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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As the end of 2011 is fast approaching and Santa is less than two months away, owners and property managers should take a moment to think about the pros and cons of tenancy agreements expiring in December.  Now while in Victoria our legislation doesn’t allow us to enforce the re-signing of tenancy agreements, after the initial fixed period has expired and sometimes a tenant will be on a periodic lease or monthly tenancy and may in fact choose to vacate in December.
Having been a property manager for many years, I know we will never fully stop the above scenario from occurring or lease breaks happening or the execution of warrants during this time, but we can do something to reduce it happening.
Within my business it has always been our company policy that we don’t have fixed-lease agreements expiring in December and by that I mean, during the month of December when a property is leased, the tenancy agreement signed by the tenant and owner/agent will either be an 11- or 13-month lease.
So with my team, if the tenancy agreement is due to start anywhere between December 1 and December 10, we will prepare an 11-month lease.  Any time after December 11 will always result in a 13-month lease.  It just makes so much more sense to run a lease from the December 20 to the January 19, rather than from the December 20 to the December 19.
You will also need to consider what will happen in June each year – a six-month renewal could easily result in a vacant property just before Christmas.
So remember, December and especially Christmas time is crazy for all of us. So by implementing something so simple it will reduce any potential stress to owners and tenants alike. In my house, my husband’s motto is “happy wife, happy life!” so in business one of my motto’s is “Happy Owners = A Happy Team”! A win, win for everyone.
Leah Calnan is the director of <a href="https://www.metropm.com.au/" title="Metro Property Management homepage" target="_blank">Metro Property Management</a> in Victoria and is the chairwoman of the REIV Property Management Chapter.
 
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leahcalnan-pwE6GD6KY9

Tenants leaving in December a bad Christmas present

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Rothesay, the very grand 1896 Victorian Italianate home in Bellevue Hill, was passed in at $12 million at its auction last night.
Ray White auctioneer James Keenan took just the one bid before passing the property in for private treaty negotiations.
In 1998 the founder and executive chairman of the St Hilliers group, Tim Casey, and his wife, Anne Marie, daughter of the legendary thoroughbred trainer Bart Cummings, bought Rothesay for $4,606,000 in 1998 from the Jagelman family.
Having since been extensively remodelled, Rothesay was listed with price hopes of more than $13 million.
The landmark five-bedroom Cranbrook Road mansion comes with separate self-contained staff quarters on its 2,008-square-metre block.
It’s undergone a revival with Thomas Hamel interiors and outside William Dangar landscaping.
It’s crowned by a classic Italianate turret with a sundrenched tower room.
The listing presented a rare opportunity to secure a landmark property of “true international stature,” says its Ray White Double Bay listing agent Craig Pontey.
“Rothesay is arguably Sydney's finest example of Italianate architecture,” its conjunctional Ray White agent Michael Finger adds.
 
 
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Rose Bay Italianate mansion Rothesay passed in for $12 million at auction

