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?

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Beyond Hurstville is the latest project from the design-minded developer Fridcorp.

The $700 million project at 93 Forest Road, Hurstville in Sydney's south-west has 563 apartments across four towers and is set to be one of the best mixed-use developments in the suburb.

Urban has taken a look at the eight reasons why Beyond Hurstville should be on your shortlist.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

<h2>1. The developer</h2>

The Melbourne-based Fridcorp is one of Australia's most designed-focused developers. Founded in 1997 by Paul Fridman and Nigel Givoni, Fridcorp have primarily focused their development efforts in their home state, which makes a quality Fridcorp development in Sydney hard to find,

They developed the Erskineville apartment development Eve, comprising 197 apartments, which they completed in 2016, as well as the nearby apartment and townhouse development Wonder.

They've had success with a number of developments in South Yarra including Avenue and lilli.

Fridcorp believed in Beyond Hurstville so much that last year they bought out the remaining 50 per cent share of the project from Wingate.

<h2>2. Architects </h2>

Fridcorp called in DKO Architecture, who designed Eve in Erskineville, and Woods Bagot, to create the four sculpted towers articulating a timeless, organic form.

The two revered architects have worked in collaboration alongside 360 Degrees Landscape and Piety Group to deliver the project which will also feature work from artists Dina Broadhurst and Brooklyn Whelan.

<a href="/buildings/beyond-hurstville-93-forest-road-hurstville"><img alt="" height="784" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/beyond_hurstville_1_0.jpg" width="1200"></a>

<h2>3. Wellness by Fridcorp</h2>

Fridcorp recognised the need for residents to have more than just a solid wellness focus within its communal facilities.

‘Wellness by Fridcorp’ systems introduced in the apartments focus on enhancing the natural elements of indoor air, water and light through air purification, water filtration and innovative circadian lighting technology to promote a well-balance mind, body and regenerative sleep.

<a href="/buildings/beyond-hurstville-93-forest-road-hurstville"><img alt="" height="846" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/beyond_living_room.jpg" width="1200"></a>

<h2>4. Wellness features in the development</h2>

The wellness elements of Beyond Hurstville don't just exist in the apartment. The development features a raised podium complete with a gym, yoga studio, sauna, tai chi meditation deck, community garden and a communal sports court.

Residents will be able to reserve spaces using the Beyond community mobile phone application, as well as access a virtual concierge, book a dog walking service or a personal training session.

The app will also allow users to connect with the precinct and wider Hurstville community, explore nearby activities and receive offers from local retailers.

<a href="/buildings/beyond-hurstville-93-forest-road-hurstville"><img alt="" height="718" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/beyond_hurstville_2_0.jpg" width="1200"></a>

<h2>5. Dine with friends</h2>

On the same podium there's an indoor dining and lounge area as well as outdoor barbecue pods and teppanyaki grills set in lush landscaped gardens from 360 Degrees Landscape.

There will also be restaurants located at the foot of the building.

<a href="/buildings/beyond-hurstville-93-forest-road-hurstville"><img alt="" height="1061" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/beyond_hurstville_dining.jpg" width="1600"></a>

<h2>6. Affordable entry price</h2>

First home buyers have already descended on Beyond Hurstville due to its entry price.

One bedroom apartments in Beyond Hurstville start from $585,000, well below the soaring Sydney median apartment price of $738,254. CoreLogic's monthly update in March saw apartment prices rise 1.2 per cent over February.

The one bedroom apartments with a multi-purpose room are just over the median, starting from $785,000. Two bedrooms are priced from $870,000 and three bedrooms from $1,325,000.

<a href="/buildings/beyond-hurstville-93-forest-road-hurstville"><img alt="" height="862" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/beyond_living_room_2.jpg" width="1200"></a>

<h2>7. Location</h2>

Hurstville has a pedestrian-friendly walk score of 81/100, meaning most daily tasks can be accomplished on foot, while walking trails and bike paths connect Hurstville to surrounding suburbs and parklands.

The development is also close to a range of schools, from day care age through to secondary school.

To find out more about what's near Beyond Hurstville, <a href="/news/nsw/amenity-highlights-whats-within-walking-distance-of-beyond-hurstville">click here</a>.

<h2>8. Convenience</h2>

On the doorstep of the mixed-use building is a 4,500 sqm retail precinct, anchored by Woolworths. There will be a number of specialist retail stores surrounding the supermarket.
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The $700 million project in Sydney's south-west has 563 apartments across four towers and is set to be one of the best mixed-use developments in the suburb.

