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]

Joel Robinson

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

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

A proposal to redevelop one of North Sydney's ageing commercial buildings has taken another step forward, with plans for a 38-storey mixed-use tower adding momentum to the long-awaited transformation of the Alfred Street precinct.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority-led State Significant Development pathway, the proposal for 271-273 Alfred Street would replace an underutilised commercial building with 95 apartments, ground-floor retail, commercial space and affordable housing. The proposal was submitted by&nbsp;Tara Shore Pty Ltd, acting for the John Taylor Family Trust.

While the project will deliver much-needed housing on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, it also represents another piece of a broader precinct that has spent years in planning limbo.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e1ce1b4-38df-48ab-992f-386814d86308" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20podium.png?VersionId=sC_h6w.A9VEoB98qsqowPlIoz__sBZBt" />

Despite its proximity to both North Sydney Station and the Victoria Cross Metro, redevelopment of Alfred Street has progressed slowly over the past decade as broader planning controls, zoning and building heights remained unresolved. The introduction of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway has provided a new avenue for projects to progress, allowing rezoning and development assessment to occur concurrently and unlocking sites that have long been earmarked for renewal.

Designed by Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder, the proposal seeks to do more than replace an ageing office building. The architects have positioned the project as the first stage of a wider public domain vision that would improve pedestrian connectivity and create a more cohesive mixed-use precinct as neighbouring sites are redeveloped over time.

The proposal includes a widened Alfred Street setback, new street trees, landscaping and outdoor seating, along with a landscaped through-site pedestrian link connecting Alfred Street with Little Alfred Street. The connection is intended to become the first section of a future east-west pedestrian network extending across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: New public domain vision underpins 95-apartment North Sydney tower on Alfred Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ea39ac3-46ad-4562-b4a0-b862e91c2dda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Alfred%20St%20da%20site.png?VersionId=K7umCd21KpetEFuVfsPlnJKhUOsmTTdV" />

The mixed-use tower would comprise retail space at ground level, commercial uses on level two and apartments from level three upwards.

In total, the development would deliver 95 apartments, including nine one-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom, 56 three-bedroom and two four-bedroom residences. Twenty-one apartments, representing 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area, would be secured as affordable housing and managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years.

Nine basement levels would provide 133 resident car spaces, seven motorcycle spaces and 111 bicycle spaces.

According to the Architecture and Urban Design Report, the public domain strategy is designed to transform what is currently an inward-facing commercial edge into a more active and connected pedestrian environment, creating a stronger relationship between the commercial core and surrounding residential neighbourhoods.

Office of Cortese &amp; Gilder has also prepared a broader public domain framework spanning neighbouring properties between 263 and 283 Alfred Street, arguing that a coordinated approach to redevelopment will deliver better public spaces, improved tower separation and a more connected streetscape as the precinct evolves.

The proposal comes at a time where North Sydney is slated for future residential growth. Commercial developer FiveX has residential plans for the neighbouring site at 275 Alfred Street. They've proposed a 39-storey mixed-use tower with 184 apartments, while Freecity was recently approved for nearly 300 apartments across a 51-storey building on Walker Street.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-freecity-gets-green-light-for-mixed-use-apartment-and-hotel-tower-in-north-sydney">First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-plans-39-storey-residential-tower-in-booming-north-sydney">First look: Fivex plans 39-storey residential tower in booming North Sydney</a>

&nbsp;

Alfred Street the latest North Sydney pocket to be transformed by residential development

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

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>
 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="385"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
Median house price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
820
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">BAYVIEW</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1.215,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
820
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">FANNIE BAY</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$883,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
820
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">PARAP</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$805,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
810
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">LYONS</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$775,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
810
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">NIGHTCLIFF</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$759,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
820
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">STUART PARK</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$700,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
812
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">MARRARA</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$690,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
810
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">RAPID CREEK</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$660,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
810
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">JINGILI</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$585,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="64" nowrap valign="bottom">
812
</td>
<td width="228" nowrap valign="bottom">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">LEANYER</a>
</td>
<td width="93" nowrap valign="bottom">
$575,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
</body></html>

