One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<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/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

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>

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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?

<html><body>
Lending finance data for August 2015 was released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 
The latest data paired with the previously released housing finance commitments data shows that lending to investors has slowed sharply over recent months following the regulatory changes from APRA and the subsequent changes to lending policies from most mortgage lenders.
<a href="/images/2015/10/13/Chart-13.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/13/Chart-13.jpg" alt="">
The above chart shows the proportion of new lending to investors across each state and territory in August 2015.  Note that when we say new lending we exclude refinances as they are not associated with a new purchase of property.  New South Wales had the greatest proportion of new lending to investors over the month however, we have seen lending to this segment of the market slow across each state and territory.
<a href="/images/2015/10/13/Chart-22.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/13/Chart-22.jpg" alt="">
 
Mortgage lending to investors peaked in May 2015 prior to most Australian ADI’s implementing changes to lending policies relating to investment mortgages.  At that time, the proportion of new lending to investors was much higher in each state and territory than it is currently.  In each state and territory there has been a significant decline in the value of new lending to investors between May and August of this year.  Across each state and territory the magnitude of the fall in investor lending has been recorded at: -10.5% in NSW, -14.0% in Vic, -15.2% in Qld, -17.0% in SA, -10.1% in WA, -10.0% in Tas, -35.6% in NT and -23.5% in ACT.
While new lending to investors has fallen away over recent months, there has been a rise in new lending to owner occupiers across some states and territories while others have seen falls across owner occupier lending too.  Between May 2015 and August 2015 the changes in the value of new lending to owner occupiers have been recorded at: +22.1% in NSW, +16.5% in Vic, +4.2% in Qld, +4.1% in SA, -2.4% in WA, -8.3% in Tas, -8.1% in NT and -10.8% in ACT.
As investor lending is slowing in NSW and Vic, lending to owner occupiers is generally picking-up which should help offset some of the slowdown in investment loans.  Elsewhere there has been no significant increase in owner occupier lending, or owner occupier lending has fallen; given this the data release may point to ongoing weaker housing market conditions outside of the two most populous states.
It’s important to note that this data only includes mortgage lending domestically.  What is not clear is to what extent the weakness in investor demand domestically over recent months is being offset by an uptick in demand from overseas.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/author/cameron-kusher/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Sharp dip in investor housing demand since May: Cameron Kusher

