The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) have announced they will be passing on the full RBA rate cut of 0.25 basis points.
Effective from June 25 CBA's standard variable rate home loans will be reduced by 0.25% p.a.
Angus Sullivan Group Executive Retail Banking Services said, “we have carefully considered the RBA rate decision and the current funding environment, together with how we continue to meet our regulatory commitments, capital requirements, and community expectations."
By reducing the standard variable home loan rate by 0.25%, the minimum required monthly repayment amount will reduce by $62 a month, based on a mortgage of $400,000 for Owner Occupiers paying Principal and Interest.
CBA was the second of the Big Four banks to make this announcement as <a href="/expert-insights/finance/anz-first-to-pass-on-part-of-june-2019-rba-rate-cut">ANZ beat them to the punch</a> with an announcement of rate cuts just 9 minutes after the RBA released their decision.
ANZ's new lowest rate will be 3.63%, however they are only passing on a cut of 0.18 basis points effective June 14.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

CBA announce full rate cut after June RBA meeting

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Today, for the first time in 34 months, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to reduce the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 1.25 per cent. This represents the lowest cash rate on record and is the first time since August 2016 that the RBA board has shifted rates.
Why did they cut?
Despite the current strength of employment markets, the outlook for the Australian economy has softened. In addition, an escalation in the trade war between the US and China combined with the ongoing delay and dispute over Brexit has increased headwinds for global economic growth. The domestic economy has seen inflation track well below the RBA’s target of 2-3 per cent for some time, with low levels of household spending, soft wage growth, a slump in dwelling approvals and resistance from banks to lend all driving today’s RBA decision.
What it means for property markets?
Today’s interest rate decision, if passed on in full by the banks, will assist mortgage holders and encourage buyers that have disengaged from the property market to re-evaluate their situation. The past few weeks have seen buyers re-engage with enquiries and attendance at open homes both lifting. The increase in confidence comes off-the-back of the Coalition win at the federal election, ensuring there are no changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax concessions for property investors.
In addition, a new first home buyers deposit scheme, announced prior to the election, and the relaxation of finance restrictions by banking regulators provides a positive outlook for property markets leading into the second half of the year.
For property buyers
Today’s RBA decision along with the recent announcement by APRA that they are looking to relax lending restrictions, should help lift mortgage affordability. This will help up-sizers, down-sizers, investors and first home buyers re-engage with property markets after a period of indecision and uncertainly.
For property sellers
Today’s RBA decision bodes well for property owners looking to sell in the second half of 2019. The past two weeks has seen demand from buyers increase and a reduction in interest will help drive increased attendance at open homes and buyer enquiry levels. Despite higher levels of interest from buyers, the number of properties coming onto the market for sale has yet to rise to meet this demand. This will help drive competition for well-located and accurately priced properties that are listed for sale over coming months.
MATHEW TILLER is the Head of Research at LJ Hooker
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RBA cuts rates to new record low: LJ Hooker's Matthew Tiller

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McGrath's biggest institutional backer, Perpetual has further reduced its shareholding in the listing estate agency.
It has sold shares between May 6 and May 29 which took its shareholding down to 7.48 percent.
It had been sitting on 9.04 percent.
Its sale of the 2.6 million shares caught a recent spike following the post election property optimism.
Its shares have risen from a record 20.5 cents low, just before the election, to its current 28 cents level, where it has been since last Wednesday.
In March last year Perpetual sold almost 2.5 million McGrath shares that reduced its stake to 11.6 percent from 14.2 percent.
There has been no advisory from Perpetual on its declining stake.
No doubt one recent factor has been the initial listing stockbroker Bell Potter ceasing its coverage of the estate agency, which means analysis of the stock is no longer done by any stockbroker. 
It was in the 2015 float at $2.10 that Perpetual emerged as a surprise major backer of the McGrath Estate Agents’ initial public offering.
McGrath began public life as a company worth $282 million, which has dipped, along with property prices and fewer star agents, to $47 million.
At $2.10 per share, it equated to 8.8 times forecast earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for fiscal 2016.
The fund managers liked McGrath’s cashed-up position, and its opportunities to expand in a highly fragmented industry.
McGrath shares slumped to $1.72 on its second day of trade in late 2015 with Perpetual taking so-called advantage to increase its shareholding to 9 percent from its initial holding of about 6 percent. 
In September 2017, when McGrath shares were trading at 64¢, Perpetual, along with fellow fund manager Argo, lifted their stake in the real estate group.
The 2017 acquisition saw Perpetual acquire six million shares, taking its overall stake to 14.16 percent from a previous 10.05 percent.
The biggest shareholder remains John McGrath, followed by Aqualand and Tony Denny.
With the company now capitalised at $47 million, McGrath's personal stake is worth a little over $10 million given his near quarter holding.
The float allowed him to pocket $37 million, some of which he quickly spent buying further shares in the agency.
Last March the Central Coast-based property developer, Tony Denny amassed a 5 percent shareholding as a "passive long-term investment" paying around 40¢. Denny <a href="/news/for-3-million-central-coast-entrepreneur-tony-denny-buys-5-percent-stake-in-mcgrath">spent $3 million on 7.2 million shares</a> in March last year which took his holding to five percent. 
Aqualand took its stake in <a href="/news/mcgrath-secure-10-7-million-strategic-investment-from-aqualand">June last year</a>.
They paid 42.5 cents a share for their 25,189,880 shares which totalled $10.7 million.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

