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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One of the enduring mantras of real estate is that water is the greatest wealth creator. 
Get your hands on property that fronts water or has a compelling view of it and you’ve bought a ticket to superior capital growth, according to this old cliché. 
There’s only one problem with it: it isn’t true. 
Every time I study a city or region to pinpoint the best growth areas, I find more evidence that the old paradigms about “prime” real estate are little more than myths and misinformation. 
My latest exercise focused on Newcastle and the Hunter region. Contrary to conventional wisdom – but consistent with results I’ve found in other cities and regions – the out-performing locations were the affordable places inland and the worst results were in the water-based areas. 
Once again, hill-change out-performed sea-change. The best capital growth rates were found in locations in the Cessnock and Maitland local government areas, heading west up the Hunter Valley from Newcastle. 
The worst, overwhelmingly, were suburbs in the Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie municipalities – lovely places to live, no doubt, but poor venues for investment. 
This confirmed for me, once again, that industry and infrastructure are the key elements for investors. 
The Hunter region is a great example of it. It’s emerging as one of the powerhouse economies of Australia and one of the strongest property markets, underpinned by current or upcoming projects totaling $28 billion. 
I recently flew over the region in a helicopter owned by local building company Thomas Paul Constructions. It gave me a great perspective on what makes this region tick. 
Multiple power stations, massive aluminium smelters, coal mines in abundance, some of the world’s biggest horse studs, stretches of wine country and new housing estates are all part of the mix driving the Hunter economy. 
From the air I saw a full house of ships in the port of Newcastle loading coal, with more queuing off the coast, as long trains of coal wagons were streaming into the port areas. It was easy to see why there are multibillion-dollar port expansion proposals from three different entities. 
There was also a commanding view of the construction corridor for the $1.5 billion Hunter Expressway, a project that is generating jobs and economic activity and which will revolutionise the appeal of many Hunter towns by improving access. It’s expected to knock half an hour off the drive to Sydney. 
It’s probably not coincidence that the leading areas for capital growth are the ones most influenced by this important infrastructure project – suburbs around Branxton, where the expressway terminates, top the growth list. 
The five best locations for long-term capital growth – the average annual growth in prices over 10 years – are all in the Cessnock municipality, including near neighbours Branxton, East Branxton and Greta. 
The top 20 for the wider region is dominated by locations in the Cessnock and Maitland municipality, where a country lifestyle amid the vineyards is mixed with good amenities and easy access to major jobs nodes. 
The top 20 all have long-term growth averages above 10% a year. 
At the other end of the scale, the bottom 20 list is all about the Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie municipalities. All of them have growth rates below 6% per year, and the worst of them are around 3.5% – close to the worst in the nation. 
I drove through these places and flew over them. I saw a series of lovely, almost idyllic, locations overlooking yachts parked in peaceful bays. 
They’re the sorts of places people like to retire to, and that’s part of the problem. It’s people finding jobs that drives real estate, rather than people quitting them to put their feet up. 
Economies driven by tourism and retirement seldom produce capital growth to excite investors. 
In the Newcastle/Hunter region, as elsewhere, you need to turn your back on the water and drive inland to find the growth. 
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">hotspotting.com.au</a> and can be <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">followed on Twitter</a>.
 
 
 
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Head for the hills, not the sea, for good NSW investment prospects: Terry Ryder

