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?

<html><body>
The regions have outperformed the capital cities in 2012, with Sydney and New South Wales providing one of the best examples.
While Sydney house prices have barely budged this year – with the ABS, Australian Property Monitors, the REIA and RP Data all giving Sydney growth of around 1% in their various price measures for the 12 months to October – several of state’s regional centres have done much better.
<a href="/news">Dubbo</a>, <a href="/news">Orange </a>and <a href="/news">Mudgee</a> are among those that have performed solidly in the past 12 months, with median price growth in the 7% to 10% range.
Sydney’s underperformance is a long-term factor. It has been the worst of the capital cities for capital growth over the past 10 years.
A comparison with Brisbane illustrates how bad Sydney has been: the top suburb in Brisbane has a long-term growth rate of 14%, and most suburbs have double-digit growth rates. In Sydney, the best performer has averaged 7% and most have been between 4% and 5%.
Many of the upmarket suburbs have done worse than that: <a href="/news">Mosman</a>, median price over $2 million, has averaged 3.6% a year; <a href="/news">Longueville</a>, median price $2.3 million, has averaged 3.8%; <a href="/news">Vaucluse</a>, median price $2.7 million, has averaged 3.2% a year (which means it takes 23 years for values to double).
The best growth rate across Sydney has been achieved by humble <a href="/news">Canley Vale </a>(median house price $450,000) with a growth rate of 7% a year. <a href="/news">Cabramatta </a>($427,000) and <a href="/news">Canley Heights</a> ($440,000) also made the top five. Five of the top seven had median prices below $460,000.
Many regional centres have done much better than Sydney over the past decade. <a href="/news">Gunnedah</a> and <a href="/news">Lismore</a>, for example, have averaged 12% a year, <a href="/news">Singleton</a>, <a href="/news">Branxton</a>, <a href="/news">Yass </a>and <a href="/news">Casino </a>have managed 11%, while <a href="/news">Scone </a>and <a href="/news">Muswellbrook </a>have recorded an average of 10%.
Sydney will do better in 2013. Recent figures show the first glimmers of recovery in Sydney, with moderate growth in average prices and rentals. I’m expecting to this to carry into 2013 and become stronger.
But the best prospects will continue to be found beyond the state capital. NSW is blessed with many strong regional centres that are a lot more affordable than Sydney and have provided much better capital growth over recent years.
Ones I expect to continue achieving include Dubbo, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Mudgee, Orange, <a href="/news">Goulburn</a>, <a href="/news">Albury</a> and <a href="/news">Wagga Wagga</a>.
Dubbo presents a typical case. It’s the regional centre for an important region, it has a substantial and growing population, its economy has strength and diversity, its council is energetic and proactive, money is being spent on infrastructure, and there is a growing influence from major resources projects.
As a bonus for investors, houses are affordable (median price $275,000). Dubbo presents the win-win-win situation that attracts me to solid regional centres, compared with capital cities: cheaper prices, better rental returns and strong prospects for ongoing capital growth.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a> and can be <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">followed on Twitter</a>.
For more, watch Terry's free webinar <a target="_blank" href="/news">Regions vs capital cities: Where to invest in 2013</a>
</body></html>

terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Regional property markets outperformed capital cities in 2012: Terry Ryder

<html><body>
Celebrity builder Scott Cam is seeking $3100 a week tenants at his redundant Rosebery house following his $4.6 million Vaucluse mansion purchase.
Cam will thrown in a gardener and pool man for the new occupants who take up the rental.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-rosebery-409349331" target="_blank">It's a contemporary, custom-built family residence</a>. The previous residence on the site is pictured below.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/12/scottcamold.jpg">
There's huge open-plan living, dining and family entertaining zones with soaring ceilings, glass walls and louvres, polished concrete floors and two Jetmaster fireplaces.
Its Caesarstone kitchen comes with Ilve appliances, five-burner gas hob, double oven, dishwasher and walk-in pantry.
The private master suite occupies the entire upper level features double walk-in-robes, sunroom, adjoining study/nursery and Japanese-inspired ensuite.
There are an additional four double bedrooms, all with built-ins.
The grounds have north facing grassed garden with solar-heated saltwater pool complete with decking, sunbeds and a separate cabana with kitchen/wet bar, living room, home theatre, guest bedroom, bathroom and steam room.
It comes with "big workshop space" (pictured below) plus office.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/12/camtoolroom.jpg">
Last month Scott Cam, Channel 9's top-rating host of The Block, and his wife, Ann, bought a Tuscan-inspired Vaucluse home (pictured below). And neighbours have noticed utes descend on the upmarket suburb.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/12/camnew.jpg">
The property was sold by pub baron Peter Wadsworth.
"Scotty said that he grew up around Vaucluse and that he's always wanted to come back to the area," said Ray White Double Bay agent Daryl Rosen.
<a href="/news/the-block-2012-presenter-scott-cam-spends-670-000-on-a-mollymook-retreat-title-tattle">The couple spent $670,000 for a retreat at Mollymook on the south coast earlier this year.</a>
Their not-so modest home in Rosebery cost $750,000 in 2001.
The celebrity builder, who launched his TV career in 2000 alongside Jamie Durie on Backyard Blitz, also appears on Backyard Blitz, Domestic Blitz, Random Acts of Kindness and Renovation Rescue.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Celebrity builder Scott Cam seeks $3,100 weekly rent for Rosebery house as he moves to Vaucluse