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Top 10 most expensive suburbs in Darwin for houses: RP Data

<html><body>
The two interest rate cuts in November and December are expected to push mortgage arrears rates down further in 2012 as Australians continue to do a better job of paying off their mortgages, according to the latest Fitch Dinkum Index on mortgage delinquencies.
Just 1.52% of prime residential mortgage-backed securitised (RMBS) mortgages were more than 30 days in arrears in the September quarter, a drop of 17 basis points from the 1.69% recorded in June 2011, according to the Fitch’s 30+ Days RMBS Index.
"The stable mortgage performance in the third quarter of 2011 reflects that households have adjusted to the payment stresses of the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011.
“Mortgage performance is expected to continue its improvements in the fourth quarter of 2011, further assisted by the recent interest rate decreases in November 2011, with the December 2011 decrease having more of an impact in the first quarter of 2012," says Courtney Miller, analyst in Fitch's structured finance team.
<img src="/images/stories/fitchdec13.gif">
Across the RMBS sector, the decrease in arrears was predominantly in the 30 to 59 days and 60 to 89 days delinquent buckets – a trend expected to continue following no rate increases this year.
The Fitch Dinkum 90+ Days RMBS Index (the Dinkum 90+)decreased by 4 basis points to 0.63% in the third quarter of 2011 from 0.67% in the second quarter of 2011. The decrease was in line with expectations.
Thirty day-plus arrears rates for low-doc loans (aimed at the self-employed and charged at higher rates) were at 5.30% at September 2011, down eight basis points from 5.38% in June 2011.
The 90-plus-day low-doc delinquency ratio reached its highest peak since inception in the September 2011 quarter rising to 2.87%, “proving that low-doc borrowers remain under pressure in making mortgage payments”.
Non-conforming low-doc borrowers' 30+ days delinquencies decreased by 198 basis points to 13.85%, returning to December 2007 levels.
Non-conforming low-doc loans are provided for credit-impaired borrowers at a significantly higher rate of interest, and Fitch says the decrease in the September quarter was “primarily due to stable interest rates and the settlement of defaulted loans”.
Total low-doc 30-plus-day delinquencies decreased 18 basis points to 6.37%, down from record highs of 6.74% in the first quarter of 2011.
“Fitch continues to believe that low-doc borrowers captured in the Dinkum Index are more likely to be affected by monetary policy decisions.
“There is the expectation that these borrowers will benefit from the recent rate cuts in the fourth quarter of 2011 and from the general health of the Australian economy,” the latest report says.
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Rate cuts will drive down mortgage arrears even further: Fitch

