Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/drew-group">Drew Group</a> is wasting little time following the completion of Lagoon Main Beach, lodging plans for another high-rise apartment development less than two kilometres away at the northern end of Surfers Paradise.

Drew Group, led by local developer Jon Drew, is pitching for a 32-storey residential tower at 180–184 Ferny Avenue, replacing three low-rise buildings on a prominent 1,055 sqm corner site just 150 metres from the beach.

Drew called on architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA</a>&nbsp;to design the new slender tower, which will have 130 apartments. BDA drew on the inspiration of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy of organic architecture, which seeks "a superior sense of use and a finer sense of comfort, expressed in organic simplicity."

"The design creates a seamless dialogue between built form, natural elements, and the iconic Surfers Paradise context," BDA wrote in the application recently submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.<img alt="First look: Drew Group eyes next Gold Coast tower after completing Lagoon Main Beach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dcaa84d-67ba-4e22-b8f1-208ca5056b05" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/surfers%20paradise%20da.png?VersionId=Ah9oBOlL0ofC5eboXSI.dEq9VRfEnFaT" />

BDA also drew inspiration from New York's iconic Flatiron Building, with softened curved corners responding to the geometry of the triangular site. While referencing the 1902 Manhattan landmark, the design reinterprets its distinctive form through a contemporary coastal lens.

Drew is targeting the Gold Coast's "missing middle" market, a segment that has arguably been underserved in recent years. The project is weighted towards owner-occupiers, with 104 two-bedroom apartments complemented by a further 26 one-bedroom residences.

Resident amenity will be centred on the level five podium, featuring a resident lounge, gym, yoga room, steam room, sauna, lap pool with a lagoon area, spa, cold plunge and magnesium plunge.&nbsp;

Additional resident facilities will occupy the rooftop, including work-from-home spaces, a meeting room, resident lounge with a full kitchen, bar and dining area, as well as a dedicated wellness zone with additional plunge pools, steam rooms and saunas.

<img alt="First look: Drew Group eyes next Gold Coast tower after completing Lagoon Main Beach" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1392ad9-620b-41f9-957d-b1fcec13613f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/surfers%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=9kDudIwvCaZFW6F8IyXGP6wQg0B_VS3E" />

The application follows the completion of Drew Group's Lagoon Main Beach, which only has around four apartments left to sell after a successful sales and marketing campaign.

Built by Hutchinson Builders, Lagoon comprises 248 apartments and was popular with local owner-occupiers and interstate buyers.

Joel Robinson

First look: Drew Group eyes next Gold Coast tower after completing Lagoon Main Beach

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

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Australia's population increased by 1.4% – or 320,800 people – to 22.6 million people, for the year to June 2011.
Net overseas migration accounted for 53% of the growth, with the remaining 47% due to natural increase – births minus deaths.
But the preliminary net overseas migration estimate of 170,300 people was 9% lower than the 198,000 estimate for the year ended June 30, 2010.
The ABS says the recent decline in migration was due to both a decrease in arrivals and an increase in departures.
Migration arrivals decreased by 5% (22,900 persons) between the years ended June 30, 2010 (446,800 persons) and June 30 2011 (423,900 persons).
This reflected a continuing decline in arrivals since the peak of 536,000 people recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Migration departures increased by 2% (5,200 persons) between the years ended June 30, 2010 (248,400 persons) and June 30, 2011 (253,600 persons).
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Australia's population up 1.4% in 2010-11 as migration slows

