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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Finance industry executive Paul Fegan and his wife, Leonie, have sold their hillside Mosman residence a year after its initial listing.
Its settlement last month revealed its $8.3 million sale price, reflecting a 22% price decline.
The Alex Popov-designed Burran Avenue house last traded at $10.75 million in late 2007 when he was the St George chief executive.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/03/mosmanmarch1one.jpg" width="470" height="310" alt="mosmanmarch1one">
Fegan, who was briefly Telstra's executive in charge of strategy and corporate services, is now ted.
Expectations were around<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/former-st-george-boss-lists-alex-popov-designed-mosman-house/2012022753586"> the $10 million on its initial McGrath listing </a>of the 1,130 square metre matrimonial property with a 20-metre pool.
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Mortgage insurer Genworth appointed the former St George Bank chief executive Paul Fegan as its chief financial officer earlier this year.
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Fegan had joined St George Bank in 2002 and was appointed chief in 2007 until Westpac took over St George in 2009.
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Mosman prestige house cops 22% price decline

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Over the last 24 months, Sydney's northern beaches have seen a flattening of the residential property market, but statistics and general market sentiment indicate that positive signs are ahead.
Although some suburbs such as Freshwater and Balgowlah have seen a 1.9% to -2.2% reduction in the value of apartment sales over the last year, according to Residex, house sales in many suburbs have witnessed minimal growth over the past 12 months, which is an improvement on the previous year.
Hence, it would appear that the northern beaches may have turned the corner as positive signs are apparent.
Property cycles see values swing according to supply and demand.
The northern beaches of Sydney offers a wonderful lifestyle, not too far from the city, with beautiful non-crowded beaches, waterways, golf courses, national parks, good schools, restaurants, boutique shops and a major retail shopping precinct.
It is not too far from other businesses and commercial districts such as Chatswood, Frenchs Forest and North Ryde.
The northern beaches provides a safe family environment in comparison to most other Sydney regions.
The majority of northern beaches suburbs have traditionally experienced a 10 year average growth of 6-7%, however, such growth figures are closer to 4% due to price corrections over the last three years.
What this means in real terms is that now is an excellent time to buy in the northern beaches.
There are so many positive factors and fundamentals that will see property prices here rise again – it’s cyclical and now is the best time in the cycle to buy.
Working exclusively as buyers’ advocates, I've noticed that the level of inquiry since early January was far stronger that the last 4 years.
In 2013 I have already seen a significant uplift of interest in the sub-$650,000 price bracket.
Some of this can be attributed to a lack of supply and increasing demand due to factors such as reduced interest rates and improving market confidence.
The housing market up to $1 million is also starting to improve, evident by increasing numbers at open homes and decreasing days on market.
This would provide an excellent opportunity for those wishing to upsize.
The prestige market in the northern beaches has seen a dramatic decline in value over the past three years, however, this would appear to have stabilised and we can expect some improvement in the coming year.
 The value for money that can be seen in the $2 million plus market is excellent in comparison to other Sydney regions.
Rich Harvey is a buyers’ agent and CEO of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertybuyer.com.au/">www.propertybuyer.com.au</a>
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It's a great time to buy on Sydney's northern beaches: Rich Harvey

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Property valuers LandMark White are being sued for a "gross overvaluation" of a Sydney office building by the financial services group, Suncorp.
Suncorp alleges LandMark was negligent when it provided Record Investments, the Allco company, with a $115 million valuation for the 13-storey office building at 149 Castlereagh Street in Sydney's CBD.
Allco had purchased the property for $35 million in 2007, then received a $90 million mortgage facility from Suncorp to renovate the building based on a $115 million valuation.
However Suncorp's claim before the Federal Court suggests the renovated building was only worth $65.6 million with Landmark alleged to be negligent partly because it relied on a 100% occupancy as soon as the renovations finished.
"A reasonably competent valuer would not have assumed that the property would be more than one-third leased on practical completion," Suncorp said in its statement of claim which was reported by Fairfax Media.
LandMark also failed to take into account poor pedestrian traffic flow and access, poor natural light and an excess of columns in the building, and the lack of vehicular access "with the result that all goods, including waste removal, would have to be carried in and out of the building at the street frontage".
Suncorp claims it was left $40.2 million out of pocket after Allco collapsed and is seeking compensation and damages.
The building was in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/allco-asset-re-listed-after-last-sale-fails-to-get-across-the-line/2011110652219">news in late 2011 when the Allco asset </a>was re-listed after a sale failed to get across the line. It finally sold last year at $40.6 million to Blackstone at a reported 46% discount to the face value of the debt from Suncorp.
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Landmark White being sued over Allco Sydney office valuation

