The NSW Government has unveiled plans that could deliver around 1,300 new homes across Nowra and Kiama, continuing its push to unlock housing in well-located regional centres along the South Coast.

The proposals, now on public exhibition, would pave the way for around 830 homes in Nowra and a further 450 homes in Kiama, while also introducing affordable housing requirements and increased building heights in key locations.

The larger of the two proposals is centred on Nowra, where the NSW Government is seeking to rezone land within the Mandalay and Riverfront precincts.

The Mandalay sub-precinct, located close to Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital, Nowra Library and the city's aquatic centre, could accommodate around 530 new homes. Around 30 per cent of housing delivered on Homes NSW-owned land would be dedicated to social and affordable housing, equating to roughly 100 homes. Building heights would increase from the current two-storey limit to between three and six storeys.

A separate rezoning proposal for the Nowra Riverfront Precinct would unlock a further 377 homes while creating stronger connections between the Shoalhaven River and the CBD. The plans include building heights ranging from five to 12 storeys, floor space ratios of up to 2:1 and a requirement for two per cent affordable housing.

Together, the two proposals would deliver more than 900 homes across the broader Nowra area, reinforcing the city's role as one of regional NSW's key growth centres.

The housing push builds on previous infrastructure commitments in the Shoalhaven, including government funding aimed at supporting thousands of future homes in West Nowra through upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure.

Further north, the NSW Government is also progressing plans for the former Kiama Depot site, a two-hectare parcel near Kiama's town centre.

The rezoning proposal would transform the former industrial site into a residential community capable of delivering up to 450 homes. Buildings would range between six and eight storeys, with at least 10 per cent of homes allocated as affordable housing. The proposal also includes approximately 600 parking spaces and improved walking and cycling connections.

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the proposals are designed to increase housing supply in locations close to jobs, transport and services.

"For too long, families have struggled to find somewhere to live, and activating underutilised sites allows us to deliver the new homes these families need," Scully said.

"The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of unlocking well-located sites close to transport, jobs, and town centres and building the homes our communities need.

"These rezonings are about removing barriers to housing delivery and making sure land is put to better use so more people can find a place to call home within the communities they choose."

The latest rezonings form part of the Minns Government's broader strategy to accelerate housing delivery across NSW, particularly in established centres where existing infrastructure can support additional population growth.

Community consultation on the proposals is now underway, with feedback set to inform the final planning controls before the rezonings are determined.

Joel Robinson

Around 1,300 new homes earmarked for Nowra and Kiama as NSW Government pushes housing supply

<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]

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

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 former Australian cricket captain turned commentator Ricky Ponting and his wife Rianna have bought in Portsea.
The couple paid $3.51 million for the home, close to Fishermans Beach which had a $775,000 build in 2009.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom will be a weekender from their home on Brighton’s “golden mile”, which they bought for $10 million in 2013.
The two levels home has a resort style heated pool and spa along with in-ground trampoline and basketball practice area on its 1,068 square metres.
It was sold by Sothebys who struggled to find a buyer with the property listed for more than 300 days.
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Ricky and Rianna Ponting buy Portsea weekender

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The announcement of the name of Japan’s new Imperial era has resulted in a boom in traffic for an Australian property group.
On Monday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced that the country’s new Imperial era will be named Reiwa.
The announcement led to a surge in traffic to <a href="http://reiwa.com/" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>, which is the website for The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia, also known as REIWA.
The Reiwa era will begin on 1 May 2019 with the term coming from an existing compilation of Japanese poetry and also represents fortune, peace and harmony.
REIWA CEO Neville Pozzi said 70% of traffic to reiwa.com today were Japanese people, mistaking the real estate portal for their country’s new imperial era.
Pozzi said the spike in attention from Japan could be an opportunity to lure foreign investment back into the state.
“REIWA is the number one trending hashtag on Twitter, and we even had comments on social media from Japanese people asking the bidding price of REIWA’s domain name,” he said.
“As an Institute, we want to embrace all of this traction and use it as an opportunity to entice migration and foreign investment back into our state in a fun and light-hearted way.”
“The Institute is making the most of its time in the social media spotlight, with hopes that this draws some much needed attention to the WA property market.”
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Announcement of Reiwa era sparks surge in internet traffic for WA property group 

