International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.

The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.

According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.

&nbsp;

Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.

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Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.

The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.

"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.

"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.

"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=374280]

Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.

McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.

"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."

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Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.

Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

Joel Robinson

SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.

The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366473]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.

"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.

"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]

Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.

Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.

"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.

"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=374378]

According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.

Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.

"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.

"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.

"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.

"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366480]

The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.

A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.

The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.

"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.

"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."

The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.

Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.

Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.

Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]

Lowe Living set new Melbourne off the plan apartment record

For more than three decades, Hyecorp has been delivering residential projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, building a portfolio centred on design-led apartment living in some of the city's most established neighbourhoods.

Hyecorp recently launched the latest in its long line of apartment developments, Celine, a 29-storey tower on Archer Street in Chatswood. Like the majority of the developer's projects, Celine caters to a broad buyer demographic, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, all designed with owner-occupiers in mind.

Functionality and flexibility are often buzzwords in the new apartment market, but they sit at the core of Hyecorp's design philosophy.

Hyecorp Joint Managing Director Stephen Abolakian says the developer understands it isn't designing apartments for today's needs alone, but for how buyers will live several years into the future.

"When we launch our projects we need to be aware that these developments aren't finished for several years," Abolakian says.

"That home office in the here and now might be a nursery by the time the project completes for a prospective buyer, so we need to think about how the apartment spaces function for future uses so there's longevity in the ownership."

Celine's architects, Fuse, followed the same philosophy, saying the design extends well beyond aesthetics.

"Celine focuses on timeless architectural form and functionality, with a strong emphasis on light, proportion and materiality. The design responds to the urban context of Chatswood while delivering calm, highly liveable interiors that feel both contemporary and enduring. The floorplans have been carefully resolved to maximise usability and outperform typical market offerings in terms of efficiency and liveability."

Most apartments incorporate multipurpose rooms designed for flexibility. Each includes an integrated desk and a standard Murphy pull-down single bed, allowing the space to transition from a home office or study to guest accommodation as needs change. The layouts have also been designed to maximise natural light, storage and overall functionality.

One and two-bedroom apartments feature Miele appliances, while three and four-bedroom residences are appointed with integrated Gaggenau appliances and Taj Mahal stone benchtops.

Buyers who purchase early in the construction process can also take advantage of Hyecorp's "Live Your Way" interior design service, allowing them to personalise finishes and tailor elements of their home to suit their own lifestyle. It's a feature designed to appeal to owner-occupiers who want their apartment to feel uniquely theirs from the day they move in.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362614]

While flexible floorplans have become a hallmark of Hyecorp's apartment design, the developer has also continued to place significant emphasis on resident amenity.

As buyers increasingly expect more from apartment living, shared spaces have evolved beyond a gym and barbecue area. They are now an extension of the home, providing spaces to relax, exercise, entertain and connect with neighbours.

At Celine, the resident amenity has been designed with a focus on wellness, centred on the level six podium. An infinity-edge swimming pool, spa, sauna and fully equipped gym are complemented by barbecue facilities and a residents' lounge, creating a range of spaces for relaxation, recreation and social connection above the streets of Chatswood.

Practical conveniences have also been integrated throughout the building, including EV charging provisions, smart parcel lockers, bicycle storage, a pet wash station and dedicated car wash bays, reflecting the project's focus on making everyday living as seamless as possible.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]

"Celine has been designed to deliver a refined residential experience that reflects the evolution of Chatswood into a premium urban centre,"&nbsp;Abolakian says.

"With over 30 years of experience delivering projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, Hyecorp brings a deep understanding of what local buyers value. Every detail has been considered to balance luxury, functionality and long-term liveability. This is not just about apartments, but about creating a lasting residential address for discerning buyers."

Hyecorp, vertically-integrated builder-developer, is anticipating construction commencement later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149594]

Hyecorp brings 30 years of Lower North Shore experience to Celine in Chatswood

Burgeoning South East Queensland developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/frank-developments">Frank Developments</a> is continuing to pad out its capital city development pipeline.

The developer, led by Frank Licastro, has its sights set on Kingsford Smith Drive in Hamilton, where it is planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/avela-60-kingsford-smith-drive-albion-qld-4010">AVELA</a>, a 166-apartment development across three towers that tier down from 28 storeys to 19 and 17.

The towers will rise above the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel.

