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.

&nbsp;

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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."

&nbsp;

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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."

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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.

&nbsp;

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<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, two levels 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.

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Joel Robinson

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

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>’s 640 Bourke Street stands as a testament to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s ability to bridge its storied past with a bold vision for the future.&nbsp;

Rising above the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley building, the development reflects a broader shift toward adaptive reuse in the city, where historical assets are retained and reinterpreted as part of new residential development.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> incorporates the Eliza Tinsley building as its foundation, housing a grand gallery and lobby space that serve as both a functional and symbolic centrepiece. The heritage façade informs the tower’s design, creating a connection between Melbourne’s past and its contemporary skyline.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

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Above this historic base, the 68-storey tower will deliver just over 600 residences, a notable reduction from earlier schemes, reflecting a deliberate move toward larger-format apartments and a stronger owner-occupier focus.

Unlike traditional CBD developments that prioritised investor stock, 640 Bourke Street has been repositioned to respond to changing buyer expectations.

"The discussion was all around making 640 Bourke Street the best residence to live in, to be much more focused on the people in the building rather than people looking at the building," Marsland explained.&nbsp;

This shift is evident in the development’s interiors, which emphasise practical luxury with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.&nbsp;

“What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Lauren Sheldon, Far East Consortium’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.&nbsp;

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Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang added, "We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."&nbsp;

Amenities spanning more than 3,000 sqm across multiple levels further reinforce this focus on resident experience. These include a pool, gym, co-working areas, and a range of hospitality-inspired spaces such as a whisky lounge, library, and private dining rooms, many drawing reference from traditional bathhouses and Melbourne’s laneway culture.

"We wanted to make both the pool and the gym area to be absolutely destinational, and when you traverse across to these spaces, there is a gentle familiarity to the beautiful notions of the hammams and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history," Chang noted.

At street level, the project contributes to the ongoing transformation of the western CBD, with upgrades to Langs Lane and the introduction of retail, hospitality, and gallery spaces designed to activate the precinct and strengthen its connection to the surrounding city fabric.

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The location places residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, and the Docklands waterfront, positioning the development within a rapidly evolving inner-city neighbourhood.

"We believe it's the best site left in the city of Melbourne," Craig Williams, Executive Director at Far East Consortium, said.&nbsp;

640 Bourke Street is Far East Consortium’s 14th building in Melbourne’s western CBD.

"A very elegant designed building. It's going to be a Melbourne statement for many, many years to come."

One-bedroom apartments are priced from around $640,000, with 640 Bourke Street targeting completion in 2029.

Renders shown are Artist's Impressions correct as of May 2026.

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Heritage-led design anchors Far East Consortium’s 640 Bourke St, Melbourne

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD Group</a> has set a new residential price record in Queensland with the $30 million sale of the penthouse at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-burleigh-88-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads-qld-4220">ONE Burleigh</a> development in Burleigh Heads.

The sale equates to around $37,500 per sqm.

The two-level, 800 sqm penthouse, featuring five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five car spaces, and a private infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was acquired by a Gold Coast-based entrepreneur, highlighting continued demand for ultra-premium beachfront product.

Selling agent Freddie Tehle of PRD Burleigh Heads said the result reflects tightening supply of high-quality, large-format apartments in Burleigh.

“There’s very limited opportunity to secure this level of scale and absolute beachfront position in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/burleigh-heads-qld-4220">Burleigh Heads</a>,” Tehle said.

“Buyers are increasingly seeking apartments that genuinely replace a standalone home, and this penthouse delivers that with its size, privacy, and direct ocean frontage.”

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The sale comes as construction progresses on ONE Burleigh, a boutique development of 17 full-floor residences at 88 The Esplanade, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Developed by MAYD Group and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mas-architecture-studio">MAS Architecture</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/sici-design">Sici Design</a>, the project has been positioned as a collection of house-sized beachfront apartments, each occupying an entire floor with around 381 sqm of internal and external living space.

