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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GUEST OBSERVER
The announcement by Transport Minister, Andrew Constance, of the preferred route for Parramatta’s light rail must be complemented by increased density along the route.
The two stages for the Parramatta light rail are well located to stimulate significant development along the routes.
The connections to the Westmead Hospital precinct, to Carlingford and the second stage through Melrose Park and across the Parramatta River to Sydney Olympic Park can stimulate significant development particularly on the north side of the river.
The Urban Taskforce believes that when transport infrastructure projects are announced there should be a related announcement about the number of new homes to be developed.
Communities often complain about the lack of infrastructure related to new development so when the government is committing to new infrastructure local communities must understand that increased development density will come with this.
Along with the proposed Metro West rail link between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD the light rail now gives a very significant public transport network for this important part of metropolitan Sydney.
Sydney’s early development linked Parramatta and Sydney Cove closely with the first toll road.
There was a Government House in both cities symbolising their equal importance.
The public transport commitments by the NSW Government two hundred years after the first public transport links between the two cities carries on the importance of this region for development.
The possible alternative through Camellia could be a boost to development in this precinct although this needs to be balanced with the potential for a station on the Metro West line.
With the Parramatta light rail now substantially determined, the NSW Government needs to decide the locations for the Metro West stations so there can be good connections between the two transport modes.
Chris Johnson is CEO of Urban Taskforce.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Parramatta light rail to stimulate development along the route: Urban Taskforce's Chris Johnson

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GUEST OBSERVER
With price growth slowing in Australia’s biggest housing markets, many sellers have been pondering what is the best strategy for a strong sales result.
Prospective sellers keenly eye the auction clearance rate as a leading market barometer, and with a bumper volume of properties to go under the hammer this weekend, property pundits will have their opinions on what figure dictates a sellers’ or buyers’ market.
But when auction volumes fluctuate, the clearance rate is not the best way to determine buyer sentiment. While it indicates the percentage of properties selling via auction, it doesn’t address the number of sellers achieving success through this method. It also doesn’t capture the number of properties sold through post auction negotiations in the day following the event.
For the record, LJ Hooker, in general, believes auctions are the best method to capture a wide net of buyers in a short-time period, and offers the greatest potential for sellers to achieve a premium result. But in slowing markets, the real efficacy of auctions is laid bare.
In Sydney – the nation’s largest market – data for the September quarter showed the median house price moderated -1.9% over the period. In comparison, the median price had risen 8.2% over the last 12 months. In the second largest market of Melbourne, growth slowed to 1.3% over the quarter, however, it’s still up 13.9% gain over the year.
When price growth slows, sellers want a quick way to capture the last measurements of growth. An auction provides the market with a three to four-week timeframe to put their best offer forward.
And in slowing markets, a nominated price can often be the first thing which deters a buyer from exploring a property and assessing it for its suitability for lifestyle or location, rather than price. 
Nationwide, 18,349 properties sold at auction in the last quarter, which was a 14 per cent increase compared to the September quarter last year (16,147).
In Sydney, there were 9,968 auctions over the same period this year, compared to 8,249 for the same period in 2016. 
While the average daily auction clearance rate dropped from 76 per cent to 69 per cent over the period year-on-year, more homes sold under the hammer in Q3 this year (6,678) than the same period last year (6,517).
Economics dictates that clearance rates will increase when there is an under-supply of auctions; conversely, it’s likely that the clearance rate will drop when there is a flood of properties on the market. 
Property markets fluctuate in cycles – it’s a tenet that’s almost as certain as death and taxes. But don’t hinge your assessment of market performance on auction clearance rates – the underlying data shows more people are having success selling via auction.
David Holmes is national auction manager with LJ Hooker.
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The truth about clearance rates: LJ Hooker's David Holmes

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Guest Observer
As expected the Reserve Bank Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.50%.
There are very few significant changes in the Governor’s statement relative to the statement in October.
On the positive side, the Governor has chosen to point out that prospects for non-mining business investment have improved “with the forward looking indicators being more positive than they have been for some time”.
Since the October meeting, there have been two significant retail sales reports. The report for August showed retail sales contracting by 0.6% and July sales being revised down to –0.2%. The report for September showed no bounce back from those disappointing results with sales being reported as flat. We were interested in how the Governor would assess the outlook for household consumption. In the event, all he did was point out that it was “one continuing source of uncertainty”.
There was also a disappointing inflation report since the last meeting. Underlying inflation printed 0.35% for the September quarter compared to market expectations of 0.5%. It now seems highly unlikely that underlying inflation will reach the 2% for 2017 that the Bank has been forecasting. Nevertheless, the statement only notes that “inflation remains low and is likely to remain so for some time”. However, the Governor repeats the Bank’s central forecast for “inflation to pick up gradually as the economy strengthens”.
There has also been clear further deterioration in the Sydney housing market. At this stage, the Bank is comfortable to note that “housing market conditions have eased further in Sydney”, without speculating about future dynamics. It will give the Governor considerable comfort to be able to note “housing prices have shown little change over recent months”.
Despite a further fall in the unemployment rate to 5.5% with annual jobs growth lifting to 3.1%, the Governor has chosen to maintain his measured description of the labour market, “the labour market has continued to strengthen”. He also repeats that some lift in wages growth can be expected over time. While we expect that the forecasts for the unemployment rate in Friday’s Statement on Monetary Policy will remain at 5.5%, there is a chance that the forecast for 2019 will be reduced to 5.25%.
 
