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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Jackie O, the top-rating 2Day FM breakfast announcer, and her farmer husband, Lee Henderson, spent about $2.7 million last month on their family home in Vaucluse, in Sydney's posh eastern suburbs.
It’s a cosy five-bedroom 1920s abode, suggesting there's plenty of room for siblings for their baby daughter Catalina. It sits on almost 800 square metres with a substantial back yard even if they extend out using the current architect-designed development approved plans.
It was marketed by the Laing &amp; Simmons Double Bay agent Bart Doff as an "under-capitalised blank canvas awaiting an imaginative buyer". There are harbour glimpses from the upper level and polished floors throughout.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/06/jackieo2.jpg">
Its purchase belatedly <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/title-tattle-jackie-o-swaps-paddington-pad-for-highlands-hideaway/2011071450812">follows the $2,897,500 sale of their 1890s four bedroom Paddington terrace in July last year.</a>
The three-level, four-bedroom Paddington terrace that sat on a 210-square-metre block had been bought in 2009 for $2.75 million from Shine producer Jane Scott. Their redundant Karori, Elizabeth Bay apartment sold for $910,000 in 2009 having paid $512,500 in 2001 for the two-bedroom, top-floor unit.
Until the renovation, t<a href=""></a><a href=""></a><a href=""></a>he couple are presumed to continue to rent at Vaucluse in the interim while maintaining a 42-hectare Kangaroo Valley farm.
The Vaucluse property was sold by the Drexler family of the Matt Blatt store group. <a href=""></a><a href=""></a>
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2Day FM's Jackie O buys family home in Vaucluse with five bedrooms

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The Bellevue Hill house of the late charity queen Elizabeth Symonds was passed in when auctioned last night, having had initial price hopes of about $7 million. The executors placed a $6.25 million vendor bid.
The five-level, five-bedroom, five-bathroom mansion was last traded in 1996 when bought by the longtime Pied Piper Committee stalwart and her solicitor husband, the late Cedric Symonds, for $3.85 million following their $8.5 million sale of Cardigan, the now demolished Elizabeth Bay harbourfront residence.
Its 1996 vendor was rag trader Ray Pillion.
Set on both Carrington Avenue and Cranbrook Road, the house, which has elevator access and guest accommodation, has a backdrop of Sydney Harbour and the Royal Sydney Golf Course.
The house was offered this week through Elliott Placks of Ray White Double Bay in conjunction with Pillinger Property agent Brad Pillinger.
The 1,200-square-metre holding comes with a tennis court and pool.
Bellevue Hill's top recorded sale this week was on Kambala Road, when a tad over $4.6 million was secured through McGrath agent Paul Ephron for a four-bedroom contemporary house relisted recently with $4.7 million hopes. It had been listed at $5.8 million in March last year with another agent.
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Late charity queen Elizabeth Symonds’ Bellevue Hill home passed in on $6.25 million vendor bid

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Australia’s tallest private home has been sold after two years on the market.

The 10-storey Girvan Estate house in the NSW Upper Hunter has been sold to undisclosed family buyers from Singleton.

At 30 metres, it’s Australia's tallest private house, possibly the tallest in the southern hemisphere, but a shadow of  the northern hemisphere’s Antilia, the 27-floor personal home in South Mumbai belonging to businessman Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire chairman of Reliance Industries.

The Girvan tower was built at a cost of more than $2 million by local Peter Grey atop a hill on a back road between Stroud and Bulahdelah.

Approved by Great Lakes Council in 2002, the house comprises an entrance foyer with an indoor pool, a whole floor tennis court, a lift, six bedrooms and six bathrooms. Several members of the extended family occupy the various floors.

The fifth floor has a kitchen and dining area, which takes up the entire floor, while the 10th floor has been Grey's office.

It was advertised with $1.75 million hopes through Webb Bros Property &amp; Livestock, Stroud.

The tower sale is on a 33.5-hectare (100-acre) holding, along with a timber 89 hectare holding.

