ASX-listed developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/stockland">Stockland</a>&nbsp;is continuing its push back into the new apartment market, filing plans for a prominent gateway site between Collingwood and East Melbourne.

The development giant, which moved back into the new apartment space when it announced Stanton Place in Sydney's Rosebery and have since filed plans for a 50-storey tower, are jumping into the off the plan Melbourne market.

They are hoping to create a mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/79-81-victoria-parade-collingwood-vic-3066">79-81 Victoria Parade</a>, replacing an existing commercial building with a scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/john-wardle-architects">Wardle</a>&nbsp;for 478 apartments,&nbsp;ground-floor retail, new public open spaces and a publicly accessible pedestrian laneway.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72dbbca9-3918-4073-afad-a0c0c35be8e7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20pers.png?VersionId=bzMVUKKxvwuNK1m0v_td126Rgct32uk_" />

The design report identifies the public realm as a central driver of the proposal.

"Collingwood has limited access to high-quality parks and public open space, and the proposal delivers valuable new areas for respite, social interaction and fine-grain retail activity."

The development would deliver a diverse mix of housing, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments alongside townhouse-style residences. Two basement levels are proposed beneath the development, providing resident and retail parking as well as extensive bicycle facilities.

Wardle's design draws heavily on Collingwood's industrial character, using articulated building forms, brickwork and robust materials inspired by the suburb's warehouse and manufacturing heritage. The built form has been broken into a series of smaller volumes to better respond to the surrounding streetscape while extensive communal gardens, rooftop amenities and shared resident spaces are integrated throughout the project.

<img alt="First look: Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b2135ed-65df-4253-ad53-f216f06bd467" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/stockland%20podium.png?VersionId=l1B6Hqn8zs772VxH6L1fDPg0KHshan9v" />

The planning documents describe the existing office building as offering little engagement with the public realm, with the redevelopment intended to create a more permeable and active neighbourhood destination.

"The proposed scheme presents a significant opportunity to deliver a vibrant retail plaza and a local neighbourhood hub serving both existing and future Collingwood residents."

The 79–81 Victoria Parade site occupies a strategic location about 1.5 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, at the threshold between Collingwood and East Melbourne. It is well served by tram services along Victoria Parade and sits within walking distance of St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy Gardens, the Fitzroy activity centre and a broad range of employment, retail and hospitality destinations.

Joel Robinson

Stockland plans new mixed-use neighbourhood precinct for Collingwood gateway site

An 1880s timber cottage that has survived Kangaroo Point's transformation from riverside suburb to high-density apartment precinct is set to become the centrepiece of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/zephyr">Zephyr Group</a>'s proposed Banksia development.

Rather than see the locally heritage-listed Alpha Cottage as an obstacle to navigate, plans integrate the landmark home into a new 18-storey residential tower, giving one of the suburb's oldest surviving residences a new role as the project's communal hub.

The development application covers a 1,177 sqm amalgamated site at 127-133 Lambert Street and 30 Shafston Avenue, where Zephyr Group plans to deliver 64 apartments above three basement levels. Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>, the proposal carefully weaves the retained heritage cottage into a contemporary residential scheme, with the tower elevated above the historic building to preserve its presence within the Lambert Street streetscape.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9dc5bdb-d691-4c60-bf2b-c3ed405a3e75" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Banksia.png?VersionId=Jh4bjlewU.o8HXWt0V4KaFA_lPcF7KWM" />

Named after the native Australian Banksia flower, the project draws inspiration from its distinctive form through curved balconies, sculpted planter boxes and cascading subtropical landscaping that soften the building's profile.

As the design report explains: "The tower's identity is defined by its feature facade, drawing direct inspiration from the Banksia wildflower. The building departs from traditional rigidity through the use of elegant, GRC-moulded planter boxes that appear as if shaped by the breeze."

Plans propose 64 apartments, comprising 32 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom residences, across an 18-storey tower. Residents would have access to rooftop amenities including a swimming pool, spa, gym, sauna, private cinema, dining spaces and landscaped recreation areas, while more than half the site is dedicated to planting and open space.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16041b5f-033e-47fa-8fbe-9886e072c1f2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pool.png?VersionId=kpx5w4EbLx0_TdWfDoD1vrSs0_cZ5Ao1" />

The heritage component is the defining feature of the proposal. Constructed in the early 1880s and occupied from at least 1883, Alpha Cottage is recognised by Brisbane City Council as an important surviving example of Kangaroo Point's nineteenth-century residential development and as a representative transverse-gable timber cottage. Despite extensive redevelopment across the peninsula, the building has retained a high degree of its original form and internal fabric.

As part of the redevelopment, the cottage will be carefully relocated a short distance within its original allotment to facilitate construction before being returned to a prominent position along Lambert Street. Original verandah elements will be dismantled, catalogued and reinstated, while significant internal features, including timber flooring, wall linings, joinery, doors, windows and hardware, will be retained. Later additions, including the enclosed rear verandah, will be removed to better reveal the building's original form.

Once restored, Alpha Cottage will accommodate the building manager's office, mail room and parcel facilities, providing an active everyday use that supports its long-term conservation rather than preserving it as a static display. The heritage strategy also maintains landscaped space around the building, allowing it to remain visually distinct beneath the new tower.

