<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

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>
Hopefully southern holidaymakers don’t rush into buying so-called Gold Coast high-rise property bargains during their current vacations.
At least not before reading the latest report from valuers Herron Todd White.
“This is a very depressed market at present, particularly for new and near new stock,” was the stark conclusion on the Surfers Paradise, Southport and Broadbeach markets.
It notes the Gold Coast historically ranked as one of the most volatile property markets in Australia.
“The extremes between peaks and troughs are far more pronounced and keenly felt than in many other markets around the country.
“When times are good, on the Gold Coast they’re great, but when times are tough, on the Gold Coast they are grim.”
It all makes knowing when and where to strike all the more important.
HTW suggests the Gold Coast market is very hard to predict most of the time, however past experience with “boom and bust” suburbs and cycles gives savvy investors an insight.
The April report spells out that a new, major project can take up to five years to complete from concept to completion.
“The prudent buyer should know that buying off the plan in the midst of a property boom (which is often when most major construction projects are proposed and funded) may have adverse consequences four or five years later at settlement if the market has taken a turn for the worse, as it has at present,” HTW explains.
“Being able to spot trends and changes in the market direction on the Gold Coast is as much as a black art as it is a science.
“There are many factors which influence the property cycle between the Tweed and Logan rivers.”
It notes some factors impact small sectors of the market while others have a much broader impact.
As HTW notes market cycles are an ever-present talking point of those interested in the market; from amateur investors and would-be first-home buyers to professional valuers, developers and real estate agents, to sophisticated investors with multiple property portfolios.
“Everyone would like to get the jump on their competition when the market is on the up and equally be the first to rein in their spending when the market goes into decline.”
Notwithstanding the further into the future you have to look, the more uncertain you will become, HTW proffers that the lesson for buyers is to consider future scenarios, good and bad, for a project at settlement and to not buy only in “the here and now”.
 
The valuation firm’s discussions with other valuers and real estate agents have given indications that there are an increasing number of transactions as “vendors begin to accept that it is currently a buyers’ market”.
But it notes there are still a large number of property owners who are of the belief that their property has increased in value over the last three to five years.
“While this may be the case in other states, i.e. Melbourne and Sydney, there is a clear weight of evidence indicating that in the vast majority of instances, this is not the case on the Gold Coast,” the valuers note.
The report notes the most consistent market segments are the price points of $160,000 to $200,000 for one-bedroom units usually located in Southport, Surfers Paradise and Chevron Island, close to shops and amenities.
In closing, HTW suggests the “Gold Coast market appears to be bumping along the bottom and looks likely to continue to do so for a few years”.
Not quite the same sentiment from the local newspaper headlines, which recently suggested “the Gold Coast property market is coming back on the boil as investors give Melbourne, Sydney and Perth the cold shoulder”.
Even the local property commentator Andrew Winter was giving out advice over Easter to the locals on the possibility of luring out of state buyers.
“And remember, as the Gold Coast is traditionally a holiday destination and there are plenty of tourists about wishing their Easter holidays could turn into a complete lifestyle change, now is actually a pretty good time to sell as people seriously think about turning their dreams into reality,” Winter suggested.
The Ray White group has proffered that buyers who may be nervous after recent events should remember that buying property in a subdued environment is like buying bikinis in winter – less competition, less stress and more room to negotiate a good deal.
But my advice is by all means dream, ogle at the offerings the real estate window displays, and pop into the glamorous off-the-plan display suites, but buy next time, and only after much research.
After all, it’s likely to be long cold winter.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Southern holidaymakers can dream and ogle on the Gold Coast, but wait and research thoroughly before buying