<html><body>
Lend Lease has been selected as preferred bidder by the New South Wales government to deliver the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) at Darling Harbour.
It's among the winning Destination Sydney consortium consisting of Lend Lease, HOSTPLUS, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless.
The two losing bidders were Key Partners comprising Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction Ltd, John Laing Investments Ltd, Macquarie Capital Group Ltd, GL Events and Honeywell Ltd; and the VeNuSW consortia comprising Plenary Group Ltd, Brookfield Multiplex P/L, Brookfield Multiplex Services Pty Ltd and Suntec Int. Convention &amp; Exhibition Services Pte Ltd.
Lend Lease and Destination Sydney will work with Infrastructure NSW (INSW) to enter into a $1 billion public private partnership to design, construct, finance, maintain and operate the convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities.
The state government had concluded the existing facilities at Darling Harbour have served Sydney well since the 1980s and been the backbone of the growth in the major events industry.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/icc3.jpg">
"However, Sydney needs to respond to the substantial improvement in the standard of equivalent facilities in Australia and the Asia-Pacific if the city is to realise its full potential in the convention and exhibition markets," the government says.
The project aims to revitalise the 20-hectare precinct that runs north-south from Haymarket through to Cockle Bay, and east-west from the CBD to Ultimo.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/icc2.jpg">
The project's commitments are fully underwritten, and Lend Lease will invest 50% of the equity alongside the national industry super fund for tourism and hospitality, HOSTPLUS, with debt being provided by a syndicate of local and overseas banks.
Lend Lease, which has the nearby Bangaraoo project, will also work with INSW to enter into project development agreements to develop a mixed-use site of approximately five hectares adjacent to the SICEEP site with an anticipated end development value in excess of $1.5 billion.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/icc1.jpg">
The mixed-use site includes a landmark hotel of up to 900 rooms and approximately 1,400 residential apartments, 23,000 square metres of student accommodation, 7,000 square metres of retail, 15,000 square metres of commercial space, a 400-bay public car park, and up to 2,000 square metres of community space and public realm upgrades.
Lend Lease Group chief Steve McCann, said the commencement of site works was scheduled for December 2013. 
The existing Sydney Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre will close December 2013. The new facilities and the improved public spaces at Darling Harbour will be opened in December 2016. Construction will commence on The Haymarket in 2014, allowing the existing Sydney Entertainment Centre to remain open until December 2015.
Premier Barry O’Farrell said today the transformation of a 20-hectare precinct at Darling Harbour would generate about $5 billion in economic benefit for NSW.
Click for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.siceep.com/home/about-the-project/about-the-preferred-consortia.aspx">preferred consortia details</a>.
</body></html>

Lend Lease wins $1 billion Darling Harbour project over Macquarie and Multiplex rival consortia

