Gold Coast-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ignite-projects">Ignite Projects</a> has lodged a Development Application for a landmark $120 million precinct set to transform the southern gateway of the much-loved Spit.

Positioned at the most prominent entry point to the iconic peninsula, the project has been designed with a strong focus on architecture, public space, heritage and connectivity, delivering a revitalised parkland setting that invites locals and visitors to engage with the Broadwater.

Central to The Isles proposal is a significantly upgraded public realm, including landscaped open space, a new waterfront café, and a family-friendly park featuring a naval-themed playground, open lawns and improved pedestrian connections.

<img alt="Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de83a270-6091-4b26-bed0-86f9248e7f9e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Isles%201.jpg?VersionId=vt79HlCOwV9F7eLQe9.Z3bv9JGLMaSP2" />

The design retains and celebrates key elements of the site’s history. The training mast from the vacant and degraded naval cadet building, which forms part of a former Navy minesweeper, will be preserved. The existing Navy Memorial will be relocated and upgraded in collaboration with the RSL, allowing it to be publicly accessible for the first time in years. 
&nbsp; 
Heritage-listed Humphreys Boat Shed remnants will remain and be incorporated into the landscape, while the site’s established Norfolk Pines will be retained, reinforcing the area’s character and sense of place. The enhanced parkland will ultimately create a long-term community asset at the entry to The Spit. 
&nbsp; 
The Development Application (DA) lodged with Gold Coast City Council includes 28 waterfront apartments across three levels, ranging in size from 145sqm to 383sqm, designed as a feature landmark within the precinct and complement the public domain.

<img alt="Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbf94e00-b56a-47fb-a15d-3d17b0b1ec76" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Isles%203.jpg?VersionId=A0vmBNE_KohYJo1EoZcmF5IVW4tT5aDo" /> 
&nbsp; 
Ignite Projects Director Josh Foote said the project as a whole had been carefully shaped to deliver a meaningful outcome for the wider community, not just future residents. 
&nbsp; 
“This is about more than delivering opulent apartments – it’s about creating a welcoming and memorable gateway to The Spit that people can enjoy every day,” Mr Foote said. 
&nbsp; 
“We’ve worked hard to ensure the public realm is a central part of the project, from the landscaped parklands and family-friendly spaces through to the preservation and celebration of important local heritage.”

<img alt="Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="443bbde5-8221-45f8-a549-dad2623df20c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Isles%204.jpg?VersionId=iUl6nc.sHkjMdo_1RigwbwUz_celHJ3H" /> 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, The Isles adopts a considered subtropical approach, with the building form shaped to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and views to the Broadwater and surrounding parklands. 
&nbsp; 
Architect Rafael Contreras said the design responded directly to its unique coastal setting. 
&nbsp; 
“Rather than a typical built form, the architecture has been shaped by performance and experience – from optimising outlook and privacy to creating a strong connection to landscape and climate,” Mr Contreras said. 
&nbsp; 
“A central landscaped courtyard allows light, air and greenery to permeate the building, while the articulated façade introduces movement and rhythm inspired by the Broadwater.

“The Isles will create a place where people can gather, relax and connect with the water, while also delivering a refined residential product that responds to its unique setting.”

<img alt="Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1089570d-1120-4302-9900-fb9f75c75c26" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/The%20Isles%205.jpg?VersionId=pl9qmKZNbaL3A7XjmD7sjhLwmXaqzzLZ" /> 
&nbsp; 
The DA relates to the residential and public realm components, with a proposed boutique marina to be progressed as part of a future stage, subject to separate approvals. 
&nbsp; 
The Isles is being delivered under The Spit Master Plan, a collaborative vision to create a new residential, tourism, leisure, natural environment and cultural heritage hub on the iconic and much-loved peninsula.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Ignite Projects has an established track record delivering premium residential projects across the Gold Coast, including The Monaco at Main Beach and Cabana at Palm Beach. 
&nbsp; 
Sales for The Isles are expected to commence in coming months from an on-site display suite, with construction targeted to begin later this year, subject to approvals.

Joel Robinson

Ignite Projects unveils exciting details of landmark gateway precinct for the Spit

The Federal Government’s sweeping changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax could trigger an unintended consequence: a surge of investor demand into the new and off the plan apartment sector.

While Treasurer Jim Chalmers has framed the reforms as a way to improve housing affordability and rebalance the tax system, the carve-outs for newly built housing are already positioning off the plan apartments as one of the few remaining tax-effective property investment plays.

Under the changes handed down in the Federal Budget, investors purchasing established properties after budget night will no longer be able to access negative gearing benefits. The Government will also replace the long-standing 50 per cent capital gains tax discount with a new inflation-indexation model and introduce a minimum 30 per cent tax on gains from July 2027.

However, there is a major exemption.

Investors buying new builds, including off the plan apartments, will still be eligible for negative gearing and will be able to choose between retaining the current 50 per cent CGT discount or adopting the new indexed model.

That distinction is expected to reshape investor behaviour almost immediately.

For years, established housing has dominated investor purchases because of its perceived lower risk, immediate rental returns and stronger historical capital growth. But with the tax advantages now heavily skewed toward new housing supply, the economics are changing rapidly.

