One of North Sydney's best-known commercial buildings could become hundreds of new homes, with insurance giant Zurich Australia lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) to transform 5 Blue Street into a mixed-use residential development above North Sydney Station.

Rather than demolishing the existing building and starting again, Zurich is proposing an adaptive reuse project that would convert the landmark office building into a 15-level residential development delivering 62 apartments, 86 affordable co-living dwellings, activated retail and significant upgrades to the Blue Street Plaza.

The proposal reflects a growing trend of commercial property owners repositioning ageing office assets into residential housing as Sydney grapples with housing supply shortages and changing workplace demand.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bba7d12-06dc-4375-aad7-238c94b21ac5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.42.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NJl5oLAEBDGuPmY3RnyliKODjMc8lvRh" />

Located directly above North Sydney Metro and train station, the 3,051 sqm site occupies one of the most strategically positioned parcels of land on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

Designed by fjcstudio, the proposal seeks to retain and adapt much of the existing structure while creating a contemporary residential address that better connects with the public domain surrounding North Sydney Station.

The application proposes two basement levels, ground floor retail, affordable co-living accommodation across the podium levels, and apartments above, while preserving and enhancing the publicly accessible Blue Street Plaza.

Rather than pursuing maximum apartment numbers, Zurich has opted for a housing mix heavily weighted towards larger owner-occupier residences.

The proposal includes 62 build-to-sell apartments comprising 12 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, 29 three-bedroom apartments and two premium penthouses. It also incorporates 86 affordable co-living dwellings, which would be managed in perpetuity by a Community Housing Provider.

That balance between traditional apartments and affordable housing reflects the NSW Government's push to increase housing diversity around major transport infrastructure.

The proposal has been lodged concurrently with a rezoning application, with Zurich arguing the site is ideally positioned to support additional housing given its immediate proximity to public transport, employment and services.

"The proposal aims to respond to the housing challenges facing Sydney through the delivery of diverse housing types in a highly accessible location," the design report by fjcstudio states. It also seeks to improve pedestrian amenity through upgrades to Blue Street Plaza while creating a high-performing residential building that responds to the surrounding context.

<img alt="Zurich" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36082e15-c636-4481-bb68-5a5f6443fe39" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%2010.41.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=5P6VD.fvmqjQfIG3TWWMRXxQWiQBjeFB" />

Rather than replacing the commercial building, fjcstudio has developed a design that works with the existing structural framework above the rail corridor, an approach that significantly reduces demolition while allowing the site to be repositioned as a mixed-use residential precinct.

The existing structural constraints have informed much of the building's design, including its relationship with Blue Street and surrounding public spaces.

The building has been designed as a slender tower rising above a clearly defined podium, with vertically expressed façades intended to reduce the perceived bulk while reinforcing North Sydney's emerging skyline.

According to fjcstudio, the architectural language responds directly to the surrounding commercial towers while maintaining a finer grain expression more closely aligned with the neighbouring Lavender Bay streetscape.

The tower incorporates articulated façade elements, landscaped podium edges and recessed upper levels to soften its appearance and improve pedestrian amenity below.

A significant component of the proposal is the revitalisation of Blue Street Plaza.

The existing public space has long served as one of the primary pedestrian connections between North Sydney Station, Greenwood Plaza and Blue Street, yet its role is expected to become even more important following the opening of Sydney Metro.

Zurich's proposal seeks to strengthen that role by improving landscaping, introducing new retail frontages, enhancing pedestrian permeability and creating more active edges throughout the day and evening.

Ground floor retail would wrap the plaza, while separate residential and co-living entries have been designed to improve wayfinding without reducing street activation.

Landscape design has been integrated throughout the podium and public realm, softening what is currently one of the most heavily urbanised parts of North Sydney.

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fjcstudio has carefully oriented apartments towards Sydney Harbour and the CBD while using privacy blades and articulated façades to minimise overlooking between neighbouring buildings.

Large framed openings along the western elevation maximise harbour outlooks, while the eastern apartments have been angled towards the south-east to improve privacy from neighbouring development.

The project forms part of the continuing transformation of North Sydney from a predominantly commercial CBD into a genuine mixed-use city centre.