<html><body>
Median property values in the mining-focused town of Gladstone increased 19% from 2010 to 2011 according to the Queensland Valuer-General Neil Bray’s annual report.
The locality of Bororen performed best in the area, increasing 69.7% from $33,000 to $56,000, according to Bray.
Gladstone mayor Gail Sellers told Property Observer the value rise was driven by LNG and mining investment in the area with vacancy rates less than 1%.
Of the 44 localities within the municipality 30 increased in value, 13 had no change and one property decreased in value.
Bray says residential values have generally risen by 10-50% in Gladstone and surrounding towns.
Despite the value increases Sellers anticipates that council rates will not rise dramatically.
“I don’t expect they will go up quite a lot. I certainly do not. But we have to think about our requirements for revenue,” she says.
“Most councils are mindful of the amount that they increase but they have to look at the needs for the region and they have to take into account what is needed to run the organisation.”
She says the difference in value changes through the region would make it hard to set rates.
"The rise has not been uniform across the region. If the rise had been uniform, we could have dropped the rate in the dollar. So that would help everyone. But because it’s been different in all the towns, it’s going to be extremely difficult.”
A lot of the growth in land value was driven by LNG developments.
“Some localities such as Gladstone and surrounding towns reflected large increases in median values due to large industrial and liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments in those localities,” Bray says.
“The Gladstone region is experiencing significant growth driven by the establishment of LNG industries on Curtis Island and port expansion at Fishermans Landing and Wiggins Island.
“This growth is limited to the northern section of the local government area with softer market conditions existing in southern areas.”
Bray found changes in Agnes Water and 1770 have been variable with some increases and some decreases.
Sellers says tourism in 1770 has suffered recently.
“They had a bad year in 1770 with the floods. They happened over Christmas at the major time for tourists. The floods meant no one could get in so they missed their usual tourist rush.”
Despite this, she says hotel vacancies during the week in the Gladstone region have been exceptionally tight.
“During the week we have no vacancies, you have to book weeks and weeks in advance.”
“Some of the hotels have been bought by industry and they use them as a workers camp. So that’s taken two or three motels off the market.”
Bray found commercial lands commercial lands have increased in value while industrial lands had less change.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 480px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
Previous median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
New median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
Change median  value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Bororen
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
33,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
56,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
69.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Miriam Vale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
47,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
71,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
49.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Kirkwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
160,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
225,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
40.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Toolooa
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
38.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Kin Kora
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
180,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
38.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Sun Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
38
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Boyne Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
44,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
60,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
36.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Gladstone City
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
185,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Calliope
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
129,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
175,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
35.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
West Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
32.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
South Gladstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
137,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
175,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
27.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
New Auckland
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
26.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Telina
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
145,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
25.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Barney Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
149,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
25.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Wooderson
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
25.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Burua
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
236,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
295,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Beecher
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
232,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
290,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Boyne Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
227,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
O'Connell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
205,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
24.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Clinton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
177,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
23.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Agnes Water
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
190,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
20.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
West Stowe
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
190,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
20.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Tannum Sands
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
235,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
19
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Glen Eden
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
149,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
177,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
18.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Ambrose
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
22,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
26,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
15.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Raglan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
26,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
30,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
15.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Mount Larcom
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
69,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
79,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
14.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Yarwun
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
56,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
64,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
14.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Wurdong Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
141,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
9.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Benaraby
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
185,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
9.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Curtis Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Euleilah
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Eurimbula
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
23,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
23,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Facing Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
77,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
77,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Farmers Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Gatcombe
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
74,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
74,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Lowmead
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
23,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
23,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Northcliff
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
89,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
89,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Rosedale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
40,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
40,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Rules Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Southend
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Turkey Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Turtle Island
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
810,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
810,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
Seventeen Seventy
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
600,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
480,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
-20
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="151">
All localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="127">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="111">
180,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="131">
29.5
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
</body></html>

awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Gladstone property values officially up 20% in a year, while investors await rate revisions