Eight reasons Hurstville apartment development Beyond Hurstville should be on your shortlist

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Whether entertaining or staying fit, outdoor areas are important to residents’ quality of life.

On-site outdoor areas do not only provide convenient access to landscaped gardens but help foster a sense of community between residents and increase home values.

Here are eight properties in New South Wales with fantastic outdoor areas. 
 

1. Beyond, Hurstville 
Address: 93 Forest Road, Hurstville NSW 2220 
Two-bedroom apartments from $870,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

<a href="/buildings/beyond-hurstville-93-forest-road-hurstville"><img alt="" height="2934" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/beyond-93-95-forest-road-hurstville-b913986a40567a843ec4a02923517702.jpg" width="5000"></a>

Located in South Sydney, Fridcorp’s latest Hurstville development, Beyond, features a number of fantastic outdoor areas and on-site amenities.

Among Urban’s favourites are the beautiful outdoor dining and teppanyaki grill, with facilities unlike any development on the market in Sydney.

Other outdoor amenities include lush, elevated gardens, a yoga and meditation retreat and barbeque and dining areas. 
 

2. The Laneways, Rosebery 
Address: 33-37 Mentmore Avenue, Rosebery NSW 2018 
Two-bedroom apartments from $980,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

Ellerson Property’s latest inner-city development, The Laneways, is Rosebery’s exciting new address, delivering some fantastic outdoor spaces for homebuyers.

Alongside the home’s beautiful private balconies and green courtyards within the ground-floor residences, the project also boasts a rooftop terrace.

The fifth-floor space offers a fantastic space to socialise with friends and neighbours while enjoying the panoramic city vistas. 
 

3. 180 George Street, Parramatta 
Address: 180 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 
Two-bedroom apartments from $715,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590]

<a href="/buildings/180-george"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/180-george-street-parramatta-058b42cc76538ab6a9528b17ee34afcc.jpg" width="1920"></a>

Meriton’s world-class 180 George development brings together beautifully designed residences with the ideal lifestyle amenities to suit everyone.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the 767-apartment development features communal open space, including rooftop gardens, a sundrenched podium terrace and a barbeque area.

The 1,200 sqm podium gardens complement the adjoining 58-level hotel suites tower. 
 

4. Destination, Macquarie Park 
Address: 114 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113 
Two-bedroom apartments from $910,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8669]

Located within NSW’s second largest business district, Destination offers the ultimate apartment living experience in a unique mixed-use neighbourhood.

Delivered by Meriton and designed by DKO Architecture, the project offers serene garden terraces, timeless design and views from every angle.

Destination’s exclusive resident-only 800 sqm podium gardens on the sixth floor creates a spectacular resort lifestyle with abundant space to thrive. 
 

5. Allium, Pagewood 
Address: 128 Bunnerong Road, Pagewood NSW 2035 
Two-bedroom apartments from $815,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7822]

Offering luxury and lifestyle in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, residents at Allium will be spoilt by the development’s countless outdoor amenities.

Designed by SJB and landscape architects Arcadia, the project includes lush, fifth-floor podium gardens, rooftop retreats on the sixteenth-floor and benefits from the nearby parklands, champion golf courses and beaches of the east coast.

Allium’s podiums include extensive turfed area, ample shade, a cinema screen, barbeque areas and garden seating.   
 

6. Collection, Rouse Hill 
Address: 49 Terry Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155 
Two-bedroom apartments from $642,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6284]

<a href="/new-townhouses/collection-rouse-hill-49-terry-road-rouse-hill"><img alt="" height="900" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/collection-49-terry-road-rouse-hill-4f2168c57bdc63120b855a8e3ed86373.jpg" width="1200"></a>

Designed by renowned architects DKO, residences at Collection boast large entertainer’s balconies with an idyllic natural landscape providing the ideal backdrop for dinner with family and friends.

Not only benefitting from the bordering Berowra Valley National Park, Marquess Group’s Rouse Hill development also offers fantastic outdoor spaces.

The project features a meticulously landscaped communal garden, with tiered seating and dining space to help foster a sense of community between residents. 
 

7. Orchid, Eastgardens 
Address: 9 Oscar Place, Eastgardens NSW 2036 
Two-bedroom apartments from $835,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29389]

The final stage of Meriton’s masterplanned Pagewood Green development, Orchid, offers a residential oasis in Sydney’s Eastgardens.

