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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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The former Olympic team chef de mission, Kitty Chiller, sold her East Melbourne property, but only after negotiations followed its weekend auction.
The two-bedroom townhouse attracted just the one bidder, an increasing trend at auctions across the capital cities.
Listed with $1.75 million to $1.925 million guidance, Gary Peer agents Adam Paykel and Darren Krongold sold the 1975-built property after it was passed in at $1.66 million.
The sale price was not disclosed.
<a id="x_mcntLPlnk582999" class="x_mcntx_mcntOWAAutoLink x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-vic-east+melbourne-128464106" target="_blank">The Hotham Street property</a> (top) had been tenanted for 16 years having been in her family since 1981 when it cost $128,000, The Herald Sun reported.
Even with four registered bidders, there were post-auction negotiations needed to secure a $2,425,000 Drummoyne sale in Sydney.
The three bedroom <a id="x_mcntLPlnk17429" class="x_mcntx_mcntOWAAutoLink x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-drummoyne-128461950" target="_blank">9/68a-70 St Georges Crescent </a>penthouse (below) had been passed in at $2.3 million. The price guide had been $2.35 million.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/25/drum1.jpg" alt="">
Lynsey Kemp, of Belle Property negotiated a post-auction sale to a buyer from Hong Kong who plans to use the property as a Sydney base.
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The highest preliminary clearance rate was again recorded in Adelaide where 68 per cent of the 50 reported auctions were successful, followed by Canberra, where 65.2 per cent of the 46 reported auctions cleared.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/25/june-25.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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There was an unusual auction occurrence when a Watson house sold for $761,000 under no-reserve auction conditions with the proceeds going to charity.
<div>There were 25 registered bidders when an original 1960s Canberra red brick home which had a staggering 45 contracts issued during the Ray White campaign.</div>
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<div>Local Canberra man Lionel Moore, who passed away in March, willed his home to the children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality.</div>
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<div>The 664sq m property at <a id="x_mcntLPlnk952191" class="x_mcntx_mcntOWAAutoLink x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-watson-128495578" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">5 Harding Street, Watson</a> (below) had been owned by Mr Moore for more than five decades.</div>
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The preliminary national clearance rate sat at to 58.7 per cent this week, after last week saw the final clearance rate revise down to just 52.4 per cent. 
Auction volumes were lower over the week with 1,842 homes taken to auction across the capital cities, down from 2,002 last week as the winter hibernation sets in.
Melbourne was host to 946 auctions over the week, returning a preliminary clearance rate of 62.3 per cent. Over the same week last year, there were 1,047 auctions held in Melbourne, returning a clearance rate of 70.7 per cent.
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There were 635 auctions held in Sydney returning a preliminary auction clearance rate of 55.3 per cent. 
"This time last year, 68.2 per cent of the 939 auctions held were successful," CoreLogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan noted.
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<div>The nation's top seller was a pre-auction sale at Turramurra in Sydney's upper North Shore (below).</div>
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The double brick residence designed and built by Chateau Architects and Builders for its 1220sqm level block at <a id="x_mcntLPlnk484337" class="x_mcntx_mcntOWAAutoLink x_mcntOWAAutoLink" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/29-trentino-rd-turramurra-nsw-2074" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">29 Trentino Road</a> sold for $4.3 million through Di Jones Real Estate.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Top weekend sale in Sydney as Adelaide and Canberra auctions strong