Frank has brought on Melbourne architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rob-kennon-architects">Kennon</a> to design the building, conceived as a “defining architectural marker where the airport corridor meets the inner city.”

<img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e787c64e-f0a4-4725-891e-e86b40ee5c5c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA.png?VersionId=1ulwuZ9w2vQ2td7v.J2zUI7Ih_DT4Kwz" />

Kennon describes the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

"Positioned at the northern gateway of Brisbane's primary CBD corridor, this project represents a singular moment in the city's urban evolution, one that will not come again," the architecture practice said in the documents submitted to the Brisbane City Council.

"Where the airport and world beyond meets the city, the building will rise as a sculptural landmark, a defining piece of architecture that signals arrival into Brisbane and anchors the connection between the city and the communities to its north."

<img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d572bf62-a98d-4847-95d0-889e3d3283e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA%20podium.png?VersionId=6.Ax4jBzTbY5ahm55iaMWNR03ODhDQSm" />

The development is centred around owner-occupier apartments, with a mix of two, three and four-bedroom residences designed to capitalise on city and river views.

Four basement levels accommodate resident parking, allowing the podium to prioritise pedestrian activity and public-facing uses like ground-floor retail, a cafe, a&nbsp;neighbourhood grocer, and a public accessible indoor pickleball court and event space.&nbsp;

There will be nearly 2,000 sqm of communal wellness and recreation facilities across three levels.

<img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5ac3cbf-3c11-4219-89f3-e12d9e0f9ffd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA%20podium%20A.png?VersionId=_.4zd1HLCKa1s6I_oxkY4NNqX6o3Yevn" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments has increasingly focused on design-led residential projects across South East Queensland.

AVELA is Licastro's second on Kingsford Smith Drive following <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alba-92-kingsford-smith-drive-hamilton-qld-4007">Alba</a>, 85 apartments just down the road. The developer has <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mira-61-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">MIRA</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/myst-burleigh-heads-270-the-esplanade-miami-qld-4220">MYST</a> on the Gold Coast, as well as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/murano-teneriffe-37-wyandra-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Murano</a> coming up in Teneriffe and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bel-air-33-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">Bel Air in New Farm</a>.

Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway

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.

