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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Celebrity interior designer Tina Chalabian from Channel Ten show The Renovators has sold her Willoughby home pre-auction for a record price. It was on the market for about three weeks and sold to a family from Mosman, who were among the 160 inspectees. There were 72 inspectees on its first Saturday open.
“While we can’t disclose the exact price, we can say it certainly eclipsed the previous suburb record of $2.855 million for a house in Chiltern Avenue,” selling agent Mark O’Brien from Richardson &amp; Wrench Castlecrag.
“But it wasn’t beyond expectations, as we were quoting high $2 millions to low $3 millions.”
Title Tattle gathers about $2,955,000 was secured for the Remuera Street house.
The five-bedroom, four-bathroom house was just a few years old with a huge, level yard and European-style swimming pool. Built by Meadowbank to a <a href="https://www.tinac.com.au/">Tina C design</a>, it sits on a 911-square-metre block, which cost $1.18 million in 2006.
The Chalabians, the 34-year-old interior designer and mother of three who appeared on The Renovators television series and her lawyer husband Sevag, are moving to Northbridge, where they will renovate their $2.2 million acquisition. Since Tina bought her first house 11 years ago, she has renovated five houses and says each sold for a profit. The one in Castlecrag sold for $2,525,000 in 2006 with the block costing $899,000 in 2002. The Killarney Heights property was a closer call having cost $525,000 in 2001 and sold for $610,000 in 2002.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Renovators’ celebrity interior designer Tina Chalabian secures record price for Willoughby home: Title Tattle

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Suburbs close to beaches and the harbour feature prominently in John McGrath’s list of top 10 capital growth hotspots for 2012.
Most notably, Coogee in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is the only location included as a hotspot for houses and units.
Coogee is eight kilometres from the Sydney CBD and according to RP Data has a median house price of $1.69 million and a median unit price of $655,000.
The suburb includes many Art Deco and period-style homes and apartment blocks as well as a vibrant café-lined shopping strip along Coogee Bay Road and Arden Street.
It has also proved popular among rugby league players, with bad boy Todd Carney owning property in Coogee and Rabbitohs star Greg Inglis recently purchasing a semi-detached house in February.
Coogee is also home to one of the eastern beaches’ most well-known and notorious watering holes, the Coogee Bay Hotel , which currently ranks in the top 20 of most violent pub in Australia.
A $150 million multi-storey redevelopment of the hotel was approved by the previous Labor government under Part 3A planning rules that allowed the minister for planning to determine planning applications without consulting local councils.
The O’Farrell government scrapped Part 3A planning rules when it came into power last year and returned the hotel redevelopment application to the council, much to the relief of nearby residents.
Last year McGrath Real Estate set up a new Coogee office to expand the group’s presence in the eastern beaches and south-east suburbs of Sydney.
According to McGrath, eastern beach suburbs like Coogee contain some of the most valuable real estate in Sydney mixed with a high number of 1960s and ’70s apartments.
“The desirability of living close to the beach and city means that houses and units are being sought by a new wave of buyers,” McGrath says.
The other 10 capital growth suburbs picked by McGrath included houses in Hunters Hill, the suburb on a small peninsula that separates the Lane Cove River and Parramatta River, apartments in Cammeray on the lower north shore.
Seven out of the 10 suburbs are within 10 kilometres of the Sydney CBD.
“Buying residential real estate within 10 kilometres of the CBD in Sydney is an excellent choice, with outer-suburban areas not doing as well as city hubs and the coastal belt,” says McGrath.
The only suburb McGrath picks that is a long haul from the CBD is Palm Beach, most famous as the exterior shot for Summer Bay in Home and Away, which is a 41-kilometre drive from the centre of Sydney.
All the housing suburbs have medians under $2 million while the apartments are priced under $700,000.
“The under-$1 million market is still the strongest segment, but there’s new interest up to $2 million and even beyond in Sydney and Melbourne where higher-end buyers weren’t around as much in 2011,” he says.
John McGrath’s Top Sydney Metro Picks – Best Buys for Future Growth (Houses)
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
Location
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Distance from CBD
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Median price
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
Median weekly rent
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
Yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Balmain East
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
Inner West
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
5 kms
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$1.73 m
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$1,350
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Coogee
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
Eastern Suburbs
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
8 kms
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$1.69 m
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$800
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
2.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Hunters Hill
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
North West
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
9 kms
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$1.55 m
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$1,000
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
3.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Killara
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
North Shore
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
14 kms
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$1.45 m
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$1,000
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
3.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Palm Beach
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
Northern Beach
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
41 kms
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$1.55 m
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$895
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
3%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
All data sourced from RP Data
John McGrath’s Top Sydney Metro Picks – Best Buys for Future Growth (Units)
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
Location
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Distance from CBD
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
Median price
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
Median rent
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
Yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Cammeray
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
Lower North Shore
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
5 kms
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$608,000
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$550
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
4.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Coogee
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
Eastern Suburbs
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
8 kms
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$655,000
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$585
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
4.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Monterey
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
Southern Beaches
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
15 kms
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$470,000
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$410
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
4.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Ryde
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
Northern Suburbs
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
15 kms
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$450,000
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$380
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
4.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="111" valign="top">
Sydney CBD
</td>
<td width="76" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$535,000
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
$650
</td>
<td width="88" valign="top">
6.3%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
All data sourced from RP Data.
Photograph of Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club by Sacha Fernandez<a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/sacharules/"></a>, courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>.
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Coogee a hotspot, and not just for reformed bad boys of rugby