McGrath's biggest institutional backer, Perpetual reduces its shareholding 

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Former Chief Financial Officer of Octaviar Limited, Mr David Mark Anderson, of the Gold Coast, Queensland, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court charged with twenty-six counts of fraud under the Criminal Code (Queensland).
ASIC alleges that between 18 June 2012 and 21 September 2015, Mr Anderson, while a director of Octaviar Investment Holdings No 3 Pty Ltd (OIH3), dishonestly applied $4,611,571.86 of OIH3 money for his own use.
At the time of the alleged conduct, Mr Anderson was the sole director of OIH3.
The charges were brought against Mr Anderson following an ASIC investigation into his conduct as the director of OIH3 and other companies in the Octaviar Group.
Mr Anderson was released on bail on condition and the matter adjourned to 2 September 2019 before the Southport Magistrates court for further mention.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter.
David Mark Anderson was the CFO and Company Secretary of Octaviar Limited (in liquidation) (formerly known as MFS Limited).
Octaviar Ltd was a publicly listed company with interests in financial services, travel and leisure and childcare businesses, based on the Gold Coast.
The Octaviar Group collapsed in 2008 owing $2.5 billion. OIH3 was a subsidiary in the Octaviar Group.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Former Octaviar CFO David Anderson charged with 26 counts of fraud

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Nova FM breakfast radio star Michael “Wippa” Wipfli and his wife Lisa have finally sold their Queens Park home.
They initially had $2.5 million hopes six weeks ago, however they sold for $2.4 million, having reduced their price signalling to $2.3 million during the marketing campaign.
Restaurateur Nigel Ward, who recently sold in Paddington, has bought the Queens Park home.
The couple snapped up the home in 2014, paying $1.87 million just six days in to its marketing.
On a 160 square metre block on Rawson Avenue, the architect-designed home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Phillips Pantzer Donnelley agents Debbie Donnelley and Nick Quigley marketed the classic Federation semi.
Wipe had previously owned in Melbourne’s Armadale having sold in 2016 for $1,825,000.
Set near swish High Street, the home had cost $1.48 million in 2010, not long before Wipfli was transferred to Sydney.
The family are considering a move closer to schools for kids Theodore and Jack.
Wippa has been a household name since 2009 when he teamed up with Ryan Shelton and Katie “Monty” Dimond on Nova’s drive show.
In 2011 Wippa joined Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald.
Wife Lisa, whom he married in 2013, is co-owner of baby health food company Nourishing Bubs.
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Nova's Wippa secures Queens Park sale

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Nova FM breakfast radio star Michael “Wippa” Wipfli and his wife Lisa have reduced the price guidance of their Queens Park home ahead of its auction next week.
They initially had $2.5 million hopes three weeks ago, however there’s now a $2.3 million price signalling.
That’s despite the common belief that prices had bottomed following the federal election.
The couple snapped up the home in 2014, paying $1.87 million just six days in to its marketing.
On a 160 square metre block on Rawson Avenue, the architect-designed home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Phillips Pantzer Donnelley agents Debbie Donnelley and Nick Quigley are marketing the classic Federation semi.
Wippa sold in Melbourne’s Armadale in 2016 for $1,825,000.
Set near swish High Street, the home had cost $1.48 million in 2010, not long before Wipfli was transferred to Sydney.
The family are considering a move closer to schools for kids Theodore and Jack.
Wippa has been a household name since 2009 when he teamed up with Ryan Shelton and Katie “Monty” Dimond on Nova’s drive show.
In 2011 Wippa joined Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald.
Wife Lisa, whom he married in 2013, is co-owner of baby health food company Nourishing Bubs.
The Queens Park market has been active in the past few months.
The last 27 house sales had a $2.66 million median, according­ to realestate.com.au.
Film editor David Gross recently­ sold the Yenda Avenue home he bought with former partner, actor Brooke Satchwell, in 2010.
It was listed with $2.25 million hopes
. Former Australian Olympic Committee chief Fiona de Jong and husband Alfredo Pisapia spent $2.35 million on a modernised 1920s Queens Park home.
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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Nova's Wippa amends Queens Park price guidance

