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>.

Joel Robinson

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.

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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

One of the penthouses at Lily Lane, the latest stage of Carrington Place by Ellipse Property, has set a new local apartment price record.

The four-bedroom residence, purchased by a local downsizer, sold for $5.75 million—around 75 per cent higher than the previous record of $3.3 million.

Over 40 per cent of the first release of apartments at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> have already been snapped up just six weeks since it launched to the market.

&nbsp;

Located at 32 Carrington Road, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> and designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane is directly opposite the Hills Showground Metro station. It offers a total 213 units over two 12-storey towers - a mix of 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments - with a ground-floor retail offering.

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Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says around 44 per cent of buyers are&nbsp;owner occupiers, with 35 per cent being investors and 21 per cent first homebuyers.

“Developments of this calibre are very rare in the Hills District, and Lily Lane’s sales success demonstrates the depth of demand for over-sized apartments that genuinely compete with freestanding homes," Schulze says.

"We are seeing particular demand from downsizers who want to remain in the area but transition into spacious, high-quality apartment living."

On the penthouse sale, it says it shows buyers&nbsp;are prepared to pay a premium for scale, quality, and direct access to the Metro.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368351]

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $745,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $990,000 with sizes from 75 to 132 square metres. Three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm,, with prices starting at $1,395,000.&nbsp;

The three remaining penthouses, spanning up to 262 sqm, are priced from $2.9 million.

Over 75 per cent of apartments include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries. Apartments are appointed with premium Miele appliances including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers, while larger residences also incorporate integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages, with completion expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 sq, of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Ellipse sets Castle Hill apartment record with $5.75 million Lily Lane penthouse sale

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

<html><body>
Remote north Queensland mining towns dominate a list of the state’s top-performing suburbs in 2011, according to RP Data’s list of top 100 house price growth suburbs.
Reflecting the underperformance of the Queensland housing market in 2011, there are only 12 sunshine state locations on the list, with nine of these having strong ties to mining and natural resources activity.
All nine mining towns rank inside the top 50 with four inside the top 10 suburbs <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/hotspot-high-yields-and-price-growth-in-moranbah-but-best-time-to-buy-may-have-passed/2012022753563" target="_blank">led by top placed Moranbah</a> in the Isaac region coal belt as well as nearby Clermont, which ranked 22nd.
Moranbah is followed by a cluster of towns around Gladstone, the epicentre of $75 billion worth of liquefied natural gas, rail and port projects. These include New Auckland (third), Clinton (sixth) and West Gladstone (eighth).
Ray White Gladstone principal Andrew Allen says investors make up 60% of buyers in the region, with vacancies in 2011 below 1% despite a record number of dwellings approved by the council.
About 10,000 new workers are expected in Gladstone over the next 12 months, with mining companies building 4,000 accommodation units and the Queensland government developing about 1,000 blocks.
“Demand outweighs supply two to one,” Allen tells The Australian.
The mining outlier is Roma, 515 kilometres west of Brisbane in the Darling Downs, a town swept up in the coal seam gas (CSG) boom and the home of Origin Energy's Spring Gully Coal Seam Gas Development and the outer end point of the 434-kilometres Roma-to-Brisbane gas pipeline.
The three remaining locations are the Brisbane suburbs of Red Hill (17th), Indooroopilly (70th) and Coorparoo (77th).
Red Hill, just three kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, recorded impressive house price growth of 12% to a median house price of $705,000 and is the only one of the tree Brisbane suburbs to rank higher than some of the remote mining locations.
Queensland locations in the RP Data Top 100 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Rank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Location
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Median value in 2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Median value in 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
% change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
1st
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Moranbah
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$474,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$612,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
3rd
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
New Auckland
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$379,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$459,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
21.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
6th
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Clinton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$385,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$452,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
17.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
8th
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
West Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$353,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$412,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
16.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
11th
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Roma
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$274,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$317,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
15.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
12th
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Blackwater
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$357,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
14.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
18th
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Red Hill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$629,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$705,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
12%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
21st
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Boyne Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$421,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$470,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
11.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
22nd
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Clermont
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$317,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$353,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
11.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
35th
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Emerald
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$354,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$385,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
8.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
70th
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Indooroopilly
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$653,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$692,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="123">
76th
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
Coorparoo
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$602,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
$634,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
5.4%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
Photo courtsey of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr.</a>
 
