<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>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>Today, the Reserve Bank released a Statement which was aimed at addressing liquidity issues in the Australian financial market.</p>
<p>The liquidity policies were aimed at both the government bond market and the bank funding markets.</p>
<p>Earlier in the day, we saw aggressive policy changes from both the US FOMC and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.</p>
<p>The RBA Governor’s Statement noted that the Reserve Bank “stands ready to purchase Australian government bonds in the secondary market”.</p>
<p>The Statement indicated that the action was aimed at supporting the smooth functioning of the bond market.</p>
<p>At a recent Conference, on March 11, RBA Deputy Governor Debelle noted that “at the moment we don’t see material disruptions in financial markets. If that were to change we obviously have the capacity to act in the market like we did back in 2008 in terms of ensuring sufficient liquidity to the market. We don’t see the need for that now, but obviously if circumstances change, that might also need to change”.</p>
<p>Clearly from the RBA’s perspective the circumstances have changed. So this action in the bond market is targeted at boosting liquidity in a market that is seen as a “key pricing benchmark for the Australian financial system”.</p>
<p>Other liquidity based policies which were announced include one month; three month; and six month or longer repo operations to support liquidity in bank funding markets.</p>
<p>This action in the bond market is not the Quantitative Easing policy which we have been anticipating will be adopted when the overnight cash rate reaches 0.25% (defined by Governor Lowe as the zero lower bound at a speech on November 26).</p>
<p>In explaining its proposed approach to Quantitative Easing Deputy Governor Debelle pointed out at the same Conference, “So we would talk about the likely future path of interest rates – what is generally known as forward guidance – and to validate that we would be operating in the bond market as necessary to keep government bond rates, or the risk free curve, consistent with our outlook for interest rates".</p>
<p>It is interesting that the Bank’s first foray into the bond market is based on liquidity but we do not expect that the Quantitative Easing approach has been shelved.</p>
<p>The Governor's statement today also indicated that: "further policy measures to support the Australian economy" will be announced on Thursday March 19.</p>
<p>Those policy measures are expected to include a lowering of the overnight cash rate from 0.50% to 0.25%.</p>
<p>Quantitative Easing, along the lines described by the Deputy Governor, is also expected to be announced. This would involve the RBA targeting a particular outlook for the risk free curve.</p>
<p>The Governor’s Statement also noted that the RBA and the AOFM are in close liaison. Recall that during the Global Financial Crisis the AOFM purchased a range of mortgage backed securities. A repeat of that successful exercise is also likely to be announced.</p>
<p>Last year Westpac raised the issue of the RBA adopting a similar policy to the Bank of England to support small businesses and households while supporting banks’ funding at a time of excessively low interest rates.</p>
<p>Under the arrangement the RBA would lend long term funds to the commercial banks at a rate close to the overnight cash rate with the funds being tied to loans to business and households.</p>
<p>We understand that in this current crisis a key priority is about ensuring that good companies stay afloat until the crisis has passed and in turn that companies are able to retain their employees.</p>
<p>The Government’s Fiscal Stimulus Package addressed these issues but we think that the monetary authorities, in conjunction with our unquestionably strong banking system, can also play a role.</p>
<p><em>BILL EVANS is the <a href="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/Article/42581/14186/" target="_blank">chief economist for Westpac</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>This article was first published on <a href="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/Article/42581/14186/" target="_blank">Westpac IQ</a>.</em></p>
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bevans-rYk9SxEa4r

RBA to cut cash rate to record low 0.25% and announce QE: Westpac's Bill Evans

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<p>A Napperby, South Australia mortgagee has been sold for $90,000.</p>
<p>The house was originally listed for $138,000, before being slashed to $110,000.</p>
<p>Wayne White of Wardle Co Real Estate marketed the listing.</p>
<p>Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-napperby-127573318" target="_blank">158 Scenic Drive</a>, the property consists of three bedrooms and one bathroom.</p>
<p>Set on 3,237 sqm, the listing describes the home as a "hobby farm for a renovator."</p>
<p>It is located 10 minutes from Port Pirie.</p>
<p>The property features a partly renovated bathroom and four parking spaces, outside there is an old olive orchard, other trees and chook houses.</p>
<p>The circa 1960 built home has been on the market for over 500 days.</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>According to CoreLogic, in <a href="/developments/napperby-sa-5540">Napperby</a> the annual change in median price over the past 10 years is 1.9%.</p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Napperby, SA mortgagee listing slashed 20% and sold