<img alt="First look: Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43b027e1-576e-4624-a66c-7cc54ea8b7be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/banksia%20tower.png?VersionId=2W6E2yfkj2AQlWlLeV986grA5zB9f817" />

The Heritage Impact Assessment concludes that "the proposal secures the ongoing occupation, maintenance and conservation of Alpha Cottage," finding the development would result in "no more than a minor impact on the cultural heritage significance" of the building while ensuring its long-term future.

Joe Adsett Architects have designed the tower to sit above the heritage building rather than overwhelm it, creating a clear visual separation between old and new. The development's flowing balconies, integrated planting and organic façade respond to Brisbane's subtropical climate while complementing the restored cottage below.

Banksia occupies a prominent corner in Kangaroo Point within walking distance of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, Brisbane River, ferry services, QUT, the CBD and the Woolloongabba precinct. The site also benefits from direct access to active transport infrastructure and sits within an area earmarked for continued higher-density residential growth.

Zephyr Group's Banksia to wrap new Kangaroo Point tower around 1880s Alpha Cottage

Buying into a masterplanned community often means committing to a vision still years from taking shape. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>, that vision is already visible.

Residents have moved into the completed first stage, landscaped spaces are established, and the next chapter is now underway. Stage 1 has been completed and settled, with Stage 2 now selling off-the-plan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> combines attainable apartment living with sustainability initiatives rarely seen at this price point, including rooftop solar, battery storage and a resident EV-sharing program.

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Located on Schofi​elds Road, just moments from Tal​lawong Metro Station and Schof​ields Train Station, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been designed to appeal to a broad mix of buyers, from first-home purchasers looking for a foothold in Sy​dney's property market to downsizers seeking a connected, low-maintenance lifestyle.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> has been conceived as a thoughtfully planned masterplanned community that will evolve over multiple stages, with buyers now able to secure one, two and three-bedroom apartments within a neighbourhood that is already beginning to establish its identity.

One of the project's defining features is its focus on sustainability. Solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure have been incorporated throughout the development, reflecting a long-term approach to both environmental performance and everyday convenience.

Sustainability sits at the centre of the development's vision, with solar energy systems, battery storage and future EV charging infrastructure integrated throughout the community.

That emphasis on future-ready living extends beyond the technology. Landscaped communal gardens, outdoor gathering spaces and plans for a future retail precinct aim to create a neighbourhood where residents can access daily conveniences without travelling far from home.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351027]

The apartments themselves have been designed with liveability front of mind. Rather than chasing maximum density, the focus has been placed on creating practical homes with generous natural light, usable layouts and strong connections to outdoor space.

Importantly, these design principles have been applied consistently across the one, two and three-bedroom apartment offerings.

The appeal of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> is also closely linked to its location within Syd​ney's rapidly evolving north-west growth corridor. Over the past decade, major infrastructure investment has transformed the area, with new transport links, business precincts and community facilities reshaping suburbs like Talla​wong and Schofiel​ds.

The agent says buyers are increasingly recognising the area's long-term potential.

"Typical buyers that we're finding across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> especially are your first-home buyers, your investors, your upsizers as well as your downsizers," Hawes says.

Connectivity remains one of the project's strongest drawcards. Residents have access to both Tallaw​ong Metro Station and Schofi​elds Train Station, providing links to the Sydn​ey CBD, Norw​est Business Park, Macquari​e Park and other major employment hubs. Retail centres including Rous​e Hill Town Centre and Sch​ofields Village are also nearby, alongside schools, parks and future healthcare infrastructure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351031]

For Stage 1 resident Roji, it is the balance between convenience and comfort that has defined the experience of living at Kew.

"For me, it's a balance of quality and convenience," she says. "Everything I need is right here."

"If I wanted to catch the train, Scho​fields Station is just around the corner. Tallaw​ong Metro connects me to the city."

More importantly, she says, the development has delivered something that cannot be measured in floorplans or specifications.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> feels like home."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149637 project_image_fid=351024]

As Stage 2 enters the market, that lived experience may be one of the project's strongest selling points. Buyers are not purchasing into an untested concept or a future promise. They are joining a community that is already taking shape.

Ongoing investment in transport, retail, healthcare and public open space continues to strengthen the appeal of Syd​ney's north-west growth corridor, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a>'s established first stage provides buyers with a tangible sense of the community's future direction.

For a limited time, buyer can secure a new home at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kew-tallawong-23-27-schofields-road-tallawong-nsw-2762">Kew Tallawong</a> with just a $10,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149637]

Kew Tallawong: A growing community taking shape in Sydney's north-west

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a> has received development approval for its 51-storey mixed-use tower at 153-157 Walker Street, North Sydney, set to be one of the tallest mixed-use residential-led buildings in one of Sydney’s most sought-after commercial and residential addresses.

Lodged as a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) pathway and approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure following a comprehensive public exhibition and submissions process, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">the project</a> will deliver 296 apartments, alongside a 170-room, luxury hotel, activated retail and significant public domain improvements.

Situated just 200 metres from Victoria Cross Metro Station, on one of the largest developable sites in North Sydney, the development will rise to 234 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the suburb. With an end value of approximately $1.5 billion, the project responds directly to the NSW Government’s mandate to accelerate housing delivery in well-located, transit-connected areas.

