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.

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[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>

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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?

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Half a decade has passed since headlines screamed about the property crisis in the Pilbara: rent a fully furnished container for $1,000 a week. Many said it could not last but Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman and Dampier are at boiling point.
Rental investments in the Pilbara have consistently brought in double-digit yields and there is little evidence to suggest a slow-down.
This week Morgan Crawford of Crawford Realty listed a house for sale in South Hedland for $799,000. The 30-year-old fibro bungalow is rented to a mining company for $93,800 a year – reflecting a yield of 11.9%.
According to Simon Lane, managing director of Australian Valuation Service, Port Hedland is unlikely to cool off anytime soon.
“The mining companies are capable of paying high rents and to bring builders in to create new stock, they have to compete with BHP and other big players renting,” he said.
“Houses are expensive to build because we are in cyclone area and they require very specific standards of construction. Then there is the issue of identifying suitable land that can handle the mass of water that is dumped by a cyclone.”
These combine to create one of the tightest rental markets in the nation.
“All of these issues have created this extraordinary market. The WA government, through LandCorp, has found about 6,000 lots for housing here on high ground but this is not a fraction of what is required if the town is to have a population, as projected by the government, of 58,000,” Lane said.
“I don’t have a crystal ball but it looks like undersupply is with us for another five to 10 years.
Towns are known for their largest employer. Dampier is considered Woodside’s and Wickham is Rio Tinto’s. Karratha seems to belong to them all.
Karratha, 1500km north of Perth, is the supply and administration centre for the entire Pilbara region. Its rental market refuses to wind down.
The median house price for urban Karratha, according to REIWA figures, is $795,000 and the weekly rent bill is $1,600, reflecting a yield of 10.5 per cent.
According to RP Data, the median house price in Karratha has crept up from a tad over $160,000 in 2001, to slightly under $800,000 now, with the prices now plateauing.
But supply and demand still rules and rents are extraordinarily high at about $1,500 a week for a three-bedroom house and $2,000 a week for something with a pool. The situation is mirrored in Dampier.
“About 90 per cent of my rent roll is with resource companies and the properties are on one- to three-year leases,” says Ray White Karratha’s Richard Naulls.
While there is a zero vacancy rate, he says supply is at unusually high levels and buyers are coming back to the market.
“This week I have five offers on my desk for different houses. Four from investors and one from a corporate client. This time month ago I had no offers on anything. I have 250 properties listed, which is almost double what I had last year,” he says.
So difficult has the market been that the WA government had to weigh in with its $300 million Pilbara Cities program, which release sites through LandCorp.
Already development company Finbar Group is behind the $225 million Pelago project in the centre of Karratha. Already 60 of the 114 units are under contract for between $600,000 and nearly $1 million. A completion date for tower one is scheduled for early 2012.</body></html>

andreadixon-oif3j7eKne

Landlords yield ore-inspiring returns from WA mining boom

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If you’re waiting for someone to fly a flag when we hit the bottom of the market, think again: life doesn’t afford such luxuries. By the time people realise the market has bottomed out, it’s because it’s started on the upward curve and opportunity has passed! A bit like the gold rush; as soon as word gets out, the herd mentality kicks in, and it’s a difficult force of nature to resist.
So what is happening with our market? Some would suggest this is a typical market cycle. However, look a little deeper and a rather different picture is painted.  Market downturns are usually accompanied by various factors such as interest starting to flatten out, job insecurity, high unemployment, poor wage growth, population decline, large supplies of stock, and all manner of other triggers in different areas of the property market.
However, Australia isn’t suffering any of these. In fact, on the face of it, the picture looks enviably rosy.
 
