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

Goldfields sets the stage as Quartet Milton launches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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Offering camel rides along 20 kilometres of unspoiled beach and only seven kilometres from the Port Macquarie CBD, Lighthouse Beach is attracting sea-changers and investors from Sydney and other parts of New South Wales. It has also caught the eye of John McGrath as one of his 10 price growth regional hotspots. 
Location and demographics
 
Lighthouse Beach forms part of Lighthouse Beach-Greenmeadows, one of 14 small areas that comprise the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council area. 
While it is not a distinct suburb (all addresses in Port Macquarie share the post code 2444) it is understood by local real estate agents to be the region bounded by Lighthouse Drive, Matthew Flinders Drive, Ocean Drive and Pacific Drive. 
According to the 2006 census, Lighthouse Beach-Greenmeadows has a population of about 10,600 people, with 4,000 dwellings, of which 20% are rented. 
Key property data 
According to RP Data, Port Macquarie has a median house price of $400,000 with prices up 1.3% over the past year and a median unit price of $279,000 with prices flat during 2012. The median weekly house rent is $360 and $270 for units. 
Jeff Collyer from PRDnationwide Port Macquarie says Matthew Flinders Drive is the only street in Port Macquarie where you can buy a home directly across from the beach. 
He says house price along Matthew Flinders Drive range from $600,000 to $1 million. 
Top prices are paid for houses on Summit Road, which offers elevated spectacular views of the ocean. Collyer says prices range from $1.1 million to $1.2 million on Summit Road. 
According to Collyer, who has sold homes in the area for 13 years, house prices on Lighthouse Beach have risen gradually over the past few years, but outperformed an overall flat market in Port Macquarie. 
Collyer says there has been some investment interest from cashed-up buyers in Sydney while other buyers have come from Canberra, Orange and Tamworth, primarily to relocate permanently as sea-changers. 
Why buy here? 
Lighthouse Beach is one of 10 regional hotspots picked by McGrath Estate Agents boss John McGrath as a “best buy for future growth”. 
“Lighthouse Beach is one of the few areas in Port Macquarie that offers a beach view.  It has a great lifestyle with its café culture, beach and popular stair and cliff walks that are appealing to Sydneysiders who see good value, particularly in the premium sector,” he says. 
“Here you can find a new home with outstanding views for around the $1 million range.  Alternatively, classic older beachfront homes are relatively affordable in the $700,000 to $800,000 range, or with no view in the $400,000 range.” 
What the location has to offer:The chief drawcard for buying on Lighthouse Beach is the beach itself, which offers 20 kilometres of unspoilt sand as well as camel rides for the adventurous. 
Dog owners are also allowed to walk their dogs along parts of the beach.
Aside from the beach, Collyer says the area has two golf courses, a shopping mall, a Coles, a local tavern and local restaurants and shops. There’s also a primary school and three day care centres.
Andrew Meldrum from Laing + Simmons Port Macquarie, who besides selling homes in the area also lives near Lighthouse Beach says a local landmark is the Bitter Sweet Patisserie on Watonga Street run by local couple Lance and Georgia Dunn. Meldrum says Dunn is famous in the area for having been a chef to Nicole Kidman when she was filming the movie Australia.
According to Meldrum, the area appeals to young families with professional parents who both work. 
“It has a very good public primary school. A child that goes there would come from a relatively well-off family with combined income in excess of $100,000.”
 
Recent sales 
Earlier this month Meldrum sold <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-port+macquarie-109561756" target="_blank">this three-bedroom house on Vendul Crescent</a>, one street up from Matthew Flinders Drive and 150 metres from the beach.
<img src="/images/stories/lighthouseb.jpg" width="470">
The property was bought by a Canberra couple before auction for $640,000, having previously sold for $585,000 in 2006.
Meldrum says anything close to the shops is in high demand.
“We are a little bit short of stock in $300,000 to $400,000 price range but having more success in properties prices above $600.000,” he says. 
In May last year, this three-bedroom house (below) sold through First National Real Estate Port Macquarie for $442,500. It previously sold for $425,000 in September 2009.
<img src="/images/stories/lighthouseb2.jpg" width="470">
Reasons to buy:
 