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>The Perth market is – at last - showing solid signs of recovery from five years of dogged downturn. Hotspotting's Autumn survey of sales activity has found 51 suburbs with rising demand, up from 34 six months ago.</p>
<p>In the five years we have been conducting our quarterly surveys, there has been only one other quarter with more rising markets.</p>
<p>This occurred early in 2019, when Perth appeared on the road to revival before it was snuffed out by the impending Federal Election, the Banking Royal Commission and overwhelming media negativity.</p>
<p>Now the recovery in the WA capital is back on track, with the city's middle market leading strongly and some of the first-home-buyer markets starting to show vitality. A significant reduction in vacancies and consequent uplift in rents is underpinning the resurgence.</p>
<p>Three precincts stand-out as the market leaders – the municipalities of Stirling, Joondalup and Wanneroo, which jointly have half of Perth's 51 rising markets. These areas have been among the most resistant to the prolonged downturn and it's not surprising to see them at the forefront of the upturn.</p>
<p>We have previously commented that the Stirling LGA has been a "sterling performer" amid Perth's down market. And now it is the leading precinct in the recovery: our Autumn survey had identified nine suburbs with rising sales activity and numerous others with steady demand. The suburb of Dianella (median price $555,000) has lifted quarterly sales from 99 to 101 to 108 to 110 to 121 to 126 over the past 18 months.</p>
<p>In the north of the city, regular leader Joondalup and neighbouring Wanneroo both have eight suburbs with rising momentum. Joondalup is consistently among the most resilient of the Perth markets, boosted by excellent infrastructure and a cluster of good suburbs with attractive pricing. Quarterly sales in Hillarys have been 47-50-50-54-55-58-63.</p>
<p>Wanneroo is one of WA's leading population growth areas and a provider of new suburbs and housing estates which attract younger buyers. The evolving suburb of Alkimos has recorded quarterly sales of 32-35-38-46 over the past year.</p>
<p>Closer to the inner city, Cockburn continues to stand out as a solid performer. It has six rising suburbs and seven others with consistent buyer demand.</p>
<p>One precinct that is usually prominent but currently less so is the Melville LGA. It currently has just three rising suburbs and there has been a noticeable falloff in some of the more upmarket suburbs in this precinct. Median prices have dropped in million-dollar suburbs like Applecross (down 11%), Bicton (down 16%) and Ardross (down 14%).</p>
<p>We're starting to see some revival towards the bottom end of the market. Wanneroo is one of the market leaders and the Rockingham LGA in the south, which has not featured in any major way in our reports over the past couple of years, is now showing signs of rising.</p>
<p>Other affordable precincts, however, are yet to spark to life. LGAs like Canning, Gosnells and Armadale have lots of plateau markets – where sales activity is steady but well below the peak levels – and as yet no suburbs with rising sales activity. And prices remain down.</p>
<p>Overall, the Perth is showing strong indications of recovery in terms of sales activity, vacancies and rental growth – but it has yet to translate into widespread uplift in prices.</p>
<p>Only 22% of suburbs have recorded annual growth in median house prices and just 30% of suburbs have had annual increases in median apartment prices.</p>
<p>The areas where the best growth has occurred are largely middle market areas, with the Stirling LGA particularly prominent.</p>
<p>Stirling suburbs with annual median price growth well above average for Perth include Carine (up 6%), Woodlands (7%) and Inglewood units (9%), but the market leader is Wembley Downs (up 16%).</p>
<p>Prices are still dropping in downmarket areas like the LGAs of Canning, Gosnells, Kwinana and Armadale. Examples include the suburbs of Armadale (-11%), Bentley (-11%), Cannington (-11%), Ferndale (-10%), Gosnells (-10%), Kelmscott (-15%), Leda (-10%) and Medina (-15%).</p>
<p><strong>TERRY RYDER</strong><em> is the founder of hotspotting.com.au</em><br><em> ryder@hotspotting.com.au</em><br><em>twitter.com/hotspotting</em></p>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Perth property market finally showing signs of recovery in 2020: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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<p>A two-storey retail asset on Swanston Street in Melbourne's CBD has set a new record building rate for a commercial property in Victoria, after selling for $9.2 million at auction.</p>
<p>It is the first building to come onto the market in the retail strip in five years.</p>
<p>273 Swanston Street sold on a yield of 2.13%, with more than 200 people attending the auction.</p>
<p>The sale of the 130 sqm building, leased to dumpling bar New Taipei, represented a new record rate of $70,769/sqm for the Melbourne CBD.</p>
<p>CBRE's Melbourne City Sales team of Alex Brierley, Julian White, Nathan Mufale and Chao Zhang managed the sale on behalf of the private family who owned the building for the past 70 years.</p>
<p>Eight local and international bidders fought to secure the asset, with a Malaysian investor outbidding several Melbourne families and rival parties from Hong Kong and Malaysia.</p>
<p>The building is next door to a McDonald's on the corner of Lonsdale Street and Swanston Street.</p>