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Nine Entertainment has reported its chief executive Hugh Marks has been in contact with former Domain chief executive Antony Catalano and Thorney Investment Group chairman, Alex Waislitz over the future of the regional Domain property listings platform.
Bidders are currently in the due diligence on Nine's redundant regional news business, Australian Community Media, with the second round of offers due April 24.
The ACM business includes regional and community titles such as Horse Deals, Cotton &amp; Grain Outlook, Lotfeeding, Collie Mail, Wee Waa News, the Goondiwindi Advocate, Queensland Country Life, Macleay Valley Happynings (published every Wednesday) and the Dubbo Mailbox Shopper. There's also The Byron Shire Echo where Catalano has property interests.
The future of the challenged online real estate group Domain outside of Australia's two biggest cities is potentially in play as part of Nine Entertainment Co's desired sell-off of 170 regional and community newspapers.
Nine's Hugh Marks lunched with Catalano (above) and Waslitz at the Sydney CBD restaurant The Bentley last month, Nine Entertainment reported, sans advising what chef Brent Savage and sommelier Nick Hildebrandt served up.
However the Nine report did note Catalano is "considered loyal" to Domain, the realestate.com.au News Ltd competitor, notwithstanding the extraordinary attack on Catalano's character in the Australian Financial Review after his dramatic rumour-laden exit from Domain in January 2018.
Nine now owns 59 per cent of Domain.
Last November Catalano attempted to block the Fairfax-Nine merger in an eleventh hour folly that might have gained greater traction had he not left his bid until the Sunday evening before the Monday shareholders meeting.
At the time the SMH advised Catalano held about one per cent of Fairfax and Domain shares.
Jason Pellegrino, who replaced Catalano as its chief executive, has presided over a dramatic share slump.
The Domain shares were at $3.22 when he took over, and are now trading at $2.55 million giving rise to speculation, in The Australian, that the highly regarded Greg Elis could assume the top job following his return to Australia.
Domain director Greg Ellis was a guest on the table of investment giant KKR at the Sydney Institute’s 30th black tie dinner, the paper reported this week.
Ellis recently returned to Australia having finished his gig in Germany running digital real estate and car ads business Scout24, which was backed by private equity giant Hellman &amp; Friedman.
Between 2008 and 2013 Ellis was the boss of Australia’s biggest online real estate classifieds REA Group which now has a $9.8 billion capitalisation.
Domain has a current $1.49 billion market capitalisation. It hit the market with a $2.2 billion valuation under Catalano's leadership in late 2017.
 
<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/ex-domain-boss-antony-catalano-secures-new-role-20180530-p4zic0" data-track-relatedarticle="inarticlelink"></a>
<div class="_1lwW_">
<source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_1.061%2C$multiply_1%2C$ratio_1.776846%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110/t_crop_custom/w_800/q_86%2Cf_auto/5bc9351f27d263b8108fc45e9459d81bc1bff1c7, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_1.061%2C$multiply_1.51%2C$ratio_1.776846%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110/t_crop_custom/w_1600/q_62%2Cf_auto/5bc9351f27d263b8108fc45e9459d81bc1bff1c7 2x"></source><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_1.061%2C$multiply_1%2C$ratio_1.776846%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110/t_crop_custom/w_728/q_86%2Cf_auto/5bc9351f27d263b8108fc45e9459d81bc1bff1c7, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_1.061%2C$multiply_1.37%2C$ratio_1.776846%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_110/t_crop_custom/w_1456/q_62%2Cf_auto/5bc9351f27d263b8108fc45e9459d81bc1bff1c7 2x"></source>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Antony Catalano seeking small-time backdoor Domain return

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To cater to the continuous demand for housing in Melbourne, Cedar Woods has just announced a fourth apartment complex will be added to their Williams Landing portfolio. The percentage of medium-density housing in Melbourne’s outer-ring suburbs has <a href="http://www.rpmrealestate.com.au/demand-medium-density-rises-face-cooling-property-market/">seen a 5% increase over the last 12 months</a>, with more than 3,423 residents moving to Williams Landing between 2011 and 2016.

Lincoln Apartments has been designed by DKO Architecture with the  aim of creating 125 affordable apartments without compromising quality. The nine-level residential building will be the largest residential development to be built in the City of Wyndham to date – an area which has been identified as one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities. One-bedroom residences will be available from $325,000 and two-bedroom residences will be an additional $70k, at just $395,000.