<html><body>
Yesterday we read Paul Sheehan in the Sydney Morning Herald <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/four-pillars-bashed-but-holding-firm-20111211-1opk5" target="_blank">arguing</a> that Australia’s major banks “look like ports in a storm”, and were prudent in hesitating to pass on the RBA’s cuts. 
Sheehan claims that “reflexive calls for our banks to pass on the Reserve Bank's interest rate cuts, in full, are now double-edged… A healthy bank is far preferable than a stressed bank. They may need their fat for harder times.” 
In case you missed it, his op-ed’s title conveyed the message even more crisply: “Our banks aren't so greedy after all." 
Sheehan was accompanied by a second SMH piece, ironically produced by an economic consultant to the banks, which <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/no-need-for-banks-to-pass-the-cut-20111212-1oqv4" target="_blank">posited</a> that we should, in fact, only ever expect the banks to pass on 80% of any RBA move. Again, the article’s pithy title told you all you needed to know: “No need for banks to pass the cut.” 
Sheehan’s insinuation that we should prioritise major bank profitability over competitive considerations is not novel. He is merely trotting out the very standard RBA and Australian Bankers Association (ABA) line on the purported trade-off between “financial stability” and “competition”. The two are supposedly mutually exclusive, which necessitates a more concentrated financial system. Privately, serious policy thinkers know that both the RBA and APRA would prefer fewer banks to regulate rather than more. 
To this line of logic, more competition means lower margins, which means less profitable and hence less “stable” institutions. It’s that crude. And it's wrong. 
Sheehan would have almost certainly been worded up by someone in the RBA- Treasury-ABA-major bank network to present the “other side” of the bank bashing story. 
Oh, and rest assured, this is an “insiders' network”, much like the “financial oligarchy” that MIT’s Simon Johnson famously identified as the source of so many problems in the US. 
A former head of Treasury and director of the RBA, Ted Evans, is chairman of Westpac. 
His successor as head of Treasury and a director of the RBA, Ken Henry, has just been appointed to NAB’s board. 
The governor of the RBA between 1996 and 2007, Ian MacFarlane, joined ANZ's board once his term at the RBA expired. 
David Morgan, a long-time Treasury official who rose to become 2iC, left to join Westpac, which he led as CEO during the 1990s and 2000s. 
Another former RBA official, Andrew Mohl, was until recently chief executive of AMP. 
And I fully expect the outgoing deputy governor of the RBA, who was well-known as a defender of the banking oligopoly, to end up on some bank board. 
If during your career as a (relatively) lowly paid regulator or public servant you have one eye on a lucrative banking job to secure your retirement nest egg, it’s hard to believe that this does not in some way contaminate your ability to exercise independence. 
The Washington-Wall Street-like crossover between Australian banks and the bureaucracy may be one reason why domestic regulators have been so keen to protect the majors from the reforms their peers overseas are being subject to following the GFC. 
After all, according to the local oligarchy’s narrative, luck had little role to play in Australia’s success in skirting the crisis. It had nothing to do with our leverage to Asia, extraordinary endowments of resources, high population growth, 20 years of rising real GDP, or the fact that our banks had not expanded overseas due to their focus on servicing the high growth domestic economy. 
In Sheehan’s words, “we can thank good government policy and good banking.” No sight of providence in this play!
 
This may explain why the RBA has been pushing hard to have the major banks exempted from the extra capital charge that the world’s 30 largest banks will be hit with under BASEL III, even though the majors rank among this list. 
