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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After seeing double digit price growth in the past 12 months, do Sydney's property prices still have growth left? Or have we seen the top of the market's cycle?
After Sydney recorded 5.0% price growth over the August quarter and 16.2% in the 12 months to August with falling yields, RP Data's research director Tim Lawless noted that better investment opportunities may now be available in the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/investors-should-look-to-smaller-capital-cities-for-returns-rp-data">country's smaller cities.</a>
“Potentially there are better investment returns to be had in the smaller capital cities where the growth trend is less mature and yields are also healthier,” he said.
Property Observer asked five leading property experts whether the Sydney property market still has room to grow.
<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Margaret-Lomas3.png" alt="" style="float: right;">Margaret Lomas, founder of Destiny Financial Solutions
The Sydney market has heated up to now being considerably above the affordability for the average family. Depending upon how it's measured, the median Sydney house price is now around $130,000 more than the average Sydney family can afford. When this happens, all but very low value pockets stabilise and, where buyers have rushed in in the midst of buyer frenzy, some areas experience short term values losses.
For investors, this overheated market also now offers very lacklustre rental yields, most below 4% and many at around 3%. The combined effects of stabilising prices and poor rental yields removes the attractiveness of many Sydney suburbs for investment.
In order to gain any value from the Sydney market at this time, a buyer must be looking in outer suburbs where median prices remain below the affordability level and where rental yields remain high. These areas can also often offer larger blocks which can later be subdivided or added to via a granny flat which can also boost yields.
Now is the time to also be considering the ripple effect - already the Wollongong and Central Coast markets, which both remain highly affordable with strong rental yields, are seeing increased attention and property value increases
Andrew Wilson, Australian Property Monitors senior economist<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Andrew-Wilson.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
I think we've seen the top of the cycle in terms of the rate of growth, and that was over the December quarter last year.
That's no surprise: that's when the peak of that pent up demand maximised itself with the low interest rates. Growth has been bubbling along since, but it's certainly not at the same rate of growth of last year. The rule of thumb is that after the peak, the rate of growth will halve each year. We saw about 15% to 16% annualised growth last year; this year, we'll get about half that, and we'll see around 4-5% next year.
Depending on how the economy goes, it'll hold there at around the rate of inflation, and turnover will flatten a bit.
There's no doubt that price growth is moderating, and will be around about 8-9% this year, maybe 10%. It's still going to be clearly the strongest of all capitals.
That means it's been about 20% price growth over two years, which is a pretty good result for homeowners. But it's also unsustainable - income growth is barely keeping up with prices growth.
Investors are Sydney's "X factor" - that's what's continuing to keep prices higher than income capacity would allow. It's sort of a self perpetuating thing. Investors are attracted by higher prices, and it's only when there's a clear sign that price growth is slowing that they leave the market.
Price growth is back to being higher in the outer suburbs. A lot of that is investor activity.
We've seen five weeks in a row of 80% clearance rates in Sydney - it's certainly risen over the last months. We've got higher numbers of listings coming through - August had a record number of listings - and we'll probably break the September record. So activity is holding up.
But we're not going to see the prices growth we saw a year ago.
Article continues on the next page with responses from AMP Capital's Shane Oliver, hotspotting.com.au's Terry Ryder and SQM Research's Louis Christopher. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Louis Christopher, SQM Research managing director<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Louis-Christopher.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
Yes, it does - there are a couple of reasons.
While I know Sydney's had a strong run and there's been a lot of concern, compared to historical averages over the past thirty years, its valuation is in line.
It's been far more overvalued, as recently as 2009, and in 2003, than what it is today. On a valuation basis, we do agree that it's looking expensive, but historically, it's not at its worst.
We've also got a situation with regards to current population growth trends. Sydney is growing by 60,000 people per year. That's a solid rate of per year growth. Where do all those people go?
The bottom line is, they need housing. That means demand for residential accommodation, by rent or by sale, and it will continue to increase for the forseeable future. For the next year at least, we're probably going to under-constructing to meet that demand. The supply side is going to seriously respond in 2016, and there will be a question mark for the Sydney property market for 2016, but we don't believe that there will be an oversupply situation for 2015.
