National diversified developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has launched its latest Brisbane apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet Milton</a>, marking its entry into the sought-after inner-city suburb just two kilometres from the CBD.

The circa $100 million development will rise 18 storeys and deliver 131 apartments, offering a mix of one, two-, and three-bedroom residences.

Ideally located on Manning Street, Quartet residents will be within 300 metres of Milton Station, 500 metres from the Milton Ferry Wharf, and a short walk to Milton Markets, the iconic Park Road, as well as a range of breweries and cafés.

&nbsp;

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Designed by architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, the building features a simple, gridded façade paired with generous glazing to enhance views, maximise aspect, and capture both sunrises and sunsets from within the apartments and their generously sized balconies.

Residents will have access to a 1,000 sqm rooftop, curated to balance wellness and entertaining, in response to increasing demand for wellness-focused shared spaces.

"We've approached Quartet Milton as a complete lifestyle offering, not just apartments, but a place where the design, amenities, and location all work together in a meaningful way," says Goldfields Managing Director Lachlan Thompson.

"Buyers are looking for that sense of confidence, knowing the vision has been carefully thought through not just by us as developers, but by all our consultants appointed to bring this together, and that it will be delivered to the standard they expect."

&nbsp;

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Cera Stribley Co-Founder and Managing Principal Domenic Cerantonio said the rooftop is designed to feel like a place "you'd genuinely use every day."

"A 25-metre pool framed by city and mountain views, wellness areas, and private dining spaces for evenings with friends create a setting designed for year-round comfort and effortless Brisbane living."

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In addition to the 25-metre pool, the rooftop will include a sauna, cold plunge, fully equipped gym, and zen gardens, all complemented by panoramic views of the city and river.

While the building is expected to appeal predominantly to owner-occupiers, Goldfields anticipates interest from investors seeking strong rental returns, driven by the project's design, location, and the city's projected capital growth in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>, widely regarded as one of Brisbane's most desirable inner-ring suburbs due to its lifestyle offering and proximity to the CBD, has experienced a shortage of new apartment supply in recent years.

Goldfields is already active in the Brisbane residential market through its Ripley Valley masterplanned community, Hayfield. The 109-hectare neighbourhood is already home to more than 300 families and features a large community park.

Plans for the precinct include a 4 km running track, future schools, and retail and commercial amenities, all within a 35-minute drive of the Brisbane CBD.

Goldfields also plans to deliver a new mixed-use tower at 88 Robertson Street in Fortitude Valley, within the James Street precinct. The project will include 16,000 sqm of boutique commercial space, two levels of wellness facilities, and a rooftop restaurant and event space, akin to Goldfields House in South Yarra, its flagship mixed-use development on Chapel Street, which is crowned by the Beverly Rooftop bar—one of Melbourne’s best-known venues.

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Joel Robinson

Goldfields sets the stage as Quartet Milton launches

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

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

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

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

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

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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The prestige Bellevue Hill market continues its faltering price path with a $6.1 million sale – which reflects a 7.38% annual decrease in price.
It was the former French consular residence until the dress-circle four-bedroom, four-bathroom house sold in September 2010 for $7.24 million through Ray White Prestige agent Michael Finger.
The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-111970043" target="_blank"> 4 Ginagulla Road </a>property sat among the 1,700 properties listed for sale that year by the French government as it sought to reduce its debt burden after the global financial crisis.
It was bought in 1995 for $3.75 million.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bellevue Hill</a> house  comes with alfresco entertaining within its 923-square-metre rear north-facing landholding.
It was sold this time around in a matrimonial matter through Michael Finger and Diane Wilson.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Oh la la, le pauvre! Bellevue Hill prestige prices plummet

