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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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/september27bondi]}
Bondi Beach's record-setting $9 million apartment is up for sale. Since the Notts Avenue penthouse sold in 2006 there have been higher prices, but its listing agents are coy as to their current ambitions.
“It certainly will be selling for more than it last sold,” the listing agent Martin Maskin says.
It’s been listed by Spencer Young, the founder and chairman of a $6 billion global hedge fund business, as he plans to relocate to his country retreat.
The apartment covers the top floor of a three-story building at the south end of Bondi Beach, which has a north-easterly aspect.
The complex is direct above the Bondi Icebergs swimming, fitness and recreation club.
The apartment includes four security car spaces.
The penthouse sales in the area at higher prices include a Ramsgate Avenue apartment that changed hands at $9.8 million in 2007 for a two-level, five-bedroom penthouse on Ramsgate Avenue with 300 square metres of internal space plus balcony, and then more recently a penthouse in The Beach House at 178 Campbell Parade, which sold off the plan for $11.4 million.
The Notts Avenue offering has been listed through Martin Maskin at Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Record-setting Bondi apartment back on the market

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Westpac is forecasting consumer spending growth to slow to below 2% for the four quarters to June 2012, which the bank says makes the case for a rate cut even stronger. 
Along with “anaemic credit growth of 3% and modest falls in house prices it seems clear that interest rates are well into the contractionary zone,” writes the bank’s chief economist Bill Evans in the September Coast-to-Coast report. 
“With global growth prospects deteriorating there is a strong case for lower interest rates. That will provide a circuit breaker for the current slowing and help moderate the impact on the economy of the global downturn,” he says. 
Since July Westpac has been forecasting interest rates to be cut by 25 basis points by December and to fall by a total of 100 basis points over a 12-month period.
 <img src="/images/stories/westpacsept27.gif">
Source: Westpac
Evans says the Reserve Bank has acknowledged the need to revise down its “very optimistic growth forecasts” released in August but has not recognised the need for lower interest rates. 
“It seems clear to us that the Australian economy has entered a difficult period where domestic prospects are deteriorating; labour markets are weakening; and dismal news abroad will weigh further on confidence,” Evans says. 
Westpac has a more pessimistic outlook on the Australian economy than the RBA. 
The bank is forecasting Australian GDP growth to average 1.2% for 2011 and 2.5% for 2012, compared with the central bank’s forecasts of 2% for this year and 4.5% for 2012. 
The report also highlights a “loss of confidence amongst consumers and business” with a downturn in the labour market and private business conditions softening. 
“[These] will weigh on household income growth and reinforce recent consumer concerns about their job security. In this environment consumer spending is set to revert to the sub–par pace that has been evident for much of the time since the global downturn,” Evans says.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Slowing spending makes rate cut more likely: Bill Evans

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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.
 
<img src="/images/stories/ikeaspringvale.jpg">
There is still one tenancy space available in Harvey Norman’s landmark Springvale Homemaker Centre in Victoria. In December CBRE updated the available leasing opportunities indicating there was still showroom floor area with 1,420 square metres available.
The first stage of the centre, involving the largest IKEA store in the Southern Hemisphere, opened in September, attracting more than 80,000 people in the first four days of trading.
In the first five days the Springvale Facebook page has been live it’s had more than 1000 “likes”.
It is located on the corner of the Princes Highway and Westall Road in Melbourne’s outer southeast.
<img src="/images/stories/harveynormanfloorplan3.gif">
The remainder of the 72,000-square-metre complex opened in October, providing space for more than 25 retail brands, including Harvey Norman and Domayne.
The double-storey complex is a joint venture between Harvey Norman and IKEA. Harvey Norman bought its eight-hectare property, formerly used as a Telstra supply branch, when its fended off fierce competition from developers to pay $14.6 million in 2004, which was $4.6 million more than vendor Folkestone paid for it six months earlier.

Harvey Norman occupies a 10,000 square-metre store, and IKEA is trading from a 36,000-square-metre space.
<img src="/images/stories/harveynormanfloorplan2.gif">
CBRE bulky goods senior manager Chris Parry says the development introduces new brands and concepts to the Melbourne bulky goods market, including Curtain Wonderland, Harvey Norman Big Buys and Regal Sleep Solutions.
It will also provide an opportunity for expanding retailers including HS Home – the new Harris Scarfe concept – which is being rolled out across Australia.
JB HiFi, Nick Scali, Snooze, Early Settler, Outdoor Furniture Specialists, Howards Storage World, Adairs, Babyco, Plush, Anaconda, House and Berkowitz are among the tenants.
Parry says the rents range significantly, as CBRE has leased space as large as 2,500 square metres within the centre. 
“An indicative range is $250 per square metre net to $460 per square metre net,” he says. 
“We are currently marketing the last remaining showroom, which is 1,450 square metres with an asking rent of $330 per square metre,” Parry says.
He says the centre's anchor tenants have attracted smaller retailers.
“The strength of the anchor retailers and the centre’s location have been two of the drawcards for tenants, with the complex offering easy access to in excess of 1.8 million people within 30 minutes’ drive time,” Parry says.
“The pulling power of IKEA has been another attraction for tenants, with over 45,000 customers on average visiting an IKEA store each week.
“This equates to over 2.34 million customers a year and when combined with the customer base of the centre’s other tenants in Stage 2, will provide Springvale with a visitation rate unrivalled in Australia.”
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Still space left in Harvey Norman-IKEA's new Springvale homemaker centre