<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/i01_1_bed_apt_living_ls.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The interiors of Lincoln Apartments. Image: Cedar Woods"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="232" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/i01_1_bed_apt_living_ls.jpg?itok=JnbAkkWX" title="The interiors of Lincoln Apartments. Image: Cedar Woods" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The interiors of Lincoln Apartments. Image: Cedar Woods</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
“As our population continues to grow, we have witnessed a growing demand for apartments in suburbs not traditionally associated with high-rise living, and this is a trend we expect to see continue. Our Williams Landing Town Centre, which offers residential apartments alongside new retail and other employment opportunities, demonstrates how local amenity is supporting the suburban population growth.”

- Lloyd Collins, Cedar Woods State Manager via <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/melbourne-vic/cheap-houses-in-the-west-ignored-by-apartment-buyers/news-story/86615064c99af03bbc6ae2bbb1b0bbda">News.com.au</a>
</blockquote>

The development is conveniently located within direct freeway access, which gives residents the flexibility to commute to the city in only 25 minutes. Neighbourhood parks, eateries, retail outlets and sports facilities will be developed within the precinct, providing Melbourne’s west with a central social and commercial hub. An earlier Williams Landing development '<a href="/buildings/lancaster-apartments-30-clarke-street-williams-landing">Lancaster apartments</a>' sold out within 7 months of launch, which further endorses the need for an increase in medium-density properties across Victoria. <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/property/2019/02/18/australian-sprawl/">Professor Greg Clark, co-author of ‘Creating Great Cities’</a> explained that rather than spreading outwards, we need to focus on “high-amenity, medium density, multipolar metropolitan living supported by great public transport.”

Apartments are becoming a desirable option for those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle with the convenience of multiple amenities available at your doorstep.

<blockquote>
“We see a general group of buyers who don’t want to have the maintenance of a house. There’s a mix of families, first-home buyers and downsizers taking them on. There’s more to life these days than mowing the lawn on the weekend.”

- Patrick Archer, Cedar Woods State Manager
</blockquote>

Lincoln apartments will commence construction this year.

<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/c01_rooftop_copy.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Lincoln Apartments features a residents' rooftop. Image: Cedar Woods"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/c01_rooftop_copy.jpg?itok=bUKqIVlg" title="Lincoln Apartments features a residents' rooftop. Image: Cedar Woods" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Lincoln Apartments features a residents' rooftop. Image: Cedar Woods</figcaption></figure>
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Olivia Round

Cedar Woods announces new apartments for Williams Landing

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A collaboration of Melbourne architects <a href="/architects/fraser-partners-0">Elenberg Fraser</a> (<a href="/buildings/albert-place-7-bowen-crescent-south-melbourne">Albert Place</a>, <a href="/buildings/premier-tower-134-160-spencer-street-melbourne">Premier Tower</a>) and Craig Tan Architects (Hawker Hall, Chin Chin) is overseeing the design of two new hotel towers set to open in Melbourne’s CBD by 2022.

Ormond Melbourne and Momo’s Melbourne will be located across two tapering towers of 30 and 24-storeys respectively, and will feature an events centre of just over 12,000sqm as well as food and beverage offerings within a shared podium. The project has been brought to fruition by South-East Asian hospitality brand the Ormond Group, who is best known for its Tune Hotels brand and is currently undertaking a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/ormond-hotel-s-25m-redevelopment-to-finish-in-2020-1.3624157">The Ormond Hotel</a> (to be completed 2020).

<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/540_flinders_street_02.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="703" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/540_flinders_street_02.png?itok=E2kjyv57" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ormond Melbourne, located at 540 Flinders Street. Credit: Point Polaris</figcaption></figure><blockquote>
“We are delighted to have been given the green light for Ormond Group to push forward with this exciting and ambitious project. Through our new brands, we hope to be able to elevate the hotel scene in Melbourne through our inclusive approach to programming and design. 

We’ll be looking to work with exciting F&amp;B operators as well as developing inspiring partnerships to bring these properties to life. Our spaces are designed to welcome guests and locals alike. Ormond and MoMo’s will offer culturally relevant experiences for guests and locals at great value for money price points in one central location. 

We are thrilled to be introducing our hotels to this area of the city’s CBD – we embrace its past, present and future and look forward to meaningfully contributing to the district’s landscape. We feel confident that Melbourne’s already discerning lifestyle audience will enjoy what we bring to Australia’s cultural capital.”