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

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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<h1>Riding in cars with dogs: millions of trips a week tell us transport policy needs to change</h1>
Having a pet dog turns out to be a highly car-dependent affair. Author provided <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-kent-13822" target="_blank">Jennifer Kent</a>, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/corinne-mulley-106" target="_blank">Corinne Mulley</a>, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a>
Dog owners depend very heavily on their cars to transport and care for their pets. Our recently published <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965856417302161">study</a> estimates that dog owners make about 2.4 million dog-related trips a week in Sydney. We also found pet owners overwhelmingly want to be able to travel on public transport with their pets. So why are they still excluded?
<hr>
Further reading: <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-need-a-better-understanding-of-how-we-manage-dogs-to-help-them-become-better-urban-citizens-64749" target="_blank">We need a better understanding of how we manage dogs to help them become better urban citizens</a>
<hr>
Our study, involving more than 1,250 Sydney dog owners, looked at popular activities owners do with their dogs and how often these require a trip by car. Typical activities include:
<ul>
<li>walking</li>
<li>visiting the park or other recreational areas</li>
<li>dog training</li>
<li>going to cafés, bars or shops</li>
<li>visiting family, friends or the vet.</li>
</ul>
On average, we found people walk their dog twice or more a week. While this confirms <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743507003775" target="_blank">existing research</a>, we found that one in four dog walks actually began with a drive in a car. Of the more than 75% of dog owners who go to a recreational area twice or more a week, 45% get there by car. And of the two-thirds of people who go to the dog park three times a week, more than half travel by car.
This demonstrates a surprisingly high reliance on private cars for dog ownership. The table below clearly shows this.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/194753/original/file-20171115-19841-1c1ibfb.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Activities undertaken by dog owners and the number of dog-related car trips each week.
The survey also found that, on average, people visit a vet three times a year. They use a car for 86% of those trips.
However, 14% said lack of transport had prevented them from taking their dog to a vet. People who did not own a car were more likely to fall into this category.
<h2>So, why does this matter?</h2>
Our results indicate that enjoying and caring for a dog in Australian cities – which has <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-pets-strengthen-neighbourhood-ties-79755" target="_blank">proven health and social benefits</a> – is a relatively car-dependent affair. And car dependency is something urban <a href="https://theconversation.com/stuck-in-traffic-we-need-a-smarter-approach-to-congestion-than-building-more-roads-84774" target="_blank">planners want us to leave behind</a> for many reasons, including sustainability, health and <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/healthy-liveable-cities-44685%20in%20our%20cities" target="_blank">liveability</a>.
If we are trying to reduce car use, understanding activities that lead to car dependence is important. We are particularly interested in the unintentional, often negative, consequences for individuals who, by choice or circumstance, do not have access to a car. A compromised ability to enjoy and care for a dog is one such consequence.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/197467/original/file-20171203-5392-1lre7jv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/197467/original/file-20171203-5392-1lre7jv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
All European cities allow dogs on public transport but most cities in the US and Australia do not. <a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/chihuahua-arms-travels-public-transport-615671681?irgwc=1&amp;utm_medium=Affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=TinEye&amp;utm_source=77643&amp;utm_term=" target="_blank">TIF Fotos/Shutterstock</a>
A policy solution would be to allow dogs on public transport in Australian cities. Unsurprisingly, our survey of dog owners found an overwhelming 95% support this.
More than half indicated they would do more activities with their hound if this were allowed. And 20% said they would even consider getting by without one of their cars if they could take their dog on public transport.
<hr>
Further reading: <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-there-a-place-for-dogs-in-public-space-or-must-they-make-do-with-dog-parks-56147" target="_blank">Is there a place for dogs in public space, or must they make do with ‘dog parks’?</a>
<hr>
<h2>What are the rules in other countries?</h2>
With these findings in mind, we investigated public transport policies on pets in 30 cities across Europe, the United States and Australia. We found all European cities allowed dogs on public transport. Most cities in the US and <a href="https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/using-public-transport/travelling-with-animals-pets">Australia</a> did not.
The policies allowing dogs vary. Some apply limits on where on the train, tram or bus a dog may travel, on travel during peak hours, and on the size of dog. In cities such as Paris, dogs must pass a “basket test” for riding in a carrier or small bag.
Most cities charge a fare for dogs at a concession or child price. Zurich has gone a step further by offering an <a href="https://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/tickets-for-switzerland/dogs" target="_blank">annual travel card</a> for dogs.
<hr>
Further reading: <a href="https://theconversation.com/johnny-depps-dogs-show-evolving-ideas-of-animal-citizenship-41968" target="_blank">Johnny Depp’s dogs show evolving ideas of animal ‘citizenship’</a>
<hr>
It is interesting that in cultures where private cars are dominant – such as Australia and the US – dogs are restricted from riding on public transport. In Europe, where car ownership and use are less common and public transport use is more the norm, dogs are welcome on trains and buses.
This perhaps says something about how we see public transport in Australia: it is for predictable and “clean” trips, such as the journey to work.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/87094/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">In reality, our lives are made up of messy trips, and to reduce car dependence we need to plan for this mess. This might include measures such as changes to timetables, making the interior of trains and buses more suitable for people carrying groceries, or allowing people to use the train to take their dog on an outing or to the vet. If public transport is for travel for all citizens and dogs are an important part of so many people’s lives, why should dogs be excluded from public transport?
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jennifer-kent-13822" target="_blank">Jennifer Kent</a>, Research Fellow, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/corinne-mulley-106" target="_blank">Corinne Mulley</a>, Professor; Chair in Public Transport, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841" target="_blank">University of Sydney</a>
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/riding-in-cars-with-dogs-millions-of-trips-a-week-tell-us-transport-policy-needs-to-change-87094" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Riding in cars with dogs: Public transport policy needs to change

