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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185853]

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."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362498]

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

<html><body>
Activity in Townsville’s residential property market is currently dominated by owner-occupiers with a number of these buyers being first time participants, the valuation firm Herron Todd White (htw) has signalled in a recent report.
"Sentiment is building in Townsville’s residential property market which is consolidating at the start of recovery phase, although the market is showing a dichotomy with the recovery in the housing sector advancing, whilst the market for land and units continues to teeter," it advised.
First time buyer participants in the local market are buying houses across most suburbs of Townsville and include a mixture of new, semi modern and older style homes.
"This sector of the market would appear to be mostly active in the $300,000 to $400,000 range," it noted.
"It would appear that first time participants in the market have realised that now is the time to buy with record low interest rates, good affordability and a buyer’s market creating favourable conditions for these buyers." 
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-townsville+city-125624582" target="_blank">251 Wills Street</a> in Townsville City (picture above) recently traded for $400,000. The house is perched on the foothills of Castle Hill.
Another house in Townsville City, this one a two-bedroom dwelling, changed hands earlier this year for $329,000. 
<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/2017/11/22/Townsville2.jpg" alt="">
Other owner-occupiers include upgraders moving from units to houses, renovators, those moving to superior locations and downsizers.
"This market encompasses a wide range of values and suburbs."
The valuation firm noted Townsville’s median house price remained soft.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

First home buyers think it's time to buy in Townsville: HTW

<html><body>
A typical home owner in Mount Gambier could be a first home buyer, a family or an empty nester, according to a recent report from the Herron Todd White (HTW) valuation firm.
First home buyers are generally younger and look for a property that is within the $150,000 to $250,000 price range.
Families are generally after a home that has three to four bedrooms and perhaps two living areas and is within the price range of $250,000 to $450,000.
"For empty nesters it is varying," the report said.
"They may be looking to downsize from a large family home.
"They are pretty flexible and may choose to either buy or build a modern, smaller dwelling for easier maintenance.
"A lot of empty nesters are also selling and following their children to university or even packing up and travelling."
Recently, a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-mount+gambier-120791109" target="_blank">61 Acacia Street</a>, picture above, in Mount Gambier recently sold for $185,000.
Another three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-mount+gambier-126405418" target="_blank">81 Cardinia Street</a> recently changed hands for $220,000.
<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/2017/11/22/MtGambier2.jpg" alt=""> 
HTW noted with the construction grant still in place for first home buyers, it is still common for first home buyers to build their first home.
These homes are generally within the price range of $250,000 to $350,000.
</body></html>

