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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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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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

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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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

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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mrobin-TVRYiru7si

Sydney's street violence laws given thumbs up by business, but hoteliers more sceptical

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Located out in Sydney’s west is the suburb of Mount Druitt. Serviced by a sizeable train station, a hospital, a Westfield (including an external 24 hour K-Mart, a drive through Starbucks and a number of early payday loan stores and cash converters), schools, a police station and an RTA and well placed between Penrith and Parramatta, it is a confusing blend of amenity and stigma.
<a href="/news">Mount Druitt</a> is some 40 to 45 kilometres away from the CBD, and in the Blacktown Local Government Area, it was once one of the poorest suburbs in Sydney. Locals often use the ‘Mount Druitt’ label to refer to smaller suburbs, including <a href="/news">Whalan</a>, <a href="/news">Bidwill</a>, <a href="/news">Blackett</a> and <a href="/news">Tregear</a>, with the precise suburb itself having around 16,000 people.
Many investors express <a href="https://somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25651" target="_blank">concerns about tenanting properties in these areas</a> and, given some of the negative media attention it regularly receives (who can forget the death of Kiesha Abrahams, or the 2770 postcodes' 2012 top-of-the-bankruptcy-list ranking), it's unsurprising if perhaps a little unfair.
Certainly, there's graffiti and signs warning that domestic abuse is not tolerated dotted around the main shopping centre. There can also be a sense of discomfort around the station itself, with youths often lounging around this particular meeting point. However, it would be a hard argument to push that the suburb hasn't improved significantly in recent years, and many investors have success in these areas with good renters. While the area is shifting in demographics, and more suited-up professionals can now be seen waiting for the morning city commuter train than ever before, it may take some time for the stigma to wear off.
It has recently seen <a href="https://www.perthnow.com.au/realestate/news/mt-druitt-property-sells-for-more-than-1-million/story-fnhlgrau-1226750563232" target="_blank">its first sale over $1 million</a> – a development opportunity piece of land – and it seems some other properties locally may be creeping closer to this price bracket should demand continue the way it has been since over 2013.
This upwards pressure on prices has been striking. Whalan, for instance, has seen 14.8% growth in the median price of houses over the past year, with RP Data putting the new median at $276,000. Meanwhile, Blackett has seen 12.8% growth, while Tregear has seen 15.5% growth. Bidwill has not changed in value.
These statistics are potentially strong due to both first home buyer, new development and renovation activity (many investors buy worn out older homes in this suburb to cosmetically improve).
Employment statistics
<img src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/comparison_graph.png" alt="comparison_graph" height="248" width="400">
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 and 2006 Census Data
Heading towards the Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) census data, the median weekly income for a household in Mount Druitt sits at $1,099, compared to $1,477 for the state. Couple families with children, at 55%, are most dominant. Within these families, it is most likely that one will be working fulltime, at 25.2%, followed by neither working, at 24.6%, followed by both fulltime at 18.4%.
For those unfamiliar with the stigma of suburbs out west, and particularly those in Mount Druitt and surrounding areas (including Rooty Hill), a Facebook page currently exists with the headline “I Agree, Bear Grylls is Tough But Could He Survive a Night in Mount Druitt?” It has 6,427 likes. A <a href="https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Mount%20Druitt" target="_blank">quick look at Urban Dictionary</a> reveals a similar line and a 2010 documentary, The Lives of Mount Druitt Youth, asks "What happens when you walk into an area labelled the worst area in Sydney?”
Whether or not it retains this label in 2014 is up for debate, and it is becoming increasingly busy - the inability to park at the Westfield carpark on a weekend in the suburb has become a running joke - with its position near the Lighthorse Interchange (M7/M4) rendering it easily accessible.
A typical property in the suburb as noted by the ABS is a house (48.9%) with three-bedrooms, and likely rented by a family with one car. It’s likely to be either fibro or brick and on a decent sized block of land. For almost 80% of those that are tenants, they will be paying less than 30% of their income on rent.
The NSW government’s Family &amp; Community Services’ Building Stronger Communities strategy has been working for some time on improving the social housing estates across the state, and has flagged Mount Druitt and its small suburbs as an area worthy of attention.
“Mt Druitt is a priority location for this strategy and exciting new improvement plans to revive the social housing areas in Shalvey and Lethbridge Park have been announced,” it currently prioritises.
The suburb is divided informally into ‘old’ and ‘new’ Mount Druitt, with a striking comparison. The train track is largely what divides these two areas apart and, as many who spend time in the suburb will know, so do the prices. In the older section, prices for a five-bedroom family home can be seen up to the $600,000 price point. Meanwhile, in the newer section, the upper limit of house prices is generally $100,000 or more under this price. This may also be to do with the block sizes seen in the newer section.
Investors have swooped in over the past five to 10 years, attracted by the low prices, rental yields and the ability to attach a granny flat to many house blocks to boost this rental income even higher - often into the 9% range, figures usually unheard of around Sydney. Units near the train station have been in particularly high demand from investors, and the suburbs have seen much media attention as 'hotspots' with headlining stories from investment titles, and mainstream media, for two years saying the area has recently emerged as the next place to buy. Mum and dad investors also aren't necessarily going it alone - buyer's agents such as Right Property Group, B Invested and similar have bought in these areas regularly over the past half a decade.
New developments, currently with asking prices of over $330,000 for two-bedroom units, and advertising themselves to first home buyers, attest to the increasing popularity of the area. Residex puts the median house price at $427,000, and the median unit price at $267,000. Properties on the outskirts of the suburb tend to be more expensive, while those down busy arterial roads, such as Luxford Road, tend to be significantly cheaper.
Heading onto the rental listings, it's incredible to see rents in the $300 to $400 range for two bedroom units, where a couple of years ago a reasonably sized rental could be snapped up for around $250. The most expensive rental currently listed is a $500 a week four-bedroom house, with the cheapest being $240 for a studio.
Most expensive rental ($500 per week)  <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mount+druitt-412270355" target="_blank">16 Tulloona Street</a>
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/22/dru1]}
This four-bedroom home (pictured above)  is unusual for the area, with built-ins in every room, two bathrooms, a garage and the master bedroom having an ensuite and balcony. It has ducted air conditioning, a spa bath in the bathroom, an internal laundry and sizeable rooms. It has had 141 page visits, but has been listed for four days this year.
Cheapest rental ($240 per week) <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-mount+druitt-404629041" target="_blank">40/254 Beames Avenue </a>
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/22/drui2]}
There have been 4,978 views on this property (pictured above), according to the listings site, and RP Data notes that it has been listed since mid-January. It has a registered car space and recently had its open for inspection. It also has a balcony, and what appears to be fairly modern fittings for the kitchen and bathroom. It's "near new" and located close to the train station, noting that no pets are allowed. With a tight vacancy rate, put at 1.1% by SQM Research, it's likely rents in the suburb may increase even further, despite more supply being injected into the area.
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Suburb spotlight: Mount Druitt may retain hotspot label

