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

Ellen Walker

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

Coronation Property&rsquo;s latest master-planned apartment development, Mason &amp; Main, offers smart-designed apartments set above a brand&nbsp;new&nbsp;dining and fresh food marketplace.

Situated on Merrylands Road in West Sydney, the project offers a range of one, two and three-bedroom configurations with most apartments priced under $650,000.

Designed by Woods Bagot, Mason &amp; Main is packed with amenity inside as well as those scattered in the master-planned community and wider area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=160996]

Apartments at Mason &amp; Main are filled with natural light&nbsp;featuring large balconies and terraces enjoying vistas to the Blue Mountains and the CBD.

The main bedroom, living, dining, and balcony all have&nbsp;a direct northerly aspect with most apartments including&nbsp;large multipurpose rooms, maximising owner occupier flexibility. These rooms enjoy natural light, custom joinery, and the ability to be completely closed off, ideal for working from home, or for setting up a guest bedroom or nursery.

Apartment finishes in Mason &amp; Main come in two distinct colour schemes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=160999]

Mason &amp; Main offers a green roof, communal amenities and public space on the ground floor with commercial premises, constructed by MN Builders

Residential facilities are available&nbsp;on the resident-only resort level, including a pool with day beds, a gym, lush garden cabanas, and barbecue&nbsp;areas.

Merrylands is known for its eclectic mix of places to eat and shop, and is just&nbsp;three&nbsp;kilometres from the&nbsp;Parramatta CBD.

School and learning facilities nearby include&nbsp;Key College,&nbsp;Merrylands Public School,&nbsp;Merrylands High School and Granville Boys High School.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=161007]

The project has received a large response from locals and first home buyers, with studio&#39;s priced from $395,000 and one-bedrooms from $500,000.

Two bedders start at $564,000&nbsp;and 3 bedders at $879,000.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=31751]

Coronation Property’s latest master-planned apartment development, Mason & Main, offers smart-designed apartments set above a brand new dining and fresh food marketplace

jordan_55689

Discover Mason & Main: The new apartment development to take shape in Merrylands, NSW

Chapman Gardens is a new residential offering in Sydney’s leafy Hills Shire, boasting a collection of 100 duplex-style apartments.

Developed by the CG Group, Chapman Gardens offers one, two and three-bedroom residences that are situated just six minutes from the Hills Showground metro station.

The landmark development comprises three low-rise buildings in a landscaped setting, with an articulated design that cleverly softens the streetscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=199352]

“Clever design and contemporary features combine to create interiors that fuse style with substance”, the project marketing reads.

Designed by PTW and Urbis, the development offers generous apartments with sophisticated interiors and high-quality finishes, with three-bedroom apartments in Castle Hill under $1,000,000.

The kitchens form the heart of the residences and boast stone benchtops with a contemporary waterfall edge and pull-out pantries that optimise storage space.

Ideal for entertaining friends and family, the homes feature abundant entertaining areas, high ceilings and low-maintenance alfresco zones, while a select number of apartments feature private courtyards and direct street access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29359 project_image_fid=199353]

Castle Hill is adored for its recreational attractions and abundance of green open space, with picnic areas, walking tracks and playgrounds within close proximity to the development.

"The Hills Showground Station Precinct is poised for significant redevelopment, including new housing, retail and a public plaza and park, which will inject new life into the suburb while enjoying lifestyle benefits and value-growth", the project marketing highlighted.

Well-connected by public transport, commuters will only have to travel a short distance into employment hubs such as Chatswood and Parramatta.

The state-ranked Baulkham Hills High School is located a short bus trip away, as well as numerous private schools.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=29359]

The landmark development comprises three low-rise buildings in a landscaped setting, with an articulated design that cleverly softens the streetscape. 

max.kwok_55688

Three-bedroom apartments at the brand-new Chapman Gardens development in Sydney’s Castle Hill

Sydney apartment vendors secured a 70 percent weekend auction success rate with CoreLogic advising almost half the sales were pre-auction.

CoreLogic reported 214 apartment and townhouse sales with 97 finding buyers before auction.

