<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

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<div>
<p>Lenders have cut honeymoon rates on home loan products to stimulate growth as real estate markets slow.</p>
<p>Three of the top five mortgage lenders are offering discounts of up to 55 basis points for investors and home buyers on introductory rates. </p>
</div>
<div>Banks with the new discounts include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac Group and Suncorp.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Westpac is offering cuts of up to 50 basis points and free international trips.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>CBA has announced cuts of up to 30 basis points on its two-year variable rate introductory products covering principal and interest for owner occupiers and investors and interest-only borrowers.</div>
<div>
<div>
<p>Suncorp is increasing the discount on its one- and two-year fixed rates by 55 basis points to a headline rate of 3.99 per cent.</p>
</div>
</div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Honeymoon home loans get cheaper

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<p><span lang="EN-US">The Sydney rental market has slowed, according to research from the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.</span></p>
<p>REINSW Deputy President Brett Hunter said the June 2018 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw a general increase in vacancy rates across the Sydney metropolitan area.</p>
<p>“The Sydney vacancy rate rose 0.3 percentage points with rises of 0.4 percentage points in both Inner and Middle Sydney at 3 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively, while Outer Sydney remained steady at 2.4 per cent. </p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">“Agents reported </span>fewer enquiries coming through due to the approach of the winter season,” Mr Hunter said. </p>
<p><br>“An oversupply of apartments is also affecting Middle Sydney.” </p>
<p><span lang="EN-US">In the Hunter, vacancy rates rose 0.3 percentage points to 1.9 per cent, led by Newcastle which rebounded 0.5 percentage points to 2.4 per cent. The Illawarra gained 0.1 percentage points to 2.5 per cent with Wollongong increasing 0.2 percentage points to 2.3 per cent. <br><br></span><span lang="EN-US">Across regional areas, the Central Coast fell 0.1 </span><span lang="EN-US">percentage points at 2 per cent, </span><span lang="EN-US">Northern Rivers added 0.2 </span><span lang="EN-US">percentage points to 1.5 per cent and New England gained 0.4 percentage points to 2.3 per cent. </span></p>
<p> </p>
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Sydney rental market slows as oversupply of apartments affecting Middle Sydney: REINSW

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>While overall regional housing markets have recorded greater value growth over the past year (+2.2%) than the combined capital cities (-1.6%), value growth in regional markets is slowing.</p>
<p>This is particularly apparent across some of the more populous coastal markets of NSW. In this week’s Pulse we look at the change in dwelling values over time across the major coastal housing markets outside of the capital cities and provide an update on how they are tracking.</p>
<p>Although dwelling values in across the Illawarra region of NSW increased by 1.4% over the past three months, values have risen by just 1.1% over the past year.  The 1.1% annual increase in values is substantially lower than the 17.6% increase a year ago.  In fact, the annual growth rate over the most recent 12 month period is the slowest since April 2013.  The Illawarra market is showing a similar slowing trend to that which has been experienced in Sydney and values are already -0.3% lower than their September 2017 peak.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-16-pulseimg1.jpg" alt="Illawarra" width="727" height="301"></p>
<p>Dwelling values on the Mid North Coast of NSW, which stretches from the Great Lakes region north to Nambucca, have increased by 0.9% over the past three months and are 2.0% higher over the past year.  The 2.0% annual rise in values is much lower than the 9.6% increase a year ago and the slowest annual rate of growth since August 2013.  Although values are still increasing, the growth trend is clearly softening.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-16-pulseimg2.jpg" alt="Mid North Coast" width="729" height="292"></p>
<p>The accompanying chart highlights that there is a rapid deceleration in growth occurring in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region of NSW.  Over the past quarter, values have increased by 0.1% and they are 4.1% higher over the past year.  Like other regions of NSW, the slowdown in value growth over the past year has been substantial; a year ago the annual growth rate was tracking 15.0%.  Dwelling values in the Newcastle Lake Macquarie region are currently -0.3% lower than their April 2018 peak.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-16-pulseimg3.jpg" alt="Macquarie" width="727" height="307"></p>