Mount Gambier first home buyers spending $150,000 plus: HTW

<html><body>
Investor purchasing has increased in Tasmania, and according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White (HTW) currently represents a 20% to 25% quota of residential property transactions.
Interstate investor activity has also increased, it noted.
"With Tasmanian investors achieving average gross yields of 5.2% and Hobart out performing all other capital cities it seems the returns on offer in Tasmania are capturing more investor attention," a recent report by HTW advised.
Some property market commentators are predicting that 2017 could see Tasmania turn over its highest volume of residential property sales in more than 10 years if property sales continue at the same pace as they have in the first half of this year.
The north has experienced the greatest percentage increase in residential sales volumes when compared to the same period last year.
"This may be as a result of reported stock shortages and capital growth in the south with buyers looking further a field for investment opportunities," HTW's report noted.
The upgrader or second home buyer price bracket is where buyers are most active within Hobart’s residential property market.
Glenorchy and Claremont are experiencing the greatest amount of entry level sales activity. Both suburbs are north-west of Hobart approximately 10 and 15 kilometres respectively north-west of the city centre.
It noted the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a popular tourist destination sits within a three kilometre radius of both Glenorchy and Claremont.
Examples of recent sales in Glenorchy include an older style, two bedroom, one bathroom unit in original condition which sold for $225,000 and an older style, dated, three bedroom, one bathroom home with single garage that backs onto Hobart’s show grounds that was purchased for $297,500.
In addition, a three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-glenorchy-126658902" target="_blank">46 Tolosa Street, Glenorchy</a> (picture above) recently sold for $333,000.
Another three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-claremont-126929134" target="_blank">1-15 Malabar Road, Claremont</a> sold for $317,500.
<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/2017/11/22/Claremont.jpg" alt=""> 
Sandy Bay, Kingston and Howrah are areas where upgraders or second home buyers are focusing their attention.
Sandy Bay is popular due to its position immediately south of the city with the Derwent River forming its southern border.
Contained within the suburb are the University of Tasmania campus, casino, private and public schools, local shops and recreational facilities. Recent sales within this price bracket in Sandy Bay include an older style, first floor, renovated, waterfront two bedroom, one bathroom unit with uninterrupted water views and single carport which recently sold for $850,000 and a renovated, four bedroom, two bathroom, period terrace that transacted for $985,000.
Within Hobart’s prestige market a modern Sandy Bay home offering five bedrooms, five bathrooms, indoor pool and double garage with views of the Derwent River recently sold for $3 million.
Similar levels of activity are occurring in the first home buyer and upgrader price brackets of the northern residential market, it noted.
The greatest activity occurring in Launceston’s more affordable suburbs is taking place in Newnham, Invermay and South Launceston.
Newnham is located approximately ve kilometres on the northern outskirts of Launceston and is predominantly residential with the University of Tasmania and The Australian Maritime College located nearby.
Properties that have recently sold in Newnham include a modern, two bedroom, one bathroom unit with one off street carpark which sold for $255,000 and an older style, renovated, five bedroom, two bathroom home with double garage that sold for $270,000.
Within the upgrader residential market segment Riverside, Newstead and Legana are proving to be the most popular with purchasers, HTW said.
Riverside is located along the western side of the Tamar River and is well contained with a shopping centre, public and private schools and sporting facilities. It is approximately a six kilometre commute to the city centre. A modern, four bedroom, three bathroom home with double garage and river views was recently sold in Riverside for $610,000 and a modern, three bedroom, two bathroom unit with river views and double garage sold for $360,000.
A recent notable sale in Launceston was for $1.4 million for a modern, four bedroom, three bathroom home located at Launceston’s Seaport overlooking the Tamar River. 
</body></html>

Why property investors are heading to Hobart: HTW

<html><body>
The dream of home ownership in Mackay has become that much easier, according to a report from the valuation firm, Herron Todd White (HTW).
It noted prior to 2013, Mackay had one of the highest median house values in regional Queensland sitting around the $430,000 mark in 2012.
Mackay had a reputation as a mining town and was often not on the radar for professions such as teachers, police, ambulance or entry level job seekers not related to mining because of the high rents and purchase price for dwellings.
"Even in our own business we found it extremely difficult to move our trainees to Mackay because of the high costs associated with housing," the HTW report noted.
However, since the downturn in the resource industry and flow on effects to the Mackay residential market, we saw significant falls in both house prices and rental levels across the board.
This downward cycle lasted well into 2016 and saw median house prices drop by over $100,000 to sit at around the $315,000 mark, with many properties available for under and in some cases well under $300,000.
While this result was has been difficult to take, it has presented opportunities in Mackay not seen in over 13 years.
The issue of affordability and the ability to move non- mining related staff and employees into the region has become easier.
"For example, we had an assistant valuer move to Mackay in 2012 to further her training and she was paying $375 per week rent for a small two-bedroom walk up at with poor quality tout, with virtually no prospects of being able to purchase," HTW said.
"This level of rent was unsustainable and she moved south to further her training.
"Since the downturn, we have been able to transfer one of our junior valuers to Mackay who now rents a 3-bedroom dwelling in Beaconsfield for $250 per week and is on the hunt to purchase a dwelling."
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-126478638" target="_blank">36 George Street</a> (pictured above) sold recently for $410,000. the house was built in the 1920s.
Another four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-mackay-124839494" target="_blank">8 George Street</a> changed hands for $420,000 earlier this year.
<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/2017/11/22/Mackay-new.jpg" alt="">
HTW suggested this scenario is being played out across a variety of industries in Mackay.
"This new level of affordability isn’t just rewarding the lower end of the market," it said.
"We have seen this across most sectors of the market from first home owners to middle level upgraders, even to the top end prestige market.
"For example, in the boom to purchase good quality executive dwellings in the newer estates such as Northview Gardens, you were looking at the $600,000 plus.
"Since the market has fallen, we have seen a number of sales within the estate at between $450,000 and $500,000, which when combined with record low interest rates becomes more achievable."
</body></html>