Since the completion of Victoria Cross Metro Station, developers have increasingly shifted their attention towards residential projects capable of leveraging the area's unparalleled transport connectivity.

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FiveX recently lodged plans for a 61-storey, 490-apartment tower that would become one of the tallest residential buildings in North Sydney if approved.

Aqualand continues to expand its Lower North Shore presence following the completion of AURA on Walker Street and its recent St Leonards and Roseville proposals.

Developers are also progressing projects throughout Walker Street, Miller Street and the Victoria Cross precinct as demand for well-located owner-occupier apartments continues to strengthen.

Joel Robinson

First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station

Busy developer Aqualand Prestige has formally taken the next step in its expansion across Sydney's Lower North Shore, lodging a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for its long-held Archer Street site in Chatswood.

The application covers <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/51-55-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">51-55 Archer Street</a>, a 1,767 sqm amalgamated site on the eastern edge of the Chatswood CBD, where the developer is seeking approval for a 45-level mixed-use tower delivering 114 apartments, including a significant affordable housing component, alongside retail, commercial space and six basement levels of parking.

The SSDA marks the latest milestone for a project Aqualand has been quietly progressing over the past two years. The developer first secured the site for its Aqualand Prestige platform before undertaking an alternative design excellence process with PTW Architects, ultimately avoiding a formal design competition through the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The proposal has evolved considerably from Aqualand's original concept. The revised scheme has been designed around larger owner-occupier product, with an unusually high proportion of three and four-bedroom apartments, targeting the more affluent buyer profile, and downsizer, emerging across the North Shore.

<img alt="Archer St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0171204c-5811-41b5-9b09-2335d1b7c3d0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-22%20at%208.52.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6YTuxfq.puZo7k2wbfgemcO5K3QfXYGQ" />

The 114-apartment mix comprises six studios, 27 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments, 50 three-bedroom residences and 13 four-bedroom homes. A quarter of the building will be dedicated to affordable housing, well above the mandated 15 per cent&nbsp;

PTW has structured the building vertically, with affordable housing across levels one to six, premium apartments through levels seven to 31, duplex skyhomes on klevels 32 to 43, a penthouse on level 44, and a rooftop plant level above. Six basement levels will provide resident parking and servicing.

The tower is proposed to reach approximately 154 metres, placing it among a growing collection of residential high-rises transforming Chatswood's skyline.

Rather than competing purely on height, PTW says the design has been driven by creating a slimmer tower capable of delivering significantly larger apartments.

"The primary objective of this project was to create a distinctive building that stands out from the recently approved or built structures in the Chatswood area," the design report states, noting the structural efficiency allows greater investment into apartment quality and resident amenity.

Residents would have access to more than 450 sqm of communal open space including landscaped gardens, swimming pool, rooftop entertaining areas, fitness spaces, community gardens, children's play areas and barbecue facilities.

A major focus of the design has been the public domain.

The ground plane has been opened up through landscaped terraces inspired by Willoughby's sandstone ridges, with native planting, public seating, artwork, retail activation and a series of gathering spaces intended to soften what has traditionally been a hard commercial streetscape.

The landscape strategy references Blue Gum forests once common throughout the area, while incorporating Indigenous storytelling, public art and lighting installations to strengthen the connection to Country.

Chatswood has been one of Sydney's busiest apartment markets over the past 12 months, with a steady pipeline of both new project launches and fresh development applications.

Hyecorp recently launched Celine, a 122-apartment development just along Archer Street, while Changfa and Huirong Group are progressing The Anderson, an 84-apartment project on Anderson Street.

Develotek recently secured approval for a 101-apartment tower on Pacific Highway, while Tian An LFD received the green light for Hammond Greens, its apartment development on the edge of the Chatswood Bowling Club.