This morning we released a note outlining our expectations for the Bank’s growth forecasts, which will be released on November 10. We expect the Bank to retain its growth forecasts from the August Statement on Monetary Policy at 3.25% in 2018, and 3.5% in 2019. The Governor notes that “the central forecast is for GDP growth to pick up and to average around 3% over the next few years”.
Since the last Board meeting, the AUD had depreciated from USD 0.788 to USD 0.768. Despite this welcome move, the Bank repeats its warning that “an appreciating exchange rate would be expected to result in a slower pick-up in economic activity and inflation than currently forecast”.
Until recently, many forecasters were expecting the Bank to adopt a tightening bias in the November statement. Westpac was not of that view. Today’s statement repeats the neutral bias language of recent statements.
Conclusion
There remains a difference of opinion between us and the Bank on the growth and inflation outlook. The Bank is expecting above-trend growth next year despite uncertainty around the household sector and with the associated closing of the output gap along and a gradual move towards full employment, they will continue to forecast inflation moving back to 2½ per cent in 2019.
We accept that if that dynamic does come to pass, then the Bank will see opportunity to raise rates next year. However, our growth outlook is much flatter, particularly given our view on household incomes and wages, we do not expect that the need will arise to raise rates in 2018.
To read the full RBA report <a href="http://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2017/mr-17-23" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.16px;">click here</a>.
BILL EVANS is chief economist of <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a><a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/monetary-policy/rba-board-minutes/2017/2017-05-02" target="_blank">.</a>
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Very few significant changes in RBA outlook: Westpac's Bill Evans

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The Sydney investment management firm KSI Investments has acquired 11.55 acres of land in Rossmore, in South-West Sydney which will be part of the Sydney Landbanking KSI Investment Fund.
The land is located 5 kilometres from the planned second airport at Badgerys Creek.
It is expected to accommodate between 110 to 140 houses once rezoned which is expected to occur over the next five to seven years. 
The deal, brokered by KSI Investments as an off market transaction includes two adjoining pieces of farm land.
It has been structured under an options contract with settlement to occur within the next six month. 
Robin Luo, CEO of KSI Investments says investing in landbanking has been traditionally limited to wealthy investors and property developers.
"However, KSI Investments has opened up this sector to retail investors via this Australian first, with a minimum of $2,000 investment under a retail managed fund structure,” Luo says.
The KSI Sydney Landbanking fund is a retail managed fund overseen by ASIC. 
KSI Investments has engaged Perpetual Australia Limited as custodian for the fund, named the Sydney Landbanking KSI Investment Fund.
The fund is able to accept investment from SMSF investors as well as private investors, companies and trusts.   
Using the investment registry services of DomaCom Limited, investors are able to trade units in the fund freely, meaning they have liquidity before the eventual land sale after rezoning occurs. 
KSI Investment, charge a 25% annual management fee and 20% performance fee on the eventual sale of the land.
<a href="https://www.domacom.com.au/public-crowdfunding-campaigns/rural-properties/badgerys-creek-land-banking/" target="_blank">DomaCom is working with KSI investments</a> to bring this Rossmore/Badgerys Creek land banking crowdfunding campaign to investors.
Once the land/campaign is acquired KSI have the skillset to manage the opportunity through subsequent phases of development to extract additional value.
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Residential landbanking crowdfunding opportunity in fringe Badgerys Creek farm

