A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.

The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.

With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.

In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.

High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.

A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.

Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]

A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.

BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.

Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.

Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.

"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."

Mosaic's Midas Touch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.

Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite. 
&nbsp; 
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868] 
&nbsp; 
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space. 
&nbsp; 
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said. 
&nbsp; 
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869] 
&nbsp; 
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.

"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas." 
&nbsp; 
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city. 
&nbsp; 
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said. 
&nbsp; 
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street. 
&nbsp; 
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.

The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

Apartment sales in the Melbourne CBD totalled $321 million with 485 sales in the three months to August 2021, according to Cityscope.

The sales activity dipped after two strong quarters, as sales pivoted towards established apartments.

The 485 sales was split between 370 established units and 115 off the plan sales.

The report noted continued off the plan acquisitions in Queens Place, the twin skyscrapers being built at 350 Queen Street, which on completion will be among the tallest buildings in Melbourne.

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The $1 billion project from developer 3L Alliance is situated at the fringe of Flagstaff Hill, collaboratively designed by architects Fender Katsalidis Architects and Cox Architecture, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie.

The recently completed sellout Tower 1 comprises 819 apartments across 80 levels, with nomination sales being offered for sale.

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The established sales during the quarter included some early resales after completion of St. Boulevard, designed by Elenberg Fraser on St. Kilda Road.

It reflected a decrease on the $500 million from 751 sales recorded in three months to May 2021, when the split was 262 established apartments and 489 off the plan sales.

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There were 718 sales totalling $517 million in the quarter to February 2021, when the split was 171 established apartments and 542 off the plan sales.

The latest data brings the twelve-month sales total to $1.835 billion, an increase from the previous twelve months, which recorded sales of $1.093 billion.

The latest data took the twelve-month sales total to $1.835 billion

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melbourne CBD apartment sales activity pivots to established unit sales

Michael Renzella&rsquo;s long held 1880s boom time Hotel Claremont building in South Yarra has been sold for around $22m to Andy Zhang&#39;s V-Leader group.

It comes with a permit for a $50 million, 12-level, luxury mixed use project.

Emmett's marketed the 189 Toorak Road Hotel Claremont property with $20m plus price expectations. The sale comes soon after the next corner closer to South Yarra station, a row of four Tudor style shops, has been sold with development potential for $13.15 million.

Covering 613 sqm, the 169-175 Toorak Rd property was marketed for its potential for a 10-plus level tower.

The neighbourhood has attracted attention from property developer Oreana, which has reportedly spent $48 million buying the neighbours for a hotel and wellness centre.

The three-storey brick Italianate 81-room Hotel Claremont building with two shops was built in 1886 as the South Yarra Coffee Palace, one of several temperance alcohol-free destinations.

Selling agents Michael Ludski and Luke Bisset took more than 200 enquiries including six formal expressions of interest.

They advised the buyer was likely to undergo a redevelopment along the lines of the approved project.

The permit for the 906 square metre site allows for 57 apartment development of a mixed use building comprising four shops totalling 712 square metres, 1195 square metres of office space, and 30 car parking spaces.&nbsp;

Located on the corner of Claremont Street, the property has an approved DA for construction of a mixed use building with 54 units, 4 retail shops and 5 offices plus basement car parking for 22 vehicles, 53 bicycle parks and 54 storage units.

The hotel last traded at $2,250,000 at auction in 1994.

There are two retail tenancies, Chemist Warehouse and Sirocco.

The tenants are returning a combined annual income of $181,500, with leases having termination clauses.

V-Leader has undertaken more than $440 million of property development including 6 Sydney St, Prahran, 16 apartments in a six-storey building designed by Wood Marsh Architecture.

Construction is due for completion in late 2021 by VCON Construction.

There is a $3.62 million price on the last ground floor, three bedroom, three bathroom apartment with a 187 square metre terrace/courtyard, through V-Leader agent Sam Fisher.

Michael Renzella’s Hotel Claremont building in South Yarra has sold to a local developer

Apartment developer buys South Yarra landmark, Hotel Claremont

Despite the long weekend distraction, a Hunters Hill apartment topped weekend results with a $4,240,500 sale.

The apartment is set within the Pulpit Point Estate development of the former Mobil Oil Terminal, initially proposed by Sid Longish, and completed in a joint venture between Comrealty and Nat West. 