<p>Although Richmond-Tweed is in NSW, it tends to be more closely linked with the performance of the adjoining Gold Coast housing market.  Values are still increasing, up 0.2% over the quarter and 1.6% higher over the year however, growth has slowed markedly from an 11.5% annual increase a year ago.  The annual rate of growth has bounced slightly higher lately due to a moderate pick-up in value growth over the past quarter.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-16-pulseimg4.jpg" alt="Richmond - Tweed" width="734" height="295"></p>
<p>Geelong in Vic has seen the most rapid growth in values of all regional markets in the country over the past year.  Over the period, values have increased by 11.0% and the rate of growth is slightly higher than the 10.7% increase a year ago. It is interesting to note that the quarterly rate of growth in values has slowed over the past three months; while the pace of capital gains remains rapid, there are some early signs that growth conditions are starting to moderate.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-16-pulseimg5.jpg" alt="Geelong" width="728" height="291"></p>
<p>The Cairns housing market has seen very little growth in dwelling values of late.  In fact, over the past decade, values have fallen by -5.4% and the market remains -9.2% lower than the January 2008 peak.  Over the past three months, values have fallen by -0.6% and over the past year they are -1.0% lower.  12 months ago, Cairns dwelling values had increased by 0.8% indicating that overall housing market conditions have recorded a subtle slowdown over the past year.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-16-pulseimg6.jpg" alt="Cairns" width="722" height="295"></p>
<p>Gold Coast’s housing market has seen value growth slow significantly over the past 12 months.  A year ago, values were rising at the annual pace of 6.5% while over the past year, values have increased by only 1.4%, their slowest annual rate of growth since May 2013.  Values are -0.1% lower over the quarter and were -0.4% lower over the past month.   Although recent growth has not been at the heights seen in regional NSW housing markets and Sydney and Melbourne, the annual rate of value growth peaked at 7.1% in December 2015.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-16-pulseimg7.jpg" alt="Gold Coast" width="725" height="295"></p>
<p>The Sunshine Coast is the strongest housing market in Qld for value growth with values rising by 1.1% over the past three months to be 5.5% higher over the past year.  Although values were 5.5% higher over the year, this was a slight slowdown on the 5.9% increase in values over the previous year.  Although values are continuing to climb, it is occurring against a back-drop of quite weak growth over the past decade with values only 12.9% higher over the period.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-16-pulseimg8.jpg" alt="Sunshine Coast" width="731" height="298"></p>
<p>The Townsville housing market has been very weak over recent years.  Over the past decade, values have fallen by a total of -26.9% and they are currently -29.8% lower than they were at their most recent peak in December 2007.  The rate of decline in the market has steadied recently with values -0.6% lower over the past three months and -5.5% lower over the past year.  Although the declines are showing signs of steadying, the annual change in values has fallen from no change a year ago.  Once this market does eventually begin to see growth again, it will likely take a long time for values to return to their previous peak levels.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-16-pulseimg9.jpg" alt="Townsville" width="729" height="294"></p>
<p>The Wide Bay region of Qld which includes, Bundaberg, Maryborough, Gympie and Hervey Bay has seen values increase by just 0.3% over the past year.  Like many of the Qld regions listed, values have fallen over the past decade, down 14.2% and they are currently -14.6% lower than their May 2008 peak.  Over recent years, the market has been fairly flat however, the rate of annual growth has slowed from 1.6% a year ago.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07-26-pulseimg10.jpg" alt="Wide Bay" width="727" height="294"></p>
<p><br>The regions highlighted are many of the most populous regional housing markets and in most instances the rate of value growth, much like we’re seeing in major capital cities, is slowing.  The expectation is that regional markets as a whole will continue to outperform capital cities but we would expect that the rate of growth will continue to ease.  Some of the coastal markets such as Geelong and Sunshine Coast are expected to see values continue to rise while the expectation is that the major coastal markets in NSW will continue to see value growth slow.  <br> <br>This is anticipated slowdown is due to a number of factors.  While tighter credit conditions are having the most visible impact on Sydney and Melbourne, the effect is national, with prospective borrowers facing stricter lending policies.  </p>
<p>Satellite cities such adjacent to Sydney and Melbourne have benefitted from a ripple of demand – with migration away from NSW accelerating and housing prices in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and Illawarra relatively expensive, the ripple of demand into Sydney’s surrounding areas may be dissipating.  </p>
<p>Conversely, Victoria continues to see rapid pop growth from both overseas and interstate which is likely fueling a continued spillover of demand into the cities peripheral to Melbourne.  </p>
