Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

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?

Boutique developer MADE Property is doubling down in the Prime Minister's neighbourhood.

Fresh off the back of launching <a href="/new-apartments/kirribilli-harbour-75-kirribilli-avenue-kirribilli">Kirribilli Harbour</a>, nine luxury apartments on Kirribilli Avenue, <a href="/developers/made-property-group">MADE</a>, led by Davin Finn, is planning their next development.

They're seeking to develop 19 two and three-bedroom apartments at <a href="/new-apartments/carabella-22-24-carabella-street-kirribilli-nsw-2061">22-24 Carabella Street</a>. It's a slightly different location from Kirribilli Harbour, more Jacaranda streetscapes than Harbour views.

<img alt="Kirribilli Made Property" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e32e2cb3-ef33-48e6-8dc9-21d1436d78ed" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Kirribili%20Made%20Property.png?VersionId=esGROOa7jYjnKZ7O.e1bMYFTucfiBidZ" />

The amalgamated 1,964 sqm site, that already has approval for 26 apartments from a 2021 application, is currently occupied by a block of six apartments at 24 Carabella, which is of neutral heritage significance, and a non-heritage block of apartments at 22 Carabella.

The proposal by SJB Architects retains the existing red-brick facade at 24, while demolishing number 22. The development will be split into&nbsp;two four-level buildings - separated by a central landscaped corridor that enhances permeability and greenery on the site.

“The landscape strategy is to retain the street trees of Jacarandas, Brisbane Box and Crepe Myrtles species, providing a landscaped outlook for the residents, while also masking the bulk of the proposed building form," SJB noted in the application to the North Sydney Council.

<img alt="Kirribili Made Property Peet St facade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="370b5953-f261-4e69-9620-61d766b8696a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Kirribili%20Made%20Property%20peet.png?VersionId=5cHsEJDdu6CJRSHEsF7kqzOURA5rbx3w" />

MADE recently launched Kirribilli Harbour, a similar-style project with a restoartion of an inter-war building, one of the first ever built in Kirribilli, complemented by a new five-level building next door that will home&nbsp;a communal gym, wine room, and five of the nine apartments.

MADE is currently delivering <a href="/new-apartments/corsa-mortlake-140-tennyson-road-mortlake">Corsa Mortlake</a>,&nbsp;on one of&nbsp;<a href="/new-apartments/mortlake-nsw-2137">Mortlake</a>&nbsp;Point's last remaining foreshore development sites and the last significant parcel of land at the end of Tennyson Road. That will comprise just 20 three-bedroom residences and a private marina berth.

Last year the developer completed Crenelle in Neutral Bay.

First look: MADE Property doubles down in Kirribilli new apartment market

Brisbane-based developer<a href="/developers/spyre-group"> Spyre Group</a> is well-known in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast for creating some of the best new apartment projects in recent years, predominantly servicing the owner-occupier and downsizer market.

Their move into Melbourne came as a surprise to many, but the style of development did not, nor its location.

They chose Hampton, in Melbourne's affluent Bayside area, for their first development in the Victoria capital, <a href="/new-apartments/hampton-ltd-36-deakin-street-n-hampton-vic-3188">Hampton Ltd</a>, just 20 apartments and three townhouses&nbsp;on the corner of Thomas Street and Deakin Street North.

Spyre Managing Director Daniel Laruccia said <a href="/interior-designers/studio-brent-lee">Hampton</a>’s combination of bayside location and community feel made it a natural fit for Spyre’s design-led approach.

“In our pursuit to offer an unmatched living experience for those who desire the extraordinary, we discovered Hampton is the ideal canvas to bring this vision to life - a prime bayside location brimming with untapped potential," Laruccia said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134801 project_image_fid=220067]

The trio of buildings that make up Hampton Ltd have been designed with an individual character, a deliberate move to provide residents with a more personal living experience.

Rather than a single monolithic structure, Hampton Ltd’s configuration promotes a stronger sense of address and individuality for each home, while also allowing&nbsp;for larger setbacks and outdoor spaces compared to typical multi-residential projects in the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134801 project_image_fid=346337]

There are two and three-bedroom apartments on offer, as well as three two-level&nbsp;townhomes, with layouts designed to maximise natural light and create generous internal proportions.