The Federal Government has been explicit about its intent.

“The housing market and tax system are broken,” Chalmers said ahead of the Budget, arguing that existing concessions were disproportionately rewarding speculation rather than supporting housing supply.

The Government says the reforms are designed to encourage investment into new housing rather than established stock, a move aimed at increasing supply during a prolonged housing shortage.

According to the official Budget papers, limiting negative gearing to newly built homes is intended to “better align tax incentives with housing supply objectives.”

For the apartment development sector, particularly the off the plan market, the changes could become one of the strongest investor tailwinds in years.

Developers across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have spent the past two years battling elevated construction costs, higher interest rates and subdued investor confidence. Many projects have struggled to secure sufficient pre-sales to commence construction, particularly in markets heavily reliant on investor demand.

The Budget changes may now alter that equation.

Investors seeking tax-effective property exposure will increasingly find themselves funnelled toward newly built apartments simply because established dwellings no longer offer the same benefits.

Commonwealth Bank described the reforms as one of the most significant shifts to residential property investment settings in decades, noting that the package is centred around “limiting negative gearing for residential property to new builds” while replacing the existing CGT framework.

That could have profound implications for the apartment sector.

Off the plan apartments already hold several advantages for investors. Purchasers typically secure a property at today’s price while settlement occurs years later, allowing time for capital growth and reducing the upfront capital burden. Brand-new apartments also generally attract depreciation benefits, lower maintenance costs, and stronger appeal to renters seeking modern amenity.

Now, they may also become one of the only residential property types still offering the full suite of historical tax advantages.

Industry analysts expect investor demand to increasingly migrate toward projects that can clearly demonstrate strong rental demand, transport connectivity and long-term supply constraints.

The shift is likely to be particularly pronounced in apartment markets already underpinned by structural undersupply, including inner Brisbane, the Gold Coast, parts of Sydney’s Lower North Shore and select Melbourne precincts where new apartment commencements have collapsed over recent years.

The reforms also arrive at a time when apartment supply nationally remains critically constrained.

Australia is already struggling to meet the Federal Government’s target of delivering 1.2 million new homes over five years. Construction feasibility pressures have delayed or shelved thousands of apartments across the country, particularly as building costs remain elevated and financing conditions remain tight.

Critics of the Budget changes argue the reforms could reduce overall investor participation in the housing market and place upward pressure on rents by discouraging investment in established housing.

Some economists estimate the measures could reduce housing supply over the longer term if overall investor appetite weakens.

However, the Government is betting that redirecting investor capital into new housing supply will offset those concerns.

“To continue to incentivise construction of new housing, investors building new residential properties will be able to choose either the 50 per cent CGT discount or the new arrangements,” the Budget papers stated.

That wording has been closely watched by the development industry because it effectively positions new apartments as the preferred investment class within residential property.

For off the plan developers, the reforms could become a powerful sales tool.

Projects that have increasingly relied on owner-occupier demand may once again attract investors seeking to preserve the tax advantages still attached to newly built housing before the July 2027 changes take effect.

The reforms are also expected to sharpen the divide between established and new housing markets.

Rather than a broad investor retreat from property altogether, many analysts expect a redistribution of capital toward sectors still supported by Government incentives.

That could create stronger demand for apartment projects in key urban growth corridors and transit-oriented precincts where population growth, migration and rental shortages remain elevated.

The policy direction also aligns with the Government’s broader push toward increasing housing density in established urban areas.

Across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, planning reforms are increasingly encouraging higher-density apartment development around transport infrastructure and activity centres. By maintaining tax incentives for new housing, the Federal Government is effectively reinforcing that agenda from a taxation perspective.

For apartment developers who have spent years navigating subdued investor confidence, the changes may ultimately become the catalyst that reactivates parts of the off the plan market.

While the broader property sector is still digesting the long-term implications of the Budget, one thing is already becoming clear.

The era of investors buying established apartments and houses primarily for tax advantages may be ending.

But for off the plan apartments, the investment story may just be beginning.

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Investors to flood off the plan apartment market?

Adding to Chatswood’s growing skyline, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-anderson-chatswood-54-56-anderson-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">The Anderson</a> is grounded in a simple principle: apartment living in a major centre does not have to come at the expense of space and outlook.

Set on Anderson Street in the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a>, the new residential tower, a collaboration between developers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huirong-group">Huirong Group</a> with architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ajc-architects">AJC Architects</a>, will introduce 122 apartments that prioritise generous proportions, considered orientation, and a strong connection to the surrounding heritage precinct.

The design originated from a Design Excellence Competition, where AJC proposed a building that combines suburban-style apartment scale with the density expected in a transport-rich centre. The development will include more than 1,800 square metres of retail and commercial space at street level, landscaped communal roof terraces, and a ground-floor pocket park framed by canopy trees. Together these elements aim to create a building that integrates with Chatswood’s evolving streetscape while maintaining a strong residential focus.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353250]

A key driver behind the architecture was the desire to deliver family-sized apartments rarely seen in the Chatswood market. The Anderson includes a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments, with around 35 per cent of the residences configured as three or four-bedroom homes. At the top of the building, two double-storey penthouses span approximately 200 square metres each, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on scale and long-term liveability for both downsizers and intergenerational households.