When construction commenced, MAYD director Todd Mould pointed to the long-term resilience of premium coastal real estate as a key driver behind the project.

“Real estate, particularly at the premium end, remains one of the most resilient and proven long-term investment avenues,” Mould said.

“Our ambition is that anyone who buys a MAYD-built product can genuinely feel the care, craftsmanship and commitment we bring to every detail.”

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Each residence has been configured with four bedrooms, multiple living zones, a private office, and expansive ocean-facing terraces. Interiors draw on a restrained material palette, including travertine stone, timber joinery, and integrated premium appliances.

Interior designer Sici Design said the approach was to reflect the project’s coastal setting through both materiality and spatial planning.

“ONE Burleigh is our vision of luxury living, designed to bring the essence of Burleigh Heads' vibrant coastal beauty into an unparalleled residential experience.”

Residents will have access to a suite of wellness-focused amenities, including pools, sauna facilities, and dedicated relaxation spaces, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven apartment design on the Gold Coast.

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The project occupies a southern Esplanade site with uninterrupted beachfront frontage, an increasingly rare offering in Burleigh Heads, free from the Norfolk Pines that line much of the coastline and often limit direct ocean outlook.

Mould said the design intent was to balance that outlook with a sense of retreat.

“Living at ONE Burleigh is about how your day naturally unfolds, morning light across the ocean, coffee on the balcony, and being in Burleigh but elevated above the noise.”

The result further reinforces Burleigh Heads’ emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held and supply-constrained beachfront markets, where boutique, owner-occupier-focused developments are increasingly setting new price benchmarks.

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MAYD Group sets Queensland record with $30 million penthouse sale at ONE Burleigh in Burleigh Heads

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.

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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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A four-bedroom Mosman house above Chinaman’s Beach, which sold for $3.05 million through McGrath Estate Agents prior to auction, was the top Sydney sale last week.
It was first listed for sale in August last year with an asking price of $3.3 million.
It last sold for $2.4 million in 2006 and previously for $1.15 million in 2000.
The two-storey, high-set house at the end of a cul-de-sac was advertised as having a master bedroom with a “resort-style” ensuite bathroom with water views and outdoor access.
According to RP Data, Mosman has a median sales price of $2.1 million with an average time on market of 92 days and average discounting of 11%.
The house was sold by Matthew Smythe of McGrath - Neutral Bay who had been giving a $2.9 million plus price guide.
The 60 year old house underwent a redesign by the architectural firm <a target="_blank" href="https://mosmandesignawards.com.au/2011/nominations/35-upper-fairfax-road">Atelier Haefeli</a> about three years ago.
The RP Data Top 10 sales last week were all in NSW:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/35_upper_fairfax_road_mosman_nsw_2088/4484342" target="_blank">35 Upper Fairfax Road, Mosman, NSW, 2088</a>, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on March 9 by McGrath Estate Agents for $3.05 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/1_albany_street_point_frederick_nsw_2250/5495682" target="_blank">1 Albany Street, Point Frederick, NSW, 2250</a>, five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on March 9 by L J Hooker Terrigal for $2.95 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/18_govett_street_randwick_nsw_2031/5754429" target="_blank">18 Govett Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 9 by Ray White Double Bay for $2.95 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/36_pauling_avenue_coogee_nsw_2034/1931958" target="_blank">36 Pauling Avenue, Coogee, NSW, 2034</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 5 by Raine &amp; Horne Bondi Junction for $2.625 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/53_francis_street_manly_nsw_2095/3979013" target="_blank">53 Francis Street, Manly, NSW, 2095</a>, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on March 9 by Cunninghams Property for $2.355 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/158_copeland_road_east_beecroft_nsw_2119/1351083" target="_blank">158 Copeland Road E, Beecroft, NSW, 2119</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 9 by Century 21 Joseph Tan Real Estate for $2.26 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/34_park_road_hunters_hill_nsw_2110/3007794" target="_blank">34 Park Road, Hunters Hill, NSW, 2110</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 9 by McGrath Hunters Hill for $2.2 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/18_windsor_street_paddington_nsw_2021/5277848" target="_blank">18 Windsor Street, Paddington, NSW, 2021</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 9 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.175 million
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tamarama-113037495" target="_blank">2 Illawong Avenue, Tamarama, NSW, 2026</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 9 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2.11 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property-overview/23/69_north_steyne_manly_nsw_2095/3981908" target="_blank">23/69 North Steyne, Manly, NSW, 2095</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold prior to auction on March 9 by Clarke &amp; Humel Property Manly for $1.98 million
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Mosman house above Chinaman’s Beach tops RP Data top 10 sales

