Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[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?

Sekisui House&nbsp;Australia has submitted a development application for the construction of three multi-storey apartment towers in Melrose Park.

The $450 million project outlines the construction of a 21 and 24-level, plus a central seven-level tower above a podium level at 82-84 Wharf Road.&nbsp;

The buildings will be home to a total of 468 apartments and will include three basement levels providing 584 car parking spaces.

The current proposal is for the sixth stage of the broader <a href="/new-townhouses/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> master plan, which aims to deliver 6000 homes upon completion. Group GSA says the block for the new building, referred to in the planning documentation as Lot A,&nbsp;interfaces with previously approved residential flat buildings which buffer the site from Victoria Road, along the northern edge.

"As approved outside of the current DCP and masterplan, these built, or under-construction forms, present our site with a varied interface of 7-11 storeys in building heights and the street wall condition, and will be inconsistent with the DCP controls that influence our site," Group GSA noted.

"As a result, the proposed massing for Lot A seeks to address both conditions and to provide an appropriate contextual response.

<img alt="MElrose Park" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82807457-145a-4164-b9ce-3a4df5cae738" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%201.55.36%20pm.png?VersionId=7s1uZtt...xrAFtzA4P7l3RToi7TPlnd" />

This application follows another submitted by <a href="/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui</a>&nbsp;earlier this year for stage five which proposed 368 apartments, also designed by <a href="/architects/group-gsa">Group GSA</a>.&nbsp;

Planning for Melrose Park’s redevelopment began in 2016, with the area rezoned in 2022 following the council’s endorsement of the <a href="/new-townhouses/parramatta-nsw">Parramatta</a> Employment Lands Strategy.&nbsp;

The precinct is undergoing a transition from industrial to mixed-use development, including high-density residential, open space, retail/commercial uses, and a new school.

The extensive Melrose Park master plan has attracted attention from various developers, including <a href="/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a>, highlighting its growing appeal and connectivity after the approval of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2.

The light rail will provide a direct public transport link between Melrose Park, <a href="/new-townhouses/wentworth-point-nsw-2127">Wentworth Point</a>, Sydney Olympic Park, and Parramatta CBD.

"Melrose Park provides for a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a sought-after place to live that attracts a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate its safe and serene environment," Group GSA added.

The extensive Melrose Park master plan has attracted attention from various developers, including Deicorp, highlighting its growing appeal and connectivity after the approval of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2

Sekisui file sixth stage of Melrose Park masterplan

Boutique off the plan apartments have been few and far between in Prahran in recent years.

The cool suburb, known for its cafes, markets and bars, looks set to welcome one, and on arguably on one of the best sites in the area.

Developer Kincrest, who is currently developing The Watson in Essendon and&nbsp;Armytage in South Yarra and has previously delivered three projects in South Yarra, has submitted plans to the Stonnington Council for a mixed-use building on Grattan Gardens.

<img alt="Gratan St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08401620-6eec-42f4-b546-8199c18b36a3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%2010.36.45%20am.png?VersionId=ENF5HWQAoWKM4sfuZkfDItLa59Fbgp_P" />

Kincrest, led by Tom Howgate, secured <a href="/new-apartments/the-osment-prahran-3-7-grattan-street-prahran">3-7 Grattan Street</a> off market, and then amalgamated the neighbouring single-level warehouse to create 1,613 sqm and a 35-metre frontage to the park.

The plans by Cheah Saw Architecture are for 22 apartments across a seven-level building. The two three and four-bedroom apartments, offering larger than standard sizes, something which is built into Kincrest's development ethos, will sit above two levels of strata offices and a ground-floor cafe and retail space that will face the park.

"The Greville St precinct, with positive input from the City of Stonnington, has rejuvenated in recent years, we’re really excited to be within such a historical, vibrant area of life. We see this development as contributing to a world-class location" Howgate says.

