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]

Joel Robinson

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.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

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

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of living landscapes.

"We've always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren't there," Hameister says.

"In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that's concrete and glass with not a blade of grass.

"The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn't been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

What does it really mean for a building to be 'green'?

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?

<html><body>
The poor performance of the local property sector has been dealt another blow by an economist who says that Australian property is as much as 60% overvalued and could see the same type of crash that occurred in Japan over 20 years ago.

Those comments come alongside predictions from bankers and analysts that the Reserve Bank will hold off from raising interest rates when it meets again next month.
Economist Harry Dent has told the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/dont-bet-on-an-interest-rate-drop/story-fn7j19iv-1226114811537">Herald Sun</a> that the Australian market is looking much the same way the Japanese market did before its crash in the 1980s, when values fell by as much as 60%.
"That's what Australia could be looking at. I think prices will go back down to where they were in mid-2000, to where young families can start affording a house again - so that could prove a good thing," he said.
Such comparisons have been made before, with some analysts saying the Australian market is gearing itself up for a fall. Local economist Steve Keen has famously predicted that property prices could fall as much as 40% over the next 10-15 years. (That prediction was made in 2007).
However, many local economists have rejected such predictions, saying the markets cannot be compared. APM economist Andrew Wilson says the Australian market has remained one of the most resilient, and it would take a significant change for prices to plummet by that much.
"International investors last week showed a very significant leap of faith in the Australian sharemarket, and by extension, the Australian economy. There is a sense that Australia provides a safe haven in terms of residential property."
Wilson says the comparisons between Japan and Australia are flawed given the widely different nature of incomes, the property market itself and the connection to the Chinese economy which is unlikely to see its growth rate plummet in the near future.
"What we've seen during the GFC is that China sort of switched from an externally driven type of economy to growth within the domestic economy which showed it can remain resistant to downturns in the domestic export market."
"That's a very comforting outcome for Australia."
Wilson also points to the weekend's auction results, which were "resilient" given the massive turmoil in sharemarkets worldwide and renewed discussion about whether the RBA would in fact raise rates next month.
ANZ's Phil Chronican and Commonwealth Bank chief executive Ralph Norris have now publically said they believe the RBA will keep rates on hold.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/property/20110815-us-economist-predicts-housing-prices-to-fall-60-but-local-analysts-say-market-resilient" title="SmartCompany" target="_blank">SmartCompany.com.au</a>
 
</body></html>

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

US economist predicts Australian housing crash

<html><body>
CFS retail property trust will look to get the right mix of tenants in its DFO stores portfolio after posting a “solid” result for the 12 months to the end of June. 
The group reported profits of $532 million with net property income on its 29 retail properties up 13%. The assets have a total valued at $8.5 billion. More than three-quarters of its portfolio is made up of super-regional and regional shopping centres. 
The trust acquired four DFO retail outlets during the financial year in Moorabbin, Essendon, South Wharf and Homebush in Sydney at just under $500 million. 
Trust funder manager Peter Gorman says the focus during the forthcoming financial year will be on enhancing tenancy relationships, filling vacancies and getting the tenancy mix right. 
“More experienced managers who get their retail mix, marketing and customer proposition right, will be the winners in this cycle,” Gorman says.
Gorman expects challenging retail sales conditions to continue in the first half of the financial year driven by consumer caution, but that this will ease in the second half of the year with sales growth to start to improve as consumers increase spending 
The trust anticipates retail sales growth of 3% for the 2012 financial year. 
Commenting on the annual results managing director of property at Colonial First State Darren Steinberg says there remains demand for quality Australian shopping centres from offshore investors. 
He says the retail market has shown signs of recovery “reflected in firming investment metrics such as capitalisation rates”. 
CFS is currently developing Emporium Melbourne in the CBD at a cost of $1.12 billion. It is targeting an initial one year yield of greater than 6%. The project is expected to begin trading in 2013.
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

