GFC, while with the proportion of potential first-home buyers who said they were unable to save for a deposit fell from 45% to 30% between September 2011 and March 2012. 
House prices are seen as less of a hurdle for potential first-home buyers than other factors – only 7% of respondents said the area they wished to buy in was too expensive, down from 21% in September 2011. 
However, researcher Alan Shields says it is worrying that more than a third of potential first-home buyers still plan to save at least a 20% deposit. 
This Shields says is not necessary because lenders are offering loans with loan-to-valuation ratios of up to 95% provided borrowers take out lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). 
“They have been saving for four years with a false goal in mind,” Shields says. 
The March 2012 survey found that 29% of potential first-home buyers are comfortable borrowing at LVRs of over 80% up from 20% in September 2011. 
They are also more optimistic about meeting mortgage repayments than the average home buyer — 84% of those surveyed do not expect to have difficulty meeting repayments in the coming year, unchanged from September 2011, compared with the 78% of average home buyers. 
However, the proportion of recent first-home buyers who have experienced difficulty meeting their repayments has risen from 12% in September 2011 to 14% in March 2012, though still well below the average of 22% for all mortgage holders surveyed. 
The survey also found that around one in 10 potential first-home buyers surveyed have not yet started saving for a deposit. 
Overall home buyer sentiment improved over the six-month period from the last report in September to the March 2012 report. 
Home buyer confidence rose by 2.1% from September 2011 to 96.3 — the same level as March 2011 — with the key factors driving this being the decrease in mortgage stress and Australians’ increasing comfort with debt, due to the recent reduction in RBA cash rates. 
Nearly four in 10 (39%) respondents believe that now is a good time to buy a home —up from 36% in September 2011. 
The biggest improvement in first-home buyer sentiment occurred in WA, with the index rebounding 11.2% from a low of 90.5 in September 2011 to 100.6 in March 2012. There was also a slight increase in NSW, up 1.3% from 95.5 to 96.7. 
“We have seen a recent stabilisation of property prices in Western Australia which is likely to have boosted confidence. Flatter property prices combined with stable unemployment levels will have driven the spike,” says Ellie Comerford, president and chief executive of Genworth.
Queensland confidence decreased by 2.2%, and is likely driven by a continued decrease in property values, particularly in the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast regions. 
Surveyed Western Australian residents are most confident about the property market, with 50% agreeing it is a good time to buy a home, an increase from 47% in September 2011. 
Western Australian residents are also least likely to have experienced difficulty meeting repayments at 16% (compared to 20% of New South Wales residents, 22% of Victorian residents, 24% of South Australian residents and 25% of Queensland residents). Recent stabilisation of property prices in Western Australia could be helping to boost confidence.
 
 
 
</body></html>

First-home buyer confidence rises but buyers misinformed about deposit requirements: Genworth 

<html><body>
The trend of rising petrol prices could slow down any recovery in the property market and prompt the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates, according to experts.
Rising petrol prices were a contributing factor in the downturn of the early 2000s.
CommSec is tipping petrol prices to rise by between 2% and 3% over the next fortnight, taking the national average prices above $1.50 a litre for the first time in more than three years. 
This follows the national average retail petrol price rising by 1.3¢ to 147.1¢ a litre last week, according to the Australian Institute of Petroleum. 
Petrol prices have trended upwards since September 2009 as the following graph shows:
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/petrol.gif"><img src="/images/stories/petrolthumb.gif"></a>
 
