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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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Two spaces in Sydney’s Newtown development Flourmill Studios have been listed for sale with an eye towards buyers who have self-managed super funds.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/flourmill.jpg">
Rooms <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/301-3-gladstone-street-newtown/Property-Details-buy-commercial-4310937" target="_blank">301 </a>and <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/206-3-gladstone-street-newtown/Property-Details-buy-commercial-4310931" target="_blank">206 </a>at 3 Gladstone Street (pictured above) are being sold by Eric Lundberg from DB Property Surry Hills.
Both properties are currently leased and have a net yield of around 7%. Room 303 has an asking price of around $280,000, while 206 is asking $380,000.
The building was the winner of the Marrickville Council award for adaptive use of a heritage building.
The building is mainly tenanted or owner-occupied by creative industries. Room 206 is tenanted by a film editing company, and 303 is a talent agency.
Both leases are ending reasonably soon, which Lundberg says is beneficial for self-managed super fund buyers who could avoid paying GST on properties with an ongoing concern.
Lundberg sold all the current 47 stratas in the building, which was converted in 2007.
The building was originally called the Federal Flourmills and was designed by Sydney architects Nixon and Allen, according to the Baker and Confectioners’ Journal in 1907.
At its peak, the mill was a 24-hour operation milling three types of wheat.
The mill closed down in 1984 and was sold by Allied Mills Pty Ltd and converted to artists’ workshops.
Over the next 20 years the mill was occupied by painters, sculptors, musicians, stained glass makers, dancers and other creative types.
The adjacent silos were subdivided from the site in 2002 and converted to residential apartments.
The building was developed by Podcorp and designed by architects Allen Jack + Cottier.
The conversion preserved the original timber columns and beams, loading-bay doors, historic fire doors and the remnants of the drive shafts, wheels and belts that once powered the mill.
Lundberg says the yields on the studios are bolstered by strong capital growth given the scarcity of properties like these.
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Two creative studios in inner-west Newtown listed with an eye to self-managed super fund buyers

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When it came to architecture, Sir Roy Grounds is regarded a a leader of the Australian modern movement.

It's been suggested Grounds' industrially grained aesthetic lent a timeless quality to public and private spaces, the latter certainly evident at the recently listed six-hectare property Dunraven at <a href="/news">Table Top</a> in NSW.
<div>
Dunraven has been described as monumental but also inviting.
It was designed in the 1970s for the former MP Sir David Fairbairn, with original features including straw ceilings, exposed beams and cement-block walls.
It's now been listed by the fourth owners, Barry and Helen Clifton, who were the first to carry out any major renovations, including its kitchen upgrade.
</div>
The property is 15 kilometres north-west of Albury on a ridge with views of Albury's night lights to the west and Hume Weir to the east.
The 537-square-metre house comes with full-length six-metre-high windows and sliding doors. There are six bedrooms – two with ensuites. There are also formal sitting and dining rooms and a home office.
The Cliftons bought the lifestyle property four years ago.
It's been listed by Brian Phegan at <a href="https://www.brianphegan.com.au/" target="_blank">Brian Phegan Real Estate Albury </a>with $1 million-plus hopes. Offers are due by November 16.
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Dunraven, the Sir Roy Grounds-designed Table Top property, listed

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The church hall in Surry Hills where Australia's first television show was broadcast has been sold for $2.53 million plus GST through Ben Collier at McGrath Estate Agents.
St David's Hall was sold by Industrie Clothing founders Nick and Susie Kelly inpartnership with Boris Tosic, whose plan for a motor bike shop ran into resistance from neighbours.
They bought it for $2.53 million inclusive of GST in December 2011.
The Victorian Gothic-style church hall was one of two locations where Channel 9's first TV broadcast took place on September 16, 1956.
"The hall played a significant role in the history of Australian media," Brendan Horgan, a former media historian with the National Film and Sound Archive told News Ltd.
"Sir Frank Packer left instructions that Channel 9 had to be the first station in Australia to air, but the Willoughby premises were still under construction so they created a makeshift studio at St David's."
Bruce Gyngell said those now-famous words "Welcome to television" were broadcast from a small edit room in the Willoughby basement then the broadcast cut back to St David's in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Surry Hills</a>, where the opening night extravaganza took place.
It was broadcast from microwave links on top of the hall back to Willoughby.
The vacant church hall sits on 415 square metres. It was sold in late 2011 by the remaining member of a syndicate that had bought it in 1991 from adman John Singleton for $800,000. 
The historic church hall was converted to townhouses in 1980 by architect Malcolm Carver, but after its renovation, the double street-fronted property remained in commercial use.</body></html>

