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

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Stockland has sold its Melbourne office tower Riverside Plaza to Dexus Wholesale Property Fund for $201.5 million.
The sale of the Flinders Street building is part of a program of divestments to fund the share buy-back and maintain low levels of debt.
Allowances for outstanding incentives totalling $7.9 million will be paid to the purchaser.
The $193.6 million net proceeds represent a premium of $11.6 million or 6.4% to the June 2011 book value of $182 million.
The 19-storey A-grade building has been popular with tenants since Grocon built it in the early 1990s for the State Electricity Commission, due largely to its extra-large floor plates and unobstructed view of the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay.
Stockland Trust Group bought the property after it took over APF in 2000.
In the last four years 60% of Riverside Plaza’s floors have been refurbished.
Upgrades to the main foyer, entrance and ground floor retail tenancies were completed this year.
The major tenants in the building include Sinclair Knight Merz  and Primus Telecommunications.
“This is an outstanding result, which reflects the quality of this building and the hard work that has gone into increasing the value of the asset in recent years,” Stockland commercial property chief John Schroder says.
 
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Stockland sells Melbourne Riverside Plaza office tower to Dexus for $201.5 million

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Veteran apartment builder Harry Triguboff expects interest rates will fall sharply and quickly – as much as one percentage point in four months – as cooling demand from China apartment buyers and Europe's crisis weaken the Australian economy.
Triguboff, founder and chairman of Meriton Apartments, which builds about 1,500 units a year in Sydney and southeast Queensland, described his outlook as bearish for the short term but bullish in the medium to longer term.
"I do not believe that the Reserve Bank will keep the high rates at present levels," he told The Australian.
"Already Westpac is constantly saying that interest rates will drop. I say they must drop. If rates don't drop, building activity will drop even further."
Apartment prices had fallen about 10% in the past six months but would rebound because very little was being built, he advised.
Weaker economic conditions and the lack of new building would have a flow-on effect, putting pressure on the share prices of industrial and building materials companies, he added.
Including the Reserve Bank's 25-basis-point drop in November, Triguboff believes the cash rate will fall one percentage point in this round of cuts, with half of that fall in the next two months.
Having visited China earlier this year, Trigboff suggested China's domestic demand was far softer than a year ago and weaker conditions had stemmed the flow of Chinese investors to Australia.
The sales of Meriton apartments to Chinese buyers had fallen from about 25 to 12 a week, according to The Australian report.
Last month Triguboff told Business Spectator’s Robert Gottliebsen that while the Chinese were still buying strongly a “significant minority” of Chinese buyers were paying a $3,000 holding deposit, but then not proceeding and asking for their $3,000 to be returned.
<a href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Harry-Triguboff-China-apartment-property-interest--pd20111026-MYRRJ?opendocument&amp;src=rss">The Gottliebsen column</a> noted “Triguboff’s Meriton Group was selling about $500 million worth of apartments in inner Sydney to mainland Chinese – almost every inner Sydney apartment he erects”.
It noted where Triguboff builds apartments outside of the inner-Sydney areas the Chinese were not buyers, such as in his Brisbane apartment projects.
Triguboff estimated that he had about 25% of the Sydney market and believed that the total purchases in Sydney were therefore about $2 billion.
Triguboff does not build apartments in Melbourne, but he estimated Chinese buying in Melbourne would be about $1billion – a total of $3 billion in the two cities.
Meriton issued a press release after the last rate cut saying an increase in the demand for purchasing property as rates fall was imminent. 
“We are confident investors will turn their attention back into property where capital growth, secure income and increasing yields are a formality.
“Investors, some of which have had their money tied up in term bank deposits relying on rates to go up or those uncertain of a volatile share market will be first to react," it said.
“Another major factor that will put pressure on demand is strong population growth.“Many foreigners are lured by very low levels of unemployment compared to other developed countries as well as the large number of high quality educational institutions, which are operating at full capacity.
“As demand continues to outstrip supply, which cannot be rectified in the short term or by rate cuts, there can only be one outcome - higher prices,” the press release concluded.
Photo by Meriton 
 
 
 
 
 
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Harry Triguboff expects deep rate cuts fast, as cooling Chinese demand weakens economy