Orientation and outlook were central to the planning of the building. The apartments are positioned to maximise views to the north and east across Chatswood’s heritage precinct, with upper levels capturing glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. South-facing apartments gain distant views toward the Sydney CBD and Harbour Bridge, while the building’s configuration intentionally reduces western exposure at lower levels to minimise overlooking toward the nearby railway corridor.

The external design references the character of the surrounding conservation area without replicating it directly. A brick podium anchors the building to the street and introduces a series of architectural portals that draw inspiration from the nearby Chatswood Presbyterian Church. Above this base, the tower shifts to a lighter, more open expression defined by horizontal lines and carefully detailed balconies that balance privacy with outward views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353254]

Toward the top of the tower, AJC introduces a distinctive lantern-like element formed by sliding screens. These screens provide both solar shading and privacy while also creating a visual marker for the building within the Chatswood skyline. The feature reinforces the architectural intent of the project, a structure that is visually refined while still responding to the practical requirements of apartment living.

Inside the residences, interior architecture focuses on clear spatial flow and practical everyday use. Open-plan living areas connect directly to large balconies, extending the internal living spaces outward and allowing natural light to move deeper into the apartments. Kitchens are designed as central working spaces with premium appliances and carefully selected materials, positioned to serve both daily living and entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151353 project_image_fid=353256]

Bathrooms follow a similarly restrained design language, using refined fixtures and materials to create calm, functional spaces, while wardrobe areas adopt a gallery-style layout with integrated lighting and generous storage. These elements reflect a broader design approach that prioritises clarity, functionality, and durability over decorative gestures.

Positioned just a short walk from Chatswood Interchange, residents will have direct access to rail, metro, retail, and dining. The Metro extension allows travel from Chatswood to Martin Place in approximately 11 minutes, placing the CBD within easy reach for residents while maintaining the convenience of a walkable North Shore neighbourhood.

One-bedroom apartments at The Anderson start from $1,022,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151353]

How AJC designed The Anderson to bring oversized apartment living to Chatswood

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bridgewell-development">Bridgewell Capital</a> has lodged plans for a major mixed-use apartment development in the heart of Maroubra, seeking a significant uplift in height and density controls to deliver 120 apartments and a 120-place childcare centre near Maroubra Junction.

The State Significant Development application, filed through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway, covers a 3,270 sqm amalgamated site at 251-257 Maroubra Road and 133-135 Garden Street. The proposal includes a concurrent rezoning that would increase the maximum building height from 12 metres to 35.6 metres and lift the floor space ratio to 4.02:1.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bka-architecture">BKA Architecture</a>, the project would replace a mechanic’s workshop and several detached homes with a 10-storey residential building above four basement levels.

The scheme comprises 120 apartments, including 27 affordable housing units to be managed by a community housing provider for 15 years, alongside 203 basement car spaces and 92 bicycle spaces. A childcare centre occupying nearly 900 sqm of floor area would sit at ground level and be capable of accommodating 120 children and 22 staff.

<img alt="First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="038a0639-f9e4-4303-8fcc-d43e73fa480f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bridgewell%20pers.png?VersionId=eGBElxmNqJW.YF3JFYgHTnPgAstdyXR3" />

According to the Design Report, the project has been conceived as a “gateway proposal” that responds to Maroubra’s evolving urban character and its proximity to the town centre.

“Designed to complement the character of Maroubra’s town centre, this gateway proposal features a building scale that matches its surroundings,” the report stated.

“It integrates residential units above a ground-level childcare centre, fulfilling the strategic objectives of the Randwick City Council Masterplan.”

The apartment mix is weighted toward larger residences aimed at families and downsizers, reflecting changing demographics in the Randwick LGA and increasing demand for medium-density housing close to transport and amenity.

BKA Architecture said the proposal seeks to reinforce Maroubra Road as a civic spine while improving the pedestrian experience around the site through landscaping and upgraded public interfaces.

“The design capitalises on the following site opportunities: reinforcement of Maroubra Road as a civic spine, enhancement of pedestrian pathways and the public interface via new landscaping, and strong market demand for two and three-bedroom apartments to support families and down-sizers,” the Design Report noted.

<img alt="First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ee509779-3c7e-4918-b03d-761c785459d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bridgewell%20site.png?VersionId=eZC4Ruyn.C7O.Qwfr1SVeP5.ds1c5.66" />

The building has been designed with setbacks and articulation intended to transition between the commercial intensity of Maroubra Junction and the surrounding lower-scale residential neighbourhoods. Communal open space is proposed on level one, while upper-level apartments would secure views towards Port Botany, Maroubra Beach and Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The development sits around 200 metres east of the Maroubra Junction intersection of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road, within one of Randwick’s identified strategic centres. The site is close to Pacific Square Shopping Centre, major bus routes, schools, parks and future cycling infrastructure proposed under the Maroubra Junction Masterplan.

