A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

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The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

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The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

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Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

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Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

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The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

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Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

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.

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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.

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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?

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dVG5ChLHf7E?si=7FZ1Sk-Vm60JbLwi" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

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Hi Margaret,
My wife and I are considering building a duplex on the Sydney residential block where we currently live in our principal place of residence. The loan on the home is in my wife's name only and the balance of the mortgage is held in cash in the offset facility.
Our plan is to borrow to build the duplex, live in one and use the rental income from the other to pay down the loan and keep them both. We would both like to be signatories on the new loan. From a gearing perspective my wife is most likely to be the highest salary earner over the life of the loan.
My question then is what would be the best way to refinance/restructure the loan to minimise our tax liabilities? Alternatively, who would be the best person to approach for advice on this matter? Our accountant? Taxation specialist? Mortgage broker?
Margaret Lomas' answer is on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
You will need to check with your accountant for your own individual circumstances, but I would suggest that he or she will most likely advise you that, for tax purposes, the land owner ( your wife) is treated as the recipient of all income / deductions including interest.
You have not specified if she is the only one of the two of you on the certificate of title - if so then only your wife gets the deductions. If you are both on title, but the loan is only in your wife's name, you need to check on her deductibility status, as I would suggest that the entire loan may not be deductible if only half the property is hers.
The name on any loans is irrelevant - except in regards to providing the security for the debt - as it is treated for tax as "on lent". I always tell people to be very careful when they structure their loans as the bank may not be giving the correct advice, or any advice at all in regards to structure. 
The bank will notoriously protect themselves by seeking commitment from both parties (where there is more than one) even where both parties may not be on the title, and this can really play around with your ultimate deductibility. 
I would have to say that when a new client comes to my company, Destiny, eight times out of 10 they have the wrong structure in place.  At times this can be fixed, but at others it cannot, and the best we can do is ensure that going forward, all is correct!
With regard to the new loan for the duplex, you must have your accountant correctly establish the relationship between the current debt in your wife's name and the present property, which is your Principal Place of Residence (PPOR). This is because the portion of the end debt which relates to the PPOR will not carry any deductions, while any portion of the debt relating to the new part of the build will be if it is income producing.
In relation to obtaining that new debt for the build, I am not sure why, if your wife will be the higher income earner, you wish to have this new loan in both names.
The highest income earner brings the highest deductions, and therefore the property and loan is best placed in that person's name, as long as you expect this situation to continue. In any event, even if you do use both names on any new debt, this won't change the fact that the title is in her name and so the deductions are hers.
You can only change this if, prior to undertaking the project, you essentially buy half of the property off your wife. You will pay stamp duty on half of the market value of the whole property, even if she sells it to you for a nominal amount.
I am not sure where you live, but in some states (such as Victoria) you can make a transfer of title by way of 'love and affection' and avoid this stamp duty - so check with the office of state revenue in your state.
When you do rent out the new property, be careful how you manage the rental income to pay off your personal debt.  he tax office does not like you to capitalise interest on an investment debt, and it will be critical for you to get proper tax advice appropriate to your personal circumstances before undertaking any rapid mortgage reduction strategy.
At the end of the day, always check with your accountant before making any move at all. 
Well-meaning mortgage brokers and banks are not usually able to provide you with the right kind of guidance in this very complex area. 
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mlomas-KC9MUPZ6Ca

Ask Margaret: How can I restructure my loan to minimise my tax liabilities?

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There are 1,043 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 1,124 for the same time last year.
The highest volume of auctions is in St Kilda with 23 expected, followed by Reservoir with 22 and Kew with 19.
In the auction market the increased volume has shifted the market in favour of buyers with a lower clearance rate resulting from the almost 2,000 auctions held over the past fortnight.
In the private sale market however sellers are seeing a peak in demand with lower days on market and reduced discounting prevalent.
On a city wide basis, the time on market results for houses sold at private sale tightened from 40 days to 37 days over the last week whilst vendor discounting fell from -5.1% to -4.9%.
Key data
•       Clearance rate week ending 12 October: 70%
•       Melbourne auctions expected week ending 19 October: 1,043
•       Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 12 October: 37 days (houses)
•       Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 12 October: -4.9% (houses)
•       Listings being prepared for market are 4.3 per cent higher in month ending 12 October (seasonally adjusted)
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rlarocca-zWhvjay44N

