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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Queensland is ranked as the worst-performing state for mortgage arrears, with a rise to 2% of mortgages in default as at March 2011, meaning one in 50 Queensland mortgage holders cannot pay their lenders on time. This is up from 1.54% six months earlier, according to Fitch Ratings in its analysis of mortgage performance. The report notes the natural disasters such as the December/January floods were not the main factor in the rise in delinquency rates in Queensland, with unaffected regions including the Gold Coast and Logan City strong contributors to the increase in the state's delinquency rate.
Although the report noted delinquencies in certain postcodes located in flood-affected areas had increased, it suggests the Queensland arrears spike was beginning to emerge before the floods and Cyclone Yasi.
Fitch points to the state’s 6.6% unemployment rate in February, which was the highest in six years.
"The higher unemployment rate in conjunction with the increase in interest rates and the floods has severely impacted households' serviceability," says James Zanesi, associate director in Fitch's structure finance team.
"The longer-term concerns regarding affordability will now depend on future monetary policy decisions, as well as the increased cost of living."
The number of loans considered to be 90 days in arrears in Queensland was attributed to troubled properties not being easy to sell in a flatlining property market.
The Fitch report analyses the performance of the local residential mortgage market using data covering approximately 17% of all mortgages in Australia – more than 1 million loans – with a total outstanding balance of more than $186 billion.
 
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/thefitchfig41.gif"><img src="/images/stories/fitchfig41thumb.gif"></a>
 Across all 76 Australian regions the regions that have historically higher-than-average delinquency rates continue to dominate the list, including Sydney's south-western suburbs and the Central Coast.
Queensland’s Logan City is the new worst-performing region in Australia, with one delinquent mortgage out of every 48. The Queensland postcodes 4132 (Crestmead/Marsden) and 4114 (Kingston), both in the Logan City region, were the worst performing postcodes in Australia, with 3.3% of borrowers in arrears by one or more payments. It is the first time in the history of the report that Queensland was the worst-ranked state.
Fairfield-Liverpool in New South Wales continues to be the worst-performing region in Australia by mortgage balance size, with a 30+ days delinquency rate of 2.99%. Mortgage performance in metropolitan Perth improved in the six months to March 2011, with the improvement mainly due to a strong decrease in 90+ days delinquencies. Arrears levels in Victoria increased over the six months to March 2011, although the state is still performing well, with an overall delinquency rate of 1.34%, which is considerably lower than the other large states of New South Wales (1.93%) and Queensland (2%).
Zanesi notes that future developments in Australian monetary policy, increasing cost of living and the housing market may continue to affect delinquencies during 2011.
In the event of further interest rate hikes, the agency believes that regions that have shown sensitivity to interest rate movements will continue to be the most affected.
A softening of the housing market in specific geographical areas may also affect total delinquencies, with 90+ days arrears expected to accumulate as properties are sold at a slower pace.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

One in 50 Queensland mortgage holders is in arrears

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Seasoned property investors know all about this one. Depreciation. Yet every year thousands of dollars go unclaimed by property investors who are none the wiser. So with tax time here again, Tyron Hyde, Director of Washington Brown Quantity Surveyors, provides a basic guide. Let’s call it Deprecation 101.
1. What is property depreciation?
Just like you claim wear and tear on a car purchased for income-producing purposes, you can also claim the depreciation of your investment property against your taxable income.
There are two types of allowances available: depreciation on plant and equipment (such as blinds, carpets and air-conditioners) and depreciation on building allowance, which refers to construction costs of the building itself, such as concrete and brickwork.
 
2. So how does a depreciation schedule help me?
Simple. A depreciation schedule will help you pay less tax. The amount the depreciation schedule says you claim effectively reduces your taxable income, and the savings can be substantial. You can estimate your depreciation using the free depreciation calculator found at <a href="https://www.washingtonbrown.com.au/">www.washingtonbrown.com.au</a>
3. Is my property too old to claim property depreciation?
The most common misconception is that only new property can be depreciated, and this is simply not true. If your residential property was built after July 1985 you will be able to claim both building allowance and plant and equipment. If construction on your property commenced before this date, you can only claim depreciation on plant and equipment, but it will still be worthwhile. 
 
