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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Sydney studio apartments may prove tempting to investors and home buyers given both buying classes are being affected by rising rents across the city.
Property Observer has hit the listings sites to find the 10 cheapest studio apartments in Sydney’s CBD postcode 2000.
Buyers and investors should take note though, it may be hard to secure a fully funded loan when buying at the cheapest end of the market.
Apartments under 50 square metres typically require deposits of 20%, compared to the standard 10%. Some buying situations may need upwards of 30%.
And the same applies to studios off-the-plan.
So if buyers and investors can secure a loan then this is the list to see.
The apartments are spread all through the CBD. The very cheapest of the lot come from 8 Dixon Street near Chinatown.
#1
$255,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110993711">124/8 Dixon Street </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110993711" target="_blank"></a>
The cheapest of the 10 is this 25 square metre apartment. It earns $410 a week and outgoings total $1253 per quarter for strata, council and water fees. It comes with air-conditioning, an internal laundry, a “spacious” bathroom and a kitchenette. It is small but it’s going to suit someone. It’s being sold by Alan Cheung from LJ Hooker Chinatown.
#2
$265,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-serviced+apartment-nsw-sydney-106659143">318/8 Dixon Street</a> <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-serviced+apartment-nsw-sydney-106659143" target="_blank"></a>
Number two is in the same building but ever so slightly bigger. It’s a 28 square metre studio on level three of the building. The property currently earns $14,502 per year in rent from Quest Apartments, which is set to increase to $15,082 next year. That works out to about $280 a week. Agent David Tsang from Friendly Properties says outgoings would total around $250 a quarter.
#3
$275,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-107037659">94/8 Dixon Street</a>  <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-107037659" target="_blank"></a>
In the same building again here, but back down to 25 square metres. It’s a similar deal to the cheapest on the list but it earns slightly less rent at $400 a week. Total quarterly outgoings are $1,296. It’s being sold by Alan Cheung from LJ Hooker Chinatown who says the vendor for apartment 124 is just slightly more motivated.
#4
$285,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-108003436">252-258 Sussex Street </a>
This is in the Seasons Darling Harbour building, 500 metres north of the other offerings. For your money you can buy a 33 square metre studio that earns approximately $370 a week, guaranteed by building management. Management also pay all outgoings for the apartment. The studio is being sold by Jessica Chen from Domain Direct Real Estate Burwood.
#5
$310,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110968611">361 Pitt Street </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110968611" target="_blank"></a>
This top floor studio earns approximately $400 a week with quarterly outgoings of $1,400. The north-facing apartment comes with high ceilings and large windows, both somewhat rare for a studio apartment. The room was recently renovated and has a new floor, bathroom, kitchen and paint-job. Alex Dharma from Citiwise Property is selling the property.
#6
$355,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110054733">1009/148 Elizabeth Street</a>
Back towards the same meridian as Quest building, but about 300 metres east is this 49 square metre apartment in 148 Elizabeth Street. The room comes with an east-facing balcony, a modern kitchen, built-in wardrobes, air-conditioning and an internal laundry. Outgoings total $2,141 per quarter and the apartment earns $430 per week.
#7
$355,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-105933708">31/361 Pitt Street </a>
Nearby is this offering in Pitt Street. The current tenants are paying $380-$400 a week, a figure likely to increase slightly. Outgoings for the apartment are around $1,000 a quarter. It’s 37 square metres which includes a 1.5 square metre balcony. Central Sydney Realty Ultimo has the listing.
#8
<a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/38+bridge+street+sydney+nsw+2000/19134168/">38 Bridge Street </a><a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/38+bridge+street+sydney+nsw+2000/19134168/" target="_blank"></a>
$359,000
An offering here right up the north of the city on Bridge Street. Agent Bryn Fowler from Sydney Cove Property says the building has one of the cheapest strata fees in the area. Total outgoings for the property are around $1,000 per quarter. The 29 square metre apartment is currently renting some below market value at $395 per week.
#9
$379,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110972111">1602/38 Bridge Street</a> <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110972111" target="_blank"></a>
In the same building and offered by the same agent, this apartment is offering a higher rental at $485 a week. It’s currently set up as a short-term serviced apartment but that can be changed on sale. Total outgoings for the 30 square metres are around $1,100 per quarter.
#10
$392,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-sydney-110753883">298 Sussex Street </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-sydney-110753883" target="_blank"></a>
And heading back down, almost to where we started, is this offering on Sussex Street. The 54 square metre studio earns $490 a week in rent with total outgoings of around $1,330 per quarter. The lounge area leads onto a balcony over Bathurst Street and the building comes with the usual amenities. Stephen Marshall from Oaks Property Sales has the listing.
For further investment advice about studio apartments download Property Observer's free eBook: <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-investing-outside-the-square">Investing outside the square</a>.
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Sydney CBD's 10 cheapest studio apartments starting from $255,000 

