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?

<html><body>
Jolly arts guru and merchant banker Simon Mordant has listed his redundant hillside Darling Point penthouse following his $10.8 million purchase of the garden harbourfront apartment in the recently completed Buckhurst block in Point Piper.
No price estimate has been given, but market observers suggest $6.5 million plus. 
Simon and Catriona Mordant have been living in Darling Point for the past 24 years, with almost a decade in a two-storey penthouse in the triplex developed by Ron Powell to a design by Peddle Thorp and Walker.
The abode, which cost $5.25 million in 2002, has about 245 square metres of space plus some 90 square metres of terraces.
“Set against a dramatic north-westerly Sydney Harbour, Bridge, Opera House and city skyline panorama, it presents the ultimate in contemporary luxury, privacy and security,” according to listing agent Bill Malouf at LJHooker Double Bay.
But Title Tattle reckons the views would be the last thing inspectees notice given the amazing artwork that occupies every bit of wall and spare space.
It accommodates four bedrooms with balconies – one currently being used as an office with his-and-hers desktops.
Along with three marble bathrooms throughout the apartment, the master bedroom suite comes with a spa.
Despite being a triplex, there are only two residences in the Darling Point Road block, which has shared use of an indoor/outdoor gas-heated pool.
“A host of prestige details make it a truly special residence, including parquet timber floors, ducted air-conditioning, moulded cornices, a storeroom, triple parking with direct internal lift access to both levels and additional visitor parking,” Malouf’s <a href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/JFDF93" target="_blank">marketing spiel</a> advises.
Offers close with Malouf and conjunctional agent Emma Prgomelja next month.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Arts guru Simon Mordant lists redundant Darling Point penthouse: Title Tattle 

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The upper north shore Sydney suburb of Roseville, famous for its historic Federation-era homes, has been named as one of five Sydney unit hotspot markets by PRDnationwide. 
Roseville, 12 kilometres from the Sydney CBD in the Ku-ring-gai municipality, is just north of the transport and shopping hub of Chatswood and is now the focus of developers following controversial changes to zoning rules over the last few years. 
PRDnationwide’s NSW research analyst Oded Reuveni Etzioni, who compiled the list, notes that Roseville is a “leafy suburb which was historically dominated by detached houses, [but that] changes to zoning laws have led to the consolidation of lots into apartment complexes”. 
“These augment the existing stock of mostly older-style apartments located on both sides of the Pacific Highway. The location of Roseville near shopping and recreation destinations makes it an ideal investment in 2012 for those who seek a long-term capital appreciation,” he adds. 
However, the development and construction of new apartment projects is likely to slow down following a decision in April last year by the O’Farrell NSW state government to return full planning approval for new developments to the Ku-ring-gai council and putting an end to  the previous state government’s fast-track planning panel, which aimed to approve developments within 90 days. 
During the past five years more than 6,000 new apartments have been approved or began construction Ku-rin-gai suburbs and before the changes, residents feared up to 15,000 apartments could be built in Ku-rin-gai. 
According to PRDnationwide, Roseville has a median unit price of $546,000.
Research compiled by RP Data shows that Roseville unit prices are up 54% over the past five years to a median of $733,000, ranking it third behind Greenwich and Birchgrove for greatest capital appreciation over this period.
 
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="154">
 
</td>
<td width="154">
Location
</td>
<td width="154">
Distance from CBD
</td>
<td width="154">
Median house price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Abbotsford</a>
</td>
<td width="154">
Inner West
</td>
<td width="154">
7 kilometres
</td>
<td width="154">
$668,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Kogarah</a>
</td>
<td width="154">
 
St George Region
</td>
<td width="154">
 
13 kilometres
</td>
<td width="154">
 
$414,650
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Roseville</a>
</td>
<td width="154">
 
Lower North Shore
</td>
<td width="154">
12 kilometres
</td>
<td width="154">
 
$546,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
 
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Balgowlah</a>
</td>
<td width="154">
Northern Beaches
</td>
<td width="154">
10 kilometres
</td>
<td width="154">
 
$622,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="154">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Ryde</a>
</td>
<td width="154">
Ryde Area
</td>
<td width="154">
12 kilometres
</td>
<td width="154">
 
$448,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source PRDnationwide
The other Sydney suburbs on the unit hotspot list are Abbotsford in the inner west, Kogarah in the St George region, Ryde to the north west and Balgowlah on the northern beaches.
 
