<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mrcb">MRCB International</a> has commenced construction on its latest Gold Coast apartment development, Maris, on the site of the former Sundale Motel in Southport.

The start of construction by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">Binah</a> follows an exceptionally strong sales campaign, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold since launch. Every purchaser has been local, an&nbsp;indicator of confidence in both the development and Southport's evolution into a thriving CBD.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maris-southport-20-queen-street-southport-qld-4215">Maris</a> will deliver 192 residences across 20 levels. The project forms part of MRCB's Australian and New Zealand development pipeline now exceeding $1.6 billion in gross development value, alongside a growing portfolio of projects globally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350663]

The company also commenced construction on its $600 million 26 Vista residences in Surfers Paradise last year, following strong sales momentum, with over 70 per cent of residences sold.

Maris has been designed to meet evolving buyer demand, offering architecturally designed layouts suited to long-term liveability. The approach reflects a growing preference for quality and adaptability among Gold Coast buyers.

Positioned next to the Broadwater in the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/southport-qld-4215">Southport</a> CBD, Maris sits directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station and within easy reach of retail, dining and lifestyle precincts, placing residents at the centre of one of the Gold Coast's most connected and rapidly maturing urban centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372756]

Maris will offer a full suite of resort-style residential amenities, including a pool, gym and sauna, along with a rooftop level featuring decks, lounges and dining and yoga areas that command sweeping views across the Broadwater and out to the ocean.

Binah, a New South Wales headquartered company co-founded by Amen Zoabi and Khalil Hafza in 2008, has expressed its excitement at establishing its first partnership with MRCB.

Binah's Managing Director Khalil Hafza said partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah.

"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.

"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=350664]

MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan said the project's progression to construction reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.

"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," said Krishnan.

"Across Southeast Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place. Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134403 project_image_fid=372761]

Krishnan said Southport's ongoing transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, was underpinning renewed buyer confidence.

"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," said Mr Krishnan. "Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."

Construction at Maris is anticipated to be completed in 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134403]

Joel Robinson

Construction commences on MRCB’s $200m Maris Residences in Southport

Moonee Valley Park’s latest residential release <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveline-at-moonee-valley-park-moonee-ponds-100-thomas-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">The Eveline</a>, has achieved a new benchmark for off-the-plan apartment sales in the suburb, with the sale of The Alexandra penthouse selling for $5,435,000.

Positioned on the top floor of a 16-level residential building, the three-bedroom, three and-a-half-bathroom penthouse features uninterrupted city skyline views across the future Valley racetrack.&nbsp;

The landmark sale comes as momentum at the precinct continues to build, with the Moonee Valley Racing Club progressing works on its new racetrack ahead of the 2027 Cox Plate. The transformative development will see MVRC reimagine the beloved Valley as a vibrant year-round entertainment and lifestyle destination.

Alongside a world-class racing experience, the historic precinct will be activated with events, hospitality and public green spaces designed to attract broader audiences, while breathing new life into one of Melbourne’s most iconic destinations.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372786]

Development partners <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a> and Hostplus have delivered five residential stages over the past four years, the most recent in November 2025 with Trackside House and Stonepine House. The flourishing community is now home to almost 500 families.&nbsp;

The latest residential release, The Eveline, has recorded strong demand since launching publicly last July, securing more than $200 million in sales to date, satisfying its pre sales hurdle for construction to commence.&nbsp;

Hamton Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Hameister OAM said, the sales&nbsp;team have been overwhelmed by demand for these unique homes in this unique project.

"Buyers continue to be predominantly hyperlocal and attracted by the 40 hectare botanic masterplan in Melbourne’s inner north west," Hameister said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142519 project_image_fid=372788]

Hamton’s Sales and Marketing Director Fergus Humphries said the team has achieved more than 70 sales over the past eight weeks, including the penthouse purchase by a local buyer.

"These results reinforce that, even in a challenging market, purchasers continue to be drawn to quality projects that offer more than just a home, they offer a lifestyle.”

Designed by Cera Stribley, the penthouse has been created with entertaining in mind, spanning close to 400 sqm of indoor and outdoor living space, including multiple terraces designed to capture sweeping views across Melbourne’s skyline, the new Valley racecourse and sunset views over Moonee Ponds.

Moonee Valley Park is one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects, transforming the iconic racecourse site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood integrating homes, parklands, retail, racing and community amenities.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142519]

Moonee Valley Park penthouse sets suburb record as sales surge clears construction benchmark

A company linked to one of Australia's largest privately owned cattle businesses has lodged plans for a new residential tower in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newstead-qld-4006">Newstead</a>, continuing the rapid transformation of one of Brisbane's most sought-after, inner-city precincts.

Bottletree Holdings, an entity associated with Stanbroke Managing Director Brendan Menegazzo, has submitted a development application for a 28-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/9-longland-street-newstead-qld-4006">9 Longland Street</a>, a site that made headlines last year when it changed hands in an off-market transaction that reportedly set a benchmark land rate for the suburb.

The proposal would replace an existing two-storey commercial building on the 1,510 sqm corner site with a Bureau Proberts-designed tower comprising 76 apartments, ground-floor retail, office space and a suite of resident wellness amenities.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c710a836-568e-4382-bc91-3c34b8e80a8b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Vy.mQWBc7GA_a.vIBdxKqRC9XGjWalo2" />

According to planning documents lodged with Brisbane City Council, the development would comprise a mix of 36 two-bedroom apartments, 24 three-bedroom apartments and 16 four-bedroom residences, positioning the project firmly at the premium end of the market. The apartments would sit above a podium containing retail and commercial space, with three levels of communal recreation facilities spread throughout the tower. The proposal also includes 198 car spaces and 95 bicycle spaces.