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Not all business is good business – and not all property managers are the same.
For years now we have seen the decrease in management fees for property managers. When i first started in the industry, the market hadn’t been de-regulated and the fee structure was set, there was no negotiation. Deregulation gave people the opportunity to increase fees, provide additional services and be the professionals that they are – but somehow, everything has gone the other way.
The average management fee in Victoria has decreased, and clients want more access to their property managers. Much more than ever before. We all have smartphones, but really that’s the wrong name for them. They should be called “being on call 24/7” phones. I personally love the calls on a Monday morning that begin with, “I rang you yesterday, but you didn’t answer or you haven’t returned my call.” No, I didn’t answer, I was busy with my children. They too are entitled to have a piece of me.
While I am all for building relationships with clients, because it’s both rewarding and beneficial, sometimes the expectation is a little out of whack!
I remember growing up my parents taught me that you never made a telephone call after 8.30pm or 9, yet now our mobiles continue to ring until late into the night, on weekends and even on Christmas Day. So when is it too late to make a call?  When does it become rude or an invasion of your personal time?
With all that being said, how has the management fee we earn per property decreased when we do so much more work and are more accessible than ever before?
So how can things change?
Property managers and directors need to stand up and say enough is enough. If you want more of me than the average property manager, then you have to pay a little more. This means I will no longer be prepared to agree to low management fees. I will no longer be agreeable to providing my services time and time again and not be paid accordingly.  We are professionals, so if we don’t make a stand, we can never expect to be paid what we deserve.
Now with all that being said, there will always be someone cheaper. And that’s when you have to remember that not all business is good business. Sooner or later clients realise cheap is not always best.
I recently lost some business to a new client who elected to have their property managed by someone else. The other manager offered lower fees than we did. The funny part is, when it came to transferring the management, the new agent asked one of my team, “So what information do I need to obtain from you to take over this property?”. A perfect example of what cheap buys you. Unfortunately for that client, it will probably result in a continual change in property managers (which is an owner’s pet hate) or the rent roll being sold as that agent can no longer afford to be in business. I suppose only time will tell.
Leah Calnan is the director of <a href="https://www.metropm.com.au/" title="Metro Property Management homepage" target="_blank">Metro Property Management</a> in Victoria and is the chairwoman of the REIV Property Management Chapter.
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leahcalnan-pwE6GD6KY9

Property managers should not have to be on call 24/7

<html><body>
Every capital city has both a CBD and suburban office market. And as you can appreciate, keeping tabs on all the various suburban markets is almost an impossible task for most investors.
But generally speaking, the health (or otherwise) of the CBD office market within each capital city will provide you with a fairly good gauge of the overall office scene around Australia.
Accordingly, this graph will provide you with a clear picture of what has occurred over the past four years.
<img src="/images/stories/langjan20.gif">
As a rule of thumb, office markets are said to the "in balance" when their vacancy rate lies between 5% and 7%.
A vacancy rate within this range provides landlords with consistent rental growth and tenants with the ability to relocate or expand, with few constraints.
As a commercial property investor, what you are seeking is solid predictable growth — rather than wildly frustrating fortunes.
So let's take a quick look at how the vacancy rates for each capital city have fluctuated over the past four years.
<img src="/images/stories/langjan201.png">
As you can see from this table and graph, of all the capital cities, Melbourne remained pretty much within the "balanced" range over this period – despite the global turmoil.
Whereas, once the turmoil struck:
The vacancy rate for Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide overshot that balanced range in the opposite direction.
Sydney's vacancy rate remained around 8% because of its high concentration of financial institutions; and
Canberra's high vacancy rate simply reflected some major government relocations.
Throughout this period, the Melbourne market experienced only a 2.7% spread between its lowest and highest vacancy rate.
Whereas Brisbane and Perth experienced spreads of 10.7% and 8.3%, respectively.
Such wild fluctuations can bring untold joy as long as you're lucky enough to get out before the inevitable collapses, which tend to occur in these rather volatile markets.
That way, you can avoid the accompanying financial heartache.
Bottom line: If you're like most investors, you probably prefer being able to sleep peacefully, knowing that your growth is predictable and secure.
Therefore, unless you are an experienced on-the-ground trader in commercial property, you would be well advised to steer clear of the rather volatile markets in both Brisbane and Perth.
Right now, Melbourne offers you the greatest surety of long-term profit for commercial property — with Sydney expected to respond once the financial turmoil subsides.
Chris Lang is an advisor to commercial property investors and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a target="_blank" title="Chris Lang's blog" href="https://his-best.biz/">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
 
 
 
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chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

