<p>ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.</p>

<p>The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.</p>

<p>They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" /></p>

<p>The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.</p>

<p>"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."</p>

<p>The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.</p>

<p>Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" /></p>

<p>The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.</p>

<p>"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."</p>

<p>The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.</p>


Joel Robinson

Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

<p>An 1880s timber cottage that has survived Kangaroo Point's transformation from riverside suburb to high-density apartment precinct is set to become the centrepiece of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/zephyr">Zephyr Group</a>'s proposed Banksia development.</p>

<p>Rather than see the locally heritage-listed Alpha Cottage as an obstacle to navigate, plans integrate the landmark home into a new 18-storey residential tower, giving one of the suburb's oldest surviving residences a new role as the project's communal hub.</p>

<p>The development application covers a 1,177 sqm amalgamated site at 127-133 Lambert Street and 30 Shafston Avenue, where Zephyr Group plans to deliver 64 apartments above three basement levels. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>, the proposal carefully weaves the retained heritage cottage into a contemporary residential scheme, with the tower elevated above the historic building to preserve its presence within the Lambert Street streetscape.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9dc5bdb-d691-4c60-bf2b-c3ed405a3e75" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Banksia.png?VersionId=Jh4bjlewU.o8HXWt0V4KaFA_lPcF7KWM" /></p>

<p>Named after the native Australian Banksia flower, the project draws inspiration from its distinctive form through curved balconies, sculpted planter boxes and cascading subtropical landscaping that soften the building's profile.</p>

<p>As the design report explains: "The tower's identity is defined by its feature facade, drawing direct inspiration from the Banksia wildflower. The building departs from traditional rigidity through the use of elegant, GRC-moulded planter boxes that appear as if shaped by the breeze."</p>

<p>Plans propose 64 apartments, comprising 32 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom residences, across an 18-storey tower. Residents would have access to rooftop amenities including a swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, private cinema, dining spaces and landscaped recreation areas, while more than half the site is dedicated to planting and open space.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16041b5f-033e-47fa-8fbe-9886e072c1f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pool.png?VersionId=kpx5w4EbLx0_TdWfDoD1vrSs0_cZ5Ao1" /></p>

<p>The heritage component is the defining feature of the proposal. Constructed in the early 1880s and occupied from at least 1883, Alpha Cottage is recognised by Brisbane City Council as an important surviving example of Kangaroo Point's nineteenth-century residential development and as a representative transverse-gable timber cottage. Despite extensive redevelopment across the peninsula, the building has retained a high degree of its original form and internal fabric.</p>

<p>As part of the redevelopment, the cottage will be carefully relocated a short distance within its original allotment to facilitate construction before being returned to a prominent position along Lambert Street. Original verandah elements will be dismantled, catalogued and reinstated, while significant internal features, including timber flooring, wall linings, joinery, doors, windows and hardware, will be retained. Later additions, including the enclosed rear verandah, will be removed to better reveal the building's original form.</p>

<p>Once restored, Alpha Cottage will accommodate the building manager's office, mail room and parcel facilities, providing an active everyday use that supports its long-term conservation rather than preserving it as a static display. The heritage strategy also maintains landscaped space around the building, allowing it to remain visually distinct beneath the new tower.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b027e1-576e-4624-a66c-7cc54ea8b7be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/banksia%20tower.png?VersionId=2W6E2yfkj2AQlWlLeV986grA5zB9f817" /></p>

<p>The Heritage Impact Assessment concludes that "the proposal secures the ongoing occupation, maintenance and conservation of Alpha Cottage," finding the development would result in "no more than a minor impact on the cultural heritage significance" of the building while ensuring its long-term future.</p>

<p>Joe Adsett Architects have designed the tower to sit above the heritage building rather than overwhelm it, creating a clear visual separation between old and new. The development's flowing balconies, integrated planting and organic façade respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate while complementing the restored cottage below.</p>

