<p>One of Brisbane's last major riverfront redevelopment opportunities has taken a significant step forward, with Lendlease selected as the Queensland Government's preferred development partner for the former Visy site in South Brisbane.</p>

<p>The seven-hectare industrial site, positioned between South Bank and West End and 1.3 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside extensive public open space and riverfront parkland.</p>

<p>The project is one of the largest urban renewal opportunities currently planned in Brisbane and is expected to play a key role in accommodating the city's growing population ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.</p>

<p>Plans for the precinct include a network of riverfront promenades and boardwalks, new public plazas, parkland, amphitheatre-style gathering spaces and shared pedestrian and cycling links designed to reconnect the long-isolated site with the Brisbane River.</p>

<p>The Queensland Government is targeting delivery of the first homes and key public spaces before the 2032 Games, allowing the precinct to begin contributing new housing and public amenity well before the broader masterplan is complete.</p>

<p>The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.</p>

<p>For Lendlease, the appointment adds another major urban regeneration project to its Queensland portfolio. The developer has operated in the state for more than 70 years and has delivered a number of large-scale mixed-use precincts in partnership with government.</p>

<p>Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.</p>

<p>"The transformation of the former Visy site represents a rare opportunity to reimagine one of Brisbane's most significant riverfront locations, deliver thousands of much-needed homes, and create long-term legacy," Johnston said.</p>

<p>"In partnership with the Queensland Government, we have the opportunity to create a new riverside destination that will help shape Brisbane's growth and how people experience the city for decades to come.</p>

<p>"This is exactly the type of large-scale, city-shaping development that will provide lasting benefits for Queensland, bringing together housing, jobs and world-class public spaces."</p>

<p>Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.</p>

<p>“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.</p>

<p>“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape a significant slice of Brisbane and deliver lasting benefits – thousands of new homes, and public spaces for all Queenslanders to enjoy well beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games – unlike Labor’s plan which would have delivered zero benefits and zero new homes.</p>

<p>“Queensland is well and truly open for business and through partnership with the private sector, we are accelerating delivery while ensuring strong housing, community and economic outcomes."</p>

<p>Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.</p>


Joel Robinson

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

<p>Eddy Haddad's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/level-33">Level 33</a> is levelling up its approved Wollongong development, as the coastal city south of Sydney continues to prove popular in the high-density development space.</p>

<p>Level 33, a longtime developer in the Wollongong area, has gone through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority to upsize its approved two-tower development on the corner of Crown Street and Gladstone Avenue, just 100 metres from Wollongong Station.</p>

<p>The developer currently has approval for 252 apartments across two buildings rising to 19 storeys. It is now seeking approval for 33 and 38-storey towers that would deliver 467 apartments, including 67 affordable homes.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the development would comprise apartments above a three-level podium with around 1,100 sqm of retail space, along with basement parking for 448 vehicles.</p>

<p>According to the Urban Design Report by BKA, the proposal has the capacity to "reinforce the precinct's identity by strengthening links between health, education, and transport services, while also contributing to Wollongong's ongoing evolution as a key regional centre."</p>

<p>Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.</p>

<p>Level 33 is currently delivering Easterly Wollongong, one of its most boutique projects to date with just 21 high-end apartments, as well as Atchison &amp; Kenny, a 329-apartment development due for completion later this year.</p>

<p>The developer plans to redevelop the 13,088 sqm WIN Grand megasite into <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crown-square-216-238-keira-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Crown Square</a>, a new $500 million precinct with nearly 600 apartments. It also has more than 900 apartments planned for the former Bunnings Warehouse site at the intersection of Gipps and Flinders streets.</p>

<p>Urban Property Group is also playing a major role in the city's transformation. Its five-tower Keira Place precinct will deliver more than 800 homes, and it has recently lodged plans for a further 300 apartments near Wollongong Station.</p>


First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

<p>Just a week after filing plans for the final stage of its major Keira Place masterplan, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has unveiled another significant housing proposal in Wollongong, this time targeting a prominent site opposite North Wollongong Station.</p>

<p>The developer has lodged a State Significant Development Application for a 38-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-4a-flinders-street-north-wollongong-nsw-2500">4-4A Flinders Street</a>, around one kilometre north of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place precinct</a> currently taking shape on the edge of the CBD.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b6428f1-6405-4038-8476-897de440e90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium.png?VersionId=QLqEvK0OuCEwRC47oHNftrw2B1YqaHF8" /></p>

<p>Designed by Studio.SC, the proposal comprises a 38-storey mixed-use development containing 303 apartments, including 45 affordable housing units, alongside 174 co-living residences. The scheme also includes ground-floor retail space, extensive landscaping and public domain improvements.</p>

<p>Studio.SC noted in the proposal it "outlines a vision for a landmark transit-oriented mixed-use development centred around North Wollongong Station, designed to support the city’s future growth while responding to the NSW Government’s housing and planning reforms."</p>

<p>The architecture firm said the proposal responds to the opportunities and constraints shaping future growth within the 400-metre catchment of the station and represents "a coordinated and future-focused approach to urban intensification, contributing to the long-term evolution of North Wollongong as a connected, walkable and high-density station precinct."</p>

<p>The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Urban Property Group plans 38-storey North Wollongong tower as Keira Place expansion gathers pace" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7863adad-1f71-4022-b850-f44b252738fd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/flinders%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=WsU7av0g8_8R2tGHWxgHeFSlhu7yeY1V" /></p>