<ul>
<li>Turnover in Melbourne is not markedly down. It’s trailing a little from this time last year, however, compared to 2008 and 2009 we’re ahead, indicating a steady stream of buyers and sellers. </li>
<li>Unemployment has been below 5% since last year, and although some areas are suffering more than others, the general outlook is excellent. </li>
<li>Our interest rates, although not low, are not high either – and no one would argue our population is falling.</li>
<li>The RBA has happily announced we’re saving more, and paying down our debts, and despite continuous complaints against the cost of metropolitan real estate, the debt servicing ratio is just 21%. Indeed, more than half of us are apparently paying down our loans faster than we need to.</li>
<li>Furthermore, wage growth is relatively firm, and household income was growth strong in the March quarter, according to the RBA</li>
</ul>
 
Nevertheless, the face is often very good at contradicting what’s emotionally within, and if truth be known, confidence is anything but robust.  We don’t need an interest rate hike – the RBA is doing a good job of making us err on the conservative side with a mere hint at it.
We all know bills are going to increase, but by how much is annoyingly uncertain.  And furthermore, anyone with investments in the stock market will be looking closely at the current international tremors and not liking the aftershocks.
We’ve all heard the news surrounding the Greek economy and its effect on Europe; America on the point of further demise; and possible warnings of a ‘hard landing’ in major players our side of the Pacific which could, some suggest, contribute to a ‘commodity crash’. However, if you think we’ve started on a downward-sloping curve, be warned: you may miss the boat.
We have a largely discretionary market. The evidence above suggests most vendors don’t ‘need’ to sell – especially if they don’t get their price.  They’re happy to sit it out and wait for better times.
Mortgage brokers have reported a large increase in the number of pre-approvals, hinting that there are plenty of buyers hovering in the starting blocks. The supply-demand argument continues to be a testy debate, but however many houses are built in the outer suburbs of our best performing cities, in far off lands away from the convenience of public transport and amenities, or high-rise, small one and two bedroom apartment blocks which are hardly an attraction for home buyers (nor fit into the typical first home buyer price range, or meet lending requirements). Stock located in areas where people want to live is certainly not in abundance.
Therefore, it’s unreasonable to suggest that real estate will keep dropping in price in the top third of suburbs of those areas driven fundamentally by supply/demand. However, outer-suburban locations, and poor high-rise accommodation heading into oversupply, may sing a different tune altogether and continue to suffer low demand.
With this in mind it’s important to note how dangerous it is to paint the whole real estate market with sweeping statements of downturns – or upturns. Every area must be assessed on its merit – hence many suburbs have shown a rise in median value over the first quarter, while other areas have dropped back to 2008 levels.
In short, the only thing we’re waiting for before the market swings upwards once again is the spark that’s going to inject confidence and an element of security into buyer psychology. However, waiting for that spark is not a wise thing for any investor to do if they want to purchase at the bottom! Have we hit the bottom yet? No one can make that call quite so soon – but if we haven’t, it’s not far away.
 
Catherine Cashmore is senior buyer advocate for JPP Buyer Advocates – 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. <a href="https://www.jpp.com.au/">www.jpp.com.au</a>
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catherinecashmore-6LXia3pPQj

Waiting for 6 o’clock on the property watch? You may be too late

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Only 1394 new private homes in NSW were approved for construction in May this year according, to latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures.
That represents a seasonally adjusted 27% decline in NSW approvals since March this year and follows a 13.5% fall in April.
The May figure is the second worst May approval figure in ABS record-keeping history according to lobby group the Urban Taskforce.
 