Melbourne market shifting in favour of buyers: RP Data's weekend auction preview

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Time for an abridged gallop to sum up what's going on in Aussie housing markets.
Interest rates and inflation
First up, I have believed for some time that due to rising unemployment and inadequate jobs growth interest rates may need to fall further, which will in turn continue to support demand for housing. A recent Bloomberg survey of economists found that not a single one of them agreed with me on that point, however slowly but surely they are falling back into line.
Wages growth nationally remains sluggish at 2.6%, and, with evident slack in the labour market, non-tradables inflation has been declining as recorded in the chart below.
Although we haven't had an official Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) inflation reading since last month, the monthly TD-MI gauge is easing back towards the bottom of the 2% to 3% target band.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH14br-tradeinf-small.gif" alt="">
If this is followed by something similar in the official quarterly consumer price index that would leave the door wide open for another interest rate cut in 2015.
Note how futures markets now concur that there is more than a sporting chance of a rate cut in the first six months of 2015, and effectively zero chance of a hike.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH2.gif" alt="">
Demand: population growth
Our analysis of the latest quarter's population growth revealed our expected rotation away from the mining states with population growth slowing significantly in Queensland and Western Australia, but exploding higher in financials and services-focused New South Wales to nearly +115,000 over the year. And how:
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH3.jpg" alt="">
The long term trend in our chart below continues to show that almost all of the material growth in population takes place in only the four main states.
One of several challenges facing South Australia in particular is a brain drain, a demographic scourge involving the best and brightest heading to Sydney and Melbourne which becomes evident through analysis of the net migration sub-indices.
To date, this net interstate migration from South Australia has been countered by net overseas immigration. But this will only work effectively and sustainably for the state if new jobs are created, which has not been happening for the past half decade, hence rising levels of unemployment. Something needs to change in this regard.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH4.jpg" alt="">
South Australia may rise to and overcome this challenge, I merely note the risks facing the local economy here, which seldom seem to be mentioned elsewhere.
Demand: jobs growth
The Labour Force survey is presently suffering from a major credibility deficit and has led to the ABS to be something of a figure of fun over recent months (harsh, given recurring budget cuts) with the apparent largest jobs 'gain' in history followed next month by a total reversal.
As a long term buy-and-hold investor I would always advise following the longer term trend anyway, but this is even more so now the case given that the seasonal monthly data has been proven to be so wildly volatile.
The data below underscores the point about the problem child that is the South Australian economy, with close to zero jobs having been created on a net basis for nearly five years.
The strongest economy for the past two years, as discussed here frequently, has been that of New South Wales, while the mining states are now transitioning from construction to production.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH5.jpg" alt="">
Below the long term growth in employment chart shows New South Wales to be in relatively good shape, but the southern states – and now to a lesser extent the mining states – struggling.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH6.jpg" alt="">
But perhaps the real story in the jobs market is the alarming gulf in fortunes being experienced between the prospering capital cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the simultaneous hollowing out of the respective regional economies, as I explored here.
The total number of full-time employed in the regions of the main states now sits below 2006 levels, and this casualisation of the workforce may have surprisingly harsh negative impacts for regional housing markets in the decades ahead.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
Demand: housing finance
The August Housing Finance data showed a slight decline on the preceding month, leading to a predictable knee-jerk response from commentators, but monthly data rarely rises (or falls) in a straight line and the trend in housing finance still looks to be strong overall.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH7.jpg" alt="">
The owner occupier housing finance data may have revealed the first signs of weakness in some states, but saw Queenslander financing looking particularly strong. Good times are ahead in Brisbane in 2015, it appears, after a lengthy wait.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH8ROLLING.jpg" alt="">
Last week the ABS Lending Finance data was also released, which details where investors are buying. It's a clear cut Sydney boom which we anticipated long ago.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH94c%20inv%20loans.jpg" alt="">
Supply: building 
Rather than regurgitate our extensive chart packs, just a few takeaway points here on dwelling supply.
At this stage of the property cycle plenty of new supply should be coming online, rental growth should be easing and property investors need to be wary of areas with a looming oversupply of dwellings.
Melbourne and Victoria continue to approve thousand of houses for construction, as has been the case for more than a decade.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH10.jpg" alt="">
However, it is actually apartments which generally represent the greater oversupply risk in this cycle.
Note that after an approvals boom, we now see Sydney approvals and construction rolling over and the risk of oversupply easing back, except in a few specific suburbs.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH11.jpg" alt="">
Apartments commenced are picking up very strongly in Queensland.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH12.jpg" alt="">
The apartments completed chart below underscores a key point – New South Wales has completed a meagre 17,500 units (as well as 19,100 houses) in the year to June 2014, which compares to state population growth of somewhere approaching 115,000 across the same time horizon.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH13.jpg" alt="">
The raw numbers should tell you straight away that the risk of a massive Sydney oversupply in aggregate is tenuous unless approvals and construction get a second wind, with the Greater Sydney population set to leap higher by almost 90,000 heads in only one year.
It is true that there is plenty more to come in the pipeline - Greater Sydney has approved just over 26,500 units in the year to August 2014, but this uptrend has already peaked some six months previously on a rolling annual basis, and is set to ease back to around 20,000 in due course.
House approvals also have risen very steadily in Greater Sydney to above 12,500 on a rolling annual basis, but even if 100 percent of these approvals in the pipeline make it through to commencement and then completion (which they won't) there is no pressing risk of a huge oversupply at this juncture.
Melbourne on the other hand already has a clear oversupply problem in existence in some inner locations, while the commencements data also shows that inner Brisbane is steadily getting around to constructing thousands of apartments.
Investors in attached Brisbane dwellings should steer away from those city locations with an oversupply risk and in particular purchase only properties with a point of scarcity (e.g. great outlook/river view/exceptional location).
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
Supply: stock and vacancies
Penultimately, Melbourne has absolutely stacks of stock on the market, about double that of Sydney, with an unprecedented 1800 Melbourne auctions coming right up on Cox Plate weekend. This will likely slow the market. Sydney has the opposite problem with a dearth of stock on the market while demand remains strong.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH14.jpg" alt="">
When markets move into the increasing supply phase vacancy rates should eventually rise, and this has happened to some extent in Melbourne and Perth with vacancy rates up at 2.5% on a city-wide basis. Perth investors should look for well-located houses over units and apartments, in our opinion.
Meanwhile Brisbane and Canberra have vacancy rates sitting around the national average of 2.2% on SQM Research's measures.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH15.jpg" alt="">
For all the expert talk of a Sydney oversupply, the harbour city's vacancy rate slipped back to just 1.7% in August.
Meanwhile, in further proof that real estate markets do cycle, the years of flat markets, lack of price gains and therefore moribund levels of dwelling construction in Adelaide and Hobart has resulted in low vacancy rates, and these markets could in turn pick up a little as a result.
Although I used to live in Darwin I haven't been up that way lately, so will just note here that there are just a few worrying indicators in the "Top End", with sliding prices, rising stock on market, signs of quite rapidly rising vacancy rates and a resources boom which is threatening to roll over.
The Darwin property boom may risk follow the mining boom back down from whence it came, so watch this space.
Dwelling prices
By this time of year most of the year's property market predictions have normally been conveniently forgotten about or subtly amended. Not ours! Let's see what we got right and what we didn't.
Our Adelaide 2014 market forecast was +0% to +3% capital growth, and RP Data's index has a year to date gain of 3.39% with a couple of months still to run.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/16.jpg" alt="">
Brisbane and Gold Coast tracking nicely for our +2% to +5% capital growth prediction. Brisbane has some of the best prospects for 2015 and beyond after a lean half decade.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/GRAPH17.jpg" alt="">
Melbourne looks set to do better than the top end of our +5% gain forecast, though from a macro perspective it does now seem likely that the market is set to slow up, with whispers afoot of the much-vaunted "buyers market" returning.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/graph%2018.jpg" alt="">
The Perth market is holding up OK, and notably houses are faring much better than apartments on most indices. Our forecast is on track.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/graph19.jpg" alt="">
The Sydney market has been rock solid and will finish 2014 ahead of our +6% to +9% capital growth forecast.
SQM Research believes that the Sydney market will replicate this capital growth once again with another 8% to 12% growth in the year ahead too. We'll release our own 2015 forecasts in due course as well as our 2015 <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">Buyers Eye</a> housing market outlook reports for London, Sydney and Brisbane.
<img src="/images/2014/10/20/graph20.jpg" alt="">
Overall we could yet score a hit with our forecasts on all five markets, but the Melbourne data needs to start slowing for that to be the case, which it just never quite seems to do.
Watch out for sliding unit rents at this stage in the cycle as new supply comes online. Owners of properties with a unique appeal, in an outstanding location or with a key element of scarcity value will of course have few problems with rental vacancies in 2015, but lower quality stock in other locations could see asking rents getting dropped or have issues securing tenants.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Australia's macro markets: the numbers you should know