Bureau Proberts has drawn heavily on Newstead's industrial heritage in developing the architectural response.

"Occupying a prominent corner in the heart of Newstead, the proposal draws from the area's industrial lineage of robust brick warehouses to deliver a distinctly contemporary response," the architects said in the design statement.

"It is conceived as a subtropical sanctuary and elevated private retreat embedded within one of Brisbane's most vibrant lifestyle precincts."

The design seeks to reinterpret the traditional Queensland vernacular through wraparound verandahs, deep shading elements and permeable facades that respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate.

<img alt="9 Longland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25524f59-395c-4825-8fad-9b639822fa8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=dlWlbpCc_g3Y6yTLGqRVKvGJvO2ubMJ3" />

Planning documents describe the building as embodying the principles of "buildings that breathe", a design approach increasingly favoured in Brisbane's apartment market as developers focus on natural ventilation and outdoor living spaces.

The tower itself would rise above a heavily landscaped podium designed to reference the woolstore architecture that helped define Newstead and neighbouring Teneriffe for generations. At ground level, fine-grain retail tenancies would activate Longland Street, Wyandra Street and the existing Wyatt Street laneway, further extending the pedestrian network that has become a hallmark of the Gasworks precinct.

The application notes that more than 54 per cent of the site would be dedicated to landscaping and deep planting, while approximately 1,750 sqm of communal recreation space would be delivered across multiple levels.

<img alt="Planning" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fed3b189-1054-4b68-af5f-b0befc4a66e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.42.19%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=gqeE3cjsbnLAfeTUKA1HtPZfqDs6S4Xa" />

Bottletree paid $22 million for the 1,510 sqm development site, equating to more than $14,500 per sqm, a reflection of the strong demand for development opportunities in Newstead. The suburb continues to attract both developers and buyers, underpinned by the ongoing evolution of the Gasworks and Teneriffe precincts into some of Brisbane's most sought-after lifestyle destinations.

Brisbane City Council's Sustainable Growth Strategy and Inner City Strategy both identify Newstead as a priority growth precinct capable of accommodating additional housing density due to its proximity to employment hubs, public transport and lifestyle infrastructure.

The proposed tower joins a growing pipeline of high-end apartment developments in the suburb. Fortis recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a>, a 65-apartment owner-occupier-focused development on Kyabra Street, while Consolidated Properties Group is preparing to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a 227-apartment waterfront project on Skyring Terrace.

Meanwhile, builder-developer BPG is planning its own Newstead project on Maud Street, comprising just over 100 apartments and more than 1,380 sqm of dedicated wellness and resident amenity spaces, further highlighting the shift towards lifestyle-driven apartment developments in Brisbane's inner-city market.

Newstead apartment boom continues with Longland Street tower plans

ALAND has taken the next major step in delivering its vision for Leppington Town Centre, lodging State Significant Development plans for a $549 million residential precinct that would bring more than 1,200 new homes within walking distance of Leppington Station.

The proposal, now on public exhibition, forms the Residential Core Precinct of the broader Leppington Town Centre masterplan and would transform a 4.3-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/156-166-rickard-road-leppington-nsw-2179">156-166 Rickard Road</a> into a high-density mixed-use neighbourhood comprising nine residential buildings rising between six and 25 storeys.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc20982d-a0a9-4989-8fb3-680ca9fdcd10" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=l5EEyS6Dkf_SLDQkwDeyAU2nXkSZP2RW" />

The development has been designed by Rothelowman and is being pursued through a State Significant Development Application alongside a concurrent rezoning request under the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

If approved, the project would deliver 1,206 dwellings, including 784 build-to-sell apartments, 208 build-to-rent apartments, 189 affordable housing units and a nine-storey serviced apartment building containing 112 rooms. The proposal also includes around 7,400 sqm of non-residential floor space, new public open space, communal recreation areas and a new internal street network.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c4f80d3b-cb05-4068-8a87-808317807a99" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=KfPqh1JBuxc53IWntEzGHAeBaCLmRmum" />

<h2 data-end="1990" data-section-id="s6350" data-start="1941">A key piece of Leppington's future town centre</h2>

The site sits around 250 metres from Leppington Station, which opened in 2015 as the terminus of the South West Rail Link and has long been earmarked as the catalyst for the suburb's transformation from a rural fringe location into a major strategic centre for Western Sydney.

Leppington has become increasingly important following the announcement of the Western Sydney International Airport and the emergence of Bradfield City Centre, with government planning identifying the precinct as a significant location for future housing and employment growth.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ca0f098-affc-48c0-80d3-468ea090a20c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.26%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=o3mwgBFT6H9YUllI0JR.JfLsUYQy1CTa" />

According to Rothelowman, the proposal responds directly to Leppington's unique position between its agricultural past and its urban future.

"The site offers an opportunity to weave together multiple layers of history, from its ancient connections to Country along the ridgeline between two waterways and its origins as part of the Cumberland woodland, to its more recent agricultural uses, and its future as a new residential community," the architects said in the design report.

The architects said the project aims to establish a high-density residential typology that combines apartment living with extensive landscaping and public open space.

"The design responds by establishing a high-density typology that combines the convenience and amenity of contemporary apartment living with a renewed native landscape."