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The recent interest in Brutalist buildings by the City of Sydney Council and the National Trust has become a new way to stop new housing projects.
The supporters of Brutalist buildings have moved on from their failure to get the Sirius Building listed to another Brutalist building sitting amongst the Victorian streetscapes of Glebe.
The Glebe building is the Bidura Metropolitan Remand Centre (BMRC) that was built in the 1980s to house children going through the Children’s Court system.”
“The recent Central Sydney Planning Committee meeting supported a council proposal to have the Bidura complex becoming a heritage item even though the City Council’s own Local Environmental Plan allows an 8 story apartment building on the site and no heritage controls have existed on the Remand Centre before.
The brutalist BMRC building (above) presents tall blank concrete walls to the street that have very little of the active uses the council normally requires. Proponents of the heritage listing amazingly compared it with the sandstone Queen Victoria Building on George Street in the city with its extensive display windows and many entrances.
But more importantly the moves to keep the building would stop a state government asset sale objective of providing new housing on a site close to a village centre and public transport. It will be almost impossible to find compatible uses for the concrete monolith unless they relate to prison like uses that want to exist in a concrete fortress.
At the time of the sale of the site by the NSW Government to the private sector there was no heritage controls on the site apart from the 1860 original Bidura House and the City of Sydney’s planning rules allowed an eight storey apartment building, similar to neighbouring sites, to be constructed. Now that the site has been sold to the private sector the Sydney City Council wants to change all the rules. The state government must ensure that there are consistent rules when their sites are sold or the private sector will not have confidence in the sale process.
The extensive support documents to the councils proposed heritage listing lauded British Brutalist buildings including the Barbican Centre in London as good examples of Brutalism. The Barbican Centre takes up a full city block but the street edge on all four sides is either a blank concrete wall, a concrete car park or on one side service entries off a covered road that looks like a tunnel. Brutalism seemed to be very unfriendly when it presented to the public realm of the street as demonstrated by London’s Barbican Centre and Glebe’s Bidura Children’s Court and Metropolitan Remand Centre.
The Urban Taskforce is concerned about the sovereign risk that the change of planning rules creates after government disposes of an asset. We are also concerned about the growing trend to try and list as heritage items Brutalist buildings that have poor relationships to the street and are seen by many people as being ugly.
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CHRIS JOHNSON is chief executive officer of property development industry group Urban Taskforce and can be <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=97&amp;Itemid=126#.Vdaart55dFI" target="_blank">contacted here. </a>
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cjohnson-8xfqfuuCSq

Protection of Brutalist Buildings being used to stop new development

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This week marked the first anniversary of new strata laws across New South Wales.

They appear to have worked well. There were over 90 changes implemented by the then Innovation and Better Regulations Minister Victor Dominello.

The new laws for apartments modernised strata laws to reflect 21st Century living in the biggest overhaul in four decades.

There are around 90,000 working strata schemes across the state ranging from duplexes to those with 100s of flats. The state recently registered its 96,000th strata. More than a few have disappeared over the years.

Some two million NSW residents currently live in the apartments, units and townhouses, and that is set to rise dramatically from the trend of downsizers into apartment living. 

The new rules effected everyone who owned or rented with the laws marking the most significant reforms since 1973 revisions. 

Some changes could be implemented quickly while others will still take time - especially the reform that paved the way for urban renewal by the compulsory demolition particularly of well-position small, older apartment blocks on large land holdings. There have been a few easy gets on this front with owners delighted at the money on offer from developers.

NSW was the first place in the world with strata title in 1961, so there is no doubting they needed modernisation. There were modern day issues to address - issues such as using BBQs on apartment balconies.

Around 30% of schemes in the Sydney date back more than three decades.

Many of the new by-laws only apply to new strata schemes, but could be adopted if older strata embraced them.

All strata schemes had to have reviewed their own by-laws by 30 November. 

Owners corporations were to determine by-laws that best suited their strata.

The existing by-laws that apply to your strata scheme depend on the date the strata plan was registered.

If, as a result of the latest review, your scheme proposes changes to the by-laws, these must be put to a special resolution vote at a meeting of the owners corporation.

Any new by-laws must also be registered with the NSW Office of the Registrar General within six months after the special resolution. 

A by-law must not be harsh, so they for instance cannot restrict children, and cannot restrict the keeping of an assistance animal. Pets are a matter for each strata to work out themselves.

A copy of your scheme's by-laws is kept on the strata roll and is available from either the secretary of the owners corporation or from your managing agent.

While things have gone seamlessly, there appears to be a need for some review from Macquarie Street.

It has been suggested a loophole emerged after owners took action at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) against a resident who broke the bylaws by ripping up her carpet to use the concrete slab as flooring. It emerged they could not, under current rules, impose a fine on her.  

Of course short term letting is the biggest unresolved strata issue, which is still subject to NSW parliamentary review.