According to Reuveni Etzioni, contemporary townhouses and luxury waterfront residences in Abbotsford have created upwards pressure on the median unit price complementing the existing stock of “’70s and ’80s walk-ups”.
He says a softer market over 2011 cooled the market, allowing buyers a more affordable entry point.
Kogarah’s potential as a unit hotspot is based on two key fundamentals: transport and amenities.
“Serviced by the Princes Highway and the Illawarra railway line, the suburb offers its residents easy access to Sydney, the Sutherland Shire and Wollongong. The Kogarah Town Square, located in the centre of the suburb, is a refurbished and lively shopping precinct adjacent to the train station,” says Reuveni Etzioni.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/marrickville-beats-off-redfern-and-ryde-to-be-prdnationwides-2012-hotspot/2012020653275">PRDnationwide also picked Ryde</a> as a unit hotspot because of the suburb’s central location on the intersection of Victoria and Lane Cove roads and proximity to the employment hubs of Meadowbank and Macquarie Park.
“New development in Meadowbank will see more residential apartments being built on old industrial land and the Ryde town centre redevelopment is set to increase the amenity of area,” says Reuveni Etzioni.
Balgowlah gets the nod due to increasing retail and residential investment.
“Existing shopping facilities in Warringah Mall and Stockland Village will be complemented by a new Woolworths supermarket and Bunnings warehouse,” says Reuveni Etzioni.
“Balgowlah and surrounding suburbs have seen stock selling at higher price brackets due to new residential developments in the area. There are still opportunities in the lower price brackets for owner occupiers and investors seeking to invest in the suburb.”
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Roseville headlines 2012 Sydney unit hotspots, and Ryde makes another appearance

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Consultant Jonathan Shier, the former ABC managing director and now Continental Ventures chairman, has relisted the sub-penthouse in Ikon, at Potts Point.
The 17th-floor Macleay Street unit has been listed for sale through Jason Boon and Geoff Cox from Richardson and Wrench Elizabeth Bay.
The three-bedroom pad was bought for $3.5 million in 2005 after Shier sold his Vaucluse residence for $4.4 million.
The Ikon apartment was bought from the Laing + Simmons founder turned property developer Spencer Simmons. With two large balconies it comes with over 250 sq m of indoor/outdoor entertaining space.
About $4.5 million was being sought on its initial listing in 2011 through Richardson and Wrench in conjunction with Christies International, but the initial buyer feedback was closer to $4 million.
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Former ABC boss Jonathan Shier relists Potts Point sub-penthouse: Title Tattle

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Architect Jason Gibney of Tobias Partners has listed his noteworthy Bronte apartment.
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, which he designed and renovated, has been the home for his young family over the last five years. It’s been featured in architectural magazines including Monument, Urbis, and House and Garden's Top 50 Rooms.
<img src="/images/stories/bronte1.jpg">
McGrath agent Chris Volpatti is handling the February 25 auction listing. More than $850,000 is expected.
The 99-square-metre contemporary apartment with minimalistic tones and is set on the top floor of an Art Deco block of four apartments on Bushby Parade. The dual-level apartment – through attic space – has been intuitively crafted to maximise natural light and space, plus views, Volpatti says.
<img src="/images/stories/bronte2.jpg">
Hoop pine plywood is a dominant feature along with the sanded, bleached and then beeswaxed cypress timber floors. It comes with an urbane concrete kitchen.
<img src="/images/stories/bronte5.jpg">
The master bedroom comes with an ocean view with Corian-finished full ensuite.  The block has a shared rear garden.
The apartment was entered into Houses magazine's inaugural houses awards last year and was awarded a high commendation.
<img src="/images/stories/bronte3.jpg">
“The apartment is a model in effortless elegance,” Monument writer Sam Spurr noted.
“The textures of the apartment hark back to Sydney Modernism rather than the more recent Minimalist craze, keeping the material palette to white paint and timber with an emphasis on light and form,” Spurr suggested.
<img src="/images/stories/bronte4.jpg">
“Gibney’s study of spatial efficiency is worked into a hip, urban beach pad – a quintessential Sydney typology. His design reminds us we shouldn’t have to choose between looking good or being comfortable,” he added.
Photographs by Justin Alexander
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Architect Jason Gibney lists hip Bronte beach pad that doesn’t choose between style and comfort