It was a top floor apartment at 1 Le Vesinet Drive, Hunters Hill which came with price guidance of $3.75 million through Ward Partners.

It first sold in 1994 at $785,000.

The single level apartment, set in a boutique building of just four apartments, last sold at $2.45 million in 2014.

It enjoyed a harbour panorama back to the Sydney city skyline. It comes with a private 10 metre marina berth and access to Pulpit Point facilities including two tennis courts, two pools and the club house.

Melbourne's top weekend result was $1,740,000 for the four bedroom, three bathroom townhouse at 24a Avocet Street, Doncaster East.

There was also the $1.685 million online auction sale of the townhouse at 8B Naples Road Mentone. The four bedroom townhouse had been listed through Buxton Real Estate with $1.35 million to $1.4 million expectations.

A three bedroom townhouse at 1/112 Haydens Road, Beaumaris fetched $1.61 million.

There were 1,986 homes taken to auction across the combined capital cities over the past week, up from 1,626 over the previous week and 648 this time last year, making it the busiest auction week since mid-July. 

Melbourne was the busiest auction market with 800 homes taken to auction across the city, up significantly from 352 over the previous week and 55 this time last year. 

"Melbourne had seen a large number of rescheduled auctions over the past couple of months, however we have not seen that this week, with auction volumes actually increasing slightly from the initial predicted count," Tim Lawless at CoreLogic said.

Of the 129 Melbourne apartment and townhouse auction results reported, 85 per cent were successful.

The national apartment clearance rate was 77% from 368 results.

The top selling apartment came with access to Pulpit Point facilities including two tennis courts, two pools and the club house

$4,240,500 Hunters Hill apartment sale topped weekend sales

Chevron One, the luxury apartment tower on Chevron Island, is one step closer, as the Melbourne-based developer Bensons have appointed the well regarded and experienced construction firm, ICON, to build the 41-level building.

Construction will begin October 11 on what will be the only high-rise on the island, with the build&nbsp;expected to take just over three years to complete. Bensons are aiming for completion before Christmas 2024.

ICON are one of Australia and New Zealand&#39;s largest and most experienced construction providers. Currently that have over 75 buildings under construction, including the sell-out Signature Broadbeach tower nearby.

They&#39;ve previously built the modern Auckland apartment, retail and hotel tower, The Pacifica, and recently signed off on the luxury Circular Quay, Sydney apartment development, The Harrington Collection.

On the appointment, Bensons Property Group Managing Director Rick Curtis said&nbsp;&ldquo;For us, it&rsquo;s about selecting a builder who is able to not only execute our commitment to the design, quality and timely delivery of Chevron One, but one that can do so in a way that reflects our company mission to deliver exceptional living, whilst making a positive contribution to local communities&rdquo;.

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Luke Young, ICON Director of QLD, WA and NT, called Chevron One a landmark project for the Gold Coast.

&quot;ICON are proud to be partnering with Bensons for the construction of the project of such significance. Bensons have an established reputation of developing high quality apartments, which is something that we pride ourselves on being able to offer,&quot; Young said.

&quot;We are excited to be underway.&quot;

Chevron One is the vision of the Bensons chairman,&nbsp;philanthropist and art patron&nbsp;Elias Jreissati, who spends a considerable amount of time each year on the Gold Coast with his wife Colleen.

He wants to create an offering that epitomises understated luxury that Melbourne is accustomed to, combined with uninterrupted panoramic views over Surfers Paradise, all within an exclusive island location.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=174033]

Bensons has&nbsp;just released their Daylight Sky Homes collection, occupying the upper levels of the tower, with the best, never-to-be-built-out views of Surfers Paradise. They start from&nbsp;$1.5 million, and range up to $15 million, the price tag for the huge 1,000 sqm sub penthouse.

They held back the apartments, but there has been such demand for luxury, larger apartments in the area.

Jreissati will be hanging on to the penthouse, the largest ever created on the Gold Coast spanning nearly 2,000 sqm.

Designed by global architecture practice Marchese Partners, Chevron One is built on the principle of a strong integration between indoor/outdoor living, with oversized balconies one of the key liveability factors.

There&#39;s around 2,000 sqm of resident amenity, including two pools (one an outdoor lagoon style with a floating cinema and one indoor),&nbsp;an indoor/outdoor beach, a gym, a number of spas, a residents&nbsp;lounge with BBQ area and an outdoor sun-lounge on the podium level.