CFS shops around for right retail mix

<html><body>
Australand’s Greenhills Beach project at Cronulla in Sydney’s southern Cronulla has achieved quick success, with 31 of its initial 33 lot offering being sold following marketing over the past two months.
There are 236 lots in the Australand precinct, with blocks ranging in size from 550 square metres to 800 square metres.
The price guide for the first release of lots was between $770,000 and the low-$900,000s, for those closer to the beach.
Greenhills Beach is Sydney’s newest suburb, having its name recently approved by the NSW Geographical Names Board last month.
There are two separate residential developments at Greenhills Beach – one by Australand and the other by Breen Property.
More than 100 prospective buyers have paid a reservation fee to secure an appointment when sales officially opened last weekend.
Some 1,200 registered a buying interest in the Australand lost since June.
Greenhills Beach is positioned between Wanda Beach and Botany Bay, with entry from the main access road of Captain Cook Drive.
There will be direct beach access for the residents.
The Australand NSW residential general manager Nigel Edgar says the masterplanned community had no comparable developments that offered beach access in the Sydney metropolitan area.
“Greenhills Beach combines a beautiful beachside environment with natural fauna and flora that forms part of the coastal landscape,” Edgar says.
The precinct will include more than 90 hectares of public open space, including 10 playing fields – baseball, soccer, hockey, cricket and skate park – along with nature reserves with frog habitat ponds that will be dedicated to the Sutherland Shire Council.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Shire buyers snap up blocks in Sydney's newest beachside suburb

<html><body>
Many articles have been written about buying properties off the plan. Most are critical of this approach to buying and conclude that the numbers simply don’t add up. However, as with all investments, there are pros and cons that warrant a balanced analysis based on your own personal circumstances.
Developers sell off the plan because this is usually a requirement for them to secure upfront construction financing from a lender. A certain percentage of the development usually has to be pre-sold before the release of funds by the bank. Buyers would pay a deposit to secure the property, with the balance payable upon settlement.
Below I consider some of the pros and cons of buying off the plan in NSW.
Pros
•             Brand new. Everybody likes the feeling of “newness” – be it new cars or new houses.
•             Developer discounts. Developers may sell some units at a discount if they need to meet sales targets to get the construction underway.
•             Extended settlement period. With delivery usually over a year or two away, it gives you time to sell your place or to obtain financing (or even to increase your income before financing needed).
•             Stamp duty concessions. Over the last five years, various concessions on stamp duty have been offered in NSW such as for retirees and first homebuyers.
•             Customisation. It is often possible to provide input on final design if a property is purchased before construction (e.g. to merge two apartments into one large one or to choose certain fittings and fixtures).
•             Warranty periods. All builders are required to provide seven-year warranty on building structure (in addition to a preliminary period covering finishes defects). However, note that home warranty insurance (with a third-party insurer) is only required to be taken out by builders on residential projects valued over $12,000. Larger developments (buildings of more than three stories) are exempt and the purchaser must rely solely on the builders’ warranty. Clearly this presents a significantly greater risk to buyers. The certificate of insurance, when issued, must be attached to the contract of sale.
•             Lifestyle. Newer units are built to reflect today’s tastes and preferences such as open-plan living areas, larger balconies and amenities such as pool, gym and concierge services.
•             Potential for capital gains before settlement. Many investors are speculators and love to bank on off the plan properties going up in price before the property is even finished. Beware however, that the reverse is also possible.
•             Leveraged investment. The down payment is usually low for the construction period (i.e. it can be a leveraged investment without the need for bank financing).
Cons
•             Final product is unknown. Buying something on paper without having seen the item is a significant risk. The finished product may not live up to your expectations (e.g. aspect, quality, etc.)
•             Premium price for newness. Just like cars, brand new properties have a certain premium. This is partly due to the newness factor, but also due to Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) regulation which stipulates that foreigners can only buy brand new properties and not second hand ones. There is a larger consumer base for new properties (as foreigners can also buy) and consequently new prices are higher than in the secondary market. When this property is later sold, it cannot be sold to foreigners (lowered demand possibly leading to a lowered price).
•             Lower land to asset ratio. New homes and units alike are usually built at much higher density than those built 25+ years ago. Since land value is the primary influence on capital gains for property, it is not uncommon for capital gains associated with a new property investment to be lower.
•             Developer bankruptcy risk. There is always a risk that the developer goes bankrupt before completion (with loss of deposit if the legal structure is not sound) or during the warranty period.
•             Expected financing may not be available in the future. While banks may be lending on attractive terms today, and while the buyer may have the capacity to borrow the required amount at the time of purchase, this may be very different in the future when the financing is actually needed.  At settlement, when the property is completed, banks may not be willing to lend the same amount (LVR), the valuation may be lower than the purchase price, or the buyer’s income and circumstances may have changed. In all these cases, the buyer would need to come up with a larger down payment than expected. In addition, the interest rates at time of settlement may be very different from those prevalent at the time of purchase.
•             Lower capital growth can be expected (at least in the early years) as depreciation is high. The new property will depreciate significantly in the first few years as it goes from new to second-hand – just like a car when you drive it off the dealership.
•             Defects can be extensive. There is often a 1-5 year period in which building defects materialise and become visible. In the best case scenario, a very good builder will address these with minimal inconvenience and hassle. A bad builder however, may not fix the defects properly. In which case extensive time and cost is required to address the defects through negotiation, mediation and possibly even court.
Tips for buying off the plan
•             Buy from trusted developers with a proven track record. Established developers obviously have much more experience and resources than small developers. Reputable developers tend to make fewer mistakes (which can be extremely costly in the long run) and when problems occur, they tend to be in a position to rectify it more effectively and efficiently. Although many new development projects have mandatory 7 years structural warranty with an insurer as back-up, it is not uncommon for developers to simply go bankrupt before this period is over. It then becomes much more complicated to claim for defects from the insurance company.
Where possible, try to inspect other properties which the developers have completed so you can gauge the quality of the workmanship first hand.
•             Understand exactly what you are buying. Read the fine print and seek legal advice before signing any documents. Don’t make assumptions as to quality based on promises made by the salesperson or model/showroom. If detailed specifications are not provided, don’t be afraid to demand more information in writing or to provide you own list of requirements/specifications.
For example, even if the shower screen for the bathroom is specified as glass, this does not tell you whether you will be getting 5mm thick semi-frameless glass screen or 10mm fully frameless ones. There is a significant difference both in quality and price. Most developers know that buyers look at the quality of the kitchen appliances and they tend to splurge on high-end brands. However, most buyers are not as educated or discerning when it comes to accessories such as tap ware, cornices, skirting boards, balustrades, etc. You need to understand whether your money is going towards quality German tap ware or cheaper Chinese ones, for example.
•             Understand your rights. What modifications or substitutions are possible without additional costs to you? Can the apartment be on sold by you prior to completion? Where is the down-payment being held (i.e. is it in a trust account? Can the builder use it for construction?). Are you able to get out of the contract if the property is not finished on time? Are you able to visit the site during construction? What is the process to ensure that defects are fixed in a timely manner?
•             Have a contingency plan. Few developments are completed according to schedule and you need to make sure that you will not be overly inconvenienced should this occur. In addition, make sure you are financially prepared and able to pay a higher strata levy (where applicable) than what the developers calculate in order to appeal to buyers during the sales process.
•             Consider your exit strategy. When it comes time to sell, will it be easy to offload your new property? Without the newness factor, will it still appeal to many buyers? Has the property been well designed to have a timeless appeal? Will there be lots of other similar properties to compete with yours (in the area) when you want to sell? Will buyers be attracted or put off when they find out who the developer is?
At the end of the day, the logic of buying an off the plan property is similar to other investments. You need to weigh the pros and cons as they apply to your life and circumstances. You will also need to understand your level of appetite for taking risks and your ability to mitigate them; because buying off the plan means that you are buying something you can neither see nor touch. You are essentially buying a promise.
Oliver Stier is the director of <a href="https://www.ohpropertygroup.com/" target="_blank" title="OH Property Group">OH Property Group</a>, a Sydney-based buyers agency. In addition to being a licensed real estate agent, Oliver also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. You can follow Oliver on Twitter at <a href="https://www.twitter.com/ohproperty">www.twitter.com/ohproperty</a>
</body></html>

