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 by Hayball 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]

Joel Robinson

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

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a> and Homes NSW have taken the next major step in the transformation of Waterloo Estate, lodging a Concept State Significant Development Application and concurrent rezoning proposal for the renewal of Waterloo South.

The proposal, now on public exhibition, outlines plans for around 3,300 new homes across the 12.3-hectare precinct. A minimum 30 per cent of residential gross floor area will be delivered as social housing, approximately 20 per cent as affordable housing, and a maximum 50 per cent as market housing. The redevelopment would more than quadruple the number of homes currently on the site and more than double the existing supply of social and affordable housing.

The renewal of Waterloo South forms the first stage of the broader Waterloo Estate transformation and is set to unfold over the next 10 to 15 years. The estate currently contains 750 social housing dwellings and 120 private homes.

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba2da34b-171b-4ff1-b0c7-4baf0bce97f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waterloo%20public.png?VersionId=S5apPKOqjPHJhk_SzCvdVPxsEBYs300o" />

The proposal, prepared by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> and Beam Planning, spans 10 street blocks bounded by Cope, Raglan, George, Wellington, Gibson, Kellick, Pitt and McEvoy Streets, directly adjoining the Waterloo Metro Station precinct and within walking distance of Redfern and Green Square stations.

Under the masterplan, building heights would range from two to 33 storeys, delivering approximately 282,485 sqm of residential floor space alongside at least 10,000 sqm of non-residential uses and a minimum 5,000 sqm of community space. The planning framework has been specifically structured to support the mixed-tenure outcome, with the residential gross floor area capped at a maximum 50 per cent market housing allocation.&nbsp;

The Urban Design Report describes the vision as creating “a unique and vibrant mixed-tenure housing precinct that supports the needs of the community and delivers much needed housing in response to National and State Government priorities.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e1a6d8b-0626-4fa7-94fc-aa91c0af86dc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/waterloo%20per.png?VersionId=duyiJTFOeezTNdM22leI3SoHuqnW6ZaY" />

A major focus of the revised proposal has been increasing the social and affordable housing component. The Minns Government increased the affordable and public housing allocation from 35 per cent to 50 per cent after coming to office in 2023.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the changes were critical to maintaining Waterloo’s social diversity.

“When we came to government, we immediately reviewed the plans for the Waterloo renewal and boosted the number of public and affordable homes from 35 to 50 per cent,” Jackson said.

“This was a crucial step to ensure Waterloo remains a welcoming place for people from all walks of life to call home now and into the future.”&nbsp;

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the project would reshape the precinct for generations.

“This concept DA brings thousands of new public, affordable and market homes on the doorstep of the Waterloo Metro station another step closer to reality,” Scully said.

“Importantly, alongside the new homes the plan also proposes new open space where residents and the broader community can gather, relax and play.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Stockland and Homes NSW unveil plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="867520cb-6e07-4204-885e-53793ac88066" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waterloo%20public%20a.png?VersionId=lgSI85Q23xBLYLC9NcWKuWZY2HfP4zQ3" />

Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta said the project had been shaped around long-term liveability and community infrastructure.

“As delivery partner, Stockland is proud to be working with the NSW Government on the renewal of Waterloo South – a significant project with community at its heart,” Gupta said.&nbsp;

The planning documents place strong emphasis on “Designing with Country,” recognising the site’s location on Gadigal land. The masterplan incorporates new east-west pedestrian links, activated streetscapes, rooftop communal spaces, retail frontages, and landscaped public areas intended to improve permeability and community connection throughout the estate.&nbsp;

The proposal also seeks to establish a more flexible planning framework for future detailed SSDAs, including updated provisions for educational uses, creative industries, rooftop communal areas, and active frontages. A minimum seven per cent of residential floor space will be delivered as affordable housing managed in perpetuity by community housing provider City West Housing.&nbsp;

The Social Impact Assessment prepared by Urbis describes the renewal as one of Australia’s most significant public housing transformations, identifying substantial long-term positive impacts associated with housing supply, accessibility, public domain improvements, and community infrastructure.&nbsp;

Stockland and Homes NSW have already commenced the first stage of resident relocations, with some tenants moved into newly completed homes at Waterloo Metro Quarter and the Boronia development nearby.