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Rene Rivkin’s former Wiseman’s Ferry log cabin on the Hawkesbury River has been sold.
It’s been bought for $1.45 million by Bob and Wendy Lapointe, who own the picturesque Muskoka Farm property on the Hawkesbury down the road from Wiseman's Ferry. Bob Lapointe, who has owned in the district since 1969, is the man who altered the eating habits of Australians forever, introducing fast food into Australia, initially with Kentucky Fried Chicken, then Pizza Hut and later Sizzler. He was a Canadian student when he met "The Colonel" Harlan Sanders while working out his 1962 holidays in a restaurant chain in western Canada.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/rivkin1.jpg" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/rivkin1thumb.jpg"></a>
High-profile stockbroker Rene Rivkin, who died in 2005, bought the 3.8-hectare land in 1997 for $330,000. The massive handcrafted custom-designed cabin was completed in late 1998 using 350 cypress trees found at an Inverell mill.
Bruce Litchfield, an interior decorator, secured help from Dr Tracey Wakefield to oversee the design of the project. It's a three-bedrooom home with extensive verandas and a competition-style billiard room.
It was proudly built by Appalachian Log Homes, <a href="https://www.appalachianloghomes.com.au/rivpro" target="_blank">whose website has photos </a>taken by Eric Sierins of Max Dupain and Associates Pty Ltd. The riverfront facilities were big enough to moor Rivkin's 33-metre cruising yacht, Dajoshadita.
It’s been owned and sold by family members who’ve made little use of the property for several years.
Set in a secluded riverside location on the edge of national park, the property was Rivkin’s occasional getaway from the hustle and bustle of his hectic city life.
It’s about an hour’s drive to Hornsby via the F3.
There’s a nearby 16-hectare holding with road and river frontage listed at $430,000.
Wisemans Ferry Realty has 1252-square-metre hillside vacant blocks with water views listed at $80,000 plus.
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The late Rene Rivkin's log cabin on the Hawkesbury River sells: Title Tattle

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The transportation and shopping hub of Chatswood on the Sydney lower north shore registered 450 house and unit sales worth a combined $382 million in 2011, with its ranking on the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/mosman-heads-top-100-list-with-kew-paddington-and-castle-hill-climbing-the-ranks-and-hope-island-and-vaucluse-tumbling/2012021453376" target="_blank">RP Data Top 100 list of house and unit aggregate sales</a> soaring from 34th to 17th in the space of a year.
The year was dominated by unit sales, with 308 apartments sold during the year at a median price of $605,000. Off-the-plan sales, including the sell-out of Mirvac’s 42-storey Era tower, were not included.
There were 142 house sales over the year at almost double the unit median at $1.2 million.
RP Data research shows that <a target="_blank" href="/news">Chatswood</a> unit prices increased by 4.2% with a yield of 4.4% over the past year while house prices managed growth of 0.6%.
Chatswood has a predominantly Asian population and is well known for its Asian eateries and vibrant shopping culture centred along Victoria Avenue. Shopping centres include the Westfield Chatswood and Chatswood Chase Sydney.
It continues to attract Asian buyers and investors, both locally and offshore, according to local estate agents.
McGrath agent Jon Dundas-Smith notched up three big sales in Chatswood to Chinese buyers last year, telling the Sydney Morning Herald a lot of money was coming in from China.
The area has also benefited from the parents of Asian students picking up properties and putting them in their children’s names – the downside is they have to be sold when they leave the country.
The suburb is also the focus of a commercial property revival, with demand for office space picking up as Chatswood’s status as a sought-after fringe business location rises.
According to the most recent Property Council of Australia Office Report the vacancy rate in Chatswood offices decreased from 17% to 10.7% over the six-month period to December 2011.
Investment group FKP is currently developing a new alfresco restaurant, café and shopping hub as part of its refurbishment of 15-storey office building.
The Avenues will be developed outside 465 Victoria Avenue in the western precinct of Chatswood bordering Railway Street, Brown Street and Victoria Avenue and is due for completion in mid-2012.
According to property managers RUN Property, Chatswood experienced above inflation growth in rents from January 2011 to January 2012, with weekly rents increasing from $570 a week to $600 over this period.
<img src="/images/stories/chatswood1.jpg">
Daryl Katz from Shead Property Chatswood is currently selling a 65-square-metre two-bedroom renovated apartment (pictured above) on Hampden Road  in neighbouring Artarmon with offers sought in excess of $460,000.
It last sold in December 2005 for $352,500.
The property is currently rented at $450 per week, representing a yield of just over 5% at the listing price.
Katz describes the property as an “outstanding entry point for first-time investors, or to complement an existing investment portfolio”.
<img src="/images/stories/chatswood2.jpg">
Saesar Liu from Great Fortune Investment Chippendale is selling a one-bedroom apartment on Help Street that includes use of a cross-shaped swimming pool (pictured above), complete with palm trees. The apartment is up for sale in the mid- $400,000s.
It last sold in July 2006 for $305,000
It is currently rented at $450 per week. At a sales price of $450,000, this equates to an estimated yield of 5.2%.
Main photograph by Christopher Chan
 