Commercial property developer FiveX is also making its move into the residential market. Last month it lodged plans for a 61-storey tower with 490 apartments, which, if approved, would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Chatswood.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-fivex-targets-chatswood-skyline-with-61-storey-tower-after-north-sydney-plans">First look: FiveX targets Chatswood skyline with 61-storey tower after North Sydney plans</a>

Aqualand is also expanding its development pipeline following the launch of its luxury residential brand, Aqualand Prestige. The developer has delivered a string of high-end apartment projects across Sydney's affluent suburbs over the past decade, most recently AURA by Aqualand on Walker Street in North Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=30959 project_image_fid=292863]

It has since quietly assembled its next wave of projects.

Earlier this year Aqualand launched Boronia in Roseville, a boutique 111-apartment development on Larkin Street. The project is one of the first significant apartment developments to launch in the suburb ahead of what is expected to become one of Sydney's most active new housing precincts under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which allow greater density around train stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152095 project_image_fid=373685]

The developer has also lodged plans for a two-tower, 413-apartment development on Herbert Street in nearby St Leonards, further strengthening its presence across the Lower North Shore.

Beyond that, Aqualand remains behind the final stage of Barangaroo, where plans will deliver a five-hectare mixed-use precinct comprising new homes, retail, hospitality and community facilities, alongside a new Metro entrance and more than two hectares of public open space, completing the Barangaroo precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/central-barangaroo-development-takes-big-step-with-concept-proposal-approval">Central Barangaroo development takes big step with concept proposal approval</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-aqualand-joins-st-leonards-apartment-party">First look: Aqualand joins St Leonards apartment party</a> 
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First look: Aqualand pushes ahead with Chatswood apartment tower as SSDA lodged for Archer Street

Mass timber is becoming an increasingly popular construction material in apartment developments, but Adelaide developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> is taking the approach a step further.

At its new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flowe-bowden-18-gibson-street-bowden-sa-5007">Flowe Bowden</a> development, the exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure isn't just about reducing the building's environmental footprint. It also forms the foundation of a broader wellness strategy, influencing everything from indoor air quality and natural materials to the way residents move through and experience the building.

The 115-apartment mixed-use development, designed by Melbourne-based architecture practice Fieldwork, will occupy a prominent island site opposite Bowden Village Reserve, combining one, two and three-bedroom apartments with retail and a dedicated wellness destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375528]

Wellness isn't confined to a gym or shared resident facility at Flowe. Instead, Fieldwork embedded the concept into the building itself.

The development has been split into two residential wings connected by a naturally ventilated central breezeway, replacing traditional enclosed corridors with open-air walkways that improve natural light, encourage cross ventilation and create more opportunities for neighbourly interaction.

"Rather than treating wellness as something that only happens on the ground floor, our response integrates it throughout the building, which led us to ask what it really means to design a healthy building," Fieldwork Director Quino Holland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375531]

The building's architecture also reflects Bowden's industrial heritage. The lower podium references the area's historic brick and sandstone buildings, while the upper levels transition to exposed CLT, allowing the timber structure to become a defining feature throughout the apartments and shared spaces.

The use of mass timber sits alongside a range of sustainability initiatives, including a fully electric, gas-free design, rooftop solar and a targeted 5 Star Green Star rating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375524]

Inside the residences, the focus remains on natural, durable materials. Blackbutt engineered timber flooring, exposed CLT ceilings, porcelain surfaces and warm timber joinery create a calming interior palette, while low-VOC finishes and responsibly sourced materials have been selected to improve indoor air quality.

Kitchens have been designed as the centrepiece of each apartment, featuring porcelain island benchtops, timber-look cabinetry and brushed steel tapware, with layouts that maximise natural light and ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152022 project_image_fid=375530]

The more traditional interpretation of wellness comes in the form of Level Eleven, a two-storey wellness club spanning the ground floor, mezzanine and first floor.

The facility will include a gym, yoga and reformer Pilates studios, Finnish and infrared saunas, magnesium hot and cold plunge pools, and dedicated recovery spaces. Unlike many residential wellness facilities, Level Eleven will also operate commercially, allowing the broader Bowden community to access the venue while giving residents exclusive membership benefits.

The ground floor has also been designed around everyday living. A café overlooking Bowden Village Reserve will activate the street frontage, while a bike workshop with tool storage, co-working space and dog wash has been incorporated to support daily routines and encourage interaction between residents.