The last time the petrol price sparked major public concern was in early 2001 when prices went over $1 per litre in some parts of the country following increases to excise duty on fuel and a small GST increase on fuel imposed by the Howard government. 
This resulted in a 10¢ rise in petrol prices overnight. 
At the time economists warned that the higher cost of fuel was having a negative impact on consumer sentiment and dampening the effects of the housing boom underway at the time. 
Figures released by the ABS in 2003 (petrol prices continued to rise to over $1.05 a litre at the time) showed house price growth slowing from more than 20% in 2001 to just 7% growth in the second half of 2002. 
“The only people that benefit when petrol prices go up are the big oil producers,” said Deutsche Bank economist at the time. 
Savanth Sebastian, economist at CommSec, says petrol prices have continued their recent upward trajectory and “unfortunately for motorists there are no signs that conditions are likely to get any better over the next couple of weeks”. 
According to Sebastian, since the start of the year the average monthly household fuel bill has lifted by $8 to just shy of $177, taking more money out the pockets of already conservative consumers. 
“The Reserve Bank will closely assess both rising oil prices and the higher Aussie dollar as both potential serve to slow down spending. The Reserve Bank still has a rate cut on the radar screen, especially if consumers remain cautious to spend,” he says. 
Sebastian says recent predictions of petrol reaching $2 a litre “are clearly overdone”, though he agrees that petrol prices are likely to track higher, although the gains are “likely to be much more circumspect and take place over a longer time period”. 
“More importantly, it is likely that OPEC would increase production targets well before domestic pump prices reach $2 a litre. It is in OPEC’s best interests to ensure that higher oil prices do not pose a threat to the global recovery,” he says. 
Charlie Nelson, managing director of trend-spotting firm Foreseechange, says the increase in petrol prices could change location preferences of home buyers.
 
"We have seen people moving to tree change and sea change locations, but there could be train change for people looking for something close to public transport," he says.
Years of rising petrol prices have already changed home buying behaviour, according to Robert Mellor, director of economic researchers BIS Shrapnel. 
Mellor says houses and apartments closed to railway station are more likely to have price spikes than those further away from public transport.
KPMG demographer Bernard Salt agrees and says the main driver of property values in the next decade will be access to a train station.
According to CommSec, average petrol prices across states over the week ending March 18) were: Sydney (unchanged at 144.6¢ per litre), Melbourne (up 0.9¢ to 143.9 ¢/l), Brisbane (down 2.¢ to 147.8 ¢/l), Adelaide (up 9.2¢148.4 ¢/l), Perth (up 1.2¢ to 147.4 ¢/l), Darwin (up 0.7¢ to 156.5 ¢/l), Canberra (up 0.9¢ to 147.7 ¢/l) and Hobart (up 0.9¢ to 154.1 ¢/l).
 
</body></html>

Rising petrol prices could cause house prices to fall but could prompt earlier rate cut

