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 we look to what's ahead for 2012, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of 2011.
 
Regional towns located close to major mining and resource projects have dominated a list of locations where house sales numbers are tracking significantly above the five-year average, according to analysis by RP Data.
<img src="/images/stories/rpchart.gif">
Top of the list is Port Hedland in the iron-ore rich Pilbara in the north of Western Australia, where the median house price is $775,000 and rental yields are averaging 13%.  RP Data recorded 61 home sales in Port Hedland during the June quarter, 22 more than the 39 houses that have changed hands on average every quarter over the past five years – a 56.5% increase.
Next on the list is Isaac in the Bowen Basin coal mining region of Queensland, where 133 houses were sold over the June quarter compared to five year average of 94 house sale while third spot is occupied by the Upper Hunter Shire in NSW’s Hunter Valley, a region synonymous with coal and natural gas extraction and where house sales are tracking 38% above the five year quarterly average.
Click to enlarge
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At the other end of the spectrum, the list of regions where house sales numbers have plummeted the greatest include areas affected by flooding and coastal regions affected by a drop in demand for lifestyle properties.
It is headed by the Lockyer Valley in Queensland, a region afflicted by severe flooding from earlier in the year, where sales have fallen by more than half.
However, most prominent in this list is the third-placed Melbourne’s inner-city unit market, where transactions are down 48% compared with the five year average, with 665 sales recorded compared to a quarterly average over 1,200. RP Data says this fall may be attributable to the combined effects of a slowdown in the local market as well as lower overseas student numbers.
The list also includes a number of lifestyle markets along the Queensland coast such as Cairns, Whitsunday, Gold Coast, Cassowary Coast, Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast, which RP Data says are all “prime examples of how the sea change has pretty much come to a standstill resulting in few transactions around these coastal regions”. Click to enlarge
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“The results highlight how the multi-speed economy is influencing housing markets particularly from a resources and lifestyle market perspective,” RP Data says.
“How long these trends persist is anyone’s guess, however clearly the resource driven markets are intrinsically linked to commodity prices and resource demand while any improvement across the key lifestyle markets is dependent on uplift in buyer demand for holiday/retirement homes and improved prospects for a rental return and capital gain which may start to once again attract investors.”</body></html>

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Investors strike it rich in mining towns but markets still dampened in flood-affected areas

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The growing demand among Australian commercial investors and developers for food-based retail shopping centres has been partly vindicated by a comprehensive European survey that has found that two-thirds of online shoppers are happy to purchase clothing and footwear without trying them on.
Only a third of the 10,000 European shoppers surveyed by CBRE described the “touch and feel” in-store experience as important or extremely important.
Furthermore, the survey found that clothing and footwear are among the internet’s fastest-growing retail categories, particularly among younger shoppers, who also use the internet to buy computer games and music.
Perhaps most telling for Australian fashion retailers, online-only fashion store ASOS is the UK’s fastest-growing retailer.
Overall, two-fifths of the 10,000 shoppers surveyed by CBRE between May and June 2011 in Great Britain, France, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Hungary and Russia said they shopped online.
However, the survey also found that the physical store remains an essential part of the shopping experience, with 90% of people stating they visit shops to view products before buying online.
Recent research by Knight Frank forecast strong demand for food-based neighbourhood shopping centres in 2012 from private investors, unlisted property trusts and syndicates.
Following publication of annual results, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/retail/stockland-plans-smaller-regional-shopping-centres-to-combat-online-threat/2011081051105">Stockland said its new shopping centres would have a higher proportion of food, leisure, retail services and entertainment offerings</a> following research that found that higher-end fashion is more exposed to online sales.
In its annual results <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/coles-and-woolies-help-mirvac-deliver-30-profit-increase/2011082351258">Mirvac revealed that Coles and Woolies accounting for a quarter of rental income</a> of it retail portfolio with fashion stores contributing a combined 19%.
Despite only canvassing the opinions of European shoppers, CBRE senior manager for retail services James McNeill says the results are likely to be closely monitored by Australian retailers, given the intense focus on the impact of online retailing.
“Although it’s clear that an online presence is now vital for any leading international brand, our research shows that the most successful retailers are those who understand how consumer channels such as online and in-store combine to create a truly multi-channel offering,” he says.
“A store supplemented with an online presence is the best of both worlds in most cases.”
In a recent report, Savills head of research Tony Crabb said shopping centres would need to follow retail strips and start offering products and services that could not be provided via the internet such as food vendors and hair salons.
Savills associate director of retail services Michael Di Carlo says retailers should also investigate the latest technological innovations such at the “multi-channel retailing concept”, which is now the norm in the US and Europe.
Such a multi-channel approach is being pushed by shopping centre giant Westfield, which revealed in its half-year results today that it has signed up 140 retailers to its westfield.com.au transactional site.
In western Europe the propensity to shop online correlates with wealth – 61% of higher earners shop online compared with 44% of lower earners, according to CBRE.
Men are leading the online shopping charge, the survey also found.
Photo courtesy of Tourism Victoria
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Food-based retail a safer investment as two-thirds of European fashion customers happy to shop online