The argument goes that Australia’s banks don’t have significant overseas exposures. But is it not the explicit corporate strategy of the CEOs of two of the four majors to expand into foreign territories? Of course it is. We’ve even had the newly appointed CEO of the Bank of Queensland claim that Australian banks should use their (taxpayer-underwritten) pricing power to buy cheap assets overseas. 
The dysfunctional regulatory-banking nexus is also possibly one reason why our banks have been exempted from holding the standard “liquid assets” that all other global banks will be required to keep. The official explanation was Australia has little government debt to satisfy this requirement. 
Yet Australia’s unique solution involved the RBA offering all banks a so-called “Committed Liquidity Facility”, which for a cost of just 0.15% per annum will give banks an immediate line of credit whenever they face funding stress. That is, they can swap illiquid assets with the RBA for cash and thus directly cauterise their solvency concerns. 
One of the reasons I have argued consistently for better pay in the public sector is so that officials feel less need to leave and seek lucrative private sector gigs. (And officials do use this explanation when asked why they are taking on such jobs.) 
The financial stability/competition trade-off that guides so much banking policy thinking in Australia is actually a sham. To demonstrate why, I put to you this idea. 
The four major banks’ combined market capitalisation is an extraordinary $250 billion (that’s about 20% of the national GDP). 
Imagine, for a moment, if we could replace the majors with, say, a larger number of smaller institutions. That is, if we took this quarter of a trillion dollars and spread it across, say, 10 smaller, safer banks – with no offshore expansion plans, with no “non-core” banking activities – worth, say, $20 billion to 30 billion each. Think of 10 different versions of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. 
Our financial system would no longer have four “too-big-to-fail” legs, and all of the long-term moral hazard problems that these government-guaranteed institutions engender. Instead, it would have 10 smaller pins across which to apportion the economy’s risk. This is just smart diversification. 
How might one achieve this? You could begin by introducing a financial transactions tax that became much more punitive as an institution’s size – measured by its assets as a share of the system’s total assets – rose beyond a certain, unacceptably high threshold. 
You would basically be signalling that if you want to become a mega, too-big-to-fail bank, you are going to have to pay taxpayers a hefty price for the explicit and implicit catastrophe insurance. 
And if you think I am being melodramatic about taxpayers bailing out banks, I would encourage you to refer to Standard and Poor’s independent perspective. In assessing the creditworthiness of the major banks this month, Standard and Poor’s commented that their funding costs were substantially lower because of the assumption of taxpayer support. Specifically: 
 “Our counterparty credit rating on CBA is two notches higher than the [stand-alone credit rating], reflecting our view of a high likelihood of extraordinary government support in a crisis. This reflects our view of CBA's high systemic importance in Australia, and our assessment of the Australian government as highly supportive of institutions core to the national economy." 
And if you want a lighter take on everything I have argued today, have a glance at this online <a href="https://www.xtranormal.com/watch/12784379/leaked-secret-video-of-two-major-bank-ceos-chat">cartoon skit between two of the big banks CEOs</a>.
Christopher Joye is a leading financial economist and a director of Rismark International and Yellow Brick Road Funds Management. The above article is not investment advice.
</body></html>