<html><body>
The Queensland town of 1770, the site of Captain Cook’s second landing in Australia, is the only locality in the area of boom Gladstone municaplity where land values decreased over the last year, according to Queensland’s valuer-general.
Land values in the ugly duckling locality decreased 20%, while neighbouring towns increased by an average of 19%, with Bororen, 40 kilometres east, increasing a stellar 70%.
Valuer-General Neil Bray found median land values decreased from $600,000 in October 2010 to $480,000 in October 2011.
The town has traditionally been a tourism hotspot, with tourists seeking the beaches, coral reefs and local wildlife. When Captain Cook landed here he shot and ate a pelican, afterwards saying it was the best bird he’d eaten since he left England.
A recent report by Colliers found as overseas trips by Australians soared, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/dollar-hurting-tourism-especially-queensland-coastal-hotel-occupancy-rba/2012030653721">the Queensland hotel business suffered significantly</a>.
Local agent James White remains upbeat about the future of 1770. So confident, in fact, that he just bought a $1 million house in the area.
“Tourism did die a bit during global financial crisis, but it has definitely picked up recently,” he says.
White says while property prices have decreased significantly over the last years, clearance rates have doubled.
“The prices here were very high. The land prices three or four years ago were $800,000 for a 600-square-metre vacant lot,” he says.
“It’s a reduction, but it’s part of the whole price adjustment.”
Sales in the area were previously driven by people buying holiday homes, but White has seen a shift to local buyers.
“We’re selling twice as much as three or four years ago, mostly to local buyers.”
He says “95% of the buyers are from the Gladstone region. It used to be around 60%.
“Local buyers are sustainable. They invest in the area and support local businesses. Southern buyers tend to come and go again.”
He recently sold 14 Endeavour Street for $498,000, a property he had previously sold in 2008 for $774,000.
He also recently sold 6 Endeavour Street for $850,000, a three-bedroom home that last traded for $535,000 in 2001. RP Data reports it was on the market for 174 days.
Realestate.com.au reports that the average sale price in 1770 is $850,000.
But he thinks prices will bounce back with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) and mining projects in the Gladstone area.
“All of the activity here comes from the confidence from the mining and LNG region. Ever since the five LNG plants were fully announced 14 months ago property sales have started soaring.”
“There are $91 billion worth of projects going on around here and more and more are announced all the time. In fact a nickel [project] was just announced last week.”
“That’s where I think this area will experience fantastic growth.”
The land tax threshold in Queensland is $600,000 for individuals and $350,000 for companies and trustees.
The tax Queensland Office of State Revenue calculates tax using the total value of all land owned, with exemptions for properties used as a home or for farming.
Photograph by Pierre Pouliquin courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>.
 
 
</body></html>

Property values on the rocks in 1770, site of Captain Cook’s second landing

<html><body>
The outlook for the new Brisbane apartments market remains healthy with supply and demand evenly matched, but the Gold Coast market continues to struggle with sales of new apartments still at post-GFC lows, according to the latest Midwood Report.
Unconditional sales of new Brisbane units increased from 74 in the November quarter 2011 to 186 in the February 2012 quarter.
Stock levels have declined to 1,446 from a peak of 1,683 in May last year, which equates to two-and-a-half years’ worth of supply at current sales rates.
Investors have been spurred on by rising rental returns, with one-bedroom inner-Brisbane flats registering rental growth over the past 12 months of 9% to a median of $300 per week, with a smaller 4% increase in two-bedroom flats ($380).
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/midwood.gif"><img src="/images/stories/midwoodthumb.gif"></a>
Midwood Report author Bill Morris says the Brisbane market has been characterised by a sustained level of sales over the past two years, averaging 200 sales per quarter
Brisbane remains the fastest-growing state capital, with current growth rate of 2% per annum and is also experiencing an influx of employees in the inner city, with both trends being driven by the Queensland resources boom.
The strongest-selling project was David Devine’s Metro Property Madison Heights development in Bowen Hills, which clocked up 57 sales with prices ranging from $350,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $434,000 to $556,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Madison Heights features 296 apartments, with 200 sold since launch of the project in March 2011.
There were also 15 sales at Metro Property’s The Chelsea development also in Bowen Hills, with 190 out of 195 apartments now sold in the project. Prices range from $355,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $546,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, and there were 20 sales recorded for Brooklyn on Brookes in Fortitude Valley, Metro’s joint development with Indian-based developer Pearls.
The other strong performer was Meriton’s 81-storey Infinity Tower, currently under construction, with 34 sales recorded and prices ranging from $470,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $650,000 for a two-bedroom unit. To date 123 out of the 287 apartments in the tower have been sold.
Meriton’s other high-rise Brisbane project the 74-storey Soleil registered no unconditional sales over the quarter. It has sold 216 of the 414 apartments marketed to date with prices ranging from $347,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $806,000 for a three-bedroom apartment with two car spaces.
In comparison the Gold Coast managed continued to struggle to attract buyers. with just 52 sales recorded over the February quarter, half of these for units in Southport Central 3 on Lawson Street in Southport, currently in the hands of administrators.
“Sales are being sustained almost entirely by mortgagee sales,” says Morris, who adds that the Gold Coast market is showing “no signs of improving”.
While stock on market has reduced from 723 to 500 over the past 12 months due to no new projects in the pipeline, the slow rate of sales means that there is still two years of stock available.
The Midwood report notes that quarterly sales have averaged just 60 since the start of the GFC in 2008.
In the year to February 2008, before the onset of the GFC, the Gold Coast averaged around 25 new unit sales per week, equating to a total of just under 1,200 over the 12 month to February 2008.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/midwood2.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/midwood2thumb.gif"></a>
According to Morris, most of the stock of new apartments (351 out of 500) is priced above $600,000, which explains the flat sales volumes. 
He says there is demand for lower-priced units, as demonstrated by Meriton’s Brighton on Broadwater and Southport Central, where most of the apartments are priced below $600,000. 
“The market demand for larger three- and four-bedroom apartments has been constrained by lenders, who are wary of price softening at the upper end of the price range. Future development sites such as the City Planners/ Lotte group site on Ferney Avenue and the Aussie Blue site opposite should aim to satisfy the demand for smaller, more affordable high rise units,” he says. 
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Brisbane new apartment market well balanced but Gold Coast still struggling to find buyers: Midwood Report