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october24kewell]}
Soccer champion Harry Kewell has reportedly taken a $3,250 a week newly built Brighton rental property as his Melbourne base.
The Nicholas Day-designed property was briefly marketed by Hocking Stuart as the "finest fusion of style, space and quality", with a $3.3 million asking price.
But the three-level house has been withdrawn and reportedly the Kewell family will move into the rental residence, according to The Sunday Age.
It would reflect a 5% yield if the undisclosed, unconfirmed figures are correct.
The Brighton suburb was identified as the location in an earlier Herald Sun report.
Since his arrival last month to play for the Melbourne Victory, Kewell has been staying at Crown.
The couple, Kewell and his wife, the soap star Sheree Murphy, had inspected more than a dozen properties in exclusive neighbourhoods starting in Toorak and then in the bayside suburbs.
The neo-Georgian style house comes with a mix of the contemporary and classic elegance.
With three children and a fourth due in February, the couple will appreciate the four large living zones, plus four bedrooms, and huge retreat.
It was built by former St Kilda defender Max Hudghton's Maxton Constructions for a development syndicate headed by the former St Kilda champion Fraser Gehrig.
Buyers agent Mal James gave it a 604 rating out of 1,000 when he reviewed the property on its sale listing.
He noted it was the big, wide one of the recently built pair.
"The kitchen is grand and in logical possie for dining and outdoors,” James noted.
"The pool is in the smart position to get sun (south-facing rear) and allow entertainment.”
James noted it was of a high quality throughout but lacked a clothes line.
There is an excellent rear children's wing plus a good downstairs basement with big garage and additional entertainment rooms suitable for a home cinema.
James concluded that a lift would have taken it to the next price level.
It comes with a church spire in the background.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Harry Kewell reportedly kicks off Brighton rental

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Commercial property investor sentiment in Australia (alongside New Zealand and Taiwan) has remained upbeat in tandem with a particurlarly positive outlook for the Pacific region, according to CBRE’s latest Investment ViewPoint report. 
With the Australian economy in good shape relative to other regions, the report says the country’s commercial property sector is “something of a safe haven for investors away from the instability currently affecting the United States and Europe”. 
“Barring any major shocks or other unforeseen events, the outlook for the next few months is positive and there is a strong pipeline of deals, particularly in Australia, Japan, Korea and Singapore,” says CBRE executive director of global research and consulting Kevin Stanley. 
The September report highlights a steady flow of transactions in Australia underpinned by sustained offshore buyer demand for quality office properties. 
Noteworthy transactions included the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/chinese-investors-snap-up-sydney-office-tower-for-%24117-million/2011091351519" target="_blank">$117 million acquisition by Chinese multinational HNA Group of a 22-storey office building at 1 York Street</a>. 
HNA, whose core business is focused on air travel, logistics and financial services, has previously acquired property in New York. 
Rick Butler, CBRE senior managing director of international investments, says it remains to be seen if this deal will herald a significant pick-up in Chinese investment activity in Australia. 
“Whilst the deal is certainly an interesting one, it is not likely to mark the beginning of an immediate trend towards increased Chinese investment in Australian commercial property,” he says. 
While future investment from Chinese firms is uncertain, for the year to date offshore buyers have remained very active in Australia, accounting for $3.19 billion in deals – or 40% of commercial real estate transactions (the highest share in close to two decades). 
“Investors from overseas continue to seek exposure to the quality end of the office sector and Asian investors in particular are stepping up their presence,” Butler says. 
“Deals for a number of major office properties in Sydney and Melbourne have recently closed or are going through due diligence and the bulk of these involve a foreign buyer. Offshore groups are stealing the march on most domestic super funds and wholesale funds, which with a few exceptions have been inactive in recent months and are unlikely to enter the market until mid-2012.” 
The only exceptions to the positive outlook for Asia were Hong Kong and India, where the mood soured further during September, with investors becoming more risk-averse and demanding further discounts on property asking prices.
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Investor interest to remain strong for Australian commercial property: CBRE