Architecture is by <a href="/architects/mld-studio">MLD Studio</a>, while <a href="/interior-designers/studio-brent-lee">Studio Brent Lee</a> has handled the interiors which feature a considered palette of high-end finishes including natural stone benchtops, wool carpets and timber-look joinery.

Kitchens have been designed as central living spaces, anchored by sculptural marble island benches, while master suites offer extensive walk-in robes and abundant natural light.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134801 project_image_fid=346335]

Hampton Ltd is ideally located in Hampton, offering proximity to the beach, as well as convenient access to Hampton Street’s retail and dining precinct and the wider Bayside lifestyle amenity including Brighton's popular Church Street retail strip.

The project, which is already under construction through&nbsp;<a href="/builders/abewolf">AbeWolf</a>,&nbsp;is proving to be popular with both local downsizers and rightsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134801 project_image_fid=220070]

Spyre Group is well known for its high-end&nbsp;residential developments across Queensland, including record-setting projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

“With more than $800 million of luxury developments,&nbsp;Spyre&nbsp;has identified a genuine demand in the market for aspirational properties that inspire through their design and innovation,’’ Laruccia added.

Spyre’s Moray House development on the New Farm reach of the Brisbane River broke the record for Brisbane’s most expensive apartment sale in 2023 when its two-level, 800 sqm penthouse sold off the plan for $15.75 million.&nbsp;

In March last year, the penthouse of&nbsp;Spyre’s Glasshouse development at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast sold for $24 million, giving it the title of Queensland’s most expensive off the plan penthouse.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134801]

Spyre Managing Director Daniel Laruccia said Hampton’s combination of bayside location and community feel made it a natural fit for Spyre’s design-led approach.

Spyre Group brings successful Queensland blueprint to Melbourne with Hampton Ltd

Prominent Melbourne apartment developer Milieu is back in Brunswick for its latest project, Saxon Street by Milieu.

Milieu has matched its design-first ethos with a prime location that will put future Saxon Street residents in the heart of Brunswick’s growing cultural hub, adjacent to the Brunswick Baths and library, and neighbouring the new Balam Balam Place arts precinct—part of a broader vision by Merri-bek Council to reshape the area into a cultural and community destination.

<a href="/new-apartments/saxon-street-by-milieu-brunswick">Saxon Street by Milieu</a>, which will be the developer’s fifth project in Brunswick and will replace the former Brosnan Centre, will comprise one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from $575k. <a href="/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working in collaboration with architecture firm Jackson Clements Burrows, interior designer DesignOffice, and landscape architect Oculus.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348841]

The nine-level building, which received more letters of support than objections during the planning process, has been designed to respond to both the fine grain of the surrounding streetscape and the cultural institutions that define this part of Brunswick. The lower levels follow the street line, while the upper storeys step back, softening the scale and improving solar access. Curved balconies and detailing reference the neighbouring heritage architecture, while materials and finishes adopt a restrained, urban palette.

Floorplans are oriented around flexible living, with interiors favouring open layouts and high solar access. In line with Milieu’s development pillar of Sustainability as Standard, the average energy rating across the building is 7.5 stars under NatHERS,&nbsp; all homes will be powered by an all-electric infrastructure supported by solar PV systems and the building is EV Charging ready.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=10]

Shared spaces will include a landscaped communal rooftop with barbecues and two covered dining spaces, designed to encourage passive social interaction and support more sustainable lifestyles.

Brunswick’s Major Activity Centre designation has attracted steady development interest in recent years, and Saxon Street sits squarely within its most active precinct. Balam Balam Place, adjacent to the site, will further anchor the area’s transformation into a civic and cultural cluster, alongside the library, baths, and town hall.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348840]

Milieu, founded in 2010 with 24 completed projects and led by Michael McCormack and Shannon Peach, said the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct continues to evolve, fostering the arts and promoting health and wellness throughout the area.

Saxon Street is one of three developments Milieu is currently progressing. They will complete <a href="/new-apartments/plant-street-by-milieu-malvern-1-plant-street-malvern">Plant Street Malvern</a> later this year, and are soon to begin construction on <a href="/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, their nature-based neighbourhood in Elsternwick.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136434]

Milieu, founded in 2010 and led by Michael McCormack and Shannon Peach, said the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct continues to evolve, fostering the arts and promoting health and wellness throughout the area.

Saxon Street by Milieu to bring new housing and urban design to Brunswick’s cultural core

Melbourne’s largest urban renewal project, the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct (FBIP), has reached a major milestone, with construction now underway to transform the former GM Holden site into a world-leading hub for advanced manufacturing, engineering, and design.