This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

New strata laws working well on year anniversary

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Despite moderate value declines recently, and with a healthy median dwelling value of $904,041 as at November 2017, Sydney is remains the nation’s most expensive capital city housing market and has kept up this pace consistently, excluding a short period during 2006 and 2007 when Perth surpassed the city. 
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A valuable exercise is to look at how over time, Sydney’s premium relative to the other capital city markets has cycled.
(Note: The accompanying charts show the Sydney premium over time with the red line highlighting the average premium over the length of the period shown on each chart). 
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Overview – capital cities performance compared to Sydney: 
• Melbourne – dwelling values currently sit at $718,325 indicating that Sydney values are 25.9% higher. The Sydney premium is currently the lowest it has been since April 2014. Over the long- term Sydney’s average premium has been 39.2%. 
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• Brisbane – with a median dwelling value of $490,915, Sydney dwellings are currently 84.2% more expensive than Brisbane’s. The long-term average premium is 54.1% and the premium has consistently been higher than this average since September 2014 
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• Adelaide – Sydney dwelling values have, on average, been 180.3% higher than Adelaide’s. Adelaide’s current median dwelling value of $432,126 sees the Sydney premium at 109.2%. Sydney has had an above average premium to Adelaide consistently since November 2014. 
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• Perth – the current median dwelling values for the city is recorded at $463,026 which indicates that Sydney’s current median is 95.2% higher compared to a long-term average difference of 60.8%. The premium for Sydney housing has been above the long-term average since August 2015. 
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• Hobart – with a median dwelling value of $398,093, Sydney’s median value is currently 127.1% higher. The long-term average Sydney premium is 105.0% indicating that the gap has been wider than average since December 2013. 
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• Darwin – Sydney dwellings are currently 108.9% more expensive than Darwin’s median dwelling value which sits at $432,774. Over the long-term the average premium for Sydney dwellings has been recorded at 54.9% with the premium consistently above the long- term average since June 2015. 
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• Canberra – the median dwelling value currently sits at $588,788 which means that Sydney has a value premium of 53.5%. The long-term average premium for Sydney is 33.2% with the premium having been above average consistently since April 2014.
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Just because the Sydney premium is currently above the long-term average for most cities, this doesn’t necessarily mean that we will see a reversion to those long term averages.
We acknowledge that dwelling values are beginning to fall in Sydney after a substantial increase over recent years. Assuming these falls continue, the premium relative to the other capital cities is likely to decline.”
Across most capital cities the current Sydney dwelling value premium is similarly large to what it was late in 2002 after a significant period of growth for the city. Following that growth phase, Sydney values peaked in December 2002 and then fell by 8.2% and didn’t eclipse the previous peak until October 2007. Mr Kusher said, “It is reasonable that we could see similar falls over the coming year(s) which would in-turn narrow the gap between the value of housing in other capital cities relative to Sydney.”
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Cameron Kusher is head of research for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>. 
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Sydney has consistently kept mantle as nation's most expensive capital city

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Ray White Bundoora seem to be the keenest agency scheduling auctions on the Saturday before Christmas.
The agency in north east Melbourne have four homes on their books for the 23rd of December, the only agency in the country with a handful of auctions set for that date.
Two of the properties are targeting developers.
One of the homes in Bundoora is set to be traded for the first time in over three decades. It last sold for $75,000 in 1984 and is now being marketed with a $690,000 to $740,000 auction guide.
Ray White Bundoora agent Olivia Wang said its a developer's dream or a perfect opportunity for an enthusiastic renovator.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-bundoora-127108046" target="_blank">three bedroom home</a> sits on a near 590 sqm corner parcel and has a rental appraisal of between $350 to $400 a week.
Another developer targeted <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-preston-127056078" target="_blank">property is in Preston</a>, nine kilometres north of the Melbourne CBD.
Offered with an auction guide of $820,000 to $900,000 through Joe Torzillo, the current run down home on 560 sqm has three bedrooms and two living areas, with a kitchen still in original condition.
It last traded for $510,000 in 2009.
The closest home to the Ray White Bundoora office is a remodelled and renovated <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-bundoora-127049446" target="_blank">Regan Court home</a> (top and below).
<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/2017/12/8/eve2.jpg" alt="">
Complete with swimming pool on its 635 sqm parcel, it is being marketed by Joe Torzillo with $820,000 to $900,000 hopes.
A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mill+park-127068642" target="_blank">Mill Park home</a> north of Melbourne goes to auction on the same day, located in the sought-after Rivergum Estate.
Set on 625 sqm, the family home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a theatre room. It has a $950,000 to $1,045,000 guide through Vanya Kostur.
In NSW there is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-east+gosford-127084954" target="_blank">a Gosford district offering</a> at 3.30pm on Saturday December 23.
 