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Surfer artist Mitchell English and his wife, Helen, a Paddington-based bridal wear designer, have listed their Sydney northern beaches cottage. It’s a very popular Palm Beach holiday letting returning more than $100,000 annually.
Offers on the smartly adapted fisherman’s cottage listing are due March 15 to Domain Residential Group agent Michael King.
Located at the northern end of pricey Iluka Road, it’s been rebuilt with design input from Tim Allison, Sean Dean and Mitchell.
The property, with vaulted ceilings and recycled Oregon beams, is in close proximity to Snappermans Beach reserve.
<img src="/images/stories/iluka1.jpg">
It has been featured in many photo shoots including Inside Out magazine (pictured above and below).
<img src="/images/stories/iluka2.jpg">
The Englishes feel confident of a price in the high $2 million range based on the recent sale by Michael King also along Iluka Road for the designer Anna Cayzer-Lysaght to Simon Horauf of Play Communication for $2,825,000.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sheahangalleries.com.au/mitchell-english">Mitchell English's art features quintessential Australian beach scenes</a>.
 
 
 
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Surfer Mitchell English lists Sydney northern beaches cottage

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Retired car dealer Laurie Sutton has sold his Mosman harbourfront residence, but the prestige suburb is unlikely to have a new record holder.
Sutton hoped to secure $20 million for it – somewhat revised expectations given its initial listing in 2009 had hopes of beating Mosman's $22.5 million house price record.
It was 35 years ago since Sutton bought it from the Pick a Box presenters Bob and Dolly Dyer, who pocketed $376,960 when they headed to Queensland.
It’s understood a $1 million deposit– which possibly reflected a 5% deposit – was recently paid by its buyer, Ying Li. The official selling price has not yet been revealed. The purchase highlights a small, but emerging, trend of buyers of Chinese origin buying luxury homes around Mosman. There have been eight acquisitions over $5 million among the 150 sales over the past five years topped until the latest sale by a $12.6 million sale on Morella Road to Hong Gai and Yuping Chen in 2010 and an $8.8 million sale last year on Carrington Avenue to Ying Chen. 
It is not known if the acquistions are by foreign buyers requiring FIRB approval or are actually new migrants, expats or even long-time citizens, although Ying Li gives his address for official purposes as a solicitor's office at Colin Biggers &amp; Paisley.
<img src="/images/stories/sutton1.jpg">
The Bay Street tropical holding is like Hawaii meets Hamilton Island on Middle Harbour.
Despite renovations over the past three decades, there are still traces of the Dyers' day, including the imposing sandstone fireplace in its living room, which overlooks Quakers Hat Bay.
<img src="/images/stories/sutton6.jpg">
But the teeth and jawbone of the couple's world-record 1062-kilogram great white shark catch that hung above the fireplace has long gone.
As have the Dyers' cruisers, Tennessee I, II and III, from Mosman's largest waterfront estate at 5,154 square metres.
Dyer, who was a hillbilly Tennessee vaudeville singer on his arrival in Australia in 1937, had paid £15,068 for the property in 1950, after upgrading from a house on the Balmoral side of Mosman.
<img src="/images/stories/sutton2.jpg">
Dyer had just signed a $33,000-a-year contract for his radio show on 2AD, which the newspapers reported was 11 times the salary of the then NSW premier, James McGirr.
<img src="/images/stories/sutton7.jpg">
Dyer went on to host the television show BP Pick a Box between 1957 and his retirement in 1971.
Dyer, with his raucous "Howdy, customers" greeting, presided over contestants who faced a sudden-death decision of choosing between "the money or the box" with the secret prize.
<img src="/images/stories/bobdyer.jpg" width="150" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
