For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

Cbus Property have reported the sale of three luxury apartments worth $66 million in the 111 Castlereagh St development.

The buyers came from the eastern suburbs and lower north shore.

The biggest sale was a 460sq m double-storey penthouse that fetched about $35 million.

It is called the Jones Residence,&nbsp;named after Sir Charles Lloyd Jones who led the success of the David Jones expansion on which the property sits.

The residence boasts 360‑degree views across the city and towards the Blue Mountains, capturing Hyde Park, Sydney Harbour, the Eastern Suburbs and beyond.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94354 project_image_fid=170432]

The two smaller sub penthouses in the 101-unit project sold for about $15.5 million each.

The sales marked "a resurgence in the return of Sydney city living and the ongoing appetite for high-end, primely located residential property, despite the challenges of the current COVID-19 climate,” Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo said.

Selling agent Colliers Residential managing director Peter Chittenden said the four-bedroom penthouse occupies part of level 33 and the entire 34th level and includes two kitchens, living areas, a wine cellar and a butler’s pantry.

Cbus has two four-bedroom sky homes and a selection of expansive one, two and three-bedroom residences still for sale in the project set to be finished by the end of 2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=94354]

Three luxury apartments have been sold off-the-plan in the 111 Castlereagh St development

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

$35 million penthouse sale secured in 111 Castlereagh by Cbus

St Leonards is set for a new mega-development, with the integrated property group&nbsp;Top Spring Australia lodging plans for 329 residences as part of a 1.26 hectare masterplanned community.

The site,&nbsp;at 21-41 Canberra Avenue and 18-32 Holdsworth Avenue, will see the apartments built across five buildings, three fronting Canberra Avenue and Newlands Park, and the other two buildings with a frontage to Holdsworth Avenue.

The three buildings facing the parkland will be eight, nine and 10 storeys in height (some storeys will be part levels due to the site&rsquo;s incline), while the two rear buildings will be eight and 11 storeys.

The Bates Smart-designed buildings will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, two-storey townhouses, as well as several penthouses. They have been designed to be stepped in height, to maximise views of the surrounding green spaces.

<img alt="" height="683" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/top_spring_green_st_leonards.jpg" width="1200" />

The plan provides public access to Newlands Park from Holdsworth Avenue via a six-metre-wide site link, as well as a 2,500 sqm communal garden at the centre of the project for a mix of public, private and communal uses.

The end of Holdsworth Avenue is to be closed by Council and turned into a pocket park. Three of the buildings will feature communal rooftop terraces providing sunny outdoor spaces, and all buildings will have landscaped setbacks from all street frontages.

Sydney Ma, Director and General Manager of Top Spring Australia, says the building forms step back and down the hillside revealing a series of stepped terraces, apartments and landscaped platforms towards Newlands Park.

&ldquo;With this project, we will be consistent with our vision to develop properties that incorporate the character of the local area by not only reflecting, but also enhancing, their local environment.

<img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/top_spring_canberra_ave.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;Here, we want to create an ecologically responsible, vibrant new community, nestled within lushly planted corridors, edges and setbacks, to further enhance not just Newlands Park, which the project faces, but also the other existing green spaces in the St Leonards area.

&ldquo;Inspired by the local Cammeraygal creek corridors, our fa&ccedil;ade approach interprets the contrasting conditions of the rocky fern gullies and vertical eucalypt forest. This is achieved with the bases of the buildings having a heavily planted sandstone plinth, above which vertical fa&ccedil;ade columns contrast with floating horizontal edge beams.

&ldquo;The buildings will sit comfortably within the urban environment of St Leonards, as well as the bushland quality of the surrounding area, with the material palette using a natural, robust, earthy selection of materials and finishes.

<img alt="" height="860" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/holdsworth_ave_top_spring_st_leonards.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;We have worked long and hard on this design and look forward to working with the Lane Cove Council to bring it to life.&rdquo;

About Top Spring Australia

Launched in Hong Kong in 1993, Top Spring International is a globally-renowned integrated property group, with specialties in residential and commercial development, asset management, fund management and education.