Offering residents an ideal natural setting to recharge, the development is located nearby surrounding parklands, sporting fields and recreation facilities, including Centennial Park, Lakes Golf Course and the urban bushland at Moore Park.

The 256 residences, set across four buildings, are connected by a lush podium garden designed by the award-winning architects, PTW.   
 

8. Eminence, Zetland 
Address: 811 Elizabeth Street, Zetland NSW 2017 
Two-bedroom apartments from $1,045,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21882]

<a href="/buildings/eminence"><img alt="" height="1500" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/811-elizabeth-street-zetland-c23c088f08dba3ad5a3351122e179352.jpg" width="2000"></a>

Meriton’s 254 boutique apartment development, Eminence, brings together beautifully considered living environments with vibrant onsite amenities, including outdoor spaces.

The project includes 1,840sqm of lush podium gardens and five-star amenities, nestled between the transformational Green Square precinct, Surry Hills and the CBD.

Across from your home, Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre boasts beach-inspired pools, open-air training facilities, boardwalks and playgrounds for the ideal outdoor space to thrive.
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Whether entertaining in the sun or working on your fitness, outdoor areas are important to residents’ quality of life

max.kwok_55688

Love alfresco dining? Here are 8 properties in NSW with fantastic outdoor areas

Often compared against some of the greatest cities in the world, Sydney offers homebuyers employment opportunities, stunning beaches and diverse cultures.

Sydney house prices are set to surge 14 per cent between 2021 and 2023, according to forecasts by Westpac economists.

With many brand-new developments suitable for first home buyers, investors and downsizers, Urban takes a look at five new two-bedroom apartments on the market in Sydney under $655,000.

1. Auburn Square, Auburn 
Address: 26-36 Northumberland Road, Auburn NSW 2144 
Two-bedroom apartments from $600,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317]

Developed by Tian An LFD, Auburn Square boasts the ultimate liveability in the heart of western Sydney.

Designed by Rothelowman, the development&rsquo;s design provides perfectly considered spaces to deliver a sense of community, with facilities including an expansive rooftop, communal dining areas, outdoor fitness equipment, and impressive cityscape views.

2. Georgette, Schofields 
Address: 23-27 Schofields Road, Schofields NSW 2762 
Two-bedroom apartments from $535,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]

Georgette offers homebuyers a change of scenery from the bustling city setting with lush green spaces encasing their home.

Designed by PBD Architects, residents will enjoy the privacy and natural beauty of Sydney&rsquo;s north-west from the confines of their bedroom.

The light-filled apartments feature extended gardens, ample storage and, in partnership with Tesla, state-of-the-art energy and storage innovations.

3. Park Avenue, Waitara 
Address: 16-20 Park Avenue, Waitara NSW 2077 
Two-bedroom apartments from $649,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29538]

Located on Sydney&rsquo;s Upper North Shore, Park Avenue provides one and two-bedroom configurations in a prime location, ideal for first home buyers, investors or downsizers.

Delivered by Developcorp, the spacious apartments are located in proximity to Hornsby&rsquo;s amenities and offer residents the relaxed lifestyle of the North Shore community.

Each residence boasts practical layouts, flowing balconies and spacious bedrooms.

4. Cornerstone, Belmore 
Address: 717-727 Canterbury Road, Belmore NSW 2192 
Two-bedroom apartments from $655,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9188]

Located on Canterbury Road, Cornerstone delivers a collection of 141 flawlessly designed one, two and three-bedroom apartments with secure parking and lift access, boasting exceptionally generous proportions with spacious alfresco areas.

Aland&rsquo;s project features ground-floor retail spaces and parkland, recessed balconies, high ceilings and an open-plan layout.

5. Collection, Rouse Hill 
Address: 49 Terry Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155 
Two-bedroom apartments from $642,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6284]

With two-bedroom apartments from $642,500 and one-bedroom apartments from just $399,000, Collection presents incredible quality residences at an affordable price.

Situated in Sydney&rsquo;s growing north-west, the Marquess Group&rsquo;s Rouse Hill project offers generous entertainer balconies and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and adjacent Berowra Valley National Park.

The DKO Architecture-designed development boasts luxury and modern design with spacious open-plan layouts, walk-in showers and on-site amenities.

Often compared against some of the greatest cities in the world, Sydney offers homebuyers employment opportunities, stunning beaches and diverse cultures

June 2021: The top five two-bedroom apartments you can buy in Sydney under $655,000

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Developers have continued to recognise the importance of incorporating open green space into their projects with home buyers increasingly looking for accessible leisure amenities.