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Sydney just pipped Melbourne during the neck-and-neck auction clearance rate race, with a 56% weekend clearance rate compared with Melbourne's 55%. But both results are still with the stewards, given an unusually high rate of unreported results. There are 165 results yet to be notified to Australian Property Monitors, of the 399 scheduled auctions in Sydney. Melbourne awaits 114 results of its 740 scheduled tally by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, and initially the REIV had suggested there would be 875 auction results.
Even the reported Sydney results are seriously wanting because 64 of the published outcomes give no price outcome. Fair enough for the 14 withdrawn and/or no-bid auctions. But there were 34 passed-in results across Sydney where the agents have declined to give the passed-in price, and a further 16 sales where the price has been withheld from publication. And auctions are supposed to be an open transparent process?
Much attention was accorded to the $1 million-plus markets in both cities, especially after Melbourne buyers’ agent Mal James noted there were 150 in his bailiwick.
Given the Melbourne volumes were the highest since the pre-Easter rush, Saturday was dubbed Super Saturday. (Sydney's is next Saturday.)
But the superlatives didn't flow following the results, with indeed the headlines suggesting it was so-so, in a stupor or simply sucked.
James notes the Stonnington municipality had a 35% success rate above $1 million; the bayside suburbs were 45%; Port Phillip was 22% with the leafy east Boroondara the best-performing precinct at 65%.
There were only 20 known $1 million plus offerings in Sydney, and APM shows 16 selling.
The overall 56% Sydney clearance rate for houses and apartments mirrored the 56% of the same weekend last year.
But the 400 number was down by about 20% on last year, according to Australian Property Monitors research analyst Clinton McNabb.
Melbourne's clearance rate was well down on the 67% on the same October weekend last year, when 1,120 properties went to auction.
Melbourne volumes ease next weekend, given the spring racing carnival, to just 445 auctions.
But Sydney jumps to 600 plus for the last weekend in October. This falls short of Sydney's record 670 weekend in September 2009, the biggest auction day in the state's history. The 2009 record day was a combination of circumstances – the influx of early spring listings after inactivity for much of the previous 18 months after the global financial crisis; good weather; vendors getting in before the October long weekend and school holidays interruption, and also it was the last weekend before the First Home Owner Boost started to phase out.
Melbourne typically can have five or so 1,000-plus auction weekends but doesn't look like it will be getting one in 2011.
Melbourne's biggest auction day, with a record 1,400 properties, was in March 2008.
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Weekend auction wrap: Where the hammer fell

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Sydney has the highest number of renters as well as the highest percentage of mortgage holders at risk of falling into poverty, according to a new national study.
More than 106,000 people who rent in Sydney face difficulties meeting the basic costs of living, according to Housing Costs Through the Roof, a report compiled by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling at the University of Canberra on behalf of Australians for Affordable Housing.
The report examined households that earned the lowest 40% of incomes – taking family size into account – who spend 30% or more of their earnings on rent or mortgage payments.
On this basis, over 73,000 or 12% of mortgage holders in Sydney are in housing stress, with the figures even higher for first-home buyers, with 15% (just over 15,000) struggling to make ends meet.
<img src="/images/stories/housingstressnsw.gif">
Nationally, the report found that one in 10 households (over 850,000) are in housing stress, with the highest rates of housing stress felt by renters and first-home buyers, with 26% of renters and 15% for first-home buyers in housing stress.
In percentage terms, Hobart has the highest number of renters in housing stress, with one in three falling into this category. In addition, more than a quarter (26%) of Hobart first-home buyers are in mortgage stress, despite the Tasmanian capital having one of the cheapest housing markets and the smallest average first-home loan at under $195,000.
Other key findings of the report are that first-home buyers in Melbourne are more likely to experience housing stress than those in Sydney while Commonwealth Rent Assistance recipients in Adelaide had the highest rates of rental stress.
Commenting on the findings, Australians for Affordable Housing campaign manager Sarah Toohey says there is “an entrenched and significant group of people in Australia who face day-to-day hardship because of their housing costs, but it doesn’t have to be this way”.
“There are clear actions that governments can take to improve housing affordability and take the pressure off these households,” she says.
“A secure home is a fundamental building block for everything else we do in life. We need to create a housing system that works for everyone.”
Australians for Affordable Housing is a coalition of national housing, welfare and community sector organisations to highlight the problem of housing affordability in Australia.
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More Sydney home owners and renters in housing stress than any other capital