The state economy's also been improving. New South Wales has one of the lowest unemployment rates by state, and the state budgets are looking good. We've got some very large infrastructure projects in the pipeline, including the North-West Rail Link, the second airport - of course, that's some time away, but the planning for that will start in earnest.
Historically, yes it is expensive, but it's far from the worst it's been.
Recent current indications such as stock on market, auction clearance rates and asking prices are all pointing to one thing: the market continues on with its current momentum.
Just like the stock market, property prices are never too high to go higher, and they're never too low lower.
Terry Ryder, founder of hotspotting.com.au<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Terry-Ryder.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
There’s no doubt the best time to buy in Sydney has long passed. There will still be growth but buyers need to be more selective about location.
The pattern of sales across the metropolitan area shows that the momentum in Sydney has shifted from the millionaire suburbs to the middle ring and outer suburbs.
Locations with the greatest upside include the Blacktown, Parramatta, Liverpool, Penrith and Campbelltown municipalities – all of them in the west or south-west of the metro area. The exception is the Baulkham Hills LGA in the north-west.
The Price Predictor Index published by hotspotting.com.au shows that many of the so-called prime markets with median prices above $1 million have been downgraded, as sales levels moderate. In the past four quarters in Killara, for example, sales volumes have fallen from 111 to 106 to 81 to 65.
By contrast, sales in humble Minto in the Campbelltown LGA have risen from 35 to 45 to 50 to 66 in recent quarters, a pattern of rising activity likely to produce price growth.
Longer-term, investors in Sydney should focus on the areas set to benefit from new infrastructure, especially transport infrastructure, as this is the single biggest driver of real estate growth.
The Rouse Hill precinct will benefit from the North West Rail Link while locations in the Liverpool and Blacktown precincts are most likely to be boosted from infrastructure development for the Badgerys Creek airport.
Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital<img src="/images/2014/09/11/shane-oliver-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
I think it's getting pretty close to its peak. You've got to be wary, because it's possible rates will stay this low well into next year. So we could see another 9 months or so of decent gains in prices. But once they start to go up, a lot of the heat will go out of the market. But even before that, they'll slow down,  due to affordability issues.
With current rates of income growth and the prospect of interest rate increases, it's understandable that price growth will fall back to a slower pace. In the next six months we'll start to see that.
But the property market goes in spurts. A couple of years ago, Sydney lagged, and had been for a long time. After 2003, it took a back seat to the rest of the country. New South Wales' economy is picking up, so the fortunes of the state have turned around, so you can sort of understand why after a decade of lagging national house price gains, you're starting to see growth again.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Exclusive: Does Sydney's market still have growth left?

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Some years ago I published a report called "Iconomics" – the economics of iconic real estate locations or situations. It used research to show that many of Australia’s most iconic investments were duds.
Apartments at Noosa Heads were at the top of my list of iconic failures – and today, despite some value growth in the past 12 months, the typical Noosa unit is still worth considerably less than it was 10 years ago.
On average, Noosa apartments have fallen in value at a rate of 3% per year for the past decade. It’s the ultimate real estate lemon among our iconic locations.
Surfers Paradise apartments have been little better. Despite all the clamour and propaganda about the recovery of the Gold Coast market, there has been no growth in the past 12 months in the median unit price in Surfers Paradise. Prices remain well below the levels of five years ago.
The New South Wales counterpart of these iconic flops is <a href="/news">Byron Bay</a>, a favoured burial ground for the money of people with way too much income and not nearly enough nous.
I was prompted to return to this report by another iconic loser, The Australian newspaper, which recently declared “a boom in Byron”.
What prompted this rather big statement about a market that has delivered almost zero growth for 10 years? It was a press release from the developer of a small project described as “a luxury beachfront development”.
The development had sold five apartments off the plan and that, apparently, constituted a boom. Clearly, Byron is growing off a very small base.