<h2 data-end="3541" data-section-id="1ko88s2" data-start="3485">Nine buildings arranged around parks and public space</h2>

The proposal has been designed around a landscape-led framework rather than a traditional podium-and-tower approach.

Across the site, approximately 7,500 sqm of public open space would be delivered through a network of north-south and east-west linear parks, connecting into the wider Leppington Town Centre open space network. A further 8,000 sqm of communal open space would be provided for residents.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5113abf-5440-4610-9cdc-60a0d41a407e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.12.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=k8zLMj4yZS4hStmGzZJfosjj5iArwIek" />

Rothelowman said the design seeks to maximise landscaping at ground level by concentrating development into compact tower footprints.

"Buildings are carefully lifted and distributed to minimise disturbance to the natural terrain, allowing the ground plane to remain open, permeable, and led by landscape," the design report states.

Rather than creating a continuous podium edge, the design team has focused on allowing landscaping to extend beneath and around the buildings.

"The ground plane is conceived as an extension of the surrounding environment, allowing landscape to flow up to and beneath the built forms."

The architectural language also draws on the area's natural landscape, with Rothelowman describing a material palette influenced by local gum trees, bark textures, creek systems and sandstone tones.

<h2 data-end="4971" data-section-id="s69utu" data-start="4922">Affordable housing and build-to-rent component</h2>

One of the more significant aspects of the proposal is the diversity of housing typologies.

In addition to traditional apartments for sale, the scheme includes a dedicated 25-storey build-to-rent building with 208 apartments and a 22-storey affordable housing building containing 189 homes.

The affordable housing component represents almost 16 per cent of the total dwellings proposed within the Residential Core Precinct.

<img alt="ALAND" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f87e6808-e462-44c6-bfa8-a3de1816f2e3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-22%20at%209.33.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WTsRKiUAyWw18S5S98yQB5oVuDcnJTxB" />

Community consultation undertaken ahead of the lodgement found support for additional housing in the area, particularly given ongoing affordability challenges across South West Sydney. Survey work conducted with local residents found housing affordability was one of the poorest-rated aspects of living in Leppington, while a majority of respondents were open to additional housing within the local government area.

The site's proximity to Leppington Station was identified as the most positively viewed aspect of the proposal, while public open space and affordable housing provisions also received majority support.

<h2 data-end="6184" data-section-id="1ngkie4" data-start="6140">Part of Leppington's broader expansion</h2>

ALAND will be a significant contributor to the broader vision for Leppington Town Centre, which is expected to accommodate more than 25,000 residents as the precinct evolves over the coming decades.

Located within Sydney's South West Growth Area, the 440-hectare Leppington Town Centre has been identified by the NSW Government as a strategic centre spanning both the Liverpool and Camden local government areas.

In 2023, Liverpool City Council and Camden Council, supported by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, prepared a draft planning proposal to rezone land and amend development controls across a number of sites within the town centre.

The proposal outlines a new vision for Leppington Town Centre, reducing the amount of land allocated for business park uses while increasing land zoned for commercial development, housing and open space. The changes are designed to optimise land use across the precinct and support the delivery of a more walkable, transit-oriented centre anchored by Leppington Station.

&nbsp;

ALAND plots 1,200-home Leppington masterplan

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a>&nbsp;has enlisted renowned architecture firm Koichi Takada Architects to design its latest new apartment development.

The new 34-storey tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/57-berwick-street-fortitude-valley-qld-4006">57 Berwick Street, Fortitude Valley</a>,&nbsp;will have 189 apartments, complete with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/byculprit">byCULPRIT</a>. The upper levels&nbsp;capturing views across the Story Bridge, city skyline, ranges, bay and river.

Residents will have access to a rooftop amenity floor with facilities including a pool, spa, sauna, hot and cold treatment, meditation garden, gym, yoga studio, private dining, BBQ, games lounge, wine display wall, work library, meeting rooms and outdoor work areas.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK</a> Founder and Managing Director, Arpan Kohli, said it will be a project "Brisbane hasn't seen before."

&nbsp;

"To deliver a project of this calibre, you need the right people involved," Kohli said.

"Koichi Takada Architects and byCULPRIT set the benchmarks for design excellence, and this project reflects that - a building of genuine architectural significance in one of Brisbane's most coveted locations, sitting between Howard Smith Wharves and the James Street precinct."

TRK recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/laya-residences-taigum-203-beams-road-taigum-qld-4018">LAYA Residences in Taigum</a>, 88 three-bedroom townhouses starting from $1,495,000. They have another apartment site in Indooroopilly, at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/140-central-avenue-indooroopilly-qld-4068">140 Central Avenue</a>. That will have 131 apartments.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

TRK proposes Koichi Takada-designed apartment development in Fortitude Valley

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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Penjonan, a Hillsborough farm that has been an operational veal-raising business, has been listed for the first time in four decades.
The 50 hectare property has a 1970s homestead designed by Newcastle architect Steve Busteed.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi-rural-nsw-hillsborough-129976326" target="_blank">1405 Maitland Vale Road</a>, it has five bedrooms, a home office and a covered tiled verandah.
Surrounding the home are gardens that feature a swimming pool and tennis court, as well as a brick barbecue and landscaped yard.
The rest of the property has been cleared to shade trees and divided into nine fenced pasture paddocks, including a bull paddock.
River Realty Maitland agent Chris Henry is marketing the property with a guide of $1.7 million to $1.8 million.
 