What an office vacancy rate means for commercial property investment

<html><body>
Channel Seven’s Sunrise host David Koch and his wife, Libby, have put the boot into the struggling Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast markets by warning property investors to steer well clear of these two coast locations.
As part of their 2012 outlook the Kochs note “the property catastrophe underway in places like the Sunshine and Gold coasts” and “slowly deflating residential property values”.
“Property is all about demand and supply. Those regions which went through a construction boom in recent years are currently suffering the most,” the Kochs say.
This is by no means the first time the Kochs have warned investors of the perils of buying in Queensland’s tourism heartland.
In October last year, Kochie blogged that on the Gold and Sunshine coasts the oversupply of high-rise apartments was “nothing short of devastating”, with possible flow-on effects for Brisbane.
“Brisbane could turn in to a property nightmare with its declines being accentuated by the crash in nearby Gold and Sunshine coasts, where there is a massive oversupply of stock,” he says.
“In both regions there is four to five years’ worth of stock on the market as massive apartment blocks sold off the plan have failed to settle. Even just across the border at Tweed Heads is suffering. It will be years before there is any sort of recovery.”
<img src="/images/stories/kochiechart.gif">
Chinese buyers clearly disagree with the Kochs at least when it comes to the Gold Coast – according to research by Colliers, they upped their investments in Gold Coast real estate by 128% in the last year, spending around $66 million.
According to research by Lynda Campbell from Colliers, there about 1,2oo new apartments for sale on the Gold Coast – the lowest level since 2004.
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Kochie to property investors: Avoid ‘catastrophic’ Gold and Sunshine coasts

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House price expectations improved markedly in January led by improvements in the resource-rich states of Western Australia and Queensland, according to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer House Price Expectations Index.
The index posted a strong rise in January, increasing 16.1 points from 9 in October to a current level 25.1 – the highest reading since April last year and the first gain since January 2010.
Despite this improvement in sentiment, less than half (47.6%) of consumers expect prices to be higher in 12 months, with 30% expecting no change and the remainder (22.5%) expecting further price declines.
<img src="/images/stories/expectations.gif">
Source: Westpac-Melbourne Institute 
On a state-by-state basis, Queensland recorded the biggest improvement in sentiment, with its index rising from -9.8 in October to 27 points in January. Nearly half of respondents expect Queensland house prices to increase in 2012. About 30% of respondents expect house prices to stay the same in Queensland.
The Western Australian index improved strongly from 10.1 points in October to 32.7 points in January.
Western Australians are the most optimistic about house prices rising and the only state where more than 50% of those surveyed expect prices to rise over 2012.
<img src="/images/stories/expectations2.gif">
Commenting on the January index result, Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan says state trends were “striking”.
“All states recorded a rise in house price expectations, but by far the biggest gains were in the resource states.
“Expectations have swung 180 degrees in Queensland from price pessimists dominating in October to optimists now outnumbering pessimists by two to one in January.
“Expectations also jumped sharply in WA, which was the only state to record an outright majority expecting house price gains in the year ahead.
<img src="/images/stories/expectations3.gif">
Source: Westpac-Melbourne Institute
“Victorian consumers were much more subdued on the house price outlook, with one in four still expecting price declines in the year ahead,” Hassan says.
Hassan says the RBA's interest rate cuts in Nov and December appear to have “driven a significant shift in consumer house price expectations”.
“To date, the trajectory looks similar to that in 2008-09. However, there are some notable differences – the starting point for price expectations is firmer, the interest rate stimulus is less aggressive (mortgage rates fell more sharply and were much lower in 2008-09) and fiscal measures (first-home buyer incentives in particular) are providing less support.
“The improvement is much more lopsided as well with younger age-groups and those in resource states leading the way. This suggests we may also see an uneven improvement in housing markets in 2012.”
First-home buyers are the most optimistic about house prices among buyer types with, investors the least optimistic.
<img src="/images/stories/expectations4.gif"> 
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Queensland and WA lead improvement in house price sentiment in January: Westpac