Historic Surry Hills hall resells at same price, plus or minus GST

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Kippilaw, the Breadalbane homestead well known to anyone with an interest in NSW colonial history, has been listed for sale. 
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/sept27outkipp]}
Meares &amp; Associates, the rural property specialists,  are expecting a $6 million-plus sale for the Goulburn district holding.
Its history stretches back 180 years to when James Chisolm and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to the NSW southern tablelands district, taking up a grant of 1,280 acres (518 hectares) given to her as a marriage portion from Governor Ralph Darling , a custom begun by Governor Lachlan Macquarie for settlers on their marriage.
Elizabeth named their 1837 Georgian residence after her birthplace in Scotland, Kippilaw, near Melrose Abbey.
Its meaning comes from "Kippi" which is Pictish for "little", and "law", which is Saxon for "hill". The homestead became a meeting place and party house for visiting friends. Mary Durack, in her seminal Australian pioneering history Kings In Grass Castles, devoted several pages to the generosity of the Chisolms at Kippilaw.
The restored house, with views of the Wollondilly River and gardens in the Italian manner, has been listed through Meares &amp; Associates agent Chris Meares.
He oversaw the last sale when in 1997 Janet and Graham Webb sold the farm to businessman Robert Rich and wife Helen in 1997 for about $2.6 million.
Kippilaw is a viable working farm with 400 acres (about 160 hectares) of quality breeding and fattening country, which have been well fertilised and pasture improved over the years. It grazes and fattens 160 cattle on the pastured acres, supplemented by winter grazing crops.
“Kippilaw has always been regarded as one of the outstanding rural holdings in southern New South Wales,"  Meares says.
“While markets may be fickle in present times it is the quality assets which remain hard to find and therefore difficult to procure.
"The sale of Kippilaw is an example of one of the prize holdings within a 2¼ hour radius of Sydney being offered for sale this year,” he says.
Kippilaw's interior photos, next page
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
The Kippilaw homestead is a two-storey, six-bedroom stone house comprising four separate wings with a central courtyard.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/sept27inkippilaw]}
It was built from locally convict quarried stone with crafted cedar joinery.
It comes with the Old Kippilaw School House.
The Kippilaw gardens comes with oak trees line as old as the house that line the driveway.
It's described as an easy care garden with its in-ground computerised irrigation system from the Wollondilly River and backup bore.
The gardens comes with tennis court and nearby in ground swimming pool with small pool house.
There's the sunken garden built by one of the Chisholm boys during WWI and the historic rose garden, supplemented by carpets of daffodils, jonquils, iris, peonies and roses with a spectacular wisteria and rose archway.
It also includes a separate self?contained two bedroom apartment and the 1810 caretaker’s cottage.</body></html>

Kippilaw, 180-year-old NSW colonial homestead, listed

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From October 1, the government’s crackdown on the living away from home allowance (LAFHA) will officially be in play. The reform will tighten LAFHA tax breaks and put new limits on accommodation and food benefits for employees working away from home.
At Lifestyle Property Agency, we specialise in leasing properties to corporate executives in the Sydney CBD and immediate surrounds; over the past few months, we have already begun to feel the sting of the legislation changes on executive rentals.
In the past, most corporate budgets for leased property would range from $750 to $3,000 per week, and a mix of both local and international executives ensured that the high-end city rental market was kept buoyant.
In 2012, international rental enquiries have all but fizzled out, and any property listed for over $1,200 per week has been leased to local Aussies.
Rohan Alexander, Lifestyle’s associate director, has leased over 100 corporate rentals this year and says he has experienced the following major changes:
1) Based on the uncertainty of the new changes, current tenants benefitting from the LAFHA are renewing their leases for only three months as opposed to 12 months.
2) Tenants are on the hunt for cheaper accommodation, reducing their weekly budgets by as much as $500.
3) All rental properties priced $1,000 – $3,000 per week have been leased to Australian residents.
4) International enquiries have taken a dramatic dive – from making up almost half of all enquiries prior to 2012 to virtually non-existent this year.
At this stage, the only positive outcome we can see is that properties ranged $500 to $750 per week will now be much more sought after, and demand has already surpassed supply.
However, as this trend continues, we will see a rise in vacancies for city properties in the higher end of the market which may in turn affect sales values.
It’s also sad to see a shift in the diversity of the inner-Sydney market, with many international executives currently being sent to other cities.
At Lifestyle, we aim to showcase properties that embody the ultimate in Sydney city living. Perhaps, moving forward, recruiters should also focus on selling the key desirables of our city lifestyle when securing international talent. This may help to build an intrinsic affiliation with our city that outweighs remuneration benefits.
In the long term, I am confident that the market will recover, but the decision couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Carlie Ziri is the director of <a href="https://www.lifestylepropertyagency.com/" target="_blank">Lifestyle Property Agency.</a>
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Sydney’s rental market feeling the sting of changes to living away from home allowance