<p>The proposal follows Urban Property Group's recent submission for the second and final stage of Keira Place, which would deliver a further three buildings comprising 657 homes opposite Beaton Park. It builds on the first stage, which features 150 apartments across two towers and recently commenced construction.</p>

<p>Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said breaking ground on the first stage marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.</p>

<p>"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.</p>

<p>"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."</p>

<p><strong><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/urban-property-group-unveils-trio-of-towers-for-next-stage-of-new-wollongong-precinct-keira-place">Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place</a></em></strong></p>


First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada</a> has wasted little time expanding its ambitions in Campsie, lodging plans for a second major project in the rapidly transforming town centre just months after unveiling its three-tower One Campsie proposal on Beamish Street.</p>

<p>The UAE-backed developer has now taken aim at one of the suburb’s most strategically positioned sites, filing a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/10-north-parade-campsie-nsw-2194">33-storey mixed-use tower</a> at 10 London Street and 43 North Parade, directly opposite the future Campsie Metro Station. The proposal is currently on public exhibition and represents another significant vote of confidence in Campsie's emergence as one of Sydney’s key transit-oriented growth centres.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, the development would deliver 156 apartments above a podium containing retail and commercial space, creating a new residential and commercial gateway to the town centre. The scheme also includes a four-level above-ground parking podium and a dedicated residential amenity floor featuring wellness and recreation facilities. At least 10 per cent of the apartments would be allocated as affordable housing for a period of 10 years.</p>

<p>The proposal occupies a 1,631 sqm site bounded by London Street, North Parade and Dispensary Lane, immediately adjoining the future Metro station precinct and just metres from Beamish Street’s retail and dining strip. According to the Urban Design Report, the project seeks to deliver "a great place that prioritises human-scaled experience and provides spatial improvements to the area."</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="175a8324-015b-4856-abe3-ce6f23199fa7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium%20campsie.png?VersionId=742UGwXFhFBX4GEl6wX4PYIWREAgn6il" /></p>

<p>Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.</p>

<p>"Located directly opposite the new Campsie Metro Station on North Parade, 10 London Street is a thoughtfully composed 33-storey mixed-use tower that contributes to the ongoing transformation of the town centre," the Architectural Design Report states. The report says the project is intended to provide "high-quality homes within a vibrant, connected urban environment, while helping define Campsie's future skyline."</p>

<p>A strong emphasis has been placed on the public realm. The ground floor incorporates over 500 sqm of retail space and active frontages along both London Street and North Parade, while the podium is wrapped by extensive landscaped planting intended to soften the building's scale and strengthen the pedestrian experience. The development would also widen surrounding footpaths and improve connections between the Metro station and the broader town centre.</p>

<p>Above the podium, residents would have access to more than 1,400 sqm of communal amenities, including a pool, gym and landscaped recreation spaces. A distinctive green-wall treatment extending across four podium levels forms a major architectural feature, helping differentiate the project within the emerging high-density precinct.</p>

<p>The tower's design is closely tied to the broader Campsie Town Centre Master Plan and the arrival of Sydney Metro. The Urban Design Report notes the proposal "directly supports the Campsie Town Centre Master Plan by delivering new homes in a location explicitly identified for growth, improved accessibility, and high-quality urban renewal." It adds that the project contributes to the master plan's vision for a strengthened town centre supported by thousands of new homes around the future Metro station.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd17654-253e-489a-bade-6278d63db412" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/base%20campsie.png?VersionId=3roJPMQGs36dazpkhvpvbDDP73Ld.Ica" /></p>

<p>The application follows Arada's recently lodged One Campsie project at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, where the developer is seeking approval for 346 apartments across three towers rising 24, 32 and 39 storeys. Together, the two proposals would cement Arada as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.</p>

<p><strong><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-arada-files-for-trio-of-apartment-towers-in-campsie-town-centre">First Look: Arada files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a></em></strong></p>

<p>Arada entered the Australian market in 2024 and has rapidly assembled a significant development pipeline across Sydney. Alongside its Campsie holdings, the developer is soon to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/wattle-green-2-fishburn-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Wattle Green</a> in Castle Hill, and has expanded its local operations following its acquisition of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co.</p>

<p>Located around 14 kilometres south-west of the Sydney CBD, the site sits at the centre of one of Sydney's fastest-changing middle-ring precincts. The Metro conversion of Campsie Station, combined with Canterbury-Bankstown Council's master planning framework, is driving significant residential intensification around Beamish Street and North Parade, with thousands of new homes expected over coming decades.</p>


First look: Arada doubles down in Campsie with 33-storey Metro-front tower plans

<p>For the first time in a long time, Australia's inflation story is starting to look more like a landing than a fight.</p>

<p>The latest Consumer Price Index figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed annual inflation eased to four per cent in May, down from 4.2 per cent in April. On the surface, that might not seem like a major move. Inflation remains above the Reserve Bank's target range and some categories continue to record stubborn price growth.</p>

<p>But the significance of this result lies less in where inflation sits today and more in what it means for where interest rates are likely heading next.</p>

<p>The biggest takeaway is that inflation continues to move in the right direction.</p>

<p>Markets had been bracing for another sticky result after a period where progress appeared to stall. Instead, headline inflation came in softer than expected, helped by falling fuel prices and easing transport costs. Annual transport inflation halved from 6.6 per cent in April to 3.3 per cent in May, while automotive fuel prices fell 11.9 per cent during the month following lower oil prices and the impact of reduced fuel excise measures.</p>