He died in 1984. His widow – who, as Dolly Mack, had been a Sydney Tivoli showgirl in her teens – lived for another 20 years.
The listing in 2009 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/mosmanites-playing-property-pick-a-box-with-caution/2011081251139">had expectations of beating Mosman's $22.5 million house price record</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/sutton3.jpg">
Property developer Albert Bertini and his former wife, Heather, hold the record for a Mosman purchase, paying $22.5 million for Karawa on the Balmoral cliffs in 2007, but it has been recently resold for $19 million, reflecting the downturn in the top end prices across Sydney.
Karawa's sale beat the previous record for a Mosman house by more than $7 million, which was set next door to Karawa at $15.5 million in 2001 by Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman agent Robert Simeon.
<img src="/images/stories/sutton4.jpg">
The Sutton property comes with approved plans for a replacement three-storey residence.
The vendors raised their family there and now entertain their grandchildren.
“It’s an estate for a young family to enjoy and make full use of all the gardens and facilities,” said Laurie Sutton when it was listed late last year through estate agent Sandie Dunne at Dunne Mosman.
“My children played cricket on the lawn and had many parties on the flood-lit tennis court and pool.
“It was the place where all the family’s friends would hang out, which is the way I liked it.
“It is a very private place” Sutton noted.
“Once inside the gates, you are away from the rest of the world, whilst the grounds are enormous they are fully fenced and secured and very dog friendly.”
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Chinese buyers playing property pick a box, but record Mosman price unlikely

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Buyers seeking $22,490 NSW stamp duty savings need to monitor construction progress at their desired new residential complex.
Savvy property buyers will know that under the NSW government’s home builders’ bonus you pay no stamp duty on properties priced under $600,000 that are not yet under construction.
<img src="/images/stories/centralpark1.jpg">
Construction is deemed as having started once the building gets to the first residential floor.
The whole government scheme runs until June 30, but there are critical deadlines at major apartment projects falling between now and then.
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" src="/images/stories/parklane.jpg">
The deadline is fast approaching for Park Lane (pictured above), designed by Johnson Pilton Walker at the Central Park project near Broadway in Sydney.
It comprises two buildings linked by a leafy laneway.
<img src="/images/stories/centralpark2.jpg">
Buyers must take advantage of full stamp duty concessions in Park Lane’s low-rise park-front building by March 13.
There’s a little longer –March 22 – for Park Lane’s 18-storey tower building.
The full 100% stamp duty concession remains in effect only until concrete is poured to create the first residential slab at a new development; after this time, the saving on stamp duty reduces to a 25% saving for properties up to the $600,000 mark.
<img src="/images/stories/centralpark3.jpg">
“There’s apartments priced under $600,000 to choose from at Park Lane, including one-bedroom suites of 42 square metres  priced from $585,000 with a stamp duty saving of $21,815, to one-bedroom apartments of 52 square metres priced from $590,000 with a stamp duty saving of $22,040,” Frasers Property Australia group sales manager Adam Sparkes says.
Park Lane has 393 apartments and SOHO terraces with completion expected between April and December 2013.
<img src="/images/stories/centralpark4.jpg">
Central Park is being developed in joint venture between Frasers Property Australia Pty Ltd (Frasers) and Sekisui House Australia Holdings Pty Limited (Sekisui House).
Two display apartments at Park Lane are open at the Central Park Display Pavilion, 80 Broadway Chippendale.
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Time running out for stamp duty-free purchases at Sydney’s Central Park