The Maroubra proposal aligns with broader NSW Government initiatives encouraging higher-density housing near established centres and transport corridors, particularly where affordable housing is incorporated.

Bridgewell is also working on a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/goldfields-sets-the-stage-as-quartet-milton-launches">new 55-unit project in Killara</a>.

First look: Bridgewell plots 120 apartments and childcare centre in Maroubra town centre

National diversified developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has launched its latest Brisbane apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet Milton</a>, marking its entry into the sought-after inner-city suburb just two kilometres from the CBD.

The circa $100 million development will rise 18 storeys and deliver 131 apartments, offering a mix of one, two-, and three-bedroom residences.

Ideally located on Manning Street, Quartet residents will be within 300 metres of Milton Station, 500 metres from the Milton Ferry Wharf, and a short walk to Milton Markets, the iconic Park Road, as well as a range of breweries and cafés.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

Designed by architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, the building features a simple, gridded façade paired with generous glazing to enhance views, maximise aspect, and capture both sunrises and sunsets from within the apartments and their generously sized balconies.

Residents will have access to a 1,000 sqm rooftop, curated to balance wellness and entertaining, in response to increasing demand for wellness-focused shared spaces.

"We've approached Quartet Milton as a complete lifestyle offering, not just apartments, but a place where the design, amenities, and location all work together in a meaningful way," says Goldfields Managing Director Lachlan Thompson.

"Buyers are looking for that sense of confidence, knowing the vision has been carefully thought through not just by us as developers, but by all our consultants appointed to bring this together, and that it will be delivered to the standard they expect."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Cera Stribley Co-Founder and Managing Principal Domenic Cerantonio said the rooftop is designed to feel like a place "you'd genuinely use every day."

"A 25-metre pool framed by city and mountain views, wellness areas, and private dining spaces for evenings with friends create a setting designed for year-round comfort and effortless Brisbane living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

In addition to the 25-metre pool, the rooftop will include a sauna, cold plunge, fully equipped gym, and zen gardens, all complemented by panoramic views of the city and river.

While the building is expected to appeal predominantly to owner-occupiers, Goldfields anticipates interest from investors seeking strong rental returns, driven by the project's design, location, and the city's projected capital growth in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367991]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>, widely regarded as one of Brisbane's most desirable inner-ring suburbs due to its lifestyle offering and proximity to the CBD, has experienced a shortage of new apartment supply in recent years.

Goldfields is already active in the Brisbane residential market through its Ripley Valley masterplanned community, Hayfield. The 109-hectare neighbourhood is already home to more than 300 families and features a large community park.

Plans for the precinct include a 4 km running track, future schools, and retail and commercial amenities, all within a 35-minute drive of the Brisbane CBD.

Goldfields also plans to deliver a new mixed-use tower at 88 Robertson Street in Fortitude Valley, within the James Street precinct. The project will include 16,000 sqm of boutique commercial space, a level of wellness facilities, and a rooftop restaurant and event space, akin to Goldfields House in South Yarra, its flagship mixed-use development on Chapel Street, which is crowned by the Beverly Rooftop bar, one of Melbourne’s best-known venues.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Goldfields sets the stage as Quartet Milton launches

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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More than $100 million of property, or 177 apartments of the 220 available, saw contracts exchanged this weekend at the launch of New South Wales' <a href="https://wooloowarebay.com.au/residential.php" target="_blank">Woolooware Bay town centre and residential community development</a>.
The Sutherland Shire development is on land owned by the Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club, and is on a 10-hectare site. In total, it will have 600 apartments, a Sharks Club and a 17,700 square metre retail and medical centre.
<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/stories/2014/02/03/woolooware-bay-feb-3-one.jpg" alt="woolooware-bay-feb-3-one" width="470" height="316">
The Saturday, February 1 launch was a ‘VIP’ event, and registrations of interest are now open for the next apartments in the Waterfront Release, which face the bay.
The weekend launch saw first home buyers, young families, downsizers and retirees purchasing the apartments. In total, 95% were local buyers.
Prices ranged from $450,000 for one-bedroom apartments, $575,000 for two-bedroom apartments and from $860,000 for three-bedroom apartments.
Managing director of Bluestone, Ben Fairfax, said that the interest was significant and had caused them to extend the original release, of Esplanade – a building with 91 apartments – to include the 47-apartment Pavilion and 82-apartment Sea.
“We had a large amount of interest from the local community when the vision for the master plan was first unveiled. The enquiry has continued to grow as the project moved through its planning and approval process and our purchasers today have waited patiently for the first chance to buy,” Fairfax said.
The sales team had taken 2,000 registrations of interest, with 200 gathered over Christmas.
Chairman of landowner Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club, Damian Keogh, said that the town centre will provide a boost for the Club and the future of Sharks Group. The Club itself, 461 Captain Cook Drive, <a href="/news">Cronulla</a>, will be able for public use as a conference space.
<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/stories/2014/02/03/woolooware-bay-feb-3-two.jpg" alt="woolooware-bay-feb-3-two" width="470" height="416">
The apartments include timber laminates, feature panels and stone benchtops.
Shared facilities will include a rooftop Sunset Cinema and W Club, a lagoon pool, and a barbecue area.
The town centre space is still seeking tenants to lease, however cites that the final product will include a full-line supermarket, fresh food retailers, “eat street” restaurants and cafes and services/lifestyle stores. It will have 770 car parking spaces.
Bluestone's personnel have been involved with the redevelopment of a number of waterfront sites, such as Woolloomooloo Bay Wharf, Rhodes Waterside, Balmain Cove in Sydney's Inner West and other major developments, such as Norwest Business Park.
Norwest Business Park took a spot in this <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/new-south-wales-top-five-developments-of-the-past-50-years/2013090664825" target="_blank">list of New South Wales' Top Five developments of the last 50 years</a>.
Construction on the shopping centre is expected early this year.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
For the latest development listings, brought to you by Property Observer and partners, see our <a href="https://showcase.propertyobserver.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Investor Showcase</a>.
Images are artist impressions.
 