<h2>NSW properties on the market right now:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24323]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29140]
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Girvan Estate, Australia’s tallest private home, sold after two years

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Clearview, the 1885 Chatswood residence built by Alexander Simpson, exhibits some expertise with sandstone.
It was Simpson who also subsequently built the Northbridge suspension bridge across Long Gully in 1892. <a target="_blank" href="https://nla.gov.au/nla.cs-pa-http%253A%252F%252Fwww3.photosau.com%252FWilloughby%252Fscripts%252FExtSearch.asp%253FSearchTerm%253D6542019">He went on to become mayor of Willoughby in 1889.</a>
The Mowbray Road property, which was restored in the early 1990s, has four double bedrooms, three bathrooms, a study and downstairs guest room.
Its Shead Property Chatswood listing agent Nick Separovich says it’s one of the area's finest examples of affluent late Victorian architecture.
It’s listed with $1.6 million-plus hopes, with offers closing July.
It last sold to the Chen family for $1.42 million in 2005, having sold at $550,000 in 1994.
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Alexander Simpson’s 1885 Chatswood sandstone property Clearview listed

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Packed to the Rafters star Rebecca Gibney and her husband, artist Richard Bell, have sold their Clareville home for an undisclosed price.
The couple didn’t have the time to turn it into their dream home so the four-bedroom house on a 948-square-metre block had $1.3 million hopes on its listing last year.
With views of Pittwater towards Ku-ring-gai Chase national park, it cost $1.22 million in 2009, so a small loss after costs seems probable.
The family, who sold in Tasmania last year, have suggested they were likely to upgrade to a contemporary house in the Pittwater precinct north of Sydney.
“Due to increasingly busy schedules, we have decided not to renovate our home on the northern beaches,'' Gibney has told the local press on listing the initial October 2011 property through Andrew Blake and Cathy Agosti from Andrew Blake Real Estate.
“It has been a real haven, and we will miss the privacy and great views. We love the area,” Gibney noted.
The couple’s renovation plans, which had been approved by Pittwater Council, included a new pool, enclosing the carport and first-floor additions and had been projected to cost $414,000.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november9gibneytassie]}
Their four-bedroom Tamar Valley home, River Point House (pictured above) – which cost $650,000 in 2003 – was sold for $1.15 million in February 2011 having been listed with a $1.3 million price through Roberts Tamar agent Kerry Sanders in late 2009.
It had been available as a $1,700 weekly holiday rental since it came with private beach, boat ramp and boathouse. The couple had paid $650,000 in 2003 for the 1981 house set on seven hectares on a bend of the Tamar River at Kayena, north of Launceston.
In 2007 Gibney shot to local and national attention after attending anti-pulp mill rallies in Launceston protesting against Gunns Limited's planned pulp mill on the Tamar River at Long Reach, some five kilometres downstream from Gibney's then home.
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Rebecca Gibney packing up after selling in Clareville

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Judith Neilson, the founder of the White Rabbit Collection, one of the world's most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art, has lodged a $6.78 million residential dwelling development application for her recently acquired $7,975,000 Chippendale warehouse.
The $14.75 million O’Connor Street warehouse project was formerly the Simona fashion headquarters now set directly opposite the upcoming Central Park precinct.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/06/june19neilson]}
The warehouse last sold in 1988 for $1.32 million when bought by the family company headed then by designer Inge Fonagy and her late husband, George, who founded Simona in 1963.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/neilson1.jpg">
The three-storey building has 1,375 square metres of warehouse space, plus the adjoining Dick Street 220-square-metre car park holding.
Neilson’s renovation seeks to replace the dowdy warehouse façade with a walled sculptural display “alive to the changes wrought by light, shade, sun and cloud”.
It seeks to add a “unique backdrop” to the Frasers-Sekusui House Central Park residential precinct under construction across the road.
The William Smart design – currently before Sydney City Council – has been dubbed Indigo Slam.
The application to Sydney City Council says the warehouse will be instilled with a sculptural quality of its public streetside facade to “actively participate in the reinvigoration of Chippendale as an urban environment”.
William Smart’s submission to the council says the intention was to provide the new urban park with a piece of interesting architecture on its southern flank, as a unique backdrop to public life.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/neilson2.jpg">
To be environmentally sustainable the building will have thick masonry walls and recessed windows to provide natural light without excessive heat gain.
Arrays of photovoltaic cells will be placed on the roof, allowing the building to generate much of its own power independently and sustainably.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/06/neilson3.jpg" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/06/neilson3thumb.jpg"></a>
It comes with four bedrooms with ensuites, second-floor living and entertainment area, plus courtyard garden, lift, ground floor studio and guest quarters above the garage.
It’s currently mostly open plan with soaring high ceiling and minimal pillars with a glass façade across its 26-metre frontage.
Her White Rabbit Gallery is just 50 metres away, a converted former knitting factory on Balfour Street, which has four floors of exhibition space as well as a theatrette, a library and a teahouse. It cost her $4.6 million in 2007.
Now spanning three generations, Simona will continue the tradition of creating classic garments for women of all ages at a nearby Ultimo.
Shortly after Neilson bought the warehouse, her daughter Beau bought her own 310-square-metre warehouse nearby for $3.1?million.
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Judith Neilson unveils her sculptural $14.75 million residential warehouse wonderland to enliven Chippendale

