A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Joel Robinson

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

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?

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august1neerim]}
Neerim, the six-bedroom 1920s Bowral residence, has been listed with revised price hopes. Last year there were $4.5 million-plus hopes, now the four-hectare holding has been listed by the Welsh family at $3.5 million.
In Centennial Road on the outskirts of the Bowral township, Neerim has been the southern highlands retreat for the Welsh family since the Tudor homestead was built in the 1920s. Neerim is now owned by the fourth generation of the family, who hold extensive farming properties at Molong in the central-west of NSW. It was built as the southern retreat of their relative, Peter Tait, who owned sheep and cattle stations in Queensland in the 1920s.
The two-storey residence comes with grand staircase, timber panelling, fireplaces and wide verandas. There are staff quarters adjoining the homestead. It comes with approval for the subdivision of eight building lots. It has been listed by Chris Meares and Alex Hunter from Meares and Associates in conjunction with Michael Maloney from Richardson &amp; Wrench Bowral.
 
{module 238}
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Neerim listed with revised price hopes

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august1disney]}
The 1932 French Normandy-style house that was built for Walt Disney is on the market with price hopes of $3.65 million. The mogul's four-bedroom, five-bathroom Los Angeles house at 4053 Working Way is very grand for the time, with leadlight windows, a billiards room, two wet bars, the luxurious rarity (for the '30s) of a swimming pool and a screening room that Disney's studio had built so he could watch dailies of classics such as Snow White, Fantasia, Cinderella and Bambi. We have to say the new owner will be very mouse proud to live in a piece of Hollywood history. 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Disney's world for sale

