ANZ believes the Reserve Bank is in no rush to move again.

Following the release of the May Monetary Policy Board Minutes, ANZ has taken the view that the RBA is now firmly in a holding pattern, with the cumulative impact of previous rate hikes giving the Board scope to assess how the economy evolves from here.

That positioning, in ANZ’s view, makes a June rate hike unlikely.

The bank continues to expect the cash rate to remain unchanged at 4.35 per cent for an extended period, with the RBA adopting what is effectively a wait-and-see approach.

The Minutes point to a Board that sees financial conditions as already restrictive, but without a clear read on just how restrictive they are. That uncertainty has shifted the focus away from immediate policy action and toward monitoring both domestic conditions and global developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East.

As ANZ interprets it, the Board is deliberately avoiding strong forward guidance.

Instead, it is allowing itself flexibility, acknowledging that monetary policy has limited ability to influence the near-term trajectory of inflation, while also recognising that economic growth is likely to remain below potential for some time.

Despite that pause in momentum, ANZ notes that the Board still carries a tightening bias.

The Minutes reveal that, in weighing up its decision, the Board seriously considered another 25 basis point increase. The key debate centred on the trade-off between inflation and activity, particularly in the context of global uncertainty.

Ultimately, most members leaned toward the inflation side of that equation.

Underlying inflation is still expected to remain above target for an extended period, regardless of how external risks evolve. That has led to a view within the Board that the risks to its inflation objective have increased, and that the current cash rate may not be sufficiently restrictive to fully contain those pressures.

That’s important.

While the decision, for now, is to hold, the underlying tone of the Minutes suggests the door to further tightening has not been closed.

ANZ also points to commentary from Assistant Governor (Economic) Sarah Hunter, who highlighted the risk that inflation could pass through the economy more quickly and broadly than in previous cycles. Both Hunter and a majority of the Board expressed concern that inflation expectations could become less anchored after such a prolonged period above target.

That combination, persistent inflation and the risk of expectations shifting, is what continues to underpin the RBA’s cautious stance.

However, where ANZ diverges from the RBA is on the outlook for activity.

The Board appears relatively comfortable with current spending patterns, effectively downplaying recent declines in business and consumer sentiment. It notes that sentiment has historically been only weakly correlated with actual spending, and that feedback from its liaison program has not yet pointed to a meaningful slowdown in consumption.

ANZ is less convinced.

The bank believes the link between household disposable income, sentiment and spending is more direct than the RBA is currently acknowledging. With inflation continuing to erode real incomes, ANZ expects household spending to soften more materially than the central bank is forecasting.

That divergence matters because it shifts the balance of risk.

If activity weakens more than expected, the trade-off between inflation and growth changes. In ANZ’s view, that would reduce the need for further tightening and reinforce the case for the RBA to remain on hold.

It also suggests that the current policy setting may already be doing more work than the Board fully appreciates.

The broader takeaway from ANZ’s interpretation is that the RBA is walking a narrow path.

On one side sits the risk of inflation remaining elevated for longer than expected. On the other is the growing pressure on households and the potential for a sharper slowdown in activity.

For now, the Board is choosing to wait.

But it is a pause that still carries an underlying tightening bias, rather than a clear pivot toward easing.

In practical terms, that leaves the cash rate anchored at 4.35 per cent for the foreseeable future, with the next move still uncertain.

For borrowers, it reinforces the reality that relief is not imminent.

And for the broader economy, it highlights the delicate balance the RBA is trying to strike, between bringing inflation back to target and avoiding an unnecessarily sharp slowdown in growth.

According to ANZ, it is a balance that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

Joel Robinson

RBA to hold rates for "prolonged period" rather than hikes: ANZ

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/venturecrowd-property-projects">VentureCrowd</a> is down to the final Canopy Villa release at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara, as construction continues on the 59-residence gated community positioned above 100 hectares of natural savanna on the Gold Coast.

The remaining Canopy Villa forms part of one of four collections within the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>-designed community and has attracted interest from buyers seeking larger-format homes that combine privacy, security and low-maintenance living. Positioned within a private cul-de-sac and facing a protected black she oak forest, the four-bedroom villa includes a large private outdoor area suited to pet owners and families wanting more flexible space.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/cumulus-grand-villas-carrara-17-baltimore-court-carrara-qld-4211">Cumulus Grand Villas</a>, located at 17 Baltimore Court, comprises a mix of three and four-bedroom villas across the Skyline, Canopy, Savanna and Broadview collections. Prices currently range from $1.455 million to $1.895 million, with the final Canopy Villa priced from $1.825 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360477]

The Canopy Collection villas offer four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and approximately 245 sqm of internal space, alongside double garages and landscaped private areas. Expansive glazing, open-plan living spaces and private balconies have been designed to maximise natural light and outlooks toward the surrounding savanna landscape.

Construction is now underway across the fully funded development, which VentureCrowd says has become an increasingly important consideration for buyers assessing off-the-plan opportunities on the Gold Coast. The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/devcon">Devcon Property Group</a>, which has operated in South East Queensland since 1993 and delivered more than 1,000 homes across the region.

