Australia’s housing debate has rarely been more urgent. The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council forecasts the country could fall around 262,000 homes short of housing needs by 2029, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing planners, governments and developers.

In response, much of the conversation has centred on high-density towers around transport corridors and strategic centres.

Diversified developer Coronation Property, while also focused on well-located, strategic sites, is incorporating an arguably underutilised typology, the terrace.

Difficult to integrate into true high-rise developments, terraces have become a defining feature of Coronation’s lower-rise portfolio, including projects in Ashbury and Erskineville. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/ashbury-terraces-165-171-milton-street-ashbury-nsw-2193">Ashbury Terraces</a> places a stronger emphasis on this housing type, forming part of a broader community mix.

At its Erskineville development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, terraces are more limited, with just a handful&nbsp;included within the wider, predominantly apartment-led precinct, one of the first developments to launch in Erskineville in several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=368392]

Terrace residents at Lillian benefit from many of the same advantages as apartment owners, the lock-up-and-leave lifestyle and access to shared amenities like the rooftop wellness space, but with significantly more space.

Spanning multiple levels, the terraces also feature front and rear courtyards, providing direct access to the central landscaped gardens within the precinct.

<h3 data-end="212" data-section-id="1n97jye" data-start="191">The terrace model</h3>

Terrace housing has long been part of Australia’s urban fabric. From Paddington and Surry Hills to Glebe and Annandale, rows of terrace homes have shaped neighbourhood streets, offering a housing form that sits between detached houses and apartments.

The contemporary terrace, however, addresses many of the limitations of older designs, where narrow staircases and constrained layouts often compromised liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=368157]

“Terraces represent one of the city’s most intelligent housing models,” says Joe Nahas, Managing Director of Coronation Property.

“They deliver density without losing the human scale that makes neighbourhoods liveable. In many ways, they provide a bridge between the Sydney we know and the Sydney we need to build. If Sydney is going to grow well, it can’t rely on towers alone.”

<hr data-end="1090" data-start="1087" />
<h3 data-end="1124" data-section-id="1a7l0gw" data-start="1092">The evolution of the terrace</h3>

That thinking has shaped Coronation’s approach at Ashbury Terraces, where the terrace typology has been reinterpreted for modern living.

Designed by SJB, the project recently received recognition at the 2026 Better Future World Design Awards, acknowledging its architectural clarity and response to the surrounding suburban context.

SJB Director Adam Haddow says the intent was to evolve a familiar housing form rather than reinvent it.

“The terrace is one of Sydney’s most familiar housing forms, so our approach at Ashbury was to reinterpret that typology in a contemporary way,” Haddow says.

“The homes are designed to sit comfortably within the existing neighbourhood while introducing more light, landscape and shared spaces that support modern living.”

Ashbury Terraces combines terraces, apartments and penthouses across a series of low-rise buildings, integrating contemporary architecture with landscaped communal spaces and resident amenity.

That same typology is now being carried into Coronation’s Lillian development in Erskineville, where a smaller number of terraces sit within a predominantly apartment-led precinct.

<hr data-end="2269" data-start="2266" />
<h3 data-end="2289" data-section-id="cazuws" data-start="2271">Buyer response</h3>

Coronation’s decision to include terraces at Lillian was informed by strong buyer feedback from Ashbury Terraces, where purchasers were drawn to the flexibility and scale the housing type offers.

One resident, Sweta Pursem, purchased a terrace as a single buyer, citing its long-term versatility.

“As a single buyer, it might seem surprising that I chose a terrace over an apartment, but I was thinking long term,” Pursem says.

“The terraces are incredibly versatile, catering to a range of lifestyles while still offering the space and privacy of a house.”

For Pursem, the multi-level layout provides a level of functionality not typically found in apartment living.

“Having a separate living area from the bedroom and home office makes everyday living feel both functional and comfortable. When friends and family come to visit, the layout gives a sense of privacy while still feeling open and spacious.”

Her terrace also supports a more connected, lifestyle-driven way of living.

“I love entertaining, and the courtyard is ideal for relaxed weekend drinks with friends. I tend to use each level differently throughout the day, it creates a natural rhythm between work, downtime and entertaining, which I didn’t have in apartment living.”

Ashbury Terraces is now complete and ready to move in, while Lillian in Erskineville is under construction and expected to welcome residents in mid-2027.

Joel Robinson

Coronation champions terraces as a key piece of Sydney’s housing mix

Private equity real estate firm Conquest has entered into a $220 million partnership with Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot, to deliver its long-awaited Waterloo project on Bourke Street.