<p>Banksia occupies a prominent corner in Kangaroo Point within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, Brisbane River, ferry services, QUT, the CBD and the Woolloongabba precinct. The site also benefits from direct access to active transport infrastructure and sits within an area earmarked for continued higher-density residential growth.</p>


Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage

<p>Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.</p>

<p>Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.</p>

<p><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/6RNt3AvtBpI?si=JUhuCV2ZRXsYaoJZ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.</p>

<p>One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.</p>

<p>Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.</p>

<p>That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]</p>

<p>The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.</p>

<p>Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.</p>

<p>The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.</p>

<p>The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.</p>

<p>"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.</p>

<p>Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]</p>

<p>For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.</p>

<p>"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."</p>

<p>"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."</p>

<p>More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.</p>

<p>"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]</p>

<p>As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.</p>

<p>Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.</p>

<p>For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]</p>


Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.</p>

<p>Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.</p>

<p>Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.</p>

<p><img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" /></p>

<p data-end="1160" data-start="703">The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.</p>

<p data-end="1394" data-start="1162">The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.</p>

<p data-end="1767" data-start="1396">At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.</p>

<p data-end="1936" data-start="1769">Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.</p>

<p data-end="2070" data-start="1938">"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.</p>

<p data-end="2230" data-start="2072">"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."</p>

<p data-end="2397" data-start="2232">Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.</p>

<p data-end="2600" data-start="2399">"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.</p>

<p data-end="2805" data-start="2602">Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.</p>

<p data-end="2942" data-start="2807">Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.</p>

<p data-end="3078" data-start="2944">"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.</p>


First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.</p>

<p>Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.</p>

<p>"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."</p>

<p>Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."</p>

<p>"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]</p>


Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

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


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

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

<p>The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.</p>

<p>While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.</p>

<p>It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.</p>

<p>Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.</p>

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="252" data-start="225">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong data-end="413" data-start="389">Stamp Duty Benefits:</strong> Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.</p>

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Benefits</strong>: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.</p>

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="920" data-start="893">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.</p>

<p><strong data-end="1162" data-start="1135">Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.</p>

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Concessions:</strong> Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.</p>

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong data-end="1617" data-start="1590">First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.</p>

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Relief:</strong> Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.</p>

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant</strong>: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.</p>

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

<p><strong>First Home Owner Grant:</strong> The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.</p>

<p><strong>Stamp Duty Exemption</strong>: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).</p>

<p><em>Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.</em></p>


Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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


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

Staff Writer

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

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


alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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


Ellen Walker

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

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


The inflation result the property market was waiting for

<html><body>
<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>As reported in the latest CoreLogic home value index results, the national property market slowdown is having a wider impact with regional dwelling value growth experiencing the flow-on effect.</p>
<p>I examined how values have changed over the past 12 months outside of the capital cities.</p>
<p>Overall, regional dwelling values recorded a 1.6% capital gain over the twelve months ending August 2018.</p>
<p>Although values have still increased over the past year, the pace of capitals has been slowing and the 1.6% increase is the slowest annual growth rate since September 2013.</p>
<p>Over the past year, dwelling values have increased across the non-capital city markets of every state except Western Australia (-4.4%).</p>
<p>In regional NSW (+1.4%) value growth is the slowest it has been since April 2013 while in regional Tas (+8.0%) annual growth is the strongest it has been since March 2010.</p>
<p>Drilling down, the sub-regions highlight the diversity of property market conditions across the broad regional areas of Australia.</p>
<p>Of the 42 regional SA4 regions, 24 recorded an increase in dwelling values over the past year with the remaining 18 recording a fall.</p>
<p>Geelong (11.8%) was the only region to record double-digit growth while Tasmania’s South East (9.9%) and Launceston / North East Tasmania (9.3%) were the only two others to record growth in excess of 7.5%.</p>
<p>Of those regions that have recorded growth over the year, nine are in NSW, five are in VIC, three are in QLD, two are in SA, one is in WA, three are in TAS and one is in NT.</p>
<p>Central Queensland (-7.7%) had recorded the largest value fall over the year followed by Bunbury I WA and Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday (both 5.4%).</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, WA along with Qld, dominates the list of regional areas in which values have fallen the most over the past year.</p>
<p>In general terms, the regions linked to the resources sector have continued to record value falls over the past year while lifestyle markets and those close to capital cities have recorded increases.</p>
<p>The main exceptions are Mid North Coast and Illawarra, which are slowing as Sydney slows and Toowoomba just to the west of Brisbane.</p>
<p>On a quarterly basis, the number of regions recording value falls is larger than the number recording a fall over the year, indicating a worsening in regional housing market conditions over recent months.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/13/Tim%20CL%20PP.JPG" alt=""><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/13/Tim%20CL%20PP%202.JPG" alt="" width="635" height="610"></p>
<p><em>Tim Lawless is the head of research at CoreLogic</em></p>
</body></html>

tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

How the shift in dwelling values have affected regional areas of Australia: Tim Lawless

<html><body>
<div>EXPERT OBSERVER</div>
<div> </div>
<div>OK, first things first. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>I am indeed a so-termed vested interest: I would like to see full employment, stronger wages and household income growth, the Aussie economy growing at least at trend or ideally above trend, and I don't want to see the housing market getting zinged unnecessarily. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Yep, you got me on that one. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>With these formalities out of the way, I saw APRA's latest ADI exposures today described as 'red alert lending data', very 'concerning', a 'loosening' of lending standards, that should be 'ringing alarm bells' to APRA due to lenders 'breaking their own rules', among various other remarks (source: Digital Finance Analytics). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>For the record, while blog-flaming isn't really my bag, I must wholeheartedly disagree on each and every point!<br><br>Whatevs, I'll post a few deets and you can make your own mind up...</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stock of IO loans plunges</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Firstly, the flow of new interest-only (IO) loans in Q2 2018 was a meagre 16.6 per cent of residential term loans, absolutely miles below the initially proposed cap of 30 per cent (and a world apart from the 45.6 per cent record high of Q2 2015). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>With far fewer loans written overall from a year earlier in spite of a strong increase in the Aussie population, this represented a modest increase in percentage terms from the preceding quarter.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, the actual number of interest-only loans was some 52 per cent lower than in the corresponding quarter of the prior year - and almost 70 per cent lower than the number written at the peak of IO lending in 2015.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>A 'loosening'? Hardly.<br><br>But even if more IO loans were to be written henceforth I personally don't believe that would be <span>a bad thing.</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>The last thing<span> we need <span>is $½ trilli</span>on of IO</span> mortgages being reset with undue haste - unless you actually want to see the housing market get stiffed, which of course many people do - and some breathing space would surely be welcomed by a portion of existing IO borrowers. </span></div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFVWEE8Ibxg/W5kafR9EsAI/AAAAAAAAr3M/i525R8a2Vz0RTipYynJRdMnqcv0vtlPHwCLcBGAs/s640/IO1.jpg" width="640" height="372" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1377"></div>
<p> </p>
<div>Regardless of your views on that, there was another enormous decline in the stock of IO loans in the June quarter, with IO loan balances outstanding now having plunged some $119 billion lower over the past five quarters. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The share of IO loans outstanding through June 2018 was thus by some margin at the lowest level across the entire data series at about 29 per cent, down from close to 40 per cent in late 2015. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Note that these numbers only run to the end of the 2018 financial year; at the current trajectory the share of IO loans will likely be around 26.9 per cent by the end of this month, a figure that was truly unthinkable only last year, and the lowest level in decades. </div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvYLsKyPgs4/W5kafal-H0I/AAAAAAAAr3c/Z0gyForrg7IQlC8ki_SD-5ePZVQnPQW_wCEwYBhgL/s640/Io3.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1367"></div>
<p><br><span>A loosening...very droll.</span><br><br></p>