<p>While petrol prices don't solve Australia's affordability challenges, they are one of the most visible and immediate costs for consumers. Falling fuel costs feed through the economy quickly, helping ease pressure on household budgets and business operating expenses.</p>

<p>The ABS data also showed headline inflation is now sitting at its lowest annual level in several months, reinforcing the broader trend that price growth is gradually moderating.</p>

<p>That trend is important because it aligns with what many economists and lenders have been saying for the last month.</p>

<p>Prior to this week's inflation data, ANZ, NAB and Commonwealth Bank had all shifted their forecasts, now believing the Reserve Bank had likely reached the peak of the interest rate cycle. Following the May inflation release, ANZ reaffirmed that view.</p>

<p>In its latest economic update, ANZ said it expects quarterly trimmed mean inflation to come in at 3.7 per cent for the June quarter, slightly below the Reserve Bank's forecast of 3.8 per cent. Importantly, the bank said that outcome, when combined with slowing economic activity, "supports our view that the cash rate has peaked".</p>

<p>The Reserve Bank has spent the better part of three years attempting to bring inflation under control through higher interest rates. If Australia's major banks are correct and rates have now peaked, the conversation shifts from how much higher rates could go to when they might begin coming down.</p>

<p>Westpac's caution comes from underlying inflation. The trimmed mean, the measure most closely watched by the Reserve Bank, increased from 3.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent annually. Housing inflation remains elevated at 6.5 per cent, reflecting ongoing increases in rents, electricity costs and new dwelling construction.</p>

<p>Electricity prices remain particularly problematic, rising 21.1 per cent over the past year following the removal of government rebates.</p>

<p>Housing construction costs are also showing signs of renewed pressure. ANZ noted new dwelling costs rose 0.9 per cent in May and are now running at an annualised pace of 8.6 per cent over the past three months. Builders continue to face higher labour, fuel and material costs, a reminder that inflationary pressures have not completely disappeared.</p>

<p>Housing affordability has deteriorated largely because of higher interest rates rather than higher property prices alone. Even modest reductions in mortgage rates would improve borrowing capacity, increase buyer confidence and reduce repayment pressure on existing homeowners.</p>

<p>While August is far from a certainty, the latest inflation result has strengthened the view that the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up. For borrowers, buyers and the development sector, that alone represents a significant shift from the conversation that dominated much of the past two years.</p>


The inflation result the property market was waiting for

<p>Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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).</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

<p>To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:</p>

<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>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.</p>


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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.</p>

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="252" data-start="225">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="413" data-start="389">Stamp Duty Benefits:</strong> Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.</p>

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Benefits</strong>: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.</p>

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="920" data-start="893">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong data-end="1162" data-start="1135">Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.</p>

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.</p>

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="1617" data-start="1590">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.</p>

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Relief:</strong> Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.</p>

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant</strong>: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: 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.</p>

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

<p>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.</p>

<p>Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.</p>

<p>Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.</p>

<p>A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.</p>

<p>NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p>NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.</p>

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

<p><strong>Energy Efficiency:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Cost Savings:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Environmental Impact:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Improved Comfort: </strong>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.</p>

<p><strong>Market Value and Desirability:</strong> 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.</p>

<p><strong>Compliance with Building Codes:</strong> 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.</p>


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?

<p>Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.</p>

<p>Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;">Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.</p>

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.</p>

<p>It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.</p>

<p style="line-height: 1.38;"><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></p>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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!</p>

<p>Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:</p>

<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>

<p style="line-height:1.38">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.</p>


Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

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<p class="post-title entry-title">EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p class="post-body entry-content">3.283 million was the print for US initial jobless claims.</p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBecYw6kZlY/XnyisN9hhXI/AAAAAAAA05k/GrFvyXTDTR0Mei8pw3Wzzy0tLMiCnHdwwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/US2.jpg" width="640" height="486" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1015"></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>Terrible stuff.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>All previous crises are a tiny blip on the radar by comparison.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It’s hard to compare with previous recessions...as there is simply no modern comparison.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The US unemployment rate could exceed 30 per cent by the end of next quarter, and Canada faces a similar mess.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Consumer-driven economies without consumers will lie in ruins for as long as the shutdowns continue.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Australia’s Coronavirus figures look somewhat promising, but in America they’re spreading widely.</div>
<div>
<br>There are now more cases in the US than in China, or indeed any other country.<br><br>
</div>
<div><strong>Co-ordinated stimulus</strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>More so than in any previous crises this will result in co-ordinated stimulus packages on an Olympic and unprecedented scale.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>So far rates have been cut to zero, and we’re looking at an initial $2.2 trillion US government stimulus package, and more is likely to follow.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Federal Reserve also dropped an initial salvo of US$700 billion in quantitative easing, and since it’s promising ‘QE infinity’ for as long as it takes, it’s impossible to know how much printing will follow (answer: a lot).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Small businesses and households, as in Australia, will need access to loans or other funds to tide them through to the other side.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It won't just be America going down this route.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>All around the world government debt is set to soar and central banks are pushing interest rates down to zero. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>A number of markets have been crushed, but US stocks are still expensive, with only really the energy sector looking interesting.<br><br>Overall the expected returns on US and Aussie stocks are not yet of much interest at these levels and the bargains lie elsewhere. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>One step at a time, Australia needs to bring down cases of the Coronavirus first and foremost.</div>
<p class="post-body entry-content">---</p>
<div>Some more old data.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Australian household wealth increased by +3.3 per cent in the December 2019 quarter, to hit a record high of $11.31 trillion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The main driver in Q4 was a +3.9 per cent increase in residential property prices.<br><br>Aussie total household wealth increased by +10 per cent in 2019.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Australia's average net worth per capita hit a record high of A$443,000 by the end of calendar year 2019.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K60ksQnjY9s/Xn0t8289OhI/AAAAAAAA050/Dl8Ui-sG1uUpBT7CdZJoYuNXUbA7p4x6wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/A1.jpg" width="640" height="384" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1373"></div>
<p class="post-body entry-content">And the average or mean wealth per household had soared to well over A$1 million.</p>
<p class="post-body entry-content"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wohuFMx9yng/Xn0uHYFhUUI/AAAAAAAA054/ibAp_V88F1MquVR-wNs0Oj8HBhNvr4fuwCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/A2.jpg" width="640" height="368" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1435"></p>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>CoreLogic will report next week that housing prices increased in Q1 2020, including in the month of March 2020 itself.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, property  activity will now stall, and equities crashed in the first quarter of 2020 which will bring down superannuation balances.<br><br>Meanwhile, unemployment looks set to double...at least.</div>
<p><strong>PETE WARGENT</strong><em> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em></p>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Unemployment looks set to double... at least: Pete Wargent