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Keep your eye on Hong Kong and Shanghai in this market rally.
And remember that global stock markets, including Australia, are dominated by professional traders working for the big investment banks and institutions. Given world instability, they are moving markets up and down while putting pressure on politicians and central bankers to find a permanent solution to the European crisis.
The current rally was created because traders had oversold the market, and politicians and central bankers spread the word that they would at last take action.
If that action is yet another Band-Aid and does not include a massive reconstruction of European banks to recognise their losses, then the counter-cyclical rally will run out of steam and the bear market will resume.
But counter-cyclical rallies can be substantial.
What’s happening in Europe has a direct impact on Australia. Outgoing Commonwealth Bank chief executive Ralph Norris dared to tell the truth when he warned that the looming Australian interest rate cuts might not be passed on in full because the turmoil in Europe is boosting the cost of overseas borrowings – which Australian banks require to fund about 40% of their book.
I could be wrong, but my guess is that the Europeans need to feel more market pain before they will take required action.
But while the Europeans dither, there is an emerging property problem in Hong Kong and China, which sent the Hong Kong market to a 26-month low yesterday and saw a continued steady decline in Shanghai.
Last year when the Chinese central banks began the process of tightening, Chinese property developers and state-owned enterprises found private loans to keep up their development momentum. Property gluts are now emerging, and Shanghai and Hong Kong prices are starting to fall. This is weighing on both the Hong Kong and Shanghai markets and is one reason why the price of copper is being hammered (although there was a late rally last night, which recovered a further big fall).
All this may be lost in the current market rally but if there is a sharp cutback in Chinese apartment construction, it will affect commodities. The Chinese government is looking at further stimulation but it also has an eye to inflation.
For Australia, how China plays out will be as important as what is happening in Europe, and Europe needs Chinese money to recapitalise its banks. If China has a crunch of its own at the time of the European crisis, then the world faces a new degree of danger.
But meanwhile, enjoy the rally and, as I told Eureka Report readers last week, if you are uncomfortable with your levels of equity then these rallies give you the chance to adjust your exposure.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/" title="Business Spectator" target="_blank">Business Spectator</a>
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

China's property market threat to Australia: Gottliebsen

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Four blocks totalling 42 units in Bankstown have been listed for October 19 auction.
Set in Sydney’s south west, the offering will be in one line through CB Richard Ellis agents Harry Bui, Frank Oliveri and Peter Vines.
The blocks have already been strata titled.
Their current gross income is $665,000 and their anticipated market rent is $762,000.
The complex has $66,000 operating expenses plus $111,000 in statutory charges, making its annual net operating income $486,000.
Its statutory charges include $33,000 council rates, $45,000 water rates and $32,000 land tax.
Three of the blocks were built in 1984, and one constructed in 2006, with none having undergone any significant upgrades or modernisation.
With rental demand rising in the Bankstown market and rent growth projected by Residex at 5% to 6% a year for the next few years, Bui says the 42 multi-housing collection is “a prime real estate investment opportunity”.
According to Residex, the residential house market in Bankstown experienced capital growth of 11% over the year to June 2011.
The median value for Bankstown units during the June 2011 quarter was $306,000.
The Bankstown residential sales of individual strata-titled apartments have totalled 661 apartments in the past 12 months, with a $239 million total transaction volume at an average of $270,000 to $310,000 for one-bedroom apartments, $300,000 to $360,000 for two-bedroom apartments and $330,000 to $465,000 for three-bedroom apartments.
According to Residex, apartments within the 2160 to 2249 postal code range are forecast to have about 2% to 3%-plus growth a year over the next five years.
“As a broader outlook for the local residential apartment market, we expect apartments in Bankstown to continue to be popular amongst private investors and owner-occupiers,” Bui says.
“There could be further yield compressions for a quality asset in a prime location as there are more first-home buyers and investors coming to the market.”
The median weekly Bankstown rent for a two-bedroom unit is $385 per week.
Its vacancy rate remains tight and rental yield for apartments has outperformed, Bui says.
According to SQM Research, the suburb of Bankstown had a vacancy rate of 0.6% at June 2011.
Its rental yield was 6.45% reflecting a 1% increase over the last decade.
“This offering is a unique opportunity to secure a low-risk investment with very strong foundation for future growth,” Bui says.
“There’s a value creation opportunity and a safe exit strategy. There’s significant scope to enhance capital immediately through various cosmetic enhancements with select interior upgrades,” he notes.
He suggests smaller strata-titled apartments for under $400,000 were highly sought after by smaller investors and owner-occupiers in the local market.
The apartment sizes range from 68 square metres for one-bedroom units to 131 square metres for two-bedroom units. They average 100 square metres.
The current rents range from $275 a week to $340 a week.
Whole-block sales have been rare in Bankstown in the past 12 months. The most notable transaction was the sale of the whole 21 two-bedroom apartment block leased to Housing NSW at 2-6 Bungalow Crescent in Bankstown, which fetched $6.04 million in April.
The next highest sale was a block of 12 units sold for $3.35 million in mid-2010. Its sale price reflected $279,000 per unit. It’s leased to NSW Housing returning $191,000 a year.
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Bankstown blocks comprising 42 units slated for October auction