- Gareth Lim, CEO of Ormond Group
</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/image-1-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1132" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image-1-1.jpg?itok=H_znTvxz" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ormond Melbourne. Credit: Point Polaris</figcaption></figure>Ormond Melbourne has been thoughtfully designed to represent the brand’s ethos of ‘Luxury Simplified’ by providing high quality guest services, dynamic social programming and elegant yet comfortable design features.

<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/540_flinders_street_03.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="730" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/540_flinders_street_03.png?itok=yk9uClSd" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Momo's Melbourne. Credit: Point Polaris</figcaption></figure>Momo’s Melbourne has been designed with a vision to cater to creative communities and urban nomads by creating playful, engaging spaces throughout the property to inspire locals and visitors alike.

The two properties will contain a total of 537 guest suites and will be linked by a purpose-built pedestrian laneway and will feature a sky bar, restaurant and multi-use spaces.  

The project will be managed by Point Polaris, and construction will take place on a site spanning 540 Flinders Street and 539 – 545 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
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Ormond Group to launch two new hotel concepts in central Melbourne by 2022

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Matt Lahood, the chief executive of the ASX-listed real estate network, The Agency, and his wife Connie put their Maroubra home to auction yesterday.
But the downsizing couple had no joy. It was passed in on a $3 million vendor bid from the struggling auctioneer, who had just one registered bidder amid many longtime neighbours.
The Lahoods have owned the four-bedroom 1970s family home for eight years, bought when he was a McGrath Estate Agents executive. It cost $2.26 million in 2011 after its 2010 refurbishment.
The initial auction price guide was $3.2 million, which was revised to $3 million given his listing agent Tony Laing gauged buyer interest during the marketing campaign.
<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/2019/4/1/Lahood2.jpg" alt="">
Lahood has a Coogee triplex development with plans to reside on the top floor.
Lahood departed McGrath after two decades in late 2016 to establish The Agency, which traded at a record low 12c on the sharemarket last week,
Like McGrath, which also traded at record lows last week, the two estate agencies are the bellwether stock on the patchy state of the property market.
The Agency’s own Coogee office recently shut its doors as a cost-cutting measure. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Daily Telegraph.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Agency boss Matt Lahood fails to find single bid

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Nooken Farm, the Victorian rural estate run by the late Victorian Solicitor-General, Hartog Berkeley has been listed for sale.
It comes with $10 million price hopes through Elders.
The 378-hectare Thornton property is near the township of Alexandra in the Yarra Ranges.
It has operated as a renowned Hereford Poll stud farm since the late 1970s. There's two cattle yards, a machinery shed and workshops.
Its modern homestead complex offers views over the Rubicon Valley at 1235 Taggerty-Thornton Road.
It features a 20 metre solar-heated swimming pool.
The listing comes after the death of Berkeley in 2017, aged 88.
 
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Hartog Berkeley's Nooken Farm, Thornton listed with $10 million hopes

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Melbourne's continued accelerated housing downturn has overtaken Sydney to become the weakest capital city market annually, according to CoreLogic's March Home Value Index.
Melbourne's housing market is now down 12.4 percent annually, now ahead of Sydney's 11.8% annual decline.
Sydney's dwelling price declined 0.9 percent over March, driven by units (-1.1%). Houses in the harbour capital dropped by 0.9%, the first month since November that they haven't suffered declines over 1%.
Melbourne saw its houses decline by 1.1% over March, its fifth consecutive month of more than 1% falls.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/1/Capitals-March.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<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/2019/4/1/Capitals-March.jpg" alt="">
Values were down in six of the eight capital cities over the month.
Hobart continued its strength, with another positive 0.6% increase in dwelling values, while Canberra held firm seeing no increases or declines.
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless noted that the market downturn has become geographically more widespread.
The 0.6% drop in March was actually the smallest of the month-on-month declines since values fell by 0.5% in October last year. 
“While the pace of falls has slowed in March, the scope of the downturn has become more geographically widespread," Lawless said.
Lawless said that the housing market has recently shown some tentative signs that the downturn in dwelling values is losing some steam.
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“Although this is a positive development, the outlook for the housing market will continue to be affected by uncertainty related to the federal election, lending policies and more broadly, domestic economic conditions. 
“Federal elections generally cause some uncertainty, which is likely amplified more so this time around considering the potential for a change of government which will also involve significant changes to taxation policies related to investment.” 
“No doubt, some prospective buyers and sellers are delaying their housing decisions until after the election, however, there is no guarantee that certainty will improve post-election, considering the impact of a wind back to negative gearing and halving of the capital gains tax concession is largely unknown. 
"It seems a reasonable assumption that removing an incentive from the market would result in some downwards pressure on activity and prices for a period of time.” 
“If elected, the Opposition have flagged that changes to the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing would take effect from January 2020.” 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Melbourne 12.4% house price drop the weakest capital city over past year: CoreLogic

