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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The 225 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst time warp has been sold for $1.34 million to an investor before auction.
It has been the longtime home of the local colourful identity, Theresa Kompara, aka Mrs Christmas, who has tentative plans to head to Melbourne where she still regularly partipates in dancing competitions. She often teams up with Paul Cruddas.
It was her dolls-house. The one with the dolls seeming just gathering dust in the shopfront window for the past few decades.
Inner city eccentricity at its most obvious.
"Bring your hard hat and your architect and check out the potential of this rare property," its <a href="https://www.dijones.com.au/1650402/" target="_blank">Di Jones agent, Jeremy Clinton advised</a>.
It was apparently inherited by the entertainer from a shoe maker and his Tivoli chorus girl wife who took Theresa in.
"She tells us she's 60, but she's been there for a good four decades." he said.
Our property contrarians Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok lament the sale as it represents the further diminishment of an eccentric era in Sydney's inner city.
HE SAID:
<img src="/images/2014/03/28/jc-silhouette-7.jpg" style="float: right;">
When ever I walked passed the tiled shop window and saw the curiousities, I always imagined the life stories that lay behind the shopfront facade. Theresa's eccentric reputation stretches way back, though the highlight for mine must have been when she met Princess Diana at the nearby Dr Victor Chang clinic.
She's been described as a wonderful inner city mix of eccentricity and sweetness.
Theresa taught tap and ballroom dancing to the deaf and ice skating to the blind children. 
She has also been an Easter Bunny at The Royal Easter show for over 40 years.
She was an ice skating champion in the 1960s.
Then in the 1980s an occasional face on Red Faces, Kerrie Anne, Mike Walsh et al.
Her most recent appearance was in the 2007 coming out surf film, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnQhdiaZn4o" target="_blank">Tan Lines</a>.
<img src="/images/2014/03/28/mb-silhouette-6.jpg" style="float: left;">
SHE SAID:
Surely the Powerhouse Museum could add the dolls to its collection rather than see Theresa put them mostly into storage. I trust too her portrait goes off to the National Portrait Gallery.
Set amid Victoria Street's vibrant restaurants, between Liverpool and Burton streets just footsteps from Green Park, the building certainly does present an opportunity for complete redevelopment with its B4 zoning mix for residential and commercial usage.
The 133 square metre holding offers high-exposure with its wide shopfront.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Theresa Kompara's Darlinghurst dollhouse shop sold: He Said/She Said

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Sydney’s expensive property market is a source of debate and genuine concern for home buyers and renters.
Using RP Data’s latest statistics, we delved into the house and unit rental markets across New South Wales to discover where the most costly places are to rent.
Across New South Wales, there were 48 suburbs where it cost $1,000 or above to rent a house. We've altered our houses list due to the abundance of holiday rental areas that made their way onto the top ten. <a href="/news">Killcare</a> at $2,600 and <a href="/news">Hardys Bay</a> at $2,000 officially made the grade as the top two costly areas. 
The figures we have listed are the weekly median advertised rent.
TOP 10 NEW SOUTH WALES RENTAL SUBURBS FOR HOUSES
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Dover Heights</a> - $1,850
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bellevue Hill</a> - $1,800
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Double Bay</a> - $1,800
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Tamarama</a> - $1,800
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Vaucluse</a> - $1,800
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Northwood</a> - $1,650
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mosman</a> - $1,500
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Clontarf</a> - $1,495
</li>
<li><a href="/news">Rose Bay</a> - $1,400 </li>
<li><a href="/news">Burraneer </a>- $1,400 </li>
</ol>
See over page for the top 10 most expensive suburbs in which to rent a unit.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
TOP 10 NEW SOUTH WALES RENTAL SUBURBS FOR UNITS
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Millers Point</a> - $930
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cabarita</a> - $875
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">The Rocks</a> - $850
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Darling Point</a> - $850
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Seaforth</a> - $848
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Tamarama</a> - $768
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Milsons Point</a> - $750
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Birchgrove</a> - $735
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Broulee</a> - $725
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Haymarket</a> - $720
</li>
</ol>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

New South Wales' 10 priciest suburbs to rent a house or unit

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A former Sydney real estate agent has plead guilty to stealing over $1 million from her strata clients.