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<p class="legacy"><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="attribution" style="color: #333333; font-size: 12.16px;"><span class="source"><span>GUEST OBSERVATION</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine you have just bou</span>ght a home. You have moved in and, during a friendly chat with the neighbours, you find out the property had been the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-07/what-is-stigmatised-property-and-what-are-your-rights/9911608">scene of a serious crime</a> or <a href="https://www.aicnsw.com.au/our-dream-house-was-a-meth-lab/">used to manufacture</a> methamphetamine.</p>
<p>How would you react? Is this something you would want to have known prior to the sale? If you had known, would this have affected you decision to buy the property? And was the real estate agent or vendor <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/what-do-agents-have-to-reveal-about-a-home8217s-history-20170810-gxcm5k/">under any obligation</a> to let you know?</p>
<p>In most cases, the answer is (somewhat surprisingly to buyers) “no”. However, amendments to Victoria’s Sale of Land Act 1962 <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/sale-of-land-changes-in-effect-legislation-update">have now broadened the matters</a> that must be disclosed to buyers prior to a sale, including where a serious crime has occurred. Renters who find they have entered into a stigmatised property must resort to the consumer protection laws discussed below.</p>
<h2>Why were the laws required?</h2>
<p>The ancient doctrine of <em>caveat emptor</em> (let the buyer beware) still impacts on real estate transactions. It means the buyer bears the responsibility of making their own enquiries about the property.</p>
<p>Property inspections are usually confined to the physical condition of the property. While it would be possible, at least theoretically, to arrange for a person to investigate its “background”, this can be a difficult process, especially if such information is concealed or hard to come by.</p>
<p>As a result, each state and territory has introduced laws that provide for some level of disclosure to the buyer during the conveyancing process. The extent of disclosure required and the nature of matters that must be disclosed varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.</p>
<p>Furthermore, section 18 of the Australian Consumer Law <a href="http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caca2010265/sch2#_Toc32223214">considers conduct</a> as misleading or deceptive where a matter is not disclosed but, in the circumstances, there is a reasonable expectation it would be.</p>
<p>The problem is that while disclosure may be required in matters involving, for example, a structural fault or a road-widening proposal, such information is confined to physical issues affecting the property.</p>
<p>However, what happens when the matter involves not a physical defect but a psychological or stigmatising one, such as a murder, for example? Such information may be of considerable importance to potential buyers who, for personal or religious reasons, would find living in a property where such an event occurred intolerable. On a more mercenary note, the impact on resale value of the property <a href="http://journalarticle.ukm.my/7237/1/115-293-1-PB.pdf">could be significant</a>.</p>
<h2>The nature of ‘stigmatised’ property</h2>
<p>Concern about the effect of stigma on property is not a recent phenomenon. Courts in several jurisdictions, including Australia, <a href="https://api.research-repository.uwa.edu.au/portalfiles/portal/1218611/3632_3632.pdf">have had to grapple</a> with buyers who had discovered, after purchase, that the property had been the scene of a serious crime or criminal activity, a suicide had occurred, persons had been suffering from certain illnesses, or a sex offender lived nearby.</p>
<p>In one case a young man had murdered his parents and sister in their Sydney home. The property was later sold to a young couple. After discovering the tragic events that had occurred in the home, they sought to withdraw from the sale on religious grounds.</p>
<p>There was a <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/estate-agents-fined-over-triple-murder-house-20041220-gdz86g">significant amount of criticism</a> of the real estate agent for not informing the buyers about what had occurred there. After considerable public pressure and an investigation by the NSW Office of Fair Trading, the contract was set aside.</p>
<p>On a more ethereal note, there have been a series of cases in the United States where buyers have sought, in some cases successfully, to have a sale rescinded <a href="http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-10-29-Selling-a-Haunted-House-Heres-What-You-Need-to-Know">because the house</a> was (allegedly) haunted or the subject of <a href="https://casetext.com/case/stambovsky-v-ackley">paranormal activity</a>.</p>
<h2>Disclosure laws regarding stigma</h2>
<p>The Victorian legislation clarifies obligations for estate agents and vendors regarding <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/sale-of-land-changes-in-effect-legislation-update">the disclosure of “material facts”</a>.</p>
<p>In summary, an estate agent or vendor cannot knowingly conceal any material facts about a property when selling land. The legislation is supported by guidelines that clarify the nature of a material fact. This includes circumstances where, during the current or previous occupation, the property was the scene of a serious crime or an event that may create long-term potential risks to the health and safety of occupiers of the land.</p>
<p>Specific examples include extreme violence such as a homicide, the use of the property for the manufacture of substances such as methylamphetamine, or a defence or fire brigade training site involving the use of hazardous materials. Relevant factors can include the reaction of other potential buyers to the fact, including their willingness to buy in light of the revelation.</p>
<p>Significant penalties and even imprisonment await vendors and real estate agents who do not comply.</p>
<h2>Will the laws work?</h2>
<p>As with any new legislation, we will have to wait and see how this plays out. However, some preliminary comments can be made.</p>
<p>First, it will be interesting to see how the term “knowingly” is interpreted. Could an agent or vendor avoid the provisions if they merely suspect an issue but do not look further into it? The term “wilful blindness” comes to mind.</p>
<p>Second, a fact can be material in either a general or a specific sense. The general sense seems straightforward, as it refers to information most people would consider when deciding whether to buy a property.</p>
<p>However, how serious must a crime be to be material? What if the situation involves cultivation of marijuana rather than a more egregious substance?</p>
<p>More complex is where a material fact may be of importance to a specific buyer but not buyers generally. For example, in the case discussed above, the buyers’ religion made it impossible for them to live in a home where a violent murder had occurred. In this case, the onus seems to be on the prospective buyer to ask questions about matters of concern to them.</p>
<h2>What now?</h2>
<p>Although one suspects that buyers of an allegedly haunted house might not succeed under this legislation, the laws address a significant gap regarding disclosure of psychological considerations in the purchase of a property rather than the traditional physical ones.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/132766/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;"></p>
<p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/eileen-webb-95332">Eileen Webb</a>, Professor of Law and Ageing, School of Law, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></span></p>
<p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-your-house-has-a-disturbing-history-what-should-buyers-be-told-about-its-past-132766">original article</a>.</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