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Residential land sales remain at low levels, but sales look to be climbing off the mat, which may flow through to improved retail conditions, according to the HIA-RP Data Residential Land Report.
“It’s a long climb back, but at least we have now seen three consecutive quarters in which land sales volumes have increased, although there is no avoiding the fact that overall levels remain low,” says HIA senior economist Andrew Harvey.
The report found the volume of land sales increased by 1.3% in the September 2011 quarter although volumes were 16.8% lower than in the September 2010 quarter and substantially lower than the September 2009 peak.
“Land sales are an early leading indicator so an upturn in trajectory is essential to the prospect for an eventual recovery in new home building activity – although we really do need much higher sales levels to make a material difference,” Harvey says.
“Having land sales still at less than half the September 2009 peak speaks for itself in terms of how far the market has come off and adds to the already strong case for stimulatory policy, both in terms of further rate cuts and fiscal measures to stimulate new home building,” Harvey adds.
“Any improvement in land sales is an encouraging development for the housing construction industry, while there are also positive flow-on affects,” RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher says
“When people build a new home they typically purchase furniture and homewares, buy new electrical goods and spend money on hardware. Should the improvement in land sales continue it is likely to provide a much needed boost for retailers,” Kusher says.
The weighted median land value in Australia grew by 0.5% in the September 2011 quarter to be 1.7% higher than in 2010.
The median value for capital cities land rose by 1% in the September 2011 quarter to $213,718, or 2.5% higher than one year earlier.
The median value for regional land eased 0.7% in the quarter to $154,989, to be up by 0.2% on the same time in 2010.
Kusher says the result is encouraging, but he cautions that the market still has a long way to go.
“Following the low point in sales activity in the December 2010 quarter there has been a noticeable improvement in the number of vacant land transactions.
“It is also important to remember that the improvement commenced at a time when many expected that official interest rates would climb higher.
“With successive 25 basis point cuts to interest rates in November and again in December 2011, we would expect that a steady improvement in sales activity which commenced in the December 2010 quarter is likely to continue and perhaps gather further pace.
“However, we believe the market still has a long way to go to return to healthy levels,” Kusher says.
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Small uptick in residential land sales activity might bouy retail: HIA- RP Data

<html><body>
HIA and RP Data have released a list of the least expensive regional markets for vacant land.
<table style="width: 470px;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
Rank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Region
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Median lot price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Northern (SA)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$60,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
South East (SA)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$75,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Southern (TAS)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$77,250
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Mallee (VIC)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$78,750
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Northern (NSW)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$83,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
6
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Murray Lands (SA)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$87,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Murrumbidgee (NSW)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$90,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Yorke and Lower North (SA)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$91,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
9
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Mersey-Lyell (TAS)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$95,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="54">
10
</td>
<td valign="top" width="356">
Murray (NSW)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$100,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Source: HIA, RP Data
 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Top 10 least expensive regional markets for vacant land: HIA- RP Data

<html><body>
HIA and RP Data have released a list of the top 10 most expensive regional markets for vacant land.
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
Rank
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Region
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Median lot price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
1
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Richmond-Tweed (NSW)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$238,250
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
2
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Sunshine Coast (QLD)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$237,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
3
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Gold Coast (QLD)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$225,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
4
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Illawarra (NSW)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$220,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
5
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Barwon (VIC)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$189,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
6
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Fitzroy (QLD)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$180,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
7
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
South Eastern (WA)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$179,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
8
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Hunter (NSW)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$178,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
9
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Mackay (QLD)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$172,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="54" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="356" valign="top">
Mid-North Coast (NSW)
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$170,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Source: HIA and RP Data
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Top 10 most expensive regional markets for vacant land: HIA- RP Data