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Bensons appoint ICON to build luxury Chevron Island apartment tower, Chevron One

Brisbane apartment values continued to grow over September, figures from the property data firm CoreLogic found.

In their monthly index, CoreLogic found that Brisbane values rose 0.6 per cent over September.

It was a return to a normal growth pattern for Brisbane, following a 1.4 per cent growth spike over August. Prior to the spike, there were 0.8 per cent gains in July and 0.7 per cent gains in June.

The 2.8 per cent rolling quarterly gains, more than double the gains seen in Melbourne, see values 8.3 per cent higher than at the start of 2021.

Back then the median value was $390,000. Now it&#39;s $430,000.

The price gap between houses and units in Brisbane however has widened, with Brisbane&#39;s median house price standing at $709,000, around $280,000 higher than the median apartment price.

New listings in Brisbane are slowly on the up ahead of the traditional listing increase in spring. The same can be said for Adelaide, Perth and Hobart, however the trend remains weak in the locked-down&nbsp;Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

Queensland has benefitted from record low vacancy rates, with southern state dwellers heading north during the pandemic over 12 months ago.

The June 2021 quarter data from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland showed that nearly&nbsp;two thirds of local government areas in Queensland recorded their lowest or equal lowest residential vacancy rates since 2010.

Of the 35 local government areas, 20 saw their vacancy rates tighten, 10 remained static and five saw them slightly rise in the June quarter.

Brisbane&rsquo;s vacancy rate dropped from 2.1 per cent&nbsp;to 1.7 per cent&nbsp;from the previous quarter. The Gold Coast&rsquo;s remained static at a tight 0.6 per cent&nbsp;and the Sunshine Coast&rsquo;s was slightly higher, from 0.5 per cent&nbsp;to 0.6 per cent.

<h2>Urban&#39;s top Brisbane projects</h2>

1. Trellis, South Brisbane

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Aria Property Group are a decorated Queensland developer who have continued to improve sustainability across their South East Queensland residential apartment developments with their&nbsp;newest tower, Trellis.

Described as both the most sustainable and livable to date, all 110 of the two and three bedroom apartments in the 12 story building&nbsp;have been designed by Rothelowman.

Reminiscent of an urban retreat, Trellis reflects a new style of resort living with 1,119 sqm of recreational amenity across the Temple of Wellness on the ground floor and the Residents&rsquo; Rooftop Club on level 13.&nbsp;

Apartments in Trellis start from $739,000 for a two-bedroom,&nbsp;two-bathroom apartment. Three-bedroom apartments are priced from $1,084,000 to $1,224,000.

2. Bide, Newstead

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Bide is the latest Newstead residential offering by Dibcorp Properties. It has been designed in collaboration with architects from Twohill &amp; James, Lat27 and Wiltshire Stevens Architecture.

It presents a new way of inner-city-living, with a range of special inclusions and an urban green space exclusively for residents to relax, unwind and even work from home.

Bide comprises 89 spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments just three kilometres from the CBD.

Two-bedroom apartments start from $635,000.

3. Silk Lane, Woolloongabba

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Silk Lane&nbsp;will give residents the best seats in the house when the sporting arena is back in a post-lockdown world.

The building&rsquo;s architectural fa&ccedil;ade, designed by&nbsp;Nettleton Tribe Architects, draws inspiration from the angular shapes of metal structure incorporated in the neighbouring Brisbane cricket ground, The Gabba.&nbsp;The appropriately named Skystand will look over the wicket for The Ashes, and the main hub of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic track and field events.

Developed by Sarazin, Silk Lane will home&nbsp;306 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Prices start from $449,000.

4. Rivello, Hamilton

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There&#39;s only a handful of apartments left at Rivello, the luxury apartment development by Brookfield Properties in Hamilton.

The 21-level building designed by&nbsp;Cottee Parker Architects has netted over 80 per cent of sales of the block of 150 apartments.

Brookfield Residential&nbsp;Properties&rsquo; Managing Director, Lee Butterworth, said buyers had responded well to Rivello.

&ldquo;There is certainly significant demand for Brisbane property in the current market and buyers recognise Rivello represents a rare opportunity to purchase a new apartment in a building on the Brisbane River,&rdquo; he said.