 
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Sydney’s newest waterfront town centre Woolooware Bay sees $100 million of sales on first day

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 76 auctions in Sydney for the weekend of February 1. The clearance rate was 80.3%. <a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

APM's Sydney 76 auction results show a 80.3% clearance rate

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Nearly $6 million of super invested in self-managed super funds are at risk, after Charterhill Group’s Nova Real Estate Proprietary Limited has been placed in voluntary administration.
Heard Phillips have been appointed as administrators of Nova Real Estate and liquidators for another Charterhill Group entity, Lending Solutions.
The sole director of both companies is George Nowak, the chief executive of Charterhill Group.
Despite this, the Charterhill Group and other related entities are said not to be impacted.
The first creditors’ meetings were held on January 31.
Speaking to The Advertiser, Andrew Heard from Heard Phillips said that the investors impacted are mostly based in Victoria and New South Wales.
"As a result of the appointment there are approximately 140 investors in Nova with funds totalling just over $6 million and less than 20 investors in LSI with funds totalling just over $1 million exposed to loss," Heard said.
George Nowak completed his accounting degree in 1980, worked at Deloitte Haskin &amp; Sells, then Delfin Property Group Limited, and has previously been featured at the <a target="_blank" href="https://archive-au.com/page/1055553/2012-12-24/https://www.homebuyershow.com.au/speakers/george-nowak/">Home Buyer and Property Investor Show</a>.
Have you been affected or know something more? Email: <a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Almost 140 property investors’ SMSF funds at risk as Nova Real Estate put in voluntary administration

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After a long weekend, it has been a week absolutely packed with real estate news and changes. How closely were you watching this week?
 
1) What did our entire panel of experts predict for the Reserve Bank movement next Tuesday?
2) Scammers are getting more technologically savvy, and there's a new letter being sent to international landlords trying to trick them into sharing private details. Which government department's name are they using?
3) Which capital city's property market (particularly inner city units) is expected to soar, before pulling back around 2015/2016?
4) A gorgeous trophy property was recently sold in Mittagong in New South Wales' Southern Highlands for $4.95 million. The rural offering has locals believing that it has been bought by a famous couple - who are they? Hint: Think about horses
<img class="decoded" alt="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/stories/2014/01/28/mit/mittagong_0009_10.jpg.jpg" src="/images/stories/2014/01/28/mit/mittagong_0009_10.jpg.jpg" width="400">
5) The Block started this week, and while it had a lot of us watching it failed to beat another show when it came to debut ratings. Which show was this?
6) Hing Loong, the apartment block pictured below, has construction beginning and is ready for sales. However, where is it located?
<img class="decoded" alt="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/stories/2014/01/29/chin/chinatwon_0000_exterior_01.jpg.jpg" src="/images/stories/2014/01/29/chin/chinatwon_0000_exterior_01.jpg.jpg">
7) We were recently sceptical about a claim that said investors and home owners could spend a few thousands dollars and add themselves up to $75,000 worth of value by doing this one thing. What was this?
8) Over the past year in Victoria, Robert Larocca told us that the median rent had increased by how much for a house? Bonus points if you can remember the amount for a unit.
See over page for answers
 
 
 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
 
THE ANSWERS
1) <a target="_blank" href="/news">No change.</a> However, some differed on their opinion of what might occur in the future.
2) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/ato-scam-alert-fake-landlord-tax-exemption/2014013067441">The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)</a>
3) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/investor-warning-brisbane-apartment-prices-expected-to-soften-in-2015/2016/2014012967432">Brisbane</a>
4) <a target="_blank" href="/news">Gai and Robbie Waterhouse</a>
5) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/cheesy-but-mkr-beast-the-block-loft-renovation-opening-night-ratings/2014012767377">My Kitchen Rules</a>
6) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/construction-begins-at-sydney-chinatown-development-hing-loong/2014012867404">Chinatown, Sydney</a>
7) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/analysis-can-laying-turf-really-increase-your-propertys-value-by-%2475000/2014012867406?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=polloftheday">Laying turf</a>
8) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/melbourne-rental-increases-only-moderate-compared-to-sydney-and-yields-have-stabilised/2014012967390?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=ourobservers:adviceandanalysisforreaders">$10</a> (and $8 for a unit!)
news@propertyobserver.com.au
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Property Trivia: Reserve Bank predictions, unit markets jump, celebrity Mittagong sale

