Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

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>
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Ellen Walker

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

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Sydney style couple Patrick and Tamsin Johnson are out looking for their next project, having sold their Tamarama semi (above) midweek for $5.65m post-auction.
They were underbidders on a Vaucluse offering that fetched $7.2m through Sotheby’s last weekend (below).
<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/2020/8/24/vaucluse.jpg" alt="">
The Johnsons paid $3.85m for their unrenovated Tamarama home in 2016, then installed decking and a pool.
The tailor to Sydney’s well-dressed business types, and his interior ­designer wife, sold their Yarranabbe Rd, Darling Point, apartment for $1.755m in 2018.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Patrick and Tamsin Johnson sell Tamarama home

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There’s no denying that the decision of where to live is arguably one of the most important decisions anybody will make in their lifetime. You’re choosing the place you’ll call home and emotions can and will run wild given the significant financial investment involved.

In this day and age, to make things interesting, you can shake up an already difficult and stressful process with a healthy dose of ambiguity by buying a property off-the-plan.

At its core, buying off-the-plan is a process underpinned by a promise made by the developer that a home will exist in alignment with expectation. To inform and manage this expectation, the developer will deploy an elaborate sales campaign that seeks to communicate the look, space and feel of the development project upon its completion. Typically, the physical nuts and bolts of such a campaign include a display suite, a mountain of brochures, colour-swatches, floorplans etc.; with the goal being to paint a good enough picture that you like what you see and are confident enough in its delivery to purchase.

However, the reality is that this approach is inherently fragmented.

E.g. The display suite may only show what the kitchen and living room of your apartment will look like. The colour-swatches don’t really look like anything when you hold them against a surface. You don’t understand the floorplan, nor can you visualise what it represents.

You just don’t see the entire, final picture (and you can’t - because it doesn’t exist yet).

Fortunately, this is why we have architectural visualisation or ‘ArchViz’.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/ffae7839-3.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/ffae7839-3.jpg?itok=n3EAUQi8" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>ArchViz, as put by Jeff Mottle, CEO and Founder of CGarchitect, “is using some form of computer-generated visualisation to depict architecture”. In the off-the-plan sale, ArchViz is critical as it allows a glimpse into the future to see how the final product will come together, in its entirety. The most common form of ArchViz are CGIs (computer-generated-images). These are the polished images you typically see on project websites, brochures and within the display suite and they represent the bottom line of ArchViz in any off-the-plan campaign. Now CGIs are great, however, they only scratch the surface, representing a window into a wider, virtual world.

Through the power of interactive Realtime3D* technologies, ArchViz studios can now bring a future property to life as a living, breathing, virtual space that you can visit. For example, with Virtual Reality you can literally walk right through the front door of your future home and freely customise colours, materials, furniture and layout, allowing you to see and genuinely understand what you are buying in full.

It doesn’t stop there either - 360° web tours allow you to access, explore and share your future home from the palm of your hands via smartphone. Interactive 3D floor plans allow you to dissect a development floor-by-floor and understand the interplay of context, space and layout. Deeper, more engaging video animation tells stories, transporting you to the heart and inspiration of a development.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/desktop_screenshot_2019.07.04_-_11.04.47.87_-_copy.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Image supplied."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="352" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/desktop_screenshot_2019.07.04_-_11.04.47.87_-_copy.png?itok=sGjx5yXl" title="Image supplied." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Image supplied.</figcaption></figure>The fact of the matter is it’s hard to buy something that doesn’t exist, but it doesn’t have to be. An off-the-plan purchase has customarily been, in part, a stab in the dark. You’re laying down a lot of money and purchasing a property that you're pretty sure is going to be the place you call home. Well now, you can not only see your future home - you can visit it, explore it, experience it, and make a purchase decision you can be sure about.