"Flowe brings together my two biggest passions, creating places and creating healthier lives," Otello founder Daniel Harris said.

"We wanted to create something Adelaide hasn't seen before, a genuinely healthy building, where the way you live is lifted without even trying."

Flowe is positioned directly opposite Bowden Village Reserve and within walking distance of Bowden Railway Station and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, placing future residents just minutes from the Adelaide CBD while remaining connected to one of the city's most established urban renewal precincts.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152022]

Otello launches wellness-focused Flowe Bowden with Adelaide-first mass timber apartment design

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

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>

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First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

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Savills Research has reported the March quarter showed little change in the average resale price of luxury apartments in Sydney when compared to the same time last year.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2013/04/savillsluxuryresidentialunitsapril9.jpg" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2013/04/savillsluxuryresidentialunitsapril9thumb.jpg"></a>
In March 2012, one-bedroom apartments hovered around the $1 million mark, and the latest figure (above right) show it as $1.06 million.
The two-bedroom apartments were at a similar level to their current $1.78 million price point.
Three-bedroom apartments have shown little price movement over the past 12 months and currently sit at an average of $3.58 million, but higher in March 2011 (see below).
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Little yearly change in Sydney luxury residential units resale prices: Savills

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A 1950s three-bedroom house in the popular retirement and lifestyle NSW town of Toukley was last weekend’s cheapest sale, fetching $184,000 at auction, according to Australian Property Monitors (APM).
Located at 306 Main Road, the property sold at mortgagee auction through George Brand Real Estate – Toukley. 
Property Observer reported in <a href="/news">February</a> that Central Coast Sydney was ranked the sixth-worst performing region in Australia by value, with a delinquency rate of 1.81%.
Although last <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/mortgagee-sales-decline-36-on-nsw-central-coast-property-market-consolidates-ahead-of-brighter-2013/2012121658512">December</a> it was reported that instructions to provide mortgagee valuations in Toukley were down by 36% over 2012, according to property valuation and advisory group Herron Todd White.
The sold cottage sits on a 632 square metre block with large backyard, reflecting dual occupancy income potential.
Set close to a supermarket and the beach, Matt Rogers suggested the property allowed for new owners to “build in their own equity”.
The house last sold for $105,000 in 2007 according to RP Data records, reflecting a price appreciation of $15,800 per year over the last five years.
There were about four bidders present, and it appeared the successful bidder was an investor.
The price reflected a likely rental yield of 5.93%, slightly above the average rental yield in Toukley, which currently stands at 5.3%.
It was advertised has having a potential rent return of $200 to $220 per week.
RP Data records show the property was listed for rent at $195 a week in late 2007. In 2011, the rental asking price was given at $250 a week.
Toukley lies approximately 107km north of Sydney. According to the latest RP Data report, the median sales price of houses in the area is $295,000, an increase of 6.5% from last year.
Property agents in the area say that the market in Toukley has been “exceptional”.
“We’re finding a lot of buyer enquiries, properties are selling quickly, and prices are moving in the right direction,” Benjamin Hamilton at the Wiseberry Heritage agency told Property Observer.
The average discount required to sell a house in Toukley is 10.4%, while average days on market stand at 91 days.
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Mortgagee sales continue on NSW Central Coast with Toukley providing the weekend's cheapest sale