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Champion swimmer Geoff Huegill, and his wife Sara, who have named their three-week-old daughter Mila, have only just moved into their new Sydney abode.
It’s a three-level, four-bedroom  Darlinghurst terrace on 133 square metres that cost $1.97 million. They own 60% percent of the terrace, which was bought in partnership with Geoff Huegill’s in-laws.
Winning bronze and silver at the 2000 Olympics, Huegill established himself as one of the world’s best butterfly swimmers. All up he has won 28 international medals and set eight world records.
In 2005 he announced his retirement as he was battling with his weight and failed to qualify for the Australian team. The retirement sent him into depression, but in 2008 he announced his inspirational comeback and having shed 40 kilograms was back in the medals by 2010. He plans to compete at the London Olympics this year.
Sara Huegill, nee Hills, was in the Sweaty Betty PR fashion firm prior to her 2011 marriage, and has her own <a href="https://www.row-a-view.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">fashion blog</a>. Title Tattle seems to recall the couple were previously based in a teeny one-bedder, with harbour views, but filled with her her fashion books, when they appeared last February on the Channel 7 show, Better Home and Gardens. 
Mila has Slavic origins meaning “gracious, dear”.
The terrace sold late last year at an undisclosed price through McGrath agent Chris Chung after failing to sell at its May auction, when $2.05 million was being sought. 
It was sold by Sophia Massey-Green and James Hutton who’d paid $930,000 pre-renovation in early 2009.
In neighbouring Surry Hills another world record holder, Eamon Sullivan, spent $1,265,000 in 2009 for his renovated four-bedroom terrace.
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(Proud parents) Geoff Huegill and Sara Hills dive into Darlinghurst terrace abode with help from his in-laws: Title Tattle

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The inner-western <city>Sydney</city> suburb of Marrickville, described by John McGrath in 2010 as the “new Paddington”, has been picked as one of four <city><place>Sydney</place></city> housing hotspots for 2012 by property group PRDnationwide.
''It feels like Paddington in the 1970s. Buy here and double your money in the next six years,'' McGrath famously said two years ago. The multi-cultural suburb, which has strong ties to the Greek and Vietnamese community, is 7 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD.
It ranked as the ninth most affordable suburb within 10 kilometres of the Sydney CBD, according to RP Data, which recorded 234 sales during 2011 and a median sales price of $751,000. PRDnationwide puts the median house price at $755,000.
“Located in close proximity to the suburbs of Enmore and Newtown, Marrickville has seen a solid increase in the median house price over recent times, with a five-year average growth of 7.2% per annum,” says Oded Reuveni Etzioni, PRDnationwide’s NSW research analyst, who picked this year’s list of top-performing suburbs.
“The expansion of the Marrickville Metro shopping centre, currently under council assessment, is likely to further increase the desirability of the suburb,” he says.
PRDnationwide’s other <city><place>Sydney</place></city> housing hotspots are Redfern, Naremburn and Ryde. 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Location
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Distance from CBD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Median house price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Marrickville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Inner West
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
7 kilometres
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$755,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Redfern
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Inner South
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
2 kilometres
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$780,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Ryde
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
West
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
12 kilometres
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$843,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Naremburn
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
<place><placename>Lower</placename><placename>North</placename><placetype>Shore</placetype></place>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
6 kilometres
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$1,275,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source PRD Nationwide
 
“Redfern’s location on the fringe of the Sydney CBD allows residents an easy commute to shopping and cultural facilities,” says Reuveni Etzioni.
“Benefiting from urban renewal projects and a location close to main arterial road and rail infrastructure, the suburb exhibits strong long-term growth despite a drop in median price in the 12 months to September 2011,” he says.
Similarly, Ryde is strategically well placed, located on the intersections of Victoria and Lane Cove roads and close to the employment hubs of Meadowbank and <place><placename>Macquarie</placename><placetype>Park</placetype></place>.
“New development in Meadowbank will see more residential apartments being built on old industrial land and the Ryde town centre redevelopment is set to increase the amenity of area,” Reuveni Etzioni says.
Naremburn, where prices increased by 13.5% between December 2009 and 2010 but were softer in 2011, gets the nod because it is “strategically positioned to benefit from the development of the Gore Hill mixed-use business precinct, which upon completion will become a large regional employment hub”.
It will also benefit from the expansion of the <place><placename>Royal</placename><placename>North</placename><placetype>Shore</placetype></place> hospital, which will is likely to bring more medical professionals to the area.
According to Reuveni Etzioni, demand will increase in 2012 for well-located properties in the inner and middle ring of <city><place>Sydney</place></city>. 
“During times of uncertainty buyers return to the fundamentals of dwellings close to the CBD, with locations that are supported by a good public transport infrastructure,” he says. 
Units rather than houses will again be the dwelling of choice in these locations, he says, as more new developments are completed over the next 12 months. 
Other factors that motivated his selection of suburban hotspots include population growth, which drives increasing demand for properties and generally puts upward pressure on property prices; infrastructure and investment “to support current and future population increases and development of amenities”; and “employment opportunities and diversity, which includes proximity to employment nodes or potential job growth”. 
 