<html><body>
Brisbane’s market has been busy recently, without delivering strong capital growth. It has in common with most of the nation’s capital cities a reluctance to join Sydney in a property boom.
It’s overdue for a period of growth because it’s been an under-achiever in the recent past. It ranks fifth among the eight state and territory capitals for long-term capital growth, well behind (in order of ranking) Perth, Melbourne, Darwin and Sydney.
Based on Domain figures for the average annual growth in median prices over the past 10 years, the top 20 suburbs in Perth all have growth rates between 9% and 10% per year. Brisbane’s top 20, bar one, are between 6% and 7% per year.
Brisbane averages have been dragged down by poor performance in the past four years. City markets took time to recover from the floods of early 2011. In the years since, Perth, Darwin, Sydney and Melbourne have all had periods of price growth ranging from solid to strong, but Brisbane has yet to join the growth party.
Parts of the Brisbane metropolitan area have out-performed, but the average citywide performance has been lukewarm.
Looking at the figures describing growth rates for the past 10 years, Brisbane currently has only one suburb with a growth rate above 7% (Hendra, which averages 7.6%). All of the other Top 20 suburbs have long-term growth rates between 6.0% and 6.9%. 
The leading precinct is Brisbane Northside – the northern suburbs of the Brisbane City Council area – which provides the top four suburbs and six of the top 10. This area is prominent in terms of capital growth rates because it led the upturn in sales activity in the city market in 2013 and 2014 – and many suburbs have recorded double-digit annual price growth in the past 12 months, lifting their long-term growth rates.
The Brisbane Northside suburbs, and indeed most of the suburbs on the Top 20 list, represent Brisbane’s middle market. The 12 most expensive suburbs in the Brisbane region have median house prices in the range from $900,000 to $1.2 million. The middle market is the next tier below that – and that’s the market that leads on capital growth rates.
All but one of the Top 20 have median prices below $900,000. Fourteen of the Top 20 have median prices in the $600,000s and $700,000s. There are currently no bottom-end suburbs on the list – only two have medians below $600,000. 
I expect a different result a year from now, as many of the cheaper markets are now rising across the Brisbane metropolitan area and are likely to experience good price growth, lifting their long-term growth rates.
Brisbane’s most expensive suburbs have been mediocre performers – only one of the 12 priciest suburbs features on the Top 20 list for capital growth rates. Only four of them have capital growth rates above 6%.
The worst performing precinct has been the Moreton Bay Regional Council area in the far north of the Greater Brisbane area. Seven of the Bottom 20 suburbs are located there. This may change in the near future, as this precinct is one of the areas with elevated sales activity, as the momentum ripples out from the neighbouring Brisbane Northside precinct.
BRISBANE TOP 20 – ANNUAL GROWTH % OVER 10 YEARS
<table style="height: 293px; width: 392px;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
No.
</td>
<td valign="middle">
SUBURB
</td>
<td valign="middle">
MUNICIPALITY
</td>
<td valign="middle">
  MEDIAN
</td>
<td valign="middle">
GROWTH RATE %
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
1
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Hendra
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-North
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $815,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    7.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
2
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Newmarket
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-North
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $740,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
3
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Gordon Park
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-North
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $700,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
4
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Northgate
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-North
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $610,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
5
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Paddington
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-Inner
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $865,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
6
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Cannon Hill
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-East
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $705,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
7
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Lutwyche
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-North
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $697,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
8
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Doolandella
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-South
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $460,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
9
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Gaythorne
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-North
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $618,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
10
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Bardon
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-West
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $840,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
11
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Fig Tree Pocket
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-West
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $934,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
12
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Holland Park
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-South
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $619,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
13
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Woolloongabba
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-Inner
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $645,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
14
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Camp Hill
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-South
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $748,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
15
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Fairfield
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-South
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $678,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
16
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Upper Mt Gravatt
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-South
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $550,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
17
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Albion
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-North
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $687,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
18
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Eight Mile Plains
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-South
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $619,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
19
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Norman Park
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-East
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $760,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="middle">
20
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Seven Hills
</td>
<td valign="middle">
Brisbane-East
</td>
<td valign="middle">
 $618,000
</td>
<td valign="middle">
    6.0
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
TERRY RYDER is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>. You can <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email him</a> or follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter.</a> 
Terry was recently joined by Property Observer editor at large Jonathan Chancellor for a webinar on why research is the key to successful property investing in 2015. You can download slides and audio from the webinar here.
 
 
 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Top 20 Brisbane growth suburbs of the decade: Terry Ryder

