Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

Joel Robinson

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Billbergia, Metrics, approved for $3.5 billion Sydney skyscrapers

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]

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

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>
A mid-19th century pub in Melbourne’s inner-city suburb of Abbotsford has changed hands for $3.18 million, well above the reserve price of $2.25 million.
The sale highlights the strong market for pub transactions. 
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-vic-abbotsford-502495522" target="_blank">Park Hotel at 191 Nicholson Street</a> was advertised for sale via auction on September 1 through Knight Frank.
It sold on a 2.6 per cent yield.
The property currently returns $83,340 p.a.net. and rent increases are 4 percent annually.
The current lease term of three years ends in 2018 with a further term of 3 years.
It has a front bar, dining room, commercial kitchen, beer garden and upstairs accommodation.
The site area is about 480 sqm.
It was sold by two brothers who had owned the venue as an investment for 35 years.
Selling agents Andrew Greenway and Paul Pellegrino of Knight Frank said the buyer had no intention of redeveloping the building into apartments, a now-common trend with Melbourne's popular pubs, Fairfax Media reported.
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Pub in Melbourne's inner suburb fetches $3.18 million, well above reserve 

<html><body>
A three-level office building in Brisbane’s inner western suburb of Toowong is up for lease after being given a splash of artwork.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-qld-toowong-501803262" target="_blank">555 Coronation Drive</a> office has been given a face lift, with artwork by an Australian artist splashed across the walls of each tenancy.
Four new fitouts are available for lease through Savills and CBRE, who have been jointly appointed on behalf of Centuria. 
Leasing agent Peter Dodd of Savills  said they are looking to provide tenants with a ready-to-go workplace.  
“The four tenancies would suit aspirational smaller business that don’t want to be confined by what a traditional office should look like,” Dodd said. 
Each tenancy features oversized artwork of the familiar famous faces of Audrey Hepburn, David Bowie, Muhammad Ali, and Prince.
<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/2017/10/13/BowieSuite.jpg" alt="">
<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/2017/10/13/AliSuite.jpg" alt="">
<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/2017/10/13/PrinceSuite.jpg" alt="">
The office spaces range from 145 sqm to 228 sqm, all including boardrooms, kitchen/breakout areas, and 12-17 work stations.
The four office spaces have been designed and furnished to reflect different themes: ‘detailed, fresh, enliven’, ‘enticing, uplifting, contemporary’, ‘welcoming, journey, textured’, and ‘quirky, daring, collaborative’. 
“The artwork was completed by Scott Marsh, and we were really excited when Centuria said they were commissioning him to do some art in each tenancy,” Dodd said. 
Marsh’s work is known for using a mixture of enamels, acrylics and aerosol, which explores the growing crossover between graffiti and high art, pop culture and the cult of the celebrity. 
Earlier this year, Forbes Online cited a research conducted by Exeter University’s School of Psychology that found artwork in the workspace can have a direct impact on employee productivity. 
“A painting can alter the mood of a meeting room or a piece of unusual artwork can provide a talking point in a bland corporate space,” Dodd said.
The office site has views of the Brisbane River.
</body></html>

Arty office spaces in Brisbane await tenants 

<html><body>
Sydney is the most attractive Australian market for investment into the student accommodation sector, according to Savills.
The total development pipeline in Sydney for student accommodation has increased to 5,435 beds in 2017 from 3,665 beds in 2016, according to the recent Student Accommodation Market Report from Savills.
The supply and demand imbalance, world class universities and status as a global city are the main factors that are driving student accommodation in the Harbour City. 
However, there are significant barriers to entry, the report notes. 
The value of land associated with competing land uses, primarily residential in CBD fringe locations, continues to be an issue for private sector developers. 
This has led to developers seeking locations outside of the CBD, primarily around transport hubs. The University of Sydney continues to be a significant participant within the Sydney market, with several new developments proposed. 
The most significant purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) completed this year has been Urbanest (picture above), delivering the first stage of their accommodation within the Darling Square precinct comprising 634 beds. 
Their second stage of that project comprising 664 beds is programmed for completion during 2018. This will be the first off-campus fully catered accommodation available to the market. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/16/SydStudent1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/16/SydStudent1.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/16/SydStudent2.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/16/SydStudent2.png" alt="">
Analysis of the development pipeline by room type indicates that approximately 30% of the new accommodation will be provided in the most expensive form of accommodation, which is self-contained studios. 
The remaining accommodation will be provided in shared apartments, with approximately 34% of the pipeline in dormitory style rooms which is primarily influenced by the University developments.
“The affordability of student rents influencing the financial viability of delivering new accommodation will continue to be a critical issue for the Sydney market throughout the next 12 months,” says the report.
“Delivering new student accommodation within mixed use developments, such as Central Park and Darling Harbour will, in our opinion, be the main source of new opportunities in Central Sydney.”
Read the report <a href="https://www.savills.com.au/services-and-sectors/student-accommodation.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Sydney most attractive for investing into student accommodation: Savills