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Sydney's median house price is forecast to bottom out at eight percent below its June 2017 peak, according to BIS Oxford Economics latest forecast.
It will still sit four percent below the peak by June 2021, the industry analyst and economic forecaster has predicted.
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Sydney’s estimated median house price of $1,120,000 at June 2018 represented a seven per cent increase over the prior 12 months, after recording a substantial 85 per cent rise over the prior five years.
BIS have forecasted an aggregate price growth of three percent between June 2018 and June 2021.
By 2019/20, a combination of the correction in prices, the undersupplied market and some improvement in the economic outlook is forecast to see prices stabilise, and potentially show modest rises into 2020/21, BIS suggests.
The economic forecaster said that although the unit market has a greater exposure to the downturn in investor demand, it appears that the stronger first home buyer demand is helping to support prices.
Nevertheless, median unit prices are expected to have fallen four per cent in 2017/18, with a further fall of three per cent forecast for 2018/19.
By June 2021, the median unit price is forecast to be five per cent off its peak, and 14 per cent lower in real terms.
Investors were the key to the upturn, having consistently accounted for over half the value of residential loans since 2013, compared to around 40 per cent over the prior five years, says BIS Oxford Economics senior manager Angie Zigomani.
However, continued tightening in bank lending policy directed by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has caused investors to retreat from the market, which in turn has resulted in the price decline over 2017/18. 
“Lower loan-to-value ratios and rises in interest rates for investors and for interest-only loans have reduced investors’ ability to borrow and bid up prices for dwellings on the market,” he said. 
“This has caused prices to ease as Sydney prices revert to a level that is more affordable under these conditions.” 
Owner occupier demand remains elevated, with first home buyer demand particularly strong in response to State Government stamp duty exemptions.
 However, owner occupier demand appears to have topped out, and with tight lending conditions expected to continue to discourage investors, overall demand will fall, with the median house price also forecast to fall by two per cent in 2018/19. 
Rising new dwelling completions will see the erosion of some of Sydney’s dwelling deficiency, although the market is likely to remain undersupplied which will prevent larger falls in prices.
 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Sydney house prices to fall 8 percent from 2017 peak: BIS Sydney forecast

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The biggest dread among vendors going to auction is that their property will be passed in on auction day.
With auction clearance rates now in the 50 percent range, and even lower in some suburbs, this is a very real likelihood.
Selling at a fair market value - or better - is often dependent on the extent of buyer numbers and enthusiasm.
One bidder auctions have become far more prevalent, as vendors lose their grip on being able to secure above reserve outcomes at their auctions across Sydney every Saturday.
There's a special negotiating skill needed for the listing agent to immediately secure a sale in such onsite circumstances.
Ofcourse the agent can knock heads together during the auction, but that will take a bit of give and take from both vendor and buyer.
Vendors certainly need to anticipate this possibility.
But should vendors accept the price drop on offer from the only buyer at the auction or are they best holding off selling until later Saturday afternoon or sometime in the next week.
It all depends on the level of actual and perceived buyer interest, starting from the number of contracts that have been issued in the run up to the auction.
Agents need to follow all their potential buyers closely, and keep their vendors in the loop.
An emerging factor has been that bank finance approvals are slower and harder to get, and many buyers are finding just days before the auction that they need to lodge more information before safely securing finance.
They necessarily sit out the auction. 
This has come about as the financial regulators and the royal commission have frightened the banks so that they are dotting all the i's and crossing every t.
Coming together for post-auction negotiations is a skill that some agents need if their vendors aren't going to sell for far less than they wish.
The biggest myth about properties that sell after auction is that they go on to sell for a poor price.
That is not the case, veteran estate agent John McGrath recently noted given that fresh buyers are coming into the market every week.
The recent clearance rate downturn has likely undermined the benefits many see in a sale by auction which typically come with the potential for a premium sale price.
Unmotivated sellers rarely auction their properties.
Stuart Benson at Benson Auctions noted at a recent realestate.com.au auctioneers' round table that his clearance rate in north west Sydney was down by 15 percent, but after six weeks on the market the sales sat around 90 percent.
Following any post auction campaign that doesn't end in a sale, it is important vendors respond to the issues that possibly caused it.
Best relook at price, presentation and/or marketing), and there is no reason to think it property won’t sell.
This article was first published in the Daily Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