<html><body>
An associate of mine recently suggested that I listen to a podcast from the USA that talked about the role of the arts in helping to both revitalise existing neighbourhoods and also helping to create and energise new ones.
At the same time the topic also explored some related issues like housing affordability and ageing in place.
All of which are common themes here and I think have particular significance to many aspects of marketing new projects and how place in-turn influences values.
While some of the material in the podcast was largely focussed on the regenerating neglected urban areas the central theme of ‘creative space making’ had lots of material that I think can be applied here. Many parts of Sydney are being developed with new apartment and mixed-use projects and among buyers there is a definite desire to live in places that have a feeling of community, a richness of local colour and activity.
LOVE OF PLACE
There’s no doubt that developers take the lead when investing into new areas, having usually worked with local councils and existing residents. Sometimes this process results in the creation of totally new neighbourhoods and new communities but often there’s an existing footprint of local character that extends well beyond just local services.
When we think about what makes people love where they live (or wish to live) then connecting with the local community is essential. It’s a topic that helps identify the appeal of different areas, creates a competitive advantage and its part of what sets demand, value and prices. It’s an important part of underpinning the investment made and I think easily overlooked when determining local demand and values.
In some established parts of any city or suburb there’s usually an existing culture that appeals to buyers and extends way beyond for example a handful of shops.
Even when we are dealing with former industrial ‘brown-field sites’ you can sometimes find nearby fragments of neighbourhood, like a pub or local café. Not to mention the social footprint of the local residents who just happen to find themselves now living close to any number of new projects and new residents.
The dynamics of every major city are now caught up in this trend and as the podcast I referred to earlier explored the how the arts, a feeling of community and the economic interests of the area are all connected. These same points also form part of the work – life balance and even when we have a buoyant market, buyers want to know that the area, the community they are investing in has solid lifestyle appeal.
WHAT MAKES PEOPLE LOVE WHERE THEY LIVE?
As the density of urban areas increases every stakeholder – councils, planners, developers, investors and above all the residents know that the sense of place deserves more attention. A strong local identity described as a sense of place does, from a marketing perspective, create a competitive advantage and that will always influence prices paid in a particular area.
It will also influence future property values, they key factors feed into why areas experience strong demand form developers and buyers, it might be intangible and not directly articulated, but I think it’s worth devoting some time to the exploring.
The mix of community, the role of how creative a place feels, the physical appearance and the economic viability of a place all feed into this interesting mix.
Another factor, that we see in many suburbs is how quickly, as developments are finished and people move to the area, that it then changes. Over time this change might morph into ‘love of place’ and thus the community gives a big tick to the quality of planning and development.
Just what makes up the substance of creative place making, the factors that all come together in a desirable neighbourhood, can I think be pinpointed into three areas. These areas include – social appeal, accessibility (user-friendliness) and the aesthetics, the built environment. In combination they all sit behind the appeal of an area and individual projects, they are the marketing foundations and all directly impact prices and buyer demand.
The podcast I mentioned at the start of this discussion was mainly concerned about the role of the arts in helping to create or energise an area and community, however in my next post I want to look further at the role of creative place making as an vigorous part of the project development and marketing mix.
To read the second part of Peter's post, click here.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of Colliers International. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.projectagenda.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Making a creative residential place Part One: Peter Chittenden

<html><body>
Prior to this week, the year to date clearance rate across the combined capital cities was 76.9%, indicating that this week’s preliminary clearance rate of 77.7% is performing above this level. 
This week, there were 1,998 auctions held across Australia’s capital cities, with 1,307 results reported so far. Over the previous week, 1,827 residential auctions were held with a clearance rate of 75.4%. In comparison, at the same time last year 67.9% of the 1,705 auctions were sold, indicating the current auction conditions remain stronger than they were one year ago.
<a href="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Capital-City.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Capital-City.jpg" alt="" width="789" height="594">
 
The preliminary clearance rate across Melbourne was recorded at 76.5% this week across 638 auction results. There were 845 auctions held across the city this week, up from 759 last week when the final auction clearance rate was recorded at 76.0% and similarly, higher than at the same time last year when there were 736 Melbourne auctions with 68.5% of homes selling. This week, there were 3 sub regions which recorded a clearance rate above 80%; Outer East at 89.0%, North West at 82.5% and North East at 82.2%. The region with the highest volume of auctions this week was the Inner region (141).
<a href="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Melbourne.jpg" alt="" style="line-height: 1.3em;"><a href="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank"></a>
For Sydney, the clearance rate across the city this week increased, up to 82.7% from 79.7% last week and 75.4% at the same time last year. Across the city, 841 homes were taken to auction this week, more than last week (794) and significantly higher than one year ago, when 660 Sydney auctions were held. Since mid-August, Sydney’s auction clearance rate has been trending downwards, after the city has seen a record strong performance over the first six months of the year. Despite this, the clearance rate still remains stronger than any other capital city and there are still sub-regions across the city where the clearance rate remains above the 90 per cent mark including Ryde, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and City and Inner South.
<a href="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Sydney.jpg" alt="" width="988" height="671">
 
 
 
This week, Brisbane’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 66.0%, compared to 60.2% the previous week and just 44.7% last year. So far, 17 Gold Coast auction results have been reported and the clearance rate for the region is 64.7%.
 