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<img src="/images/stories/danieljones1.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Expatriate songwriter Daniel Jones and his wife, the retired Hi-5 member Kathleen de Leon, have finally sold their <a target="_blank" title="Neutral Bay" href="/news">Neutral Bay</a> harbourfront house (pictured above and below), which comes with its own beach. The sale details are still under wraps, but over the past three years the couple have found it necessary to adjust their expectations lower than the $7.7 million purchase price in 2007.
The waterfront mansion failed to attract a single bid at its late 2008 auction when the couple sought $8 million. The Gundimaine Avenue house, which was then put into the prestige lower north shore rental pool, is set in a serenely private Neutral Bay location overlooking Kurraba Point. The contemporary house comes with terraced lawns that lead to the sandy beach.
<img src="/images/stories/danieljones2.jpg">
Jones, the former Savage Garden member, pretty much left Australia in 2008 sensing he needed to work in the United States to pursue his passion for songwriting. The keyboardist and guitarist formed Savage Garden in 1993 with Darren Hayes. Between 1996 and 2001, Savage Garden sold 25 million albums and 15 million singles, topping the charts in Europe and the US market.
There are six waterfront houses on the street. Jones was born at Southend-on-Sea in Britain, but his family moved to Australia when he was less than a year old. The couple, who are spending much of their time in LA, California, met at the Logie Awards in 2000.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Cameron Day, managing director of rugby union player agency The Blaze, secured $760,000 for his <a target="_blank" title="Redfern" href="/news">Redfern </a>apartment, which sold last weekend through McGrath Edgecliff agent Andrew Toohey. The three-bedroom apartment in a boutique block on George Street had been expected to fetch more than $700,000. Since Day bought the property for $460,000 in May 2003, he has renovated the kitchen and installed floating timber floors. Initially, Day lived in the apartment, but for the past few years it has been his investment property. Day established The Blaze in 2007 with his clients including Wallabies Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne and Ben Alexander.
<img src="/images/stories/bradjohnson.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Former Western Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson sold his classic Victorian house in <a target="_blank" title="Williamstown" href="/news">Williamstown </a>(pictured) post-auction at undisclosed record price. It was renovated and extended about five years ago after Johnson and his wife, Donna, bought in in 2002 for $897,500. The double-fronted weatherboard house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a pool, a large L-shaped veranda and a double garage on its 650-square-metre block. Rendina Real Estate selling agent Lou Rendina and Compton &amp; Green Real Estate had been quoting $2.2 million. There was a vendor bid of $1.9 million and then a bid at $1.95 million, with the sale negotiated afterwards.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Wine industry entrepreneur Russell Leslie, a former director of Macquarie Group, and his wife, Katrina, the executive chairman of recruitment company HRX, have sold their Longueville residence. The Arabella Street property had been tipped to fetch more than $7 million. It is understood to have fetched just above $6 million. It had been listed through McGrath agent Brent Courtney. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom house, renovated since it was built in 2004, sits on a 1500-square-metre block. It last traded for $6.4 million in 2006. The harbourfront house comes with a tennis court and indoor pool. It also has a 12-seat home cinema.
It’s been a busy month for Longueville, with the executive chairman of the Macquarie Radio Network, Russell Tate, and his wife, Carole, selling their waterfront mansion for just shy of $5.8 million. The Tates, who are downsizing, bought the three-level Mediterranean-style house in 1998 for $2,775,000. The Tates had the Amalfi Place property listed with Brent Courtney with $6.6 million hopes since November 2010.
<img src="/images/stories/francishall.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">The penthouse in Francis Hall (pictured above), the Kings Cross apartment block has been sold for $2.8 million. It last sold at $550,000 when bought by Allan Gill in 1993, thereby reflecting 10.8% annual price growth. During its ownership the three bedrooms were converted to two bedrooms. The whole-floor unit occupied the eighth floor of the art Deco Kings Cross Road block. It was sold through Jason Boon at Richardson &amp; Wrench <a target="_blank" title="Elizabeth Bay" href="/news">Elizabeth Bay</a> agent Jason Boon.
<img src="/images/stories/lockyerbbq.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Darren Lockyer, the 36-time Queensland State of Origin team hero, has listed his Brisbane house for August 6 auction. The contemporary <a target="_blank" title="Paddington" href="/news">Paddington </a>property cost $1.49 million in 2004. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom place could be expected to fetch $2 million plus based on the standard growth and decline experienced in Brisbane over the past seven years. It has been listed through Tim Douglas and Gail Miller at Place Estate Agents. Naturally it comes with barbecue facilities (pictured above) that befit any Queenslander sportsman. It was 2007 when Lockyer married Loren Pollock, his girlfriend of three years, who gave birth to their first child, Sonny James, in April 2010.
<img src="/images/stories/oneoslow.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Title Tattle aims to tell you as soon as we know – often before it happens – so the word from Elizabeth Bay is that John and Jo McNiven are the mystery $9.8 million buyers of the One Onslow penthouse (pictured above) through Jason Boon at R&amp;W and Ben Stewart at CBRE. The couple recently sold their Vaucluse hillside house for about $22 million to Chinese buyer Yang Yang, who currently gives an address as a 47th-floor rental in the multi-award-winning Lumiere Apartment complex on Bathurst Street. The McNivens bought a vast investment terrace on Challis Avenue, Potts Point which is set to be the Sydney base of Melbourne retailer Chiodo.
<img src="/images/stories/rickard1.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">And don’t say that Title Tattle told you, but apparently Michael Caton has spent about $1.8 million on his Bondi Beach upgrade – a contemporary four-bedroom semi (pictured above). Now he has all the time in the world to lounge on the back deck. The climate change activist, star of The Castle and sage of the TV reality show Hot Property and his wife, Helen, recently sold their top-floor Sunnyhurst apartment for $938,000 through Sandy Kogan at Richardson &amp; Wrench Bondi Junction. Apparently they had minor body corporate strata issues.
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Savage Garden's Daniel Jones sells Sydney harbourfront property at last: Title Tattle

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/july29groverd]}
35 Grove Road, <a target="_blank" title="Hawthorn" href="/news">Hawthorn</a>, Victoria, 3122
A fine double-fronted Victorian home, which has been updated well to suit modern living. Key pluses - rear northern orientation and secure/direct car access, functional floor plan, and the façade is a classic one (yet could be further improved with some colour changes and restoration work). Some may find rear living area a little small, and location of laundry to first floor a little odd (yet could be relocated to existing formal dining room area). First-floor bedrooms are good size and enjoy north light. Given recent strong sales in this area, this should attract good completion - would well suit a young family / couple very well. James Buyer Advocates rates the property 725 out of 1,000, which is in the Well Above Average category. It is being marketed by <a href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property/HAWTHORN-35-Grove-Road/2879331/" title="Jellis Craig" target="_blank">Jellis Craig</a> agents Peter Vigano and Katrina Mckenna and goes to auction on Saturday, July 30 at noon. 
 