<img alt="Freecity gets green light for mixed-use residential and hotel tower in North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="192ec455-94bf-4e01-83ef-922b1b269d67" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Freecity%20-%20Walker%20Street%20North%20Sydney%201%20RESIZED%20.jpg?VersionId=Bzqp0SBHCDvLAHjA4QXkjuGoOEIh73Jl" />

The apartment mix will cater to a broad range of buyers, with 65 studio and one-bedroom apartments, 139 two-bedroom residences, 35 three-bedroom apartments, 48 four-bedroom homes, and nine penthouses. Residents will have access to a dedicated amenity level on Level 33, featuring a swimming pool with views towards the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and North Sydney CBD, as well as a gym, library, shared kitchen, lounge and outdoor entertaining areas.

The hotel will occupy the lower six levels of the building and include meeting and function spaces, a wellness centre with gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and sauna, further strengthening North Sydney's growing hospitality offering.

At ground level, the development has been designed to improve pedestrian connections through the precinct. More than 700 sqm of retail space will activate the street frontage, while a landscaped through-site link connecting Walker Street, Little Walker Street and Doris Fitton Park will provide new public open space with seating, paving and extensive native landscaping.

Freecity Group Co-Founder and Joint CEO Tony Sun said the project represents one of the most significant development opportunities currently available in North Sydney.

"This is one of the most significant development sites in North Sydney and it comes at a pivotal moment for the precinct," Sun said.

"North Sydney is undergoing a genuine transformation, and this project will contribute housing the city urgently needs while creating a landmark destination."

Executive Director of Development Michael Romano said demand for both residential and hotel accommodation would continue to strengthen as the Metro precinct matures.

"The structural demand for high-quality housing and hotel accommodation in North Sydney is compelling, and will only grow as the precinct continues to evolve around the new Metro station," Romano said.

Architectus has designed the tower, orientating the apartments to maximise views towards Sydney Harbour while introducing a sculpted façade intended to respond to light, wind and the surrounding skyline.

Architectus Principal Marko Damic said the design sought to create a tower that contributes to the public realm as much as the skyline.

"We wanted to design a tower that doesn't just sit in the skyline but actively participates and contributes to city life," Damic said.

First look: Freecity gets green light for mixed-use apartment and hotel tower in North Sydney

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">PERIFA</a> have celebrated the topping out of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf,</a> marking a significant milestone in the delivery of one of Syd​ney's most anticipated waterfront communities.

Located on Sydney's harbourfront at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/putney-nsw-2112">Putney</a>, the project has now reached its highest structural point, with construction progressing strongly towards completion in 2027. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone was celebrated on-site with project partners Phoenix Property Investors, Mitsubishi Estate Asia, Versatile Construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, consultants and stakeholders, to recognise the collective effort behind the transformation of the historic waterfront site into a vibrant new residential, marina and lifestyle destination.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362240] 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will deliver a mix of waterfront residences and terraces, complemented by a private 36-berth marina, waterfront dining opportunities and a revitalised foreshore designed to reconnect the community with the river's edge. 
&nbsp; 
Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said the project represented a rare opportunity to create the next chapter in Sydn​ey's long history of successful waterfront precincts. 
&nbsp; 
"Throughout Sydney, some of the city's most sought-after addresses have emerged from carefully considered waterfront precincts such as Woolloom​ooloo Wharf, Walsh Bay and Breakfast Point," Brown said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362566] 
&nbsp; 
"What makes these places so successful is that they become much more than residential developments," Brown said.

"They bring together homes, hospitality, marina facilities, public spaces and a strong sense of community in locations where future supply is incredibly limited."

Brown has long described absolute waterfront land in Sy​dney as "finite."

"Once these opportunities are developed, they are rarely replicated. That's why Syd​ney's waterfront precincts have consistently demonstrated strong demand and long-term value growth over many decades. 
&nbsp; 
"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is one of the few remaining opportunities to secure a residence within a masterplanned waterfront community that combines direct water access, marina ownership opportunities and a genuine village lifestyle just moments from the Sy​dney CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=362564] 
&nbsp; 
PERIFA Founder and Managing Director Fabrizio Perilli said the project reflected a shared commitment to delivering exceptional places that create long-term value for residents and the broader community. 
&nbsp; 
"The topping out milestone is a significant achievement for the Versatile Group and a testament to the collaboration between all project partners, consultants and contractors involved," Perilli said. 
&nbsp; 
"Beyond the residences themselves, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> will establish a new waterfront destination that celebrates the history, character and lifestyle of this unique location while creating a lasting legacy for future generations."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=13962 project_image_fid=291195] 
&nbsp; 
Construction is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile">Versatile Construction</a>, with structural works now substantially complete across the precinct. Attention will progressively shift to the construction of the waterview terraces, apartment façades, services and interior fit-out works over the coming months. 
&nbsp; 
With limited residences and marina berths remaining, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> continues to attract strong interest from owner occupiers and downsizers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle within close proximity to Putne​y Village, Rh​odes, Top Ry​de and the Syd​ney CBD. 
&nbsp; 
As one of the last opportunities to secure a residence within a new masterplanned waterfront community on Sy​dney Harbour, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/putney-wharf-harbourfront-precinct-20-waterview-street-putney-nsw-2112">Putney Wharf</a> is expected to remain a highly sought-after address for years to come.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=13962]