When your house has a disturbing history what should buyers be told

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<p>A mortgagee home in Rooty Hill, NSW has come onto the market via an expression of interest campaign.</p>
<p>Situated at 58 Pimelea Place and built in 2008, the home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a double garage.</p>
<p>It comprises a 288 square metre block, and the house has 200 square metres of internal floorspace.</p>
<p>Rooty Hill Train Station is just over a kilometre from the property.</p>
<p>The property had never previously come onto the market. </p>
<p>Mark Comber and Vijesh Kumar, from LJ Hooker Rooty Hill, listed the sale.</p>
<p>The expression of interest campaign concludes on April 3.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>The median price for a home in Rooty Hill is $650,000.</p>
<p> </p>
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wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

Rooty Hill, NSW mortgagee home listed for sale

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<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">A Randwick mortgagee home has sold for $1,825,000 at auction.</span></p>
<p>Located at 251 Avoca Street, the residence was built in C.1910, and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a carport.</p>
<p>Comprising a 272 square metre block of land, the home has 119 square metres of internal floorspace.</p>
<p>The suburb's iconic racetrack is 1.8km from the property.</p>
<p>It had previously sold in 1989, when it fetched $215,000.</p>
<p>William Tsagaris, from BradfieldCleary Double Bay, listed the property.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>The median house price in Randwick is $2.372 million.</p>
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Randwick mortgagee home sells at auction