<html><body>
Commercial investment activity in Australia in the third quarter remained strong with $8.8 billion invested over the quarter, amounting to a total investment of 23.3 billion so far this year, according to Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
This follows an exceptionally strong second quarter in which $9.2 billion was invested involving a flurry of large deals late in the quarter, according to the commercial real estate company’s latest research. 
The number of deals and average deal size remain broadly flat quarter on quarter at 186 deals at an average of $47 million. 
The total investment volume of $23.3 billion has increased from the $20.3 billion recorded at the same point last year. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3TotalInvest.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3TotalInvest.png" alt="">
“With 10 assets at an estimated value of almost $2.4 billion on the market in Sydney CBD alone, the fourth quarter of 2017 looks likely to continues in the same vein as the start of the year,” it said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3InvestbySector.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3InvestbySector.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3DomesticVsForeign.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3DomesticVsForeign.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3ForeignInvestment.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3ForeignInvestment.png" alt="">
Annual investment volume is expected to exceed $30 billion for the fourth consecutive year and could go close to the peak of $35 billion recorded in 2014. 
Unlisted funds continued their run of strong buying activity, ending the quarter at $1.5 billion in net purchasing.
In contrast, REITs retuned to net selling at $120 million in the red. 
Foreign investment slowed quarter on quarter to $2.5 billion, representing 29% of total investment. 
So far this year, foreign investors have committed $8.7 billion (37%).
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3Transact.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/13/Q3Transact.png" alt="">
</body></html>

Commercial investment could exceed $30 billion in 2017: Cushman & Wakefield

<html><body>
Brisbane-based Sentinel Property Group has acquired an industrial site with development potential within the Australia TradeCoast precinct at Pinkenba in Brisbane’s east for $48.5 million.
The acquisition adds to Sentinel’s pooled Industrial Trust portfolio which includes properties at Mayfield in Newcastle, Oxley in Brisbane and Paget in Mackay.
Recently, it purchased a fully leased office building in Cairns for $8.5 million.
The 69 Tingira Street site spans 140,006 sqm and has a waterfront bulk storage industrial facility located there.
It was purchased in a leaseback arrangement with listed industrial chemical company Incitec Pivot Pty Ltd (ASX:IPL). 
IPL will continue to run its fertiliser distribution centre from the site and will lease nearly 11.5 ha of the property with 2.5 ha on Soutter St available to Sentinel for further development. 
The site benefits also from an adjoining wet lease of 15,370 sqm with associated wharf infrastructure.
The deal was negotiated by Anthony White and Simon Beirne of Colliers International.
Sentinel managing director Warren Ebert said this was a tremendous opportunity to acquire a major industrial facility in Pinkenba at a strong investment yield above what prime industrial assets are currently trading for, as well as benefitting from development upside.
“This site offers unique ongoing investment potential with core bulk storage and liquid storage assets in low supply throughout Brisbane, particularly when coupled with direct river access,” he said.
Yields for recent sales of industrial facilities have been in the range 5.5-7.5 per cent. 
The passing net yield for the Pinkenba site was 8.2 per cent, he said.
“This is also one of very few sites with wharf access in Brisbane that can accommodate Handymax class vessels of up to 188m long and 34m wide and capable of both liquid and bulk cartage.”
Ebert said it was an ideal time for Sentinel to purchase in the Australia TradeCoast precinct as it is a tightly held market due to the lack of available land.
“The proximity to Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane and major transport infrastructure continues to drive demand in this precinct. 
“The Port of Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest growing container ports and Queensland’s premier multi-cargo port, handling almost $50 billion in trade annually.”
Colliers’ Anthony White said he expected the increased sale and leaseback activity, particularly from corporates, in the TradeCoast precinct to continue.
Sentinel Property Group has a total national portfolio of more than 40 retail, industrial, office, land, tourism infrastructure and agribusiness assets in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory with a total value of more than $1 billion.
</body></html>