Abadeen, PERIFA, top out Putney Wharf harbourfront precinct

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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House and land prices in the Queensland mining town of Gladstone have risen steadily in the past decade, according to a report by PRDnationwide.
However, the volume of sales in the oft-touted investment hotspot fell significantly between March 2007 and March 2008 and have yet to return to their pre-GFC peak. These trends were apparent in both the region and city of Gladstone. 
“The lack of affordable house and land is driving sales volumes back down, exacerbated by unprecedented rental growth which continues to inflate values accordingly,” says PRDnationwide Queensland analyst Robert Matta.
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The previous chart refers to the entire Gladstone area, whereas the following chart relates Gladstone City specifically.
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Gladstone house and land prices rising, but sales volumes below pre-GFC peak: PRDnationwide

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Property prices and land prices in the Queensland mining town of Gladstone are expected to begin to ease once new and more affordable housing projects are completed, according to new analysis from PRDNationwide.
This easing will occur over time, with the biggest residential development project in the region – Devine’s $1.4 billion Riverstone Rise community – being completed in stages over the next 15 to 20 years.
However, the report for the March half-year warns of a number of headwinds facing investors including an expanding  fly-in, fly-out workforce, requiring investors to revise down rental expectations to secure tenants.
Gladstone ranked third in Your Investment Property magazine’s 2012 list of Top 100 suburbs and was ranked second last year. The town is home to the world’s biggest alumina refinery, Australia’s biggest aluminium smelter and the country’s largest cement operation.
There are currently $69 billion worth of projects currently in the early stages of construction, and projects worth a further $26 billion are expected to commence in the next few years.
The PRDnationwide report says that high rental yields can still be achieved in the current market, but warns investors to be diligent to not only buy at the right price, but to buy something that has competitive tenant appeal.
“Vacancy rates have been quiet turbulent during the first half of 2012, as investor demand grossly outstrips owner occupier demand,” says the report.
“Uncertainty surrounding rental vacancy is exacerbated by an ever expanding fly-in, fly-out workforce, with many workers vacating to mining/construction campsites.
“As a result, many investors are forced to make sizeable revisions to their rental price expectations in order to secure a tenant on a reasonable lease. Given the current median prices recorded across all markets, there is no doubt that some investors, particularly those who entered the market in 2012, paid a premium on their investment with a heightened expectation of strong cash-flow.”
PRDnationwide Queensland analyst Rob Matta, who compiled the Gladstone Region Highlight Report, says Devine’s project is likely to ease the housing shortage in the Gladstone region and alleviate price growth pressures.
Construction of stage one of Devine’s $1.4 billion Riverstone Rise community in Gladstone has commenced. The project which is expected to take 15 to 20 years to complete, has been approved for 2,900 homes, two shopping centres and a new school.
It is located in Benaraby, approximately 20 kilometres south of Gladstone City, the new community aims to provide an affordable and diverse alternative to the offerings within Gladstone City.
Stage one features 120 allotments ranging in size up to 740 square metres and prices starting from $165,000.
Matta says there are several projects are several other projects in the pipeline, but the problem remains that few of these projects are delivering stock at a realistic price point.
Currently, though, PRDnationwide says house and land prices in the Gladstone region continue to go “from strength to strength”, with a median house price of $479,750 and a median land price of $250,000 for the March 2012 half-year period.
More than 87% of Gladstone houses that sold over the March 2012 half-year sold for more than $400,000, compared with 67% that sold over this price point a year ago.
Giving an indication of just how rapidly house prices have shifted upwards in Gladstone over the past two years, in the March 2010 quarter, just over a third (37%) of houses sold above this price point.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/08/prdaug7.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/prdaug7thumb.jpg"></a>
For more, download our free eBook <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-property-investing-in-queenslands-resources-boom">Residential Property Investment Amid Queensland's Resources Boom.</a>
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
However sales volumes have eased significantly due to the unaffordability of house and land over this period, with sales across the region down 27.3 % compared with the March 2011 half-year period and land sales down by 48.9 %.
PRDnationwide says there were 327 houses sold across the 12 suburbs that comprise the Gladstone City Area and 149 land transactions in the six months to March 2012.
Sales volumes also decreased in the unit market, which failed to sustain the exploding uplift in activity experienced during 2010-11, registering a total of 107 transactions in the March 2012 half-year period a decrease of 20.7% from the level of volumes recorded in the corresponding period in March 2011.
“The lack of affordable house and land is driving sales volumes back down, exacerbated by unprecedented rental growth which continues to inflate values accordingly,” says Matta.
Matta says the development of the Devine project repesents both good and bad news for the people of Gladstone City – depending on what side of the fence they sit.
“The good news is, that developments like this are likely to entice would-be investors and perhaps first-home buyers to snap up an opportunity they could not previously have afforded,” he says.
“The bad news is, for developers, investors or those who have recently paid a premium to live in the area, that rental vacancy may increase in the market, with rents and subsequent prices likely to correct as a result,” he says.
“As relenting as the fight is for the market to find equilibrium, the earmarked growth in the region’s economy and workforce is likely to ensure the fight continues for a long time to come.”
The PRDnationwide report attributes the revival of the Gladstone property market “solely to the booming resource industries in the Bowen and Surat basins”.
“Substantial projects such as the Curtis Island LNG facility have provided the catalyst for the recent flurry of investor interest, with many looking to capitalise on the opportunity for solid capital growth and attractive rental yields,” it says.
The report investigated three main areas – Agnes Water, Tannum Sands and Gladstone City – and found that demand for investment properties is rising in the Agnes Water Area.
PRDnationwide Agnes Water director Tim Lawry says the property market continues to benefit indirectly from the mining boom – with up to 80% of inquiry and purchases coming from the central Queensland region.
For more, download our free eBook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-property-investing-in-queenslands-resources-boom" target="_blank">Residential Property Investment Amid Queensland's Resources Boom.</a>
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Gladstone property hotspot facing headwinds, with investor demand 'grossly outstripping owner-occupier demand': PRDnationwide