<html><body>
<p class="legacy">GUEST OBSERVATION</p>
<p>As the COVID-19 outbreak intensifies, we’re seeing mass isolation in virus epicentres, with about 500 million people in China <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/italy-hardens-nationwide-quarantine-11583962093">“under varying degrees of quarantine”</a>, and all of <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-03-11/coronavirus-italy-quarantine-infection">Italy in lockdown</a>.</p>
<p>In Australia, <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-isolation-guidance">self-isolation</a> is being advised for those who have been in close contact with a confirmed coronavirus case, or have travelled from a country with a large number of cases.</p>
<p>People under isolation, which is different from <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx#sec5">social distancing</a>, must avoid public places, gatherings and visitors, and wear a surgical mask if leaving their home. For many, this means being confined at home except for essential trips for supplies and appointments.</p>
<p>But what are the psychological impacts, and consequent social impacts, of this? Reports from China suggest isolation has led to <a href="https://news.sina.cn/sh/2020-02-01/detail-iimxxste7998752.d">neglect of vulnerable people</a>, <a href="https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/wwC2q2zfeI6SMj5YDHDxqA">babies being abandoned</a>, and increased <a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/11/china-new-normal-coronavirus-pandemic-quarantine-ai-fen-propaganda/">domestic violence</a>, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/fear-anxiety-and-guilt-the-psychological-toll-of-chinas-coronavirus-war-11583150406">fear and anxiety</a>.</p>
<h2>‘Cabin fever’ creeps in</h2>
<p>In a recent review of literature, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673620304608">published in the Lancet in light of the COVID-19 outbreak</a>, authors reported that being required to isolate often resulted in symptoms of traumatic stress, confusion and anger. These effects are worse among people who are isolated for a long time, fearful of infection, have limited supplies, receive inadequate information, or are experiencing financial loss or stigma.</p>
<p>Many in isolation experience a sense of “<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00224545.1984.9924512">cabin fever</a>”. This often involves feeling dissatisfied, restless, irritable and bored when confined.</p>
<p>For people who are feeling well, being isolated may initially provide a <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/01/polar-vortex-stuck-indoors-let-me-out-please/581749/">novel respite</a> from daily responsibilities. However, this can quickly become stressful and anxiety-provoking.</p>
<p>As COVID-19 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-11/coranavirus-queensland-uq-student-went-to-brisbane-nightspot/12047000">spreads in Australia</a>, we can expect to see more people requiring isolation.</p>
<h2>Abuse of alcohol, and others</h2>
<p>Images from Wuhan, China, are providing a snapshot of the social disharmony that can emerge from forced isolation.</p>
<p>One retired police officer, Wan Fei, allegedly <a href="https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1005253/domestic-violence-cases-surge-during-covid-19-epidemic">told Sixth Tone</a> domestic violence reports had nearly doubled since China’s cities went into lockdown. He claimed as of late February, the police station in Jingzhou’s Jianli County had received 162 reports of domestic violence for that month, more than triple the number reported in February last year.</p>
<p>One of this article’s authors (Patrick), has had correspondence with colleagues in Hubei, who have also reported increased household tension among isolated families. Anecdotally, idle time has led to more alcohol consumption, and domestic and family violence has become more prevalent.</p>
<p>Simultaneously, many Chinese social services, including community centres and social work agencies, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/09/business/china-coronavirus-disabilities-wealth-gap">closed when quarantine restrictions were imposed</a>. Many social workers and helping professions have since started offering <a href="https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1005250/life-on-wuhans-virtual-front-lines">services online</a>.</p>
<p>Past research suggests stress during times of disaster leads to increased rates of domestic violence. <a href="https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/ajem-apr-2013-the-hidden-disaster-domestic-violence-in-the-aftermath-of-natural-disaster/">In interviews with 30 women</a> following the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, more than half reported experiencing violence after the disaster. Of these women, most had not experienced any form of violence prior to the disaster.</p>
<p>Stress can also place people, particularly those who are disadvantaged, at risk of <a href="https://www.academia.edu/19688932/Mental_illness_crime_and_violence_Risk_context_and_social_control">mental illness</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2732004/">addictions</a>.</p>
<h2>What can Australia expect?</h2>
<p>As the crisis deepens in Australia, we may have to face similar challenges. One viral video of aggressive shoppers, seemingly fighting over toilet paper, has already highlighted the psychosocial impacts of the coronavirus.</p>
<p>Attention to personal and community hygiene may exacerbate people’s existing anxieties, <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/coronavirus-covid-19-mental-health-crisis-961247/">potentially heightening phobias and clinical conditions</a> such as <a href="https://www.ocduk.org/ocd-and-coronavirus/">obsessive compulsive disorder</a>, <a href="https://time.com/5800917/trump-china-virus-tweet/">and fuelling racist behaviour</a>.</p>
<p>People approaching retirement may become unsure of their prospects for safety and prosperity. And casual employees <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/10/australian-government-warned-not-to-drag-its-feet-on-help-for-casual-workers-in-coronavirus-crisis">may face sudden income insecurity</a>. Workplace closures, like those seen in <a href="https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2334-12-311">Australia during the 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak</a>, could also adversely affect household functioning and finances.</p>
<p>Emotionally, people may experience stress due to the uncertainty of where the virus may spread, and the welfare of family members.</p>
<h2>What we can do</h2>
<p>Individually, we can all take action to avoid or reduce the potential emotional, psychological and social impacts of COVID-19. Workplace contingency management plans should factor in psychological support for staff, allowing employees to work from home if possible.</p>
<p>Access to accurate and realistic information about the pandemic could help avoid fearmongering and hysteria. Our fears, doubts, frustrations and disappointments will likely be shared by others, so we should relay reputable information to family, friends and colleagues.</p>
<p>Online sites such as Skype and Facebook can help us stay connected. Many are using these tools to make light of an otherwise difficult situation, including people in China tuning into <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/coronavirus-quarantine-cloud-raves-china-photos-2020-2?r=US&amp;IR=T">online dance raves via TikTok</a>.</p>
<h2>What our leaders can do</h2>
<p>Politically, we need to invest in social support services such as online counselling and telephone support lines. These could assist isolated people and help build community cohesion and resilience. Recently in <a href="https://nypost.com/2020/02/13/china-launches-hundreds-of-mental-health-hotlines-amid-coronavirus-outbreak/">China</a>, and during the 2014-2016 spread of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953617300898">Ebola in Senegal</a>, psychological support hotlines were established for such purposes.</p>
<p>Australia’s federal government has begun to evaluate and respond to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-12/federal-government-coronavirus-economic-stimulus/12042972">financial costs borne by households</a>. As the crisis unfolds, there will a need to compensate people for income losses associated with isolation.</p>
<p>When quarantine is necessary, it should be for the minimal amount of time and no longer than 14 days, given the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32150748">likelihood that symptoms will show in this time</a>. People quarantined should be <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/09/nyregion/coronavirus-ny-quarantines">provided with clear information about why they are being isolated</a> and what they should do moving forward.</p>
<p>All of us, regardless of national borders or political worldviews, are facing the incursion of COVID-19. Instead of allowing the virus to bring out the worst in us, let’s try to build a sense of solidarity across our communities.</p>
<p>Learning from experiences in other countries, and similar past events, could help alleviate potential negative psychological and social impacts.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133353/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;"></p>
<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-boddy-101576">Jennifer Boddy</a>, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School (Learning and Teaching), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-young-990667">Amy Young</a>, Associate Lecturer, School of Human Services and Social Work, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/patrick-oleary-650519">Patrick O'Leary</a>, Professor of Social Work, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a></em></p>
<p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/cabin-fever-australia-must-prepare-for-the-social-and-psychological-impacts-of-a-coronavirus-lockdown-133353">original article</a>.</em></p>
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Australia must deal with the social and psychological impacts of coronavirus

