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.

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“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?

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The receivership of developer Juniper Group's iconic Soul development is set to trigger a revision of prestige apartment prices in the Gold Coast.
The $17,000-plus per square metre typically sought for apartments in Soul is now likely to drop towards pricing in other unsold new high prestige developments in the Gold Coast.
The latest Midwood report noted the 77-storey Soul development was the priciest of the three ultra-high rise developments.
Of a total 288 units in the building, Midwood listed 92 remaining unsold while noting the developer was not officially participating in the survey.
The priciest apartments in Soul were the three-bedroom two-bathroom configurations, which were selling for $19,321 per square metre.
The cheapest were the two-bedroom, two-bathroom configurations, which were selling for $16,592 per square metre.
This is compared with the Oracle development, where prices range from $7,970 per square metre to $12,121 per square metre and the Hilton development, where prices ranged from $13,299 per square metre to $14,645.
The Midwood found sales for high-rise apartments in the Gold Coast totalled 54 for the August quarter, “excluding Soul and Hilton, each of which refuse to report sales because they are embarrassingly low”.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/trouble-in-surfers-paradise-as-unsold-and-unsettled-soul-in-receivership/2012102557436">The development has been placed in the hands of receivers at PricewaterhouseCoopers on Thursday</a>.
“The challenges facing the real estate market in the Gold Coast area are well known and have been impacting the major developers in the area for some time," receiver Michael Fung noted.
"These challenges, together with the slower than expected completion and delays in settlements on pre-sold stock, meant that the receivership of this world-class development was unsurprising,” says Fung.
Juniper Group had enlisted legal support from Norton Rose to pursue buyers who had been unable or unwilling to settle after committing to buy apartments.
“Many of the apartments have been pre-sold, and we will be working through the settlement process to deliver those apartments to purchasers,” Fung says.
Real Estate Institute of Queensland spokesman John Newlands told The ABC the economy had taken a turn for the worse shortly after construction on the tower began.
"The original purchase price of the land was when the market was at its height and obviously construction and labour costs were at their peak," he said.
"To put a product like that into the marketplace, it can come at a considerable cost.
"But the marketplace is saying something different now and unfortunately they're not able to achieve the prices they were previously sold for."
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Receivership of Gold Coast Soul development likely to trigger price revision

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Two hundred years ago a French dude called Joseph de Maistre commented that “toute nation a le gouvernement qu’elle merite”. These days it’s usually expressed as “you get the government you deserve”. 
That we do. Australians like to grizzle about politicians who break promises, but we deserve no better because we don’t punish those who do. 
John Howard had a poor record on keeping promises. but we kept re-electing him. The more he got away with, the more liberties he took. He even came up with the epic rationalisation that it was OK to break a promise that wasn’t a “core promise”. 
Many Australians are miffed at Julia Gillard over her broken promise on the carbon pricing scheme. But until we punish mendacious politicians at the ballot box, they will go on deceiving us. 
It created barely a murmur that Campbell Newman’s decision to lift the 30-year ban on uranium mining in Queensland breached a solemn vow made in the election campaign earlier this year. No one who has studied the man’s record as lord mayor of Brisbane will be surprised.
The uranium decision (which brings Queensland into line with most other states) bothers me on two grounds: it’s a broken promise, and I’d prefer they left the uranium in the ground where it can’t do any damage. 
Having gotten that off my chest, there are consequences for real estate from the Queensland Premier’s decision to allow uranium mining – although he says he won’t allow nuclear power or waste disposal in the state. Seriously. No, really, he means it. He kept a completely straight face when he said it.
 Queensland’s uranium resources (estimated by the Queensland Resources Council to be worth $18 billion) mostly lurk in the state’s north-west, a lot of it not too far from Mount Isa. One of the largest known reserves is just 35 kilometres outside the town. 
 