<h2>What Is the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct?</h2>

Backed by the Allan Labor Government, the FBIP is a cornerstone of the broader Fishermans Bend redevelopment, covering 480 hectares across the City of Melbourne and the City of Port Phillip.&nbsp;

Once complete, the precinct is expected to support up to 80,000 residents and 80,000 workers by 2050.

<h2>Stage 1: Infrastructure That Unlocks Jobs and Investment</h2>

The newly appointed Winslow Infrastructure Pty Ltd will deliver the first stage of the development, establishing a vital east-west road link between Salmon Street and Todd Road. This connection will unlock development-ready lots and attract significant industry investment to the precinct.

Alongside new transport links, Stage 1 will deliver a public park and foundational infrastructure to support a world-class ecosystem for design, manufacturing, and research.&nbsp;

Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts, Harriet Shing, said, “We’re delivering a well-connected and carefully planned precinct at Fishermans Bend, with connections to roads and new public spaces that will be incredibly important as development continues.”

<img alt="Fishermens" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2e9d6ef-ac18-43d6-bdee-8af6449d6718" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-19%20at%2010.19.58%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gR1Mf5hyDq5GWJctGhmG9laLJAwk9dmw" />

Smart infrastructure will play a key role in the FBIP’s future. OneWifi has been appointed to install smart poles across the precinct, enabling enhanced 5G coverage, improved Wi-Fi access, and support for electric vehicle charging.&nbsp;

These smart features are part of a broader strategy to create a digitally connected and sustainable innovation precinct.

Central to the precinct’s innovation ecosystem will be the University of Melbourne’s new School of Engineering and Design, opening in 2026. This campus is set to become a linchpin for collaboration between students, researchers, and industry leaders, with a strong focus on applied knowledge and practical solutions.

“The University of Melbourne is excited about the potential opportunities Fishermans Bend will bring to connect students and researchers with industry partners,” said Katerina Kapobassis, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Melbourne.

To support the growth and accessibility of the precinct, the government is also investing in a major transport overhaul. Since 2022, more than 1,500 additional weekly bus services have been introduced to improve frequency and coverage.&nbsp;

Planning is also underway for a dedicated tram connection, and the government has endorsed a preferred route for a future rail tunnel through Fishermans Bend and Docklands. These developments provide long-term certainty for landowners, developers, and future residents, helping ensure that the precinct is well integrated into Melbourne’s broader transport network.

<h2>Why It Matters</h2>

The Victorian Government is investing nearly $180 million to kickstart the FBIP, accelerating the creation of a world-class hub for advanced manufacturing and engineering right on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD.

“The Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct will attract the world’s brightest minds in advanced manufacturing and engineering,” said Nina Taylor, Member for Albert Park.

Once complete, the precinct is expected to support up to 80,000 residents and 80,000 workers by 2050.

Construction begins at Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct

GURNER Group and Qualitas have officially submitted plans for the third and final stage of its landmark $3.75 billion Jam Factory transformation - set to deliver a new precinct anchored by a new Village Cinemas flagship and a public piazza.

The latest submission marks an evolution of the site’s masterplan, replacing the previously approved “box-style” commercial tower fronting <a href="/new-apartments/500-chapel-street-south-yarra">Chapel Street</a> with a striking new architectural vision - sculptural ‘fluted’ towers that rise from the heritage façade.

The new development will have 800 ultra-premium residences with around 20,000 sqm of luxury retail, commercial, and hospitality venues, alongside two soon-to-be-announced world-renowned hotel brands.

<img alt="Jam" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ba0a36f-995d-4fc5-b28a-e85c5412ad13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-19%20at%208.52.14%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=LLpTIB6dcgyJ8I.DdaxqJrdmzu5DKZXi" />

The final Stage of The Jam Factory will seek to bring to life a vibrant, multi-sensory destination with the Stage Three amendments proposing:

• ‘Lovers Walk’, a curated retail and dining laneway pulsing through the precinct, lined with luxury brands and curated hospitality offerings of Melbourne’s best eateries, venues and bars

• A fully reimagined Village Cinemas experience that will help restore the Jam Factory’s legacy as the heartbeat of Chapel Street’s golden era - where movie premieres, fashion, and culture collided.