chrisjoye-JYhJsTrNRC

Bashing the banks is A-OK: Christopher Joye

<html><body>
The inner city of Perth, which has about 15,000 residents, is experiencing the second highest rate of housing stress of all Perth municipalities, according to a new report by lobbying group Australians for Affordable Housing. 
AAH defines housing stress as being the lowest 40% of equivalised household incomes who spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. 
Nearly one in five (17%) inner-city Perth residents fall into this category (as well as an equal proportion in Mosman Park, Mandurah and Victoria Park) in a list headed by Kwinana, a suburb about 30 kilometres south of the CBD. 
These five suburbs make up the top five housing stressed council areas, according to AAH. 
<table style="width: 470px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="142" colspan="2" valign="top">
Housing Stress
</td>
<td width="132" colspan="2" valign="top">
Mortgage Stress
</td>
<td width="141" colspan="2" valign="top">
Private Rent Stress
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
LGA Name
</td>
<td width="142" colspan="2" valign="top">
%          Number
</td>
<td width="132" colspan="2" valign="top">
%         Number
</td>
<td width="141" colspan="2" valign="top">
%          Number
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Kwinana (T)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
20
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
2219
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
20
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
1047
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
38
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
938
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Mosman Park (T)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
17
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
734
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
9
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
83
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
35
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
552
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Perth (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
17
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
1397
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
216
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
26
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
985
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Victoria Park (T)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
17
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
2575
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
468
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
32
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
1806
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Mandurah (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
17
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
4885
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
17
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
1419
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
42
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
2945
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Wanneroo (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
16
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
9041
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
17
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
4965
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
37
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
3388
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Armadale (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
16
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
3610
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
17
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
1621
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
40
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
1654
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Belmont (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
16
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
2458
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
14
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
667
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
30
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
1314
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Swan (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
16
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
6453
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
17
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
3375
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
34
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
2359
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Gosnells (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
16
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
6169
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
17
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
3015
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
35
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
2580
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Subiaco (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
15
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
1366
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
7
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
130
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
30
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
1071
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Fremantle (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
15
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
1996
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
12
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
441
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
32
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
1039
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Bayswater (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
15
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
3934
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
13
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
1149
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
33
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
2327
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Stirling (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
15
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
12852
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
13
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
3455
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
32
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
7671
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Canning (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
15
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
4908
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
14
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
1656
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
32
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
2613
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Cockburn (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
14
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
4949
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
14
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
2214
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
34
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
2083
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Bassendean (T)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
14
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
866
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
13
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
313
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
34
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
424
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
South Perth (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
13
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
2598
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
534
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
28
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
1723
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Vincent (T)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
13
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
1807
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
7
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
330
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
26
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
1240
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Kalamunda (S)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
12
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
2483
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
14
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
1258
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
33
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
1010
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Claremont (T)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
11
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
486
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
100
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
31
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
344
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
East Fremantle (T)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
11
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
320
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
102
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
33
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
184
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Joondalup (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
11
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
6480
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
12
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
3125
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
30
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
2904
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Melville (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
3918
</td>
<td width="57" valign="top">
11
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
1354
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
29
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
2010
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Cambridge (T)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
9
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
927
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="57" valign="top">
8
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
257
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
27
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
592
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Nedlands (C)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
9
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
725
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="57" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
221
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
25
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
397
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Cottesloe (T)
</td>
<td width="63" valign="top">
8
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
270
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="57" valign="top">
8
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
60
</td>
<td width="66" valign="top">
18
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
171
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="187" valign="top">
Peppermint Grove (S)
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="63" valign="top">
8
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="78" valign="top">
49
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="57" valign="top">
2
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="76" valign="top">
3
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="66" valign="top">
29
</td>
<td style="text-align: left;" width="75" valign="top">
44
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 “The high cost of housing in Perth is not new, but these figures show where the pain is being felt,” says AAH campaign manager Sarah Toohey. 
“Households in Kwinana are suffering the most, with 20% experiencing housing stress, while Mandura has the highest proportion of people in the rental market in housing stress (42%)”. 
“Areas such as Kwinana, Armadale, Mandurah and Wanneroo all have rates of rental stress over 36%, as well as high rates of mortgage stress with over 17% of home buyers in those areas under financial pressure.” 
“Housing is the single biggest cost-of-living issue in Australia. When low-income households spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs they are officially in housing stress. This means they have very little left over to cover other costs like food, transport, bills or money for emergencies.” 
“The WA government has produced an excellent housing strategy for the state. Now we need the state and federal governments to work together to fund that strategy and deliver the housing system that WA needs.” 
The lobby group is urging Perth residents in housing stress to join the campaign to convince governments to work together to address the housing crisis. 
“We need collective action at all levels of government to ensure that we fix our broken housing system, and take the pressure off families struggling with high housing costs and lack of affordable options,” Toohey says. 
Outside of the most stressed suburbs, the most recent REIA/Deposit Power Housing Affordability Report found that Western Australia recorded the largest improvement in housing affordability across the country, with the proportion of family income required to meet home loan repayments decreasing 2.3% to 23.9%. 
Western Australia is the third most affordable state or territory in which to buy a home. Over the year, housing affordability improved by 4.1%. 
The median family income increased 6% and the average monthly loan repayments decreased 3.2% during the September 2011 quarter, contributing to the improvement in housing affordability.
Rental affordability improved over the September quarter, with the proportion of income required to meet median rents decreasing 0.7% to 19.3%. Over the year, rental affordability improved by 1.8 percentage points.
 Picture by Michael Coghlan
 