VentureCrowd Director of Property David Whitting previously said the project responds to changing buyer priorities in the prestige Gold Coast market.

“Flexible floorplans have proven particularly relevant for purchasers aged between 40 and 65, including next home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Whitting said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360505]

The buyer profile at Cumulus has reflected that shift toward owner-occupier-driven demand. Stuart Towns and Tracey Loynes recently purchased a Canopy Villa, drawn to both the lifestyle offering and the flexibility the home provided for their next stage of living together.

The couple, who met three years ago, sold their Robina home earlier this year after identifying what they saw as strong long-term investment potential at Cumulus while remaining within the same Gold Coast market. The villa’s private backyard was a major drawcard for their dog Luna, while proximity to golf courses including Emerald Lakes also aligned with their lifestyle interests.

Beyond the residences themselves, the community has been planned around shared lifestyle and recreation amenities. The Infinity Terrace will include a 20-metre heated pool, barbecue facilities, alfresco dining spaces and elevated retreat areas overlooking the surrounding landscape. Walking trails, a private nature reserve, orchard and herb garden are also integrated into the masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135663 project_image_fid=360473]

BDA Architecture Director Darren Greenaway said the design approach was heavily influenced by the site’s outlook and secluded setting.

The practice sought to create what Greenaway described as a “little piece of paradise,” drawing inspiration from the elevated views, surrounding greenery and quiet location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/carrara-qld-4211">Carrara</a> continues to attract buyers seeking larger homes within proximity to the coast but without direct beachfront pricing. Cumulus sits within easy reach of Broadbeach, Pacific Fair, Robina Town Centre and the M1, providing connections north to Brisbane and south toward the Gold Coast Airport and northern New South Wales.

The first stage of Cumulus Grand Villas is targeting completion in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135663]

VentureCrowd nears sell-out of Canopy Collection at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara

Waverley Council has made a call that many councils have been reluctant to make publicly. Growth is coming, regardless of who controls it.

The release of the Bondi Junction Vision and Master Plan is less about whether the Eastern Suburbs’ primary centre will change, and more about how that change is shaped, funded, and ultimately experienced on the ground. Waverley Council has released a 100-page plan which is effectively the first comprehensive blueprint for Bondi Junction in over two decades, and in doing so, signals a clear shift in how councils are positioning themselves in the current planning environment.

For the past 18 months, the conversation across New South Wales has been dominated by the State Government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms and the emergence of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway. Both have created faster, more centralised avenues for development approvals, particularly in well-located, infrastructure-rich areas like Bondi Junction.

Waverley Council’s response has been to move early, and decisively.

Rather than react to individual proposals as they come through the HDA or broader State-led reforms, Council has sought to establish a clear, place-based framework that sets the terms for how Bondi Junction evolves. The underlying position is relatively straightforward: if densification is inevitable, it should be tied to infrastructure, public domain improvements, and a cohesive vision for the centre, not delivered piecemeal through ad hoc applications.

<img alt="bondi junction" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f1f729c-ed99-4c6c-bf87-ffbce6991941" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-19%20at%209.58.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=ULX4OlXKjeJ5BvNCNGL86evgXCjCfMih" />

At its core, the document is attempting to reposition Bondi Junction from what it largely functions as today, a transport interchange anchored by a major retail centre, into something far more layered. The ambition is to transform it into what the plan describes as the “civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East,” a place that is active beyond commuting hours and capable of supporting a broader mix of uses, experiences and communities.

That repositioning is built around four key ambitions.

The first is to create a true destination. Bondi Junction already attracts significant foot traffic, with more than 86,000 daily transport users and millions of annual retail visits, but much of that activity is transient. People pass through, rather than stay.

The Master Plan seeks to change that dynamic. It leans heavily into the idea of an “18-hour economy,” extending activity well beyond traditional retail hours through dining, cultural programming, events, and a more active night-time offering. This is not just about adding more hospitality venues, but about fundamentally shifting how the centre operates, from a daytime shopping destination to a place that functions across the full span of the day and into the evening.

Oxford Street Mall sits at the centre of that shift.

Long seen as underperforming relative to its potential, the Mall is identified as one of the key catalyst projects in the plan. It is to be reimagined as a day-to-night spine, combining retail, dining, wellness and cultural uses in a way that creates a continuous flow of activity. Outdoor dining, rooftop venues, laneway activation and a curated events program are all part of the strategy, alongside significant public domain upgrades that aim to improve comfort, safety and usability.

&nbsp;

The second ambition is to transform Bondi Junction into a world-class interchange.

Despite being one of the most heavily used transport nodes in Sydney, the current experience is fragmented. Connections between the station, Westfield, Oxford Street Mall and surrounding streets are often unclear, and major roads create physical barriers that disrupt pedestrian movement.