• Major upgrades to the public realm, with increased building setbacks and 10% more sunlight across the precinct’s open-air spaces, enhancing its role as a central gathering point for the community

• The revitalisation of Garden Street, transforming a forgotten laneway into a key arrival point through new architectural treatments and improved site flow to create an engaging new façade for the precinct

• Previous building with a series of sophisticated ‘fluted’ forms, conceptualised by Skidmore, Owings &amp; Merril (SOM)

• Restoration of the heritage façade along Chapel Street and reconstruction of the heritage chimney acting as a centrepiece of the central piazza

Once complete the precinct will feature:

• 800 ultra-luxury residences across five buildings

• A world-class cinema experience by Village Cinemas

• An expanded public piazza surrounded by food, fashion, and lifestyle

• A curated retail precinct with both established and new - local and international brands -filling the missing link between Collins Street and Chadstone Shopping Centre.

• A commercial tower offering state-of-the-art workspaces enabling businesses to take full advantage of being located adjacent to the new world-class precinct.

<img alt="Jam Factory" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="442c6d14-9dab-4fcb-ab84-0f5b55ece121" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-05-19%20at%208.52.20%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=EZ2TYacB5YjgVDQQFMBwn0xJSsghFT4d" />

Originally built in 1858, the Jam Factory has seen over 160 years of evolution - from brewery, to jam production hub, to retail icon.

Demolition is already underway led by Mann Group. Once complete the entire Jam Factory site will be 20,000 sqm, or equivalent to the size of the MCG, and will re-establish the site as a globally significant lifestyle and cultural destination.

"This incredible creation marks the most significant chapter in our brand’s evolution, as we transform an Australian icon into a new benchmark in global luxury," said Tim Gurner, Founder and Executive Chairman of GURNER Group.

“Our vision is to restore Chapel Street and South Yarra to its former glory as a hub of culture, fashion, and luxury, and bring global relevance back to one of Melbourne’s most important suburbs.

“It’s been a privilege to work closely with Village Cinemas on their new landmark complex; the Village Roadshow team is so genuinely passionate about the Jam Factory and restoring it’s status as Melbourne’s most iconic entertainment precinct.”

Once complete the entire Jam Factory site will be 20,000 sqm, or equivalent to the size of the MCG, and will re-establish the site as a globally significant lifestyle and cultural destination.

Gurner reveals new plans for final Jam Factory stage

Sydney’s thriving western corridor is set for a fresh injection of well-connected apartments with the launch of North Village, the second stage of Tian An’s Auburn Square development.

Located just a short walk from Auburn Station and surrounded by local amenities, <a href="/new-apartments/north-village-auburn-square-35-northumberland-road-auburn-nsw-2144">North Village</a> will deliver 264 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments to the heart of the suburb, with prices starting from $525,000.

The project will rise from Northumberland Road, directly opposite the fully completed first stage of Auburn Square, which is already home to several ground-floor retail tenancies.

Adding to its appeal, North Village will feature convenient on-site amenities including a new Coles supermarket and a café on the ground level. The project also comes with the increasingly sought-after 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance—offering buyers protection against structural and waterproofing issues for a full decade after completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324852]

Designed by renowned architecture firm Rothelowman, North Village marks only their second residential project in the area, following the successful delivery of Auburn Square’s first stage. Rothelowman is known nationally for designing some of Australia’s most iconic apartment buildings.

Ray White Projects WS Managing Director Mark Bernberg says North Village appeals to a wide range of buyers.

“We are already seeing first home buyers and young professionals who see the price points as very attractive,” Bernberg says.

All one- and two-bedroom apartments are priced under $800,000, meaning eligible first home buyers won’t pay a cent in stamp duty.

“Large deposits and stamp duty costs are two of the biggest hurdles for first home buyers when wanting to buy their first home,” Bernberg says. “North Village has been priced so first home buyers don’t have to pay stamp duty, and will only pay a 10% deposit on exchange, with the rest not due until the building is completed 18 months from now.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324853]

Bernberg adds that the location is ideal for inner-city workers.