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Remote mining towns dominate RP Data’s list of Queensland top-performing housing markets

<html><body>
Moranbah ranked as the number-one suburb for capital growth over 2011, with house prices rising 29% from a median of $474,000 in 2010 to $612,000, according to RP Data.
Property investors continue to pour funds into the small northern Queensland town close to coal mining activity in the Isaac region with yields still on offer of up to 16%.
Sales activity has soared over the first two months of the year, with 44 houses sold in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Moranbah </a>over January and February, according to realestate.com.au figures.
This is more than double the 21 houses sold in the first two months of 2011.
Top Five suburbs for capital growth over 2011
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Rank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Median value in 2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Median value in 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
% change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Moranbah
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$474,089
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$611,752
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Moss Vale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$297,060
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$364,407
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
22.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
New Auckland
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$378,833
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$459,150
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
21.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
ACT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Red Hill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$940,873
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$1,129,919
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
20.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Clinton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$385,118
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$452,865
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
19.7%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
Hotspotting.com.au director Terry Ryder says there will be further price growth in Moranbah, but believes that the best time to buy was 18 months ago before the growth in prices and rents gathered pace.
“There appears to be long-term sustainable demand from overseas markets for Queensland coal, so towns like Moranbah have a future.
“Investors need to be aware of the risks, however. Mining towns are highly vulnerable to economic cycles and sit at the high-risk end of the investment spectrum. Mining companies are increasingly opting to fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workforces.
“BHP is seeking to run its new mine near Moranbah on a 100% FIFO workforce, so that does not generate accommodation in the town,” says Ryder.
RP Data’s Cameron Kusher also warns that investors must tread carefully when it comes to mining towns like Moranbah
"'We've seen locations where capital prices collapse as soon as the mine is shut down," he told the Sun-Herald earlier this month.
Local agents though continue to report record listings, high yields and strong investor demand for properties.
Sharyn Mackay from Vision Real Estate is seeking $1.25 million – a Moranbah record – for this five-bedroom house (below) on Longman Drive. According to principal Vikki Oldfield, the property would rent for more than $3,000 per week – a yield in excess of 12%.  It last sold in August 2010 for $710,000.
<img src="/images/stories/mora1.jpg" width="470">
This four-bedroom house (below), marketed by Emma Elliott from Ray White Mackay Beaches and Moranbah with swimming pool on Gilbert Court close is currently under offer of $920,000 according to RP Data and renting at $2,800 per week. At this sales price, this equates to a yield of 15.8%. It last sold for just $121,000 in 2002.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/mora2.jpg">
Another local real estate agent, Craig Aitcheson from LJ Hooker Moranbah, described the market as the “craziest” he'd ever seen and believers there is still room for further price growth.
“I just can't see it slowing down with all the activity that's happening,” he told the Mackay Daily Mercury.
Aitcheson says 95% of inquiries are coming from investors.
The Moranbah region has undergone rapid population growth in recent times, with the population expanding from just over 7,000 according to the 2006 census to over 10,500 in 2009 according to the Isaac Region Council.
The supply of homes has received a small boost in recent months with the launch of a new residential community known as the Bushlark Grove. The project will provide 160 new homes for around 400 people over the next six months at a cost of $20?million, targeted at the more affordable end of the market.
"Bushlark Grove will provide more affordable housing through the improved supply of residential land and a greater range of housing types to cater for the needs of the Moranbah community," says Urban Land Development Authority director of residential development Peter Smith.
However, the creation of new residential communities around Moranbah appears limited.
Following the recently released Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Plan 2012-2031, aimed at easing the housing squeeze and dependence on fly-in, fly-out workers, Queensland Local Government Minister Paul Lucas says Moranbah's urban footprint could not be expanded because it is surrounded by mining leases.
In December, Moranbah’s status as a coal exporting hub was enhanced with the opening of the new $1.1 billion rail link Goonyella to Abbot Point rail link north of the town.
The rail link will increase the capacity of coal exports by a further 50 million tonnes each year.
</body></html>

Hotspots: High yields and price growth in Moranbah, but best time to buy may have passed