Sentinel buys industrial site in Brisbane for $48.5 million

<html><body>
A recently upgraded Victorian building in Richmond Hill in Melbourne’s inner east was sold to a Melbourne based investor for $1.15 million.
The 3.48 per cent yield brokered by Teska Carson’s Fergus Evans and Tom Maule was for the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-richmond-502485230" target="_blank">410 Church Street</a> property which has three street frontages, is well connected by transport and close to Richmond’s major retail and entertainment precincts.
The two-storey 400 square metre, Victorian building in excellent condition throughout as a result of recent improvements and features an open plan layout providing purchasers with an abundance of options.  
It is currently leased to a skin and laser clinic on a two year term with a two year option at a current net annual rental of $44,995 plus GST.
It last sold in 1988 at $298,000.
The Neighbourhood Residential zoning aims to manage and ensure development respects the identified neighbourhood character, heritage, environmental or landscape characteristics.
The marketing agents are Teska Carson said the area is arguably, Melbourne’s best and most sought after city-fringe precinct with vacancies at an all-time low, and a number of commercial developments with pre-lease agreements are underway.
Nearby a Melbourne based private investor has paid $2.6 million at a Teska Carson auction for a freehold investment property, the recently updated 316 Church Street property which comprises a two storey, 400 square metre, Victorian building on a 290 square metre site with three street frontages including nine metres frontage to Church Street, 30 metres to Darlington Parade and access via a rear laneway.
It sold last year at $2,585,000 and at $2.25 million in 2015.
</body></html>

Victorian building in prestigious Richmond Hill sold on a 3.48 per cent yield

<html><body>
Sydney’s Bayside Council has launched a public campaign through Savills Australia to solve the parking squeeze in Brighton Le Sands.
Any property-based solution may or may not incorporate the existing council carpark at 1–7 The Boulevarde, according to Savills.
Accordingly, industry players are being sought for a shortlisting process for a Request for Proposals (RFP) process in late 2017 or early 2018.
The Rockdale City Council (now Bayside Council) commissioned a Brighton Le Sands Parking Strategy report in June 2014 as the first stage of the Brighton Le Sands Masterplan.
The report identified a shortfall of 211 car parking spaces in the Brighton Le Sands core area.
The council-owned Boulevarde car park in Brighton Le Sands was identified in the implementation plan as a Council asset that could be upgraded and considered a car parking solution in the town centre.
The 2,186 sqm site at 1–7 The Boulevarde currently provides a total of 250 car parking spaces, SP3 Tourist Zoning with permissible FSR of 3:1 and height of 28 metres and is located in the heart of Brighton Le Sands’ vibrant entertaining village precinct.
<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/2017/10/13/Brighton2.jpg" alt=""> 
Surrounding zoning is a mix of B4 and R4, high density mixed use and residential, 28 to 51 metre height and permissible FSR ranging between 3:1 and 4:1.
There are a total of 2,595 car parking spaces within Brighton Le Sands, including a number of clearway parking spaces on The Grand Parade. Of these, 2,168 car spaces are located on-street and 427 spaces are located off-street within the Cole’s car park and The Boulevard car parking station. 
In addition, some 336 spaces are provided within the privately operated car park associated with the Novatel development located on the northwest corner of The Grand Parade/ Bay Street intersection.
 
</body></html>

Sydney’s Bayside council seeks to expand car park to meet shortfall: Savills

<html><body>
NBN Co, which is at the centre of the debate on the success of the broadband rollout across Australia, has taken a lease at 100 Mount Street, North Sydney, the shiny new office building under construction.
The building is owned jointly by Dexus and Dexus Wholesale Property Fund.
NBN has leased 20,364 sqm, representing 48% of the building, and is consolidating its office space from various locations across Sydney. 
The company joins Laing O’Rourke, the building’s anchor tenant, taking pre-commitment to 60% prior to the completion of construction, which began in 2016 and expected to be over by 2019.
It was reported earlier that NBN was eyeing two new top-end office headquarters in Sydney and Melbourne.
<a href="https://100mountstreet.com.au/" target="_blank">100 Mount Street</a> is a 35-level office tower development that will span 42,134 sqm. It will have views of Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney CBD. 
The building will feature amenities including end-of-trip facilities, concierge, and smart building connectivity designed to provide customers with flexibility. The development will target 5 star Green Star and 5 star NABERS Energy ratings.
“We are pleased to have enabled NBN to consolidate from multiple Sydney and North Sydney locations into one, and meet the needs of an innovative and growing group through incorporating smart building technology in our newest Dexus Workspace,” Dexus CEO Darren Steinberg said.
</body></html>