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A Liverpool real estate agent has been prosecuted after NSW Fair Trading found that he fraudulently transferred trust money into his own personal account.
On 22 November 2018, George Marando, director of G &amp; A Marando Pty Ltd trading as Marando Real Estate NSW, pleaded guilty in the Parramatta Local Court to an offence under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002 (NSW).
On 8 May 2019, Marando was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment to be served by way of an intensive correction order and was also ordered to perform 200 hours of community service work.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rose Webb said NSW Fair Trading began investigating the agency following a compliance operation in 2015.
“The investigation particularly concerned the sale of a property in Granville on 5 July 2015, where the agency acted as the selling agent for the vendors,” Webb said.
The three bedroom, first floor Tania Court apartment (pictured above) sold within nine days of its listing at $591,000 having had $580,000 plus guidance. It settled in October 2015.
The court heard that Marando transferred $41,400 of the $59,100 deposit into his personal bank account in multiple transactions between 30 July 2015 to 26 September 2015.
“After transferring the money into his personal account, he either transferred the money to another account or withdrew it in cash,” Webb added.
“As a result of his conduct, Mr Marando failed to pay the vendors the full amount they were owed until NSW Fair Trading investigators intervened in June 2016.”
Marando’s real estate licence and the corporation licence of the agency have been cancelled. 
He was disqualified in June last year from holding a licence or certificate of registration for a period of five years and disqualified from being involved in the direction, management and conduct of the business of a licensee for a period of five years.
“Marando had no authority to withdraw money from the company trust account,” Webb said.
“Fair Trading will continue to proactively ensure that real estate agents uphold their legal responsibilities.”
Marando has the right to lodge an appeal.
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Liverpool estate agent George Marando sentenced for fraud

