A trio of Queensland property groups have unveiled plans for a $300 million mixed-use redevelopment of the former Noosa Bowls Club site, a proposal that would deliver more than 200 new homes in one of the Sunshine Coast's most supply-constrained markets.

Kilter Property, Frank Developments and Calile Malouf Investments are behind the plans for the 1.8-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-noosa-drive-noosa-heads-qld-4567">99 Noosa Drive</a>, which would transform the long-vacant site into a new residential precinct featuring 208 apartments, retail, hospitality and public space.

The proposal comes as Noosa continues to grapple with housing affordability and a shortage of permanent accommodation, particularly for key workers. The site's location in Noosa Junction, close to shops, public transport and employment, aligns with the direction of Noosa Council's Housing Strategy, which encourages higher-density housing within established activity centres rather than continued urban expansion.

The draft plans include 48 affordable-by-design apartments and 48 rooming accommodation units aimed at key workers. Around 2,000 sqm of ground-floor retail and food and beverage space would activate the street frontage, alongside a new public town square and landscaped open space.

<img alt="Noosa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd02f53-1360-4e51-801e-bfd61a6c980e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-26%20at%208.44.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=x1iNs3BSMN6Jy7YUwaBZMHRrrKX2hMpy" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments Founder and Director Frank Licastro said the development would continue the company's focus on architecturally-led residential projects while addressing one of the region's biggest challenges.

"Not only will this project exude a sense of luxury, it will also enhance not only the built environment but also the surrounding community," Licastro said.

"Noosa's success relies on the people who live and work here. Providing well-designed accommodation for key workers is critical to supporting the local economy and ensuring the Shire can continue to thrive."

Kilter Property Co-Founder Huw Williams said the focus was on delivering additional permanent housing while creating a mixed-use destination that benefits both residents and the wider community.

"Our focus is on delivering a well-considered mixed-use project that provides more permanent housing options, supports local workers and businesses, and delivers an exceptional product for the local market," Williams said.

"The redevelopment vision aligns with the long-term evolution of Noosa Junction as a vibrant activity centre, creating a destination that enhances the area's character while delivering significant economic and community benefits."

Calile Malouf Investments, best known for its role in Brisbane's James Street precinct and The Calile Hotel, will bring its place-making experience to the project. The company recently commenced construction on The Calile Noosa hotel and says the residential development will complement its growing investment in the region.

CMI Director Cal Malouf said the aim was to create a walkable precinct combining housing, retail and hospitality while remaining true to Noosa's character.

"We see a similar opportunity in Noosa to deliver a vibrant, walkable destination that combines exceptional housing, hospitality and retail in one integrated project," Malouf said.

Brisbane-based Cavill Architects has been appointed to design the project.

Joel Robinson

Noosa Bowls Club to be redeveloped into mixed-use apartment precinct

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The redevelopment is also expected to support more than 3,000 jobs across planning, construction and ongoing operations.

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.

Lendlease Development CEO Claire Johnston said the project represented one of Brisbane's most significant redevelopment opportunities.

"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.

"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.

"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."

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the riverfront transformation would deliver a thriving new community precinct.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering this golden opportunity to unlock a riverfront jewel for all Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“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.

“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."

Early works on the precinct are expected to commence in April 2027.

Lendlease selected to deliver transformative South Brisbane riverfront precinct

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

Wollongong is somewhat in vogue. Between Level 33 and Urban Property Group, the two developers have several thousand apartments planned across the city.

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.

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.

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.

First look: Level 33 upsizes Wollongong apartment towers

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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."

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."

The site occupies a strategic corner bounded by Flinders Street, Station Street, Stafford Street and the Princes Highway, directly opposite North Wollongong Station.

<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" />

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.

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.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"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."

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>

First look: Urban Property Group plans next major Wollongong tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada Australia</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.

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.

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.

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."

<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" />

Woods Bagot describes the tower as a key marker within Campsie's next phase of growth.

"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."

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

The application follows Arada Australia'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 Australia as one of the most influential developers shaping Campsie's future urban form.

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 Australia files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre</a>

Arada Australia 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.

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.

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

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

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

For the first time in a long time, Australia's inflation story is starting to look more like a landing than a fight.

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.

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.

The biggest takeaway is that inflation continues to move in the right direction.

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.

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.

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.

That trend is important because it aligns with what many economists and lenders have been saying for the last month.

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.

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".

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.

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.

Electricity prices remain particularly problematic, rising 21.1 per cent over the past year following the removal of government rebates.