Not only does nearby natural space benefit residents’ quality of life but convenient access to landscaped gardens helps foster a sense of community within a project.  

Here are four homes in New South Wales with nearby parklands space for fitness, leisure and relaxation. 
 

1. Allium, Pagewood 
Address: 128 Bunnerong Road, Pagewood NSW 2035 
Two-bedroom apartments from $815,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7822]

Meriton’s Pagewood development, Allium, is ideally located to offer families and first home buyers convenient access to championship golf courses, parklands and Sydney’s Eastern beaches.

As well as adjacent green spaces, the 487-apartment development includes podium gardens on the fifth floor, rooftop retreats and extensive turfed area for relaxation and summer dining. 
 

2. Collection, Rouse Hill 
Address: 49 Terry Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155 
Two-bedroom apartments from $642,500

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6284]

Delivered by Marquess Group, Rouse Hill’s latest development comprising 311 apartments across three buildings offers residents an abundance of open, green space in Sydney’s north-west.

Masterplanned by architects DKO, Collection borders the popular Berowra Valley National Park and includes a meticulously landscaped communal garden for residents’ private use.   
 

3. Orchid, Eastgardens 
Address: 9 Oscar Place, Eastgardens NSW 2036 
Two-bedroom apartments from $835,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29389]

Orchid, the final stage of Meriton’s masterplanned Pagewood Green development in Eastgardens, offers a “residential oasis” within Sydney’s East, according to the project marketing.

Offering residents an ideal natural setting to recharge, the development is located nearby surrounding parklands, sporting fields and recreation facilities, including Centennial Park, Lakes Golf Course and the urban bushland at Moore Park. 
 

4. 1-39 Lord Sheffield Circuit, Penrith 
Address: 1-39 Lord Sheffield Circuit, Penrith NSW 2750 
Apartment prices available upon request

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29200]

Urban Property Group’s new Penrith masterplanned community is situated just metres from Penrith train station and local parks.

The community parklands, just moments away, offers playground equipment, open spaces and barbeque facilities that the whole family can enjoy.
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Here are four homes in New South Wales with nearby parklands space for fitness, leisure and relaxation

Property insider guide: 4 stunning NSW homes with adjacent parkland

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Apartments values across Sydney jumped 1.2 per cent over February, according to CoreLogic's monthly Hedonic Home Value Index.

The New South Wales capital was one of the country's strongest performers, joint second with Melbourne and Perth (both +1.2 per cent).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21882]

The jump in values across Sydney follows -0.1 per cent declines over December and January. The February growth puts Sydney unit values one per cent up on the quarter.

Sydney's median apartment value now sits at $738,254, according to CoreLogic, up from last month's $734,198.

CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless says there are tentative signs the trend of the housing market performing considerably stronger than the unit market could become less obvious.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

Lawless also noted that the weak rental conditions across Sydney and Melbourne unit markets looks to be turning.

"Melbourne unit rents edged higher in February after falling for nine of the previous 10 months", Lawless said.

"The improvement in unit rents across Australia's two largest cities is likely to be at least partially seasonal as demand from domestic students generally rises early in the year, but could also be attributable to more people returning to work in the inner cities as well as workers in some of the hardest hit industries such as hospitality, food and accomodation service returning to employment."
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The New South Wales capital was one of the country's strongest performers, joint second with Melbourne and Perth (both +1.2 per cent).

March 2021: How did Sydney apartment values perform over February?

<html><body>The $16 million plus Point Piper apartment sale on the weekend confirmed the suburb's status as the priciest location for Australian apartments.

The Point Piper penthouse sold on Friday evening, just hours prior to its scheduled Saturday auction.

The whole-floor apartment, within the tightly held Wentworth Place block, comes with three bedrooms and three-bathrooms.

It has views to the Bridge and Opera House.

The Wentworth Street penthouse has 300sq m of internal space plus 300sq m rooftop terracing.

It traded at $3,325,000 in 1993 and at $3.85 million in 1989.

Sydney's Point Piper boasted Australia's highest median unit value, according to CoreLogic’s best of the best 2020 report.

Point Piper took the top spot with a median unit value at $2.28 million, with all the top 10 coming from Sydney.

Nearby Darling Point ranked second at $1.78 million followed by Millers Point at $1.69 million.