Approvals for private sector detached houses increased by a seasonally adjusted 3% in May but that was nowhere near enough to offset a big drop in higher density home approvals.
“In May NSW saw a seasonally adjusted 35.7% drop in higher density home approvals following a 22.2% in April,” Urban Taskforce chief executive Aaron Gadiel says.
“All up that’s a 50% drop in seasonally adjusted approvals for apartments and townhouses in just two months.
“In seasonally adjusted terms May was the worst month for NSW higher density home approvals since February last year.”
In the light of the figures Gadiel says the NSW Government may need to bring forward plans to review the state’s planning system and development levies.
According to Gadiel approval numbers are strong indicators of likely construction activity in around 18 months’ time.
“If these numbers do not improve the state’s housing supply and construction workforce may face greater difficulties in the not too distant future,” he said.
The decline in NSW home approvals led a 7.8% national decline in May.
Victoria’s private sector home approvals fell by a seasonally adjusted 18.4% in May but the state still recorded its second best May in ABS record-keeping history.
Queensland recorded a 3.4% seasonally adjusted increase after a 34.3% correction in April, but neither of those increases were strong enough to make up for the decline since May last year.
National seasonally adjusted approval figures for private sector detached houses remained flat in May but higher density approvals fell by a massive 20.1%.
Victoria saw a seasonally adjusted 45.8% drop in private sector higher density approvals which followed 21.5% and 53.9% increases in the previous two months.
NSW saw a seasonally adjusted 35.7% drop in higher density approvals after a 22.2% drop in April.
In trend terms NSW’s private sector home approvals declined for four straight months, Victoria’s fell for eight straight months, Western Australia’s dropped for five straight months and Queensland trended positively in May for the first time in five months.
“If the Federal Government’s unable to pursue policies that will dampen interest increases then it must urgently act to reduce the costs of supplying new homes,” Gadiel says.
 “Otherwise the nation’s supply of new housing will literally dry up before our eyes.”
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NSW new home approvals near record low

<html><body>Retail rental vacancies in Melbourne's iconic laneways and arcades have fallen to just 0.8% in the first quarter of 2011, according to the latest City of Melbourne Property Watch report.</body></html>