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Would you rent this property? For $370 in Darlinghurst this studio could be yours but, be warned, it is a little unusual… particularly when it comes to the toilet. If you're a fan of cooking dinner while performing the final stages of digestion, then we have a treat for you with this property. Pointed out to us by a reader on Twitter, it’s sure to draw some criticism. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-darlinghurst-412259795">4b/114 Burton Street, Darlinghurst</a> is a “Freshly renovated, fully furnished studio apartment” that is a ground floor art deco property.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/21/darl]}
Noted as a “streamlined” bathroom with an integrated internal laundry, it’s rather a curious design with transparent walls between the bathroom and the kitchen and, in fact, some aren't sure they would even be happy to take on the curious listing.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/JennieDuke">@JennieDuke</a> as an agent I just don't know if I could take on that listing. Professionally I would have to say no. LOL
— Rob (@rman_trebor) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/rman_trebor/statuses/424097569329782784">January 17, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
 It’s available now for rent and the bed even folds away as a space saver. The listing has seen some interest on Reddit, and it isn't the first time curious bathroom layouts have been seen in Australian properties. Property Observer clearly remembers a discussion on the Somersoft forum regarding a property that <a target="_blank" href="https://somersoft.com/forums/showthread.php?s=9a79db1eec5055d4d7f04b915cfd3777&amp;t=81999">had an extra toilet casually placed in the living room</a>, without a mention on the listing as to the reason.
<img alt="shower_in_living_room_jan_21" src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/shower_in_living_room_jan_21.jpg" height="353" width="470">
When asked, the real estate agent said that it hadn't been used by the current family and they used a shelf to keep it covered. It had forum readers creating their own versions of how the floorplan should look. It appears to be the only of this style in the block – where rents vary around the $300 to $400 mark.
RP Data puts the <a target="_blank" href="/news">median Darlinghurst rental </a>at $550 a week, reflecting a 4.4% gross yield.
jduke@propertyobserver.com.au
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A toilet in the kitchen? A strange unit layout

