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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There was a very interesting article by Chris Vedelago in The Age on Sunday concerning listings in Melbourne that have been hanging on the market for an extended period of time, and have subsequently dropped significantly in price.  I’ve often commented how good property will sell well in any market, and it’s an adage that carries a lot of weight.  Therefore, considering the catchy headline “The strange cases of the good houses that just won’t sell”, it’s worth noting in more detail why these Victorian listings in question haven’t sold, and whether we can attribute it to the current doldrums surrounding the real estate market, or if there are other factors to take into consideration.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-southbank-106952892">2506/83 Queensbridge Street, Southbank</a>, has reportedly been on the market since October 30, 2010. Listed initially at $2.15 million, the asking price has now reduced some $500,000 to $1.65 million. This property regularly features on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/wa-landholding-makes-debut-on-sqm-discount-list/2011091451558">SQM’s top 10 most discounted list</a>. The property is a luxury penthouse apartment with a family-sized interior and views extending to Mt Martha.  Situated on the border of what is now considered the world’s “most liveable city”, it’s also in an area serviced by the best amenities Melbourne has to offer – so why hasn’t it sold?
Melbourne’s Southbank – once an industrial area – was initially converted into a high-density, high-rise city, in the 1990s as part of the urban renewal program.  Purchasing in a penthouse may sound like the lap of luxury, however it’s a common misconception and subsequently there is a very limited buyer market for this type of development.  Typically when built, high-rise developments will sell at the lower levels before the upper levels.  This is because buyers like a sense of relativity.  There’s something rather unnatural about being perched up high.  Even though the adverts spruik stunning city views and close proximity to inner-city amenities, if you dip into the archives and read about the experiences of residents who have lived in these developments, they often paint descriptions akin to living in a hotel room rather than a ‘”home”.  The lifestyle lacks a sense of community and can be very sterile – therefore there are often reports of renters not fulfilling their promised term of tenancy, units having high turnover rates, or views being built out – (not to mention the high owners’ corp fees which generate into the thousands – the higher up you are, the higher the bill).
This unit is right next door to Crown Casino.  The location may be OK for a holiday destination, but how many home buyers would want a large casino on their doorstep? Apartments like this are always sensitive to market movements and traditionally suffer high volatility. They appeal to a luxury elite market (often an Asian market who are more adept to high-rise living) and considering the global tribulation  we’ve experienced in recent times – there’s obviously not going to be a queue of buyers lining up for this type of development.  It passed in earlier this year for $1.35 million on what was reportedly a genuine bid – with a reserve of $1.6 million. The last comparable apartment to sell in the block went for $1.1 million at the end of the boom in 2007.  Therefore if you factor in the rises and falls the million-dollar-plus market has experienced since 2007, $1.35 million wasn’t a bad achievement!  After a year of marketing obviously the vendors aren’t under pressure to sell; therefore they may be able to hang out until we move into the next upturn of the property cycle and buyer activity increases.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-niddrie-107347511">23 Gallica Close,  Niddre</a> Situated 13 kilometres north west of the city, this property was initially listed on April 23, 2011 for $1,195,000, however the price has now reduced to $890,000. The house itself is unusual to say the least.  The room dimensions are compromised by a circular design, and it’s quite obviously something that would only appeal to the “odd” property buyer.  Furthermore, the street is on a very steep gradient, which further reduces its appeal.  I recall attending an auction in this street some years ago and struggling to stand upright or even obtain a secure foothold. Trying to sell a house like this in a soft market is always going to present a challenge – and even more so if not priced correctly.  As is typically the case when properties are overpriced, the vendors have only held the home for a short period of time.  This property was last purchased in March 2008 for $900,000.  They’re obviously hoping to cover their expenses and get a profit on the price they paid, however with a property like this, it’s not going to be easy in the current market.  It’s now listed for auction with a price quote of $890,000-$960,000.  Maybe it will have better luck finding a buyer as we move into the warmer months.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-107441405">118 Carpenter Street, Brighton</a> This might sound like a dream address.  After all, it’s close to Brighton’s top shopping strips, walking distance to middle Brighton train station, and in a suburb that’s tightly held because of its bayside appeal.  Considering it’s only 11 kilometres away from the CBD, you may be wondering why it hasn’t been snapped up.  Take a closer look and you’ll also see it also backs onto a train line, has a small land size for the area, and is situated next to a funeral parlour.  The home was initially listed on June 4, 2011 for $1.15 million, however after a few weeks and no result, the price was reduced to $890,000. Unfortunately it’s another example of vendors trying to get a profit after only a short period of ownership.  The house was initially purchased just over a year ago for $850,000 and therefore it’s unreasonable to expect a much higher price considering our current flat market conditions.  However in this case the price reduction worked.  The house sold earlier this month on September 2nd for a result just in excess of the last quoted price.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-hoppers+crossing-107436109">1/9 Albert Place, Hoppers Crossing</a>, - Situated 23 kilometres west of the CBD, Hoppers Crossing isn’t one of the most sort after locations in Melbourne.  However the median house price in this area is currently $330,000 and considering this is $260,000 below the metro median, it’s obviously going to attract buyers looking for affordable options within a commutable distance to the CBD.  There’s nothing quintessentially wrong with this property, however it does have a rather unusual looking blue facade that won’t hold wide appeal.  It was initially listed May 27th for $545,000 however it’s now advertised at $400,000-$425,000. It’s on a subdivided smallish block of land and yet homes in the same street, on larger blocks of land, have been selling in the mid $300,000 – that’s some $100,000 less than the current advertised price range.  Therefore until the vendor is willing to “meet the market”, it’s unlikely to achieve the desired result.
It’s always hard to be completely accurate assessing a property’s worth without viewing it, however we live in one of the most transparent real estate markets in the word and there is a myriad of information available to help home buyers assess comparable value before they dig into their wallets.  Purchasers are generally taking a cautionary approach to property buying.  Vendors who need to sell have been forced to “meet the market”, and if they’ve held their homes for an extended period of time, they have no doubt made a profit upon the initial purchase price.  However those that aren’t under pressure to sell will have to hold out for better times if they want to achieve the ‘wish’ price many of them are still expecting. Good property will sell in any market, but poorly located homes that are generally overpriced won’t!
Catherine Cashmore is senior buyer advocate for <a href="https://www.jpp.com.au" title="JPP" target="_blank">JPP Buyer Advocates</a> – the largest dedicated buyer advocacy service in Victoria. With extensive experience in all matters regarding real estate, JPP successfully purchases and negotiates more than $100 million worth of property each year.
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catherinecashmore-6LXia3pPQj