The Bourke Street development was first flagged by Fabcot back in 2021 as part of its push into Sydney’s residential market. However, progress has since stalled, with no activity on site amid a number of design revisions in consultation with the City of Sydney.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a>, which is actively planning more than $6 billion worth of new developments, predominantly mixed-use precincts, is now set to move the project forward.

The current plans include between 110 and 120 apartments across two buildings designed by Bates Smart at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/923-935-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">923 Bourke Street</a>. The scheme will incorporate a portion of apartments reserved for key workers, alongside premium commercial space at ground level, including a full-line Woolworths supermarket.

Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2026.

Michael&nbsp;Akaawi, CEO of Conquest, said the partnership reflects the firm’s commitment to "convenience-led" urban renewal."

"We are preparing to commence construction in the second half of this year," Akaawi says.

"Along with Woolworths, we look forward to delivering the first major supermarket to the growing Waterloo community, integrated with premium new apartments and specialty retail shops. Our focus is on creating a seamless lifestyle hub where essential services are at the doorstep, saving residents time and enhancing their quality of life."&nbsp;

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8beee83-ef9b-446b-a3b3-1e2fe596512b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-01%20at%2011.08.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=raYhGepiLUJfx4InLPRRJduA3ftDJ_kS" />

The news comes just a week after Conquest went to the NSW Government to upsize its plans for Castlecrag's Quadrangle Shopping Centre.

Conquest purchased the site for just shy of $70 million last year, with existing plans in place for a mixed-use residential and retail precinct comprising 38 luxury apartments.

Those plans have now been significantly expanded, with the developer lodging a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for 150 apartments across two 11-storey buildings. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, incorporating specialty retail tenancies and five levels of basement car parking, on the 5,166 sqm site at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-edinburgh-road-castlecrag-nsw-2068">100 Edinburgh Road</a>.

Conquest has been increasingly active in the development space in recent years. The group acquired the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/eastlakes-nsw-2018">Eastlakes</a>&nbsp;Shopping Centre redevelopment, where it plans to deliver more than 1,000 apartments above a new retail precinct, and has also lodged a $900 million State Significant Development Application for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/conquest-unveils-900m-stanmore-village-vision-for-landmark-inner-west-site">mixed-use precinct in Stanmore</a>.

Conquest partners with Woolworths to deliver mixed-use Waterloo project

A shift away from Sydney’s industrial past has left parts of the inner south defined by contrast, brick warehouses repurposed into dining precincts, former factory streets softened by landscaping and pedestrian activity.

Rosebery is one of those suburbs. Over the past decade, it has undergone significant gentrification, anchored by The Cannery, which has helped reposition the area as one of the inner city’s most sought-after lifestyle pockets.

What hasn’t kept pace with that transformation is new residential supply, which has remained relatively limited. Builder-developer Deicorp identified that gap early, securing a site in 2019 and delivering what is now one of the suburb’s most architecturally distinctive developments.

To realise the vision, Deicorp engaged Candalepas Associates to design The Rothschild, a project that is immediately recognisable from the street.

Completed in 2025, The Rothschild comprises two buildings across Rothschild and Mentmore Avenues, delivering 176 apartments. The development replaces a former industrial site, retaining a material and structural dialogue with its past while introducing a more resolved residential framework. The scale is deliberate but not monolithic, broken into forms that engage both street frontages, with retail at ground level and two levels of basement parking below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221665]

From the street, the architectural intent is clear. Off-form concrete columns run through the façade, establishing a repeated structural rhythm that gives the building its visual weight. These are paired with deep-set arches and sections of exposed brickwork, creating a layered elevation that reads less like a typical apartment block and more like a reinterpretation of industrial architecture.

The material palette is intentionally restrained, with concrete left exposed and brick used to define mass rather than decoration. The result is a building that stands out through proportion and repetition, rather than height or glazing.

This approach continues internally. A central landscaped courtyard sits between the two buildings, anchored by an olive grove that acts as both a visual and spatial focal point. Rather than functioning as residual space, the courtyard is designed as a shared ground plane, where circulation paths, seating areas and planting come together to create a usable communal environment. Its positioning allows natural light to penetrate deep into the site while maintaining separation between residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221666]

Within the apartments, the planning follows a clear and functional logic. Entry points lead directly into open-plan living areas, with kitchens positioned as central elements alongside dining and lounge spaces. These zones extend to balconies or external openings, maintaining a visual connection to either the courtyard or the street.