<div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Less and less and less high-LVR lending</span></strong><br><br>Secondly, in relation to DFA's 'red alert' on lending standards, the loan-to-value (LVR) ratios on new loans have been tightening incrementally for the better part of half a decade now.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Loan volumes are down, there was a miniscule change in Q2 for the share of new loans written at 80 per cent LVR or above, while loans written above 90 per cent LVR or above have never been as low as they are today since the available records began.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>'Red alert'? You must be having a giraffe, surely - we've literally never seen lending standards remotely like it!</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-myr13CMquKE/W5kafSp7IYI/AAAAAAAAr3I/yRholEdAVYs5ZbZ6AiRGWIEbZtAQeLy0QCLcBGAs/s640/IO2.jpg" width="640" height="368" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1381"></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Thirdly, low-doc and other non-standard loans are also tracking at the lowest level on record. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Fourthly, the quarterly flow of new investment loans plunged by the best part of $5 billion year-on-year, so how you conclude a sudden loosening of standards from that I can't fathom (automatic red card for anyone directly comparing volumes from Q1 to Q2). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And fifthly, a word that is devilishly hard to spell at the best of times, DFA cites loans approved outside serviceability, noting that these should be ringing 'alarm bells' to the regulator.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Fair suck of the sauce bottle, mate, but this almost certainly represents a timing issue and reflects <em><strong>tighter</strong> </em>lending standards, not looser.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>You can't tell me with a straight face that banks are blithely waving through marginal or borderline applications and then willingly reporting them as such in the current lending environment. Not happenin'.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>'I could go on...', as Jon Culshaw's impersonation of Russell Crowe might drily observe.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Due apologies for the apparent curtness, but this stuff has a tendency to be uncritically reported by rote, so someone needs to chime in with a few of these inconvenient actualities.<br><br>Much obliged. As you were :-)</div>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Interest-only loans running at 70 per cent down on 2015 peak: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>Consumer confidence fell 3% in September and is now back to around its long term average according to the Westpac/MI consumer survey.</p>
<p>This followed a fall in business confidence in August according to the NAB business survey.</p>
<p>While other factors may also be impacting, including ongoing news of falling home prices, it’s likely that political turbulence in Canberra has been a driver of the fall in confidence, just as the election of the LNP Coalition in 2013 with the hope of political stability after the Rudd/Gillard/Rudd years provided a boost to confidence.</p>
<p>If sustained this will be a drag on consumer spending and supports the case that households won’t be comfortable continuing to run down their saving rate.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/28/download.png" alt=""></p>
<p><em>Source: Westpac/MI, NAB, AMP Capital</em></p>
<p>The September consumer survey also showed that households remain cautious about shares, superannuation and real estate as the wisest place for savings but continue to like paying off debt and bank deposits (despite low interest rates).</p>
<p>All of which is consistent with households remaining cautious in their investments, which is a positive from a contrarian perspective although (apart from real estate) this has been the case ever since the GFC.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/28/download%201.png" alt=""></p>
<p><em>Source: Westpac/MI, AMP Capital</em></p>
<p>The soft readings on consumer and business confidence are consistent with our view that the RBA will be on hold for a long time yet and that it’s premature to rule out the next move in rates as being down.</p>
<p><strong><em>Shane Oliver</em></strong><em> is the Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist for AMP Capital </em></p>
</body></html>

soliver-smf6LQXgW9

Consumers remain cautious, believing real estate isn't the wisest place for savings: Shane Oliver