<p>Sea change is likely being boosted by the wealth effect and strong equity from Sydney and Melbourne home owners, as values decline in these cities and credit conditions remain tight, it may be that demand for holiday homes and lifestyle properties starts to ease.</p>
<p><em>Cameron Kusher is a property research analyst for CoreLogic</em></p>
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Is value growth slowing in regional coastal markets? Cameron Kusher

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<div>EXPERT OBSERVER</div>
<div> </div>
<div>An intriguing set of building activity figures as ever for the March 2018 quarter. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The most interesting point of note was how thousands of building approvals in the Victorian pipeline were kicked off as dwelling starts in the first three months of the calendar year (recall how Melbourne saw nearly 10,000 townhouses and apartments approved in only a two-month period in October and November last year).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In New South Wales, on the other hand, there are more houses and apartments approved but not yet commenced than ever before, as developers grapple with tighter financing and languishing apartment pre-sales. </div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBA7-WMHTY8/W0V1rvQfoZI/AAAAAAAArAE/uj3Kf3OMkg82lMDyY8usAtL_kner9f9igCEwYBhgL/s640/BA3.jpg" width="640" height="360" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1389"></div>
<p> </p>
<div>Following on from the above, there was a near-explosion in the number of quarterly dwelling commencements in Victoria, to a seasonally adjusted 22,150, well over double the equivalent figure from a decade earlier.<br><br>Melbourne's population growth has been tracking at record highs, and demand for housing is high.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>This alone was significant enough to send the national trend for dwelling commencements northwards. </div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmNI8sM0-qc/W0V1s90dimI/AAAAAAAArAI/9cEGyLHhx3ApESqUvmIQ9VNP2Ny2qaXaACEwYBhgL/s640/BA5.jpg" width="640" height="392" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1310"></div>
<p> </p>
<div>In Queensland more houses are being commenced in response to strong demand from interstate migrants, but the number of attached dwelling starts continues to moderate as the Brisbane apartment market rebalances. </div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIMygTTR1rg/W0V1sDgFn7I/AAAAAAAArAI/kBXZooy2BQQxTdc9h7P2ikm31-d-5uF1ACEwYBhgL/s640/BA4.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1350"></div>
<p> </p>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pipeline is enormous</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The number of residential dwellings units under construction also increased as a result of the Melbourne building boom to more than 224,000, a record high.</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93XBQZlcR8Q/W0V1rWumBwI/AAAAAAAAq_k/WE_s0iLsrJM_prad2slt7pILMs7kag7NACLcBGAs/s640/BA1.jpg" width="640" height="376" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1336"></div>
<p> </p>
<div>You can also see the leap in Victorian attached dwellings under construction to a record level, while Sydney completions are now finally raining in, which should result in a spike in vacancy rates in the harbour city as the year rolls on. </div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iLo-uVMONQA/W0V1rqS_n-I/AAAAAAAAq_o/UBeacRrqL74NiZEC1WXR7wIxlJL6UMiAwCLcBGAs/s640/BA2.jpg" width="640" height="378" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1351"></div>
<p> </p>
<div>Both the value of building work to be done ($71.4 billion) and total building work in the pipeline ($95.8 billion) are at all-time highs in current prices terms. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The big question mark is how many of the buyers of off-the-plan apartments will be unable to settle, especially if more valuations at settlement start to come in at under the contract price. </div>
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Melbourne's population growth at record highs makes for strong demand for housing: Pete Wargent

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<div>
<p>Westpac will stop new loan offers to self-managed superannuation funds for investing in property.</p>
<p>The nation's second largest mortgage lender, and its subsidiaries Bank of Melbourne, St George Bank and BankSA, will withdraw from lending to small super funds at the end of July.</p>
<p>It follows a review of funds' prospects and its exposure to the sector.</p>
<p data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-7770372_137="4105" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-7770372_137="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-7770372_137="1">The move has shocked mortgage brokers and financial advisers, the Australian Financial Review reported.</p>
<p data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-7770372_137="4105" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-7770372_137="4000" data-gtm-vis-has-fired-7770372_137="1">All lenders have been tightening their lending to self-managed funds, in response to tightening regulatory interventions, tougher investment and property markets and the shift from investment to principal and investment loan products.</p>