Big squeeze on Melbourne laneway retail vacancies

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I’ve heard it said that investing in property is simple, but it’s not easy.
Now this is not a play on words. Let’s face it: each year hundreds of thousands of Australians turn to property investment as a way of developing financial freedom, or getting more choices in their life or building a retirement nest egg. But very few achieve their goals.
Let’s look at the facts. About one in four property investors sell their property within the first year and almost half have sold within five years. Of those who remain in the game, less than 10% own more than two properties and less than one in 200 own six or more investment properties.
Putting it bluntly: most property investors fail to reach their objectives.
My concern is that in the current environment, this will only get worse.
The good news is that there is a way to make property investment work. I’ll explain how in a moment, but first let’s look at eight sure-fire ways to lose money in property.
Currently our property markets are a confusing place, yet property investors are being bombarded with messages of easy money which leads to a worrying trend where some investors are so keen to do something, or do anything, that they are heading for property investment disaster.
Even if they don’t have enough money, or haven’t developed the discipline to save, or they’ve already borrowed to their limit, some potential investors feel they’ve got to do something and in their bid to get into the property market, they are now speculating rather than investing.
I understand why they are keen to share in the profits others have achieved through property, but sometimes the right thing for an investor to do is nothing. I’ve made more money by the things I’ve said no to than the things I’ve said yes to. That’s because all my investments have been made as part of a planned strategy.
So here are eight ways to lose money in the current property markets.
1. Off-the-plan purchases
Sure, it sounds enticing: buy at today’s price then settle or on-sell at a profit in a few years’ time. Sound’s good, but does it work?
One of the big issues with buying off the plan is finance. Since loan approvals are only current for three months, obtaining a formal pre approval for an off the plan purchase is impossible. The problem is when the project is completed; some purchasers will be unable to obtain finance and have to sell. Others never planned to settle but intended to flip their property for a profit.
What this means is that when many projects are completed there will be a group of desperate vendors who lower their prices to sell at whatever the market offers.
And even if you are one of those who will be able to settle your purchase, the banks will only lend you against the prevailing market price of your property, which will be the lowest sale price achieved by one of the desperate vendors, rather than the price you paid.
Add to this the fact that banks often only lend on a 70% loan to value ratio in the postcodes where many of the big new developments are situated, and what looked like a good investment to start with starts to turn sour.
Of course there are a lot of other reasons I would avoid off-the-plan purchases, including the uncertainty about completion dates, the level of finishes and the market conditions when you eventually take possession. This means is you should buy your property at a significant discount to make up for these unknowns. But currently to get development finance, developers have to sell their products to you at a premium, not a discount.
And if that isn’t enough to turn you off buying off the plan, here’s one last point. Almost all off-the-plan developments are sold to investors. On the other hand, I like buying properties in buildings that have a good proportion of owner-occupiers in them. I just find owner-occupiers tend to look after the buildings better, and enhance their long-term capital growth.
2. House and land packages
I know some investors buy house and land packages because they’ve heard that land appreciates in value. But when you think about it, when buying this type of property usually the land accounts for less than half the purchase price, giving these properties a very low land to asset ratio.
While they may be great places to bring up a family, in general new or outer suburbs are not good places to invest. Residents in these areas tend to have less disposable income than people who live in more affluent suburbs which means that these areas suffer most in tough times or when interest rates rise.
Remember: one of the big factors that enhances capital growth is scarcity and that’s something missing in these suburbs. Many properties look the same, and there’s always another estate with more similar houses and more land just across the road.
Another reason I would avoid investing in these areas is their demographics, as they don’t attract the same demand from a diversity of tenants as the inner and middle ring suburbs do.
3. Buy renovate and sell a property 
I’m all for adding value through renovations; but you can’t buy a property, do minimal work and then sell it at a profit, because stamp duty, buying and selling costs and tax eat away at your profits. On the other hand, buy, renovate and hold in the long term is a great investment strategy.
4. Positive cashflow properties 
If you’ve been following my blogs you will realise I believe the best way to financial independence through property is to accumulate assets. In Australia, properties with higher capital growth usually have lower rental returns. Sure, owning this type of property requires more discipline, but you can’t save your way to wealth with a few dollars a week positive cashflow.
5. Options
Another way to lose money is to follow some of the creative schemes currently being promoted by property spruikers. People with little or no money are being tempted by the prospect of bypassing the step of developing the discipline of saving. They are happy to hear the promoter’s suggestion that you can control millions of dollars worth of property using none of your own money when you buy using an option.
There’s nothing new about these schemes. And if history repeats itself the promoters of today will become very rich while their students will learn a very expensive lesson.
6. Rent guarantees
This is where the seller or the developer guarantees a certain rental for a period of time. This panders to inexperienced investors concerned about vacancies, but these guarantees come at a cost. Don’t be misled - they are factored into the purchase price and you’re paying the developer upfront for the rent he’s going to repay you over the next few years.
7. Regional properties 
I admit that some regional towns have exhibited better growth than some underperforming suburban areas; but on the whole capital city properties have outperformed other types of properties in the long term. Since two important drivers of capital growth include strong population growth and having a diverse strong local economy, I only invest in capital cities.
8. Investing in mining towns.
Yes I know we’re going through the mother of all resources booms and mining towns will grow in the future. But if history repeats itself, and it usually does, the property market in these towns will be driven by speculative investors. While there are likely to be some short-term booms, property prices in these towns tend to be very volatile. Don’t believe me? Try selling your property in one of these towns today and see if you find any buyers.
Well if these methods don’t work, what does?
There is one proven, time-tested method that has made average Australians very wealthy…
If you want to grow your own significant property portfolio, you need to own properties that provide wealth-producing rates of returns. This means buying a well located property below its intrinsic value, in an area that outperforms the average over the long term and one to which you can add value so you can create some capital growth. This could be through renovations, refurbishment or redevelopment. Then over time borrow against your property’s capital appreciation and grow your portfolio one property at a time.
That’s what the small group of investors who have achieved financial independence through property have always done.
Michael Yardney is a best selling author and one of Australia’s leading experts in the psychology of success and wealth creation through property. He is Australia's most published property author and has probably educated more successful property investors than anyone else in Australia. Go to <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #005c7a; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: initial none initial;" target="_blank" href="https://www.metropole.com.au/">www.metropole.com.au</a>
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myardney-DFoGhGbSJX