“Parramatta is just a few stops away by train, which is a three-minute walk from North Village, and the Sydney CBD is a direct 30-minute ride to Central Station. That’s appealing for anyone working in Sydney’s two biggest employment hubs.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324854]

Gold Star, iCirt-rated builder, Binah, has already cleared the site and is preparing to break ground, with a targeted completion date of Q4 2027. The development will also include smart home tech-enabled apartments and shared resident amenities such as a gym, cinema, and a landscaped rooftop garden

Tian An has increased the attractiveness of its offering by securing the in-demand 10-year Latent Defects Insurance from Resilience Insurance.&nbsp;

Read more: <a href="/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

Read more: <a href="/expert-insights/building/the-advantages-of-first-resort-strict-liability-latent-defects-insurance-for-off-the-plan-property-buyers">The advantages of first resort, strict liability, Latent Defects Insurance for off the plan property buyers</a>

Tian An LFD is one of Australia’s longest-standing listed property developers. Formerly known as Port Bouvard, it was listed on the ASX in 1985. Since then, it has grown into one of the country’s most successful residential developers, with projects across both the east and west coasts.

The company is backed by Hong Kong-listed Tian An China Investments Company, which has delivered over 1.7 million sqm of commercial and residential space in China since 2013.

North Village will officially launch to the market Saturday May 24, with the new display suite open between 10am-1pm at&nbsp;28 Northumberland Road, Auburn.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149184]

Tian An launches North Village, Auburn Square second stage

Yamba is one of those cherished holiday destinations that tugs at the heartstrings of every Australian who has visited. Nestled in the picturesque Clarence Valley, halfway between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, this coastal enclave has long captured the imagination of travellers.

There’s a romantic familiarity to Yamba — a nostalgic charm that draws people back. Many who holidayed here as children now return with their own families, often dreaming of retiring in the area or at least spending a significant part of their retirement soaking in its laid-back lifestyle.

Historically, Yamba's property market has catered primarily to families, with a strong bias toward standalone homes. Of the 2,800 dwellings in the town, over 75 per cent are separate houses. However, the modern downsizer is seeking something different — a low-maintenance lifestyle that doesn't sacrifice space or comfort. They want convenience and quality without the burden of maintaining large gardens or expansive homes.

&nbsp;

Recognising this shift, boutique Sydney developer <a href="/developers/cadmium-property-group">Cadmium Property</a> has stepped in to fill the gap. Known for their successful residential and commercial projects across some of Sydney’s most sought-after inner-ring suburbs, Cadmium has now launched <a href="/new-townhouses/the-grove-yamba-1-mulgi-street-yamba-nsw-2464">The Grove</a> — a limited collection of just 14 architecturally designed townhouses on Mulgi Street, adjacent to the Yamba Golf &amp; Country Club and just a short stroll from the heart of town.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147746 project_image_fid=350595]

Designed by BDA Architecture, with interiors curated by Your Home Designs, The Grove blends sophisticated coastal living with practicality. The townhouses feature high-quality finishes and a calming neutral palette that mirrors the surrounding natural landscape. Each residence includes three spacious bedrooms and open-plan living areas that flow effortlessly into private outdoor zones. Select homes will even boast their own plunge pools — perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach or golf course.

As an optional add-on, Cadmium is offering internal lifts in each townhouse, connecting the two levels from the private garages — future-proofing the homes for generations to come.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147746 project_image_fid=350599]

<a href="/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Gold Coast</a> Head of Projects, Caitlin Rosenboom, says interest in The Grove is split between two types of owner-occupiers.

“There are the locals, who haven’t seen any development like this in their town before,” Rosenboom says. “Buying something before it’s built isn’t something locals here are familiar with. There’s a education piece involved in the buying process — a process that off the plan buyers in major capital cities have already been through.”

Rosenboom says there’s another cohort of owner-occupiers who are part investors.&nbsp;

“They’re planning to holiday-let the townhomes once they’re completed, while also using them for family getaways during school holidays. The returns are exceptionally good for those looking to rent them out short-term.”

Rosenboom adds that while some coastal communities in northern New South Wales have been overrun with tourists, traffic, and transient visitors, Yamba has retained its village and community charm.

“It feels like Byron Bay was 10 years ago,” Rosenboom says. “There’s been some gentrification and investment, but not too long ago this was a sleepy beachside town with just a local fish and chip shop. Now there are fresh food markets every week and a growing café and hospitality scene.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147746 project_image_fid=350597]

The Grove townhouses will be located just a short walk from the town centre, passing the Bowlo Sports &amp; Leisure and the Yamba Golf and Country Club.