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.

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.

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.

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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Experts predict the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will take unconventional measures to stimulate the economy in 2020, according to the latest survey data from Finder.
In their most recent <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/rba-cash-rate" target="_blank">Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey™</a> – 33 experts and economists weighed in on future cash rate moves and economic indicators, including wage growth and housing affordability.
While economists almost universally expected no cut in December, many experts are forecasting a cut in February. This may be the last for a significant period, with three-quarters (73%) of economists saying a 0% cash rate is unlikely.
RBA Governor Phillip Lowe recently insisted that the federal bank had ‘no appetite’ for quantitative easing (QE), a process where the central bank creates new cash to decrease – or ease – the cost of borrowing.
But nearly half (46%) of experts said it was likely we’d see QE in 2020.
Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder, said “The RBA said they may look to alternative stimulus methods once the rate hits 0.25%."
“We’re only two cuts away from that, and the three cuts of 2019 have failed to stimulate anything beyond the housing market,” Cooke said.
Click <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/02a-7JJna6IjqWtAijhZ6rm8W27bou3occx5_PFIeSABS_nb_aiZDZrQrSHUO-dztGbQ2TqccNgDB2tW8J3bBb67RMGMAEcBcM0Kcv6rE9az54GkaxiuiPqsohHaKb_fW7NyRYjm" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge:
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/02a-7JJna6IjqWtAijhZ6rm8W27bou3occx5_PFIeSABS_nb_aiZDZrQrSHUO-dztGbQ2TqccNgDB2tW8J3bBb67RMGMAEcBcM0Kcv6rE9az54GkaxiuiPqsohHaKb_fW7NyRYjm">
On the bright side, a recession looks increasingly unlikely in 2020, with 89% of experts not expecting an economic decline and 88% thinking it unlikely that house prices will fall.
Three quarters of experts (76%) don’t foresee a significant rise in mortgage defaults, 64% think a US-China trade deal is likely and 52% say it is likely that house prices will fully recover.
Cooke said the positive outlook on China is significant because the fate of the US-China trade deal was cited as economists’ number one economic concern in the August survey this year.
While nearly all experts and economists predict a hold in December (97%, 32/33), two-thirds (66%, 22/33) expect the cash rate to drop to 0.50% in February 2020. This figure reflects the 64% of experts who predicted February would be a cut in last month’s survey. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Nearly half of surveyed experts forecast quantitative easing in 2020: Finder

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A standalone Coles supermarket, in the bayside suburb of Mentone, has sold on the tightest Victorian yield of 2019.
Located at 81 Mentone Parade, the recently refurbished property comprises a freestanding 2,854 square metre supermarket, with access to just over 150 council car spaces.
The standalone Coles supermarket sold for $15.3 million on a 3.4 per cent yield, the best vendor yield since Coles Clayton sold on a 2.57 per cent yield in March 2018.
The property was sold under a 10 year lease from January 2017, with a further 10 year option, to Coles at a current rental of $519,785 per annum net.
CBRE Director Mark Wizel, who managed the sale campaign with Justin Dowers and Joseph Du Rieu, said enquiry had been `through the roof’ with two Chinese investors - one the eventual purchaser - flying in for the auction.
Mr Wizel said the last three bidders – all Chinese – who took the bidding from $12 million to the close, were introduced through CBRE’s Asian Services Desk headed by Lewis Tong.
"This year we have seen yields hover around 5.5 per cent following an average closer to 4.5 per cent over 2018 but this result unambiguously indicates demand for this product remains very strong,’’ Mr Wizel said.
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wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

Coles Mentone sold on tightest Victorian yield of 2019

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There was an $11.2 million harbourfront reserve sale in Cremorne Point, topping out the weekend, and spring selling season, results.
It has views across Sydney Harbour to the Opera House.
Selling agent Ivan Resnekov, of Century 21 Mosman, said the Milson Rd home attracted six registered bidders who made 60-plus bids. Once the bidding got to $10 million, there were just the two remaining bidders.
Currently divided into two four-bedroom homes, Galada was listed by the 95-year-old former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot Arthur Pardey.
He was a member of 3 Squadron which flew Spitfires and Mustangs in the Italian campaign in World War II.
Mr Pardey and his late wife Adele bought the home on its 470 sqm block for $850,000 in 1987 on their move from Warrawee. The house was built at a £1100 cost by James Verrills after its design by architect Edwin Orchard for Elsie and James Adamson.
This article was first published in the Daily Telegraph.  
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Cremorne Point $11.2 million sale tops Sydney's weekend auctions