Eight sure-fire ways to lose money in property

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A-REITs, which comprise some of the largest and longest-standing companies in the country including Westfield, Stockland and GPT, are forecast to return to growth either this year.
Morgan Stanley forecasts 4.8% growth for A-REITs in 2011 while Russell Investments says there will be modest growth in 2012.
The GFC was the catalyst for this turnaround in fortune.
Lessons learned from the global crisis resulted in many A-REITs, which had transformed from low-risk, stable investments to higher-risk, high-return, to head back to their low-risk roots.
An analysis of distribution trends in the sector over this period tells an interesting story. A-REITs traditionally relied on rent collected from their investment property portfolio as the source for distributions to their shareholders. This provided predictable and reliable – albeit modest – returns.
Over time, other income streams were introduced by A-REITs to boost earnings growth and deliver better returns to investors. These include development, management, offshore investment and financial engineering.
Earnings growth predictably became the key focus for many A-REITs as the environment of predictable, low-yielding returns was abandoned in favour of bigger numbers designed to boost share prices.
Cheap debt
An influx of cheaper and easily accessible debt in the capital markets provided the fuel for this focus on earnings growth to develop. Higher debt to equity ratios enabled rapid expansion into other service lines such as development. The increased use of leverage also enabled distributions to be supplemented by debt. For A-REITs paying 0.25% per annum interest on their loans, debt was cheaper and easier to source than equity.
At the same time, asset values were on the rise as companies – again through the increased use of debt funding – could afford to pay more for assets. Favourable asset revaluations then allowed for loans to be refinanced. In hindsight, things were spinning out of control.
Other factors were also at play. The introduction of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in 2005 created a fundamental change. All of a sudden the “movement in fair value of investment properties” was reported in the profit and loss statement, not on the balance sheet. Positive revaluations were labelled as profit.
While the rationale may have seemed sound in a growth market, this reliance on debt was to prove unsustainable.
By demonstrating a preference for delivering higher payout ratios for shareholders - as opposed to preserving capital for reinvestment - many A-REITs were unknowingly painting themselves into a corner. Despite the positive ramifications on share price and the greater potential for successful equity raisings, the swelling debt profiles of many A-REITs were making them extremely vulnerable.
Debt as a dirty word
Then came 2008.
Triggered by the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the US, the GFC established debt as a very dirty word.
Despite consistent cash flows, asset devaluations meant A-REITs were now reporting losses – and often they were big ones. The sector began to experience gearing ratio difficulties with lenders. There was a rush of capital raisings at a time when competition for investors’ dollars was high and confidence in the market was at an 80 -year low.
Whether the property market in general, and the A-REIT sector specifically, has recovered from the GFC is a point of conjecture. We cannot expect A-REIT share prices to reach the lofty pre-GFC heights as they were then inflated by debt-supplemented distributions and should not be used as a benchmark.
What was most concerning about the transformation in A-REIT distributions over the last 10 years was the switch to focus purely on short-term earnings growth. The sector considered it better practice to use debt to fund distributions than acquire assets which could provide future income. This practice was only sustainable while asset values were going up. The possibility of a fall in asset values doesn’t appear to have been considered by the A-REIT managers.
Return to a positive framework
Fast-forward to the present day and the framework for the A-REIT sector is much more positive. Senior management is most concerned with stability and security. Lessons surrounding the increased availability of debt appear to have been learnt.
A-REITs have changed their policies to allow distributions to be paid from only cash profits instead of shifts in asset valuations. Capital management is of paramount importance and long-term sustainability is the new black.
For A-REIT shareholders who have weathered some topsy-turvy times over the last few years, this should be music to their ears.
Laura Cummins is a research analyst at Cushman &amp; Wakefield. She is the winner of the Australian Property Institute Project Prize for her final year thesis in which she investigated changes in A-REIT distributions over the past decade. 
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lcummins-HMaB9zpTx2

A-REITs have learnt GFC lessons

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Tennis ace Thomas Muster has sold his Noosa residential retreat for about $5 million to Formula One driver Mark Webber.

Muster spent $3.5 million in early 2006 on the highest of the six luxury houses on the steep slopes of Noosa Hill, set in the Viridian Noosa complex.

It was passed in at auction in January when it was given a $5,175,000 price tag by Peter Butt of Richardson &amp; Wrench, Noosa.