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Brisbane's year of recovery and the ongoing struggle of the Gold Coast unit market are standout features of the latest quarterly Market Monitor from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
Also noteworthy are the solid 2014 performances of regional cities Toowoomba, Cairns and the Sunshine Coast.
Despite the general uplift in market activity on the Gold Coast, the unit market is still struggling to recover from the oversupply years in terms of prices.
The Gold Coast's median unit price up 4.4% in annual terms, but still 2% below the price levels of five years earlier, according to Market Monitor.
Specific markets have yet to move into positive territory on prices. The median unit price for Surfers Paradise is 4.2% lower than a year ago and it remains 6.3% below the level of five years ago.
Broadbeach has dropped 1.7% in 12 months and remains 3.8% lower than in 2009. Main Beach has shown a 0.9% annual rise, but is still 6.7% below the price levels of five years ago.
It's a more positive story in the housing market. Most housing suburbs have recorded annual growth in median prices, double-digit growth in a few cases – and most, though not all, now have price levels above those of five years earlier.
This tallies with the trend we've notice with sales levels. There's been a steady rise in sales activity in many of inland housing market on the Gold Coast over the past 12-18 months. Prices have reacted more recently.
Another Queensland icon Noosa continues to struggle. The unit market in the Noosa LGA has dropped 1.3% in 12 months and price levels remain 7% lower than in 2009.
The suburb of Noosa Heads is still a basket case, despite the rhetoric of local agents. The median unit price dropped 12% in the past 12 months and is 29% lower than five years earlier.
This is why we refer to Noosa Heads as the biggest lemon in Australian real estate. How did this place ever get its lofty reputation with investors?
Our previous comments about the need for caution in the Brisbane inner-city unit market appear to be reflected in price data in Market Monitor. The median apartment price for the Brisbane CBD fell 10.1% in the September Quarter. Others to record quarterly decline were Kangaroo Point (down 8%), Woolloongabba (2.5%), West End (13%) and Fortitude Valley (7%).
The result for the wider Brisbane City local government area was better, with a 0.6% quarterly rise and a 5% annual rise in the median unit price.
Houses generally are doing much better. The median house price for the Brisbane City Council area rose 8.7% in 12 months, including a 1% rise in the September Quarter.
Many of the better individual performers - suburbs that out-performed the city average – are in the northside areas of Brisbane City, including Chermside (up 13%), Kedron (up 15%), Sandgate (up 12%) and Stafford (up 15%).
The more distant reaches of the Brisbane metropolitan area are showing some life, with annual growth in median house prices in Logan City (up 4.5%), Moreton Bay (up 4%) and Ipswich City (up 3.2%). I'm expecting bigger numbers from these areas in 2015.
Toowoomba's recent solid performance is reflected in the figures. The median house price rose 1% in the quarter and 7.2% over 12 months. Price levels are now 24% higher than five years ago. Units are up 8.5% in annual terms, including a 2.5% rise in the September Quarter.
The recovery on the Sunshine Coast is also evident. The median house price rose 1.2% in the quarter and is up 6.3% in annual terms. Buderim, always the most popular housing market, has risen 7% in the past 12 months.
Cairns' revival is apparent, with house prices up 6.2% and units up 7.5%. Other places showing some spark after several poor years include the Fraser Coast, flood-affected Bundaberg and the Whitsundays, including Bowen. Townsville and Rockhampton remain sluggish.
Gladstone dropped a further 4% in the September Quarter and is 8% down on a year earlier. Mackay has taken a big hit on rentals but prices are down only moderately (3.5% in annual terms).
Isaac Shire, which includes boom-bust icon Moranbah, is down 38% in annual terms, while Emerald is down 15%.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://hotspotting.com.au">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or contact him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.
 