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EXPERT OBSERVER
In a recent monthly credit update we wrote "Credit weakness lingers despite lift in housing finance".
A couple of months on, total credit growth slipped in October and annual growth hit a fresh cycle low.
Housing finance is rising and housing credit growth is beginning to stir - but only gradually.
However, business credit dipped in October, -0.1, against a challenging economic backdrop, and personal credit is contracting as households shift to other products.
In October, total credit grew by only 0.1%, which is below the monthly average for the 2019 year to date of 0.2%. The mix was: housing +0.27%; business -0.1%; and personal -0.6%.
Annual credit growth moderated to 2.5%, the slowest pace since April 2010.
Credit growth has progressively eased after peaking at 6.7% during the 2015/16 financial year. Key to the slowdown is the housing downturn as the cycle matured and lending conditions tightened.
Housing credit grew by 3.0% over the past year. That is the weakest result in the history of the series (dating back to the late 1970s) and below the previous cyclical low of 4.4% in mid-2013.
In 2018, the housing sector downturn accelerated as lending conditions tightened further and as investors pulled-back. New lending contracted by 5% in the six months to June and then fell by a sharp 15.4% in the six months to December (as weakness spread from investors to owner-occupiers).
Now in 2019, new lending for housing has turned the corner - with a 15% rebound from June to September, more than reversing the near 6% fall over the initial five months of the year.
The housing rebound has been supported by a number of factors. Sentiment bounced after the May Federal election, which removed uncertainty around tax policy for the sector. The RBA has lowered rates since June by a total of 75bps, with further cuts likely. In addition, APRA has eased mortgage serviceability assessments.
Housing credit is improving but slowing - with growth in October of 0.27%mth, 3.0%yr. The October figure annualised is 3.3%, up from a 3 month annualised low of 2.6%. Investor credit remains weak, with a broadly flat October month to be 0.2% lower over the year. For owner-occupiers, the figures are 0.44%mth, 4.8%yr.
Business credit growth slowed to 2.7% in October, including a decline in the month, of -0.1%.
The business credit profile has been uneven in 2019. There was a soft spot in the June quarter, around the time of the Federal election, (with growth at only 0.8% annualised), followed by a rebound in the September quarter (up by 3.4% annualised).
For businesses, the economic backdrop has become more challenging. The global economy is slowing and household spending is soft. In this environment business investment in the real economy has lost momentum across the non-mining sectors - which will weigh on credit demand.
Read full report: <a href="https://westpaciq.westpac.com.au/wibiqauthoring/_uploads/file/Australia/2019/November/er20191129BullCreditOct.pdf" target="_blank">Australian private credit October' (PDF 193 kb)</a>
ANDREW HANLAN is a senior economist for Westpac
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Housing finance and credit growth are beginning to stir: Andrew Hanlan

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Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific has bought Peppers Airlie Beach on the Whitsunday Coast.
The hotel, which was expected to sell between $15 and $20 million, will be re-branded Club Wyndham Airlie Beach Whitsundays and will be available for almost 60,000 Club Wyndham time-share owners.
As part of the acquisition, Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific will also own and operate the on-site food and beverage and conferencing facilities.
Wyndham will take control of 59 of the 106 strata apartments. The rest are held in private ownership.
Barry Robinson, president and managing director, international operations at Wyndham Vacation Clubs, said "we are excited to secure this deal as we are committed to growing our presence in regional Australia and this acquisition is in line with that strategic intent.
<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/2019/12/2/Peppers%20Airlie.jpg" alt="">
The Club Wyndham Air Beach features an open-air restaurant and bar, infinity pool and spa, gym, conference facilities and undercover parking.
CBRE Hotels agents Wayne Bunz, Hayley Manvell and Paul Fraser secured the sale.
The four and a half star hotel, opened in 2009, has been operated by Accor under the Peppers brand.
Josh Thompson’s Latitude Development Group built the resort for about $80 million.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Wyndham buys Peppers Airlie Beach

