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.

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.

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.

<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_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"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."

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

"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."

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.

Joel Robinson

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

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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."

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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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.

<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.

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.

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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

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.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

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.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"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.

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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

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.

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.

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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

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

<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.

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.

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.

<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" />

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.

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.

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.

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.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"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.

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.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

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

<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.

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. 
&nbsp; 
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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<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. 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
"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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"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. 
&nbsp; 
"<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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
"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. 
&nbsp; 
"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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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GUEST OBSERVATION
If property prices are rising, it is commonly assumed we must be facing a shortage of supply relative to demand. So if we’re ever going to reduce housing affordability problems, we’re simply going to have to build our way out of it. After all, as anyone who’s sat in an introductory economics class would tell you, basic economics is sufficient to at least suggest that if prices are rising in the long term, then supply must be lagging behind demand.
It’s true the housing market is largely subject to the forces of supply and demand. The deficiency of this argument lies, not so much in any perceived cracks in the supply-demand framework taught in Economics 101, but in the fact that the appropriate “price” indicator is not property prices. It’s rent.
What’s the ‘price’ of housing?
The problem with relying on rising property prices as a “price” signal of a supply shortage is that the dwelling an owner-occupier buys is both a consumption and an investment good. It offers a place to live as well as an asset in which the owner invests a substantial part of their wealth. Hence, property prices are at best a murky indicator of the balance of supply and demand for housing as a home to live in and an asset to own.
It is well established in the housing economics literature that the “price” signal for the adequacy of supply relative to demand for housing services is rent. Rent reflects the cost of consuming housing or, to put it another way, the cost of living in a home. So if housing supply is lagging behind demand for housing as a place to live in, we should expect to see rents rise.
Are rents keeping pace with property prices?
Property prices have clearly surged over the long term in Australia, as the chart below shows.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/229557/original/file-20180727-106496-o78kv5.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
The Residential Property Price Index (RPPI), adjusted for inflation and averaged across all capital cities, climbed by nearly 30% from 2008-18. Property prices in Sydney and Melbourne, where the real RPPI surged by 54% and 43% respectively, largely drove this average increase.
But housing economics principles tell us this can only be attributed to a supply shortage if rents have also soared.
It turns out real rents have remained relatively flat in most capital cities over the last decade. The chart below shows the real weekly rent of three-bedroom houses across all capital cities over the past decade. The weighted average has shifted upwards by a mere 10%, from $389 to $429.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/229537/original/file-20180727-106508-55w8qi.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
For two-bedroom units, the average real weekly rent has also shifted slightly from $393 to $446. That’s a mild 13% increase over a decade.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/229538/original/file-20180727-106499-19q6lgj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
The real rent increases have been relatively minor compared to the nearly 30% surge in real RPPI across all capital cities. There are again some differences between cities, but only Sydney had a noticeable increase in real rents. This still lagged behind the spike in real RPPI in the city.
Dealing with the crux of the affordability crisis
Overall, rent increases are clearly not keeping pace with soaring property prices in all major capital cities in Australia. So claims that a housing shortage is the principal cause of a lack of affordable housing are unfounded. Supply-side solutions, while important, will need to be targeted directly at low-income groups who find it difficult to compete in private rental markets to meet housing needs.
On the other hand, successive governments have offered preferential tax treatments of housing assets. These have encouraged a significant build-up of wealth in housing assets.
Some of these favourable tax advantages have undoubtedly been capitalised into rising property prices. That has made it harder and harder for renters to break into the home ownership market.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/100383/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">These are structural problems embedded within our tax policy settings. Hence, their impacts on house prices will not magically disappear any time soon unless policymakers are willing to undertake meaningful tax reform that shifts the emphasis away from treating housing as a commodity back to affordable housing as a fundamental right of all Australians.
Rachel Ong, Professor of Economics, School of Economics and Finance, Curtin University
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-rents-not-property-prices-are-best-to-assess-housing-supply-and-need-driven-demand-100383" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Why rents, not property prices, are best to assess housing supply and need-driven demand