The research shows that Byron Bay prices have spent more time going backwards than forwards in the past decade. House prices have collapsed several times in the past 10 years, including double-digit declines in 2006, 2009-2010 and 2012-2013.
Over the past three years, the Byron median house price has dropped by an average 3.4% per year. The long-term growth rate, the average annual growth over 10 years, is marginally better than Surfers Paradise – about 2% per year.
Similar to houses, the median price for units remains lower than three years ago and the average growth rate over five years is basically zero.
Australian Property Monitors figures indicate the typical Byron Bay apartment placed on the market takes almost a year to find a buyer, while houses typically take seven to eight months to sell.
The Australian quoted local agents as claiming that sales turnover in Byron Bay is up 150% on a year ago. But a quick check of the latest data shows no change at all in overall sales volumes compared to a year ago – and for houses there has actually been a small decline in sales volumes.
The problem for Byron is that there is no economic substance to the iconic status. Investing in Byron is like buying in a mining town – it’s a one-industry town.
And, like mining, tourism is volatile and vulnerable. There can be sharp price peaks but they are always – always – followed by a trough of equal or greater magnitude.
I would urge investors to not be deluded by headlines proclaiming a property boom in Byron.
You can contact Terry via <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> or on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

There's no boom in Byron Bay

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Published price estimates are being given on the next two Millers Point terraces being sold off by the NSW state government.
They go to auction this Thursday.
There is more than $2.6 million expected for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-millers-point-nsw-2000/225929" target="_blank">11 Lower Fort Street</a>, Ballara (pictured above), a five bedroom, four level offering.
Anther property at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-millers-point-nsw-2000/228700" target="_blank">23 Lower Fort Street</a> (pictured below) comes with a $1.7 million plus forecast. It is the 1830 Georgian town home, Tarra which boasts an impressive frontage and captures views of the Opera House.
<img src="/images/2014/09/08/millers%20point%20sept%208%20two.jpg" alt="">
The listing agents had been under pressure for greater disclosure in the aim of price transparency, and achieving the best possible auction price.
There is however no price guidance on the subsequent offering on 25 September through Di Jones which is <a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/millers-point-86-windmill-street/1704067/" target="_blank">86 Windmill Street</a> (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/09/08/millers%20point%20sept%208%20three.jpg" alt="">
Nor any public estimate for the <a href="https://rwdbgroup.com/nsw/millers-point/1187867/" target="_blank">30 Argyle Place</a>, 8 October offering through Craig Pontey at Ray White Double Bay.
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-second-millers-point-offering-fetches-2-56-million-for-state-government-housing">There have been just the two freehold sales so far</a>, topping out at $2.56 million, with both sales causing headlines as the sale prices were well above the privately offered price guidance.  
A survey or agents by Property Observer suggests the initial two sales - that assisted in setting the market - were a result of the unusual circumstances, including:
<ul>
<li>The somewhat dramatic recent market price improvement;</li>
<li>The massive media exposure arising from the state government's decision to sell;</li>
<li>The emerging Barangaroo effect;</li>
<li>The big price difference between the prior 2009-2011 leasehold offerings (see published prices below) and the current freehold offerings;</li>
<li>Australia's aversion to leasehold.</li>
</ul>
The first state-owned property at Millers Point at 119 Kent Street was the first of the pinpointed 293 public housing properties to be sold off at Millers Point and The Rocks.
Under instructions from the government, McGrath Estate Agents was not allowed to publicly disclose details on the auction offering.
The latest offerings do not come with the logo advising sale by by Government Property NSW on their website ads. 