Verdecon has been appointed as the builder for The Grove, with construction set to commence imminently.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147746]

While some coastal communities in northern New South Wales have been overrun with tourists, Yamba has retained its village and community charm

The lure of Yamba: The holiday destination people want to live

In today’s competitive apartment market, especially in inner-city precincts, developers are being pushed to think far beyond square metre rates and finishes.

Residents now expect their homes to support every part of their day — from Zoom meetings and fitness routines to rooftop entertaining and mindfulness breaks. This shift has turned modern apartment buildings into vertical communities, complete with shared spaces that blend work, leisure, and wellbeing.

While the level of amenity within a building has increased dramatically over recent years, developer <a href="/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> has been providing a heightened level of amenity for years. The developer boasts 14 towers delivered in Melbourne alone, as well as the likes of the recently completed of the recently completed Queens Wharf Residences in Brisbane and Perth Hub in Perth, to name just a few.

Far East Consortium recently launched <a href="/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke</a>, in the heart of Melbourne CBD at the western end of Bourke Street, with all of the bells and whistles new apartment owners want in their building. They have carved out over 3,000 sqm of private resident facilities throughout the 68-level, Rothelowman-designed tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335427]

Jessica Campbell, Director of Projects Victoria at YPM Avanti who is overseeing the sales campaign, says Far East Consortium are “pioneers of amenity spaces.”

“One thing Far East Consortium has done is delivered exceptional amenity over many many years,” Campbell says.

“Having the experience of knowing what residents want, they’ve delivered over an acre of space just around the corner at Upper West Side, and then more recently at West Side Place. They have hands down delivered the best quality amenities within Melbourne, and I would go as far as to say Victoria and even Australia.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335409]

Campbell says there’s no doubt there will be something for everyone in the shared spaces at 640 Bourke. Future residents will have private access to a luxury wellness centre with a carefully designed swimming pool and gym space.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang says the team wanted to make the gym and the pool area “an absolute destination.”

“When you traverse across this space, there’s a gentle familiarity to beautiful notions of the Hamamm and the Roman baths, a gentle nod to history.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335413]

Chang says there are a few “hidden gems” located on each amenity level, from the art therapy room to a piano salon.

"They are highly considered spaces to each function," Chang explained.

"The private dining rooms are a gentle nod to the speakeasy culture of Melbourne.”

Spaces to socialise and entertain guests was a high priority, so FEC and Rothelowman came up with several spaces for residents to gather, like a whisky lounge, mindfulness lounge, games room, movie theaters, and a library.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335419]

Despite its proximity to Melbourne’s commercial district, working from home is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. Residents will have access to meeting rooms and private working rooms, on level 11.

The glass tower of 640 Bourke will rise from the iconic Eliza Tinsley building. The adjacent Langs Lane will be widened and home shopping boutiques and cafes, providing the ultimate convenience for those who will call 640 Bourke home.

Buyers only have until October 2025 to take advantage of the VIC Government's generous stamp duty concessions announced late last year.

*Renders shown are artist's impressions correct as at March 2025.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

“Pioneers of amenity spaces”: Far East Consortium doubles down on facilities at 640 Bourke

Homebuyers in Victoria are set to benefit from extended stamp duty savings, with the Allan Labor Government announcing a $61 million investment in the 2025/26 State Budget to continue the off the plan stamp duty concession until October 2026.

This move is part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing efforts to boost housing supply, make homeownership more affordable, and stimulate apartment and townhouse construction across the state.

<h3 data-end="798" data-start="743">What Is the off the plan stamp duty concession?</h3>

Introduced in October 2024, the expanded off the plan stamp duty concession allows buyers of new apartments, units, and townhouses to significantly reduce or eliminate stamp duty costs. Previously set to expire in October 2025, the initiative has now been extended for another 12 months.

Unlike earlier schemes, the concession is not limited to first home buyers or owner-occupiers. It is available to any buyer purchasing an eligible off the plan apartment or townhouse, with no price caps on the property value.

<h3 data-end="1369" data-start="1332">How much can homebuyers save?</h3>

Since the expanded concession launched, eligible buyers have saved an average of $24,517 in stamp duty. In some cases, savings can be even higher. For example, someone purchasing a $620,000 off the plan apartment may now pay just $4,000 in stamp duty, compared to the standard $32,000 — a saving of around $28,000.

The savings are calculated based on how much construction has occurred at the time of sale. The earlier a buyer purchases, the more they can save.