Adam Woledge is a registered architect and principal buyer advocate at <a href="https://www.james.net.au/en-au/" title="James Buyer Advocates" target="_blank">James Buyer Advocates</a>. James includes market news, home ratings and auction reports on its website.
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Updated Victorian in Hawthorn

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Real estate agents have been warned not to dispense inaccurate information to clients about the virtues of setting up a self-managed super fund to buy an investment property.
Liz Westover, head of superannuation at the Institute of Chartered Accountants, recently received a letter in the mail from an estate agent full of what she called “technically wrong and misleading” information, “particurlarly in relation to tax measures”.
“Furthermore, the information was presented in such a way that it all sounded very straightforward,” Westover writes on her blog.
“These issues are never straightforward, and there are a range of factors that need to be given due consideration, not only before entering these borrowing arrangements but also before setting up an SMSF.”
She says investors should consider factors include costs, risks, returns, responsibilities of operating one’s own super fund, insurance and current superannuation savings.
“As we all know, SMSFs are not the best superannuation option for everyone, and they should not be set up simply as a vehicle to borrow to buy real estate.
“Borrowing can be a valuable tool within an SMSF to bolster retirement savings, but it must be used appropriately and in full knowledge of the facts and all the associated risks,” Westover says.
The warning comes as the popularity of using a SMSF to invest in property continues to grow.
A survey carried out by SMSF provider Multiport in late March 2011 found that at least 13% of the 1,400 SMSFs it administers are borrowing to invest using limited-recourse loans, and more than half (56%) of these loans are used to buy property
The average property loan among Multiport client funds is $200,000, compared with $110,000 for shares and managed investments.
In total SMSFs that Multiport surveyed hold 16% of their assets in property, nearly double the allocation in global shares.
John McIlroy, CEO of Multiport, says the higher weighting to direct property is not surprising, as direct property has become a more popular form of investment since the legislation change in 2007 that allowed SMSFs to borrow.
A survey of by Mortgage Choice revealed that one in 10 first-time investors will use their self-managed super fund to make their first investment.
Westover says the misleading information in the estate agent letter highlights the role a professional accountant play as trusted advisers on such matters.
“No doubt, many professional accountants have been approached by clients looking for advice, having been told of the benefits of borrowing within an SMSF, perhaps by a real estate agent or by other means,” she says.
For more on self-managed super funds, see our e-book 16 questions self-managed super fund trustees should ask before investing in property.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Estate agents warned not to give dodgy SMSF advice: accountant