<html><body>
Prime CBD office rents are expected to grow at a compound annual average of 3.8% per annum across Australia from 2012 to 2016, with the Perth CBD expected to be the strongest performer, according to the latest office market forecasts from CBRE. 
The other positive developments over the first quarter of 2012 were stronger sales turnover, an increase in net absorption and an increase in white-collar employment. 
Office rents in the Perth CBD are expected to grow by 4.5% over the four-year period, however all of the major CBD markets are expected to register rental growth at or above CPI during this period. 
Buoyed by mining investment, Perth currently has the highest prime CBD rents in Australia (<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/perth-seventh-most-expensive-cbd-office-market-in-the-world-sydney-falls-to-10th-knight-frank/2012031353813" target="_blank">and seventh highest in the world</a>), charging $716 per square metre, and also the tightest rental market, with a vacancy rate of just 3.3%, according to the CBRE report.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/cbremarch22.gif"><img src="/images/stories/cbremarch22thumb.gif"></a>
CBRE regional director for office services James Patterson says the short-term outlook remains relatively flat in most markets except Perth, given that tenants are still cautious about the outlook for European financial markets. 
“The expectation is that Europe will avoid a major recession, and the effect on the global economy will be minor,” he says. 
“If this is the case, more bullish rental growth is expected from 2013 onwards, with fundamentals in most markets looking strong.” 
According to Patterson, it will very much be a two-speed recovery, with resources being a key driver in the continued expansion of the Queensland and Western Australian economies – and by extension the Brisbane and Perth office markets. 
“This is also expected to give South Australia a much-needed boost over the medium term as work begins on the Olympic Dam mining project,” he says. 
“Conversely, slow revenue growth in the finance sector and professional services and limited activity in the government sector is likely to curtail short term growth in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. In addition, caution in the business sector is continuing to impact on the length of time taken for lease deals to be finalised.” 
This week BIS Shrapnel economist Frank Gelber warned that Melbourne needed to stop building more offices. 
“The Melbourne office market is not about to take off. It would be a worry if too many projects took off in Melbourne,” Gelber said. 
However, the overall office outlook is good, with BIS Shrapnel expecting a weak supply pipeline and rising employment growth to put pressure on the existing office space stock. 
“Vacancy rates will continue to fall and rental growth will begin to accelerate, especially for A-grade stock. As a result office commencements are forecast to lift a further 11% to $4.95 billion in 2012-13. Financing conditions are likely to remain tough, and pre-commitments will continue to drive the upturn,” says BIS Shrapnel in its latest forecasts. 
CBRE senior manager for global research and consulting Luke Nixon expects supply and demand to remain largely in balance over the short term, keeping vacancy rates stable and acting as a stimulus for positive rental growth over the next five years. 
The balanced state of the market was highlighted in the second half of last year when nearly 150,000 square metres of office stock was withdrawn from the market, but only 140,000 square metres of new or refurbished stock was added to Australia’s major office markets (the Sydney CBD, Melbourne CBD, Brisbane CBD, Perth CBD, Adelaide Core and Canberra’s Civic precinct) the first time in seven years that space has contracted in the major office markets. 
“As vacant A-grade space continues to be absorbed there is expected to be growing demand from tenants for an increased development pipeline of high-quality space,” he says 
“If the CBD markets cannot accommodate this demand, fringe markets are likely to be the beneficiaries.” 
According to the CBRE report, prime rental growth in Melbourne slowed in the fourth quarter of 2011 to just 0.7% following growth of 1.2% and 2.4% in the previous quarters. For the year, total rental growth was 5%, the strongest since 2008. 
In Sydney, total stock grew by 21,715 square metres over the period, while demand remained constrained, causing the CBD vacancy rate to grow slightly in the second half of last year. 
Brisbane CBD was the only other city with an increase in total stock, however strong tenant demand translated to a reduction in the city vacancy rate to 6.2%. 
The CBRE report also highlights that the office investment market is expected to remain strong through 2012, driven by foreign investors, unlisted funds and superannuation groups, with private investors active at the lower end. 
Nixon expects A-REITs to continue to be net vendors of CBD office property until there was a significant increase in stock market valuations.
 
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

Perth to lead growth in CBD office rents to 2016, but Melbourne risks oversupply: CBRE and BIS Shrapnel

<html><body>
At 6pm on Saturday, the James clearance rate for $1 million-plus Melbourne properties was 57% from the 23 auctions we attended. That figure represented a dip down from last week, but the stock quality was not up to what we have been seeing lately.
The Weekly Review Bidderman, our demand indicator, was 1.3 bidders per auction. One in three homes were ducks (no-bidder auctions) – a substantial change from two weeks ago. However, again this may have been simply a reflection of this weekend’s overall lower quality.
The market away from auctions is not as quiet as these stats may indicate. As a company we have bought six homes in the last fortnight (Kew, Brighton, Glen Iris, Black Rock, Balwyn and St Kilda), and the overall $3 million-plus market has had a number of substantial sales.
Next weekend is a solid one, stock-wise, with double the number of this weekend’s scheduled auctions at around 100. The pre-Easter weekend of March 31 will be our first super Saturday for 2012, with the number of $1 million-plus auctions approaching the magic 150 mark. The hallmark for a "super Saturday" is usually more than 1,000 properties overall.
Many parts of the market are still clearly operating at lower price levels than in previous years. The land only segment is a case in point. For instance, we saw 19 Ebden Black Rock pass in this weekend for $1,525,000 after having changed hands for almost $2 million a few years ago.  This is a good spot. But Black Rock, like Balwyn North and Bentleigh East are fringe suburbs, and fringe suburbs are seeing top-end land prices drop and drop at faster rates than Melbourne’s jewels such as Brighton, Hawthorn and Toorak. This is a normal market cyclical phenomenon where fringe land prices increase more dramatically (percentage wise) in rising markets but also fall at a faster percentage rate in tougher markets.
So despite the uplift in activity in the last month – and there really has been an uplift in activity – the “record price” is still clearly the  exception rather than the norm in early 2012.
 Mal James is principal of<a href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/" target="_blank" title="James Buyer Advocates"> James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. Mal writes weekly auction reports, advice and in-depth market analysis on James' website.
 