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Bellevue Hill has secured its highest sale for eight months.
It was at mid-week auction for $7.7 million.
The six-bedroom, six-bathroom Victoria Road was designed by Gergely &amp; Pinter Architects for the Stockland founder Ervin Graf, who started building fibro houses in the western suburb of Sefton in the early 1950s.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/03/march14bellevue]}
In the late 1950s Graf took over the smallest company on the stockmarket, Stocks and Holdings, which became the property giant, the Stockland group. 
Graf had bought the Bellevue Hill block in 1961 and had the house built in the early 1990s. It was held by his widow, Kitty until 2003.
In his last BRW Rich List inclusion, Graf's fortune was estimated at $105 million, accrued after emigrating from Hungary. 
Auctioneer Damian Cooley said there were four registered bidders at the auction <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-112911647" target="_blank">held for Agency by Alison Coopes and Savills International</a> agent Robert Lowe.
The three-level residence,  built 21 years ago, last traded before its latest renovation for $5,715,000 in March 2011 when sold by Marc and Ann-Marie Albert, and before for $3.95 million in March 2003.
In 2010 Alison Coopes negotiated a $6.4 million sale of the property with Jun Qiu, a Chinese buyer, but the purchase was blocked by the Treasury's foreign-investment division.
The grandeur starts with its marble-floored foyer with a seven-metre-high ceiling, lift and stairwell that features a double-height stained-glass window designed by artist Penella Fesq.
The suburb's median house price <a href="/news">fell 12% over 2012, figures compiled by the REINSW reveal</a>.
The median house price as of December 2012 is $2,945,000 compared to $3,345,500 in December 2011.
The $7.7 million sale is the highest sale in Bellevue Hill since last may when the Haifer family sold Coppernoll, the 1920s Kambala Road residence for $9.8 million. It sold off-market to the Lederer family having been extensively renovated in 2003 after it was traded for $2.85 million in 2000. 
The Kambala Road property was briefly listed with $10 million hopes in 2004. The 1,347-square-metre property has a wide street frontage and security gates that open to a driveway down to two double garages and a porte cochere. The rear comes with a wide covered terrace overlooking the swimming pool and level lawn.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bellevue Hill secures $7.7 million house sale