</div>
<div>
<div id="article-inline-ad">"We continually review our products and services to ensure they meet the requirements of our customers," a Westpac spokesman said.</div>
</div>
<div>
<p>"In order to simplify and streamline our self-managed super fund products, we will be withdrawing from sale our SMSF home loan product and business lending to SMSFs, effective Tuesday 31 July 2018."</p>
<p data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen-7770372_137="18141" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time-7770372_137="1900">The bank advised continue to service customers with existing loans through switching loans and extending loan maturity. </p>
</div>
<div>
<p>More than 600,000 investors have more than $700 billion invested in SMSFs, with many self-employeds also investing in their work places via their business factories, warehouses or consulting rooms.</p>
<p>A recent ASIC review found 90 per cent of funds failed to comply with the "best interests" test and other legal obligations.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>"The strategy of gearing through an SMSF to invest in property, which is being actively promoted by 'property one-stop shops', is high risk," the ASIC report noted.</p>
</div>
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Westpac set to stop property loans for SMSFs

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<p>EXPERT OBSERVER</p>
<p>The keenly awaited <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/restoring-electricity-affordability-australias-competitive-advantage" target="_blank">report on retail electricity prices</a>, released last week by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has made some controversial recommendations – not least the call to wind up the scheme that offers incentives for household solar nearly ten years early.</p>
<p>The report recommends that the small-scale renewable energy scheme (SRES) should be abolished by 2021. It also calls on state governments to fund solar feed-in tariffs through their budgets, rather than through consumers’ energy bills.</p>
<p>The ACCC has concluded that offering subsidies for household solar was a well-intentioned but ultimately misguided policy. Solar schemes were too generous, unfairly disadvantaged lower-income households, and failed to adjust to the changing economics of household solar.</p>
<p>The lesson for policy-makers is that good policy must keep costs down as Australia navigates the transition to a low-emissions economy in the future. Failure to do this risks losing the support of consumers and voters.</p>
<p><strong>Runaway rebates</strong></p>
<p>Rooftop solar schemes were much <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/822-sundown-sunrise5.pdf" target="_blank">more popular than anticipated</a>. This might sound like the sign of a good policy. But in reality it was more like designing a car with an accelerator but no brakes.</p>
<p>Generous feed-in tariffs and falling small-scale solar installation costs encouraged more households to install solar than were initially expected. Premium feed-in tariffs were well above what generators were paid for their electricity production. Historically solar feed-in tariffs paid households were between 16c and 60c per kilowatt-hour, while wholesale prices were <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/mostly-working/" target="_blank">less than 5c per kWh</a>.</p>
<p>At the same time, <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/publications/restoring-electricity-affordability-australias-competitive-advantage" target="_blank">installation costs for solar panels fell</a> from around A$18,000 for a 1.5kW system in 2007, to around A$5,000 for a 3kW system today. The SRES subsidy for solar installations was not linked to the actual installation cost or the cost above the break-even price. So the SRES became relatively more generous as installation costs fell.</p>
<p>As solar penetration increased, and network costs rose to cover this, it became <a href="http://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/news/consumers-investing-in-solar-and-batteries-to-control-bills/" target="_blank">increasingly attractive</a> for households to install solar panels. In Queensland, the initial cost forecast for the solar bonus scheme was A$15 million. Actual payments were more than 20 times that in 2014-15, at A$319 million. And the environmental benefits weren’t big enough to <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/822-sundown-sunrise5.pdf" target="_blank">justify that cost</a>, as other policies have reduced emissions at a lower cost. The large-scale renewable energy target reduced emissions for A$32 per tonne, while household solar panels reduced emissions at a cost of more than A$175 per tonne.</p>
<p>In most states, premium feed-in tariffs and rooftop solar subsidies are funded through higher bills for all consumers. Everyone pays the costs, yet only those with panels receive the benefits. That means the costs fall disproportionately on lower-income households and those who rent rather than own their home.</p>