New levels of affordability for Mackay: HTW

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVER
Foreign national ownership of property is a growing concern for many countries, including New Zealand and Australia. From 2018, New Zealand is banning foreign ownership of residential property in an attempt to curb housing inflation and high vacancy rates.
What’s going on in New Zealand?
New Zealand residential property inflation reached 10.46% last year. Prices rose by 34% over the past three years.
As a consequence, New Zealanders are increasingly concerned that people on low and medium incomes are being locked out of the property market. Home ownership in New Zealand has reached its lowest level in 65 years – only a quarter of adults under 40 years own their own home compared to half in 1991.
Immigration to New Zealand grew by 19% in the last financial year. Strong immigration, low interest rates and limited housing supplies, particularly in areas affected by recent earthquakes, have fuelled the rise in house prices.
Jancinda Ardern’s new Labour government went to the election with a comprehensive housing platform that included a crackdown on speculative investors. Labour stated that 2015 tax changes applying to investor earnings were not having the desired effect of limiting price growth.
How does Australia compare?
When it comes to housing, New Zealand is both leading the way while behind Australia in other areas of housing policy. The incoming New Zealand legislative changes emphasise the banning of foreign ownership of residential property. Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) already applies a ban on foreign ownership for existing (as opposed to new) housing. Like Australia, the New Zealand legislation will continue to allow permanent residents to buy existing homes.
However, there are some significant differences. New Zealand’s law will also apply to foreign trusts and foreign corporations. Australian still allows some foreign trusts and corporations to buy existing homes where staff need to be accommodated. In Australia, overseas residential investment is largely channelled into building new homes.
Many in Australia consider that temporary residents such as students and those here for work should not be allowed to buy existing residential properties. The FIRB allows this. The proposed New Zealand legislation, in its current form, does not.
New Zealand anticipates that removing investor demand by excluding foreign nationals from the market will help stabilise house prices. However, there is little evidence that such measures have successfully slowed price inflation in Australia.
Increases in stamp duty rates for some foreign residential purchases are at odds with the FIRB’s long-standing need to encourage investment to offset foreign trade deficits. In the 2015/16 year, for example, approvals for foreign investment in real estate totalled A$72.4 billion.
However, the New South Wales and Victorian governments both increased stamp duty surcharges for foreign investors in residential real estate to make it less attractive to them. The difference here between the two countries is that in Australia the surcharge is being levied as a state initiative rather than a federal one.
Not all states apply a surcharge to foreign investments in real estate. For this reason, the impact is less likely to antagonise Australia’s major trading partners and investors such as China.
The New Zealand surcharges will be applied nationally. Therefore, the surcharge may be viewed as a protectionist measure.
Protectionism and the Productivity Commission
Concern is growing that a global increase in protectionism (favoured by the Trump administration) could lead to a worldwide recession and lower living standards, including in Australia.
However, although foreign ownership restrictions could hurt New Zealand’s reputation as an open economy, they are unlikely to do so. This is because 58.5% of the funds coming into New Zealand are from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. These are also the countries that New Zealand most heavily invests in. Where the surcharge remains reasonable, it is unlikely to impact upon investment or be seen as a protectionist measure.
New Zealand has been much slower than Australia to introduce rules on residential property ownership. Its proposed legislation closely mirrors Australia’s legislation in regard to who may buy existing homes. These measures have not significantly slowed housing price rises in Australia.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/87089/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">However, New Zealand also plans to limit residential ownership of property by temporary residents and apply a surcharge nationally. These additional measures may have greater effect on limiting housing price rises than Australia’s restrictions have had so far.
Erika Altmann, Property and Housing Management Researcher, University of Tasmania.
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/foreign-ownership-of-housing-how-do-australia-and-new-zealand-compare-87089" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