&nbsp;

The 2.8 per cent rolling quarterly gains, more than double the gains seen in Melbourne, see values 8.3 per cent higher than at the start of 2021

Brisbane apartment insights: What happened to Brisbane apartment values in September?

Sydney apartment values continue their solid and consistent growth pattern shown over the last few months, posting further 1.5 per cent gains over September, property data firm CoreLogic&#39;s monthly index found.

The gains follow 1.4 per cent growth in August and 1.6 per cent in both June and July.

Values are now 13.1 per cent up over the year to date, the second best performing market behind Hobart and Darwin. Sydney&#39;s rolling quarterly gain now sits at 4.6&nbsp;per cent.

Over 2020, values were down -0.2 per cent.

At the start of 2021, the median apartment value was $733,000. It&#39;s now approaching $100,000 more, currently at $824,000 with no signs of slowing down as international and national borders look to open up.

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The gains in the apartment market were only slightly behind the two per cent gains in the housing market, predominantly a higher growth asset.

But the housing market is continuing to become more unaffordable, which is pushing buyers out of the housing market and toward apartments.

&ldquo;With housing values rising substantially faster than household incomes, raising a deposit has become more challenging for most cohorts of the market, especially first home buyers,&quot; CoreLogic&#39;s research director Tim Lawless said.

&quot;Sydney&#39;s median house value is now just over $1.3 million. In order to raise a 20 per cent&nbsp;deposit, the typical Sydney house buyer would need around $262,300.&quot;

A 20 per cent deposit for an apartment at the $824,000 median is around $100,000 less.

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Despite the prolonged growth of dwelling (houses and units combined) prices, the growth has eased back slightly from the peak growth rate in March nationally dwelling values increased by 2.8 per cent.

Lawless believes the slowing growth conditions are the result of higher barriers to entry for non-home owners along with fewer government incentives to enter the market.

&quot;Existing home owners looking to upgrade, downsize or move home may be less impacted as they have had the benefit of equity that has accrued as housing values surged.

The number of owner-occupier first home buyer loans has fallen by -20.5 per cent between January and July, as the impact of the tapering of government stimulus continues to show.

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Lawless notes that over the same period,&nbsp;the number of first home buyers taking out an investment housing loan has increased, albeit from a low base, by 45 per cent.

&quot;This suggests more first home buyers are choosing to &lsquo;rent vest&rsquo; as a way of getting their foot in the door,&rdquo; Lawless said.

The September quarter saw unit values rising faster than house values across regional Australia.

&quot;This is probably a reflection of stronger demand for downsizing options and holiday homes in popular coastal markets,&rdquo; Lawless suggested.

"In order to raise a 20 per cent deposit, the typical Sydney house buyer would need around $262,300."

Sydney apartment insights: What happened to Sydney apartment values in September?

Melbourne&#39;s apartment values continued to grow over September, posting 0.2 per cent gains according to the property data firm CoreLogic&#39;s monthly index.

It&#39;s another month of gains for Melbourne apartments, which haven&#39;t seen a decline in 2021 despite the continued shutdown of immigration due to border closures.

Across 2020 Melbourne apartment values were flat, and so far in 2021 they&#39;ve grown 6.8 per cent, to a new median $619,000. The median at the start of the year was $576,000.

Housing affordability continues to worsen nationally, as houses in most of&nbsp;the major capitals outstripped the growth in the apartment market, the exceptions being Hobart and Darwin.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163026]

CoreLogic&rsquo;s national home value index saw dwellings (houses and units combined) jump&nbsp;another 1.5 per cent&nbsp;in September, taking Australian housing values 17.6 per cent higher over the first nine months of the year and 20.3 per cent&nbsp;higher over the past 12 months. The annual growth rate is now tracking at the fastest pace since the year ending June 1989.

Despite the prolonged growth of dwelling prices, the growth has eased back slightly from the peak growth rate in March nationally dwelling values increased by 2.8 per cent.

CoreLogic&rsquo;s research director, Tim Lawless, believes the slowing growth conditions are the result of higher barriers to entry for non- home owners along with fewer government incentives to enter the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8082 project_image_fid=59639]

&ldquo;With housing values rising substantially faster than household incomes, raising a deposit has become more challenging for most cohorts of the market, especially first home buyers,&quot; Lawless said.

&quot;Sydney is a prime example where the median house value is now just over $1.3 million. In order to raise a 20 per cent&nbsp;deposit, the typical Sydney house buyer would need around $262,300.