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The NSW National Trust has secured a $4,551,000 sale of Paddington's Juniper Hall to the well-known Moran healthcare family, who own a portfolio of heritage properties.
They plan to turn the historic Oxford Street premises into an art gallery. "We are delighted that Juniper Hall will be restored by the Moran family, a family who have a dedicated passion for heritage and the arts,'' Brian Scarsbrick CEO of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) said. "Their track record for restoring heritage properties is impeccable," The Wentworth Courier reported. Family matriarch Greta Moran is a distant relative of Sarah Cooper, who was the wife of the entrepreneur Robert Cooper, who built the two-storey Georgian house Juniper Hall. The Oxford Street premises dates back to 1824, believed to be the oldest surviving mansion from the days of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The Moran family are renowned for restoring historic homes across Sydney, including Redleaf in Wahroonga, Blandford in Leura, the Gothic home Swifts at Darling Point and the more contemporary Liner House in Bridge Street, Sydney.
The family intend to turn the ground floor into a gallery to house the Moran Prizes, which are sponsored and administered by the Moran Arts Foundation. The original four rooms on this level would be permanently opened to the general public. They are likely to have the first floor and attic converted into a private residence for one of the family members. Local controversy surrounded the sale local residents petitioning to keep the National Trust property in public hands. But the sale was of a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/national-trust-list-problematic-juniper-hall-paddington-property-for-auction/2012082456229"> 99-year leasehold title, </a>with the family assuming the responsibility for its restoration.
“The marketing campaign succeeded in generating a significant response from a broad variety of uses,” said Tony Anderson of Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
“As such, the property was the subject of competitive bidding and the price achieved represents fair market value,” he said.
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Sydney's Moran family takes the prize as National Trust offloads Juniper Hall for $4.5 million

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The historic Lewis Anchorage site, located on Mangrove Street, Taren’s Point, in Sydney’s South, has been listed for sale with $6 million expectations.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/lew.jpg">
The property is situated in the southern shores of Botany Bay in close proximity to the entrance of the Georges River.
The property, which is currently occupied by boat repair and maintenance businesses, has a land area of 8,704 square metres and a <a href="https://dictionary.nwc.gov.au/water_dictionary/item.cfm?id=707&amp;xref=1" target="_blank">water lease</a> of 6,025 square metres. The sale is being conducted through Brett Cooper of Cooper Wilson, who says comparable opportunities have been few.
The site has been in the current owner’s family since 1935 commencing with a long commercial association with Botany Bay oyster farming from the early 1900s. In 1956 the Lewis family successfully dredged providing better access to Botany Bay for many vessels.
 In 1978, following the demise of the Georges River oyster industry, Lewis Anchorage shifted focus from oyster farming to the marine business. With over two acres of land, large compounds were initially sectioned off to store small boats and trailers. A boat launching ramp was constructed so that it could launch three boats at the one time.
 To provide maintenance and repairs to boats, the construction of the 70-tonne capacity <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_lift" target="_blank">ship-lift</a> was completed in 1986, to lift boats out of the water. Since then, the site has lifted and housed huge cruisers both private and commercial for maintenance. Both Riviera and Maritimo vessels are sent to the site for packing prior to being exported. The marine repair facility has catered for many essential service vessels and a wide variety of private crafts, including Water Police, Coast Guard, Sydney Port Pilots, the Navy and the Army.
Current outgoing rates that are associated with the anchorage include Council rates ($13,348.80 plus GST per annum), water rates ($684.28 plus GST per annum) and a land tax of $35,897.30 plus GST per annum.
The property is situated in the southern shores of Botany Bay and is in close proximity to the entrance of the Georges River. <a target="_blank" href="/news">Taren Point</a> is only six kilometres to Cronulla and 25 kilometres to the Sydney CBD.
Expressions of interest in the property close on October 11 unless sold prior.
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Historic Lewis Anchorage site fishing for $6 million new owner