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The Balmoral Boatshed, a residential and commercial leasehold property on the Middle Harbour foreshore at Mosman, has been sold by the accountant John Bennett.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/balmoral-boatshed-cafe-and-apartment-listed-with-%245-million-plus-hopes/2012032554000">More than $5 million was being sought </a>through its Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman selling agent Robert Simeon.
The leasehold will be transferred to another local Mosman family.
Bennett bought the leasehold of the property in 1995 when it was the rundown Walton's Boatshed. It had previously sold in boomtime 1987 at $1.1 million. It was rebuilt around 2005 with a beachside café downstairs and a 200-square-metre three-bedroom apartment upstairs.
The sale of the lease, which has 15 years left to run, includes the apartment, the cafe, a boat hire and tender service as well as management rights for 56 moorings.
In the 2010-11 financial year, the mooring business generated a gross income of $285,000, and the cafe business grossed about $900,000.
“It’s had a long history dating from the 1930s,” Simeon says.
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Balmoral Boatshed sells to another Mosman family

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NSW property investors should not rush to exchange off-the-plan properties ahead of the June 30 end to state stamp duty concessions unless they have completed all the necessary research and due diligence, according to research and investment firm the Aviate Group. 
From July 1 investors buying off the plan will only get a $5,000 handout from the government instead of saving up to $22,490 under the zero stamp duty option under the soon-to-end NSW home builders' bonus, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/nsw-property-investors-condundrum-take-the-%2422490-housing-bonus-now-or-just-%245000-after-july-1/2012061255081" target="_blank">creating a conundrum</a> about whether to buy now or wait in the expectation of unit property market having staggered growth over the next few years. 
They are likely to be encouraged by some developers to complete their purchases over the next two weeks and take the bigger incentive. 
Meriton boss Harry Triguboff says he will be going “hell-for-leather” to sell to investors before July 1 “because they’ll still get something”. 
Developers have the added impetus of getting as many investors over the line before July 1, as the first-home buyers’ market is also expected to retreat for three months between July 1 and October 1, until the double $15,000 first-home owners’ grant for a new property purchases kicks in. 
But Aviate Group managing director Neil Smoli says property investors should never make a rushed decision to purchase an investment property, no matter how tempting the incentive. 
An investment property, he says, is a long-term prospect, “and the right property will always deliver long term growth”. 
“If an investor has undertaken all the necessary research and due diligence on an investment property that falls within the concession price bracket, they should by all means proceed with a purchase before the end of the financial year and pocket the stamp duty saving,” Smoli says. 
“However, it is never a good idea to make an investment decision based purely on an incentive. If a property does not have the potential to deliver reliable returns and capital growth opportunities over the long term, no government incentive at the time of purchase will change this fact.” 
According to Smoli, a rushed decision before July 1 may jeopardise an investor’s security down the track. 
“The short-term benefit of an incentive will pass relatively quickly, but the shortcomings of an ill-informed investment property purchase may have a lasting negative impact. 
“At the end of the day, an investor must analyse their capacity to meet repayments, considering the complete range of factors such as the likely rental, cost of different insurance requirements and strata fees, to name a few. An investment decision influenced solely by a government incentive is perhaps a sign that the investor is not ready to invest.” 
“While growth in property prices may be subdued at present, astute investors still recognise that good properties with the right attributes still have the potential to outperform other investment alternatives,” Smoli says. 
“It’s important to recognise that price growth statistics, even when confined to individual suburbs, can be misleading. Each development – indeed each apartment within each development – has variables that determine its capacity to perform as a quality investment over the long term. Some developments merely streets apart can have entirely different capital growth outlooks, depending on the investment criteria applied.” 
Aviate is also calling for stamp duty to be abolished, calling it “an unnecessary burden for buyers”.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Property investors should not rush NSW purchases ‘purely for the incentive’: Aviate