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After a “period of protracted weakness” a strong recovery in demand for residential land on the fringes of Sydney and Perth is being tipped by forecasters at BIS Shrapnel.
To meet this rising demand, BIS Shrapnel expects annual residential lot production in outer Sydney to more than double over the next five years from an average of 2,809 lots produced annually from 2007 to 2012 to 5,870 lots annually from 2012 to 2017.
Last week developer Devine announced its first return to the Sydney market in nine years, with plans for an apartment development in Turramurra.
A strong recovery is also anticipated for the outskirts of Perth, with residential lot production expected to rise from an average of 7,633 lots produced annually from 2007 to 2012 to 11,280 lots produced annually between 2012 and 2017.
A strong recovery is also tipped for the Gold Coast with smaller improvements on the Sunshine Coast and outer Brisbane.
Recent and Forecast Lot Production
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="370"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
City/region
</td>
<td valign="top" width="230" colspan="2" nowrap>
Average lots produced annually
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap></td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
2007-2012
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
2012-2017  forecast
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
2,809
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
5,870
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
16,917
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
12,340
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
5,372
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
5,560
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Gold Coast
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
1,494
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
2,280
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Sunshine Coast
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
1,652
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
1,820
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
2,962
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
2,320
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Perth  (includes Mandurah)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
7,633
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
11,280
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: BIS Shrapnel
“The recent protracted weakness in the Sydney, Perth and Brisbane markets – and to a lesser extent the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast markets – has created the conditions for an upturn,” says report series author and senior manager Angie Zigomanis.
“Low new dwelling construction has resulted in a rising underlying dwelling deficiency, while affordability has improved considerably due to the combination of the weakness in house and land prices and lower interest rates.”
In its third-quarter update released earlier this month, residential developer Australand notes that conditions remaining challenging in south-east Queensland but says activity is more positive in Sydney and Perth with it making good progress on sales targets.
While Australand says the market softened in the third quarter resulting in weaker sales “particularly for land in Melbourne’s growth corridors” it says the Sydney market continues to display “resilience supported by an ongoing structural undersupply of median-priced product”. 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Strong recovery in demand for residential land anticipated in Sydney and Perth fringes: BIS Shrapnel

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Only two rounds to go in the final season of 2012 and MC, last season’s winner, has risen to the top of the Melbourne leader board. He is less than $100,000 ahead of Rainbow and Jorgo, who are still tied in second place.
There’s a website, <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess what they think properties will sell for at their weekend auctions in Melbourne and Sydney. This season <a style="font-size: 14px;" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Property Observer readers have their own competition, which you can access here</a><a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF" rel="nofollow">.</a> The winner of the overall competition will win $1,000.
Spike has almost $1 million lead in Sydney and is the box seat to take out the title, ahead of Nan63 and Davidk9. However, with around $10 million of property up for grabs in the final two rounds it is not over just yet.
At 213 Station Street, <a href="/news">Carlton North</a> (pictured below), the top end of the quote range was lifted to $900,000 in the late stages of the campaign. This sent a clear signal to the market that it was going to be a competitive auction.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/stationst.jpg">
When Tom Roberts from Nelson Alexander started the auction, however, it appeared as though the buyers had stayed home, as he was forced to start with a vendor bid of $800,000. Two bidders eventually came to the party and when bidding stalled at $920,000 the agents went inside to seek further instructions
When the agents returned the words “we are on the market” kicked the auction into another gear as a third bidder emerged. After a flurry of bidding, the property sold $50,000 above the reserve at $970,000.
In Sydney Kerrie Robertson from LJ Hooker sold 28 Coolaroo Road, <a href="/news">Lane Cove</a> (pictured below), under the hammer but has insisted the result in undisclosed.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/coolaroo.jpg">
This is the bizarre reality of the Australian property market where a property can be sold in the most public of forums yet the result kept private.
The penultimate round of properties will be revealed at 5pm today.
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marmstrong-sd3emVLPPb

Melbourne and Sydney properties sell under the hammer as tipping competition winds down

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Storage space is at a premium for many inner-city apartment dwellers.
So Rockwall Apartments, a residential building at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Potts Point</a>, looked at its basement garage for vacant spaces within the common property.
At a private auction restricted to people who owned apartments in the Mirvac-built high rise, the body corporate auctioned off seven storage spaces last month.
NSW Title records reveal buyers included David Jones boss Paul Zahra, who spent $28,000 on a two-square-metre basement storage space.
His upstairs apartment with car space cost $1.7 million in 2007.
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DJ's boss Paul Zahra spends $28,000 on two-square-metre Potts Point basement storage space 