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<p>Small business across Victoria are doing it tough as a result of coronavirus.</p>
<p>If a landlord and tenant are dealing with a situation where the tenant is having difficulty paying rent at this time, the<span> Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) </span>encourage both the landlord or their agent and tenant to communicate as early as possible.</p>
<p>"This is really important, as it helps to make sure both parties are aware of and understand each other’s position," the VSBC suggest.</p>
<p>They advise if tenants intend to request rent relief, they might need to provide business records to the landlord or agent.</p>
<p>Tenants in this situation need to keep accurate business records to help show how trade has been affected.</p>
<p>If a landlord, agent or tenant is unable to obtain a response from the other party, we might be able to help through the <a href="http://www.vsbc.vic.gov.au/dispute-resolution/how-mediation-works/" target="_blank">VSBC’s mediation service</a>.</p>
<p>VSBC mediations are currently running, with changes implemented in response to COVID-19.</p>
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Victorian small business struggles to deal with the coronavirus

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>Working from home is already so common it has its own acronym, and it’s about to get even more common still. Companies <a href="https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/amazon-microsoft-apple-google-twitter-work-from-home-stanford-study" target="_blank">like Apple, Amazon and Microsoft</a> are now advising employees to “WFH” to avoid exposure to the novel coronavirus.</p>
<p>But working from home can be a real challenge for employees who find themselves doing it for the first time. To address this concern, many employees are turning to digital solutions to help them interact with colleagues and stay productive away from the office.</p>
<p>Here are some tech options for three styles of work: formal meetings, informal discussions, and team projects. But none of them, as we shall see, is without drawbacks.</p>
<h2>Formal meetings</h2>
<p>The first question on most people’s minds is how to conduct meetings with colleagues or clients. One of the most common answers is <a href="https://zoom.us">Zoom</a>, a video communication platform that combines conferencing, online meetings, chat and mobile collaboration.</p>
<p>Zoom is widely used as an online substitute for formal meetings, and last week its <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/stock-alert%3A-zoom-video-communications-rises-12-2020-03-05" target="_blank">share price surged by 12%</a> in anticipation that cornavirus quarantines will see it adopted even more widely. Among the platform’s selling-points are its ease of use, and ability to stream presentations as well as host meetings.</p>
<p>But while digital solutions like Zoom offer useful way for colleagues to meet, they are arguably less satisfactory for interacting with customers. Research <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/brand-connect/hilton/the-science-of-being-there/" target="_blank">suggests</a> that online meetings fail to deliver the same feelings of connection and empathy, compared with a face-to-face meeting.</p>
<h2>Informal discussions</h2>
<p>While video conferencing is useful for formal meetings, it is less appropriate for informal chats, brief queries or rapid status updates, such as “have you sent that invoice yet?”. This task is more suited to instant messaging platforms or group chat apps.</p>
<p>A common tactic is to use Facebook messenger, WhatsApp or gchat. But these can be distracting and intrusive, particularly at high volumes, causing workers to lose focus and concentration.</p>
<p>Many companies have instead adopted <a href="https://slack.com/intl/en-au/" target="_blank">Slack</a> and <a href="https://products.office.com/en-au/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software" target="_blank">Microsoft Teams</a>, which offer instant communication without the distraction of social media. IBM has reportedly adopted Slack for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ibm-slack-partnership-customer-digital-transformation-2020-2?r=AU&amp;IR=T" target="_blank">all of its 350,000 employees</a>. And Slack has reportedly <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-03-06-20-intl-hnk/h_c28cf284cc1589e8947c08c270570731" target="_blank">asked its own employees</a> to work from home in response to the coronavirus outbreak, prompting wisecracks on social media about how they will stay in touch with one another.</p>
<p>But while these channels are great for zapping quick messages between team members, it can be hard to build real rapport. Research shows that being <a href="https://hbr.org/2015/09/how-to-build-the-social-ties-you-need-at-work" target="_blank">authentic, realistic and making time</a> with colleagues is a more natural way to build effective work relationships, and this is hard to do purely online.</p>
<h2>Team projects</h2>
<p>So much for meetings and chats – what about actual project management? Two options already in widespread use are <a href="https://www.google.com/drive/" target="_blank">Google Drive</a> and <a href="https://onedrive.live.com/about/en-au/" target="_blank">Microsoft One Drive</a>, which allow people to upload documents to the cloud and collaborate on them in real time.</p>
<p>These two platforms have already become the industry standard for sharing documents. But (and you may be sensing a theme here), sometimes team discussions require face-to-face conversations or brainstorms, which can <a href="https://hbr.org/2015/04/collaborating-online-is-sometimes-better-than-face-to-face" target="_blank">challenging to replicate in a purely online environment</a>.</p>
<p>There’s no doubt that the coronavirus has struck at a time when we have more digital options than ever before, giving a wider range of employees the opportunity to work from home with minimal disruption.</p>
<p>But it’s also undeniable that people still need face-to-face interactions for companies to function at their best. The likes of Zoom, Slack and Google Drive will likely see an uptick in use during the epidemic, but once it’s over they should be considered complementary solutions rather than substitutions.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133350/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;"></p>
<p><span><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/geoffrey-mann-713012" target="_blank">Geoffrey Mann</a>, Sessional Lecturer, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063" target="_blank">RMIT University</a></em></span></p>
<p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/working-at-home-to-avoid-coronavirus-this-tech-lets-you-almost-replicate-the-office-133350" target="_blank">original article</a>.</p>
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Working at home to avoid coronavirus? This tech lets you (almost) replicate the office