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Penjonan, Hillsborough farm listed for the first time in 40 years

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Following the recent reinstatement of Commonwealth Bank, LandMark White has now secured Westpac as resuming its valuation workflow.
LMW told its shareholders that still requires reinstatement from a majority of our remaining banking clients before LMW can provide reasonable financial projections.
It remains suspended from the ASX.
It was February 19 when Westpac Group moved to protect the personal information and privacy of its borrowers after the recent data breach involving LandMark White Limited.
"We are investigating this matter and it is our immediate priority to contact and support any Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA or RAMS customers who may be affected," it advised.
Westpac believed only a small number of individuals are potentially impacted.
The data disclosed includes property valuation details and some contact details (such as names, addresses and email addresses) of the various parties involved in the property valuation process.
No loan application details, such as financial and identification documents, were disclosed.
LMW also told its shareholders today that an advertisement in today’s Australian Financial Review seeking Expressions of Interest for a “Property Services Business” did not relate to LMW.
Last month LandMark White was reinstated by Commonwealth Bank to its panel for residential valuations.
Marking a significant step for the company after the <a href="/news/landmark-white-limited-reports-property-valuations-data-breach">recent cyber-attack</a>, Keith Perrett, Chairman of LandMark White, said the decision made by Commonwealth Bank is an endorsement of the actions taken by the company in response to the incident.
"We’re pleased a number of financial institutions have reinstated LMW to its panel of valuation providers, including one of Australia’s major lenders.
"Commonwealth Bank recognised the risk to our company, our staff and shareholders, and reviewed the enhancements to our systems and networks in an efficient manner while also ensuring its affected customers were supported,” Mr Perrett said.
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The company has been working closely with financial institutions throughout the last few weeks – including all of Australia’s major lenders – to ensure its systems and networks are now subject to the highest level of security and monitoring.
Commonwealth Bank, as well as NAB and ANZ, <a href="/news/banks-drop-landmark-white-valuations-after-data-breach">dropped LandMark White</a> following the attack.
LMW liaised with Commonwealth Bank’s Data Protect Group to assess and improve its datasecurity environment, while the company has also committed to a framework for robust risk management and continuous improvement.
"We’re pleased a number of financial institutions have reinstated LMW to its panel of valuation providers, including one of Australia’s major lenders. 
“It’s a great sign of faith in our company and our people, and I thank the Commonwealth Bank for the support they have shown LMW in the last few weeks. We are confident we now have one of the most secure systems and networks for a property valuation company in Australia.”
“We have been a trusted member of the industry for nearly 40 years and with the support ofall the major banks, we’re confident we’ll be here for another 40 years and longer.”
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LandMark White see Westpac return after dark web data privacy breach 

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Country music star Troy Cassar-Daley and his 4KQ Brisbane radio presenter wife Laurel Edwards have sold their Queensland farm getaway.
They re-listed the Vernor property, an hour door to door from their Brisbane base, last month, having failed to find a buyer on its <a href="/news/troy-cassar-daley-and-laurel-edwards-list-vernor-farm">original listing mid-last year.</a>
Cassar-Daley has said the farm, which they paid $630,000 for in 2007, has inspired a number of his songs.
He said 'I love this place' was written on the kitchen table.
Cassar-Daley used to love fishing on the river which dissected the property. Laurel used to ride horses across the four hectares.
The couple initially sought $680,000 last year.
The family, now with grown up kids, are set to spend more time on the Sunshine Coast.
 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Troy Cassar-Daley sells Queensland farm getaway

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An entire block of eight units in Fairfield have been purchased for $2.82 million following post-auction negotiations.
The buyer of 378 The Horsley Drive, Fairfield is a non-profit organisation.
Set on an 828 sqm site, the asset is fully leased with strata subdivision.
<img src="https://f.datasrvr.com/f1/419/24442/Fairfield_2.JPG">
The property was marketed and sold by Ray White Commercial NSW Associate Director and Licensee in Charge Joseph Assaf and Sales Executive Robert Napoli.
Mr Assaf said it was a strong campaign with interest coming from a wide array of potential buyers, including both private and government funded housing providers
“The property is within walking distance to the thriving Fairfield town centre and train station, with all units having recently been renovated with generous floor plans and on-site parking.
“The asset delivers a current passing income of $155,220* p.a. and with value-add potential, and the fact we had four competing bidders on the day, it highlights how much this opportunity was appreciated," he concluded.
<img src="https://f.datasrvr.com/f1/719/83004/Fairfield_3.JPG">
The eight units consist of 7x2 bedrooms and 1x1 bedroom.
It is zoned B4 Mixed Use.
All the units have laundries, mirror built-ins to main bedrooms and the building has two additional storerooms plus a caretakers bathroom.
Situated close to the Fairfield Public School, it's 350 metres away from the Fairfield railway station and the town centre.
Last sold in 2016 as a block of 8, the building sold for $2.3 million despite an asking price of $2.49 million.
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Fairfield apartment building sold post-auction for $2.82 million

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Investors, represented by Maurice Blackburn, are taking class action against construction giant Lendlease over its share tumble last November following a surprise $350 million write-down on its engineering business that includes the major Sydney road project.
The NorthConnex project is expected to be delivered six months after schedule, due for completion in 2020.
Investors who bought Lendlease shares between February 21 and November 8 can participate in the claim.
The delayed NorthConnex project in Sydney caused its share price plunge caused after revealing it was behind schedule on the multibillion-dollar road development.
Maurice Blackburn will today begin taking registrations for the legal proceedings against the global developer.
The law firm alleges Lendlease broke the Corporations Act by failing to properly inform its shareholders about serious issues in its engineering and services arm and by engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct.
Lendlease saw its shares tumble on the day of the write-down announcement to $14.25 after closing strongly on November 8 at $17.45.
The share fall wiped billions from the company's market capitalisation over a period of five trading days, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
 