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The metamorphosed Butterfly House, on Military Road, Dover Heights, has been listed by BHR Estate Agents Edgecliff.
Offers close May 2 through Daniel Baran and Reece Coleman who are expecting above $6.5 million for the house, which Baran sold in late 2010 for $5.05 million.
Its been fully renovated since purchase.
Its now being marketed as one of Sydney’s most extraordinarily unique and beautiful homes - on the market after receiving the final finishing touches.
<img alt="butterflymarch14one1" src="/images/stories/2013/03/butterflymarch14one1.jpg" width="470" height="506">
"More than a decade after the well-known Dover Heights residence broke new ground with its curved walls and glass structure, the home is complete with the most advanced home automation, a world-class cinema and fittings that give this property international qualities rarely seen in this country," Baran says.
Spread over six split levels, the location has views over both the ocean and harbour.
Five bedrooms are in the eastern wing while the living areas take full advantage of vistas towards the Opera House, city skyline and Bridge.
The residence’s north facing aspect allows light to flow throughout the home, along with the natural ventilation system.
<img alt="butterflymarch14two2" src="/images/stories/2013/03/butterflymarch14two2.jpg" width="470" height="313">
It was 1996 when the architect Ed Lippmann received a request to create a home with “no straight lines” - one he did not believe was serious but the client was a firm believer in feng shui, Chinese laws governing how spatial arrangement affects energy flow.
But he was also as visionary as Mr Lippmann. The plans, which took countless hours, created a residence never before built in Australia with no harsh angles or corners.
It is suggested the requirement for all glass panels to be curved even prompted glass manufacturing into new territory.
The home was built by 2005. “It’s not really a house,” Mr Lippmann says in the BHR marketing. “It’s a piece of sculpture that works as a house.”
“In terms of a house this is the most outstanding I’ve done as it doesn’t follow any normal structure,” he continues.
“This house changes the way the people inside it feel – it has an intangible quality that comes from the fluid shapes. There is no other house like it in Australia.”
The initial owner sold the home before final details were completed, and Mr Lippmann has worked with the current owner to complete the finishes in the home add such fixtures as the Crestron home automation, custom joinery and panelling before adding the gym, cinema room and final joinery in recent months.
He says the Butterfly House masterpiece is now complete.
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Metamorphosed Butterfly House at Dover Heights on market again

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The trendy, cosmopolitan inner Sydney enclave of Darlinghurst was the best performing Sydney suburb over 2012, according to latest quarterly report from the Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW).
Located just 3.2km from the CBD with its main thoroughfare being Oxford Street, house prices in Darlinghurst increased 21.2% over 2012 to a median of $1.057 million.
This was from a relatively small number of sales – 53 for the year.
Averaging just over one sale a week, it performed substantially better than <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/sydney-house-prices-up-61-over-2012-but-little-growth-in-the-western-suburbs-reinsw/2013030759770?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news">the inner city Sydney market as a whole</a> which managed no price growth over 2012.
Bresic Whitney Darlinghurst agent Darren Pearce says the recent addition of the Hyde Park Plaza high-end apartments on College Street have added considerable real estate value to the Darlinghurst area.
Pearce said the Darlinghurst market is evenly split between owner occupiers and investors.
He adds that the suburb is still experiencing a growth spurt with the prestige, historic terrace house market currently fetching up to $1.3 million a property and beyond.
Last week Pearce sold <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-darlinghurst-112977127">this five-bedroom Darlinghurst terrace</a> on Liverpool Street, for $2.275 million. It last sold for $2.1 million in 2009 and for $350,000 in 1993, according to RP Data records.
In December last year, this four-bedroom terrace on Surrey Street (pictured below) sold for $1.59 million through Gary Sands of Di Jones Real Estate – Woollahra.
It last sold for $1.02 million in 2002, according to RP Data records.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/03/march14darlinghurst]}
Another recent terrace sale was a <a href="https://www.bresicwhitney.com.au/real-estate/id/property/9641/darlinghurst/187-palmer-street/#top" target="_blank">four-bedroom house on Palmer Street</a> which sold for $1.275 million through Dominic Kuneman and Brigitte Blackman of Bresic Whitney. It last sold for $680,000 in 1999.
Pearce expects the locality and culture of Darlinghurst to continue to drive strong interest in the area,
“The proximity to the CBD is certainly a major drawing point as well as the opportunity for people to indulge in the cafe lifestyle offered by the numerous social hubs in and around the area,” he says.
The north western suburb of Woodcroft experienced the second highest annual growth in house prices with a rise 15.5% to $485,000. followed by West Pennant Hills with a 15.4% increase in its median house price to $907,500.
The Top 25 performing Sydney suburbs over 2012 were*: 
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="58">
<col width="130">
<col width="100">
<col width="107">
<col width="139">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="58" height="20">No.</td>
<td width="130">Suburb</td>
<td width="100">% increase</td>
<td width="107">No. of sales</td>
<td width="139">Median Price</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">1</td>
<td>Darlinghurst</td>
<td>21.2</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>$1,057,500</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">2</td>
<td>Woodcroft</td>
<td>15.5</td>
<td>61</td>
<td>$485,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">3</td>
<td>West Pennant Hills</td>
<td>15.4</td>
<td>181</td>
<td>$907,500</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">4</td>
<td>Summerland Point</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>60</td>
<td>$325,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">5</td>
<td>Spring Farm</td>
<td>13.1</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>$441,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">6</td>
<td>Thirlmere</td>
<td>12.8</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>$437,500</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">7</td>
<td>North Curl Curl</td>
<td>12.1</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>$1,250,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">8</td>
<td>Berowra Heights</td>
<td>10.6</td>
<td>56</td>
<td>$648,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">9</td>
<td>Campsie</td>
<td>10.4</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>$740,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">10</td>
<td>Buff Point</td>
<td>10.3</td>
<td>56</td>
<td>$310,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">11</td>
<td>Oatlands</td>
<td>10.2</td>
<td>58</td>
<td>$807,500</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">12</td>
<td>St Ives Chase</td>
<td>9.8</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>$990,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">13</td>
<td>Seaforth</td>
<td>9.6</td>
<td>115</td>
<td>$1,425,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">14</td>
<td>Lisarow</td>
<td>9.6</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>$455,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">15</td>
<td>Bargo</td>
<td>9.4</td>
<td>74</td>
<td>$419,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">16</td>
<td>Kenthurst</td>
<td>9.2</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>$1,272,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">17</td>
<td>Wyong</td>
<td>9.1</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>$330,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">18</td>
<td>Guildford</td>
<td>8.8</td>
<td>206</td>
<td>$468,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">19</td>
<td>Bella Vista</td>
<td>8.6</td>
<td>97</td>
<td>$890,750</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">20</td>
<td>Botany</td>
<td>8.4</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>$835,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">21</td>
<td>Campbelltown</td>
<td>8.3</td>
<td>112</td>
<td>$325,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">22</td>
<td>Tumbi Umbi</td>
<td>8.3</td>
<td>89</td>
<td>$396,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">23</td>
<td>Canley Heights</td>
<td>8.1</td>
<td>119</td>
<td>$465,000</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">24</td>
<td>Ruse</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>72</td>
<td>$356,250</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">25</td>
<td>Greenacre</td>
<td>7.7</td>
<td>202</td>
<td>$560,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: REINSW
*Suburbs which recorded less than 50 sales for the year were not included.
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gdwyer-vyxhMDDW5L