<html><body>
A Queensland Supreme Court judge has ruled that Gold Coast property developer Rod Lambert must close down his website, which Ray White claims was damaging its brand.
An application to have the website shut down was submitted by Ray White on March 21 and a ruling issued by Chief Justice Paul de Jersey on March 27.
The ruling applies until the trial of the matter is heard or an earlier order is made by the court.
A search on Google shows that the website is no longer available.
<img src="/images/stories/donttrust.jpg">
The court order restrains Lambert, “his servants or agents” from “maintaining or causing to maintain the internet domain www.dontrustraywhite.com or an internet domain or website with the same or similar name”.
The judge has also ruled that Lambert must not distribute or publish any “leaflets, flyers, newsletters or any other similar publications” that promote the website or any similar website.
In previous online postings, Lambert made allegations of misconduct against Gold Coast prestige sales agent Michael Kollosche, who was previously contracted to the Ray White Broadbeach. Lambert accused Ray White of not taking appropriate action against Kollosche.
In this matter, the judge ruled that Lambert must not publish statements that allege that Ray White will not respond in an appropriate manner to “allegations that Mr Michael Kollosche has engaged in fraudulent conduct”.
The injunction does not prevent Lambert from “making formal complaint or giving a statement to the police or statutory bodies with powers relating to the regulation of the real estate industry”.
A spokesperson for Ray White says it could take up to 12 months for the trial to be heard.
Ray White is seeking to have the website permanently shut down.
 
 
</body></html>

Court compels Rod Lambert to shut down anti-Ray White website

<html><body>
The City of Ipswich recently topped an RBA list of the regions with the highest rates of mortgage arrears.
But land values have remained surprisingly unchanged over the past year.
According to the Queensland Valuer-General’s annual valuation released this week land values in 66 Ipswich localities stayed steady from October 2010 to October 2011.
There was a jump in just one locality across the City of Ipswich since last year, which was Deebing Heights.
Medium prices in the rural locality of Deebing Heights increased 1.3% from $197,500 in 2010 to $200,000 in 2011, according to the valuer general Neil Bray.
Bray found over the whole region land values increased 0.1%, reflecting the static market in the area.
Bray said allowances made in 2010 for flood affected properties had been carried for into the new valuations.
“Apart from isolated changes to reflect environmental changes or local sales evidence residential valuations are predominantly unchanged,” Bray says.
“Minor changes were recorded in commercial values with some neighbourhood shopping centre values increasing slightly.”
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 460px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Previous median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
New median value ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
Change in median value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Deebing Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
200,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
1.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Amberley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
86,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
86,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ashwell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
97,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
97,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Augustine Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
207,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Barellan Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Basin Pocket
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
131,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
131,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Bellbird Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
148,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
148,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Blackstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Booval
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Brassall
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
152,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
152,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Bundamba
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
128,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
128,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Calvert
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
67,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
67,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Camira
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
182,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Churchill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Chuwar
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Coalfalls
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
144,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Collingwood Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
127,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
127,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Dinmore
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
East Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
126,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
126,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Eastern Heights
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
149,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
149,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ebbw Vale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
123,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
123,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ebenezer
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Flinders View
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Gailes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
115,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Goodna
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Grandchester
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
68,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
68,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Haigslea
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
130 750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
130 750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ironbark
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
108,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Karalee
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
172,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Karrabin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
124,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Lanefield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
93,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Leichhardt
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Lower Mount Walker
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Marburg
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
94,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
94,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Moores Pocket
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Mount Forbes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
70,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
70,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Mount Marrow
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
156,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
156,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Muirlea
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
141,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
141,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Newtown
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
North Booval
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
120,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
120,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
North Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
North Tivoli
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
87,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
87,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
One Mile
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Peak Crossing
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
93,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
93,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Pine Mountain
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
183,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
183,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Purga
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
132,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Raceview
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Redbank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
130,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Redbank Plains
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Ripley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
136,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Riverview
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
110,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
110,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Rosewood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
119,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Sadliers Crossing
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
155,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Silkstone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
South Ripley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
80,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
80,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Springfield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
165,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Springfield Lakes
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
160,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
160,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Tallegalla
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
117,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
117,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Thagoona
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
108,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
108,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Tivoli
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
107,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Walloon
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
150,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
West Ipswich
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
120,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
120,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Willowbank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
134,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Woodend
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Wulkuraka
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
Yamanto
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
157,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="91">
All residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="133">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="120">
139,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
0
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