Kitchens prioritise practicality, with generous bench space, ample storage and European appliances configured for everyday use. Bedrooms are typically set back from the main living areas, creating quieter zones within each residence, with separation achieved through layout rather than material change. Bathrooms are compact but efficient, incorporating mirrored cabinetry and integrated storage to maximise space. Across all residences, the emphasis is on clarity of movement and functional planning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221669]

At ground level, retail and hospitality uses extend the building’s presence beyond its residential function. A café or restaurant space, alongside communal amenities such as a music room and rooftop areas, positions the development as part of a broader urban network rather than a standalone project. These shared spaces reinforce a lifestyle where the building operates as an extension of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Rosebery’s proximity to Green Square, The Cannery and nearby parklands supports this model of living, where much of daily life is within walking distance. The Rothschild sits comfortably within that network, contributing to the streetscape through its distinctive architecture, while internally organising space around light, structure and communal use.

The Rothschild is now complete and ready to move in, with limited residences remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106843]

The Rothschild reinterprets Rosebery’s industrial DNA into residential form

KTQ has unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/casilia-16-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Casilia</a>, the final residential release within the Kirra Point precinct which really kicked off the boom in the area back in 2019.

The final stage comprises&nbsp;87 residences and marks the culmination of a long-term, family-led vision for Kirra Point, as the precinct moves toward completion in tandem with the development.

Around $100 million in sales have been achieved already, close to 35 per cent of the residences secured ahead of launch. There have been a significant number of buyers returning from the first stage of the development, Miles Residences, securing another property within Kirra Point.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368410]

Selling agent Tim Keenan from Keenan Byrne said the response reflects both the scarcity of the offering and Kirra’s growing reputation as a premium coastal market.

“This is effectively Kirra’s final act, the last release within what has become one of the Southern Gold Coast’s most tightly held beachfront precincts,” Keenan said.

“We’ve seen exceptionally strong pre-sale interest, from VIP waitlists through to off-market enquiry, which speaks to both the quality of the product and the confidence buyers have in the precinct. What’s particularly compelling is the number of buyers returning from Miles, either upgrading or investing again, which is a strong signal of how the precinct has been received."

Keenan adds that at the same time, north-facing beachfront remains exceptionally rare in Australia, limited to places like Noosa, Byron and Kirra, which is underpinning long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368415]

Positioned along one of Australia’s few true north-facing beaches, Casilia offers a mix of two and three-bedroom residences with pricing ranging from $1.87 million to $7.15 million and two exclusive penthouses. Residences are oriented to capture varying outlooks, from uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views across Kirra Beach to hinterland vistas, with upper levels and shared amenity taking in sweeping perspectives along the Gold Coast coastline.

At rooftop level, a north-facing pool deck captures expansive, uninterrupted views over Kirra Beach and north towards Surface Paradise. The space incorporates a heated resort-style pool, mineral spa, sun lounges and a covered BBQ cantina.

Buyer profiles are broad, typically aged between 40 and 70, with a strong skew toward second-home ownership, drawn by a combination of lifestyle, relative value, proximity to Gold Coast Airport and lower congestion compared to more established markets such as Byron Bay and Noosa.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368414]

The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ktq-group">KTQ Group</a>, a family-owned Australian property group with a diverse portfolio spanning residential, hospitality and commercial developments. The group has delivered a number of notable projects across sectors, including the award-winning Elements of Byron resort, demonstrating its depth of experience across both hospitality and residential development.

Known for its long-term approach to place-making, KTQ Group retains a vested interest in its projects, often holding assets within its portfolio, which has also helped build trust among buyers and reinforced confidence in both the vision and delivery certainty of the precinct.

“Casilia represents the final opportunity to secure a residence within Kirra Point and brings to market the last release within our long-term vision for the precinct," KTQ Group's Jeremy Holmes said.

"Kirra Point has been more than a decade in the making, and that timeframe reflects the care behind each decision, it takes listening, balance and vision to arrive at something that feels right for the location.

“Our approach has always been to deliver Kirra Point as a destination in its own right, a connected coastal neighbourhood integrating residential, hospitality and wellness, rather than a standalone project. It’s a vision that respects place, pace and permanence, and contributes to a sense of community that feels authentic to Kirra.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368411]

Once complete, the Kirra Point masterplan will incorporate a mix of dining establishments, bars and cafés, alongside the Kirra Point Health Club and a future 91-room independent resort hotel, creating a walkable, integrated lifestyle precinct.

