Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

The wave of apartment proposals sweeping through Mosman shows no signs of slowing, with another major residential development lodged through the NSW Government's State Significant Development pathway.

Developer First Quadrant Properties, which recently completed Willoughby Grounds and has several projects in planning across the North Shore, has unveiled plans for a 63-apartment development on Ourimbah Road, adding to the growing pipeline of projects reshaping one of Sydney's most tightly held harbour suburbs.

The proposal would consolidate nine properties at 40-56 Ourimbah Road into a part eight, part nine-storey apartment building, continuing the momentum created by the NSW Government's accelerated planning pathways that have seen several significant developments emerge across Mosman over the past 12 months.

Designed by Doroch Architects, the project would deliver 63 apartments, resident wellness facilities including a gym, pool and sauna, landscaped communal spaces and basement parking, while using recessed upper levels, generous setbacks and extensive planting to reduce the perceived scale of the building.

<img alt="First look: First Quadrant Properties eyes nine-storey Mosman apartment project under State Significant pathway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32ee68e4-141e-4a10-8f83-48e961a5e71e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ourimbah%20Road%2C%20Mosman%20a.png?VersionId=CUeILFc6APlwXPc.iplElbxHvREKwjig" />

Doroch Architects said the building had been designed to reinforce Mosman's established character.

"The building's aesthetic is grounded in the existing residential character of Ourimbah Road and the broader Mosman context," the architect noted in the planning documents submitted to the NSW Government.

The design adopts a contemporary material palette of natural stone, textured concrete and brown concave metal cladding, complemented by integrated planters and deep balconies. The podium incorporates softened curved concrete forms, while increased setbacks have been provided adjacent to the heritage-listed property at 60 Ourimbah Road to create a more sympathetic transition.

The site sits around 330 metres from Mosman Town Centre, placing it within the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy area, where increased residential density is being encouraged close to shops, transport and services.

The proposal follows a string of major apartment projects lodged or declared State Significant in Mosman in recent months, including Abadeen's 100-apartment Honeysuckle Garden redevelopment on Military Road and several other developments across Awaba Street, Redan Street and Muston Street from the likes of Time &amp; Place, HELM and Prosker Property.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Time &amp; Place to take on Mosman apartment market</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-abadeen-plans-100-apartments-on-former-honeysuckle-garden-site-in-mosman">First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman</a>

First look: Another major apartment proposal signals Mosman's development boom

A new State Significant Development Application (SSDA) could reshape a prominent vacant site in Gosford's CBD, with Ming Tian Real Property proposing a mixed-use precinct that combines affordable housing, retail activation and a new public plaza.

The proposal for 43-45 Beane Street and 2 Keevers Lane would deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/43-45-beane-street-gosford-nsw-2250">two-building development</a> comprising a 26-storey residential tower and a five-storey affordable housing building above ground-floor commercial space. A key focus of the project is the delivery of dedicated affordable housing alongside new public domain improvements designed to transform Keevers Lane into a more active urban destination.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/tony-owen-partners">Tony Owen Partners</a>, the development would provide 130 apartments, including 20 affordable housing dwellings managed by a registered community housing provider for at least 15 years. The market housing component comprises 110 apartments across a mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences, while the affordable housing includes six one-bedroom, 13 two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartment. The proposal also incorporates 416 sqm of ground-floor retail, three basement levels accommodating 140 car spaces, 42 bicycle spaces, communal open space and extensive landscaping.

<img alt="First look: Ming Tian Real Property plans landmark affordable housing tower for Gosford city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b858791-9060-4ee7-9178-44cb9e640a85" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Beane%20Street%20b_0.png?VersionId=_jbY0mqPEs7.jBZxozR7d6T4u85FoPmb" />

The affordable housing component has been distributed across both buildings, with four apartments located within the main tower and a dedicated five-storey building delivering a further 16 affordable homes. The project also includes 12 adaptable apartments and 24 dwellings designed to Silver Level Liveable Housing Guidelines.

The architectural design draws inspiration from Indigenous storytelling.

"The design is based on the indigenous motif of the Rainbow Serpent," Tony Owen Partners said in the Design Verification Statement.

"The Rainbow Serpent is a traditional totem of coastal eastern Australia. It represents natural forces, creation, change, and rebirth and is often associated with bodies of water. This motif can be seen in the undulation of the balconies rising on the building," Tony Owen Partners said in the Design Verification Statement.

Beyond the residential offering, the proposal seeks to revitalise the surrounding public realm, particularly Keevers Lane.

"The ground floor streetscape includes a commercial and dining precinct which will significantly improve the amenity of the area. This strategy transforms a currently inhospitable laneway into a thriving centre of urban renewal and day and night time activation to compliment the new adjoining UNC facilities," the architects said.