"Both the apartments and the offices will be desirable for a lot of people. There's transport on the doorstep with the Prahran Station, access to Punt Road, and every service you could want within 200 metres. That's on top of being directly opposite the park, an opportunity that rarely presents itself."

<img alt="Kincrest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41b5f516-e2d8-44eb-921e-2837b6638535" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%2010.37.00%20am.png?VersionId=Ox1IDQzk6.073ZDOTq3FD4rLnx4aF8uy" />

Howgate says there's not been apartments or office spaces&nbsp;like this in Prahran before.

"We have a lot of confidence in the location and what's on offer, and we believe it will resonate with several buyer demographics."

Cheah Saw cleverly designed the building on an irregularly shaped block to step down from its roof, creating a green topography.

"The building is intended to be an extension of the park, a sloping green hill stepping down to Grattan Gardens.," the architecture firm noted in their documentation submitted as part of the planning process.

"The terraces are framed by greenery above and below, framing views to the park and utilising the concept of borrowed scenery, connecting the building to the park and beyond."

There's a maximum of six apartments per floor. The majority of the apartments are well over 150 sqm, something which Howgate says has stood them in good stead in a challenging market.

There will be four two-bedroom apartments, 17 three-beds, and a single four-bedroom penthouse that will share the top level with a communal terrace.

Howgate is hoping to launch the Grattan St project later this year.

Kincrest, led by Tom Howgate, secured 3-7 Grattan Street off market, and then amalgamated the neighbouring single-level warehouse to create 1,613 sqm and a 35-metre frontage to the park

Exclusive first look: Kincrest plots new Prahran apartments

Vertically integrated Gold Coast developer, Big Projects, is set to take on its biggest apartment project to date.

As completion approaches on the likes of Yves by Hirsch &amp; Faigen and LAANI by Dankav, both in <a href="/new-apartments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>, Big Projects' Glenelg Residences will bring the next wave of new apartments to the sought-after suburb.

Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrettt, has filed for an 11-level building on a large 2,056 sqm site at&nbsp;2462-2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue and opposite the Glenelg Public House.

The building will have 96 apartments, a mix of two and three-bedroom units, rooftop amenity in the form of an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds and a barbecue and alfresco space.

<img alt="Glenelg" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1cc20f97-ac0d-4ef4-88d5-f465baed1833" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The apartments will sit above a significantly activated ground plane that will home eight retail spaces at street level and a bar in the basement.

Big Projects had BDA design the tower which sits just 270 metres away from the future&nbsp;Mermaid Beach Light Rail Station. BDA said in the documents that the project offers&nbsp;the opportunity to design an innovative architectural building and provide a higher residential density development along the Gold Coast Highway.

"This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of Mermaid Beach," BDA's submission to the Gold Coast City Council read.

<img alt="Glenelg" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d4478284-d479-44e2-a066-8be313423c57" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.53.09%20am.png?VersionId=oc3rm6Qy6zT8suhJOLVIYIuX3EBqUfnm" />

"It will contribute to the diverse mix of residential and retail uses envisaged for the area. As designed, the project will provide a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building."

They said the architecture&nbsp;of the proposed development is minimal and hard-lined, with cantilevered concrete frames and a textured and timeless material palette of brick, textured concrete, and cascading plants, creating a rich and layered urban coastal effect.

"Inspired by nature, the project looks to provide lush cascading landscaping to soften the urban context of the site, and provide a harmonious place for residents and visitors to reside."

<img alt="Glenelg" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09cc2f00-6bf4-46b1-b81d-b3639a24f90f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.28%20am.png?VersionId=CcirRW7BAOjjtTUgVH.oambr4kkxOgU3" />

The subject site is included within the Urban Footprint subject to ShapingSEQ 2023 (‘The Regional Plan’) which sets a benchmark of 161,700 new dwellings to be provided within the City of Gold Coast local government area by the year 2046.

The SEQRP benchmarks that 62 per cent (100,254 dwellings) be provided in a high-rise attached format (e.g. high-rise apartments/units, active ground level – street-facing and/or mixed-use) by the year 2046, the Town Planning Report by ZONE Planning noted.