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The second half of 2019 has seen a resurgence in demand from investors seeking to sweep up some of the Eastern Suburb’s most prized retail properties. 
The negative portrayal of Sydney’s economic growth seems to have kick started a desire to purchase commercial and residential property across the Eastern Suburbs. With interest rates sitting at record lows (0.75%), investor focus is now being diverted towards the property market in the search of higher returns.
Amidst the growing concerns over the impact of online shopping on high-street retail as we enter 2020, ABS 2019 data reports show that in August 2019 online retail sales accounted for 6.2% of total retail trade, indicating a minimal retail market share. 
Over the past couple of months, renowned suburbs such as Bondi, Double Bay and Woollahra have witnessed record breaking property acquisitions. It is suburbs like these that are being regarded as the best spots to invest in.
The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney contain some of the best retail strips, and we have seen a trend of areas with high foot traffic and low vacancy being targeted.
Recent key retail freehold transactions include:
27-29 Knox Street in Double Bay sold for $9,830,000 representing a net initial yield of 1.76%.
261 Bondi Road sold for $3.75m this month reflecting a net initial yield of 4%.
10 Cross Street in Double Bay sold for $10.25m reflecting a record breaking yield of 1.59%
While demand for leased assets with medium to long-term income streams seems to be a key requirement, there has been no shortage in transactions of vacant retail freehold properties that demonstrate strong fundamentals. 
Even more recently, two vacant strip retail properties (146 &amp; 148 Queen Street in Woollahra) sold for $5.65m reflecting a building rate of $24,459sqm. Investors are now becoming more creative as purchasing retail in these coastal hubs is not simply about securing a long term income stream but also about redevelopment potential or conversion with the implementation of a new tenant.
With average prime retail yields hovering around the 4-5% mark in Eastern Sydney, there has been strong demand from yield-chasing investors who have faced continued yield compression in the office and industrial markets. Recent data shows that bricks &amp; mortar retailing IS still very important with August retail trade having the strongest lift in spending in six months equating to a rise of 2.6% year on year.
Growth in retail is not limited to freehold assets, retail strata properties have also been a new talking point.
Shop 4, 284 Bronte Road, Waverley and 126-128 Avoca Street in Randwick transacted at yields of 5.1% and 5.45% respectively.
This indicates that attention is being directed to less expensive areas of the Eastern Suburbs as investors look to capitalise on infrastructure improvements such as the Randwick Light Rail, which has driven demand for surrounding pockets to the traditionally popular and more expensive suburbs like Bondi.
Looking ahead to 2020, whilst there is some conjecture as to how much longer this cycle will last, recent transactions have created an unprecedented pricing uplift for well-located retail properties. It is expected that investors will continue to favour the commercial property market as the probability of further interest rate cuts is soon to become reality.
Ollie Ridley is an executive for the metropolitan sales team at Savills Australia
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As Sydney’s temperature rises, so does demand for retail investment opportunities across the Eastern Suburbs: Savills

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There were over 3,000 capital city homes taken to auction over the last week of the spring selling season, making it the busiest week for auctions of 2019.
Some 79 percent found buyers, according to preliminary CoreLogic figures, with Sydney out in front on around 84 percent.
"The latest results provide a timely test of the housing markets depth, with clearance rates holding up despite the large number of properties taken to market," Tim Lawless said.
The national tally was significantly higher than final results from one year ago when 41 percent of the 2,749 auctions found buyers.
Houses outperformed units with a success rate of 79.9 percent, while 76.6 percent of units sold at auction.
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Melbourne was host to 1,497 weekend with preliminary results showing a clearance rate of 78.3 percent, in what was its second biggest weekend of the year.
Its success rate increased from last week when the final clearance rate sat at 70 percent across 1,221 auctions. 
Over the same week last year, the auction clearance rate was significantly lower with 42 percent of the 1,378 auctions returning a successful result.
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Melbourne's top sale was $4.51 million in Hawthorn East (below). With five bedrooms and a study, the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property-details-7-Rosslyn-Street-Hawthorn-East/850425" target="_blank">7 Rosslyn Street listing</a> which dates back to its 2010 construction had been expected to fetch between $4.1 million and $4.2 million. 
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There were 1,131 auctions held in Sydney this week making it the busiest week of the year, with preliminary results showing an 84.7 percent clearance rate, up from 76 percent across 940 auctions last week. 
Over the same week last year 937 Sydney homes were taken to auction across the city returning a clearance rate of 41 percent.
The Sydney feel good real estate story was the auction of <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/randwick/2212317/?lang=en" target="_blank">39 Cowper Street, Randwick</a>, (below), where the beneficiary of the sale was Charles Sturt University.
<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/2019/12/2/39%20Cowper%20St%20Randwick.jpg" alt=""> Chris Williams of Ray White secured a $2,122,000 sale to a family of four. It last chnaged hands in 1986 for $60,000.
The bequests to the university will see scholarships to support disadvantaged women from the NSW Central West Region, enabling them to study at the university.
Results were mixed across the smaller auction markets, with Adelaide and Canberra showing a preliminary clearance rate around 70 percent, while only around half of the homes taken to auction in Brisbane and Perth were successful.
Adelaide had the nation's cheapest result when $145,000 was paid for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://raywhitecraigmore.com.au/properties/residential-for-sale/sa/elizabeth-downs-5113/house/2207996" target="_blank">32 McKenzie Road, Elizabeth Downs</a> (below) in a mortgagee sale. The three bedroom timber home had last sold at $170,000 in 2009.
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Brisbane's blue ribbon precinct of Kalinga saw a $5.15 million sale through Ray White New Farm agent Christine Rudolph.
The auction of Winbrook, the five bedroom, five bathroom 2004-built property at <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/kalinga/2204995/?lang=en" target="_blank">119 Nelson Street</a> saw a massive crowd of 200 onlookers.
The property comes with a full size, flood lit tennis court.
“There were three registered bidders,” said Ms Rudolph.
Haesley Cush, the auctioneer, declared the property on the market at $5 million.
"The winning family, which include three very sporty young boys, are former residents of the street, and familiar with the property.
"When it came on the market they, according to Ms Rudolph “just had to have it.”
It last sold at $4 million in 2017.
Of the 69 ACT homes scheduled for auction, the highest price paid was $3.85 million for a four-bedroom 1930s art deco home on 2475 sqm at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://blackshaw.com.au/property/0000422445" target="_blank">18 Tennyson Crescent</a>, Forrest.
The home with 400 sqm internal space last sold at $3.5 million in 2017.
 