Sydney estate agents secured 52 sales via online auctions given the city being in lockdown.

Some 48 listings were postponed.

CoreLogic calculated a $1.03 million median.

Sydney&#39;s dearest weekend apartment sale was the two bedroom, two bathroom at 161/5 Wulumay Close, Rozelle which sold at online auction for $2.77 million.

<a href="/developments/sydney-nsw?source_news_article_id=104928&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_10.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Balmain Realty agent Scott Robertson marketed the top floor apartment as within &quot;the prized Balmain Cove harbourfront complex ... with exceptional build quality by Walker Corporation.&quot;

There had been a $2.5 million price guide for the refreshed 1999-built apartment with 127 sqm floor space.

It had last sold in 2012 at $1,275,000 and in 2006&nbsp;at $930,000.

It first sold off the plan in 1997 at $695,000.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Sydney was the strongest city with Brisbane seeing a 27 percent success rate for its apartment offerings.

Melbourne&#39;s 285 results saw a 66 percent success rate with a $670,000 median price.

Nationally there were 530 results across all the capital cities with a 67 percent success rate and a $737,000 median price.

CoreLogic advised almost half the Sydney apartment sales were pre-auction

jchancellor

Walker Corp apartment tops weekend auctions with Sydney vendors securing 70 percent success rate

The NSW apartment construction watchdog, NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler claims a large number of strata body corporate committees are not reporting defects.

It followed a survey by the NSW Fair Trading Department, and the peak body for strata managers, showing that fewer than one in five buildings with serious defects had been reported to the regulator.

&quot;What that is telling us is that a large number of body corporates are sitting on known defects and not reporting them,&quot; he said.

Chandler said body corporates risked defects in their buildings becoming revealed in a &quot;very public way&quot; if they did not report them to Fair Trading.

He told the Sydney Morning Herald he believed the main reason they stayed silent was due to fears that reporting would lower the value of apartments and make them harder to sell.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9187 project_image_fid=164848]

NSW laws require vendors - irrespective of whether they are an existing owner or developer - to disclose serious defects to prospective purchasers in contracts of sale.&nbsp;

However it is not a current legal requirement for defects to be reported to Fair Trading, a matter that Mr Chandler signalled the state government would now be looking to require.

The NSW construction watchdog was appointed to clean up the construction industry and restore public confidence after the Opal and Mascot Tower disasters.

Last month the NSW Government announced plans to recruit 30 further building inspectors and auditors to join NSW Fair Trading.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79249]

Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said it was part of the progression to lift confidence in residential construction.

&ldquo;Under this Government we&rsquo;ve introduced landmark legislation to shake up the industry and prevent risky players from putting substandard properties on the market,&rdquo; Mr Anderson said.

&ldquo;The new laws provide homebuyers with confidence that their new home has been designed and built in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.&nbsp;

The 30 new inspectors and auditors will join an existing team of 30 that have been active in the field since September last year implementing Fair Trading&rsquo;s new proactive compliance strategy to identify and resolve defects before projects are completed.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227 project_image_fid=93954]

&ldquo;Having the legislation in place is one thing, but enforcing it is another,&quot; Anderson said.

&quot;We want to knock out the dodgy players and make sure that customers can have confidence when they are handed the keys to their new apartments.&rdquo;

The recent departmental survey of more than 500 buildings in NSW that were built in the past six years found 36 per cent had serious defects, with just 17 per cent reported to the regulator.

Around a quarter related to water leaks and moisture, 15 per cent with fire safety systems and 10 per cent had structural issues, and 6 per cent had non-compliant cladding.

A further raft of protections for apartment buyers in NSW came into effect this month including a requirement for designers, engineers and builders who work on apartment buildings to be registered.

David Chandler said body corporates risked defects in their buildings becoming revealed in a "very public way" if they did not report them to Fair Trading

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

NSW strata owners keeping apartment faults secret as Fair Trading appoints more inspectors

Leading property developer Crown Group are offering prospective buyers&nbsp;to stay in their striking, $400 million Waterfall by Crown apartment development in Sydney&#39;s Waterloo.