"This requires the City of Gold Coast Council to provide on average, 4,010 High-Rise attached dwellings on a per annum basis until the year 2046, or the equivalent of 48 x 25-storey apartment towers with 84 units each per year."

Big Projects is no stranger to the area. They have approval for Cleo, a boutique six-level apartment block at 2265 Gold Coast Highway. They've&nbsp;previously developed Zinc at Kirra Beach, 73 apartments completed in 2019.&nbsp;

The apartments will sit above a significantly activated ground plane that will home eight retail spaces at street level and a bar in the basement.

Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences

Developer Immerse Projects is putting shovel in the ground at its Robina apartment development,&nbsp;Ombré, just a few months after launching the project to the market.

It comes after they secured <a href="/news/qld/40-million-in-four-weeks-at-ombr-robina-apartments">$40 million in sales in just four weeks</a>.

The <a href="/new-apartments/ombre-robina-46-scottsdale-drive-robina">eight-storey development</a> on Scottsdale Drive, which will deliver a mix of 95 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and ground-level retail and commercial spaces, is already 50 per cent sold.&nbsp;

Seasoned local builder <a href="/builders/greyburn">Greyburn Building Contractors</a> commenced early works on site this week.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143341 project_image_fid=251415]

<a href="/developers/immerse-projects">Immerse Projects</a> founder and Managing Director John Kearney said more than 70 per cent of Ombré purchasers were local owner-occupiers and the swift transition from sales to construction would enable much-needed housing supply to be delivered without delay.&nbsp;

“The only way the sector can restore buyer confidence is to have the financial capacity and project partners to get construction underway early,” Kearney said.&nbsp;

“Too many projects are gathering dust on the shelf and it’s hurting the industry.&nbsp;

“Ombré is delivering high-quality housing supply to the Gold Coast’s lifestyle-driven ‘middle market’, which has been overlooked in the rush by developers to cater exclusively to prestige buyers.&nbsp;

“We launched the sales program in March and there are machines on the ground in June. Based on the current schedule, we’re expecting to welcome residents to their apartments in late 2025.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143341 project_image_fid=276623]

Kearney, who is at the helm of both Immerse Projects and Greyburn Building Contractors, said the alignment of his two companies would ensure the seamless delivery of Ombré.&nbsp;

“Greyburn’s greatest strength is our local expert team, many of whom have been with us for decades, and their trusted supplier and trade networks,” he said.&nbsp;

“Our building teams are leaders in mid-rise and townhouse construction, and our expertise in this niche &nbsp;area has enabled us to hone our skills, grow our reputation and derisk our workbook.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143341 project_image_fid=251418]

Kearney said Greyburn had a 35-year history of delivering award-winning projects for leading private and listed developers and was the exclusive contract builder for Immerse Projects.&nbsp;

“It’s incredibly advantageous to be able to align the development and construction outcomes from the early conception of a project, shaving up to six months off the typical delivery process,” he said.&nbsp;

“This time saving equates to cost savings and added peace of mind for purchasers.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143341 project_image_fid=251416]

Located close to <a href="/developments/robina-qld-4226">major retail, education and employment centres</a> and well connected to the <a href="/new-apartments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a>’s beaches, Kearney said Ombré would give its residents endless opportunities to live life in their own way.&nbsp;

Apartments with one-bed, two living areas start from $749,000, two-bedroom apartments start from $829,000, and three-bedroom apartments start from $1.23 million. Private resident amenities include a residents’ lounge, function room, games room, spacious pool and landscaped outdoor spaces.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143341]

mikah.m@urban.com.au

Construction commences at Ombré Robina within three months of launching

Kassis Homes has reached a significant milestone in the development of its Grand Reve apartment project in Castle Hill.