<html><body>
The Queensland property at 121 Treasure Island Avenue, Karragarra Island, made its debut on SQM Research's top 10 most discounted properties list last week  – and now its neighbour has appeared in the number-one position on the list.
The property at 60 Treasure Island Avenue has had its price hopes slashed from $295,000 to $185,000 this week. It was initially listed with price hopes of $349,000 in October 2010.
<img src="/images/stories/karragarra.jpg">
Its neighbour 700 metres down the road, 121 Treasure Island Avenue, was also put on the market in October 2010, and both are marketed by T. Barclay Real Estate.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/karragarraisland.jpg" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/karragarraislandthumb.jpg"></a>
"INSANE PRICE! GRAB IT NOW - THIS REALLY IS THE BARGAIN OF A LIFETIME. This is a ridiculous low low price - around $100,000 under what it is worth," says Terri Barclay in 60 Treasure Island Avenue's marketing.
{qtube vid:=54H1z9r5_00}
The agency made a video advertising the property (above) while it was for sale with price hopes of $295,000.
Karragarra Island is adjacent to Macleay Island, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/vendors-of-heavily-discounted-properties-often-misjudge-the-market-sqm/2012020953301">home to the most discounted property in Australia last week, 92 Beelong Street</a>. The Treasure Island properties are within half an hour's drive of 92 Beelong Street.
 
1
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-karragarra+island-106858585">60 Treasure Island Avenue, Karragarra Island, Queensland,4184</a> (pictured)
On the market since: October 3, 2010
Initial asking price: $349,000
Current asking price: $185,000
Reduction: 47%
Days on market: 489
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">2</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106479016">92 Beelong Street, Macleay Island, Queensland, 4184</a>
On the market since: May 23, 2010
Initial asking price: $590,000
Current asking price: $340,000
Reduction: 42%
Days on market: 622
 
 
3
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008940771" target="_blank">102 Fountain Road, Burpengary, Queensland, 4505</a>
On the market since: April 17, 2011
Initial asking price: $1.2 million
Current asking price: $699,000
Reduction: 42%
Days on market: 295
 
  
4
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-karragarra+island-106914618" target="_blank">121 Treasure Island Avenue, Karragarra Island, Queensland, 4184</a> 
On the market since: October 23, 2010
Initial asking price: $335,000
Current asking price: $200,000
Reduction: 40%
Days on market: 469
 
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">5</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008421301" target="_blank">27 Reeve Street, Campania, Tasmania, 7026</a>
On the market since: June 14, 2010
Initial asking price: $330,000
Current asking price: $200,000
Reduction: 39%
Days on market: 603
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">6</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106866439" target="_blank">329 Waterford Road, Ellen Grove, Queensland, 4078</a>
On the market since: October 16, 2010
Initial asking price: $1,275,000
Current asking price: $800,000
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 476
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">7</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106364068">22 Fenton Avenue, Christies Beach, SA, 5165</a>
On the market since: March 6,  2010
Initial asking price: $1,195,000
Current asking price: $750,000
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 700
 
8
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008729828">2/18 Campbell Crescent, Terrigal, NSW, 2260</a>
On the market since: December 11, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.99 million
Current asking price: $1.25 million
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 420
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">9</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2007193295">290 Viveash Road, Swan View, WA, 6056</a>
On the market since: June 5, 2008
Initial asking price: $2.29 million
Current asking price: $1.45 million
Reduction: 37%
Days on market: 1,341
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">10</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106211228" target="_blank">15 Gretel, Two Rocks, WA, 6037</a>
On the market since: December 26, 2009
Initial asking price: $1.1 million
Current asking price: $699,000
Reduction: 36%
Days on market: 770
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"></h2>
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"></h2>
SQM Research also offers a list of the <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/top100bargains.php" title="SQM Research" target="_blank">Top 100 Biggest Bargains in Australia </a>for sale.
 
 
 
</body></html>

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Two of four most discounted properties in Australia are Treasure Island neighbours

