Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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

The inflation result the property market was waiting for

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The much anticipated July 1 stamp duty savings for first time buyers came into effect on Saturday in NSW and Victoria, though the impact wasn't immediately overly obvious.
"It is still a sellers' market," the Domain auction commentator Dr Andrew Wilson advised.
He suggested the market was likely inflated by first-home buyers "or certainly supported by them."
Despite the onset of winter, and school holidays, continued overall strong buyer demand triggered a small uptick in the national auction success rate.
Brisbane had the nation's cheapest sale when a townhouse at Woodbridge fetched $245,000 in pre-auction negotiations.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-woodridge-124939366" target="_blank">23/45-47 Defiance Street</a>, the three bedroom property has been a $330 a week rental for its South Australian investors.
They had paid $314,000 in 2009. They had been looking to sell since 2016 when they sought $280,000.
Melbourne's cheapest was a one bedroom unit at Essendon sold for $291,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-vic-essendon-125666794" target="_blank">10/30 Richardson Street</a>, the 1970s apartment last sold in 2009 for $252,500.
Sydney's cheapest auction result was a $455,000 pre-auction sale of a studio apartment in Darlinghurst.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-studio-nsw-darlinghurst-125661238" target="_blank">17/257-261 Darlinghurst Road offering</a> in the 1880s The Statler complex last sold at $250,000 in 2011.
The agents suggested it had a potential $400 a week rental income.
The nation's dearest weekend sale was an original condition 1960s Armadale house which sold for $5.2 million, Melbourne’s most expensive weekend auction result.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-armadale-125647978" target="_blank">52 Adelaide Street</a>, the five bedroom, three bathroom home on 761 sqm has the potential to be renovated, rebuilt or redeveloped, according to Marshall White selling agents Marcus Chiminello and Nicole French.
The national clearance rate edged back to the lows 70s%, according to CoreLogic.
It was higher than the 69% preliminary rate which sat at 66% after late results, the lowest clearance rate since June 2016.
The combined capital city preliminary clearance rate was 70.3 per cent on the first July weekend.<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-02%20at%2011.07.33%20am.jpg" target="_blank"> </a>
"Auction clearance rates have been trending lower since reaching a peak at the end of February 2017 when the combined capitals clearance was recorded at 78.4%," Kevin Brogan, the CoreLogic auction analyst said.
Auction volumes were lower this week with 1,984 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities, down from 2,355 last week.
The volume was significantly higher than this time last year when auction volumes were quieter due to the Federal Election when only 841 homes were taken to auction.
Melbourne had the highest number of auctions, with 866 properties going to market, followed closely by Sydney with 832 homes going under the hammer.
Across Melbourne, 71.9 per cent sold amid the 750 reported auctions.
This was down from 1,047 last week when the final clearance rate was 70.7 per cent.
Melbourne's strongest clearance rate was recorded across the North East, with 80.8 per cent of the 99 reported auctions clearing.
There was no sale when <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-templestowe-125639230" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">7 Watties Rd, Templestowe</a>, one of the suburb’s original farmhouses, was offered.
Built in the early 1900s, the two-bedroom weatherboard cottage on 1.37ha, now comes with a $2.6 million asking price through Steve Schumann, of Fletchers Manningham.
It last sold in 1991 at $362,000.
In Sydney, 832 properties were taken to auction this week with a preliminary clearance rate of 72.6 per cent, increasing from last week, when the final clearance rate for the city was 68.2 per cent across 939 auctions.
One year ago, just 365 Sydney homes were taken to auction and the clearance rate was 78.4 per cent.
Sydney’s Ryde region had the strong result at 89.7 per cent and followed by Sutherland's 84 per cent.
There were 119 Brisbane homes taken to auction on the weekend, with 77 results reported so far.
A Manly house sold for $1.42 million making it Brisbane’s most expensive weekend auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-manly-125609666" target="_blank">12 Kooralgin Street</a>, the 483 sqm property is positioned on Manly Hill with harbour views.
Brisbane's preliminary clearance rate was 54.5 per cent, up from 33.3 per cent last week and higher than one year ago, when 35.6 per cent of the 68 properties taken to auction were successful.
Adelaide saw a preliminary clearance rate of 62.5 per cent, with 56 reported results across a total of 79 scheduled auctions.
In comparison, over the previous week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 68.5 per cent and 62.3 per cent one year ago.
The Adelaide results included a 1930s Hawthorn house for $1.125 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-hawthorn-125711646" target="_blank">21 Sussex Terrace</a>, the art deco-style property was originally built as a doctor’s residence with consulting room.
Built in 1938, it was last sold in 2008 for $880,000.
There were 43 Perth auctions with 50 per cent selling. Last week there was a 39.6 per cent clearance rate for Perth.
Canberra’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 75.8 per cent across 36 auctions is higher than both last week, when the final auction clearance rate was 67.2 per cent, and last year (54.2 per cent).
A four bedroom Red Hill, ACT house sold for $1.4 million making <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-red+hill-125670706" target="_blank">12 Hicks Street</a> Canberra’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