oliverstier-Cu9aF99VRm

Seven traps for unwary off-the-plan buyers

<html><body>
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia and Westfield have come out in support of the Productivity Commission’s suggestions to relax zoning laws and allow more retail space.
Writing in the SCCA’s latest weekly newsletter, executive director Milton Cockburn says the commission’s recommendations regarding activity centres will lead to fairer competition.
“Its key point on planning is that ‘competition among retailers is most intense when they are geographically close’, and this is the essence of activity centres planning policies,” he says.
“The commission’s specific recommendations address the removal of unnecessary planning restrictions, particularly to facilitate all retail formats being able to locate within activity centres. If implemented these recommendations will lead to greater, and fairer, competition and we support them,” he says.
The SCCA also supports the commission’s stance on not proposing further retail tenancy regulation and that trading hours should be completely deregulated, allowing retailers to trade “when they feel it might be most profitable to do so”.
Westfield’s response was more general in nature with a spokesperson telling Property Observer that it “broadly welcomes the draft report and recommendations of the Productivity Commission in relation to the economic structure and performance of the retail industry”. 
In its second quarter Brisbane retail report, Colliers says the proposal to deregulate shopping hours in all states including on public holidays  “should benefit Queensland’s retail market significantly with the opportunity to extend trading hours” from the current restrictions. 
A spokesperson for Myer says the department store will not be commenting beyond what it said in its submission to the inquiry. 
In its submission, Myer complained that Australian retailers pay higher rents than retailers in all the other major countries in the world, in addition to significantly higher infrastructure costs and taxes.
“As a result, our cost of doing business is higher, and it is harder for Myer and other Australian retailers to compete on a world scale,” Myer’s submission says.
In its submission Westfield claimed the rents it charges tenants are fair.
</body></html>