 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Gold Coast units still struggling, Noosa Heads still a lemon: the Queensland quarterly wrap 

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Property investors need to pay more attention to price points, rather than just generic price growth.
If I was to tell you that there were more home sales under $400,000 across Brisbane than, say, between $600,000 and $800,000, many of you might not believe me. A similar trend exists across most other Australian capitals, including Sydney and Melbourne; and this is definitely the case in our regional towns.
This information is very important for a range of reasons.
Market size is important. More so, for me, than the general direction or position of the market. Size does matter. Buyers should know how many sales take place in their particular price category.
This helps work out how long it might take to resell. It also gives a clue as to how much one might need to promote their property in the future in order to achieve a sale.
Most property sells for less than the property intelligentsia would have us believe. We largely read about the ‘good news’ in all those property investment mags, and not the bad - or even plain average.
Again, most dwellings sold across Australia sell for under $500,000. A third sell for prices under $350,000.
The market is shaped like a pyramid. Sales volumes diminish as prices rise.
In general, the more you pay for a property, the fewer buyers there are to resell to in the future. That isn’t to say there hasn’t been growth in the size of the top end housing market across Australia. Today, one in 10 of our homes achieves over $1 million on sale, up from 3% 10 years ago. One in 50 sells for over $2 million, up from 0.7% a decade earlier.
Another important point is that price movement isn’t uniform across a market.
Certain price points move more than others, and this changes, depending on the market’s position in the property cycle.
For example, Brisbane is in a recovery phase, so the more expensive properties are starting to sell. While there has been some movement in the number of house sales priced in the more affordable sub $350,000 price range (a 12% lift) over the past three months, this is mild compared to the increase in sales priced between $500,000 and $1 million, which has increased by over 30%.
Sales over $1 million are up a whopping 43%.
In contrast, during a downturn for example, it is the cheaper properties that see more growth in sales volumes.
Keep the latest Brisbane dwelling price points in mind:
<ul>
<li>38%: Under $400,000 
</li>
<li>39%: $400,000 to $600,000 
</li>
<li>6%: $800,000 to $1,000,000 
</li>
<li>4%: Over $1,000,000</li>
</ul>
In summary, I believe investors – especially those starting out – should buy a property in the larger price brackets. There is safety in numbers. Properties in these price groups are generally more affordable, making them more ‘downturn’ proof.
When you read about generic price growth, keep in mind that not all of the market is moving at the same pace. Some market segments may even be moving in a different direction. There are many housing markets, even in the same city and local area.
 