They've officially topped out the two-tower, 185-apartment development, planting an olive tree on the roof and a barbeque lunch for the site team, consultants, the project marketing team at&nbsp;<a href="/project-marketer/mcgrath-projects">McGrath Projects</a>, and special guest Councilor Mark Hodges.

Construction by iCIRT-rated builder <a href="/builders/dasco-australia">Dasco</a> continues steadily to ready and deliver the apartments on track for a late 2024 move-in.

Service installations began in January 2024 and are around halfway completed.&nbsp;Interior fittings and fixtures commenced in February, with material procurement now reaching up to level seven.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=197727]

Grand Reve is the debut apartment development by&nbsp;<a href="/developers/kassis-homes">Kassis Homes</a>, a long-time luxury home builder in the area.

The project offers 37 different floor plans, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units and townhouse-style dwellings.&nbsp;

Grand Reve also emphasises outdoor space, with 2,300 square meters dedicated to landscaped communal gardens.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94147 project_image_fid=203072]

The project has garnered attention from various buyer demographics, including downsizers, first-home buyers, upsizers, and investors.

The development's popularity is attributed to the growing interest in <a href="/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, driven by the new North West Metro and Hills Showground Precinct redevelopment.

<a href="/buildings/grand-reve-castle-hill-8-18-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill">Grand Reve</a> provides prospective buyers with the option to secure an apartment with a $10,000 deposit in partnership with Coposit and includes 10-year structural defect insurance.&nbsp;

Prices start at $570,000 for studios, making it an attractive option in the in-demand Hills District housing market.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=94147]

The project has garnered attention from various buyer demographics, including downsizers, first-home buyers, upsizers, and investors

Dasco tops out Kassis Homes' Grand Reve, Castle Hill apartment development

The City of Boroondara has approved a new 12-level mixed-use development that will become the second tallest building in the area.

The project, at 697-699 Burke Road, <a href="/new-apartments/camberwell-vic-3124">Camberwell</a>, has been designed&nbsp;by <a href="/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> for boutique property developer <a href="/developers/above-zero">Above Zero</a>&nbsp;and will have 36 apartments set above five levels of office space and retail on the ground level.

There will be a mix of 18 two-bedroom apartments, 13 three-beds and five four-bedroom units toward the top of the building.

The approval follows an extensive planning process that has been ongoing site 2015 when the&nbsp;City of Boroondara first refused a 15-level, 62-unit development on the 1,950 sqm site. A year later there was an application to reduce the building to 12 levels, and the number of apartments down to 53, which was also refused.

Local residents, particularly those from the nearby Aerial building, had raised concerns about the building’s height and parking provisions.

The final design, which gained support from both the council and previous objectors, includes office spaces on levels one to five, apartments on levels six to eleven, and a communal rooftop terrace on level 12.

<img alt="Cera Strib" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56497ad5-4fd1-4353-9ef4-46e4a46c72af" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Cera%20Stribbely%202.jpg?VersionId=lBEwKI09LeWXQFszZofQbHYBk7_0vmb7" />

The Camberwell Junction area is expected to need a further 1,500 additional new dwellings by 2051 to keep up with population growth, the planning documentation suggested.

Council said that while the&nbsp;maximum building height set at 10 storeys in the structure plan, the design detailing and setbacks of any levels above that are extremely relevant and critical to their acceptability.

"We have consistently argued that the maximum building height on the review site is dependent on many factors, including retaining the visual primacy of the Aerial towers in the Junction’s skyline. These factors were exhaustively debated and examined in various VCAT orders, which found that a 12-storey form was acceptable on the subject site, keeping in mind that back then, the site was considerably smaller comprising 699 Burke Road only."

The Camberwell Junction area is expected to need a further 1,500 additional new dwellings by 2051 to keep up with population growth, the planning documentation suggested

Camberwell set for Cera Stribley-designed mixed-use development after green light

The Malinauskas Labor Government will officially abolish stamp duty for all first homebuyers who buy or build a new home, and extend the First Home Owner Grant to all eligible first homebuyers as part of the 2024-25 Budget.