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Lendlease face class action after share price collapse

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The new South Sydney Rabbitohs boss Wayne Bennett is officially cutting ties with Brisbane, listing the Yeronga home he owns with his partner Dale Cage.
They paid $1,975,000 in late 2016 when Bennett just wrapped up his second season in his second stint at the Brisbane Broncos.
He was head coach for two decades up until 2008.
The couple seemed set to lease the property upon their move to Sydney, but CoreLogic records show it was advertised at $1,850 a week at the end of January, and then again at the end of February, suggesting a tenant at that price wasn't forthcoming.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/4/Bennett2.jpg" alt="">
Set on the dress circle Brisbane Corso, the riverside home spans three levels and has four bedrooms, a home office, media room and a heated swimming pool.
The home built by local builders Grayhaus shortly before Bennett and Cage bought it.
Cage said the couple looked all over Brisbane when we were looking to buy "from Ascot and Hamilton and we both fell in love with this house together". “It’s a warm, inviting and modern home and it’s made for entertaining,” Cage said.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/4/4/Bennett3.jpg" alt=""> “It’s a wonderful street we live in, there’s good company all around. It’s a great house too that is very low maintenance. “As soon as we walked in we knew it was right for us, and it would suit a big family as it’s got a heated pool and four big bedrooms, two of which are ensuited.”
Ray White Sherwood agent Tim Davis, who sold the couple their home, is looking for a buyer around $2 million.
Bennett still hangs on to a $1.96 million Brisbane city apartment and investments in Moffat Beach and Gladfield.
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New Rabbitohs boss Wayne Bennett cutting ties with Brisbane

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According to this year’s <a href="https://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/time-out-index">Time Out Index</a>, Melbourne has just been crowned the 2nd most exciting city in the world <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/new-york-time-out-index-most-exciting-city/index">after New York City</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Time Out's most 'exciting cities in the world'"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image_1_0.jpg?itok=hLBY6TPy" title="Time Out's most 'exciting cities in the world'" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Time Out's most 'exciting cities in the world'</figcaption></figure>The survey conducted by Tapestry Research interviewed 34,000 people across hundreds of different cities worldwide, with respondents claiming that happiness, creativity, food and live music were the key factors of why they loved Melbourne. Sydney also made the list, taking the 39th place following Moscow, Delhi and Seattle.

Check out some exciting <a href="/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">apartments in Melbourne</a> in 2019:

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/190212_436-bourk-st_hero_cropdown.jpg?itok=MkDRqFCS" rel="gallery-all" title="435 Bourke Street by Cbus Property"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/190212_436-bourk-st_hero_cropdown.jpg?itok=MkDRqFCS" style="width: 580px; height: 326px;" title="435 Bourke Street by Cbus Property"></a>

<figcaption>435 Bourke Street by Cbus Property</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/cbus-property-submits-planning-application-for-its-landmark-435-bourke-street-site">435 BOURKE STREET</a> by Cbus Property

The 55-storey, highly sustainable project will serve as a vertical village for more than 5,500 city workers. Designed by Bates Smart, the $1 billion commercial project will introduce approximately 64,500 square metres of premium grade office space and create a new icon for Melbourne’s skyline on the corner of Queen and Bourke Streets. 435 Bourke Street will be a significant and pioneering project for the city that responds to a future Melbourne workforce, with sustainability, wellness, connection to nature and productivity emphasised in the building’s design and performance which includes multi-vertical villages, outdoor terraces and dedicated wellness hub. <a href="/news/cbus-property-submits-planning-application-for-its-landmark-435-bourke-street-site">Read more here</a>.

Architect: Bates Smart

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/unstudio-cox_southbank-by-beulah-winners.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Southbank by Beulah"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unstudio-cox_southbank-by-beulah-winners.jpg?itok=oTSsBU7J" title="Southbank by Beulah" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Southbank by Beulah</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/southbank-by-beulah-the-winning-design-for-australias-tallest-tower-revealed">SOUTHBANK by BEULAH/THE GREEN SPINE</a>

Cox Architecture + UN Studio's Green Spine design has been planned to reach a towering height of 356m and if approval is granted, the tower is set to become Australia's tallest tower by 2020. A six-month global search involving six of the world’s best architectural firms; BIG, Coop Himmelb(l)au, MAD Architects, MVRDV, OMA and UN Studio took place, with Cox Architecture + UN Studio's Green Spine design winning overall. 

Architect: Cox Architecture + UN Studio

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/wowowa_v02-overview-1024x576.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="WOWOWA Architect's plan for Yarra Pool"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="326" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/wowowa_v02-overview-1024x576.jpg?itok=l4en-DJm" title="WOWOWA Architect's plan for Yarra Pool" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>WOWOWA Architect's plan for Yarra Pool</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/wowowa-and-yarra-pools-unveil-public-pool-proposal-for-melbournes-northbank">YARRA POOL</a> (Community project)

Yarra Pools is a community-led proposal which seeks to transform an under-utilised section of the Yarra River's Northbank into a 'swimmable river'. 

<blockquote>
“What I like about this [design] is the wetlands, the soft connection with our waterway. It turns an under-loved part of the river into a magnet for people (and wildlife) and celebrates our connection with water!”
</blockquote>

- Andrew Kelly, Yarra Riverkeeper

Architect: WOWOWA

Check out the full list of Melbourne's headline acts <a href="/news/melbournes-headline-acts-for-2019">here</a>.