First home buyers take July 1 stamp duty savings changes without any frenzy

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A one bedroom unit at Essendon sold for $291,000 making it Melbourne’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-vic-essendon-125666794" target="_blank">10/30 Richardson Street</a>, the property had been marketed as an affordable entry into the suburb.
Built in 1970, it was last sold in 2009 for $252,500. It sold in 2007 for $200,000.
Recently renovated, the interior features one double bedroom with its own built-in robes and ensuite bathroom.
It came with open lounge/meals area and modern kitchen featuring stainless steel cooking appliances.
Other feature include off-street parking.
The property was offered through Nelson Alexander agents David Vaughan and Richard Lowe.
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One bedroom Essendon unit sold for $291,000

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One of the criticisms of macroprudential measures to cool lending (as opposed to the Reserve Bank lifting the cash rate) has been that they can't "get in all the cracks".
And those sneaky lenders have been up to their old tricks, with mortgage growth accelerating strongly in May, directly contradicting almost all market commentary.
It's hard to get a read on this.
With borrowing capacity increasingly constrained, it may imply higher volumes. 
APRA released its Monthly Banking Statistics yesterday which confirmed that banks expanded mortgage books by 0.6 per cent in May, with owner-occupier loans rising by 0.7 per cent. 
Respected banking analyst Martin North referred to the growth as "too strong", noting that "home prices will continue to rise", although this wasn't reported anywhere of note, at least as far I could see. 
Growth in investor loans also accelerated in May, up from 0.39 per cent to 0.42 per cent.  
For more detailed analysis of the individual components, including the speed at which the individual banks are growing their respective investment mortgage books, subscribe for our monthly reports.
Housing credit picks up
It was a busy day indeed for credit-related statistics yesterday, with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) also releasing its Financial Aggregates figures for the month of May. 
Credit growth expanded by 5 per cent of the year to May, while broad money growth remained somewhat stronger at 7.3 per cent.  
<div id="post-body-5590776051175794007" class="post-body entry-content">
<div class="separator"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/02/RBA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/07/02/RBA2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Drilling into the components of credit growth, housing credit had a stronger month, meaning that the annual rate of housing credit growth has continued to pick up speed from 6.32 per cent in November to 6.59 per cent in May. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investor credit grew by 7.5 per cent over the year, but the trajectory up growth looks to be calming as banks jack up investment loan rates to encourage more owner-occupier loans.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Despite being inherently 'riskier', at least on a historical basis, business credit growth is considered by many to be vital.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, stock exchange (ASX) market data records three consecutive months of strong aggregates in initial and secondary capital raisings totalling more than $12.5 billion, showing that business lending is far from the be all and end all for investment.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Business surveys also saw conditions hit multi-year highs early in 2017, while job surveys point to a broad-based improvement in hiring. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In other words, you can't just look at total outstanding business credit increasing by 3.1 per cent over the year and dismiss growth as weak. </div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/02/RBA1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><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/2017/07/02/RBA1.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>Since July 2015 the purpose of some $53 billion of loans has been switched from investment to owner-occupier, following the introduction of an interest rate differential. </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QDNiv_8zbSk/WVapAk7gNgI/AAAAAAAAkts/hsXcGXGu7T8wRxwBnMuv7tg4VAPhhwnswCLcBGAs/s1600/RBA3.jpg"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QDNiv_8zbSk/WVapAk7gNgI/AAAAAAAAkts/hsXcGXGu7T8wRxwBnMuv7tg4VAPhhwnswCLcBGAs/s640/RBA3.jpg" width="640" height="388" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1366"></a></div>
 <div>Thus, investor credit may be slowing, but the way the figures dovetail these days, the lines between what is an investment loan and what isn't seem to be increasingly blurred. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In any event, reported as a total housing now accounts for a record 62 per cent of outstanding credit.</div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/07/02/RBA4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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 <div>Finally, and not too surprisingly, through netting off the results we can see that non-bank lending has picked up some of the slack to grow by a faster pace in May. </div>
 Total housing lending now sits at some $1.67 trillion.</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content"> </div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Mortgage growth displays strength: Pete Wargent