How Australia and New Zealand compare for foreign ownership of housing: Erika Altmann

<html><body>
A four-bedroom 1960's property on two adjoining titles at Banksia Park has been sold under instructions from the mortgagee in possession.
It was auctioned by Century 21 for $300,000. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-banksia+park-126715662" target="_blank">The </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-banksia+park-126715662" target="_blank">14 Davenport Street property</a> comprises a mostly solid brick dwelling with a large gas heated lounge/dining living area, a good sized kitchen with plenty of cupboards and bench space plus an additional casual living area.
Adjacent to the house block is a separately fenced allotment with garage.
The 1485 square metre site is situated in the leafy foot hills of Banksia Park.
</body></html>

1960s Banksia Park mortgagee sale at $300,000

<html><body>
All strata schemes must review their by-laws by 30 November 2017, if they have not already done so since 30 November 2016. 
Each strata scheme has its own by-laws, which are a set of rules that owners, tenants and, in some cases, visitors must follow.  By-laws cover behaviour of residents and the use of common property. They can cover issues such as whether pets are allowed on the scheme, how smoking is regulated, parking and noise levels.
The by-laws can vary significantly from scheme to scheme and it is important to understand which by-laws apply to your scheme.
Owners corporations can determine the by-laws that suit the preferred lifestyle of the strata scheme. A by-law must not be harsh, unconscionable or oppressive. No by-law is capable of restricting a dealing in a lot, including restricting short-term letting. By-laws cannot restrict children, and cannot restrict the keeping of an assistance animal.
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 (if your scheme has one).
The by-laws that apply to your strata scheme depend on the date the strata plan was registered. More information on these by-laws can be found on the Registrar General's Guidelines website.
<div>Review of all strata by-laws</div>
<div>Model by-laws</div>
<div>Pets</div>
<div>Assistance Animals</div>
<div>Nuisance smoking</div>
<div>Common property rights by-law</div>
<div>What by-laws are in place at your scheme?</div>
<div>Complying with by-laws</div>
<div>Dealing with by-law breaches</div>
<div>Penalties and fines</div>
<div>Changing by-laws</div>
<div>Other important responsibilities of strata residents</div>
If, as a result of the 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. The new  by-laws must also be registered with the NSW Office of the Registrar General within 6 months after the special resolution has been passed. This can be done by lodging a Consolidation/Change of By-Laws form. Tenants must also be informed of any change in by-laws.
In addition, the Secretary of the strata scheme must now keep a consolidated list of  by–laws. A consolidated list of by–laws must be registered with Land and Property Information before any new change of by–laws can be registered.
 
<h1>Model by-laws </h1>
The Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 includes a set of model by-laws which provide 'sample rules' to guide the owners corporation in setting their own by-laws. Owners corporations can choose to adopt these or make changes to better suit their circumstances to manage issues in strata like overcrowding, pets, parking, and smoke drift. Schemes are not required to adopt or adapt any of the model by-laws, they are available to assist schemes in reviewing and making by-laws to suit their scheme. Model by-laws cannot be the by-laws for your scheme unless they are first formally adopted by the owners corporation and registered with Land and Property Information.
The model by-laws include options for:
<ul>
<li>permitting pets</li>
<li>dealing with nuisance or hazardous smoking</li>
<li>helping owners corporations address noise and short-term letting</li>
<li>measures to prevent overcrowding.</li>
</ul>
View or download a copy of the model by-laws in the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 from the NSW Legislation website.
 