The extensive range of hotels opening throughout the next few years is also an indication of the growing tourism rates in Melbourne.

Here's a list of new hotels in the pipeline for the next few years:

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/360_little_bourke_street_melbourne.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="360 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="402" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/360_little_bourke_street_melbourne.jpeg?itok=51GRW2Gj" title="360 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>360 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne</figcaption></figure><a href="/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">PARK HOTEL</a>

The Bates Smart designed hotel features 308 hotel rooms and draws on the rhythm of the surrounding streetscape with a predominantly vertical expression.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/flinders_bank_-_7-23_spencer_street_melbourne.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="7-23 Spencer Street, Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="320" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/flinders_bank_-_7-23_spencer_street_melbourne.jpg?itok=FKTW8Ixr" title="7-23 Spencer Street, Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>7-23 Spencer Street, Melbourne</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/flinders-bank-7-23-spencer-street-melbourne">ST REGIS</a>

A triple-tower development designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects will house Melbourne's new St Regis hotel, featuring 500 luxury apartments and 167 five-star hotel rooms.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/the_docklands_residences_-_3-43_waterfront_way_docklands.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="3-43 Waterfront Way, Docklands"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="359" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_docklands_residences_-_3-43_waterfront_way_docklands.jpg?itok=pzk6BvTk" title="3-43 Waterfront Way, Docklands" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>3-43 Waterfront Way, Docklands</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/the-docklands-residences-3-43-waterfront-way-docklands">MARRIOTT</a>

Australia's first Marriott Hotel to be built in 20 years is planned to open its doors in 2020. DKO Architecture has worked with Marriott Group to redefine the traditional "hotel", and instead create a versatile, minimalist space where guests can relax. Gone are the clunky writing desks, large wardrobes and carpet – a fresh new look will feature wooden floors, modern bed frames and furniture and large windows.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/582-606_collins_street_melbourne.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="582-606 Collins Street, Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="349" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/582-606_collins_street_melbourne.jpg?itok=NZZYs4Re" title="582-606 Collins Street, Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>582-606 Collins Street, Melbourne</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/582-606-collins-street-melbourne">MANDARIN ORIENTAL</a>

The delicate filigree exterior and wave-like form are synonymous with Zaha Hadid's iconic style of sculptural opulence. Mandarin Oriental (also known as Mayfair) will be a pivotal feature of the Melbourne cityscape, the completion date is yet to be announced.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sp_setia_sbtg_lead.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Shangri-La at Sapphire By The Gardens"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/sp_setia_sbtg_lead.png?itok=hxHDTxiz" title="Shangri-La at Sapphire By The Gardens" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Shangri-La at Sapphire By The Gardens</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/s-p-setia-and-shangri-la-break-ground-on-sapphire-by-the-gardens">SHANGRI LA</a>

The $565 million Sapphire by the Gardens development will see a 5-star Shangri La hotel open by 2021. The hotel will contain 500 state-of-the-art hotel rooms, while the eastern tower will house 300 luxury residential apartments.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/west_side_place_-_250_spencer_street_melbourne.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="250 Spencer Street, Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="303" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/west_side_place_-_250_spencer_street_melbourne.jpg?itok=Uf3cJuk8" title="250 Spencer Street, Melbourne" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>250 Spencer Street, Melbourne</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/west-side-place-melbourne-250-spencer-street-melbourne-vic-3000">RITZ CARLTON</a>

The new Ritz Carlton hotel will raise the bar for luxury hotels across Melbourne, claiming the title of the country's tallest hotel building. With a prolific global reputation for its luxury hospitality, Ritz Carlton Melbourne will tower 79 stories on Spencer Street and feature sky restaurants, a sky bar, a pool, a pool bar, a gym, a day spa and a ballroom. 

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/1hotel_leadimg.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="1 Hotel, Seafarers"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/1hotel_leadimg.jpg?itok=WyCHJIIv" title="1 Hotel, Seafarers" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>1 Hotel, Seafarers</figcaption></figure><a href="/news/riverlee-announces-1-hotel-for-450m-seafarers-project">1 HOTEL</a>

The 1 Hotel brand is part of the award-winning hotel group SH Hotels &amp; Resorts, which maintains an exemplary environmental responsibility and has already gained worldwide recognition since opening its first three hotels in the United States including, Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park in New York, and South Beach in Miami.

Late last year, Time Out also announced that Melbourne’s trendy Fitzroy won the 10th place on their list of '<a href="https://www.timeout.com/coolest-neighbourhoods-in-the-world">50 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the world</a>'.

Check out these really cool <a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy apartments</a>

<a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-house-71-75-argyle-street-fitzroy">FITZROY HO</a><a href="/new-apartments/fitzroy-house-71-75-argyle-street-fitzroy">USE</a> by <a href="https://fitzroyhouse.com.au/">Piccolo</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/443_jcb_argle_160001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Fitzroy House. Credit: Jackson Clements Burrows"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="397" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/443_jcb_argle_160001.jpg?itok=4KmhKZon" title="Fitzroy House. Credit: Jackson Clements Burrows" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Fitzroy House. Credit: Jackson Clements Burrows</figcaption></figure>Architect: Jackson Clements Burrows