<html><body>
Stockland has recorded an increase in buyer activity for its residential offerings in south-east Queensland since September last year, according to chief executive Matthew Quinn. 
He emphasises this is only the case for the company’s “affordable” offerings and not for the market in general. 
Speaking at a media briefing following the release of interim 2012 results that showed statutory profit down 28% to $307.6 million on the back of a “challenging” last six months, Quinn said there had been a pick-up up in inquiries and deposits in south-east Queensland but that certain pockets of the market such are still doing it very tough. 
Quinn says the south-east Queensland market is still operating well below capacity, with underlying demand not being reflected in actual sales activity. 
“Brisbane and Perth should be our strongest markets, but paradoxically they are our weakest,” he says. 
“One reason for this is the surplus of stock on the market. The market got ahead of itself. But that stock is now clearing and buying activity is increasing for new product. 
“The signs are much more positive for our affordable product type.” 
During the presentation Quinn highlighted the healthy state of its residential division and says Stockland will achieve its full-year earnings guidance due in large part to residential sales. 
“Our residential business is well positioned with 2,488 contracts on hand at 31 December 2011 (equivalent to approximately $530 million of revenue), compared to 2,288 at 30 June 2011,” he says. 
“Deposits and leads are tracking well with both showing two quarters of consecutive growth – a trend that continued in January with deposits for the month higher than the average for the past 12 months.
<img src="/images/stories/leadsgrowth.gif">
According to Quinn, lead volumes, “the ultimate leading indicator” of future demand, are increasing at an even higher rate than deposits. 
“Leads are buyers that come into sales centre and show genuine interest. There has been a substantial increase in this.” 
In addition, first-home buyers are re-emerging, accounting for 40% of all leads compared with a normal ratio of between 20% to 30%. 
“This is a strong signal that the market is moving,” he says. 
Quinn says Stockland is focused on developing residential assets for three specific customer segments: the mass market, middle Australian and those seeking affordable housing. 
“There has been a big shift in buyer behaviour in last three years. 
“If it’s affordable and they need it they will buy it… If it is expensive and they don’t need they will wait,” he says. 
Stockland reported underlying profit of $350.8 million, down 8% on the first half of 2011, and underlying earnings per security of 14.9¢, down 7%. 
This year Stockland is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
 
 
 
 
</body></html>

Residential buyer activity picking up in south-east Queensland: Stockland

<html><body>
Chris Scott, the former holiday letting management rights entrepreneur, has relisted his Gold Coast hinterland house.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/acreage-rural-tallai-qld-4213/141241/?fromHome=1">five-bedroom Tallai house</a> has a grand entrance with marble floors. The house, with 2,325 square metres of living space, is on a 6,878-square-metre block.
It was bought in 2003 for $3 million from car auction executive Colin Crewe and it was listed with $5.5 million hopes in 2007. By late 2009 the asking price was around $3.95 million.
It’s now being quoted through McGrath agent Patricia Box at $2.9 million plus.
After gaining an honours degree in economics Scott spent two decades operating road and sea freight operations in Singapore and the US until he returned to Australia with his family in 1998.
In 2006 he secured $210 million, his share of the $700 million overly ambitious MFS takeover of the S8 travel group he founded.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Former holiday lettings entrepreneur Chris Scott relists Gold Coast hinterland mansion

<html><body>
The founder of internet travel website Club Freedom, Ron Litherland, has further reduced the asking price to $12.5 million for his European Gothic-inspired castle built on Sovereign Islands on Queensland's Gold Coast.
He once wanted $20 million for the not quite majestic Paradise Point property.
It’s currently for sale through several local agents including Zlata Becic at Mint Properties.
The recently built four-level imitation castle, complete with balustrades and turrets, has seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms.
It also has two studies, a home theatre, a library and a billiard room. There is an entertainment area on the roof and in the basement there is a garage for up to 20 vehicles.
The house has floors of polished Travertine marble, fireplaces in Sahara Gold granite and hand-crafted, mahogany-mullioned windows.
One of its earlier listing agents, George Bobolas of Ray White Paradise Point, indicated an offer of $14.1 million was knocked back during his 2010 listing.
The house is on a 1,458-square-metre block on Knightsbridge Parade West, which was bought for $3.75 million in 2007 by the Phuket-based former truckie from Brisbane.
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Paradise Point castle: Most Discounted Trophy Home of the week

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This column is likely to get me shot, and mostly likely with both barrels, especially given that tomorrow is Australia Day, but the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is likely to do more damage than good. It is an absolute waste of money and diverts attention away from the things that really need doing. But that, of course, is part of the government’s plan. Since the birth of Christ, at least, it has been that way.

It all started in AD80, with the inaugural games of the Flavian Amphitheatre, on the orders of the Roman Emperor Titus, to celebrate the completion of the Colosseum (then known as the Flavian Amphitheatre). Vespasian began the construction of the amphitheatre around AD70 and it was completed by Titus soon after Vespasian’s death in AD79.  After Titus’ reign began with months of disasters – including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, a fire in Rome and an outbreak of plague – he inaugurated the building with lavish games that lasted for more than 100 days, in an attempt to appease the Roman public and the gods.