<p>"As the first Melbourne CBD freehold auction in 2020, this was the first real test of the market and what we have witnessed is a continuation of the confidence buyers demonstrated in late-2019," Mr White said.</p>
<p>"Coupled with other recent Melbourne CBD sales, it also demonstrates the significant power of the auction as a method of sale for properties that are suited to public competition."</p>
<p>The result follows the sales of the Tsindos Greek Restaurant at 197 Lonsdale Street to a Taiwanese investor for $8.1m on a similarly tight yield of 1.29%, and the OPSM building at 384 Bourke Street for $22.5m on a 2.60% yield in December 2019.</p>
<p>"We are noticing many Asian buyers are recognising the rarity of these freehold assets within the CBD grid," Mr Zhang added.</p>
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Swanson Street, Melbourne retail site breaks Victorian commercial property record

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>To date, the USA has close to 100 deaths due to coronavirus, Italy has more than 1,100, Iran has more than 600, Korea has more than 70 deaths. Australia now has 3.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, China is reported to have contained the coronavirus, achieving what many public health experts thought was impossible: containing the spread of a widely circulating respiratory virus.</p>
<p>Having spent my time in China for a month early this year and seeing it with my own eyes, I think China has rolled out the most ambitious and extreme disease containment effort in history.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most dramatic effort was the lockdown of Wuhan city and nearly the entire Hubei province, effectively putting at least 50 million people under a mandatory quarantine since 23rd Jan. This prevented further exportation of infected individuals to the rest of the country/world. In other regions of China, people voluntarily quarantined themselves and were monitored by appointed leaders in the neighbourhood.</p>
<p>In February, Chinese authorities also built two dedicated hospitals in Wuhan in 10 days. Health care workers from all over China were sent to Wuhan, where more than 1,800 medical teams traced tens of thousands of contacts of confirmed cases.</p>
<p>Sports events were cancelled, cinemas were shut, schools and universities extended breaks, businesses closed down, people stayed at home and when they had to go outdoors (to do shopping etc) everyone had to wear a mask.</p>
<p>In contrast, despite the stimulus package, Scott Morrison has been encouraging people to keep attending mass gatherings as coronavirus continues to spread in Australia... until Peter Dutton gets it.</p>
<p>China has moved on. Close to 70,000 people were treated and recovered. Many of the hospital beds are now empty. China is eyeing "new infrastructure" projects to offset the economic impact of the coronavirus, and boost sustainable growth, e.g. accelerate the construction of new infrastructure such as 5G networks and data centres.</p>
<p>Instead of simply turning to the old playbook of investment stimulus, it is widely believed that China should promote a new round of infrastructure construction through reform and innovation.</p>
<p>Investors have already jumped on the bandwagon. In China's A-share market, stocks related to 5G networks, industrial internet, inter-city transit systems, vehicle charging stations and data centers -- all considered as new infrastructure -- saw continued fund inflows, with exchange-traded funds linked to these shares registering gains in the past weeks.</p>
<p>While policy incentives have guided market funds into the sector, the Chinese government is also expected to encourage new infrastructure via special bonds, public-private partnerships and credit support. About 714.8 billion CNY ($152.7 billion AUD) of special-purpose bonds were issued in January, 10 times the amount of general bonds issued.</p>
<p><strong>So how is this going to impact the Australian economy?</strong></p>
<p>Well, China is Australia's biggest trading partner mainly due to China's strong demand for iron ore, coal and liquefied natural gas. Many major Australian mining companies rely heavily on China. Australia's GDP growth could be reduced by 50% in a worst case scenario of China reducing its demand for Australia's exports.</p>
<p>Simply put, if China's economy crashes then Australia will be hit hard.</p>
<p>With China's new round of infrastructure construction, Australia will be one of the major beneficiaries, economy-wise. This could mean a contribution of $200 billion worth of imports and exports to the Australian economy, just like 2017-18.</p>
<p>Industry sectors such as education and tourism might still continue to suffer because of flight restrictions. However, flights might not be needed for cross-border property purchases. There might be a drop-off in open for inspection and auction attendance, but Chinese buyers do not have to come to Australia to purchase properties.</p>
<p>In my Chinese social media WeChat, I can see at least 20 people (buyers, that is) showing off their property purchases in Australia, while they are physically in China. They included private sales, off-the-plan or nominee sales, and "remote auction" - asking their friends/family to attend auctions on their behalf.</p>
<p>This trend will probably continue in the months to come. At GiFang, we will be sending further messages to our 200,000+ Chinese subscribers that if they require 'buyer assistance', we can act as an intermediary between them (no matter where they are) and the Australian agents, on properties listed on GiFang.com.</p>