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Sam Dastyari, the state secretary of the NSW Labor machine, has upgraded homes.
He has paid $1.36 million for a four bedroom Russell Lea house.
Until recently the family lived at their Concord home – his wife, Helen, two large dogs (Sasha and Lulu), the three cats (named Lenin, Trotsky and Chairman Mao), and young daughter Hannah.
The 1920s two-bedroom John Street Concord house was sold <a target="_blank" href="https://exclusiveproperties.com.au/50john">for $900,000,</a> having been bought by the couple for $820,000 in 2009. It failed to sell <a target="_blank" href="https://raywhitedrummoyne.com.au/nsw/concord/353284/">last November</a>.
He reportedly runs an average of 70 kilometres a week – presumably now along the waterfront Henley Marine Drive – and works 12-hour days at Labor's Sussex Street headquarters.
Both addresses are in the Drummoyne state electorate and the Reid federal elecorate.
Dastyari courted Helen when she was working for then premier Morris Iemma in 2008. Her father is Peter Barron, the Labor guru who advised both Neville Wran and Bob Hawke.
His parents, Naser and Ella, were studying civil engineering in Tehran when they fell victim to an Islamist crackdown and were hounded from the northern Iranian village of Sari, where he was born.
The family migrated to Sydney when he was five.
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NSW Labor machine man Sam Dastyari upgrades inner west family abode

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{qtube vid:=jD-C8fmoryk&amp;feature=plcp}
In our Purchase or Pass segment this week Chris Gray is joined by Stuart Waugh, executive director of Bell Partners, to check out a potential investment that is right in the heart of the action and see whether it meets our strict criteria. It’s a <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/Apartment-Unit-Flat/NSW/Bondi-Beach/?adid=2009980339" target="_blank">two-bedroom unit</a> in a small block of four and within metres of all the local entertainment, shopping and leisure facilities. It’s only 7.6 kilometres to the centre of the CBD for work and transport is on your doorstep. It has plenty of attractive Art Deco features and has only one common wall. It features a private entry and spacious semi-like layout.
In terms of location it seems to tick all the boxes. I thought I would highlight some of the comments in the details in their advertisement as some people, especially those interstate may not realise the significance.
It is 7.6kms from the CBD, has one bathroom, has a lock-up garage, costs $900,000 and rents at $670 per week.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/glenayr.jpg">
Chris Gray: Quite often around Sydney we talk about northeast facing, what does that really mean?
Stuart Waugh: It means the sun coming up in the morning. It means some action in the morning and some nice energy. It means the property is always desirable by future purchasers.
Chris Gray: The reason I bought it up is because I was up in Queensland 10 years ago and I went to see a property and I said to the agent, ‘What direction does it face’ and he looked at me strangely and asked why I cared. I said don’t you want the sun? He said no no no we want to get away from the sun, we want the shade. So it does change state to state.
Stuart Waugh: It certainly does. In Sydney a nice sun aspect is actually quite nice to have. I can imagine in some of those warmer states the sun can be quite deterring.
Chris Gray: One of the comments on the ad was “Art Deco block of only four”, what kind of difference does that make to people?
Stuart Waugh: Art Deco usually needs a bit of work to be honest and when it needs work people have to have time to put the work in and look at options as far as renovating it. Some people are busy and can’t afford the time to put into making sure they do a good job. Art deco can be restrictive. But not only that usually the body corporate will be restrictive with an Art Deco property.
Chris Gray: The positive for some people is the style of it because everything gets a bit bland these days so some period features can be good.
And I guess having only four in the block at least you’re not competing with 12 other people. If you need some stuff done at least there’s only three other owners.
Stuart Waugh: But the negative of that is you’re raising money from four people to pay for it. There are negatives and positives, but the high ceilings are a good positive, but when I look at blocks of property I look at how many units are there and who’s going to raise the money to pay for these kinds of things.
Chris Gray: Another thing it mentions is one common wall. Obviously that’s going to quieter especially in some of the party suburbs but also it says private entry and spacious layout. That’s got to be good for some people who can’t afford to buy a house on these suburbs and so you’re maybe you’re still in the unit but at least it feels like a semi.
Stuart Waugh: And especially for young families that are quite often not rolling in cash they can get into an apartment like this and feel like they’re living in a house and they can grow their family.
Chris Gray: The one thing that it doesn’t say in the advert, and I’m not surprised, is that the road is basically 10 metres from the bedrooms. You’re at ground level, you’re in the heart of the pubs and the rest of it. The amount of noise you’re going to get from that, that’s got to be a nightmare, doesn’t it?
Stuart Waugh: Absolutely. Noise is a big deterrent for me. I don’t live with noisy roads that often and I can’t see myself going for that kind thing.
Chris Gray: It’s got to be pretty tough. So purchase or pass for you?
Stuart Waugh: Mine’s a pass.
Chris Gray: OI. Noise is a major problem in the inner cities and so for tenants who do want to be closer to the action some do want to sleep at night, those with jobs at least. Even though the property does tick all the other boxes this is one negative that I can’t get over especially at $900,000 for a two-bedroom unit. So for this one I’m going to pass as well.
Chris Gray is a buyers' agent at <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.yourempire.com.au/">Empire</a>. He is host of Your Property Empire on Fridays on the Sky News Business Channel.
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chrisgray-pn7di3ceFk