The Master Plan proposes a more seamless, people-focused network. That includes clearer pedestrian links, improved wayfinding, better integration between transport modes, and a rethinking of how arrival into the centre is experienced. The aim is to shift the perception of Bondi Junction from a place people move through, to a place they arrive in.

The third ambition focuses on greening and open space.

One of the more consistent pieces of community feedback throughout the Vision phase was the need for more greenery, better public spaces, and a more comfortable urban environment. Despite being surrounded by major parks, Bondi Junction itself has relatively limited accessible open space, with much of the public realm dominated by hard surfaces and traffic infrastructure.

The plan responds with a network of new and upgraded public spaces, increased tree canopy, and what it terms the “Parkline,” a green link connecting Waverley Park through to Centennial Park. This is not just about aesthetics. It is about addressing heat, improving liveability, and ensuring that increased density is matched by access to high-quality outdoor space.

The fourth ambition is perhaps the most important from a development perspective: growth that gives back.

Bondi Junction is already the primary location for new housing supply in the Waverley LGA, and that is expected to continue. The area carries a target of 2,400 new dwellings by 2029, with further growth projected beyond that as demand for well-located housing continues to rise. The Master Plan does not seek to limit that growth. Instead, it attempts to shape it.

New housing is to be concentrated around transport, with stepped building heights designed to protect the character of surrounding neighbourhoods. At the same time, the plan introduces a more explicit link between development uplift and public benefit. This is where value capture becomes central.

The document outlines a framework where increased development potential is tied to contributions that fund public domain improvements, community infrastructure, open space, and affordable housing. It is an approach that recognises that much of the transformation of Bondi Junction will be delivered by the private sector, but seeks to ensure that the benefits of that growth are shared more broadly. The Civic Precinct is a key part of that equation.

Leveraging Council-owned land, the plan proposes a consolidated civic and cultural hub centred around Ebley Street. This would include new community facilities, cultural spaces, and potentially a new Council Chambers, creating a focal point for civic life that currently does not exist in Bondi Junction at scale.

It is one of several catalyst projects identified in the Master Plan, alongside the Oxford Street Mall transformation. These projects are intended to anchor change, acting as early interventions that unlock broader investment across the precinct.

Importantly, the Master Plan is not just a design document. It includes a delivery framework that sets out how these ambitions are intended to be realised.

Council is explicit in acknowledging that it cannot deliver the transformation alone. Implementation will require coordination between State agencies, private developers, landowners and the community, with a mix of planning agreements, infrastructure contributions and direct delivery mechanisms used to fund and stage improvements over time.

The plan outlines a mix of short-term, medium-term and long-term actions, from immediate public domain upgrades and planning controls, through to larger-scale projects that will unfold over the next decade or more. In practical terms, the next 12 to 24 months will be the most important.

This is when the Master Plan will move through exhibition, refinement and eventual adoption. It is also the period in which Council will seek to embed the framework into its planning controls, giving it weight in the assessment of future development applications.

Council officers have indicated that once the Master Plan is in place, it could be used as a benchmark when assessing Housing Delivery Authority proposals, and potentially reduce the need for further HDA declarations within Bondi Junction. In effect, it is an attempt to bring planning control back to the local level, while still aligning with State housing targets.

That tension between State-led reform and local planning control is not unique to Waverley. It is playing out across Sydney.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If delivered as intended, Bondi Junction will become denser, more active, and more complex. It will support more residents, more workers, and a wider range of uses, extending beyond its current retail core into a more layered urban environment.

“The civic and cultural heart of Sydney’s East”: Bondi Junction masterplan revealed

Toorak's dress circle St Georges Road, home to some of the city's priciest homes, is set for a rare new apartment development.

Blood Diamond Group, an entity tied to Tina Brandi, wife of David Brandi who has been a prolific bidder on The Block over the years, has filed plans for an ultra-exclusive development across an amalgamated 3,662 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/104-106-st-georges-road-toorak-vic-3142">104 and 106 St Georges Road</a>.

The proposal would replace two existing homes on the riverfront site with a five-level apartment building cascading down the steeply sloping land toward the Yarra River. Designed by Charles Wright Architects, the development has been carefully shaped around the site’s topography and river environs, with the upper levels stepping back to reduce visual bulk from both St Georges Road and the Yarra corridor.

Planning documents describe the proposal as “a site layout and building typology that is consistent with the emerging character of the area and which provides exceptional amenity for future residents without compromising that of neighbouring properties.”&nbsp;

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea19a17e-7528-4fa8-b727-05f2f7c025e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20a_0.png?VersionId=rZ2IjdoUL_UrRl1sZ4wZHnQXbYUaEmUQ" />

The scheme comprises 12 apartments, including 10 three-bedroom residences, one one-bedroom apartment, and a substantial split-level five-bedroom penthouse. A 624 sqm communal rooftop terrace will crown the building, while three undercroft levels embedded into the hillside will accommodate apartments and basement parking.

The design leverages the site’s dramatic northern outlook across the Yarra River, with living areas and balconies oriented toward the water. A central atrium running the full height of the building is intended to draw natural light deep into the residences and improve internal amenity.

Landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo Design &amp; Landscape</a> will play a major role in softening the built form, particularly along the river edge where significant setbacks have been introduced. The proposal includes a minimum 30-metre setback from the Yarra River boundary, preserving a substantial landscaped buffer between the development and the waterway.

While a mature English Oak near the front of the site is proposed for removal, the plans retain a large English Elm closer to the riverfront, alongside other established vegetation in the lower section of the property.

<img alt="First look: Blood Diamond Group unveils riverfront apartment plans for Toorak Pavilion" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed3bf19b-5bc7-482f-bde7-41f709a13c3a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Toorak%20pavilion%20b.png?VersionId=SG_kBGu4rOaSPY8FtVcmPJfSCrstuOfg" />

Architecturally, the building adopts strong horizontal forms with expansive glazing and curved balcony edges facing the river. Planning documents note the upper levels “adopt a receding form” to ensure the building responds appropriately to the Yarra River environs overlay controls.&nbsp;

The surrounding streetscape is characterised by large contemporary homes embedded into the hillside, many presenting as modest one or two-storey forms to the street before expanding toward the river frontage below. The planning report notes this established pattern heavily influenced the massing strategy for Toorak Pavilion.&nbsp;

Until the recent sale of the landmark Clendon Road mansion Coonac for around $130 million, St Georges Road held the state's most expensive home, the $80,000,088 derelict "Ghost House" mansion that was bought by crypto king Ed Craven.&nbsp;

Blair House, also on St Georges Road, sold for $74.5 million in 2022.

First look: Toorak Pavilions slated for dress circle St Georges Road

Six months after a development site on Kangaroo Point’s Shafston Avenue sold for $6.55 million, plans have been lodged for a 23-storey apartment tower.

A company named JMT Mega Capital, understood to be interstate investors when the 1,222 sqm double block traded late last year through Patona Property, is proposing an 84-apartment development in place of the existing low-rise buildings.

The slender tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/212-220-shafston-avenue-east-brisbane-qld-4169">212–220 Shafston Avenue</a>, overlooking the Brisbane River, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/aplus-design-group">Aplus Design Group</a>. It will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above six basement levels, topped by rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e17ba9e-553e-42ef-92b6-22081671521a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/podium_3.png?VersionId=hlVUf99vrOjUs.vhQs0qV0DhOncUy9T8" />

The development has been designed as a vertically articulated tower with recessed balconies, curved façades and planted edges intended to soften its scale within the evolving Shafston Avenue skyline. In the submitted Urban Design Report, Aplus Design Group said the tower had been “shaped with a slender vertical expression, articulated façades, recessed balcony zones, integrated planting and a clearly defined podium relationship, helping to reduce perceived bulk and create a more elegant contribution to the Shafston Avenue streetscape and broader Kangaroo Point skyline.”

The scheme comprises 84 apartments, including 25 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments and 25 three-bedroom residences. A total of 104 car spaces are proposed across six basement levels, including resident, visitor and accessible parking.

Residents will have access to rooftop communal open space and shared amenities, while the development also incorporates deep planting zones and subtropical landscaping throughout the podium and tower levels. The project includes 35 per cent communal space coverage across the site and a 17.5 per cent deep soil zone allocation to support urban greening outcomes.

The application exceeds the mapped building height under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan and is being assessed under Brisbane City Council’s impact assessment pathway. The design team argues the additional height is supported by the site’s strategic inner-city location, existing high-density zoning, and proximity to transport and employment hubs.

“The design has been developed to make better use of a well-serviced urban site within an established high-density residential setting, while improving the street presentation and overall quality of the public realm interface,” the report states.

<img alt="First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ab44b1e-ff45-4bf3-8da8-8aa0cd79db33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_10.png?VersionId=tSxeGekZOqj1e9g3PEn_yFoC3taKDp3U" />

The proposal adds to a growing pipeline of apartment developments reshaping Kangaroo Point ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, with demand continuing to strengthen for new housing supply in well-connected inner-city precincts.

Mosaic has nearly sold out its under-construction <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford by Mosaic</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a>,&nbsp;while Pikos recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye Residences</a> nearby. Pikos is also delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gaia-kangaroo-point-108-lambert-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Gaia</a>, over 230 three- and four-bedroom apartments on Lambert Street.

First look: 23-storey Kangaroo Point apartment tower planned for Shafston Avenue riverfront precinct

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?

<html><body>
An apartment in the Port Melbourne The Block 2016 conversion has been sold having come with an asking price between $1.8 million and $1.98 million.

The three-level apartment at 7/164 Ingles Street was not one of the apartments whose renovation was aired.

It was instead renovated by builders from Liefting Merlo Homes who bought the space in 2017, after the reality TV show had wrapped.

Bekdon Richards Hawthorn agent Paul Richards had the listing of the three bedroom, three bathroom apartment. The sale price has not been revealed.

It was briefly listed in 2019, with $1.78 million to $1.9 million hopes, and up for rent when offered last year with a $1200 weekly asking rental.