Ipswich land values remain static despite high rate of mortgage arrears

<html><body>
There's now a tipping website, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
One of the five Brisbane properties going to auction this week in round six is 40 Union Street, Clayfield. The property was built in 1926 and has been in the Molphy family since then. The last descendent, Dr Ruth Molphy, was a substantial benefactor of many charities and institutions including Prince Charles Hospital, St Hilda's and the RSPCA.
Mark Armstrong of Property Tycoon says: "40 Union Street, Clayfield, in Brisbanes inner north may not be the best-presented property going to auction in Brisbane, but it does have a few things going for it."


"It has never been sold before as it has remained in the same family since it was built in 1926. The property sits on almost 900 square metres and is located within five kilometres of the city."
He points out that although Brisbane properties <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/brisbane-market-struggles-to-maintain-momentum-with-all-five-property-tycoon-properties-passed-in/2012032654002" target="_blank">have struggled to get over the line lately</a>, this one is likely to find a buyer.
"It is a deceased estate, so for auction tippers that means unlike a lot of property in Brisbane it will sell on Saturday."
<img src="/images/stories/unionst.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">Property Tycoon</a>.
 
 
</body></html>

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Brisbane auction tipping

<html><body>
Queensland's Valuer-General released the annual land valuations for properties in the Gold Coast City Council area this week.
Of the 73 localities in the Gold Coast City region, 43 went down in value, 28 had no change in value and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/the-only-two-gold-coast-suburbs-where-values-have-gone-up-in-2011/2012032954069">two increased in value</a>.
The area had an overall decrease in median values of -5.1%, from $247,500 to $235,000.
Valuer-General Neil Bray says the Gold Coast City Council area’s land values reduced by 8% overall since the last valuation in 2011.
Residential values continued to fall in most localities within the local government area, Bray says.
“Generally land values in the central coastal areas of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach have declined in value by almost 50% since the 2008 peak,” he says.
Decisions on future planned construction projects along with weakening retail, industrial and tourism markets have had negative flow-on effects in spending and growth within the wider community, Mr Bray noted.
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
Median value at 1/10/2010 ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
Median value 1/10/2011 ($)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
Change in median value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Paradise Point
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
490,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
417,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-14.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Runaway Bay
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
415,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
360,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-13.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Arundel
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
247,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
217,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-12.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Labrador
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
225,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-11.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Surfers Paradise
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
790,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
700,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-11.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Clear Island Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
560,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
500,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Molendinar
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
240,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
215,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Ashmore
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Elanora
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
245,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
220,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Hollywell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Jacobs Well
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
220,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.2
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Benowa
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
345,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Yatala
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
345,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Main Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
1,000,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
900,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Parkwood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
225,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
202,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Woongoolba
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
140,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
126,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Alberton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
131,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
118,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Springbrook
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
142,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
128,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Gilberton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
143,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
129,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Steiglitz
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
232,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
210,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Norwell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
135,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
122,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Helensvale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
212,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
192,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Bundall
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
430,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
390,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-9.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Burleigh Heads
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
325,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
300,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-7.7
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Stapylton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
125,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
117,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-6.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Currumbin Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
237,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
222,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-6.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Tugun
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Tallebudgera Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
186,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
176,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Coolangatta
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
375,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
355,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Currumbin Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
187,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
177,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5.3
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Tallebudgera
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
251,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
238,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Broadbeach Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
510,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
485,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Mount Nathan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Southport
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
242,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.9
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Miami
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
310,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
295,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Ormeau Hills
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
207,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
197,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Bilinga
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
340,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
325,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Currumbin
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
330,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
317,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-3.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Robina
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
275,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
265,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-3.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Carrara
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
237,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
232,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-2.1
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Biggera Waters
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
280,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
275,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-1.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Palm Beach
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
305,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
300,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-1.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Ormeau
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
207,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="136">
205,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-1.2
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