To further boost housing supply and help more South Australians into home ownership, the 2024-25 Budget will abolish property value thresholds for both the stamp duty exemption and First Home Owner Grant at a cost of $30 million over four years.

With the abolition of property value limits, a first homebuyer who purchases a new dwelling broadly in line with the median house price of $750,000 will receive a benefit of over $50,000, including the First Home Owner Grant of $15,000.

The stamp duty exemption will be available to all first home buyers who buy a new home (including a house, flat, unit, townhouse or apartment), an off-the-plan apartment, a house and land package or vacant land to build a new home.

The initiative builds on the tax relief announced as part of the 2023-24 Budget, which saw the Malinauskas Labor Government abolish stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing a new dwelling up to a property value of $650,000 while also aligning the property value cap for the $15,000 First Home Owner Grant to this limit.

South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, said we are amid a national housing crisis borne of successive governments failing to do enough to build new homes.

"In the last budget, we abolished stamp duty for some first home buyers who build new homes. Now we are making that tax relief available to all of them.

"Every new home built in our state benefits the rest of the housing market. Every first homebuyer that can move into a new home means one less buyer or renter competing for existing stock."

First home buyers building a home can also save thousands with a two per cent deposit home loan available through HomeStart, a Malinauskas Government election commitment delivered this year.

Stephen Mullighan, South Australia's Treasurer, says the&nbsp;Malinauskas Government is acutely aware of the barriers facing young people who are looking to enter the housing market, and are determined to do all they can to assist young people into homeownership.

"That is why we have taken the step to abolish the property value cap on the stamp duty exemption for first home buyers who buy or build a new dwelling to ensure all first home buyers who choose this option no longer have to pay stamp duty."

Master Builders SA CEO Will Frogley said it&nbsp;is a great day for any South Australian who dreams of owning their own home.

"It’s also a great day for builders, tradies, suppliers, apprentices and all of the more than 80,000 South Australians directly employed in our industry. As house prices have risen over the years so too has stamp duty.

"This vital policy change by the Malinauskas Labor Government will incentivise South Australians to build their own home, fuel job creation and keep our economy strong."

South Australia scraps stamp duty for first home buyers who buy off the plan or new builds

Lower North Shore developer WINIM has been one of the most active in taking up the new 10-year Latent Defects Insurance offered to developers by Resilience Insurance.

<a href="/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">Latent Defects Insurance</a>, or LDI, the new game-changing policy that has just made it to Australia, covers an off the plan property buyer for 10 years post-completion for any costs associated with structural defects in their new apartment and the building as a whole.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

In a short space of time, WINIM has taken the policy out on two of its latest residential developments, and it now forms a strong part of its business model,&nbsp;WINIM's Senior Development Manager Peitra Creak says.

Creak says the team were completely sold on the insurance once they understood the intricacies of the policy and how it works for both the purchaser and the developer.

Creak underscores its value as having a "dual benefit," for both developer and purchaser.

"First and foremost, Resilience LDI is a purchaser-led policy that protects off the plan property buyers and will drive confidence in our industry," Creak says, adding that there are significant benefits to the developer that make it even more attractive.

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"The last few years have been such a wild ride and we can't have predicted what has happened in terms of builder insolvencies, but we can learn lessons from it. We believe having Resilience LDI, as well as partnering with an iCIRT-rated builder, we're pre-empting and avoiding future issues in the built environment."

Creak says one of the biggest bonuses of Resilience LDI is that they get another set of eyes during the build process, something that can prove invaluable during the construction phase.

"The insurer is there to de-risk the project, and they do so by partnering with developers with a track record, strong finances, and consistently being a part of the build process. They have their teams on site before a shovel has been put in the ground, undertaking technical inspection services at frequent intervals."

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The fact Resilience LDI is a first right insurance was also another value add.