&quot;Existing home owners looking to upgrade, downsize or move home may be less impacted as they have had the benefit of equity that has accrued as housing values surged.

The number of owner-occupier first home buyer loans has fallen by -20.5 per cent between January and July, as the impact of the tapering of government stimulus continues to show.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107514 project_image_fid=170768]

Lawless notes that over the same period,&nbsp;the number of first home buyers taking out an investment housing loan has increased, albeit from a low base, by 45 per cent.

&quot;This suggests more first home buyers are choosing to &lsquo;rent vest&rsquo; as a way of getting their foot in the door,&rdquo; Lawless said.

The September quarter saw unit values rising faster than house values across regional Australia.

&quot;This is probably a reflection of stronger demand for downsizing options and holiday homes in popular coastal markets,&rdquo; Lawless suggested.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559 project_image_fid=88243]

Investors are back looking at the local apartment market. Unit rents now rising faster than houses across Melbourne (1.3 per cent for units, 1.1 per cent for houses).

&ldquo;This is a significant change in rental market trends, where previously the unit precincts, especially inner-city high-rise areas of Melbourne and Sydney, were acting as a drag on rental growth,&rdquo; Lawless said.

Yields are low in the major capitals, however so are investor mortgage rates, Lawless notes.&nbsp;

&quot;In July, the average three-year fixed rate for a new investor loan was 2.38 per cent, while variable rates were averaging 3.01 per cent.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3459 project_image_fid=147572]

Lawless says the coming months are likely to see advertised stock levels move higher.

&quot;The spring selling season has been delayed to some extent by lockdowns in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, however the recent trend has shifted towards a rising number of new listings.

&quot;As demand becomes more constrained from worsening affordability and potentially tighter lending conditions, advertised stock levels may start to normalise over the final quarter of the year.

&quot;This could take further heat out of the market as buyers benefit from more choice and less urgency.&quot;

The number of owner-occupier first home buyer loans has fallen by -20.5 per cent between January and July, as the impact of the tapering of government stimulus continues to show

Melbourne apartment insights: What happened to Melbourne apartment values in September?

Attached dwelling approvals &ndash; for apartments, townhouses and semi-detached homes &ndash; have jumped, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Attached dwelling approvals rose 13.7% in August, sitting at 6,453.

It was the highest August figure since 2017.

Total approvals over the year to August was up 8.5 per cent at 74,000.

&quot;The lag from approvals to work done suggests dwelling construction will remain strong this year,&quot; Shane Oliver, the AMP Capital chief economist said.

The overall number of dwellings approved rose 6.8 per cent in August (seasonally adjusted) to 18,716 homes, ending four consecutive monthly declines.

The number of dwelling approvals rose in Western Australia (21 per cent), South Australia (11.8 per cent), Victoria (10.5 per cent) and Queensland (4 per cent).&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163028]

Falls were recorded in Tasmania (-18.9 per cent) and New South Wales (-2.3 per cent).

It represented a recovery from a 8.6 per cent dip in July. The peak month was March with 23,445 approvals.

The increase was driven by approvals for private sector dwellings other than houses, which rose 13.7 per cent, ABS construction statistics director Daniel Rossi said.

Rossi noted the result was driven by record low interest rates, boosted household savings and confidence in the housing market.

Total approvals over the year to August was 229,035, up by almost a third on their level a year earlier.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
After some improvement in approvals performance in NSW in the earlier part of this year, the lockdown has seen a reversal with approvals going backwards for the 4th month in a row, Tom Forrest at the Urban Taskforce noted.

&quot;That said, they remain well above the number of approvals recorded this time last year,&quot; Forrest said.

Dwelling approvals data released by the ABS show that approvals in the month of August grew across all of mainland Australia, except in NSW

Apartment approvals on the rise: ABS

Any fears of oversupply across the Gold Coast were well and truly quelled in September, with data form Urbis suggesting that, if the current sales demand continues&nbsp;and no new developments are released, there would only be around four months of apartments left.

There&#39;s been a continued uptake in residential apartment projects, with some developers still seeing exceptional results in the early weeks of launching.

Urban has wrapped up all of the moves in the apartment market

Chevron One adds further level of luxury, with the new Sky Homes release featuring the Gold Coast&rsquo;s biggest ever penthouse

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=174034]

Chevron One, set to reign as Chevron Island&#39;s only luxury high-rise apartment tower, is about to achieve another level of luxury the Gold Coast hasn&#39;t seen before.