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The former canvas factory in Newtown owned by artist Ben Hall has been listed for sale through Ercan Ersan at BresicWhitney Estate Agents.
The architecturally reinvented <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-newtown-113150755">Trade Street warehouse</a> home comes with soaring ceilings, exposed beam structures along with handmade features ensuring great use of light.
The price guide is more than $1.1 million.
<img height="350" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/hallfeb27two.jpg" alt="hallfeb27two">
There are exterior terrace spaces.
It has three bedrooms plus along with stainless steel breakfast bar kitchen and sky lit shower space.
Its upper level has a bedroom and study with balcony.
<img height="352" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/hallfeb27one.jpg" alt="hallfeb27one">
Ben Hall's paintings are abstractions inspired by the Australian landscape.
He studied art under Roland Wakelin and Lloyd Rees while studying architecture at Sydney University.
He is also a master woodworker, having crafted baroque musical instruments, some of which are included in the Powerhouse Museum.
The 1930/40s warehouse will go to auction on March 23.
It was bought by Hall in 1980.
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Artist Ben Hall lists his inner city Newtown warehouse

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Coppins, the last and largest Australian house designed by the internationally renowned architect Walter Burley Griffin, has sold for about $3.25 million through Mark Blake of Luschwitz Real Estate.
On leaving for India in 1935, Griffin's architectural associate Eric Nicholls completed the plans for the 1935 house.
<img alt="coppinsfeb26one" height="312" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/coppinsfeb26one.jpg">
The Coppins estate had previously always sold as two titles on Telegraph Road, but <a href="https://www.stivesre.com.au/1P0965" target="_blank">this month's sale</a> is the sandstone house on 5716 square metres.
The house was built for the Pratten who ran a printing business. Title Tattle recalls even the dog kennel bore the Griffin design stamp.
<img alt="coppinsfeb26two" height="309" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/coppinsfeb26two.jpg">
The Coppins estate was sold to the Dening family, who then sold it for $6.1 million in 2001 to property developer Michael Kwok.
<img alt="coppinsfeb26three" height="307" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/coppinsfeb26three.jpg">
Kwok tried unsuccessfully to sell it for more than $8.5 million, but by mid-2012 it was listed for sale by HSBC Bank after Kwok's bankruptcy.
Kwok's failed Australian business ventures included the Fairmont Resort at Leura in the Blue Mountains.
The 3927-square-metre adjoining block with a 1950s two bedroom cottage and a tennis court remains listed for about $1.6 million through Luschwitz.
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Walter Burley Griffin's Pymble design, Coppins subdivided and sold 

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All the headlines centred on the weekend's stellar highest priced sale of $5.15 million for a six-bedroom, five-bathroom home in Vaucluse.
The Derby Street house, which has harbour views taking in the Opera House and bridge, attracted six Chinese buyers when auctioned by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-vaucluse-112822139">Sotheby's agent Michael Pallier</a> inconjunction with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/NSW/Vaucluse/?adid=2010237325">Ray White Double Bay agent Daniel Ungar</a>.
"We thought it would go for $4.5 million," he told Fairfax Media, after bidding on the property had started at $3.9 million.
Mr Pallier attributed the improved prestige market partly to section 188 visa changes last July, which speed up entry for foreigners who spend $5 million in approved investments. The improving sharemarket was another factor.
Its last sale price was $3.2 million in 2002, reflecting 4.5% annual growth.
The weekend's cheapest sale was $368,000 at Carramar. The three-bedroom, original-condition 1960s Ruby Street offering sold under public trustee instructions through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homehound.com.au/9+ruby+street+carramar+nsw+2163/">Century 21 Southwest Fairfield </a>agent Nickolas Papadopoulos.
It was marketed as "calling all renovators and property investors/developers."
The brick house on 556 square metres was marketed as an "excellent money spinner."
Having last sold for $93,500 in 1987, its price reflected 5.38% annual growth.
For more on the allure of Australian property to Asian buyers, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment" target="_blank">download our free eBook. </a>The eBook is also available for<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment-free-ebook" target="_blank"> free download in Chinese.</a>
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Cheapest $380,000 Sydney sale yields better than $5.15 million Vaucluse prestige