<p><strong>Michael Yang</strong><em> 杨霄羽 is the CEO of <a href="http://www.gifang.com" target="_blank">GiFang</a>.</em></p>
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MichaelYang-M4BCtFfzCh

Post coronavirus how will China's economy impact Australia: GiFang's Michael Yang

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<p class="legacy"><span>Social housing is part of the lives of a surprising number of Australians. On any one night in Australia, just over </span>4% of households rent social housing<span>. Yet it has housed many more people than this for brief, and sometimes repeated, periods. We estimate up to 10% of Australians have called social housing home at some time in the past 20 years.</span></p>
<p>Throughout the postwar era, Australians have used social housing in various ways. Social housing can be:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>a place to raise a working family</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>a “springboard” to owning a home</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>a brief “safety net” to escape domestic violence</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>a stable home following homelessness.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Today the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (<a href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/about-us/who-we-are-and-what-we-do" target="_blank">AHURI</a>) releases a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/326" target="_blank">major commissioned study</a> tracking the pathways of people into and out of social housing from 2000 to 2015. Our analysis, using national data, provides many interesting insights into how Australians use social housing.</p>
<p>Try to picture a “typical” social housing tenant. You might imagine a single mother, or an elderly lady who has lived and raised family there. Or do you see a single man who has fallen out of the workforce? Regardless of whom we picture, most of us will probably see social housing as an end-point in their housing journey – a stable home.</p>
<p>The truth is Australians use social housing in several very different ways. A home for life is just one of those ways.</p>
<h2>Who uses social housing?</h2>
<p>When we look over time (in this case 15 years) at everyone who has lived in social housing, we find only about a third of people lived continuously in the tenure. Almost another third entered social housing in that time and remained there. But a surprisingly large proportion entered and left the sector either once or multiple times.</p>
<p>So social housing represents different things – a long-term home, a springboard, a safety net – to different people.</p>
<p>The likely role of social housing depends a lot on what else is going on in people’s lives. When we compared characteristics of all people who were “social renters” at some time in the 15 years, we found:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>the group who lived continuously in social housing were generally older (average age 60) and more likely to be female than people on other housing pathways, with age pension and disability benefits the most common types of government assistance received</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>those who left social housing (and never returned) were the second-oldest group (average age 50), also predominantly female, with unemployment and disability support the most commonly received government assistance</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>the group who entered (and then remained in) social housing was distinct in its high proportion of refugees and other people born overseas, with unemployment and disability support again the most common government assistance</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>more than a quarter of all pathways could be described as more transitory, involving multiple entrances or exits. This group as a whole was younger, more likely to be Australian-born and more likely to be Indigenous than the other groups. It was also distinct in the dominance of unemployment benefits among the forms of government assistance received.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Social housing has broad benefits</h2>
<p>The people who enter social housing, and their patterns of behaviour, are nowhere near as predictable as many of us thought. There are many pathways. Only about one-third are long-term tenancies.</p>
<p>Despite the shrinkage of this sector, and a relative lack of investment in it, social housing does much more than simply house the elderly, sick and most disadvantaged people in our society.</p>
<p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/319788/original/file-20200311-116275-1c67o3y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:</p>
<p><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/319788/original/file-20200311-116275-1c67o3y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/319788/original/file-20200311-116275-1c67o3y.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a></p>
<p><span class="caption">Social housing (public and community housing) as a proportion of all households in Australia.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.ahuri.edu.au/policy/ahuri-briefs/census-shows-falling-proportion-of-households-in-social-housing" target="_blank">AHURI, using ABS Census data, 1981-2016</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY-NC-SA</a></span></p>