Leasehold prices achieved during Labor state government sell off 2009-2011:
<table style="width: 460px;" summary="Sales Results" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
MILLERS POINT
</td>
<td>
<a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/millers-point-44-argyle-place/85027/" target="_blank" title="Wentworth Terrace a landmark Argyle Place property">44 Argyle Place</a>
</td>
<td>
$1,255,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
MILLERS POINT
</td>
<td>
<a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/millers-point-56-argyle-place/33787/" target="_blank" title="Historic 1840s Georgian style terrace - early association with the Fairfax dynasty">56 Argyle Place</a>
</td>
<td>
$1,100,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
MILLERS POINT
</td>
<td>
<a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/millers-point-119-kent-street/73234/" target="_blank" title="Historic Victorian Italianate residence - first time offered in a century!">119 Kent Street</a>
</td>
<td>
$1,070,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
MILLERS POINT
</td>
<td>
<a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/millers-point-121-kent-street/85012/" target="_blank" title="Grand 1880s Victorian Italianate residence ripe for reinvention">121 Kent Street</a>
</td>
<td>
$980,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
MILLERS POINT
</td>
<td>
<a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/millers-point-71-kent-street/73379/" target="_blank" title="Victorian Italianate villa - prime city fringe location">71 Kent Street</a>
</td>
<td>
$950,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
MILLERS POINT
</td>
<td>
<a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/millers-point-94-kent-street/98835/" target="_blank" title="1860s Colonial Regency Townhouse 10m frontage &amp; rare triple parking">94 Kent Street</a>
</td>
<td>
$2,365,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
MILLERS POINT
</td>
<td>
<a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/millers-point-22-lower-fort-street/98827/" target="_blank" title="Magnificent 1840s Victorian Regency townhouse">22 Lower Fort Street</a>
</td>
<td>
$1,400,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
MILLERS POINT
</td>
<td>
<a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/millers-point-88-windmill-street/48287/" target="_blank" title="Picturesque Colonial Georgian harbourside home">88 Windmill Street</a>
</td>
<td>
$1,100,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
In 2011 the Housing NSW chief executive Mike Allen advised the first 16 offerings on 99 year leases had realised $34.13 million with all the money raised is being invested in new social housing units as part of the Inner West Social Housing Strategy.
Proceeds from these initial auctions went to building new social housing in suburbs such as Concord, Abbotsford and Camperdown, as well as the 88 architecturally–designed, environmentally sustainable units located on the block bounded by Lilyfield Road, Balmain Road and Edward Street, Lilyfield.
</div>
</div>
</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Next Millers Point government terrace sell off - with record $2.6 million plus price guidance

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Homebush, Petersham, Turramurra and Ryde are among 15 suburbs that will have price growth of about 12% this financial year, according to Domain Group's Australian Property Monitors.
Suburbs that have been in the shadows of higher priced neighbours dominate the list.
House prices should keep growing at between 5% and 7% this financial year, according to APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson.
Wilson forecasts the capacity of buyers to keep pushing up prices was reaching its limits, hence suburbs with the most growth this financial year would be the ones that had been overlooked or seen to be more affordable.
"People will start looking at suburbs that represent better value and are more affordable to them," he told Domain.
"It's those suburbs adjacent to the big movers and shakers, the bridesmaid suburbs, that still represent affordability ... and that's why we'll see stronger price growth [in those areas]."
Herron Todd White's head of valuers, Brendon Hulcombe, is a big believer in looking adjacent.
<div class="page" title="Page 3">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
"Faced with affordability challenges, it can pay to look at areas where neighbouring suburbs have experienced strong price growth," he advised in the recent Westpac property report.
"When suburbs share the same infrastructure facilities, notably transport links, there’s a good chance that price growth will ripple outwards," he said.
The Sydney suburbs with 12% growth prospects in 2014-15:
<ol>
<li>Homebush </li>
<li>Petersham </li>
<li>Eastwood </li>
<li>Epping </li>
<li>Marsfield </li>
<li>North Epping </li>
<li>Ryde </li>
<li>Turramurra </li>
<li>Herbersham </li>
<li>Lethbridge Park </li>
<li>North St Marys </li>
<li>Parramatta </li>
<li>South Granville </li>
<li>Tregear </li>
<li>Whalan</li>
</ol>
Source: Domain Group's Australian Property Monitors
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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Sydney's bridesmaid suburbs: How APM identified 15 hotspots

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Students in Newcastle are ditching the dodgy sharehouses and putting forward more cash for contemporary homes, claims one agent marketing a townhouse development close to the University of Newcastle.