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David Devine’s Metro Property Development group has increased its commitment to the inner-Brisbane apartment market, with approval granted for an $80 million project in South Brisbane.
The 12-level development, called The Plaza, has been designed by architects Deicke Richards and is due to be built at the corner of Russell and Manning streets on a 2,270-square-metre site and will feature 168 apartments.
Off-the-plan marketing of the project will begin later this month.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/plaza.jpg">
It will offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, ranging in price from $330,000 to $575,000.
The building will also feature a pool, gymnasium, outdoor dining area and garden reading room.
The Plaza site is situated just behind the Brisbane Convention Centre and close to the South Bank rail station and bus interchange, the Brisbane art gallery and cultural precinct, South Bank Parklands and the CBD.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/plaza2.jpg">
The project will take the value of Metro’s approved apartment developments in Brisbane to more than $400 million.  Metro currently has 1,337 apartments under construction or approved for development in inner Brisbane and a further 950 apartments in the pipeline. Metro is involved in <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/construction-of-david-devines-madison-heights-tower-begins-with-87-of-units-sold-off-the-plan/2012071155517">three joint-venture projects with Indian-owned developer Pearls Australasia</a> in the inner north:
<ul>
<li>the 30-level <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/construction-of-david-devines-madison-heights-tower-begins-with-87-of-units-sold-off-the-plan/2012071155517">Madison Heights</a> project in Bowen Hills in the inner-north, where construction has just commenced; </li>
<li>the 195-apartment The Chelsea also in Bowen Hills, which is sold out and</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/buyers-snap-up-20-of-fortitude-valley-s-brooklyn-offerings/2011101351911">Brooklyn on Brookes</a> in Fortitude Valley  where construction is due to commence in August or September</li>
</ul>
In addition, Devine is also building the Riverside Hamilton Harbour project in partnership with Leightons.
Metro says it has received more than 200 registrations of interest for The Plaza project.
“We believe South Brisbane will continue to build on the reputation it has established as one of the city’s most popular lifestyle hubs,” says David Devine.
“With its proximity to schools, universities, hospitals, major entertainment venues and access to major transport, it is a great opportunity for buyers and investors.
“Apartments in the area are definitely undersupplied and there is great demand for an affordable, quality product that is sophisticated and stylish."
Metro marketing director Ken Woodley says there are more than 26,000 white-collar workers in the South Brisbane area and more than 80,000 students attend universities and colleges nearby.
“We anticipate demand for The Plaza from the local market will be very strong," he says.
Metro is expecting interest from young professionals, owner-occupiers and investors.
According to Urbis, the rental vacancy rate for apartments in Brisbane’s inner city sits at approximately 1.35% and is forecast to tighten to 1% or less by by December 2012.
South Brisbane recently ranked as top investment suburb, according to Your Investment Property magazine's Top 100 suburbs lists.
According to Resolution Research &amp; Strategists managing director Diana Howes,  the South Brisbane apartment market is chronically undersupplied.
“Taking into consideration the forecast increase in resident population in the South Brisbane/West End neighbourhood plan it is evident that this market is currently chronically undersupplied and will remain so until such a time as significant development and construction is undertaken to service demand,” she says.
Metro Property Development was created in 2010 by Devine Limited founder David Devine and business partners Ken Woodley and Luke Hartman.
To find out more about new projects in the inner Brisbane, Download Property Observer’s <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-the-brisbane-inner-city-market" target="_blank">free eBook: Brisbane's Inner-City Urban Renewal</a>, which provides an overview and analysis of the current inner-Brisbane apartment market scene.
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David Devine’s Metro group wins approval for $80 million inner-Brisbane project The Plaza

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The extent of the decline of property values in places like Port Douglas, Cairns and the Gold Coast, where close to one in five properties have lost up to 10% of their value since being purchased, has been revealed in the latest RP Data Value Accumulation Report for the March quarter.



Previously called the Equity Report, it shows that nationally, the housing market remains a solid medium- and long-term investment, with only 5.4% of Australian homes currently valued at either less or the same amount as what they were purchased for – an improvement from 6.1% of homes recorded at the end of the December 2011 quarter.



Conversely, more than 41% of Australian homes are worth more than twice what their owners originally purchased them for.



However, the report reveals the struggles facing Queensland regional and coastal areas not feeling the benefits of the resources boom.



According to RP Data, nearly one in five homes (19.9%) in tropical Far North Queensland are now worth less than or the same as their previous purchase price – nearly four times higher than the national rate. 



This region includes heavily tourism-dependent places like Cairns and Port Douglas on the coast and inland, the Atherton Tablelands, which have been hit by the high Australian dollar and a spate of natural disasters.



