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.

[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?

Sierra Residences is among the newest residential developments finding roots in Sydney&rsquo;s north-western suburb of Kellyville.

Delivered by Metro Property Development, Sierra boasts a boutique collection of 51 house and land sites&nbsp;with prestige inclusions.

Situated in an area of booming growth, residents can enjoy natural bushland, local parks, village hubs and major retail centres, positioned between Rouse Hill and Castle Hill.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94621 project_image_fid=155474]

&ldquo;[Sierra] presents the perfect family address, enjoying excellent amenities and connectivity&rdquo;, the project marketing reads.

Designed to suit a variety of lifestyle needs, 11 architecturally designed freestanding residences are included within the residential development.

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom residences include high-quality kitchen finishes, such as engineered stone benchtops and stainless steel Miele appliances.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94621 project_image_fid=155478]

Among its other features include built-in robes, ducted air conditioning, low-maintenance gardens and modern chrome hardware.

Set amongst beautiful streetscapes, many Sierra homes also enjoy Blue Mountains views.

Kellyville is the ideal Sydney suburbs for young families, with nearby schools including Ironbark Ridge Public School, which offers opportunity classes (OC).

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94621 project_image_fid=155473]

Sierra Residences is located a brief four-minute drive to the Kellyville Station, well-serviced by metro trains that connect to Macquarie Park, Chatswood and soon the new inner-city line.

Families can enjoy living in close proximity to Kellyville Park&rsquo;s sporting complexes, Castle Hill Country Club, the historic Bella Vista Farm and Castle Towers.

The freestanding homes are listed from $1,125,000.

Delivered by Metro Property Development, Sierra Residences boasts a boutique collection of 51 house and land sites with prestige inclusions

max.kwok_55688

Sierra Residences, the brand-new four-bedroom homes coming to Sydney’s north-west

FORME is yet another&nbsp;project from Mirvac&nbsp;putting convenience and quality living at your fingertips, all&nbsp;in a thoughtful master-planned development.

Set over 47 hectares, the Tullamore community itself is defined by&nbsp;lush landscaping, open parklands and walking trails.

Located&nbsp;in Melbourne&#39;s Doncaster, FORME comprises&nbsp;the final boutique apartments in the Tullamore masterplan&nbsp;

The prestigious&nbsp;collection of luxurious residences are inspired by nature, with garden spaces by award-winning landscape designer Paul Bangay.

With so much on offer Urban limited ourselves to just 10 things we&nbsp;love about FORME:

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163038]

1. Developed and Designed by Mirvac

Mirvac&nbsp;is one of Australia&#39;s leading, diversified property groups shaping and creating developments across Australia.

They take a full-body approach to new developments with the majority of their projects - including this one - also designed by their in-house team.

2. Mirvac&#39;s Award Winning Reputation

But with over 49 years of architecture experience they don&#39;t stop at shaping just buildings&nbsp;Mirvac&nbsp;is really about building a community, with their latest Doncaster project being Tullamore.

Really an all-in-one package they also take responsibility for the construction of their projects ensuring a quality standard you can be assured by.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163030]

3. Environmentally Friendly Development

Mirvac is&nbsp;a leading influence amongst developers paving&nbsp;the transition towards renewable and sustainable residential projects with a target to become net carbon positive by 2030.

FORME&nbsp;is an example of the care they put forward as the group&rsquo;s Tullamore master-planned community in Doncaster achieved the highest environmental certification in Australia, a six-leaf EnviroDevelopment accreditation due to its numerous green features.

The select prestige apartments will&nbsp;feature world-leading solar technology, as part of Mirvac&rsquo;s unique partnership with Melbourne-based start-up Allume Energy.

4. Landscape Design by Acclaimed Landscape Designer Paul Bangay

The exclusive collection of luxurious residences are inspired by nature, with stunning garden spaces by award-winning landscape designer Paul Bangay.

The unique landscape design was inspired by FORME&#39;s elegant curves, a modern twist to the splendour of a formal country garden. Through a considered blend of fragrant, ornamental, and seasonal plantings residents will enjoy a beautiful living experience year-round.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163037]

5. Tullamore Master-Planned Community is at Your Fingertips

Mirvac&#39;s Doncaster&nbsp;masterplan at Tullamore is&nbsp;a community comprising of five distinct stages,&nbsp;The&nbsp;Apartments of Tullamore, The Stables, The Club, The Reserve and The Grange.