If a vendor won't meet the market, the property will not sell

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A record $2,365,000 has been paid for a Millers Point terrace, part of Housing NSW's extended sell-off of historic terraces to raise funds for new housing estates in other Sydney suburbs.
Toxteth, built in 1869 in the grand Georgian style at the foot of Observatory Hill, came with the rare bonus of triple parking.
The townhouse with seven bedrooms has a 10-metre Kent Street frontage.
The sale was through by Andrew Stewart and Lorraine Crawford from Di Jones Real Estate.
Beginning in 2008, the Millers Point sales are part of a rationalisation by Housing NSW, which owns 80% of properties in the area, inherited from the Maritime Services Board in the 1980s.
More than $20 million has been recouped from the 20-odd sales, according to Australian Property Monitors.
The department does not have the funds to renovate them so has been using the proceeds to build public housing in the inner west for the elderly, families in need and the disabled.
The new leaseholders are required to restore them to their former glory, conforming with heritage guidelines.
The previous highest departmental sale was $2.1 million. The cheapest property in the group sold for about $840,000.
Privately held Millers Point houses have sold for much higher prices.
The former state Labor government's policy was that the Millers Point public housing estate remained an important part of the NSW government’s social housing portfolio. "However, as many of the department’s properties in Millers Point are of significant heritage value they require major financial investments to meet heritage requirements,” the department says.
"As the department has limited resources which must be focused on delivering homes for those most in need, meeting these heritage liabilities is increasingly challenging.
'By offering long-term leases on these properties to the private sector we will unlock their value whilst keeping government ownership of the property."
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Off-street parking drives Millers Point record-setting sale

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Foreign investors and local institutions have continued to drive sales of Melbourne offices over the first six months of the year, according to Colliers research. 
Foreign investors accounted for 38% of Melbourne CBD office purchasers over this period, almost a 20% rise from 2010.
 