</body></html>

Mandurah residents among those with most housing stress in Perth

<html><body>
The mini-boom in demand for fixed-rate mortgages might finally be at end, following the two rate cuts in November and December. According to ABS housing finance data for November, the proportion of total housing finance commitments taken out at fixed rates increased to 9.9% in October 2011 (from 7.9% in September 2011) as an increasing number of home owners looked to lock in some financial certainty. 
The graph (below) prepared by ANZ and based on the October ABS housing finance data, shows that demand for fixed rate mortgages is at a more than three-year high, with the mini-boom kicking off in early 2009 after the RBA had cut rates by 425 basis points between September 2008 and April 2009 and following Wayne Swan introducing his $42 billion stimulus package in February 2009.
<img src="/images/stories/fixedrates.gif"> 
 Source: ANZ
 This graph is expected to dip on the back of the two 25-basis-point interest rate cuts in November and earlier this month. All the major banks (with the exception of NAB, which passed on 45 out of the 50 basis points on offer) and the majority of second-tier lenders have passed on to borrowers. 
The impact of lower variable rates has already been seen in November figures from mortgage broker AFG (six weeks ahead of ABS data), with the percentage of fixed rate mortgages processed dropping from 20.4% to 17.2% in the space of a month. 
Damian Smith, CEO of comparison website RateCity.com.au, says the AFG Mortgage Index (which covers one out of every 10 mortgage written) is a “pretty good forward indicator”. 
“We assume that demand for fixed rate loans will start to ease,” he says. 
Smith says a similar trend has emerged in people clicking on fixed rate versus variable rate links on the RateCity.com.au website. 
“As people who click on our site are usually only thinking about buying a property, the clicks are a reasonable indicator of demand two or three months ahead. 
“The relative attractiveness of fixed rates is decreasing,” Smith says, pointing to the fact that fixed rates have dropped substantially less than variable rates over the last 60 days. 
“There has been some small movement in some fixed rates, but no 30- or 40-basis-point cuts,” he says. 
“Over the course of a cycle, consumers are generally better off with a variable rate loan, but there are windows of opportunity for taking out a fixed-rate loan.
“The last window was between August and November, following fixed rates falling very hard over the previous six months. 
“That window is now closed.” 
At the start of December, Mortgage Choice said demand for fixed rate mortgages had peaked after it released November figures showing that 20% of all new loan approvals were for fixed=rate loans, up on the six-month average of 16%, with the 12-month average at 14%. 
The franchise said demand for fixed rate loans doubled over the past year, peaking in November and reaching their highest level since April 2008.
Belinda Williamson, acting head of corporate affairs at Mortgage Choice, says while the franchise group has observed positive momentum in fixed-rate demand over the past six months, “the recent rate cuts and any future cuts due to such factors as increased domestic economic pressures or growing uncertainty surrounding the European debt crisis, may cause the demand for fixed rates to taper off as the gap between fixed and variable rates diminishes”. 
“Although lenders are fiercely competitive for business, industry commentators have suggested current home loan pricing is about as competitive as it is going to get,” she says. 
Smith says consumers might still consider a one-year fixed-rate loan as an alternative to a variable rate loan. 
“There are still some exceptionally cheap fixed rate loans out there,” he says. 
Currently, the cheapest one-year fixed loan is offered by Greater Building Society, which cuts its rate on this loan 5.69% on December 2. 
“There is no chance of getting variable loan at that rate. The lowest would be in the low 6% range,” Smith says. 
“A one-year fixed loan gives you a year’s comfort. It’s not a bad security blanket – it’s highly unlikely you would be worse off.” 
Currently the cheapest variable rate loans are:
 
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td nowrap>
Company/provider
</td>
<td nowrap>
Rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Ubank - UHomeLoan (for refinancing)
</td>
<td>
6.14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
bankmecu - Premium Unlimited
</td>
<td>
6.48%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Macquarie Bank - Classic P&amp;I Variable
</td>
<td>
6.64%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Yellow Brick Road - Gold Pathway Variable
</td>
<td>
6.69%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Gateway Credit Union - Low Rate Plus
</td>
<td>
6.70%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
 
Currently the cheapest three-year fixed loans are:
<div align="center">
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td nowrap>
Company 
</td>
<td nowrap>
Rate 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Citibank
</td>
<td>
5.94%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Heritage Bank
</td>
<td>
5.95%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Homestar Finance
</td>
<td>
5.95%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Pacific Mortgage Group
</td>
<td>
5.95%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
AMP Banking
</td>
<td>
5.99%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
BoQ
</td>
<td>
5.99%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
 
Currently the cheapest one-year fixed loans are:
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td nowrap>
Company 
</td>
<td nowrap>
Rate 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Greater Building Society
</td>
<td>
5.69%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Better Option Home Loans
</td>
<td>
5.84%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Heritage Bank
</td>
<td>
5.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Ubank
</td>
<td>
5.93%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Newcastle Perm
</td>
<td>
5.94%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
 
Source: RateCity.com.au. The above rates are for home loans that are widely available to the general public, ranked by rate and then alphabetically. Rates are accurate as at December 12, 2011 at 4.30pm and are subject to change.
 