 
 
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Marrickville ranks alongside Redfern, Naremburn and Ryde as PRDnationwide’s 2012 housing hotspots

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Hairdressing entrepreneur Stefan Ackerie has relisted his remaining Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf unit.
The Brisbane-based hairdresser has used the 51-square-metre one-bedroom east facing apartment – which comes with a 31-square-metre entertainment deck overlooking the navy wharf – as a base for staff.
It’s expected to fetch about $700,000, having cost $642,000 in 2007. There were $700,000 hopes on its 2008 and 2009 listing, Title Tattle recalls.
Ackerie secured $1,645,000 for his other one-bedroom wharf unit in 2009, but that came with a terrace on the northern boardwalk, one car space and a 13-metre marina berth. Stefan had paid $1.65 million in 2008.
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Hairdresser Stefan Ackerie aims for final trim to Woolloomooloo wharf holdings: Title Tattle

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One of the largest retail/residential properties on Redfern Street, Redfern has been sold for $2.25 million through Ben Forsyth at McGrath Estate Agents.
It’s a whole building on 436 square metres of land. It comes with 100 square metres of space on the lower level, plus about 200 square metres parking for 10 cars. It’s described as a creative space ideal for a company headquarters or a live/work opportunity, given the second floor has two one-bedroom apartments. The property was sold with vacant possession, having been priced at $2.5 million.
It’s expected the property will use its commercial kitchen, with the ground floor becoming a café.
The upper floor studio spaces will be for lease.
The December sale followed fewer than a handful on the Redfern strip, which included the former post office commercial premises at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/redfern-proving-magnetic-for-coal-execs/2011062250564" target="_blank">113-119 Redfern Street sold by spruiker Max Markson</a> through McGrath agent Paul Ephron at $2,125,000 in May.
In January 2011 the 209-square-metre holding at 74 Pitt Street sold at $2.05 million, having been listed through Ben Forsyth. It was the 1880s Quirks Grocery Building, a mixed-use premises offering with a total annual income of about $133,000 from two independent residences, a café and separate office. It was architect-redesigned 12 years ago.
Forsyth says the latest sale underpins his views that Redfern is going through a renaissance.
He says The Block being demolished, the new indigenous arts college and the Sydney City upgrade have all lead to major changes in the inner-city suburb.
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Cafe lifestyle descends on Redfern as corporate home office sells for $2.25 million

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The prestigious Chateau Grande in Kurrajong, NSW, offers a level of luxury more commonly found hemmed in the Hills districts. But Chateau Grande sits on an expansive seven hectares in the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
The eight-bedroom, nine-bathroom house includes garaging for 20 cars and has pretty views. The seven-hectare grounds include a self-contained cottage and a lakehouse overlooking the lake.
McGrath agent Shane Lindo is marketing the property with price hopes of $4.2 million plus. The house comes with a home theatre, lift, gyma and sauna.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-kurrajong-nsw-2758/145726">The property </a>will go to auction on February 18 at 3pm. 
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Chateau Grande offers prestige living in Blue Mountains

<html><body>
Headingley House, the Woollahra home of John Spender QC, is set for sale.

It was his diplomat father, Sir Percy Spender, who bought it from the Kater pastoralist family in 1949 for £11,676.

About two years ago Russell Crowe and Danielle Spencer were allowed through Headingley House when Spender first thought he might get something like $18 million.

Its latest listing is through Ben Collier at McGrath.

The dapper Queens Counsel, who now does commercial arbitration, moved into the stunning Georgian-style Wellington Street residence in 1985. While he was the Member of the House of Representatives for the seat of North Sydney he would occasionally take the trip from his eastern suburbs home to the lower North Shore electorate in his late father's white Rolls Royce.

His politician father, an eminent jurist, had left his bar practice in 1949 and entered the Federal political arena when the Liberals took office and Sir Percy Spender became minister for external affairs, during which he negotiated the ANZUS Treaty. He then was posted to Washington in 1951 as Australian ambassador and in 1958 was appointed Australia's first judge of the International Court of Justice and in 1964 became its president.

Woollahra has had six sales above $10 million since 2007.

The record is a Rush Street compound for $16 million in 2008 which McGrath agents James Dack and Ben Collier secured for the Pagent family. It was a three-terrace Rush Street amalgamation spread over 588 sq m. The $16 million compound was bought by Rosanne Williams, partner of John Grill, from the oil and gas engineering firm Worley Parsons. During the Pagent family ownership, it had been extensively renovated by architect Alexander Tzannes, having traded in 1999 for $2.75 million

Last year's highest sale was $10.6 million.

The Kater pastoral dynasty headed by Sir Norman was centred around the 1900 Federation Cudal property Nyrang. Sir Norman, who was trained as a doctor, then took over the Egelabra Stud at Warren in 1910.

He died in 1965.

<h2>Latest listings on Urban:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3783]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]
</body></html>

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