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I haven’t been a huge fan of <a href="/news">Mount Isa</a> as a place to invest in recent years because the rental returns have been little better than in capital cities. You don’t buy in mining towns unless you’re compensated for the higher risk by yields big enough to generate positive cashflow. 
Even then I would be reticent about Mount Isa, which has built a reputation as the most polluted town in the nation. Indeed, it’s the very place I’d expect the dirty business of uranium mining to flourish. 
But from the cold perspective of pure bloody-minded investment potential Mount Isa has improved of late. Rents have risen, yields have improved and over the long term it has a good capital growth record (the various suburbs of Mount Isa have long-term growth averages ranging from 11% to 16% per year, according to Australian Property Monitors). 
There are a number of new resources projects in the general area for which Mount Isa is the key regional centre – and as they’re neither iron ore nor coal projects, they’re not so concerned about the recent decline in world prices for those commodities. 
Mount Isa is about copper, gold, lead, zinc – some of them metals you don’t want to be living near when the processing is going on. And, now it seems, uranium. 
Mount Isa mayor Tony McGrady, previously a minister for mines and energy in an ALP state government, supports uranium mining and says it will spark a mining boom in the region. 
That remains to be seen, particularly as nuclear power has taken a popularity dive following the Fukushima event in Japan. 
Any impact that evolves from the decision will take some years to be felt. Mines don’t become operational overnight. 
Anyone inclined to take a punt on this becoming a major new industry in a couple of years can expect to pay somewhere in the $300,000s for a Mount Isa house. Typical rents are around $500 per week and gross returns are about 8%. 
Cloncurry, not far from Mount Isa, is moving into a growth phase because of surrounding mining enterprises. It may also get some economic impact from an evolving uranium industry and has cheaper buy-in prices (median house price about $250,000).
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">hotspotting.com.au</a> and can be <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting">followed on Twitter</a>.
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Mount Isa's property investment potential has improved due to the dirty business of uranium mining: Terry Ryder

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The new and existing house markets of Ipswich and Yamanto on Brisbane’s fringe are expected to benefit directly and indirectly from the recently introduced new $15,000 first-home owners construction grant (FHOCG), according to new research from PRDnationwide.
The property group has released reports on the <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ipswich </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Yamanto </a>property markets and forecasts that both will benefit from an “influx of young budget-conscious buyers since the introduction of the FHOCG on September 21".
The grant applies to new property bought or built at a value under $750,000.
Ipswich is 40 kilometres west of Brisbane and considered part of the greater Brisbane metropolitan area, while the adjoining Yamanto local area comprises the suburbs of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Raceview</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Flinders View</a> and Yamanto.
As the chart below shows, Ipswich house sales are starting to trend up following a number years of declining sales.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/10/prdoct25.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/prdoct25thumb.gif"></a>
According to the PRDnationwide Ipswich report, a combination of the FHOCG and the reinstatement of transfer duty concessions “provide an exceptional saving for first home buyers who are considering building”.
First-home buyers pay no stamp duty on land valued up to $400,000, an additional saving of $5,520.