"With it being a first right insurance, we can factor it into our feasibility well before we start building the project. It also means that action is taken as soon as an issue occurs during the build, rather than at the end of construction.&nbsp; That means for buyers they don't have to pay a penny if there's any sort of rectification order, and, if it ever came to it, they would have accommodation paid for if they couldn't occupy the building."

Creak says they think developers could fall behind if they don't have Resilience LDI.

"If there are two similar, competing projects in the same area, then the buyer is definitely going to opt for the one with LDI over the one that doesn't have the policy."

WINIM has several new developments on the way, in Lane Cove and Neutral Bay, that they intend on taking out the Resilience Latent Defect Insurance policy on.

<h2>What is Resilience LDI?</h2>

Resilience LDI is the first Latent Defects Insurance policy in Australia. The insurance provides off the plan apartment buyers with a 10-year warranty on their new apartment and the building it's situated in.

The cover is purchased by the property developer/builder (pre-construction) and is designed to protect owners against any immediate or future problems with the structural components of their new property, from leaks to cracks and everything in between.

For more information about Resilience LDI,&nbsp;<a href="/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">click here</a>.

Why WINIM has embraced Resilience LDI

Abadeen is continuing to double down on Melbourne's premium owner-occupier market, grabbing a parkside development site in <a href="/developments/caulfield-north-vic-3161?sort=">Caulfield North</a>.

Having opened up shop in Victoria last year off the back of Abadeen's success in Sydney's Lower North Shore for the last two decades, <a href="/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>, led in Melbourne by industry veteran Andrew Leoncelli, beat out several other developers to secure 1,060 sqm on Caulfield Park.

The site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-parker-219-balaclava-road-caulfield-north-vic-3161">219-229 Balaclava Road</a> is north-facing and offers uninterrupted views to the north and northwest, over the park and out to the city.

It was offered by JLL with permit-approved plans for a new seven-level apartment development designed by CHT Architects (below). The permit was for 29 two and three-bedroom apartments, a four-bedroom penthouse, two ground-floor retail spaces and a home office.

<img alt="Abadeen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24e257c8-bcb0-429b-a43b-1e3e18b53735" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-06%20at%2010.23.49%20am.png?VersionId=OSPk6HkveA7cBN14SwLc0Mdst97TNeMe" />

Abadeen VIC will go back to the drawing board and is engaging a leading architect to tweak the plans to make the apartments larger, but they will stay within the same envelope of what's been approved.

Leoncelli says the timing is right for a high-quality product to come to the local market.

“This market hasn’t had something of the quality that we’re looking to deliver," Leoncelli says.

“We want to do something bigger than what’s been delivered before to cater to the sophisticated, wealthy, local owner-occupier.

"The building envelope is excellent but we feel the product should be larger and of a higher quality especially given the incredible north-facing Caulfield Park, City and Bay view lines."

<img alt="abadeen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="912395dd-3ab0-4922-bd8e-55804b4013ab" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-06%20at%2010.23.39%20am.png?VersionId=8WDEAS_ndB64HRdLt_hIy5tccDe9dBYB" />

The site was bought on long settlement terms, which should see construction commence toward the back end of 2025. It borders St Aloysius Church and two different tram routes are on its doorstep.

"The project continues Abadeen’s push into the east and south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne’s owner-occupier, high-end apartment market," Leoncelli added.

The Caulfield North project will be Abadeen third in Melbourne. They announced themselves on the scene in the Melbourne off the plan apartment market with <a href="/new-apartments/malea-94-burke-road-malvern-east">Maléa</a>, just seven luxury apartments on <a href="/new-apartments/malvern-east-vic-3145">Malvern East's</a> Central Park where they've recently started construction.

They also have a development application with Stonnington Council for another development at 646 High Street in Prahran. They're planning 26 apartments in a striking Carr-designed building that curves around a listed Smooth Bark Apple tree.

Leoncelli says the feedback from the application has been positive.