<html><body>
Allans Music and Billy Hyde’s Sydney flagship stores will continue trading in their current locations after being leased by Australian Musical Imports.
The three sites are located in the Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Alexandria.
Managing director Peter Karam from Ray White Commercial Parramatta negotiated the deal.
Australian Musical Imports (AMI) successfully purchased the bulk of Allans Music and Billy Hyde’s failed assets earlier this month.
These include the trading names Allans Music and Billy Hyde, Allans Billy Hyde, Australian Music Group, Musiclink and Intermusic.
“AMI confirmed when it successfully purchased Allans Music and Billy Hyde that their flagship stores would continue trading,” says Karam.
The 1,200-square metre outlet at 108 Botany Road Alexandria has been leased for three years with an annual rent of $190,000.
The 1,300-square metre Sydney CBD site at 228 Pitt Street - located in a character building close to The Hilton - secured a five-year lease.
And the 1,500-square metre outlet at 1/197 Church Street Parramatta has been leased for three years.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/receivers-of-music-chain-allans-billy-hyde-to-close-all-27-stores/2012101757234">company collapsed earlier this year</a>, after an injection of capital failed to save the business and investors called in receivers.
Allans Music and Billy Hyde closed a total of 27 stores nationally.
“It’s another positive for these businesses that the new owners have secured new leases from their Sydney premises,” Karam says.
</body></html>

ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Allans Music and Billy Hyde's Sydney outlets leased

<html><body>
An Avalon property has been listed for sale with price expectations over $2.8 million.
Designed by architect Laurence Eastwood following his $90,000 land purchase in 1983, the still strikingly modern home, which almost appears suspended over the Pittwater bushland, it features a suspended fireplace in the open-plan living and dining room.
Located at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-avalon-112119855">38 Chisholm Avenue,</a> the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home offers twin views over Pittwater and the ocean.
Eastwood, who worked on the design in a number of films, including Crocodile Dundee 2, has his own architecturally designed home located on the western foreshores of Pittwater.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Avalon </a>house has a wine cellar, a home cinema, and an infinity-edge pool.
Located on 1,909 square metres, the property last sold in 2009 for $1,542,500 and before that in 2007 for $1,525,000.
Bill James from LJ Hooker Avalon has listed the listing.
It was around 2007 when Eastwood returned to architecture after a career designing for theatre, film and television.
Eastwood had studied architecture in London before taking up theatre design and production, migrating to Australia in 1970 where he joined John Bell, Ken Horler and Richard Wherrett in the formation of the Nimrod Theatre Company.
He later worked at Belvoir Theatre and the Sydney Theatre Company before then moving into the world of film and television.

</body></html>

Laurence Eastwood-designed Avalon house listed for $2.8 million sale

<html><body>
Chateau Le Marais, situated 300 kilometres north of Sydney on Wallis Island, has been listed for sale.
It's an imposing neo-classical five-bedroom residence built of stone masonry on its 105-hectare estate.
<a href="https://www.harcourts.com.au/Property/426358/NCD2565/Sydney" target="_blank">Le Marais</a>, which comes with a 1.5-kilometre beach, is set with an orchard and botanical gardens.
There's also a savanna, and dry and sub-tropical forest, fringed by three ponds, two lagoons and wetlands.
There are deer that can be observed or hunted across the mid-north coast property.
Harcourts Chatswood agent Andrew Huang has the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom listing. The weekend classified paper gave its asking price as in the realm of $20 million.
Former Queen Street, <a href="/news">Woollahra</a>, antique dealers Andre and Cecile Fink appear to have offered the mansion for sale without furniture.
It's been their labour of love for 15 years, seemingly taking some inspiration from <a href="https://www.chateaudumarais.com/" target="_blank">Le Chateau du Marias</a>, the late 18th-century French castle that replaced the Huraults’ castle, of which nothing remains but the moats and the dungeon on the Marais. Henri Hurault was count of Cheverny and the military treasurer of King Louis XI.
The Wallis Island land cost $290,000 in 1996.
Elsewhere on the island, a 143-hectare parcel of land and an airstrip has been listed for sale. The north-facing site with wharf is surrounded by water and bushland.
It features a 1,500-metre long airstrip and hangar.
"I think it's everybody's dream to own their own private getaway, and this is one with its own airstrip no less," says Godfrey Franz at Matrix Property Group, the marketing agents for the island.
Although the private sanctuary has a master plan concept for a total of seven waterfront residential holdings. Some 87.9 hectares of land and 4.9 hectares of foreshore are zoned to be given back to the community to establish public amenity in the area.
Matrix Property is the marketing agency for the property in conjunction with Ray White Forster.
</body></html>

Chateau Le Marais, the Fink family's Wallis Island $20 million mansion listing

<html><body>
Promoted by its listing agents as packed with possibilities, the almost nondescript Concord cottage that's been home to the Packed to the Rafters clan on the Channel 7 series was passed in at weekend auction.

The three-bedroom Sydney inner-west house, which has been leased for several years by Channel 7, passed in on a $1.2 million vendor bid after proceedings began at $1 million.

It last sold for $1 million in 2006.