First look: Stockland, NSW Gov, unveils plans for 3,300-home Waterloo South renewal

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/smith-by-valli-collingwood-224-228-smith-street-collingwood-vic-3066">Smith Collingwood</a> is a new boutique apartment development bringing a refined, design-led approach to one of Melbourne’s most established inner-city neighbourhoods.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pandolfini-architects">Pandolfini Architects</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/lisa-buxton-interiors">Lisa Buxton</a>, Smith by Valli sits on iconic Smith Street and comprises just 22 residences tailored toward owner-occupiers seeking a more considered style of apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367540]

The design of Smith focuses on a north-facing orientation across all residences, a relatively uncommon feature in dense inner-Melbourne settings. Each apartment has been planned to maximise natural light and outlook, alongside a material palette defined by warm tones, custom joinery, and a full suite of Gaggenau appliances.

The development comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with pricing currently ranging from just under $1 million to around $4.85 million for the premium penthouse-level residences, reflecting growing demand for luxury owner-occupier product in Melbourne’s inner urban market.

Residents will also have access to a private rooftop garden designed as an elevated retreat above the city, &nbsp;featuring curated landscaping, veggie boxes, intimate seating areas and spaces for relaxed gatherings. Sustainability has also been integrated into the project through a 7-star energy rating and two secure bicycle facilities for every residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140747 project_image_fid=367529]

Smith by Valli sits in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most established retail and hospitality strips, within walking distance of venues such as Falco Bakery, Carnation Canteen and Alimentari, alongside parks and everyday services. With a Walk Score of 99, the location reinforces the project’s positioning toward buyers prioritising walkability and access over car dependency.

With only a limited number of residences, Smith reflects growing demand for smaller, highly curated apartment developments that prioritise design quality, liveability, and connection to neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140747]

Smith by Valli delivers design-led apartments to Melbourne’s inner north

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?

<html><body>
Champion surfer Tom Carroll has listed his hillside Newport property on Sydney's northern beaches.
With sweeping beach views, the contemporary house has three-levels.
It's expected to fetch about $2 million at its May 2 auction through Lachlan Elder of LJ Hooker <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mona Vale</a>.
"If a home could be referred to as "sexy" this would be the one," <a target="_blank" href="https://monavale.ljhooker.com.au/1089F6K">his marketing says</a>.
Carroll bought the Hillside Road property for $350,000 in 1988 when he was competing on the world professional surfing circuit where he won two world surfing titles (1983 and 1984) and three Pipe Masters (1987, 1990 and 1991) in Hawaii.
In 1999 Carroll and his wife Lisa rebuilt the five bedroom house with sheets of glass, curved walls, high ceilings and polished timber on its 920-square-metre block.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Champion surfer Tom Carroll lists Newport abode

<html><body>
British media entrepreneur and multi-millionaire Baron Waheed Alli, has purchased an apartment in the Dominion development at Darlinghurst, which is due for completion next month.
He is the co-founder of Planet 24, one of Britain’s largest TV production companies, responsible for hit shows such as Survivor.
Dominion – developed by Cbus Property – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/darlinghurst-s-newest-residential-development-dominion-revealed/2013012358921">will consist of 108 apartments</a> split across three buildings, each seven levels high close to Oxford Street.

“I have been coming to Sydney for more than 10 years and I love the city; in particular the Darlinghurst area. I’m here at least four times a year on business and pleasure, and I’d much rather have a base with my own creature comforts than staying in an impersonal hotel room,” he said.

Lord Alli (pictured below) plans to use his interior designer, Jonathan Adler from New York, to help with the finishing touches of his fifth floor apartment.
<img height="326" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/lordapril19one.jpg" alt="lordapril19one">

“I bought my apartment in Dominion off-the-plan at least two years ago, and it’s been worth the wait,” he said. 
“I’m impressed how the building has turned out. It has blended into the landscape.”