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<p><span>The last week of unimpeded onsite auctions saw the final clearance rate fall to the lowest level since June last year.</span></p>
<p><span>Vendors secured a</span><span> 56.9 percent success rate across the capital cities, according to CoreLogic.</span></p>
<p><span>The week’s </span><span>final clearance rate was lower than the week prior when 65.3 percent of the 2,274 auctions held returned a successful result.</span></p>
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<p><span>Last week saw auction volumes across the combined capital cities reached their second highest level this year with 2,599 homes taken to market. </span></p>
<p>Melbourne was the busiest city in terms of auction activity with 1,343 homes taken to auction last week, returning a final clearance rate of 58.4 percent.</p>
<p>Over the previous week, 1,201 auctions were held and the clearance rate was recorded at 65.6 percent.</p>
<p>This time last year, 814 homes were taken to auction across the city when 55.1 percent were successful.</p>
<p><span>There were 946 homes taken to auction in Sydney last week returning a clearance rate of 58.8 percent, while over the previous week, 767 homes were taken to auction and a higher clearance rate of 68.1 percent was recorded. This time last year 506 auctions were held returning a 52.1 percent success rate.</span></p>
<p><span>Across the smaller auction markets, Canberra was the best performing auction market last week in terms of the clearance rate with 63.2 percent of homes auctioned reporting a sold result.</span></p>
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<p><span>There were 3,065 capital city properties scheduled to go under the hammer this week, however the release of new policy on Tuesday has quickly changed how the real estate industry will operate, with on-site auctions and open homes now being added to the list of social restrictions.</span></p>
<p>This week was expected to be the busiest week for auctions for 2020.</p>
<p>However, given usual auction methods are temporarily banned, agents may be looking to move to online solutions, CoreLogic noted, or accept bids over the phone, with the aim to carry on with a‘business as usual’ approach.</p>
<p>There is also likely to be a number of vendors who withdraw their property from the market completely or postpone until circumstances improve. </p>
<p><span>Across each of the individual auction markets, scheduled volumes are higher week-on-week in Melbourne (9%), Sydney (28.2%), Brisbane (52.2%), Adelaide (44.3%) and Canberra (2.5%), while Perth and Tasmania have fewer scheduled auctions over the week.</span></p>
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Auction success rate slips into the 50s ahead of onsite auction shutdown

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Demographic trends</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>A quick break from the Coronavirus news which is evidently usurping the planet!</div>
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<div>The ABS reported that the capital cities population of Australia increased by +303,100 in FY 2019.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Greater Sydney, which includes the Central Coast, increased by +87,100 or +1.7 per cent, and remained the most populated city at 5.31 million.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, Melbourne grew at the fastest pace, up by +113,500 or +2.3 per cent to 5.08 million.</div>
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<div>As in previous years the densest locations included parts of inner-city Melbourne, Sydney's Potts Point-Woolloomooloo, and Ultimo-Pyrmont.</div>
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<div>Brisbane's population increased quickly too, at +2.1 per cent or +52,600, to increase to 2.51 million.<br><br>
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<div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Source: ABS</em></span></div>
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<div>Capital cities accounted for 79 per cent of population growth over the financial year, reported the ABS, and some 17 million Aussies now live in the capital cities.</div>
<p><br><span>Immigration will effectively be paused in 2020 due to the...well, you know what!</span><br><br><span><br></span></p>
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Capital cites population up 303,000 in FY2019, but paused in 2020: Pete Wargent

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<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span>48 lenders have cut at least one fixed home loan rate in the past week since the RBA's emergency rate cut, according to <span>financial comparison website</span> RateCity.</span></p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span>ING, <span>Australia's fifth largest lender, </span>set to offer the country's lowest home loan rate at just 2.09 per cent, fixed for two years, available from March 26. </span></p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span>The company announced cuts to its fixed home loan rates by up to 50 per cent for owner-occupiers with the Orange Advantage package. </span></p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-03-26%20at%2010.22.02%20am.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal"><span><span>Around 80 per cent of fixed home loan rates are now below 3 per cent and more than two dozen lenders offering fixed rates under 2.5 per cent. </span><span><br></span></span></p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Sally Tindall, research director at RateCity.com.au, said the fixed rate space was hitting boiling point.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">“Lenders are putting all of their cards on the table as panicked borrowers seek out home loan security in a market that is changing daily,” she said.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">“The move from ING comes after the major banks kicked off a rate war last week with Westpac, NAB and ANZ cutting rates to 2.19 per cent. The question is ‘how low can they go?’.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">She noted that we are not far from seeing fixed rates below 2.0 per cent. </p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">Like many banks, ING has chosen not to cut variable rates following Thursday’s RBA announcement, but offered payment deferrals for up to 6 months for home loans, personal loans and credit cards.</p>
<p class="x_MsoNormal">“This will support a lot of Australians in the coming months, particularly those who have been impacted financially as a result of the coronavirus,” she said. </p>
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