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/07/july6norma1]}
Norma House, one of the first sandstone homes on Sydney’s Palm Beach peninsula, has sold for a reputed $2.75 million.
It has been modernised but still retains its classic Palm Beach style.
It’s a popular holiday rental ensuring substantial rental returns all year round. Its Christmas peak season rental is <a href="https://www.normahouse.com">$9,000</a> weekly.
It sold through Peter Robinson at LJ Hooker Palm Beach who'd listed it with $3 million-plus hopes.
The Norma Road house last sold in 2006 to Hong Kong-based futures trader Rob Goldsmith and his diamond-dealer wife, Jane, for $2,525,000.
Title Tattle recalls that Janne and Rob weren’t really in the market for a house when visiting the northern beaches in December 2006.
But before flying back they drove past the property and decided to take a look inside despite it being in terrible shape, with rotting water-damaged walls, rusted pipes coming through walls, a crumbling roof and major Hawkesbury sandstone foundation issues.
With the 180-degree water views along with sandy beaches, they made a same-day offer, and signed the contract that day.
Builder/manager James Davidson of Jaylo Property oversaw the project, according to writer Katy Scott in a feature by Country Homes Ideas magazine.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Norma House, the classic Palm Beach sandstone house, sells 

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/07/bathurstfarm]}

Historic Westham, the 1830 Bathurst district property meticulously restored by the well known pioneering environmentalist Ian Kiernan, has been listed for sale at $990,000.
Currently a farmstay accommodation property, the main four bedroom homestead sits on 2.43 hectares.
<a href="https://www.westhamfarmhouse.com.au/index">The property</a> also comes with other accomodation. Its barn is a modern two storey three bedroom house. The restored dairy accommodates a couple with modern kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.
Its joinery is a 12 bay facility.
“This is a truly unique opportunity to own a part of local history,” says the Raine &amp; Horne Bathurst agent Lynda Ireland.
The O'Connell Road property built for wheat farmer Thomas West is set between Bathurst and Oberon, an hour's drive west of the Blue Mountains.
Ian Kiernan, best known as the founder of Clean Up Australia, is a builder by trade.
Title Tattle knows Kiernan is very passionate about domestic colonial architecture, starting out with the derelict terraces of the inner Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst around 1971.
The former Australian of the Year bought the rundown property in 2004 and spent 14 months restoring it.
It earnt the award for best rural conservation project under $1 million at the recent 2006 Australia National Trust Heritage Awards.
Kiernan told hospitality industry writer Mark Chipperfield that at first sight in 2004 he doubted that the derelict old house, with its cob walls, deep verandas and tall chimneys, could be saved. 
"What I saw," he recalled, "was a wonderful colonial building that was close to collapse." 
But rather than demolish and rebuild (the sensible option), Kiernan and a team of artisan tradesman bolstered, patched and teased the old building back to life – adding a modern kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.
Title Tattle recalls that in 2006 Kiernan toyed with the notion of seeking investors to buy into the property offering a 50% stake through Meares &amp; Associates at $450,000 which did not eventuate to conclusion.
John West and his brother Thomas settled on the Macquarie Plains taking up a land grant, they called Westham and it remains as part of the Westham Farmhouse to this day. The house measured 30 feet by 15 feet, with 6 yellow box timbers, each one foot square, as framework for the earth walls facing North and South. Hardwood slab walls were built on the east and west facades. The West family proved to be successful grain growers and descendant Joseph West was described as “the most extensive wheat grower in the Bathurst district”.
 