 
 
<h3 class="address"> </h3>
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Last minute pre-Christmas auctions ahead of Santa's visit

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The Sydney residential land market is estimated to have peaked in terms of prices as well as lot production over 2016/17, according to BIS Oxford Economics.
Constrained affordability (the worst across all cities), the erosion of the dwelling deficiency as well as regulatory measures aimed at cooling investor activity have all played a part in reigning in demand.
“Rapid growth in the median house price was not matched by the rises in the median land price over the three years to 2014/15, improving the equation for the purchase of new houses relative to established stock,” said BIS Shrapnel’s senior manager of residential property market research Angie Zigomanis.
“However, land prices saw significant growth over 2014/15 and 2015/16, narrowing the gap and driving some demand back into the established market.”
As such, demand for new houses is expected to have topped out. A total of 11,200 lots were released in 2016/17 with this forecast to be a record high.
Despite the expectation of a downturn, the fall in lot production is likely to be moderate.
Off-the-plan purchases occurring in the current market, as well as low interest rates, will provide some support for lot production and land prices, as will a greater deficiency in the detached house market relative to the Sydney apartment market. 
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Sydney land market has peaked: BIS

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Set on a 797 square metre corner block, Cooby Cottage, the vacated Coolbellup house has been sold by mortgagees for $465,000.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-coolbellup-126687534" target="_blank">The 36 Hartley Street house</a> last sold at $395,000 in 2009.
The 1960s cottage came with three bedrooms, open plan kitchen, meals and living area, separated renovated bathroom with bathtub, separate laundry and WC, additional lounge or games room running onto the large entertaining patio and back garden.
Murdoch University, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch Train Station and Fremantle are all a short car trip away.
 
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Cooby Cottage, Coolbellup, WA sold by mortgagee

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GUEST OBSERVER
The 30% of Australians who live outside a capital city are experiencing a period of rapid change. A new era of food and crop production prosperity is being driven by technological disruption and farm business consolidation. This is occurring alongside ballooning unemployment, poorer health outcomes, and social dislocation in regional communities. We need to find long-lasting solutions to this disparity.
Last financial year, agriculture was the largest contributor to Australia’s GDP growth and the fastest-growing sector in the nation. Meanwhile, in October 2017, youth unemployment in outback Queensland hit 59.2% at a time when employment rates in inner Brisbane for 15-24 year-olds were hovering at 6%. Youth unemployment sits around the 20% mark in many regional areas across Australia.
The challenges facing regional Australia will not be solved by a single new mine, a quick job-creation scheme, or a flurry of bus tickets to the city. Instead, we need sustainable solutions that give regional Australians the chance to leave welfare behind, transform their job prospects and contribute to society as skilled workers. The best first step would be to give regional Australians better access to tertiary education.
A problem for everyone
The majority of Australia’s 40 universities operate regional campuses. From Broome to Burnie to Bundaberg, 25 Australian universities have them. There are 68 regional campuses in total, located in every state and territory, with the exception of the ACT. Most of these campuses undertake research in areas like precision agriculture, organics, aquaculture, medicinal cannabis production, plant genetics and plant science. They’re building expertise relevant to our agriculture-driven economic prosperity. Yet the people living around those campuses don’t all benefit from them.
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<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/197896/original/file-20171206-31114-whxkz2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
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Australia’s regional campuses educate 20% of the nation’s tertiary students – more than 280,000 people. They could enrol many more, but proposed federal government policies would shut the door on many promising students. For example, proposals to make students pay for enabling places would act as a strong disincentive to take up study in the first place.
The goal of providing university access to 40% of the population has largely been met in metropolitan centres. But most regional areas are well below that participation target. Often, they are barely halfway there.
Since budget loadings, benefitting all regional campuses, were introduced in 2004, reviews have recommended extra funding for students enrolled at a regional university. This was proposed in recognition of the extra costs of delivering appropriate learning and teaching and the need to deliver career opportunities to regional people. These loadings were applied but have been successively wound back since that time.
The whittling away of regional loadings means such universities are at a substantial disadvantage. The current tertiary funding formula is too uniform. Students receive the same base level of funding for their degree in almost every case. This may suit a university with 50,000 students in a capital city. But it simply doesn’t cover the cost of many courses on much smaller campuses outside urban areas.
Regional universities also find it hard to attract international students, who provide important additional revenue to many metropolitan universities.
These factors mean it’s essential to prioritise the promise of economic sustainability and opportunity over the notion of higher education policy equality. Regional students merit more specific, targeted support across a range of degrees.
A new regional deal
A new approach to regional higher education would address many of these problems. Based on our research at Southern Cross University, I’ve suggested such an approach to the current federal government review into regional, rural and remote education. It would include:
<ul>
<li>
10,000 Commonwealth supported enabling places for regional Australians, distributed according to regional need and demand
</li>
<li>
$50 million per year for four years to help all 25 universities with regional campuses catch up
</li>
<li>
a new regional loading, in recognition of the higher costs of regional education delivery.
</li>
</ul>
As the Regional Universities Network (the RUN group) has advocated, regional university campuses need a new policy approach. Only regional universities can provide education at a reasonable cost without forcing people to face the upheaval of moving hundreds of kilometres, leaving family members behind and competing in the unaffordable housing markets of Sydney and Melbourne.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/88537/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Local start-ups, local businesses, local health providers, and local arts performers all deserve a chance to thrive. A new funding approach will empower regional campuses to create more opportunities for the people they serve. It will help reduce inter-generational welfare dependence among a significant cohort of families, and bring additional income into communities. It will enable regional universities to educate more teachers, nurses, engineers and small business-people to work productively in their own backyards. Above all, it will translate that talent in the backyard to the front yard and then to the rest of the world.
Adam Shoemaker, Vice Chancellor, Southern Cross University
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-new-approach-to-regional-higher-education-is-essential-to-our-economic-future-88537" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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A new approach to regional higher education is essential to our economic future: Adam Shoemaker