The struggling Gold Coast market is second on the list (16.8% of homes not appreciating in value) followed by the state’s other struggling coastal market, the Sunshine Coast (14.3% of homes).



The Gold Coast and Far North also have the lowest proportion of properties worth double the initial purchase price at just 30.3% of all homes.



<img width="468" height="206" src="/images/stories/2012/greatestpercentdwelling.jpg" alt="greatestpercentdwelling">

 

Over the March quarter, the report found that the instances of negative value accumulation or stability has fallen in most regions of Queensland, but the greatest declines had been recorded in West Moreton (-2.7 percentage points), Far North (-2.0 percentage points) and Gold Coast (-1.9 percentage points). 



The list of those regions that have recorded the greatest percentage of dwellings worth less than or equal to their purchase price also includes lifestyle markets in Western Australia, Richmond-Tweed in New South Wales and Wide Bay-Burnett in Queensland. 



RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher says this is reflective of the weaker market conditions across many lifestyle regions. 

In contrast, Victoria and Melbourne, have had the greatest level of value accumulation of any state or capital city.



This has been helped by the fact that Victorian and Melbourne properties tend to be owned for a longer length of time than homes in other parts of the country – 9.3 years in Melbourne, the highest hold period across Victoria.



In contrast, Queensland and South Australia, properties tend to have a higher turnover and subsequently, value accumulation in these states has generally been lower than in other states.
The report found that just 3.3% of Victorian homes and 3.5% of Melbourne homes are valued at the same or less than their purchase prices - better than NSW (3.9%) and Sydney (3.6%), the next best performing state and capital city markets.



This is up though from 2.8% of Sydney homes worth less than or equal to their initial purchase price recording at the same time last year - highlighting the impact on value accumulation that the fall in home values has had over the past year.



Victoria (50.3%) and Melbourne (51.6%) also have the highest proportion of homes that have doubled in value since being purchased, significantly higher than NSW (37.8%) and Sydney (37.2%).


Across Queensland, 9.6% of homes are worth less than or equal to their initial purchase price while 36.6% of homes are worth more than double their initial purchase price. 



At the end of the corresponding quarter in 2011, 3.7% of Queensland homes were worth less than or equal to their initial purchase price and 40.3% of homes were worth more than double.



Across South Australia, 6.5% of homes are worth less than or equal to their initial purchase price compared to just 2.1% of homes at the same time in 2011.



In Western Australia 6.8% of homes are worth less than or equal to their initial purchase price compared to just 3.5% of homes at the same time in 2011. 



Around 44.7% of Tasmanian homes and 44.6% of Hobart homes have doubled in value since their last purchase – the second best state and capital city housing markets on this measure.




However, the weaker Tasmanian market has been reflected in that proportion of Tasmanian homes now worth less than or equal to their initial price has nearly doubled from 3.1% to 6% since March last year. 



Over this same period, the proportion of Tasmanian homes worth more than double their initial purchase price has fallen from 48% a year ago to 44.7% in March 2012. 



The report measures the difference between the original purchase price and the current estimated value for over 8 million residential properties across the country. 

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Queensland’s tropical Far North and Gold Coast housing markets worst at accumulating value: RP Data

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Brisbane house prices fell by 1.3% in the June quarter to a median of just under $428,000 – the lowest reading since December 2008 and the eighth straight quarter that house prices have fallen – according to the latest quarterly figures from Australian Property Monitors (APM).
The decline in Brisbane house prices, which dates from the June 2010 quarter, came on the back of a very buoyant market with Queensland one of the last housing markets to feel the effects of the GFC.
The housing market took another battering following the January 2011 Brisbane floods and other natural disasters in the state.
Brisbane remains the most affordable mainland capital city detached housing market, below Adelaide, where house prices remained unchanged over the June quarter at a median of $436,000.
Year-on-year, Brisbane house prices have fallen 3.7% since June last year, more than Melbourne's 2.6% year-on-year decline, with Adelaide (- 2.1%) and Sydney (-1%) also recording smaller 12 month declines.
Brisbane unit values declined more steeply over the June quarter – down 1.7% to a median of $356,744 – but are down a more modest 0.8% over the 12 months to June, compared to house prices.
APM recorded a Brisbane auction clearance rate of just 29% last weekend.
<img alt="brisbane-median-price" src="/images/stories/2012/brisbane-median-price.gif" height="225" width="400">
Both RP-Data and Rismark have the Brisbane housing market well down over the 12 months to June – with their data pointing to an even steeper annual decline.
However, RP Data-Rismark reported a 0.9% gain in Brisbane house prices in the month of June to a median of $435,000 – suggesting the market may have begun to finally turn around.
RP Data-Rismark has Brisbane house prices down by 4.9% for the year.
Residex says Brisbane house prices fell 2.37% in June, 3.75% over the June quarter and are down 6.5% for the year with a median value of $412,500.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) reported an easing in the Brisbane rental vacancy rate over the June quarter to 2.1% from 1.7%, although the inner city suburbs remain tightly held at just 1.6% “with property managers from REIQ accredited agencies reporting some rent increases taking place, especially for houses, due to stronger demand”.
The REIQ has Brisbane house prices down 4.7% over the March quarter to a median of $505,000 and has yet to release June quarter results.
According to Dr Andrew Wilson, senior economist at APM, Brisbane house prices are showing no signs of price growth at this stage and the market is likely to fall further.
He says the recent performance is somewhat “counterintuitive” given that recent ABS housing finance figures show that the value of investor loans approved over the first five months of the year rose 31% in Queensland.
“Brisbane is suffering from a lot of stock that needs to be absorbed,” Wilson says.
“There is not much competition for properties. This will only increase when the amount of residential stock listed for sale comes down.”
According to RP Data, Brisbane residential listings fell 3.5% for the year to July 8.
SQM Research recorded a 4.4% year-on-year decline in Brisbane residential stock-on-market to end of June, but recorded a 3% rise over June counting 30,080 property listings.
Wilson says there are positive signals of longer-term recovery for Brisbane including stronger population growth in South East Queensland due to people chasing higher wage growth in the state (off the back of mining activity).
“But I don’t see the bottom of the market yet,” he says.
Noting the volume of apartment projects underway in the inner Brisbane suburbs (there are more than 40 at various stages of development at present), Wilson says there is growing demand for inner city Brisbane living.
However, given that it’s an emerging new market, he says it will take time to gain traction.
“It took decades for the Melbourne inner city market to gain traction and we are still seeing prices coming down.”
"The Brisbane inner city market is on watch."
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Brisbane house prices decline for eighth straight quarter but not yet at the bottom: Australian Property Monitors