<img alt="First look: Ming Tian Real Property plans landmark affordable housing tower for Gosford city centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36b0ca6b-af15-424c-81db-9f3049c07b0c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Beane%20Street%20podium.png?VersionId=QCAv7bCitrg3zIGZUHI2z_HR8qVfKbp1" />

The Environmental Impact Statement notes that the project aims to "improve the provision of diverse housing options within Gosford City Centre, enhancing the mixed-use precinct by delivering high quality residential development, whilst concurrently providing a diverse range of housing choices through the provision of affordable housing, which is in growing need within the Gosford City Centre."

The site occupies approximately 2,070 sqm in the Gosford city centre, around 250 metres from Gosford Railway Station and within walking distance of Gosford Hospital, Mann Street's retail precinct and the University of Newcastle's Gosford campus currently under construction. The currently vacant site previously received approval for a lower-scale residential development, with the new proposal leveraging the NSW Government's in-fill affordable housing pathway to increase density while introducing dedicated affordable housing.

First look: Rainbow Serpent inspires bold new Gosford apartment tower

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

<html><body>
Before you can begin your first house hunt, it’s crucial to get your finances in order. This means visiting a number of different brokers and determining the best home loan structure for you. You’ll want to get a number of quotes and compare home loans. Loans vary in a number of ways. But one thing is certain; unless you’re relying on the bank of mum and dad, or you’ve inherited some serious cash, almost everyone buying their first home needs to take out a loan of some form. Here is the breakdown of the different loans on offer, and what you need to know when choosing a home loan to get into your first home sooner.

<h2>1. Principal and interest loans</h2>

Principal and interest loans are by far the most popular. This is where you make regular payments against the principal, or the amount borrowed, and also pay interest. While you end up paying a lot more than the cost of the home, you have the ability to move in sooner. The loan is paid off over an agreed upon term, which may be anywhere up to 30 years.

There are then a number of different features that you can get with your principal and interest loan, including redraw facilities or offset accounts. These additional features will bump up the price.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/choosing-the-right-home-loan-02.jpg">

<h2>2. Interest-only loans</h2>

Interest-only loans involve a period of time where the borrower only has to pay off the interest on the loan, rather than the principal and the interest. Essentially, they are not paying off any of their original amount borrowed. This might seem counter intuitive, but most borrowers who opt for this choice will set up an offset account where they can choose to make extra repayments.

The problem with this strategy is that once the initial interest only period ends, after five years or so, then the borrowers have five years less to pay off the entirety of their loan, as well as continue paying interest. The repayments therefore end up being higher than if they had originally taken out a principal and interest loan.

To compare home loans across principal and interest or interest only, visit your local lender.

<h2>3. Variable interest rate loans</h2>

Lenders offer three key options when it comes to how they will accrue interest on your loan. A variable rate means that your interest rate will rise and fall as the market does. Securing a variable rate when interest rates are at a low point would be a strange choice, because they are likely to only go up.

<h2>4. Fixed interest rate loans</h2>

Fixed rate interest means that your interest rate is fixed, at a predetermined amount. Despite the market, your loan interest won’t budge. It is worth noting however, that these fixed rates are often only valid for part of the loan term, such as five years. After that, it may revert to a variable loan.

The problem with some fixed rate loans is that there are limitations on how many repayments you can make. Or perhaps there may be a higher fee if you wanted to relocate. After all, if you can pay off your loan too quickly, then the lender won’t be making interest off of you.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/choosing-the-right-home-loan-03.jpg">

<h2>5. Split interest rate loans</h2>

A split loan, where part of the loan is variable and part of it is fixed, allows the best of both worlds. You can often make extra repayments on the variable portion of the loan while still having the security of a fixed rate, just in case. You can compare home loans in all their pros and cons with your local broker.

<h2>6. Added features</h2>

As mentioned earlier, additional features tacked onto your loan can up some of the costs involved. But, it can be worth knowing about these features to determine if they could be the right choice for your loan.

An offset account is a savings account linked to your home loan. If there’s $20,000 in your savings account, then you only pay interest on your loan minus that $20,000. The more money is in that savings account, the more it will pay off. Alternatively, if you’re tempted to dip into your savings every now and then, this will not be a good option.

A redraw facility means that you can pay extra money into your loan, and then redraw that later if needed. This feature usually involves strict conditions or fees to redraw. Be sure to quiz your lender on the terms and conditions.

Line of credit loans are when you determine a credit limit, for example of $500,000. You can then spend up to that limit. Most often, wages go in in and living expenses come out of this account. As you repay the loan, the credit limit amount remains the same. This means that you can continually keep borrowing and paying off the loan, until the specified end date. These loans are not to be misused; they should be approached with caution and strict financial discipline.