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GUEST OBSERVER
When Katherine Hunt’s dad asked her whether or not he should invest in Bitcoin, alarm bells rang, first she thought “he’s a musician”.
Hunt is a lecturer in accounting at the Griffith Business School, and as someone who knows the five stages of a bubble and crash, she was worried when it seemed everyone was thinking they needed to “get in on” Bitcoin.
“The stock market is a manifestation of the psychology of everyone who is investing, so of course there is going to be these crazy stages,” Hunt says.
There is a boom, as momentum behind a new stock or asset speeds up and the media starts to cover it, fuelling its price rise.
Then the euphoria sets in, the value of the asset skyrockets and people start to make a profit. But looming around the corner is the panic.
Investors feel the last phase of a crash far more than they do the elation of the price rising, Hunt says. Panic breeds more panic and the price falls.
Hunt is seeing this pattern play out with the stocks of the more well known gig economy businesses like Airbnb and Uber. These businesses now enjoy the privilege of being the only, or one of a few of their kind, in the marketplace. But Hunt says this can’t last.
“In an open market that’s not the case at all, there’s always going to be competition and these companies will fall. It’s just probably that they’ll fall in 30 or 40 years, not necessarily tomorrow,” she says.
Of course this is all easier to see in hindsight.
Remembering the global financial crisis
John Crosby, now a senior lecturer in finance at the University of Technology Sydney, was once working as an investment banker at Lloyds of London in 2007 when he noticed a news story on losses financial services company HSBC was reporting from its subprime mortgages.
“I thought, that could be quite bad,” Crosby recalls.
At the time volatility was low and it seemed like everything was going along fine. But Crosby overheard a coworker who looked after the banks’ various branches asking people to move any sums to deposit to London.
“That wasn’t normal right? It was perfectly normal that you did business with anybody you wanted to, unless there was a real credit risk issue with the bank,” he says.
Crosby realises now that his coworker knew other banks were carrying toxic debt that would eventually kick off the global financial crisis.
When it came to 2008 the real problems became clear and it was more of a question of which bank would fall next, he says.
“People were way too complacent before the crisis and then during the crisis it’s one of blind panic, thinking everyday things are going to get worse. Whereas in reality there was light at the end of the tunnel,” Crosby says.
By then Crosby was working at financial services company UBS and thousands of people were being laid off. In 2009 the company decided to hire half of those employees back.
Past theories about what causes crashes
The benefit of hindsight also shows what sort of speculation leads to market crashes. Before crashes were well understood, economists had to grapple with what they thought might be causing a crash.
In the 19th century, economist William Stanley Jevons believed that sunspots (hyperactive radiation on the sun) could be the key to understanding crashes.
“He was interested to find out that the cycle of sunspots was very similar…as the trade cycle back on earth,” says Simon Ville, a professor of economic and business history at the University of Wollongong.
Of course this theory was later discredited, but there have been bubbles over some very ordinary assets in the past.
Ville explains that tulips were at the centre of the first market bubble and crash in recorded history. Tulips became high fashion in the Netherlands, in the early 17th century, but because it took a while for these plants to grow it was very much like the future markets we see today in modern finance.
“That inevitably creates a sense of uncertainty and a sense of speculation, ‘what are you actually buying? Will you get the full value of what you’re paying for?’,” Ville says.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/88688/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Of course people started paying more and more for tulips, until it took someone’s life savings to buy one bulb. Ultimately there was a point where euphoria turned to panic and the climate changed from optimism to pessimism. This is when the price crashed, and the bubble burst.
Callum Halliday, Editorial Intern, The Conversation.
Eleanor Harrison-Dengate, Editorial intern, The Conversation. 
Jenni Henderson, Section Editor: Business + Economy, The Conversation.
Josh Nicholas, Deputy Editor: Business + Economy, The Conversation.
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-happened-to-the-price-of-bitcoin-the-truth-behind-big-bubbles-and-crashes-88688" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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What happened to the price of Bitcoin? The truth behind big bubbles and crashes