<ul>
<li>Sea view properties supported by good local cafes and shops</li>
<li>Three bedroom houses selling around the $600,000 mark</li>
<li>Camel rides and pets allowed on the beach 
</li>
</ul>
Reasons not to buy: 
<ul>
<li>No dramatic increase in prices over past few years</li>
</ul>
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Hotspot: Sea-changers shining a light on Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie

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Libbi Gorr, the former Melbourne comedian then television host, has returned to her hometown as an ABC radio broadcaster.
Her three-bedroom North Bondi house in Sydney’s east has been listed at $1,300 a week rental.
Gorr has returned to Melbourne with her partner, freelance film and television producer Stewart Burchmore, and their two children.
“I have to say, we were becoming deliciously shallow,” she told Melbourne Weekly. “We lived near the beach and that whole beautiful lifestyle, which I will miss terribly. But we realised we should come back to Melbourne to get some couture, get some mental culture.”
So when the opportunity came up to move south, Gorr grabbed the chance to host 774 ABC Melbourne’s new Sunday radio morning program. Gorr, who barracks for Collingwood, attended Methodist Ladies’ College in Kew before graduating in law from the University of Melbourne. Her big break came co-starring with Andrew Denton on the ABC’s sports comedy television program Live and Sweaty, where her satirical character Elle McFeast was born in 1991. She blogs on her website, libbigorr.com.au.
“I’d love to say I’ll be running around the Tan, but I think that’s beyond me. I might do the odd skip of joy, though. I’m looking forward to taking the children on Puffing Billy, again and again and again,” she told Melbourne Weekly.
Her Sydney house, available through Belinda Halliday at Ray White Unlimited North Bondi, cost $1,605,000 in 2007.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melbourne comedian Libbi Gorr returns home and rents out North Bondi: Title Tattle

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The Coogee home of Jennifer Hawkins, the former Miss Universe, television personality and swimwear designer, and her fiance, Jake Wall, has now been listed with a $2.3 million asking price. 
It was passed in at December auction on a $2.5 million vendor bid through McGrath agent Adrian Bo and then listed with a $2.6 million asking price.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/model-jennifer-hawkins-coogee-pad-finally-hits-the-market/2011111452342" target="_blank">The 2003-built Coogee property</a>, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, cost Hawkins $2.27 million in late 2008.
The main bedroom comes with ensuite, dressing room and terrace. One of its ultra-modern bathrooms has a Japanese agape spoon bath. Its third bedroom could be a home theatre or home office.
There’s a private rooftop terrace with ocean views as well as a cellar – all a stroll to Gordon’s Bay and Coogee and minutes to shops, cafes and transport.
Much of the house, including a feature wall of Florence Broadhurst-style wallpaper, pre-dates Hawkins’ 2008 purchase.
The couple moved out of the Moore Street townhouse several months before the December auction in anticipation of construction of their northern beaches home  in the Windy Dropdown gated estate.
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Jennifer Hawkins cuts profit hopes to slimmest margin: Title Tattle