Status: Approved

<a href="/buildings/napier-street-223-napier-street-fitzroy">223 NAPIER STREET</a>, Fitzroy by <a href="https://milieuproperty.com.au/space/napier-street">Milieu</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/exterior_front_final_3_lowres.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="223 Napier Street, Fitzroy. Credit: Milieu"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="490" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/exterior_front_final_3_lowres.jpg?itok=5ed3P9nA" title="223 Napier Street, Fitzroy. Credit: Milieu" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>223 Napier Street, Fitzroy. Credit: Milieu</figcaption></figure>Architect: Freadman White

Status: Under construction

<a href="/buildings/no-108-108-leicester-street-fitzroy">108 LEICESTER STREET</a> by <a href="http://www.108fitzroy.com/">FOURSQ</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image_34.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="108 Leicester Street. Credit: 108 Fitzroy"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="435" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image_34.jpg?itok=rfVVkVn7" title="108 Leicester Street. Credit: 108 Fitzroy" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>108 Leicester Street. Credit: 108 Fitzroy</figcaption></figure>Architect: BKK Architects

Status: Registration and sales

<a href="/new-apartments/onefifty-cecil-150-cecil-street-fitzroy">ONE FIFTY</a><a href="/new-apartments/onefifty-cecil-150-cecil-street-fitzroy"> CECIL</a> by AIRWORX

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/download.jpeg" rel="gallery-all" title="ONEFIFTEY CECIL. Credit: Airworx"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="337" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/download.jpeg?itok=fudSB_dR" title="ONEFIFTEY CECIL. Credit: Airworx" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>ONE FIFTY CECIL. Credit: Airworx</figcaption></figure>Architect: Rothelowman

Status: Registration and sales

<a href="/buildings/the-spanish-club-57-61-johnston-street-fitzroy">THE SPANISH CLUB</a> by <a href="https://spanishclubresidences.com.au/">Gurner</a>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/hero_1.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Spanish Club. Credit: Gurner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="254" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/hero_1.jpg?itok=ViWsK_sC" title="The Spanish Club. Credit: Gurner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The Spanish Club. Credit: Gurner</figcaption></figure>Architect: Warren and Mahoney

Status: Under construction

Header image credit: City of Melbourne
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Melbourne: The 2nd Most Exciting City in The World (2019) 

<html><body>
The highly anticipated Aurora Melbourne Central has officially 'topped out' and claimed the title of Melbourne’s tallest building in the CBD.

Aurora’s developers UEM Sunrise and Australian Tier 1 contractor Probuild invited industry representatives and those involved in the significant project to celebrate with a topping out ceremony yesterday afternoon. Apartments.com.au was on hand for the event which took place at Aurora's summit.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/unnamed_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Aurora Melbourne Central topping out ceremony"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="365" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unnamed_0.jpg?itok=_N3MT7PL" title="Aurora Melbourne Central topping out ceremony" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Aurora Melbourne Central topping out ceremony</figcaption></figure><figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/unnamed_1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ceremonial tree planting + speeches"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="246" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/unnamed_1_0.jpg?itok=9zqlgaeT" title="Ceremonial tree planting + speeches" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ceremonial tree planting + speeches</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
 ​​​ “Aurora Melbourne Central is UEM Sunrise’s flagship development in Australia, so it is a very important moment for us to see it structurally reach its peak. It is a testament to the work of all parties involved in the project, including our construction partner Probuild, that it has been so successful thus far, and it’s fantastic that we are able to celebrate this milestone together.”

- Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, UEM Sunrise Managing Director
</blockquote>

Aurora Melbourne Central’s construction timeline has been able to facilitate a staggered opening schedule where residents will be able to move into the completed levels while construction safely continues above.

<blockquote>
“It is an absolute honour to be working with UEM Sunrise to deliver Aurora Melbourne Central, an icon in the Melbourne skyline. A building of this magnitude is truly world class, and at Aurora Melbourne Central we have been able to take advantage of the latest in construction innovations to ensure a seamless delivery across multiple stages.”

- Luke Stambolis, Probuild’s Victorian Managing Director
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/20190403_142315.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="773" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/20190403_142315.jpg?itok=TkSmMQ7A" width="580"></a></figure>The project has brought about 3000 jobs during construction, with 500 ongoing opportunities available and it is also the first residential development to have a direct underground link to the Melbourne Central Train Station.

<blockquote>
“Melbourne is renowned for our stunning city skyline and we now have an exciting new addition with Aurora Melbourne Central. This mixed-use development by UEM Sunrise and Probuild will see new residents and businesses move into the CBD and I look forward to welcoming them into our great city.”

- City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp
</blockquote>

An apartment in the new landmark building is highly sought after, and is currently 100% sold out, and achieved 95% of local and international sales within the first two weeks of launch.

Lead image credit: UEM Sunrise. (Left to right) Simon Gray, Probuild Group Managing Director | Sally Capp, City of Melbourne Lord Mayor | Christina Foo, UEM Sunrise Board of Directors | Mohamed Rastam Shahrom, UEM Sunrise Chief Financial Officer
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Reaching new heights: Melbourne’s new tallest building ‘Aurora’ tops out