</body></html>

All NSW strata schemes must review their by-laws by 30 November 2017

<html><body><div title="Page 57">
<div>
<div>
<div>
Perth bargains are harder to find, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.
"All in all, the market is ripe for owner occupiers to make a purchasing decision," a recent report to clients advised.
"Many speculators have already called the bottom of the market and they may well be right – just not in all areas.
"Many areas remain price sensitive, but the ability to snag a bargain is becoming harder by the week," it suggested.
<div title="Page 57">
<div>
<div>
<div>
"There are definite signs things are changing.
"Discussions with selling agents reveal more frequent incidents of multiple offers on properties and a higher level of open home attendance at lower price levels.
"The number of properties advertised for sale has declined over the previous 12 months, from 14,000 to 13,200 – with the market commonly interpreting 12,000 as a balanced market.
"Given that in an average week, 500 sales are recorded in the Perth metro area, a short period of undersupply could lead to a market correction in a very short period of time," it suggested.
The market appears to be at the stage of understanding that the window of opportunity to pick the bottom of the market is narrowing, with a level of optimism becoming apparent.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

Perth property bargains harder to find: HTW

<html><body>
Large lots with sweeping vistas are in favour with Gold Coast homebuyers, with some locals waiting up to a decade for the chance to move up to the latest Coomera Waters land release.
According to QM Properties general sales manager Damien Ross, demand for large lot release Quest has been exceedingly strong.
“Quest is one of the final land releases at Coomera Waters and certainly the highest, sitting at 130 feet above sea level and offering potential residents views to the Broadwater and the Hinterland,” Mr Ross said.
“The exclusive gated stage features just 42 lots, ranging from 1,355sqm to 4,599sqm and priced from the low $400,000s.
“The combination of large lots and spectacular views has helped drive enquiries, many of which have come from local residents who bought in the area up to 10 years ago and have been waiting for this part of the masterplan to be released.
“Quest is the jewel in the crown of Coomera Waters, offering both the space to create an architectural masterpiece as well as the exceptional backdrop of the Gold Coast skyline.”
<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/2017/11/20/Coomera1.jpg" alt="">
Coomera was identified as one of the areas most likely to remain a building hotspot in a recent <a href="https://hia.com.au/-/media/HIA-Website/Files/ShopHIA/Downloads/economics/Hotspots17.ashx" target="_blank">Housing Institute of Australia survey.</a> 
The Gold Coast City Council recently announced plans to update the city plan to allow for more small-lot developments across the coast.
“There’s definitely a need for both in the market however current demand does indicate a preference for larger lots, particularly amongst second and third homebuyers seeking a forever home,” Mr Ross said.
“We have also received a high level of enquiry from people looking to move into this booming region due to the upcoming infrastructure.
 “An $11 million school was announced for Coomera in this year’s state budget, and the $470 million dollar Westfield Coomera is expected to deliver 140 specialty stores and 7500 jobs upon opening its doors late next year.”
A range of home and land packages are available at Quest, architecturally-designed to make the most of the stunning views and priced from $695,000 to $1,250,000.
Civil works on Quest are currently underway and expected to be completed by February 2018. 
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Coomera Waters land release to cater for growing demand for large lots