These Realtime3D technologies are readily available to developers and as the homebuyer, you deserve to be well-informed and confident in what you are purchasing. So when buying off-the-plan consider developments that are utilising these technologies to better inform your decision-making and alleviate the ambiguity when shopping for your future home off-the-plan.
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Seeing is believing: The technology changing the way we buy off-the-plan

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F45 founder Rob Deutsch has bought himself a weekender in the Southern Highlands.
He's spent $4.8 million on the Burradoo trophy home Patchway, which had been for sale for nearly two years before Deutsche secured the keys to the 1930s home.
It had been owned by Ed Blackadder, the former managing director of merchant bank Hombres, and wife Elaine since 2014. They paid $4,175,000.
They bought it from the Wilson steel fabrication family. The Wilsons bought Patchway for $3.03 million in 2002 and carried out a seven-month renovation of the house. 
Inspired by classic English Georgian manor house architecture, Patchway dates back the 1930s when set on 20 acres. 
It now sits in prize-winning gardens of rhododendrons and azaleas on its 8900 sqm block. 
Built by the Eric Pratten, it was later owned by Neil and Beverley Cottee and then by Dan and Toni Regan.
<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/2020/8/14/burradoo%202.jpg" alt="">
The home has five bedrooms, a study and a stone paved north facing conservatory which opens to the outdoor entertaining terraces.
There's a grand entrance gallery with a distinctive cantilevered staircase which leads to three of the bedrooms, including the master suite that has its own dressing area, bathroom and private balcony.
<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/2020/8/14/burradoo%203.jpg" alt="">
The garden estate Lowenbrau which sold for $5.6 million in 2005 holds the Burradoo price record.
Deutsch has given up looking for a buyer for his lavish Bronte home. He paid $11.2 million for the home in 2018 and renovated, replacing the guest bedroom in the garage with an opulent cocktail bar.
Deutsch, a former equities trader, founded F45 in 2013 with personal trainer Luke Istomin.
 
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F45 founder Rob Deutsch buys Burradoo's Patchway

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Farmer confidence levels are remaining relatively high, even though the rest of the economy is feeling the effects of Covid related uncertainty, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
There are still some rural sales occurring, and there does not appear to be any initial signs of any reduction in value.
However, agents are reporting that the tighter border restrictions are limiting the ability of corporate buyers to inspect and do their due diligence. While the internet can provide a good overall sense of a property, buyers still want to ‘kick the dirt’. We are aware of at least one case where this inability to cross borders is holding up a sale negotiation.
This restriction is exacerbated when international buyers are involved, and it is currently difficult to see how any international travel will be possible in the next 18 months. Meanwhile the reduction in the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) threshold down to $0 caught many by surprise.
There is a significant cost and also time delays involved with navigating FIRB requirements, and this cost becomes more significant as the property value reduces. We are also aware of a one case where the change has delayed a sale.
Whilst we are aware of a number of sales which have been negotiated in the ‘Covid-19’ period across a number of industries, we are not at liberty to disclose finite details as yet until such sales are finalised and settled.
A table grape sale in the Robinvale area, a small citrus orchard in the Nangiloc area and a dried fruit property within the Mildura Irrigation area suggest that value levels have remained firm at pre-Covid levels.
We are also aware of a large dryland cropping holding which has transacted (not settled) to the north-east of Mildura in New south Wales which will show levels slightly firmer than pre-Covid values.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Sales suggest values remain at pre-coronavirus levels in Mildura: HTW

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Skyfall, a hobby farm set on over 100ha in the O'Connell region of NSW has been sold for $900,000.
It was sold by James Walton and Greg Ryan of First National Real Estate - Bowyer &amp; Livermore. 
Positioned in its own private valley, Skyfall at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-livestock-nsw-o%27connell-700068778" target="_blank">333 Bosworth Falls Road </a>features unsurpassed views across the district. 
<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/2020/8/10/OCONNELL%203.jpg" alt="">
It comes with mixture of pastures, three paddocks, apple cider trees dam and seasonal creek.
The incomplete homestead comprises three bedrooms, two bathrooms and kitchen. 
The property is situated just 26km to Bathurst, 34km to Oberon and 190km to Sydney CBD.
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$900,000 sale on O'Connell hobby farm Skyfall