Buyers will have the chance to reside in a two-bedroom plus home office apartment - fully furnished with Balinese-style interiors - as well as take in the amenities, including the heated 25 metre rooftop swimming pool and spa with views across Sydney.

The apartment is located essentially behind the colourful waterfall, the largest man made waterfall in the southern hemisphere, which&nbsp;runs all the way up one of the seven storey buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5763 project_image_fid=170138]

Having taken part in the Try Before You Buy offer, Urban can confirm no shattering&nbsp;water noises from the other side of the window, just soothing water sounds in the home working space.

SJB director Adam Haddow, the architect for Waterfall by Crown&nbsp;architect&nbsp;nailed the brief, which was for residents to feel like they could be anywhere in the world, yet still be just five kilometres from the city.

Crown Group chairman Iwan Sunito says it&#39;s probably the best urban resort they&#39;ve ever created.

&quot;Waterfall by Crown Group begins with the vision&nbsp;and a dream of bringing nature in to the heart of Sydney.&quot;

Sunito says that to some extent, the inspiration was from Sunito&#39;s upbringing, having been raised in the jungle of Kalimantan in Borneo.

No clunky door openings immediately greeted by lifts, rows of letterboxes or left over deliveries at Waterfall by Crown.

One of the entrances off O&#39;Dea Avenue opens to the bamboo tunnel, offering a very south-east Asia feel. The bamboo towers like an archway overhead and creates an encased canopy. The other entrance from Dunkerley Place, where parking is offered for visitors, and then through a further security gate&nbsp;for residents, is the onsite concierge and main lobby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5763 project_image_fid=170139]

Exiting the bamboo tunnel is a hotel-style tranquil lagoon with seating and summer lounge pods on the fringe. The lagoon lights up at night with a myriad of colours giving apartment dwellers who face inwards a peaceful and still private view from their balconies.

Then comes the showpiece.&nbsp;The waterfall, measuring 22 metres, streams down the side of one of the building&#39;s. It is also lit up at night.

The apartments are spacious, with the master-suite with its own bathroom tucked privately away from the living, kitchen and dining area.

The rooftop on one of the building&#39;s homes the cantilevered gym and the heated lap pool and jacuzzi with 49 jets. Also on the level is a function room and kitchen area which can be booked. Another building, all accessible even if you don&#39;t reside in that building, is a rooftop cinema with vertical green walls of around 5000 plants continuing the tropical and holiday-style&nbsp;atmosphere.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5763 project_image_fid=170136]

There&#39;s, 2,600 sqm of&nbsp;tropical gardens all up, and 3,600 sqm of neighbouring pet-friendly parks. Immediately outside of the development is a retail precinct with 12 grocery, lifestyle and food and drink establishments&nbsp;including Moo Yoghurt, Just Fried Chicken, Eclat Patisserie, DJ Hair Artistry and Asian supermarket, Parasol.

The &quot;pets welcome&quot; vibe contyinues with two pet-focused stores, the dog groomer Baby Pet Studio and&nbsp;YuMiao, a cat caf&eacute; based on a model that is popular in Japan.

As to allow just qualified buyers who are in a position to purchase to take part in the scheme, Crown ask for a fully refundable $10,000 deposit for the stay.

Those who don&rsquo;t wish to proceed with a purchase will be charged a nightly rate.&nbsp;

Prices at Waterfall start from $690,000 for a studio and $825,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Prices rise to a three-bedroom penthouse with two car spaces which is priced at $3.75 million.

One of the entrances off O'Dea Avenue opens to the bamboo tunnel, offering a very south-east Asia feel

Crown Group offer Try Before You Buy incentive at Waterfall by Crown Group in Waterloo

The Greg Shand-owned Barana Group are set to tweak their Kent Street, Sydney CBD mixed-use development.

They&#39;ve submitted a proposal to the City of Sydney Council which would sees the&nbsp;$88 million FJMT-designed tower no&nbsp;longer interconnected along the bottom levels.

Barana now want the towers to stand separately at 189-197 Kent Street. They are also seeking to raise the height of the approved development site to 110 metres from 80&nbsp;metres, as well as bring&nbsp;the north tower height closer to the south tower.

