<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

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?

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/june26oldecoach]}
6 Olde Coach Lane, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064
On the market for the first time since it was build in 1995, this neo-Georgian residence is luxuriously appointed and adjacent to Seymour College. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom house on a 615-square metre block offeres a marble fireplace with gas fire perfect for winter, manicured gardens, a separate study with built-in desk and storage and an upstairs balcony with lovely views. It is being marketed by <a target="_blank" title="Top&amp;Too[" href="https://www.toop.com.au/fulldetails.asp?refid=6OLDECGLE0A&amp;startat=0&amp;recno=1&amp;suburb=glen+osmond&amp;surround=&amp;fromprice=&amp;toprice=&amp;bedrooms=&amp;bathrooms=&amp;carports=&amp;keyword=&amp;tenniscourt=&amp;ipix=&amp;investment=&amp;pool=&amp;new=&amp;PropertyTypeID=&amp;LandSizeID=&amp;howmany=10&amp;PropertyStyleID=&amp;view=&amp;sort=suburb&amp;action=submit&amp;area=&amp;checkdom=&amp;from=&amp;video=">Toop&amp;Toop</a> agents Tim Thredgold and Stephanie Williams, with a price expectation of $1,795,000 plus. The property goes to auction on Friday, July 1 at 11am. 
 
 
{module 238}
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Elegant neo-Georgian in Glen Osmond

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/june26greenhill]}
116/220 Greenhill Road, Eastwood, SA, 5063
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom sub-penthouse in the Air apartment complex offers sophisticated modern living. The wrap-around balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views across Adelaide CBD, and the property comes with an unusual six car parks. On one level, the sub-penthouse has a kitchen with Miele appliances, polished floorboards and sophistication in spades. It is being sold through <a target="_blank" title="Toop&amp;Toop" href="https://www.toop.com.au/fulldetails.asp?refid=116220EAS0A&amp;startat=0&amp;recno=0&amp;suburb=&amp;surround=&amp;fromprice=1500000&amp;toprice=&amp;bedrooms=&amp;bathrooms=&amp;carports=&amp;keyword=&amp;tenniscourt=&amp;ipix=&amp;investment=&amp;pool=&amp;new=&amp;PropertyTypeID=&amp;LandSizeID=&amp;howmany=10&amp;PropertyStyleID=&amp;view=&amp;sort=suburb&amp;action=submit&amp;area=&amp;checkdom=&amp;from=&amp;video=">Toop&amp;Toop</a> agents John Williams and Stephanie Williams, with price hopes of $1.7 million plus. 
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Luxurious sub-penthouse in Eastwood

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/june23southaustralia]}
63 and 67 155 Brebner Drive, West Lakes, SA, 5021
The penthouse and subpenthouse of a luxury development in West Lakes offer a perfect position, stunning features and fittings and opulence in spades. The penthouse has threebedrooms and a study, and the sub-penthouse has three bedrooms. Both feature marble bathrooms and huge home theatre rooms (the penthouse home theatre room comes with a built-in bar). The master ensuites in each features a sauna and spa. They are being sold by<a target="_blank" title="LJ Hooker West Lakes" href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/westlakes"> LJ Hooker West Lakes </a>agent Justin Peters with a price expectations starting at $3.2 million.
 
 
 
{module 238}
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Castles in the sky in West Lakes