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michaelmatusik-49YzLvdmNv

Keep your eye on price points, not price growth

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When the head boffins at the Reserve Bank deliver their sermons, saying "prices don't always rise, sometimes they fall", many Australians who don't need reminding must wonder what planet they're from.
People living in many parts of Queensland, for example.
If you're an apartment owner in Cairns or Townsville, you don't need a lecture about the reality that prices don't always rise. The latest edition of Market Monitor from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland shows that median apartment price in Townsville today is 11% lower than it was five years ago. In Cairns, average values remain 15% lower than in 2009.
There are stories like this throughout the state (and throughout the nation). Large parts of Queensland are undoubtedly on an upward trajectory now, but many markets still have price levels lower than five years ago.
The median unit price for the Whitsundays has risen 9% in the past 12 months, but it remains 6% lower than in 2009.
In Noosa, Queensland's most over-rated market, the median unit price dropped 6% in the past 12 months and remains lower than it was five years ago. The housing market in Noosa tells a better story, with moderate growth in both the past 12 months and the past five years.
Despite a little growth in the median unit price in the past year, Gold Coast values are still lower than in 2009.
Ipswich City, in the south-west of the Brisbane metropolitan area, is back on a growth path, but its median house price is still below former levels.
Owners in locations like these aren't talking about whether prices sometimes fall. They're talking about whether they ever rise.
The good news for most of the locations mentioned above is that they are now moving into growth phases. Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and the Gold Coast can all look forward to significant price gains, after five bad years. No doubt commentators will soon be warning us about bubbles.
The people who least need a reality check about the possibility of property values falling are those who live (or own rental properties) in Moranbah, the coal mining town in Central Queensland which has become the quintessential boom-to-bust story of modern times.
Moranbah's median house price is down 28% in 12 months, according to REIQ figures, and is now 15% lower than it was five years ago.
There are some more positive stories in the same combination of numbers from the Queensland Market Monitor report.
There is some comfort for landlords in Gladstone. While the median house price has dropped about 10% in the past 12 months, it remains 12% higher than in 2009. So anyone who bought five years ago remains ahead on value, despite the current decline in that market.
There are similar stories for owners in Emerald and Mackay. If you bought five or more years ago, you're still in front, despite the recent downturn.
The Market Monitor report reveals Toowoomba to be the state's success story. Its median house price is up 10% in the past year and is now 24% higher than five years ago. There are almost identical numbers for the Toowoomba unit market.
It also shows the gathering momentum in South East Queensland, where every municipality in the conurbation covering the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast has delivered price growth in the past 12 months – still quite moderate, ranging from 2% in Redland City to 8% in Brisbane City, but there is considerable momentum in these markets.
You can reach Terry via <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">twitter</a>.
 
 
 
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Dear Reserve Bank: Australians don't need to be reminded that prices fall

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A one-off $7,000 payment to those relocating to a regional area finishes today in New South Wales. The Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant is a payment provided to those relocating from a metropolitan to a regional area, and is noted as not meeting the Government's objectives.
Available to Australian citizens and permanent residents, to receive the grant the applicant must have purchased a regional property on or after 1 July 2011, and on or prior to 30 September 2014.
The regional home must not exceed $600,000, or $450,000 for vacant land.
The applicant must begin living in the regional property within 12 months of purchase, and reside in the property for 12 continuous months. For those purchasing vacant land, they must commence construction within six months and reside in the home within 12 months of purchase date.
You must also have owned and occupied a metropolitan home as a principal place of residence in the 12 months prior to commencing the purchase, and it must be sold in the 12 months prior or after purchase.
Alternatively, those renting homes in a metropolitan area for 12 months prior to purchase, and who can establish a two-year continuous rental history in metropolitan areas, can apply. This was only valid from 1 January 2014.
Applications submitted from 1 January also required the purchased regional property to be further than a 100 kilometre radius from the metropolitan home.
Prior to 2014, only one grant was available per household, even if two regional properties were purchased. However, since 1 January, if two regional properties are purchased and both applications qualify then two grants may be achievable. No value limit is placed on the sale achieved on the metropolitan home to receive the grant.
The Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive, offering $10,000, is also closing today after commencing this year.
A note on the Office of State Revenue website says that despite the closing of these grants, the Government is considering a re-introduction of the Skillled Regional Relocation Incentive, with applications backdated to 1 October 2014. The Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant, however, will not be re-introduced.
"The Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant has not been as effective in meeting the Government’s objectives as the Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive. For this reason, the Government is ending the Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant. As the Regional Relocation Grants Act 2011 does not provide for partial closure of the scheme, both schemes must be closed," they explain.
If you've relocated prior to today and haven't yet applied, you are still able to provided you do so before 31 December 2015.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

New South Wales’ Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant ends today