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Mining towns like Chinchilla in Queensland’s Surat Basin offer potential for capital growth.
However, its promotion (and others like it) should also serve as a reminder to investors that they should bear in mind who is making the recommendation, what interest they may have in the hotspot and whether they will earn income from selling real estate in this area.
Among those promoting Chinchilla is Sam Saggers of Positive Real Estate, who describes it as a mining boom town that should be on the “radar” of all property investors.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/chinchilla.jpg">
Saggers says he expects Chinchilla will soon have rents that rival those in Moranbah and Port Hedland, and says average annual price growth has been at 17% – “with no signs of stopping any time soon”.
“Chinchilla has a diverse economic base,” Saggers reassures investors.
“This small but growing region is known as the ‘Home of the Melon’, which is a well-deserved name considering that a quarter of Australia’s watermelons, rockmelons and honeydew melons come from this region.”
“Chinchilla doesn’t rely solely on mining for its ‘bread and butter’.” says Saggers. “The area has a big agricultural base, selling produce such as cotton, wheat, barley and sorghum. They have large cattle and pig farms, as well,” he says.
While this may all be accurate, investors should bear in mind that it is Saggers’ job to promote all the best that Chinchilla has to offer as he sells many properties in the mining town and others like it. Saggers does not hide this fact: you can find examples of off-the-plan projects he is marketing in Chinchilla, Mackay and Gladstone on the Positive Real Estate website.
But even Saggers himself acknowledges that there are risks to investing in mining towns and investors need to consider that mining demand could slow, so investors must assess the risk of that happening.
And, he says, not all mining towns are wise investments.
He describes Moranbah, Middlemount, Dysart and Karratha as mining towns where “rents have been driven out of control from the mining boom” and where he expects a “market contraction”.
Chinchilla, Mackay and Gladstone though are not on the list.
Surat Basin Property Group is also promoting Chinchilla and other nearby Queensland mining towns as “opportunities for ‘mum and dad’ investors to capitalise on the country’s resources boom”.
Similar to Saggers, the SBPG does not keep it a secret it has a vested interest in Chinchilla.
The company has its headquarters in the town and has “land holdings in the region that will ultimately deliver approximately 2,500 dwellings”.
SBPG has already built and sold 200 house and land packages in Chinchilla.
It should not be surprising then that SBPG chief operating officer, Jason van Hooft says opportunities for investors in the Surat Basin area are “unique in Australia”.
“For a start, we are not that isolated, being only 3.5 hours' drive from Brisbane, and secondly the towns of Chinchilla and Miles are long established country communities with existing infrastructure, existing thriving communities and broad-based economies.”
“If you like, the resources boom is the icing on the cake for these centres,” van Hooft says.
SBPG is offering house and land packages from $390,000 to $452,000, which it says will attract rents in the order of $550 to $800 a week “with a waiting list of prospective tenants in a number of the towns”.
“Similar properties, probably not as well built, in Western Australia’s mining regions would command prices of around $800,000 to $1 million,” van Hooft adds.
SBPG currently has 60 residential blocks available to be developed in Chinchilla and Miles and hundreds more in the pipeline; van Hooft says the certainty of tenancy and the potential for capital gains (16% on average over the past 10 years) cannot be duplicated anywhere else.
All of this can sound enticing, but investors should ensure they also obtain an objective opinion of locations like Chinchilla.
While there are many positives about investing in these locations, there is significant risk as well – risk that will not be highlighted by anyone with a vested interest or who stands to earn commission on property sales.
For advice on navigating hotspots, download our free eBook: <a target="_parent" href="https://bit.ly/O6ekCX">Tools for Getting Through the Hotspot Maze.</a>
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Chinchilla, Queensland: Mining hotspot or one underpinned by marketeers?