Rachael Jena Kwawegen headed a strata management company that collected levies from about 5,500 property owners in 240 Sydney apartment and commercial buildings.
Fairfax Media Domain revealed last year that the boutique strata company, The Strata Agency, was being investigated by NSW Fair Trading over alleged irregularities in its business dealings.
On 29 January 2014, the NSW Fair Trading cancelled the licence and disqualified Kwawegen from holding a licence or certificate for a period of 15 years and disqualified from being involved in the direction, management and conduct of the business of a licensee for a period of 15 years. 
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NSW Fair Trading  released a statement saying that: "Licensee Rachael Kwawegen pleaded guilty to breaching section 211 of the Property Stock &amp; Business Agents Act for misappropriating in excess of $1 million of trust fund monies."
</div>
</div>
</div>
She will be sentenced at Parramatta Local Court next month.
But there have been no policy changes from NSW Fair Trading, which operates a property compensation fund to cover any shortfalls in trust funds.
Strata manager David Ferguson, and former president of Strata Community Australia, said the state government should have more controls in place to regulate new strata management companies given new strata management companies are popping up every day at the moment.
“The are new strata management companies popping up every day at the moment,” Ferguson told the Sydney Morning Herald. 
“And there’s nothing to stop another The Strata Agency happening again. The money may have been safe but the disruption to people’s lives and chaos this caused was just terrible.”
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Former agent pleads guilty to $1 million misappropriation as NSW Fair Trading told to better regulate strata management

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The rapidly growing Sydney, that has forecasts numbering more than 1.6 million additional people by 2031 and 664,000 new homes needed, has seen numerous plans for its future and growth.
Growth Infrastructure Plans and the Precinct Support Scheme are among the initiatives being used to support expected growth. Another of these is the Urban Activation Precincts – essentially, 11 different areas with the aim of providing more properties that can easily access infrastructure, transport, services and jobs.
A frequent mantra in property investing is to <a href="/expert-insights/investing/follow-the-infrastructure-trail-to-find-future-growth-suburbs">follow government spending and upcoming infrastructure projects</a>, as well as strong population growth, to get in early to the hotspots.
According to the NSW state government, the choice behind the 11 areas was based on locations they could provide affordable and diverse housing with “good access to infrastructure, particularly transport”. It applies to both greenfield and infill locations.
“Precincts are envisaged as being larger areas, usually made up of multiple land-holdings. They will be capable of delivering significant additional growth and require coordination from State and local government to realise their potential,” explains the guideline to why these areas are selected.
The first eight announced in March 2013, with the final three on this list announced this month. There have been varying levels of progress in each, with some left uncertain as other planning projects and community consultation are explored. We have detailed some of the more prominent factors below.
North Ryde Station
<ul>
<li>12.5 hectares of land rezoned 
</li>
<li>Maximum building heights around the station (reduced from initial plan of 108 metres) set at 92 metres 
</li>
<li>More than 2.4 hectares of parks and open space expected 
</li>
<li>An estimated 3,000 homes and 1,500 jobs within 10 minutes of the station 
</li>
<li>More than $17 million worth of transport upgrades</li>
</ul>
Epping Town Centre
<ul>
<li>Rezoning is complete, as from March 2014 
</li>
<li>Funding arrangements being worked through with Parramatta City Council and Hornsby Shire Council 
</li>
<li>Strong demand for residential development currently 
</li>
<li>Expected increase in demand for retail development</li>
</ul>
Herring Road, Macquarie Park
<ul>
<li>Changes to land use zonings, building heights and densities are proposed 
</li>
<li>Expectation for increased housing, commercial, retail, education and recreation development 
</li>
<li>New connecting streets, footpaths and cycleways proposed 
</li>
<li>Existing market demand for new housing and employment identified 
</li>
<li>Around 54 hectares of the 247 hectares rezoned to provide 3,750 new homes 
</li>
<li>Rezoning allows buildings of between eight and 22 storeys within 400 metre radius of the railway station (for residential and commercial mixed uses) 
</li>
<li>Up to five storeys allowed in selected residential areas</li>
</ul>
Randwick
<ul>
<li>The current process was on hold for three months after December 2013 community consultation 