 

Remember, going to a specialist broker to help you determine what you need to know when choosing a home loan. Amid application fees, valuation fees, monthly fees and trying to compare home loans, it takes a professional to be able to match you to a life-long financial fit.
</body></html>

urban.com.au

How To Choose The Right Home Loan

<html><body>
The Federal Government scheme that aims to incentivise baby boomer home owners aged over 65 to downsize from their largely empty homes began this month.
The spruikers are ready in wait.
The elderly will be able to put the proceeds of the sale of their home into a superannuation fund tax free, up to $300,000 each or $600,000 per couple.
Research suggests the overwhelming majority of retirees own outright, having no mortgage, so their prospect of surplus funds is real. The estimated value of pensioner home equity at $625bn.
The new scheme, announced in the 2017 budget by Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison, means the elderly, including the baby boomers still way off retirement, will need to carefully consider the sale of their home to potentially utilise the opportunity.
Morrison's thinking was to encourage ageing homeowners to downsize to free up more affordable exisiting stock for young families.
The initiative was first floated three years ago by Morrison when he was social services minister with the government having advice from the Productivity Commission that estimated 15 per cent of older Australians wanted to move.
Of course Scott Morrison can't force older Australians to move house, given the emotional and financial investment in family homes, but the incentive offers some encouragement.
It must have been the home for the past decade, and it can only happen the once.
The superannuation break comes with no requirement it is into a smaller home. It could see them entering the rental market or relocating to an aged-care facility.
The downsizer contribution can only come from the sale proceeds, so, if a couple sold their home for $500,000, their combined downsizer contributions would be limited to $500,000.
Those most likely to benefit from the scheme will be self funded retirees who are excluded from receiving a government pension due to exceeding the income and/or assets tests.
There are still big impediments the government has not addressed on why the elderly stay in large homes long after their children have left.
For many the super downsizer contribution will reduce, even eliminate the age pension and associated pensioner cards. Staying put which has come with the prospect of huge gains from property price growth and the maintenance of their pension often outweigh the advantages of moving.
There will likely be many opening a new superannuation account in which to make the downsizer contribution which must be done within 90 days of settlement.
I worry that the elderly will become vulnerable to what will be a new industry spruiking retiree smsfs. After all it's not that the SMSF arena is full of clean skins currently.
Last month Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) advised around 90 percent of financial advice on setting up smsfs did not comply with relevant laws.
And ASIC identified a growing use of 'one-stop-shops' where there was an increased risk of getting poor advice that did not take account of personal circumstances or was not given in their best interests.
These are among the many factors to consider so professional financial advice should be sought.
This article first appeared in The Saturday Telegraph
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Spruikers will take advantage of retirees in new SMSF downsizing contribution scheme

<html><body>
Laurence doubles down on his opinion on Federation Square which seems to have ruffled a few feathers. 

Arden's finalised vision has been released and Daniel Andrews' Spring Street government has finally committed to the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

The public will get to see the Southbank by Beulah designs this week and Open House Melbourne is on this weekend.

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast through your app of choice!

<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/476843037&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=true&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe>
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

Weekly Podcast: Episode 25 - Federation Square, Melbourne Airport Rail Link, Southbank by Beulah, Open House Melbourne and Arden

Melbourne living is desirable, to say the least. After being voted the World&rsquo;s Most Liveable City seven years in a row, it&rsquo;s a hotspot for developers, investors, and buyers alike. However,&nbsp;<a href="/news/top-20-melbourne-suburbs-with-the-largest-development-pipeline">many suburbs in Melbourne have skyrocketed</a> past the budget limit for many buyers, who are left wondering how choosing the best suburb within their reach while still getting a taste of that popular Melbourne lifestyle is even possible.

The good news is that there are plenty of suburbs that haven&rsquo;t yet hit their peak. We&rsquo;ve collated the best suburbs to settle down in Melbourne, no matter whether you&rsquo;re a young professional, student, or are looking to start a family.

<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/i-m-relieved-melbourne-is-no-longer-the-world-s-most-liveable-city-20180814-p4zxfp">The Age&rsquo;s liveability report</a>&nbsp;notes a significant shift in the Melbourne market:&nbsp;the city is realigning from favouring the south to instead favouring the north. Whereas Melbourne&rsquo;s leafy, upmarket east has long been the centre of the real estate industry, more and savvier buyers are looking to the up and coming west for the new best suburbs.&nbsp;

<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/melbourne-suburbs-abbotsford.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Wikimedia Commons"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-abbotsford.jpg?itok=WzitTJys" title=" Wikimedia Commons" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Sophia Mundi Steiner School Campus at the Abbotsford Convent Site, looking towards the Melbourne Central Business District | photo by Rjob, source: Wikimedia Commons</figcaption>
</figure>

Jumping over 100 spots in the past year, <a href="/news/keilor-roads-last-car-dealership-goes-to-apartments-and-goes-super-green">Keilor Park</a>&nbsp;has been one of the best growth suburbs.&nbsp;As well as the nearby botanic gardens, it has seen a boost in cafe culture. With a median property price of around $730,000, it&rsquo;s on the list of many house hunters for good reason. Another star performer was Gladstone West, leaping over 60 points following from new development in the area improving transport and amenities.