The $150 million development with asking prices of $1.2 million through Colliers International for two-bedroom apartments and $1.79 million for three-bedroom apartments, was reported to have had about 15% of buyers from overseas, including several expats.
</body></html>

gdwyer-vyxhMDDW5L

Designer Jonathan Adler heading down under as Lord Alli buys into Darlinghurst's Dominion

<html><body>
The $2 billion Central Park development in Sydney has achieved another major milestone with its 1000th apartment being sold.
The team behind the development, Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House, noted it on their Facebook page (pictured below).
<img height="459" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/frasersapril19one.jpg" alt="frasersapril19one">
The buyers were dubbed a "visionary group".
Located in Sydney’s inner southern suburb <a target="_blank" href="/news">Chippendale</a>, the development is scheduled to take between eight and 10 years to complete.
It will have the first residents of <a target="_blank" href="/news">One Central Park</a> West by July.
Sales of apartments since its August 2010 launch have ranged between $460,000 and $2.135 million.
Its selling agents say buying interest and demand for the offerings has grown as the architecture has been revealed during construction.
</body></html>

Central Park, Chippendale secures its 1000th apartment sale

<html><body>
{qtube vid:=PSh3sIVXZ5I&amp;feature}
In this week’s Purchase or Pass we check out the pros and cons of a potential investment property and get the panel’s view on whether we would choose whether to buy or not based on our own personal property investing criteria.
This week we have a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-bronte-nsw-2024/169285">two-bed, one-bath unit in a small block of four</a>, seven kilometres from the city and just over one kilometre from the local shops and leisure facilities. The property presents very well and so would be perfect for tenant to move into straight away. It’s on the ground floor and the main bedroom opens out onto a covered balcony. The main debate on this unit will be that there is no specific allocated parking – it’s scattered parking worked on a first in best dressed basis and there’s only two spots for the four units.
So John, I guess the first issue there aside from the parking is whether everything hits the right criteria. It’s the right location, it’s obviously well presented, it’s a nice block of four, all of those things are pretty straight forward.
John: It’s very modern today. The whole unit is looking pretty good in terms of its presentation and obviously there’s air-conditioning as well.
Chris: Now we talk about this parking quite a lot. There are lots of different types of parking. It can be on title, it can be not on title, it can be scattered parking or no parking. This one is quite different. Here we have two spots for the four units. Does it really matter if there’s one spot, two spots or three if there’s no guarantee does it really matter what your chances are?
John: I don’t think it does. The other thing that I would point out about that block of units is if you look at it it’s an older style and you have a very large land content for a small block of units. So from my point of view I would love to actually buy the whole block and not just a little bit of it. And you can also see that you could actually cut into the land to actually create parking both at the front and back of it. So it allows a lot of development application. I wouldn’t be excessively worried about the parking however.
Chris: I’ve seen some places like Tamarama in Bondi that have the most amazing views and people have looked at really digging into the ground and building it. It might cost something like $200,000 per car park that they’re creating but in those kind of areas it’s actually worth spending that kind of money if you have a $2 million or $3 million apartment.
John: Obviously what you have to do in a situation like this where there is limited car parking is actually look where the car parking facilities are on-street and if the on-street parking isn’t too bad then don’t worry.
Chris: One of the tell-tale signs for me is I looked up on the internet and I found it took actually 109 days to sell this uni. So originally they were after $650,000-plus and then it was advertised for $600,000-plus. Now they actually sold it for $663,000 so they got the right price which is pretty good, but 109 days to me that’s a big tell-tale sign that either the parking or something else isn’t quite right.
John: I think it’s probably two things going on there. I think it’s probably the parking having an some impact on it and at the same time, the mere fact that they had to reduce it and probably even the $663,000 that they sold it for is probably still over the top a little bit. So I think those two things are probably influenced the overall outcome that we have.
Chris: So purchase or pass for you?
John: Well I think I’m balanced depending given the poor parking that is there and the fact that it sold in 109 days, I really want something that would sell much faster than that so I’m going to pass.
Chris: And look that was the same thing for me. I think the days it took to sell tells the whole story here. If I’m going to buy an investment property I want to know that it can be sold in an instant if I needed the cash and 109 days is just too long for me. But well done to them for getting the right price. So I’m going to pass.
</body></html>

awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Purchase or Pass? A Bronte unit with scattered parking: Chris Gray and John Edwards