<p>The ACCC report recommends the SRES be wound up nearly 10 years ahead of schedule, because the subsidies are no longer financially justifiable. This would maintain the support for current solar installations but remove subsidies for new solar installations from 2021.</p>
<p>The report also recommends removing the direct costs of feed-in tariffs from electricity bills. Instead, state governments should directly cover the costs of premium feed-in tariffs. The Queensland government has already <a href="https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/energy/initiatives/powering-queensland" target="_blank">made this move</a>.</p>
<p>Of course, governments still have to find the money from elsewhere in their revenues, which means taxpayers are still footing the bill. But the new arrangement would at least remove the current unfair burden on households without solar.</p>
<p><strong>Fixing the mistakes</strong></p>
<p>How can governments avoid making similar policy mistakes in the future? The ACCC’s recommendations, together with the proposed <a href="https://theconversation.com/infographic-the-national-energy-guarantee-at-a-glance-85832" target="_blank">National Energy Guarantee (NEG)</a>, provide a solid foundation for Australia’s future energy policy.</p>
<p>First, the future is hard to predict, so good policy adapts to change. The NEG provides a flexible framework to direct energy policy towards a low-emission, high-reliability, low-cost future. Reviewing and adjusting the emissions target along the way will enable Australia’s energy policy to respond to new technologies and shifting cost structures, while maintaining consistency with economy-wide targets.</p>
<p>Second, it is hard to pick winners, so good policy creates clear market signals. The NEG provides the energy industry with clear expectations, but is technology-agnostic and minimises government intervention. This encourages the market to find the most cost-effective way to reduce emissions and ensure reliability.</p>
<p>The ACCC report also recommends simplifying retail electricity offers, which would make it easier for consumers to find a good deal, and in turn making the market more competitive.</p>
<p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/99937/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Politicians have an opportunity to draw a line in the sand on narrow, technology-specific policies such the SRES. An integrated energy and climate policy should focus on good design, and then step back and let the market pick the winners.</p>
<p>This article was originally published on The Conversation and was written by Lucy Percival, Associate at the Grattan Institute.</p>
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Why the ACCC says household solar subsidies should be abolished

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<p>A four bedroom house in Banksia Grove, a northern suburb of Perth, has been listed for $349,000 by mortgagees.</p>
<p>It was offered by Anne Lawson from Property West.</p>
<p>It last traded as a vacant block at $200,000 in 2012.</p>
<p>Built in 2013,<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-banksia+grove-128664626" target="_blank"> the 56 Leschenault Loop</a> (pictured above) house comprises of four bedrooms, open plan family living, bright spacious kitchen, home theatre room and gouble garage.</p>
<p>Set on a 416sqm block, it is within walking distance to <span>Joseph Banks School, easy distance to primary schools, shopping village and public transport.</span></p>
<p>The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="/developments/banksia-grove-wa-6031"> $380,000</a>, according to CoreLogic.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span> </span></p>
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Banksia Grove four bedroom house listed by mortgagee

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<div class="column">
<p class="first-para">Sydney’s auction clearance rate has officially fallen below 50 per cent, with fewer than half of the houses selling under the hammer, according to CoreLogic.</p>
<p class="first-para">Just 49 percent of the 170 notified results were sale successes, with 70 offerings yet to have their auction outcome reported.</p>
<p>Sydney apartments did perform a little better than houses coming in with a 56 percent success rate, according to CoreLogic.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/16/CL%20weekly%20update%201.JPG" alt="">Sydney's inner south west was the weakest region with a clearance rate of just 38 percent.</p>
<p>The Domain Group also reported a weakening clearance rate of 47.8 per cent from 347 scheduled auctions and its 198 reported Saturday results.</p>
<p>There were 1,172 homes taken to auction across the nation's capital cities, returning a preliminary national auction clearance rate of 55.8 per cent.</p>
<p>The volumes were down from the prior week's 1,411 auctions.</p>
<p>The revised clearance rate was 52.6 per cent.</p>
<p>Over the same week last year, auction volumes were higher with 1,627 homes returning a success rate of 69.4 per cent.</p>
<p>CoreLogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan noted the national average had remained within the low to mid 50 per cent range for nine consecutive weeks.</p>
<p><span>And in Sydney he said there had been three Saturday results revised to sub-50 percent within the period.</span></p>