The trendy inner north is slowly spreading further and further upwards, improving the scores for suburbs like Coburg North, Brunswick, and the tiny Princes Hill. A favourite for developers, some of the northern suburbs are known for having the largest variation in housing prices, meaning that investors could snap up a bargain, redevelop, and turn a decent profit.

<a href="/developments/abbotsford-vic-3067">Abbotsford</a>&nbsp;represents an attainable spot with good investment potential.&nbsp;Here you can make the most of the cafe culture that permeates the east and north, and the suburb was ranked 33 in terms of liveability. Alternatively, moving further out towards the east is feasible due to the incredibly well-established train lines. Suburbs like Box Hill have continued to rise, favoured by families for the amenities as well as cultural diversity.

<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/melbourne-suburbs-albert-park-lake.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title=" Flickr"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="336" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/melbourne-suburbs-albert-park-lake.jpg?itok=UOJ06Xw8" title=" Flickr" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Albert Park Lake | photo by Lindsay Evans, source:&nbsp;<a href="https://flic.kr/p/5my5m9" target="_blank">Flickr</a></figcaption>
</figure>

Looking south, <a href="/developments/albert-park-vic-3206">Albert Park</a> ranked in the top ten for the best suburbs throughout all of Australia in the Australian Statistical Geography Standard 2016. St Kilda West deserves a mention for topping this survey, however, the steep price tag of the laid-back beachside lifestyle is too rich for most.

Taking advantage of these suburbs without actually buying into them is something that buyers have been eager to do for a long time. Purchasing in adjacent suburbs, such as Windsor, mean that it&rsquo;s possible to enjoy the <a href="/new-apartments/st-kilda-vic-3182">St Kilda West</a> lifestyle from only a few minutes&rsquo; drive away, and avoid paying the huge costs.

Regardless of which point of the compass is your cue, there are pockets of property throughout Melbourne that are continuing to perform well. The top consideration remains your financial limitations, keeping in mind that you&rsquo;ll need money to actually enjoy living in your new home, on top of simply <a href="/guides/how-to-secure-a-mortgage-free-lifestyle-sooner">paying the mortgage</a>.

Suburban living is about getting in touch with your neighbours and the community and enjoying the &lsquo;village&rsquo; feel at the heart of an area, whether that&rsquo;s a main street or a town square. The best strategy is to identify areas that are <a href="/guides/looking-for-a-home-on-a-budget-here-are-10-melbourne-apartments-under-385-000">within your budget</a>, before going out and spending some time just being there and soaking up the atmosphere.

One of the most <a href="/guides/top-7-tips-on-how-to-value-a-house">common mistakes</a> is that buyers rule out potential suburbs because they turn their nose up at the name. Melbourne is shifting so rapidly, that an area can completely turn around in a few short years. <a href="/buildings/nbh-at-lachlan-s-line-25-27-epping-road-macquarie-park">Choosing the best suburbs</a> that fit how you want to live your life is hard without actually experiencing it yourself. Keep an open mind, take notes, and take the time to figure out your priorities, separating your &#39;must-have&#39;&nbsp;from your &#39;nice to have&#39;.

Note how long it takes you to get there, what there is to see and do, and take a walk through the streets to <a href="/news/6-of-australia-s-top-sustainable-architectural-design-trends">appreciate the architecture</a>. All of these things are a part of finding the best suburbs to settle down in, whether you&rsquo;re looking for an inner fringe bustle or a lazy coastal retreat.

Where and Why? (Melbourne’s Best Lifestyle Suburbs)

<html><body>
Micro houses, or tiny houses, have taken the internet and the real world by storm. These miniature dwellings take up no more land than a bedroom or two, instead utilising clever design, multiple functionality and innovative storage solutions to make them fully sustainable as long-term homes.

<h2>Eco friendly</h2>

As well as being better for the back pocket, micro houses are often carbon neutral or highly environmentally friendly, and most are transportable which means your home can be anywhere in the world that you choose. Without the space for clutter, it encourages a more ethical and considered approach to consumerism. Tiny home owners learn to reuse, recycle and repurpose, rather than waste. Added to that, there are far fewer resources which go into the construction and maintenance of this style of living. From a glance, it seems like learning to live in smaller spaces while making do with fewer things could be way of the future, and a way in to homeownership in a time of housing affordability uncertainty.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/micro-houses-2.jpg">

<h2>In Demand</h2>

It seems like the market is ripe for the tiny houses trend. Single person households are only set to continue growing, and people are more and more eager to move closer to the CBD. There’s obviously only a certain amount of ground space available, so it makes sense that developers should be looking to capitalise on smaller apartments and housing. The advantages of small housing are plentiful, and one of the main ones is that it allows people to live much closer to the culture, amenities, institutions and lifestyle that big cities can offer. There is a demand for small homes which incorporate good design and don’t necessarily mean that you have to compromise the way you live your life.