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Hotspots: Brisk unit sales and commercial property revival in Chatswood  

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Actor Nicole Kidman has failed to sell the final piece of her beachfront holding on the NSW far south coast. 

Kidman purchased the Rosedale holding as part of a $4 million outlay on the coastal strip in 2004. She has already recouped $3 million, selling two of the properties to Canberrans.
Before the auction buyers were being told to expect to pay around $800,000, but when the last portion went to auction last weekend it did not sell.
<img src="/images/stories/kidmanland2.jpg">
The vacant 1,009-square-metre block had been for sale since 2008 at $1.2 million plus through Michael Skuse of LJ Hooker Batemans Bay. It has 21 metres of beach frontage on Knowlman Road. 

It was 2004 when Angus Hawley, Nicole's then brother-in-law, first swooped into town by helicopter to bid on the rare beachfront offering offered by the Knowlman farming family from Goulburn, who had paid £35 in 1929. Rosedale locals say Kidman has been there only a handful of times since 2004. 
 
 
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Nicole Kidman's south coast NSW beachfront land fails to sell at auction

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The NSW corruption watchdog will investigate allegations of corruption involving former boxer Lucky Gattellari, Ron Medich Developments and Narooma south coast land council.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will hold a public inquiry commencing on Monday, February 27, 2012 as part of an investigation it is conducting into allegations of corrupt conduct concerning former chairman of the Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council Ron Mason, former Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council coordinator Ken Foster, and former and current Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Vanessa Mason.
It is alleged that between March 2005 and April 2006, Mason and Foster received corrupt benefits from Fortunato (Lucky) Gattellari in return for facilitating negotiations between the Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council, Gattellari, Ron Medich Developments Pty Ltd and Waterview Developments Pty Ltd.
The Commission is also investigating an allegation that between January 2008 and April 2010, Mason received corrupt benefits from Gattellari in return for facilitating negotiations between the Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council, Gattellari and Waterview Developments Pty Ltd.
The public inquiry will be heard by ICAC assistant commissioner Theresa Hamilton, with expectations it will continue for between three and five days.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/tasmanian-tigers-keep-watch-over-the-point-piper-harbourfront-mansion-of-the-much-accused-ron-medich/2011112852588" target="_blank">Ron Medich </a>and Lucky Gattellari have both been charged over the September 2009 murder of Sydney businessman Michael McGurk.
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Ron Medich faces another ICAC inquiry - this one over Narooma land council dealings