And the Roman games continue today, having morphed into their own modern-day “cargo cult” – stage a sporting event and the money will come. Today, we don’t waste public money appeasing the gods, but we do so in an attempt to make the public feel good and distract us when things aren’t going so well.

The Gold Coast is just the latest city to sign up for membership with its rejoicing in hosting the Commonwealth Games. The idea that a city will gain wealth – or in the Gold Coast’s case, rebuild confidence and rejuvenate the city – by building sporting arenas and paying athletes, while often going into considerable debt, is bordering on laughable. All the more so when the event lasts just two weeks, is contested and watched by very few (and especially not by the Chinese), and won’t address what really needs to be done to improve the Gold Coast.

<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/jury-is-still-out-on-claims-of-commonwealth-games-boost-for-gold-coast/2012011753057">Earlier this month </a>we asked readers to provide us with their thoughts on this matter. Three out of five respondents thought that the games would not have any real impact on the local property market. Those who did – and some sent through some quite lengthy emails – could only really offer wishy-washy statements about it improving the “mood, sentiment and confidence” as a means of boosting the Gold Coast economy. What tripe!

Most telling was that 85% of our respondents would not invest on the Gold Coast because of the games. The more gullible think that property prices will rise on the Gold Coast as they did in the lead-up to the Sydney Olympics and especially after the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. But broader review of the statistics shows that prices rose much faster in many other locations at the time, suggesting that property prices are influenced by much wider factors than a local sporting event.

Critical analyses of the claims about new job growth, the boost in retail spending and lift in tourist numbers that apparently come from such events will also reveal similar findings. Look back through the history of economic impact reports from major events and you’ll quickly find examples of economic disasters that had been painted as bonanzas.

Brisbane City residents are still burdened with the upkeep of underused sporting facilities left over from the 1982 Commonwealth Games. Queensland Treasury doesn’t even know if the cost of those games has ever been repaid. More recently, a survey of New Zealand businesses found that nine out of 10, and many of them retail and tourist-based, didn’t experience any boost in trade as a result of last year’s Rugby World Cup.

There is little doubt that “hallmark” events, which can include sporting events, can help revamp urban landscapes. That might have been the case in Hambantota, had it won the right to host the 2018 games. But given where the money is planned to be spent on the Gold Coast, its capacity to overhaul is limited at best. Maybe in the future an “urban revamp measure” should be the key judging criteria for sports-related events, rather than just how much money is thrown at the event.

For mine, the Gold Coast faces some serious issues. The $2 billion games budget would have been much better spent on fixing its problems. The coast – with close to 600,000 permanent residents and close to 4 million overnight visitors per year – needs the be governed accordingly and not as a tin-pot local authority; it needs to retool its tourism offering to suit the Chinese audience; it needs to dramatically increase its industrial land bank; get a bio-tech based industry (or similar) flourishing; facilitate fly-in/fly-out workers and build many more detached and semi-detached homes.  It doesn’t need to blow $1.97 billion on a two-week sports carnival in seven years’ time.

We just don’t have that kind of money to waste on such things anymore. No, I am not anti-sports; I just think it is time to do much more with taxpayers’ money.

I will leave you to enjoy your Australia Day tomorrow with two more thoughts.

Firstly, anyone in property who talks up the virtues of the 2018 games on the Gold Coast property market isn’t worth your trust. There had better be much more to their sales track than just that. Secondly, hallmark events should be treated like “gravy”. At present, the Gold Coast is close to starving. It needs meat and potatoes on its plate, not trimmings.

And surprise, surprise – the latest annual instalment of US-based Demographia’s <a href="https://propertyobserver.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=24bd0766a834290948593f5aa&amp;id=98acfcd992&amp;e=735ed4729e" target="_blank">global housing affordability report</a>, shows that despite an improvement in affordability in 2011, Australian housing remains “severely unaffordable”.  Sydney and Melbourne are third and fourth on the list of most unaffordable major markets, below Hong Kong and Vancouver. Well you know what we think – but if you missed it, try clicking <a target="_blank" href="https://matusikmissive.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/affordability/">here </a>and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/housing-affordability-in-australia-is-not-as-dire-as-you-think/2011121352823">here.</a>
Michael Matusik is the director of independent property advisory Matusik Property Insights. Matusik has helped over 500 new residential developments come to fruition and writes the weekly  <a href="https://matusikmissive.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" title="Matusik's Missive">Matusik's Missive</a>.
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The Commonwealth Games are a waste of Gold Coast taxpayers' money: Michael Matusik