One bidder auctions need special estate agent negotiating skills 

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The slowdown in house price growth that emerged through 2017/18 is expected to continue into the 2019 financial year, according to leading industry analyst and economic forecaster, BIS Oxford Economics.
BIS believe house prices in Melbourne will tread water through to 2020/21, rising below the pace of inflation.
They suggest that one of the biggest factors in the lack of median house price growth is the new supply which is continuing to rise.
They are forecasting just a one percent per year increase in the median house price, before an emerging downturn in new dwelling construction results in the city’s deficiency starting to trend upwards by 2020/21, which in turn will see a modest pick up in price growth.
A six percent growth in the median house price in the three years to June 2021 is what BIS are forecasting.
The median house price soared 65 percent over the five years to June 2017, with a further growth of two percent in the six months to December 2017, before a 0.2 percent drop in the first half of 2018.
Population growth and new dwelling supply have been cited as the biggest drivers in the median increase.
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Investors drove the strength of the market in Melbourne, although not to the same extent as in Sydney.
Loans to owner occupiers in Victoria were also at record levels in the year to March 2018, which has helped to offset the weakening investor demand. Consequently, the house prices in Melbourne have held up better in 2017/18 compared to the decline in Sydney.
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Sydney’s median house price is forecast to still be lower that its June 2017 peak by 2021.
The weaker investor demand is coinciding with rising supply and an erosion of the city’s dwelling deficiency, which has alleviated pressure on prices.
Although the market is expected to remain in undersupply, the drop in investor demand is expected to override the undersupply of dwellings, which in turn is forecast to result in modest price declines.
Angie Zigomanis, BIS Oxford Economics senior manager, said more downside is forecast for Sydney.
“In New South Wales and Victoria in particular, where the strength of investor demand has been a key driver of the Sydney and Melbourne residential markets respectively, the decline in investor activity has impacted price growth,” said Zigomanis.
“More downside is forecast for Sydney as it has had a much greater dependence on investors through the most recent upturn.”
“Similarly, greater downside is expected in the unit market, which is more reliant on the investor market to drive sales and price growth.
"Without the same level of investors and without the same growth in new supply, the detached housing market should hold up better compared to units.”
BIS suggests Brisbane is expected to see the greatest upside to house prices over the next few years due to Queensland's net interstate migration increasing.
Price rises are expected to be modest over the next two years, however BIS see a price growth acceleration in 2021.
Perth and Darwin have bottomed out, and any recovery in prices will be a slow grind.
Excess stock, low population growth and weak economic and employment growth are the biggest drivers, suggests BIS.
They find a similar story in Adelaide, with a subdued economic environment and limited population growth also having a dampening effect on prices.
Hobart and Canberra are expected to continue their strong growth in 2018/19.
The lack of supply in Hobart is continuing to drive their price growth upwards.
Price growth in Canberra began to slow in 2017/18, but BIS expects that, due to the relatively high incomes in the capital, there will be further house price growth over the next two years.
Both markets are expected to decelerate through to 2020/21 as new dwelling supply rises and affordability becomes more strained.
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Zigomanis says that with the banks tightening the screws on investors, the increased restrictions on their borrowing capacity have reduced the likelihood of investors bidding up prices.
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This has caused all markets, with the exception of Hobart, to record a slowdown in price growth performance over 2017/18.
Notably, after experiencing strong gains since 2012/13, house price growth is on track to have recorded a negative number in Sydney and Melbourne through the year.
Both these markets benefited most from booming investor demand, and the tightening credit conditions are now having an impact.
However, the prospect for a major correction will be mitigated by low interest rates and a relatively stable, albeit subdued, economic environment.
Very strong population growth nationally is also underpinning occupancy, which in turn should help investors generate rental income, albeit perhaps at a discounted rate in some cities.
This will prevent excessive forced sales coming to the market to drive down prices.
“Supply is running at record levels, having risen above 200,000 dwelling completions per annum in 2015/16, and expected to stay above this level through to 2018/19,” said Zigomanis.
“Demand has also risen, with population growth expected to exceed 400,000 persons in 2017/18, its highest level since the peak in net overseas migration in 2008/09, although this will still not be sufficient to meet supply.”
 
 
 
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Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21: BIS

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Melbourne's median house price is set to be largely flat until 2020, while apartment values are likely to decline, according to the latest forecast from BIS Oxford Economics.
BIS have predicted declines in the apartment market, suggesting there are likely to be pockets of oversupply across Melbourne.
They believe unit prices will fall by a total of two percent in the three years to June 2021.
Angie Zigomanis, BIS Oxford Economics senior manager, said the supply is meeting the high population growth.
“Soaring population growth in Victoria is expected to be a key to house prices in Melbourne as investor demand continues to weaken, by supporting owner occupier demand,” said Zigomanis.
“While new dwelling completions are forecast to continue to rise through 2018, as the large pipeline of apartment buildings under construction work their way to completion, supply will be largely met by population growth.”
They have a stronger forecast for the housing market, although expect prices to remain relatively flat.
BIS expect just a one percent per year in the median house price, before an emerging downturn in new dwelling construction results in the city’s deficiency starting to trend upwards by 2020/21, which in turn will see a modest pick up in price growth.
They anticipate a six percent growth in the median house price in the three years to June 2021.
The median house price soared 65 percent over the five years to June 2017, with a further growth of two percent in the six months to December 2017, before a 0.2 percent drop in the first half of 2018.
Population growth and new dwelling supply have been cited as the biggest drivers in the median increase.
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Investors drove the strength of the market in Melbourne, although not to the same extent as in Sydney.
Loans to owner occupiers in Victoria were also at record levels in the year to March 2018, which has helped to offset the weakening investor demand. Consequently, the house prices in Melbourne have held up better in 2017/18 compared to the decline in Sydney.
 