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UrbanGrowth NSW, replacing both Landcom and the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority, has the mandate to enable housing market growth by acting as the “development champion”.
It will do this via private sector investment by coordinating and delivering lead-in infrastructure and fast-tracking urban renewal projects.
Speaking at UrbanGrowth's recent conference in Penrith, UrbanGrowth chairman John Brogden stressed the need “… to deliver [for Sydney] the estimated half a million new homes needed over the next 20 years in an affordable and achievable way”.
No small task to achieve an average of 25,000 dwellings annually when the current 5-year average completion level is at 17,290 dwellings.
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A variety of stars need to align before Sydney returns to these levels — accelerating the approval process so as to reduce holding costs (e.g. cutting red and green tape), tackling the local affordability issue for differing market segments, and providing trunk infrastructure cost effectively or, better still, working out a way of doing so which doesn’t destroy project feasibilities.
Perhaps, to consistently produce housing at such volumes, it will require a fundamental change to our current housing delivery model — future-proofing it against GFC-style shocks — removing developer and transactional imposts, reducing the number of LGAs, re-weighting the community’s participation in the approval process so future generations aren’t denied their human right to shelter, and revisiting the government’s role in the land acquisition process.
The conference, which set out to tackle housing affordability and supply in NSW, also included a tour of UrbanGrowth’s 1,100-lot master-planned community, <a href="https://www.landcom.com.au/for-home-buyers/thornton-penrith.aspx" target="_blank">Thornton in Penrith</a>, as an example of small lot housing.
The site is located immediately north of <a href="/news">Penrith</a> station with lots falling within the 150m2 to 350m2 range and include a variety of housing types including terraces, detached cottages, and “Fonzie flats” — small studios built atop of garages — providing a variety of pricing entry points.
Reducing the land component of the developed product results not only in more dwellings within the estate but a (generally) lower price as well.
An interesting exercise would be to see the future capital appreciation of these dwellings compared to estates with larger lot sizes — since it is the land that appreciates over time, while the building/improvements depreciate.
Achieving smaller lot sizes required the cooperation and coordination of builders, council, and utilities providers all of whom needed to share in the project’s vision.
Michael Brooks, the keynote speaker and former CEO of REALpac, outlined how Sydney can apply Toronto’s lessons for fast-tracking the housing industry to accommodate a growing population.
High density clustered around transport nodes is an integral element — surprisingly, society hasn’t disintegrated as a result.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
The Ontario Municipal Board, acting as an “independent and final arbiter of land use [where] decisions are vested in good planning principles” played an integral role in progressing the ability of Toronto to compete against other cities in the Americas.
Being staffed by “development experts” such as planners, architects, ex-mayors, and so forth has the benefit of “informed impartiality” — less political, more objectivity and generally disliked by both developers and the public … “usually a healthy indicator that something is working”.
Similarly, appeals to the board need a legitimate basis in planning and be in the community interest — all costs associated with vexatious/frivolous claims are charged to the claimant.
A recent decision by the board saw a mixed-use (street level retail, commercial, residential) high-rise project for Toronto’s city centre approved with zero parking spaces … now that’s food for thought!
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/04/bregozzoapril8two.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/04/bregozzoapril8twothumb.gif"></a>
Returning to the completion levels of two decades ago is in essence a matching problem — matching the specific housing need with the feasibility of locational supply.
Living to the geographic margins of Sydney should not mean being marginalised.
This has nothing to do with the “us and them” tribal snobbery — Sydney’s west vs the east, north, and south… and the Shire.
Instead, the question is why some 200,000 people spend more than an hour (ideally) each day commuting by rail from their homes in west to jobs in the east.
How has the city (d)evolved such that the majority of residents are disenfranchised from the opportunities afforded to those in the east?
Click to enlarge
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Source: ABS, BIS Shrapnel
We have investigated locational mobility (given for the Penrith LGA) by examining the 2011 census data for the previous address up to five years prior.
The results indicate that the majority of relocations generally occur within an LGA and over short distances between LGAs.
The logic underpinning the observed spatial immobility resides in the social networks people form as their tenure in a given location increases.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Life-specific issues — children’s schools, employment or means of getting there, distances from the parental home, etc. — tend to reinforce this.
Equally, time strengthens such “ties to place”, increasing the need (or demand) to reside within a specific area, or close enough to it — a significant issue for developers as this is effectively rational of purchasers within a project’s catchment area.
For this reason, the outer fringe areas will develop incrementally. Further, the costs associated with moving — the largest of which is stamp duty — also act as a disincentive to relocate.
Future development needs to be strategically located within the immediate catchment of existing infrastructures, especially transport, so that the city can function.
If Sydney is to expand further outwards — vs upwards — a significant investment in the rail network and a re-weighting of commercial activities to the fledgling CBDs of Parramatta, Penrith and Liverpool must happen — and probably upfront if housing market dynamics are to support the construction of new dwellings to the city’s fringe locations.
Put simply, almost two decades of under-investment in transport and social infrastructure coupled with a mentality that concentrates opportunity to the harbour have ratcheted fringe land pricing to a point that is largely unaffordable for new housing purchasers in those catchments and in comparison to the existing stock in those locations.
And this is most evident to the southwest of Sydney.
Martin Bregozzo is a property economist with <a style="font-size: 14px;" href="https://www.bis.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BIS Shrapnel.</a>
 