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I am not the only property commentator tipping Sydney's house price growth was likely to slow to around half the pace of last year.
After news today of Sydney house prices rising almost 6% in the last quarter of the year, Australian ­Property Monitors economist Andrew Wilson says prices just can’t keep growing at that "supercharged" level into the medium term.
The Sydney market will likely record around half the price growth of 2013, he has suggested.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/01/30/insights-jan-30-one.gif" width="470" height="281" alt="insights-jan-30-one">
Sydney’s median house price increased by an "exceptional" 15.1% or over $100,000 in 2013 to a record $763,169.
"This was the strongest calendar year growth in house prices recorded since 2003," he said. Unit prices rose by 4.3% over the quarter, up by 10.9% annually.
Earlier this month I suggested <a href="/news">the likelihood of growth slowing in Sydney during 2014</a>.
Wilson reckons Melbourne will be lucky to get half the growth it had this year, with most of that with the first half of the year.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/01/30/insights-jan-30-two.gif" width="470" height="354" alt="insights-jan-30-two">
Melbourne house prices rose solidly by 3.2% over the December quarter with unit prices up similarly by 3.1%. APM puts Melbourne house prices up 8.6% over the year with units increasing by 6.8%. The Melbourne median house price sits at $568,824, exceeding its previous June 2010 previous peak. The median unit price of $421,759 also reflects a new record.
APM had house prices around the country ending the year on a strong note, with prices in every capital city finishing the December quarter higher than the previous period for the first time since 2009.
The national median house price surged 4% to a record high of $597,556, up 9.8% annually given record low interest rates.
"The national house price growth reflects an extraordinary contribution from Sydney," Wilson said.
But a weaker economic forecast, a lower Australian dollar, combined with rising unemployment and inflation was likely to keep flatten the price growth momentum.
Although end of year buyer momentum in all markets will ensure a positive start to 2014, affordability constraints and waning economic activity will act to moderate prices growth through the year.
He forecasts the Perth market will remain "solid" this year while Brisbane house price growth is set to "accelerate."
"Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart, however, will continue to record modest prices growth over 2014 with most activity again likely to be over the first two quarters of the year."
Wilson also warned the prospect of an oversupplied local investment market in capital cities that had a surge in investor activity last year.
“The current level of price growth in Sydney is unsustainable - particularly given the likely continued deterioration of the local economy and the prospect of a flood of new rental properties overshooting underlying market fundamentals,” said Wilson.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

After a $100,000 annual gain, "supercharged" Sydney set to lose half its price growth momentum: APM's Andrew Wilson

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Just Think Real Estate's Edwin Almeida was out in Sydney, for Sydney Real Estate TV, in a strata block just outside of Parramatta undergoing an investigation.
Looking at the basement carpark of the complex, that he had been to 18 months previously, he noted that nothing has changed here. There are still computers, chairs, couches and general rubbish piled high. Almeida expressed his concern to Property Observer that it is not only taking up parking space of others residents, but it is also a fire and hygiene hazard.
Investors - ensure that if you are buying, or if you're having an inspection undertaken during ownership, you have the carpark looked at as well. If you find that your investment property is kept in a similar state as the video below, it's time to start asking questions and getting it cleaned up. You may find that if a prospective buyer or tenant in the future stumbles on a similar mess, they may not be willing to move in, affecting your return and vacancy rate.
{qtube vid:=WM1VXVrBnZ0&amp;feature=youtu.be}
How would you handle this situation?
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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VIDEO: Ensure you check the basement car park

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Despite common arguments that tenants having 'all the rights' will deter investors from buying, the Tenants' Union of NSW has hit back, saying that it appears that any regulation or slant from the legislation isn't keeping investors out of New South Wales.
Discussing claims made by the Real Estate Institute in 2010 that regulation in the Residential Tenancies Act might cause investors to "think twice about becoming a residential landlord", they noted that regardless of the statement investment in residential property is at an all time high.
In the REI's preliminary submission on the draft Residential Tenancies Bill 2009, they'd noted that the property market in New South Wales must be kept attractive for both NSW and external investors.
However, the Tenants Union argued that research consistently shows that the rights of tenants and landlords are far down the list when it comes to decisions to invest or disinvest in property and that, in fact, we're at a high in terms of money sitting in residential investment properties.
Have concerns about the Residential Tenancies Act ever stopped you or someone you know from purchasing?
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Over-regulation isn't keeping landlords away: Tenants' Union of NSW