But Riverview Street, <a href="/news">Concord</a>, isn't yet the equivalent of Melbourne's Ramsay Street.

Obviously fans drive by to see what is going on, but not with the force of international numbers that accompany the Neighbours location in <a href="/news">Vermont South</a>'s Pin Oak Court.

Packed To The Rafters premiered on Seven in August 2008 and has often been the Tuesday night highest rating show.

With its television future subject to speculation, the keenest weekend auction party wants to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-concord-112185419" target="_blank">bulldoze the Californian bungalow</a> and replace it with something contemporary.

The series follows the lives and challenges confronting the Rafter family, headed  by the parents Julie (Rebecca Gibney) and Dave (Erik Thomson).

<div class="story-promo story-promo-middle">[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]</div>

Ready to become "empty-nesters'' after 25 years of marriage, the couple are forced to put their plans on hold when their two eldest children – Rachel (Jessica Marais) and Nathan (Angus McLaren) – move home.

Their youngest son, Ben (Hugh Sheridan), rented the nominal home next door with housemates Nick (George Houvardas) and Melissa (Zoe Ventoura),where there are the replicas of their houses.

Seven initially took a three-year rental on the Rafter family home on Riverview Street and kept it vacant. Title Tattle recalls its 2008 asking rental was $600 a week through Dean Kalos Real Estate.

The small rustic home has been freshly painted and the grass is fake – so that it always looks green.

It was offered for sale through Time Realty Five Dock agents Adam Scappatura and Frank Settineri.
</body></html>

Concord's Packed to the Rafters house fails to sell

<html><body>
Set on Sydney's Pittwater, Scotland Island – with a median house price of $573,750 – is New South Wales’s slowest selling suburb with an average of 229 days on the market, according to RP Data.
Following close behind is Peak Hill, the former mining town near Parkes, with a median price of $64,000 and an average of 228 days on the market.
In third place is Jindabyne, at the foot of the Snowy Mountains, with an average of 223 days on the market and a median house price of $339,000.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Median Price
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Time on market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Scotland Island</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2105
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$573,750
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
229
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Peak Hill</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2869
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$64,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
228
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Jindabyne</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2627
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$339,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
223
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Barham</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2732
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$208,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
210
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Kandos</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2848
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$156,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
205
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Clareville</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2107
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$1,385,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
197
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Suffolk Park</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2481
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$592,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
197
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Culcairn</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2660
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$115,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
196
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Wolumla</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2550
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$261,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
191
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Iluka</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2466
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$295,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
191
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpdata.com/">RP Data</a>
Little-known <a target="_blank" href="/news">Yarrawarra suburb tops NSW's fastest-selling suburbs</a> 
</body></html>

Scotland Island tops the NSW's 10 slowest-selling suburbs: RP Data

<html><body>
<div>Yarrawarra - with a median house price of $655,000 - is NSW's fastest selling suburb with an average of 31 days on the market.</div>
<div>It's a little known suburb in the Sutherland Shire.</div>
<div>The nine sales this year have ranged between $590,000 and $880,000.</div>
<div></div>
<div>In second place is Hillsborough, near Newcastle, with a median house price of $355,000 and an average of 33 days on the market.</div>
<div></div>
<div>Sitting in third place is East Ryde with a median house price $934,000 and an average of 35 days on the market.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Median Price
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Time on market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Yarrawarrah</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2233
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$665,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
31
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Hillsborough</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2290
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$355,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
33
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">East Ryde</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2113
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$934,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
35
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Loftus</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2232
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$610,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Kotara South</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2289
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$405,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Teralba</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2284
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$316,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
38
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Yellow Rock</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2777
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$452,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
39
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Heathcote</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2233
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$610,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
39
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Crows Nest</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2065
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$1,100,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
40
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Jannali</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2226
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$630,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
41
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div></div>
<div>Source: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.rpdata.com/" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">RPData</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Scotland Island tops NSW's 10 slowest-selling suburbs.</a> 
</div>
<div></div>
</body></html>

Sutherland Shire's little-known Yarrawarra suburb tops the NSW's 10 fastest-selling suburbs: RP Data