Tullamore is extremely walkable with over 25% of the site dedicated to green space and trails.

6. Plenty of Amenities, Parks and Places to Picnic&nbsp;on Offer

FORME&nbsp;residents will have access to the world-class amenities at Tullamore, with Stables Provedore Caf&eacute;, formerly a stable for prized racehorses,&nbsp;on their doorstep and a few minutes from the Next-Gen Health &amp; Lifestyle Club.

The recently completed&nbsp;Next-Gen Health &amp; Lifestyle Club is a&nbsp;multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art health and lifestyle club,&nbsp;the first&nbsp;Next Gen club in Victoria,&nbsp;set to become one of the group&rsquo;s flagship locations in Australia.

Everyone in the community&nbsp;benefit from three parks and play spaces, purpose-built for different ages.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163026]

7. Extremely Walkable and Convenient

Find yourself at Westfield Doncaster, the North-East&#39;s premier retail and entertainment precinct featuring over 400 stores, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, department stores, supermarkets and fresh food markets.

On site, the future highly anticipated Next Gen Health and Lifestyle Club will keep you active and motivated right at your front doorstep.

Or if exercise in nature appeals to you more,&nbsp;parks in Tullamore will include a fitness trail and fitness stations to invigorate the lives of local residents while play equipment, shelters bench seats and informal gathering spaces deliver the environment to play, meet and relax.

Leave the car at home and take the bus just down the road straight to city.

8. Luxurious Residences

FORME&#39;s limited collection of luxurious residences seamlessly blends warm timber, elegant fittings and stone accents to create timeless interiors&nbsp;that extend to outdoor spaces visible from a balcony, perfect for alfresco dining year-round.

The structure features organic architectural forms, with rich textures and quality materials found throughout the building.

The exclusive collection of luxurious residences are inspired by nature, with stunning garden spaces by award-winning landscape designer Paul Bangay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163029]

9. Grand Welcoming Aura

Upon arrival, residents are welcomed home to a green oasis with stunning water feature and a meandering stone path leading to an opulent towering glass foyer. Within the foyer, a striking sculptural artwork created by acclaimed artist Anna-Wili Highfield captures the light which streams through the vast glazed void.&nbsp;

The structure features organic architectural forms, with rich textures and quality materials found throughout the building.

10. Location Location Location&nbsp;

Numerous private and public schools are found in and around Doncaster. From kindergarten to tertiary education, excellent transport connections further increase your options.&nbsp;Doncaster Road, Eastlink and the Eastern Freeway provide bus services to key destinations such as the University of Melbourne and Deakin University. Regardless of the age or life stage, excellent education options are always nearby at Tullamore.

On site, the&nbsp;Next Gen Health and Lifestyle Club will keep you active and motivated right at your front doorstep.

Be one of the fortunate few to secure a luxury residence at&nbsp;FORME&nbsp;by&nbsp;Mirvac.

Don&#39;t delay,&nbsp;<a href="/buildings/forme-57-stables-circuit-doncaster">enquire today via Urban</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=100322]

Tullamore is defined by 47 hectares of lush landscaping, open parklands and walking trails as well as convenient community amenities, many of which are just a stroll away from FORME itself

jordan_55689

10 things we love about Mirvac's FORME apartments at Tullamore

The annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout has raised over $8 million, the updated tally coming on Friday morning after the long night to raise funds and awareness of homelessness.

About 1650 executives slept rough in sleeping bags as part of the campaign, which Vinnies launched 16 years ago. There were some 43,500 supporters who made donations.

It&rsquo;s Vinnies biggest annual fund raiser to assist the homeless with accommodation and food, and also for education, counselling, employment and health services.

Last year the COVID-19-impacted Vinnies CEO Sleepout raised $5.7 million.&nbsp;

The latest tally showed Vedran Drakulic, the CEO at Gandel Philanthropy in Victoria had raised over $167,000 in pledges, putting him in the nation&rsquo;s top spot in his seventh sleepout.

CEOs and directors in the property, banking, mortgage, legal, architecture, town planning and finance industries spent the night without shelter in the national sleepout to raise funds for St Vincent De Paul Society&rsquo;s (Vinnies) homelessness services.