<p>More than one in four people who enter social housing use it as a launchpad to more stable employment and market housing. Clearly, then, the sector plays a valuable role in stabilising lives and raising prosperity. These important functions should be safeguarded in the future as pressures on the sector continue to grow.</p>
<p>Overall, one of the things this new work gives us is a long view – hopefully a different view – of the social housing sector and its role over time in Australian lives. It reminds us the impact of social housing is felt well beyond the 4% of the population who may live in it at any one time.</p>
<p>Our social housing infrastructure has certainly been part of the housing experience of many Australians or their parents. We therefore underestimate the effectiveness of social housing as a springboard into home ownership, or a temporary safety net, when we only think of the 4% it currently houses.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/133436/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/emma-baker-172081" target="_blank">Emma Baker</a>, Professor of Housing Research, School of Architecture and Built Environment, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119" target="_blank">University of Adelaide</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-leishman-391783" target="_blank">Chris Leishman</a>, Professor of Housing Economics, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119" target="_blank">University of Adelaide</a></em>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rebecca-bentley-173502" target="_blank">Rebecca Bentley</a>, Professor of Social Epidemiology, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a></em></span></p>
<p>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-many-faces-of-social-housing-home-to-1-in-10-australians-133436" target="_blank">original article</a>.</p>
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The many faces of social housing – home to 1 in 10 Australians

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<p>The coronavirus scare has finally affected the hitherto robust capital city auction market sentiment, but not too dramatically.</p>
<p>The national clearance rate has dipped to 69 percent according to the preliminary Domain data.</p>
<p>It is the weakest national result since the opening weekend results of 64 percent on February 1, having been in the 70s in the intervening five weeks.</p>
<p>This time last weekend Domain had the national figure at 75 percent, with Sydney at 80 percent and Melbourne, with its Moomba weekend distraction at 69 percent.</p>
<p>Today it was 73 percent in wet Sydney, down seven percent.</p>
<p>Melbourne sat at 68 percent, so just a small dip.</p>
<table style="width: 605px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
<thead><tr>
<th>City </th>
<th>Success rate </th>
<th>Number listed </th>
<th> Reported auctions </th>
<th>
<p> </p>
<p>sold</p>
<p> </p>
</th>
<th> </th>
<th>
<p>($m)</p>
</th>
<th> </th>
<th> </th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="5">
<p>This week</p>
</td>
<td colspan="4">
<p>14 March</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_trThisWeekRow_0">
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekCity_0">Sydney</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekClearance_0">73.4%</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekListed_0">644</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekReported_0">433</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekSold_0">361</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekWithdrawn_0"> </td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekTotalSold_0">$328.5</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekHouseMedian_0"> </td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekUnitMedian_0"> </td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_trThisWeekRow_1">
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekCity_1">Melbourne</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekClearance_1">68.0%</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekListed_1">1,090</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekReported_1">751</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekSold_1">532</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekWithdrawn_1"> </td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekTotalSold_1">$412.7</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekHouseMedian_1"> </td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekUnitMedian_1"> </td>
</tr>
<tr id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_trThisWeekRow_2">
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekCity_2">National</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekClearance_2">69.6%</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekListed_2">1,921</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekReported_2">1,292</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekSold_2">969</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekWithdrawn_2"> </td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekTotalSold_2">$778.2</td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekHouseMedian_2"> </td>
<td id="x_rpAuctionResultsThisWeek_tdThisWeekUnitMedian_2"> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Source: Domain</p>
<p>The weekend prior, on the last Saturday in February saw Domain calculate the national figure at 78 percent, with Sydney at 82 percent and Melbourne at 77 percent.</p>