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Collingwood is no longer a centre of factories and manufacturing, but its industrial past is attracting Melbourne buyers in a new development.
The Islington Silos, a conversion of heritage-listed grain silos that used to serve the James Hood &amp; Co malt house, have been popular with Melburnians, with all 21 apartments selling off the plan within three months of their pre-sales launch in April. The neighbouring warehouse is being converted into 27 apartments, and all but five of these have sold as well.
<img src="/images/stories/silos1.jpg">
The silo apartments, which are all three bedrooms and 130 square metres, have curved exterior walls from their previous life. Melbourne Real Estate agent Steven Marks, who is marketing the properties along with Georgina Mellick and Peter Hooymans from the same agency, says the point of difference was a “key selling point”.
The 130-square-metre silo apartments ranged in price from $825,000 to $1.35 million for the penthouses.
<img src="/images/stories/silos2.jpg">
The warehouse comprises 20 two-bedroom apartments, which range in size from 66 to 80 square metres, and seven one-bedroom units. Prices for the warehouse units range from $525,000 to $680,000.
Marks says the warehouse apartments maintain their heritage façade, and the complex’s history and unique design have appealed to buyers. James Hood &amp; Co built the silos in 1878, and Hood &amp; Co supplied malt to local breweries including the Victoria Brewery.
<img src="/images/stories/silos3.jpg">
The silo apartments are all fitted with state-of-the-art kitchen gadgetry from Italian homewares designer Bontempi, and bathrooms come with Rogerseller fittings and fixtures.
Marks says the buyers have been well-heeled Melburnian owner-occupiers, with an average sale price for the silo apartments of $1 million.
<img src="/images/stories/silos4.jpg">
“They appeal to the more sophisticated buyer,” Marks says. “They have hardwood floors, really nice fit-outs – that was well received on the marketplace.”
Developer Blue Earth Group is undertaking the $35 million project, which is expected to be finished in October 2012.
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Collingwood malt silo development hops to it

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Pick up any newspaper or property magazine at the moment, and you could be forgiven for thinking that the bottom has just fallen out of the housing market.
Although it is true that we have witnessed some minor price adjustments, the market is still very robust and talk of any bubbles bursting are wide of the mark. It is almost inevitable that the halcyon conditions that we have recently encountered would not last indefinitely.
Markets rise and fall, but unlike a lot of other developed countries, Australia is experiencing a calmer acclimation to turbulent external factors.
With prices more sensible and interest rates unlikely to increase any time soon, the spring is an ideal time to move home. Up until recently we have experienced a "sellers' market", whereas now there is a far greater equilibrium between supply and demand, creating a heightened level of stability.
Irrespective of market conditions, a property is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay, so study comparable evidence carefully and ensure that the price is realistic.
Douglas Driscoll is CEO of <a target="_blank" title="Starr Partners" href="https://www.starrpartners.com.au/">Starr Partners</a>.
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douglasdriscoll-EkfdEjJSsC