<p>In Melbourne, Australia’s continued largest auction market, a preliminary auction clearance rate of 60 percent was recorded across 560 auctions, bouncing up from 56.1 per cent across a higher 631 auctions in the prior week.</p>
<p>One year ago, the clearance rate was a stronger 74.9 per cent across 756 auctions.</p>
<p>Melbourne's top reported weekend sale was at Lower Plenty where two developers completed.</p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/16/CL%20weekly%20update%202.JPG" alt=""></p>
<p><span>Glenauburn, a six bedroom home with p</span><span>olished timber floors, leadlight windows and doors, dark timber panelled walls, plate and picture rails, open fire places, decorative cornice and ornate, exquisitely detailed ceilings sits on a </span><span>huge 2611 sqm block.</span></p>
<p><span><span>There are "no heritage encumbrances in place," </span></span>Rocco Montanaro, from Morrison Kleeman, the selling agent advised.</p>
<p>The mooted <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/26-28-glenauburn-road-lower-plenty-vic/property-details-sold-residential-11930364/" target="_blank">26-28 Glenauburn Road</a> price range was offered as between $2.2 million and $2.42 million.</p>
</div>
<div class="column">
<p>There were 403 Sydney auctions this week returning a preliminary auction clearance rate of 52.4 per cent, compared to 50.1 per cent across 552 last week, and 69.2 per cent across 609 auctions one year ago.</p>
<p>Results across the smaller auction markets were varied, with 67.5 per cent of homes successful at auction in Canberra, while Brisbane returned a preliminary clearance rate of 36 per cent.</p>
<p>Canberra's priciest result was $1,167,000 for a four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-o%27connor-128601662" target="_blank">6 Hemmant Street, O'Connor</a> (pictured above).</p>
<p>It last sold at $843,000 in 2012.</p>
<p>It sits on a <span>887 sqm block which has an official l</span><span>and value of $656,000.</span></p>
</div>
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Sydney slips to sub-50 percent auction success rate

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<p>Renters want stability and security of tenure for the same reasons property owners do. </p>
<p>They seek a stable location that enables the household to stay connected with their family, friends, schools, jobs and community. </p>
<p>Moving frequently is also inconvenient and expensive, so the ongoing threat of not having leases renewed leaves renters, especially low-income renters, vulnerable. </p>
<p>There is now a new concept that aims to alleviate some of the issues. </p>
<p>Build to rent is where investors build multi-unit buildings and, instead of selling the units, they are retained to rent. </p>
<p>Build to rent is well established in the UK and USA, but never really taken up in Australia by large scale investors.</p>
<p>Indeed rental housing supply has been primarily come from individuals rather than or large investors or even government in Australia. It's been mostly left to mum and dad investors. </p>
<p>There have been very few large scale investors with the capacity or preparedness to take it on. Certainly Harry Triguboff leads the way given the many apartments he has kept in his private portfolio. While such apartment developments increase rental supply, they do not target lower income households. </p>
<p>Unlike many European countries where public/social housing is a major component of the housing profile, social housing has never exceeded more than six percent of Australia’s housing stock. </p>
<p>An Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute study indicated big Australian investor institutions had no experience of large scale investment in rental housing in to judge Australian outcomes. Untried investment niches normally require a pioneering investor and a novelty premium on the rate of return. </p>
<p>The recent announcement by NSW Minister for Social Housing, Pru Goward of a project in Redfern provides such a positive start towards the aim of providing a more diverse supply of housing for Sydney. The site will accommodate social, affordable and market rental housing on land provided by the NSW government.</p>
<p>The government to retain the land while investors, in partnership with community housing providers will fund, build and manage the site under a 40 year lease.</p>
<p>The Elizabeth Street site, which includes the Police Citizens Youth Club premises, will be exempt from land tax. It’s expected 500 dwellings will be built with 30 per cent earmarked for affordable housing.</p>
<p>The Property Council NSW executive director Jane Fitzgerald said the government has put its money where its mouth is. “They’re not only giving the land but also giving a full land tax exemption for the project which should really make a difference for making the financials stack up,” Ms Fitzgerald said.</p>
<p>One of the key reasons for Australia's slow embrace has been the perceived low returns. High property management costs are another barrier, coupled by the illiquidity that comes with all property assets.   </p>
<p>There also remains a perceived high risk, of public policy changes. Unlike commercial property, the current GST rules won't help the roll out of build-to-rent.</p>