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A disproportionate rise in house prices compared with wages growth has made the task of first time buyers difficult in NSW, but there was still an increase in their number in the year to August 2017.
A recent Bankwest report reveals a growth in first time buyers (FTBs) of 5.1% (based on ABS data), bringing the total number of FTB purchases to 17,844 for the year. 
This is the largest increase since November 2014.
NSW FTBs still face an uphill battle to get their first property with the average couple having to save for six years to get the necessary $148,281 for a 20% deposit on median priced house, according to the 2017 Bankwest First Time Buyers Report.
This time span is an increase of six months from this time last year.
Sydneysiders have to save for 8.2 years (up eight months on last year) to save the necessary $215,133 for a deposit. This makes both NSW and Sydney the country’s most inaccessible state and city for FTBs.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/12/1/NSWMostTime.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/12/1/NSWMostTime.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/12/1/NSWLeastTime.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/12/1/NSWLeastTime.png" alt="">
Bankwest general manager personal and small business banking, Donna Dalby said NSW’s FTBs are at the mercy of a number of factors.
“The main reason for this increased savings time at both the state and city level is an increase in house prices compared to increases in wages. House prices went up by 10.7% in NSW whereas wages only rose by 2%.
“All this means the average savings time for a NSW home is 1.4 years more than the national average,” she added.
The challenging nature of the NSW market means home owners are considering other options, such as a looking outside the top end of Sydney’s housing market and into more humble avenues.
This is reflected in the fact that the average house loan size for NSW FTBs was a relatively modest $368,500 in the year to June 2017.
The report also shows that Sydney FTB couples could do well to consider opting for a unit rather than a house as a first home. The average saving time for a unit across Australia is 4.2 years, five months less than the savings time for a house. In Sydney the saving time for a unit is 5.9 years, 2.3 years less than the saving time needed for a house.
“Everyone dreams of having their own house but medium and high density housing is on the increase across the country and can offer a noticeably quicker route to home ownership than aiming at a house purchase,” said Dalby.
Sydney’s Mosman area was the most inaccessible. FTBs there will require an average of 20.4 years to save a median deposit of $795,408, making the area the second least accessible in the nation behind WA’s Peppermint Grove, said the report.
The significant four-year rise in saving time in the year to June 2017 was driven by a 29.8% increase in Mosman median house prices.
Remarkably however, the nation’s largest year-on-year increase was in Hunters Hill where it takes 4.1 years longer for a couple to save the $682,678 deposit on a median priced house relative to last year.
The findings were part of the ninth annual First Time Buyers Report by Bankwest.
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-broken+hill-125807558" target="_blank">31 Morish Street, Broken Hill</a> (picture above) recently sold for $115,000.
A two-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-broken+hill-126500142" target="_blank">27 Central Street, Broken Hill</a> (pictured below) sold in November 2017 for $95,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/12/1/BrokenHill2.png" alt="">
 
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