Investment sales activity for transactions in excess of $20 million remained strong at the start of 2011, with seven buildings sold between January 2011 and July 2011 worth a total $569 million, slightly above the $543 million transacted from January 2010 to July 2010. 
The largest purchase by a foreign entity to date in 2011 was the acquisition of 595 Collins Street by US-based Primerica Real Estate Investors for $130 million from Investa Property Group. 
Another major transaction was the sale of 469 La Trobe Street acquired by Malaysian-based CIMB Group, for $84 million in April 2011.
According to IPD Australia’s Property Investment Digest, annual capital growth within Melbourne’s CBD office market increased for the fourth consecutive quarter. 
Capital returns increased by 5.6% per annum in June 2011 while income returns increased by 7.5% per annum, taking total returns to 13.4% per annum. 
Research by Colliers also found the number and value of acquisitions by institutions within the Melbourne CBD office market has risen considerably since 2008. 
Notable institutional buyers include the Challenger Diversified Trust which bought 31 Queen Street for $81 million in February 2011. 
As the market recovers from the GFC, institutions have been actively acquiring properties from private investors since 2009, increasing their market share of real estate holdings in the Melbourne CBD. 
Investors continue to be attracted by stable rental yields with premium and A-grade office yields sitting between 6.50% and 7.75%. 
Looking ahead, the relatively stable and improving Australian economy is likely to cause a healthy rental market, which will likely drive the investment sales market. 
Interest is likely to remain stable, if not increase, and yields are likely to tighten further. As the imbalance in supply-demand continues, capital values are likely to increase.
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Institutions and foreign investors buying up Melbourne offices

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Across the country there is generally a wide gap between the price of house and a unit, a factor that is likely to become increasingly attractive to first-home buyers and other budget-conscious property buyers.

Housing affordability remains a topical issue across most housing markets around Australia and many prospective home buyers are looking to minimise their debt by either purchasing a house in the outer fringes of the city or choosing an apartment located closer to the city. Both options have their pros and cons, however units are becoming an increasingly popular option, particularly amongst younger market segments like Gen Y's and DINKS who like to live close to where they work and play.
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" width="500" height="247" src="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/images/stories/Features/price-sensitive-buyers-1.gif" alt="price-sensitive-buyers-1">
Across the capital cities there is a $56,000 (13.3%) difference between the median house price and median unit price. The difference is as high as $129,000 in Canberra and just over $103,000 in Sydney. Not surprisingly, these two locations are showing the highest proportion of unit sales relative to all dwelling sales at around 43% across both cities.
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" width="500" height="170" src="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/images/stories/Features/price-sensitive-buyers-2.gif" alt="price-sensitive-buyers-2">
Across the other large capital cities (Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide) the price gap between the median house and unit price is much less at around 18%. In dollar value terms that still represents a sizeable price gap; generally around a $70,000 difference and slightly more than $60,000 in Adelaide.
Apart from what are typically more affordable price points, apartments offer a wide variety of other factors that are important to home buyers and investors. Apartment developments are often located closer to the city and major rental/working nodes such as universities and hospitals. These areas generally have efficient transport connections, plenty of retail facilities and social amenity; all key elements high on the list of young buyers. This style of housing also generally involves less maintenance; no mowing the lawn or trimming the hedges.
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" width="500" height="222" src="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/images/stories/Features/price-sensitive-buyers-3.gif" alt="price-sensitive-buyers-3">
Going forward we are likely to see apartments continue to garner a larger share of the market. Twenty years ago apartments comprised only about 25% of all sales. More recently the proportion of apartment sales peaked at 36% in mid 2009. The fall away since that time (see 'Unit sales as a proportion of all sales' graph) is most likely attributable to both a slow down in investor and first home buyer purchases as well as "off the plan" sales yet to settle which do not appear in the figures.
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" width="500" height="117" src="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/images/stories/Features/price-sensitive-buyers-4.gif" alt="price-sensitive-buyers-4">
The drivers of this popularity are likely to be varied. The more affordable price points are clearly one reason. Also, a heightened preference for living close to the city and efficient transport linkages as traffic woes worsen. Changing lifestyle preferences are another factor: more baby boomers looking to downsize from the family home into a smaller and lower maintenance dwelling, younger buyers who aren't willing to sacrifice their lifestyle to live in a detached home located a greater distance from the city and similarly, couples who are willing to raise a family in an attached or semi-attached dwelling are all relevant examples. Additionally, an increase in single person households and smaller families is likely to see demand for apartment living continue to evolve. 
Tim Lawless is research director at  <a href="https://www.rpdata.com/" title="SmartCompany" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
This article originally appeard on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/property/20110919-apartments-the-logical-alternative-for-price-sensitive-buyers" title="SmartCompany" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