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/september9glynt]}
Demetri’s Castle, also known as the historic gothic Mount Martha mansion Glynt Manor, has been sold for $3,399,000 – a $900,000 loss in three years.
It was initially listed by hair and make-up artists Demetri and Lila Sideropoulos, who wanted $6.5 million for the nine-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion on its 2010 listing.
The Greek couple, whose celebrity clients have included Matt Damon, Russell Crowe, Bert Newton and the Pussycat Dolls, bought the 1914 house in July 2008 for $4.3 million from Michael Puttock and Diana Carr.
They then thoroughly renovated it into a family home and bed and breakfast on the SBS documentary Demetri’s Castle.
It sits on about 8,000 square metres, with views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne lights in the distance. It was designed by Harold Desbrowe Annear as a single-storey farmhouse for the Henty family, descendants of Victoria's first European settlers.
It bears a similarity to another of his designs, Delgany at Portsea. Its later owners included the Buxton family from 1917 to 1983 when the then 31-hectare property featured sweeping lawns, orchards and farmlands that ran right to the edge of the bay.
In 1969 the family subdivided the property but retained the manor and two hectares of beautiful English- and French-inspired gardens.
In 1983 the property was sold to new owners, who restored the grand old manor and ran it as a tourism resort, naming it "Glynt By The Sea". It was again run as a bed and breakfast from the mid-1990s by the adventure travel pioneer Bill King.
Mark Callan and William Gilchrist bought the property in 1997 and commissioned Yarraville architect Hugh Basset to undertake some interior redesigns while the home's former gardener, Bob Barker, who started work at Glynt in the late 1920s, returned to restore the gardens.
The duo sold the property in 2000 for $2.35 million.
Last year the Sideropouloses indicated they were selling so they could pursue opportunities overseas, saying they didn't get attached to things. Geoff Smith from LJ Hooker Frankston sold earlier this month, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/demetri-s-castle-star-of-sbs-series-to-go-under-the-hammer/2011090951486">some four weeks after its scheduled October auction</a>.
ASIC documents indicate Smith was taking instructions from administrators of the holding company Mt Martha Landmark Pty Ltd.
 
 
 
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Demetri's Castle sells for $900,000 loss, not including its televised labour of love

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Brantwood Hall, a block of 13 apartments in Edgecliff, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, has fetched $5 million two weeks after being passed in at auction.
The New South Head Road listing sold under instructions from <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/sydney-eastern-suburbs-blocks-attract-strata-investor-interest/2011101351928">receivers had been tipped to fetch more than $5 million.</a>
The four-floor Art Deco block comes with 12 apartments with one bedroom, living room plus sunroom, totalling about 58 square metres each. There is also a three-bedroom penthouse with about 300 square metres of top-floor space including balcony.
It has individual strata sale potential, according to its Ray White Double Bay selling agent Craig Pontey.
“The gross annual rental could be improved,” says conjunctional Ray White agent Violet Farebrother
Its current gross annual return is $270,000. After renovations with new kitchens in 1986 it was $110,000, reflecting just 3.6% annual growth during the past 25 years.
 
 
 
 
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Sydney eastern suburbs block Brantwood Hall sells to investor for $5 million

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Property investment adviser Monique Sasson Wakelin says the latest RBA rate cut was too little, too late for any material impact this year on property markets.
The managing director of Wakelin Property Advisory says another rate cut is likely before February 2012.
“If that does happened I think this market is going to kick because a half a per cent has a much greater financial  impact on people’s financial affairs and commitments than a quarter per cent does.”
Wakelin expects any rate cut would energise the market in 2012, having sent the message that the upward cycle of interest rates is over.
Wakelin pointed out that Australia had endured 175 basis points increase in rates since April 2009, so the recent rate cut would shore up confidence in the economy.
She anticipates some renewed capital growth in 2012 – “probably around the middle of the year”.
She said there had been a welcome improvement in affordability, but not a slump in Melbourne, Wakelin told listeners to Hilary Harper’s 774 ABC program on Saturday.
 
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Single rate cut not enough: Monique Sasson Wakelin