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Historic Westham, Ian Kiernan's 1830 Bathurst district farmstay, listed

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Supply and demand drives all markets, and this week's results shows what happens when a scarce piece of good real estate goes under the hammer.

The vendor of 3/20-28 Earl Street, Carlton North will be planning a little holiday after they looked on as their property exceeded their reserve by almost $100,000.

Five bidders knew that if they did not get their hands on this one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne’s inner north, they would be waiting a long time before they got another opportunity. A flurry of bids greeted the auctioneer after the property was announced on the market at $385,000, before it stopped at $467,000.

It was a completely different property but a similar story at 10 Koorinda Avenue, Kensington, with the vendor pocketing an extra two hundred grand above their pre-auction expectations.

In this case seven bidders viewed almost 600 square meters of land close to Sydney’s CBD as an opportunity too good to miss. The property sold for $1.63 million off the back of a $1.45 million reserve.

The property market is still relatively weak but these results illustrate that some property will always buck the trend.
If you are a home buyer or investor these are the properties you should aim to identify and add to your portfolio.

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Supply and demand drives all markets: Propertytycoon.com.au tippping results

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One of North Parramatta’s oldest buildings, an 1851-built Victorian Georgian-style home, has been listed for sale.
Endrim, on the corner of Sorrell and Harold streets, is a seven-bedroom home built for the Reverend William Gore of the nearby All Saints Church.
The heritage-listed sandstone property, on 3,700 square metres of land, was designed by James Houison and Nathaniel Payten.
Houison was a renowned Parramatta architect who built St. John's Church and All Saints church in Parramatta, the Scots Church in Byrne's Mill, the original portion of Parramatta Gaol, the old Parramatta courthouse and many other buildings.
Well separated from the road by a mature garden and a high timber fence, the two-storey residence is a symmetrical three-bay house with a Tuscan porch and a cantilevered first-floor balcony.
The property includes a classical portico entrance, a glass conservatory, Tuscan sandstone columns and pilasters and a coach house and stables.
Endrim is listed with the National Trust of Australia, has a permanent conservation order by the NSW Conservation Commission, and is protected by a heritage order by Parramatta City Council.
In the 1950s, the mansion was home to the family of H.V. Horwood, the mayor of Parramatta from 1954 to 1955.
In 1984 the Horwood family sold the property to David Lewarne for $415,000 and it became the offices of legal firm Lewarne &amp; Goldsmith.
Lewarne died two years ago, and the property has just come to market. He had been living upstairs and operating the business on the ground floor.
Agent George Khoury from Khoury &amp; Partners is expecting the property to sell for $2.5 million plus.
He has had significant interest from home buyers, groups interested in office space, solicitors and even funeral homes.
Endrim is being sold as vacant possession, with the legal firm expecting to move next door by the end of the month.
Khoury says investors have tended to be drawn to the inner-Parramatta CBD properties, of which there are many heritage listed, where yields are higher.
Expressions of interest for Endrim close August 2.
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Parramatta 1851 Georgian mansion Endrim listed as legal eagles nest next door

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The fashionista philanthropist Rozalia Alpert has listed her Tarana, Potts Point, ballroom garden apartment with $5 million plus hopes. It is set on Wylde Street, high above the sandstone cutting overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay.
It’s a two-bedroom, two bathroom abode in the restored 1885 Victorian-Italianate-style mansion turned into a triplex through its 2003 restoration by the developer Jorge Fernandez.
Alpert founded <a target="_blank" href="https://www.caraandco.com/">Cara &amp; Co</a>, which has stores in Sydney and Moscow. Billed as neither a boutique nor a department store, Cara &amp; Co is a concept store combining cutting-edge fashion, art, food and music.
The apartment has been listed by Jason Boon and Geoff Cox from Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay in conjunction with Richard Shalhoub at McGrath Estate Agents.
The apartment comes with 258 square metres of internal space plus a 160-square-metre garden.
The middle apartment with 236 sq m internal and a 275 sq m garden and terracing sold for $4.6 million last year.
The retired stockbroker Chris Trumbull and his wife, Paddy, sold their Tarana apartment in 2010. The top two floor apartment fetched $6.2 million when bought by the Gardiner publishing rural family. It was 326 sq m internally plus 182 sq m of balcony/terrace space.
The mansion, designed by architect Edward Harman Buchanan, was built for Arthur McQuade, whose family also owned the adjacent sandstone mansion, Bomera. In 1907, a third storey was added to the residence and the original billiards room was extended into a ballroom.
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Fashionista philanthropist Rozalia Alpert lists garden apartment in 1885 Potts Point mansion

