International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.

The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.

According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.

&nbsp;

Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.

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Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.

The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.

"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.

"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.

"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=374280]

Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.

McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.

"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."

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Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.

Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

Joel Robinson

SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.

The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366473]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.

"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.

"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]

Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.

Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.

"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.

"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=374378]

According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.

Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.

"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.

"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.

"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.

"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366480]

The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.

A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.

The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.

"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.

"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."

The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.

Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.

Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.

Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]

Lowe Living set new Melbourne off the plan apartment record

For more than three decades, Hyecorp has been delivering residential projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, building a portfolio centred on design-led apartment living in some of the city's most established neighbourhoods.

Hyecorp recently launched the latest in its long line of apartment developments, Celine, a 29-storey tower on Archer Street in Chatswood. Like the majority of the developer's projects, Celine caters to a broad buyer demographic, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, all designed with owner-occupiers in mind.

Functionality and flexibility are often buzzwords in the new apartment market, but they sit at the core of Hyecorp's design philosophy.

Hyecorp Joint Managing Director Stephen Abolakian says the developer understands it isn't designing apartments for today's needs alone, but for how buyers will live several years into the future.

"When we launch our projects we need to be aware that these developments aren't finished for several years," Abolakian says.

"That home office in the here and now might be a nursery by the time the project completes for a prospective buyer, so we need to think about how the apartment spaces function for future uses so there's longevity in the ownership."

Celine's architects, Fuse, followed the same philosophy, saying the design extends well beyond aesthetics.

"Celine focuses on timeless architectural form and functionality, with a strong emphasis on light, proportion and materiality. The design responds to the urban context of Chatswood while delivering calm, highly liveable interiors that feel both contemporary and enduring. The floorplans have been carefully resolved to maximise usability and outperform typical market offerings in terms of efficiency and liveability."

Most apartments incorporate multipurpose rooms designed for flexibility. Each includes an integrated desk and a standard Murphy pull-down single bed, allowing the space to transition from a home office or study to guest accommodation as needs change. The layouts have also been designed to maximise natural light, storage and overall functionality.

One and two-bedroom apartments feature Miele appliances, while three and four-bedroom residences are appointed with integrated Gaggenau appliances and Taj Mahal stone benchtops.

Buyers who purchase early in the construction process can also take advantage of Hyecorp's "Live Your Way" interior design service, allowing them to personalise finishes and tailor elements of their home to suit their own lifestyle. It's a feature designed to appeal to owner-occupiers who want their apartment to feel uniquely theirs from the day they move in.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362614]

While flexible floorplans have become a hallmark of Hyecorp's apartment design, the developer has also continued to place significant emphasis on resident amenity.

As buyers increasingly expect more from apartment living, shared spaces have evolved beyond a gym and barbecue area. They are now an extension of the home, providing spaces to relax, exercise, entertain and connect with neighbours.

At Celine, the resident amenity has been designed with a focus on wellness, centred on the level six podium. An infinity-edge swimming pool, spa, sauna and fully equipped gym are complemented by barbecue facilities and a residents' lounge, creating a range of spaces for relaxation, recreation and social connection above the streets of Chatswood.

Practical conveniences have also been integrated throughout the building, including EV charging provisions, smart parcel lockers, bicycle storage, a pet wash station and dedicated car wash bays, reflecting the project's focus on making everyday living as seamless as possible.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]

"Celine has been designed to deliver a refined residential experience that reflects the evolution of Chatswood into a premium urban centre,"&nbsp;Abolakian says.

"With over 30 years of experience delivering projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, Hyecorp brings a deep understanding of what local buyers value. Every detail has been considered to balance luxury, functionality and long-term liveability. This is not just about apartments, but about creating a lasting residential address for discerning buyers."

Hyecorp, vertically-integrated builder-developer, is anticipating construction commencement later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149594]

Hyecorp brings 30 years of Lower North Shore experience to Celine in Chatswood

Burgeoning South East Queensland developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/frank-developments">Frank Developments</a> is continuing to pad out its capital city development pipeline.

The developer, led by Frank Licastro, has its sights set on Kingsford Smith Drive in Hamilton, where it is planning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/avela-60-kingsford-smith-drive-albion-qld-4010">AVELA</a>, a 166-apartment development across three towers that tier down from 28 storeys to 19 and 17.

The towers will rise above the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel.

Frank has brought on Melbourne architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rob-kennon-architects">Kennon</a> to design the building, conceived as a “defining architectural marker where the airport corridor meets the inner city.”