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<img src="/images/stories/sydneybridge.jpg">
Pricey apartments in the Goldfields House development site are being sold to multimillionaire Sydney buyers in a by-invitation-only marketing campaign. The coveted 25-storey Sydney property overlooking Circular Quay has some of the best views in town and has been mooted for a luxury residential redevelopment for the past few years.
It’s one of the oldest office blocks on Circular Quay. Property agents say the value of apartments in and around Circular Quay would be upwards of $34,000 per square metre.
Apartments overlooking the Opera House have sold for as much as $16 million.
<img src="/images/stories/onealfredinside.jpg">
The <a href="https://www.colliersvideo.com.au/emag/residential/onealfredstreet/" target="_blank">One Alfred Street, Circular Quay site</a> has been in Valad's development pipeline for some years. There have been delays, as Valad was among the harder-hit real estate investment trusts during the global financial crisis. The building is designed by Kerry Hill.
Before its takeover by the US firm Blackstone, Valad lodged a development application to redevelop Goldfields House into a $1 billion upmarket apartment block with new ground-floor retailing.
In 2008 the office tower faced the looming threat from developers wanting to turn key harbourside office skyscraper into luxury residential abodes.
Several buildings, including the Scullers Arms hotel, were demolished to make way for Goldfields House at 1 Alfred Street, which was designed by Peddle Thorp and Walker and completed in 1966.
The proposal has provisional approval from the NSW Heritage Council, given the works are within metres of the Tank Stream.
The Quay apartment block on Phillip Street was the first harbourfront residential venture following the slump in the city office market in the early 1980s.
But its developer, Trustees Executors, went into liquidation during the 1983 credit squeeze and John Lewis's Concrete Constructions took over the project.
There are now about 100 residential blocks throughout the city, up from 28 in 1994.
The Astor on Macquarie Street was Sydney's most prestigious high-rise block when it was completed in 1923.
<img src="/images/stories/alfred2.jpg">
Since the project received development approval in May from the state government, the One Alfred Street apartments have been quietly marketed to wealthy investors in Asia.
It compared the rarity of the offering to an original Ford GT40, a 19th-century Chateau d'Yquem or a 14th century Yuan dynasty vase.
The latest market campaign says One Alfred Street is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.”  The viewing platform will be available on a strictly invitation-only basis from November 2011. 
In August it was reported that the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/luxe-london-developer-nick-candy-might-see-gold-fields-house-as-a-sweet-possibility/2011082451280" target="_blank">upmarket London developer Nick Candy, known for One Hyde Park, the world's glitziest apartment blocks in the well-heeled London suburb of Knightsbridge, met executives from US private equity giant at which the development was discussed.</a>
A Candy spokesperson has confirmed that he met Blackstone executives, but would not comment on "specific deals".
Previously local developers including Grocon, Lang Walker, Mirvac and Lend Lease had previously expressed an interest in joint venturing the site.
Valad bought it in 2006 for $274 million and sold a 40% stake to the Dutch pension fund APG in 2008.
In May, when Blackstone’s takeover offer was mooted, Valad said that the Sydney Local Environment Plan 2005 (Amendment No. 2), which was previously approved by the Sydney City Council, had been gazetted by the government.
''This enables Valad to pursue development approval for the redevelopment of Goldfields House,'' Valad's then acting chief executive Clem Salwin said.
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Shrouded in mystique, One Alfred Street seeks out wealthiest of purchasers

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Online bank ING Direct is Australia’s biggest second-tier lender for owner-occupier mortgages and the Bank of Queensland has the biggest investor mortgage book, according to September figures released by the prudential authority APRA.
The second tier comprises banks that fall outside the big four banks and their subsidiaries, namely Commonwealth Bank (and its subsidiary Bankwest), Westpac (including subsidiaries Bank of Melbourne and St George), ANZ and NAB.
The latest figures show that ING Direct, the Australian subsidiary of the Dutch banking giant ING, has an owner-occupier mortgage book of $28 billion and an investor loan book of over $9 billion.
Bank of Queensland has an investor mortgage book of $9.6 billion and an owner-occupier mortgage book valued at $11.6 billion.
Both banks have passed on the full November 2 RBA rate cut to their borrowers, with ING Direct’s Mortgage Simplifier product reducing to a rate of 6.87%, effective November 7, while the Bank of Queensland will reduce its standard variable rate home loan to 7.61% on November 11.
Another small lender, Rabobank, which specialises in rural loans, will reduce the variable base rate on its rural loans by 0.25% per annum.
 
Second-tier lenders (ranked by size of owner occupier mortgage book)
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Owner occupier mortgage book
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Investor mortgage book
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
ING Direct
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$28 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$9.4 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Suncorp
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$21 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$8.2 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$13 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$8.3 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Bank of Queensland
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$11.6 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$9.6 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Citibank
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$4.7 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$2.4 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
AMP Bank
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$4.6 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$1.7 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
ME Bank
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$4.5 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$1.1 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
HSBC
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$3.4 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$3.8 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
MECU Limited
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$1.5 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$0.3 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Macquarie Bank
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$1.4 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$0.7 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Bank of China
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$0.3 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$129 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Bank of Cyprus
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$0.2 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$ 35 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Rabobank
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$0.2 billion
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$16 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Beirut Hellenic Bank
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$120 million
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$0.24 billion
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="205" valign="top">
Investec
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
$25 million
</td>
<td width="205" valign="top">
-
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: APRA
 