4. I bought my property three years ago. Can I still make a claim?
Yes, you can. Your accountant can amend your previous tax returns up to two years back. There are some exceptions, so please contact your tax agent or the ATO for clarification. 
 
5. Shouldn’t my accountant prepare this report?
If your residential property was built after 1985 your accountant is not allowed to estimate the construction costs. The ATO has identified quantity surveyors as properly qualified to make the appropriate estimate of the construction costs, where those costs are unknown. Real-estate agents, property managers and valuers are not allowed to make this estimate.
 
6. Should my depreciation provider be a registered tax agent?
From March 1, 2010 all companies that prepare tax depreciation schedules must be registered tax agents. The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) is a "recognised tax agent association", enabling full members of the AIQS who have sufficient experience to gain registration as tax agents.
7. Will you need to inspect my property?
A site inspection of your property is necessary to satisfy ATO requirements and also ensures that all depreciable items are noted and photographed. This guarantees you won’t miss out on any deductions and the documentation can then be used as evidence in the event of an audit.
Tyron Hyde is a director of quantity surveying firm <a target="_blank" title="Washington Brown" href="https://www.washingtonbrown.com.au/">Washington Brown</a>. He has a degree in construction economics and is an associate of the <a target="_blank" title="Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors" href="https://www.aiqs.com.au/">Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors</a>.
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tyronhyde-GVUTYT8ZT3

Property depreciation 101

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There is a property debate raging at present: is the future for property bright, or is the bubble about to burst?
Obviously if you are considering investing in property, or are about to buy a home, it would be good to know who's right. 
After a number of boom years we have entered a flat period in the property cycle, but what’s unusual this time round is that every state is in the slump stage of its cycle. The trouble is that the negative media surrounding this is spooking many inexperienced investors.
I’ve heard many theories as to why the property bubble will burst. Some doomsayers are predicting a property crash because house prices have risen too high and are now unaffordable. Others suggest we have taken on too much debt both personally and as a nation.
Just because houses prices are high or unaffordable to some doesn’t mean we have a property bubble. 
How have property markets corrected in the past?
To understand what’s ahead, let’s look at what happens when property markets got ahead of themselves in the past.
Sydney had a terrific boom between 2001 and February 2004. In fact it was one of the best performing property markets between 1996 and 2004 helped in part by the excitement related to the Olympic Games.
After this boom the Sydney property market corrected. It didn’t collapse – it just corrected – with values falling from peak to trough by 9.3%, and this fall took a total of 23 months to play out, according to <a href="https://www.rpdata.com/" title="RP Data" target="_blank">RP Data</a>.
Of course not all parts of the Sydney market dropped in value equally – some areas held their values well. And even in the regions where values fell, property prices didn’t plummet – they gently followed a downward path.
But look at where Sydney property prices are today – most properties are worth significantly more than they were at their high point in 2004.
A similar pattern occurred in Brisbane and Perth, where values peaked in February 2008 after a long boom in both cities pushed their house prices well above the average national price growth. Again, property prices didn’t collapse – they just sauntered along, allowing the fundamentals to get back into alignment.
Going back to the previous decade, much the same happened in the early 1990s, when we experienced “the recession we had to have”. After the remarkable property boom of the late ’80s, interest rates rose to peak at about 17% and the property markets around Australia stalled. But once again, they didn’t collapse. They just flatlined for a few years as affordability, supply and demand other economic fundamentals caught up.
The only times Australian property values dropped significantly (albeit for a short time) was after the Second World War and during the Great Depression.
In the 1940s house prices dropped 17% over a two-year period, but according to John Edwards of <a href="https://www.residex.com.au/">Residex</a> they jumped back and grew strongly for many years after that.
Property values also dropped during the Great Depression when unemployment was high, but times are different today. No one is suggesting that Australia is heading for a depression; in fact we’re experiencing the opposite – a booming economy. That’s why talk of a property market collapse is nonsense.
Why don’t Australian property markets collapse?
Well, some do!
Just look at the Gold Coast, where the values of some properties have fallen by 40%.
But here’s why. The Gold Coast is driven more by speculation than by underlying supply and demand fundamentals. The large fall in prices there is because there is too much developer stock on the market and the fact that many people are selling up their holiday homes after the GFC.
The point is that in general our capital city property markets don’t collapse because they are illiquid. People don’t sell up their homes just because interest rates rise or when times get tough.
What could cause a property market collapse? 
Looking at what has happened in the past, both here and overseas, the factors that could make our markets collapse are:
<ol start="1">
<li>A depression or a severe recession – no one is suggesting this is likely in the near future, with the mother of all mining booms buoying up our economy.</li>
<li>
Unemployment levels so high that a mass of people can’t afford to keep their homes. Again this is unlikely to occur with unemployment levels being as low as they are.</li>
<li>
Interest rates rising to levels that cause home owners to default on their mortgages. I am hopeful the RBA won’t allow this to happen.</li>
</ol>
Why property won’t crash.
There are a number of reasons why we won’t see major falls in home prices in our capital cities any time soon. We have:
<ol start="1">
<li>Robust population growth fuelled by immigration and to a lesser extent strong natural population growth. Although immigration levels have dropped, we’re still growing at a faster rate than any other country in the developed world.</li>
<li>A healthy economy that will continue to perform at a level that is the envied by of much of the Western world and will create jobs for anyone who wants one.</li>
<li>A sound banking system with reasonable interest rates, tight lending practices and a low default rate.</li>
<li>A shortage of properties in some locations, which means rents will rise.</li>
<li>Difficultly getting finance for new developments and rising construction costs, which means new developments will be more expensive and underpin the value of established homes.</li>
<li>A healthy level of household debt. Sure we are borrowing more, but the debt tends to be in the hands of those who can afford it. Many Australians are saving more, taking on less credit card debt and paying off their mortgages faster than they need to, which improves the state of their personal finances. This in turn reduces the risk of house prices collapsing if interest rates rise or the economy hits a speed bump.</li>
<li>A culture of home ownership – 70% of us own or are paying off our homes. In contrast to some overseas markets, Australians have high equity in their properties and a conservative debt position. In fact half of all homes have no debt against them.</li>
</ol>
What’s ahead?
There’s no sugar-coating it – Australian house prices are high, but affordability has increased over the past year thanks to flat property prices and wages growth. Recent research from Rismark shows the average dwelling price-to-disposable household income ratio has fallen from a peak of 4.7 times in December 2009 to 4.2 times in the 2011 March quarter.
Yet there is still a large demand for housing – people are still getting married, having babies, getting divorced and coming from overseas. If they can’t afford to buy their homes they are going to rent, and this will force rentals up.
The bottom line is we are now moving into the stabilisation stage of the property cycle where values may only grow a few percent higher than inflation for a few years, but it’s a time when investors will be compensated by higher rents.
Of course, being a buyers’ market will mean that informed investors will be able to pick up a great investment property below intrinsic value if they do their research and negotiate wisely. And when they look back in a few years time they’ll wonder why they didn’t buy more properties while others were waiting for the bubble to burst.
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myardney-DFoGhGbSJX