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Net tangible asset (NTA) represents the value of the underlying property assets in an A-REIT and is expressed as a dollar amount per security. A price discount to NTA implies that the security can be purchased on the exchange for less than the value of the underlying real estate held by the A-REIT. 
At its peak in March 2007, the sector recorded an average premium to NTA of more than 80%. In May 2009, that average had fallen to a 33% discount. This fall was caused in part by high gearing exacerbating falling property values as a consequence of the GFC, the short supply of credit facilities to refinance expiring debt, a reduction in the valuation of management entities, questions about the effectiveness and appropriateness of strategies implemented by management in the years leading up to the GFC and concerns about the sustainability of asset valuations on balance sheets. 
The average discount to NTA for the sector is now -11%. 
Gearing in the sector is now a more manageable 30% and credit availability is improving, as demonstrated by the $1.27 billion bi-lateral bank facility recently secured by Westfield Retail Trust. Occupancy rates have improved and rental growth has some positive momentum. The 2011 half-year reporting season confirmed that asset values for quality properties are no longer falling with some beginning to rise. Recent A-REIT asset sales at or at a premium to book value suggest that balance sheet valuations are reasonable. Recent examples include the sale of Stockland’s 50% interest in 52 Martin Place, Sydney at a 2.7% premium to book value and the sale of 259 George Street, Sydney by Commonwealth Office Property Trust at a 15% premium. 
Strategies are now largely focused on domestic activity and development losses have worked their way out of the system.  The management structures of some A-REITs including GPT, Centro and Westfield have undergone substantial change in the past two years and aside from investor rebuke over the Dexus remuneration report, this A-REIT AGM season has so far been relatively uneventful. 
The gap between NTA and security prices may well now start to close as a consequence of increased investment into the A-REIT sector taking advantage of the prevailing NTA discount. This inward investment, including the buy-back activities of groups such as GPT, Stockland and Commonwealth Office Fund should drive prices up over time to meet NTAs.
Mark Wist is senior asset consultant at <a target="_blank" title="Atchison Consultants" href="https://www.atchison.com.au/">Atchison Consultants</a>.
 
 
 
 
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Why the discount to net tangible asset in A-REITs should disappear

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In my last article I covered the<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/the-mad-%E2%80%93-and-very-fashionable-%E2%80%93-expressions-of-interest/2011110652221" target="_blank"> method of sale by “expressions of interest”</a>, so in this one I am expanding on the wider subject to discuss the system of sale by tender. 
According to Wikipedia, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tender_offer">‘A tender offer is a corporate finance term denoting a type of takeover bid’.</a> The site doesn’t even consider it as a means of selling residential property. So clearly this system is really going to confuse everyone in the residential market. 
Or will it? This is actually a very effective mechanism for the sale of high-value property where there is genuine uncertainty about the potential price. The fact is that appraising the value range of most properties is fairly easy to do. You do your research, investigate recent comparable sales, talk to the neighbours to get their feedback (who will of course add 30% to their own estimates, which you then deduct) and Bob’s your uncle. 
But what if the property isn’t so easy to appraise, either by the vendor or by the agent? And what if there are no recent comparable sales or current listings to go by? What if the property is a deep-waterfront with its own jetty in Point Piper and the question is not what it is worth but what someone will pay for it? (A classic contradiction in terms). 
This is when you go to tender, and the system offers significant advantages: 
<ul>
<li>No ceiling set on asking price </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tenders only attract genuine buyers and encourage them to offer their best price </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Flexibility of terms and conditions of sale –the vendors set the most beneficial terms for themselves such as “settlement period up to 12 months”, but can also allow the buyer to include incentives that may be deal-breakers. i.e. “I’ll pay you $5 million and throw in my Ferrari”. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Confidentiality - Tenders submitted are confidential and the final sale price of the property or buyer’s name are not generally disclosed to the public </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tender only requires one bidder where auction requires two or more to push the price up </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sense of urgency – Tenders have a start and finish date </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tender submissions may be limited to buyers who pay a refundable cash deposit as a sign of good faith (weeding out tyre-kickers) </li>
</ul>
So what happens if the tender falls flat on the closing day and there is no clear winner? This is when the parties (and their agents) are now in a perfect position to negotiate and close the deal based on the most favourable conditions on the table.
Tim Mansfield is founder and principal of Sydney-based buyers' agency <a target="_blank" href="https://www.primepropertybuyer.com/">Prime Property Buyer</a>.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Tenders 101: A guide to understanding the tender process