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The Hunter Sports Group boss Troy Palmer is the immediate direct beneficiary of his boss Nathan Tinkler’s decision to quit Newcastle for Singapore.
Palmer has bought one of Tinkler’s redundant beachside Merewether properties (pictured below) for $2.8 million – at under the commonly believed market value.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/bermer.jpg">
Tinkler bought the four-bedroom, three-bathroom 2006-built Merewether house for a then bullish record-setting $4.3 million in 2008 from the rugby league legend Andrew Johns.
Palmer’s same-day exchange settlement was in wife Emma’s name last month. The 34% price drop shocked several estate agents. “It turns out Nathan Tinkler's sale was a 'friendly deal', so should be seen as out of line by valuers,” one agent has tweeted.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/bermerflicker.jpg">
Prior to working at the Tinkler Group, the Newcastle-born and raised Troy Palmer was the chief financial officer of Bluetongue Brewery, another well-known Newcastle organization.
Palmer was responsible for the acquisition of the Newcastle Knights and Newcastle Jets.
Tinkler retains his other Merewether holding, a two-block 1,587-square-metre amalgamation overlooking Bar and Dixon Park beaches, which cost an $8.8 million total in 2008. Locals reports it’s been in limbo since a development application for a six-bedroom Rosie Stollery-designed compound was approved in June last year.
Title Tattle understands the modern house was vacated by the family shortly after the theft last year of his $500,000 Ferrari California, which was stolen from his garage and later torched.
Tinkler, who built his fortune with three big coal deals, has an estimated $915 million wealth according to the latest BRW. According to Forbes magazine, Tinkler is Australia’s 26th-richest person, with a net worth of around $825 million in 2012.
His major NSW family home is at Coffs Harbour.
"His principal place of residence would now be described as Singapore," his spokesman, Tim Allerton, told Fairfax Media.
"He just wants to be closer to the markets, to Asia."
Allerton said Tinkler's wife, Rebecca, and their four school-age children were also preparing to leave for Singapore.
Allerton has advised the move was to be closer to some of his key investors, the operations of his investments would remain in Australia.
Singapore is “an essential part of Asia … and he’s got some financiers and investors in Singapore - he just feels it’s more comfortable, he enjoys the city and wants to base himself there,” Allerton said.
Singapore is known for its relatively low tax and pro-business environment, with wealthy foreigners drawn by its low crime rate and high privacy without local tabloid media excesses.
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Singapore-bound Nathan Tinkler sells Merewether property to his executive Troy Palmer for a friendly – and possibly underpriced – $2.8 million

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Deauville, the 1935 five-bedroom Point Piper harbourfront residence with direct frontage to Lady Martins Beach, has been sold reputedly for about $13.6 million.
The Longworth Avenue house went to June auction last year when it was passed in at $16.1 million through Ben Collier and James Dack at McGrath, in conjunction with Bart Doff of Laing + Simmons Double Bay, who were seeking $17 million plus.
It was sold through Double Bay agents Brad Pillinger and Elliott Placks by the property developer and yacht racing identity George Snow and his wife, Sabrina, who bought it 19 years ago for $3 million.
Title Tattle recalls the 1993 auction purchase when it was sold at Geoff Speers' Sydney Property Auction Centre room. Overseas currency conversions – Hong Kong dollars and Japanese yen – of every bid were brightly digitally displayed on the wall in what was briefly then the latest advance in auction room gadgetry. The 1993 vendor was the ball-bearing industrialist Ron Martin-Weber, who had paid $395,000 in 1973.
Capital Property Trust's George Snow – who had debuted in the 1993 BRW Rich List at $35 million – is best known for twice taking line honours in the Sydney to Hobart as the owner-skipper of super-maxi yacht Brindabella. The Snows are off to the Keltie Bay, Darling Point penthouse, which was bought from David Kunde for $8.5 million last year.
Deauville was bought by the Haifer family, who've sold in Bellevue Hill for about $10 million. Coppernoll, the Haifer family's 1920s Kambala Road residence, sold off-market having been extensively renovated in 2003 having traded for $2.85 million in 2000. The Kambala Road property was briefly listed with $10 million hopes in 2004. The 1,347-square-metre property has a wide street frontage and security gates that open to a driveway down to two double garages and a porte cochere. The rear comes with a wide covered terrace overlooking the swimming pool and level lawn.
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