Budget-conscious buyers are snapping up apartments

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Prospective home buyers are beginning to value location and security more than having a big garden or floor space, according to a new research report produced by think tank the Grattan Institute.

The news comes as the auctions market has continued to struggle a few weeks into the spring selling season, with clearance rates roughly in line with their performance over the past few months.
The Grattan Institute "What Matters Most" survey found that the number of bedrooms in a home ranks as the highest concern across all demographics, followed by safety for occupants, proximity to family and friends and the number of living spaces in the home.
Researcher and report co-author Ben Weidmann says the traditional idea that families want a large, detached house with a backyard isn't necessarily true, and that shifts in the population are leading to changes in the reasons people want certain houses.
"One interesting thing we found is around the idea of location. There tends to be this idea that people will continue to drive further out until they get that detached house with a yard, but that isn't the case. There is a mix of preferences here and they differ across the population," he says.
"Particularly, they change by age and household type."
The report found that older households tend to be focused on those location-type variables, such as being close to family and friends, while safety and security also becomes a priority as people live by themselves. Proximity to health services is also a factor.
Weidmann says the idea of having a larger house with a large number of bedrooms is now important to younger families.
"That was the only demographic that actually prioritised having a garden, whereas the other groups didn't put that first," he says. "We're finding that lot sizes are getting smaller but housing sizes are actually getting bigger."
Weidmann says as the population ages and more people wait to have children, the property industry will need to adapt. But he also says the construction industry needs to be dynamic, and shift to the needs of different areas – not just assume that one size house will fit all.
"It's definitely a case of priorities of different segments of the population seem to want different things. You might expect this to shift as the population changes and the overall kind of housing changes as well."
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/20110919-property-hunters-value-location-over-house-size-new-report-claims" target="_blank">SmartCompany.</a>
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Property hunters value location over house size: Grattan Institute