 
 
</body></html>

maljames-vHwm28JUAa

March 31 will be Melbourne’s first million-plus super Saturday, but record prices still rare

<html><body>
I met with Danielle this week for a coffee.   Danielle is a part-time town planner and mum to three kids.  I’d met Danielle when she’d asked me about helping her with a medium-density development.
Then, through some unfortunate circumstances Danielle found herself a single mum.  She couldn’t finance a larger development.  But she used her experience and prowess in understanding the planning process to make herself a cool $70,000 profit from a simple two lot subdivision.
Danielle purchased a large lot in a new release of a big, well-known development in the Hunter region of NSW.  My first reaction was, “You can’t buy a lot in a new release and then subdivide it, as there are restrictions under the 88B Instrument in the contract”.  A Section 88B Instrument is the part of a deposited plan that upon registration can put certain restrictions on the land.
You would assume a large developer would protect the right for someone to come in and then subdivide its lots, especially in a new, upmarket release.  But Danielle went through the massive contract with a fine-tooth comb, and with her ability to read the local environment plan and development control play and understand what the council would allow, and what she was legally permitted to do, she went for it.
There was one hiccup when the town planner managing her development application started to question it.  But as she’d had no opposition from the vendor, the original developer or her neighbours, she was able to talk her way around this.  Once approved, she paid for the necessary works and then soon sold off both smaller lots and made her profit.  Go girl!  So I thought I’d explain to you more detail about subdivision. Because although it worked out well for Danielle, it can be costly and not so rewarding if not managed the right way.
Subdivision is one of the many strategies you can use to develop property.  It involves converting one piece of land or existing dwellings into several.
Raw land subdivision entails legally and physically converting raw, undeveloped land into developed land so that one or more buildings – residential, commercial or industrial – can be constructed.  As you will be changing the land’s usage and appearance, for example perhaps from a rural rezoned paddock into a residential land subdivision, you’ll also be building the infrastructure required such as roads, paths, drainage systems, water, sewerage and perhaps even public utilities such as a park.
You can also subdivide developed land (much more easily) by simply splitting a block in half.
Subdivision of existing buildings is the conversion of a single title to multiple titles. For instance, a block of 10 units on a single title –often referred to as units “in one line” – can be converted into individual titles such a strata title. This is a great way to add value to the properties and allows you to sell them off individually.
Subdivision is a great development strategy for the current market conditions.  It gives you flexibility to play is safe and sell off a newly created piece of land to reduce your loan, or to hold and add value to the property by registering the new lots and holding or further developing them.
The objective here is to have a creative outlook while searching for potential subdivision sites, as it is this creativity that can determine the success of the development.
So when would you subdivide?
An investor might buy a dwelling that is on a large piece of land, where he or she can renovate a house and then subdivide, or perhaps a home owner living on a potential development site where subdivision may be permissible. The site will, however, need to meet council regulations.  The first question you need to ask the council is, “What is the minimum lot size?”  You can find this out from your council’s Development Control Plan for Subdivision and their guidelines.  The minimum lot size will vary from council to council and from different zonings. For instance, the residential minimum lot size will be smaller than the rural zoned land size.  One council I work with has a residential minimum lot size is 450 square metres.  So we can subdivide a 900sqm corner block into two lots. However, if we had a 900-square-metre piece of land that was not on a corner, then we could not subdivide this, as we also need to allow for a driveway to access the back lot and the area needed for the driveway is in addition to the minimum 450 square metres.  So we would need a block of land approximately 1,100 square metres in size to be able to subdivide and allow for our access handle.   Another type of property to look for is land with two street frontages, so if it is 900 square metres in size and the minimum lot size is 450 square metres you can literally cut it in half and each lot will have its own street frontage.
Different types of subdivision
When looking to develop with subdivision, it’s important you understand the different types of subdivisions. Getting professional advice will help you to make the best decision for your site and also which potential purchase will make the process through council the smoothest.
Strata subdivision – Dividing a property into separate units, apartments or villas.  Strata is land title based on the horizontal division of air space and may involve common areas shared by each title holder and usually managed by a strata manager.
Torrens subdivision – Dividing one land lot into two or more separate land titles. This form of subdivision gives the owner complete autonomy with their land as they don’t have to answer to the strata manager or adhere to certain strata rules and regulations.
Community subdivision – A development with common property such as roads may be used by all residents.
The figures
When budgeting for your subdivision you’ll need to start with a realistic target for how much the completed development will be worth, and then subtract costs to calculate profitability. It’s important to run a feasibility analysis on the subdivision (<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/how-to-determine-if-a-site-is-feasible-for-development/2012031453848">covered in detail in last week’s article</a>) including possible costs for stamp duty, legal fees, surveyor services, council application and developer charges, civil works and service connections such as gas electricity and water.
Make sure you also discuss your subdivision strategy with an accountant and understand the possible tax and GST implications if you are planning to sell.  You will also need to estimate your holding costs such as interest on your loan and rates.  This can be a real drain on finances if the process drags out and you are not getting any income from the land to help offset your holding costs, so time is money in this type of development.  Try negotiating long settlement periods with permission to lodge a DA from the vendor or buy under an option.
Location
Getting the location right can either make or break your development success. Research is important here to ensure you are building a property where people in that area want to live. You have to totally remove yourself from the development, as you won’t be living in it, your target market will be.
Inner cities are limited with the availability of land, so in this case strata division is being created through developments.  Looking up to two hours outside the city allows you to be more creative in your development, plus you can usually create a Torrens subdivision. There may also be more room for growth in the outskirts, especially if there is some infrastructure taking place in that area.
Choosing the right property
<ul>
<li>The first item you need to properly assess a potential subdivision site is a survey. It’s amazing how many sales contracts I review that do not have a survey.  So you may need to pay for this before exchanging as you need to be sure of the land size and whether there are any easements affecting it. </li>
<li>The next item I always ask for is the sewer diagram. You need to know where the sewer is located and if it is actually feasible based on the slope of the land, to cost effectively extend it to service a new lot. </li>
<li>You need to check the slope of the site for drainage issues.</li>
<li>Check the aspect of the site and think ahead of where any new dwellings will sit to take advantage of the aspect.</li>
<li>Research the zoning regulations and read council’s subdivision guidelines.</li>
<li>Compare market value – is vacant land in demand?</li>
<li>Check service connections – is there sewer available in the area, is there an electricity source close by?</li>
<li>Corner blocks are good for your first subdivision </li>
<li>Structure of property – this is important if you are developing a strata division as the building will need to be structurally sound to handle the requirements such as firewalls between units.</li>
<li>Have your solicitor check for restrictive covenants or easements. You may find land in a new estate has a covenant over it that does not allow for further subdivision.</li>
</ul>
 