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BIS see greater weakness in Melbourne apartment market

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Vacancy rates were steady in May, SQM Research has revealed.
The national residential vacancy rate was unchanged at 2.1% in May 2018, with the number of vacancies Australia-wide sitting at 69,152 properties.
The vacancy rate inched higher in Sydney and Melbourne, while it fell in Brisbane for the fifth straight month.
Sydney’s vacancy rate rose to 2.5% in May, up from 2.3% in April, and higher than 1.7% a year earlier.
Melbourne also saw its vacancy rate inch higher to 1.4%, up from 1.3% in April.
Canberra’s rate was steady at 0.8%, though down from 1.0% a year earlier.
Click to enlarge
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SQM's Louis Christopher said there was good news for property investors in Brisbane, where the vacancy rate fell to 2.9% in May, down from 3.0% in April and 3.5% in May 2017.
"The decline in Brisbane represents the fifth straight monthly decline in rental vacancies," he said.
“We have more evidence that the worse is over for Brisbane property investors with vacancies falling for five straight months and even the Brisbane CBD is now recording consistent decline in vacancies. 
"We believe that a rise in interstate migration is lifting population growth rates in Brisbane plus the peak in unit completions is creating this turnaround in the rental market,” he said.
Hobart's vacancy rate was steady at 0.7%, but up from 0.5% a year ago.
Darwin’s vacancy rate rose to 3.5% from 3.3% in April.
Perth’s vacancy rate was steady at 4.1%, but down from 5.1% a year earlier as the oversupply of rental properties eases in that city.
Adelaide’s vacancy rate was also steady at 1.3%, but down from 1.7% a year ago.
Christopher, the managing director of SQM Research, said asking rents had eased in Sydney with greater supply of rental accommodation, giving some relief to home seekers.
“There are considerably more vacancies in Sydney now compared to a year ago, so landlords have lowered their asking rents slightly, which is favouring renters," stated Mr. Christopher
Capital city asking rents for houses fell over the month to 12 June 2018 by 0.5% to $551 a week.
Unit asking rents slipped 0.2% to $444 a week.
Over the year, asking house rents rose just 0.4%, while unit asking rents rose modestly by 0.9%.
While the asking rent for a three-bedroom house in Sydney remains the highest in the nation at $715 a week, rents fell 1.6% over the month to June 12, with the upward trend in the vacancy rate easing pricing pressures.
Asking unit rents now stand at $523, down by 0.5% over the month.
Canberra is catching up to Sydney with housing asking rents now standing at $631 a week and 451 for units, after growth of 2.1% for houses and units over the month.
In Melbourne, asking rents for houses were down over the month to June 12 by 0.8% to $529 while unit asking rents rose by 0.5% to $412.
In line with the fall in vacancies, Brisbane rents registered a rise for the past 30 days with rents for houses rising by 0.8% to $450 a week and units rising by 0.4% to $369 a week.
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Brisbane vacancy rate fall for fifth straight month: SQM

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<div>EXPERT OBSERVATION</div>
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<div>The regulatory throttling of mortgage lending maintained its firm stranglehold in the first quarter of 2018, with interest-only lending remaining at just 15.7 per cent of new residential term loans by value (a far cry from 45.6 per cent at the September 2015 peak). </div>
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<div>Both the stock and flow of interest-only loans has been significantly reduced by the introduced macroprudential measures. </div>
 
<div><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jv1gfRCvAw/Wysf2SDxvrI/AAAAAAAAqss/WcKMXyO_Hp0MOWLqTZC2PrTCLWw5XHb9ACLcBGAs/s1600/APRA1.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jv1gfRCvAw/Wysf2SDxvrI/AAAAAAAAqss/WcKMXyO_Hp0MOWLqTZC2PrTCLWw5XHb9ACLcBGAs/s640/APRA1.jpg" width="640" height="370" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1374"></a></div>
 