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Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch's Le Manoir, the 1928 Bellevue Hill estate, is set to get an $11.6 million redevelopment.
The SJB architectural plans are currently on display at Woollahra Council.
It involves alterations and additions to the existing mansion plus a new pool and pool house. It includes "construction of a new garage with security access areas with subterranean access to the dwelling".
The Murdochs paid $23 million for the mansion in late 2009. They also spent $2.63 million on an adjoining property in 2010.
Set on a 4,097-square-metre battleaxe block, Le Manoir had previously traded at £26,000 in 1956 when bought by the French government from May McDonald, the New Caledonian-born widow of solicitor Roy McDonald, who was the founding president of the Hydroponic Society of Australia.
Woollahra Library records indicate its design for the McDonalds was by Copeman and Lemont after the land was hived off the 1919 Rocky Park subdivision undertaken by jeweller Melen Myers.
The sale by the French government ranked among the 1,700 properties listed for sale in posts across the world as it sought to reduce its debt burden after the global financial crisis.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/lachlan-and-sarah-murdoch-re-list-their-bronte-house/2011092251653">Lachlan Murdoch, the former Bronte-loving media tycoon, and his model wife, Sarah, have yet to sell their Bronte house.</a>
In the meantime they have a lease on Coolong, the Vaucluse beachfront residence of expats Ivan and Marina Ritossa.
It's the house the Murdochs wanted before they outbid nine other parties at the November 2009 auction of Le Manoir through Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay agent Michael Pallier.
Coolong set the Sydney residential record when the Allco founder David Coe secured $45 million from the Ritossa family in 2008.
The Sydney record is now held by Villa Veneto, which the Banks family sold for a reputed $53 million in August 2010 through LJ Hooker agent Bill Malouf.
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Lachlan Murdoch calls in the renovators with $11.6 million plans for Bellevue Hill

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Following an extensive career in the real estate industry, Lauren Staley realised there was an opportunity to launch a new sort of property service. 
In 2008, she launched <a title="Infolio" href="https://www.infolio.com.au/" target="_blank">Infolio</a>, a Melbourne-based buyers advocacy and property management company that also specialises in auction bidding, property negotiation and renovation guidance. 
What gave you the idea for the business?
I’d worked in the real estate industry and saw so many flaws with it. I realised there was a gap in the market for a true end-to-end property service that would help everyone involved in the process. 
We had to set strict criteria though – no property more than 15km from the CBD. We cap the development size we work with at 18 plots as it’s not a great yield. I’d seen how it could all be improved, over the years. 
<h2>There’s a lot of competition in this area, isn’t there?</h2>
Yes, but the thing was that I didn’t even think about the competition to start with, which was probably a big mistake. 
We started with a real machine gun approach as to who and what we targeted, which brought us to pretty much a zero bank balance. 
We mainly thought the service would be good for single or double income professionals. We tried radio advertising for a whole month and didn’t get a bite from the market. It just wasn’t targeted enough. 
<h2>So, what was your cash situation?</h2>
We were literally out of cash. The business had $150,000 to start-up with and, perhaps because we got a private investor on board, we didn’t quite value it. It wasn’t our money, so we didn’t try to make it count as much. 
I think it’s better to start from humble beginnings. It gives you more focus. When the GFC hit, it was a humbling experience. We prospered because we had to be resilient and not spend money that didn’t make us money. 
Our investor is no longer a shareholder as the business didn’t provide him a fast enough return. I suppose it seems silly to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I’m not sure if we’d be here now if we hadn’t learned how to do it the hard way. 
<h2>What did you do to turn things around?</h2>
We spent about four weeks talking to real estate agents and realised it would work best if they referred clients to us. 
It’s a reciprocal arrangement so that buyers don’t have to fight against estate agents. They work with them. 
A lot of people are time poor and realise that we can help out. 
<h2>What was it like launching just before the GFC?</h2>
It was absolutely frightening. Everything was doom and gloom, but we just had to be strong and resilient. 
I thought it would be easier, but the stress, the bills, the rent – it’s just 24/7. But we used it in a positive way. When you are fighting to sell your service, you are committed on another level.
When the market is hot, you don’t have to negotiate and it’s almost too easy. 
It’s strange, no one really asked how old the business was when we started. We were experienced in real estate, which helped, I think. 
We identified the main competition and looked at the main differences we could offer. We decided to charge a flat fee, rather than charge a percentage of the purchase price, like others do. 
Now, we get 80 to 90% of our business through referrals. 
 
<h2>What is the growth of the business now?</h2>
We are growing at a good rate now. We have eight people but the biggest issue is getting staff. It’s hard to get the right people who can do the job you need them to do.
We’re dealing with around 12 to 15 properties a month. We handled 100 properties last year, 90% of which were new clients. 
<h2>Do you have any particular ambitions for the business?</h2>
We want to continue to build a strong portfolio, which we’ll do by targeting online and social media. The dream is to open another office in Sydney, as lots of our clients are there. 
Our rent roll is what will provide us with our super. We have 250 at the moment – we want 1,000.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartupSmart</a>.
 