Darlinghurst tops the 25 best performing Sydney suburbs in 2012: REINSW

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The Sydney rental market swung even further in favour of landlords in February with the overall metropolitan vacancy rate tightening from 2.2% to 1.9%.
The rental market tightened noticeably in the outer suburbs (more than 25km from CBD) and the middle suburbs (10-25km from CBD), which both recorded a 0.4% reduction in their vacancy rates to 1.8% and 2% respectively, according to the 2013 Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) Vacancy Rate Survey.
The vacancy rate in the inner suburbs (0-10km from CBD) was unchanged at 2%.
“The residential rental market has contracted during February, in line with our expectations,” said REINSW president Christian Payne.
“The market will continue to tighten due to the lack of supply caused by the Government’s failure to provide appropriate incentives to invest in the property market.
Since July 1, the NSW government has provided investors and other non-first home buyers with a $5,000 grant under its  <a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/benefits/grant_scheme/" target="_blank">NSW New Home Grant Scheme</a> available to homes bought off the plan or newly built, with a value up to $650,000 and to buyers of vacant land that is intended to be the site of a new home valued up to $450,000.
This replaced the far more generous <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/nsw-treasurer-mike-baird-defends-timing-of-changes-to-home-buyer-handouts/2012061755150" target="_blank">NSW home builder bonus, </a>which offered potential savings of $22,490 under stamp duty exemptions for new homes not exceeding $600,000 and vacant land not exceeding $400,000. 
The scrapping of this scheme was announced on June 12 last year given investors and owner-occupiers just 18 days to finalise their off the plan purchases.
“This dire situation will not resolve itself. We need action today from the government to address the inadequate, expensive and complex planning system, and an inequitable property tax regime, " says Payne.
“If not remedied, the crisis will continue to have significant negative impacts on the future prospects of NSW both economically and socially,” Payne said.
 