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Are you getting ready to sell your house?
Setting the right asking price is going to be challenging for vendors as spring volumes peak and the summer break looms.
It can be a tricky task, especially when the property market is displaying signs of movement.
Sometimes a home can be listed into a seemingly strong market, which then weakens during the marketing campaign.
Most asking prices tend to a little above what the vendor will actually take, as this allows some negotiating space between the buyer and seller.
Often vendors get a very realistic offer early on from buyers who've been in the market for some time. They might also get a cheeky lowball offer.
It is one of those ponderables as to whether it is best to accept a speedy sale, or wait for that desired higher price.
Higher discounting certainly occur longer into marketing campaigns when the asking price simply doesn't match buyer interest so a vendor eventually accepts a figure well below the initial advertised price.
At the moment Sydney vendors are typically accepting 5.1% discounts on their asking prices to secure their house sales. It was 4.8% at the start of the spring selling season according to CoreLogic.
Canberra is a hot market so its vendors need only to discount by 2.5%, while Darwin is ailing and it requires a 9.9% discount before most sales are done.
The national average sits at just above 5%, with peaks over the past decade seeing 8% required discounting across Australia.
Ofcourse you will have your own idea on the worth of your property, but it is important to canvas and listen to the professions.
Before you signup to one agent, for auction or private treaty, be sure you get two or three other local agents to come through your property.
They will happily provide a report on how they see the local market, its likely direction, and just where your property sits within it.
It is important to get these varied insights for the best way forward.
And don't necessary simply select the agent who promised the highest price outcome.
You have to be comfortable working with your agent all the way through the listing.
Ofcourse the lucky vendors will find a buyer as soon as the for sale sign goes up from someone who's always fancied your home from just along the same street.
The less fortunate will be nervously hoping they finally get that pre-Christmas buyer, forever grateful they had secured extended settlement terms on their next home purchase.
The key is ascertaining where the localised market is placed pricewise, and often that relates to the level of stock.
Overall there's some 25,000 offerings across Sydney - around 20% more stock than the same time last year, which means buyers have more choice. There were 22,000 listings at the start of spring.
Ask your prospective estate agents what, say, four bedroom house stock levels have been in your suburb over recent times, and also find out what sales they have actually secured. 
Asking prices can of course change throughout a campaign but if a vendor’s expectation was unrealistically way too high even this is unlikely to trigger any sale.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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Setting the right asking price is a fine balance

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Seagull Lodge has been sold for $2.4 million to a Sydney investor.
The ageing block of apartments at 99 Seagull Avenue, Mermaid Beach, was sold over the phone when auction through Tony Velissariou, of Burleigh’s Tony V Real Estate in conjunction with Luke Henderson, of The Professional Mermaid Beach.
The three-level Seagull Lodge is on a 647 square metre site in a medium-density residential zone.
The property was listed after the six owners agreed to a consolidated marketing effort.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported they will each will receive $400,000.
The highest price paid by any of them for a unit was $334,000 in 2008.
One of the sellers had paid $77,000 in 1993.
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Seagull Lodge, Mermaid Beach sold for $2.4 million to Sydney investor

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The Gold Coast Bulletin has reported wealthy residents have vowed to oppose the development of the a 44-storey residential tower on the Gold Coast’s Hedges Avenue.
But the ASX-listed group is pushing ahead with the $230 million proposed tower, designed by BDA Architects that comprises 99 apartments.
Sunland paid $13.4 million for the 1821 square metre Hedges Avenue site which falls 100 metres within the boundary of the Broadbeach area plan, which allows high-rises.
The neighbouring Peerless Ave marks the start of a three-storey height limit.
Sunland managing director, Soheil Abedian, said the proposed height of the tower was in line with existing and future high-rises nearby.
“Within the context of its urban surrounds, 272 Hedges Avenue presents both unparalleled design and location amenities, reflecting the high standards of lifestyle, quality and craftsmanship sought by the owner-occupier market,” he said.
He described it as "an elegant, curvilinear landmark providing a sculptural marker at the southern edge of the expanding Broadbeach precinct".
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Wealthy Hedges Avenue residents opposing Sunland's 44-storey Mermaid Beach skyscraper

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Developer Sekisui House has sold two penthouses at its project in Sydney's north-west, The Orchards, in the first-stage sales launch of the Baulkham Hill apartment project on the weekend.
The two top floor penthouses will be 178 square metres, each having four bedrooms.
They sold for $2 million and $2.2 million to the same buyer in the first stage of <a href="https://www.sekisuihouse.com.au/justplanted/" target="_blank">the project</a>, which will comprise 121 apartments across two buildings. 
The Orchards, set 500 metres from a new metro station and 250 metres from Norwest Business Park, has commenced construction on the seven-stage project.
It will yield 1300 apartments when completed in 2018, just prior to the completion of the metro line.
It purchased the Baulkham Hills site from developer Tony Merhi last year for $210 million.
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Sekisui House selling The Orchards, Baulkham Hills