Seven reasons why Australian property won't crash

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Western Sydney is emerging as speculative industrial development hotspot, according to Joshua Charles, regional director of industrial services at CB Richard Ellis.
Charles says six speculative projects (those not being built for a specific tenant) are now on the go, with most of these occurring in western Sydney. These new developments started four to six months ago, as a year ago there were no speculative projects on the horizon in western Sydney.
Industrial construction is being driven by a lack of available warehouse space at the same time as western Sydney emerges as a logistics and retail distribution hub.
In April, CBRE reported that the supply of large industrial space in western Sydney had all but dried up following supermarket group IGA snapping up 22,750 square metres of space in two separate buildings in the western Sydney suburb of Glendenning and Arndell Park, the Blacktown industrial suburb.
Among the mega projects under construction in western Sydney is Goodman’s 56-hectare Bungarribee Industrial Estate, bounded by the M4 Motorway, Great Western Highway and Brabham Drive in Huntingwood West.
Grocery wholesaler Metcash has signed up for an 82,015-square-metre warehouse and office building on the estate, which is being built over three stages with delivery dates between October 2011 and May 2012.
Other speculative projects earmarked for western Sydney are at various stages of development.
DEXUS Property Group has committed to build a 21,000-square-metre warehouse in Erskine Park, 42 kilometres west of Sydney in the Penrith area and has also lodged plans for a 4,800-square-metre building at Blacktown.
Two projects are proposed for Eastern Creek, 40kilometres west of Sydney. Australand is planning a 21,800-square-metre project, and Goodman has development application approval for a 6,000 sqm facility on ING’s former Interchange Park site
“If the development is on a well-located piece of land, by the time it’s at the lock-up stage, it will have been leased,” Charles says.
Pent-up demand for warehouse space has been building since the end of the GFC.
According to Charles, construction of new industrial space ended in 2007-08. Before the GFC, 100,000 square metres of new industrial space came onto the market every year.
“Demand is building up. If you look at the third-party logistics market, it is undergoing massive growth,” Charles says.
“Buildings that were once vacant are now being leased.”
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Western Sydney emerging as industrial hotspot