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The Potts Point investment apartment of actor Russell Crowe has been snappily sold on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/title-tattle/russell-crowe-re-lists-his-potts-point-investment-apartmenttitle-tattle" target="_blank">its recent relisting. </a>
Around $2 million was tipped for the top-floor apartment through Brad Pillinger at Pillinger Property. The sale price hasn’t been revealed on the apartment, which Crowe bought for $1.5 million in 2001 from the theatre director Jim Sharman.
Its understood to be a tad under $2 million given what prospective buyers were being told shortly before the sold sticker was posted.
More than $2 million was being sought <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/russell-crowe-lists-%242-million-sydney-investment-apartment/2011101851987" target="_blank">on its initial listing last October</a>. The two level Victoria Street apartment which was made available to South Sydney footballer recruits is at the northern end of the plane tree-lined Parisian-style strip. Sharman had bought the apartment set in a charming terrace row in 1984 for $310,000.
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Russell Crowe secures sale second time around for Potts Point investment: Title Tattle

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Neerim House, the opulent estate in Castle Cove, looks like it's found a potential buyer.
It last sold in 2005 for $9,008,000, and the internet ads for the eight-bedroom mansion on 9,400 square metres of waterfront reserve overlooking Middle Harbour now say "under offer”.
It’s been listed by Chris Osborne at Raine &amp; Horne Neutral Bay, with RP Data showing it's been available for sale since early February. Its asking price has not been officially disclosed, but local agents say it had been expected to sell for around $11 million.
The mansion was built in 1990 by Rob Christie, who bought the one-hectare block for $900,000 from cleaning contractor John Schaeffer in 1987. The Lims family, who paid $4.1 million for the property in 1993, extended and renovated the residence to include a 15-seat home cinema, teppanyaki room and herb-infusion steamroom before its 2005 sale to the current vendors.
Other features include a sunken lounge room built around a central courtyard, billiards room, library, glass-enclosed pool, spa, change rooms, gym, tennis court, cabana, six-car garage, separate guest quarters and landscaped gardens.
 
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Castle Cove's Neerim House attracts buyer attention

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One of Professor Leslie Wilkinson’s most prized Point Piper houses has been listed for sale by the retired shirt maker-cum-property developer Charles Scarf and his wife, Maria.
<img src="/images/stories/leswilkinson4.jpg">
The 1959 Wentworth Street property was the second-last of Wilkinson’s house designs.
<img src="/images/stories/leswilkinson.jpg">
The house (pictured above) was said to be loosely modelled on the Erechtheion, an Athens temple.
<img src="/images/stories/leswilkinson3.jpg">
It last traded when bought from the then low-profile expatriate businessman Richard Wiesener for $8.25 million – which was 1992's highest sale. The neighbouring property had been bought for $6.5 million for its tennis court in 1989, and it took the estate to 2,717 square metres. The original house reportedly cost $350,000 in the 1970s.
<img src="/images/stories/leswilkinson1.jpg">
The house itself has 677 square metres of internal space. It has been quietly on and off the market over several years, including during the boom years., and not advertised until this week’s Domain East spread by Ray White Double Bay Prestige agent Elliott Placks and Dan White from the newly formed White Private Investment &amp; Advisory.
<img src="/images/stories/pointpiper.jpg">
Offers exceeding $30 million and even reputedly closer to $40 million have been previously made for the large estate with tennis court. The last known offer came late last year from a client of Bill Bridges and Alison Coopes at around $30 million.
<img src="/images/stories/leswilkinson2.jpg">
It’s been modernised by architect Michael Suttor. Its home office in the former garage offers harbour views through to the Manly pensinsula.
<img src="/images/stories/wolesleyrd.jpg">
Point Piper’s other significant hillside offering is <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/artists-patricia-piccinini-and-peter-hennessey-get-sweet-deal-selling-in-fitzroy-title-tattle/2011112552545" target="_blank">Villa del Mare, the home of recruitment queen Julia Ross</a>. The Wolseley Road offering (pictured above) was discreetly put on the market late last year, but now is having a big campaign. The trophy residence has $40 million-plus hopes through Ken Jacobs of Christie's Great Estates and LJ Hooker Double Bay's Bill Malouf. The limestone palazzo sits on a 1,508-square-metre block. The house was designed by architect Chris Tsioulos when built in the late 1990s by the developer Nati Stoliar. It’s almost certain to sell to Chinese buyers.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/point-piper-on-the-chinese-tourist-route-for-insight-into-the-privileged-lives-of-communist-party-princelings/2011112852568" target="_blank">Another Leslie Wikinson is under threat of demolition</a>.
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Point Piper’s most prized Leslie Wilkinson home listed