 
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Sydney's busiest weekend closes spring 2019 on a high

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Sydney house values jumped over three per cent over the month of November, growth not seen over a month since the late 1980s.
Dwelling values in the harbour capital grew by 2.7 per cent, led by house values (+3.1 per cent), CoreLogic's November update showed.
Units also saw strong 1.8 per cent gains.
Sydney hadn't seen dwelling values rise that high and that quickly since 1988 when in October they rose 3.5 per cent.
The November 2019 figures topped that of May 2015 when dwelling prices rose 2.6 per cent. 
The house value jump takes Sydney's quarterly gains above Melbourne as the two fight it out over who claims top spot in the recovery.
 
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Sydney house values have grown seven per cent over the quarter, compared to Melbourne's 6.9 per cent, after the Victorian capitals 2.4 per cent house value gain in November.
Melbourne's dwelling values are still higher than Sydney over the quarter, driven by their stronger recovery in the apartment market (+5.3 per cent compared to Sydney's +4.2 per cent.)
CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless said that although housing values are rising across each of the valuation cohorts, the recovery trend is most concentrated within the premium sector of the market.
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"This trend is most evident in Sydney and Melbourne where the top quartile of the market is outperforming the broad ‘middle’ of the market and lower quartile," Lawless noted.
"Values across Sydney’s top quartile were up 7.4% over the three months ending November, compared with a 3.8% rise across the lower quartile.
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"Similarly, in Melbourne, top quartile values were up 8.1% over the same three month period compared with a 4.2% rise across the lower quartile. 
“The stronger performance across the higher value end of the market can likely be attributed to a combination of values falling more in this sector during the downturn, as well as recent adjustments to serviceability rules which has boosted borrowing capacity. Additionally, the scarcity value of detached homes in many of the blue-chip property markets is another factor supporting strong capital gains.
“As housing values become less affordable in these high-end markets, demand is likely to ripple outwards to the more affordable areas,” Lawless said.
Sydney and Melbourne dwelling values are now positive for the first time in 12 months.
Sydney houses are up 2.1 per cent, Melbourne's 0.9 per cent.
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“The Australian housing market is now five months into an unexpected period of rapid recovery. The question is, how long can such a high pace of capital gains be sustained?”
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“Annualising the growth rate over the past three months implies the national index is already tracking well above double digit annual growth (+15.3%), while Sydney and Melbourne dwellings are tracking around the mid-twenty percent range for annualised capital gains based on the most recent three month trend."
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Sydney house values jump over three percent in November: CoreLogic 