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The advertising campaigns for all four of the properties featured on Channel 9 hit The Block have begun, with the first open for inspection occurring Thursday, July 28.
<img src="/images/stories/block39.jpg">
The property at 39 Cameron Street (pictured above), in the inner-Melbourne suburb of <a target="_blank" title="Richmond" href="/news">Richmond</a>, which was the first to appear on real estate websites, was open for inspection yesterday at noon. The property is being marketed by Biggin Scott agents Russell Cambridge and Sam Davenport has price hopes of $800,000 plus.
“We had exactly 100 groups through the property in the hour, of which 25 I’d rung up and specifically invited,” Cambridge says.
“The rest were either from the internet or were passing by, as happens in the area.”
A Thursday noon inspection that draws 100 groups is a “very good open for inspection,” as Cambridge says, and news crews from both Channel 9 news and Channel 9’s A Current Affair also turned up to watch the action.
He says the 25 invitees were known to be looking for property in the area, so although he acknowledges it is too early to accurately gauge buyer interest in the property, he has high hopes for its August 20 auction.
<img src="/images/stories/block43.jpg">
The four agencies representing the four houses have taken different tacks in regards to their properties’ reality stardom. Jellis Craig agents Clayton Smith and Allan Cove, who are marketing 43 Cameron Street (pictured above), make no mention whatsoever of the TV show on the property’s advertisements. Jellis Craig is also keeping mum on price hopes for the property.
<img src="/images/stories/block37.jpg">
Woodards, on the other hand, which is marketing next-door 37 Cameron Street (pictured above), features several pictures of contestants Josh and Jenna admiring their handiwork and the banner “Winner!” splashed across numerous photos of rooms. Woodards’ homepage also features the new tagline “If you want the best result and you don’t use Woodards, you’reyou’re your block.” Woodards agent Ruth Roberts has listed the double-fronted Victorian, the largest of the four cottages on the show, with $900,000 plus hopes.
<img src="/images/stories/block41.jpg">
The other two properties sit somewhere in between. Biggin Scott’s marketing cheekily suggests 39 Cameron Street has “the only views on The Block” but makes no other reference to the renovation reality show, while Hocking Stuart mentions that 41 Cameron Street (pictured above) is “the star of The Block” and offers one promotional shot of renovators Katrina and Amie, but none in situ. Hocking Stuart’s Glen Coutinho and Jodie McCarthy have listed the property with $800,000 hopes.
All four renovation teams were given $100,000 to make over their decrepit Richmond cottages, which Channel 9 bought for a combined price of $3,025,000. Teams win prize money for the best room renovation or renovation challenges, and the winning team will be the one that gets the best auction result above an undisclosed reserve.
The four properties will go to auction at Fitzroy Town Hall on August 20 at 5pm. 
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Marketing begins in earnest for The Block cottages

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1
<a target="_blank" title="1 Flora Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008173508" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">1 Flora Street, Midland, WA, 6056</a>
On the market since: August 16, 2009
Initial asking price: $1.9 million
Current asking price: $850,000
Reduction: 55%
Days on market: 701
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">2</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="588 white beach road" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106479093" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">588 White Beach Road, White Beach, Tasmania, 7184</a>
On the market since: May 23, 2010
Initial asking price: $780,000
Current asking price: $400,000
Reduction: 49%
Days on market: 420
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">3</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="1350 Wynnym Road" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106966579" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">1350 Wynnum Road, Tingalpa, Queensland, 4173</a>
On the market since: November 6, 2010
Initial asking price: $700,000
Current asking price: $380,000
Reduction: 46%
Days on market: 252
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">4</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="3 Boolari Road" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D105832903" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">3 Boolari Road, Gosford West, NSW, 2250</a>
On the market since: July 8, 2009
Initial asking price: $990,000
Current asking price: $580,000
Reduction: 41%
Days on market: 738
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">5</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="1/21 Ocean Drive" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106550670" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">1/21 Ocean Drive, Coogee, WA, 6166</a>
On the market since: May 23, 2010
Initial asking price: $2.7 million
Current asking price: $1.6 million
Reduction: 41%
Days on market: 420
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">6</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="232 High Central Road" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2007562500" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">232-234 High Central Road, Macleay Island, Queensland, 4184</a>
On the market since: January 11, 2009
Initial asking price: $279,000
Current asking price: $175,000
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 917
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">7</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="25 Vicary Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008491614" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">25 Vicary Street, Triabunna, Tasmania, 7190</a>
On the market since: August 2, 2010
Initial asking price: $299,000
Current asking price: $189,000
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 350
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">8</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="290 Viveash Road" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2007193295" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">290 Viveash Road, Swan View, WA, 6056</a>
On the market since: June 5, 2008
Initial asking price: $2.29 million
Current asking price: $1.5 million
Reduction: 34%
Days on market: 1,138
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">9</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="3 Zelma Court" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D105294317" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">3 Zelma Court, Macleay Island, Queensland, 4184</a>
On the market since: May 23, 2010
Initial asking price: $380,000
Current asking price: $250,000
Reduction: 34%
Days on market: 419
 
<h2 style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">10</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="46a Stock Road" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106404560" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">46a Stock Road, Attadale, WA, 6156</a>
On the market since: March 23, 2010
Initial asking price: $2.69 million
Current asking price: $1.79 million
Reduction: 33%
Days on market: 483
SQM Research also offers a list of the <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/top100bargains.php" title="SQM Research" target="_blank" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Top 100 Biggest Bargains in Australia </a>for sale.
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louischristopher-TWpYcZDLBK