The property is set on a 1362-square-metre block, with a huge private pool and views over Tea Tree Bay, extending to Double Island Point.

“This magnificent property was designed to entertain on a grand scale, with extensive outdoor seating areas and landscaped water features,” its marketing brochure says.

The four bedroom, three bathroom house virtually wraps around hilltop trees.

The shielding vegetation offered the privacy presumably sought by Muster, who returns occasionally to the Queensland coastal town because his former wife, Jo Beth Taylor, former Australia's Funniest Home Videos host, periodically resided on the Sunshine Coast with their young son Christian while working for the local radio station.

The Perth-based Taylor had adopted Muster's Noosa base after the couple met at the Australian Grand Prix in 2000.

The 35-hectare hinterland property, Cintamani, was Muster's first house, which was bought in 1994 for $1 million and sold in 2002 for $7.6 million to Collection House founder Stephen Walker.

Viridian Noosa was a joint venture between Leighton Properties and Ariadne Australia.

Designed by Noosa resident John Mainwaring, it was only built after the long-time owner of the 19.8-hectare banana plantation headed to the High Court after a decade-long battle with Noosa Shire Council, which constrained the land's development.

Muster was in Noosa during the Queensland floods in January and gave his time in the subsequent Brisbane clean-up.

Properties you may like in Queensland:

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94832]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21877]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575]
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mark Webber buys tennis star’s Noosa retreat for $5 million

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Investors in stand-alone retail warehouses are set to benefit from a battle for the hardware market between Woolworths and Bunnings, according to Colliers.
Woolworths is taking on Bunnings with its new Masters hardware stores.
It has reportedly secured 80 sites so far, with about 14 stores currently under construction.
Between 10 and 20 Masters stores are anticipated to be operating by 2012.
Woolworths’ entry into the hardware warehouse market will see it compete not only with Bunnings, but with Mitre 10, IKEA, Harvey Norman and Costco for prime warehouse locations.
This is expected to put upward pressure on property and land prices as retailers search for warehouse-sized blocks.
Over the medium term Colliers is forecasting a trend towards increased rental and values associated with these developments.
According to Colliers there is already “fierce competition between market participants, [who often pay] premiums for sites to ensure they lock their competitors out of certain locations”.
“The entry of Woolworths is likely to be a positive for property markets and investors in this type of asset, as it broadens the pool of potential tenants and provides a strong lease covenant,” says Colliers director of research and author of the retail forecast report, Nora Farren.
“The presence and activity of two large players in the market should also improve the depth of the market, and evidence for rental and property values.”
The hardware sector has also benefited from reduced competition from residential developers over the past few years due to funding difficulties, allowing hardware retailers to target these sites.
The Woolworths stores will cost between $20 million and $25 million to establish, depending on whether they are purchased or leased.
Masters stores will comprise an average 13,500 square metres of retail and will stock traditional hardware items, kitchen appliances, whitegoods, light fittings, floor coverings, window treatments, outdoor furniture and children’s play equipment.
The first Masters store will be in Braybrook in Melbourne’s west and is scheduled to open in September or October, 2011.
The battle between the retailing giants comes as demand for renovation materials looks strong.
While residential building activity continues to slump (forecast to fall 13% up until 2011/12) the renovations segment of the housing market to be in “reasonably fit shape”, according to the HIA.
It is forecasting renovations growth of 2.7% in 2011/12 and 4.6% in 2012/13, taking renovations expenditure to just over $33 billion – a record high for renovations expenditure since 2004/05.
Woolworths is targeting urban fringe locations in Victoria and Queensland for its stores, while Bunnings is expanding into inner city and suburban markets, with the focus on NSW, traditionally the domain of independent operators.
This year Metcash committed to a new 82,000-square-metre facility for its hardware business at the Bungarribee industrial estate, in Huntingwood, Western Sydney.
Danks has announced plans for a new 50,000-square-metre Victorian distribution centre at Hoppers Crossing. The new facility more than doubles its previous capacity.
The strong outlook for hardware warehouses will boost the bulky goods property sector, which has struggled in 2011.
NAB rated bulky goods the worst-performing retail property sector in all states in its March 2011 quarterly report.
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Hardware battle to push up warehouse prices: Colliers