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The headlines might be screaming about our 'liveability' being under threat with high levels of population growth in Victoria, but that's just noise. No, Melbourne's population problem is that we have a cabal of industry, politicians and some segments of the media who up until this point have been wedded to the notion that we can continue to 'balance' the infrastructure investment in both freeways and public transport.

It should come as no surprise to regular readers that I think this orthodoxy is deplorable and giving false hope to many residents (and voters) that 'congestion can be fixed'.

The perfect storm of high population growth, congestion caused by a lack of foresight and congestion caused by the myriad of transport network upgrades currently on the go at present are likely to lead to some knee-jerk reactions, but now more than ever it's important to remain focused on attacking car-dependency head-on.

The recently released 2016 census data last week was followed up with an updated forecast of Victoria's population growth to December 2016. The state's population saw 146,600 new residents settle here last year, according to ABS forecasts.

It's a modern-day record, as illustrated by this chart from <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/melbourne-population-growth-blows-doors">Pete Wargent's</a> blog on the topic.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/state_pop_growth.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="State population growth. Chart source: Pete Wargent"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/state_pop_growth.jpg?itok=ziGRdfbh" title="State population growth. Chart source: Pete Wargent" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>State population growth. Chart source: <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/melbourne-population-growth-blows-doors">Pete Wargent</a></figcaption></figure>This has happened at a time when Victoria and New South Wales are approaching the previous peak of net overseas migration, but at the national level, the numbers are still down on the pre-Global Financial Crisis (GFC) era.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/net_overseas_migration.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Net overseas migration. Chart source: Pete Wargent"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="342" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/net_overseas_migration.jpg?itok=54a3m3ud" title="Net overseas migration. Chart source: Pete Wargent" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Net overseas migration. Chart source: <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/melbourne-population-growth-blows-doors">Pete Wargent</a></figcaption></figure>Note the significant decline in WA and QLD's net overseas migration against the increases in VIC and NSW.

Up until the GFC, net interstate migration was quite predictable: NSW has always seen a net loss of population from interstate to Queensland. Victoria used to be in the same boat but around the GFC, the paradigm has changed.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/net_interstate_migration.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Net interstate migration. Chart source: Pete Wargent"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="341" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/net_interstate_migration.jpg?itok=5IOiTrMz" title="Net interstate migration. Chart source: Pete Wargent" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Net interstate migration. Chart source: <a href="http://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/melbourne-population-growth-blows-doors">Pete Wargent</a></figcaption></figure>One angle that's not made it to the mainstream commentariat yet is one that I'm willing to bet where during the pre-GFC era WA and QLD were sucking up a lot more of the net overseas migration to build all the infrastructure that facilitated the mining boom, we're now seeing VIC and NSW taking in these workers to build all the infrastructure and new housing that's been taking place over the past few years.

This labour mobility is made possible by our federation and the implied freedom of movement across state and territory borders. I'm thinking out loud here, however one wonders if some of the commentators who've stated that authorities might want to look at ways to somehow restrict movements - requiring new visa holding migrants to settle in certain parts of the country - are thinking long-term in this instance.

Do we really want to require people to live and work in a specific region of Australia when their skills are in greater demand in other parts of the country? Likewise, is it <a href="https://www.alrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/pdfs/publications/ip46_ch_5._freedom_of_movement.pdf">'constitutional'</a>?