Paradise Point tops the 43 worst-performing Gold Coast localities in 2011

<html><body>
The Queensland Valuer-General has released the annual land valuations for properties in the Gold Coast City Council area this week.
Valuer-General Neil Bray says the Gold Coast City Council area’s land values had fallen by 8% overall since the last valuation in 2011.
Residential values <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/the-43-worst-performing-gold-coast-localities-in-2011/2012032954070" target="_blank">continued to fall in most localities</a> within the local government area, Bray says. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/twenty-eight-localities-on-the-gold-coast-with-values-going-nowhere/2012051354265">They remained stable in two localities</a>.
“Generally land values in the central coastal areas of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach have declined in value by almost 50 per cent since the 2008 peak,” he says.
Decisions on future planned construction projects along with weakening retail, industrial and tourism markets have had negative flow-on effects in spending and growth within the wider community, Bray notes.
Of the 73 localities in the Gold Coast City region, 43 went down in value, 28 had no change in value and two increased in value.
<table style="width: 470px;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Residential localities
</td>
<td valign="top" width="137">
Median value at 1/10/2010 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
Median value at 1/10/2011 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
Change in median value (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Numinbah Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="137">
$147,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
$168,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
14.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="133">
Lower Beechmont
</td>
<td valign="top" width="137">
$131,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="163">
$138,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125">
4.9
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

The only two Gold Coast suburbs where values have gone up in 2011

<html><body>
The Brisbane home that no one wanted to buy finally got sold last month.
The house that was Australia's most heavily discounted property for much of 2011 – 1350 Wynnum Road, Tingalpa – fetched $315,000.
The modest post-war home on an 1,158-square-metre block started its listing in November 2010 with $700,000 hopes, thereby reflecting a 55% price adjustment.
The deceased estate was under contract in August last year, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/bank-stop-overlooked-ugly-duckling-from-selling-in-deteriorating-brisbane-market/2011090251401">but the buyers were unable to get finance</a>. It has recently sold to an investor.
Property analyst Louis Christopher of SQM Research has said that discounting remains rife across the country, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/treasure-island-avenue-home-heads-list-of-most-discounted-properties-in-queensland-sqm-research/2012032754036">with many vendors being forced to accept offers far lower than they hoped</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/wynnum3.jpg">
“Properties from certain pockets within Queensland have definitely undergone harsher discounting in comparison to other states and regions across the country and as we can see from these homes' individual advertisements, there some desperate vendors trying to sell within the area,” he says.
“Although these homes do generally only show the extremities of the market place, it has become evident in recent times that real estate in particular locations within this state has genuinely decreased in value over the last 12 months.”
There had been multiple offers during 2011 for the house but being on an industrial main road, it had its challenges.
“And it was probably listed too high in the beginning,” one of its former listing agents noted.
RP Data says the median house price in Tingalpa is currently about $426,000, which is up on the $425,000 median last August.
The original asking price was at the owner's directive.
The latest selling agent was Scott Watson at Ray White Birkdale.
<img src="/images/stories/wynnum4.jpg">
He marketed the property is being a “prime position 1,158-square-metre block is ready to be split into two with a massive 22-metre frontage, rent out or live in until you’re ready to cash in.
“The three-bedroom, one-bath, one-car home is very solid and surprisingly very quiet, when inside you will think you are in the suburbs.
“Never being sold before, this a chance of a life time and the owner is coast-bound and want this sold now,” he said.
“So if you like making money then you will need to be quick as this will make the phone run hot,” Watson advised potential buyers.
</body></html>

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