<html><body>
Cronulla's Lantern House has been listed for May 25 auction.
Set on Gunnamatta Bay, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cronulla-113266291">the Darook Park Road property</a> featured in Robyn Beaver's 2005 book Top 100 Houses From Down Under following its 2003 completion by DEM architects. By 2006 it was included in Beaver's subsequent book, 100 More of the World's Best Houses, the third in the international series which featuring Lantern alongside Stanic Harding's Gibbeson House in Surry Hills and Durbach Block's Spry House in Point Piper among Australia's chosen few.
The Cronulla block of land cost $1.85 million in 2000 and the house cost $3 million to build. Its architectural concept is layered translucency using glass as its main medium, starting with the finely sliced spider marble sheets on its facade.
It was listed in late 2007 with $6.9 million hopes and sold early 2008 for $5.3 million to the first person who inspected it.
David Highland at Highland Property Group is marketing The Lantern residence as luxury living combining architectural design with generous family efficiency.
"It forms an exceptionally private home of luxury and style in a prestigious peninsula address," the marketing says.
"There are generous living spaces with a selection of formal and casual areas incorporating sliding glass panels that open up to create a seamless flow to the outside areas.
"Wide terraces provide ideal entertaining spaces overlooking the stunning infinity edge heated swimming pool.
"Consisting of four bedrooms plus study, including a palatial master suite with luxury ensuite, walk-in dressing room, isolated retreat and private terrace with outlooks over the bay.
"There is a designer stone kitchen equipped with quality Miele appliances and walk-in pantry, huge games and media room, complete with full appliances, gas fireplace and kitchenette all flowing out to the pool and entertaining areas."
At the waters edge lies a striking boathouse and entertainer's balcony, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom.
Its additional features include automated awnings, translucent marble facias, integrated sound, data cabling, sun-washed decks, cathedral ceilings and Blackbutt polished floors.
No price indicator from Highland, but the house, on 815 sq m, would need to exceed $6.9 million to secure the Cronulla record price. It has stood with Tynan family purchase of the Bali-style waterfront house of former Sharks player Greg Mullane and his wife, interior designer Mandy in 2007. The highest sale in the past six years has been elsewhere on Taloombi Street at $6.3 million last year for a Bezzina-built home.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.amazon.com/Houses-From-Down-Under-Worlds/dp/1864701412">The 100 projects book </a>included the work of architects and interior designers in Australia and New Zealand.
 
<h3></h3>
</body></html>

The Lantern house in Cronulla - with its top 100 Down Under architectural ranking - listed for May auction 