<h3 data-end="1892" data-start="1859">Which properties qualify?</h3>

Eligible properties include new apartments or townhouses in strata subdivisions, where common property like driveways or hallways is shared. The key criteria:

<ul data-end="2173" data-start="2057">
	<li data-end="2096" data-start="2057">
	The property must be off the plan
	</li>
	<li data-end="2125" data-start="2097">
	It must be a new build
	</li>
	<li data-end="2173" data-start="2126">
	It must form part of a strata subdivision 
	&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="2239" data-start="2175">Why the Victorian Government is extending the concession</h3>

The extended stamp duty relief is aimed at making it cheaper and faster to build new homes, especially for young people and first-time buyers struggling in the current housing crisis.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the initiative is about supporting those locked out of the housing market.

“That’s why we’re slashing stamp duty for off the plan units and townhouses – to build more homes and make them cheaper to buy.”

Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said the measure responds directly to feedback from the property industry.

“This isn’t just great news for homebuyers trying to get into the market. It’s also a huge win for homebuilders.”

<h3 data-end="2945" data-start="2903">More homes near transport and jobs</h3>

The Budget also includes a $24 million investment to create 50 new ‘Train and Tram Zone’ Activity Centres in Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbs. This is designed to support the construction of more apartments and townhouses in high-demand areas close to public transport, jobs, and essential services.

Additionally, funding will support two new Precinct Structure Plans at Clyde South and Derrimut Fields, paving the way for 13,200 new homes and 8,600 jobs in Melbourne’s growth corridors.

<hr data-end="3468" data-start="3465" />
<h2 data-end="3516" data-start="3470">Key takeaways for buyers and developers</h2>

<ul data-end="3817" data-start="3517">
	<li data-end="3569" data-start="3517">
	Stamp duty savings extended until October 2026
	</li>
	<li data-end="3647" data-start="3570">
	Applies to all eligible off the plan homes – not just first home buyers
	</li>
	<li data-end="3689" data-start="3648">
	No price cap on eligible properties
	</li>
	<li data-end="3745" data-start="3690">
	Potential to save tens of thousands on stamp duty
	</li>
	<li data-end="3817" data-start="3746">
	Further government investment to accelerate new home construction
	</li>
</ul>

A Victorian using this concession who buys off the plan could pay around $28,000 less stamp duty on a $620,000 apartment – with duty slashed from around $32,000 to around $4,000

VIC Government extend stamp duty abolition for off the plan properties to October 2026

Award-winning Canberra builder-developer <a href="/developers/jwland-development">JWLand</a> is nearing completion of De Burgh, the third and final residential stage of its thriving Lyneham masterplan, Northbourne Village.

The apartments at <a href="/new-apartments/de-burgh-at-northbourne-village-40-de-burgh-street-lyneham">De Burgh</a> will be among the newest residences available in Canberra when construction finishes later this year. With construction fast approaching, for a limited time, JWLand is offering prospective buyers the opportunity to secure an apartment for just $5,000, with the rest due on settlement.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The burgeoning developer has catered to a wide range of buyers at De Burgh, offering every apartment configuration imaginable—from smartly designed studios to spacious dual-level, loft-style apartments.

The two nine-level buildings that make up De Burgh were designed to complement the already completed and sold-out buildings within the Northbourne Village precinct. The buildings rise to nine levels but step down to six toward De Burgh Street, allowing upper-level residences to enjoy larger balconies and sweeping views over Sullivans Creek.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212888]

Each apartment is designed to maximise natural light while minimising overlooking. Living areas extend to generous outdoor spaces, with upper-level residences featuring terraces or balconies, and ground-level apartments offering private courtyards.

While Northbourne Village already delivers convenience and amenity on the doorstep — including several cafes, restaurants, and the light rail all within walking distance — De Burgh will offer residents exclusive facilities spread across the two buildings. These include a rooftop garden with barbecue facilities, a fully equipped gym, a residents’ lounge, and a parcel locker service.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=218009]

In a move to enhance everyday living, JWLand has placed a strong focus on resident lifestyle. There will be a smartphone app that will allow residents to control lighting and air conditioning remotely as standard.

JWLand’s in-house construction team is forecasting completion in Q3 2025, with all residents expected to move in well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139989]

JWLand’s in-house construction team is forecasting completion in Q3 2025, with all residents expected to move in well before Christmas

Latest Property News

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Property News

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News