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Calls by retailers for a review of the current rental-cost model in Australia as well as for more regulation are not supported by Australia’s biggest shopping centre developers. 
Market forces are driving high rents, the Shopping Centre Council of Australia says in its submission to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the retailing industry. 
“Retail rents are the product of market forces, and there is no justification for additional regulation,” the SCCA says. 
The collapsed REDgroup business, owner of Borders and Angus &amp; Robertson book stores, is among those calling for a review of rent models put in place by landlords. 
It identified high rents as a key challenge facing Australian retailers. 
Similarly, in its submission, Myer says 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. 
Such pleas are unlikely to draw much sympathy from the likes of Westfield, Centro and Stockland, all of whom are members of the SCCA. 
According to the SCCA, the high rents charged reflect the “demand for space, the high cost of land zoned for commercial and retail purposes and the high cost of development, construction and maintenance”. 
This high cost, it says, is balanced by “retailers in shopping centres generally being more profitable, based on the much higher turnovers achieved”. 
It also defends the high cost of rents relative to other first-world countries following the April Global Retail Marketview report by CB Richard Ellis, which ranked Sydney as the third most expensive prime retail rental market, with Brisbane and Melbourne ranked eighth and 10th. 
In its submission the SCCA admits that “occupancy cost ratios in US shopping centres are lower than in Australian shopping centres (although not by as much as is commonly claimed)” but says this is “mainly because the amount of competing retail space in the US is around twice that in Australia, on a per capita basis”. 
The SCCA has called for regular reviews of retail tenancy legislation with the aim of removing “unnecessary and counterproductive regulation”. It says a “thorough analysis of costs and benefits” should be undertaken before additional regulation is imposed. 
The SCCA says the Australian retail leasing industry “is very highly regulated by world standards, with substantial protections established for retailers”.
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Shopping centre owners defend high rents

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With just the fourth prestige Southern Highlands sale in the past three years, retired Compaq executive Ian Penman and his wife, Ayesha, have finally sold their Sutton Forest holding, The Chase.

The restored and extended five-bedroom 1880s house, which sits on 40 hectares, sold through Bill Carpenter from W. Mcl Carpenter &amp; Associates at Bowral.

Its sale price has not been revealed, although the recent marketing indicated the $7 million expectations sought in October 2010 were not being pursued. It had been listed in 2007 with double-digit million hopes.

Local agents considered a $6 million selling target was more achievable given there had been just three sales at $5 million or higher across NSW’s Highlands since mid-2008.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94822]

Tarranlea, with a 744-square-metre ridgetop residence on 140 hectares at Werai, is 2011’s highest recorded sale at $5 million.

The highest sale in 2010 was an 84-hectare holding, Binya Farm, at Robertson which fetched $6.1 million through Bill Bridges at Ballard Property in conjunction with Carl Hilder .

There was a $6 million sale at Glenquarry when businessman John Dougall and his interior decorator wife, Suzanne, sold their 18-hectare property Runnymede. The five-bedroom house sold through Drew Lindsay at Drew Lindsay Real Estate Bowral to company director David Baffsky and his wife, Helen. The Kangaloon Road house was rebuilt by the Dougalls on the rural parcel, which has frontage to Lake Wingecarribee. The property has a tennis court, stables, seven paddocks, native woodlands, four dams and a 200,000-litre underground tank. It last traded when bought for $2.9 million in 2004 from the Malouf family, who had paid $730,000 in 1994 for the then Hereford cattle operation.