To date, the company has completed more than 20 completed projects in 12 cities around the world.

Top Spring Australia is a division of Top Spring International, established in 2017 with the goal of redefining urban living in Australia.

The Bates Smart-designed buildings will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, two-storey townhouses, as well as several penthouses

Top Spring Australia to develop 329 apartments and townhouses in Sydney's St Leonards

Cbus Property, is currently marketing the final opportunity to purchase a penthouse in Epping for the foreseeable future, with the release of the last remaining penthouse at its north-western Sydney development, The Langston.

The two-storey, five-bedroom residence is positioned on the uppermost floors of the tallest of three towers – the 29-storey Langston Tower – and has price expectations of circa $3.3 million.

According to Adrian Pozzo, Cbus Property’s Chief Executive Officer, a similar property is unlikely to become available in Epping for some time.

“With no new residential high-rise projects currently under construction in the Epping town centre, it will realistically be years before a penthouse of this size and calibre becomes available again,” Mr Pozzo said.

"We have already had significant interest in the property from local north-west Sydney downsizers, from areas such as Beecroft, Cheltenham and Carlingford, who are looking for something with comparable living space and status to their current homes.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29936 project_image_fid=90755]

The house-sized residence’s five bedrooms incorporating two equally sized master bedrooms with en suites, on separate levels.

Spanning two levels with more than 230 sqm&nbsp;of internal living space, there is plenty of room to enjoy the&nbsp;180-degree views that reach from the&nbsp;Sydney CBD to the south, all the way to the Blue Mountains to the west.

The wider Langston precinct provides a range of&nbsp;amenities, including a Pool Deck, Wellness Hub and Sky Lounge.

The Pool Deck incorporates a 20-metre pool and poolside cabanas, while the Wellness Hub features a well-appointed gym and yoga studio, and direct connection to the Pool Deck. Sky Lounge offers a landscaped terrace capturing views of the Sydney CBD skyline and the Blue Mountains, plus shared dining rooms&nbsp;spaces to celebrate special occasions.

There is also a residents-only podium-level gardens, featuring barbeques, casual seating areas, play zones and open green spaces, as well as shared co-working spaces.

According to Adrian Pozzo, Cbus Property’s Chief Executive Officer, a similar property is unlikely to become available in Epping for some time

jordan_55689

The final penthouse in Cbus Property's The Langston in Epping set for sale

Sydney apartment values rose a further 1.6&nbsp;per cent, according to property data firm CoreLogic.

Values have now grown 10 per cent over 2021, with 1.6 per cent over June&nbsp;and 1.8 per cent&nbsp;over May, a rolling quarterly gain of 5.1 per cent.

Sydney&#39;s median apartment value is now $810,000, having started the year at $734,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7363]

The gains in the apartment market come as the booming housing market lost a little bit of steam over July.&nbsp;Sydney has recorded the sharpest reduction, with the monthly capital gain falling from 3.7% in March to 2.0% in July.&nbsp;

CoreLogic&#39;s research director, Tim Lawless, suggests one of the reasons house prices are starting to lose a bit of steam is that they are becoming unaffordable for many.

&ldquo;Sydney is the most expensive capital city by some margin and it has also been the city where values have risen the most over the first seven months of the year. Worsening affordability is likely a key contributing factor in the slowdown here, along with the negative impact on consumer sentiment as the city moves through an extended lockdown period,&quot; Lawless says.

&quot;Along with declining home affordability, much of the earlier COVID related fiscal support (particularly fiscal support related to housing) has expired.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30049 project_image_fid=162884]

Recently there has been some volatility in new inventory levels, with the number of newly advertised properties falling sharply across Sydney and Melbourne amidst lockdowns.

In Sydney, the monthly number of new listings added to the market has fallen by approximately -30% since the week ending June 27th, dragging total active listing numbers -13.7% below the five-year average.