<img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e787c64e-f0a4-4725-891e-e86b40ee5c5c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA.png?VersionId=1ulwuZ9w2vQ2td7v.J2zUI7Ih_DT4Kwz" />

Kennon describes the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

"Positioned at the northern gateway of Brisbane's primary CBD corridor, this project represents a singular moment in the city's urban evolution, one that will not come again," the architecture practice said in the documents submitted to the Brisbane City Council.

"Where the airport and world beyond meets the city, the building will rise as a sculptural landmark, a defining piece of architecture that signals arrival into Brisbane and anchors the connection between the city and the communities to its north."

<img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d572bf62-a98d-4847-95d0-889e3d3283e1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA%20podium.png?VersionId=6.Ax4jBzTbY5ahm55iaMWNR03ODhDQSm" />

The development is centred around owner-occupier apartments, with a mix of two, three and four-bedroom residences designed to capitalise on city and river views.

Four basement levels accommodate resident parking, allowing the podium to prioritise pedestrian activity and public-facing uses like ground-floor retail, a cafe, a&nbsp;neighbourhood grocer, and a public accessible indoor pickleball court and event space.&nbsp;

There will be nearly 2,000 sqm of communal wellness and recreation facilities across three levels.

<img alt="First look: Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5ac3cbf-3c11-4219-89f3-e12d9e0f9ffd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/AVELA%20podium%20A.png?VersionId=_.4zd1HLCKa1s6I_oxkY4NNqX6o3Yevn" />

&nbsp;

Frank Developments has increasingly focused on design-led residential projects across South East Queensland.

AVELA is Licastro's second on Kingsford Smith Drive following <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alba-92-kingsford-smith-drive-hamilton-qld-4007">Alba</a>, 85 apartments just down the road. The developer has <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mira-61-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">MIRA</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/myst-burleigh-heads-270-the-esplanade-miami-qld-4220">MYST</a> on the Gold Coast, as well as <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/murano-teneriffe-37-wyandra-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Murano</a> coming up in Teneriffe and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bel-air-33-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">Bel Air in New Farm</a>.

Frank Developments plans sculptural AVELA for Brisbane's Breakfast Creek gateway

ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.

The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.

They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."

The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.

Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" />

The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.

"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."

The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.

Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

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SPONSORED POST
The benefits of living in a sustainable home include a more attractive and healthier environment, and lower costs through savings on energy and water bills.
But encouraging sustainability in the residential building sector has presented challenges.
“The residential sector is in some ways more complex than any other sector in that there are an incredible number of private owners, a pretty average National Construction Code, and huge gaps in knowledge both of residents and house builders,” says Vice-Chair of the Board for the Living Future Institute of Australia, Stephen Choi.
“Housing in general – and particularly our existing homes – is one of the most important and to some extent, ‘untouched’ areas of the built environment when it comes to providing better places to live.”
Despite the barriers, Choi is encouraged by progress in areas such as the ‘fabric first’ approach, which aims to maximise the performance of the components that make up the building fabric itself. Passivhaus is an energy performance standard that uses this approach to set targets for the thermal performance of buildings, including homes.
About 30,000 buildings worldwide have been constructed to the Passivhaus standard. The standard encourages the use of insulation, passive solar design, making a property airtight to minimise unwanted heat loss or gain, and good indoor air quality provided by mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems.
A home’s thermal performance has a major effect on its energy consumption.
About 40 percent of household energy is used for heating and cooling, according to the Australian Government’s Your Home website.
“This rate could be cut to almost zero in new housing through sound climate responsive design,” the website says.
Energy and water saving measures that reduce utility costs are popular in residential properties but beyond the cost savings it has been difficult to engage consumers’ interests in sustainable development, says Frasers Property Australia’s general manager of sustainability Paolo Bevilacqua.
As such, sustainability in residential developments has tended to focus on initiatives outside of individual apartments or houses.
The residential buildings at Central Park in Sydney share energy and air conditioning facilities rather than each building having its own facility, for
instance. This allows for a more efficient system overall. Residential developments are increasingly providing access to public transport, cycle paths and pedestrian footpaths to ensure residents aren’t restricted to travelling by car.
Some developments include fitness facilities, swimming pools and walking trails to promote residents’ health. Similarly, parks and gardens, including roof top and vertical gardens where space is limited, are becoming more common.
Bevilacqua says the green walls at One Central Park is one example of how green elements can be successfully introduced into an urban development.
“From a visual point of view it has benefits for people living in those buildings. It’s a beautiful outlook and improves air quality,” he says.
Better air purification, access to day light and lighting that works with people’s circadian rhythms are priorities gaining traction in residential developments as people begin to understand the impact on their health and wellbeing, Bevilacqua says.
For more information, download our eBook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank">here</a>. 
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

What are the future trends in sustainable residential development?