The Sutton Forest property Bunya Hill, a 45-hectare estate with an 1878 sandstock mansion, was sold in early 2008 for $6 million to actor Nicole Kidman and singer Keith Urban. It was sold by head of global markets at National Australia Bank Peter Coad and his wife, Helen, through Drew Lindsay, in conjunction with Martin Schiller from Sotheby's.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=92985]

The Chase, which has a reception hall, formal sitting room and dining room, billiard room and living room last traded when bought from insurance industry operative Rob Porter in 1996 for $2.6 million.

It was marketed by Carpenter as one of the very few true, great estates within the New South Wales' Southern Highlands.

It originally formed part of the Newbury Land Grant made to Australia's first Harbour Master, Captain John Nicholson.

Set on Oldbury Road, it is four kilometres to the Moss Vale town centre and 130 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD.

The main residence was built in the late 1880s and completely restored in 1989-1990. It sits in walled gardens credited as among the most beautiful in the Highlands, with three hectares of sweeping lawns, hedged and walled gardens and exotic trees.

The centrepiece of the garden is an expansive ornamental lake along with a pool and tennis court.

It also comes with stables, barn, grooms quarters, cattle and horse yards, and sheds.

The highland’s record stands with Comfort Hill, a Sutton Forest farm sold by adman Michael Ball and his wife, Daria, for $15 million in 2007 to the television industry pioneer Reg Grundy. It nearly doubled the record for a Southern Highlands hobby farm. The 200-hectare property sold through Meares &amp; Co agent Chris Meares in conjunction with Christie's agent Ken Jacobs.

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During the time they occupied the farm, the Balls extensively renovated and extended the home, as well as setting out a substantial garden of six hectares, which includes a lake containing more than 10,000 yellow Japanese water iris. Comfort Hill's settlement dates to the 1830s, when it was taken up by John Morrice, who owned a plantation in Barbados. The Morrice family, after subdividing the property into two lots, Eling Forest and Comfort Hill, sold Comfort Hill in 1839 to the Davis family of Queensland graziers. The Davises occupied the property until 1983.

The area's previous record was set in 2005 when Mittabah, at Exeter, was sold for $8.65 million to property developer James Vertzayias and his wife, Eugenie, by the Scottish-born businessman Sir Arthur Weller and Lady (Marea) Weller. The Wellers bought the then 89-hectare property for $3.15 million in 1989 and shortly afterwards added 29 hectares at a cost of $450,000.
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Southern Highlands buyer found after four-year pursuit