Architecutue and interiors at Casilia have been designed by the experienced design houses of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/little-boat-projects">Little Boat Projects</a> and O’Neil Architecture &amp; Interior Design, The design moves beyond the conventional coastal apartments, instead taking cues &nbsp;from the surrounding landscape - layering natural materials, soft curves and warm textures to create spaces that respond to light, airflow and the rhythms of coastal living.

Residences are designed with an array of floorplates, generous proportions and intuitive flow, while at ground level Casilia connects into the broader precinct, where future laneways, retail and hospitality offerings will contribute to a neighbourhood defined as much by how people live day-to-day as its beachfront position.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152295]

The final residential release within the Kirra Point masterplan is set to launch, as strong pre-sales signal sustained demand for the Southern Gold Coast

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

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?

<html><body>
The Gold Coast home of international footballer Craig Moore has been listed for onsite February 3 auction. 
The Hope Island house was built after the block cost $665,000 in 2003.
It's been listed through McGrath Property agent Philip Chillemi <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-hope-island-qld-4212/171809/?searchID=25664384" target="_blank">with $1.6 million to $2 million expectations</a>.
'It's one of Hope Island’s most prestigious and beautifully built homes," Philip Chillemi's marketing says.
"Architecturally designed, it offers the ultimate waterfront lifestyle with the privacy of a celebrity home," it says.
Craig Moore captained Australia’s Olympic soccer team in 2004 and played with the Socceroos in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
The five-bedroom waterfront home should sell for $1.6 to $2 million at auction on February 3.
It's been on and off the market since June 2011. Late last year Moore was seeking $2.35 million for the property, which is set on a 1,006-square-metre block.
</body></html>

flim-64GFPAozQb

Retired Socceroo Craig Moore lists on Gold Coast with reduced hopes

<html><body>
An oceanfront estate with more than 250 metres of direct beachfront has been listed for sale in Rocky Point, Queensland, with offers in excess of $2.9 million being sought.  
Set on 1.15 hectares of land, the two large residences on separate titles were designed by local architect Gary Hunt for veteran developer John Morris.
The L-shaped single-level main residence means all living areas and bedrooms face over water features.
The main residence boats four bedrooms, four bathrooms, shell stone tiled floors throughout and bi-fold doors that fold away to open onto the freshwater pool. 
The newly renovated guest residence includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms. There's bamboo flooring.
The location offers one of the best deep-water frontages from Cairns to Cooktown, allowing the mooring of sizable vessels less than 100 metres from their home.
The estate has been listed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbbr.com.au/buying/QLD/Cairns-and-Region/PORT-DOUGLAS/House/16P0236">Josh Mezger from Coldwell Banker Barrier Reef Cairns City</a>.
Located on Mossman-Daintree Road <a href="/news">Rocky Point</a>, the property was last traded when bought in 2009 for $2.2 million from the Morris family.
Eric and Conny Visser have decided to move back to The Netherlands to be closer to family.
</body></html>

ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Rocky Point oceanfront estate listed with $2.9 million-plus hopes

<html><body>
The grandest of current listings across Australia is unquestionably the Tallebudgera estate Bellagio La Villa, the home of the horse racing enthusiast and property developer Paul Sweeney and his wife, Viki Farrar.
It is listed for January 31  Ray White auction as a court-ordered separation sale.
No price guide has been given for the 17-hectare estate, set some seven minutes' drive from <a href="/news">Burleigh Heads</a> in the Gold Coast hinterland.
The land holding was bought in 2006 for $7 million.
They reputedly spent a further $8 million constructing their dream residence over the next two years.
Not suprisingly, American reportage of the mansion's auction listing has stressed it's a 27,415-square-foot (2,546-square-metre) mansion of amazing proportions. 
The Sweeneys founded Coral Homes in 1990 after moving from Mayfield West, near Maitland in New South Wales, with the company rapidly expanding to become one of the largest residential developers in Queensland. In its first year of operation, the company sold 25 homes. The business doubled sales each year from 25 to 50 to 100 to 200 and then 400 homes in its fifth year.
Like the market, from that point sales were up and down, but Coral Homes was still able to achieve an average of 20% growth a year to 1,200 homes by around 2008.
The Sweeneys' luxury home features 10 ensuited bedrooms, plus multiple living areas, a library, media and music rooms, a gym, and indoor pool and spa.
There is also a five-car garage-cum-ballroom.
The marketing describes it as the most gracious and elegant horse estates in the region. And there is some evidence to back up that claim as Southern Lord, a Group 1-winning thoroughbred, as born and raised there.
Despite the downturn in the Gold Coast's property market, sales have included a record $12 million for a Sanctuary Cove property and $9.5 million for a house on the Nerang River at Southport. 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bellagio La Villa listed as Tallebudgera owners cash in their glorious Gold Coast hinterland chips