Top 10 most discounted properties in Australia at July 28

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The Melbourne Open House scheme features 75 buildings that will be open this year on its July 30-31 weekend.
The scheme comprises mostly offices, but the residences on show include the ground floor and gardens of Bishopscourt (pictured, photo by Ken Ng), the 1853 East Melbourne mansion. Built for Bishop Perry, first Anglican Bishop of Melbourne, the bluestone house is the oldest in East Melbourne.
Tickets were required, and have now all been allocated for the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/a-work-of-art-in-southbank/2011072750908" title="Work of art in Southbank" target="_blank">Triptych </a>at Southbank, a 24-level apartment tower designed as a series of eight three-storey "vertical villages" that aim for a sense of community.
There’s also be an opportunity to see two city properties built as homes but no longer lived in. The top floors of the 1887 ANZ Gothic-style bank in Collins Street, once the home of George Verdon, general manager of the bank for which it was built, will be part of tours that will include the richly decorated banking chamber.
Parts of three Charles Webb-designed terraces in Tasma Terrace, now home to the National Trust, will also be open.
Inspired by similar programs initiated in London and New York, <a href="https://www.melbourneopenhouse.com.au" title="Melbourne Open House" target="_blank">Melbourne Open House</a> has installed its own ambassador, Grand Designs host and architect Peter Maddison. Maddison favours the Town Hall, Lyons Architecture Office and the old Land Titles Office, which has a fireproof vault that Maddison marvels is an interwoven three-storey vertical space with narrow walkways and spiral stairs all made from hot riveted steel, solid-slate shelving and bluestone. It has not been touched since the 1880s.
“You can understand the emphasis we place on freehold land ownership when you visit this one," Maddison told The Age.
Of the 75 buildings on offer, entry to six was selected by earlier ballot.
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Melbourne Open House scheme offers peek behind closed doors

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/july26triptych]}
8 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006
With a striking 33-metre by five-metre vertical garden on one face and a facade by Australian artist Robert Owen that brings to mind a cascade of raindrops glinting in the sun, the <a target="_blank" title="Triptych" href="https://www.triptychliving.com/">Triptych </a>building is a work of art in itself. Seven four-bedroom "penthouses" across the top five levels of the building are now on the market, with price hopes of between $3.75 million and $5.5 million. The apartments offer views of either the Melbourne skyline or the Royal Botanic gardens, and they have the state-of-the-art fittings and fixtures one would expect for apartments of this calibre. The apartments are large, ranging from 306 square metres to 330 square metres. Four of the seven apartments have been sold.
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A work of art in Southbank

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Home prices and sales of new homes lost ground in recent months in the United States. The Standard &amp; Poor's Case-Shiller home price index, a major indicator of the US property market, showed house prices fell 4.5% in May.
Over the year, house prices were lower in every city except Washington D.C., where prices rose 1.3%.
Estate agents and builders say the debt-ceiling debate in Washington is rattling an already fragile market.
"If you're looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, we don't have it," David Blitzer, chairman of S&amp;P's index committee, told the Wall Street Journal.
"We all agree the market ain't going anyplace at all," Blitzer says.
On a month-to-month, seasonally adjusted basis, prices were up in nine cities, led by Washington (up 1.4%) and Boston, Massachusetts (up 1.2%). Prices in 11 cities were lower, led by Detroit, Michigan (down 3.4%) and Tampa, Florida (down 1.5%).
Separately, the Census Bureau reported that new home sales fell 1% in June from a month earlier to an annual rate of 312,000 units. That was weaker than many economists were expecting and puts the current sales pace below last year's total of 323,000 sales, which was the lowest annual total on record.
Economists said the housing market continues to be hampered by tight lending standards that are keeping buyers on the sidelines as well as high unemployment. The national rate now stands at 9.2%. The political battle between Republicans and Democrats in Washington over raising the debt ceiling has injected fresh worries to the market.
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