<h2>Doing More with Less Space</h2>

While Australia is one of the most spacious countries on the planet, there is still high competition to reside in those desirable areas: on the beach, on the river, or in the heart of the city. And we are naturally moving away from the Great Australian Dream of a large backyard and a full-sized family home. Block sizes are becoming smaller as owners choose to subdivide, backyards are being traded for courtyards, and land ownership is being traded for a floor in an apartment building.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/micro-houses-3.jpg">

<h2>Restrictions and Roadblocks</h2>

But the fact of the matter is that tiny houses remain off the table for so many of us because of planning regulations which exist across Australia. On top of this, some banks refuse to lend for houses of less than 50 square metres. Why is there such a push back when it seems like this could be the answer to our housing affordability problems?

Most of the hesitation seems to stem from predictions of how allowing the widespread development of tiny houses would actually play out. Developers and legislation makers alike have noted that while good design can make a tiny house a smart investment, most of the ones that will be built are like to cut corners and be cramped, predicting plummeting values when those first owners look to sell. Some have gone so far to say that allowing micro houses to be developed will create the slums of tomorrow.

But designers disagree, and retaliate that this thinking is stunting our creativity, our ability to move forward, and our ability to come up with a viable solution for the housing affordability crisis. When viewing some of the floor plans and rendered model of micro houses, it becomes apparent that there is endless opportunity to think creatively, and design well, when you’ve only got a small space to work with. From fold out tables, to mezzanine beds and multipurpose furniture, the sky’s the limit. While these features might initially appeal to students, graduates and alternative thinkers, there is certainly a place for tiny houses in the mainstream.

Others have argued that placing restrictions on apartment and house sizes means that a desirable lifestyle is only attainable for the already wealthy. Just as we have the freedom to choose a hatchback or an SUV, we should too have the option to buy housing on the smaller end of the scale if we choose.

But those fears do serve as a warning, that new homeowners, whether building or buying, should always think carefully about their investment for long-term profitability. While there are plenty of advantages of small housing, good design for these dwellings is even more important.
</body></html>

Why Micro Houses? Why Not?

<html><body>
With house prices on a constant hike, and the number of homeowners steadily falling over the past three decades, some suggest that today’s young home renters will become permanent renters. In 1986, the number of young people aged 25-34 who owned their own home was almost 60%, whereas recent census data has seen that figure dip to around 45%, with a particularly noticeable fall over the past 10 years.

And while the struggle for young people entering the housing market has been well documented, the decline has also been felt among older age brackets, leading experts to believe that not only will it be later in life that today’s Gen Ys and millennials will be able to buy, but that they may never be able to buy at all. For single-income households, buying is almost entirely out of the question.

<h2>Supply and Demand</h2>

The demand for homes is sky-high. As our metropolitan populations across the country grow, the rate of construction simply can’t keep up. And while new developments are popping up on city fringes, inner suburban lots are becoming more valuable than ever. Added to this are the increasingly low interest rates and tiny minimum deposits, meaning people who are able to buy are taking out astronomical mortgages. Equity is increasingly becoming a necessity to be able to buy, further favouring those already in the market.

<h2>A Shifting Demographic Spread</h2>

What does all this mean for where you might be living? As the cities and desirable inner suburbs become exclusively baby boomer populated, young families and professional couples are being pushed further and further out. No longer is renting akin to student housing, spending a few years in a share house until completion of studies; it’s becoming the only option for a larger share of younger generations. We’re seeing a polarisation of demographic spread. Today’s children are more likely to experience their childhood in a townhouse or apartment rather than a traditional Australian backyard.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/young-home-renters-as-permanent-1.jpg">

<h2>Increasing Rental Stress</h2>

But even renting is no walk in the park. As if it wasn’t enough that home ownership is soaring out of reach, many young renters are under extreme rental stress, paying between a third and half of their household income on rent alone. Affordability of rent for young home renters is in sharp decline for a number of reasons. In a society where we’ve been brought up thinking that with hard work and a good education, the world is our oyster, young people are having to work longer hours while studying, just to put a roof over their heads. Priorities are turning towards income at an earlier age, rather than careers.

<h2>A Financially Responsible Generation</h2>

And with this increased portion of income being directed toward rent, or saving for the elusive first home, experts have applauded today’s young home renters for being the most financially responsible. Compared to their parents, who spent more money on food and non-essential items like cars, household goods and clothes, today’s young people spend their money on housing and education first.

<h2>The Way Forward</h2>

While the market for first home buyers is tough, it is by no means entirely inaccessible. As more and more young buyers are looking further out of our city centres, the ‘outer suburbs’ are losing much of their stigma. Young couples and singles are turning towards off the plan apartments and homes in these areas for the notable advantage of a smaller upfront cost.

Once first home buyers have secured that first purchase, there is considerable opportunity to take advantage of this growth—what was once a barrier, can in fact be a positive. Indeed, there is a growing number of first home buyers who are choosing to avoid the traditional owner–occupier pathway, and instead opt to secure their first home as an investment while they continue to rent themselves.