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Australia's biggest property developer Harry Triguboff says Sydney's apartment boom had relied too much on Chinese buyers.
"We depend too much on Chinese purchasers," the Meriton boss said in a letter emailed last month to local Sydney estate agents.
"Foreigners must only be an additional bonus," said the veteran who has overseen the construction of more than 75,000 residential dwellings over the past six decades.
"I don't want us also to depend on high priced foreign lenders to provide the finance instead of our banks."
"We must stand on our own two feet," he said adding this independence was "far away".
"We will have stability," he said when Australia depends on itself.
Triguboff concedes the Chinese played a big part in pushing the property prices up, and says even in the current reduced turnover were still significant buyers.
On the price front Triguboff says "the rapid price fall is slowing down, maybe completely stopped".
"We will only know later," he indicated.
He says everything must be done to ensure that property prices don't drop any further.
"They should rise otherwise, no one will build," he warned.
"If prices fall the economy suffers."
The developer, who employs 898 staff, was motivated to send the letter to estate agents with a desire to generate sales amid negative media headlines.
"We are all talking about Reserve Bank lowering interest rates, but that is only a minor matter.
"Banks must lend, but they do not because they are afraid.
"Now that we have shown where they were wrong (at the Royal Commission), we must encourage them to lend, and use their discretion." 
The optimist developer says young buyers face a wide choice.
"There's no dreadful hurry ...it's not going to jump up tomorrow."
He said Sydney's planning system must also change.
"A lot of the costs are because of the planning system," he said. 
Ahead of the declining property market, the apartment king posted after tax profits of $384 million in the financial year ending June 2017, according to Meriton's latest annual return which was lodged last month.
The $384 million profit was up from the $230 million profits Meriton saw in 2016.
There was $1.7 billion in revenue.
He said buyers and renters "flocked" to new apartment blocks.
"The old blocks with few facilities and in the wrong places will suffer.
"Some of our leaders think that people suffer when we build units.
"That is nonsense. 
"We see even councils who were against units now trying to allow high rise because they are left behind. 
"We must remember the demand for housing is great," said Triguboff who founded the company in 1963.
He says his was not unduly concerned about the low sales turnover in the short term.
"It is so easy for me to lease," he told Channel 9 finance editor Ross Grenwood.
"I'm not buying any land," he added.
He warned if the State Government refused to fix the planning department and the banks didn't lend that construction would stop.
"And prices will rise because of a lack of supply," he forecast.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Harry Triguboff says apartment boom relied too much on Chinese buyers

<html><body>
Multiplex has pinpointed incomplete grouting as having caused crumbling of precast concrete columns at its $1.2 billion Collins Arch project.
The issue halted work at the Collins Street, Melbourne CBD work site of the CBUS project, nicknamed the Pantscaper.
The builder would not say how many columns had been affected or what levels of the 44-level twin-tower project had been affected.
The embarrassed super fund, which provides superannuation and income stream accounts to more than 790,000 members, prides itself as being a leading commercial and residential property developer across the country.
The concerns triggered an <a href="/news/precast-column-movement-concerns-stops-work-at-cbus-447-collins-street-pantscraper-twin-tower-project">investigation by structural engineers</a>.
"In limited locations the liquid grouting solution between the column and the floor slab has been found not to have fully penetrated, leading to minor spalling of the precast column edges," Multiplex said on Wednesday.
"The columns in question have since been remediated in accordance with the engineers’ recommendation and a full audit of all precast structural columns is expected to be complete later today."
The builder said there were no structural problems with the building, the design or the precast columns separating floors.
But is acknowledged that "spalling", or crumbling, of the pillars had occurred where pressure built up because the grouting was not evenly spreading the load of the column above.
RCP was appointed by Cbus Property in 2015 to project manage the redevelopment of 447 Collins Street, Melbourne. The quantity surveyor is Rider Levett Bucknall.
It is understood CBUS Property board members were briefed on the issue after the stopwork gained national attention on the Nine Entertainment website.
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">
Mark Ford has been the CBUS Property chair since 2006. Ford is a professional director with extensive property industry experience, including previously being managing director, head of DB Real Estate Australia.</div>
The CBUS Property board includes trade union construction boss Dave Noonan who worked as a builder’s labourer, and managed major union sites at several iconic Melbourne landmarks.
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-text">
Noonan’s qualifications now comprise the RG146 for Superannuation.
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">
Chris Kakoufas is the CBUS Property general manager of development.</div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title"> </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">A CBUS presentation indicated there were unique design considerations for 447 Collins Street due to its complex form, and focuses on the linking of East and West Towers via the skybridge.
</div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title"> </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">"Each tower experiences permanent lateral deflections in different directions due its unique geometry," Rob DiBlasi, Director, 4D Workshop said in 2017 at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.</div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title"> </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">"This is all about construction...by tieing them together it's an extremely stiff building" said DiBlasi.</div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title"> </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">"The architectural aspiration was to maintain an uninterrupted façade across connecting towers," he advised.</div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title"> </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">"The skybridge structure has been utilized to link the towers and avoid expansion joints. </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title"> </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">"Design considerations include individual tower movement during construction and construction tolerance, skybridge and link structure design and detailing, consequential design effects on stability elements, and skybridge construction methodology. </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title"> </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">"The linking of towers can be carried out successfully to create a unique continuous and homogenous architectural form," </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title"> </div>
<div class="cbp-l-project-desc-title">The presentation advised internal linking forces can be significant and may affect design, detailing and construction.</div>
</div>
Poor grouting was part of the problem at Sydney's troubled Opal Tower, from which residents were evacuated on Christmas Eve.
Along with the poor assembly of beams, there was also insufficient grout – concrete glue made up of water, cement, and sand – at the joints between the hob beams and panels, causing stress in the panels,<a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/residential/poor-design-and-construction-at-opal-breached-national-codes-and-standards-20190221-h1bjch" target="_blank"> </a>the Opal investigation found.
Opal Tower also had unique <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/293076036" target="_blank">construction challenges</a>.
 
</body></html>

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