<html><body>
<p>GUEST OBSERVATION</p>
<p>Buying a house is probably one of the most important purchases a person will make. Many people think the vendor is required to disclose matters that affect the property value, particularly if the buyer has no other means of finding out the full history of the house. For instance, if someone was murdered in the house, do the buyers have a right to be told?</p>
<p>The solicitor or conveyancer who acts for a buyer will probably tell them the law is “buyer beware”. It is up to buyers to satisfy themselves that the property is not affected by any defects in title, that it can be used for the purposes the buyer intends, and that any building on the property is sound.</p>
<p>If a vendor actively conceals a known defect, then that might amount to fraud. Examples include painting to conceal serious termite damage, or giving a deliberately false answer to a question from a buyer about the property.</p>
<p>A purchaser would need to show, though, that the vendor was deliberately dishonest or at least reckless. That’s a high standard of proof to meet.</p>
<p>The law requires vendors in some states, including New South Wales and Victoria, to disclose the title documents and any registered encumbrances such as easements and covenants. The vendor’s mortgages will be discharged on settlement.</p>
<p>In NSW and some other states, vendors must attach to the contract a certificate from the local council that sets out whether the land is affected by administrative or regulatory matters. This includes issues like zoning, subdivision, contaminated land or identified bushfire or flood hazards. These council certificates can give buyers a good idea of whether they will be able to use the property as they wish.</p>
<p>Where certain statutory requirements have not been disclosed, the buyer can rescind the contract and get their deposit back if the matter was so important that they would not have entered into the contract had they known about it.</p>
<p>In many states, though, there is no duty to disclose matters relating to the title or the use of the land. If the property is a commercial or investment property, the Australian Consumer Law gives remedies to buyers who are induced to enter into contracts by misleading or deceptive conduct in trade or commerce by the vendor or the vendor’s agent. Even if the vendor is selling privately, an agent might still be liable if they misrepresent the property, or tell half-truths that give a misleading impression.</p>
<p>But there is still no general duty on vendors or their agents to disclose matters that affect the property value and may be significant to buyers, but which do not amount to defects in title that can’t be discovered by reasonable inspection.</p>
<p><strong>How far should disclosure go?</strong></p>
<p>Should vendors be obliged to disclose all matters that might influence a buyer? There is probably a good case for all state and territory governments to follow NSW with a requirement to disclose council information. But, beyond that, just how far should a duty of disclosure go?</p>
<p>For instance, if something terrible, such as murder or other violent and upsetting events, has happened at a property, should a vendor be required to tell potential buyers about this? In some US states, courts have held that a vendor should disclose the history of the house where a murder has been committed. US brokers call these “stigmatised properties”.</p>
<p>In a case in NSW, a house where three members of a family were murdered was sold to unsuspecting buyers, who later found out about this history. They refused to proceed, but as the vendors were not required to disclose the history, the buyers lost their deposit. The estate agent who handled the sale was ultimately fined for glossing over the history of the house. The agent also met the cost of the forfeited deposit, but that depended on the particular facts involved.</p>
<p>Such horrible events are rare, but buyers might be very distressed by that kind of history. Shouldn’t buyers have complete information?</p>
<p>One problem is just how far any duty of disclosure would reach. Should any matter at all that affects the value of the property be disclosed?</p>
<p>Some buyers might be particularly sensitive and consider that they should be given comprehensive information about the history of the property. Would it be necessary to disclose that a person had died at the property, even if of old age or natural causes?</p>
<p>Just as vendors might not know about any structural defects in the property, they might not know much about the history of the property. A landlord vendor, for example, might not have information about what went on in the house while tenants were living in it. It might be unfair, then, to shift to the vendor the risk of any decline in value caused by sensitive buyers.</p>
<p>Estate agents are usually responsible for marketing the property. So, if any duty is to exist for making statements about it, perhaps this should lie on the agent, and not the vendors, and should be confined to compensation rather than the ability to get out of the sale. Purchasers can always on-sell a bad bargain, but vendors might be stuck with the property through no fault of their own if they have to bear the responsibility of disclosing everything about its history.</p>
<p><em><strong>Patricia Lane</strong>, Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney</em></p>
<p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-should-buyers-of-a-house-be-told-about-it-102196" target="_blank">original article</a>.</em></p>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

What should buyers of a house be told about it?