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The Sydney unit market remained resilient in 2011, with prices rising 2.16% over the year to a median of $488,000. The New South Wales capital outperformed the national market, which fell 0.3% to a median $398,000, according to the latest Residex data. 
However, the pace of Sydney unit price growth slowed in the last six months of the year – at the end of June 2011, Sydney unit prices were growing at annualised rate of 4.4%. 
As with its <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/melbourne-leads-nationwide-drop-in-house-prices-in-second-half-of-2011-residex/2012011753062" target="_blank">housing market</a>, the decline in Melbourne’s unit prices accelerated significantly in the last half of 2011. 
According to Residex, Melbourne unit prices declined more than 5% over 2011 to a median price of $434,500 – six months ago, the Victorian capital’s unit prices were still growing, albeit at a very modest 0.26%. 
There was some respite in country Victoria, which recorded a small increase in unit prices, with values rising 0.67% for the 2011 calendar year to a median of $258,000. 
Canberra was the only capital city unit market where values picked up in the second half of 2011, rising 2.4% on annualised basis to a median of $432,000 after recording growth of 1.97% at the end of June 2011. 
The federal capital also bucked a trend of declining sales activity and recorded a 23% increase in unit sales over the year, compared with a drop 6.2% nationally. 
Melbourne was the only other market to record an increase, with sales activity rising by just over 1% over the year. 
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Annual change in unit prices as of December 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Annual change in unit prices as of June 2011
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-5.05%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-3.54%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-4.28%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
0.26%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-4.18%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-3.19%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-3.53%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.33%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Canberra
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
2.39%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
1.97%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
2.16%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
4.43%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Australia
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
0.44%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: Residex
Outside of the major capital cities, Darwin unit prices fell by almost 8% over the course of 2011 to a median of $391, 500. Six months ago Darwin unit prices were down 5.61%.
Outside of urban areas, country unit prices tumbled most notably in country Queensland, where prices fell over 10% to a median of $300,000 and in country Tasmania, where prices fell 9% to $206,000.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Area
</td>
<td>
Median unit value
</td>
<td>
10years % p.a.
</td>
<td>
Year ending Dec 2011
</td>
<td>
Last quarter
</td>
<td>
Last month
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
ACT
</td>
<td>
$432,000
</td>
<td>
9.22%
</td>
<td>
2.39%
</td>
<td>
0.29%
</td>
<td>
1.99%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Adelaide
</td>
<td>
$307,500
</td>
<td>
9.12%
</td>
<td>
-3.53%
</td>
<td>
-0.92%
</td>
<td>
-0.81%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
SA Country
</td>
<td>
$230,500
</td>
<td>
7.20%
</td>
<td>
-1.96%
</td>
<td>
0.89%
</td>
<td>
-0.50%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Brisbane
</td>
<td>
$353,000
</td>
<td>
8.83%
</td>
<td>
-4.18%
</td>
<td>
-0.78%
</td>
<td>
-0.01%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
QLD Country
</td>
<td>
$300,000
</td>
<td>
7.32%
</td>
<td>
-10.11%
</td>
<td>
-4.63%
</td>
<td>
-2.47%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Darwin
</td>
<td>
$391,500
</td>
<td>
10.72%
</td>
<td>
-7.73%
</td>
<td>
0.42%
</td>
<td>
1.31%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Northern Territory
</td>
<td>
$377,500
</td>
<td>
10.62%
</td>
<td>
-8.05%
</td>
<td>
-1.10%
</td>
<td>
0.08%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Hobart
</td>
<td>
$274,500
</td>
<td>
10.08%
</td>
<td>
-5.14%
</td>
<td>
2.33%
</td>
<td>
1.47%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
TAS Country
</td>
<td>
$206,000
</td>
<td>
9.91%
</td>
<td>
-9.01%
</td>
<td>
-0.98%
</td>
<td>
1.47%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Melbourne
</td>
<td>
$434,500
</td>
<td>
6.99%
</td>
<td>
-4.28%
</td>
<td>
-1.79%
</td>
<td>
0.34%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
VIC Country
</td>
<td>
$258,000
</td>
<td>
7.99%
</td>
<td>
0.67%
</td>
<td>
-0.74%
</td>
<td>
0.29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Perth
</td>
<td>
$378,500
</td>
<td>
9.01%
</td>
<td>
-5.05%
</td>
<td>
-0.96%
</td>
<td>
1.84%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
WA Country
</td>
<td>
$301,500
</td>
<td>
7.02%
</td>
<td>
-0.72%
</td>
<td>
-0.43%
</td>
<td>
1.76%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Sydney
</td>
<td>
$488,000
</td>
<td>
4.81%
</td>
<td>
2.16%
</td>
<td>
0.87%
</td>
<td>
0.24%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
NSW Country
</td>
<td>
$298,000
</td>
<td>
6.28%
</td>
<td>
-1.14%
</td>
<td>
-1.04%
</td>
<td>
-0.85%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Australia
</td>
<td>
$398,000
</td>
<td>
6.58%
</td>
<td>
-0.30%
</td>
<td>
0.34%
</td>
<td>
0.50%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
</body></html>