<html><body>
The Gold Coast summer auction seasons is kicking off this weekend. If sold, the properties will total tens of millions of dollars.  
Much of the activity is at the strip's northern end, but Hedges Avenue gets its look-in, too.
Of course most agents are anticipating, or more likely hoping, the Gold Coast property market could be in a state of recovery.
But the last five years has been typically tough for property, with many halving in value.
“Apart from Cairns, no market was affected more than here,” Ray White Surfers Paradise CEO Andrew Bell recently suggested.
While prices are still bouncing off the bottom, sales inquiry and activity has been climbing back.
Bell's numbers indicated a 32% rise in sales volume in November 2012 compared with November 2011.
“In our residential resale markets in just the fortnight since Christmas, we have recorded over 2,300 people through our open homes and inquiries,” says Bell.
“That is up over 41.5% on the corresponding period last year,” he told Fairfax Media.
Bell has sold 14 properties since Boxing Day, with a list of forthcoming auction dates coming up.
“There is no doubt in my mind anyone buying a property in 12 months' time will be paying more than they would at this point in time,” says Bell.
Ray White Surfers Paradise is preparing for its 20th annual summer auction, dubbed The Event – which is now spread over three days, January 27, 30 and 31.
As one of Australia’s largest auctions, The Event will bring more than 100 residential, prestige, industrial and commercial properties as well as land sites and even boats go to auction.
Included in the auctions will be a luxury architectally designed Hedges Avenue home of troubled Gold Coast developer Bruce Tilley. The Gold Coast Bulletin says searches show the Bank of Queensland is owed $7.843 million on the beachfront house, which will be offered on January 31. Property Observer<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/no-expenses-spared-mermaid-beach-property-hits-the-market/2012052254803" target="_blank"> reported the listing in May last year. </a> Tilley held the house through Hedges Avenue Pty Ltd, and receivers Andrew Fielding and David Whyte were appointed to take control of the company in October last year.
The house was built two years ago after Tilley paid $1.4 million for the 405-square-metre landholding in 2000. The replacement cost of the property, which has just two bedrooms and a study, has been estimated to be as high as $10 million. “In two decades The Event has grown to unrivalled heights and is now seen as a litmus test for the regional and national markets for the year ahead,” says Bell.
“The Event acts to spur the market into action, as a result we often see substantial sales activity in the weeks following the auctions.”
Bell says there has been a huge boost in sales to the international market this year, particularly Asian buyers.
He added that growing activity in the prestige sector and the record sale of a $12 million Sanctuary Cove mansion is helping drive buyer confidence.
““It gives the rest of us confidence when Australia’s highest wealth citizens back their intuition that now is the time to get into the market, and as a result we’ve seen steady activity across the residential market following the string of high-priced sales,” says Bell.
The selling season kicks off on January 20 with Lucy Cole Prestige Properties.
Following are Professionals Broadbeach, Ray White Broadbeach and Professionals Paradise Point, with auctions on January 24.
The Event by Ray White kicks off on January 27 as well as another auction by Southern Ray White offices.
Ray White Runway Bay Group and Harcourts Gold Coast Central will have hammers in their hands on January 29 and Ray White Robina/Varsity on January 30.
Three auctions will take place on January 31 by Ray White Surfers Paradise Group Prestige, Professionals Surfers Paradise and LJ Hooker Labrador.
Harcourts Broadbeach-Mermaid Waters and PRDnationwide Surfer Paradise will both have auctions on February 2.
</body></html>