Barana&#39;s wording suggests they aren&#39;t expecting to see the amendment refused,&nbsp;given the development sits within a &#39;tower cluster&#39; area.

<img alt="" height="803" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/barana_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The original proposal was for the towers to be interconnected.&nbsp;Image source: City of Sydney

&quot;This &lsquo;amending&rsquo; DA seeks approval for additional height on the southern tower, removal of interconnected massing between the two towers, increased width of the through-site link, increased ground level setbacks to Kent Street, a resultant altered building envelope, and other design minor changes,&quot; the submission read.

&quot;Barana Group seeks to increase the building height of the south tower to meet the street frontage of the southern neighbour. This will allow a more gradual transition from the 80 height of the northern neighbour to the 110 m height of the southern neighbour separated by the through-site link forming a shadow joint.

&quot;These changes have been informed by the Central Sydney Planning Strategy and accompanying amendments to the Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012, expected to be gazetted in mid-2021, which will increase the height limit for the site to 110m and identify it as being within a &lsquo;tower cluster&rsquo; area.

<a href="/developments/sydney-nsw?source_news_article_id=104764&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_9.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

&quot;The proposed amendments do not alter the key approved key development metrics, including the number of dwellings, gross floor area and car parking numbers/layout.

There will be 125 apartments across one of the 24 storey towers.

A stage one development application was&nbsp;originally approved in September 2015. Five years later a&nbsp;new stage one development application&nbsp;was approved, superseding the 2014 application approval.

That was modified in December 2020 to reflect the stage two development application design from FJMT, who won a&nbsp;Competitive Design Alternatives Process which was held in accordance with the City of Sydney Competitive Design Policy and Design Excellence Strategy.

FJMT&rsquo;s scheme was selected by the panel as the winning design, beating design entries from Koichi Takada Architects, Woods Bagot and Bates Smart.

Barana's wording suggests they aren't expecting to see the amendment refused, given the development sits within a 'tower cluster' area

Barana Group seek to make mixed-use Kent Street, Sydney CBD tower taller

A mixed-use Eastwood site with development potential in Sydney&rsquo;s north-west has sold under the online auction hammer for $19,250,000.

The buyer of 42-50 Rowe Street was a local private Asian investor.

It was the first time in 30 years that the 1,467 sqm site had been offered.

The warehouse and showroom came development potential.

The campaign was run by Ray White Commercial.

The site was zoned 4B Mixed Use with a 15.5m height limit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79247]

Bidding started at $13 million.&nbsp;

&ldquo;It was an incredibly successful campaign, with over 185 enquiries, more than 30 individual inspections and 14 registered bidders logging in online on the day to compete with 77 bids,&rdquo; Peter Vines said.

Agent Victor Sheu, who has had a number of successful recent auctions in Eastwood said that these types of assets perform very strongly, and are usually held for generations.

&ldquo;These assets are fiercely contested by many local Chinese and Korean owners,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Eastwood is a genuinely unique market as it attracts a range of buyers that have an emotional attachment to the area.&rdquo;

The marketing campaign prompted over 185 enquiries, more than 30 inspections and 14 registered bidders logging in online on the day to compete with 77 bids

Eastwood apartment development site sold for $19.25 million

Developer JQZ has sold the first penthouse within its $1.6 billion St Leonards project Eighty Eight just seven days after its release.

The $10.5 million price set a new record per sqm rate for highrise Lower North Shore through Apex Investment Alliance.

The price equated to $52,239 square metre for the 209 sq m two storey penthouse.

The buyer had been looking for eight months.

The 88 by JQZ residential precinct is now under construction at 88 Christie Street.

It comprises two residential towers one of 47 and the other 26 storeys.

There is also a commercial tower of 15 storeys designed by PTW Architects.

The initial apartment sales were in 2018.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7841 project_image_fid=27244]

Denis Wan, of Apex Investment Alliance who sold the penthouse, described it as an impressive price.

There are four two-storey penthouses on levels 46 and 47 of the 88 by JQZ tower.

Henderson and Co founder Angus Henderson has designed the interiors.