<a href="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Brisbane.jpg" alt="">
 
There were 80 Adelaide auctions this week, with a clearance rate of 60.6% across the 33 results reported so far. Last week, Adelaide’s final auction clearance rate was 64.3%, while one year ago the city saw 60.3% of homes taken to auction sell.
<a href="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Adelaide.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/07/29/20150727-Adelaide.jpg" alt="" width="948" height="640">
Across Perth, 10 auctions have been reported so far with a clearance rate of 80.0%, compared to just 18.8% last week and 50.0% at the same time last year. Perth’s clearance rate is often subjected to highs and lows given the low volume of auctions across the city.
Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate was 80.0% this week across 25 results. Last week, 82.1% of Canberra auctions were successful, the second strongest result for the city so far this year.
So far this week, 4 Tasmanian auctions have been reported and of these reported results there has been 1 sale.
 
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smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Brisbane auctions highest preliminary clearance since 2009: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

<html><body>
So far this week, 1,494 capital city auction results have been reported to CoreLogic RP Data, resulting in a preliminary auction clearance rate of 75.7% across the combined capital cities. 
There were a total of 1,862 capital city auctions held this week. This week’s result indicates that clearance rates are still tracking higher than they were one year ago, when the final auction clearance rate over the week was 68.9 per cent across 1,473 auctions.
<a href="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Capital-City.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Capital-City.jpg" alt="" width="787" height="588">
 
Across Melbourne, this week’s preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 78.6 per cent, up from a recent low of 75.7 per cent last week and remaining well above the clearance rate for the city one year ago (69.0 per cent). This week, Melbourne was host to 760 auctions, significantly lower than the 918 held last week, but higher than a year ago when there were 636 Melbourne auctions held over the week. Of the 9 individual Melbourne sub-regions, this week the strongest performer, in terms of clearance rates, was the Outer West. So far, CoreLogic RP Data has collected 48 results for the region and the preliminary results shows 93.8 per cent of these auctions were successful.
<a href="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/08/03/20150803-Melbourne.jpg" alt="" width="728" height="491">
 
Sydney’s preliminary auction clearance rate was 78.8 per cent this week, the fourth week in a row where Sydney has recorded a result below 80 per cent. Last week, Sydney’s clearance rate was 79.9 per cent, while one year ago results show that 76.7 per cent of Sydney homes taken to auction were successful, showing the gap between this year’s clearance rate and last year’s clearance rate is starting to close. In terms of the number of auctions across the city, this week volumes were lower, down to 816 from 906 last week. One year ago just 588 Sydney homes were taken to auction over the week. The Blacktown sub-region of Sydney has shown the strongest performance so far this week, with 94.4 per cent of the 18 reported results selling, with 2 remaining results yet to be collected.
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There were 140 Brisbane homes taken to auction this week, with 94 results reported so far. The preliminary clearance rate for the city is 60.6 per cent, up from 54.0 per cent last week and higher than one year ago, when just 36.7 per cent of the 96 properties taken to auction were successful. Across the Gold Coast 44 results have been reported so far, with a success rate of 47.7 per cent (21 sales).
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This week, Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 71.9 per cent, with 57 reported results across a total of 75 scheduled auctions. In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 58.9 per cent and 61.0 per cent one year ago.
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There were 23 Perth auctions this week, with a preliminary clearance rate of 43.8 per cent. Last week, Perth recorded its strongest auction clearance rate for July, at 52.6 per cent.
Across Canberra a total of 40 auctions were held this week, compared to 49 last week and 28 at the same time last year. Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate of 79.2 per cent is higher than it was the previous week (68.8 per cent).
Of the 6 Tasmanian auction results reported so far this week, 2 sales have been recorded.
 
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Sydney’s clearance rate below 80%: CoreLogic RP Data's Shana Miller