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Vendor discounting figures are regularly collected by research house SQM Research. Now, they’ve compiled the 10 most discounted individual properties in Western Australia.
They note that Western Australia is a locality that has undergone substantial change in recent years for residential property, with the mining boom and subsequent downturn.
“Many of the properties we see below can be easily recognized from our national top ten most discounted properties, as over the past few months, Perth properties (and other properties from Western Australia) have made up the bulk of the list,” their research notes.
Just one of the homes on SQM Research’s Western Australian list had an initial asking price below $1 million, which is certainly not the norm for discounted properties across the country. After discounting, just two dropped of the Western Australian properties dropped below the seven figure mark.
Across the entire list, two were from South Perth, with the top two in Carabooda.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-wa-carabooda-200627671%20" target="_blank">292 Carabooda Road, Carabooda</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/1.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,650,000 Now asking: $1,032,000  Discount: 37%  Days on market: 404 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-carabooda-114289451" target="_blank">219 Bernard Road North, Carabooda</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/2.jpg" alt=""> 
Initial asking price: $3,500,000 Now asking: $2,272,000  Discount: 35%  Days on market: 404 In terms of the dollar figure, this has been reduced by the most on the list – copping a $1,228,000 reduction on asking price. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-wa-bicton-115389839">28a Malsbury Street, Bicton</a>
 <img src="/images/2014/10/1/3.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,500,000 Now asking: $1,000,000  Discount: 33%  Days on market: 308 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-doubleview-116544475" target="_blank">1 Princess Road, Doubleview</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/4.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $2,700,000 Now asking: $1,800,000  Discount: 33%  Days on market: 175 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-yanchep-115004491" target="_blank">48b Brazier Road, Yanchep</a> 
 <img src="/images/2014/10/1/5.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $985,000 Now asking: $699,000  Discount: 29%  Days on market: 350
This article continues on the next page. Please click below to continue.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-south+perth-113923551" target="_blank">12/4 Scott Street, South Perth</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/6.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $3,650,000 Now asking: $2,600,000  Discount: 29%  Days on market: 481 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-duplex+semi+detached-wa-burswood-116984079" target="_blank">21b Hampton Street, Burswood</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/7.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,400,000 Now asking: $1,000,000  Discount: 29%  Days on market: 126 <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/townhouse/wa/perth/?adid=2010865160" target="_blank">211 Bulwer Street, Perth</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/8.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $1,500,000 Now asking: $1,100,000  Discount: 27%  Days on market: 930 Of all the properties on the list, this one has been on the market for longest – at 930 days. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-sorrento-116607811" target="_blank">2 Marine Terrace, Sorrento</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/9.jpg" alt="">
Initial asking price: $3,990,000 Now asking: $3,000,000  Discount: 25%  Days on market: 161 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-south+perth-114534271" target="_blank">32/39 South Perth Esplanade, South Perth</a>
<img src="/images/2014/10/1/10.jpg" alt=""> 
Initial asking price: $1,295,000 Now asking: $990,000  Discount: 24%  Days on market: 406
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The top 10 most discounted properties in Western Australia: SQM Research

"The home, built in 1857, had been unoccupied for years," said the report of a dilapidated Victorian-era mansion in Sydney's Balmain East.

Situated in an exclusive residential pocket next door to the Balmain East ferry wharf, and sporting bayside views of Sydney's Harbour Bridge, the 457 square metre block of land attracted 200 people to the auction, 18 registrations to bid, and sold $830,000 above the reserve to a local home buyer <a href="https://www.rebonline.com.au/breaking-news/8169-decrepit-house-fetches-millions-at-auction" target="_blank">for $2.68 million</a>.

According to <a href="/expert-insights/buying/uninhabitable-crumbling-1850s-balmain-east-cottage-secures-2-68-million-price">Property Observer,</a> the site had been acquired in 1973 for $33,500 by the notable gay rights activist and historian,&nbsp;Alexander 'Lex'&nbsp;Watson. Watson was the president of The Pride History Group and a lecturer in Australian Politics at Sydney University who sadly passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer.

$33,500 in 1973 dollars would be $289,724 in real terms today – just over 10% of today's $2.68 million selling price.

The location was the key of course, with planned upgrades to the Balmain East ferry wharf, which will now receive services from the Parramatta River along with extra ferries to McMahons and Milsons Point, further enhancing its value.

Had the home been only a few kilometres away, a few hundred thousand could have been wiped off the price tag and the media sensation may not have been so great. Even so, it is not the only dilapidated property to make the press of late.

Opportunistic buyers caught up in Sydney and Melbourne's property boom have snapped up a string of empty homes, selling under stiff competition while exceeding all expectations of price.

An empty hat&nbsp;factory on Wilson Street, Newtown, also vacant for years, sold earlier this month for $1.725 million.

A dilapidated home on 360 square metres of land in Thornley St, Leichhardt, vacant for more than 30 years, sold a few weeks ago for $1.4 million at auction.

A home in total disrepair at 19 Durham St, Stanmore, situated on 172 square metres of land, vacant for years and sold for $923,000.

And not to leave Melbourne out, an unliveable Richmond property on 726 square metres of land, also vacant for years, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/derelict-richmond-cottage-development-site-sold-at-2-544-000">sold for $2.544 million</a>&nbsp;– $900,000 above the price it achieved only two years ago (pictured above).

The <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/leichhardt-property-pulls-in-14-million-at-auction-and-tops-big-money-dump-list/story-fnd91nhy-1227006222322" target="_blank">list goes on</a>.