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The Gold Coast home of Mike Dodd, one of the Consolidated Properties men who developed the Casuarina Beach community on the Tweed Coast, has been listed for sale.
The Surfers Paradise house was built in the 1990s by Tony Bawden, one of the founders of housing company Villa World.
It last traded in 2005 for $4,925,000 from another developer, Tom Ray, who had paid $4,478,000 just a few months earlier.
Set on a 1,658-square-metre Cannes Avenue block on prime Main River land, the house has four bedrooms and office.
With 42-metre frontage it has two pontoons. It's marketed as having future high-rise development potential.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/07/july19broadbeach]}
Property developer Grant Hutchings has bought elsewhere so his Broadbeach Waters mansion (pictured above) has been listed for sale.  
The four-bedroom Monaco Street house is set on a 1,496-square-metre holding. The house, which totals about 70 squares (about 650 square metres) comes with tennis court and pool.
It's only two doors from Main River, having a full 27 metres of white sand beach below a barbecue terrace with pavilion amid rainforest greenery.
It's listed through Ray White Surfers Paradise Prestige agent Sherry Smith.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Monaco and Cannes addresses in Gold Coast offerings with a Riviera flavour 

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The Southport, Queensland riverfront home of the thrice-bankrupted property marketing spruiker Dudley Quinlivan sold for $9.5 million at Ray White auction last night.
It’s the second-highest paid on the Gold Coast for three years – and just weeks after former motor vehicle dealer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/sanctuary-cove-mansion-sale-sets-new-reputed-%2412-million-record/2012053054896">John Zupp paid $12.7 million for a Sanctuary Cove home</a>.
The five-bedroom Quinlivan mansion comes with a cinema, games room, internal lift, large wine cellar, seven-car basement parking and even a panic room.
The 3,366-square-metre Winchester Street property was auctioned for Westpac Bank by receivers through Michael Willems in conjunction with Ray White Prestige Gold Coast agent Robert Graham.
There were 18 people registered to bid at the auction with five bidders, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin report.
The two-level house was owned through Sandtrend Pty Ltd, an entity controlled by Quinlivan's wife Jo.
The Quinlivans left the house several weeks ago. The block cost $2.35 million in 2000.
Quinlivan was most recently bankrupted in September 2011 after failing to pay a $49 million debt to the struggling mortgage fund Equititrust, also based on the Gold Coast.
The money had been lent to build a housing development at Ipswich, west of Brisbane.
Quinlivan shot to national attention when accused in Queensland Parliament as being involved in the late 1990s property marketeering scam where fly-in, fly-out interstaters were lured into paying out of line prices for Queensland properties.
Property consumer advocate Neil Jenman has described Dudley Quinlivan as one of Australia's most infamous real estate characters.
“During the 1990s and early 2000s, Quinlivan was deeply involved in the notorious Queensland two-tier marketing rackets,” Jenman’s website notes.
Last August  <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/former-property-spruiker-s-five-year-directorship-ban-upheld/2011082351264">Quinlivan was unsuccessful in applying to the High Court of Australia</a> to lower his five-year company directorship disqualification.
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Thrice-bankrupted property spruiker Dudley Quinlivan’s Southport mansion abode sells for $9.5 million

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Wyatt Roy, the youngest federal Member of Parliament, has bought his first home.
It’s a $340,000 unit in Bribie Island, Queensland.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/bribieisland.jpg">
Roy’s apartment initially sold at $460,000 off the plan in 2004.
The Federal Member for Longman was born in May 1990.
The apartment is on the surf beach, although Roy’s apartment enjoys limited bay views.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/woorim2.jpg">
It was listed through Richardson &amp; Wrench Bribie Island agent Margaret Watkins.
In 2008 towards its completion the development had secured $22 million worth of sales, with only three apartments then unsold.
All  five other recent sales in the block of 37 have also been at less than initial sale.
2004: $470,000 2011: $340,000
2004: $470,000   2011: $352,500
2006: $485,000     2011: $380,000
2004: $540,000  2011: $500,000
2006: $840,000  2011:  $520,000
Its penthouse has yet to sell.
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Parliament’s youngest federal MP, Wyatt Roy, now a 22-year-old home owner as on the beach Bribie Island prices fall

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Dramatic house price growth in central Queensland’s mining regions appears to have stabilised, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The July Month in Review report found prices in Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone remained steady in recent months.
The report found a large number of residential properties have come onto the market in Gladstone and suggested some prices would have to be reduced in order to achieve sales.
An influx of worker accommodation over the next couple of years is said to be contributing to lower confidence in the area.
“Consequently we highlight the potential for market correction following the construction of major LNG projects and therefore do not foresee further large increases in capital growth,” Herron Todd White says.
Future workforce numbers in the area are hard to predict, and the report says housing demand may change.
In Mackay rentals figures have grown in the last six months, resulting in increased demand for the sub-$450,000 market from owner-occupiers avoiding paying rent and keen investors cashing in on rental increases.
And in Rockhampton the median sale prices has remained steady over the past 24 months.
The report found sales volumes in the under-$350,000 price range have improved in the first half of 2012 due to buyers enjoying affordable investment houses and low vacancy rates.
However, the prestige housing and coastal unit markets have suffered over recent years, with extended selling periods and reduced list prices required to secure a sale.
For more information on buying in Queensland mining hotspots, read our free eBook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-property-investing-in-queenslands-resources-boom">Property investing in Queensland’s resources boom</a>
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