Mark Kentwell, managing director of PRDnationwide Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, said students are willing to pay for more comfortable accommodation - with the help of their parents.
"Many student houses are older-style homes which have had verandahs and dining rooms converted into extra bedrooms,” said Kentwell.
“Students are now seeking out more comfortable, clean and modern living quarters with built in wardrobes and space to study in their rooms.
“Often students have some form of financial assistance from their parents who generally prefer to see them in better properties.” Kentwell claims that the increase in students from Sydney and overseas attending the University of Newcastle, is driving the demand for higher quality student accommodation.
The University of Newcastle ranks highly among Australia's newer universities, with Times Higher Education naming the it the world's 28th best university under 50 years old.
According to Kentwell, developers are rethinking the student housing market as the University of Newcastle grows.
“They’ve recognised that students are a key driver of housing demand and price growth in the area,” he said.
“As this growth continues it will put pressure on existing student-friendly housing.
“Savvy developers have seen this and they are rolling out product to meet this burgeoning, yet discerning, market.”
PRDnationwide is marketing Shortland Terrace at Shortland, which is yet to launch. Kentwell said the eight townhouses, located 500 metres from the University of Newcastle's main campus, will be marketed to investors.
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Newcastle students keen to upgrade, says agent

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Tantallon, on Bourke Street in Dubbo, is a circa 1888 home that has been operating as a brothel for more than 16 years.
It is up for sale for $850,000 <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-dubbo-107576045" target="_blank">through Ray White – Dubbo’s Rod Crowfoot</a>.
The listing notes it is the “only approved bordello” in Dubbo and is currently leased until 20 October 2015.
Due to its “highly sought after and unique use”, it brings in $75,920 per annum plus GST. Potential owner occupier interest is noted as welcome, with the current vendor potentially able to negotiation with the tenant.
Intriguingly, the property only has two bedrooms and one bathroom.
On 2,460 square metres, it fronts the Newell Highway at Lot 21.
{qtube vid:=nPArvqOtHdg}
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Dubbo’s “only approved bordello” hits the market

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Apartment towers around transport nodes are needed to cope with Sydney's growing population, according to property development industry group Urban Taskforce, who advocate 5,000 new towers for Sydney.
Urban Taskforce chief executive Chris Johnson claims that Sydney needs to double the number of currently existing homes over the next 50 years, and has proposed clustering apartment towers around railway stations and transport hubs.
The industry group estimates that about one third of Sydney's projected growth could live in towers around transport hubs, which Johnson claims could protect many low rise suburbs.
"The other two thirds of the future growth would occur in fringe development, lower rise medium density near centres and large redevelopment sites," he proposes, noting poor public sentiment around apartment towers.
“Currently many community groups, political representatives and planners in councils have developed a negative attitude to towers preferring to favour town houses or detached houses. We must swing the discussion around to support for towers when they are close to transport," Johnson says.
"A 12 storey tower uses far less land than the equivalent number of houses spread across the landscape. To house the same number of households in detached houses would require 30 times as much land as placing the homes in a 12 storey building."
According to Johnson, Sydney is approaching its spacial limits, a locating "thousands of apartment towers" along the city's main rail lines would help make a metro rail system feasible.
He cites apartment towers developed by Urban Taskforce members Winten Property Group, Deicorp and Meriton as "excellent examples of towers related to transport".
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New Sydney towers should be built around train stations: Urban Taskforce

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Losing applicants to Victoria, the NSW government has scrapped its minimum investment in NSW Waratah bonds for its Significant Investor Visa (SIV) requirements.
The decision will make it easier for overseas applicants to seek NSW investment.
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner from 1 September, applicants seeking NSW nomination will be able to invest 100% of their funds in the complying investment of their choice.
“Nominations will no longer be tied to a minimum investment in NSW Waratah bonds,” Stoner said.
Under the Significant Investor Visa, successful applicants are required to invest $5 million in complying investments for a minimum of four years before being eligible to apply for a permanent visa.