 
</body></html>

Fixed-rate mortgage boom ending

<html><body>
Media personality Deborah Hutton has bought two off-the-plan apartments in Mirvac's new development at Harold Park, Glebe.
Hutton has made two purchases – a one-bedroom apartment plus a two-bedroom apartment.
Harold Park is being developed on a 10-hectare site previously owned by NSW Harness Racing Club.
Last month Mirvac released the first stage – 296 apartments – of the development to its client database.
The development, set 2.5 kilometres from Sydney's central business district, abuts the suburbs of Glebe, Forest Lodge and Annandale.
Mirvac has indicated pricing in the master-planned community will start from $499,000 for studios (average internal area, excluding balconies, courtyards and parking, 45 square metres).
One-bedders (average internal 55 square metres) will be priced from $550,000; two-bedroom apartments (average internal 90 square metres) start from $775,000; and three-bedroom units (average internal 125 square metres) are priced from $1,245,000.
The terraces (average internal 161 square metres) are priced from $1,395,000. Construction is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2012 and to be completed in 2014.
For advice on buying off the plan, <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-10-tips-for-investing-off-the-plan">download our free eBook</a>.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Deborah Hutton buys two off-the-plan units in Mirvac's Glebe Harold Park project

<html><body>
McGrath Estate Agents has defied the current gloom in Sydney’s market by posting record sales in November led by a 55% increase in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. 
The agency’s Eastern Suburbs office posted 140 sales with a cumulative value of $170.5 million, with 10 sales over $2 million. The office accounted for almost a quarter of the total sales achieved across the group in November. 
In total the agency recorded 758 sales worth $723 million during the month, surpassing the previous record set in March 2010 ($635 million from 572 transactions). 
Prestige eastern suburbs sales in the $2 million-plus category include a five-bedroom California bungalow in Cottingham Avenue in Kensington, which sold on November 4, marketed by McGrath agents Peter Delimitrou and George Faris.
McGrath chief operating officer Geoff Lucas says the strongest sector is the price range between $500,000 to $1.5 million, with 444 sales. 
“This has been a popular sector of the market driven largely by first home buyers and investor activity.” 
“Currently first home buyer activity comprises 16.4% of the market while investors hit a peak of 38.4% of the market in November according to AFG. 
“While there has been increased buyer activity in some regional areas such as Ballina, Byron and the Central Coast, our long standing Sydney metro offices have achieved some impressive gains while growing their market share”. 
Other regional offices to record strong sales growth over November included McGrath Inner West, which reported $75.7 million from 75 sales, with three sales over $2 million, (+21%) McGrath Lane Cove, which reported $32 million from 22 sales, with five sales over $2 million (+68%) and McGrath Cronulla, which reported $29.1 million from 34 sales, with one sale over $2 million (+9.9%). 
A returning confidence in the market has resulted in a record number of listings by the group in the past month with 1,019 listings across the network, compared with 651 for the corresponding period last year. 
Current average auction days on market were 36 for the group.
 
</body></html>

McGrath posts record sales in November thanks to eastern Sydney deals

<html><body>
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia has backed zoning and planning recommendations by the Productivity Commission aimed at encouraging a more level playing field for all retail formats. 
The Productivity Commission’s final report notes the imbalance between shopping centre landlords and smaller tenants, who have to pay significantly higher rent than anchor tenants due to an imbalance of power and a lack of rental alternatives. 
To address this, the Productivity Commission recommends the broadening of business zones and significantly reducing prescriptive planning requirements to allow all retail formats in existing business zones. 
“We broadly support the commission’s recommendations on planning and zoning,” says Milton Cockburn, executive director of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia. 
“In particular, we are pleased that the commission recognises in its final report that all retail formats have to engage with the planning system and that it is not just a constraint on the so-called ‘new retail formats’. 
Cockburn in particular highlights the final recommendation that “all retail formats” have access to fairer zoning and planning regulations, as opposed to the draft version, which only singled out “new retail” formats. 
As an example, under the recommendation general retail and bulky goods outlets would be treated the same under state and territory planning schemes – meaning no retail format would be able to use planning and zoning regulations to gain a competitive advantage over others. 
“In the longer term, the planning objective should be to have one ‘open zone’ or multiple-use zone where a broad variety of land uses can be considered — such as retail, commercial and even some low-impact industrial uses,” the report says. 
Cockburn says all the other recommendations are directed at facilitating increased retail competition, and “we support this provided it results in all retail formats competing on a level playing field”. 
“We would have liked to see stronger support for activity centres policies (places where retail and commercial activities are combined in one location) and, within that support, particular recommendations for ensuring and increased supply of retail land within those activity centres,” he adds.
 