 
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Addressing infrastructure issues is key to Sydney's future development

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Actress and dressmaker Susan Hannaford paid $717,500 three decades ago for her house at Forty Baskets Beach.
It was sold by her financiers for $3.15 million on the weekend.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Forty Baskets Beach</a> property was bought when she was affectionately known as Kitty in the television series The Sullivans.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/hannafordapril9one.jpg" width="400" height="645" alt="hannafordapril9one">
Mark Novak at the Novak Agency marketed the house at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-balgowlah+heights-113211879">30A Beatty Street, Balgowlah Heights</a> as "still dressed in its 1970's attire."
Dramatically set over two levels with extensive harbour views, it has a very 1970s sunken lounge area.
It has five bedrooms plus two more in the teenagers' retreat located on the bottom level of the property.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/actress-susan-hannaford-lists-her-balgowlah-beach-property/2013032560011">The agency declined to comment last month at all on the listing after a query from Title Tattle</a>, but  <a target="_blank" href="https://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8637083/hannaford-mystery">A Current Affair </a>later reported it was selling under Commonwealth Bank instructions.
The prominent Sydney estate agents Robert and Leonie Klaric who recently established an independent property advisory service were among those who took contracts for the listing on behalf of an undisclosed client.
Title Tattle recalls the house had been on and off the market since 1991.
"It didn't matter which decade we were in it was always a couple million worth more ...when it was worth $1 million she wanted $3 million, if it was $2 million she wanted $5 million, if it was $3 million she wanted $6 million," Klaric told ACA.
"It was just the way she did her maths," he said.
<a target="_blank" href="https://celestinadeandrea.wix.com/susan-hannaford#!biography">Hannaford maintains an interesting website</a>.
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Actress Susan Hannaford's Balgowlah Heights harbourfront fetches $3.15 million 

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The former Bellevue Hill matrimonial home of the late transport tycoon Sir Peter Abeles has been listed with $11 million-plus hopes.
The listing presents a rare opportunity as it last sold 45 years ago.
Sundorne, the six-bedroom Victoria Road mansion was home to Sir Peter and his first wife, the arts patron and founder of the Sydney International Piano Competition, Claire Dan during the period when Sir Peter was cementing his place in Australia’s corporate life.
The two-storey English Manor-style interiors are still filled with the furniture and fittings installed by Peter and Claire (pictured below).
<img height="600" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/04/abeles5.jpg" alt="abeles5">
One can almost image Sir Peter playing poker with his regular guests who included the Premier, Sir Robert Askin.
The inspectees can even spot a lamp stand fashioned in the likeness of former ACTU boss and Prime Minister Bob Hawke that stands close to the large leather writing desk in the library that overlooks the water.
Sir Peter bought Sundorne from the well-connected establishment Simpson lawyer family in 1958 through his company P.A. Holdings Pty Ltd for about £60,000.
 
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<img height="348" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/abeles1two.jpg" alt="abeles1two">
The couple had emigrated from Hungary in 1949 with little money in the post-war exodus from Europe.
The couple divorced a decade after purchasing Sundorne with Ms Dan retaining a life tenancy of the home set along the property’s very long and very private tree-lined drive. Title Tattle recalls Ms Dan divorced Peter in 1968 after learning that his frequent absences from the marital home were because he was living with the then Katalin Frank, also known as Fischer, at the Wentworth Hotel. Sir Peter was knighted in 1972.
<img height="352" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/abeles3two.jpg" alt="abeles3two">
The 2550sq m site has a full-size flood-lit tennis court and in-ground pool with district and harbour views reaching from the city skyline and bridge to Manly in the north. After a long battle with cancer Sir Peter, who relocated to Vaucluse in 1970 paying $450,000 for Villa Igiea, died in June 1999 aged 75. As Sir Peter lay unconscious just hours before his death, Bob Hawke paid a visit to the Vaucluse home to bid his friend of 30 years a final farewell.
Ms Dan passed away last October.
<img height="630" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/abeles2two.jpg" alt="abeles2two">
Sundorne, at 23 Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill, will be auctioned Wednesday May 22 through Daniel Baran and Reece Coleman at BHR Estate Agents in conjunction with Sydney Sotheby's International agents Michael Pallier and Matt Ratcliffe.
The contents of the home including furniture and exceptional items from Claire Dan’s couture wardrobe will be auctioned by Andrew Shapiro of Shapiro Auctions on Sunday June 23.
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Transport tycoon Sir Peter Abeles' matrimonial timewarp listing in Bellevue Hill