Up to now, NSW nominated applicants have had to make a minimum investment of 30% of this, or $1.5 million, in NSW Waratah Bonds used to fund state infrastructure projects. Returns on a Waratah bond are less than that desired by some investors.
“To make it easier for investors, and to give them more choice, the NSW government is removing the requirement to invest a minimum amount in Waratah bonds," Stoner advised.
Victoria has attracted 49% of investment from SIV applicants, while NSW has received 35%.
In the past year, $300 million from Chinese nationals has been invested in Waratah bonds, which are transferred into Restart NSW and applied solely to new infrastructure projects.
"It will provide a level playing field between NSW and other Australian States to attract SIV investors," David Chin, the BasisPoint Consulting managing director said.
The federal government has attracted $1.7 billion and granted 343 residency visas to foreigners, 85% to Chinese, under the significant investor visa program.
The figures show that at 31 July, another 602 people applied.
Since the 2012 scheme started slowly, the Abbott government implemented processing measures that has increased the approval rate, granting 31 investor visas in June and 57 in July.
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NSW Waratah bonds no longer compulsory for Significant Investor Visa applicants

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Onthehouse.com.au has looked into where Australia’s $1 million plus property offerings are, even narrowing down to the street level.
Across the country, New South Wales was found to be the wealthiest state, when considering residential property. Of the metro suburbs, 23.4% of dwellings were valued at over $1 million in 2014.
Here are the 10 suburbs that <a href="https://www.onthehouse.com.au/" target="_blank">Onthehouse</a> found have the most $1 million properties by percentage of dwellings – with most of them in the 99.99% mark and making joint first.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/apm-aug-25-one.jpg" alt="">
When looking at streets, however, it was a Mosman road that came in on top.
See over page for the top 10 streets and the five up and comers to watch
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Mosman came in as the eleventh wealthiest suburb when considering it by number of dwellings, however managed to take out top spot on the overall list.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/apm-aug-25-two.jpg" alt="">
The high number of New South Wales suburbs housing million dollar properties came as no surprise to Onthehouse.com.au consulting analyst John Edwards.
“Within the Top 10 alone, no suburb drops below 99%, and while Mosman didn’t make the Top 10, the fact it hosts Australia’s number one street still cements its position as one of Australia’s most prosperous localities.”
He noted that with Australian house prices at a high, they are increasingly breaking the million dollar mark.
“The fact is, many of our property millionaires may not even know the value of their property. While this latest data has revealed our nation’s most exclusive ‘millionaire rows’ – you don’t necessarily have to live in Mosman or Vaucluse to boast a million dollar home,” he said.
Over the coming year he expects the numbers in the million dollar spots to increase, and he noted that it was particularly interesting to see the areas that had topped the chart as the areas with the biggest increase in number of million dollar properties over the past 12 months.
These included:
<ol>
<li>Castle Hill</li>
<li>Ryde</li>
<li>Epping</li>
<li>Cherrybrook</li>
<li>Carlingford </li>
</ol>
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23.4% of Sydney metro properties over $1 million: Here’s the richest street

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There is a building block for sale under $200,000 in Sydney.
The only issue is that it is on Scotland Island in Sydney's Pittwater.
The <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-scotland-island-nsw-2105/191573/?searchID=41765522" target="_blank">72 Thompson Street</a> offering is 1,018 square metres in a bushland setting high above the magnificent Pittwater.
<img src="/images/2014/08/25/SI3.jpg" alt="">
The block sold in 2001 at $165,000 and at $110,000 in 1997.
It came with $299,000 hopes in its initial 2013 offering. The $210,000 asking price was reduced this month to $190,000.
Some 3,000 people are estimated to be living off shore, McGrath agent Gordon Archibald suggests.
It will necessitate plenty of ferries to Church Point and Elvina Bay. The block would seem suitable for a pole home.
Just a bit further north, some nine properties are on the market at Great Mackerel Beach.
The prices range from $495,000 for a vacant block of land at 26 Diggers Crescent.
Great Mackerel Beach is another water-access only community on the foreshores of Pittwater.
There are some issues, including securing parking over at Palm Beach and rubbish collection.  
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