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

Joel Robinson

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

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

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

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

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

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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Academy Award-nominated actor Toni Collette and her musician husband, David Galafassi, are next back in the NSW Supreme Court on June 6 after being sued over the failure to settle on an alleged $6 million Paddington terrace purchase.
The initial directions hearing into the matter was scheduled in mid-March.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november8collette]}
Last October the couple were all set to buy a double-fronted Paddington terrace (pictured above) from Susie Kelly, the co-founder and owner of Industrie clothing with her husband Nick.
The Stewart Street house was snapped at an undisclosed price – but understood to be slightly more than $6 million.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november7toni]}
After struggling to find a buyer of their Bronte house (pictured above), <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/fickle-toni-collette-being-sued-over-property-change-of-heart-in-paddington/2012031353824">Collette and Galafassi are accused of changing their mind on the Paddington purchase</a> instead buying again at Bronte (pictured below) from the buyer of their own house.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/april24collettenew]}
Their <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/actor-toni-collette-and-muso-david-galafassi-fall-for-the-charms-of-contemporary-inner-city-paddington/2011110752250">1885 Bronte weatherboard cottage that cost $4.4 million in mid-2009</a> had been tipped to sell for around $3.5 million through its McGrath Estate Agents listing agent Bethwyn Richards. The recent transfer indicates it did finally sell for $3.5 million on its March settlement. Their new Bronte home cost a bullish $5.5 million when settled last month with a NAB mortgage.
Property lawyers say the Supreme Court could find the Paddington contract binding and the entertainment industry couple could be forced to pay any shortfall if the Paddington terrace sells again at less than its last sale price.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Toni Collette back to court in June over Paddo property deal as she settles Bronte house swap: Title Tattle 

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The 1950 and 1960s fashion model Margot McKendry and her American plastic-surgeon husband, Michael Hogan, who typically have split their time between Santa Barbara, California and New York's Upper East Side, have listed their occasional Sydney base.
It’s a three-bedroom Darling Point apartment listed for May 8 auction through Brad Caldwell-Eyles of 1st City Hasesmer+Caldwell Eyles with $3 million-plus hopes. The whole-floor 225-square-metre unit is on the fourth floor of Torrington, the tightly held 1986 Mirvac-built Darling Point Road block of nine apartments, where the last recorded sale was in 2004.
It has north-westerly views across Elizabeth Bay towards the city and Harbour Bridge. It cost $900,000 when bought in 1986.
<img src="/images/stories/margotmckendry.jpg">
During the 1950s and 1960s, McKendry modelled and even did a few film tests when she worked overseas, with works including a session with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://h-rust.livejournal.com/267818">Cary Grant photographed by Bob Willoughby</a> (pictured above). Her portrait in a Tommy Harrison hat <a href="https://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=150264&amp;search=Fashion+models&amp;images=&amp;c=&amp;s=1">taken by Helmut Newton on a Flinders Lane, Melbourne</a> rooftop in 1954 (pictured below) is held at the Powerhouse Museum.
<img src="/images/stories/margotmckendry2.jpg">
In 1960, after being discovered internationally following an Australian Women’s Weekly cover, McKendry was earning £27 an hour while modelling in New York.
Hogan, who often visited Tasmania to fish, periodically hit the headlines himself, given his clients included Jackie Onassis and Kerry Packer.
 
 
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Sixties fashion model Margot McKendry lists Darling Point apartment: Title Tattle