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Keen to take on a renovation project? There are properties across the country calling out for attention and a bit of TLC, and they won’t all break the bank. However, would you buy one of these “renovator’s dreams” where the renovation may cost more than the purchase price? Or would you pass on the opportunity?
Here are five options all for $50,000 or less from around the country. Vote on the house you think you would make the most profit from with a renovation.
1) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-murrayville-115300719">28-30 Sharrock Street, Murrayville, Victoria</a>
This property, on 2,225 square metres, is on a double clock with four-bedrooms, one-bathroom and two carport spaces. It has a large central lounge, separate kitchen with electric cooking and a sun room, as well as ducted cooling and a laundry.
It is asking for $39,000 and is currently under contract. RP Data notes that it last sold for $30,000 in 2002.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/21/mur]}
 
2) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-zeehan-115771699">1 Montana Tram, Zeehan, Tasmania</a>
This $37,000 two-bedroom one-bathroom home, located opposite Trial Harbour and nearby a creek has no immediate neighbours, and has had the local timber used as features within the home. It has its own front verandah.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/21/zee]}
 
3) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mitchell-115703243">113 Mary Street, Mitchell, Queensland</a>
For $45,000 this piece of Queensland can be yours. With three-bedrooms and one-bathroom, it’s on a significantly sized block of 4,047 square metres. The land was last bought for $7,500 in 1986.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/21/mitch]}
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
 
 
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4) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-norseman-113703991">38 Johns Street, Norseman, Western Australia</a>
 
At $30,000, this fibro/iron house has three-bedrooms and one-bathroom. The living room has a tiled fireplace and it also has a laundry and an undercover carpark. It is on an 842 square metre block. The property last transacted in 2006 for $35,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/01/21/1.jpg" width="470" height="353" alt="1">
 
5) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-broken+hill-112461735">281 Piper Street, Broken Hill, New South Wales</a>
 
Lastly, this Broken Hill house for $50,000 with three-bedrooms and one-bathroom is on 1,012 square metres with a wide frontage. It could be a knock down or a renovation project, according to the listing. It has a pressed metal ceiling in the lounge room and the laundry and toilet are external. The yard has old shedding remaining. It last sold for $27,000 in 2004.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/21/broke]}
 
{module Which of these would you renovate?}
If you have a renovation project you would like to share, email <a target="_blank" href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
 
 
 
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Five renovators in need of attention… all under $50,000

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Barangaroo has become a topic of excitement for many, particularly those seeing the development slowly build in Sydney. If you've taken the ferry into the city from the Western Sydney direction recently, it's likely you'll have seen the incredibly quick progress being made on the construction site. And, if you haven't, well then there are these Tweets.
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
Beautiful views of Darling Harbour from the Barangaroo construction site public toilets! <a target="_blank" href="https://t.co/2ChjKXHn">https://t.co/2ChjKXHn</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23sydney&amp;src=hash">#sydney</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23toilet&amp;src=hash">#toilet</a>
— Toilography (@toilography) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/toilography/statuses/196569185512456192">April 29, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
Lightning strikes over Sydney, Australia! We teamed up with <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Barangaroo">@Barangaroo</a> to share these views <a target="_blank" href="https://t.co/wuT7aTgLK7">https://t.co/wuT7aTgLK7</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://t.co/J3IAL45mvJ">pic.twitter.com/J3IAL45mvJ</a>
— EarthCam (@EarthCam) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/EarthCam/statuses/414047816655204352">December 20, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
Smokey views across <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Barangaroo">@barangaroo</a> today. <a target="_blank" href="https://t.co/yEWY9shTMz">pic.twitter.com/yEWY9shTMz</a>
— Richard Evans (@balletbloke) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/balletbloke/statuses/377307205743034368">September 10, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
In 2012, we reported about apartment developments that would<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/every-apartments-has-harbour-views-as-lend-lease-unveils-two-barangaroo-apartment-blocks/2012112057997"> take full advantage of the Darling Harbour views</a>.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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A slightly different view of Barangaroo