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Ceres Agricultural Company has gone into administration.
The administrators are Philip Campbell-Wilson and Said Jahani from Grant Thornton.
In a statement published by the Beef Central website, the administrators said Ceres Agricultural Company operated one of Australia’s largest integrated cattle-finishing and cropping enterprises.
<div id="mobile_ad_3" class="mobile-ad">It said the company operated from leased properties at Oberon and Warialda.</div>
“While it is too early to confirm the factors which contributed to the need for the company to appoint administrators, it is understood that the company had been experiencing working capital/cash flow issues in recent months,” Mr Campbell-Wilson said.
“The drought, which has no doubt had an impact on many farmers, has had an effect on the company.”
The cost of expensive grain has made it very difficult for farmers facing a drought that has been going harder and longer and wider than anyone thought.
Campbell-Wilson said animal welfare was a key priority during the administration process.
“We are finalising arrangements in regards to the remaining 10,000 head of cattle on site which will enable the orderly finishing process for those cattle.”
Campbell-Wilson said the company being in administration would result in further redundancies, following a number of employees having been made redundant in recent months as the business has scaled back. 
“We are mindful that the closure of the company will have an impact not only on employees but on the local communities and businesses that were supported by the company.
“Our aim is to make the administration process as smooth as possible for employees and stakeholders, and to provide support and certainty around next steps."
The farmland is owned by separate corporate entities, with the administrators confirming their appointment did not extend to any related party entities.
The first meeting of creditors will be held on 9 April.
According to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, Ceres Agricultural Company’s directors are Vaucluse resident Garrick Hawkins and Singapore residents John Sheehy and Michael Sweeney.
<div id="mobile_ad_2" class="mobile-ad">Ceres is fully owned by Pegala Pty Ltd, who registered address is home to the Hawkins family’s showcase Mayfield Gardens.</div>
Sources have said Mr Hawkins intended to retain involvement with the Ceres’ Oberon properties, Mayfield and Ballyroe.
Ceres recently sold the 9000-hectare Brudle Park cropping aggregation (top) north of Moree for around $50 million.
Macquarie-backed Viridis Ag secured the cropping aggregation on the Newell Highway north of Moree.
The sale of the Brudle Park aggregation, which comprises the four properties of Brudle Park, Oaklands, Braden and Yileena, was the first major divestment by Ceres Ag since the business was put up for sale two years ago with a $200 million price tag.
Ceres Agriculture was established in 2012 when cropping and beef enterprise Pegela Pastoral Company received the backing of Singapore-based fund manager Duxton Asset Management in a deal put together by Mark Mason and Garrick Hawkins.
<div id="mobile_ad_1" class="mobile-ad">Ceres Agricultural Co’s other asset in northern New South Wales is Gunyerwarildi, which includes a feedlot and large-scale cropping operation at Warialda, east of Moree.</div>
“Brudle Park sold walk-in walk-out, and it settles next week. Contracts have been exchanged unconditionally,” CBRE agent Richard Royle said last week.
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Drought tips Ceres Agriculture into administration

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Sydney sporting power couple, Australian cricketer Trent Copeland and his professional netball wife Kimberley Green, have sold in the Shire.
They've sold the Miranda property they bought in 2011, a year before they wed near the beach in North Wollongong.
The purchase came shortly after Copeland was given his baggy green cap on his Test debut in Sri Lanka.
The strata townhouse had only been built four years earlier, part of a boutique complex of just three.
The living area opens to a grassed backyard and outdoor entertaining area on its 455 square metre parcel.
Pulse Property agents Ben Pike and Blake Spooner secured the sale. 
Copeland joined Seven last year as an analyst for the network's Test coverage.
Green is the captain of the Giants Netball.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
 
 
 
 
  
 
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