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“The availability of competitively priced house and land offerings in the immediate area is likely to be the key draw card to buying new," say PRDnationwide research analyst and Ipswich report author Robert Matta.
“Already developers are noting an increase in buyer enquiry and have been successfully unloading old stock to bring forward mooted stages in their estates. It is expected that volumes will trend upwards on the back of this new incentive at least for the short term.” 
There is also an expectation among local property analysts of a flow-on effect to the existing house markets as sellers are forced to discount properties in order to compete with developers.
PRDnationwide Ipswich principal Peter Mendoza says activity is trending upwards.
“Sales are up 25% on last year,” he says.
“Over the past few years a lot of people put things on hold but we get the feeling there’s a lot more confidence in the market now and people are starting to list and sell.”
According to PRDnationwide research, 30% of total sales in the Ipswich area occurred in the sub-$250,000 price range in the 12 months to June 2012, compared with 15% in the June 2010 period.
The median Ipswich house price sits at $293,000, which is 35% cheaper than compared with inner Brisbane.
“This is a major draw card even for those who work in the Brisbane CBD or surrounds,” he says.
PRDnationwide also highlights census population data, which shows that the Ipswich municipality has demonstrated the highest average annual population growth rate (3.9%) from 2006 to 2011 across the south-east Queensland region.
In Yamanto, the volume of house sales is up 22.7% over the past 12 months to June 2012.
However, house prices have fallen 4.6% over this period to a median of $310,000, with Yamanto following the trend of the wider Ipswich municipality, with the correction to prices improving buying conditions. 
Activity in the Yamanto Aarea vacant land market has also turned a corner to register 40 settled transactions during the June 2012 period, almost double the number recorded during the June 2011 period.
Land prices were down 12.7% to $165,000 for the June 2012 period.
“In the Yamanto, Flinders View and Raceview region we are experiencing a lift in enquiry for established houses,” says PRDnationwide Yamanto principal Roger Muller.
“There are great buys out there in all styles of homes. More listing are needed to supply buyer’s varying requirements.
“With good land prices, some buyers are opting for house and land packages.”
Rental properties are also in high demand, he says, because of good returns on offer.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

New $15,000 construction grant to spur on recovery of Ipswich property market: PRDnationwide

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The Brisbane residential market slipped further into undersupply in the September quarter as the vacancy rate tightened from 2.1% to 1.7%. according to the latest data from Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).
A balanced market between landlords and renters is said to exist at a vacancy rate of 3%.
In the Brisbane suburbs, the rental vacancy rate tightened noticeably from 2.4% to 1.9% while in the already tightly held inner Brisbane market (within five kilometres of the CBD), the vacancy rate fell from 1.6% to 1.5%.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/reiqoct23.gif">
Property managers attributed the further tightening in the inner-Brisbane market to slower market activity over the three-month period, with tenant interest highest for new properties.
In the suburbs, estate agents attributed the fall in vacancy rates mostly to do with a lack of buying activity from investors as well as some investors opting to sell their properties instead of renting them out.
The tightening of the rental market extended into the outer reaches of the Brisbane market, with the Brisbane surrounds, which includes <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ipswich</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Logan</a>, Moreton Bay and Redland City, posting a vacancy rate of 2.2%  – down from 2.7% at the end of June.
REIQ chief executive Anton Kardash says vacancy rates are continuing to trend into undersupply territory as investor activity slowly swings back into life.
REIQ analysis of ABS data shows there were about 3,900 dwellings financed to Queensland investors in August – up 19% on the same period last year – but still well below the historical figure of 5,000 dwellings financed per month.
‘‘The rental market across Queensland has been constricted for more than two years now,’’ Kardash says.
‘‘The reasons for this have been the low numbers of investors in the marketplace as well as the generally slow property sales market over the period.
‘‘With the reduction in the numbers of properties being added to the rental pool, we are seeing more demand for a much smaller supply of properties.’’
The Gold Coast posted a vacancy rate of 3.5% – an improvement on 4% in June, while on the Sunshine Coast the vacancy rate tightened from 3%to 2.5%.
On the Gold Coast, the REIQ says demand is predominantly for houses over units, while higher-end properties are also doing well.
“The majority of rental properties [on the Sunshine Coast] are taking one to two weeks to relet and are attracting between two and five applicants,” says the REIQ.
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Brisbane vacancy rate tightens to 1.7% as investors hold back or sell: REIQ