They included Nick Georgalis, managing director at Geocon Group in Canberra, who raised over $60,000 in his first sleep out, with the temperature feeling like minus 0.7 degrees according to the weather reports.

Simon Betteridge, managing director at the Queensland development company, Gardner Vaughan Group, was also on his first sleepout.

John Richardson, managing director at Kenfrost Homes in Queensland, also participating for the first time, raised over $50,000 in donations.

Colin Hughes, the CEO at On Point Development Group, was among the 215 who slept out on the Gold Coast.

Dean Keating led the team from Wellam Constructions in Melbourne.&nbsp;

Victor Said, chairman at Rivergum Homes Group in Adelaide, took part in his third sleepout.

Estate agent Alex Ouwens at Ouwens Casserly Real Estate slept out in Adelaide.

Andrew Bell at Ray White Surfers Paradise secure donor support from the boss of REA Owen Wilson. Vivien Yap at Ray White Dalkeith Claremont slept out in Perth, with donations from members of the White family.

Nick Dowling, the CEO at Jellis Craig Group, slept out in Victoria, along with Alec Blacklaw, general manager at Greg Hocking Holdsworth.&nbsp;

John Piccolo, the CEO at Woodards Group in Victoria, secured donations from other estate agents including Jonathan Dixon Brighton.

Sydney buyers&#39; agent Rich Harvey was back for his ninth sleepout, this time at at the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

Brad Cramb and David Hyman at Lendi Group participated with the team raising over $36,000.

Dr David Gruen, Australian Statistician, and his daughter Emma, participated enduring a cold Canberra night at the National Arboretum.&nbsp;

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m proud to participate in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout for the fourth time. It&rsquo;s my opportunity to help get Australians talking about homelessness and raise awareness of the experiences of some of the most vulnerable people in our community,&rdquo; Dr Gruen said.

Data from the 2016 Census showed 1 in 200 people in Australia are experiencing homelessness, or around 116,400 people across the country. On Census night, 8,200 people were estimated to be &lsquo;sleeping rough&rsquo; in improvised dwellings, tents or sleeping out, up from 6,810 people in 2011.

Dr Gruen&#39;s donors included the federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout Perth event will be held on 24 June 2021.

Those wishing to support the sleepout can donate via ceosleepout.org.au or pre-register for 2022.

The 16th annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout took place last night across the country as leaders in business, community and government slept without shelter to help raise money and awareness of homelessness

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Property industry leaders support Vinnies CEO Sleepout

One of the stand-out features of the past year has been the large increase in household saving, Dr Philip Lowe, the RBA governor advised in a speech today.

He noted that last June the saving rate spiked to 22 per cent, the highest level on record.

"This increase in saving reflected the combination of: the boost to incomes from government support; the limited opportunities to spend; and households feeling uncertain about the future," he said.

While the saving rate has since declined as restrictions have been eased, it remains high by historical standards, Dr Lowe added. 

"The fact that households have saved more means that, in aggregate, household balance sheets are in better shape than they were previously."

He added household balance sheets have also been affected by the recent rise in housing prices. 

"This rise has been a nationwide development, but was first seen in parts of regional Australia, with price gains in many areas outstripping those in the capital cities.

"Global factors, including low interest rates, have played a role here. 

"But there has also been strong demand for properties in regional Australia due to people moving out of the capital cities and fewer people leaving regional areas during the pandemic. 

"The effects of this are evident not just in prices but in rental markets too, with rents rising quickly in many regional centres."

Dr Lowe said he would be watching how households respond to these changes in their balance sheets as it will shape the next stage of the recovery. 

"If households were to run down their additional savings quickly or if higher housing prices spurred more spending than usual, a stronger economic path than the one we have envisaged could eventuate. 

"On the other hand, it is possible that households sit on these extra savings for a long time and restrain their spending because of uncertainty about the future.

"If so, this would slow the recovery. So this is an issue we are watching carefully."

It was also noting that the rise in housing prices was encouraging more housing construction. 

"The challenge here is to make sure that planning processes are sufficiently flexible to allow the supply side of the market to respond to the extra demand; regional centres should be better placed on this front than capital cities, although this is not always the case. 

"A related challenge is to find the workers to build the new housing in regional Australia."