Read more: <a href="/news/vic/first-look-abadeen-lodge-plans-for-second-melbourne-apartment-development">First look: Abadeen lodge plans for second Melbourne apartment development</a>

Abadeen VIC will go back to the drawing board and is engaging a leading architect to tweak the plans to make the apartments larger

Exclusive: Abadeen grab next Melbourne off the plan apartment development site

The Sydney suburb Eastlakes, a gateway to Australia’s most sought-after region for real estate, often gets overlooked by some of its more well-known Eastern Suburbs and inner-east neighbours.&nbsp;

In recent years however, the suburb has undergone a huge transformation, led by Crown Group who identified Eastlakes as the perfect place to develop a $1 billion mixed-use precinct.

They completed the first stage of the precinct at the start of 2022, winning the <a href="/news/urban-taskforce-australia-says-ia-report-reinforces-the-need-for-urban-densities">Urban Taskforce Australia</a> Development Excellence Awards in the Mixed-Use Development category the same year, one of the most prestigious awards a development can get in Australia.

Now, following the provisional liquidation of <a href="/developers/crown-group">Crown Group</a> late last year, the final apartments remaining in the first stage, known as <a href="/buildings/the-grand-residences-eastlakes-16-evans-avenue-eastlakes">The Grand Residences</a> Eastlakes, have been released to the market, at a price point unheard of in the Eastern Suburbs. Furthermore, every apartment at The Grand Residences has at least one parking space.

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Both the price point and the position of The Grand Residences Eastlakes will be difficult to replicate given the soaring costs of building since the pandemic, as well as the boom in real estate values in Sydney’s East.&nbsp;

Residents of The Grand Residences Eastlakes will find themselves in the heart of the suburb, providing easy access to a wide range of amenities to suit all lifestyles. It’s surrounded by parks, golf courses, beaches, sports facilities, top schools and universities, and is a short commute to the Sydney CBD. Eastlakes' connectivity is enhanced by easy access to major roadways like the Eastern Distributor Motorway and the Sydney Bus Network, which connects to extensive light rail, train, and metro services.

The Grand Residences Eastlakes is surrounded by four premier golf courses and multiple community parklands. To the north across Gardeners Road is The Australian Golf Club, while to the east across Southern Cross Drive are Eastlakes Golf Club, The Lakes Golf Club, and Bonnie Doon Golf Club.

Reserves like Bridget Tight and Jack Mundey Reserve are just a short three-minute walk away, with larger parks like Astrolabe Park accessible within a three-minute drive.

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Large stretches of parkland, golf courses and green spaces surrounding The Grand Residences Eastlakes are complemented with a short trip to world-renowned beaches like Coogee, Bronte, and Bondi, as well as the City of Sydney’s new Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

The Grand Residences Eastlakes also benefits from easy access to vibrant suburbs like Waterloo, Zetland, Surry Hills, and Alexandria, offering residents a variety of excellent retail, eateries, and cafes, including popular spots like Three Blue Ducks, Black Star Pastry, Gelato Messina, and Da Mario in Rosebery, all within a 10-minute drive.

There is also the highly-rated Common Cafe and Go Go Gozleme at The Eastlakes Shopping Centre just a stone’s throw from the apartments, while Westfield Eastgardens, home to Woolworths, Coles, Myer and Kmart among a further 200 other retailers and several more restaurants and cafes, is only a nine-minute drive from The Grand Residences.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7652 project_image_fid=262602]

Families are also well catered for at The Grand Residences Eastlakes. From its privileged position, the development is only within a 10-minute drive to Eastlakes Public School, St Therese Catholic Primary School, JJ Cahill Memorial High School, and highly-ranked high schools like Sydney Girls High School and Sydney Boys High School.&nbsp;

Since the apartments have been released to market through McGrath Projects and Crown Property Agency, there has been a diverse range of buyers, from first home buyers to investors and upsizers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7652]

Since the apartments have been released to market through McGrath Projects and Crown Property Agency, there has been a diverse range of buyers, from first home buyers to investors and upsizers

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