<html><body>
Key Points
- The Chinese economy is not about to collapse and isn’t likely to be at “peak commodity demand”.
- The failure of the Australian economy to crash after the end of the commodity price boom and mining investment boom early this decade highlights that it’s a lot more diversified than many give it credit.
- The housing boom in Sydney and Melbourne has not been built on the China boom – in fact it has had more to do with strong population growth and the end of the mining boom.
- And we don’t just make good “flat whites” – why does Chai tea brewed with soy never get a mention?
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Introduction 
I don’t normally comment directly on articles by others but an article by Matt Barrie with Craig Tindale called “Australia’s economy is built on shaky foundations, and it’s about to collapse,” has been sent to me several times for comment so I thought I would make an exception this time.
The gist of the article seems to be that growth in the Australian economy has been built on “a property bubble inflating on top of a mining bubble, built on top of a commodities bubble, driven by a Chinese bubble” and that “Australia has relied on China for too long – our whole economy is built on China buying our stuff. And it’s about to collapse.” 
This note takes a look at this risk. 
Crash calls for the Australian economy are like a broken record 
The first thing to note is that there is nothing really new in the latest call for a collapse in the Australian economy. In fact, for as long as I have been an economist there have been calls for the Australian economy to collapse. Back in 1985, I recall going to presentations on fears the economy might soon “default” and require a rescue by the IMF. The crash calls have accentuated post the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The Australian economy was supposed to have crashed when the mining investment boom ended in 2012-13 and every year since then there has been an ad on the internet titled “Australian recession 2014: why it’s coming, what to do and how you can profit” but the year just keeps getting updated to the current year. I guess it will be right one day.
Is China about to collapse? 
China is Australia’s number one trading partner so Australia is more vulnerable to the Chinese economy than in the past. But warnings of a Chinese collapse have been around for years 
</div>
<div class="column">
now and I continue to regard it as unlikely. The most common concerns about high and rising debt in China miss the reality that China’s high debt growth reflects its high saving rate (of around 46% of GDP compared to around 22% in Australia), which in turn gets largely channelled through the banking system as its capital markets remain underdeveloped. China does not rely on foreign capital (in fact it supplies savings to the rest of the world) and to slow its debt growth, it actually needs to save less and spend more (so very different to countries that normally have debt problems!) and broaden its capital market beyond the banks. But this will take time and the Chinese authorities will not act precipitously. And in the meantime, yes, there is a risk that some corporate loans will go bad but don’t forget much of the growth in debt has gone from state-owned banks to state-owned businesses and will be supported by the Government if there is too much trouble (just like the Chinese Government solved its local government debt problem of a few years ago). 
But isn’t China at peak commodity demand? 
Similarly, concerns about China’s property market and commodity demand are misplaced. The Chinese property cycle has regular ups and down as the property market is generally undersupplied but the Government periodically tries to keep a lid on prices. But every time there is a downturn in the property cycle (usually after Government moves to cool it down), out comes new crash stories. The “ghost cities” stories of a few years ago were evident of this but were literally just scary stories – they are part of an effort to decentralise away from crowded cities and the biggest “ghost city” (Ordos Kangbashi) is now almost full. The reality is that much of China continues to have a housing shortage as the population urbanises and many of the apartments built 20 years ago are now substandard and need to be replaced. So demand for steel and concrete from the property market is likely to remain strong for many years to come. Similarly, much of China remains under developed in terms of infrastructure. So yes, China is trying to wind back excess capacity in some sectors that have got ahead of themselves but peak raw material demand from China is a long way off. Yes, Chinese growth could slow towards 6% over the next few years but I doubt a hard landing any time soon. Certainly there was no sign of any hard landing in China when I visited it again in the last week – things were just as frantic as ever!
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Australia has always had some export dependence 
It’s worth noting that over the years Australia has always seemed to have some dependence on some foreign country in terms of export demand – the UK, Japan, it’s now China but as China’s industrialisation phase slows I suspect other countries will just jump into the commodity demand space (Vietnam, India, Pakistan) and in any case our relationship with China is also shifting across to services. 
But the mining boom has long ended so why hasn’t the Australian economy collapsed already? 