The RBA has also been paying close attention to is the increase in household borrowing. 

"The RBA does not, and should not, target housing prices," he reaffirmed.

"We do though have a strong interest in trends in household borrowing, especially given the already high level of household debt in Australia.

"It is important that lending standards remain sound in an environment of low interest rates and rising housing prices. 

"At its meeting last week, the Council of Financial Regulators also discussed the risks that could arise if growth in household borrowing substantially outpaced growth in household income. 

"This is not the case at the moment, but the Council did discuss possible policy responses to a scenario in which rapid growth in household debt posed heightened risks to the future stability of the economy."

Dr Lowe said the central bank will not increase the cash rate until inflation is sustainably within the 2–3 per cent target range.

He noted year-ended CPI inflation will temporarily spike in the June quarter to around 3½ per cent due to the unwinding of some pandemic-related price reductions. 

"There have also been price increases for some items due to pandemic-related interruptions to supply. 

"But beyond this, inflation pressures remain subdued and are likely to remain so. 

"For inflation to be sustainably in the 2–3 per cent range, wage increases will need to be materially higher than they have been recently.

"Partly for the reasons I talked about earlier, this still seems some way off," he concluded.

While the household saving rate has since declined as restrictions have been eased, it remains high by historical standards, Dr Lowe added. 

RBA watching cash-rich household spending amid recovering economy

For buyers seeking unprecedented luxury living in Melbourne&#39;s Doncaster, we&#39;re pleased to present Mirvac&#39;s latest addition to the prestigious Tullamore community, the final boutique apartments - FORME.

Transforming the Eastern Golf Course into a modern residential development, Tullamore is the latest project from Mirvac&nbsp;putting lifestyle and convenience at your fingertips.

The master-planned development is defined by lush landscaping, open parklands and walking trails, many of which are just a stroll away from FORME&nbsp;itself.

Urban see&#39;s plenty to love about FORME but here are just 5&nbsp;reasons to consider shortlisting these luxury Doncaster apartments:

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163036]

<h2>1. Designed, Delivered and Constructed by the Award-Winning Mirvac</h2>

Mirvac is one of Australia&#39;s leading, diversified property groups shaping and creating developments across Australia.

They take a full-body approach to new developments with the majority of their projects - including this one - also designed by their prestigious in-house team.

But with over 49 years of architecture experience they don&#39;t stop at shaping just buildings Mirvac is really about building a community, with their latest Doncaster project being Tullamore.

Really an all-in-one package they also take responsibility for the construction of their projects ensuring a quality standard you can be assured by.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163035]

<h2>2. Tullamore is Green from Top to Bottom</h2>

Not only does Mirvac put forward a high level of quality and care in every development they create, they do it greener as a leading influence amongst developers leading the transition towards renewable and sustainable residential projects with a target to become net carbon positive by 2030.

FORME is an example of the care they put forward as the group&rsquo;s Tullamore master-planned community in Doncaster achieved the highest environmental certification in Australia, a six-leaf EnviroDevelopment accreditation due to its numerous green features.

Select prestige and penthouse collection will&nbsp;feature world-leading solar technology, as part of&nbsp;Mirvac&rsquo;s unique partnership with Melbourne-based start-up Allume Energy.

Plus there&nbsp;is greenery everywhere interwoven amongst FORME&#39;s free flowing spaces. The exclusive collection of luxurious residences are inspired by nature, with stunning garden spaces by award-winning landscape designer Paul Bangay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163034]

<h2>3. Over 25% green space</h2>

Set over 47 hectares, the master-planned development is defined by lush landscaping, open parklands and walking trails, many of which are just a stroll away from FORME&nbsp;itself.&nbsp;

Mirvac Doncaster&nbsp;masterplan at Tullamore is&nbsp;a community comprising of five distinct stages such as The Apartments of Tullamore, The Stables, The Club, The Reserve and The Grange.

Tullamore is extremely walkable with over 25% of the site dedicated to green space and trails.

FORME&nbsp;residents will have access to the world-class amenities at Tullamore, with Stables Provedore Caf&eacute; on their doorstep and a short stroll to the Next-Gen Health &amp; Lifestyle Club.