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Melbourne shows that even in a city with a distinct overall trend, there are many diverse scenarios in play. Melbourne generally continues to decline but different sectors are producing different results, especially with price outcomes.
Apartment markets in particular are holding up well and there are more suburbs with rising unit prices than those with prices down. That runs contrary to the general media rhetoric of prices down across the board, thanks to generalised data and bad analysis.
Across the Melbourne metropolitan area, Hotspotting has analysed price trends in 435 house and unit markets and found that 44% have median prices higher than a year ago, while 56% have prices lower than last year.
Markets with significant declines in prices are relatively rare. Only 35% of the 435 suburban markets analysed have had median prices fall by more than 5% in the past 12 months – and it’s mostly the top end markets where prices have dropped a lot. Conversely, the locations where prices are still up substantially are primarily in the outer-ring areas where buyers are chasing affordability.
But, as we frequently observe, prices take time to respond to market realities, as shown by sales activity. The trends with buyer demand suggest Melbourne overall is at the bottom of the trough – suburbs with rising demand are virtually non-existent (the worst outcome since we started our quarterly surveys four years ago) and there are 73 suburbs which we have classified as “decline” markets (more than Sydney currently has).
In terms of trends with buyer demand, the steadiest markets are the areas where most suburbs are “plateau” or “consistency” markets. These are mostly the more affordable areas, either outer-ring precincts or middle market ones.
The City of Melton LGA on the western outskirts of the Melbourne metro area is a stand-out, both with sales trends and price outcomes. There are no “rising” suburbs in terms of sales activity but there are 11 classified as “plateau” markets. And many of the Melbourne suburbs where median prices have risen by more than 10% in the past 12 months are in the Melton LGA.
Other municipalities with steady buyer demand include the Hume LGA in the north, Casey in the far south-east, Brimbank in the western suburbs and Wyndham in the far south-west, as well as middle-ring areas like Darebin, Nillumbik and Moreland. The only LGAs in the Melbourne metro areas with no suburbs classified as “decline” markets are those three middle-ring areas, plus Melton City in the far west.
The middle-market Kingston LGA demonstrates the many different scenarios that can be found in real estate, even within one municipality. We have ranked 13 suburbs in the Kingston LGA: 2 rising, 6 plateau, 2 consistency and 3 decline. The rising suburbs are Chelsea and Chelsea Heights, the only two suburbs across Melbourne to be identified as having rising buyer demand in this Autumn survey.
The strongly-emerging trend is the number of Melbourne locations with significant declines in sales activity – and they are found right throughout the metropolitan area.
Many of the upmarket areas have multiple decline suburbs, including the LGAs of Boroondara, Glen Eira and Melbourne. But middle-markets LGAs like Whitehorse and Monash, as well as more downmarket locations like Greater Dandenong, have multiple decline markets.
And suburbs classified as decline markets are now starting to appear in the outer-ring LGAs like Casey and Hume, which provides further evidence that the previous growth cycle is over.
But the worst of the decline markets is the Mornington Peninsula – in this outlying LGA, we have classified 10 suburbs as decline markets.
Price levels remain quite resilient in many parts of Melbourne. Among the housing markets, 36% of suburbs have median prices higher than a year ago, while in the apartment sector 57% have higher prices.
In the housing markets, 94 suburbs have median prices higher than last year, while among the apartment markets, 98 suburbs have higher prices (compared to 73 with lower medians).
In terms of locations with significant price decline (a drop of more than 5% in the median price), only 38% of housing markets and 25% of apartment markets are in this category.
The suburbs with major decline in median house prices are all millionaire suburbs. Those where the median house price has dropped more than 20% in the past 12 months are Box Hill, Brighton, Canterbury, Carlton, Caulfield North, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, South Melbourne, South Yarra, St Kilda, St Kilda East and Toorak. 
The biggest drops in median house prices have occurred in Box Hill (down 36%), St Kilda (35%), Toorak (31%) and Hawthorn (30%).
Conversely, the areas still delivering good price growth are at the affordable end of the market. Of 11 suburbs with median house price growth above 10% in the past year, 5 are in the Melton LGA, 2 are in Hume and 2 are in Casey. Virtually all of these 11 suburbs are suburbs with median house prices under $600,000.
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Multiple property scenarios producing different results in Melbourne: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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<div class="block-content">
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">A former Channel Seven Melbourne television newsreader has denied she deliberately withheld more than $1.8 million in GST payments during her property development days.</div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
</div>
<div class="block-content">
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">Simone Semmens faced a County Court of Victoria jury trial today after pleading not guilty to 10 charges of dishonestly withholding tax over a 10-year period.</div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
</div>
<div class="block-content">
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">The prosecutor Robert Barry said Semmens had purchased mansions in prestige areas, then subdividing and developing new properties on the land.</div>
</div>
<div class="advert" data-ad-type="MEDIUM" data-loc="MOBILE" data-max-width="767"> </div>
<div class="block-content">
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">The case involved a property at Portsea, at Caulfield North and an earlier property in Toorak.</div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">The Portsea mansion was Noorah which was bought for $7.5 million.</div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">Rosecraddock, the Caulfield North mansion which cost $7.8 million in 2007, saw homes built within the curtilage of the 150-year-old Italianate mansion set on its then 8857-square-metre holding. It was the scene of the 2005 murder of eccentric millionaire Peter Shellard. Rosecraddock and its subdivided grounds were eventually sold, all up, for $17.4 million.
</div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">The Crown alleges Semmens knowingly didn't pay GST on them - failing to pay as much as $329,000 in tax per sale.</div>
</div>
<div class="block-content">
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">She had the Caulfield North estate subdivided into seven properties, had the Toorak home demolished and replaced with two apartments and had an extra two homes built on the Portsea land, and then sold all the developments at a profit.</div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
</div>
<div class="block-content">
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">Barry said the former Seven Network newsreader was aware of her tax obligations via communications she had with her bank and her surveyor.</div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
</div>
<div class="block-content">
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">Semmens was a beauty queen, including being crowned Miss Victoria Grocery Industry in the 1980s, and was also the one-time corporate spokeswoman for Telstra.</div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">Semmens' lawyer Ms Ashlee Cannon said it was "hotly contested" that her client was required to pay the GST.</div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2"> </div>
<div class="_1FVA8dr2">Semmens, a US citizen, had been pulled from a California-bound plane and charged with the multi-million dollar tax offences in October 2015. Her Toorak house had been searched by police and tax investigators in March 2013.</div>
</div>
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Simone Semmens faces County Court over GST withholding allegations after prestige Melbourne property sales