Moreover, so what if Victoria's economic growth of late has been primarily been fueled by population growth and the construction sector?

Again, it's just a headline but scratching even the thinnest layer off the top of what the 'construction sector' is doing in Victoria, you'll see large-scale projects like level crossing removals which is employing thousands and the benefits of which are both short-term and long-term. The short-term benefit, immediately after a level crossing removal is road traffic congestion relief, the long-term benefit is once a line is entirely (or mostly) grade separated, trains will have the freedom to run more frequently.

New South Wales is in the same boat - enormous amounts of construction activity with building its new metro network - the Sydney metro North West will soon be operational and the second phase City and South West section is about to get underway. But wait's there's more: the NSW government has announced the third large-scale rail building project which will eventually link Sydney's CBD with Parramatta and the new airport way out in the paddocks of outer south west Sydney.

<h2>Radical re-think &amp; leadership required</h2>

This is being written in the context of the ABS census release and subsequent December 2016 population projection updates but to my mind nothing has changed for change advocates. The long-term goal of providing transport alternatives to the car for the entire metro has not changed.

What has changed is how we should do it.

It's been more than 24 months since the Victorian Government announced the Melbourne Metro Tunnel project will go ahead and it's expected the contract to put tunnel boring machines in the ground will be signed later this year.

I use this example to highlight the long lead times to get to the shovels-in-the-ground stage, let alone project completion. The second metro tunnel that has been mooted since the days of the release of the Heavy Rail Network Development plan is part of a larger-scale strategy to fundamentally alter the majority of Melbourne's rail network from CBD/loop centric network to one of 5 cross-town metro lines + 2 loop lines.

Taking a short-term view, the pressure to get started on the second cross-city tunnel just elevated, especially in the context of the growing calls for congestion relief and a greater decentralisation of jobs in clusters outside the city.

Contrary to popular belief, Melbourne does have knowledge-intensive, office-or-laboratory-based, job clusters outside the CBD. The Monash NEC is one such cluster, and the Werribee East 'Australian Education City' is an area that in all likelihood will become one.

And the Victorian Planning Authority is laying the planning groundwork for all of them right now. As is the case with anything to do with land-use planning in Victoria, transport is always an afterthought. We get the announcement that a structure plan is now effective, but just lines or dots on a map pointing to 'potential' transport changes. I will, however, always remain positive (hopeful?) that this does change.

<h2>Not all employment clusters are equal</h2>

The CBD is naturally the best served with high-capacity public transport from all directions. Sunshine has very good rail coverage from the east &amp; north and will eventually have good access from the west when the Melton line is electrified.

La Trobe is an island between two radial train lines. Monash and East Werribee have a rail line on the outskirts of the precincts and Dandenong South is problematic from a public transport perspective.

In the intriguing context of the private proposal to create a BRT service from Donvale via Doncaster and the Eastern Freeway to the city - high frequency, high capacity bus services - I think BRT or mostly-grade separated light rail lines, should now be the focus on these middle and outer suburban clusters.

<blockquote>
Every working day, seven out of 10 Casey residents with jobs travel out of their own municipality to work. The smaller the housing lots, the more the cars. They drive, slowly, mostly westwards into old Melbourne beyond Dandenong, many to jobs in the Monash area.
<cite><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/is-melbourne-building-sprawling-outer-suburbs-destined-to-become-ghettos-20170630-gx1vyh">Are Melbourne's sprawling outer suburbs destined to become ghettos? (Royce Millar and Ben Schneiders, The Age, July 2 2017)</a></cite>
</blockquote>

Focusing on Monash for a moment, these are the public domain facts relating to changes to public transport in the area:

<ul>
<li>The Pakenham and Cranbourne rail lines currently do the heavy lifting of moving people from the suburbs to the city and back again</li>
	<li>The lines are seeing upgrades in terms of level crossing removals and will eventually be re-routed through the metro tunnel creating a giant cross-town to Sunbury</li>
	<li>There's demonstratable capacity being built in right now. The new train fleet is a capacity jump over the current fleet and a medium-long term plan to extend train platforms so even longer trains can operate efficiently on this line.</li>
</ul>
What's needed now is building a proper network to interface with the railway spine (and other radial lines), in some cases clawing back existing road space from general traffic and in other cases expanded arterial roads.