</li>
<li>Feedback to again be sought 
</li>
<li>Precinct spans parts of Randwick, Kensington and Kingsford, and includes UNSW, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick Children’s Hospital, Randwick Racecourse and NIDA</li>
</ul>
Anzac Parade South
<ul>
<li>The current process was on hold for three months after December 2013 community consultation 
</li>
<li>Feedback to again be sought 
</li>
<li>Precinct includes corridor around Anzac Parade from south of Kingsford to La Perouse</li>
</ul>
The list of Urban Activation Precincts continues on the next page. Please click below. 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Carter Street, Lidcombe
<ul>
<li>Strong connections to Sydney Olympic Park suggest it will benefit from government infrastructure investment 
</li>
<li>Currently under consideration after a public exhibition period</li>
</ul>
Proposals:
<ul>
<li>More than 5,500 new homes, including townhouses and apartments 
</li>
<li>Buildings of primarily four to six storeys along east-west streets, six to eight stories along main streets and parks, and up to 20 storeys on five specified sites 
</li>
<li>Retail centre with up to 12,000 square metres of shops and services along Uhrig Road 
</li>
<li>Corporate offices and a business and technology park on 11.4 hectares along the M4 corridor</li>
</ul>
Wentworth Point
<ul>
<li>Rezoning completed in June 2014 
</li>
<li>Two residential neighbourhoods, with a total of 2,300 apartments in buildings spanning up to seven storeys and six buildings of up to 25 storeys 
</li>
<li>New primary school with 18 classrooms 
</li>
<li>Marine facilities may be possible 
</li>
<li>Funding arrangements being discussed with Auburn Council</li>
</ul>
Mascot Station
<ul>
<li>Plan is currently on hold pending details of the WestConnex project 
</li>
<li>Higher density housing demand has been identified 
</li>
<li>Residential redevelopment is currently well-advanced in the area surrounding the station, which was formerly industrial land 
</li>
<li>Scope to expand the redevelopment area</li>
</ul>
Kellyville Station
<ul>
<li>Investigation over potential land uses in the precinct being undertaken 
</li>
<li>Precinct includes the area around the future station, part of the North West Rail Link 
</li>
<li>Boundary is based on nearest road boundary – within 800 metres of the station or a 10 minute walk</li>
</ul>
Showground Station
<ul>
<li>Investigation over potential land uses in the precinct being undertaken 
</li>
<li>Precinct includes the area around the future station, part of the North West Rail Link 
</li>
<li>Boundary is based on nearest road boundary – within 800 metres of the station or a 10 minute walk</li>
</ul>
Bella Vista Station
<ul>
<li>Investigation over potential land uses in the precinct being undertaken 
</li>
<li>Precinct includes the area around the future station, part of the North West Rail Link 
</li>
<li>Boundary is based on nearest road boundary – within 800 metres of the station or a 10 minute walk</li>
</ul>
The Property Council of Australia (PCA) has said that the latest three additions to the list are sensible decisions. However, they've noted that to deliver on housing targets, the state government will need to reject a claim from the local council to increase apartment sizes, explained PCA NSW executive director Glenn Byres.
"The scale of investment in the new rail line is unprecedented so it makes sense to leverage off it with new hot spots for growth," said Byres.
"Escalating population growth in our west means we need to hasten investment in new housing and employment opportunities," he said, noting that lifting densities will improve housing yield in the targeted sites.
“But we also need councils to play their part and ensure local planning controls reflect the objective of adding to the vibrancy of key centres," he said, pointing to the Hills Shire Council's consideration of planning controls that may increase apartment sizes by as much as 50%, limiting availability of one-bedroom apartments.
“The state will need to reject the claim because the changes risk increasing construction costs by up to $65,000 per apartment and limit the ability of developers to meet market demand," he said.
The PCA are also encouraging a fast-tracked approach to these three areas.
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The 11 Sydney areas every property investor should know: Urban Activation Precincts

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Bidura, the 1860 Edmund Blacket Glebe building, has been listed for sale by the NSW government.
Designing along conventional Victorian Regency lines, it was Blacket's home while he was designing the University of Sydney’s Great Hall. 
In recent years it has been occupied by staff of the Family and Community Services and the Department of Justice.
The NSW government is selling off the 5,556 square metre property at 357 Glebe Point Road which was previously used as a juvenile court until 2000.