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The historic St John’s church site, one of the most well-known properties on Sydney’s Oxford Street strip, is well under way in its transformation into a boutique residential and retail project.
The St John’s Paddington project comes with eight dwellings of which half have been sold by Savills.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/stjohnsfeb26one.jpg" alt="stjohnsfeb26one" width="470" height="286">
Peter Coulton, from Savills Residential Projects NSW, says the start of 2013 had seen a "significant pick up" in market confidence, mainly from downsizers from the North Shore looking for a more centralised living lifestyle.
"St John's Residences in Paddington has received over 30% of its enquiries from downsizers who are looking to move from the North Shore," he said.
Two of the four properties now sold have been snapped up by this demographic – people from the lower and upper North Shore – including the church penthouse at $2.45 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/stjohnsfeb26two.jpg" alt="stjohnsfeb26two" width="470" height="285">
"The penthouse was sold to a couple who have older children and wanted to downsize from the family home," Peter Coulton said.
"Paddington is becoming increasingly attractive to downsizers due to its central location, host of cafes and restaurants, markets, proximity to art galleries and theatres, together with an active and lively community.
“The driver for downsizers is predominantly the release of equity for their child’s first home but increasingly it is the attractiveness of an easier lifestyle within a community and the downscaling of land without compromising on internal space.”
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/stjohnsfeb26three.jpg" alt="stjohnsfeb26three" width="470" height="290">
The <a href="https://www.stjohnspaddington.com.au/" target="_blank">St John’s Paddington residences </a>have proportions ranging from 171 square metres to 339 square metres.
Pricing for the remaining three-bedroom apartments start at $1.725 million and range up to $2.75 million.
The freestanding home within the 261-263 Oxford Street project had been listed at $3.5 million, but sold earlier this month. 
The free-standing former manse was a Torrens title offering - a two-storey Federation Arts and Crafts property on Regent Street.
<div class="property_detail_copy">The development comes with retail and café spaces fronting the busy Sydney pedestriuan hub.</div>
The project is being developed by Australasia Properties Pty Ltd and marketed through <a href="https://www.savillsresidential.com.au/Buying/Property-Search/PropertyDetails.aspx?pfresults=True&amp;id=3058" target="_blank">Savills residential projects divisional director, Peter Coulton</a>.
The site was sold by Savills in 2010 year for $9 million to the developers who have since worked with designers Ancher Mortlock Woolley and architects Marchese Partners.
They have adjusted the initial 2005 conditional development consent for the redevelopment granted by the Land &amp; Environment Court.
“For almost two decades the buildings have been left vacant, subject to vandalism and in an increasing state of deterioration,” its April 2011 Graham Brooks &amp; Associates heritage impact statement says.
It has frontages to Oxford and Regent streets, and at the rear, Renny Lane.
“These historic Paddington landmarks will be given a new lease of life,” Mr Coulton says.
The St John’s manse was built in 1845, with later additions, making it one of Paddington’s oldest buildings. The colonial Georgian manse was built at a cost of 240 pounds. In 1859 the Gothic-style St John’s church was built next door to a design by Henry Robertson.
In 1885 it was extended by the church hall at the rear. It was deconsecrated as a Presbyterian church in 2000.
The church sold in 2004 for $8.3 million to a syndicate headed by Tony Braham. The syndicate offloaded the project in 2010.
It sits within the Sydney City Council municipality.
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North Shore downsizers seek out St John's Paddington offerings through Savills