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If one was looking for a single word that is missing from the ongoing property debate, look no further than 'perspective'.
Some are looking at the property market from a perspective that has lead them to a conclusion which is totally and completely wrong.
Investors have got it completely right given (in the case of Sydney) we are suffering from a chronic undersupply which explains why the vacancy rate in a 10 kilometre radius from the CBD has sat below 2% for the best part of a decade.
Never before have we seen a better time to convene an inquiry into the Australian real estate markets because nobody has an accurate perspective as to what is actually happening. Earlier this year I was one of the first to write that something was not right with the influx of overseas buyers.
This brought about an inquiry (that is still going) although it has exposed the Australian Foreign Investment Board (FIRB) to be in total disarray.
Last week, Federal MP Kelly O'Dwyer told ABC Lateline:
"What we've found out though, through the evidence that our committee has received, is that these rules have simply not been enforced through prosecution since 2006 by the FIRB. I think there has been a failure of leadership of the FIRB on this. I think they have dropped the ball. I think if we have rules in place, those rules need to be properly enforced. That is the only way we can give confidence to the Australian people that our foreign investment framework's working as it should. So we would be looking to tighten up exactly what occurs in terms of enforcement penalties that can be applied, but also to make sure that FIRB is doing its job."
Well it's very clear that FIRB have not been doing their job, so in the meantime Ms O'Dwyer should be introducing a temporary ban on all overseas purchases until such time that the government can fully determine how big this matter is.
In my opinion there is no better person qualified to chair the inquiry than Bill Moss who is a former Macquarie Group banker and head of property. Speaking to The Weekend Australian, he said:
"This is the first (property) cycle we've seen where there's a deregulated global market,where capital is free to flow from Asia to Australia. We have a free floating dollar, equity makers are global and now our residential markets are going the same way."
The major concern in Australia is that nobody knows just how many properties have been acquired given nobody has a perspective as to the exact number.
Although, negative gearing presents a much bigger problem in the Australian property markets than overseas investors.
Another person who must be appointed to an inquiry is Saul Eslake, who this week called on Canberra to put an end to negative gearing for new investors as the best way to dampen frothy property markets in Sydney and Melbourne.
It should be noted that he referred to them as 'frothy' not a 'bubble'. He accepts that it is not politically feasible to abolish negative gearing because around 15%of voters are currently taking advantage of negative gearing – which explains why no politician should participate in the inquiry given they have vested interests.
Australian investors are smart and can sense a change to the property tax landscape in Australia, which I pointed out last week.
It is important to note the recommended measures are nothing more than temporary until such time that the government can get a correct perspective on the Australian property markets.
Bill Moss went on to say in his interview that our housing markets were better tackled at a state or local government level, with the federal government or the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) macro prudential tools such as restricting how much banks can lend to investors. "Rather than react to what's happening, what the government needs to do is understand what is going to happen."
The interview keeps getting better, when he commented that "governments should look how to make money from a real estate bubble."
In my opinion, overseas buyers should be paying a much higher Stamp Duty and a Vacancy Tax for all properties where the owners decide to landbank by locking them up. All these taxes should be flowing into new infrastructure strategies.
The problem is that governments have neither perspective nor understanding about real estate machinations. So they need to establish an inquiry to better understand what exactly is going on as against merely flying from the seats of their pants.
 