The work to rationalise the rail network in the inner-city is going to attract the most headlines and will cost the most, but we need institutional change when it comes to road planning.

Arterial road investment or expansion is only bad when providing road-based public transport services is not the priority. We should be making it a priority to claw back general traffic road-space and provide dedicated routes for public transport vehicles running direct and high-frequency services.

At the Monash NEC in particular, here we have a blessed simple grid of major arterials - Blackburn, Clayton, Westall, Springvale, Wellington, Ferntree Gully and Centre Roads - all we need to do is challenge the institutional orthodoxy that car is king and provide high frequency, high capacity services along the entire length of these routes.

In doing so, by the very length that these arterials travel across the city, they're all bound to hit multiple rail lines, bringing a proper, all-direction, public transport to the problematic-at-present employment clusters.

<h2>In conclusion</h2>

Let's face it, Melbourne has a well-oiled road building machine and it should be put to better use. Dedicated corridors inside existing arterials is going to be the most rapid way to 'install' public transport both in the physical world but perhaps more importantly install a new way of how residents can go about the daily lives, car-free in the suburban mass that is metro Melbourne.

Maintaining rail improvements at the top of the public transport food chain is critical however we must be realistic; the lead times to get rail to Rowville and Doncaster is long and in the current regime of focusing on existing cost-benefit ratios and business cases, they fall somewhat flat. The choice is to continue advocating for heavy rail (and continually get knocked back) or head down another path and actually enact rapid change.

I don't want to brush over the good arguments both for and against the private Doncaster BRT proposal but in the context of what the census data now tells us, and the inevitable quick fix rhetoric that's likely to be spewed from the mouths of politicians in the coming months, I think we just need run with it. Although specifically with the Doncaster BRT, it shouldn't end at an isolated shopping centre in Donvale, it should link with the PT network in the city and in the suburbs at Nunawading.

Am I being flippant about potential risks (be they financial or don't have the effect of intensifying development along the corridor)? Maybe. However assuming the contract is structured so that the private operator bears an acceptable amount of financial risk, and it's not all put on the state, the experience will inform us how to roll out similar public transport lines elsewhere.

This is because we're going to need to do much more work on road-based public transport to ensure residents have an alternative to driving and so that our employment clusters are successful in growing and can entice people out of their cars en masse. We need to provide good quality alternatives before residents (and voters) will find wholesale road pricing regime change palatable.
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Alastair Taylor

Population shock: we now, more than ever, need to radically re-think Melbourne's transport network

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ME Bank will decrease its principal-and-interest variable home loan offer by 10 basis points.
This reduction will be available to new owner-occupier borrowers who are applying for a loan in a member package valued at $150,000 or more and with an LVR at 80% or less.
All interest-only vairable and fixed home loan offers to new borrowers will increase by 40 basis points.
Both these changes are effective July 1.
In August ME will increase its reference rates on all existing variable interest-only loans by 40 basis points
The bank said the changes were being made to manage regulatory requirements on interest-only lending.
ME CEO Jamie McPhee, said the changes are necessary to ensure the Bank complies with macro-prudential measures introduced by APRA, while encouraging existing interest-only home loan borrowers to switch to principal-and-interest.
“Owner-occupier principle-and-interest home loan rates are at record lows.
"Now is a great time to pay down the principal on your home loan.
“ME does not apply a fee for switching from interest only to principal-and-interest.”
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

ME Bank moves home loan rates

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A boat shed at Dormant sold in early 2017 at $300,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-dromana-123898786" target="_blank">121 Boat Shed</a>, the property features a fridge where cool drinks, salads and ice creams can be stocked and a private changing room.
It has lots of space featuring 33 sqm where you can store towels, BBQ equipments etc.
It has a large outside cement deck sitting area with large canvas awning to protect from the sun.
The internal walls and ceilings have been upgraded to have insulation providing extra security from the sun and cool weather.
It is positioned right in front of car parks, water taps, shops, BBQ area and much more.
The property was offered by Hockingstuart agents Philip Down and Steve Edmund.
It was recently rewired with electricity and had recently been re-earthed and fitted with new power outlets, updated with safety switches and a smart meter.
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Dromana boat shed sold 