Gold Coast auctioneers seek to climb out of five-year chasm

<html><body>
It's the Gold Coast listing that keeps giving – now into its third year.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august16mcivor]}
The striking two-storey riverfront home, designed by Sydney-based architect Alex Popov, sits on Cronin Island with 50-metre frontage onto the Nerang River.
It has been on and off the market since 2011, with its latest auction on-sale now not proceeding to settlement.
It's the much-marketed "Mark McIvor house", which most recently was listed by Fulton Transport boss Gary Fulton, who paid $6.75 million.
The former luxury abode of the Equititrust founder Mark McIvor had gone to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/former-equititrust-boss-mark-mcivor-lists-popov-designed-gold-coast-home/2011081651176" target="_blank">September 2011 auction</a>, but did not <a href="/news">sell until early January 2012</a> when the price was undisclosed.
At its September 2011 auction Stacey McIvor, the wife of merchant banker and property investor Mark McIvor, wept when the five-bedroom riverfront home drew a top bid of $4.55 million.
At the time a disappointed Mark McIvor said the home  had been valued at $6.5 million and that the auction was "a demonstration of a very hard market".
Observers were then highly surprised at the strength of the very bullish $6.75 million price stated in the official DERM land registry paperwork after its January 2012 sale by then marketing agent Michael Kollosche.
The 1,736-square-metre block initially cost $1 million when McIvor bought it in 1994.
McIvor had founded the Gold Coast's own merchant bank, Equititrust, in 1993.
Equititrust, which became known for using a Roman voussoir arch as its marketing logo to suggest structural stability, was among the many unlisted mortgage funds to take a battering following the 2008 financial crisis.
In April 2011 Equititrust confirmed it had stopped paying income distributions to unit holders in two funds housing more than $300 million worth of assets as it accelerated its debt repayments.
Gary Fulton is a freight-traffic operative based in Kemps Creek, NSW.
He tried to sell in in August 2012 after just six months ownership.
It failed to sell at August auction – passed in on a $5.5 million vendor bid by Coldwell Banker agent Alex Caraco – who then had it for November 3 auction.
After the August auction Alex Caraco suggested there had been genuine interest "from a gentleman from Melbourne, a lady in Hong Kong and a doctor in Sydney''. Caraco suggests some other interested parties are using the controversy attached to the property to try to get a bargain.
It sold conditionally in November to Sydney buyers at $5.5 million, with the finance condition being the trigger for the latest contract collapse.
So this week the Southern Cross Drive property is back on the market through Coldwell Banker at $5.5 million – "make an offer" is the owner's instructions.
 
 
</body></html>

Gold Coast listing that keeps giving

<html><body>
Property prices in the Queensland mining boom town of Gladstone are starting to cool, with prices for older houses and units falling by as much as 20% in some cases, according to property valuers at Herron Todd White (HTW).
HTW describes the Gladstone market – driven by a number of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal projects – as “volatile”, with a stabilisation in rents flowing through to softer capital values.
HTW reports of a “new phase in the Gladstone residential market” noting that that vacancy rate has increased from just 0.5%  at the start of 2012 (with minimal vacancies particularly noticeable in three- and four-bedroom dwellings and two- and three-bedroom units and townhouses) rising to between 1% and 2% by the end of the year and “trending upwards”.
“We are now seeing declines in values from what was being achieved approximately 12 months ago," HTW says.
“For the first six months of 2012 we saw evidence that the market was stabilising or softening with some values creeping back 5%.
“In the last four months, transactions have shown values have declined further. New housing and unit stock has come back by up to 5%, whereas older housing and unit stock has come back by as much as 20% in some cases," says HTW in its December report.
“We are seeing an ever increasing number of current contracts that are far below a value that could have been achieved at the beginning of 2012,” says HTW.
These observations follow property market analyst Michael Matusik declaring the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/gladstone-s-mining-related-property-boom-over-michael-matusik/2012081556036">Gladstone mining-related property boom over in August last year</a>, with hotspotting.com.au's Terry Ryder saying around the same time that the savviest of investors were in the market 12 to 18 months prior.
However Matusik refined his view on Gladstone towards the end of last year, suggesting it remained a<a href="https://matusikmissive.com.au/2012/11/27/g-10/" target="_blank"> "healthy real estate market"</a> with reference to the success of a recommended new off-the-plan development, <a href="https://www.stoneapartments.com.au/" target="_blank">Stone Apartments</a> near the Gladstone city centre, now 70% sold out.
According to HTW, local selling agents are reporting a loss of confidence in the market with recent research indicates that the volume of unit and dwelling accommodation available in Gladstone has increased significantly.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
Recent sales show a number of older properties failing to sell at auction and then selling at reduced prices following long listing campaigns lasting many months.
These include this three-bedroom house on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-telina-110971499">Finchley Street in Telina</a>, which sold through Kerry Connor of Go Gecko Gladstone in mid-December for $398,500 – an 11% discount to its July 2012 listing price of $449,000.
Another recent sale was<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-south+gladstone-109519076"> this 1950s four-bedroom house</a> on Martin Street in South Gladstone, which sold through Margie Richards of PRDnationwide Gladstone for $445,000 in November.
RP Data records indicate that it failed to sell at auction in February and April and was then listed for sale in May at $478,000. The asking price was reduced to $469,000 in August and then reduced further to $449,000 in May before finally selling for $445,000.
In a recent <a href="/news">Property Observer webinar</a> looking at the prospects for regions versus cities in 2013, Terry Ryder highlighted rising rents as being a leading indicator of rising prices, but with a lag period of about a year.
In the case of Gladstone, Ryder says the first big rent rises started happening in 2011, but property prices only really lifted in 2012 – rising about 16%.
The stabilisation in Gladstone rents, as reported by HTW, suggests that the prospects for price growth are weaker in 2013.
In its assessment of the Gladstone market, HTW says that at the start of 2012, it predicted that activity would remain high and demand would stay very strong across all residential property types.
“We also stated that values were already at record high levels and we were unsure just how much higher prices would go.
“Over the course of this year, confidence in the market has dropped slightly, activity remains strong however not at the levels we were experiencing during 2011 and the record high prices have started to soften.
“We are now seeing declines in values from what was being achieved approximately 12 months ago."
HTW says it is aware of extensive land and unit projects being developed in the area with demand for these products being “moderate to high”.
“However, as more and more stock is produced and made available to the market, it is effectively increasing the competition in the area and giving potential purchasers a greater degree of product selection.
“The demand for newer stock with high rental returns now outweighs the demand for older existing stock. This has forced prices down and we are now seeing a greater differentiation in values,” says HTW.
HTW says it is difficult to gauge the actual level of demand and whether prices are “at market” due to a high percentage of available vacant land marketed and sold by specialist project marketers off the plan to “out of town investors” with none of these pre sales settling until construction of the estate is complete.
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Gladstone property market cooling, with some 20% price corrections: HTW