<div>Tighter loan-to-value (LVR) ratios also continued to be applied in Q1, with just 6.8 per cent of new residential lending at LVRs of 90 per cent or greater in the March 2018 quarter. </div>
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<div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mEIZLUEhXo/Wysf2kwS39I/AAAAAAAAqsw/oNlM9WmxH6sZOhK4rQHu8m3clxqeyt0bgCLcBGAs/s1600/APRA3.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mEIZLUEhXo/Wysf2kwS39I/AAAAAAAAqsw/oNlM9WmxH6sZOhK4rQHu8m3clxqeyt0bgCLcBGAs/s640/APRA3.jpg" width="640" height="370" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1378"></a></div>
 
<div>Loans approved outside serviceability were well down from the December 2017 quarter spike, but remained at an elevated level implying that tighter standards almost certainly continued to bite throughout the first half of 2018. </div>
 
<div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAISqpuzD5s/Wysf2uTdZ5I/AAAAAAAAqtA/m_X8X5T_vl82Rt4rcFuuj19tw9Z8pcYRACEwYBhgL/s1600/APRA2.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAISqpuzD5s/Wysf2uTdZ5I/AAAAAAAAqtA/m_X8X5T_vl82Rt4rcFuuj19tw9Z8pcYRACEwYBhgL/s640/APRA2.jpg" width="640" height="372" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1360"></a></div>
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<div>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</div>
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Interest-only loans stay low: Pete Wargent

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Relectrify, the electric car battery repurpose firm, has agreed terms on a new lease over an office and warehouse space at Cremorne in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs. 
The 290 sqm property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-richmond-502638822" target="_blank">6 Hill Street </a>was leased on a two year term with options at a net annual rental of $60,000 plus GST.
Teska Carson’s Jack Kelliher and Fergus Evans leased the property.
Kelliher said the fully self-contained and extremely well presented, two level building featured lots of natural light.
He said the tenant was also attracted by the close proximity to Richmond retail and entertainment precincts, the CBD and public transport. 
"The property is situated just off Church Street, within the lively Cremorne precinct and is also within walking distance of Richmond and East Richmond railway stations. 
"Cremorne and/or Richmond is a very popular area. It’s very close to the CBD and offers residents and businesses access to a comprehensive and quality range of amenity and services.
"The property offered all of that along with a superb, light-filled, premises,’’ Kelliher said.
The lessor was a Melbourne-based private investor.
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Electric car battery repurpose firm Relectrify renew Cremorne lease

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The latest release from CoreLogic suggests Sydney's auction clearance rate dropped in to the 40 percent bracket last weekend.
Preliminary statistics suggested they achieved a 55.8 percent clearance rate.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/22/cap-final.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/22/cap-final.jpg" alt="">
Brisbane also well below its initial results in to the 30s (below).
Adelaide's strong 72 percent clearance rate dropped two brackets in to the high 50s.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/18/cap-june18.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/18/cap-june18.jpg" alt="">
It was small spaces that were the headline at last weekends auctions.
A small one bedder at Kirribilli fetched $1.875 million.
This weekend national auction volume numbers are down considerably, while Victoria has the three busiest suburbs.
Clearance rates continue to nosedive and are reaching levels they haven't dropped to since 2012.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/22/CLEARANCE.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/22/CLEARANCE.jpg" alt="">
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Sydney clearance rate dropped into the 40s last weekend

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Auction volume numbers are lower this weekend than last, while all the busiest suburbs are in Victoria.
Reservoir tops the list with 17 homes set to go under the hammer, followed by Glen Waverley with 14 and Craigieburn with 13 auctions scheduled.
Last weekend 2,002 auctions were held. This weekend only 1,736 are scheduled.
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Melbourne is the busiest city for auctions again this week, with 879 auctions being tracked so far, however volumes are expected to be down slightly on last week’s final figures which saw 992 auctions held across the city.
 
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Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/22/auctions.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/22/auctions.jpg" alt=""> 
The priciest home to be auctioned in Reservoir this weekend is a four bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-reservoir-128486638" target="_blank">34 Dawson Street.</a>
It has a guide of $1.15 million to $1.25 million.
 
 
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