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The merchant bankers’ Mosman merry-go-round is still somewhat in motion despite the global financial crisis aftershocks.
Nigel Smyth, an executive director at Macquarie, and his wife, Diane, have upgraded from Clifton Gardens to Balmoral’s golden mile and its premium Sydney Head views, but pocketed $1.7 million in the process.
They have spent $4.8 million on a five-bedroom, three-bathroom Hopetoun Avenue house initially listed with $6 million hopes in early 2011 and more recently at $5.2 million through LJ Hooker Mosman agent Geoff Smith. The contemporary-style house built in 1994 comes with pool, four-car garaging and a 1,500-bottle temperature-controlled cellar.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august22kardinia]}
The Smyths sold at Clifton Gardens in Mosman for $6.5 million. The five-bedroom Kardinia Road property (pictured above), which sold through Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman agent Richard Simeon, sits on an 823-square-metre block. It had views across the harbour to Rose Bay and Point Piper.
It was bought for $5.12 million in 2005.
Trading up in the 2088 postcode has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/mandalong-house-listing-set-to-test-mosman-market-after-banking-bonuses-dry-up/2012022753564">less frequent in recent years following the global financial crisis.</a>
The suburb’s latest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/former-st-george-boss-lists-alex-popov-designed-mosman-house/2012022753586">listing by the former boss of St George Bank</a> comes with $10 million hopes.
 
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Merchant bankers still riding Mosman merry-go-round, despite bonus reductions

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Former prime minister Paul Keating – and former chairman of the Barangaroo Design Excellence Review Panel – has told James Packer that his planned hotel and casino complex at Barangaroo should not be built on an area earmarked for public open space.
Keating met Packer yesterday to discuss the proposal for a new high-rise, six-star hotel in the middle of the 22-hectare harbourfront development site.
In a statement released last night, Keating said he had taken Packer through the history of the Barangaroo site and its important design principles.
''I told him that the principal civic dividend from the project was its near 60% public open space – and that I regarded the public amenity of these lands as inviolate,'' Keating said.
He said Packer ''respected that view but to the extent that Lend Lease failed to reach an agreement with him, he was commercially bound to press for an alternative hotel site which may devolve to those lands, or part of those lands, currently earmarked for theatres and entertainment within the Barangaroo Centre precinct''.
When contacted by the The Daily Telegraph, Packer said: "I was heartened by some of Mr Keating's comments.

"I always enjoy spending time with Mr Keating. He's an Australian who has made a huge contribution to the country."
Their meeting followed criticism of the Packer plan by Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/barry-ofarrell-endorses-barangaroo-casino-concept/2012022653561">Premier Barry O'Farrell is set to be further briefed</a> on Packer's proposal.
''Any premier would be a mug if people are saying we want to invest a billion dollars in NSW not to at least hear those proponents out,'' he told ABC radio.
''There are a whole range of regulatory hurdles that Mr Packer's company would have to go through that are decided at arm’s length from government before any of this comes to government for a decision.''
 
 
 
 
 
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