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The central western NSW town of Mudgee, a hotspot for mining, agriculture and tourism, has been the top-performing NSW housing market over the past year, according to the latest Residex regional market update.
Mudgee district house prices are up 7.44% for the year to August, with a median house price of $272,500 following a gain of less than 1% in the previous 12-month period.
Residex reported a 16% jump in sales in Mudgee over this period, with 548 properties selling.
The median Mudgee rent is up 30% for the year to $410 per week, equating to an average yield of around 7.8%.
Mudgee ranked just above the Hunter Valley, where houses appreciated 7.18% over the year to August with a median price of $324,000.
Other strong performers were Riverina houses (4.27%), Penrith Windsor houses (3.95%) in Sydney’s West, Bathurst Orange Houses (3.43%) and south-west Sydney units (3.47%).
The worst-performing markets was upmarket Neutral Bay/Spit houses (-8.16%  to a median of $2.02 million) followed by north coast houses (Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Foster), with prices down 5.53% to a median of $348,000.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Area
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Median price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Annual capital growth to August 2012
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Median rent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Mudgee District houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$272,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
7.44%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$410
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
7.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Hunter Valley houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$324,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
7.18%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$405
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
6.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Riverina houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$236,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
4.27%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$270
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Penrith Windsor houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$391,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
3.95%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$420
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
5.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
South West units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$411,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
3.47%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$445
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
5.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Bathurst Orange Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$280,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
3.43%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$320
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
South units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$611,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
3.24%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$645
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
5.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Campbelltown houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$363,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
3.13%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$420
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Newcastle houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$403,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
3.08%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$415
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
5.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
North West units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$444,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
2.89%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$475
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
5.7%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 The historic country town of Mudgee lies 270 kilometres north-west of Sydney in the fertile Cudgegong River valley and benefits from both agriculture, tourism and nearby mining activity.


<hr class="system-pagebreak">
It was included on Smart Property Investment magazine’s Fast 50 report due to nearby mining activity and expectations of strong population growth.
Luke Berry of property investment advisory firm nexthotspot.com.au says there are a possible six resources projects opening up in the next three to five years in the Mid-Western Shire, which will create an additional 2,000 new jobs.
Berry expects the Mudgee population to grow by 25%, or 6,000 people, over the next five years.
Mudgee also benefits from a very tight rental market, with realestate.com.au reporting just 56 properties available for rent.
Recent property sales in Mudgee include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mudgee-110637257" target="_blank">this five-bedroom Victorian-era home (pictured below) – Kia-Ora – on Gladstone Street</a>, which sold through Damian Kearns of The Property Shop – Mudgee for $665,000. It dates back to 1898 and has previously operated as a bed and breakfast. It had a land value of $33,300 in 1995, according to RP Data records.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/09/kiaora.jpg">
Mudgee's first property boom occured around 1851, when gold was discovered nearby by Edward Hargreaves leading to prospectors flocking to the town, with the population soaring from just 200 to reach around 20,000. Following the petering out of the gold rush towards the end of the 19th century, Mudgee was sustained by the wool and wine industries as well as the opening of a railway extension in 1884.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/09/mudge.jpg">
Closer to the Mudgee median price, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mudgee-111330771">this renovated three-bedroom house</a> (pictured above) on a 1,110-square-metre block on Lewis Street sold through Lucas Sheppard, also of the Property Shop, for $350,000 in August. The unrenovated property sold for $295,000 in February last year, having sold for $110,000 in 2000.
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Mudgee leads list of 10 top-performing NSW housing markets with prices up 7.44%: Residex

