The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

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

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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.
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urban.com.au

How To Choose The Right Home Loan

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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
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

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

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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!

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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)

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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.
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Why Micro Houses? Why Not?

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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.
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Young Home Renters as ‘Permanent Renters’?

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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.
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Housing Market: Sydney vs Melbourne

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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’.
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Build to Rent: A Key to Housing Affordability

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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.
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Negotiate for a Long-term Rental Lease

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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.
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