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Australia’s first Living Building Challenge design competition will be the first in the world to focus on a retail centre: Frasers Property Australia’s Brickworks retail project in Melbourne’s Burwood East.
The Brickworks Living Building Challenge design competition, run by the Living Future Institute of Australia with Principal Partner Frasers Property Australia, aims to explore the boundaries of sustainable design within the retail environment and redefine ‘best practice’ for the sector.
It is calling for designers, professionals, environmental experts, students and others to submit ideas for the retail centre, which Frasers Property Australia will develop within a wider masterplan for the site in the near future.
For more information, download our eBook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Australia’s first Living Building Challenge design competition 

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SPONSORED POST
Sustainable retail development doesn’t end when the buildings have been completed. A retail centre’s ongoing operations have as much of an effect on its sustainability as its design and construction.
Buildings account for over 40 percent of the world’s energy usage, according to the United Nations Environment Program Sustainable Buildings and Construction Initiative. Additionally, the built environment consumes about a third of our water, generates 40 percent of our waste, and is the world’s largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Green Building Council of Australia.
Vice-Chair of the Board for the Living Future Institute of Australia Stephen Choi says owners and operators of Australian commercial buildings, including retail centres, have been active in reducing their energy and water consumption as it makes business sense to do so. Forward-thinking centre operators are now looking to contribute more to their communities over the long term.
For example, Central Park in Sydney, which includes retail and residential buildings, has an on-site thermal tri-generation plant and an on-site water recycling plant. These reduce carbon emissions, minimise mains water demand and may allow excess water and electricity to be exported to nearby neighbourhoods.
One of the criteria in the Living Building Challenge performance standard is that a project must supply 105 percent of its energy needs by on-site renewable energy on a net annual basis. Projects must also provide on-site energy storage, which advances in battery technology are helping to make possible.
Frasers Property Australia’s general manager of sustainability Paolo Bevilacqua predicts battery storage will be common in commercial buildings in five years.
“The technology has developed rapidly and feasible to use it on a commercial scale,” he says.
Other ways retail centres are becoming more sustainable concentrate on their interactions with the community and inspiring consumers to act more sustainably.
“Retailers are offering visual examples to the consumer to demonstrate the fact that the energy they use is renewable, that they grow food on site, and sharing that knowledge and data to have a role beyond the centre itself,” Bevilacqua says.
Some retailers are promoting that they use local produce, including food grown on site. Frasers Property has investigated growing mushrooms in retail centre basements, for instance.
Bevilacqua expects to see urban agriculture expand from small scale gardens to commercially operated urban farms over time. There are examples of this in the US and UK, although in Australia urban farming is in its infancy.
In future, shopping centres may run workshops on how to grow food, expanding their role from being places to shop to centres for learning, Bevilacqua says.
Existing examples of retail centres operating this way include Jamie’s Ministry of Food, which runs workshops on healthy cooking in UK shopping malls, (<a href="https://www.jamieoliver.com/jamies-ministry-of-food/" target="_blank">https://www.jamieoliver.com/jamies-ministry-of-food/</a>) and demonstrations held at Westfield Stratford in the UK of Pavegen, a technology that generates energy as people walk over it (<a href="https://pavegen.com/home" target="_blank">https://pavegen.com/brands/generation-green-westfield</a><a href="https://pavegen.com/home" target="_blank">stratford</a>).
For more information, download our eBook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/52152-australia-aspires-to-global-green-leadership-the-living-building-challenge" target="_blank">here</a>.
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What are the future trends for operating sustainable retail centres?