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TV personality and property pundit David Koch and his wife, Libby, have come under fire from the both the Sunshine Coast mayor and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland  for describing the local property market as “catastrophic”.
The Koches <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/kochie-to-property-investors-avoid-catastrophic-gold-and-sunshine-coasts/2012011953058">warned property investors to avoid both the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast</a> as part of their forecasts for the year ahead.
Sunshine Coast Regional Council mayor Bob Abbot says what the local market needs is people to “settle and live here, not investors”.
"I like to think we are about mums, dads and their kids and being a place they want to stay and live," he told the Sunshine Coast Daily.
Lloyd Edwards, chairman of the Real Estate institute of Queensland coast branch and local Ray White agent, points out that some of the big-name Sunshine Coast residents include Therese Rein, prominent lawyer and the wife of former prime minister Kevin Rudd; British billionaire Richard Branson and leading Australian playwright David Williamson.
He also says recent building approvals could indicate a turnaround.
According to Sunshine Coast Regional Council figures, building approval figures rose 25% in November, while ABS figures show an 18% improvement.
“These are hard facts, reality – not just an opinion,” he says.
November ABS building approval figures show a 6.6% overall increase for Queensland with private sector house approvals up 10.8%.
Master Builders director of housing policy Paul Bidwell described the improvement as “positive news” but highlighted that the figures are just for one month, with the level of building activity across the state “generally remaining well below last year’s levels, which is why we have welcomed the extension to the state government’s building boost grant”.
“We’re anticipating conditions in the early part of 2012 will remain fairly tough, but providing the European economy holds steady and as more work comes into the market as a result of the extended stimulus, we are confident the worst is behind us and the recovery will really take hold during 2012,” Bidwell says.
 
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Sunshine Coast mayor slams Kochie for 'catastrophic' warning to property investors

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Melbourne construction industry company director and horse racing enthusiast Peter Devitt has snapped up a heavily discounted Gold Coast penthouse.
It was bought late last year from Jennifer Reardon, the wife of cotton and macadamia farmer Rob Reardon, who accepted $9.2 million for the five-bedroom Liberty Panorama penthouse at Main Beach.
It was initially listed in 2007 with $16.5 million hopes, then $15 million in 2008 and $14 million in 2009.
Built over two levels with a private lift, it sits atop the Gold Coast's first elliptical-shaped high-rise, completed in 2001.
Coming with 1,200 square metres of space, it was bought off the plan from Mirvac for $3.29 million in 2000.
The shared facilities include lagoon-style pool, tennis court and indoor lap pool.
The complex is only a short distance from the restaurant and boutique shopping precinct. It had been listed through Livin In Prestige Properties agent Sharon Lloyd.
The last time Devitt, the LU Simon Builders managing director and former president of the Master Builders Association of Victoria, was in the news was in 2010 when he snapped up the penthouse at The Melburnian on St Kilda Road for about $15.5 million.
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Peter Devitt snaps up heavily discounted $9.2 million Main Beach Gold Coast penthouse: Title Tattle

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There was only Christmas cheer for buyers following from 2011's last prestige <place><placename>Mermaid</placename><placetype>Beach</placetype></place> sale. Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie's three-bedroom <street><address>Hedges Avenue</address></street> beachfront cottage was snapped up post-auction in late December for $3.65 million.
It had been listed through McGrath Broadbeach agent Chez Fraser with $3.9 million-plus hopes. Roy Schwenke of Ray White CBD Residential notified RP Data of the sale in the week prior to Christmas.
Its sale price represented a 46% drop on its $6.75 million sale in 2008. It was marketed as the chance to secure one of the most affordable beachfront cottages in the strip.
"This property is one of the last remaining original cottages and offers the choice of an immediately liveable home or a fantastic opportunity to build your ideal beachfront home on its full 405 square metre block," Fraser suggested.
It had been for sale since its August 2009 auction, with its price expectations dropping from $5.75 million in January 2011 to $4.75 million hopes.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/the-8-biggest-losses-on-mermaid-beach-s-millionaire-s-row-show-no-post-gfc-recovery-in-sight/2011113052610">Craigie is certainly not the first to take a huge hit in Mermaid Beach.</a>
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