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Sydney rental market tightens to 1.9% vacancy rate with warning of "dire" economic consequences

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The developers of the Pacific Bondi Beach complex are to combine two penthouses and market it as a $25 million penthouse offering.
Spanning about 600 square metres with 40 metres of beach-facing frontage, the decision creates Australia’s highest-priced apartment.
It has been variously reported that seven or nine of the 19 lighthouses luxury apartments have pre-sold, at prices ranging from $3 million to $10.5 million.
<img height="258" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/09/pacificbondi.jpg" alt="pacificbondi">
On <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/pacific-bondi-beach-buyers-riding-the-property-wave-through-to-the-2015-tide/2012090956465">its September launch </a>last year it was reported that five of the 19 penthouses sold, with a European buyer paying $9 million, a Hong Kong expatriate paying $10.3 million and a local buyer $10.5 million.
A further release of three, priced from $8.1 million to $15 million through CBRE and McGrath, occurred recently under instructions by the developers <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pacificbondibeach.com.au">Eduard Litver of Capit.el Group and Allen Linz of Rebel Property Group</a>.
<img height="234" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/09/bondipac2.jpg" alt="bondipac2">
Lighthouses that face away from the beach have sold at prices reflecting about $16,000 per square metre.
But prices for beach-facing stock has fetched $45,000 per square metre.
<img height="283" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/09/bondipac3.jpg" alt="bondipac3">
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Bondi Beach's $25 million penthouse price hopes

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More than 300 people attended the weekend launch by Mirvac of the latest offering of its Harold Park development at Glebe.
Stage two of the Eden development was put to market with some 60% of the terraces and apartments sold.
Gelatissimo gelato, organic food from the Veggie Patch Van and freshly brewed T2 tea and espresso coffee was on offer at the display suite, located at the corner of Ross Street and Wigram Road, Glebe.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/03/haroldparkmarch11one.jpg" width="470" height="342" alt="haroldparkmarch11one">
One-bedroom apartments started at $525,000. There were 27 one-bedders on offer ranging from 50 square metres to 75 square metres; 33 two-bedders (75-100 sq m) from $830,000; five three-bedders (105-125 sq m) from $1,325,000 and nine three-bed terraces (165-180 sq m) from $1.74 million.
The priciest offerings were $1.895 million four-bedroom terraces.
Mirvac is transforming the former Harold Park Paceway into a $1 billion infill housing development with construction on the first precinct, Locamo, currently under way. The Harold Park master-plan allows for 1,250 dwellings with a 208,000 square metre network of landscaped parks.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/eden.jpg" width="470" height="551" alt="eden">
Mirvac’ s residential chief executive, John Carfi, told The Australian Financial Review there had been a surge of interest in the project.
“When you are buying off-the-plan it is always encouraging to see the development under construction,” he said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/no-false-start-as-mirvac-secures-eden-harold-park-terrace-sellout/2012111257768" target="_blank">The weekend sales follow the success of the initial offering last November</a>.
The release of apartments in the first of the two eight-level Eden buildings now sits at 70% sold off-the-plan, with the release of the second building, with 74 terrace homes and apartments, brought forward.
"I think Glebe was a little overlooked before, as there wasn't a whole lot of quality homes available," Mirvac development director Stuart Penklis told Fairfax Media.
"I liken it to when we built Raleigh Park in Kensington, on the site of the old cigarette factory. We put in quality product and parks, and got rid of the ugly factory and we saw a spike in property values, making it a much more desirable suburb."
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Sales at Mirvac's latest Harold Park Eden complex gallop along