&ldquo;At the other end of the spectrum are the apartment sectors of Melbourne and Sydney, where rental conditions have been substantially looser.&quot;

&quot;The good news for landlords is that rental markets in these areas are stabilising following a substantial reduction in rents due to high vacancy rates attributable to stalled overseas migration and a preference shift away from high density living during the pandemic,&rdquo; Mr Lawless continued.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100811 project_image_fid=162902]

We have seen the same trend through earlier lockdowns, where both buyer activity and vendor activity reduce before recovering to pre-lockdown levels once restrictions are eased or lifted.

&ldquo;With stock levels remaining tight, selling conditions have been skewed towards vendors.&quot;

&quot;Auction clearance rates have remained in the low-to-mid 70% range across the major auction markets through July and private treaty sales continue to record rapid selling times and low discounting rates,&rdquo; Lawless said.

Sydney's median apartment value is now $810,000, having started the year at $734,000

What happened to Sydney apartment values over July?

The NSW Government is creating greater protection for consumers from defective building work by moving the Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme (SBBIS) online.

Under the SBBIS, developers are required to pay a bond equal to two percent of the building contract price to NSW Fair Trading for newly constructed multi-story (4 levels and higher) strata developments.&nbsp;

The building bond adds another layer of protection for strata owners, providing money to cover the cost of rectifying early defects that are not fixed by the developer. 
&nbsp; 
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said moving the process online from July 31 is the first step in the NSW Government&rsquo;s new digital data hub and will take the scheme to the next level by removing paper forms, making the process simpler and allowing everyone involved to easily follow progress on claims and inspections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100811 project_image_fid=162900] 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;The Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme currently holds more than $66.5 million in building bonds,&quot; Mr Anderson said.

&quot;That is money that can go straight to owners corporations to fix building defects without them needing to go through expensive, complex and lengthy legal claims,&rdquo; Mr Anderson said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Moving the SBBIS online means that everyone knows what&rsquo;s happening so we can get through the process quickly, making life simpler and easier for strata owners in NSW. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;The NSW Government has embarked on revolutionary reform in the construction sector to better protect new apartment owners, and make regulation more efficient and transparent.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227 project_image_fid=93954] 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Taking the SSBIS online is an important innovation that will enable Fair Trading to oversee the process digitally, freeing up capacity so it can focus on high-risk compliance matters.&rdquo; 
&nbsp; 
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said digitising the SSBIS will play a pivotal role in strengthening trust and confidence in the building industry. 
&nbsp; 
Building inspectors will be able to download a free &lsquo;SBBIS Inspect&rsquo; app that will enable them to log defects and add photos or video evidence to their reports in real time during onsite inspections. 
&nbsp; 
The SBBIS digitisation is one of the first stages in the development of a new Strata Hub to support strata management in NSW and drive building industry reform as part of the Construct NSW transformation strategy.

Digitising the SSBIS will play a pivotal role in strengthening confidence in the building industry

NSW Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme (SBBIS) goes online

A Lithgow land parcel with 78 residential building lots has been snapped up by the ASX-listed Maas Group Holdings.

It intends to undertake a residential development at the site, some 140kms west of Sydney.

The 33.12 hectare property at 33 Magpie Hollow Road in South Bowenfels, on the western outskirts of Lithgow.

It was sold for $8.4 million in a deal negotiated by Mark Litwin and Grant Bulpett of Knight Frank.
 
It was sold by a family, who were long-time owners of the property.

“It is expected demand for this development will be high as we have seen a strong ‘flight to country’ develop through COVID, with people increasingly looking outside of the CBD and metro markets for new places to live that will provide a more relaxed lifestyle," Bulpett said.

He added the purchase was "strategic" given the recently announced investigation into an 11- kilometre Blue Mountains tunnel, which would provide better access to the Lithgow area by reducing travel times.

“Increased links to and from markets will always drive value,” he said.

The 33 hectare property was sold by a family to the ASX-listed Maas Group Holdings

Maas Group buy Lithgow district residential development site

Developer Aqualand has commissioned UK architect, Sir David Chipperfield, to design its Barangaroo Central project.