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Prominent Goldman Sachs Sydney stockbroker Richard Coppleson advised his clients last week he'd  heard stories that Mosman was in a "huge state of distress" as bankers bailed from the prestige property market.
He soundly suggests that many Mosman properties were not advertised for sale. It's true that there are many for sale that don't show up on in the agency windows, websites or brand-enabling print advertising.
But Coppleson then went on to suggest his estimate - that for every 10 properties publicly listed for sale, just one is advertised
Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman Robert Simeon say Mosman presently has 144 houses on the market using the Domain website as his source.
Noting Mosman had 4,900 houses, Simeon deduces that represents 2.93%.
"If you apply the multiple factor (stated above) that would equate to approximately 1,444 houses being available for sale, which is 29% as against the current precise number of 2.93%."
Simeon suggests that during the GFC and beyond, Mosman posted one of the lowest delinquency rates in Australia – and no houses in Mosman sell for less than $1 million. No one would dispute prices are down, but there's been a significant uptick in prestige sales in the lead-up to Easter.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/feb27mandolong]}
Meanwhile Mandolong House (pictured above), one of Mosman's most coveted estates, has been sold for a bullish $18 million. Its reputed buyer is to Markus Kahlbetzer from the polo playing pastoralist family headed by John Dieter Kahlbetzer.
Despite the lack of significant Middle Harbour views, the Mandolong Road property sale set a suburb record price for a non-waterfront residential property. The previous record was $15.25 million for a Stanley Street residence that sold last year through Raine &amp; Horne Mosman agent Brendan Warner, who secured the latest sale.
Set high on the slopes of Balmoral, Mandolong House sits on 2,909 square metres of grounds that come with a north-south tennis court and pool. The 1885 residence was  transformed four years ago by architect William Smart of Smart Design Studio.
The five-bedroom, six-bathroom mansion features a grand entrance hall, formal reception rooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen and  entertainment areas that open to wide terraces. There's also a self-contained pavilion for guests.
Markus Kahlbetzer's current home is the penthouse in the 1970s Stuart Murray-designed Elizabeth Bay apartment block Deepdene.  Set on the Elizabeth Bay Road loop, Deepdene stands between the waterfront properties of Oceana and historic Tresco. The architecturally iconic apartment complex was constructed by the builders A.F Little as five separate apartments.
Pastoralist John Kahlbetzer acquired the penthouse in 1980, then finished his consolidation in 2006 with the purchase of two units costing $6.6 million from Fay Parker of Parker's Wines. The penthouse outdoor entertainment area was remodelled by landscaper William Dangar with a structure designed by architect Richard Goodwin.
Mandolong House was sold by Barry Roberts-Thomson, deputy chairman of Hutchison Telecommunications, and his wife, Victoria, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/mandalong-house-listing-set-to-test-mosman-market-after-banking-bonuses-dry-up/2012022753564" target="_blank">and had initial $20 million hopes last year</a>. It lasted traded for $3,375,000 in 1989 from the Damon family, who had owned it for about 50 years. The house has had only four owners. Of the five Mosman properties sold for double-digit millions during the past year, Warner's taking credit for three.
The top end market has achieved recent turnover, albeit at subdued levels and pricing. The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/chinese-buyers-playing-property-pick-a-box-but-record-mosman-price-unlikely/2012030653723" target="_blank">waterfront estate of car dealer Laurie Sutton sold earlier this year</a> to Ying Li for a reputed $20 million short of the property's price tag in 2009 when Sutton listed it with hopes of exceeding Mosman's $22.5 million price record. Sutton has owned the property since the late 1970s when he bought it from Bob and Dolly Dyer, hosts of the long-running television show BP Pick a Box. Measuring 5,154 square metres, the Bay Street property is Mosman's largest waterfront estate with views across Quakers Hat Bay. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence is set in gardens with a tennis court, pool and  boating facilities including a shed, slipway, jetty and floating deep-water marina.
Last November there was the $19 million sale of a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/billioniare-oatley-wine-family-snaps-up-kahala-for-the-best-of-balmoral-s-boating-facilities/2011112852575" target="_blank">Hopetoun Avenue waterfront property to Ros Oatley</a> of the Oatley wine family. The house was now demolished, having sold in boomtime for $22.5 million.
The unsold listings include the stark white Mosman landmark called the George Williamson House but colloquially known as the igloo house has been listed for sale. Following its design by architect Harry Seidler in 1951, the Modernist Parriwi Road property caused traffic mayhem as Sydneysiders sought to get a glimpse. It was saved from demolition in the late 1990s and heritage listed in 2002. It now comes with approved extensions and a new harbourfront wing overseen by the Seidler architectural practice, which was commissioned by the current vendors, Ian and Tanya Oatley. Set on a 1,700 square-metre Chinamans Beach holding with 40 metres of beachfront, it's been listed by Sandie Dunne of Dunne Mosman with $20 million-plus hopes.
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Bankers are supposedly bailing, but Mosman’s Mandolong House reputedly sells for bullish $18 million