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A four bedroom house in Queensland's Salisbury, a suburb of Brisbane, has been listed by mortgagees. 
It is listed as an August 4 auction through Jacob Cantlin at Elders Springwood.
It was built in the 1940s.
It last sold at $345,429 in 2011. 
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-salisbury-128758486" target="_blank">346 Henson Road, Salisbury</a> home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and five spaces for parking. It features beautiful timber floors throughout, storage/rumpus space underneath the home, wide side access through to the backyard which includes a triple bay car-port, recently renovated main bathroom, and brand new stove/cook-top that is yet to have been used. The suburb's median house price sits on <a href="/news">$587,000</a> according to CoreLogic.
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Salisbury home listed by mortgagee

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The Carr architectural practice has welcomed the completion of the United Places Botanic Gardens Hotel.
Marketed as an "intimate, highly considered hotel experience" the hotel opened recently at 157-159 Domain Road, South Yarra.
Room rates start at $650 per night.
It is the project of hoteliers Darren Rubinstien and Richard Rogers. 
The evelopment was where the former post office and newsagent were located.
With only 12 suites, United Places is marketed as set to become Melbourne's most exclusive hotel.
"The hotel’s exuberance comes from the carefully calibrated floor plans, surface integrity and a superlative level of execution,” noted Stephen Todd, Design Editor, Australian Financial Review.
<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/2018/7/25/CARR.jpg" alt="">
The property located at 159 Domain Road South Yarra last sold in October of 2010 for $3.175 million.
In 2014 it was reported VCAT had overturned the City Council refusal to grant a planning permit to 157-159 Domain Road.
It's 2012 initial planning application was made to the Melbourne City Council for a permit to demolish the existing building and construct a three-storey building accommodating a ground floor café/shop, first floor tavern and second floor restaurant.
A combined patron capacity of 650 was proposed.
The planning application also sought permission for the reduction of the Planning Scheme’s car parking requirement to zero and a waiver of the Planning Scheme’s loading and unloading requirement.
Its notice of the application saw 352 objections received, and plans substantially amended.
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Carr Architecture completes United Places Botanic Gardens Hotel

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A Dural function centre has been sold through Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
<div class="prop-details-description__content">
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">The 632 Old Northern Road, Dural property (pictured above) was sold at auction for $5.5 million acting under the instructions of the agent of the mortgagee, Ian Purchas of SV partners.</div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }"> </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">It was last sold in 2016 for the same price of $5.5 million.</div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }"> </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">The holding currently contains a vacant 5 bedroom house at the rear of the 7551 sqm block. </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }"> </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">The block hold two large function rooms and is zoned RU6 Transition.</div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }"> </div>
<div class="text animate" data-bind="html: descriptionExpandableTextArea.displayText, css: { collapsed: !descriptionExpandableTextArea.isExpanded(), animate: descriptionExpandableTextArea.animate }, element: descriptionExpandableTextArea.textElement, attr: { style: descriptionExpandableTextArea.style }">The property has 47 metres of street frontage.</div>
</div>
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Dural function centre sold for $5.5 million

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The Alderley Coles has been listed listed through Colliers International.
James Wilson and Stewart Gilchrist of Colliers are selling the Alderley site with a freestanding market-style Coles supermarket and Liquorland.
Offers close August 29 for the 1.25ha site, which is seven kilometres from the CBD and just 100m from Alderley railway station.
It is fully leased to Coles on a new 15-year net lease, with four 10 year options.
The offering includes a separately titled adjoining 641 sqm parcel.
“With the market starved of blue-chip investment opportunities, Coles Alderley meets every stringent investment criteria,” said James Wilson at Colliers International.
“Coles Alderley offers an absolute premium covenant with strong trading figures, a 15-year net lease with Coles paying all outgoings, a new building with substantial depreciation allowances, and a prime protected inner-city location that features exceptionally high barriers of entry,” he added.
Coles Alderley is the only supermarket in the affluent primary sector, "with an income higher than the Brisbane metro average.”
The supermarket opened in February 2017 after its design by Power Architects.
The full-line Coles supermarket comprises a lettable area of 4,410 square metres including Liquorland and 247 parking spaces.
Freestanding supermarket investments have become one of the tightest and most competitive markets among private investors, both onshore and offshore, with secure income streams and limited management requirements being key attractions, said Stewart Gilchrist, National Director, Retail Investment Services at Colliers International.
“In 2018 there have been only four freestanding supermarket transactions announced along the Eastern Seaboard, including Coles Sippy Downs and Coles Earlwood, demonstrating the rarity of these offerings.
"Campaigns of this calibre typically generate more than 150 enquiries, further highlighting the pent-up demand for high quality metro product such as Coles Alderley.”
The supermarket giant secured the site in 2012 after developers Alderley Square Pty Ltd went into receivership.
It has been using a controversial new policy to discourage people leaving cars in their parking lot when they catch public transport to work by charging customers $77 dollars if they stay in the parking lot a minute more than two hours.
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Coles tenanted Alderley property offering 