The ground floor comes with bedroom, study nook and bathroom with heated flooring. 

The first floor has an open plan lounge, dining space, and a stone kitchen with large wine fridge.  

The very top level boasts two bedrooms including the master retreat.

The building was a Velvet soap factory.

The 12th season of the Channel 9 show saw Queensland contestants William Bethune and Karlie Cicero take home $815,000 prize money after their winning $2.6 million sale.

The show’s host Scott Cam spent $2.2 million in 2017 to secure the apartment that all five contestant couples renovated.
</body></html>

The three-level apartment at 7/164 Ingles Street was not one of the apartments whose renovation was aired

jchancellor

Apartment in Port Melbourne The Block 2016 conversion sold

<html><body>
A residential development site has been listed for sale in South Yarra.

The site right across the road from the Yarra River will be sold by expressions of interest closing March 3 through Teska Carson.

Located at 125-127 Alexander Avenue, the 596 sqm property sits about 350 metres west of Chapel Street.

An older residential apartment building has been demolished had views across the Yarra River and into the City.

There is an 18 metre frontage to Alexandra Avenue.

Other developments in South Yarra

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

Teska Carson listing agents Luke Bisset and Matthew Feld anticipate a high end residential project with the zoning and local precedents providing scope for redevelopment of up to 12 metres (STCA).

When last offered as a development site in 2015 it was permit approved for seven apartments over four levels with CBRE advising it was “an unrepeatable permit due to new height controls in place on the Yarra riverfront.”

Kay &amp; Burton offered luxury apartments for sale in 2018 and 2019, advertising the project as CXXV.

The permit approval has now lapsed.
</body></html>

Located at 125-127 Alexander Avenue, the 596 sqm property sits about 350 metres west of Chapel Street

South Yarra residential development site with project potential listed 

<html><body>
The Prahran apartment renovated on The Block in 2014 by contestants Darren and Dea Jolly has been resold at $2.2 million.

The apartment from the Glasshouse season of The Block fetched $820,000 more than its $1.38 million sale on the show’s finale.

The three-bedroom apartment at 6/125 High Street fetched above its $1.9 million price guide at its mid-February auction given four bidders.

“I think Prahran is a bit of an iffy suburb,’’ Dea said after its 2014 result.

“It was a bizarre result,’’ she told the Herald Sun.

“You have two apartments who kill it, and three just die, it’s just not what nobody would have guessed.

“One apartment that did well was facing the south with all that noise, and the other had no external windows.”
</body></html>

The apartment from the Glasshouse season of The Block fetched $820,000 more than its $1.38 million sale on the show’s finale

Prahran apartment from The Block 2014 resold for a profit

<html><body>
Across the capital cities some 2,094 homes were scheduled for weekend auction, up from 1,496 over the previous week.

Of the 1,754 results collected so far by CoreLogic, 84 per cent have reported a successful result.

The national auction volume sat around 20 percent down over the same time last year, when 2,517 homes were taken to pre-COVID-19 pandemic auction with 72 per cent sold.

"Auction markets are set to be tested on larger volumes next week, with CoreLogic tracking close to 2,500 capital city auctions scheduled to be held," Corelogic’s Tim Lawless noted.

Melbourne was host to 1,061 weekend, auctions, down on this time last year's 1,248 homes. 

Of the 908 results collected so far by CoreLogic, 82 per cent were successful, down from last week’s preliminary clearance rate of 87 per cent, which revised down to 70 per cent at final figures.

In Sydney, 769 homes were taken to auction last week, compared to 963 this time last year. The preliminary clearance rate came in at 88 percent.

"It is likely that Sydney’s final auction clearance rate will come in above 80 per cent for the third consecutive week," Tim Lawless suggested.

Sydney's had the nation's highest declared sale was in Elizabeth Bay, when a freestanding Queen Anne revival-style mansion on 512 sqm sold for $8.5 million. 

The property offered by the bankruptcy trustee last traded for $2.9 million in 2001.

Across the smaller cities, Canberra recorded the highest preliminary clearance rate at 92 per cent, followed by Adelaide at 85 per cent.  

Dr Andrew Wilson, the chief economist at AI property intelligence platform Archistar noted the weekend saw “red-hot auction markets with rampant buyer activity in all capitals showing no sign of easing.”

All capital cities recorded clearance rates well above 80% on Saturday, with Melbourne the exception just failing to reach that benchmark by 0.4%

Saturday’s clearance rates were generally significantly higher than recorded over the same day last year with the exception of Melbourne that was marginally lower.

Dr Wilson noted Sydney’s Lower North, Northern Beaches and Upper North Shore were the top weekend auction regions all recording clearance rates above 90%.

Sydney recorded a median price for houses sold at auction on the weekend of $1,692,500.

At 87 percent, the clearance rate for units was slightly below that reported for houses. The median unit sale was $970,000.

Melbourne recorded a median house auction price of $1,050,000 at the weekend. The median price for units was $687,500.