 
 
 
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Lauren Staley: A new kind of property service

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The skyline of Brisbane could reach new heights with a 90-storey CBD tower approved by the council and set for 2015 completion.
<img src="/images/stories/111inside.jpg">
Developer Billbergia intends to build the 274-metre tower named 111+222 on the site of an abandoned Vision project bounded by Mary and Margaret streets.
It will stand 31 metres above Harry Triguboff’s Meriton Soleil tower, which was officially opened two weeks ago.
Billbergia bought the site for $40 million in 2010 in a liquidation sale of Austcorp’s failed $1 billion tower, which had been due for May 2012 completion before it went nowhere during the global financial crisis, leaving a water-logged eight-storey pit. The site previously sold for $24 million in 2004.
Billbergia has secured funding from AMP Capital.
The Bates Smart-designed development proposal was for two towers: a 36-level, 45,000-square-metre commercial office building at 111 Mary Street and a 92-level, 297-metre, 112,900-square-metre tower at 222 Margaret Street.
But aviation issues prompted Brisbane City Council to seek a cut in the height by 23 metres to 274 metres given concerns it would block radar signals from Brisbane Airport.
Billbergia spokesman Rick Graf said the company would appeal the decision to cut 23 metres.
The council approved the plans for the floor space.
<img src="/images/stories/111inside2.jpg">
The larger tower will be a commercial and residential development and will include a 380-room five-star hotel and 800 apartments. It will have room for 1,000 car parks across eight basement levels.
Spokesman Rick Graf confirms four major hotels are vying for rights to run the hotel in the mega tower.
Bates Smart has promoted the development as environmentally friendly with the north-facing rooftop of 111 Mary Street angled to incorporate a photovoltaic array, while the roof of 222 Margaret Street will incorporate wind turbines. It will come with a gas-fired trigeneration plant, which will provide on-site power generation.
As approved the project will come in as the fourth tallest building in Australia, although there are mooted plans to build a 280-metre tower on the former CUB brewery site in Melbourne, as well as a planned Southbank Tower that might peak out at 276 metres.
Currently Melbourne has four of the 10 tallest buildings in Australia, though Gold Coast takes position one.
The tallest building in Australia is Gold Coast’s Q1 tower, with its antenna reaching 323 metres. Completed in 2005, it’s the world’s third-tallest residential tower. The 80 level colossus was designed by Atelier SDG and Innovarchi and inspired by the Sydney Olympic Torch.
Second is Sydney’s iconic 309-metre Sydney Tower structure. Construction finished in 1981, and it cost $36 million. The tower features the Skywalk at 268 metres, which lets visitors walk around on a glass floor. It was designed by Donald Crone and Associates.
Third is Melbourne’s 297-metre Eureka tower in Southbank. Finished in 2006, the 91-storey building <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/fender-katsilidis-ever-changing-place-in-melbourne-s-skyline/2011101351927" target="_blank">was designed by Fender Katsalidis</a>. The tower features the Eureka Sky Deck, which extends out of the building so visitors can look into the void.
Melbourne takes fourth place too with the 265-metre 120 Collins Street. The 52-level Hassell- designed building was completed in 1991. The postmodern building features a granite façade.
Collins Street again takes fifth place with the 260-metre 101 Collins. The 57-level office building was completed in 1991. Designed by Denton Corker Marshall, the lobby of the building features rows of imposing columns.
Melbourne’s 251-metre Rialto towers take sixth place in Australia. Designed by Gerard de Preu and Partners and Perrott Lyon Mathieson, the towers were finished in 1986. The construction was built on the former sight of the Victorian era Robb’s Buildings. Rialto became part of sporting history with its annual 242-metre stair race.
Perth gets a spot at number seven with the 249-metre Central Park Tower. Designed by Forbes and Fitzhardinge, the 51-level building was completed in 1992. The office block towers over Perth and includes a landscaped park.
Just behind is Perth’s latest 244-metre skyscraper, which has just topped out and is expected to open soon at number eight. Construction began in 2008 and it’s due to become to the global head office for BHP Billiton. It 46-level façade is a wall of glass.
The Gold Coast comes in on the list again at equal ninth with the 243-metre Soul tower. The 77-level tower has topped out and it is expected to open in 2012. The residential building in Surfers Paradise cost $850 million.
And at equal ninth Brisbane has the 243-metre Soleil Meriton building. The 76-level tower is set to open very soon as a series of serviced apartments with 10 levels of underground car parks.
 
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