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A top executive of one of Australia’s biggest home builders has warned of a growing land affordability crisis in Sydney.
Chief executive of MJH Group Andrew Helmers said while the cost of construction was rising at between 6-9% per annum, lot prices were rising at annual rates of 40-50%.
"We don't have a housing affordability crisis, we have a land affordability crisis,” Helmers told Fairfax Media.
"All the major tier one developers are continuing to lift their prices with each new land release. The slowdown in prices in Sydney has not been felt in the land market."
He said MJH completed 2716 housing starts in the 2017 financial year up from 2199 in fiscal 2016 making it the fastest-growing builder in the country.
The company builds homes in NSW, Queensland, the ACT and Tasmania under a number of brands including McDonald Jones, MOJO Homes, Wilson Homes and Hayman Homes.
He noted building product manufacturers were operating at 100% capacity.
The Newcastle-based company recently reported a big boost in revenue it accounts filed with the corporate regulator for the year to June.
They show that MJH Group – previously called McDonald Jones Homes – saw revenue up 48% to $621 million from home building and land sales.
Its after-tax profits were up 55% to around $16 million.
The company sold a 40% stake to Japan's Asahi Kasei Homes in August.
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Sydney lot prices rising 40-50% annually: MJH Group 

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GUEST OBSERVER
Since October 2016, all foreign buyers and developers are subject to a 3% stamp duty surcharge on the acquisition of residential property in Queensland known as Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD). The Commissioner has now updated conditions under which ex gratia relief from AFAD can be sought.
This relief is available to foreign persons, as defined in the Duties Act 2001, carrying out ‘significant’ residential development. Relief from AFAD may be granted by the Commissioner on a case-by-case basis. Foreign Persons must also meet regulatory requirements such as complying with the Corporations Act 2001 and complying with Queensland taxation laws. AFAD will only apply to the acquisition of residential land in Queensland by those who are either: 
<ul>
<li>a foreign individual - individuals without Australian citizenship or permanent residents (permanent residents include New Zealanders with either permanent visas or special category visas both defined by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth); </li>
<li>a foreign corporation - companies incorporated outside Australia, or Australian companies where at least 50% interest is with a foreign person/s or related person/s (ie relatives/spouse or partners in a partnership); or </li>
<li>a trust where at least 50% of its interests are held by a foreign person/s. </li>
</ul>
RESIDENTIAL LAND
“Residential land” is land that is or will be solely or primarily used for residential purposes. This includes established houses and apartments, vacant land where a home or apartment will be built, land for development for residential use (ie smaller unit block developments, housing subdivisions, and major developments with a residential component), and/or refurbishment, renovation, or extension of a building for residential use. 
“Residential land” does not include land that will be or is currently used for hotel and motel purposes. 
WHEN EX GRATIA RELIEF CAN APPLY
The Commissioner has announced a number of guidelines and conditions that will be taken into account when determining whether ex gratia relief from AFAD will be granted.
1. The foreign developer undertaking the transaction must be Australia based: 
In order to satisfy the conditions of AFAD relief, a foreign developer will need to use a range of factors to establish that they are ‘Australian based’, including:  
<ul>
<li>whether the foreign entity has a head office or principal place of business situated in Australia; </li>
<li>if the foreign entity has significant management staff and office presence in Australia; </li>
<li>whether its employees are Australian citizens or permanent residents; </li>
<li>any past business dealings within Australia; </li>
<li>the input that the foreign entity’s Australian management staff and employees have toward the operation of the foreign entity in Australia, and; </li>
<li>whether the foreign entity primarily engages with Australian building contractors and suppliers in construction work. </li>
</ul>
2. The foreign developer will need to have complied with any Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) requirements in relation to the acquisition of land.
3. The foreign developer must also meet regulatory requirements, such as complying with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and complying with Queensland taxation laws.
4. The development must be significant, or the developer has significant development status.In order for relief from AFAD to apply, the development being carried out must be established as ‘significant development’. This condition will automatically be met if the foreign developer is commencing development or re-development of 50 or more residential lots.
In instances where fewer than 50 lots are being developed, such as in regional areas, the status of ‘significant development’ can still be established if the foreign developer is able to demonstrate that the development makes a significant contribution to the economy, population and social development of that region.
‘Significant developer’ status will also be satisfied if the developer will undertake development or redevelopment of 50 or more residential lots in a 12-month period or, alternatively, the developer averages 50 or more residential lots per year taken on average over a period of up to five years.
5. The foreign developer must primarily employ or contract Australian building contractors and suppliers to engage in the development. This requires that over 50% of the value paid by the developer for goods and services must be paid to Australian contractors and suppliers, or over 50% of the foreign developer’s employees for the development are Australian.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?
Foreign investors or developers looking to undertake significant development in Australia are able to apply for ex gratia relief from AFAD through the Commissioner. A statutory declaration must be lodged to the Office of State Revenue detailing the basis on which the foreign developer satisfies conditions for relief along with any supporting evidence.
By submitting a request for relief, a foreign developer will also be acknowledging their obligation to inform the Office of State Revenue within 28 days if it no longer satisfies the conditions for relief.
Paul O'Dea is a partner with ClarkeKann, Brisbane.
You can contact him <a href="mailto:p.odea@clarkekann.com.au" target="_blank">via email</a>.
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The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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