The clearance rate for Melbourne units was slightly below that reported for houses.
</body></html>

Auction wrap: What happened under the hammer February 20?

If you wish you could enjoy holiday-living year-round, then <a href="/new-apartments/chevron-one-36-46-stanhill-drive-chevron-island">Chevron One</a> might be the answer. As Chevron Island's first luxury tower, the development has close to 2000 square metres of resort-style amenity, a 24-hour concierge service and 360-degree uninterrupted views that won't be built out.&nbsp;

Check out our video tour:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FVaGOeNz8nw" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>CHEVRON ONE&nbsp;AT A GLANCE</h2>

Developer: <a href="/developers/bensons-property-group" target="_blank">Bensons Property Group</a>

Architect:&nbsp;<a href="/architects/marchese-partners" target="_blank">Marchese Partners</a>

Location: 36-44 Stanhill Drive, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Number of residences:&nbsp;236

<a href="/new-apartments/chevron-one-36-46-stanhill-drive-chevron-island"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="1055" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/chevron-one-36-44-stanhill-drive-surfers-paradise-8f9a13e59f7f17c26db216efcd68a415.jpg" width="2500" /></a>

Chevron One is being delivered by Bensons Property Group, along with a design team comprising of Marchese Partners and Byrns Lardner Landscape Architecture, with construction undertaken by Hutchinson Builders.

The lavish display suite gives us a great indication of the quality and design of the one, two and three-bedroom homes on offer.&nbsp;

The kitchens are both functional and stylish – bringing to life the vision of chef Shannon Bennett, who collaborated with the team to create a space where residents would enjoy cooking. Each kitchen is fit with Miele appliances and high-quality tapware. Stainless appliances are seamlessly integrated, and the handle-free cabinetry creates a clean, clutter-free aesthetic.&nbsp;

Engineered timber flooring can be found throughout each living area, giving you the flexibility to customise the space with your own furnishings.

The bathrooms exude opulence. A dual wall hung vanity is illuminated with recessed LED lighting, with a wall-spanning mirror creating an effortless sense of space.&nbsp;Walk-in showers feature high-quality stainless tapware, set against marble-look tiled walls.&nbsp; &nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515]

The bedrooms are complete with soft carpet, generous wardrobe storage, and floor-to-ceiling glazing giving you stunning views overlooking the Hinterlands, Nerang River and the Pacific Ocean.

The on-site luxury amenities at Chevron One include a resident's executive lounge, private dining facilities, a library, multiple swimming pools, a health club, a sculpture garden, and more for residents to discover.&nbsp;

Situated on Stanhill Drive, Chevron One is within walking distance to Thomas Drive cafes and retail shops, Home Of The Arts precinct, and the beach.&nbsp;

Estimated completion of Chevron one is late 2023. To secure your new home in the sought after development, request a call from a Chevron One sales agent via Urban.&nbsp;

Olivia Round

Urban's tour of the Chevron One display suite

<html><body>
Luma is Development Victoria’s latest way of living in a connected, masterplanned community of homes that inspire healthier living.

The State Government authority has collaborated with masterplanner Roberts Day to offer the solution to a hectic lifestyle, low maintenance living in Melbourne's Sunshine North.

Designed for modern family life, Luma’s two, three and four-bedroom Tempo townhomes maximise light and space with dual living zones, generous-sized kitchen and tranquil neutral tones inspired by classic Melbourne terrace architecture.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27783]

Here are five on-site amenities that make Sunshine North’s Luma an attractive first home. 
 

1. Spacious green spaces 

Not only are Luma’s streets filled with native landscaping by MDG, but internal parklands and open and linked green spaces provide a sense of lush vegetation and natural living. 
 

2. The 3,600 square-metre park

The project, which will include a local park, is expected to activate the lives of first home buyers and downsizing families alike. Covering 3,600sqm, the Luma park will feature a fully equipped childrens' playground, a sheltered BBQ, picnic area and kick-about spaces. <a href="/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020"><img alt="" height="657" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/luma_greens.jpg" width="1200"></a>

3. Luma’s urban plaza

Redefining what community is all about, Luma’s urban plaza features an open community space, providing the perfect spot for social activities, meet-ups and markets. 
 

4. Outdoor courtyards or terraces

Residences at Development Victoria’s Luma boast a mix of outdoor courtyards and terraces, ideal for relaxing or entertaining.

<a href="/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020"><img alt="" height="673" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/luma_courtyard.jpg" width="1200"></a>

5. Sustainable features

With the environment in mind, these energy-efficient homes utilise solar PV panels and battery storage that help to reduce your carbon footprint, as well as your energy bills.

Two-bedroom townhomes in the development start from $545,000, and four-bedroom townhomes begin at just $750,000.
</body></html>

Luma is Development Victoria’s latest way of living in a connected, masterplanned community of homes that inspire healthier living

max.kwok_55688

Why park lovers will fall in love with Development Victoria's Luma in Sunshine North

Aultun Group&rsquo;s latest Melbourne development, Collins &amp; Bates, is a collection of 98 one, two and three-bedroom residences across two individually styled buildings.