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Flinders chocolatiers Milton Laycock and Isilda Caldwell are selling their home and business premises in the Mornington Pensinsula town’s main street.
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/45-45b-cook-street-flinders-vic-3929-2014484660" target="_blank">45-45b Cook Street</a>, Flinders holding has a price guide of $3.15 million.
The property includes a commercial kitchen and twin showrooms in the business dwelling and a contemporary three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence at the rear of the block. 
The living spaces include a fireplace and a black and white island kitchen with Miele appliances, and there are decks front and back for outdoor entertaining.
 Domenic Zanellini of Nicholson Real Estate has the listing.
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Flinders chocolatiers list Main Street business premises

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A four bedroom house in Rasmussen, a suburb in the City of Townsville in Queensland, has been sold for $210,000 by the mortgagee.
It was sold by Dayne Watson from First National Real Estate last month.
It was last sold in 2004, 14 years ago for $215,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-rasmussen-127538150" target="_blank">Situated at 36 Amber Avenue, Rasmussen</a> (pictured above), the house features four bedrooms, open plan kitchen/living/dining, indoor laundry and double carport.
Nestled on a 606 sqm land, it comes with undercover storage/workshop area, garden shed and in-ground pebblecrete pool. 
The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="/developments/rasmussen-qld-4815"> $308,500</a>, according to CoreLogic.
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Four bedroom house in Rasmussen sold by mortgagee for less 14 years later

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The forecast remained extremely positive for Geelong, the Victorian port city despite "incredible capital growth over the past five years.
The growth had put Geelong on the map, according to the latest analysis by RiskWise Property Research that found high population growth and a rise in infrastructure projects, leading to an improved economy and more jobs, have greatly increased the popularity of the area.
“Add to that it only takes an hour to drive to Melbourne and housing is significantly more affordable, it is ticking plenty of boxes for a lot of people with their eye on capital growth in the future,” RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg said.
One key piece of infrastructure will be delivered by the Federal Government thanks to a $50 million funding boost to help deliver the Geelong rail duplication between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds train stations.
Meanwhile, the Victorian State Government has also directed $50 million to investigate fast rail between Geelong and Melbourne, as part of the Melbourne Airport Link, to be delivered within 10 to 15 years.
It all adds up to an economic windfall for the region, with more employment attracting more residents to the area, Peleg suggests.
<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/2018/7/30/Geelong%20-%20Median%20Price.jpg" alt="">
<div>
“And this, in turn, has seen capital growth in the past five years explode with the forecast also looking good for future capital growth.”
He said compared to Melbourne, Geelong offered greater value for money and more affordability.
“Given its proximity to Melbourne, it is becoming very popular with those wanting a great lifestyle and better housing options with more value for money … and they are still within a comfortable distance from the CBD to commute to work,” he said.
<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/2018/7/30/Geelong%20-%20Population%20Growth.jpg" alt="">
“Of course, it’s always important to remember that houses are a good investment while units carry a higher level of risk due to potential oversupply issues and that they do not appeal to families looking for three bedrooms and a yard, meaning demand is less.”
The median house price for Geelong is only $576,118 compared to $836,122 for Greater Melbourne. For units in Geelong its $403,408 compared to $552,941. 
<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/2018/7/30/Geelong%20Capital%20Growth%20-%20Houses.jpg" alt="">
“This means who can buy a house in Geelong for around the same price you could buy a unit in Greater Melbourne. It represents excellent value for money,” he said.
 “And we believe it will only get more popular in the next few years, thereby presenting projected solid capital growth.”
An recently sale was a Swanston Street two bedroom house which sold for $581, 000 (pictured below).
Located at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-128360630" target="_blank"> 151 Swanston Street</a>, the house comes with two spacious bedrooms, large family living area, updated kitchen and dining area.
Other features include high ceilings, plenty of natural flowing light and gas heating.
It is close to the cafe precincts, river, Kardinia Park and the CBD.
<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/2018/8/1/geelong%201.jpg" alt="">
Another sale was a McKillop Street two bedroom house which was sold at $560,000 (pictured below).
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-127948670" target="_blank">The 17 McKillop Street house</a> features two good sized bedrooms, living room with fireplace, sleek kitchen, and low maintenance gardens. 
It is within close proximity to the CBD, waterfront and local hospitals. 
<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/2018/8/1/geelong%202.jpg" alt="">
</div>
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Continued capital growth forecast for Geelong