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Dick Slider, the self-acclaimed property guru, whose listing and selling insights have attracted an amused Instragam following over the past two years, made a surprise appearance at AREC.
The fictional Sliderguy, as he's become known, hones in on death, sometimes within days of the owner passing, divorce and debt for his listings from his mythical Double Bay base.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sliderguy/?hl=en" target="_blank">His first video blog</a> was July 2017.
Dick $lider claimed at one stage he had a database of 15,000, and 173 qualified buyers, to rank as the number one agent in Sydney's east.
"I don't lose many listing, but when I do.. it hurts," he says.
Since his earliest days he's always preached on listings: " "Do not pay for marketing, and do it at two percent, otherwise you're going to fuck the industry."
Another mantra is "kids sports are a goldmine waiting for you."
He has even staked out the Sydney Family Court for divorce prospecting, and also followed rival estate agents cars to their prospective listings.
He doesn't take kindly to untrusting clients sitting out the front of his opens to monitor his so-called database comings and goings.
Having been mostly underground for two years, his hustle was uncovered last month by Tom Panos, the veteran industry real estate coach, who persuaded John McGrath to include him in the 2019 AREC line-up.
Double Bay agent Paul Biller had pointed out the Sliderguy Instagram profile to Panos.
Slider boasts he has a team at SliderCorp of 38 and only hires H.O.T. staff, meaning someone who can hustle on the telephones.
"You also gotta be hot too, you gotta be an 8 plus," he said.
He says Halloween is a free pass to get out there, knock on doors and hustle for stock, reminding agents to carry an agency agreement to sign up new listings.
He has a weekly haircut, does teeth whitening, and regularly gets a nail manicure, and then gets his manicurists to come through his opens posing as Chinese buyers.
He starts the day at 4am at the gym, and picks up his first client signatures by 7am.
John McGrath, the AREC founder, said after watching his Instagram he thought "we have to get this guy live."
"He actually should have his own TV show I reckon," McGrath said.
"I was bent over laughing, people had tears in their eyes," he said following yesterday's presentation in-between lectures from Todd Duncan and Malek Younan.
McGrath noted there's a bit of irreverence, and "maybe some people got offended" but he hopes not. 
With his Instagram followers jumping to over 2000 following his AREC appearance, Dick Slider considers fame is of one of the many benefits of being a high profile, award winning real estate agent.
He's so senior now that he's lost the skill of carrying his A frame, as that's a job for his assistants. All his team have his initials on their designer shirts.
At one point last year he told his troops to continue with the colourful sock on one foot, with no sock on the other.
"Suits super tight," he dictates.
He reckons print media is crucial to build the agent's own brand.
Slider's AREC performance followed speeches to the Megaforce and KPOW Real Estate conventions.
He holidays at Christmas in Monte Carlo, but complains at the six euro cost of the coffee. 
In the mid-year winter slowdown, when most agents head overseas, he seeks out the lapsed agency agreement listings of rival agents who he points out to their vendors are holiday at Mykonos.
He is happy to admit that he seduces vendors with over the top price estimates to get listings, as that is what his rivals do.
He's known to turn for a Potts Point listing.
In real life he is <a href="https://www.biller.com.au/meet-the-team/?u=247937" target="_blank">Richard Carwin</a>, an estate agent at Biller Property for not quite a year.
His first sale was a $1.4 million apartment sale in Double Bay in July last year, and his most recent came just last Friday in Vaucluse.
Carwin had previously been an agent at Ray White since 2010.
Biller came across Carwin on a conjunction.
Biller reckons the Instragram account was “the funniest thing he’d ever seen” and asked him to come and work at Biller.
“When he’s being himself he’s the complete opposite,” Biller said.
“He’s a very laid back guy until he gets into character.”
Biller said when he's in character he's "a hoot."
But as an agent he is "trustworthy  approachable and exceptionally passionate about helping his clients."
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UkIPcrqqIPg" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315"></iframe>
He says Richard brings a unique and refreshing approach to every transaction. 
"Having worked with clients all around the East, from Darlinghurst to Watsons Bay for over eight years, Richard brings excellent marketing and negotiation skills to every sale.
"Richard has an exceptional knowledge of his market and his honesty and transparency has earned him a great reputation with all his clients."
After his AREC performance Carwin told Property Observer that "selling real estate is my bread and butter - my lifeline."
 
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