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<img src="/images/stories/wolesley.jpg">
The bare-knuckle political battle for the seat of Bennelong has had its property conclusion following a $1.76 million weekend auction result. The political victor, the former tennis great John Alexander, has finally offloaded his Lindfield home (pictured above) following his relocation into his lower north shore electorate.
But the sale price didn't cover his conveyancing costs.
The four-bedroom property, Lancaster House, set on the upper north shore had been initially expected to fetch more than $2 million on its failed March listing. Alexander had paid $1.7 million in 2007.
The Alexander family has bought a modern four-bedroom residence in Putney for $1,845,000.
<img src="/images/stories/angusave.jpg">
The former ALP MP Maxine McKew and her partner, political strategist Bob Hogg, sold their house in Epping (pictured above) in the Bennelong electorate for $1,065,000, and were the property victors.
With McKew and Hogg heading off to Melbourne, St Elmo, their 1902 three-bedroom house, had been tipped to fetch $950,000-plus at its March auction through McGrath Epping agent Wayne Vaughan. McKew and Hogg bought the property for $860,000 when they moved from Mosman before McKew's 2007 election victory over then prime minister John Howard.
McKew, now working with the not-for-profit organisation Social Ventures Australia, lost the seat of Bennelong to Alexander by 5,300 votes after a 4.5% swing.
McKew and Hogg’s price gain reflected 5.5% annual growth, compared with Alexander's 0.8% annual price growth.
McKew and Hogg have recently since spent $1.24 million on a Southbank residential/commercial office warehouse complex.
<img src="/images/stories/mckewoffice.jpg">
The three-level building (pictured above) has fitted offices and caretaker residence only a short walk to the city and Yarra promenade.
It was marketed as offering a flexible floorplan plus double garage by its listing agent James Keep at Cayzer Real Estate when sold by Westmont Holdings Bruce Barron.
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John Alexander won Bennelong, but Maxine McKew takes the property points

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<img src="/images/stories/riverview2.jpg">
Far North Coast entrepreneur Eddie Phillips has placed a $2.5 million asking price on his redundant Brunswick Heads motel.
The River View Inn at 2 Brunswick Terrace, located opposite the river, has been on and off the market since 2006. In 2008 its hopes were $5 million.
<img src="/images/stories/riverview.jpg">
The motel is set on two separate lots of 872 square metres next to the Brunswick Hotel
The motel has 12 rooms, in-ground swimming pool, manager's quarters and licensed restaurant.
It has been listed through Raine &amp; Horne agent Janis Perkins as suitable for either improving or redeveloping.
Raine &amp; Horne has another motel on sale at $1,999,000. It’s the 12-room Chalet Motel, which sits on a 1,349-square-metre block of land.
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Welcome to the '60s in Brunswick Heads motel offering

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Only two apartments remain in a new development slated for the Flinders Street building that once housed Lou Richards’ Phoenix Hotel. The development will offer whole-floor apartments with uninterrupted city views.
Phoenix 82, named for Richards’ rough-and-tumble journo hotspot, will offer 28 two- and three-bedroom apartments over its 28 floors. All of the two-bedroom units have been sold, and only two of the three-bedroom units remain.
<img src="/images/stories/phoenix821.jpg">
Knight Frank agent Gerry Wang says most of the buyers have been local owner-occupiers keen to live in the Melbourne CBD.
Prices started from $645,000 for the two-bedroom apartments and from $1,865,000 for the three-bedroom units. All apartments from level 11 to leve 28 have three bedrooms, and those on the lower floors are two-bedroom units. The three-bedroom units are 131 square metres, and the two-bedrooms are about 80 square metres.
Former Collingwood footballer and footy commentator Lou “Louie the Lip” Richards operated the Phoenix Hotel at 82 Flinders Street after retiring from footy in the mid-1950s. He and his wife, Edna, sold the bar in 1993, and it was transformed from rowdy journo pub into a more businessman-centred bar.
<img src="/images/stories/phoenix822.jpg">
The Phoenix closed earlier this year, and the entire building will be demolished to make way for the Phoenix 82 development. Construction is due to start in the next two months and is expected to take between 18 months and two years.
The striking façade of Phoenix 82, designed by Fender Katsilidis architects (the firm behind Melbourne’s iconic Eureka Tower), will encompass a blue ribbon of light snaking around the building.
““The building itself will be wrapped by a light bar which curves like a ribbon around it and cascades around exterior walls and balconies. Made from steel plate and set above LED lighting, the blue bar will transform the structure and make a bold statement,” says Fender Katsalidis architect James Pearce.
Knight Frank project marketing director Tom Omerod says the fittings and fixtures will be second to none in the new project.
“Floor to ceiling windows, natural stone bench tops, reclaimed wooden flooring and Marc Newson designed Smeg appliances all come as standard,” Omerod says.
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Phoenix 82 development to offer bird's eye views of Melbourne