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Soccer star Mark Schwarzer and his wife, Paloma, have leased Boongarre, their Watsons Bay property, but there's also unconfirmed whispers it has been sold.
It became available for rent at $3500 a week last year when the couple, who are staying in Britain, tried unsuccessfully to find a buyer for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/socceroos-goalkeeper-mark-schwarzer-passes-watsons-bay-home-to-rental-market-after-buyers-play-hard-ball/2012070655451">the 1870s Watsons Bay harbourfront house</a>. It has been leased at around $3000 a week for a year apparently through Laing &amp; Simmons.
The five-bedroom Victorian weatherboard is best known for its association with the Stead family.
It was bought for £400 in 1917 by naturalist David Stead, when his daughter, the novelist Christina, was 14 years old. Christina, who left for London in 1928, used the locality in her books For Love Alone, The Man Who Loved Children and Seven Poor Men Of Sydney. It was built for John Harmer, a clerk in the water police office at Watsons Bay, by his father, William, a builder and ferry boat owner.
During the Stead ownership the property was known as Boongarre, derived from the name of an Aborigine, Bungaree, whom Governor Lachlan Macquarie described as the chief of the Broken Bay tribe.
Set on a 1,132-square-metre block, the five-bedroom house Schwarzer did the hard yards securing development approval for Tobias Partners alterations and extensions where he met some resistance when the likes of the US author Jonathan Franzen asked that the house be preserved insitu as a national heritage item.
No development works has been yet undertaken by Schwarzer, who bought it from the Pavlik family for $10.2 million in 2009.
The Pavlik family bought it from the National Trust in 1991 as it had been bequeathed by Stead's third wife, botanist Thistle Harris, best known as the author of Wild Flowers Of Australia.
The listing agent Brad Pillinger of Pillinger Property had been quoting $12 million-plus, but did not provide Property Observer with any update on any sale, which is presumably a delayed settlement sale given the 12-month lease arrangement.
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Soccer star Mark Schwarzer leases out Boongarre at Watsons Bay, with whispers it has been sold

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A couple of weeks ago on our Purchase or Pass segment we featured a property which had a potential view loss and we still decided to purchase it. This week we check out another similar property and debate whether to buy it or not.
<img alt="purchaseorpassmarch8one" height="364" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/03/purchaseorpassmarch8one.jpg">
Address: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/Apartment-Unit-Flat/NSW/Maroubra/?adid=2010222973">9/34 Bona Vista Avenue, Maroubra</a>
Location: 10.9 kms from CBD
Beds: 2
Bath: 1
Parking: 1
Size: 71sqm incl car
Price: $600k est
Rent: $590/wk
It’s a two bedroom, one bathroom unit with undercover parking, 10.9 kms from the CBD. It’s in a small boutique block of nine and at the rear of the block there’s only one unit per floor and only a small common wall. It’s 130 metres to the beach. The unit is well maintained and has low strata fees of $560 per quarter. The block, like many in the street, is three stories high and the neighbouring property in front of the view is only 2 stories high.
Let’s decipher some of the real estate language to see exactly what it means.
Chris Gray: If it’s block of 9 with only one unit at the back what does that mean?
Charles Tarbey: From a developer’s point of view you’ll look at whether there’s too many apartments in the complex. You look at whether there are 10 on one floor because it does change the dynamics of the building. I know I’d rather live in a building with a lot less number of apartments and a lot more owner-occupiers in the block. And a lot fewer people on the same floor that I have to deal with, especially if there are elevators or stairs to navigate. From a privacy issue it’s better too.
Chris Gray: I think the way this operates is you come in from the main entrance at the front and that’s access to six. Whereas if you’re in the back part that’s only three units so you’re not getting doors crashing and rest of it. It’s a bit more of a peaceful life.
Charles Tarbey: It is more of a peaceful life but looking at the size of that property, 71 square metres the entire block would fit in my front yard in the Blue Mountains. You have to get used to the suburbs.
Chris Gray: Undercover space versus garage, do you think it makes a difference?
Charles Tarbey: It makes a bit of a difference but in those areas just getting off-street parking is very good, so if you can take the property off the road a car-port is really pretty sound.
Chris Gray: If you look at the floor plan, 71 square metres including the garage so more like 50 square metres, when you’ve got no hallways you actually look at the size of the bedrooms, they’re both double size and a loungeroom, it’s actually not too bad.
Charles Tarbey: I guess the bedrooms would come off the loungeroom so you’re basically walking into the whole thing. My biggest concern is you’re really paying for an outlook. So what happens if they decide to build bigger or higher than you down the road and they block out everything from there. That’s definitely a possibility because that’s happening a lot now.
Chris Gray: Because you haven’t got a big unit, you haven’t got big balconies, you haven’t got a big anything, you’re actually going to be paying that price for the view so if you lose it potentially the property will go down in value.
Charles Tarbey: There are a lot of properties that are hidden. I spoke to a lady at security at Qantas, strange place to talk real estate, but she bought the house in Hurstville and that’s really taken off. And I said yes because that’s a hidden gem. I speak to a lot of agents, I spoke to an agent today and he’s telling me the apartments there are going crazy at $400,000 to $800,000. And that’s a magnificent area. You’ve got water views in a lot of areas, you’re away from the city. I mean why would you stretch and pay a lot of money for a small apartment when you can get that something just that bit bigger in a quieter area.
Chris Gray: So given there’s three storeys pretty much across the whole street and the neighbour is two stories, would you buy that or take a pass.
Charles Tarbey: I think there are plenty of other places to buy.
Chris Gray: For me this is a very tough question – the unit would have had the view from the day it was built. More owners are looking at developing buildings these days so there’s a chance someone is going to build up a level, it might even be me, so I’d be trying to target that two level one next door. If the property was very large, had a great balcony or something else unique about it I might still buy it. But as it hasn’t I’m going to pass for the moment.
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Purchase or Pass? A Maroubra room with a potential loss of view