<p>The top reported sale was an $8 million luxury Lavender Bay apartment that the Sunday Telegraph reported sold for more than $1 million over its reserve price with four registered bidders amid the 50 attendees.</p>
<p><span>Melbourne's top sale was $3.82 million in Malvern East, with several pricier homes failing to find buyers including a no-bid $5 million Hawthorn offering. </span></p>
<p>There has been an escalating trend towards sale before auction as sellers worry just whether the buyers will emerge on auction day in the current contagion scare.</p>
<p><span>SQM Research calculated Melbourne had 117 sold priors, 17 rescheduled and another 39 either withdrawn/sold prior/rescheduled. </span></p>
<p><span>Sydney had 164 sold priors, 25 rescheduled and 53 SP, withdrawn or </span>rescheduled.</p>
<p><span>"All </span><span>search activity</span><span> on realestate.com.au has slowed over the past week," said </span><span>Nerida Conisbee</span><span>, chief economist with the rival property listing site last last week.</span></p>
<p><span>The Australian Financial review described search activity as "<span>a leading indicator of the health of the property."</span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span>The realestate.com.au chief economist Nerida Consibee had said she expected the clearance rate to be lower, but added it was difficult to predict the influence of coronavirus.</span></span></span></p>
<p>As the major capital cities head into the busy pre-Easter auction period, estate agents dread that would-be vendors will sit on their hands when it comes to mid-April fresh listings.</p>
<p>It is commonly believed a major drop in property prices will not occur unless there was a spike in full time unemployment as the prospect of a recession looms.</p>
<p>Some property pundits had forecast a similar success rate for auctions as the last two weeks, given the<span> interest rate cut was encouraging more people to buy</span>.</p>
<p>The realestate.com.au data for saw a bigger drop in Sydney, down to a preliminary 74 percent.</p>
<p>Canberra dipped to 66 percent.</p>
<p>The realestate.com.au data for the prior Saturday saw 83 percent in the ACT; and 82 percent in NSW.</p>
<p>Yesterday was 71 percent in Victorian, down from 77 percent on the prior weekend.</p>
<p>Last weekend was 69 percent in SA and 53 percent in Queensland.</p>
<p>Today it was up in SA to 74 percent, so against the national trend, while it was down a bit in Queensland to 51 percent.</p>
<p>The weekend results do see contradictions as Cooley Auctions in Sydney reported <span>73 percent today selling 37/51 compared with <span>61 percent last weekend selling 33/54.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>McGrath Sydney agent sold 41 properties today, but saw 20 pass in or get withdrawn.</span></span></p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Coronavirus fears impact on weekend auction results with dip to 69 percent

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVERS</p>
<p>The Government’s Fiscal Stimulus Package is a bold initiative to bolster the Australian economy’s defences against the damage likely to be wrought by COVID–19.</p>
<p>It is imaginative and works through boosting investment while providing real incentives to protect jobs.</p>
<p>Earlier in the week Westpac forecast that without any Stimulus Package the economy would experience a technical recession of two consecutive quarters of negative growth (in March and June). Although, with growth expected to recover strongly in the second half of 2020 the unemployment rate was unlikely to exceed 6%</p>
<p>Our analysis of the Package suggests that the initiatives are only likely to offset the contraction in the June quarter that we had estimated earlier in the week rather than lift growth into positive territory.</p>
<p>However, the current domestic and global environment has deteriorated more rapidly than we had expected. The downside risks to our central case forecast that we envisaged earlier in the week are now materialising.</p>
<p>For us, despite the Government’s bold efforts the June quarter is still likely to show negative growth and Australia will experience a technical recession.</p>
<div>
<p><em>Bill Evans is chief economist for Westpac.</em></p>
<p><em>Andrew Hanlan is a senior economist at Westpac.</em></p>
<p><em>This article was <a href="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/Article/42540/14186/" target="_blank">first published on WestpacIQ</a>.</em></p>
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Technical recession is still likely despite stimulus package: Westpac

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<div>EXPERT OBSERVER</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The coronavirus was confirmed as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The WHO noted that known cases have increased 13-fold in the past two weeks.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>All shops in Italy except for foodstores and pharmacies have been shuttered, as the mortality rate in the country has soared to an alarmingly high level.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>My Italian holiday is looking less likely by the week, which is annoying as I've been learning the language this year (what's the Italian for 'FFS' again?).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Angela Merkel announced that up to 58 million Germans, or 70 per cent on the population, could contract the illness.