<html><body>
Gold is rare because it’s not found everywhere. And yet, if you listen to some in the property investment industry (often those whose income depends on a particular ‘scheme’), you’d swear there was a glittering new gold mine discovered every other day.
There are some who have been giving Greater Western Sydney the gold-plated sales pitch. So is this densely populated and diverse region of Australia’s most expensive city really worth plundering for profit? Let’s replace the spin and wishful-thinking with objectivity.
For Greater Western Sydney (GWS), which takes in 14 local government areas as far west as the Blue Mountains, the hype is all about population booms, better housing affordability, and major infrastructure projects in the pipeline.
While there might be some truth to these tales, the only story that ever matters is: how will this influence property values?
It’s densely populated and demographically diverse
A whopping 9% of Australia’s total population (that’s one in 11 people) lives in GWS. If you put all the people from South Australia, the ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory within its borders, you’d still fall short of the 2.02 million people who actually live in the region.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/pressleyapril17one.jpg" width="470" height="304" alt="pressleyapril17one">
And that 2011 population figure is increasing by 1.6% a year (above the state average of 1.1% and the national average of 1.4%) so that by 2036, it will be tipping the 2.96 million mark.
The region is demographically diverse: around 35% of the region’s population was born overseas, and 37.3% of all residents are aged 24 years or younger.
Crime is a significant factor too. Half of New South Wales’ recorded incidents of ‘discharge firearm into premises’ were recorded in GWS in 2011, according to a report from the state’s Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
It’s no wonder then that GWS is a political battlefield in the lead up to every federal election as both sides of government attempt to buy votes with (broken) promises ranging from reducing crime to easing traffic congestion to creating jobs. For certainly these are some of the greatest problems facing what is the most densely populated part of our country.
The economy and employment aren’t real rosy
The region’s gross regional product in 2010–11 was $95.6 billion, accounting for one-third of the entire Sydney Metropolitan GRP. Manufacturing made up 16%, which is quite a worry when the Aussie dollar is so high. One fifth of all businesses are in the construction industry, and some big multinationals including BHP Billiton, Coca-Cola, and Qantas have a presence in the region.  
GWS’ median household income is well below the national average and unemployment is significantly higher. Jobs for white-collar professionals are light-on. Accordingly, a lot of people have to commute out of the region, which puts strain on the region’s roads.
By 2036, when the population is nudging the three million mark, forecasters project the region will need an extra 450,000 jobs. Already there’s a jobs deficit of 182,000, which is expected to grow to 290,000 over the next 25 years (according to the Penrith Business Alliance’s Metropolitan Plan).
In 2011, 12% of Sydney homebuyers and 25% of renters were experiencing housing stress. These figures are higher for low–middle income earners, and eight of the 10 worst affected areas are in GWS.
Housing is more affordable than Sydney metro, but some of it’s a bit misguided
Since Sydney Metro has the most expensive housing in Sydney, a lot of locals look to GWS to invest because it offers a considerably lower entry price and a higher rental return.
Interestingly, granny flats are at almost plague proportions, especially in the Penrith and Blacktown LGAs. Some investors think granny flats are a great way to generate a dual income stream, and the NSW government supports granny flats through its Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy.
But lately there’s been a rise in the number of property valuers not supporting purchase prices, and banks are also being more conservative by limiting the amount they will lend for these purchases or not recognising the dual income stream.
I’m not a big fan of granny flat properties – not just in GWS, but across the board. Granny flats can be a triple whammy. High initial purchase price, extended vacancy rates (because not everyone wants to live with someone else in their backyard), and a restricted resale market (because 70% of buyers, the owner-occupiers, aren’t real keen on the set-up) can combine to give the investor limited capital growth. Others may (conveniently) overlook these important investment fundamentals. 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Transport infrastructure is appalling
While Sydney’s 2000 Olympic Games was a roaring success its infrastructure planning was deplorable at best. The city has never recovered. Transport routes in GWS are the least efficient in Australia and will get worse as population grows.  
Infrastructure upgrades have not kept pace with population growth. The rail network has not been significantly expanded since the 1930s, yet the region’s population is now five times greater.
So the region relies heavily on passenger cars, adding to traffic congestion, fuel costs, poor air quality, and stress-related health issues. Not surprisingly, people aren’t keen to cosy up in places with such financial and emotional stressors, and potential property investors would soon see the results of this in their capital return.  
Education and social infrastructure are sadly lacking
GWS has the University of Western Sydney (36,000 students), Western Sydney TAFE and South Western Sydney TAFE. The region has a high proportion of low income families and staff shortages are a major issue for its early childhood centres.
High school retention rates for GWS are the lowest in the Sydney Metropolitan area, sitting at 69.5% compared with 95.2% for Northern Sydney.  
Western Sydney’s Urban Frontiers Program: A new vision for Western Sydney – options for 21st Century governance (April 2002) probably best sums up the social infrastructure: ‘Decades of under-investment of policy and fiscal resources in Western Sydney by successive state and federal governments have left many of the region’s cultural, social and environmental needs unmet. The legacy of this undernourished development includes mounting social and environmental problems, including hardening pockets of poverty and social exclusion, a dwindling and fraying public sphere and ever increasing ecological stress.’  
Major projects are stalling at the starting gates
GWS’s infrastructure problems are dire and a growing population continues to accentuate the problems. Decades of state government instability, poor planning, and limited funding continues to prolong the chaos for GWS residents.  
Take the North West Rail Link, first proposed back in 1998 and redesigned a few times since.
The O’Farrell Government has declared the latest design (a 23-kilometre line from Chatswood to Riverstone, including eight new stations) will commence late-2014, but doubt remains and there’s (still) no federal government funding for this project, which some say could cost as much as $10 billion.
Or take Westconnex, a proposed $10 billion road project to extend 33 kilometres of motorway along the M4 from Parramatta to Sydney and unclog arterial roads around Port Botany and Sydney Airport.
Planning is not finalised, federal and state governments don’t see eye-to-eye and funding is not in place so the 2022 completion date is dubious.
So where does this leave us?
I personally wouldn’t recommend GWS to my clients now or in the foreseeable future, but what I would recommend about GWS – and every property investment opportunity you’re ever presented with – is to push past the glitter to see what really lies beneath.
You’ve got to go in with your hard hat on, get your hands dirty and be prepared to drill down into the details to determine the real and potential impacts on your capital return.
Because sadly, all that glitters is not gold. And it’s not called fool’s gold for nothing, folks!  
Simon Pressley is Managing Director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/">Propertyology</a>, an accredited property investment advisor, and Australia’s Buyer’s Agent of the Year (2012 and 2013).
 