 
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

ING Direct the biggest of the small

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1/41 Alamein Street, Noble Park, VIC, 3174
<img src="/images/stories/alamein.jpg">
This tenanted two-bedroom unit in Noble Park is currently leased at $520 per fortnight. The tenant is on an expired lease but is keen to stay, and this property could be a good investment. <a href="https://www.hallfn.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyid=1868221" target="_blank">Hall and Partners First National </a>agent Ian Kerezovic is marketing the property with price hopes of $240,000 plus. If it sells for $240,000 that would be a gross rental yield of 5.6%, higher than the indicative gross rental yield of 4.8% for Noble Park units, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees. The property is within walking distance of the train station. <a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $3,000 and over five years to be $8,000. The property was passed in at auction on a vendor bid of $220,000 on Saturday, November 12.
For more information about price and yields in Noble Park, see the RP Data suburb page.
For more investment prospects going to auction this weekend, see pages 2 and 3.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
6/7 Reynolds Street, Cremorne, NSW, 2090
<img src="/images/stories/reynoldsst.jpg"> 
A short walk from shops and transport, this one-bedroom unit comes with a rare car space. It is currently leased to tenants paying $380, and although the lease is expired, the tenants would like to stay on. <a href="https://www.totalrealty.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=1887332" target="_blank">Total Realty First National Crows Nest</a> agent Greg Lambert was marketing the property with price hopes in the "early $400,000s", according to the agency. If it sold for $410,000 that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.8%, higher than the indicative gross rental yield for Cremorne units of 4.2%, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees. The unit includes a balcony and a car space. <a target="_blank" href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $4,000 and over five years to be $9,000. The property was sold for an undisclosed price.
For more information about prices and yields in Cremorne, see the <a href="/news">RP Data suburb page</a>.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
46 Greenacre Road, Greenacre, NSW, 2190
<img src="/images/stories/greenacre.jpg"> 
This two-bedroom house was recently rented at $470 per week. Ian McGuire of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.professionalsgreenacre.com.au/details/?pid=507591">The Professionals Greenacre</a> marketed the property pre-auction with price hopes of $470,000 plus, and if it were to sell at that price it would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.2%, higher than the indicative gross rental yield for Greenacre houses of 4.8%, according to RP  Data.  The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees. It includes a sunroom or potential third bedroom. <a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $3,000 and over five years to be $7,000. The house was passed in at auction for $470,000 on Saturday, November 12.
For more about prices and yields in Greenacre, see the <a target="_blank" href="/news">RP Data suburb page</a>.
 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Weekend Yield Watch: Yields of up to 5.6% in Noble Park

<html><body>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Suburb  
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
Median Price 
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
Prior Peak 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Canterbury*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,860,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,930,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Hawthorn East*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,690,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
AT PEAK
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Albert Park*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,600,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
AT PEAK
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Brighton
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,590,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,955,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Balwyn
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,590,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,610,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Armadale*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,522,500
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$2,061,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Hampton*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,413,100
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,543,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Hawthorn
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,300,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,638,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Mont Albert*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,282,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,414,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Malvern*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,280,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,750,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Ivanhoe East*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,280,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,492,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Caulfield North*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,280,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,802,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Camberwell
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,255,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,550,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap>
South Yarra
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,225,350
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,855,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Surrey Hills*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,218,750
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,351,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Kew
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,175,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,945,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Black Rock*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,170,500
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,600,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Glen Iris
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,167,500
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,350,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Brighton East
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,156,250
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,351,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Malvern East
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,104,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,477,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Caulfield*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,100,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,340,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Balwyn North
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,100,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,150,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Sandringham*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,075,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,368,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Elwood*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,030,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,517,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Alphington*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,019,000
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
AT PEAK
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="bottom">
Ivanhoe*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="bottom">
$1,005,500
</td>
<td width="147" valign="bottom">
$1,297,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="top">Park Orchards*</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="top">
$1,005,000
</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="147" valign="top">$1,150,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="248" nowrap valign="top">
Carlton*
</td>
<td width="120" nowrap valign="top">
$1,000,000
 
</td>
<td width="147" valign="top">
$1,155,500
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 *REIV based on suburbs with 30 house sales or more in the September quarter.
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Three million-dollar Melbourne suburbs at their peak

<html><body>
Listed pub trust ALE Property Group has attributed the 6% boost to the value of its 87-strong pub portfolio to its long lease agreements and tenancy agreement with the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, which is 75% owned by Woolworths.