Any talk of property bubbles bursting is well wide of the mark

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Exactly why have industrial companies around the world been slow to recover? And why did everything look so promising and then suddenly seem to grind to a halt?
Perhaps some insight into this question was provided by the IMF's recent World Economic Outlook.
According to Oliver Blanchard (IMF chief economist), there are the dual influences of a slowdown in advanced Western economies and the overall financial uncertainty.
During the GFC, companies allowed their inventories to run down. Then, with a hint of global recovery, those same companies began replacing their depleted inventory levels.
As you would expect, production climbed until those inventories had been restored. At which point, you saw production return to more normal levels – when wider business activity was expected to take over from the various government stimulus packages, as it usually did during previous downturns.
But this simply hasn't happen – especially in Europe, the UK and US. Therefore, the first part of the problem relates to there being virtually no transition from government stimulus to private demand.
Furthermore, China has chosen to turn its focus away from these weakened northern economies and towards building its own domestic demand. This has effectively closed the major export market for the large US manufacturing sector, simply making the global problem even harder to solve.
Bottom Line: Fortunately for Australia, China still requires our natural resources in abundance to underpin its massive domestic expansion plans over the next decade.
And as I've stated in various articles over the past month or so, it won't be too long before you'll see the influence of this begin to flow through the rest of the Australian economy, including commercial property.
Chris Lang is an advisor to commercial property investors and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a href="https://his-best.biz/" title="Chris Lang's blog" target="_blank">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
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chrislang-EQKojcgJPV

China's demand for natural resources will underpin Australia's commercial property recovery

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Loan-to-value ratios are continuing to increase but mortgage arrears aren’t becoming a problem yet, the Reserve Bank of Australia says in its latest Financial Stability Review report.
But mortgage experts say while loan-to-valuation ratios are continuing to increase and banks are becoming more lenient with regard to lending practices, arrears aren’t becoming a problem and consumers are well placed to handle debt.
The RBA report noted that although the share of new loans with loan-to-valuation ratios of above 90% has fallen “significantly” over the past few years, “it has edged up over the past year as competition in the mortgage market has intensified”.
While banks dropped their LVRs during the financial crisis, they are starting to creep up again. ANZ has LVRs at 90% for new borrowers, and 95% for existing borrowers, while customers at NAB, Commonwealth and Westpac are also able to access a 95% rate.
However, the RBA also found that while loans made before 2009 are causing the recent uptick in arrears, the current state of mortgages is sustainable.
“Despite the increase over the first half of 2011, the overall mortgage arrears rate in Australia is still low by international standards, and the bulk of housing loans in arrears are well collateralised,” the RBA says.
“Moreover … there are a number of reasons why mortgage arrears are unlikely to rise as much as they have in some other countries. Not least is the more favourable macroeconomic environment in Australia.”
Fitch structured finance associate director James Zanesi says it is true that higher LVRs are associated with higher arrears and defaults, but overall he agrees with the RBA.
“I would say the main driver in terms of likelihood of default is the LVR. It is logical to say that if you have an LVR of 70%, and an LVR of 90%, the 90% mortgage holder is more likely to default, which is proven by historical data.”
However, Zanesi says it is too difficult to make sweeping statements regarding LVRs, saying instead the mortgage market performs differently based on location and differences between metropolitan areas need to be taken into account.
“If one of a few lenders increase LVRs, they don’t all jump the same way. It’s also not a short-term impact, so you wouldn’t see results of raising LVRs for quite some time,” Zanesi says.
“Arrears rose in the first quarter, but there are not as dramatic as in other jurisdictions such as the United States. Relatively, our arrears and defaults rate is fine.”
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" title="SmartCompany" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/property/20110926-property-loan-to-value-ratios-rising-but-economy-well-placed-to-handle-debt-rba-report-finds">SmartCompany</a>.
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Property loan-to-valuation ratio rising but economy well place to handle debt: RBA

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There has been an increase in the use of the term “discounting” to describe the local property market. Unfortunately, it is a term that fundamentally misunderstands the notion of value and price in residential real estate.
This is the same mistake many commentators made when the market was very strong and sale prices were regularly exceeding vendors’ and their real estate agents’ expectations.
It must be remembered that in most cases that a price on a real estate advertisement is under Victorian law an estimation. The estimate is often based on recent comparable sales and the real estate agent’s judgment. It is not necessarily the price the vendor will sell for, as that often fluctuates over the course of a sales campaign.
It is not clear that commentators using the term “discounting” actually know what a vendor will accept. If they do not then the term only describes the difference between the estimates and not the real value.
It is a truism in real estate that, no matter the state of the market, a property will only sell for the price a purchaser is willing to pay. This is very different from most retail goods – for instance, groceries – which are only available for the stated price.
For a sale to be achieved, the vendor must decide to accept what the market is willing to pay, and that number is an outcome of competition between buyers and other homes on the market.
This is why, as a service to the market, the REIV tracks and compares sale prices. By comparing actual sales, participants in the market can get a real indication if prices, overall or even in one suburb, are stable, dropping or rising. This is a far more useful and clear indication of the state of the market than discounting.
Enzo Raimondo is the CEO of the<a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" title="REIV" target="_blank"> Real Estate Institute of Victori</a><a target="_blank" title="REIV" href="https://www.reiv.com.au">a.</a>
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