It is the British architect&#39;s first commission in Australia for the firm, David Chipperfield Architects, which was founded in 1984.&nbsp;

It is the final project site within Barangaroo.

Designed to act as a &quot;bridge&quot; between the headland park and the more intensively developed commercial district, Central Barangaroo is the lower density final stage of the NSW government&#39;s $8.7 billion Barangaroo urban renewal project.

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&quot;We want to make an architectural project which belongs there, enjoys its site and climate, and we&#39;ll endeavour to make a building that seems to be right for the site,&quot; Chipperfield told The Australian Financial Review Magazine.&nbsp;

The buildings will include an apartment tower, offices, and retail.

The apartment tower will be capped at 19 storeys.

Barangaroo Central, perched above a new metro station, will also have entertainment and civic venues, and high-end retail stores.&nbsp;

Local architectural practices Durbach Block Jaggers, Smart Studio Design and John Wardle Architects are also involved in the project within close proximity of the historic Millers Point and Observatory Hill.&nbsp;

Rod McCoy, Aqualand&#39;s Central Barangaroo development director, said he approached Chipperfield because of his buildings&#39; &quot;timeless elegance&quot; and &quot;understated sophistication&quot;.

Chipperfield undertook the refurbishment of the Neues Museum in Berlin.&nbsp;

It has offices in London, Berlin, Milan and Shanghai.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5770 project_image_fid=24110]

Developer Aqualand has appointed Sir David Chipperfield as the architect to design their Barangaroo Central project

jchancellor

Sir David Chipperfield to design Aqualand's Barangaroo central project

Developers will soon be able to have their apartment projects credit risk-rated using a digital credit rating tool, backed by the NSW Government.

The rating system will provide consumers, financiers and insurers with independent data to make more informed decisions about the developers&#39; financial credentials.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The NSW Minister for &nbsp;Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said it was a &quot;world-first tool.&quot;

It will draw upon thousands of data points to determine the trustworthiness of a developer and their construction projects, providing consumers with more confidence to purchase an apartment in NSW.

This ratings initiative is part of the NSW Government&#39;s broader strategy to restore public confidence in the multi-storey apartment &nbsp;market which sees efforts to also lift construction standards. 
&nbsp; 
Mr Anderson said he aimed to have the first fifty developers voluntarily rated before the end of the year.

&ldquo;As well as making a project more attractive to consumers, we anticipate that the financial sector will use these ratings to determine which projects they will lend to, and those that may qualify for new insurance products such as decennial liability insurance,&rdquo; Mr Anderson said.

<a href="/developments/sydney-nsw?source_news_article_id=107245&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sydney-cbd-_template_12.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;And for those with a chequered past or a history of disappearing after the sale &ndash; there will be nowhere to hide.&rdquo; 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;I encourage developers to come forward and be rated, as those with a strong track record will reap the benefits,&rdquo; Mr Anderson said. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Over the past 18 months we&rsquo;ve worked with developers, financiers, insurers and consumers to facilitate the development of tools to help both the regulator and the buyer understand the trustworthiness of each developer and their projects. &nbsp;

&quot;These ratings will provide an independent assessment from a trusted source,&rdquo; Mr Anderson said. 
&nbsp; 
The ratings tool, created by Equifax and known as iCIRT, pulls together key data endorsed by NSW Fair Trading to demonstrate the character, capability and capital of each developer.

It considers credit ratings, the relationships between development counterparties, the entity&rsquo;s history in corporate dealings and nominated directors. 
&nbsp; 
Housing projects in NSW will then be rated from one to five stars to help consumers make that all important decision about who to buy from. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;Ratings will paint a clearer picture of a developer&rsquo;s trustworthiness and the predictability of whether they are likely to construct a compliant and safe building and have the capacity to fix issues if they do arise in the future,&rdquo; Mr Anderson said. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;These ratings will also be a powerful weapon in our fight to stamp out phoenixing, exposing risky developers with a history of leaving owners high and dry after they have moved in.&rdquo;

The executive officer at Owners Corporation Network, Karen Stiles said the tool will take the guesswork out of buying an apartment in NSW.