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Yachtsman and sailing journalist Rob Mundle is selling his resort-style apartment in Main Beach, Queensland.
The north-facing <a href="/news">Main Beach</a> townhouse-style apartment is set over three levels and comes with a rooftop entertaining terrace with 360-degree views, master bedroom with balcony and ensuite, under-cover security parking, and resort facilities.
McGrath agent Duncan Longmore is looking to sell the property for more than $500,000 at its October 28 auction.
Mundle bought <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/apartment-main-beach-qld-4217/167139" target="_blank">the property </a>for $500,000 in 2003.
Total outgoings for the property are $7,705 per year.
The apartment is in a boutique block of 16 apartments known as Woodroffe Place. A neighbouring apartment, listed at $380,000, rents for $380 per week.
The last sale in the building was in 2009 when unit six sold for $410,000.
And in 2008 a unit in the building sold for $445,000.
Mundle is the author of Bligh, Fatal Storm, Bond, Sir James Hardy and Ocean Warriors.
He is often referred to as the voice of sailing.
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Sailor and writer Rob Mundle lists resort-style Main Beach apartment

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The most common commercial property assets that falls into the hands of receivers are development sites in regional Queensland, according to the September quarter update to the LandMark White forced sales monitor.
The monitor tracks all commercial properties that are listed for sale in the print media and counts any that are listed are labelled as a receiver or mortgagee sale as a forced sale.
According to LandMark White, vacant residential development sites in regional Queensland, which accounted for 8% of all recorded forced sales nationally.
Across all asset types, Queensland has accounted for nearly one out of every two (48%) forced commercial properties sales over the past 12 months to September.
Over the September quarter there were 151 commercial properties listed as forced sales, down marginally from 153 in the June quarter, with 43% of these properties located in Queensland.
This was above the national average of 39% over the September quarter.
Of the properties in New South Wales that were advertised in the September quarter, only 16% were distressed sales, compared with the annual figure of 24%.
In Victoria, the proportion of forced sales was only 11%, compared with 13% over the past 12 months.
LandMark White says it is unsurprising that Queensland has the largest share of forced sales over the past year.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/10/landmark.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/landmarkthumb.gif"></a>
Recent distressed sales in Queensland include 388 hectares of waterfront land known as Clarkes Cove (pictured below) in Cape Gloucester in the Whitsundays, which sold for $2.55 million at the end of August through Christie Leet &amp; Rob Taylor of PRDnationwide in a mortgagee sale.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/clarkescove1.jpg">
The picturesque block of land is bounded by the Dryander National park on three sides and Pacific Ocean on the fourth side and had been targeted for development as a large-scale tourist facility with three resort hotels offering a total of 810 rooms.
It had an open market valuation of $2.98 million in February 1999.
Nationally, development sites accounted for 34% of the total in the September quarter, against an average of 32%, while sites with a holding income comprised 9% of the September results, against an annual average of 10%.
The second most common property type listed for forced sale were vacant residential development sites in regional NSW (5.2%) and third most prevalent were income producing retail properties in regional Queensland, which accounted for 5.1% of all forced sales over the past 12 months.
Across the broad commercial property sectors, office and retail property had the poorest results of the September quarter, as 18% of office and 31% of retail properties were forced sales.
The industrial property sector had the biggest improvement, falling to 19% from 35% in June, which was also below its 12-month average.
Over the 12-month period, 32% of forced sales were in NSW and only 8% in Victoria.
Since the series began 12 months ago, a total of 2,095 properties have been advertised for sale in the national press, and 27% (573) were specifically listed as being in the hands of mortgagees, receivers, or liquidators.
 
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Regional Queensland development sites top list of most distressed commercial assets: LandMark White

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Local resident and property adviser Andrew Winter is a tad premature in saying it's a done deal, but a Coomera River estate widely regarded as among Sanctuary Cove's most iconic homes is close to sale.
Its estimated selling price has ranged between $6 million plus - which was its 2006 purchase price - through to Winter's $10 million plus forecast.
<a href="https://twitter.com/andrewtwinter" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/wintertweet.jpg"></a>
Listed as having grandeur, opulence and absolute style, the luxury Gold Coast  residence sits on a 2,362-square-metre block.
It's under conditional contract – which prompted its withdrawal from its recent scheduled Ray White auction.
It comes with five bedrooms, six bathrooms and an office.
"The realistic vendor wants it sold at auction if not prior," said its marketing material by listing agent <a href="https://raywhitesanctuarycove.com.au/qld/sanctuary-cove/841593/" target="_blank">Matt Gates at Ray White Prestige Property</a>.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/sanctuary-cove-mansion-sale-sets-new-reputed-%2412-million-record/2012053054896" target="_blank">There was a $12 million sale in May</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Tweet of the day: Sanctuary Cove awaits confirmation of another $10 million mansion sale