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<p>The Alice Springs market traditionally enjoys a livelier period during the spring months and heading into December with sales numbers generally well up on the previous quarter, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report.</p>
<p>The valuation firm noted that, this is in part due to the comings and goings as people relocate towards the end of the year however as the chilly mornings and frosts leave us, the presentation of well-kept gardens shines through and spring proves the best time to sell.</p>
<p>The market has shown mixed results in recent months however, which is likely to continue.</p>
<p>"Recent shining lights include the rural residential market with more sales above the $1 million mark and the Old East Side area continuing to be popular," stated HTW valuers.</p>
<p>Units continue to be generally soft, more so for older 1980s 2-bedroom townhouses which have continued to decline in value however more are starting to sell which is a positive sign. New and modern units have proved more resilient with good demand and stable price levels.</p>
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<p><span>An East Side two bedroom unit is now on the market with the price of $199,000 (pictured above).<br></span></p>
<p>Situated in a small complex, the unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nt-east+side-129260470" target="_blank">11/4 Undoolya Rd </a>comprises of two bedrooms, open plan living/dining, kitchen and private yard.</p>
<p>It's within walking distance to the CBD, restaurants, schools and local shops.</p>
<p><span>"we look forward to the traditional uplift over the next couple of months particularly after an extended period of stabilisation and with some new developments starting construction it will be another interesting quarter," stated the valuers.</span></p>
<p><span><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/6/larapinta.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
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<p>A renovated three bedroom house in Larapinta been recently sold for $527,500 (pictured above). </p>
<p>The house situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nt-larapinta-126277982" target="_blank">36 Bokhara St</a> features three bedroom with built-ins, gourmet kitchen, large deck with views, two internal living areas and in-ground pool.</p>
<p>Other highlights include solar panel system, lock up garage, and split system heating and cooling throughout. </p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/6/sadadeen.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Another recent sale is a Sadadeen three bedroom house sold at $385,750 in August (pictured above). </p>
<p>Set on a large corner block, the house at 1 kuhn Court consists of three bedrooms, renovated bathroom, spacious living and dining and corner kitchen.</p>
<p>The outdoor features covered entertaining area, garden shed and storage room. </p>
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Alice Springs property market sees an uptick, but remains in overall decline: HTW

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<p>Some Sydney areas are managing to buck the trend of a weakening property market.</p>
<p>While the average clearance rate in Sydney was 48.2 per cent in August, the northern beaches proved to be the most resilient region with a rate of  63.1 per cent.</p>
<p>The city, the east and the lower north shore markets also bucked the trends with their clearance rates of 61.6 per cent and 61.1 per cent, respectively.</p>
<p>At the other end of the scale, the Central Coast registered the lowest clearance rate for the month, at 27.1 per cent. </p>
<p><span>Indicative, a Cromer four bedroom single level house has been sold at auction for $1.675 million (pictured above).</span></p>
<p>Privately positioned well back from the street, the house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-cromer-129032802" target="_blank"> 47 Toronto Avenue</a> combines modern design and classic Queenslander-style.</p>
<p><span>It comes with open plan living/dining, sleek island kitchen, master wing with built in, four other bedrooms, and media restreat or second living area. </span></p>
<p><span>It is close to village shops, schools, city bus and only minutes to beaches. </span></p>
<p><span> <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/6/curl%20curl%20.jpg" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span>Another sale in August was a Curl Curl four bedroom house which was traded for $3.8 million (pictured above).</span></p>
<p>Designed by Gremmo Homes, the beachside house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-curl+curl-128689018" target="_blank"> 4A Adina Rd</a> comprises of four generous bedrooms, expansive kitchen, two separate living/lounge areas, and covered alfresco dining and BBQ area.</p>
<p><span>Additional features include a separate study or fifth bedroom, double garage with internal access and in-ground swimming pool.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/6/frenchs%20forest.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>A Frenchs Forest four bedroom house situated on a 700sqm of level land has been recently sold for $1.703 million (pictured above).</p>
<p>The modern family home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-frenchs+forest-129098766" target="_blank">10 Mimosa St</a> comes with four generous sized bedrooms, new gas kitchen, spacious lounge and dining, and covered alfresco. </p>
<p>Other features include in-ground pool, ducted underfloor heating, and secured front gate. </p>
<p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/9/6/forestville%20.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p><span>A current listing is a Forestville four bedroom freestanding townhouse with a price guide of $1.25 million (pictured above). </span></p>
<p>The three-storey townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-nsw-forestville-129090878" target="_blank">14/24-26 Forestville Avenue</a> offers four double-sized bedrooms, extra play/study room, bright living and dining area, well-appointed kitchen and covered private courtyard. </p>
<p><span>It is within a short distance to Forestville Primary School and local Forestville shopping centre. </span></p>
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The Northern Beaches topped Sydney region bucking trend of weak auctions this August