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The grand penthouse in Richmond's Jaques development has sold for $4.8 million to a Glen Iris couple.
The suburb's previous apartment price record was $3 million.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%2010.34.41%20AM.png" alt="">
Kristine Lee from Developer Riverlee Group said the development has proved to be a hit with the downsizer market seeking large apartments, resulting in over 20 buyers combining apartments to create more spacious residences.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%2010.36.44%20AM.png" alt="">
The $290 million Jaques precinct features 377 apartments and townhouses across five buildings on the former Jaques Bros Foundry site.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%2010.37.28%20AM.png" alt="">
The south-western entrance to the site features factory’s original red brick tower with original drawings and blueprints for the manufacturing of the rock crushing machinery shown across three of the buildings.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/05/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-05%20at%2010.38.08%20AM.png" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Grand penthouse in Richmond's Jaques development has sold

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Industrial property firm Goodman Group said it was sticking to its full-year forecast of a 7.5 percent growth in operating earnings over the previous financial year.
The group said in an ASX announcement for the quarter ended March 31 that its “strong performance” was due to benefit from the urbanisation of cities around the world and the concentration of consumers in these locations.
It forecast FY2017 full year operating earnings per security of 43.1 cents, up 7.5 percent on FY2016.
Goodman said it expects demand for prime industrial space to stay strong across key locations.
Earlier this year, the group pre-leased an additional one million square feet of logistics space to Amazon at its Goodman Commerce Center Eastvale, California.
“The business is positioned to take advantage of the structural and cyclical influences in the market, particularly in locations positively impacted by the expected increase in urbanisation and rising consumerism,” said the ASX release. 
Goodman’s total assets under management (AUM) were at $34.6 billion with valuation growth offset by asset sales ($2.1 billion for the nine months to 31 March 2017 excluding urban renewal).
The group leased 2.5 million sqm for the year to date, equating to $296 million of annual rental property income.
During the quarter, the group sold $200 million of assets but noted that the pace of sales is expected to moderate. It has completed $2.1 billion of asset sales in the nine months of the financial year to March 31, which will be used to fund its development pipeline.
“We’re continuing to realise the benefits of our strategy which has consistently been to invest and develop in quality locations, close to the consumer,” said chief executive Greg Goodman.
“We believe demand for quality industrial properties will be strongest in these locations and scarcity of land will see higher values, supporting sustainable long-term growth.”
Its development pipeline is across 75 projects with a forecast yield on cost of 7.7 percent and pre-commitments on completions of 86 percent.
The group’s credit rating was upgraded by both S&amp;P and Moody’s, aided by its lower gearing targets.
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Goodman Group sticks to operating earnings growth outlook

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Research released by RateCity.com.au has questioned the effectiveness of hiking rates to deter certain buyers.
RateCity.com.au analysed of over 100 lenders two months after the latest APRA intervention and found the majority of banks are penalising investors and interest-only borrowers by as much as 0.56 percentage points.
RateCity.com.au money editor Sally Tindall said investors paying interest-only are being hit the hardest at an average rate of 4.88 percent while owner-occupiers doing the right thing by paying down their debt are being rewarded with an average rate of 4.31 percent.
"While promoting sound lending measures was fundamentally important, there were question marks over the effectiveness of hiking rates to deter certain buyers," she said.
“What we learnt from the 2014/15 APRA intervention is that while a rate rise spooked investors initially, they took less than six months to decide that paying extra was worth their while.
“The real test for investors will be whether they are willing to meet their bank’s demands for higher LVR’s if they want to pay interest-only.
“Owner-occupiers opting to pay interest-only are also being hit with slightly higher rates, however it pales in comparison to the bill they eventually have to pay as a result of not paying down their principal without the benefit of any tax concessions.
“The average mortgage holder with a $350,000 loan will pay $45,822 more to their bank if they opt for interest-only repayments for the first five years.
“That’s a pretty big deterrent right there."
The research showed that people with a deposit of just 5 percent were paying, on average, 0.18 percentage points more than people with a deposit of 30 percent.
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Interest only investors hit hardest by rate hikes