It ceased functioning as a children’s home in 1977.
It has been owned by the NSW government since the 1920s.
With three street frontages and views over Blackwattle Bay and the city skyline, the NSW Minister for Finance and Services Dominic Perrottet said the Glebe Point property was expected to generate significant developer interest for a residential project.
Photo courtesy of NSW Courts. 
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Glebe's Bidura listed by NSW state government

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Rental yields are an important aspect to the investment equation.
While some investors are strict ‘yield chasers’ and others consider it the cherry on top of their capital gain, it’s worth remembering that yield does affect holding cost.
The yield is affected by many things and it’s crucial to be aware of what it is recording before diving in. Here’s a quick refresher on <a href="/expert-insights/your-weekly-how-to-calculating-rental-yield">what the rental yield is</a>, and <a href="/expert-insights/how-to-use-the-rental-yield-statistic">how to use it</a>.
If you think your current property could do with a boost – here are <a href="/expert-insights/investing/how-to-boost-your-rental-yield">some ways to up this figure</a>.
The following statistics were taken from the most recently available RP Data information.
For this article, we’re focusing on the lowest yielding suburbs based on house data for New South Wales.
THE LOWEST 10 RENTAL YIELDS
Firstly, looking at the lowest yields across Australia it’s not surprising that they’re present in our multi-million dollar suburbs, mainly near to Sydney CBD.
Narrowly missing the top 10 list included <a href="/news">Rodd Point</a>, <a href="/news">Sandringham </a>and <a href="/news">McMahons Point</a>, where yields were recorded under 2.50%, as well as <a href="/news">Bellevue Hill</a>, <a href="/news">Blakehurst </a>and <a href="/news">Hurstville </a>where yields were recorded under 2.75%.
<ol>
<li>
1.74% <a href="/news">Palm Beach </a>Median price: $2,535,000 
</li>
<li>
1.97% <a href="/news">Austral </a>Median price: $1,080,000 
</li>
<li>
2.00% <a href="/news">Box Hill </a>Median price: $1,625,000 
</li>
<li>
2.05% <a href="/news">Chiswick </a>Median price: $1,749,000 
</li>
<li>
2.23% <a href="/news">Glenorie </a>Median price: $1,095,000 
</li>
<li>
2.25% <a href="/news">Balmain East </a>Median price: $2,020,000 
</li>
<li>
2.27% <a href="/news">Waverton </a>Median price: $2,200,000 
</li>
<li>
2.27% <a href="/news">Strathfield </a>Median price: $1,558,000 
</li>
<li>
2.32% <a href="/news">Kenthurst </a>Median price: $1,343,000 
</li>
<li>
2.38% <a href="/news">Longueville </a>Median price: $2,510,000
</li>
</ol>
Turn page for the highest yielding house suburbs across New South Wales.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
THE HIGHEST 10 RENTAL YIELDS
Again using RP Data’s statistics, we collected the 10 highest yielding house suburbs. These presented a fascinating list of mixed results – from higher priced suburbs just under the $1 million mark to just over $110,000, it’s understandable that some will be confused.
As explained in this <a href="/news/minings-clean-sweep-on-rp-datas-10-top-rental-yield-locations">top 10 rental yield areas around the country</a>, previously supplied by RP Data, mining towns are often present on these sorts of lists – as are country towns and very regional areas.
For this reason, and the common saying that high returns come from high risk, it’s understandable that there’s a mix of opportunities in the market. You would be wise to treat these suburbs with the utmost diligence.
<ol>
<li>
16.40% <a href="/news">Killcare</a> Median price: $825,000  
</li>
<li>
11.57% <a href="/news">Mossy Point</a> Median price: $580,000  
</li>
<li>
11.56% <a href="/news">Broulee</a> Median price: $371,000  
</li>
<li>
10.89% <a href="/news">Hardys Bay</a> Median price: $955,000  
</li>
<li>
10.49% <a href="/news">Coonamble</a> Median price: $114,000  
</li>
<li>
10.40% <a href="/news">Condobolin</a> Median price: $115,000  
</li>
<li>
10.26% <a href="/news">Malua Bay</a> Median price: $380,000  
</li>
<li>
9.75% <a href="/news">Broken Hill</a> Median price: $120,000  
</li>
<li>
9.53% <a href="/news">Manyana</a> Median price: $328,000  
</li>
<li>
8.79% <a href="/news">Berrara</a> Median price: $340,000
</li>
</ol>
YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ:
<a href="/news/property-rental-yields-fall-across-all-capital-cities">Property rental yields fall across all capital cities</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/commercial-property-offers-yields-as-high-as-11-but-comes-with-risk-colliers">Commercial property offers yields as high as 11% but comes with risk: Colliers</a>
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The 10 lowest and highest rental yield suburbs across New South Wales

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Another 31 suburbs have joined, perhaps temporarily, Sydney's million-dollar median house club, new figures from Australian Property Monitors show.