Barring the last example, that came with plans and permits for two town houses, these properties transacted for nothing more than their land value. However, while the buyers purchased a location, they did not pay for the services that rendered that location valuable or, in the case of the first example, compensate the local residents for suppressing access to some of the best views in town.

Instead, reinforced by inelastic zoning constraints, generous tax treatment, and unrestrained speculative growth in dwelling finance commitments, they unwittingly rewarded the sellers with a substantial unearned gain for withholding valuable land from use and depleting the nation's housing supply.

This means of 'creating wealth' common in most western nations sits at the root of many of our economic and social problems today. It has both a debilitating and destabilising effect on the economy, evidenced clearly in a painful and rising trend income and housing inequality that burdens the capacity of the 'welfare state' to compensate.

This article continues on the next page. Please click below.

&nbsp;

<hr class="system-pagebreak" />
Interestingly, Lex Watson, the prior owner of the Balmain East property cited above, was purportedly greatly influenced by the writings of John Stewart Mill whose work was said to be "the touchstone of his life and later activism".

Born in London in 1806, John Stewart Mill is remembered as "the most influential English-speaking philosopher of the nineteenth century".

Inspired by his father James Mill, who tutored his nine children with daily lessons in Latin, Greek, French, history, philosophy, and politics, John Stewart Mill was a leading economist. He was a prolific logician, who dedicated his life to championing the causes of liberty and equality, while advocating 'radical' ideas, such as the abolishment of slavery and equal rights for women.

In 1848 he published the most prominent&nbsp;textbook&nbsp;on economics in the 19th century, Principles of Political Economy, critiquing systems such as communism&nbsp;and&nbsp;socialism and cementing Mill's reputation as a leading public intellectual.

Extending on the ideas set out by Adam Smith and David Ricardo, Mill employed concepts that that have been written out of today's economic narrative, that conflate land and capital&nbsp;– virtual opposites – while failing to distinguish between income that is 'earned' and the economic surplus that disproportionately flows to those that "love to&nbsp;reap&nbsp;where they never&nbsp;sowed" (a process best set out in Mason Gaffney's book The Corruption of Economics).

Writing on the moralities of taxation in Book V, Chapter II of Principles of a Political Economy Mill commented:

"The&nbsp;ordinary progress&nbsp;of a society, which increases&nbsp;in&nbsp;wealth, is at all times tending to augment the&nbsp;incomes of&nbsp;landlords; to give them both a greater amount and a greater proportion of the wealth of the community,&nbsp;independently of any trouble or outlay incurred by themselves.&nbsp;They&nbsp;grow&nbsp;richer,&nbsp;as&nbsp;it&nbsp;were in their sleep, without working, risking, or economizing."

From this Mill concluded that the government should collect society's economic rents in lieu of taxes that impede productive labour and industry, including taxes on the improvement and the transfer of property, (stamp duty) which he said, should rather be: "distributed over the land generally, in the form of a land-tax."

He was not the first or last to do so.

He followed a long line of influential activists, from Thomas Paine, who in his 1797 publication Agrarian Justice stressed:

"Men&nbsp;did not make the earth... It is the value of the improvement only, and&nbsp;not&nbsp;the&nbsp;earth itself, that is individual property... Every proprietor owes to&nbsp;the community&nbsp;a ground rent for&nbsp;the&nbsp;land, which he holds."

Most recently, Dr Ken Henry, who chaired Australia's&nbsp;Future Tax System Review, noted: "... economic growth would be higher if governments raised more revenue from land and less revenue from other tax bases."

The classical economists recognised that unless profits from the 'enclosure of the commons' – land, water rights, minerals, and so forth - were effectively collected and shared for the benefit of the community, all productive gains, every improvement in society and the economy, would be capitalised into rising locational land values, enriching those that owned the assets but more so, those who created the credit and traded on the debt.

This is equally applicable to reductions in the cost of construction.

For example, news that high-density apartment towers close to public transport in Sydney, will no longer require parking facilities, delivering an estimated saving of $50,000 - $70,000 in development costs, will do little to ease affordability.

Rather, it will simply leave more funds available to bid up the price of land. This is precisely what we are seeing in Australia – sky rocketing land prices requiring 'super tall' structures to provide a viable return on investment.

This article continues on the next page. Please click below.

<hr class="system-pagebreak" />
While the small one and two bedroom units may be spruiked as affordable, when calculated by cost or rental value per square metre of floor space, they are remarkably expensive.

Mason Gaffney expanded on the theory, coining the acronym ATCOR – "All Taxes Come Out of Rent." Showing that whether renting or buying, total tax liabilities from whatever area carried by the consumer, deduct from the cost of a site to the extent they limit the amount a buyer is both prepared and able to pay.

It follows that the removal of all taxes would naturally wash up into higher prices for real estate, which in theory leaves the resulting rise in the economic rent of land 'just' enough to replace the forgone revenue. (For more, see Fitzgerald's Resource Rents Of Australia).

When that liability falls on productive industry, deadweight losses occur. For example, 90% of our taxes are distortionary, adding 23% to prices of goods and services.