Big retailers get behind rezoning proposal

<html><body>
In a speech a number of years ago, the head of economic analysis at the RBA looked at the amount of income the representative Australian household had left over after buying a home – at the median price at that time – and servicing all their interest and principal repayments on a home loan (at prevailing rates).




The conclusion was counter-intuitive. The RBA analysis showed that Australian households actually had more income left over after all housing costs – that is, buying a home and meeting their mortgage repayments – than at any other time in recorded history. (The RBA’s research went back to the early 1980s.) Since this work stopped in June 2007, we recently decided to update it with a few tweaks. 



The RBA looked at first time buyers acquiring a home in the 30th price percentile (i.e., a cheaper-than-average home). We simply examined the "average household" –calculated by dividing the ABS's quarterly disposable national income estimate by the number of households each quarter – buying the "average dwelling" in Australia, which is defined as the average sales price in a quarter. The income estimates from the ABS are the only regular (or quarterly) income data that are made available by government. The dwelling price data is sourced from RP Data, which captures 100% of all home sales in Australia. 



We then assume that the borrower has a 10% deposit and a 30-year standard variable rate home loan, which requires him or her to repay both interest and principal. Finally, we "inflation-adjust" all the data to make households' positions comparable over time. The results of this work are enclosed in the chart below (click to enlarge).
 
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/joyeaugust161.gif"><img src="/images/stories/joyeaugust161thumb.gif"></a>
The key question we are trying to address is this: do households in 2011 have more or less disposable income after buying a home and paying down the mortgage than their predecessors? 
Like the RBA, we find that – contrary to popular myth – today's households actually have more disposable income than at any other point since we began our analysis in 1993. 
Of course, there are some good explanations for this. Per capita disposable income has been growing very strongly, and has outpaced house price appreciation over the past seven to eight years. Over the longer term, we have had a structural decline in the unemployment rate from the double-digit peaks in early 1990s to just 5.1% today. And then we have had the rise of multi-income households care of a secular increase in the female participation rate. 
A final crucial difference is the decline in inflation – aka “price stability” – which has permitted lower nominal mortgage rates. As I have argued many times before, the cost of price stability is occasional spikes in interest rates, assuming that the RBA is prepared to do its inflation-targeting job. 
Unfortunately, the RBA’s inflation-fighting resolve is becoming an open question with a board majority-controlled by conflicted business executives. The bank has thus far ignored the last six months of core inflation data that was 40% above its target, and has yet to respond to its own forecasts for above-target price pressures out to 2013. 
The healthy incomes and balance sheets of Australian households are one reason why house prices are unlikely to fall much, especially if the RBA begins cutting rates in order to appease community demands that it prioritises the maintenance of growth and employment over its once-dominant price stability objective.
Christopher Joye is a leading financial economist and works with <a target="_blank" title="Rismark International" href="https://www.rismark.com.au/">Rismark International</a>. Rismark and RP Data provide house price analytics products, and solutions that enable investors to go long and/or short the housing market. The above article is not investment advice.
</body></html>

chrisjoye-JYhJsTrNRC

Plenty of loose change keeps Aussie house prices resilient

<html><body>
Mortgage, insurance and credit card costs have risen by nearly double the rate of food, general housing bills, alcohol and tobacco over the past year, according to the ABS.
Mortgage payments and general insurance premiums have risen by 10.9% over the past year to June while food has increased by 5.8% and clothing by just 1.1%. Alcohol and tobacco costs rose 5.6%, and housing bills and education costs both increased by 5.8%.
Mortgage costs have outpaced insurance and credit card increases.
Overall the cost of living has increased by 4.5% over the past 12 months, easing up from 4.9% recorded in March.
For the June 2011 quarter, the cost of living increased by 0.9%.
According to the ABS, the inclusion of mortgage interest and consumer credit charges in the analytical living cost indexes have had a significant impact on employee households
Over the past 10 years living costs for households have risen by 40%.
</body></html>