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It appears Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have joined the anti-coal mining movement in the NSW Southern Highlands.
The celebrity couple have hung a protest placard on the gates of their $6.5 million Southern Highlands retreat that condemns coal seam gas mining.
The protest sign was bought from a Shoo Cockatoo stall set up at the Moss Vale Farmers Market last month.
<img src="/images/stories/kidman.jpg">
A photo in News Ltd newspapers shows the sign on the gates at the front of the couple's property in Sutton Forest (pictured above).
The sign says "No coal or coal seam gas", similar to the one pictured, which is from elsewhere in the Southern Highlands.
Local landholders who have been  campaigning against plans to expand coal and gas mining operations in the farmlet region for two years <a href="/images/stories/flexicontent/s_coalseam.jpg" target="_blank">have been hoping Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban would join their battle</a>.
Southern Highlands Coal Action Group convener Peter Martin has said that Kidman and Urban had spoken about their concerns regarding the proposed mining activity in the area at the stall last month.
"We sold them the sign for $20 when they visited the Moss Vale Farmers Market one Saturday morning on their last visit here," he says.
Kidman  and Urban, who bought the 1878 Georgian mansion  in Sutton Forest in 2008, have never spoken publicly about their concerns.
They now <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/alan-jones-and-michael-ball-get-behind-southern-highlands-cockatoo-coal-fight-but-still-no-sign-of-nicole-kidman/2011111752419" target="_blank">join radio broadcaster Alan Jones</a>, who also has a farm in the highlands, who has lent his voice to the campaign.
The Southern Highlands Coal Action Group is headed by Peter Martin, a former chief executive for Rothschild Australia Asset Management.
More than 460 properties are located within the area covered by the coal-seam gas and coal mining leases.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/coal-mine-anxiety-for-nicole-kidman-s-sutton-forest-property/2011062150555" target="_blank">Hume Coal, a joint venture between Korean steel-making giant POSCO and Cockatoo Coal</a>, holds a 115-square-metre exploration permit initially granted in 1967 and began the first stage of the exploration process last May.
The NSW state government has imposed tighter controls on mining and coal-seam gas drilling on or near high-value agricultural land, with applications to mine having to first gain the approval of an independent expert panel.
But landholders say the rules do not go far enough and want mining to be banned altogether on high-value land.
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Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban join anti-coal protesters in NSW Southern Highlands

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First-time property investors should look at the outlying areas of Sydney rather than focus on the pricier inner-city suburbs, according to SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher.
Christopher says the best opportunities for Sydney investors lie in the outer suburbs, more than 25 kilometres from the city centre.
He picks the western Sydney suburbs of Campbelltown, Liverpool and Penrith as good places to invest in residential property at a time western Sydney’s reputation as investment hotspot is on the rise.
Smart Property Investment magazine’s most recent list of the 50 suburbs with the greatest capital growth potential included <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/hotspots-from-fibros-to-mcmansions-western-sydney-attracting-investor-attention/2012012953164">four western Sydney suburbs: Blacktown, Liverpool, Penrith and Rosemeadow.</a>
Christopher says rents in Campbelltown, Liverpool and Penrith have been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7% since 2009 due to an influx of families looking for more affordable housing options.
He does not have a preference for either houses or units and says total returns from both types of properties tend to perform similarly in the long term.
Douglas Driscoll, chief executive of Starr Partners, also says <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/greater-western-sydney-market-to-go-from-strength-to-strength-in-2012/2011122252902">western Sydney suburbs will perform strongly in 2012</a>.
He expects this market to get stronger, with new suburbs and shopping districts appearing, businesses establishing and settling in the area, transport connections improving and large master-planned residential developments appearing.
“No other area in Sydney is seeing that amount of change so quickly,” he says.
For <a target="_blank" href="/news">Six smart steps towards buying your first investment property</a>, sign up for Property Observer’s free webinar with property investment expert Chris Gray on Thursday, March 22 at 12.30pm.
 
 
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First-time Sydney investors should look at outer suburbs: Louis Christopher