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Property investors should take a good look at the remote, historic Queensland outback town of Cloncurry, about 770 kilometres west of Townsville, according to hotspotting.com.au's Terry Ryder.
The town is the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctors service and maverick independent MP Bob Katter.
Cloncurry is one of just three mining hotspots picked by Ryder – the others being coal seam gas-rich the Galilee Basin (inland from Townsville and Gladstone) and Broken Hill in outback NSW, where there are $7 billion in mining projects.
Ryder's mining town recommendations come with the warning that all mining towns are high-risk property investments – though with the potential for strong gains –  and only suitable for those investors with a high-risk appetite.
In Cloncurry's favour is the fact that it is the focus of a number of mining projects but also has ties to the grazing industry and to outback tourism.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/cloncurrymap.jpg">
“Cloncurry is not essentially a mining town, but a regional town of just 3,000 people far north-west Queensland near Mt Isa,” said Ryder in a Property Observer webinar.
“It services the grazing economy around it and the tourism industry, as it is quite a historic town.
“Mines are starting to spring up around it and are entering the construction phase.
“The good thing is they are not iron ore mines or coal mines (where commodity prices have fallen), but copper and zinc mines."
Major mining projects include Xstrata’s $580 million expansion of Ernest Henry mine (named after the founder of Cloncurry), which produces copper, gold and magnetite.
Other mining projects include the Cudeco copper mine just outside Cloncurry, where blast-hole drilling and other pre-blasting activities are now complete, MMG’s Dugald River project – one of the world’s largest and highest grade known undeveloped lead-zinc-silver deposits and Xstrata’s Mt Margaret mine, which will produce around 30,000 tonnes of copper per year over the next five years. 
At the same time a multi-user rail facility is being built to service all those mining companies and due for completion in mid-2014.
 
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The median house price in Cloncurry is around $260,000, making it one of the more affordable mining hotspots.
Ryder points out this is well below the median house price in other mining towns in Queensland, such as Moranbah and Dysart, where the median price is around the $700,000 mark.
“We are potentially going to see growth in prices and rents in Cloncurry as these mining projects create housing demand from those workers involved,” he says.
Houses in Cloncurry are not pretty, but recent sales show the potential for capital gains.
They include <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-cloncurry-108078636">this four-bedroom fibre cement house</a> (pictured below), which sold through Elaine Raffin from RealWay Property Consultants Mount Isa for $245,000 in January this year.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/burke.jpg">
The property last sold for $130,000 in February 2006.
It is listed for rent at $500 per week a gross yield of 10.6%
Another relatively recent sale was a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-cloncurry-108836946" target="_blank">three-bedroom wood panel house</a> (pictured below) sold by Jean Rutherfurd also from RealWay Property Consultants Mount Isa.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/palmer.jpg">
The house sold for $300,000, having been listed between $275,000 and $325,000.
Cloncurry Shire Council sold the 914-square-metre block of land for $21,000 in November 2005.
Assuming rent of around $400 per week would equate to a yield of around 7%.
The majority of 1,300 dwellings in Cloncurry are houses, and two-thirds of these are three and four-bedroom houses according census 2011.
A high percentage – 52% of dwellings in Cloncurry– are rented, with only 22% of residents owning their homes outright.
In 1861 Burke and Wills with King and Gray were the first Europeans to come into the area on their ill-fated expedition to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Burke named the river “Cloncurry” for his cousin, Lady Elizabeth Cloncurry of County Galway in Ireland.
The Australian Aerial Medical Service (known more commonly as the flying doctors) took off on its first flight from Cloncurry on May 15, 1928.
The service made use of a de Havilland DH.50 aircraft hired from the then small airline Qantas.
A Royal Flying Doctor Service museum is situated in the town.
The town also includes the Mary Kathleen Memorial Park and Museum, with its notable memorabilia being a water bottle used by famed explorer Robert O'Hara Burke, who led the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition from Melbourne to Gulf of Carpenteria and who died, alongside Wills and five other explorers, on the return journey.
Traces of copper were discovered at Cloncurry in the 1860s by John McKinlay, while searching for Burke and Wills, with pastoralist Ernest Henry discovering the first copper lodes six years later.
To listen to all of Terry Ryder’s tips for property investors looking to benefit from the mining boom, <a href="/news">view Property Observer’s free webinar here</a>
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Remote Cloncurry, Queensland, a hotspot with high yield potential: Terry Ryder