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Nearby mining activity, solid infrastructure, an airport and country living are some of the reasons the NSW country town of Orange is turning into a veritable river of residential property gold.
Orange, about 260 kilometres north west of Sydney, recorded 921 property sales over the course of 2011 worth $270 million, ranking 54th on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/mosman-heads-top-100-list-with-kew-paddington-and-castle-hill-climbing-the-ranks-and-hope-island-and-vaucluse-tumbling/2012021453376" target="_blank">RP Data’s list of the top 100 suburbs with the highest aggregate of sales in 2011</a>. Orange ranked at number 144 in 2010.
The vast majority (781) of these sales were houses, with the median price of an Orange house now standing at $296,000. The median unit price is $217,000.
House prices in Orange have been booming, with the town experiencing about 4% house price growth for the year to September 2011, according to the latest ANZ Housing report, the strongest capital growth of all NSW regional areas.
According to RP Data, houses are selling at an average discount of 6.1%, with an average time on market of 110 days. However, RP Data says house prices remained flat over 2011, having experienced strong growth over the two preceding years.
Orange has also attracted its fair share of those seeking a lifestyle change and also taking advantage of the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/no-rush-yet-for-sydneysiders-to-move-to-the-sticks-despite-%247000-government-carrot/2011101151892" target="_blank">NSW government’s regional relocation grant</a>, which provides a one-off payment of $7,000 to assist home buyers with the cost of relocating from their metropolitan home to a regional home.
About 600 Sydneysiders relocated to Orange, according to James Treloar, former Tamworth mayor and spokesman for Evocities, a campaign comprising the cities of Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga aimed at encouraging capital city residents to move to and invest in one of these regional cities.
<img src="/images/stories/orangechart.gif">
Source: ANZ
Orange is one of the regional economies that is benefiting from mining activity, according to the February property market report from valuers Herron Todd White.
According to the valuation firm, the shortage of available rental property is so severe that motel occupancies are running at a 90%  – an extremely high number for a regional town.
“Orange is experiencing a rental housing shortage, with motel occupancies running at around 90%,” HTW says.
The boom in house sales and values in Orange is being partly driven by a number of nearby mining projects under construction.
“Construction of the Cadia East Gold Mine is nearing completion and will become the largest underground mine in Australia, at a cost of approximately $1.9 billion.
“The expansion will prolong mining in the valley for the next 30 years,” says Herron Todd White.
Construction of the mine will finish around April 2012, when an estimated 1,000 contract workers will be stood down.
“This should result in more normal market conditions with a permanent mine workforce of around 750 to 800 people. What impact the mine will have remains to unclear,” says Herron Todd White.
A November report by PRDnationwide noted that the Orange municipality was one of the strongest-performing NSW rental markets, with the mining activity in the Cadis Valley “responsible for much of the growth in rental prices”. 
“While the median rent price for a three bedroom house in the region increased 15.8%, rent for two-bedroom units rose 18.8% in the 12 months to September 2011 resulting in a median weekly rent of $238,” says PRDnationwide.
 
<img src="/images/stories/orangechart2.gif">
<img src="/images/stories/orangechart3.gif">
Orange is one of the hotspot picks of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/nsw-city-of-orange-offers-opportunities-for-investors/2011121952894">Sam Saggers from Positive Real Estate</a>.
He describes Orange as one of the new “boom” mining towns and recommends investors look at properties under $300,000.
He says the market is offering both high capital return and high capital growth – “that anomaly does not align itself all that often, so you have a great opportunity for both in Orange”.
In addition to the benefit of mining activity, Orange is also one of those regional markets with good infrastructure and transport connections to major capital cities.
Raine and Horne CEO Angus Raine says baby boomers will look to buy in towns like Orange (as well as Tamworth and Port Macquarie), because they have “airports that make it easier for friends and families to visit”.
Orange is one of Raine’s “breakout” markets to watch in 2012 because of its standing as a “transport hub town”.
Orange also has one of Australia’s best wine districts, with local wines regularly winning national and international awards and is considered a regional gourmet food capital.
In addition, Orange is home to Schools of Agriculture and Health of Charles Sturt University.
Peter Fisher from the Property Shop Orange is selling a three-bedroom house in Emily Place for $279,000, listed just before Christmas.
<img src="/images/stories/orangehouse.jpg">
He describes the property (pictured above) as a “great starter home or investment”. It is currently being rented at $330 per week, equating to a yield of 6.15% at the current asking price.
It last sold for $199,000 in June 2003.
However, investors should exercise a fair amount of caution in Orange.
Orange, along with Dubbo and Broken Hill in the state's far west, were some of the regional centres hard hit by foreclosures, according to Supreme Court writ figures released in January.
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Hotspot: Mining and transport links make Orange a sweet prospect for investors