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Kerry Jones, the chatelaine of the castellated 56-room Darling Point mansion Swifts, has signalled she won’t succumb to the complaints of neighbours who want her to stop holding commercial and charity parties.
And she’s upped the ante, pointing out the 1.4-hectare grounds could accommodate about “eight high-rise home unit blocks”.
“We have tried to run it as a private home, with private parties occasionally, but it has caused this mass hysteria,” she says.
“It’s not working as a home.”
<img src="/images/stories/swifts1.jpg">
Council staff have recently collected evidence, including noise monitoring readings, photographs and videos of traffic accompanying social events at the Victorian Gothic home.
Lawyers have sought a written undertaking that no further events will be held without development consent, or Jones will face action in the Land and Environment Court.
“There is no doubt in our minds that events had been not of a scale that is not ordinarily associated with the use of a residential property,” Woollahra Council planning director Allan Coker told the Wentworth Courier. The articles was headlined "Jason Priestley party at Swifts the last straw for council."
<img src="/images/stories/swifts2.jpg">
It was 1994 when there was the last serious possibility of the grounds of Swifts being under redevelopment threat.
Its then mortgagee in possession, St George Bank, wanting to maximise its return on its $30 million exposure, considered townhouses being built along the historic estate's perimeter.
Swifts was built in 1880 for the Tooth brewing family, with the motto Perseverantia Palman Obtinebit (Perseverance Yields the Prize) cut into its facade. Its construction highlighted extraordinary self-made wealth. For most Sydney families, a cottage or terrace sufficed, but at Swifts the house took up 1,800 square metres, rivalling Government House in size and stature.
It was 1901 when Swifts was sold to the non-Catholic Resch family, who subsequently willed it to the Catholic Church in 1963 – when it was valued at £235,000 – with a 20-year ownership covenant.
<img src="/images/stories/swifts3.jpg">
Coincidently the Church took possession for use as the Archbishop's residence on the same day Archbishop Daniel Mannix died at Raheen, the stately Melbourne equivalent owned by the Pratt family. Cardinal Gilroy occupied Swifts until his death in 1977.
Periodically the chapel was used for weddings at the Archbishop's discretion – indeed Foreign Minister Bob Carr and wife Helena were married there in 1973. And presumably existing use rights have long lapsed for any conversion now into a wedding venue. 
After the 20-year ownership covenant lapsed, the Catholic Church listed the property for sale in 1986.
To the frustration of others, property investor Carl Spies, who enjoyed low-key links with Catholic charities, bought Swifts for his parents in an off-market deal through the late Richardson and Wrench doyen Ron Pillinger.
<img src="/images/stories/swifts4.jpg">
The 1.4-hectare estate sold in pre-boom 1986 by the Catholic Church for $9 million to Spies, a reclusive property investor who enjoyed a Howard Hughes-like reputation and kept the grounds locked during his ownership.
With Spies holding Swifts as the jewel in his extensive property portfolio – and reputedly knocking back a $38 million offer – his financiers readily increased their financial gearing before the property boom burst in the early 1990s.
<img src="/images/stories/swifts5.jpg">
Swifts remained in Spies' possession until Easter 1992 - and rang Title Tattle on his emotion-wrenched departure - and was dormant until 1997 when Doug and Greta Moran bought the property for about $10 million through estate agents Graeme Hennessey and Ken Jacobs.
The Morans, who ran Moran Health Care, prided themselves with the desire to improve Australia's heritage as well as look after its health. Doug Moran was full of pride when he showed Title Tattle through the house afterb its extensive restoration. 
In April 2011 two of the couple's children, <a href=""></a><a href=""></a>Shane Moran and his family of four children moved into Swifts, taking up residence along with sister, Kerry Jones. Kerry Jones and Shane Moran have equal shares in Swifts, said to be worth more than $60 million on today's market.
Their father, Doug died last November.
 
 
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Swifts mansion chatelaine Kerry Jones raises spectre of high-rise for Darling Point grounds: Title Tattle