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Melbourne’s residential vacancy rate has hit 3%, the highest of all the capital cities, following an increase of 0.2% during the month of September, according to figures compiled by SQM Research. 
There are now 10,926 properties available to rent in Melbourne, compared with 10,197 in August and just 7,986 a year ago, equating to an annual increase of 0.8%. 
Hobart was the other capital city to register a 0.2% monthly increase, while Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra recorded monthly increases of 0.1% in line with the national increase in vacancy rates, which now stands at 48,179 properties available to rent, a vacancy rate of 1.9%. 
According to SQM Research, the national vacancy rate has “hovered around 1.8% to 1.9% for the last few months, which may be an indirect result of the continuous lack of buyer interest in the housing sales market of late”. 
Managing director of SQM research Louis Christopher says Melbourne is the one exception to the expectation that national vacancy will remain in a fixed range for the foreseeable future. 
“It is very possible we will see Melbourne vacancies continue to rise from here as there is, even at this point in time, new stock still just being completed now,” Christopher says. 
The Sydney vacancy rate remained unchanged at 1.4% in September, equating to 7,769 properties listed for rent an increase of just 0.2% over the year. 
<img src="/images/stories/sqmvacancy.gif">
Of the major capital cities, Perth has the fewest available properties to rent at just 1,559 after the city’ vacancy rate fell by 0.1% over September to stand at just 0.9%. 
SQM’s calculations of vacancies are based on online rental listings that have been advertised for three weeks or more compared to the total number of established rental properties.
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Melbourne's vacancy rate climbs to 3% and could continue to grow: SQM Research

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With almost 900 auctions this weekend, 150 of which were properties above $1 million, it was clear that not all properties were going to attract competition. 158 Napier Street, South Melbourne was one of these properties, as a very small crowd looked on as the property was passed in on a vendor bid of $1.3 million. A negotiation commenced after the auction, with a sold sticker appearing on the board shortly after. 
Many tippers on <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a> predicted a stronger price with an average tip of almost $1.4 million. This result shows us that as supply grows in a spring market we see more opportunities to buy well. 
On the upside for the vendor, who only paid $300,000 for the property, it has shown a solid growth rate of almost 9%.
<img src="/images/stories/napierst.jpg">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/weekend-auction-tipping/2011101951997" target="_blank">168 Napier Street, South Melbourne </a>
Sale price: $1,300,000
Agent quote: $1.3 million to $1.35 million
% above agent quote:  0%
Bidders:  0
Last sold: June 1994 at $300,000
Growth since last sale:  8.82%
Median growth: 8.39%
Average tip: $1,419,305
% Correct tips  7.32%
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Weekend auction tipping $1.3 million result