 
 
</body></html>

spressley-sBoeMhannA

Greater Western Sydney is spruiked as a gold mine but investors should be wary: Simon Pressley

<html><body>
The film makers Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin have $15 million-plus hopes for Iona, the 1880s Darlinghurst mansion.
The couple want to buy a family home with a garden in the eastern suburbs of Sydney rather than keep the inner city premises from where they have maintained their Bazmark film production offices.
The couple paid $10 million for the grand Victorian building (pictured below) in 2006 having previously rented the Italianate mansion, for almost the prior decade.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/bazapril15one.jpg" alt="bazapril15one" width="470" height="708">
The creative duo never made a secret of their desire to buy so the couple engaged a buyer's agent, Janne Sutcliffe, to secure it before the real estate agent, Peter Blacket, scheduled inspections in 2006. The initial weekly asking price rent for the property in 1995 was a hefty $6,400.
It sits on a 2700 square metre block reduced over the years since built in the late 1880s as the residence for the pastoralist Edward Chisholm.
It next sold in 1908 to Adela Taylor, wife of Sir Allen Taylor, the then timber merchant and former lord mayor of Sydney who'd been in office in 1905 and 1906 and again between 1909 and 1912.
The Taylor's sold in 1912 to Eliza Hyem, wife of Alexander Hyem who leased the site to Jessie Robertson, Elizabeth Robertson and Annie Ellie McAndrew, spinsters according to the NSW Heritage site, who converted the house to Wootten Private Hospital, a psychiatric facility.
Jessie Robertson became the owner of the property in 1918 and after leased the hospital to Florence Inglis, Elizabeth Fraser and Annie Paton, these nursing spinsters purchased the property in 1927.  With most mansions around Darlinghurst demolished between the 1920s and 1960s, the extended use of Iona as a hospital saved it from this fate.
However in 1973 the site was purchased by developers, Cascais, Westport Holdings and Inciti Developments, who also purchased many surrounding houses. They sought approval for three 60 storey tower block home units in the area. Consent was granted in 1977 which included a lesser scale development and the conversion of Iona into 13 strata apartments.
But the developers suffered financial problems and each property was sold off individually.
The National Trust and other conservationists fought to protect Iona before and after its purchase by Jesseme Pty Ltd, the company was owned by John Rutherford who prepared plans for the conversion of the building into 15 flats but the proposal did not proceed. John Rutherford acquired from Home Units of Australia for $700,000 in 1980.
Rutherford subsequently applied to the Heritage Council for funding assistance for restoration works to the property, and $20,000 was granted.
The Luhrmann couple's McGrath estate agent has told Fairfax Media that the News Ltd report that the listing arose to help cover a cost blowout in their upcoming blockbuster, The Great Gatsby, were inaccurate.
The 1880s oasis was sold for $2.04 million in 1993 by John Rutherford to Ian Gowrie-Smith, the London-based entreprenuer who sold to the Luhrmann-Martin couple.   
It has the best rose corniches Title Tattle has seen.
Image courtesy of <a href="https://mydarlingdarlinghurst.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">My Darling Darlinghurst</a>.
</body></html>

Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin list Iona, the Italianate Darlinghurst record setter mansion

<html><body>
Opportunities to enter the Sydney residential rental market continue to dwindle due to the ongoing low vacancy rates, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
The March 2013 REINSW vacancy rate survey, has since shown a further drop in the Sydney metropolitan area to 1.8% from 1.9% at the end of February. 
The inner suburbs (0-10km from CBD) led the decline, shrinking 0.3% from last month to 1.7% returning to the same rate in December 2012.
The middle suburbs (10-25km from CBD) remained steady at 2%, but down from January when it hit 2.3%.
REINSW president Christian Payne continues to express his concern over the lack of supply in the rental market this year, after September 2012 he had said the government had failed to provide appropriate incentives to invest in the property market.
“The metropolitan market has tightened for the second month in a row and brings us back to November 2012 levels,” Mr Payne said this month.
Outside of Sydney, Illawara had shrunk by 0.1% to 2.2%, <a href="/news">Wollongong</a> had declined by 0.4% to 2.3% while the Hunter region had increased by 0.1% despite a <a href="/news">Newcastle</a> experiencing a 0.4% drop to 2.1%.
Mr Payne said despite the Orana region (which includes major centres <a href="/news">Dubbo</a>, <a href="/news">Cobar</a> and <a href="/news">Mudgee</a>), experiencing a rise of 0.5% to 1.6%, it still remained the most difficult region to find accommodation for in its third consecutive month.
According to Payne, the Central Coast availability jumped to 2.4% with 0.5% increase and Coffs Harbour remains the easiest place to find rental accommodation with an increase of 0.4% to 4.3%.
Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast also experienced increases of 0.4% to 2.7% and 2.3% respectively.
New England saw a fall of 0.8% to 2.5%, the Riverina also saw a decline by 0.1% to 3.4% while the availability in <a href="/news">Albury</a> saw an increase of 0.1% to 1.7%.
</body></html>