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Perth has emerged from the doldrums following its long residential property decline after the mining downturn to record increases in values over the month of November, according to CoreLogic.
Dwelling values grew 0.4 per cent over November, the first time the Western Australian capital has seen values grow since the start of 2018 when the downtrend took a pause. 
But the big surprise was <a href="/expert-insights/buying/sydney-house-values-jump-over-three-percent-in-november-corelogic">the Sydney surge, the highest monthly boost in three decades</a>.
Sydney's housing market is on track to recoup the 15 per cent loss in prices suffered during the 18-month downturn by next March, even earlier than last month's CoreLogic forecast.
Sydney surged 2.7 per cent in November, the highest monthly growth rate since 1988, while Melbourne property values grew by 2.2 per cent, according to the latest CoreLogic Home Value Index.
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Perth house values grew by 0.4 per cent and units by 0.3 per cent, CoreLogic's figures show.
Perth dwelling values are still down just over 21 per cent since they started their decline in mid-2014.
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"Over the past thirteen years, Perth has seen house values move from being the most expensive across the capital cities to now be the lowest; great news for first home buyers, however Perth home owners have seen a material reduction in their wealth over the past five and a half years," CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless noted.
Perth values are 7.7 per cent down annually and 20.6 per cent down over the last five years.
 
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Perth records first monthly dwelling value increases in two years: CoreLogic

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A new report  by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), investigating the links between home ownership and population ageing, has found that delays in home purchase are broadly consistent with other social and demographic trends.
While younger people are less likely to commit to buying a home than they were in the past, this “makes sense given that lives have become longer and people are settling down at older ages”, according to the report’s lead author Rafal Chomik, a CEPAR senior research fellow at UNSW Sydney.  
“To give some examples, over the past 50 years the median age of home purchase has increased by six years, from age 27 to 33. Over the same period, the median age of getting a first job has increased by two years; finishing education has been delayed by five years; having a child has been delayed by seven years; and getting married is now taking place eight years later. In fact, the median age at death is now 12 years later, adding scope for people to catch up and purchase a house later in life,” he said.
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“This is not to say that affordability and access to housing finance are not important. But the trend toward home purchase delay takes on a new complexion when placed in a broader demographic context,” Chomik added.
In a wide-ranging analysis of the links between housing and demographic ageing, the report, ‘Housing in an ageing Australia: Nest and nest egg?’ concludes that those at greatest disadvantage in retirement are renters. It reports on CEPAR estimates that indicate that relative poverty rates in this group are among the highest in the OECD.
“Home ownership serves multiple purposes and housing outcomes affect financial and personal health and well being over the lifecycle. It acts as a home – the nest – as well as a store of wealth – the nest egg – to guarantee financial security in retirement,” said Chomik.
“As lifespans increase and Australia’s population ages, it is important to understand the interactions between demography and housing.”
Centre Director John Piggott, Scientia Professor of Economics at UNSW Business School, said the research brief, which features and synthesizes research outcomes from more than 20 CEPAR researchers, was timely. It helped crystallise the role of housing in broader policies directed towards social support over the life course.
“Housing has long been a critical pillar in wellbeing and social support through the life course,” he said.
“One way or another, it has always been a central piece of our social support system. It is at least arguable that our social protection system has relied on a high owner-occupier ratio in order to function sustainably and adequately.”
Postponement of home purchase can have consequences
With the Australian retirement system built on the premise of home ownership, excessive or indefinite deferral of home purchase can have consequences.
“Lifetime home ownership rates will decline if some people postpone purchasing a home indefinitely,” said Chomik.
“Banks may be reluctant to lend past a certain age given retirement ages are increasing more slowly. Greater shares may retire with debt. In the report, we look at how ready Australia is for the population purchasing homes at later ages, or not at all, and provide an overview of evidence-based research in this area.
“There is the potential that in the future more older people end up renting, and if so, we need a safety net to support them as the current retirement income system is failing renters.
“Currently, the Age Pension offers the same maximum benefit for owners as it does for renters. The Government’s retirement income system review, due to report next year, is an opportunity to take housing into account more fully with the aim of narrowing the financial gap between renters and owners in the future.”
Older renters continue to experience significant vulnerabilities
The report outlines some of the challenges associated with people postponing their home purchase indefinitely and looks at how it may lead to vulnerabilities at older ages, including relative poverty, housing affordability stress, and, in the extreme case, homelessness.
New estimates, that take account of housing, suggest that older Australian renters have among the highest relative poverty rates in the OECD. They also have greater rental affordability stress than other age groups. While increases in measured homelessness among older women were due to greater numbers in this age group rather than higher incidence, their increased use of homelessness services was disproportionate.
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