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A Chinese group spent $19.8 million last week on a York Street office building in the Sydney CBD being sold by pub king Christopher Cheung.
The Beijing-based group could be primed to build a hotel or a residential building on the site. The buyers reportedly undertook little due diligence on the building before purchasing, suggesting a plan to knock down and rebuild.  
The 628 square metre property, at 32 York Street, was listed by Cheung late last year with $20 million-plus hopes.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">CBD</a> property was marketed by Savills Australia agent Benjamin Azar with the potential for redevelopment into a hotel or residential scheme.
Owners of the nearby Grace Hotel reportedly had eyes on the site before the Chinese group came in, according to The Australian Financial Review.
The 1964-built building sits next to Sydney’s most iconic and well-known commercial office and retail strips, just south of King Street.
There are 763 square metres of retail space on the lower and upper ground floors and 4,111 square metres of office space on the nine upper levels.
The total gross income for the property sits at $1.47 million, with $920,675 coming from office rents, with another $476,961 coming from retail rents.
Cheung, the owner of Cheung Properties, currently owns and operates four businesses – The Bourbon in <a href="/news">Potts Point</a> (which he bought in 2010 with a revamped opening last month), The Coogee Bay Hotel in <a href="/news">Coogee</a> (which he plans to transform into a $150 million retail and entertainment hub), Cruise Bar in West Circular Quay and Key Largo Bar &amp; Bistro in <a href="/news">Rushcutters Bay</a>.
Property Observer previously noted <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/pub-king-christopher-cheung-lists-york-street-sydney-cbd-office-building-with-%2420-million-plus-hopes/2012100256839/Page-1">Cheung was selling the property to focus on his pub portfolio.</a>
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Chinese group buys Christopher Cheung's York Street office building in Sydney

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The Chenchow Little-designed house in Palm Beach is seeking $2.85 million after being passed in at its late February auction. 
Located on Bynya Road, the property – which has been featured in Belle Magazine and House Magazine – received a bid in the mid-$2 million range but the bid was rejected.
Property Observer <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/chenchow-little-designed-hill-house-palm-beach-listed/2012083056320" target="_blank">reported</a> on its first listing in August last year.
Architecturally designed, The Hill House boasts clean double-brick and steel beam construction and travertine floors.
It features a double-height reception room and a living/dining room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The four bedrooms each come with their own ensuites and a private courtyard.
Outside includes a covered terrace and a large freestanding swimming pool.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Palm Beach</a> property is surrounded by native shrubbery that has been designed by Spirit Level Design.
The current owners purchased the 715-square-metre vacant block in early 2009 for $950,000 through LJ Hooker Mona Vale agent Josephine Cowling.
The vendors are selling to relocate overseas for work commitments.
The Hill House has been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-palm+beach-112759343" target="_blank">listed</a> through Peter Robinson of LJ Hooker Palm Beach.
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Chenchow Little-designed Palm Beach house seeks $2.85m