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>Anyone directly or indirectly associated with housing finance has likely felt the pinch of heightened regulation and tighter credit policies. </p>
<p>Mortgage brokers and lenders are the first industry participants that come to mind, however the slowdown in lending activity has broader implications for a wide range of peripheral industries and revenue streams.</p>
<p>Less lending implies fewer home sales for real estate agents and developers, a reduction in building and pest inspections, less conveyancing for lawyers and a slump in stamp duty revenue for state governments. </p>
<p>Generally, when people buy a home, they also splurge on household items such as appliances, white goods and home furnishings, so there is strong relationship with household consumption. </p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/12/Lawless%201.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Less spending from households has direct implications for Australia’s economic prosperity, considering consumption comprises close to 60% of our gross domestic product. </p>
<p>The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the overall value of housing finance commitments was down 5.1% between July 2017 and July 2018. </p>
<p>Since the peak in the value of housing finance in August last year, the value of commitments has reduced by 7.0%; a reduction of about $2.35 billion. </p>
<p>The decline has been most visible for investment loans where the value of lending is down 15.7% over the twelve months ending July ‘18 and almost 31% lower since peaking in April 2015. </p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/12/Lawless%202.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Owner occupier lending has held much firmer, actually rising 1.1% over the past twelve months (including refinanced loans) and only 1.0% lower than record highs.  </p>
<p>Clearly those industry participants who are more exposed to investment channels have borne the brunt of the credit downturn.</p>
<p>Investors now comprise only 41% of overall mortgage demand, down from a record high of nearly 55% in May 2015.</p>
<p>On average, over the past ten years, investors have comprised approximately 45% of mortgage demand, highlighting that investment concentration has been tracking below the decade average since November last year.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/12/Lawless%203.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Over a longer period, say the last 30 years, investment levels have averaged much lower, averaging just 37% of the overall value of housing finance; a reminder that the past decade is a high benchmark for investment activity. </p>
<p>The value of investment lending has trended lower across every state and territory over the past year, except Tasmania where the value of investment lending was up 16.3% between July 2017 and July 2018. </p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/12/Lawless%204%20big.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p>Despite the trend towards less investment, the states where investment has been the most concentrated, NSW and Vic, continue to show the highest share of investment lending based on value.  Investors still comprise almost 49% of lending in NSW and almost 41% in Vic, well above the long term average.  </p>
<p>Considering the short to medium term prospects for capital gains in these states is relatively low and rental yields remain close to the record lows, the concentration of investment activity in these states doesn’t make much sense.</p>
<p>In all likelihood, we will continue to see investment activity trending lower, especially in NSW and Vic due to mortgage rate premiums for investors, tighter lending criteria, low rental yields and soft prospects for capital gains. </p>
<p>Additionally, with a federal election around the corner, potential changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions could be weighing on investor sentiment. </p>
<p><em>Tim Lawless is the head of research at CoreLogic</em></p>
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Credit slowdown likely to impact more than just housing prices: Tim Lawless