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Stud cattle breeders Peter and Margie Mullins are selling St Clair, their 1882 Victorian homestead on 101 hectares at Lake Bathurst.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/sept24stclair1]}
The mansion, located on Braidwood Road some 80 kilometres north of Canberra, has eight bedrooms and four bathrooms. 
It was built for the Badgery family, who left the property in 1904.
The property has had four owners since including the Coombes family until the early 1920s during, which it was known as Font Hill.
The story goes that the Coombes spent half the year in Italy and introduced the Italian influence of the terracing in the garden.
The Maple-Brown family took over from the Coombes for the next 20 years and developed the Font Hill merino sheep bloodline.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/09/stclair1.jpg">
Upstairs pictures on page 2
 
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The Crace family purchased the property in 1944 after selling the last leases of their family property, Gunghalin Station, in the ACT.
The Craces renamed the property Bongalabi in 1959 as the Maple-Brown family took the name Font Hill when the family and merino stud moved to Springfield some 10 kms away.
The current owners purchased the property in 1985 and developed one of Australia’s leading poll Devon cattle studs.
The garden comes with more than 400 rose bushes amid seven acres (2.8 hectares) of parkland-style grounds developed over 120 years, and for two decades part of Australia's Open Garden Scheme.
The grounds comes with ant-bed tennis court built in the 1920s, original coach house comprising tool shed, garages, tack and feed rooms, along with three stables, large sand round-yard, standard sand dressage arena, machinery shed and six horse paddocks.
There are two weatherboard 1940s cottages that are currently tenanted.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.tronnalstergren.com/index/stclairlakebathurst">St Clair </a> is listed with Helen Cheetham and Tronn Alstergren of Tronn Alstergren Real Estate at $2.85 million.
They suggest while the offering is currently home to a Devon cattle stud, St Clair would be an equally fine sheep property. A further 927 acres (375 hectares) is available on separate title, including cattle yards for 300 head and a four-stand woolshed.
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St Clair, an 1882 grand Victorian homestead listing at Lake Bathurst

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The Hermitage, the 1840s Denistone colonial homestead built for merchant John Blaxland, the eldest son of the explorer Gregory Blaxland, has been listed for auction.
The seven-bedroom, five-bathroom house has all the classic hallmarks of Georgian colonial architecture, including high ceilings, ornate cornices and marble fireplaces.
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The John Bibb-designed house, conserved with input over the years by Clive Lucas and Partners and Perumal Murphy Wu, is a rare survivor from the early settlement period of Ryde, being one of about five pre-1850 buildings surviving in the municipality, which ranks as the second oldest farming settlement area near Sydney, after Parramatta.
"The Hermitage has weathered well," says the NSW Heritage website.
The hilltop house, with views to the Blue Mountains, sits on a 7,096-square-metre holding that's been subdivided off its larger holding by developers Maksim Holdings and Denistone Corp.
More pictures on page 2 
 
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It was in 1813 when Gregory Blaxland led the first known European expedition across the area of the Great Dividing Range, now known as the Blue Mountains along with William Lawson, and William Charles Wenwtorth, on a journey that opened up the inland of the continent.
The property developers, who have restored the homestead over the past three years, expect more than $3.5 million through <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-denistone-nsw-2114/151160">McGrath</a> agent Wayne Vaughan at its September 29 auction.
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The development site was initially sold by the CSIRO in 2000 for $3.1 million. It had previously been the home of the Scobie family for a long time. 
The colonial homestead was built between 1838-42 and sits on a high point in the Denistone/Ryde area.
It has its own <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hermitage,_Ryde,_Sydney">Wikipedia</a> page outlining that John Blaxland was born in 1799 in Kent, England.
The family immigrated to Australia in 1805 and John's father, Gregory, bought land in Ryde and built Brush Farm, which also still stands.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/hermitage3.jpg">
Shortly after The Hermitage was built on its 48-hectare holding John Blaxland married in 1845.
John and Ellen Blaxland had six sons and three daughters, all of whom were born at The Hermitage.
The Hermitage was the residence of the Blaxland family until the death of John Blaxland in 1884, as his widow, Ellen, took up residence with her daughter Lucy at  Minimbah in Longueville.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/hermitage4.jpg">
The Hermitage lay virtually unoccupied until 1905 – two years after Ellen's death.
Professor James Pollock, who held the chair of physics at the University of Sydney, bought The Hermitage in 1910 and lived there until his death in 1922.
The Nicholson family bought it in 1923 and sold it on two acres in 1952 to the CSIRO, and the house became its wool textile research laboratory unit.
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