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Les Flots Bleus, the clifftop Shelley Beach, Manly, property that set the suburb's then residential record in 2007, has been listed for sale by home economist Jane Fitton-Williams, the relatively low-key cookery expert and author of Foolproof Food.
It has been offered for March 10 auction through Jake Rowe from McGrath, who secured its $6.75 million sale in 2007.
Rowe says there has been an inspired “re-imagining” of the traditional three-storey period home since its sale.
He suggests the UK-bound Fitton-Williams has created a sumptuous world-class designer retreat.
It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
It stands with views over the Fairy Bower point surf break, Shelly Beach up towards Manly Beach and beyond to the Central Coast.
The 696-square-metre block comes with poolside entertainment space with kitchenette and bathroom.
Its deluxe kitchen comes with AGA stove, butler’s pantry and cool room.
Hailing from England, Fitton-Williams is a skilled AGA demonstrator who can be booked for one-on-one demonstrations of the iconic stove.
Its previous owner was InterStrat strategic marketing company founder Professor Linden Brown, who bought and built the house for $1.43 million in 1997 and then paid the leasehold renewal, which cost about $550,000.
Manly’s latest residential house record was set last year when haircare industry entrepreneur Susan Starling sold her house for $10 million to Craig Butcher, having initial $12 million expectations in 2008. The three-storey Addison Road harbourfront house sold through Elders agent Luke Newby, in conjunction with McGrath agent Jake Rowe.
 Jake Rowe has been telling buyers that he expects $7 million plus for his latest listing based on the last recent comparable sale of $8 million in June 2010.
"The house is ideal for a small family or a couple as the main home is now three bedrooms, and there is a separate granny flat beneath the garage which would be good for an older child or a guest," he advises'.
"The position on the cliff side is about as good as it gets in terms of the view."
 
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Home economist lists record-setting Fairy Bower Manly property: Title Tattle

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The former Palm Beach home of Tony Morris, ex-principal of GP Noble, one of Britain's largest pension schemes, has been listed for March 20 sale by his bankruptcy trustee Andrew Wily.
Morris, who was extradited from Sydney last April to face charges of defrauding the fund, paid $7.45 million in 2006 for the clifftop property he named Aman.
Peter Gosnell’s Sydney Insolvency News reported last October that Wily had been appointed trustee in bankruptcy to the estate of Tony Morris after Morris failed to pay $50,000 in legal fees owed to his lawyers, HWL Ebsworth. Morris’s insurance policy indicated jewellery with a replacement value of $5 million was kept on the Palm Beach premises.
Wily subsequently took possession of the safe's contents, which included a platinum ladies’ ring with a seven-carat diamond, diamond earrings valued at $200,000 and other high-end pieces from Phillip Street jewellers.
A man's ring with a replacement value of $2 million was missing, and Morris has since said he lost the ring while working on a farm in New Zealand.
The mortgage, currently running at $25,000 a month, has the National Australia Bank owed about $5.2 million and accumulating penalty interest.
Valuations for the property mentioned in court last year ranged from $6.2 million to $6.5 million, a fair way shy of the $7.4 million Morris paid in 2006.
David Egan of Raine &amp; Horne <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-palm+beach-109585431">is marketing the property</a>.
Morris was initially under investigation for a £52 million ($86 million) fraud with creditors and British police searching for missing funds, but investigators have subsequently recovered $50 million of the funds.
In a 2010 interview with Channel Seven at his clifftop home Morris has said he was innocent and would return to England to speak to police to clear his name.
"I've got a lot to lose, a lot to lose. I'm confident I won't be charged but that's what terrifies me," he said.
The Australian Federal Police, as Interpol's representatives, had been asked to assist the Serious Fraud Office with inquiries into Morris.
The central allegation made at the hearing was that GP Noble and a trustee firm identified only as BDC paid money that had been held in the trusts of 29 pension schemes into investments that were not within the trustees' investment powers.
It was alleged that two directors of GP Noble and BDC, Mr Pitcher and Mr Cordell, were "dishonest" and that Morris was a "dishonest accomplice".
The north-facing property, which is situated on the top of a cliff at the northern end of Whale Beach, had been the subject of a “soft sell” marketing campaign late last year after Wily and Morris’s wife, Vanessa Jackson, found common ground over inspection times that suited the nap times of the couple’s two-year-old child.
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Bankruptcy trustee lists ex-GP Noble boss Tony Morris’ former Palm Beach home as Morris faces fraud charges 