Sydney's northern beaches have eight suburbs with fresh seven-figure medians.
They include Warriewood, with a median house price of $1,077,000; North Narrabeen's median house price at $1,002,500, and Davidson with a $1,138,000 median.
One of the last inner city suburbs to break the barrier was Darlington at $1,026,000.
Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist at the Domain Group, noted the Canterbury-Bankstown region featured on the list for the first time.
Ashbury and Hurlstone Park have medians above $1 million.
APM noted in the first half of the year the median house price for the Canterbury-Bankstown region increased by 8.3% to a record $720,000 high.
There 123 suburbs in the club in 2013.
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/sydney-now-has-170-suburbs-with-1-million-median-house-price-apm">Then</a><a href="/expert-insights/buying/sydney-now-has-170-suburbs-with-1-million-median-house-price-apm"> 170 suburbs with a $1 million median house price</a>, according to Australian Property Monitors, from sales data over the six months to March this year.
Back in 1993 there were just five harbourfront suburbs.
A decade later there were 69 suburbs in million dollar territory. 
It is now more than one in five suburbs.
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Canterbury-Bankstown kicks off with two suburbs in Sydney's $1 million house median club

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The NSW Premier Mike Baird has appointed Carolyn McNally to the new role of secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment. 
It was created in April when the Minister Pru Goward took over the planning ministry and announced a restructure.
The prior role was filled by Sam Haddad.
It is the state department's fifth reorganisation in eight years and its third in the three years under the Coalition government.
The long-serving planning director-general Sam Haddad was given his marching orders in April within hours of Pru Goward being made Planning Ministerr when the new Baird government created a Department of Planning and Environment, replacing the planning and infrastructure department.
It will include the Office of Local Government as well as the Office of Environment and Heritage.
Carolyn McNally was previously the head of planning in Transport for NSW and before that head of the infrastructure investment division in the federal Infrastructure Department.
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"The appointment of Carolyn McNally as the secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment opens the potential for a fresh look at the planning system in NSW,"  the Urban Taskforce CEO, Chris Johnson said.
“With the planning reforms, local government reform and the Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney all on hold, the property industry is looking for leadership.”
“The initial challenge will be to ensure that the proposed Greater Sydney Commission has real teeth and is not just another layer over existing structures. The Urban Taskforce believes the Commission must have strategic planning responsibility, infrastructure co-ordination and approval authority roles for major projects across Metropolitan Sydney.” 
“The difficult balancing act for the new Secretary will be in establishing the commission without undermining her department while also keeping Sydney’s 43 councils feeling empowered.” 
“While the supply of housing in NSW and particularly in Sydney is currently robust there are concerns that key urban sites are getting harder to find and that strong leadership will be needed to housing Sydney’s growing population. 
"An important role for the Secretary will be in communicating to the broader community the necessity of urban growth at affordable prices.”
</div>
</div>
</div>
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Carolyn McNally appointed NSW Department of Planning boss

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The NSW government has announced a summit to help decide upon the future of Sydney Harbour's Bays Precinct.
The move that had been welcomed by the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s New South Wales branch who are interested to see what private sector opportunities there may be for the harbourfront land.
UDIA NSW chief executive Stephen Albin said that the 5.5 kilometre site of prime land has been dormant, with this decision coming almost two years since The Bays Precinct Taskforce released its Strategic Framework Report. This report looked at the future of Blackwattle Bay, Rozelle Bay, White Bay and Glebe Island.
“After years of stagnation at the Bays Precinct site it’s positive to see the Government reigniting a discussion about future uses for the area,” said Albin.