<html><body>
Bartinon, the seven-bedroom waterside mansion in Sorrento, could enjoy the prospect of the slightly rising prestige price tide on Queensland’s Coast Coast.
It's back on the market through Lucy Cole, having been on and off the market since the highest bid of $7.25 million offered at 2011 auction fell short of the $8 million paid in April 2009.
Transport tycoon Douglas Kefford bought it from Cameron Davis, from the Samtay Group, and his wife, Lynette.
Prestige prices on the Gold Coast got a slight fillip last year with agents suggesting sales activity indicated the market was endeavouring to bounce off the bottom of previous lows.
The seven-bedroom early 1980s Bartinon was built by tycoon Sir Justin Hickey and his wife, Lady (Barbara) Hickey.
The name of the one-hectare Riviera estate incorporates the initials of their five children.
Hickey, the Marrickville-born insurance magnate who started his career cutting lawns, moved to the 250-squares house in the early 1980s after selling his Emerstan Drive, Castle Cove, house to businessman Phil Cave.
With 85 metres of frontage, it is one of the largest residential blocks on the Nerang River on the coast.
Davis paid $6,665,000 in 2006 to buy it from former Fraser Island tourism operators Sidney Melksham and Angela Burger.
The 6,500-square-metre riverfront Sorrento property previously sold for $4.25 million in 2001 when offloaded by Indonesian industrialist Alimin Soenario.
Soenario had set a $3,125,000 record in 1994 when he bought it on its then 9,000 square metres.
Kefford, who has spent only four or five weeks a year at the house on Marseille Court, has it listed with offers due by January 31.
Selling agent Lucy Cole of Lucy Cole Prestige Properties told the Australian Financial Review that it was hard to name a price in the current market but the vendors were "keen to negotiate."</body></html>