<br><br><strong>Policy response</strong>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>These are serious people and serious organisations, not renowned for making wild statements, so it seems inevitable that containment measures will be taken around the world, leading to a slowdown in global growth and earnings for at least the next 3-6 months.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Australian government has announced a stimulus package worth A$17 billion, which is at least a start, albeit it still doesn't sound like nearly enough.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Why politicians are still making comments about a 'measured Budget response' I'll never know (actually I do know, and it's dumb). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It wouldn't be at all surprising if we see a second round of stimulus ahead in the coming months, on top of a finally interest rate cut, and then potentially QE in the form of yield curve control.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There's little point in going over old ground, but even at this stage the Reserve Bank sounds very reluctant to take action, at a time when the feeling around the financial markets traps is that what's really needed is a 'whatever it takes' mentality and message.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Mind you, we haven't had that for the past few years, so it's unlikely to start now. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong>Grizzly bear</strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>I'm not normally in the business of writing daily markets commentary.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It's largely a fool's errand, arguably not all that useful, and potentially quite annoying.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But since everyone else is doing it....US stocks whipsawed again and dropped 5 per cent last night to enter a bear market.<br><br>It's been the fastest bear market of all time, with the 20 per cent drop taking just 19 days from the peak. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Even after a 20 per cent correction, stocks are priced at remarkably expensive levels given that the US economy is teetering on a bust, with so many debt bombs lurking quietly beneath. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd2Vl5ChIfE/Xmlb_NhDpaI/AAAAAAAA0oE/-L5IQJFBlB4V0nVPubpBVlQU6S08ObcJgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/CAPE.jpg" width="640" height="478" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1075"></div>
<div> </div>
<div><em>Source: Shiller</em></div>
<div> </div>
<div>No doubt investors have become accustomed to the Fed riding to the rescue, but that may not be such a wise ideas this time. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Apart from picking up a few holdings in the UK oil supermajors, I'm mostly remaining in cash.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Stock prices for BP on the FTSE are back at 1996 levels, even as the Bank of England delivered an emergency 50 basis points rate cut and a raft of stimulus measures to support business and markets (RBA take note), and as the value of its overseas earnings look set to increase. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>But generally speaking, I'm happy to sit on the sidelines through this tumultuous period, especially given that the market could halve again, even from this point. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Aussies futures are pointing to another plunge at the open, and even since February 20 the moves are beginning to damage retirement accounts materially.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>But again, even the likely 25 per cent drop we'll see during today's trade only takes the market back to where it was in mid-2015. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>By no stretch of the imagination is the market 'cheap', especially given the dire outlook for earnings.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The counterpoint is that at some point the coronavirus will likely pass, and given the massive global policy easing markets could eventually snap back (which is why a sensible asset allocation policy and written investment plan is so important).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<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>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Coronavirus confirmed a global pandemic: Pete Wargent

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<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">The Bathla Group has expanded its operations with the lease of a second premises in Sydney’s west.</p>
<p>The western Sydney’s construction companies has taken a three-year lease on 3 Augusta Street, Blacktown, for a gross rent of $300,000, plus GST.</p>
<p>The agreement on the 4,500 sqm site includes an additional three-year option, to accompany the existing base it owns in the nearby Girraween.</p>
<p>A 2,000 sqm, freestanding building with access via three rollers doors is complemented by an expansive yard and easy access to the Great Western Highway, M7 and M4.</p>
<p>CBRE’s Matthew Alessi and Brendan Wein managed the campaign with James Reeves from Knight Frank.</p>
<p>“Bathla Group desperately needed additional space, having outgrown their existing facility,” Mr Alessi said.</p>
<p>“This site suited them due to the large hardstand area, proximity to their current Girraween base and the quick availability of the property.” </p>
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