Everyone in the community&nbsp;benefit from three parks and play spaces, purpose-built for different ages. The parks will include a fitness trail and fitness stations to invigorate the lives of local residents while play equipment, shelters bench seats and informal gathering spaces deliver the environment to play, meet and relax.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=163031]

<h2>4. FORME is connected and convenient</h2>

Find yourself at Westfield Doncaster, the North-East&#39;s premier retail and entertainment precinct featuring over 400 stores, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, department stores, supermarkets and fresh food markets.

On site, the multi-million dollar flagship&nbsp;Next Gen Health and Lifestyle Club will keep you active and motivated right at your front doorstep.

Numerous private and public schools are found in and around Doncaster. From kindergarten to tertiary education, excellent transport connections further increase your options. Doncaster Road, Eastlink and the Eastern Freeway provide bus services to key destinations such as the University of Melbourne and Deakin University. Regardless of the age or life stage, excellent education options are always nearby at Tullamore.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=100322 project_image_fid=167733]

<h2>5. Luxurious and quality residences&nbsp;</h2>

Each residence features rich textures and crafted layers flowing in harmony to shape living spaces of timeless elegance that extend to outdoor spaces shrouded with verdant greenery, perfect for alfresco dining year-round

The exclusive collection of luxurious residences are inspired by nature, with stunning garden spaces by award-winning landscape designer Paul Bangay.

Upon arrival, residents are welcomed home to a green oasis with stunning water feature and a meandering stone path leading to an opulent towering glass foyer. Within the foyer, a striking sculptural artwork created by acclaimed artist Anna-Wili Highfield captures the light which streams through the vast glazed void.&nbsp;

The structure features organic architectural forms, with rich textures and quality materials found throughout the building.

FORME&#39;s limited collection of luxurious residences seamlessly blends warm timber, elegant fittings and stone accents to create timeless interiors&nbsp;that extend to outdoor spaces visible from a balcony..

Be one of the fortunate few to secure a luxury residence at FORME by Mirvac.

Don&#39;t delay, <a href="/buildings/forme-57-stables-circuit-doncaster">enquire today via Urban</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=100322]

Set over 47 hectares, it is part of a master-planned development defined by lush landscaping, open parklands and walking trails, many of which are just a stroll away from FORME itself

Five reasons why FORME should be on a buyer's shortlist

Just three weeks after submitting their development application, the Sydney-based developer Sammut Group have secured $110 million in conditional sales for Coast, their Surfers Paradise apartment tower.

They&#39;ve secured sales of over 43 of the 49 total apartments, with sales so far ranging between $3.5 million and $9 million, at an average of $4.5 million.

A Sydney buyer, who already has a full floor apartments on the exclusive Garfield Terrace,&nbsp;secured a 610 sqm, full floor apartment in the development.

Sammut Group Director Allen Sammut said the inquiry for the project had been something he had never seen in more than 35 years in the development industry.

<img alt="" height="744" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coast_1.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;The take up has just been incredible,&rdquo; said Sammut, whose Sydney-based company&rsquo;s brand is synonymous with luxury apartments in the Sutherland Shire area.

&ldquo;We were confident that our luxury residential offering would be well received, although we never anticipated the sheer volume of market uptake we&rsquo;ve witnessed in the past few weeks.&rdquo;

&ldquo;To have our debut Gold Coast project welcomed with such ferocity is a sensational result that only reinforces our commitment to delivering a project that exceeds our buyer&rsquo;s expectations on every front,&rdquo; Sammut added.

There was interest from interstate and local buyers, as well as a purchaser from New Zealand.

&ldquo;The contracts will obviously be subject to DA approval however the project is code assessable and therefore well within the requirements of the town plan.&rdquo;

Coast, designed by PBD Architects and set to soar 35 levels in to sky, will have a wide range of resident amenity, including 32m wet edge pool that wraps from the east to north, wellness facilities including a yoga studio, massage rooms and sauna, function facilities, a residential beach bar and a commercial sized gym.

<img alt="" height="675" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/coast_ocean_bar.jpg" width="1200" />

&ldquo;We threw the whole box and dice at the design of this project because we believe the site was purchased well, and the quality of what we have included in Coast from both luxury apartments and amenities has simply tantalised the market,&rdquo; Sammut said.