Sorrento mansion Bartinon back on the market

<html><body>
The north shore is shaping up to be the top-performing Gold Coast market as buyers take advantage of reduced prices on a number of projects in the hands of receivers.
There were a total of 54 sales recorded across nine medium- and low-rise projects on the north shore, making it the top-performing precinct for the third consecutive quarter, with a total of 156 sales for the first nine month of the year, according to September 2012 quarter figures from Colliers International, which were released just before Christmas.
The north shore precinct includes suburbs from <a href="/news">Hope Island</a> to <a href="/news">Biggera Waters</a>, about 15 minutes from <a href="/news">Surfers Paradise</a>.
The report provides an overall favourable impression of the Gold Coast apartment market, reporting 140 sales across high-, medium- and low-rise sectors over the three months to September – an increase of 5% on the previous quarter and 43% up on the same period last year.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2012/12/colliersdec20.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/colliersdec20thumb.gif"></a>
Tony Holland, Colliers International residential project marketing director, says price growth in the new apartment market is yet to be seen, but an “impending supply shortage would likely lead to strengthening prices at some point down the track”.
“Based on the current quarterly selling rate, the supply of new apartments could be taken up within 1.9 years, which is the lowest expected absorption period in two years, and if the sales rate increases this time frame will be reduced.
In contrast, the more up-to-date <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/heavily-discounted-hilton-surfers-paradise-the-only-notable-gold-coast-high-rise-seller-in-november-quarter-midwood/2012121958540" target="_blank">Midwood Report</a> for the November quarter shows just 45 sales (19 in high-rise projects), a 50% drop on a year ago, and has more than 700 high-rise apartments available for purchase, indicating a much longer supply pipeline.
Colliers International reports 26 high-rise sales over the September quarter.
“The [north shore] figures exceed annual sales for 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008. With one more quarter still to be reported, 2012 is shaping up to be a standout for this precinct,” says Colliers International research manager Lynda Campbell, who compiled the report.
“The increased sales rate during 2012 has been as a result of several projects falling into the control of receivers or financiers who have reduced prices and made concerted efforts to sell down remaining apartment stock.
“This has been an ongoing process and has resulted in stock levels reducing significantly, particularly at Hope Island where only 28 new apartments remain on the market, the majority of which we would expect to see sold over the next six months, if not sooner,” she saids.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/mistral.jpg">
Mistral at Harbour Quays (pictured above) was the best-performing project, recording 17 sales during the September quarter, followed by the now sold-out Ilanah Aqua development at Hope Island (pictured below), with 12 sales.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/ilanah2.jpg">
Mistral, currently under construction, features 60 one- and two-bedroom apartments being developed by the Emandar Group. There have been 33 sales recorded to date, with 27 apartments still available for purchase.
One-bedroom apartments start from $309,000.
The Emandar Group has told Colliers International that the remaining apartments are under contract, with the project expected to sell out during the December quarter.
If sales continue at the current rate and no new projects are marketed off the plan, overall supply could be taken up in just over 14 months.
Supply will dry up in just three months in the low-rise sector at the current sales rate.
Analysis by Colliers International shows there are around 1,400 apartments in various stages of planning and gaining approvals.
All planned apartments are in the low- and medium-rise sectors, with around 45% mooted for Hope Island.
</body></html>

North shore the standout Gold Coast new unit market in 2012, helped by receivership sales: Colliers

<html><body>
Entrepreneur Christian Ainsworth has listed his seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom home at The Sovereign Islands on the Gold Coast.
The Brittanic Crescent house on a 1,950-sqare-metre block cost $7.2 million about two years ago.
It's been listed for auction on January 29.
Ainsworth, son of Aristocrat gaming machine founder Len Ainsworth, has been trying to sell the property since October.
Its most recent price tag was $5.2 million.
Ray White Runaway Bay Ali Mian has the listing.
</body></html>

Tourism entrepreneur Christian Ainsworth lists on the Gold Coast

<html><body>
The sale of Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast, the world-first fashion-branded hotel, settled yesterday.
Its developers the Sunland Group told the stock exchange the $68.5 million contract of sale for the iconic 5-star resort had been completed, brokered by Sam and Dan McVay of McVay Real Estate.

Sunland managing director Sahba Abedian said the Chinese investor buyers received approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board.
Mr Abedian said the buyers had also met with representatives from the House of Versace in Italy and they had approved the sale. The House of Versace owns the Versace brand.
Its new owners are little known reportedly a construction group and travel company from Hong Kong.

In October 2011 Sunland reached agreement with the Enshaa Group <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/sunland-swaps-palazzo-versace-dubai-for-gold-coast-counterpart/2011101751958">to exchange its joint venture Dubai projects</a> – the Palazzo Versace Dubai and D1 Tower – for 100% ownership of the Palazzo Versace hotel on the Gold Coast.
The 200-room hotel which opened in 2000 has undergone a multi-million-dollar revitalisation in the past 18 months. Its has three restaurants, a marina and 72 attached condominiums.</body></html>

Latest Queensland Property News

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Queensland Property News

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News