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New Moore Park contractor John Holland has laid its first concrete slabs at the Sydney stadium.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said development hasn't stopped during COVID, providing job security for workers, boosting NSW's COVID-19 recovery and ensuring the project remains on schedule.
"The Sydney Football Stadium project is investing in local companies during the pandemic with a Western Sydney business providing the concrete for today's pour," Mr Lee said.
"This is another exciting milestone setting the foundations for the stadium to start rising from the ground."
To complete the stadium, a further 40,000 cubic meters of concrete will need to be poured – That's the equivalent of 16 Olympic swimming pools.
Over the next two years, the Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment will reportedly create over 800 jobs and inject hundreds of millions into the NSW economy through the procurement of construction materials and labour.
"Our stage two contractor John Holland has already safely logged over 140,000 hours by workers on site since the beginning of the outbreak and there has been an average of 180 workers on site in July alone," Mr Lee said.
"We have extended hours on weekends to enable work to continue safely with social distancing, no job losses or reduced hours for employees."
The stadium is expected to host the 2022 NRL Grand Final, with the state government saying that this timeline is ontrack.
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Sydney's Moore Park see's first concrete slabs laid

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Australasia is the strongest performing world region for luxury residential property price growth in the year to Q2 2020, with the Gold Coast the best performing city in the region, according to the results of the Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index Q2 2020.
The Prime Global Cities Index, which tracks the movement in prime residential prices in local currency across 45 cities worldwide, found five Australian cities – the Gold Coast, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne - were ranked in the top 24 for luxury residential market performance over the past year, with one making the top 10.
The Gold Coast was the top ranked city in Australia – and Australasia – coming in at number 10 on the list of global cities with 3.4 per cent annual growth.
It was followed by Sydney (ranked 11) and Perth (12), both of which recorded annual growth of 3 per cent. Brisbane was ranked 16 (2.5 per cent) and Melbourne was ranked 24 (1.2 per cent).
Positive growth was recorded for the Gold Coast (1.2 per cent), Sydney (0.3 per cent), Perth (2.3 per cent) and Brisbane (0.3 per cent) over the past quarter. Melbourne was the only city to record negative growth of -1.0 per cent over the past three months.
Knight Frank’s Head of Residential Research Australia Michelle Ciesielski said this was the first opportunity Knight Frank had had to take the pulse of prime residential markets globally since the COVID-19 pandemic hit large parts of Europe and the Americas.
“Globally, the Prime Global Cities Index has reached its lowest rate of annual growth since the last quarter of 2009, when the world was in the grip of the global financial crisis,” she said.
“Prices increased by 0.9 per cent on average in the year to June 2020, down from 2.3 per cent in March.
“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in the June quarter, 67 per cent of global cities registered flat or positive prime annual price growth.
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“Knight Frank’s analysis by world region shows prime prices in Australasia and North America were the most resilient in the second quarter of 2020, with Australasia the strongest performing world region in the year to Q2 2020.
“The relatively strong performance of Australian cities was a result of the shallow number of listings, keeping property prices firm, and by global comparison we have largely escaped the major impact of COVID-19.”
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Knight Frank National Head of Residential Shayne Harris said demand for luxury property in Australia was likely to continue and potentially grow, with ultra-high-net-worths looking to buy more spacious homes.
“In cities such as Sydney we are seeing more demand for higher-value properties such as large detached homes or generously-sized apartments, which is supporting prime residential values,” he said.
“During the pandemic we’ve seen the ultra-wealthy make their next residential property purchase decisions based on liveability, so places like South-East Queensland will become more attractive in a post-COVID world.
“It is unlikely we will see significant volumes of distressed prime sales as we saw in 2008, during the global financial crisis.
“Lending criteria is tighter, new supply is constrained in several cities, interest rates are low and there is currently assistance on offer from both lenders and governments.”
<div class="page" title="Page 3">
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<div class="column">
The top performing city in Knight Frank’s Prime Global Cities Index was Manila, with annual luxury residential price growth of 14.4 per cent, followed by Tokyo (8.6 per cent) and Stockholm (4.4 per cent).
“Manila, Tokyo and Seoul are Asia’s top performers year-on-year, with Stockholm, Geneva and Paris leading Europe’s rankings,” said Ms Ciesielski. “However, five of these six cities registered flat or falling prime prices in the three months to June.
“We expect the index to display muted growth in the second half of 2020 before recovering in 2021.”
Australian cities – ranked by annual per cent change (Q2 2019 – Q2 2020) 
</div>
</div>
<table style="height: 200px; width: 353px;">
<colgroup>
<col>
<col>
<col>
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
CITY
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/0d8ce672-eb01-4f80-b586-c2cf63e3d2e6" alt="page3image3718272" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">RANK</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
12-MONTH CHANGE (%)
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/59c4dd41-f00c-416e-9afa-c2051a31ee0a" alt="page3image3719520" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/7668e0f5-d767-43a8-80da-e22b43e6bb04" alt="page3image5104384" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">3-MONTH CHANGE (%)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Gold Coast
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/a7e2dafc-4cbc-4371-84dc-5bdd7bf781fa" alt="page3image3722016" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
10
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
3.4
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/c2f55b0b-7606-4726-8566-d0ba3159a05c" alt="page3image3722848" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> 1.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Sydney
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/3b34f86c-b8f4-498d-9934-2bca4d79d254" alt="page3image3725344" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
11
</div>
</div>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/e7d1d694-e2eb-47aa-b3f9-700546701c92" alt="page3image3726384" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
3.0
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/6660ae26-8164-41d7-a18d-b6304289f105" alt="page3image3727008" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> 0.3<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/484cd0c8-dc25-4f8d-8706-76fbe0d6ccc0" alt="page3image3728048" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/ae3f7e06-f840-4987-9e17-fe48d7da4520" alt="page3image3728464" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Perth
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
12
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
3.0
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
2.3
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Brisbane
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/bcd57dcc-b8d4-4bcf-ac94-4e23677a1e01" alt="page3image3730752" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
16
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
2.5
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/9df2bf5d-7da5-4cd7-ad0a-fb3587f1fbf0" alt="page3image3731584" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/0324fecc-a454-4f46-898c-f6fb502056f1" alt="page3image3732000" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">0.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Melbourne
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/4b7ce401-414a-40db-8a3d-ee93e1bb32bd" alt="page3image3734288" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
24
</div>
</div>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/68fd0368-cccf-4a2c-b580-76dea4e47ef9" alt="page3image3735328" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">
</td>
<td>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
1.2
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td>
<img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/9300df5f-ed10-4dd9-9673-a21dc7894c87" alt="page3image3735952" width="0.480000" height="0.480000"> <img src="blob:https://www.urban.com.au/217d7084-727d-4569-ab40-6a9724154283" alt="page3image3736368" width="0.480000" height="0.480000">-1.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: Knight Frank Prime Global Cities index Q2 2020 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth top ranked cities in Australia for luxury residential price growth