If Australia is so dependent on the commodity price boom and mining investment boom, why didn’t it crash when they crashed after 2011 and 2012-13 respectively? The simple answer is that the Australian economy is actually less dependent on mining and hence China than many commentators claim. In reality, mining activity is only 7% of Australian economic activity (or GDP) and agriculture is 3%, which taken together hardly suggests an excessive reliance on exports and China. 
The mining boom basically meant that south east Australia – and sectors like manufacturing, tourism and higher education along with housing – was suppressed by high interest rates and the high Australian dollar. Once the commodity and mining investment booms went away and interest rates and the $A fell, south east Australia was able to bounce back offsetting the slump in Western Australia and the Northern Territory and parts of Queensland. So Victoria, NSW and even Tasmania were able to go from near recessionary conditions and at the bottom of state rankings a decade ago to now being at the top. 
More than housing 
This has not just been driven by housing-related activity, smashed avocados and flat whites (how come Chai tea brewed with soy never gets a look in?) but also in services like tourism and higher education (our third biggest export earner), which are booming. Even manufacturing is looking better. In fact, for many Australians the China driven mining boom was more a curse than a blessing – the saying in Sydney was that the people of western Sydney were paying the price for the mining boom in Western Australia. 
Housing construction is starting to slow causing many to wheel out the disaster scenarios again. But the contribution to economic growth from growth in housing construction is regularly exaggerated. Last year it contributed around 0.3% directly to growth and indirect effects are likely to have taken that contribution to around 0.6%. In other words its relatively modest and a housing construction slowdown should be easily offset as the drag on growth (of around 1-1.5% per annum) from slumping mining investment is nearly over, infrastructure spending is booming (partly on the back of the asset swap program), non-mining investment looks to be bottoming at last and export volume growth is strong. 
What about a house price crash? 
Yes, there is a risk of a house price collapse but it’s a lot more complicated than most people think as pointed out in my last house price note http://bit.ly/2y97kCE . Basically: we have not built enough housing to keep up with strong population growth since mid-last decade (see the next chart); the boom lately has been confined to Sydney and Melbourne (which were more harmed than helped by the mining/China-related boom); and the deterioration in lending standards has been modest with, for example, little in the way of the NINJA (no income, no jobs, no assets) loans that caused so much trouble in the US. 
<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/2017/11/22/Chart1.jpg" alt="">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Sydney and Melbourne home prices are likely to fall by 5-10% (like in 2008 and 2011-12) but a crash is unlikely unless unemployment goes up a lot (unlikely), the RBA raises rates aggressively (again unlikely) or the current unit supply surge continues for several more years (again unlikely with approvals off their peak).
More than “dumb luck” in Australia’s 26-year expansion 
While luck has played a role in Australia’s 26 years of economic expansion, it’s worth noting that the China-related boom only really ran for eight or nine years of it (from 2004-2012), and a significant contribution came from the economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s that made the Australian economy more flexible in responding to shocks. Also, sensible economic policy meant that we managed the China boom well (by avoiding an overheating economy and running budget surpluses), which meant we were better placed to ride out the global shock from the GFC and the subsequent end to the commodity and mining investment booms. 
26 years of economic expansion has left the Australian economy with lots to show for it: the economy is 129% bigger in real terms than it was when the 1990-91 recession ended, per capita GDP is up 61%, unemployment is less than half its early 1990s high and our dependence on foreign capital as measured by the current account deficit relative to GDP is about one third smaller than it was 26 years ago. Sure we can do better – underemployment, weak wages growth and poor housing affordability are serious problems and we seem to have given up on serious economic reform – but the economy is in better shape than some give it credit for. 
Australia versus the world 
Finally, I should note that while we are not in the crash camp for Australia, we remain of the view that it will be a while before interest rates can rise and that Australian economic and profit growth will be subpar compared to other countries for a while yet. As a result, we remain of the view that while Australian shares have more upside they are likely to remain relative underperformers versus global shares for some time yet and that the Australian dollar still has more downside. This is really just a continuation of the “mean reversion” of the huge outperformance in Australian shares versus global shares and in the Australian dollar seen last decade. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://plus.google.com/110172465327488162875?rel=author">SHANE OLIVER</a> is head of investment strategy and economics and chief economist at <a href="https://www.ampcapital.com.au/home">AMP Capital</a> and is responsible for AMP Capital's diversified investment funds.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Latest Expert Insights

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Expert Insights

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News