<p>That's something for Treasurer Scott Morrison to address. The shadow treasurer Chris Bowen has sought a parliamentary review as it "would be a shame to see this sector get killed by policy."</p>
<p><em>This article first appeared in </em>The Daily Telegraph.</p>
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NSW State Government backed build to rent will offer renters stability

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<div>There were nervous onlookers aplenty as APRA Chairman Wayne Byres prepared to speak in Sydney last week on prudential lending standards and sound lending practices.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>They needn't have been quite so fearful, in the event, as Byres reassured markets that while heightened scrutiny had uncovered some displeasing practices, most of the heavy lifting has already been done with regards to tighter lending standards.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>For subscribers to our market reports, a number of familiar themes raised: tightening standards have been applied incrementally over a period of several years (rather than overnight as often assumed), a new focus on comprehensive credit reporting to better capture pre-existing debt commitments of borrowers, and some very useful analysis of lower loan-to-value ratios and the decline of interest-only loans. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>While much has been made of a potential 'credit crunch' - mainly by interests hoping to see a credit crunch, it must be said - Byres reiterated how in aggregate annual credit growth has continued to track at 'very healthy' levels, especially for owner-occupiers at about 8 per cent.<br><br>Of course, there are many unknowns about how this will all play out from here. Some parts of the housing market will fare well where demand from homebuyers is high, and others will struggle where the opposite holds true.<br><br><em>Caveat emptor.</em>
</div>
<div><em> </em></div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Computer says no credit crunch</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>As Byres was busy adjusting his tie pre-speech in Sydney, financial markets were digesting the latest housing finance figures for the month of May.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Supporting what Byres would go on to say in his speech, there was a seasonally adjusted <em>increase </em>in the number of mortgages written across all loan categories, defying market expectations, and a corresponding increase in the total value of lending.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The 'trend' figures are still shaping lower, but at $31.9 billion the seasonally adjusted housing finance figures were pointing to anything but a credit crunch, especially for the homebuyer cohort.</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qcKV8e6VMk/W0WgxdkJlzI/AAAAAAAArAU/_QoKjOjlLjACVEwN5shP6yjjT1cHkehbgCLcBGAs/s640/HF1.jpg" width="640" height="364" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1378"></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>The average loan size for both first homebuyers ($344,600) and non-first homebuyers ($412,000) also hit a record high in May - both in monthly and rolling annual terms - so it appears that those borrowers able to commit to a loan have not seen borrowing capacity trimmed as much as feared, at least in aggregate. </div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NeN8sCx2QBU/W0WkChZvp7I/AAAAAAAArAo/b4bh7Uixy3olAUp0eP05tBZDUfIqmftmQCLcBGAs/s640/HF2.jpg" width="640" height="368" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1388"></div>
<p><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Where to from here?</span></strong><br><br></p>
<div>Clearly no credit crunch in these figures, then, but my sense is that everyone would feel a bit happier with the world if the household debt to disposable income ratio was seen to be no longer rising from its present level of 1.9x. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>APRA has played its part in tightening lending standards for investors, rapidly reducing the stock and flow of interest-only loans (meaning more Aussies paying are now down their debt), and ensuring that new borrowers are stress-tested with what are very significant mortgage rate buffers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It's interesting to consider momentarily how so much market commentary has become morbidly fixated on a bad news narrative, almost wilfully overlooking a string of upbeat data over recent months.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Westpac reported this morning that its consumer confidence index had surged to the highest level since all the way back in 2013, mirroring Aig's index showing the services sector expanding at the fastest pace on record, and jobs vacancies firing to their highest ever level.<br><br>So much for it all being doom and gloom!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Meanwhile the unemployment rate is easing back towards the lowest level in years, exports are tracking at record highs, and the rolling annual Budget deficit is in the best nick in a decade.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>All sanguine observers are quite clear on the missing piece of the puzzle, though: wages growth!</div>
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