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Auctions are quickly moving into the normal winter hibernation. A poll of 13 leading Melbourne agents has found seven expect spring will not bring its traditional major fillip in auction volumes. The early winter results have been described as mediocre by James Buyer Advocates, which has noted the best buyers in the current buyers’ market scenario are the pro-active ones. In Melbourne Real Estate of Victoria CEO Enzo Raimondo notes there are 460 auctions over each of the forthcoming four weekends, which compares with the 630 average in the first half of the year. Sydney likewise is heading for quieter times with weekend auction volumes set to head under 300 from July 16, according to Australian Property Monitors. Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist for APM, has already noticed buyers  showing restraint through what he expected to be the quiet winter selling season.
<img src="/images/stories/57.jpg">
Sydney’s weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 203 results compiled by Australian Property Monitors. There were 298 auctions held in Sydney, which was 17% down on the 360 results on the first Saturday in July 2010. Clinton McNabb at APM says there are about 310 auction due next weekend.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/55.jpg"> 
Melbourne’s weekend clearance rate from the preliminary 403 results compiled by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. There were 470 auctions held in Melbourne, which was 20% down on the 591 results on the first Saturday in July 2010. Enzo Raimondo at the REIV says there are about 485 auction due next weekend.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/10.jpg">
Reservoir in Melbourne was the busiest auction suburb across the country with 10 listings, however just two sold – and they were after the auction. Surry Hills in Sydney was the next busiest auction suburb, with its six of its eight listings finding buyers. The dearest two Surry Hills terraces had both last sold in 2007. The four-bedroom Riley Street terrace that fetched $1.45 million through BresicWhitney agent Brigitte Blackman previously sold for $1.21 million, reflecting 4.5% annual growth. The three-bedroom Bourke Street terrace that sold for $1.12 million on the weekend through McGrath agent Andrew Toohey had sold for $850,000 in 2007, reflecting 7.2% annual growth.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/505k.jpg"> 
Brisbane’s highest weekend auction sale was in Coorparoo, according to APM. The three-bedroom Ferris Street house sold through Ray White Eight Mile Plains. The 627-square-metre property last sold for $12,000 in 1975.
 
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A six-bedroom house in Sydney’s Randwick was the weekend’s dearest house sale. The 655-square-metre Darley Road property sold through LJ Hooker Bondi Junction agent Edward Brown. Set directly opposite the Govett Street Gates to Centennial Park, the unrenovated 1913 residence was being offered for the first time in 50 years.
 
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Adelaide’s Unley Park recorded the city’s highest weekend sale, according to APM. It was a renovated four bedroom 1925 stone Northgate Street cottage that had been listed through Toop &amp; Toop Norwood agent Kay Morris with $1.1 million hopes. It had last sold in 1998 for $289,000, according to RP Data.
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Auction wrap: Where the hammer fell

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Property developer Stockland has added 376 independent living units to its retirement portfolio following the purchase of three villages for $22 million.
All three – two in Queensland, one in the ACT – have been purchased from the Retirement Villages Group.
The biggest acquisition is Pine Lake village, located at Elanora on the Gold Coast, which has 147 units.
It has also purchased the 5.4-hectare Ridgecrest village at Page in Canberra, which has 126 units and marks Stockland’s entrance into the local ACT retirement market.
The remaining purchase is Greenleaves, in Upper Mount Gravatt south east of Brisbane, which has 103 units.
The acquisitions take Stockland’s portfolio taking the total number of independent living units and serviced apartments to 7,403. This is in line with Stocklands “three R” strategy of investing in residential, retail and retirement.
In November 2010, Stockland acquired retirement village operator Aevum for $266 million, doubling the size of its retirement living business in the process.
With the integration of the Aevum business almost complete, CEO of Stockland Retirement Living David Pitman says the company is in a position to purchase selectively targeted villages without a significant increase to its overheads.
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