&ldquo;The last thing prospective owners need is to spend their life savings buying into a problematic building, but in the past consumers have had to rely on the developer&rsquo;s word that the property is a safe and sound investment,&rdquo; Ms Stiles said.

Developers will be encouraged to publically display the rating for the specific entity responsible for each project on their websites and consumer facing materials. 
&nbsp;

Developers will be encouraged to publically display the rating for the specific entity responsible for each project on their website

50 NSW apartment developers to get their iCIRT corporate credentials star rating

Construction will resume after the July lockdown in Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour with new COVID protocols to be introduced to keep workers and worksites safe.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro advised construction can resume on Saturday, 31 July, with safety measures such as controls on movements between sites, reduced contact between workers within sites, improved tracing capability and a focus on encouraging workers to get vaccinated.

&ldquo;Works in occupied premises including residential homes can also resume from this Saturday where there is zero contact between workers and residents,&quot; he saaid.

There will be a limit of up to two workers for indoor services and five workers for outdoor services, and works will only be possible where it is feasible for residents to vacate the area. If contactless arrangements are not possible, work cannot go ahead.

<a href="/developments/sydney-nsw?source_news_article_id=107111&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sydney-cbd-_template_11.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

&ldquo;Unfortunately, construction will not resume in the eight LGAs of concern &ndash; Fairfield, Blacktown, Cumberland, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Parramatta and Georges River Local Government Areas.

&ldquo;However, businesses in those LGAs which are part of the construction supply chain will be permitted to operate. Construction supply chain workers will be added to the authorised workers list and will be allowed to leave their local area for work, subject to meeting COVID-19 surveillance testing requirements. This includes workers engaged in manufacturing of construction materials, plant and components.

&ldquo;I can also announce that as part of our plan to reopen construction, worksites will be able to operate on Sundays and public holidays for the remainder of the year, up until Christmas, to make up for any time lost.&rdquo;

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the required construction COVID-19 safety plan builds on the COVID safe measures already in place at many worksites, but we&rsquo;re now applying that consistently right across the sector.

&ldquo;We have worked with the industry over the past two weeks to get the right outcome and I would like to thank the sector for their constructive engagement. I would also like to acknowledge the willingness of the industry to take the lead in trials in the application of Rapid Antigen Testing and local vaccination services at sites, consistent with guidance from NSW Health.&rdquo;

A defined list of preparatory works may commence on worksites from tomorrow to enable sites to reopen safely, with limited workforces on site to ensure COVID safe measures are in place, that equipment and plant can be restarted safely and that all utilities are in order.

Construction will resume in Sydney on Saturday, 31 July, with safety measures 

Sydney apartment sites permitted to resume construction in August

Cbus has sold one-third of the 101 apartments in its 111 Castlereagh St development, atop the former David Jones department store.

Colliers managing director, residential, Peter Chittenden told the Weekend Australia he was also "close to selling" a $30 million-plus penthouse in the project being developed by Cbus Property.

It has 460 sqm space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94354 project_image_fid=170432]

The cheapest units are one-bedrooms starting at about $3 million, while four bedroom units start from $13.5 million.

Most of the 101 apartments have views over Hyde Park in the tower designed by architects fjmtstudio.

Apartment residents will enjoy a rooftop with a pool, gym and gardens at the project where construction is underway.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94354 project_image_fid=170428]

The apartments will be ready by the third quarter of 2023.

Chittenden had always expected most buyers would be local owner-occupiers and confirmed there has been no offshore money purchasing in the development.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94354 project_image_fid=170427]

He confirmed most buyers hail from Sydney’s east as well as regional NSW, with several apartments purchased by high-net-worth farmers.

The Cbus tower sits above the former David Jones menswear store in Market Street with apartments, office space, and luxury retail planned by Cbus Property and Scentre, the owner of Westfield malls.

Colliers has sold one-third of the 101 apartments in the 111 Castlereagh St development

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