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The Goodman Group's hopes for quick approval for its inner-city Sydney residential high-rise development site have been stymied.
It had been among the landowners who’ve nominated their land for special consideration by the NSW Department of Planning, but instead its prior approval for massive intensification has been overturned by the NSW Planning Minister Brad Hazzard.
His decision <a href=""></a>limits the site to nine storeys, down from the 19 storeys granted by the former Labor state government.
“Labor directed the City of Sydney Council in 2010 to increase height limits at the site from nine to 19 storeys and increase allowable residential floor space by nearly 60%,” Hazzard says.
“Last week I toured the site and came to the conclusion that a height limit of 19 storeys at this site is completely out of character with the nearby area.”
Goodman’s specific intentions aren’t fully known or revealed in <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=jzbGsUV9Qfk%3d&amp;tabid=561&amp;language=en-AU">the landowner-nominated sites on the department’s websites</a> but the decision has effectively halved any project with the difference amounting to 636 extra dwellings.
With each selling at, say, $700,000, about $445 million in potential revenue has been removed from the Goodman balance book. 
Goodman's holding includes a non-descript Erskineville industrial estate set on Mitchell Road between Erskineville Oval and Sydney Park, which has been the site of a long skirmish arising from the draft Sydney Local Environmental Plan.
The site was once headquarters of the Metters factory producing ovens and boilers. Its best-known brand was the 1930s Kooka range of gas cooking appliances.
It had an $81 million book value as at June.
<img src="/images/stories/goodman2.jpg">
Goodman’s <a href="https://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/IROL/16/167466/Goodman_Group_direct_property_portfolio_2011.pdf">other land holdings</a> in South Sydney include its Alexandria industrial estate (pictured above).
The Metters site has long been subject to considerable government argy bargy as under the Keneally government, the NSW Planning Department demanded the City of Sydney double the site's permissible building heights.
Lord mayor Clover Moore and the council unsucessfully fought the push as they viewed it as a threat to Sydney City Council’s inner-city villages policy.
Other landlords viewed Goodman’s application as headlining a strategic battle that will shape future development density of all the industrial estates on the southern corridor from the city to the airport.
A lack of suitable transport infrastructure and seven day a week traffic congestion were factors in the minister's decision this week.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore recently previously said that Ashmore was the City’s second largest industrial area identified for urban renewal and offers a rare opportunity to create a sustainable new neighbourhood.
"We want to create a neighbourhood which includes the right infrastructure and sustainable design to improve the lives of current and future residents."
She said the City had been working with the community on the future redevelopment plans for the Ashmore precinct since 2007.
 "In 2010, the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure directed the City to increase the density of the proposed redevelopment and raise height limits of two towers to 19 storeys.
 “We were very concerned about the Department’s new plans and undertook technical studies which showed the heights and density proposed by the Department of Planning would cause overshadowing of nearby properties and obscure views from Sydney Park,” the Lord Mayor said.
 She said residents thought the development focused on profit rather than sustainable urban design.
 “We will be lobbying the NSW Government to support our proposal, reduce their increases to the density and height limits and increase trains and bus services to better serve the needs of the local community, now and into the future.”
The Metters factory site dates to 1906, when the firm, established on Rundle Street in Adelaide in 1891 by Frederick Metters, moved from its small factory on Alice Street at Newtown. Metters stayed there until the early 1970s, about the time it was taken over by Email.
Greg Goodman is the founder and chief executive of Goodman Group, which ranked as one of the global high-flyers of the real estate sector before the global financial crisis.
Goodman bought the site in 1989 from the NSW State Authorities Superannuation Board for $19.2 million.
At the time it has a net annual rental of $2 million, reflecting an initial yield of about 10%.
Goodman's general manager is former Wallaby Jason Little, who has been with the group since 2003.
The site's tenants include Toll Priority and Ausdoc.
The entire Ashmore precinct has been identified for urban renewal since 1998. It covers 17 hectares.
Much of it still contains large industrial buildings surrounded by terraces from the late 1800s. Recent redevelopment in the precinct includes the Motto, Glo and Star Printery apartment complexes, which are mostly six storeys.
Denis O'Neil's nearby Sydney Park Village complex, built in the late 1990s, is of a similar height.
Moore has previously indicated that over the past seven years the council has put in much time and resources planning for the precinct's redevelopment.
It proposed three tall buildings of nine storeys at the centre of the precinct, with smaller apartment blocks totalling 2240 dwellings and 4,000 people. The department wants 2,876 dwellings with 5,200 people.
Moore says the council's work included technical studies to look at issues such as stormwater management, traffic, and transport, urban design and economic feasibility.
Under the latest state government initiative, sites will be reviewed on the basis of government-endorsed objectives with each site undergoing an initial assessment of adequacy. Councils are expected to be consulted and their views taken into account as part of the evaluation. The appropriate provision of services and infrastructure will form part of the assessment process.
A review committee, chaired by the Director-General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, will make recommendations to the state government.
 