However, when the burden falls on land and monopoly rents – minerals, fuels, the broadcasting and communications spectrum, patents et cetera, the reverse is the case.

In respect of land, a higher tax rate levied on the unimproved value would discourage leaving dilapidated homes vacant for years while we struggle with an assumed housing shortage - suppressing the speculative element that adds to the volatility of the market cycle.

Furthermore, when the gain is collected and used to fund the expansion of infrastructure in order to service a growing population, the tax base is expanded without a subsequent lift in rates.

In the 19th century, nature's 'free lunch' was largely limited to the aristocracy of the great landed estates. Today, monopoly profits are absorbed by the financial sector, which wields significant political leverage from lending 'endogenously' created credit against real estate collateral, with the compounding interest disproportionately increasing levels of household debt.

As I pointed out previously - Australia will increasingly feel the effect of this as we move into 2019.

Our current tax system is crooked. It allows large companies to jump through loop holes in legislation and 'cook the books,' shipping profits offshore, leading to an estimated $1.6 billion in&nbsp;tax&nbsp;revenue forgone, while land on the other hand, is used by investors as an effective tax haven.

This article continues on the next page. Please click below.

<hr class="system-pagebreak" />
In a recent post by Dr Gavin R. Putland of the Land Values Research Group, he notes:

"No matter how high your gross income may be, you can make your&nbsp;taxable&nbsp;income as low as you like, simply by buying enough negatively-geared properties. Such artificially reduced&nbsp;taxable&nbsp;incomes are used in ATO statistics on negative gearing, which are then trotted out by the property lobby as "proof" that most negative gearers aren't rich — as exposed, for example, in Michael Janda's article&nbsp;The myth of 'mum and dad' property investors (The Drum, 24&nbsp;September 2014)."

Australia's&nbsp;economic narrative is more concerned with suppressing wages than high land values.

Joe Hockey&nbsp;has unashamedly stated that any rise to the minimum wage "will cost jobs" and "reduce competition," while remaining notably silent on the average CEO pay, which sits at an estimated 63 times average earnings (as at 2013), and showing scant regard for rising land values which increase the associated costs of running a business, while discouraging growth in productive industry.

It uncovers a damaging neo-liberal agenda, which will do nothing to raise the living standards for Australians struggling to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the house price-to-income ratio has fallen by almost a third nationally since the early 1990s, yet residents enjoy low unemployment and some of the highest wages per capita in the world – including the highest minimum wage in the world. Germany weathered the 2008 depression better than any other country in Europe by maintaining its focus on value adding growth.

The public needs to recapture the debate and push for a better set of democratic tools, that let the people decide directly on the benefits that can aid their communities, rather than the current state of affairs which is coloured with vested interest, polarising voters with false promises and flawed economic thinking.

The rise of citizen's juries, where a diverse&nbsp;and representative group of people are randomly selected and given the information and training needed to deliberate together on matters of policy – for the benefit of all, not just a few - limiting the power of corrupt government officials, may take us one step closer to achieving this.

Top of the agenda should be every citizen's right to affordable access to land and shelter.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

catherinecashmore-6LXia3pPQj

Australia's empty homes

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Hi Margaret,
I was reading about Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on principal residences and I was wondering if CGT is applicable on an elderly parent’s home after they have moved to a nursing home. If the home is rented out to pay for the ongoing expenses of nursing care, is CGT applicable after she has passed and the home is sold? Alternatively, if a family member lives in the home until such time as she passes, is capital gains also applicable?
Presently there is family division (as usual) about the way her assets and home should be managed.
Regards,
Katherine
Margaret Lomas' answer is on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Capital gains tax is a complicated issue, and I wanted to be sure I got this right for you, so I called my Property Success resident tax expert, Ian Rodrigues, and checked that my understanding around this was correct.
If you own a Principal Place of Residence (PPOR) from which you are absent and you rent it out, you have a six year period where you can have an exemption from CGT, as long as you don’t claim another PPOR exemption. 
If you don’t rent it out, the amount of time that you can claim that exemption is unlimited. This would mean that, as long as the period did not exceed 6 years, renting it out in order to help pay those expenses would be OK. 
Once she passes, the status of the person’s CGT position shifts to those who inherit – if it is still considered her PPOR (so in that six year period) then the CGT status transfers, and the beneficiaries have two years to sell before they incur CGT.
If a family member lived there, and it was to simply take care of the place for your mother, and not a market based arrangement on the same terms as a third party tenant, then this would likely be considered to be the same as if no one lived there.
Of course, if your mother bought the property prior to 19 September, 1985, then all of the above is moot – it’s a pre CGT asset anyway and no CGT applies in any circumstance.
Always check with a good accountant or even the tax office itself though, to ensure that your own situation is covered by these rules.  It’s quite easy to get a private ruling in the event that no one seems sure and that way, you have it all in writing!
Have a property question?  <a href="mailto:askmargaret@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">Ask Margaret!</a>
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