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The backdown by the NSW Government on it’s Planned Precincts along the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor is yet another pre-election move that will put new housing on hold.
For some years the NSW Government has been promoting the redevelopment of land around proposed new metro stations along the Sydenham to Bankstown line as the correct approach to provide new housing for Sydney's booming population.
The government committed to Priority Precincts around rail stations which sent signals to the private sector that these precincts were where new development should occur.
Many private developers purchased land to help realise the government's vision.
We now hear from the media that the government has done a backflip (to use the media's term) and is handing the planning powers back to the local councils.
The media comments from representatives of the Canterbury Bankstown and Inner West councils are now saying that the decision puts an end to high rise development around the stations.
The same councils also complained about the NSW Government's new Housing code for town houses and terrace houses and the NSW Government quickly allowed the two councils to delay the code for over a year.
Clearly the NSW Government is spooked by community concerns about the extent of development that the government's own planning rules proposed.
Rather than taking an advocacy role to explain to the community that 725,000 new homes will be required over the next 20 years in Sydney, and that development around stations on a new metro rail line is good planning, the government seems to be moving away from its leadership role.
With an election 9 months away it is clear that the government is happy to put the planning for new housing on hold.
This will only lead to a collapse in housing supply in a few years’ time which will push house prices up again.
The Premier's rhetoric that the solution to housing affordability is for more supply has clearly been replaced by putting supply on hold.
What were called Priority Precincts to help with supply then became Planned Precincts at the end of last year and are now seen by the suppliers of new housing as being 'Paused Precincts'.
On 25 June 2017 Anthony Roberts, NSW Planning Minister, issued a Media Release on the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor where he said: 'It is fundamental that we harness the benefits of the Sydney Metro.Supply was the key to tackling housing affordability in Sydney and growth strategies such as the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor will make a positive impact.'
He also announced that Canterbury, Campsie, Lakemba and Belmore have been made priority precincts. A year later it seems that the benefits of the metro have been diminished and that supply of new housing is not the key to housing affordability.
The Urban Taskforce is keen to work with the councils along the Sydenham to Bankstown line to ensure that development opportunities for new housing are still available.
Chris Johnson is the CEO of Urban Taskforce
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Sydenham to Bankstown planning backdown will be bad for future housing supply: Chris Johnson