Sammut Group Director Allen Sammut said the inquiry for the project had been something he had never seen in more than 35 years in the development industry

Sammut nearly sell-out Surfers Paradise apartment tower just three weeks after lodging DA

The Greater Sydney apartment pipeline is tipped to plunge by 2024, with the 36,275 new apartment developments to be completed over the next three years, well below the 67,925 recorded in the prior 2018-20 period.

The major decline has been revealed in Knight Frank Research&rsquo;s Australian residential development review 2021, which tips a 47 percent decline.

&ldquo;Limited new apartment project launches in recent years have highlighted the supply issues ahead for Sydney with decade low levels of new supply in the pipeline,&quot; said Knight Frank&rsquo;s head of residential research, Michelle Ciesielski.

She also noted as developers commence construction, &quot;they&rsquo;re likely to feel the pinch from rising building costs and sourcing labour with limited migration and competition from a mammoth pipeline of state and federal government infrastructure projects being fast-tracked.&quot;

<a href="/developments/sydney-nsw?source_news_article_id=103013&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sydney-cbd-_template_7.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

&ldquo;With an increased reliance on sub-contractors, there is also competition coming from those dabbling in home renovation post lockdown.&rdquo;

Despite a weakening apartment market, NSW has for the 9th straight year maintained its position as the nation&rsquo;s leader for developer&rsquo;s expanding their sites portfolio, accounting for almost half of all sales in Australia last year.

Of the $4.1bn of total residential development site sales recorded nationwide in 2020, Sydney accounted for $1.97bn which was above Victoria ($1.29bn), Queensland ($642m) and Western Australia ($84.8m).

While high-density apartments made up the majority of total Sydney residential development sales ($1.3bn in 2020), Sydney also experienced a significant increase in low-density developments.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32227 project_image_fid=93945]

Last year, 27.6% of development sites purchased across Greater Sydney were suitable for low density development,which was almost double the 14.2% share of low-density developments recorded in 2019.

Overall, a total of 8,280 new single allotments were released across Greater Sydney in 2020, up 70.4% on 2019, while low-density building approvals grew by 7.5%, with 26,483 single dwellings.

Despite the trend away from high-density projects in Greater Sydney, Knight Frank noted there were developers making longer term plans for this product with a rapid rise in collective site developments &ndash; considered those with the potential for residential development and including more than one vendor&ndash;with GreaterSydney recording $474.7m of sales in 2020.&nbsp;

The investment being made in collective site developments in Sydney is the highest among all capital cities.

Knight Frank&#39;s Head of Investment Sales in NSW, Grant Bulpett said: while HomeBuilder has lured first home buyers to the low-density market, many developers were already seeking longer term plays with significant englobo parcels being purchased in recent years.

&ldquo;This gives these developers options to subdivide, then turn the tap on and off to meet market demand.

&ldquo;With strong off the plan sales, low-density developers in Sydney are certainty operating in a low risk environment, however the increases in contributions and delay in service delivery in emerging markets is proving difficult to navigate.&rdquo;

&ldquo;With the residential market heating up, many developers are favouring development approved sites to get their project sales moving and capitalise on the current demand.&rdquo;

Despite the trend away from high-density projects in Greater Sydney, Knight Frank said there were developers making longer term plans

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Upcoming three-year pipeline of new Sydney apartments sees a significant drop: Knight Frank

The Gold Coast has seen a 238% surge in apartment development site purchases.

Sites along the Gold Coast Light Rail, have been keenly sought acquisitions along with popularity of suburbs such as Burleigh Heads, The Spit and Palm Beach.

Knight Frank calculated the high-density site purchases on the Gold Coast accounted for $167 million or 75% of all Gold Coast residential development sales in 2020, up from 29% the prior year.

The Gold Coast had also witness its residential market shift from being investor-led to owner-occupiers.

The 238% surge in Gold Coast apartment site acquisitions bucked the national trend of declining apartment site sales across all major capital cities, according to Knight Frank Research&rsquo;s Australian Residential Development Review 2021.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=97810 project_image_fid=160630]

The Gold Coast has also experienced greater pressure on their undersupplied rental markets, causing vacancy rates on the Gold Coast to tighten from 1.8% in 2019 to 0.9% in 2020, which in turn pushed rent values up by 1.2%.