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Shopping Centre Council backs calls for relaxed retail zoning

<html><body>
All you need is a sprinkling of confidence, with an understanding that things are not as bad as you read in many newspapers.
For some time now, I have been trying to explain how the underlying fundamentals for Australia's economy and commercial property are strong.
And a recent AFR headline, “Recruitment boom bucks the trend” (December 9, 2011, page 41) now confirms that our major law firms are "in the midst of a hiring spree".
However, if you still need some more convincing of Australia's wellbeing, just take a look at these two graphs.
<img src="/images/stories/confidence.gif">
Clearly, two positive aspects emerge:
Our economy is outperforming other major countries; and
Australia has actually surged ahead since the global financial crisis in 2008 – whereas other countries have barely clawed back to where they were.
Despite retailer complaints regularly making headlines, overall household spending forms a major part of that growth. In fact, consumer spending grew by 1.2% in the quarter (and 3.8% over the year) to September.
Furthermore, incomes are growing, along with a record terms of trade. Plus, corporate profits surged 5.7% for the quarter — climbing to 10.7% for the year.
Moreover, business investment is up 12.9% for the quarter — representing a 22.7% increase for the 12 months to September.
Unfortunately, you can't cajole (nor control) a country's level of confidence, because it is a very fragile commodity.
However, the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index and the NAB monthly business survey are both showing a general improvement in confidence.
Bottom Line: It should only take a little “think time” over our extended summer break for the penny to drop. And when it does, people will quickly begin to raid that pile of savings they've been squirreling away.
I hope the latest interest rate reduction will provide the encouragement needed for serious investors to realise that now is the time to step back into the commercial property market.
And just make sure you do so, before this rare opportunity dawns upon everyone else.
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 href="https://his-best.biz/" title="Chris Lang's blog" target="_blank">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
 
 
</body></html>

chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

Now is the time to invest in commercial property

<html><body>
The Shopping Centre Council has rejected calls by the Franchise Council of Australia to cap the amount retailers are compelled to spend on store fit-outs, saying attractive stores are integral to combating the threat of online retail.

"Successful retailers say you have to be prepared to spend money to inspire customers to engage in the bricks and mortar experience," the SCC, which represents shopping centre owners and managers, says.
"Australian franchisors want regulated limits on how much they have to spend."
The SCC is responding to the FCA's plans for a voluntary code of conduct for landlords and tenants, designed to stem disputes between the two.
The FCA, which represents franchisors and franchisees, says the code is designed to address "extreme behaviour" such as "excessive" rent increases and "unreasonable and costly requirements in relation to shop fit-out and signage".
FCA executive director Steve Wright says the ball is rolling on the code of conduct.
But the SCC says that successful international retailers "stress the need for store fit-outs and store-fronts to be exciting, modern and seductive for customers."
"They also stressed the need for shopping centre environments to be constantly refreshed so they remain an ongoing magnet for customers."
According to the SCC, shopping centre owners have no incentive to make unreasonable fit-out demands of their tenants.
"Shopping centre owners fully understand that fit-out requirements are a delicate balance: on one hand, there is the need for shops to be exciting, fresh and seductive to customers; on the other, the amount spent can't be so much that it jeopardises the retailer's business plan and they can't afford to pay the rent," the SCC says.
"After all, the money spent on fit-outs does not end up in the owner's pocket."
But the Franchise Council of Australia says shopping centre fit-out requirements are expensive, too frequent and an unfair imposition on tenants who have leases for as short as five years.
"The problem is, the shopping centre management or owner is trying to turn the thing in to an art gallery instead of a retail precinct," the FCA says.
This article originally appeared on<a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/"> SmartCompany.</a>
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