After all, renting is becoming a more favourable option in many aspects. In October 2017, reforms to tenancy laws in Victoria gave renters more rights, including being allowed to keep pets, accessing smaller bonds to improve the affordability of rent for young renters, and negotiating longer term leases.

Regardless of the pathway taken, first home buyers must focus on research, getting to know their own financial limits, and taking a fresh approach to entering the market. While the trend may be growing in regards to permanent renting, it is certainly not to say that securing a home is off the table.
</body></html>

Young Home Renters as ‘Permanent Renters’?

<html><body>
The rivalry between Australia’s east coast capitals seems to extend to every aspect of our lifestyle, from sport, to culture, and of course, liveability. Melbourne has been acclaimed for striking a balance between affordability and standard of living, being named the world’s most liveable city for seven years on end, while the steep Sydney housing market has made first home purchases almost impossible, and encouraged many young people to focus their search elsewhere. The housing market in Australia continues to be one of the driving factors in the ongoing debate between Sydney vs Melbourne.

That is not to say that the Melbourne market has not experienced growth. In fact, both capitals continue to record growth across the housing market in Australia, although to vastly different effect.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/housing-market-sydney-vs-melbourne-2.jpg">

<h2>Steady vs Unsteady Markets</h2>

But, contrary to popular belief, not all growth is necessarily a good thing. Investors looks for stability when looking for their next solid portfolio opportunity, which is of course a long-term prospect. A fluctuating or temperamental market is an immediate red flag. When taking this approach to comparing Sydney vs Melbourne, particularly in light of the exponential Sydney boom, there is simply nowhere to go but down, leaving experts giving the harbour city a wide berth.

And indeed, that tipping point may be already beginning. Over the third quarter of 2017, housing in Australia rose by only 0.5%, which is the slowest rate since the second quarter of 2016. The worst-performing capital city was Sydney with only 0.2% growth recorded in the same period. Should this slowdown in Sydney be viewed as a relief for first home buyer hopefuls, or a warning sign to stay away?

<h2>Melbourne Still Ripe for Investment</h2>

This is the turning point in the Sydney vs Melbourne dilemma. Turning to Melbourne, we are able to see the result of a steadier growth over time, rather than a boom and bust trajectory. Over the past 12 months alone, both Sydney and Melbourne recorded double digit value growth. But while Sydney grew by only 0.2% in the last quarter, Melbourne grew by 2%—10 times the growth of its east coast rival. Even when all the markets in Australia are slowing, Melbourne is still coming out on top.

This is a stark contrast to Sydney’s recent 20% increase in a single year—a figure which is simply unsustainable. A steady increase in population in Melbourne, has meant that demand has continued to dominate over supply, despite increased construction, making the city resilient in the face of nation-wide slowed growth.

Amid the mess that the Sydney market finds itself in, buyers, owners, and experts alike are similarly doubtful of the way forward. Although the growth is slowing, there is still little hope for first home buyers. This slowing is only happening now after a period of five and a half years, leaving the market at a point still far beyond the long-term average.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/housing-market-sydney-vs-melbourne-3.jpg">

<h2>Investors’ and First Home Buyers’ Delight</h2>

Melbourne remains in the sweet spot for housing in Australia, one of the few places where it is possible to enter the market as a first home buyer, and steady predicted growth also ensures that the purchase is a solid investment for the future. As such, it’s a hotspot for investors’ portfolio purchases as well as being a first home buyers’ ideal location to start a family.

Melbourne’s average house price hit $880,902 in the third quarter of 2017, whereas Sydney clocked in at a staggering $1,167,516. Many Sydney investors are recognising that they are sitting at the top of the housing market in Australia and looking at a long way down. If they spook and jump ship, putting their investment on the market, then we risk a serious oversupply as demand migrates interstate seeking more affordable housing.

First home buyers who aren’t able to commit to a house still have opportunity to purchase in the ideal Melbourne conditions, turning towards apartments and units. The apartment market broke the $500,000 mark for the first time in the last quarter, with a steady increase of 3.4%. As more and more first timers shift their focus away from houses, the unit and apartment market is growing more significantly, particularly in the outer suburbs. Experts agree that at the lower end of the housing market, there is always a scramble to get a foot in the door, meaning rising apartment and unit prices still offer a promising investment.
</body></html>

Housing Market: Sydney vs Melbourne

<html><body>
In a climate of crisis when it comes to housing affordability on the east coast of Australia, it is no surprise that we’re seeing an increase in long-term, or even ‘permanent’ renters, as would-be buyers turn to other living arrangements. It is this increase in rental demand which offers younger investors a unique opportunity, and could hold the key to unlocking housing affordability long term.