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Melbourne’s market has been described as one of the best for sellers in years – with all the stars aligned at present, according to the REIV CEO Geoff White.
He said that the Spring market was delivering everything home sellers need: solid price growth, high clearance rates and strong buyer demand.
In the September quarter, the city’s median house price increased 3.2 per cent to $740,000 Melbourne-wide, he said.
“The median price increase is taking place in tandem with a Spring clearance rate of close to 80 per cent, the highest in seven years,” he said.
“Everything is aligned for sellers, who are benefitting from strong buyer confidence and record low interest rates.”
Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbs were the main growth drivers in the September quarter with house prices in these regions up 4.2 and 3.5 per cent respectively.
After two successive quarters of strong price growth, the city’s outer suburbs recorded more moderate growth of 1.1 per cent.
He added that the top growth suburbs this quarter were widespread across the city – from Seaford in the outer south east to Williamstown and Werribee in the west.
Mr White said that Langwarrin recorded the city’s largest price growth with the median house price increasing 20 per cent over the quarter to $561,000. He added that outer suburbs remain attractive to many home buyers and investors.
“Melbourne’s more affordable areas continue to appeal to buyers seeking the value and space that the outer suburbs offer,” he said. Meanwhile, apartment prices across the city also increased in the September quarter with the metropolitan median up 2.1 per cent to $545,500.
Mr White said that although listings have not reached the peaks of 2015, the current median price and excellent clearance rates indicates that the market is as healthy as ever.
“The market shows no signs of slowing down. The September quarter was stronger than expected and the market is only expected to improve with more than 4,000 auctions forecast for October.”
QUARTERLY OVERVIEW – SEPTEMBER QUARTER 2016
<table style="width: 495px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" valign="bottom" nowrap width="257">
Top 10 Growth Suburbs (Quarterly)
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="90">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="92">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="90">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
 
</td>
<td width="141">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="92">
Sep-16 Median
</td>
<td width="90">
Jun-16 Median
</td>
<td width="64">
Quarterly Change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
1
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
LANGWARRIN
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$561,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$467,550
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
20.0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
2
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
WILLIAMSTOWN
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$1,353,750
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$1,140,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
18.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
3
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
SEAFORD
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$605,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$516,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
17.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
4
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
FOOTSCRAY
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$855,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$745,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
14.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
5
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
FRANKSTON
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$504,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$440,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
14.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
6
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
MALVERN EAST
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$1,914,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$1,681,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
13.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
7
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
KEW
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$2,153,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$1,907,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
12.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
8
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
BRUNSWICK
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$1,056,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$935,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
12.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
9
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
GLEN WAVERLEY
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$1,290,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$1,150,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
12.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="24">
10
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="141">
ALTONA NORTH
</td>
<td nowrap width="92">
$788,000
</td>
<td nowrap width="90">
$702,500
</td>
<td nowrap width="64">
12.2%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Langwarrin tops Melbourne's price growth climb: REIV

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SPONSORED POST
A new era of integrated living has dawned in Sydney’s north-west with the approval of the $280M Esplanade mixed-use development on Norwest Lake.
The Sydney West Joint Regional Planning Panel has signed off on plans for Esplanade which is Norwest’s first truly integrated development.
Esplanade consists of two 18-storey towers, which will include 247 apartments in a mix of one, two and three bedroom configurations; a range of private resident facilities like pool, gym, open-air cinema and lush landscaped gardens; as well as 6,000sqm of waterfront retail space and three levels of boutique commercial suites.
In a unique offering, Esplanade also includes four-bedroom penthouses called Sky Residences, which allow owners to upgrade to a low-maintenance lifestyle in a spacious home-like apartment.  The distinctive penthouses are expected to be released to the market in early 2017.
Development manager, Capital Corporation, credited with more than 45 projects in the successful Norwest Business Park, reports that all commercial suites and more than 60 percent of the apartments have already sold pre-DA, demonstrating a huge appetite for the convenience and lifestyle that comes with apartment living.
Capital Corporation Managing Director Steve Grant says the sales success of the commercial workspaces is testament to the continued belief in Norwest as a thriving business park which is now evolving into an exciting residential and urban precinct.
 “This approval from the JRPP is great news for the many people who have shown their confidence in what we’ve proposed by purchasing prior to approval. More than 85 percent of buyers are local to the area and keen to stay connected to the community they love but want the change of lifestyle that Esplanade offers,” he says.
 “We’ve had the chance to incorporate feedback from Council and the Norwest Business Association and we’re delighted with the outcome. We’re even more excited for the buyers who will be very pleased to see their new home progress,” he said.
Mr Grant said enquiry for apartments remained constant, with downsizers, families and investors all drawn to the ‘all-in-one vertical village’ concept and the array of resort-like facilities.
“Buyers are consistently telling us they’re excited about the lifestyle and the ‘high-end’ nature of Esplanade,” Mr Grant says.
“We know that projects like Esplanade help shape the face of the local area and how people live so this is an important example of how development companies can work collaboratively with planning authorities to ensure the needs of current and future residents are met and even exceeded.”
Prices started from $525,000 for a one-bedroom unit while two-bedroom apartments with parking started from $725,000. A range of premium lakefront apartments have recently been released, and the penthouse collection will come onto the market later this year.
Construction of Esplanade is expected to start in 2017.
For more information, call 1800 088 800 or visit the sales suite with a full-size two-bedroom display apartment at 11 Solent Circuit, Baulkham Hills, from noon to 3pm on Wednesdays to Sundays.
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The towers heralding a suburb’s new era