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The GDP contraction by 1.2% in the March quarter will, over time, be seen as either an economic blip or a sign that the Australian economy is no longer the star student at the World College for Economics. While the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi were unavoidable, it is becoming most clear that Australia’s annual growth rate is struggling to break through the 1% barrier (not to be construed as a natural disaster, rather an economic disappointment that requires greater scrutiny).
Although it is just not property prices that are caught up in this winter stew, it’s relevant to note that Australia’s housing market has a $4.2 trillion capital value. For this reason it is important that property remains on the boil, or at the very least, appetising to consumers. From 1985 to 1998, house prices doubled, then more than doubled from 1998 to 2007 (then the Global Financial Crisis arrived).
A recent report by RP Data-Rismark identified that property prices had been declining in “real terms” since 2004. CPI had been running at 3%, although housing growth in Sydney was recorded at just over 2.1%. Households are doing it tough. Spending is on the decline and savings rates are on the increase, moving to 11.5% from 9.7% in the March quarter (a clear consumer confidence indicator).
Household electricity bills are expected to skyrocket by up to 30% by mid-2013 (not including a carbon tax). An estimated $33 billion is the required spend on our ageing and inadequate power distribution networks. NSW is the worst offender. The previous government spent next to nothing in terms of upgrades to the extent that now, NSW electricity infrastructure is in a critical condition. This explains why we are now paying for it again.
Council rates are capped at annual increases of 2.8%, although the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal approved applications from 23 of the 152 councils to increase rates above the cap rate. North Sydney Council received approval to raise rates by 5.5% until 2018 – the only council to receive a seven-year increase approval.
If you are positioned within the mining economy, the future looks very bright, although in the non - mining sector it is looking very ill. No better example than households having greater concern over power bills than interest rates – an all-time first. Anecdotal data reveals that although households are using less power, bills are much higher.
Discretionary spending has not been under greater pressure since Australia’s last recession in the early 1990s.
Much is written about the Australian residential property markets, which are actually defined in three very different categories. Australia is no different from the rest of the world – you can rent, own with a mortgage and own without a mortgage. For years I have been somewhat mystified as to why these three key indicators are bundled together and not addressed separately. It will be interesting to see how this pie graph changes after this year’s latest census is conducted in August. We are working from data released after the last census in 2007 – for all Australian households.
<img src="/images/stories/rpgraphjune14.jpg">
The Reserve Bank of Australia meets on the first Tuesday of every month (except January) to discuss all things pertaining to monetary policy (an independent body removed from political spin). It should be noted that the RBA and Treasury have not seen eye- to- eye on all things economic for quite some time.
A big week ahead with the release of car sales, lending data and housing. RBA governor Glenn Stevens will discuss economic conditions and prospects at an Economic Society of Australia luncheon in Brisbane, where the RBA’s June quarter economic bulletin will be released.
Will there be any mention of a second June quarter GDP contraction and, if so, what will this do to the Reserve Bank’s interest rate outlook?
The latest Business Spectator Accenture CEO Pulse survey shows a 22% drop in optimism about the domestic economy. Surveyed chief executives who run companies with an average turnover of $100 million or more reported a decline in optimism to 51%, compared with 73% in the first quarter of 2011.
The CEOs' estimation of the government’s performance in managing the economy continues its downward trend, with an overall rating of 3.3 out of 10 – the lowest since the CEO Pulse was established.
It may just be a coincidence that freshly retired Treasury head Ken Henry has accepted a position as economic adviser to the Gillard Government. Given all that’s happening within the Australian economy, it remains to be seen if the NBN rollout and a carbon tax are economically (and emotionally) justifiable at this juncture.
Henry is reportedly the architect of the carbon tax, which is proving much harder to sell than real estate!
<div>
Robert Simeon is a director of <a target="_blank" title="RWM" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/">Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman &amp; Neutral Bay </a>(RWM) and has been selling residential real estate in Sydney since 1985. He has also been writing real-estate blog <a target="_blank" title="Virtual Realty News" href="https://www.rwm.com.au/news/">Virtual Realty News</a> since 2000. The RWM real estate model has sold in excess of $1 billion in database sales globally.
</div>
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

Real estate needs to stay on the boil

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The May sales figures of Australasian real-estate group Ray White remained steady at $2.1 billion, mirroring the $2.1 billion total in April.
But Ray White’s monthly figures reflect a revival in upmarket sales activity. Its top offices during May were Surfers Paradise in Queensland, Double Bay and Neutral Bay in NSW, and from Victoria, Glen Waverley and Epping.
Group chairman Brian White says given prevailing negative headlines, some buyers and sellers might assume that the sales market was chaotic.
“Yes, prices have eased in many locations. Yes, there are fewer sales, but nowhere near the horrific changes some are proclaiming,” White says. In April White noted the continued impact of recent natural disasters, Brisbane’s floods, Christchurch’s earthquake and the north Queensland cyclones.
White noted the natural disasters had triggered the sales figures to drop in April to $2.1 billion, some 15% less than April in 2010.
Sales in all three localities fell by more than 30% on the previous year.
“The consistency of the drop was remarkable,” White says.
“Take away the impact of these particular markets and the overall drop, year on year, comes down to just 10% – with approximately half of the drop to each of reduced values and reduced transaction activity.”
But it was the first April that matched its preceding March total.
The most positive signs of improvement across the group in April were from New Zealand.
“How quickly market sentiment can change when there is an interest rate drop, with a 0.25% interest rate drop at the beginning of the month quickly impacting particularly in Auckland,” White says.
“Faith in the future strength of both countries remains rock solid, leading to continued buyer enquiry. Buyers want good value, and if they can get it, they will commit.
“Market commentators often are unable to sense this level of buyer activity, but we’re seeing it every weekend at our open homes,” he says.
Queensland prices now reflect the best value in the nation, White says.
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Ray White sales hold steady