Approximately 25% of households live in private rental accommodation, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Rental conditions are far from stable for a lot of renters, be they families, young couples, or singles. Indeed, recent findings suggest that there is widespread uncertainty of the short term future, with 83% of renters admitting they have no fixed-term lease or are on leases less than 12 months, and 62% of those surveyed felt that they were unable discuss longer-term rental security. Added to that was the persistent threat of rental increases, making for a largely anxious rental population.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/build-to-rent-2.jpg">

<h2>What is Build to Rent?</h2>

Herein lies the problem, and a promising solution has been put forward to address it. A build to rent scheme would incentivise developers to construct housing not with the intention to sell, but instead to rent out at a capped price bracket to cater to low-income families.

Government funding in some form is essential in order to make build to rent a viable solution to the housing affordability crisis. Affordable rent, gathered from low-income families, would simply not be able to cover the cost of building and operating housing in order to make it an enticing prospect for developers. Therefore, some financial incentive must be offered.

<h2>Fundamentals of Successful Build to Rent Strategies</h2>

By focusing on the four areas of functional design and layout, bespoke management, amenities and secure tenancy terms, build to rent schemes can work for both the tenants they are designed for, and be a profitable investment for the developer.

Design encompasses both the overall appearance of the home, which in turn can shift the reputation and value of a neighbourhood, as well as the interior functionality for the tenant. Effective design, reflective of tenants’ needs, must be based in evidence, rather than speculation, if it is to be truly in demand. Building to the specifications of what tenants look for, as well as what will be considered a good long-term investment, are both key starting points.

Fostering a sense of community will inform both management and amenities. Communal spaces, transport accessibility and proximity to schools, universities and suburban hubs are all examples of features that many of us would value in a home, but often aren’t on the table for renters. And in order to strengthen that community over time, longer-term leases will help to offer security and a sense of stability when raising a family for renters. Leases of 3, 5 or even 10 years could become the new norm in these developments.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/build-to-rent-3.jpg">

<h2>What is Next?</h2>

Build to rent sounds like a dream solution, but there are still plenty of wrinkles to iron out.

There must be barriers in place to stop developers from charging what a landlord would, or raising their rent over time, in order for it to be truly affordable to those who need it.

If backed by an institution—essential in order to get funding in the first place—responsibility may fall off the shoulders of the developers when it comes to maintenance and upkeep. By moving away from the local landlord, we risk losing the communication, trust and reliability that comes with it.

Developers must also follow the fundamentals outlined above to ensure a higher standard of housing, rather than receiving guaranteed funding for a poorer job. Rental housing need not be of a lower standard than owned housing, and that stigma needs to be overcome.

Once these concerns are addressed, a build to rent scheme, with government support, could spell the end of the housing crisis that has plagued Australia for the past decade. Further, it could begin to repair the damage to the rental market that has been done, helping to reassure renters that affordable, pleasant, and tenant-centric housing is available. If successful, the build to rent scheme could facilitate increased personal savings, and put an end to talk of a generation of ‘permanent renters’.
</body></html>

Build to Rent: A Key to Housing Affordability

<html><body>
When scrolling through property sites, or during those first chats with agents, long-term leases are rarely on the table. It seems that there are so many hopefuls vying for those 12-month and six-month leases, that negotiating anything more would kiss goodbye to your chances. But the experts agree that longer leases work for both renters and landlords alike, giving investors the security of income they desire, and renters the ability to create a space that feels like home over a number of years. But how exactly are these elusive deals arranged? It takes a strategic approach to negotiate a rental lease like this, and there are a number of tips for long-term lease success.

<h2>Come Across as the Perfect Tenant</h2>

First of all, you want to come across as the ideal candidate for the house, in order to knock out any competition. In order to stand out as the obvious choice, you’ll want to cover two key areas: that you’ll pay on time, and that you’ll take good care of the house as if it were your own. This latter category includes having a good relationship with your agent and proactively reporting any issues as they arise.

While these factors might be difficult to prove when you first sit down with an agent, after a year of good behaviour you might see the odds stacked in your favour to negotiate a rental lease that better suits your long-term goals. That’s why one of the most common tips for long-term lease success is to rent there for a year first to prove yourself.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/negotiate-for-long-term-rental-lease-2.jpg">

<h2>Back It Up With Evidence</h2>

While you may have spent a year making sure no toe is out of line, your agent is only going to rely on hard evidence to pass on to their client. Throughout that first year, collect your receipts for rental and bill payments, have your income figures ready, and even chat to someone at your long-term job about being a referee. Approaching an agent to discuss a longer term lease is almost like completing that first application—make it so compelling that they can’t refuse. As well as chatting face to face, having your request in writing can be a good strategy. Make sure that your tone isn’t overly presumptuous; no matter how well you dress it up, you are still essentially asking a favour of your landlord.

<h2>Sell It From Their Point of View</h2>

Just like with any argument, try to negotiate a rental lease from the opposing point of view. If you can convince your landlord that it makes complete sense for them to agree to a longer term lease, then you’re as good as signed. When renters move out on a yearly basis, there’s a period of time when the landlord won’t be making any income. Added to that is the cost of putting the place back on the market and reviewing applications, and it can be a huge dent on an otherwise profitable investment strategy.