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With interiors designed to evoke the feeling of being at a league match – complete with stadium-style seating, goal posts and carpet with football field markings – Rugby League Central, the new home of Rugby League, has been officially opened.
The newly completed building on Driver Avenue, Moore Park, is adjacent to the Sydney Football Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Rugby League Central was designed by HBO+EMTB who did both the building architecture and the interior design. The 3,600-square-metre space comprises three storeys plus a rooftop entertaining terrace and basement parking.
<img src="/images/stories/rugbyleague1.jpg">
HBO+EMTB managing director Kevin Fitzgerald says Rugby League Central has been designed to bring together five separate rugby league organisations: NRL, ARL, NSWRL, NSW Country League and ARL Development.
“The challenge was to successfully bring together five organisations from one code with, nonetheless, differing cultures and histories. The interior layout is designed to facilitate cooperation, interaction and commonality of purpose while recognising and celebrating individual histories and achievements.
<img src="/images/stories/rugbyleague2.jpg">
“At the forefront of our design has been a theme of ‘One Home - One Community’.
“The focal point of the building is a dramatic oval shaped core that forms a three-storey atrium/lobby, symbolising a rugby league football. This core structure rises above the main envelope of the building to enunciate the building’s function,” Fitzgerald says.
“The workspaces are largely open plan but each member organisation has its own regional cluster with graphic cues, including team colours and large-scale images of their respective players in action.
<img src="/images/rugbyleague3.jpg">
“Another unifying design feature is the liberal use of the chevron, the one symbol consistent throughout all bodies in rugby league. It is prominent in the foyer in several timber feature walls, in glazed areas on different floors and on the exterior fin of the building,” he says.
 
<img src="/images/stories/rugbyleague4.jpg">
A special purpose-built judiciary room also doubles as a conference and media room, and the rooftop area features an open terrace with park and city views.
It was opened by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese and NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley.
The event also marked the launch of the Australian Rugby League Commission and was presided over by the commission’s new chairman, John Grant, and ARLC chief executive David Gallop.
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Rugby League scores new Sydney headquarters that captures the feel of the game 

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The Darling Point home of the late Roddy Meagher, who was perhaps the most loquacious of latter-day judges, has been listed for sale with price hopes of $3 million plus.
It was his home for 40 years, starting some 10 years after he’d married his late wife, Penny.
The three-level Darling Point Road terrace with overgrown facade sits on a 322-square-metre block. His art collection was cleared out several years ago. It’s been listed by LJ Hooker Double Bay agents Alain Waitsman and Emma Barbour.
Meagher, was called to the bar in 1960, was renowned for his many forthright pronouncements, which his obituaries noted turned into occasions of public outrage or amusement.
He certainly didn’t let up in private, as Title Tattle can attest, dining with Meagher – who dominated the conversation at his mate Charles Lloyd Jones’s place.
Roderick Pitt "Roddy" Meagher, AO QC – named one of Sydney's most adroit QCs on intellectual property matters in 1988 – served as a justice of the NSW Supreme Court and Court of Appeal from 1989 until 2004.
He died aged 79 last July.
He was a cousin of Patrick White and his family owned country stores, which provided the wealth to fund of his Jesuit education, and then his University of Sydney law degree.
Meagher’s art collection of 2,000 paintings and drawings, dozens of sculptures, ceramics and antiquities was bequeathed to Sydney University two years ago.
As well as his house in Darling Point, he had a farm in Bowral. He left most of his estate to his only daughter, Amy.
A $3.75 million sale was recorded two doors away last year.
 
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