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The Agency has partnered with real estate coach Claudio Encina, who will reportedly be providing a tailored and on-call coaching service to company's east coast team. “I have known Claudio Encina for close to 40 years, both professionally and personally, he is an outstanding coach who genuinely cares about the welfare and success of the agents he is coaching. He individualises his service to every agent, there is nothing cookie cutter about Claudio’s approach,” Matt Lahood, The Agency’s CEO explains.
“No one can downplay the challenges everyone has experienced through this pandemic and we all need a support network. I will be back working closely with our agents providing guidance and mentorship and I am thrilled I will have Claudio Encina by my side working so closely with our agents also.” Claudio Encina has been coaching agents for more than ten years, and has been in the industy for 25 years.
“My first step with The Agency is to work closely with the agents on creating a strong position in the post-Covid market. At first it was about pivoting and quickly adapting to the necessary changes Covid required, but now we need to shift the needle on their businesses,” Claudio Encina says. “This includes the 12-week sprint to spring and strategic planning around the five critical drivers within an agent’s business.” 
According to Claudio Encina, agents can sure up their business’s future with a pro-active project management approach addressing the five critical drivers.
He describes these critical drivers as: lead generation; nurture (client ecosystems); conversion; vendor expectations and buyer management.  “I am honoured to work with The Agency and alongside Matt Lahood who I have known for 40 years. It is a prestigious brand with an impressive stable of agents. I am looking forward to providing support and proactively helping the agents grow and flourish professionally and personally,” Claudio Encina concluded.
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The Agency partners with real estate coach Claudio Encinas