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SPONSORED POST
Sam Khalil's property investment outlook investigates and dissects recent market changes that Australian property investors should be aware of.
In part one, Sam Khalil gave his thoughts on <a href="/expert-insights/investing/sam-khalil-s-property-investment-outlook-part-one">Australian property investment in 2017</a>.  He looked at performance in the capital cities and identified regions that will continue to grow despite changing market forces. 
In part two, Sam investigates and dissects recent market changes that property investors should be aware of.
Stricter lending rules
There are far tighter lending guidelines than ever before. This has all been generated by ASIC, worried about high levels of risk in a red hot market.  It has trickled down to all the major lenders. CBA and Bankwest are refusing to refinance investors. While AMP will no longer offer new investor loans through their mortgage channel. Other lenders such as MyState have imposed a 12 basis point margin on all variable and fixed rates, for both investment and residential loans. Meanwhile APRA is bringing in a 10 percent speed limit for investors. There could be more restrictions on the horizon with APRA worried about the level of risk in the market.
Overall lenders are charging more for investment loans and then again for interest only. This will make people revaluate their lenders and question if they will purchase at all.
Foreigners locked out of the market
There has been a distinct clamping down on foreign investment over the last year. Westpac is not writing loans for non-residents, ANZ is no longer lending to non-residents and the CBA is following suit. Other banks have similar tight restrictions. The sum effect has been that foreign investors are walking away in droves, many unable to get funding. This in turn will have a flow on effect to the construction industry, impacting on the number of new builds. There’s also speculation that foreign investors will favour apartments over houses even more than they currently do because they need a lesser deposit.
Development slowing down
Developers have seen significant tightening in lending for projects. This has slowed down supply, which may be a stabilising measure to avoid any large property bubble bursting.  Banks have especially tightened down on lending to residential property developers with an oversupply of apartments and high-rise towers an especial concern. This has led to many developers to put projects on hold and others look to for alternate funding.
Shortage of land
There’s a desperate demand for new land supply in <a href="https://www.dpn.com.au/learn/market-updates/macarthur-the-sleeping-giant-of-sydney" target="_blank">Sydney’s fringe</a> as well as Wollongong and Newcastle. Developers are finding it extremely difficult to process land through local councils and then register the land. We must hope that the NSW government can fast track services to bring land to the market sooner so pricing doesn’t continue to increase dramatically due to lack of supply. This is the primary issue affecting housing affordability: land supply and how quickly it arrives to the market. Remember there’s always a lag between development and construction and the frantic nature of the market itself.
Apartment oversupply
There’s a real concern about apartment oversupply in the major capital cities, especially in Melbourne. The Commonwealth Bank estimates 140,000 new apartments will be built in the city from 2016 to 2018. This oversupply will ultimately lead to a drop in prices. Some experts are anticipating drastic drops of up to 20 percent in some suburbs by 2019.  So projected growth for apartments in many major cities has hit its peak and is estimated to correct or be sideways for next 5-8 years, with owners losing money and not getting capital growth. So there’s a clear message here: be very wary of apartment purchasing for the next few years. Research the area and project meticulously.
The global market
Well, it’s almost impossible not to talk about the political upheavals last year. From Brexit through to Trump it was a year of surprises. Trump’s avowal to increase spending around infrastructure and his distancing from the Asia trade pacts will certainly have an effect on Australia. His promise to pour money into defence and infrastructure will act as a fiscal stimulus. It’ll also mean lots of capital fleeing Australia and going into the USA. Potentially Australia will have to lift interest rates to compete and keep capital here. This in turn will effect market sentiment. Properties and projects that are vulnerable will be exposed awfully quickly.
You can read the original article <a href="https://www.dpn.com.au/learn/market-updates/sam-khalil%E2%80%99s-property-investment-outlook-part-two-winter-2017" target="_blank">here</a>.
For more information from <a href="https://www.dpn.com.au/" target="_blank">DPN</a>.
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