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SPONSORED POST
If you have bought an off-the-plan property, assessing that property post construction is an important part of the settlement process.
Of course, you want to ensure that the property you agreed to purchase is the same that is being delivered so that you’re getting what you’re paying for!
The most cost effective way to make sure your property is delivered just as your purchase contract promised, is to have your contract documentation reviewed and the property physically inspected and assessed by an appropriately qualified Building Consultant.
An NBtax Condition Assessment, completed by a Napier &amp; Blakeley Building Consultant will take note of the ‘as built finish’ of your property. From our initial review of purchase documentation, contract of sale, agreed finishes and specifications, we have a unique understanding of what was agreed to be built.
We will inspect your property on your behalf, asses and document the condition of the finishes within the property, good or bad.
Following an inspection a Condition Assessment will be completed by NBtax and will provide a concise summary of the condition of the property. It will list defects that the developer and or builder should address to deliver the property that is consistent with expectations, including but not always limited to, the agreed plans and specifications, good building practice and expected industry standard.
Our assessment will give you a clear understanding of any potential issues or defects before you take possession, move in or put the property up for lease.  It also gives you peace of mind, providing you with a document that will ensure agreed items between you, the purchaser, and the vendor are installed or rectified prior to settlement.
The best time to have a Condition Assessment completed is as close as possible to the planned settlement date. It is important to note that you still have a contractual obligation to settle your purchase on time. However, under normal circumstances having a condition assessment completed on your property will make you a more informed purchaser and provide you with a written report to enable you to highlight to the developers identifying items requiring attention.
This service is especially valuable to those offshore purchasers who are not present at the time of settlement. We are able to act on their behalf during settlement inspections to ensure relevant conditions are met within the sale contract.
Our specialised teams are ready to help, contact us today.
For more information, <a href="https://nbtax.com.au/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
 
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Be sure to get what you paid for!

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<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/01/18/510_rediscover.jpg" alt="" width="462" height="220">
SPONSORED POST
The Millers Point sales program will kick off in early February with the launch of six blocks of four apartments.
The Millers Point sale program has now yielded more than $300 million for social housing investment across the State.
The Government has sold 125 properties in Millers Point since the sale program commenced, with the program to deliver around 1,500 new social housing dwellings around Sydney and in the Illawarra.
The listings are part of the next stage of the Millers Point program, which includes a new product mix, including a diverse range of lofts and other apartments, blocks of units and terraces to be listed on the market over the coming months. 
Register now at <a href="https://www.rediscovermillerspoint.com.au" target="_blank">www.rediscovermillerspoint.com.au</a>. Further information on these properties will be published over the coming weeks. 
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Upcoming properties in Millers Point sales program

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<img src="/images/2016/12/07/CWG-logo-270W-trans.png" alt="" width="433" height="117">
SPONSORED POST
One of Australia’s fastest growing diversified property company’s CWG Development (formerly Chiwayland) has purchased one of Ryde’s most prominent prime locations situated at 771–775 Victoria Road.
The company has recently launched an iconic structure on the site known as Stellar Ryde, designed by award winning architects SJB.
Jennifer Loh, head – sales and marketing for CWG Development, comments: “CWG purchased the site in February this year and knew it had the potential to become something very special. Its central location in one of Sydney’s fastest growing areas has made it very appealing due to its accessibility to major shopping precincts, transport links and employment hubs including Epping, Eastwood, Macquarie Park and Sydney’s CBD.
“Stellar Ryde is located at the gateway to Ryde and will set a new benchmark for sophistication in Ryde. It represents the epitome of luxurious living in a green suburban metropolis. SJB has designed a striking bold structure and beautiful interiors, supported by leading engineers, builders and town planners to help bring CWG Development’s vision to life.”
CWG Development entered the Australian market in 2014, supported by its parent company CWG International Limited, which is listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, and ranked as one of the top 100 real estate development enterprises in China.
In a very short period of time the company has become one of the leading property developers in Australia, delivering residential apartments and mixed use developments across both Sydney and Brisbane. The project value is currently in excess of $1.1 billion with total sales exceeding $340 million. 
Loh added: “The company’s future is looking very bright in this great country. CWG Development will continue to expand its property portfolio and seek well located sites in growth suburbs like Ryde to develop quality projects that will enhance the communities where they are located.”
For further information visit <a href="https://www.stellarryde.com.au/" target="_blank">www.stellarryde.com.au</a> or the display suite at 819b Victoria Road, Ryde which is open daily from 11am to 4pm.
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CWG Development expands into Ryde