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The Adelaide Hills region has emerged as one of the most resilient top-end property markets in Australia, with property prices increasing by more than 10% over the past 12 months.
The region has defied the current national trend, as 20% of the most expensive capital city suburbs recorded a fall in values of 5.4% during the 12 months to April 2011.
It compares with a 0.5% fall at the most affordable end and 0.9% decline across the broad middle 60% of the market, according to the latest RP Data Weekly Property Pulse.
Houses in the Adelaide Hills continue to change hands with the median price a historic high of $600,000, with 63 sales recorded during the March quarter.
Adelaide Hills’ attraction for home buyers is its relatively close proximity to the Adelaide CBD (a 30- to 40-minute commute), but it is still outside the “rough and tumble of city life”, according to RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher.
“The Adelaide Hills has done a good job attracting people to the market who are willing pay higher prices,” Kusher tells Property Observer.
Kusher says the town of Gawler, 40 kilometres north of Adelaide, has also benefited from a growing population as well as its close proximity to the Barossa Valley wine region.
House prices in Gawler remain at their historic median highs at $344,500, up 9% on the year. Ninety-six homes were sold in Gawker during the first three months of the 2011, according to RP Data.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/stories/rpjune15large.jpg" title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/rpdatajune15.jpg"></a>
Gawler, Adelaide Hills and the northern Adelaide suburb of Salisbury (median house price of $317,000, prices up 2.3%) have all outperformed the overall Adelaide market, where median prices are down 2.1% over the year.
“In these regions, the Government has provided decent level of amenities, the populations are growing and they have lifestyle appeal,” Kusher says.
These three Adelaide growth spots are joined by the greater western Sydney municipalities of Blacktown, Campbelltown and Liverpool, which have not experienced price declines over the quarter and where prices remain at or near-historic highs.
Kusher says affordability is the issue driving the strength of these traditionally unfashionable markets: “People have realised if you want to get into the market, you need to move out to these regions.”
At the other end of the scale, some of the country’s most prestigious markets have experienced the biggest declines, with Mosman Park in Perth down 43% from its median peak price and down 3.8% for the year. Houses in Mosman Park at their peak were valued at just under $2.2 million. The current median price is $1.25 million based on a very limited turnover of just 14 sales for the period.
Other prestigious markets where house prices have declined significantly from historic highs include the Perth beachside suburb of Cottesloe (down 21.6% to $2.05 million), Woollahara in Sydney’s eastern suburbs (down 18.5% to $1.84 million) and Mosman on the Sydney north shore (down 21.8% to $2.2 million)
Houses in the Melbourne local government area are currently down 27.6% from their peak, trading at $742,500 from a peak of $1.03 million in December 2010.
Kusher says the premium sector is being impacted by a “perfect storm of forces such as consumer conservatism, higher interest rates, poorly performing equities markets (both in Australia and nationally), unstable global economic conditions and lower levels of business and consumer confidence”.
Lower-than-normal turnover has contributed to the decline in medians in prestige suburbs across the country.
The most expensive local market where house prices have remained at historic highs is Botany Bay in Sydney. Median house prices stand at $850,000, but just 27 homes changed hands over the quarter.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Adelaide Hills are alive with the sound of money

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First-home buyers in South Australia will receive less assistance from the State Government from 2012, when the first home bonus grant is halved.
From July 1, 2012, the first home bonus grant, which is currently $8,000, will be cut to $4,000 and will be abolished entirely on 1 July 2013, state treasurer Jack Snelling announced in the 2011-12 State Budget.
The bonus grant was introduced on June 5, 2008.
Snelling says the bonus had the unintentional effect of driving up prices for entry-level homes.
The $7,000 first-home owner’s grant remains in place for the purchase of homes valued under $575,000
Snelling says he is confident the boost will not have a negative impact on the housing sector.
"I am confident that by then (2013) we will be seeing a fair bit of recovery in the property market.
"I think that by doing it this way we might bring a bit of activity forward,” he says.
"That money I would prefer to be spending in areas of most need. I don't think the first-home owner’s bonus does much for housing affordability,” he says.
The phasing out of the bonus grant will save the State Government $3.8 million in 2012-13 and $9.5 million in 2014-15.
The Property Council of Australia, while acknowledging the stark fiscal and political realities, expressed disappointment at property taxes not being addressed, calling them the “elephant in the room”. 
Nathan Paine, executive director of the Property Council’s South Australia division, says it looks forward to working with the State Government “in pursuit of an equitable, efficient and reliable tax system that helps us unleash the state’s pent-up economic potential”.
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First-home buyer boost to end in SA