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Wagga Wagga’s status as a property hotspot may come under threat in 2012 with the current oversupply of rental properties expected to persist despite an increase in demand for temporary accommodation due to the March floods. 
Located 450 kilometres from both Sydney and Melbourne, Wagga Wagga is NSW’s largest inland city, with a population of 63,500 people. 
About 250 properties were flooded when the Murrumbidgee River burst its banks in early March this year. 
Research carried out by PRDnationwide has found there are currently 230 houses and 100 units available for rent in the city. 
The property group expects that some of these properties will be rented by residents whose houses have been flooded. 
However, the long-term forecast is for rental vacancies to rise due to the completion of nearby Sturt and Hume highway upgrade projects, during which workers have vacated their rental properties in Wagga Wagga. 
In addition, the expansion of Charles Sturt University in North Wagga, due for completion next year, will add about 160 bedrooms, further adding to the supply of properties in the region. 
In 2011 there was a 10% drop in housing transactions in 2011, with 463 properties sold, according to PRDnationwide. 
Over this time the median house price declined by 3.4% to $259,000 while units were more resilient, recording a 0.9% decline to $217,000. 
Despite the drop in house prices, vendors selling detached houses in 2011 still recorded solid capital gains of around 5.9%. 
The most sought-after locations were suburbs closest to the city, with the Wagga Wagga town centre accounting for nearly half of all sales, followed by nearby Kooringal, Glenfield Park and Lake Albert. 
A smaller number of sales was recorded in newer suburbs like Springvale and Tatton.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/prdapril16.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/prdapril16thumb.gif"></a>
House prices between $250,000 and $299,000 accounted for nearly one in four sales while there was also strong appetite for properties prices up to $450,000. 
There are currently 207 properties for sale in this price bracket according to realestate.com.au including <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wagga+wagga-109518801">this original three-bedroom Federation cottage</a> (pictured below) on the market for $295,000 complete with pressed ceilings and an outdoor toilet.
It last sold for $132,500 in 1996.
It is being sold by Grant Harris of Raine &amp; Horne Wagga Wagga.
<img src="/images/stories/wagga1.jpg" width="470">
A more modern offering aimed at investors is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-glenfield+park-109045836">this three-bedroom house in Glenfield Park</a> (below) available through Mark Steel from PRDnationwide Wagga Wagga. It is on the market for $269,500 with rental potential of $300 per week, a yield of around 5.8%.
<img src="/images/stories/wagga2.jpg" width="470">
Wagga Wagga was picked as a hotspot in the top 100 suburbs list by Your Investment Property magazine in 2011, with the publication noting that house prices had risen by 9% every year for the past 10 years. 
According to Hotspotting.com.au director Terry Ryder, the appeal of Wagga Wagga includes its standing as a regional centre for a very wide area, its status as an educational hub and as a good place to retire to due having a number of very good medical facilities. 
“It has got a multi-faceted economy, and some of the big impetus comes from the RAAF base – there is an army base outside of Wagga Wagga that is expanding. 
“These expansions will generate economic activity, jobs, demand for housing,” he says. 
Wagga Wagga is one of seven cities that form part Evocities, a project funded by the Australian government aimed at encouraging more people to relocate from Sydney and other metro regions to one of seven regional cities. The others are Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Tamworth and take advantage of the NSW government’s $7,000 regional relocation grant. 
Evocities lists Wagga Wagga employment prospects as being “medical and allied health, aviation, education &amp; training, engineering, construction, retail, property and business services, public sector and hospitality”. 
It says there are 20 primary schools and eight secondary schools in Wagga Wagga as well as the a number tertiary education facilities including the aforementioned Charles Sturt University, the University of NSW Rural Clinical School, the University of Notre Dame Rural Clinical School, TAFE NSW and Australian Airline Pilot Academy. 
Wagga Wagga is a one-hour flight from Sydney, with 58 flights per week.
 
 
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Wagga Wagga rental market still oversupplied despite flooding of 250 homes: PRDnationwide

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Rowardennan, the 1913 Warrawee residence originally known as Maiala, has been listed for sale with $4.5 million-plus hopes.
Positioned at the end of a gravel driveway, the home was designed by architect BJ Waterhouse on 2,313 square metres of parklike gardens on Warrawee Avenue.
Its listing agent, Chana Scotcher at Chana Scotcher Realty, has sold the heritage listed house twice – firstly in 1996 when publisher Herbert Hillary sold and then again in 2000 when it was bought by the Mary Kay Pacific cosmetics boss, KK Chua. He then sold it on to the present vendors.
It was built along the principles of a French chateau for Joseph Beresford Grant. Beresford Grant is credited as being responsible for Warrawee being shop-free, as he bought the land earmarked for retail construction but preferred to keep it residential.
Designed in 1913, Rowardennan was initially set on 1.6 hectare. It came with rolling lawns, a vast garden that extended to Bangalla Avenue, and even a pony paddock. When the property was sold in 1936 Grant and his wife moved to the house they'd built on neighbouring land, and took the Maiala name with them to the Professor Leslie Wilkinson-designed residence.
 