NBN to move into new office in North Sydney

<html><body>
A new strata retail space in one of Melbourne’s eating hotspots is up for auction on October 27 through Colliers International. 
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-prahran-502570970" target="_blank">18 &amp; 20 Chatham Street Prahran</a> space is leased to Lillie Espresso Eatery, the operators from the team behind Denis the Menace, St Edmonds and the Grange Road Egg shop.
They have an eight-year lease for the shop. It earns a net income of $140,608 p.a.
“Situated in the heart of the thriving Chapel Street retail precinct, these brand-new ground floor retail premises represent an exceptional opportunity for all levels of investors,” said listing agent Jeremy Gruzewski of Colliers International. He is selling the property with his colleague Ben Baines.
<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/2017/10/16/Prahran1.jpg" alt="">
“Prahran is renowned for being one of Melbourne’s most in demand eating precincts, and is supported by a high number of residents and businesses who take advantage of the immense variety of retail.”
The property is situated next to the Cato Street car park, which is due to undergo a $60 million redevelopment, which once completed will deliver more than 9,000 sqm of open spaces.  
“An investment right opposite this open-air plaza is sure to thrive now, and well into the future, ensuring your investment dollar will grow,” said Ben Baines. 
Prahran is in one of Melbourne’s sought-after suburbs, situated in the heart of the Chapel Street retail/ entertainment precinct approximately 4 kilometres South East of the Melbourne CBD.
 
</body></html>

Lillie Espresso Eatery in Melbourne's Prahran on the market

<html><body>
<div>AFG released its mortgage index for the September 2017, and it too showed a switch towards first homebuyers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>First homebuyer activity has been buoyed by stamp duty concessions in New South Wales and Victoria. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The average mortgage size rose to an all-time high of $491,952, up from $479,101 a year earlier.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, regulatory intervention has slowed the pace of the increase. </div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDne2REAVJI/WeBUKQ-ez0I/AAAAAAAAmmI/56Y6ViVGspc7IB05l26LtM7zEAeqhF8awCEwYBhgL/s1600/AFG2.jpg"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDne2REAVJI/WeBUKQ-ez0I/AAAAAAAAmmI/56Y6ViVGspc7IB05l26LtM7zEAeqhF8awCEwYBhgL/s640/AFG2.jpg" width="640" height="384" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1380"></a></div>
 
<div>The increase in mortgage size was driven by Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Elsewhere, macroprudential measures have evidently slowed the mortgage market.</div>
 
<div class="separator"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10_x__ClhRU/WeBULX4Q45I/AAAAAAAAmmQ/cIzsSH9pYfUExKK7Xc1yWqfkHP76ANnnACLcBGAs/s1600/AFG1.jpg"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10_x__ClhRU/WeBULX4Q45I/AAAAAAAAmmQ/cIzsSH9pYfUExKK7Xc1yWqfkHP76ANnnACLcBGAs/s640/AFG1.jpg" width="640" height="392" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1345"></a></div>
 
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>The figures for total lodgement volumes at the state level are necessarily seasonal, but simply underscore the sheer strength of the lending growth in Victoria. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Victoria appears to be the only state where cooling measures have not had a material impact. </div>
 
<div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgbEKU0aL5c/WeBULOvd8AI/AAAAAAAAmmM/f9ZXSkoQD5geXz_-Sp6VXvi7UUlHDkC4wCLcBGAs/s1600/AFG3.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgbEKU0aL5c/WeBULOvd8AI/AAAAAAAAmmM/f9ZXSkoQD5geXz_-Sp6VXvi7UUlHDkC4wCLcBGAs/s640/AFG3.jpg" width="640" height="386" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1353"></a></div>
 
<div>There has been a massive shift away from investors, down to just a 29 per cent market share, from above 40 per cent at the peak.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The other notable trend was the shift away from the major market lenders.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Market share was down to 64.4 per cent for the main players, the lowest such result since the global financial crisis. </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