Results for the year to June 2011 released earlier this year revealed distributable profit of $31 million, a fall of 18% from profit of $38 million recorded in 2010, but 7.8% above February 2011 expectations.

The ALE portfolio is now valued at $758.3 million compared with $714 million a year ago, with 34 Victorian pubs making up 51% of the portfolio, a combined value of $382 million. Among the notable pubs it owns is the Young and Jackson pub on the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street opposite Flinders Station in Melbourne, which was valued at $9.4 million as of June 2011, up from a valuation of $8.9 million a year ago.

During the financial year, ALE redeveloped the New Brighton Hotel, on The Corso in Manly (valued at $12 million, up $100,000) and Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich (valued at $2.5 million up from $1.6 million)

It has 32 pubs in Queensland, with a cumulative value of $219 million. 

Speaking at the 2011 AGM this week, chairman of ALE Peter Warne said the improved valuations were due to rental increases and stronger average capitalisation rates across the properties. 

Commenting on the difficult market environment in general, Warne said “the valuations of quality investment properties in Australia, especially those on long-term leases to quality tenants remained very firm”.

“[ALE’s improved valuation] was independently assessed to be attributable to the high quality of the properties’ long leases and our sole tenant, ALH who continues to enjoy success as Australia’s leading pub operator and liquor retailer,” Warne said.

“Our tenant continues to trade very profitably despite the problems in some other parts of the pub sector, which we often see reported in the press.”

The strong performance of ALE is in contrast with an otherwise struggling pub sector, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/pub-group-in-receivership-blames-onerous-lease-for-collapse/2011101051853">marked by the recent collapse of National Leisure and Gaming, operator of 35 hotels in New South Wales and Queensland, that blamed "onerous leases" for its collapse</a>.
 
 
 
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Long leases key to pub success: ALE Property Group

<html><body>
Farm income during 2011 and 2012 is expected to be double the average of the previous two decades due to a combination of high food prices and bumper crops, according to Philip Lowe, assistant economic governor with the Reserve Bank.
Speaking at Australian Farm Institute Agriculture Roundtable Conference, Lowe said in an uncertain global financial environment the outlook for Australian agriculture was good.
According to IMF figures, global food prices have increased 40% since 2004 and other figures show commodities such as wool, beef, wheat and sugar experienced similar boosts.
These increases have had an impact on the costs of inputs for farming, like fuel fertiliser and seed, but overall Lowe says the rise in prices is good news for domestic producers.
Lowe says the near-record-breaking expected winter wheat crop of around 40 million tonnes follows a good harvest last year. Farm output has increased by about 70% since the mid-1990s.
“This combination of generally high prices and high output has provided a substantial boost to aggregate income of the farming sector over the past financial year, and another favourable outcome is expected this year,” Lowe says.
“After adjusting for inflation, farm incomes over these two years are expected to be almost double the average of the previous two decades.”
Lowe says the increase in global demand for food comes from the rising food consumption in Asia as well increased meat consumption, which demands large amounts of grain, as well as an increase in the use of foods for non-consumption purposes like bio-fuels. This comes with a modest expansion in the global supply due to urbanisation in Asia and an increase in extreme weather.
Ivan Colhoun from ANZ Research says: “While the speech is mainly focused on the medium-term positive outlook for agriculture, there was some guidance about monetary policy. It's currently neutral, and it seems increasingly dependent on how things play out in Europe.”
“The European situation remains grim… there is likely to be considerable uncertainty about the global economy for an extended period.
“Encouragingly, the US economic data has generally been better than expected recently, corporate balance sheets remain strong and there are few signs that the financial turbulence has led to the significant deferral of spending on capital goods that caused so much damage in 2008 and 2009. At the same time, while Asian growth has slowed, growth remains firm and is increasingly domestically sourced (something that needs to continue to increase across time),” he says.
He also notes: “The downward trend for global food prices over the past 100 years appears to have ended.”
 