Designed by Point Architecture and C&amp;C Interiors, each apartment encapsulates elegance, style and timeless design.

The project features open-plan living spaces, monsoon showers, ample storage and leafy courtyards, offering an ideal setting to entertain or unwind in the home&rsquo;s various living spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3950]

With one-bedroom apartments priced from $420,000 and three-bedroom apartments priced from $1,000,000, Chadstone will suit the needs of first home buyers, investors and downsizers alike.

Flooded with natural light from over-sized windows and calming green nature, Collins &amp; Bates makes each home a private sanctuary in the premium Melbourne suburb of Chadstone.

Still unsure? Urban takes a look at four reasons why buying in Melbourne&#39;s Chadstone area could be a smart move.

1. Chadstone is seeing a recovery trend

As Australian dwelling markets saw an accelerating recovery trend through the December quarter, CoreLogic expects that the incidence of profit-making sales may increase in Melbourne over the coming months.

While investor resales may come under some pressure in the inner-city Melbourne market as a result of lower rental asking prices, the current record low mortgage rates appear to be an offsetting factor.

2. It&rsquo;s Australia&rsquo;s fashion capital

<a href="/buildings/collins-bates-19-25-collins-street-chadstone"><img alt="" height="563" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/shutterstock_1393312640.jpg" width="1000" /></a>

The revered suburb of Chadstone is Australia&rsquo;s premier retail destination and luxury fashion capital. In close location to Chadstone Shopping Centre, the area provides unmatched access to endless retail options from designer boutiques to apartment stores.

Following the Centre&rsquo;s $660 million refurbishment in 2016, Chadstone is all you need to get your fashion fix.

3. The lush, green setting

Chadstone&rsquo;s various offerings aren&rsquo;t just limited to its premier retail and entertaining facets, but its lesser-known parklands offer residents the chance to unwind from city living. North of the suburb, Gardiners Creek provides a leafy setting unearthing natural serenity.

Whether you&rsquo;re looking for recreation areas and playing fields or scenic cycling trails, Melbourne has you covered, with trails following through Malvern Valley Golf Course all the way to the Yarra River.

4. Chadstone is a culinary destination

<a href="/buildings/collins-bates-19-25-collins-street-chadstone"><img alt="" height="1302" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/lifestyle2.jpg" width="1850" /></a>

Melbournians love their food, wine and beer, and Chadstone&rsquo;s vibrant eateries provide all three. Not too far afield are some of Melbourne&rsquo;s most distinctive and beloved urban villages, with an array of restaurants from every cuisine.

Collins & Bates makes each home a private sanctuary in the premium Melbourne suburb of Chadstone

Find out the top reasons why buying in Melbourne's Chadstone precinct could be a smart move

<html><body>
Hurstmon is Landream’s latest offering in Melbourne's south-east, delivering a sense of privacy, seclusion and retreat.

The home’s strong architectural language delivers something unique to Malvern East while still blending into the locale to create a harmonious living space.

“We chose Hurstmon because it appeared like a high-quality project in a great suburb that suited our requirements”, said buyers Michelle and Pete, who purchased an off-the-plan apartment in the development.

To help see if this Malvern East residence is right for you, Urban reveals the top five things to love about Hurstmon. 
 

1. Its prime location in Malvern East

Hurstmon delivers the lifestyle needs of its residents with Malvern East’s abundance of amenities. Established parks, transport options, bicycle paths and creative cafes are on your doorstep.

Although the Melbourne CBD is just 15-kilometres from the city, the development connects residents to some of Melbourne’s most beautiful parks and historic gardens. 
 

2. Spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments

<a href="/buildings/hurstmon-3-hurstmon-street-malvern-east"><img alt="" height="1201" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hurstmon-3-hurstmon-street-malvern-east-68311a81c412540e4d376af6a6237d63.jpg" width="1920"></a>

Designed by Telha Clarke, each two or three-bedroom residence represents the best of lifestyle, contemporary architecture, earthy tones, premium materials and respect for the area’s deep history, with its expansive proportions working to promote light and air flow.

“The generous proportions of these homes have allowed for us to really let the volume speak for themselves”, said Telha Clarke associate Harriet Fell. 
 

3. The architectural façade

Hurstmon has a “hidden-gem quality”, according to architect Tim Clarke. Popping out like an oasis, the project offers a level of class that has never been seen before in Malvern East, with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary design.

“We love the unique façade of Hurstmon and the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows throughout the property and our apartment”, said buyers Michelle and Pete. 
 

4. Contemporary-styled interiors

<a href="/buildings/hurstmon-3-hurstmon-street-malvern-east"><img alt="" height="1371" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hurstmon-3-hurstmon-street-malvern-east-ad6b8aa3d1c09a1fafefeaf5da8bf84b_0.jpg" width="1920"></a>

The Telha Clarke-designed interiors offer two colour schemes, in grey or green. Walnut timber joinery, pale timber floorboards and stone kitchen benchtops are among the home’s premium finishes.