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<p>The Professionals Real Estate Group have had a restructure in the ways its services its 225-plus members, according to the new chief executive officer.</p>
<p>The management of Professionals Real Estate Group was previously split between separate divisions across Australia.</p>
<p>But the restructure leaves the group with one core board of directors and management team.</p>
<p>Recently appointed CEO David Crombie (pictured above) said the restructure would help the group focus on key areas.</p>
<p>"The unification of the group is the result of many years of hard work by all directors of the states to create a single powerful force in the national market,'' said Mr Crombie. </p>
<p>Professionals Real Estate Group, which was founded by six independent real estate agents in 1976</p>
<p>With more than 225 agencies, it is among the top 10 largest real estate networks in the country.</p>
<p>Mr Crombie, who will split his time between Professionals offices throughout Australia, said a key priority for the group was to ensure that it continued to provide "local" service to its members.</p>
<p>"We will continue to have team members based in each state but those team members and the members in each state will have access to a greater level of resources and support under the new structure and technology that will be implemented."</p>
<p>Professionals Chairman Carl Petersen said his membership for over 35 years had been "highly rewarding both financially and in terms of business growth development.”</p>
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Professionals Real Estate Group restructure under new CEO

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>Property prices across Australian capital cities fell in the June quarter 2018 with the weighted average median prices decreasing by 0.8 per cent for houses and 0.3 per cent for other dwellings, according to the latest report from the Real Estate Institute of Australia.</p>
<p>The Real Estate Market Facts report shows the weighted average median price for houses for the eight capital cities slid to $765,098 over the quarter, with prices dropping in all capital cities except for Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart.</p>
<p>The weighted average median price for other dwellings decreased to $590,935 over the quarter, with prices falling in all capital cities except for Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart and Darwin.</p>
<p>Canberra had the largest fall in house prices and Adelaide had the largest decline in other dwellings. Adelaide has both the lowest median price for houses at $471,000 and the lowest median price for other dwellings at $354,167.</p>
<p>Over the quarter, the median rent for three-bedroom houses increased in Canberra and Darwin, remained steady in Perth and, decreased in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart. The median rent for two-bedroom other dwellings increased in Canberra and Hobart, remained steady in Perth and decreased in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin. Hobart had the largest increase while Brisbane had the largest decrease.</p>
<p>The weighted average vacancy rate for the eight capital cities fell to 2.5 per cent during the June quarter indicating a tighter rental market. Canberra has the tightest market with a vacancy rate of 0.8 per cent.</p>
<p>Over the past 12 months, loan numbers have decreased by 3.8 per cent across the country with declines in all states and territories except Tasmania. The largest decrease of 13.6 per cent was in Western Australia.In Sydney and Melbourne – the two cities which have had the largest price increases over the past few years – the drop in loans is attributable to APRA restrictions on investment loans and more stringent home lending criteria.</p>
<p>The June quarter figures reflect reports of a changing dynamic in the market, particularly in the nation’s major cities.</p>
<p><em><em>Malcolm Gunning is the </em>REIA President</em></p>
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Housing prices continue to decline: Malcolm Gunning 

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<p>The Mariana Hardwick bridal shop has taken a six-year lease in South Melbourne, having previously been on Sydney Road, Brunswick, one of Melbourne's great bridal shop strips.</p>
<p>It is at 234 Coventry Street (pictured above), next door to restaurant Lume and opposite the new Coles building.</p>
<p>She's paying $100,000 a year at $260 a sqm, according to Fairfax Media.</p>
<p>The bridal retailer plans to transform the 387 sqm Victorian building into a new showroom with a studio and production space, according to agent Paul Pellegrino from Knight Frank who brokered the deal.</p>
<p>Murals by street artist Peter Seaton, who was commissioned by then landlord Gary Brill, lined the exterior of the building.</p>
<p>Hardwick had moved out of the long-held Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, address in 2006 into a store at 459-475 Sydney Road Brunswick. </p>
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