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About 1000 company chief executives have already raised more than $2.2 million as the days count down to the national homelessness fundraising event St Vincent de Paul’s CEO Sleepout.
Scheduled for the evening of Thursday, June 16, the CEO Sleepout, now in its sixth year, aims to raise awareness about homelessness and to raise funds for Vinnies’ services across Australia.
The executives spend spend one night sleeping outside with limited bedding and food to experience homelessness first-hand as best as possible.  
 "Like the traditional Sherpa who braves the elements, protects where they can, leads from the front, carries packs and guides, I am hoping my small part will enlighten and encourage others to donate and become aware of the difficulties faced by many within our society. By no means do I think it will be easy – scaling Mt Everest might be simpler!" Sherpa Group CEO Vicki Prout says.
"But by joining the cause to raise awareness of homelessness and necessary funds, we can contribute positively to the thousands of people around South Australia [and nationally] who experience disadvantage."
The 253 NSW executives have collected $800,000 in donations from 4900 donors to date. John Hartigan from News Ltd, John Borghetti at Virgin Australia and Ralph Norris from the CBA are among the NSW participants. Graham West, chief executive of St Vincent de Paul NSW and former state government minister, will be NSW’s sleepout host.
In Queensland the executives have raised at least $330,000; in Victoria $308,000; the ACT $260,000; WA $250,000; SA $135,000; Tasmania $110,000; and the Northern Territory $57,000.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, who pushed the homelessness issue when he was Prime Minister, is among those intending to sleep rough, but is choosing to do it in Melbourne, as he reckons sleeping out in warm Queensland is “simply too soft''.
Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Mark Arbib has join the registered CEOs.
"Thanks to organisations such as Vinnies, homeless Australians are provided with temporary accommodation daily, however sleeping rough is the reality for more than 16,000 Australians each night," Arbib says.
"The Gillard Government is committed to working with community organisations, state and territory governments and private industry to break the cycle of homelessness.
"By sleeping out for one night Australia's CEOs are taking a step to improve awareness about this issue and raising money which directly supports Vinnies homelessness services across the country.
"It would be fantastic if the 2011 sleep out surpassed last year's efforts – which attracted almost 700 CEOs and raised $2.9 million."
Arbib says the Australian Government has committed to ambitious goals to halve the rate of homelessness and offer supported accommodation to all those who seek it by 2020.
The 2011 Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Launceston and Darwin.
Property industry chiefs who are participating include L Janusz Hooker, the boss of LJ Hooker.
The SleepOut is Thursday night. Donate<a href="https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/" title=" here. "> here. </a>
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CEOs to take to the streets

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The outlook for the Sydney CBD office leasing market is strong, with enquiries in the April quarter more than four times the level recorded from June to August 2010, according to the latest CBRE and Property Daily Sydney CBD Leasing Market Report.
Jenine Cranston, CBRE senior director of office services, says the market has rebounded, with enquiries for leasing adding up to more than 200,000 square metres in the first quarter of 2011.
Cranston says the strongest growth was evident at the smaller end of the market, in the 100-square-metre to 500-square-metre range.
“There has also been significant growth in larger enquiries for over 3,000 square metre of space, with a 50% + improvement in the level of enquiry by square metres and a more than 70% improvement in the number of enquiries since quarter one, 2010,” she says
As a result, CBRE forecasts that the increase in new enquiries will translate into a higher level of lease signings over the remainder of 2011.
In February, Rob Dickins, Savills national head of office leasing, forecast continued recovery of the Sydney CBD office market on the back of a strong finish to 2010.
Dickins says confidence and the ability to take advantage of generous incentives drove a number of smaller financial and professional services firms to be particularly active in 2010. The positive outlook comes on the back of 20 new leases being signed in April, compared with just 17 for the first three months of the year. The 20 leases signed in April represent the most activity for a single month since November 2010 and only the third time since August 2008 that 20 or more leases have been signed in a calendar month.
The average size of CBD leases remains low, with the average for April at 912 square metres, compared with the average size of 1,312 square metres in March. The year to date has the lowest average lease size since October 2009.
During the year to April 2011, 24 deals of more than 3,000 square metres were signed, accounting for 144,124 square metres of space. Conversely, 93 leases of less than 1,000 sqm were signed over the period, accounting for just 36,310 square metres.
The finance and insurance sector remains the main driver of demand, accounting for more than a third of gross absorption during the year, with public administration and community services and business services the next biggest contributors.
Major leases signed recently include merged stockbroking group Bell Potter and Southern Cross Equities signing up for 3,000 square metres (floors 37 and 38) of the nearly completed 1 Bligh Street Tower, Sydney.
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