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The sale price of Kalua, the Joye family’s plantation-style Palm Beach trophy home, has been officially registered at $22 million.
It consisted of two amounts, the $19 million 4,615-square-metre front block on Ocean Road plus the rear Florida Road $3 million 888-square-metre block.
Another $1.42 million was paid in stamp duty for the property, which is a five-bedroom, six-bathroom house with three-bedroom guesthouse along with studio cabana, pool and tennis court on a 5,500-square-metre dress circle block overlooking Cabbage Tree Boat Harbour.
Breaking it up into two separate prices allowed a $60,000 stamp duty saving as stamp duty on a $22 million sale would have been $1.48 million.
It represents a record price for the suburb.
Word crept out in April of its bullish sale, with the SMH suggesting a $25 million sale price and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/laurie-sutton-the-kingpin-of-sydney-property-as-he-swaps-mosman-for-kalua-in-palm-beach-in-record-setting-sales/2012042354412" target="_blank">Property Observer estimating the retired car dealer Laurie Sutton and his wife, Di, paid around $23 million.</a>
Sutton and his wife will be the 1920s beach bungalow’s third owner. It was last sold by the Hordern retailing family to the more entrepreneurial Joye family, the current vendors, for $330,000 in 1978.
It was sold by Ken Jacobs and Darren Curtis at Christies International in conjunction with LJ Hooker Palm Beach agents David Edwards and Peter Robinson.
The title inspection by Property Observer indicates that the Suttons did not take up the offer 60% vendor financing – indeed the Sutton’s have no registered mortgage at all.
"Unquestionably the most significant and coveted landholding in exclusive Palm Beach, Kalua is a beachfront sanctuary of international stature beyond compare," Jacobs said on its marketing launch.
"It is secluded amid magnificent sprawling grounds … a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as one of the eastern seaboard’s most prestigious residential offerings," Edwards added.
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Palm Beach trophy home Kalua’s record-setting price revealed at $22 million

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An 1855-built former hall of the fraternal group Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows has sold in Tenterfield, NSW.
Girl Guides NSW and ACT sold the hall for $146,000, saying it was surplus to their requirements.
The Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows was originally formed in 1810 after breaking away from the Grand United Order of Oddfellows, which had its roots in 13th-century trade guilds.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/oddfellow.jpg">
Members of the Oddfellows included former British prime ministers Stanley Baldwin and Winston Churchill, King George IV and the fathers of Ringo Starr and George Harrison.
The first Australian lodge (Adelaide Lodge No.1) was established in South Australia in 1843 after it received approval from the authorities in Manchester.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/oddfellows.jpg">
Oddfellows. Image courtesy of State Library of NSW
The brotherhood used the hall until 1958, when it began its new life with the Girl Guides. The building was either sold or donated to the Girl Guides by an Oddfellow named Whit Roper, who owned the general store in Tenterfield.
The open-plan property has polished timber floors throughout. French doors opening from the main hall lead into a basic kitchen at the back. There are indoor and outdoor toilets.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/oddfellow1.jpg">
The imposing façade bears the faded name of Tenterfield Girl Guides.
Libby Sharpe from Ray White Rural Tenterfield sold the property.
She says a young couple bought the hall and hope to turn it into a family home. The building is listed as item of heritage interest but has no development restrictions.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/oddfellow2.jpg">
Sharpe says the only "odd fellows" she knows of in Tenterfield are the ones in her office.
Three hours from Brisbane, Tenterfield is a regional hub at the intersection of the New England and Bruxner highways.
The father of the Australian Federation, Henry Parkes, delivered his famous Federation Speech in Tenterfield.
It was also home to bush poet Banjo Paterson, and it’s been the subject of an emotional song by the late Peter Allen.
The University of New England archives holds three boxes of the original minute books from the Loyal Star of the North Lodge No. 93.
Other historic properties in the area are still available. <a style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tenterfield-107386978" target="_blank">Comerford Hall</a> is a five bedroom, 410 square metre hall built in the 1860s. From 1881 to 1916 the building served as The Terminus Hotel, serving guests arriving and departing on the Great Northern Railway. After this it was a private maternity hospital before becoming a guest house. Until 1998 it remained in the ownership of the Leis family.
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Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows hall in Tenterfield sells for $146,000

The rock musician-turned-entrepreneur Tim Freedman has won legal proceedings seeking to thwart his near-beachfront Broken Head, Byron Bay retreat operating as a wedding reception venue.