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According to the latest Rental Report from Australian Property Monitors (APM), the increasing supply of rental properties will continue to affect rental yields in the Eastern capital cities.
While Melbourne has experienced rising rents in houses, with median asking rents increasing by 1.4% in the December quarter, unit rents in the city have weakened, decreasing by 2.8% over the same period. 
APM’s December quarter 2013 report also notes that Melbourne recorded no growth in unit rents over the year. The sluggish unit rental market is attributed in part to the development of new inner city apartments.
The report notes similar conditions in Brisbane. Although both house and unit rents increased over the December quarter, house rents increased by 2.6% over all of 2013, while unit rents have remained flat.
Sydney is still the most costly market for tenants, according to the APM report. Over 2013, house rents have stayed constant, while unit prices have increased by 5.4%, indicating the preference among tenants for inner city locations and affordability. Rental yields for Sydney houses have continued to decrease, due to 2013’s strong rise in investor activity and house prices.
The report expects that increased investment in the eastern capital cities, combined with the construction of new inner city units, will continue to push the supply of rental properties and weaken rental prices.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au">jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Rental yields in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to be impacted: APM

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Wollongong appears to be benefiting from Sydney’s property boom, and not surprisingly it came up in one of our reader requests.
According to the ABS, the seaside area has around 190,000 residents, making it New South Wales’s third largest city, behind Sydney and Newcastle.
While the Illawarra city was once a traditional industrial town, Wollongong’s economy has diversified in recent years, due in part to the decline of Australian manufacturing and the presence of the University of Wollongong.
After slowing down over the latter half of 2011 and 2012, the last year has seen the Wollongong property market regain some momentum. The median house price in Wollongong is currently $497,000, 8% up from the previous year, while the median unit price is $374,000, up 9.8% from the previous year.
Dr Andrew Wilson, senior economist at Australian Property Monitors (APM), notes that the Wollongong property market has remained strong in the face of changes to the local economy.
“Wollongong has seen pretty positive results. Growth’s been solid rather than spectacular, and the state and national governments have been very proactive ensuring that the market’s been shielded from the negative impacts of job shedding in the steel industry.”
“It’s shown itself to be quite resilient market, considering the issues to do with confidence.”
In part, he attributes Wollongong’s strong performance in the property market to Sydney’s big year.
“Sydney’s been the strongest capital city market in the last 12 months, and Wollongong has certainly caught some of that Sydney fever.”
“Regional markets [like Wollongong] have been experiencing around 7% price growth over 2013 - about half of what Sydney’s been recorded at over the same period.”
Wollongong provides a welcome lifestyle change for Sydney residents, says Wilson.
“The lifestyle market of the south coast has general appeal, and growth in beachside areas shows the ‘seachange’ or ‘greenchange’ effect.”
McGrath Illawarra principle Jordan Andonovski has also observed the market picking up over the last six months, a trend he expects to continue in the long term.
“It’s been very good. Particularly, the last quarter of 2013 has been very, very active.”
According to Andonovski, prices have been bolstered by increased competition among buyers seeking an alternative to the Sydney property market.
“Comparative to Sydney, properties here are larger and less expensive. People are seeking bigger homes with bigger gardens for their growing families, and they can’t get that in Sydney anymore.”
Indeed, families seem to be having a big impact on Wollongong’s property market.
“We’re seeing buyers upsizing from small units to mid-sized homes as their families grow,” he noted.
“There’s also lots of investment coming in with the university. Late in the year, there were a lot of parents purchasing apartments for their children. They might live there for a few years, and once they move out, their parents will either sell the properties on, or hold on to them for the rental yield.”
The university has also appeared to influence the rental market, with <a href="https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1228360/uow-project-eases-wollongongs-rent-crisis/">reports</a> that the city’s vacancy rate rose in early 2013 due to the university’s launch of its student accommodation facilities. The city’s vacancy rate now sits at 2.4%.
Andonovski expects that as Sydney’s population continues to grow, so too will the influx of non-local buyers, resulting in long term growth for Wollongong’s property market.
<a href="mailto:jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank"> jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Suburb Spotlight: Wollongong on track for stable growth

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After looking at the five most beautiful vacant rentals in Victoria, we set our sights upon New South Wales. While our favourite rental properties in Victoria only included two beachside properties, as expected, in New South Wales, it’s all about the water views.
 