The Melbourne-based Bensons Property Group has released its Sky Home collection, starting from levels 31 and rising to level 41, soaring nearly 100 metres in the air. Bensons hadn&#39;t released the high-level apartments, but are now seeing high demand in ultra-luxury, large apartments in the sky.

When complete, Chevron One will be the tallest tower on the exclusive island, and the tallest there ever will be, with the Gold Coast City Council two years ago bringing in strict planning laws, limiting future apartment projects to 33 metres, or 12 storeys.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/chevron-one-adds-further-level-of-luxury-with-the-new-sky-homes-release-featuring-the-gold-coast-s-biggest-ever-penthouse">click here.</a>

Victoria &amp; Albert Broadbeach set to launch in October 
[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928]

The Victoria &amp; Albert Broadbeach apartment project marketing campaign will commence in October through Colliers.&nbsp;

The $800 million mixed-use development will feature more the 330 apartments across two residential towers rising 30 and 40 levels.&nbsp;Construction is expected to begin mid next year and take two years to complete, the first of many Gold Coast projects envisaged by&nbsp;Iris Capital, Sydney developer, Sam Arnaout.

The East tower known as The Albert will comprise 114 two, three and four-bedroom apartments over 30 levels.

The west tower, known as The Victoria, will rise over 40 levels and deliver 219 apartments of one, two and three bedrooms.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/victoria-albert-broadbeach-set-to-launch-in-october">click here</a>.

Final five apartments released in Chevron Island&#39;s Allure as locals dominate sales

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The final five apartments in the sought-after Allure development on&nbsp;Chevron Island&nbsp;have been released to the market, at a time where the supply of new apartments is nearing record lows.

Each of the apartments left in the Macquarie York-developed, BDA Architect-designed building at 26-28 Dalpura Street, have three bedrooms and a multi-purpose room.

Macquarie York founder Roy Skaf said that the timing of launching Allure, which has netted over $72 million in sales,&nbsp;coincided with a demand for high-quality residences in the heart of the Gold Coast.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/final-five-apartments-released-in-chevron-islands-allure-as-locals-dominate-sales">click here</a>.

Locals, Sydneysiders and Melburnians swoop on Esprit, S&amp;S Projects Rainbow Bay apartments

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

It took just a weekend soft launch for the luxury developer S&amp;S Projects to secure over half of the sales in its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Esprit.

Esprit, at 217-227 Boundary Street, in the sought-after Rainbow Bay location in Coolangatta, sold over half of the 97 apartments on offer in the two interconnected Cottee Parker-designed buildings.

No surprise in the quick-fire sales by KM Sales and Marketing agent Jayde Pezet given the location, the fact Esprit is crowned by Club Esprit, the Gold Coast&#39;s first ever residents-only rooftop wellness centre, and the size of the apartments.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/locals-sydneysiders-and-melburnians-swoop-on-esprit-s-s-projects-rainbow-bay-apartments">click here</a>.

Exclusive first look: Hirsch &amp; Faigen lodge plans for Mermaid Beach apartment tower, Yves

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=179069]

Following the launch of its boutique&nbsp;Kirra Beach&nbsp;apartment development&nbsp;The Emerson, the Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen are on to their next project.

They&#39;ve lodged plans for their recently acquired 1,905 sqm Mermaid Beach site, 7-9 Mermaid Avenue&nbsp;at the northern end of Mermaid Beach,&nbsp;which was bought back in June.

H&amp;F, led by the Melbourne lawyer Daniel Faigen and Richard Hirsch, has had&nbsp;ROTHELOWMAN&nbsp;design Yves, which will comprise three&nbsp;25-level towers. They will home a total of&nbsp;145 apartments.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/exclusive-first-look-hirsch-faigen-lodge-plans-for-mermaid-beach-apartment-tower-yves">click here.</a>

Brisbane-based developer Siera lodges Chevron Island apartment development plans

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=179071]

The Brisbane-based development and construction firm, Siera Property Group, are the latest in a wave of developers heading to the Gold Coast for the first time.

Seira, headed by the managing director&nbsp;and founder Brent Thompson, has laid plans on the sought-after&nbsp;Chevron Island&nbsp;for a 17-level project dubbed Tapestry, paying homage to the Island&#39;s new Home of the Arts precinct.