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Warrawee 1913 residence Rowardennan listed with $4.5 million-plus hopes: Title Tattle

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Claremont, the 16-hectare Bellingen property with a Keith Cottier-designed house, has been sold for $2.2 million through Peter Stone at Real Estate of Distinction at Coffs Harbour.
With views over green fields and the Bellingen River towards the Dorrigo Mountains, the four-bedroom house won the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) NSW Blacket Award for a country building of outstanding merit in 1986. It was built for the Berry family.
The international-style residence has interior living area of 100 square metres. The property comes with a timber guest house next to the pool. The house makes expansive use of glass and stone, along with high cathedral ceilings. The master bedroom faces east, separated from the living areas by a study and dressing room. All rooms in the house have been designed to take advantage of cross-ventilation from the cooling north-east breeze and warming winter sun.
Stone says the success of the architect’s design lay in “its marriage of traditional form, intelligent planning, effective environmental performance and careful siting within its landscape”.
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Award-winning Bellingen property Claremont with Keith Cottier-designed house sells for $2.2 million

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The Eliza penthouse, spanning three levels overlooking Hyde Park, is the latest Sydney skyhouse being marketed with $15 million hopes.
Developed by Edward Doueihi of Ceerose, with an architectural hint in its balconies of Antoni Gaudi's Casa Mila, the penthouse is due for completion in mid-2013. Its the building site with the crane that currently swings across Elizabeth Street just down from the intersection with Market Street.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse.jpg">
The 460-square-metre, three-level penthouse will sit atop a 17-storey building designed by the architects Tony Owen Partners.
It features four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a home theatre, a private lift, 3.5-metre-high ceilings, a massive 13.5-metre frontage overlooking the park and full automation through C-Bus.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse4.jpg">
The top level comprises the entertainment terrace with a 10-metre lap pool.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse2.jpg">
It’s being marketed by Jean-Paul Markopoulos of CBRE. Just 7 of the 19 apartments remain for sale, including six full floor apartments with prices around $4.5 million each.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse3.jpg">
The site – whose neighbours are Hermes and the Sheraton on the Park – was originally to be used for a building named The Elizabeth. Its then developer Andrew Richardson however lost his record $20.1 million off-the-plan penthouse buyer in 2008. Richardson had accepted a $100 deposit for the proposed three-storey penthouse from now-bankrupted businessman Rodney Price.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse5.jpg">
The vacant Elizabeth Street site cost $13 million in 2003 when bought by Richardson and his initial partner, Tjeerd La Grouw, who exited the project several years later. Edward Doueihi, from the Dural construction company, Ceerose, paid $8.5 million in December 2009 to Richardson and his subsequent partner, Multiplex.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse7.jpg">
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Eliza penthouse finally getting off the ground with $15 million hopes: Title Tattle

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Race car enthusiast Scott Shearman has listed his Double Bay beachfront reserve residence in Sydney's east, with $10 million hopes. It was bought from the Loblay family in 2007 for $7 million. The 565-square-metre block, with Gerry Rihs-renovated residence, has been listed through Jamie Upton of Savills.
<img src="/images/stories/gerry1.jpg">
It's the reputed site of the first 18-Footers Club. The property was held by rugby league pioneer Dally Messenger's family until 1985, when it sold for $330,000. It was sold to the Loblays in 1993 for $1.15 million. Shearman sold his David Katon-designed unit in Billyard Avenue, Elizabeth Bay, for about $1.4 million through Upton in 2007. Expressions of interest close April 23 on the Stafford Street Double Bay holding. Shearman, who runs the Melbourne-based family business, initially wanted $10 million plus when he briefly listed in 2009.
Prospective buyers are being advised the nearest comparable sale was when Westfield scion Peter Lowy, the Los Angeles-based co-chief executive of the Westfield Group, spent $10.35 million earlier last year.
<img src="/images/stories/gerry2.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/gerry3.jpg">
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Gerry Rihs-designed contemporary residence on Sydney Harbour listed with $10 million hopes 