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Property investors who use their self-managed super funds to borrow and acquire real estate will need to ensure they fully understand their obligations and comply with the letter of the law, says the Australian Tax Office.
The warning has come from the very top of the industry, with ATO superannuation assistant commissioner Stuart Forsyth saying the forthcoming year will be a “big year” for regulation and compliance.
“We are acquiring new powers to prevent breaches of legislation,” Forsyth said during his keynote speech at the Institute of Chartered Accountants’ National SMSF Conference in Melbourne today.
“There will be minimum adverse impacts on people who do the right thing. “
Property investors who set up new DIY funds will receive particularly close attention (about 60,000 new SMSF funds register with the tax office each year), with ignorance of the rules and obligations unlikely to curry much favour with the ATO.
Areas that will receive special focus from the ATO will include breaching contribution caps and illegal early release of funds.
“One SMSF trustee has been sent to jail for long-term breaches and failure to lodge,” Forsyth says.
“You need a blooming good reason not to lodge.”
Speaking as part of the panel discussion following Forsyth’s address, Professor Gordon Cooper, principal of accountants Cooper &amp; Co, accused the ATO of being “ridiculous and draconian” in how it deals with breaches of contribution caps.
He gave the example of a client who was issued with a $70,000 due to being $10 over her contribution cap. Cooper was only able to get the assessment waived due his client being ill and being poorly advised.
“If she were not ill, she would most likely have had to pay the $70,000,” he says.
Also part of the discussion, Liz Westover, head of superannuation at the ICA, advised trustees to engage with the tax office rather than bury their heads in the sand – “that way you have a much better chance of a favourable outcome”.
The ATO is considering devising an online course that would be required for trustees.
The ATO has provided a list of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/fifteen-ways-to-add-property-to-your-smsf/2011091651578" target="_blank">acceptable ways for SMSFs to invest in property</a>. For more on the rules regarding self-managed super funds and property, see our e-book 16 questions self-managed super fund trustees should ask before investing in property.
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SMSF trustees must be very vigilant concerning tax: ATO

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House prices have risen by 147% but incomes by only 57% over the past decade, according to the recently formed lobby group, Australians for Affordable Housing.
Housing affordability was the single biggest cost of living issue, according the Australians for Affordable Housing’s analysis.
"Housing costs are both the biggest item in household budgets and the fastest increasing cost – having increased 55% over the last six years," AAH spokesperson Sarah Toohey says.
She also noted in the past five years rents have risen at twice the rate of inflation. “Households are paying more than they can afford for housing, with over 740,000 renters and more than 380,000 mortgaged home owners reporting significant financial stress,” Toohey says.
“Despite significant investment in recent years, there is less public and community housing properties now than there was in 2003.
“Housing stress affects renters, first time buyers and home owners.
"The Australian housing system is failing too many people, and successive government policy settings have contributed to this failure,” Toohey says.
"We need strong leadership from the Federal Government to drive the necessary changes at the federal, state and local government levels.
"It’s time for a new approach, to develop a concrete plan to fix the housing crisis,” says Toohey.
The campaign steering committee includes Australian Council of Social Service, Community Housing Federation of Australia, Homelessness Australia, National Shelter, National Association of Tenants Organisations and PowerHousing Australia, a national trade association and business co-operative of growth community housing providers whose aim is to grow the supply of affordable housing in Australia.
The campaign, chaired by Sacred Heart Mission chief Michael Perusco, suggests nearly one in 10 households are in housing stress with a "startling 460,000 households spending more than half of their income on housing costs."
"It’s time to make some noise about housing affordability," <a target="_blank" href="https://housingstressed.org.au/">the website</a> notes.
It urges government action by providing:
<ul>
<li>More low-cost rental housing</li>
<li>More opportunities for low income households to get into home ownership</li>
<li>Better financial assistance for low-income renters</li>
<li>Revised housing investment tax arrangements to put them on a fairer footing with other investments</li>
<li>Options to make home ownership easier for first-home buyers</li>
<li>A clear national plan to deliver affordable housing to all Australians</li>
</ul>
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