Your angle to your landlord should be that as well as guaranteeing year-round rental income, you’ll also minimise the wear and tear that accompanies moving furniture in and out every 12 months. If your neighbours can also put in the good word that there are no quarrels, then a longer leases immediately seems like the right choice.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/negotiate-for-long-term-rental-lease-1.jpg">

<h2>Look Towards the Future</h2>

One of the most common reasons why landlords stick to traditional 12-month leases is because they can easily raise the rental costs without consequence in line with demand. If you want to know how to get the right rental lease, you have to be aware of the current market and exactly how much your property is worth and will be worth into the future. A five-year lease might need to incorporate a rental increase for inflation, for example. Alternatively, you might opt to discuss a flat price which is slightly above the market value, in order to accommodate this future increase.

With the right approach, a long term lease is achievable, and it may be easier to attain than you might think. At every opportunity you get, drop into conversations with your agent that you’d like to work towards a longer term lease and build a life in the home you’re renting. By gently increasing their confidence and trust in you as a tenant, that final discussion is going to be much more easy to navigate.
</body></html>

Negotiate for a Long-term Rental Lease

<html><body>
Moving into a new neighbourhood after buying your first home is an exciting prospect, but it also means leaving behind the comforts of your old neck of the woods. These five tips for home movers will make sure that you feel at home in your new place as soon as possible, and can start establishing some long-term roots within the community.

<h2>Introduce Yourself</h2>

It might seem like an obvious first step, but something as simple as an introduction and a handshake can move mountains in those first days of settling in. Not only will it make you feel like you’re living next to real people and not just faceless neighbours, you might even make some new friends out of it.

Not all neighbours will want to be your best friends, and that’s perfectly fine. If your neighbours seem a little on the reserved side, then an introduction will be a good way to get a feel for any boundaries that will be in place. Do they have young kids? How do they feel about pets? Maybe they’re very particular about their perfectly manicured front lawn. Everyone has their quirks and their pet peeves, and getting to know your neighbours’ sooner rather than later could mean a less abrasive relationship in the future.

If you’ve missed those first few days to knock on the door and say hello, then you might find yourself scrambling for an excuse to introduce yourself. Why not be a cliche and bake some cookies, or even host a small get together as a housewarming party. The shy ones among us might hesitate at the thought of being out of their comfort zone, but this way there’s a reason behind your visit so there’s no need to feel awkward.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/settling-in-your-new-neighborhood-copy-3.jpg">

<h2>Unpack Within the Week</h2>

If you’re lucky enough to have some time off work during the move, then put it to good use and unpack every single box. Nesting is a key part of making a house feel like a home, and so arranging all of your personal belongings in their new space can do wonders for making you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Plus, if your house is in order straight away, you can make the most of any opportunities to invite the new neighbours in for a cup of tea.

<h2>Get Involved With the Community</h2>

You can get involved with people in your new neighbourhood either formally—as part of a board or strata committee—or informally, as part of a social group. You might find that your new neighbourhood hosts a weekly farmers market or an annual street parade. As well as attending these events, get chatting about whether you can help out with setting up. Going out of your way to help someone else is a fantastic way to show your community spirit from the get go.

If kids are part of the equation, then offering to lend a hand through the school community can also help to strengthen those ties. Strike up a conversation with other parents at the school drop off, and welcome opportunities to meet other parents if your kids suggest playdates or parties.

<img alt="" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//pictures/article-images/settling-in-your-new-neighborhood-copy-2.jpg">

<h2>Get to Know Your Area</h2>

Taking the dog for a walk is a great tip for new movers looking to bump into locals, as well as having a chance to stroll through your new suburb’s streets. If you don’t have a pet, then maybe it’s time to start going for a morning jog, or taking the kids to the local park on the weekends. Bonding with the locals is about more than just a chat over the fence; every activity is an opportunity to strike up a conversation and start bonding.

Explore your new suburb through the eyes of a tourist—dine out once a week to taste what’s on offer, go for coffee on lazy Sunday mornings, and look for free things to see and do with the family or your partner. Moving in can be a stressful experience, so take some time out to unwind, and see what hidden gems you can stumble across in your own backyard.

<h2>Try Not to Rustle Any Feathers</h2>

Whichever neighbourhood you move to, there are likely to be some traditionalists who will scoff at the newcomers with their grand plans and modern architecture. If you are planning to renovate, erect a new fence, or drastically alter the facade of your home, then it might be worth thinking twice about it in those first few months. Chat to your neighbours to get an idea of the status quo for these sorts of things, particularly if you’re located in a heritage or traditional area.

Together, these tips and guidelines for new movers will have you part of the community in no time.
</body></html>

Latest Guides

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

News

Editor's Picks

News

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Guides

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

News

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

News

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News