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Cockatoo Island could become an active recreational-commercial maritime hub with the Sydney Harbour Trust looking to lease the 2.5-hectare docks precinct.
Its envisaged the new public maritime facilities could include short-stay berthing for small vessels.
The Harbour Trust executive director Geoff Bailey said the available space includes 15 buildings with 4500 sq m floor space and a 400m stretch of wharf frontage.
Bailey says the existing small cultural, accommodation and tourism businesses would be complemented by a maritime precinct that acknowledge the island’s maritime past.
The available space is about an eighth of the island which began its colonial settlement usage as a penal colony in the mid 1800s.
It is Sydney’s largest island.
"It would cost millions to get a business plan off the ground, with especially difficult access," one marina industry commentator said.
Previously one of the nation's biggest shipyards, Cockatoo Island has 160 years of maritime history following the construction of the Fitzroy Dock in 1857.
The larger Sutherland Dock was constructed in the 1880’s and by World War I the island had become the naval dockyard of the Royal Australian Navy.
For the next 78 years, Cockatoo Island was Australia’s most significant shipbuilding and marine repair facility with the HMAS Success, launched in 1984, being the last ship to be built on the island. The dockyard closed in 1992, lying dormant until control was vested in the Trust in 2001.
It was briefly on the late Kerry Packer's radar as a potential casino site in the mid-1980s.
It was opened to the public in 2007, and has since hosted festivals, art installations and tourists, including Cockatoo Island Film Festival, Biennale of Sydney, Project Outpost and Cockatoo Island Camping and Accommodation, with up to 300,000 people visiting annually.
Fitzroy Dock, the only remaining dry dock built using convict labour, is not included in the lease opportunity.
 
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Maritime to return to long dormant Cockatoo Island

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The former Parramatta Eels chief executive Paul Osborne has now listed his Byron Bay property investment for May 5 auction.
The timing of the marketing campaign is aimed at snaring interest over Easter from tourists in the Northern NSW town. 

It failed to sell at its December 2011 auction when there were $1,499,000 hopes. It was subsequently listed at $1.395 million. It cost $1.9 million in January 2011 having previously sold at $1,475,000 in 2007.

Osborne claims to have been the victim of a <a target="_self" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/cash-strapped-parramatta-eels-ceo-paul-osborne-lists-in-byron-bay/2011111452351">Byron Bay property de</a><a target="_self" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/cash-strapped-parramatta-eels-ceo-paul-osborne-lists-in-byron-bay/2011111452351">al</a> that went sour.

Last year Osborne's financial situation was made public by SMH investigative reporter Kate McClymont after leaks that Osborne had borrowed money from the Parramatta chairman Roy Spagnolo.

The Massinger Street, Byron Bay property has been listed through Ray White Byron Bay agent Brett Connable.

Set opposite the Top Shop Cafe in Massinger Street, it comes with ocean views to the North over Byron Bay. It has three upstairs bedrooms plus downstairs is a one bedroom guest quarter.
 
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Former Parramatta Eels chief executive Paul Osborne lists Byron Bay property investment for May 5 auction

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Bomera, the Italianate sandstone mansion at Potts Point, has been relisted, but this time without the $25 million-plus hopes.
The 1858 house, designed by architect J.F. Hilly, is on 2,000 square metres on the tip of the peninsula overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay. The meticulous 2003 restoration of the estate was overseen by heritage architects Graham Brooks &amp; Associates after the property was deemed surplus to Royal Australian Navy requirements. It comes with a five-bedroom house with regal formal rooms, a provincial-style kitchen and a grand ballroom. There is also a three-bedroom cottage in the gardens, which have a pool and a spa, and a six-car garage.
Bill Bridges from Ballard Property and Ken Jacobs at Christies International have the Wylde Street listing.
Bomera was originally on land that stretched from Wylde Street to Victoria Street along the harbour foreshore.
It was 2001 when historic Potts Point villas Bomera and Tarana were sold for about $6.55 million by the Defence Department, which acquired the 3,700-square-metre holding as fleet headquarters for the Royal Australian Navy in 1941.
<img src="/images/stories/bomerahist.jpg">
The 1858 Italianate-style Bomera, built for merchant William McQuade, who helped establish Randwick racecourse, became a single dwelling. The late Victorian-style Tarana, built for McQuade's son Arthur in 1888, was converted into three apartments overseen by the manufacturer-turned-property-developer Jorge Fernandez.
Fernandez knocked back a $15 million offer to sell Bomera within a couple of years of its purchase.
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