Sydney residential rental market continues to tighten

<html><body>
In our Purchase or Pass segment this week Ingrid Willinge is joined by Charles Tarbey CEO and owner of Century 21 and Tom Panos head of real estate advertising at News Limited. Most of the time on Purchase or Pass we analyse two-bedroom investment units in the inner city but this week we’re going to look at a more expensive three bedder and see if it still ticks the boxes.
It’s a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-coogee-nsw-2034/163135" target="_blank">three-bedroom unit</a> in a small block of nine, 7.8 kilometres from the Sydney CBD and just 600 metres to the local action. The property is pretty large for the area at 102 square metres and has a very large garage, which could potentially fit two cars in it. The property is in a great condition and not a cent needs to be spent.
{qtube vid:=QZMT8FQVPrY}
Ingrid Willinge: Lets take a look at this property; you can see the photos coming up there. What do you think, a lot of angles can be taken but I guess it comes down to numbers and strategy of the buyer, looks like not such a bad return for a safe investment. What are your thoughts, starting with the positive Charles?
Charles Tarbey: It looks like a great location from here, but also the size of it is also a really impressive part of it because most apartments 7.8 kilometres from the city with the return that this one is particularly showing are quite expensive and to get a three-bedroom unit, 7.8 kilometres and 35-square-metre car parking is really quite positive. I’d say the size, the car parking and the views are what I would say are three of the most significant positives features of the property.
Ingrid Willinge: With the carpark though, it really depends on location I guess to how valuable the car park is right?
Charles Tarbey: Well it does, but most of the inner city areas, and this has to be close to that, have street parking or they have parking that might not be undercover. To have 35 square metres of parking is quite significant in a lot of the areas.
Ingrid Willinge: Tom what are some of your positives on this one?
Tom Panos: Ticks location, the fact you have nothing to do, rental return of 5.5% that beats what you’re normally getting. It’s close to the city, which you would normally get 4 to 4.5%. If you lock it in at a 5% interest rate on a fixed loan, you’re talking about something that is revenue neutral. Small block of nine, love that. Light and sunny with a view, it’s all-good. Some people will argue in it being a three-bedroom unit that you’re going to have more difficulty in trying to sell and rent because you have to get three people to move into it. I actually think the opposite which is you’ll probably get a better quality tenant. You won’t get like, three guys or individuals moving in and sharing, you’re more likely to get a family, more established, stronger incomes which are more solid. I like it.
Ingrid Willinge: What about in terms of strata levies, given it’s a block of nine can we assume strata levies are probably smaller? Like no elevator in the building.
Charles Tarbey: It really does depend on the body corporate, there are so many places that are similar to each other but body corporates run differently, so it really does come down to the body corporate. Any buyer looking at it is going to ask the question, or you expect their conveyance for a lawyer to ask the question and to see information on the body corporate and see how they’ve behaving or how they’re working or what the sinking fund is like. I think it really comes down to that at the end of the day.
Ingrid Willinge: Tom, any negatives on it that you can see?
Tom Panos: My only negative is being a bigger unit it’s at the upper end for the average values in the marketplace and we all know that you want to be in the lower or medium area of a suburb, so you are aiming to go for top dollar in that market place. But at the end of the day, a good property that is giving you that rental return, someone’s going to sit there with a calculator and paper making their decision and it stacks up good, 5.5%.
Charles Tarbey: Yeah, three beds is pretty rare, its usually one bedders or two bedders so three bedroom, even though it might be harder in some respects like renting or finding the right tenants, it’s a very important part of it, that the capital gain side of it could be stronger because of the three beds.
Ingrid Willinge: Purchase or pass?
Charles Tarbey: Purchase.
Tom Panos: Purchase.
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Purchase or Pass? A more expensive three bedroom unit with Tom Panos and Charles Tarbey 

<html><body>
Hefty house rents in Sydney have been driving tenants towards cheaper rental units but this may lead to unit rents rising to the same level, according to Australian Property Monitors.
House rents remained unchanged at $500 per week over the March quarter, but unit rents increased 2.2% to $470 per week, according to APM’s March quarterly rental price series report.
Andrew Wilson, APM’s senior economist, says high median house rents of $500 per week are pushing Sydney tenants into units.
The gap now sits at $30 a week. In the March 2012 the gap was $50.
“With first home buyer numbers currently at record lows, demand is increasing for already scarce rental accommodation, particularly at the more affordable end of the price spectrum,” Wilson says.
“The differential between house rents and unit rents however is quickly closing with the real prospect looming of rental parity between these accommodation types.”
House rents in Sydney remained the same since the March 2012 quarter but unit rents increased $30 a week in the same time.
<img height="211" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/apmapril11onethumb.gif" alt="apmapril11onethumb">
Sydney's house yields are up 0.7% over the quarter to 4.64% and unit yields increased 0.4% to 5.15%.
Nationally the median asking rent for units increased 2.2% in the three months ending March 2013, with Perth leading the pack.
Units rents rose 3.8% in Perth, 2.9% in Melbourne, 2.2% in Sydney and 1.8% in Adelaide. Unit rents remained unchanged in other state capitals.
<img height="211" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/apmapril11twothumb.gif" alt="apmapril11twothumb">
House rents remained stable across the country, increasing 0.4%. House rents rose 7.7% in Darwin over the quarter, 4.3% in Perth and 1% in Canberra.  House rents fell 3.1% in Hobart and remained unchanged elsewhere.
</body></html>

Latest New South Wales Property News

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest New South Wales Property News

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News