 
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Bumper crops and increased demand to increase farm income to near record levels: RBA 

<html><body>
Food guru Jamie Oliver’s new restaurant at leased premises in the Sydney CBD serves $12.50 plates of spaghetti bolognaise (entree size).
It’s dishing up to excited diners at the newly opened premises – on the ground floor and mezzanine level at 107 Pitt Street.
Landlord BlackRock Property Trust is getting $350,000 plus GST annually as the base rent. The fixed rate in annual rent reviews is 4%. There’s a 10-year option kicking in in 2021.
Pacific Restaurant Group director Adam Heathcote signed the lease.
It's the latest of high-profile restaurant openings, including David Chang's Momofuku Seiobo, which has an online booking service, Stefano Manfredi's Balla, Teage Ezard's Black by Ezard and Chase Kojima's Sokyo – all at the Star casino location. There’s also been the Westfield shopping centre tenants including Alessandro Pavoni's Spiedo,  David Tsirekas's Xanthi and Justin North's new Becasse.
Despite the big new openings restaurants have been closing their doors faster than new ones opening, according to industry head John Hart from Restaurant and Catering.
"There is quite a lot of consolidation going on," Hart told SMH reporter Kelsey Munro.
Noting a strong shift towards corporate ownership and away from independents, Hart says "unless you've got economy of scale behind a number of businesses, you really can't make a buck".
Jamie's Italian is owned by a listed company, the Pacific Restaurant Group, which also owns the Chophouse and three Kingsleys Steak and Crabhouse restaurants.
With more than 20 restaurants across the world Jamie's Italian is a global franchise.
According to CBRE agents James McNeill and Leif Olson, the arrival of the English restaurateur enhances the city's array of international eateries.
In its recent report on the NSW retail market, CBRE notes that the café, restaurant and takeaway subsector had achieved annual sales growth of 5.8% for the year to June 2011.
Commenting on his Sydney eatery on his website, Oliver says Australia has always been close to his heart since he first visited around a decade ago.
“I get a lot of wonderful tweets and emails from Australians who have eaten at Jamie’s Italians in the UK, so now to have a Jamie’s Italian open in Sydney is really special for me,” he says.
 
 
 
 
 
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Jamie Oliver needs to sell 28,000 bowls of spaghetti to cover his $350,000 Sydney rent

<html><body>
The number of companies entering insolvency or external administration has continued to rise, in one of the worst years for corporate collapses in decades as the ATO continues to crack down on its debtors.

The data comes just days after the ATO itself released its annual report in which it revealed the number of ATO-initiated wind-up notices has also continued to rise.
The data shows for the three months to September 30, there were 2,961 externally appointed administrations, up by 11.5% from the previous quarter, and up by a massive 18.3% from the same point in 2010.
There has now been two consecutive quarters where appointments have been over 2,600. The only other time this has happened was in the quarter ending December 2008, and for the calendar year, the number of companies entering external administration was up 9.6% from last year.
Creditor-initiated court liquidations were up 33.7%, with receivership appoints up 12.7% – ASIC says this gels with evidence from practitioners that the ATO is continuing to strike down on its debt recovery plans.
Cliff Sanderson of Dissolve says this is the case, but is struck by the sheer breadth of the numbers.
"The numbers are a little down on last month, but it's the highest September ever. And six of the nine months of this year have been at their highest level ever."
"If you go back to September 2007, there were only 557 collapses. That really puts everything into perspective."
Sanderson says the figures are clear evidence the GFC hit SMEs hard, "and we're continuing to witness it", noting that the ATO is a major catalyst here.
"We know that 59% of corporate insolvencies are director-initiated. And only 11% of court liquidations are initiated by the ATO – so a large chunk of that 59% will be where the ATO has acted as the catalyst."
"This is really the ATO reaching the end of its tether, and going through the process of recovering its debt."
ASIC senior executive leader of insolvency practitioners Adrian Brown said in a statement the figures show both Queensland and Western Australia are seeing collapses driven by property-related appointments.
"We understand that certain secured lenders are crystallising long-standing problem loan positions or taking control of an underlying security where other creditors initiated an external administration," he said.
The figures show appointments of receivers and controllers increased in New South Wales by 21.5%, and remained high in Queensland. Receivership and controller appointments were also up 52.3% in Western Australia for the calendar year to date.
Court liquidations rose the most in New South Wales, up by 42%, and in Victoria, up by 34%.
And while the effects of the financial crisis may be petering out, Sanderson says insolvencies may remain high for awhile.
"If I had to take a guess, I'd say the ATO still has some work to do and needs to get through a backlog. And even then, when that process finishes, we may be facing another financial crisis."
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/economy/20111110-collapses-soar-18-to-near-gfc-levels-as-ato-pushes-hard-on-debt" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
 
 
 
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