Set 220m above sea level, the four-bedroom penthouses will have the highest elevation of any residences on the north shore, with views over the Sydney CBD, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour.

In 2016 there were reports almost $11 million was paid for a penthouse in the St Leonard&rsquo;s The Landmark development by Chinese developer New Hope and VIMG. 
&nbsp;

JQZ has sold the first penthouse just seven days after its release

Eighty Eight by JQZ scores pricey St Leonards penthouse apartment sale

The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes has placed the Macquarie Park Place Strategy on public exhibition until 10 August 2021. &nbsp;

The Macquarie Park Place Strategy plans for seven new neighbourhoods, delivered in stages, with up to 7,650 homes.

There will be more than 14 hectares of new parks, squares, plazas, cycleways, linear parks and 2.7 hectares of enhanced open space.

The Macquarie Park Place Strategy plans for 20,000 new jobs in the neighbourhood with the new 20-year strategy.

<img alt="" height="774" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/macquarie_park_the_creeks.jpg" width="1200" /> 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve worked closely with the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) and City of Ryde Council to deliver a dynamic vision for the future of Macquarie Park through to 2041 and beyond.&rdquo; 
&nbsp; 
The three Sydney Metro stations delivered in 2019 at Macquarie University, Macquarie Park and North Ryde have laid the foundations for growth in the early stages of the precinct&rsquo;s construction. 
&nbsp; 
&ldquo;The infrastructure being built across the Ryde electorate will support the continued growth of Macquarie Park as a health, education and technology jobs precinct,&quot; Member for Ryde Victor Dominello.

After earlier rezonings, Macquarie Park is a hive of apartment development activity with new projects including Prime, by JQZ at 101-107 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park.

<img alt="" height="960" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mac_park_plan.jpg" width="1200" />

The Prime project consists of four high-rise buildings, each with 23 levels. The project features 680 residences with multi-layered public and private spaces, offering one, two, three and four-bedroom residences and penthouses with private rooftop gardens and sunrooms, secure parking and lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79239]

The Macquarie Park Place Strategy plans include more than 14 hectares of new parks, squares, plazas, cycleways, linear parks and 2.7 hectares of enhanced open space

Macquarie Park Place Strategy plans seven new neighbourhoods with up to 7,650 homes

The NSW Government is investing $20 million over the next four years for rezonings to unlock new homes in 12 major precincts across Greater Sydney.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the 2021- 22 NSW Budget initiative will boost housing supply by 20,000 extra homes through rezonings in Greater Sydney.

&ldquo;Even with the pandemic&rsquo;s pause on overseas migration, Treasury figures suggest we will need an extra 1.7 million homes to house a population of 11.5 million people by 2061,&rdquo; Mr Stokes said.

The 12 state-led rezonings will be from Wilton in the south-west to Cherrybrook in the north-west.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79239]

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s absolutely crucial that we do the strategic work upfront to ensure new communities are well-serviced, well-connected and well-supported with employment opportunities, infrastructure and high-quality public spaces.&quot;

Stokes also advised an additional 10 strategic plans were set to be prepared for areas such as Westmead and Macquarie Park.

&ldquo;Strong strategic planning creates better places to live but also gives certainty to councils, investors and the community.&rdquo;

Stokes said the NSW Government had already exhibited eight place strategies - Glenfield, Wilton Town Centre, Rhodes, Ingleside,Westmead, Bays West and Pyrmont - and had finalised the St Leonards Crows Nest 2036 Plan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227 project_image_fid=93954]

&ldquo;Combined, these eight place strategies alone anticipate well over 20,000 homes which help boost our much-needed housing supply in Sydney,&rdquo; Mr Stokes said.

&ldquo;For the St Leonards Crows Nest plan, which is already underway, there will be more than 6,600 new homes in the heart of the town centre and close to transport including a Metro station.

&nbsp;&ldquo;We have also rezoned most of Tech Central which will provide 230,000 square metres of commercial space.&quot;

The NSW Minister for Planning Rob Stokes said funding from the 2021- 22 Budget will help boost housing supply by 20,000 extra homes in Greater Sydney

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