Mortgage bills and insurance pushing up cost of living

<html><body>
Westpac is considering turning its mortgage lending franchise RAMS into a separate, fully serviced banking operation.
The bank has reportedly undertaking a trial among Westpac staff using the RAMS software platform to raise savings deposits.
Westpac acquired RAMS in 2007 for $140 million following a disastrous float on the ASX on the eve of the GFC.
Should Westpac move forward with its decision, RAMS would be able to raise deposits through its 92-strong franchise stores.
One analyst told the Australian Financial Review RAMS was looking to diversify its revenue base in the wake of NAB growing its UBank business.
RAMS was founded by John Kinghorn during the peak of the non-bank lending boom in the late 1990s and grew into one of the strongest brands alongside Aussie and Wizard.
In the wake of the GFC, John Symond’s Aussie mortgage broking business bought Wizard, and the Commonwealth Bank acquired a third of Aussie.
News of RAMS becoming a challenger bank brand comes as mortgage competition among the major banks heats up, with ANZ the latest major bank to cut interest rates on its fixed-rate mortgage products.
One-third of lenders on the Mortgage Choice panel have reduced interest rates on some or all of their fixed term home loans in the past week, some more than once.
The average three-year fixed-term interest rate (the most popular type) is now at its lowest level since October 2009, the mortgage broker says.
According to the MFAA the ban on exit fees is encouraging borrowers to switch to lenders, but only among the major banks.
The major banks hold 92.3% of the home loan market compared with 89.2% before the ban was announced.</body></html>

RAMS could become full bank

<html><body>
Demand for housing in the key regional NSW markets of <a target="_blank" title="Wollongong" href="/news">Wollongong </a>and <a target="_blank" title="Newcastle" href="/news">Newcastle </a>appears to be slowing according to anecdotal reports from valuers at Herron Todd White.
Director of valuations Newcastle Leigh Mather disputes figures published in local papers claiming that prices are up 40% for the year to March.
Mather says HTW statistics show that while prices have risen marginally over the past six months, “sales numbers fell off the edge of the earth”.
“In the six months to March sales numbers halved for both houses and vacant land in Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Maitland and Cessnock.
“This is one example of statistics being out of step with actual reality. In our opinion sales numbers provide an accurate guide to the strength of the market,” Mather says. 
And while agents continue to spruik property investors, McLeish says the underlying story they are hearing is that prices have to be discounted for a house to sell. 
The median price for all sectors in the Wollongong Statistical District rose about 4% in the six months between December 2010 and June 2011, with standard dwellings rising to $449,000, according to local research group Iris.
Jon Butler from HTW Wollongong says despite this increase agents are reporting a general slowdown across the Wollongong market
“This is either due to a lack of demand from buyers, a lack of stock, or properties remaining longer on the market,” he says.
While sale prices remain healthy compared with 2008-09, Butler says properties appear to be remaining on the market longer, with “price reduction” wording being included in advertising material on properties listed above realistic market expectations.
According to Butler, the best-performing sector appears to be north of the CBD for standard dwellings, particularly around <a target="_blank" title="Balgownie" href="/news">Balgownie</a>, <a target="_blank" title="Towradgi" href="/news">Towradgi</a>, <a target="_blank" title="Woonona" href="/news">Woonona</a>, <a target="_blank" title="Bulli" href="/news">Bulli </a>and <a target="_blank" title="Thirroul" href="/news">Thirroul</a>.
“They offer good public transport links, proximity to the beach, many with ocean views,” he says.
Signs of a slowing market are being witnessed in south Wollongong.
“With more land planned for the West Dapto region, there could be an oversupply of land in the medium term if not released in a timely manner,” Butler says.
</body></html>

Demand for housing in mining towns Wollongong and Newcastle sliding: HTW

<html><body>
A $6,725,000 Gold Coast riverfront auction sale on the weekend has given top-end vendors reason to think there may have finally been a change for the better in the market.
Vendor Dan McVay bought the Admiralty Drive property in Paradise Waters for $5 million in 2006.
It was on the market at $5.85 million and sold well above its reserve through Michael Willems at Ray White. It’s a five-bedroom, seven-bathroom house on a 1,351-square-metre block. The house also comes with an office and six-car garage. There is a 12-metre enclosed swimming pool.
It is the most significant inland sale on the Gold Coast this year and of particular surprise because of the timing with global financial downturns last week.
The last comparable sale was a $6.75 million sale in 2008 also on Admiralty Drive.
Ray White Surfers Paradise held auctions last week for 24 properties, with 13 selling under the hammer.
Ray White principal Andrew Bell says there appears to be a return of buyer activity after several years of price correction.
</body></html>

Latest Expert Insights

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Expert Insights

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News