The plans by the local BDA Architecture will see 83 apartments built on&nbsp;a 1,518&nbsp;sqm site at&nbsp;39-43 Darrambal Street, toward the southern end of the island.

Thompson, who sits on the board of UDIA QLD and chairs the Brisbane&nbsp;City Council&nbsp;Policy&nbsp;Committee, sees it as a shift in thinking for the company, who made their name in the Queensland capital developing luxury townhouses in Brisbane&#39;s inner ring.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/brisbane-based-developer-siera-lodges-tapestry-chevron-island-apartment-development-plans">click here</a>.

Sherpa branch out from Palm Beach, lodge plans for Perspective Broadwater in Biggera Waters

The Gold Coast developer Sherpa Property, who have been developing and finalising plans for a number of luxury apartment projects in Palm Beach, are broadening their horizons.

Sherpa, led by chief executive&nbsp;Christie Leet, are continuing the trend of their Perspective collection in&nbsp;Biggera Waters,&nbsp;lodged plans for a boutique apartment development overlooking The Broadwater at 536 Marine Parade.

The exclusive building will have just seven apartments, six full-floor, three-bedroom apartments&nbsp;and&nbsp;a two-storey penthouse overlooking Broadwater and the surrounding parklands.

For more information, <a href="/news/qld/sherpa-branch-out-from-palm-beach-lodge-plans-for-perspective-broadwater-in-biggera-waters">click here</a>.

There's been a continued uptake in residential apartment projects, with some developers still seeing exceptional results in the early weeks of launching

Gold Coast apartment insights: What happened on the Gold Coast in September

A partnership between Aria Land and Blueways Group has led to several new Nedlands apartment developments with the most popular so far being Rivean Residences.

The boutique apartment development comprises just 28 apartments with&nbsp;design&nbsp;handled by Giorgi an integrated architecture studio and building company behind award-winning projects like Echelon Residences, Caversham and 10BVT.

Giorgi&#39;s philosophy is instead of being separate processes, architecture and construction are unified from the outset, leading to smarter solutions as well as a more streamlined&nbsp;process.

&quot;Rivean draws on local historical materials and innovative design techniques to spark a revitalization of the surrounding community,&quot;&nbsp;Giorgi says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178805]

&quot;The design is responsive to the environment, providing excellent access to natural light, fresh air and generous outdoor space, whilst also offering a range of spaces and activities that will promote a sense of community.&quot;

Over 50 percent of the two and three bedroom apartments have been sold.&nbsp;We&#39;ve looked at the floorplans on offer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178800]

<ul>
	<li>Two Bed | Two Bath | Zero - One Study&nbsp;| 20&nbsp;-&nbsp; 68 sqm Balcony/Terrace&nbsp;| 115&nbsp;- 183&nbsp;sqm | $909,000+</li>
	<li>Three Bed | Two - Three Bath&nbsp;| Zero - One Study&nbsp;| 24&nbsp;- 116&nbsp;sqm Balcony/Terrace&nbsp;| 162&nbsp;- 277&nbsp;sqm | $1,139,000 +&nbsp;(pictured below is the Type K)</li>
	<li>Penthouse&nbsp;|&nbsp;Three Bed | Two - Three Bath | One Study&nbsp;| 81&nbsp;- 130&nbsp;sqm Balcony/Terrace&nbsp;| 296&nbsp;- 367&nbsp;sqm |&nbsp;Over $1.8 million</li>
</ul>

<img alt="" height="663" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/rivean_type_k_0.jpg" width="593" />

Rivean Residences offers spacious living areas with an open indoor/outdoor&nbsp;flow between balconies and terraces, with a vista down Broadway towards the Nedlands foreshore.

There are high class finishes throughout Rivean, including Miele appliances, a choice of 3 designer selected colour schemes, engineered timber flooring and several car spaces depending on the apartment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95299 project_image_fid=178815]

The two penthouses see an even higher level across larger spaces, holding the best views in the development.

Situated at 139 Broadway, Kings Park is just moments away, together with the many offerings of nearby Elizabeth Quay and the Foreshore parks.

Construction is scheduled for November 2021,&nbsp;with completion estimated for 2023.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=95299]

"Rivean draws on local historical materials and innovative design techniques to spark a revitalization of the surrounding community," Giorgi says

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