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Property prices on the east coast are expected to rise by between 5% and 10% over 2013 as part of an overall turnaround in the property market, according to John McGrath.
Strengthening economic conditions overseas, falling mortgage rates, improving business and consumer confidence, low unemployment, low inflation and growing rental yields all bode well for the property market in Australia, says McGrath, CEO of McGrath Estate Agents, in his Autumn report.
He says east coast property prices are improving with certain areas receiving a noticeable uptick and people are sensing that the bottom of the market has been reached.
Most notable for the east coast region is a rise in activity at the upper end of the market, which has been “stagnant for several years”.
He says Sydney is the best performing market with positive signs also being seen in Brisbane.
Across the east coast, McGrath is predicting 5% to 10% growth in all major markets.
“In a recovery, confidence is key. The GFC had an impact on Australians’ confidence and while the property market has presented fantastic opportunities for some time, many have been slow to respond, preferring to wait until the market has ‘found its bottom’,” McGrath writes.
“This now appears to be changing.”
He says the US and Europe appear to have stabilised while the ASX All Ordinaries Index increasing 25% since June will give a boost to the top end of the market.
McGrath says interest rate cuts have boosted consumer confidence, which he says will provide strength to the lower end of the market.
A Coalition win at the federal election, which looks increasingly likely, will provide further confidence for corporate Australia.
Though there have been talks of the end of the mining boom, McGrath says Australia will continue to reap the rewards for some time, especially as the Chinese economy is set to grow by 8% this year.
He says rising home loan applications are a key indicator of an improving market and notes that mortgage broker AFG, have reported a 24% increase in applications in January while between 35% to 50% of loans in NSW and Queensland are going to investors.
“The investor trifecta of cheap money, rising rents and price growth is bringing them back in droves. Cash and term deposits are far less attractive and there’s continuing strong interest in purchasing via self-managed super funds,” McGrath says.
“This year will be the turnaround year. Those who get in first will reap significant rewards as they ride the wave of price growth from the bottom,” McGrath writes.
“As prices continue to rise, we’ll see a surge of confidence and ‘fear of missing out’, which will stimulate continued investment over the next 3-5 year cycle.”
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