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

The new 'P' in property is perspective

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Meh.
Retail trade increased by a seasonally adjusted 0.1% in August, missing expectations of a solid 0.4% rise. The trend still looks a bit sticky.
<img src="/images/2014/10/8/RT1.jpg" alt="">
Although we got a nice result in July, August was once again fairly ordinary.
<img src="/images/2014/10/8/RT2.jpg" alt="">
We'll have to wait and see what the September data brings in order to assess the impact on the growth of the economy in Q3 in chain volume measures terms. In particular, care should be taken not to be head faked by retail trade data while forgetting to acknowledge household consumption of services, which is not well captured by this data series.
State versus state
The state level data shows that New South Wales continues to experience boom conditions for retailers.
Sydneysiders would be forgiven for wondering what the fuss is about when it comes to all the talk of a "weak economy". In Sydney, shoppers have simply been lapping it up thanks to low interest rates and the recognised "wealth effect" associated with rising house prices.
A look at other states shows a less than rosy picture. Retail trade has under-performed badly in South Australia over the past five years. Queensland has enjoyed a somewhat better run, but is now threatening to roll over, while the year-on-year trend in Western Australia is looking a bit flat to say the least.
<img src="/images/2014/10/8/RT3.jpg" alt="">
A look at the quarterly and annual data shows New South Wales miles out in front, but the mining states are now treading water somewhat.
<img src="/images/2014/10/8/RT4.jpg" alt="">
More pizzas
As for where Aussies are spending their money...well, yet more eating out, of course! The value of retail trade has almost doubled in this sector over the past decade...an extraordinary trend.
It does not follow that this is necessarily a great industry to get into to make money, though, since the barriers to entry are relatively low and therefore it is difficult for businesses to build an "economic moat". The scores of eating establishments in suburbs such as Newtown in Sydney bear ample testimony to that fact.
<img src="/images/2014/10/8/RT5.jpg" alt="">
Listed pizza takeaway companies in Britain have long opined that this trend towards takeaway food and eating out is a generational shift. And they're absolutely right.
Some of the increase is no doubt attributable to a rise in apartment-dwelling, where inhabitants look to spend more time out of their place of residence than was previously the case. But a big part of it is simply a generational change, which is reflected in the fact that the increases are also seen in regions where unit and apartment dwellers are in the minority.
For all of the seemingly zillions of cookery shows on television, a significant proportion of younger people have very little interest in cooking for themselves.
I can hardly claim to be exempt from the trend myself. Being from a family of five lads I can count the number of times we ate out as kids on the fingers of one hand - one family wedding, perhaps a birthday treat at a pizza house another time...not a lot else!
These days, eating out or going to a cafe is an almost daily occurrence.
Disposable incomes have increased again over the past decade, but - as is the nature of such things - as incomes increase so too does expenditure on what people begin to believe are "necessities".
Of course we have absolutely zero need to spend more money on dining out than any previous generation. The only thing that has really changed in this regard is an exponential rise in our own laziness and an equivalent increase in our own lifestyle expectations.
Then of course people complain that living costs are "too high" while simultaneously eating out for one meal in every four and in so many cases inevitably spending up to $200 per week on dining and drinking out - that's more than $10,000 per annum in after-tax dollars spent.
On that sombre note, off out for a coffee...
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

An ordinary August as retail trade fails to reach expectations

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There are 992 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 1008 for the same time last year (the fourteenth week with over 1,000 auction this year).
The highest volume of auctions will be in Mount Waverly with 19 expected.
After a few weeks where sellers were holding the upper hand, last week showed that they still need to ensure that their sale price expectations are not too high.
While the Melbourne market is healthy, it is recording more moderate growth than in the two previous upswings in 2007 and 2010.
September quarter property values showed that the strongest growth in house values on a suburb basis were in the inner east.
Armadale saw a 25.4% rise over the last year and similar growth was recorded in nearby Malvern East, Glen Iris and Camberwell. It is often the case that in an improving market the most expensive segment records the strongest increase in values.
It was also interesting to note that Fairfield joined its neighbor, Alphington, as a suburb with a median house value of in excess of a million dollars. Buyers who can't afford Mont Albert or Balwyn are gravitating north of the Yarra.
On a city wide basis, the time on market results for houses sold at private sale rose from 39 days to 40 days over the last week while vendor discounting fell from -5.3% to -5.1%.
Key data
<ul>
<li>Clearance rate week ending 5 October: 69.1%</li>
<li>Melbourne auctions expected week ending 12 October: 992</li>
<li>Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 5 October: 40 days (houses)</li>
<li>Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 5 October: -5.1% (houses)</li>
<li>Listings being prepared for market are 3.9% higher in month ending 5 October (seasonally adjusted)</li>
</ul>
 