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Two much-admired trophy estates on different sides of the country failed to sell at weekend auction as buyers displayed caution in their bidding.
Both were passed in on bids less than their prior sale.
On Queensland's Sunshine Coast, an equestrian property was on offer.
Dean Shannon, the former chief of Ladbrokes Australia, and now the managing director of the Nets gambling website, and his wife Kelly, who shares his love of horses, failed to find a buyer.
The bidding at the Sunday onsite auction stopped at $5.6 million for the 42 hectare Maleny holding, marketed as one of Australia's most impressive equestrian facilities, located an hour from the Doomben race track.
The stable complex is the focal point as it features 10 double-sized broodmare boxes, two stallion boxes, wash bays, a vet room, horse scales, tack room, rug room and feed room.
There's 45 post and rail paddocks and two Olympic size dressage arenas.
The luxury is not just for horses, as the main residence spans a vast 1,800 sqm and has five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a steam room, massage room and dressing rooms.
The entertaining spaces have views of the Glass House Mountains.
Ray White Buderim agents Lew Pottinger and Nathan Nicholl marketed the equine complex with its <a id="LPlnk977626" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.montanaparkmaleny.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">own website</a>.
Since Shannon bought Montana Park in 2010 for $7 million he more than doubled the size of the original residence as well as covering one of the two show-jumping arenas.
“Montana Park is a place we love to call home, however my current business commitments with the launch, and now international expansion of Neds have seen me spend more time in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, with less opportunity to enjoy all this home has to offer,” he said prior to the auction.
<div>Across the other side of the nation, another trophy estate, albeit abandoned, failed to sell at Peppermint Grove.</div>
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<div>It was when then home building block of flamboyant billionaire tycoons, Pankaj and Radhika Oswal was passed in at Saturday auction.</div>
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<div>The top bid was $15.6 million with three of the five registered parties competing for the prize parcel.</div>
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<div>Two years ago there were $30 million hopes for the prestigious Perth offering, after the partially built so-called Taj on Swan mansion was demolished under council orders.</div>
<div>The 6582 sqm site, which could fit six homes, had reduced $19.5 million hopes last year.</div>
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<div>The mansion with Swan River views sat unfinished after the Oswals quit Australia in 2010 amid a dispute with bankers about the wind up and sale of their fertiliser business. </div>
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<div>The Oswal family had controlled WA's $700 million Burrup Fertilisers gas-processing plant.</div>
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<div id="x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-desktop">
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<div class="x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-content x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-view_content x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-show">
<div class="x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-callhandler x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-copytasting">Marketed as "the most famous block in Australia" the <a id="LPlnk998012" class="x_x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-wa-peppermint+grove-202042586" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">2 Bay View Road site</a> was listed through Ray White agent Vivien Yap in conjunction with Sotheby's agent Graham Bowie. </div>
<div class="x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-callhandler x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-copytasting"> </div>
<div class="x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-callhandler x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-copytasting">The Oswals paid $22.7 million in 2007 then starting construction a year later on a "two-storey, Indian-infused luxury residence." </div>
<div class="x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-callhandler x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-copytasting"> </div>
<div class="x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-callhandler x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-copytasting">The final week of July saw 1,534 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities, returning a preliminary auction clearance rate of 58.4 per cent.</div>
<div class="x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-callhandler x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-copytasting"> </div>
<div class="x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-callhandler x_m_-1811097286691781784gmail-x_gmail-m_911874124497874327gmail-m_-7358536583359574638gmail-copytasting">Although auction volumes are slowly starting to pick up across the capital cities, CoreLogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan noted current volumes remain lower than this time last year when 1,987 auctions were held and a clearance rate of 68.7 per cent was recorded.</div>
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There were 803 auctions held in Melbourne with a preliminary clearance rate of 60.3 per cent, after last weekend saw 613 homes go under the hammer, returning a final clearance rate of 59.9 per cent. 
Over the same week last year, 956 auctions were held across the city and a clearance rate of 75.6 per cent was recorded.
Weekend sales included the Bentleigh East of the Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge and his wife Dana. <a id="LPlnk523374" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/1-fraser-street-bentleigh-east-vic/property-details-sold-residential-11917293/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Selling their home of almost 25 years</a>, the 2016 AFL premiership coach secured an undisclosed post auction sale having had price hopes of $1.4 million to $1.5 million through Nick Johnstone Real Estate director Nick Johnstone
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Sydney was host to 465 auctions with preliminary results showing a clearance rate of 56.6 per cent. 
Last week, the final auction clearance rate for Sydney was 55.2 per cent across 407 auctions after the previous week saw the clearance rate drop to just 46.9 per cent. 
Sydney had the nation's highest notified sale when 21 Waimea Road, Lindfield sold for $3,290,000.
<a id="LPlnk927041" class="x_OWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lindfield-128745954" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">The three bedroom 1905 home</a> had been last sold six decades ago. 
Two local families were competing at the end. There were five bidders registered with four of them participating after the opening $2.5 million offer.
It was on the market at $3.1 million.
The highest preliminary clearance rate was in Canberra where 72.2 per cent of the 36 reported auctions were successful. Canberra was the only mainland capital city to see a weekend fall in auction volumes.
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