Purchase or Pass? Two-bedroom unit in Bondi Beach

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There are a variety of far-flung outer Sydney suburbs that may appeal to buyers looking to escape the rat race, but still want to be within commuting distance of the city, according to the November property market report from valuers Herron Todd White.
Buying a lifestyle property in the outer suburbs offers the opportunity to make capital gains in the long term, but HTW warns that “short-term gains are very susceptible to market conditions of the time and new projects can have extended selling periods”.
Since the GFC prices for beachfront properties or those located close to the beach with water views have been the hardest hit
South of the city, HTW suggest buyers consider <a href="/news">Bundeena </a>in the Sutherland Shire, about 35 kilometres from the CBD and reached via a “long and winding road through the Royal National Park".
However, potential buyers are warned that commuting time to the city can double during periods of heavy rain, when the Audley Weir (which allows vehicle access across the Hacking River) is closed, forcing commuters to divert south and take a much longer alternative route along the Princes Highway.
“Housing options include weekend cottages, architect-designed residences and everything in between,” says HTW, with prices ranging from $500,000 for a basic cottage to $3 million for a large modern beachfront residence.
“Services include a small local retail strip, petrol station, bowling club, RSL club and primary school. A limited ferry service runs across Port Hacking to Cronulla for those who wish to commute via train to the CBD and other parts of Sydney.”
Local residents include young families and retirees as well as a location for a holiday house not too far from the centre of Sydney.
North of the city, HTW suggests the islands and beaches of Pittwater such as <a href="/news">Scotland Island</a>, <a href="/news">Lovett Bay</a>, <a href="/news">Elvina Bay </a>and <a href="/news">Morning Bay</a>, which can only be reached by ferry or private boat.
“Pittwater offers basic services with shopping, schools and medical facilities on the mainland only.
“Consequently buyer profile is varied and is generally young professionals or empty-nesters,” says HTW.
Property options are also varied and include small weekend cottages and family homes available from the mid -600,000 to $800,000, with asking prices in excess of $1.5 million for waterfront property with modern dwellings and a private jetty.
Another outer-suburban region picked by HTW is the Hawkesbury region, which offers small and large scale acreage properties, riverfront sites and residential blocks in small villages.
“This area is serviced via the regional centres of Richmond and Windsor which provide most, if not all of the necessary amenities.
“Public transport options are limited and this is seen as the biggest negative. There is a railway station at Richmond, but it is a single line and services are limited.”
HTW says this property market tends to follow the same market movements as the wider Sydney metropolitan areas.
“However acreage lifestyle property in areas such as Kurrajong and Pitt Town tend to be more susceptible to rapid market movements.
“This is also the case with property fronting the Hawkesbury River, with extended marketing periods experienced.
“Prices range from $300,000 for a basic residence up to $2 million for prestige acreage/riverfront property.”
HTW valuer Kieran Clair in his introduction to the November report, says outer suburbs are an attractive option for many buyers with most having “some ready transport links, general facilities and sometimes a more rural sense of community”.
“They are areas where your dollar, like your vehicle, travels a little further but if princess wants a pony and the master of the house needs some well-established trees to climb, the far flung locales are just the thing,” he says.
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Bundeena and Pittwater among far-flung Sydney suburbs offering city retreat, but at a cost: HTW