First home buyers led the rise in new household loan commitments in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, increasing their activity by 45% over 2020 in both markets to comprise a 29% share of all new loans approved in Queensland.&nbsp;

Knight Frank&rsquo;s Head of Residential Research, Michelle Ciesielski said the jump in high-density site sales reflects the spotlight being placed on the Gold Coast by local and interstate developers.

&quot;It is a trend we anticipate will continue with more owner-occupiers buying Gold Coast apartments, especially from the downsizing cohort,&quot; she said.

&ldquo;There have been more options for developers down in the Gold Coast and this has been demonstrated in the significant uptick in development site sales in 2020,&quot; Knight Frank Partner, Investment Sales - Queensland, Christian Sandstrom said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68834]

&ldquo;Developers are finding it difficult to locate good residential sites in Brisbane.

&ldquo;Both cities have seen increased population growth in the pandemic, very low residential vacancy attracting ramping up interest from both local and interstate developers.&quot;

Knight Frank’s latest development review report shows there has been a 238 per cent rise in high-density sites sold on the Gold Coast since 2019

Gold Coast development site acquisitions soar: Knight Frank

Queensland&rsquo;s residential market has shifted from being investor-led to owner-occupiers, with first home buyers driving the trend, according to Knight Frank&#39;s Australian residential development review 2021.

&ldquo;The Brisbane market is now in a position where local buyers need to re-adjust the price they expect to pay with increased competition with investors from the southern states,&quot; Knight Frank&rsquo;s head of residential research, Michelle Ciesielski said.

&quot;Over the past few years, buyers have become more sophisticated in the Brisbane market with an array of projects to choose from, but this choice is slowly evaporating,&quot; she noted.

<a href="/developments/brisbane-qld?source_news_article_id=103011&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/template_photoshop_brisbane_4.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

Knight Frank Partner, investment sales agent Christian Sandstrom noted developers are finding it difficult to locate good residential sites in Brisbane, &quot;especially as demand is increasing from buyers for high-rise apartment projects in the inner suburbs of Brisbane and soon close to the Brisbane Metro.&quot;

There have been more options for developers down in the Gold Coast and this has been demonstrated in the significant uptick in development site sales in 2020, he added.

&ldquo;Both cities have seen increased population growth in the pandemic, very low residential vacancy attracting ramping up interest from both local and interstate developers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163977]

&ldquo;Sydney and Melbourne buyers can see the opportunity of compressed vacancy in the city and relative price point for what they get at home compared to a Brisbane apartment.&rdquo;

The sale of Brisbane high-density sites plunged by 86% in 2020 with a diminishing pipeline of just 6,075 new apartments to be built by 2024, down from 13,850 in 2018-2020.

Knight Frank noted the continued shift of the buyer market in Queensland from a heavily dominated investor market to more activity by owner-occupiers

Choice for sophisticated Brisbane apartment buyer slowly evaporating: Knight Frank

One of the penthouses in the Sirius building at The Rocks has been sold to a $19 million buyer from Coogee, setting a new high for Sydney&rsquo;s luxury apartment market of more than $118,000 a square metre.

A larger $35 million penthouse sale equates to $112,000 a square metre, when the 311 square metre space on top of the original brutalist building sold off the plan for $35 million yesterday to a buyer from Point Piper.

<img alt="" height="850" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sirius_2.jpg" width="1200" />

The apartments were sold through Ben Stewart and the CBRE chairman Justin Brown.

The remaining seven penthouses and 67 pod style apartments will be offered for sale this Saturday.

The boutique development will have a dress circle position overlooking the harbour and Opera House.

<a href="/developments/sydney-nsw?source_news_article_id=103010&amp;ref=news_body_link"><img alt="" height="800" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sydney-cbd-_template_6.jpg" width="1200" /></a>

The developer JDH Capital is headed by the former Macquarie banker Jean-Dominique Huynh, who commissioned Australian firm BVN to designed the 76 luxury apartments within and atop of the original building.

Prior record prices per square metre include sales in the Opera complex, just across Circular Quay, that fetched a&nbsp;record-setting $96,400 per square metre off the plan in late 2016.&nbsp;

The state government sold the site for $150 million with the building designed in the late 1970s by architect Tao Gofers for the NSW Housing Commission.

&nbsp;

A buyer from Coogee set a new high for the luxury apartment market of more than $118,000 a square metre

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