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Sydney's ultimate trophy apartment offering is set for a 2014 listing.
The whole 11th floor amalgamation in Sydney's 1 Macquarie Street Bennelong complex is tipped to be offered given the pending downsizing by the Maloney family.
<img alt="syndey_jan_24_one" src="/images/stories/2014/01/24/syndey_jan_24_one.jpg" width="470" height="353">
Photo: 1 Macquarie Street, Bennelong
Following the death of her publican husband, Cyril Maloney last August, his widow Margaret has recently spent $10 million or so on the tip of the Darling Point peninsula.
<a href="https://sydneysothebysrealty.com/3939451/101A-Yarranabbe-Road-Darling-Point" target="_blank">It's the harbourfront garden apartment in the O'Neil/Puntoriero Michael Sutto-designed block of four development.</a>
The north facing Darling Point, whole-floor, three bedroom, five bathroom apartment (pictured below) is no shoe box - as it covers 440 square metres of internal and external living space with access to heated pool, sauna, gym, gardens and a sandy beach.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/23/darl]}
But the redundant Bennelong apartment offering will come with 715 square metres of space. It apparently stretches 82 metres end to end.
<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/executive-style/room-with-a-view-yours-for-only-30m-20100312-q4eu" target="_blank">It was briefly up for sale in 2010</a> for about $30 million through estate agent Michael Pallier, who could be presumed to be in the running for the forthcoming listing.
The late Cyril Maloney shelled out $13.9 million in 1999 for all four apartments on the 11th floor in the Bennelong complex, set on Macquarie Street directly behind the Opera House.
Maloney created a penthouse with a cellar, billiard rooms and, needless to say, terrific views of Sydney Harbour. He also then added another above him on the 12th floor, but that's sans staircase.
The third-generation hotelier Cyril Maloney, born in 1919, in Henty, NSW left school at 14 to help the family after the Great Depression.
Maloney's beginnings as a hotelier began with his wartime savings kitty of £3,000 to buy the Railway Hotel in Orange.
Then came the Regent Hotel at Broadway in the Illawarra, the Wallerawang Hotel, the Freemasons Hotel in Broken Hill, the Railway Hotel in Parramatta, the Great Northern Hotel in Chatswood, the Shellharbour Hotel, the Olympic Hotel in Moore Park, the Bondi Astra, Cronulla's Cecil, the Hornsby Hotel, the Metropole Hotel in Cremorne and the Hampton Hotel in Kings Cross.
The jewel in the crown was the Hotel Bondi, which Maloney owned for four decades.
Owning more than one unit has been de rigueur in the Bennelong block - but to consolidate, not necessarily amalgamate the interiors.
Developer Jim Bosnjak had two adjoining fifth-floor, three-bedroom apartments.
The Moran family bought their third adjoining unit for a, then record, $16.8 million on the 12th floor in 2008.
One-time pie man Ian Allen, of Sargents Pies fame, did his amalgamation of two units on the 10th floor off the plan in 1999. Allen then bought three others as investments.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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11th floor Bennelong trophy apartment set to test the 2014 prestige market 

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The relatively new suburb of the Hills District, and 40 kilometres north west of Sydney CBD, <a href="/news">Beaumont Hills</a> was a formal part of Kellyville until 2002. Characterised by house proud residents, with a number of estates that form part of the McMansion culture, it has been built up in recent times. Most of the internal streets branch out from Samantha Riley Drive and Brampton Drive, while being bound by Windsor Road, Withers Road and Smalls Creek. It's a postage stamp on the Hills' map, housing just under 8,000 people at the time of the 2011 Census with an average 3.6 people per household.
Within the community, 67% are married and 35.4% are catholic, while 18.2% are anglican.
The median weekly household income is $2,515, more than double the state average of $1,237.
Employment in Beaumont Hills by sector
<img width="450" height="282" src="/images/stories/2014/01/22/employmentbhills.png" alt="employmentbhills">
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census Data 2011
Employment in New South Wales by sector
<img width="450" height="291" src="/images/stories/2014/01/22/employmentstate.png" alt="employmentstate">
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census Data 2011
With its own shopping centre with underground carpark, that appeared some years after the suburb's inception, servicing the locals with an IGA, a bakery/coffee shop, a pharmacy and several other necessities, it's also a decent walk away from Rouse Hill Town Centre.
Beaumont Rise, developed in recent years in the space between Rouse Hill and Beaumont Hills, is made up of smaller blocks than the slightly older properties in the Hills.
A quiet, leafy suburb with quirky street names such as Tellicherry Circuit, it's mainly home to younger families - clear by the sheer volume of school bus trips and stops required from any one school, as well as the quick enrolments seen by schools such as Beaumont Hills Public School.
Notably the area's biggest downfall, particularly lamented by older teenagers and early 20-somethings that still live at home, as well as commuters, is its distance from public transport. Many drive to Castle Hill to take a bus into university, or are required to drive to Seven Hills Station to take the train.
Hills Bus connections, as noted by Trip Planner, can take an hour and a half to get from the suburb to Central Station, often using a combination of transport modes. For this reason, many drive and Brampton Drive, the long arterial through the centre of the suburb, is commonly lined with P-plater cars.
A significant proportion, 72.6% in the 2011 Census, noted that they travel to work by car either as a driver or a passenger and most have two or more cars for each household. Congestion along Windsor and Old Windsor Road is notorious.
This is set to change with the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/what-the-north-west-sydney-rail-link-means-for-property-investors-cameron-mcevoy/2012102557410" target="_blank">North West Rail Link for sometime being said to hold good things for property values across the Hills District</a>, despite the disbelief from some locals that it would ever eventuate.
New stations at Kellyville and Rouse Hill should be easily accessible by Beaumont Hills residents, with the <a href="https://www.nwrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/The-Project/Stations/Kellyville" target="_blank">Kellyville station set to have the biggest car park</a> of any of the stations on the North West Rail Link.
With increasing access, it has been predicted that house prices should increase as a result and that there may be an increase in different types of housing stock. Currently, the vast majority of properties are houses with four or more bedrooms, and 67.9% are owned with a mortgage. The median price sits at $720,000, with 6.3% growth over the past year, according to RP Data.
It appears many are looking for brand new homes, with Beaumont Rise Estate, located above Parkway Drive between the suburb and Rouse Hill, being one of the latest to populate. Most of the blocks on these newer estates are smaller offerings, often around the 450 square metre mark.
A currently listing has a 650 square metre block for around $600,000, meanwhile on the other end of the spectrum a six-bedroom five-bathroom home has a price guide of "over $1 million".
However, with the $8.3 billion rail project not set to open until late-2019, it will be interesting to see what will happen to the area in the meantime.
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Suburb spotlight: Family favourite Beaumont Hills' steady interest