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Midwaters, a 1,232-square-metres residential development site on Main Beach on the Gold Coast, has been sold.
The $5 million-plus sale through Mark Witheriff and Lachlan Harris of CBRE was a year after <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/raptis-boutique-gold-coast-site-in-receivership-listing/2011100451804">its listing through other agents</a>. It was to be the site of a $48 million tower by veteran development group Raptis.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/raptis.jpg">
The property attracted interest from Chinese developers, with three buyers short-listed from the offers received. The buyers' identity has not been disclosed but is understood to be a south-east Queensland developer.
“We understand that the purchaser plans to proceed with the existing development application on the site,” Harris says.
The Midwaters site has development approvals in place for a 17-level apartment building configured for 16 apartments.
Raptis Group secured development approval for the site in 2008, and the approval is in place until 2014.
The property was placed on the market on behalf of funds manager Wellington Capital, which purchased all the shares in Octaviar Investment Management Limited, which was a lender to the Raptis Group.
The Midwaters site backs on to an arm of the Nerang River.
It currently has an ageing three-storey walk-up, known as Midwaters, that has lain dormant for years.
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Raptis Gold Coast development site sells 

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The former boss of Billabong, Matthew Perrin, has appeared in the Brisbane Magistrate’s Court on charges of defrauding the Commonwealth Bank of Australia of $13.5 million.
The court took Perrin's passport, potentially thwarting plans to marry his fiancée Belinda Otton in a Thailand wedding in December.
Police allege Perrin, 40, provided false documents and a guarantee relating to mortgages taken out on a Gold Coast home in 2008.
Perrin allegedly forged the signature of his now ex-wife, Nicole Bricknell.
Perrin was granted bail and though he argued he was not a flight risk, he had his passport confiscated.
Perrin’s lawyer, Peter Shields, indicated Perrin would plead not guilty.
His appearance in court comes after a three-year investigation by the Queensland Police’s corporate crime division.
The former millionaire and BRW Rich List regular wanted to go to Phuket to be married.
Magistrate Anne Thacker found there was no compelling reason for Perrin to leave and ordered he surrender his passport.
Perrin is now forbidden from contacting three witnesses, including his ex-wife.
The case goes back to court in November 26, and Perrin must stay at his Bundall address.
Perrin, the man who floated surfwear company Billabong, was once worth $150 million, but three defunct companies and a failed marriage later, he is is bankrupt and facing criminal charges.
Perrin lost most of his Billabong fortune in China in 2005, propping up a failing business. The GFC gave him an additional hit, and he filed for bankruptcy in March 2009.
After filing for bankruptcy, Perrin’s marriage to Nicole, the daughter of former bookmaker Laurie Bricknell, fell apart when it emerged Perrin had an affair with his current fiancee Belinda Otton.
Victoria Bricknell <a href="/news">listed the seven-bedroom property for sale in January</a> this year after a failed attempt by the Commonwealth Bank to repossess the home.
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