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Property investors are showing an increasing interest in investment properties priced under $300,000 in the NSW regional town of Tamworth, most famous for its country music festival held every January.
The increased activity is being spurred on by a combination of strong population growth, low vacancy rates and restricted supply of accommodation, according to a new report from PRDnationwide.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Tamworth </a>is in the New England region of NSW about five hours (400 kilometres) north of Sydney, with its major economic drivers being manufacturing, health and community services, education, logistics, wholesale trades, and tourism and hospitality.
According to PRDnationwide research analyst Oded Reuveni-Etzioni Tamworth homes priced under $300,000 accounted for 64% of transactions over the six months to August 2012, compared with 54% of transactions for the same period in 2011.
Current Tamworth listings suggest gross yields in excess of 7% are achievable for properties priced well under $300,000
They include this <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tamworth-111992003">three-bedroom house</a> (pictured below) on a big block on Churchill Street advertised through Richard Jackson of PRDnationwide Tamworth at $192,000. Jackson says the property can generate a rental of around $265 per week – a potential yield of 7.2%.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/tworth.jpg">
According to October Real Estate Institute of NSW vacancy rate figures, New England’s vacancy rate eased from 2.3% to 2.6% but is still down on the 3.4% vacancy rate recorded in March this year.
Reuveni-Etzioni says house activity has stabilised over the past 18 months, with 425 houses transacting in the August 2012 half year period.
“This level, while short of the August 2009 peak, represents a balanced market. Enquiries from upgraders and investors have increased in September and October even though first home buyers interest declined following the cessation of the $7,000 first-home owner grant.”
“Demand for properties toward to bottom end of the market originated from first-home buyers and investors. While first-time buyers’ activity has eased, investors are still active, looking for solid yields in the six to seven per cent range.”
Reuveni-Etzioni says median rents for a three-bedroom house in Tamworth, the most common form of accommodation in the region, have increased by 14% in the three years to September 2012, “highlighting a shortage in supply of medium-density accommodation, amid a growing demand.
“While yields for units normally exceed house yields, a lower yield in Tamworth’s case was the result of an increase in the median unit price,” he says.
“The August median unit price of $199,500 represented a 12 months growth of 5.3%, which eroded the yields for some properties but otherwise provided a positive return to investors in the form of capital growth," he says.
According to Dean Cummins, principal of PRDnationwide Tamworth, Tamworth City is a good investment option particularly at the cheaper end of the market.
“Also, employment in the region is sound, with lots of new people moving into the area and vacancy rates of less than 2%,” he says.
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Investor activity on the rise in Tamworth property market with yields of 7% possible

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Yamba, the idyllic Pittwater retreat, has been listed for sale.
Accessible only by boat, the 7,463-square-metre Scotland Island property has three separate waterfront titles, with two residences, a cute cabin and a vacant parcel of waterfront land.
It's one of Pittwater's most significant landholdings, set on the north-western side of the island.
It was built for the Robertson family of Angus &amp; Robertson bookstores, with later owners including the Moran healthcare family. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/scotlandisland.jpg">
The first A&amp;R bookstore was opened in 110½ Market Street by David Angus in 1884, selling only secondhand books and then from 1886 in partnership with fellow Scot George Robertson.
The island retreat last sold when Kym Bermingham sold to the international art consultant Vivienne Sharpe and her partner, antiquarian bookseller Tim McCormick, in 2006.
Its been listed through David Watson of <a target="_blank" href="https://avalon.ljhooker.com.au/B3RF58">LJ Hooker Avalon </a>and Ken Jacobs of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kenjacobs.com.au/603580/">Christie's International</a>.
Yamba's 1915 renovated and extended five-bedroom house flows onto level lawns, a sandy beach where there are two boat sheds and two deepwater jetties.
The property is listed with $10 million plus price expectations. It's the largest holding on the 49-hectare island.
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Historic Pittwater retreat Yamba seeking new bibliophile owners – BYO boat

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Bill Bridges at Ballard Property has scored a coup in securing an editorial on the Wall Street Journal (Asia) website for his highly conjunctional Altona, Point Piper, listing.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/wsj.jpg">
The report says the owners, Deke Miskin and his wife, Eve, are a magazine publisher and bikini designer, respectively. It notes, other than the exterior, few of the original architectural features of the house remain. The interiors have oak parquet floors, French doors, high ceilings and five marble fireplaces.
Its amenities include a pool, a cabana, a private jetty and a rooftop deck with views that take in the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/sept12altona]}
The website says the <a href="/news">Point Piper</a> property came back on the market in late 2010, but the A$55 million (US$57.3 million) asking price was only revealed in September by agents in a renewed drive to achieve a sale.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/wsj2.jpg">
It reports its $35 million for the house and $20 million for the extra land.
</body></html>

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