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On March 30, 2010 Twitter introduced trending, which enables users to see why a specific topic got to be a trending topic. Wikipedia describes “a trending topic is a word, phrase or topic that is posted (tweeted) multiple times on the social networking and microblogging service Twitter. Trending topics become popular either through a concerted effort by users or because an event that propmpts people to talk about one specific topic. These topics help Twitter and their users to understand what is happening in the world”.
It did not take long for Google to jump onto this modern-day phenomenon when it launched Google trends. When our Australian parliament sits Question Time #QT is a very popular trend, where anyone wanting to make a comment about what is happening joins in the conversation. Trending is the new go-to word to best describe an event that in turn shapes our opinion(s).
Next week’s inflation numbers will determine the Reserve Bank of Australia’s next rate move – the RBA has had a difficult task in 2011 balancing the cash rate given its projections that Australia faces elevated inflation over 2011, 2012 and 2013. So a string of good data might stop RBA from cutting rates, although the RBA has concerns for our subdued housing market. So when the inflation data is released this will become a trending topic as to what can be expected when the RBA the following week meet to discuss the cash rate – which in turn will become another trending topic.
It is little wonder that our politicians have concerns about the rise and rise of social media, where more often than not the social commentators can be scathing at their actions – #stoptheboats, #apple4S, #property, #stevejobs, #realestate, #carbontax, #auspol, etc.
It is just not social networking that is shaping our opinions online shopping keeps setting new records each month and it is just not because of the strong Australian dollar. The Australian Bureau of Statistics recently revealed that the total value of goods and services sold by Australian online stores in 2009-10 was $143 billion. This figure was up 15% on the previous year, and one would expect that this would be significantly higher again once the 2010-11 figures are released.
A recent report Australia – Digital Economy – E-CommerceTrends and Statistics – revealed “While Australia has experienced rapid growth in online shopping; the lack of local big brand retailers selling online is enticing shoppers to buy from overseas competitors. Industry commentators say Australia is several years behind the US and UK, and Australian consumers are voting with their wallets when it comes to shopping online. “
“ Meanwhile in early 2011 about 25% of mobile users are shopping online with their mobile, with eBay reporting that an item is bought every 15 seconds. The online economy is booming for some online markets with revenues up 40% in 2010.”
So it appears that today our decision making process hinges significantly on what is trending. This would explain why our business confidence trending in Australia is all over the place given we are suffering from information overload.
So what are the most popular online marketing trends in 2011?
Mobile internet usage
Online video
Twitter
Businesses actively pursuing facebook
Blogging
It is the mobile phone network that is the most completive, and BlackBerry’s outlook in Australia is looking not so bright (who would have thought?). The corporate market in Australia is pure gold, and the latest release by Apple with its iPhone 4S looks set to set new phone records. Last week BlackBerry customers in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Canada and the US lost emails and messaging for almost four days. Historically the BlackBerry has dominated the Australian smartphone market – although with the 4S release this should become the Australian market leader.  Telstra’s new 4G network is boasting internet speeds 25x faster than the previous 3G so the phones with the most apps – another trending example.
The online technology market in Australia today resembles a debate much like that of Holden versus Ford (which both now offer the latest technologies in their vehicles).
Today there is anecdotal evidence that some brands are being disconnected by consumers, so keep watching the trending – it’s fascinating unless you’ve been disconnected. I’m not surprised as many have been saying this would happen for years, whenI remember a quote back in 2000 – “Get e-based of get e-rased.”
Many Australian businesses are guilty of “I hear what you’re saying, but I’m not listening”.
Robert Simeon is a director of <a title="RWM" target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/">Richardson  Wrench Mosman and Neutral Bay </a>and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. He has also been writing real-estate blog <a title="Virtual Realty News" target="_blank" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. The RWM real estate model has sold in excess of $1 billion in database sales globally.
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

Real estate businesses must make the most of the web or be left behind

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Greedy vendors and scare tactics from the Reserve Bank have flushed scores of investors out of the WA residential market.
Leading estate agent Geoff Baldwin, managing director of RE/MAX, believes that the Perth market is full of “dead stock” that has languished because of owners’ wishful thinking.
“Investors usually represent about 25% of buyers in Perth and this has fallen to a low of 10%. They are not likely to return to the market until vendor expectation meets market conditions and the Reserve Bank stops scaring people with threats of rate rises,” Baldwin says.
Figures released by the Real Estate Institute of WA reveal that listings have tumbled by 11% since the end of June.
REIWA head of research Stewart Darby says the fall in listings is due to people withdrawing their properties from sale. The REIWA research shows that 15,500 residential properties are currently for sale.
Baldwin believes this figure is closer to 18,000 and says a large proportion of these properties were bought at the peak of the boom.
“People are being squeezed out by a tough economy, interest rates and unemployment. Many buyers committed 50% of their income to their mortgage, and deposits were just 5%. It does not take much to push many overextended home owners over the financial edge,” Baldwin says.
“This two-speed economy in WA can be hard on people that are not working within the resources sector. People just are not prepared to take a hit on their home when they first list is for sale and by the time they accept their situation it has become far worse, more money has been put on the mortgage and the value of their property has dropped further.”
He says he refuses to list houses he deems “unsalable”.
The agent recently sold a house in suburban Perth where the vendor had to borrow money from his family in order to settle the sale.
“We reduced our commission and the bank helped in its own way. While this is extreme, we should expect to see more sales where there is negative equity. As people come to terms with values, investors should slowly return to more stable market,” he says.
RP Data-Rismark’s Hedonic Home Value Index has Perth’s median house price at $455,000, which is down 6.3% on last year’s July quarter figure of $475,000.
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