1)<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bayview-412159103"> 24 Lentara Road Bayview NSW 2104</a>
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/15/1]}
Purchased by the current owners in November 2013, this five bedroom home in Sydney’s north displays a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor areas.
The master bedroom, which features a large en suite and walk in robe, opens out onto the house’s raised verandah, as do two of the smaller bedrooms. Glass doors let tenants open up the indoor living spaces, allowing them to spill over onto the deck. Many of the home’s rooms also feature floor to ceiling windows, ensuring clear views to Pittwater and the Tasman Sea.
The one acre property features a large marble-benched kitchen, two lounge and dining areas, a library, a gymnasium and a temperature controlled cellar. Available for $2,500 a week, it also boasts a large pool and tennis court.
 Read more over page
 
 
 
 
 
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2) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-sydney-409991835">129 Harrington Street, Sydney</a>
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/15/2]}
This five bedroom penthouse is one of Sydney’s largest, with 630 square metres of indoor and outdoor living spaces, spanning three levels. Dubbed the SkyHouse, the property takes up the 43rd, 44th and 45th floors of Sydney’s the Cove, giving it unparalleled views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.  While each space in the property is designed to maximise the spectacular view, the best vantage point is the rooftop spa – but if you’re not in the mood, the spa cover also doubles as an illuminated dance floor.
The residence’s cutting edge technology also includes no-key entry, wireless control panels for the penthouse’s cinema, televisions and over 40 speakers, and fully automated toilets with a range of functions.
Each bedroom (one of which is a guest suite with its own separate entrance) in the penthouse comes with an en suite, with two additional bathrooms and a sauna. All that, plus an aquarium, will set a renter back $8,500 a week. The SkyHouse was put up for sale in October 2013, with an asking price of $10m.
 Read more over page
 
 
 
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3) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mosman-412008976">28 Hopetoun Avenue Mosman NSW 2088</a>
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/15/3]}
The minimalist, bleach-white exterior of this three bedroom home reflects the simplicity and flow of its interior. The house includes an open plan kitchen, dining and living area, with a fireplace, Gaggenau oven and stove, and bespoke seating. There is underfloor heating throughout the house, with remote controlled shutters and blinds ensuring.
A large courtyard punctuates the property, featuring a heated infinity pool perfectly offset by a single frangipani tree. The single large window of the hallway alongside the courtyard extends to the floor, ensuring that the home is flooded with sunlight.
The master bedroom opens directly onto the courtyard, as does the living area. The courtyard itself leads up to a rooftop terrace, where the tenant can enjoy the view over Port Jackson.
This home is currently available to rent for $3,000 a week.
 Read more over page
 
 
 
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4) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-clareville-411762087">Clareville NSW 2107</a>
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/15/4]}
Next on our list is a three story Clareville residence, situated right on the waterfront.
The property’s master suite features its own kitchenette, dressing room, accessories closet and an en suite that extends to the outdoor decking area, with a free standing stone bath.
The rest of the house is no less luxurious, with an iPad-controlled audio-visual system, automated lighting and ducted air conditioning.  It also boasts a steam room which seats six people.  Open living and dining areas feature fully retractable doors, allowing the spaces to fully open up to the outdoors.
Once a tenant is outside, they might enjoy a swim in the gas heated infinity pool, before heading to the outdoor shower. Or perhaps the dedicated meditation hut, surrounded by tropical gardens, would be preferable. The property also comes with an outdoor wood fire pizza oven, extensive parking, and a boatshed and ramp.
 Read more over page
 
 
 
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5) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-412031919">Barford Bellevue Hill Bellevue Hill NSW 2023</a>
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/15/5]}
Our most beautiful vacant rental in NSW will cost you $25,000 a week to rent – a steal, considering it’s been known to go for $40,000 a week for a short term stay over the Christmas holidays.
Barford on Bellevue Hill is steeped in history. The Georgian style mansion was commissioned by Sir Warwick Fairfax in 1929.
Hollywood certainly isn’t immune to the National Heritage listed property’s charms either. Will Smith’s family has reportedly enjoyed Barford’s sprawling grounds, while the rental listing notes that “there is no opportunity for paparazzi to moor outside Barford.”
The main mansion has seven bedrooms, each with its own balcony, seven bathrooms, a cold room, walk-in butler’s pantry, a sitting room, dining room, and cinema room. The fully-furnished interiors are second-to-none, with 3.5m ceilings, two fireplaces, and marble flooring throughout the entry.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au">jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
 
 
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