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Buyers have secured the purchase of 117 apartments within the 142-unit stage two of the Platinum project at Victoria Park on the weekend.
The sales ranged from $499,000 for a one-bedroom units to $1.3 million for three-bedroom apartments through Link Marketing Services, who maintained strong Asian buyer connections.
The initial 180 apartments in the first stage of Platinum sold off-the-plan within 30 days of release in late 2012.
<img alt="paycefeb25one" src="/images/stories/2013/02/paycefeb25one.jpg" width="470" height="314">
Payce has started construction of Platinum, which comprises five buildings, each with its own identity and colour scheme. The first stage is slated for completion by July 2014.
The project was designed by architect Nick Turner, with interiors by Koichi Takada.
The current 142 apartments are within a 15-storey complex which has an inter-connecting eight level building.
Payce’s earlier buildings at Victoria Park – Apex and East Village – sold out within four and two months respectively in mid-2011.
“The only thing Victoria Park lacks is shopping facilities, and that will change early next year when Payce completes a major fresh food and retail centre called the East Village Urban Marketplace,” said Basil Klevansky, managing director of LINK Marketing Services.
“It will have up to 50 specialty shops with an emphasis on fresh produce, a Coles supermarket, and a health and fitness club with a 25-metre indoor swimming pool,” he said.
For more about Australia's allure for Asian residential property investment, <a target="_self" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment">click here for our free ebook</a>.
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Payce secures snappy weekend sale of 117 in its latest 142 Platinum, Victoria Park apartment offering

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The iconic NSW Northern Tablelands property Jeogla Station, purchased by Roche Group in 1998, and nearby Wallamumbi which was acquired in 2001, have been listed for sale with offers due April 4.
In 2008 the two properties, together with a few smaller landholdings acquired over a number of years, were amalgamated covering a 13,340 hectare total with a carrying capacity of 16,000 head of cattle.
The cattle on <a href="https://www.rochegroup.com.au/retailcommercial/jeogla-and-wallamumbi" target="_blank">Jeogla and Wallamumbi Station </a>is primarily Shorthorn Beefmaker with some cattle cross-bred with Angus and Charolais.
<img alt="jeoglafeb25two" height="277" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/jeoglafeb25two.jpg">
The purchases by Bill and Imelda Roche came after the 1997 sale of the skin care company Nutri-Metics International to the United States food and consumer products giant Sara Lee.
The rural <a href="https://www.jeogla.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">New England cattle breeding properties </a>had been previously owned by members of the Wright family.
Wallamumbi was for many years the childhood home of the poet and environmentalist, Judith Wright.
The Wright family pastoral dynasties date back to around 1827 with the family among the first to import hereford cattle into Australia. The Jeogla and Wallamumbi herd has developed from a Hereford stud established in the 1830s.
<img alt="jeoglafeb25one" height="234" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/jeoglafeb25one.jpg">
The historic V1V brand of Jeogla and the V2V brand of Wallamumbi, one of the oldest brands in Australia, are still in use.
Bi-annual production sales established on both properties by the Wrights are still conducted, the first for 2013 scheduled for March 13 when 2500 head of EU-accredited steers and heifers  go under the hammer.
It was Charlotte and Albert Wright who moved into the Armidale area establishing the family homestead at Wallamumbi, about 45 kilometres east of the town. After the death of her husband, Charlotte ran the property alone and purchased the rich adjacent grazing property Jeogla.
Jeogla is an Aboriginal word meaning "warm crossing".
Wallamumbi is an Aboriginal word meaning "big waterfall".
Elders have the listing in conjunction with Philip Jarvis and Associates of Armidale.
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Bill and Imelda Roche list Jeogla Station

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Villa Palma, the NSW mid-north coast holiday house of interior designer Garth Barnett, has been listed for sale.
With views of Diamond Beach, a nature reserve and the hinterland, the Mediterranean-style Red Head house was designed for entertaining.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/redheadfeb22one.jpg" width="470" height="318" alt="redheadfeb22one">
It has large, open-plan living and dining areas that flow out to terraces, courtyards and the swimming pool.
Its been fitted out with massive carved antique doors from India and stone works from Java and Bali and inlaid cabinetry from Morocco.
Its been listed for sale at $1.85 million through Richard Cooper of Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay inconjunction with Bob Gould of Tallwoods Real Estate.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/redheadfeb22two.jpg" width="470" height="310" alt="redheadfeb22two">
The property is about a 15-minute drive north of Forster, three hours north of Sydney.
"Villa Palma has been created for those who appreciate style, luxury and privacy," <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/doublebaybondibeach/properties/266522">the marketing says</a>.
<img alt="redheadfeb22map" height="260" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/feb19mclachlan/redheadfeb22map.jpg">
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