Each residence includes a double-glazing, ducted heating and a butler’s pantry, with floorplans responsive to changes and requests by homebuyers. 
 

5. Landscaping by Eckersley Garden Architecture

Positioned on a tree-lined street, Eckersley Garden Architecture uses the gardens to highlight Hurstmon’s vertical form, while utilising green spaces to mirror the streetscape and blend into the fabric of Malvern East.

Ground-floor residences enjoy manicured courtyards and extended outdoor space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4807]

Two-bedroom apartments in the project start from $795,000 while three-bedroom apartments begin at $1,599,500.

The project is estimated for completion in early 2022. Request floorplans and information from an agent today.
</body></html>

“We chose Hurstmon because it appeared like a high-quality project in a great suburb that suited our requirements”, said buyers Michelle and Pete

What Urban loves most about Hurstmon in Malvern East

<html><body>
Acacia Waters apartments is in the suburb of Eagleby only 32 kilometres south of Brisbane and just 26 kilometres north of The Gold Coast, which is Australia’s number one tourist destination. Eagleby is adjacent to Beenleigh which is the largest commercial community between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

<figure><a href="/new-apartments/acacia-waters-155-163-fryar-road-eagleby"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/acacia-waters-estate-fryar-road-eagleby-36a695007f058dd02c0b6dec8755bd52.jpg?itok=TR4ZlfJs" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure>Acacia Waters offer an abundance of outdoor living. Crystal tropical pool and barbeque pergolas overlooking acres of evergreen gardens, walk paths, and open lawns. Acacia Waters provide the freedom for growing young family’s room to run, have fun and relax. This exciting new community is adjacent to essential amenities such as shops, restaurants, schools, public transport and parks, bike riding tracks and lifestyle activities.

<figure><a href="/new-apartments/acacia-waters-155-163-fryar-road-eagleby"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/acacia-waters-estate-fryar-road-eagleby-e8a538942622ac5d7e9428c4828f5507.jpg?itok=r9HCr72u" style="width: 580px; height: 435px;"></a></figure>PROPERTY KEY DETAILS:

<ul>
<li>Granite bench tops</li>
	<li>Air conditioned</li>
	<li>Sophisticated selection of tiles and furnishings</li>
	<li>Smart open plan design</li>
	<li>Executive kitchen appliances</li>
	<li>Security car parking</li>
	<li>Ample visitors parking</li>
	<li>Undulating gardens and lawns</li>
	<li>9 contemporary designed buildings</li>
	<li>Experienced 24 hour on site management</li>
	<li>Swimming pool and BBQ pergolas</li>
</ul>
</body></html>

urban.com.au

Eagleby - The newest family residential community development, Acacia Waters

<html><body>
Offering world-class bay views, outstanding amenity and in-house facilities including a gymnasium, landscaped BBQ area and resident’s lounge, Miramar will be a fantastic place to call home. 

The building facade consists of large areas of glazing to make the most of both the bay and city views and fill living spaces with natural light. The elegant lines and uncomplicated form combine to create a remarkable building that will remain an icon for Geelong for many years to come.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5557]

Superior finishes, top of the range inclusions and contemporary styling make Miramar a pleasure to come home to, now and into the future.

<figure><a href="/buildings/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong-78b29ce3740fe33005d20cbf93d96f30.jpg?itok=Fqnll879" style="width: 580px; height: 287px;"></a></figure>Careful attention to detail is evident throughout, with opulent finishes such as stone bench tops and the use of natural materials including timber and stone.

Fisher and Paykel appliances including fully-integrated dishwasher, touch control ceramic cooktops and a concealed rangehood come as standard. A stylish black tectonite sink by Franke also brings a unique point of difference to the kitchen.

<figure><a href="/buildings/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong-e6b128785d505f3419fc860daa39d2f4.jpg?itok=5pLKihQO" style="width: 580px; height: 356px;"></a></figure>Entertain blissfully in your spacious open plan living area, awash with natural light. And at night, gaze upon the ocean views where the calm gentility of the waves create a relaxing backdrop to your living spaces.

Whether it’s the short walk to the local cafe for lunch or the convenience of having Geelong’s best shopping on your doorstep, there’s just so much to love about living in the heart of Central Geelong.

<figure><a href="/buildings/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/miramar-geelong-18-20-cavendish-street-geelong-cc69f412bc676e8d36862c7a109d83be.jpg?itok=gq4iauLW" style="width: 580px; height: 287px;"></a></figure>Miramar is within walking distance of Deakin University, Geelong Station, Westfield Shopping Centre and the Geelong CBD, and only one hour on the train to Melbourne.
</body></html>

The building facade consists of large areas of glazing to make the most of both the bay and city views and fill living spaces with natural light.

Latest Property News

VentureCrowd nears sell-out of Canopy Collection at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Property News

VentureCrowd nears sell-out of Canopy Collection at Cumulus Grand Villas in Carrara

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News