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rlarocca-zWhvjay44N

Melbourne buyers head north of the Yarra: RP Data's weekend auction preview

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<div>Anyone who implies you that they have any genuine clarity around what is happening with Housing Finance data at the moment is telling you porkies, but since the September data was released today, let's at least see what we can deduce!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>At the margin there are evidently blurred lines between loans that are being classified as investor lending, and those which are determined to be owner-occupier approvals. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The figures reported for new investor lending dropped sharply in September to $12.3 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, having pulled back from a record peak of above $14 billion in April. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As sure as night follows day, however, with Australia's major lenders continuing to target high returns on equity (ROE) there will certainly be a strong push to promote owner-occupier lending (ask for a mortgage discount!), and this was once again in evidence with another 3 per cent seasonally adjusted surge in the value of commitments in September to more than $21 billion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Thus while the monthly value of investor lending is now broadly flat year-on-year, the total value of owner-occupier commitments has leapt more than 23% higher.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/12/HF1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/11/12/HF1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Blurred lines</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Given the blurred lines in relation to loan classifications and refinancing right now, the most straightforward measure of housing market activity is simply to look at the aggregate value of housing finance. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>There was more than a slight suspicion that the rocketing value of owner-occupier commitments in the preceding month was partly a result of the mis-classification of refinancing as new lending.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>While this story remains somewhat unclear for now, the housing finance data showed another very strong month of lending in aggregate at a seasonally adjusted $33.4 billion, taking the trend estimate up to a fresh high.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/12/HF2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/11/12/HF2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Classification issues or no, given that total seasonally adjusted monthly housing finance breached $25 billion for the first time only two years previously in September 2013, a total result of $33.4 billion is a phenomenally high level of activity by any reckoning.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Ultimately, as pointed out by Reserve Bank Governor Stevens recently, borrowers can still source mortgage rates of close to 4 per cent despite the recent tightening on some investor loans, and there is still a good deal of appetite for borrowing where finance can be successfully sought.</div>
 Unintended consequences <div> </div>
<div>Macroprudential measures taken to cool housing markets will inevitably have some unintended consequences, one of which may be that lenders demanding a high ROE target potential borrowers with existing equity, which in a curiously reflexive manner might skew lending towards markets which have already outperformed through the cycle.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That is, cooling measures could accidentally spill fuel onto raging fires, since banks still have a desire to lend even in the face of stricter loan-to-value ratio (LVR) controls. </div>
<div>
 Certainly in London we saw the Pommie equivalent Mortgage Market Review (MMR) gum up UK market activity in aggregate, yet by the end of Q2 2014 the London housing market was blowing off in a spectacular starburst of bubbliness, recording its fastest annual rate of price growth in nearly three decades at +26 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Nor has the underlying problem remotely gone away since, with record low mortgage rates helping to thrust the average London house price considerably <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/average-london-house-price-500000" target="_blank">hig</a><a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/average-london-house-price-500000" target="_blank">her still to £500,000</a>, and the latest <a href="https://www.cityam.com/228290/uk-house-prices-london-property-prices-to-rise-a-third-by-2019-as-demand-continues-to-outweigh-supply" target="_blank">forecasts</a> projecting another kamikaze 31 per cent boom in London house prices by 2019. </div>
<div>
 Commentary suggesting that Auckland house prices would be curbed by macroprudential measures also proved to be misguided, at least in the near term, with house prices thereafter bubbling up in rampant fashion towards the million dollar mark, although a reversal may at last now be falling due.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Another of the unintended consequences of macroprudential measures may be a premature end to Australia's residential building boom, with loans for the construction of new homes sinking almost right across the board over the past year, and investor loans for the construction of new residential properties having tanked by nearly a quarter. Thirdly, tighter lending measures will almost certainly knock more budding first time buyers out of the market, with market share tumbling from 15.8 per cent to 15.4 per cent in the month, and first time investors or "rent-vestors" doubtless befalling a similar fate due to their lack of existing equity.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Granularity of markets</div>
<div>
 In this context it will be interesting to see what happens to lending in Sydney and Melbourne over the year ahead, since there exists tentative evidence of similar patterns unfolding.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of the 23 per cent boom in the value of monthly owner-occupier commitments over the past year, New South Wales has accounted for nearly two thirds of that increase, and Victoria one third. The two most populous states - and home to the two capital cities which have overwhelmingly played host to the housing value growth through this cycle to date - have accounted for almost all of the increase in the value of lending.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/12/HF3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/11/12/HF3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Queensland is home to any number of regional markets which have floundered in contrast to their supposed hotspot status of 2012 - Moranbah, Dysart, Emerald, Bowen, Chinchilla, Roma, and Gladstone, to name but a few - so in this context the relatively moderate uptick in lending commitments at the state level can be no surprise.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Indeed the figures conversely augur well for housing market activity across the Greater Brisbane area given that the original data for Queensland in September showed solid total owner-occupier lending of $3.44 billion, taking lending volumes up to a 67 month high on a 12mMA basis.</div>
 <div>As for the New South Wales figures in September, there has never been a month of home lending like it in Australia, with the original data busting out a +46.2% year-on-year increase in the value of lending to an astonishing $8.55 billion.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/11/12/HF4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/11/12/HF4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
</div>
</div>
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Investor lending cools: Pete Wargent