His neighbours lost their case in the Land &amp; Environment Court, having hoped for an order for Freedman to cease use of the <a href="https://moorephotography.com.au/?p=1031">property as a place of assembly</a>. The judgement was given last month.

Freedman, the singer with ARIA-winning band The Whitlams, paid $2.8 million in 2009 for the 1.1-hectare holding in the upmarket bushland Pavilions Estate at Broken Head.

His property, Barefoot at Broken Head, is a sprawling luxury house next to Broken Head Beach.

With its rainforest setting and a modern Balinese feel, the beachfront location is a one-minute walk over a private path through the sand dunes to the sand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7363 project_image_fid=41840]

Barefoot at Broken Head is marketed as having approval for just 14 weddings a year.

The whole house costs between $1,400 and $2,200 per day, with weekly rates from $7,500 to $15,000, accommodating up to 12 people.

Tucked away adjoining a beachfront bushland reserve, it&#39;s one of seven in the Pavilions development by Mathew Macpherson and three partners. It comes complete with interconnected pavilions, one each dedicated to living, dining, entertaining and sleeping.

The neighbours&rsquo; complaints mostly relate to excessive noise, litter, traffic, access and parking problems, but Freedman&rsquo;s lawyer, Wroth Wall, argued the property was zoned T2, for tourist use, and that weddings and other functions fell within that category.

The neighbours who lodged the proceedings were Richard Ridge and Terrence and Helen O&#39;Reilly.

After the council received several complaints in relation to weddings occurring at the Pavilions development, it served a noise abatement direction on Freedman in late 2010 and then an order to cease use of the property as a place of assembly.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7588 project_image_fid=72298]

As Property Observer noted last <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/little-cloud-hovers-over-tim-freedman-s-byron-bay-wedding-venue-plans/2011062950645" target="_blank">June Freedman had lodged a development application to use his premises as a place of assembly on nominated conditions</a>.

It was approved in March this year by the council.

With weddings booked six to 12 months in advance, Whitlam envisaged all possibly affected neighbours could be apprised of the schedule if they sought to avoid the weekends with the noisy guests. No live amplified music or DJs are permitted under the approved conditions. All functions must cease at 9 pm.

Muso/entrepreneur Tim Freedman allowed to rock on with Byron Bay wedding reception venue plans

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Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who plays in the English Premier League with Fulham, has listed Boongarre, his Watsons Bay property, for rent at $3,500 a week, which is a snip compared with the $10,000 being sought for the nearby Vaucluse residence, Coolongatta, the Vaucluse four-bedroom Art Nouveau waterfront.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">The Schwarzer harbourfront property has been on the market with price hopes of more than $12 million through Pillinger Real Estate</a>, but it hasn't sold so Schwarzer is now seeking a tenant. The two-storey, five-bedroom, four-bathroom weatherboard house sits on a 1,214-square-metre Pacific Street block.
Schwarzer bought Boongarre for $10.2 million in 2009.
Schwazer and his wife, Paloma , who are staying in Europe, had it previously available for rent in March last year at the same asking price.
Boongarre was the childhood home of the renowned author Christina Stead, and it was owned by the Stead family from 1918 until 1980, when it was bequeathed to the National Trust.
It’s for lease through Camilla Piggott at Laing + Simmons Double Bay Executive Leasing.
Coolongatta, the Vaucluse waterfront that last sold at $10.5 million in 2002 to the Dalley family, is a 1,750-square-metre Coolong Road property. It’s best remembered for its $5.25 million sale in 1987 by the stockbroker Anthony Crichton-Brown to stockbroker Brent Potts, who sold in 2000 for $8.5 million.
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