Sydney unit prices up 2% in 2011, but Melbourne unit prices dive 5%: Residex

<html><body>
Why are some property investors able to grow significant wealth while others who have the same information, the same opportunities and the same resources are just not able to make a success of their investments?
Here's why: While certain knowledge, techniques and strategies are critical in becoming a successful property investor, it is just as, if not more important, to have the right mindset.
The fact is that both poverty and riches are the result of a state of mind, which means you must develop a prosperity consciousness and become financially successful in your thinking before you can achieve it in reality.
<h3>Why you must change first</h3>
One of the most important steps you can take along your road to financial independence is a change in your mindset, your way of thinking. This must happen before anything else happens, because most of us were programmed to fail in our early childhood.
Much of what we know about money is based on false assumptions because we've been taught a range of myths and misconceptions about what it takes to create wealth.
Most Australian's were taught to think "poorly" by their parents, teachers and the media. And they just take for granted what they were told in much the same way as others assumed the world was flat. As a consequence only a small percentage of Australia's join the ranks of the wealthy.
How can they? They are building their foundation of wealth on a shaky groundwork.
Let's have a look at some of the false assumptions you may have been taught.
<h3>1. A good job will make you wealthy</h3>
Many of us were taught to get an education, find a good job and work hard at it. But this rarely leads to wealth. You become rich when small efforts produce large results. Poverty is when large efforts produce small results.
You should see a job as a temporary inconvenience, a method of generating cashflow for living expenses while you grow your property portfolio, which will eventually become your source of financial independence.
<h3>2. Saving is good</h3>
How many millionaires do you know who became wealthy by saving their money? Don't get me wrong – saving is a required discipline when you begin your investment journey because you need to save your funds to develop a big enough kitty to invest in growth assets, but you can't save your way to wealth.
<h3>3. Debt is bad</h3>
While there is some truth to this, it depends on what kind of debt you are talking about. Consumer debt is bad, so avoid borrowing money to buy things that go down in value. But borrowing money to invest is another story. You can not become wealthy without some form of investment debt. Borrowing to purchase investment properties is a wise use of investment debt.
<h3>4. Failure is bad</h3>
I have had my share of failures and mistakes and I used to be ashamed of them, until I realised that failure is a part of success. A very important part.
If you develop a positive mental attitude about failure you can learn a great deal from it. One of my early mentors had gone broke three times before he became one of Australia's most successful property developers. In fact, I don't know any successful people who have not risen to the top without some failures.
Successful people often have more failure than failures do. But they keep going. Failure is not bad. In fact, one good failure can teach you more about success than years of studying at university. Failing can be the best thing that ever happened to you
<h3>5. Wealth is measured by material possessions</h3>
It took me many years to realise that wealth is much more than money. Money is just one of the appearances of wealth, which is really a state of mind, an attitude. Wealth is your thoughts, not your things. You can become wealthy without having lots of money and you can be rich yet not wealthy.
<h3>6. Abundance not scarcity</h3>
Successful investors have a feeling of abundance, while many Australians have a scarcity mindset. They see wealth as a win/lose game. A dirty business in which the rich take advantage of the poor. That's why they have come up with the expressions such as "filthy rich" or "dirty money".
The truth is, whatever amount you get has nothing to do with how much or how little anybody else has. It never has and it never will. Those with an abundant mindset believe they don't have to steal from your pile in order to get create a larger pile for themselves. Your wealth is in addition to and not in subtraction to anybody. Unless you truly believe this you will always suffer from wealth inhibition.
The sad reality of life is that because of their programming many people assume that wealth is the result of luck, connections or inheritance. The last thing they want to hear is the plain truth that the rich think differently from the average Australian, or that they have a different mindset and different expectations when it comes to money.
<h3>How do you develop a wealthy mindset?</h3>
The first step is to understand how your programming as a child has caused you to make certain assumptions that have now become your reality – the way you filter what comes into your mind from the outside world.
Then you need to model wealthy people who have gone before you and done what you want to do. Look at successful investors and study what they do, how they behave and how they think, and then do the same.
And guess what? By taking this approach you can often repeat their success.
Michael Yardney is the director of <a href="https://www.metropole.com.au/">Metropole Property Investment Strategists</a> , a best-selling author and one of Australia's leading experts in wealth creation through property. He also writes the <a href="https://www.propertyupdate.com.au/">Property Investment Update</a> blog.
</body></html>

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