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Kylie O'Connor has been promoted the lead role at AMP Capital's real estate division, and she will join the investment firm's leadership group.
Ms O'Connor is currently AMP Capital Real Estate's Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Separate Accounts.
She will replace Carmel Hourigan who is leaving the business.
As Head of Real Estate, Ms O'Connor will lead the team managing more than A$28 billion of commercial real estate on behalf of institutional and retail investors across equity and debt investment solutions.
This includes the management of AMP Capital's integrated fund, investment, development and property management platform, as well as its strategic global partnerships.
"Highly regarded by our clients, our team and within the industry, she's ready to lead the next phase of growth for our real estate business," said AMP Capital CEO, Boe Pahari.
"Kylie has a deep breadth of both commercial and real estate investment experience and will bring a strong focus on delivering investment outcomes for our clients. I also value her contribution to the wide and diverse views in the leadership group."
Ms O'Connor joined AMP Capital in 2015 as Fund Manager for AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund, before taking on the role of COO in 2018. She has 25 years' experience in property funds management and has been involved in the delivery of several large development projects on behalf of wholesale investors.
Prior to AMP Capital, she held a number of senior fund management, audit and advisory roles at Lendlease and Arthur Andersen.
"I'm pleased to be appointed to lead this first-class real estate business and join Boe's leadership team. With over 60 years' heritage in managing iconic real estate for local and global investors, we have an excellent foundation of depth of talent, premium assets and great client relationships on which to grow the business," Ms O'Connor said.
"While COVID 19 has created challenges for the industry, we're constantly engaging with tenants, customers and investors to find the right outcome, and I'm confident in our ability to deliver for our clients, our people and our shareholders."
Also announced Luke Briscoe will take on the role as Chief Operating Officer, Real Estate, reporting to Ms O'Connor, where he will oversee the operations of the business while seeking opportunities to enhance the real estate platform.
Mr Briscoe held the position of Managing Director, Office &amp; Logistics for the past five years and as Chief Operating Officer will also lead its circa $10 billion separate accounts business. Ms O'Connor will report to Boe Pahari and join AMP Capital's leadership group effective immediately.
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Kylie O'Connor to lead AMP Capital's real estate division

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Consumer advocate, RateCity.com.au, believes COVID-affected customers should not have to pay a higher rate if they can only afford to make interest-only repayments on their home loan when their six-month deferral ends.
From September, homeowners on a deferral who can’t resume their repayments can potentially extend the pause by an extra four months or switch to interest-only repayments.
Moving to interest-only can be a good halfway measure, as the repayments are significantly lower than normal. However, Australia’s three largest banks have confirmed these COVID- affected customers are likely to be charged a premium for moving on to this loan type, although they will review on a case-by-case basis.
Sally Tindall, research director at RateCity.com.au said, “The banks have been told by ASIC to be fair and flexible in their negotiations, and to help people stay in their home, if it’s in their best interests.”
“Yet some banks are planning on charging COVID-affected customers a higher rate if they switch to interest-only repayments,” she said.
“These customers should be getting a rate cut, not a rate hike. Asking people to pay more interest when they are in financial distress doesn’t seem fair or reasonable."
“Some of these people, through no fault of their own, have had their livelihood striped from them. They don’t know when they’ll be back on their feet again and they are stressed and scared."
“They need genuine help from the banks, not a bigger interest bill," she concluded.
Potential options if you can’t pay your mortgage: 
<ul type="disc">
<li>Use money in your offset or redraw, if available.</li>
<li>Switch to interest-only repayments. While this could increase your rate and the overall interest bill, paying something is better than nothing.</li>
<li>Ask your bank for a loan deferral, or if you are already on one, an extension.</li>
<li>Sell or rent the property.</li>
</ul>
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