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The battle for the DIY renovator market has continued with Woolworths securing a site at the Sydney Business Park in Sydney's north-west for a new Masters Home Improvement store.
<a target="_blank" href="/companies/woolworths">Woolworths</a> will go head-to-head with arch-rival Coles, which has also secured a site in the business park for a Bunnings DIY store.
IKEA will also build a new store in the business park.
Sydney Business Park is a new master planned 256-hectare commercial precinct located in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Marsden Park</a>.
The Masters store will be build as part of the first stage of the development with a 34,923-square-metre site currently under contract to Woolworths.
It will include 13,000 square metres of floor space and stock more than 40,000 products.
“Masters Home Improvement is a fantastic new addition to the range of retailers which will make up one of Sydney’s largest bulky goods retail centres with over 90 square metres of bulky goods floor space,” says Sydney Business Park’s Development Director, Owen Walsh.
“The $102 million upgrade to Richmond Road is progressing quickly with the main entry intersection opening expected to coincide with the completion of the M2 widening works.”
“These upgrades will enhance Sydney Business Park’s access to an even wider catchment of customers and staff,” says Walsh.
Sydney Business Park’s sales and leasing director Matt Foldes says enquiry from purchases and tenants has been strong.
Construction of the Masters store  is expected to start in late 2013, with the store planned to open in late 2014.
Sydney Business Park will have an end value of approximately $2 billion and will take approximately 12 years to complete.
Masters Home Improvement is a joint venture between Woolworths Limited and Lowes Companies Inc.
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DIY battle heats up with Woolworths to build Masters store in Marsden Park

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An architecturally designed Australian colonial homestead property in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Duffys Forest</a> has sold for an undisclosed price.
RP Data records show it took just 39 days to sell.
Located 28 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, the 2-hectare lot boasts an 800-square-metre home with a wide timber posted verandah that wraps around the cement façade.
Featuring five bedrooms and four bathrooms, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-duffys+forest-113176223">Claremont</a> was sold through Shayne Hutton from Ray White Terrey Hills.
Another Duffy Forest trophy estate, Jabulisa, businessman <a href="/news">Simon Tripp's impressive 6.9-hectare Sydney northern beaches acreage</a>,  is listed for sale with expectations around $20 million.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/john-mcgrath-sells-duffys-forest-weekender-at-a-loss/2012050254515">Last year estate agent John McGrath</a> sold his seven-bedroom Duffys Forest retreat for about $4.05 million.
The homestead features spotted gum flooring and high rosette ceilings.
It also includes a library with an open fireplace, a home theatre with grandstand cinema seating, a games room and a gymnasium.
The main outdoor patio features a wet bar and an open fireplace.
Also located on the property is a championship-size tennis court, a heated pool and equine facilitates.
Included are eight paddocks, six stables, a feed room, tack room and a sand arena.
Hidden from the main residence is a two-bedroom guest retreat with two living spaces, kitchen and bathroom and a private pool.
Hutton declined to comment on the sale.
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Sydney northern beaches equestrian property Claremont sells at a gallop

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The Killarney Castle located in the Sydney North Shore suburb of Gordon has sold for less than its $3 million price expectations.
The property was built for Irishman Thomas Taylor circa 1918 and is designed to reflect an <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/overseas/irish-house-prices-rise-for-first-quarter-in-six-years-as-imf-gets-residential-property-price-transparency/2012100756898" target="_blank">Irish</a> castle.
It was constructed from hand-cut sandstone and boasts wide floorboards and high ceilings.
Comprising five bedrooms – including a loft – and three bathrooms, the home has been restored to as-new condition.
The home boasts a pool, workshop, gym, and castle turret and includes a bridge to the second level, giving the impression of a moat.
A 70-square-metre entertainment room is detached from the main home and includes a wall projection TV, wet bar and a full-sized billiards area.
The district air raid shelter still exists below the castle.
The vendors had owned the <a href="/news">Gordon</a> property for 12 years, after purchasing it in 2000 for $1.53 million.
They have since done extensive renovations.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-gordon-112485127">Killarney Castle</a> was sold by the Australian Mutual Provident Society in May 1939 to Alexander Reid Cant after Taylor became bankrupt.
It then moved into the hands of Agnes Christiansen in 1940, and sold again in 1944 to the Gastineau-Hills family who lived in the home for 25 years.
In 1969, the land was subdivided and the Ku-ring-gai council purchased the rear portion of the property and kept it as a natural bush reserve.
Sam Johnston from Burns and Burns Real Estate Pymble secured the sale.
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Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News