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The Sydney Business Chamber has welcomed tough new street violence law which impose mandatory 1.30am lockouts on many CBD venues, saying they’re necessary to safeguard Sydney’s reputation as a safe city.
But the Australian Hotels Association is highly sceptical of the new laws, believing they punish businesses that rely on the night-time economy despite their having nothing to do with street violence.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has been under pressure for some weeks to introduce a legislative response to the one-punch death of Sydney teenager Daniel Christie, who died after being punched in the head from behind in Kings Cross at 9.10 pm on New Year’s Eve. It follows a similar incident in 2012 where another 18-year-old, Thomas Kelly was fatally and without provocation punched in the back of the head.
Yesterday, O’Farrell announced a suite of sweeping measures aimed at combatting the problem of street violence, which include mandatory eight-year minimum jail sentences for fatal one-punch attacks, significant increases in on-the-spot penalties for disorderly behaviour, and increased police powers to ban ‘troublemakers’.
The laws also target businesses. Venues in the Sydney’s central business district and Kings Cross will have 1.30am lockouts and be forced to stop selling drinks at 3am, while bottle shops across New South Wales will be forced to shut at 10pm.
<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/975-">Small bars serving up to 60 people</a>, restaurants, casinos and tourist accommodation facilities will be exempt from the laws.
Parliament will be recalled next week to pass the new measures.
Patricia Forsythe, the executive director of the Sydney Business Chamber, says the new laws are needed to maintain Sydney’s reputation as a safe city.
“We’re a city very much based on the service economy, and as part of that, the visitor economy is one of the critical parts of our economy,” she said.
“To be able to attract visitors, and be a city popular with tourists, whether Australian or overseas, we need a reputation as a safe place to visit. We’ve had that reputation. The events of recent times in particular, and the media frenzy around those events, have put that at risk.”
The state government’s proposed laws strike the appropriate balance between upping the penalties on violent offenders while also limiting the potential for street violence to occur, she added.
“There’s no single solution. What the government’s tried to do is adopt a multi-faceted approach, which does require changes from business, government, law enforcement and the community in general.”
Forsythe particularly welcomed small bars and restaurants being excluded from the laws.
“They’re not the source of the problem. Indeed, they may be part of the solution.”
However, the Australian Hotels Association has been far less welcoming of the proposed changes.
In a statement, the body said it welcomes tougher sentencing for “thugs”.
“However, we remain sceptical about the effectiveness of lockouts across the Sydney CBD area and ‘last drinks’ at 3am – the time of the taxi changeover.
“We do not believe tens of thousands of people will stay in licensed premises past 3am once alcohol is no longer served but will instead be out on the streets looking for a way home. The government will need to address this new issue.”
“The lockouts and closures in the Sydney CBD will also have an undeniable impact on the night-time economy penalising businesses that are well run and have had nothing to do with the recent violence.”
Before the new laws were announced, the NSW AHA’s director of public policing, John Green, said any lockout would see more young people on the streets in the early hours of the morning.
“Organisations are again using an incident which occurred early in the evening to call for mandatory lock-outs and closures of hotels from 1.30am. Yet no one seems to be able to explain how this would help.
“[It] flies in the face of common sense. The latest tragic incident happened at 9.10pm allegedly by a man on bail for assault. The death of Thomas Kelly happened just after 10pm at the same location in King’s Cross – how would further restrictions on venues in the early hours of the morning make any difference?
“Independent Bureau of Statistics figures show that violence in and around licensed premises [is] at the lowest level in 15 years – this is thanks to the co-operation between hoteliers and police… However, we are being told by doctors that the intensity of assaults is increasing.
“What has changed, and where has the prevalence of the ‘king hit’ culture at all hours come from?
“There is a far deeper explanation, and simply closing hotels and shutting down the city is not the answer. We need to work with the community on finding solutions.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.SmartCompany.com.au" target="_blank">SmartCompany.</a>
 
 
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