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Setback for Goodman Group hopes for fast-tracked high-rise development in inner Sydney

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Academy Award-nominated actor Toni Collette, the star of the TV series United States of Tara, and her musician husband, David Galafassi, are being sued over their failure to settle on an alleged $6 million Paddington terrace purchase (pictured above).
The initial directions hearing into the matter is scheduled for the NSW Supreme Court next Tuesday.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;">
<thead><tr>
<td>
Date
</td>
<td>
Jurisdiction
</td>
<td>
Court
</td>
<td>
Presiding Officer
</td>
<td>
Court Room
</td>
<td>
Case 
</td>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
21 Mar
</td>
<td>
Directions (Equity Registrar)
</td>
<td>
Civil
</td>
<td>
Supreme
</td>
<td>
Supreme Court Sydney
</td>
<td>
Susan Kelly v David Anthony Galafassi (Toni Galafassi)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
21 Mar
</td>
<td>
Directions (Equity Registrar)
</td>
<td>
Civil
</td>
<td>
Supreme
</td>
<td>
Supreme Court Sydney
</td>
<td>
Susan Kelly v David Anthony Galafassi (David Anthony Galafassi)
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
Last October the couple reputedly signed a contract to buy a double-fronted Paddington terrace from Susie Kelly, the co-founder and owner of Industrie clothing with her husband, Nick.
The Stewart Street house <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/actor-toni-collette-and-muso-david-galafassi-fall-for-the-charms-of-contemporary-inner-city-paddington/2011110752250">was snapped at an undisclosed price </a>– but understood to be slightly more than $6 million quite early in its October marketing campaign by McGrath agent Ben Collier.
Designed by architectAnthony Gill and completed in 2009, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom house on a 360-square-metre block sold for a record for the southern side of Oxford Street, Paddington.
Consisting of two classic Victorian terraces combined into a palatial single residence, the contemporary tri-level family retreat had been reinvented after the merger of two terraces costing $2.15 million in 2003 and $1.865 million in 2005.
The entertainment industry couple's plans went awry after they struggled to find a buyer of their Bronte house.
Their 1885 Bronte weatherboard cottage that cost $4.4 million in mid-2009 had been tipped to sell for around $3.5 million through its McGrath Estate Agents listing agent Bethwyn Richards, but still struggled to find a buyer.
Collette and Galafassi are accused of changing their minds on the Paddington purchase when they instead bought back at Bronte reputedly from the buyer of their own house.
The Kellys bought on Kutti Beach at Vaucluse last March for $15.5 million.
Property lawyers said the Supreme Court could find the contract binding and the entertainment industry couple could be forced to pay any shortfall if the Paddington terrace resold at less than its last sale price.
 
 
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Fickle Toni Collette being sued over property change of heart in Paddington

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The 2,031 properties in the NSW region of Hay had a total land value of $151 million in July 2011, according to NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
The figure was down 4% from $157 million in 2008.
Residential land values experienced a slight decrease over the three years.
Rural land values also experienced a slight decrease over the three years while year-on-year median prices decreased 3.5% from a median of $64,200 in 2010.
<img src="/images/stories/haymap.gif">
Western found rural residential land in the Hay Irrigation Area and village land in Maude and Booligal had a generally strong decrease in price.
Commercial land also experienced a slight decrease over the three years.
Industrial land values increased slightly from 2008 levels.
Hay landowners and rate-paying lessees received a notice of valuation this month.
The valuations are used by councils to determine rates and taxes for investment property purchases.
Typical residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>2,023 square metres at Lang Street, Hay valued at $29,800 </li>
<li>928 square metres at Meakes Street, Hay valued at $20,600</li>
</ul>
Typical commercial land value was:
<ul>
<li>799 square metres at Lachlan Street, Hay valued at $36,400 </li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land value was:
<ul>
<li>1,447 square metres at Murray Street, Hay valued at $30,000</li>
</ul>
Typical rural land values were:
<ul>
<li>237 hectares at Murrumbidgee River Road, Hay valued at $88,200 </li>
<li>4,079 hectares at Alma Road, Booligal valued at $264,000 </li>
<li>1,621 hectares at Toopuntul Road, Maude valued at $119,000</li>
</ul>
Typical hobby farm land value was:
<ul>
<li>12.8 hectares at University Road, Hay South valued at $68,400</li>
</ul>
Typical village land values were:
<ul>
<li>1,518 square metres at Hay Street, Booligal valued at $2,470 </li>
<li>2,023 square metres at Waratah Street, Maude valued at $3,980</li>
</ul>
 
 
 
<ul></ul>
</body></html>

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