<html><body>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">
The high-flying recently retired Australian expat hedge fund trader Greg Coffey finally has his Balmoral compound.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/12/burran31.jpg" width="470">
It's been sealed with the recent acquisition of a $3.5 million Burran Avenue holding (pictured above). The four-lot, three purchases total 4,400 square metres, have cost $17.8 million.
The latest purchase added a strategic 610-square-metre holding to the hillside compound, which began with the purchase of the Merdjayoun estate in 2005.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/12/kirkswald.jpg">
Coffey paid $11.8 million for Merdjayoun, a seven-bedroom, 1930s Kirkoswald Avenue house (pictured above) on 3,200 square metres through Ray White agent Kingsley Yates inconjunction with Richardson &amp; Wrench. It had been held by the Hattersley family for decades.
Then earlier this year Coffey paid $2.5 million for the home on 610 square metres of the late Patricia Flynn, which had been unoccupied for several years when listed by the NSW Trustee and Guardian through Ray White Lower North Shore.
The latest acquisition through Ray White Lower North Shore last traded in 2001 when bought by the Balicki family.
No plans yet lodged with Mosman Council, so just what Coffey wants awaits. The two smaller purchases give him both sites in front of his main residence holding, which has a slight covenated building restriction.
Elsewhere at <a href="/news">Balmoral</a>, the Manassen family spent $7.5 million on one place, then $6.4 million on the adjoining clifftop harbour property in 1998 and 1999. Ditto Urs Schwarzenbach, the Swiss-born financier based in Britain, and his Australian wife, Francesca, who bought their first Balmoral clifftop house for $3.9 million in 1988 and then $11 million for the neighbouring sandstone cottage in 2010. The Schwarzenbachs currently have a $2.3 million demolition and works project by architect Ian Little before council.
The Karedis family spent $19.05 million on their two-block Balmoral acquisition in 2005 and 2006.
Topping the outlay was the Oatley family, who spent $15 million for Rivendell in 2001 through Richardson &amp; Wrench, and then $19 million in late 2011 for the adjoining holding.    
Ros Oatley-Lambert, the former wife of the former Southcorp wine chief Keith Lambert, snapped up her neighbouring Balmoral harbourfront property, Kahala, to improve her garden and boating facilities.
The 1,485-square-metre Hopetoun Avenue acquisition was sold by Albert Bertini, the flamboyant property developer. The adjoining Rivendell was a 2,000-square-metre double block.
Of course one doesn't have to buy more than one holding to make an impression.  Mosmanites are marvelling at the deep excavation at the recent Kirkoswald Avenue acquisition of Kimberly Simpson-Morgan, the wife of UBS boss Matthew Grounds. They are replacing a large Federation house on a 1,680-square-metre block that cost $14.05 million. The council were advised the newBKH-designed house would cost $3.9 million with the construction being undertaken by Todd Grounds at Grounds Construction Pty Ltd. It was approved but only after the potential heritage significance of the house was queried by near neighbour, Emeritus Professor David Carment.
Sydney's most noteworthy compound surrounds the main Packer family residence, Cairnton in <a href="/news">Bellevue Hill</a>. Although there's been no acquisitions for a decade, it totalled nine separate acquisitions in the decades following the first purchase in 1935 by James Packer's late grandfather Sir Frank Packer, costing about $9.1 million, at yesteryear price levels, but obviously worth much more in today's market.
Credited as reshaping London's financial district, the City, Coffey initially lived in relatively humble London homes.
From 1999, Coffey and his wife, Ania Brzezinski,resided just off Clapham Common in a suburban Tudoresque semi with attic that was worth about £1 million freehold, based on Title Tattle's 2006 kerbside appraisal.
He then moved to the pricier Chelsea, which the Australian Financial Review described as culminating a dazzling career that catapulted had him from Cabramatta in Sydney’s western suburbs to Chelsea in west London.
In October Coffey hit international headlines when he announced his retirement aged 41 from his London hedge fund, taking with him as estimated fortune of $400 million to enjoy.
His resignation letter at Moore Capital Management said he intended to spend more time in Australia with his wife, Ania, and their children.
Shortly after Title Tattle heard the rumour that swept the Pittwater peninsula that the Coffey's spent $13 million-plus to be the buyers of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/geoff-cousins-snappily-secures-%2413-million-plus-whale-beach-buyers/2012101957317" target="_blank">adman Geoff Cousins' weekender</a>, adjacent to their own Whale Beach retreat.
But this wasn't the case.
Instead they had their eyes on their Balmoral neighbour.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/10/harrison1.jpg" width="470">
Coffey also has grand plans for his sprawling Ardfin estate (pictured above and below) in the Hebridean Island of Jura, Scotland, for a golf course.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/10/harrison2.jpg" width="470">
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