DA approval 
Getting a surveyor to manage your subdivision DA can save you a lot of time.  If you’re researching a new area, the first place to start would be the local surveyor. They can give you advice on the subdivision process and cost indications. You need to use a surveyor to prepare your subdivision plan.
Once you have abided by the council’s regulations, it is then the residents you may need to win over. Generally if the land you’re subdividing meets zoning requirements and you comply with the subdivision development control plan then there should be little your neighbours can do about your subdivision, however it is always a nice gesture to talk to them personally about your plans.
I always look at the best way to subdivide as part of our development process, the way that will be most cost effective and not hold up the development process, and we have found in many instances it may not be the most obvious way.  What may look like a simple subdivision can turn into months and months of complicated work.  The service connections, plumbing and civil works alone can really blow out a budget, so it’s important to understand the entire process before you embark on your first subdivision.  I’d recommend you start with a simple two-lot subdivision.
There are many more things to consider when planning a land or building subdivision, so make sure you engage professionals to assist you if you’re a beginner.  A development project manager will be able to work with you on every stage of the process and you’ll be amazed at how much you learn along the way and like Danielle, you could find yourself making a nice profit for your efforts.
Jo Chivers is director of <a title="Property Bloom" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
 
 
</body></html>

Latest Expert Insights

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Expert Insights

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News