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A moderate rise in property prices, increased investor interest and a possible increase in rents close to transport hubs are the medium-term expectations for Seaford, South Australia, where a new railway extension that will link the suburb directly to the city is under construction.
The $291.2 million Seaford railway extension, announced in the May 2009 Federal Budget, is due to be completed in 2013. It will add 5.7 kilometres of track joining the current end-of-line stop, Noarlunga, to the Seaford District Centre with a stop in between at Seaford Meadows. Park-and-ride facilities will be available at both new stations, and 372 daily buses will service the Seaford District Centre.
In addition to the extension, a project is currently underway to electrify (from diesel) and re-sleeper the existing Adelaide-to-Noarlunga line, which, according to a spokesperson for the project, will result in quieter, more environmentally friendly trains.
Construction of the extension is due to be completed in August 2012. The project will then be handed over to the government for testing. Passenger services are due to begin running in 2013.
About 36kms from the Adelaide CBD, Seaford is a middle-class neighbourhood where many commute to the city or surrounding economic hubs for work. The new train line will mean an express journey from Seaford to Adelaide will take 35 minutes, 50 minutes on a normal service.
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/seafordlarge.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/seafordsmall.jpg"></a>
Photograph courtesy of the Department fro Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
Values holding steady
To date the announcement and commencement of the project have not had a great impact on Seaford property values – depending on which statistics you believe.
Statistics gathered by WBP Property Group reveal that house prices in the postal code have followed the trend of the greater metro area, which is flat at present.
Median house prices for Seaford (postcode 5169)
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="225">
Mid 2009
</td>
<td valign="top" width="208">
$325,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="225">
Mid 2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="208">
$345,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="225">
Mid 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="208">
$335,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: WBP Property Group
Bart Quinn, state manager for SA of WBP, says the outer Adelaide suburbs are particularly flat, “with agents reporting price falls of up to 10% in some suburbs”.
“This project will add to the overall amenity of the Seaford area, however, I expect prices will remain flat over the short to medium term,” he tells Property Observer.
A similar story is told by figures obtained from the Real Estate institute of South Australia:
Median house prices for Seaford
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
No of sales
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Median price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
First Quarter, 2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$321,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
First Quarter, 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
17
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$335,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: REISA
REISA reported 0.49% growth in Adelaide house prices in the first quarter of 2011, taking the median house price to $410,000. Over the 12 months to March 2011 house prices increased by 1.23%. Statewide, house prices increased by a modest 0.14% during the first three months of the year and 2.99% during the 12 months to March 2011, with the median state house price at $379,000.
However, RP Data statistics paint a different picture, suggesting the project is already having an impact on house prices.
Median sale prices for Seaford houses
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Month
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Median price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Jan 2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$311,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Dec 2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$338,750
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Jan 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$338,750
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Feb 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$337,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
March 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$350,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
April 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$350,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
According to RP Data, the median price of a house in Seaford hovered around the $300,000 mark up until the end of 2009.
During 2010, when construction of the railway line extension began, house prices started to rise steadily, and by the end of the year the median price was more than 10% higher, at $339,000. Prices have jumped again in the first few months of 2011, with RP Data putting the median price at the end of April at $350,000. Average weekly rent is $180. According to RP Data, Adelaide house prices grew by 2% in the 12 months to January 2011.
A search across realestate.com.au shows just 33 houses for sale in Seaford, ranging from $299,000 for a two-bedroom, one-bathroom house to $399,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom property, marketed by the agent as an investment property.
Investor opportunity
Quinn says recent reports from local agents indicate an increase in investor enquiry about the Seaford area.
“Experience shows that interstate investors often demonstrate greater interest in new infrastructure project than local residents. This is probably because local residents are unlikely to sell an existing home simply to take advantage of new infrastructure development in a nearby area,” he says.
As a result, he does not expect a dramatic increase in buyer activity, and says the extension is not likely to greatly impact values in Seaford and Seaford Meadows.
However, investors looking to leverage off the railway extension may find good opportunities if they pick up properties for a good price close to the two proposed stations.
Quinn says rental costs for these properties might increase over the long term. Greg Nybo, president of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia, says Seaford will benefit from the transport infrastructure and applauds the railway project currently underway.
“Anything from transport point of view is a good thing. The southern suburbs are ever expanding. As the population goes up, there is a greater need for improved transport services,” he says.
He says people in the community are excitedly awaiting the arrival of the train: “With fuel costs rising, they are looking for an economical manner to get to work.”
As for house prices, he says all major infrastructure projects help, as they make an area more attractive, but as with all property, it’s about supply and demand.
Agents optimistic
Agents operating in the area expect the project to make Seaford more attractive and bring in buyers 
Kerri Cook, property management and selling principle at Ray White Seaford, says there is strong interest in land around Seaford Meadows and also interest in nearby Aldinger Beach.
“We are quite excited about the development. Prospective buyers are being more proactive with properties coming up in the area,” she says.
“I expect more people will look to move south. Previously it has been considered too far. A journey into the city on public transport would take about an hour. The train will cut this down to about 35 minutes.”
Sentiments from Andrew Koukourou, principal at Century21 South Coast, reflect the available data: “The market is fairly flat, but there is lot of talk. I come across people all time who are talking about it in a positive light.
Koukourou expects the new line will have a positive impact on prices: “Once it is launched, the train line will be electric, efficient and quite an economical method of transport.”
But Quinn warns investors to tread cautiously: “Selecting real estate on the basis of proposed infrastructure development is speculative and can be risky.”
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400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

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400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

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New townhouses

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