“Previously, there’s been little information about the role the private sector could play in delivering future outcomes at the Bays Precinct,” he said, noting their interest in hearing about potential opportunity.
Albin believes this site will help cater for growth, and that while there are innovations occurring offshore, it’s worth recognising talent on Australian shores.
What would you do with the site?
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Bays Precinct, Sydney Harbour summit welcomed after “years of stagnation”: UDIA

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Have you been keeping an eye on Sydney this week?
Test how well you've been paying attention.
<ol>
<li>Which area of Sydney is the best place to buy, according to Arek Drozda? 
</li>
<li>What is the name of Sydney's largest shopping centre, which opened this week?  <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/phocagallery/2014/07/macquarie-july-17/macquarie_0000_1.jpg.jpg"> 
</li>
<li>Which model just paid $4 million for a new home for two adjoining Newport properties? 
</li>
<li>Architect Chris Howe and his wife, tax lawyer Betsy Anne, finally sold their home in which Sydney suburb? <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/phocagallery/2014/07/vaucluse-july-16/vaucluse_0000_1.jpg.jpg"> 
</li>
<li>Property investors MarksHenderson recently spent how much money on Walsh Bay offices? 
</li>
<li>How many Sydney homes made the top 10 most expensive sales of the week? 
</li>
<li>What was Sydney's auction clearance rate for the weekend of 12 July? 77.7% 
</li>
<li>Significant Investor Visa approvals are how many times higher in Victoria than New South Wales? 
</li>
<li>How many Sydney suburbs made the Housing Institute of Australia's top 20 hotspots for construction and population growth? 
</li>
<li>How many years had this Artamon home been in the ownership of a single person before it was sold this week? <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/phocagallery/2014/07/artarmon-july-15/artarmon_0000_1.jpg.jpg">
</li>
</ol>
The answers on the next page
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 How closely were you paying attention?
<ol>
<li>Which area of Sydney is the best place to buy, according to Arek Drozda? Sydney's <a href="/expert-insights/investing/inner-ring-the-best-bet-in-sydney-and-heres-why">inner-ring is your best bet</a>, said Drozda. 
</li>
<li>What is the name of Sydney's largest shopping centre, which opened this week? The <a href="/expert-insights/investing/sydneys-largest-suburban-shopping-centre-amp-capitals-macquarie-centre-now-open">Macquarie centre</a>. 
</li>
<li>Which model just paid $4 million for a new home for two adjoining Newport properties? <a href="/news/jennifer-hawkins-spends-4-million-on-newport-waterfront">Jennifer Hawkins</a>. 
</li>
<li>Architect Chris Howe and his wife, tax lawyer Betsy Anne, finally sold their home in which Sydney suburb? The couple have finally <a href="/news/architect-chris-howe-sells-vaucluse-trophy-home-finally">sold their Vaucluse home</a>.  
</li>
<li>Property investors MarksHenderson recently spent how much money on Walsh Bay offices? MarksHenderson splashed out <a href="/expert-insights/investing/markshenderson-splashes-28-million-on-walsh-bay-office">$28 million on their new offices</a>. 
</li>
<li>How many Sydney homes made the top 10 most expensive sales of the week? Eight of <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-10-most-expensive-sales-of-the-week-rp-data--66486">the week's top 10 sales</a> were from Sydney. 
</li>
<li>What was Sydney's auction clearance rate for the weekend of 12 July? 77.7% of homes auctioned sold last weekend. 
</li>
<li>Significant Investor Visa approvals are how many times higher in Victoria than New South Wales? SIV approvals are <a href="/news/siv-approvals-in-victoria-six-times-higher-than-nsw">six times higher in Victoria</a> than New South Wales. 
</li>
<li>How many Sydney suburbs made the Housing Institute of Australia's top 20 hotspots for construction and population growth? One - Homebush Bay. <a href="/expert-insights/investing/list-of-the-day-top-20-building-and-population-hotspots">Two, if you count Silverwater along with it</a>. 
</li>
<li>How many years had this Artamon home been in the ownership of a family before it was sold this week? The house had been in the possession of a woman <a href="/expert-insights/buying/stayput-aunts-artarmon-federation-fetches-record-price-after-99-year-ownership">for 99 years.</a>
</li>
</ol>
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