Point Piper's top apartment sales over recent years have included 

3/10 Wentworth St, Point Piper, $13.5 million, 2016; 

4/47-49 Wolseley Rd, Point Piper, $13.5 million, 2017; 

4/6 Buckhurst Ave, Point Piper, $16 million, 2017;

72A Wolseley Rd, Point Piper, $14.75 million, 2017;

2/74 Wolseley Rd, Point Piper, $12.35 million 2019;

2/62 Wunulla Rd, Point Piper, 412 million, 2020;

3/10 Longworth Ave, Point Piper, $10.4 million, 2020;

2/124 Wolseley Rd, Point Piper, $13.025 million, 2020. 

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Point Piper is the priciest suburb for apartments across Australia

jchancellor

$16 million plus Point Piper apartment sale

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The NSW Government wants to make it easier for strata schemes to unlock the potential of sustainable energy and infrastructure within apartment complexes.

It proposes to lower the voting threshold from 75 to 50 per cent to get energy efficient projects passed. 

“We know that apartment blocks are lagging behind in the uptake of green energy like solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points,” Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said.

“This important change will remove a huge barrier in strata schemes getting sustainability projects over the line.

“Importantly, in time these measures will ease cost of living pressures by encouraging less electricity and water usage, which will flow on to their bills.”

 
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These measures will ease cost of living pressures by encouraging less electricity and water usage, which will flow on to their bills.


Sustainable energy push for NSW strata flats

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Expert Observer

The COVID-19 pandemic has created widespread isolation throughout our communities. People are feeling increasingly disconnected from not only their physical surroundings but also their social ties. This has only been exacerbated by the looming uncertainty around job and financial security, continuous changes to restrictions and surprise cases emerging when we all least expected them. 

However, one thing is for certain in these times: That nothing is certain. Many of us are looking for the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, where some form of normalcy is restored. Many of us are also disillusioned to this beacon of hope, coming to terms with the new reality we find ourselves in presently.

Our collective resiliency as a nation is entering recovery mode, with the enduring Australian spirit guiding us through the challenges of the pandemic. The repeated blows dealt by the pandemic have been felt the hardest in our communities where our ability to live, work and socialise has been severely impacted. Our relationships and connections within our communities have been challenged  during these trying times. As restrictions continue to ease, more than half of us think this will have a positive effect on our relationships. 

According to the ABS, one in 11 people think that life will never return to normal. With this frightening insight into the new Australian mindset, one space where we need to focus on to secure strong economic and social recovery is at our communities and their citizens. 

<h2>Citizens as local experts for guidance on fostering a modern day community</h2>

As Australian cities look towards economic recovery in the new post COVID-19 world, it is now more important than ever to recognise the important role that strong and resilient communities play in driving growth and connectedness. These are the backbone of our economy and social frameworks. A highly functioning community with involved and committed members is one that that will drive growth. 

These types of community tend to thrive more in ‘people-first places’, where it is less about what is built and more about what the community can be and will become in the future. These places go beyond green belts and access to transport to consider the broader wellbeing of a community. Social cohesion, promotion of healthy lifestyles and addressing digital needs are strongly taken into account and considered throughout the planning process. 

This development ideology is well and truly embedded throughout EG’s ‘Build In Good’ (B.I.G) development philosophy. These developments create a new category in residential living focused on social impact. People-first locations with a community spirit, spaces to meet and relax, multiple housing options for long-term living and a technology-led environment that enables convenience and connection are all at the heart of these B.I.G developments. 

The Flour Mill at Summer Hill, a real-life example of this B.I.G philosophy brought to life, is quickly becoming a thriving community with the guiding vision to build a neighbourhood that was caring and inclusive, an environment that ensured connectivity, fostered physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing. Well connected by heavy and light rail, boasting community gardens, public park with an established tree canopy, this is a people-first place that champions and reflects the needs of the community that inhabit it. It’s popular fortnightly Flour Mill Markets were recently named among the best in the Inner West.  

<h2>Social planning and community empowerment</h2>

So how can developers work towards futureproofing our built communities so they can grow in our new post COVID-19 reality? It begins and ends with the people that make these new communities. Drawing upon their knowledge, experiences and expertise as locals for guidance. This starts with extensive community consultation, to fully understand the real needs that impact citizens in their day to day lives. This consultation process and continued community engagement (with existing and incoming residents) helped ensure that the development at the Flour Mill delivered on the promise of building a home which honored the footprint and history of the building and industry that came before them. 

Going back to the basics of community and social planning is key, especially as we navigate our way through these trying and uncertain times. Co-creation between key community members and developers should be heavily encouraged and supported throughout the planning process. This close collaboration allows communities to voice their needs from the outset and promotes a healthy working relationship with the developers crafting the physical components of the planned community. The co-creation process indirectly also further establishes these burgeoning communal connections that will continue to thrive and prosper well after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Staying to foster neighbourly connection is what distinguishes a development from a community.