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The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released housing finance data for September 2015 earlier this week.
<a href="/images/2015/11/12/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-12%20at%2010.10.17%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/12/Screen%20Shot%202015-11-12%20at%2010.10.17%20AM.png" alt="" width="623" height="488">
 
The broad housing finance trends show that demand from the owner occupier segment of lending is falling while demand from investors fades.  Of course since late December last year we have seen limits come into effect regarding annual investment credit growth as well as, more recently, higher interest rates for all investment borrowers and lower loan to value ratios for many.  
Given these changes it is no real surprise that demand from this market segment is falling; there is less investment borrowing to be had and lower LVRs mean that for many borrowers negative gearing becomes somewhat less attractive. On the other hand, demand from owner occupiers is rising, largely from upgraders and those refinancing while there is little sign that first home buyer demand is rising. 
Much of the recent refinance activity has subsequently translated into eventual housing investment, it will be interesting to see if the current refinance activity is just home owners shopping around for a better mortgage deal or if it will start to flow to investment in other asset classes.
<a href="/images/2015/11/12/Chart-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/12/Chart-2.jpg" alt="">
 
Looking more closely at owner occupier lending, the seasonally adjusted data shows that there was $21.0 billion worth of commitments in September 2015.  This represented a monthly increase of 3.0% and a year-on-year rise of 23.1%. The $21.0 billion consisted of $1.8 billion in lending for construction of dwellings, $1.3 billion in lending for purchase of new dwellings, $6.7 billion in lending for refinances and $11.2 billion in lending for purchase of established dwellings. 
Each of the four components of owner occupier housing finance commitments have increased over the month with most having increased year-on-year.  Year-on-year, the changes have been recorded at -1.3% for lending for construction of dwellings, +32.1% for lending for purchase of new dwellings, +30.0% for refinances and +23.0% for purchases of established dwellings. 
Clearly owner occupier demand is rising however, the ABS does note that ADIs are currently making changes to lending classifications which are seeing more investor loans classified as loans to owner occupiers. This will be contributing to a proportion of this rise, how big that proportion is we are unsure.
<a href="/images/2015/11/12/Chart-3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/11/12/Chart-3.jpg" alt="">
 
In September 2015 there was a seasonally adjusted $12.3 billion worth of housing finance commitments to investors, this was the lowest value of investor lending since August 2014.  The monthly value of lending to investors has fallen by -12.8% from its peak of $14.1 billion in April 2015.  The $12.3 billion figure consists of $0.6 billion in lending for new construction which is the lowest level in a year and $11.7 billion in lending for established homes which is the lowest level since August of last year.  Lending for new construction tends to be volatile however, it has fallen by -42.2% from its recent peak of $1.1 billion worth of commitments in December 2014.  The less volatile investment lending for established homes has fallen by -11.0% from its peak of $13.1 billion in April 2015.  Again, recent reclassifications of lending by ADIs will be contributing to some of the recent weakness however, a changing investment lending landscape is undoubtedly the most significant contributor.
The latest housing credit data shows that the annual rate of investor credit growth still remains above 10% (10.4%) so it is reasonable to expect that investor housing finance commitments will continue to fall over the coming months. With the rate of value growth slowing, higher interest rates and lower LVRs for many investors, the attractiveness of purchasing an investment property is also easing. 
While investment lending has been cooling down, owner occupier lending has been rising however, much of the rise is due to upgraders and refinances.  We anticipate that this trend is likely to continue although probably not rising by the same magnitude as we’ve seen over recent months. Furthermore we anticipate that less of the refinance activity is going to flow back into housing in the form of investment purchasing.
 
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/author/cameron-kusher/" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
<h1 class="title"> </h1>
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