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For your next investment property, no doubt you’ll be researching different locations and property types. But which of these two factors is more important when it comes to property investing? 
Every major Australian city has hundreds of suburbs to research when buying an investment property. 
On top of that, there is a large range of property types to choose from: apartments and flats, villas and townhouses, stand-alone dwellings, development sites, vacant land etc. 
With so many options, it can be hard to figure out what to prioritise: should you focus on a property type and research to find the suburb that maximises returns for your chosen type, or do you research to find the best location and then decide on the best property type for that location? 
The answer to that question is not straightforward and will depend on your property investment goals. For most investors, the end goal is to create substantial personal wealth. 
If wealth creation is the main objective, typically location trumps property type as the most important aspect to consider. However, that doesn’t mean type isn’t important. It means that the type to focus on will be a consequence of the location you’ve selected. After all, a location may only make a good investment if you hold the right property type in that location.
Let us illustrate this. Bart is an investor looking for capital growth, and as such, has focused on location over property type. He found a location that ticks all the boxes, and is now deciding between two types available on the market: an older, stand-alone dwelling on a large block with development potential or a brand new apartment in one of the many apartment complexes that are popping up everywhere in the suburb.   
Generally, the house on the large block of land would make the better investment thanks to its large land component, which will continue to appreciate more and more as land becomes scarcer. If Bart selects the apartment, he would have to deal with increasing competition for this type in the area, which means he’d be competing with other apartments for tenants resulting in lower rentals returns. Further to that, the continued construction of new apartments will mean that there is always a large supply of similar stock on the market, which puts downwards pressure on his apartment’s value. 
If, on the other hand, Bart’s risk appetite was low and he was financially more constrained, he would have prioritised finding a neutral or positive cash-flow property and might have focused on a different type in a different location all together.
The main thing to take away from this is that when evaluating your chosen location and property type, you must always take into consideration your unique circumstances, which will entail your financial capacity, risk tolerance and life circumstances.
For more insight into the do’s and don’ts of property research, download your free copy of our latest ebook: <a href="https://wvw.momentumwealth.com.au/ResearchEbook?utm_source=Property+Observer&amp;utm_medium=Ebook&amp;utm_campaign=Ebooks" target="_blank">”How to find investment-grade properties using professional research principles”. </a>
<a href="https://wvw.momentumwealth.com.au/ResearchEbook?utm_source=Property+Observer&amp;utm_medium=Ebook&amp;utm_campaign=Ebooks" target="_blank"> </a>
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Location Vs property type – which is more important?

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<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">
One of the main challenges in the landlord-tenant relationship comes from the asymmetry of information.
Rental history can be unreliable and limited. There is also minimal risk to a tenant’s reputation if they misbehave in a tenancy.
At the same time, Airbnb hosts accept guests with ease, and those guests most often leave the property in mint condition? Why is that, and how can it be replicated in the traditional long- term rental industry? 
Review systems like Airbnb serve two purposes. One focuses on the past, and one on the future. 
1. The past: Reviews help landlords select trustworthy guests, and filter out the bad guests. The references or reviews cannot be easily manipulated because they are transparent and have been explicitly written by other hosts in the past.
2. The future: The guests have a lot to lose if they don't behave well with the property. A bad review from the landlord could limit their ability to rent new homes in the future. 
<a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a> is helping Australian landlords use reputation reviews from Airbnb, eBay, Uber, LinkedIn and many others to the complement tenancy applications. This gives landlords much more accurate information about the trustworthiness of the tenant and their previous behaviors.
A TrustScore is generated for the tenant to use now and in the future. This creates a fundamentally different incentive for tenants to behave well in the property, since bad behavior will affect their Trustbond TrustScore in the future.
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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