Creating a connected community begins with the intentional decisions we make in our day-to-day relationships. Connection is the foundation on which we build everything else. And as we build this connected life, we make it possible to build a more connected world, where we create neighbourhoods and workplaces that support and connect us all. 

Now more than ever before, our connections have been tested thanks to the pandemic. It is now time to focus our energy and efforts into forming strong communal ties, that will outlast the most trying of times. As activist Wael Ghonim once said, “The power of the people is much stronger than the people in power”. For me, these words have never run truer than in our new reality as we all look to recovering and healing, together. 

David Workman, Divisional Director – Urban and Community Planning, EG
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Establishing connected communities in a post COVID-19 world

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For the last few years, property trends have reflected the importance of dining facilities and on-site retail spaces for investors and owner-occupiers alike.

These mixed-use developments have become a new sector mainstay in Australia, according to Cromwell Property Group, with developers increasingly combining commercial, retail, leisure and residential.

<a href="/buildings/beyond-hurstville-93-forest-road-hurstville"><img alt="" height="1390" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2021-02-24_at_12.02.50_pm.png" width="2280"></a>

Urban takes a look at five Sydney apartments with on-site retail and dining facilities.

1. Bloom Arncliffe 
Address: 213 Princes Highway, Arncliffe NSW 2205 
Two-bedroom apartments from $710,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6201]

Among Bloom Arncliffe’s on-site amenities include a ground-floor marketplace with restaurants and retailers, so that coffee, food and other simple luxuries are only ever a moment away.

Developed by Wingate, the development offers a collection of 318 one, two and three-bedroom ready-to-go apartments across seven buildings. 
 

2. Beyond, Hurstville 
Address: 93 Forest Road, Hurstville NSW 2220 
Two-bedroom apartments from $845,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6798]

Located in South Sydney, Beyond is Fridcorp’s latest Hurstville development, featuring a number of on-site amenities, including a 4,500sqm retail precinct, anchored by Woolworths.

Other facilities include an outdoor dining and teppanyaki grill, gardens, lobby bar and residents’ dining. 
 

3. 180 George, Parramatta 
Address: 180 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 
Two-bedroom apartments from $715,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590]

Meriton’s world-class 180 George development brings together lifestyle, retail and five-star amenities across its 67 floors.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the project is set to deliver 767 one, two and three-bedroom apartments looking out over Parramatta River to the Sydney CBD skyline and beyond. 
 

4. Cornerstone, Belmore 
Address: 717-727 Canterbury Road, Belmore NSW 2192 
Two-bedroom apartments from $655,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9188]

Located on Canterbury Road, Cornerstone delivers ground-floor retail spaces and parkland to benefit residents as well as the community.

Cornerstone encompasses a collection of 141 flawlessly designed one, two and three-bedroom apartments with secure parking and lift access, boasting exceptionally generous proportions with spacious alfresco areas. 
 

5. The Galleria, Parramatta 
Address: 23-29 Hassall Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 
Two-bedroom apartment from $699,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9190]

At Parramatta’s the Galleria, residents’ can enjoy a private podium garden while onsite commercial spaces at ground level provide a variety of retail offerings.

Developed by Nucorp and designed by Architex, the Galleria puts you front row and centre for the exceptional growth, gentrification and cultural change that Parramatta is currently experiencing.

Lead image credit: Wingate, Bloom Arncliffe
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For the last few years, property trends have reflected the importance of dining facilities and on-site retail spaces for investors and owner-occupiers alike

The top five off the plan Sydney apartments with on-site retail and dining facilities

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Three adjoining properties in Parramatta have been listed as a potential parkland development site with a $13.8 million asking price.

The 14 Pitt Street holding is a two-storey brick block of four home units with resident parking.

The 16 Pitt Street holding is two-storey brick block of four home units with resident parking and 18 Pitt Street is a three-storey office building with ground floor parking built in 1994.

Nearby projects

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8590]

All up there is a combined 1,886 sqm, set 750 metres from Parramatta Transit Interchange Station.

CoreLogic Cordell Connect advised they were for sale at an asking price of $13.8 million through Knight Frank Sydney West.

There is an estimated potential GFA of 8,487 sqm* (STCA).
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All up there is a combined 1,886 sqm, set 750 metres from Parramatta Transit Interchange Station.

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