Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

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"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

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After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

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Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

Ellen Walker

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

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Two Edwardian period homes in Melbourne’s inner suburb of Malvern have sold for $6.85 million.

Located at 16 &amp; 18 Thanet Street, the site, which didn’t have development potential, comprised of two unrenovated homes formerly owned by Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School.

Prestige Homes of Victoria’s Sean Cussell, who marketed the listing, described the result as a solid result for the vendors and a good indicator in the strength if the inner Melbourne property market.

“We had six offers on the properties through the expression of interest process and the buyers are very happy with their new homes”, he said.

Each of the homes featured four bedrooms, multiple living rooms and original features, including open fireplaces, stained-glass bay windows and fretwork-trimmed verandah.

The 631sqm property at 16 Thanet Street is rumoured to have sold for $3.65 million, while the 836sqm property at number 18 sold for $3.2 million.

Situated within a heritage overlay area, the two homes were deemed significant which likely restricted their development potential.

The homes were sold individually to local families and both buyers intend to renovate the homes immediately.
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Situated within a heritage overlay area, the two homes were deemed significant which likely restricted their development potential

max.kwok_55688

Two Edwardian homes sell in Melbourne's Malvern for over $6.5 million

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Did you know that you could save up to $45,000* on a brand new <a href="/buildings/salt-townhomes-85-grossmans-road-torquay">Salt Townhome</a> if you're a first home buyer? 

The first release of <a href="/buildings/salt-townhomes-85-grossmans-road-torquay">Salt Townhomes</a> in Victoria's coastal suburb of Torquay sold out due to a surge in demand from locals and first home buyers. The second release of beachside terraces are now available, with homes due to receive another wave of demand. <a href="/buildings/salt-townhomes-85-grossmans-road-torquay">Salt Townhomes</a> are eligible for both the $25,000 Home Builder Grant, plus the $20,000 First Home Owner Grant, providing a fantastic opportunity for first home buyers to enter the property market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Jan Juc brothers Lewie and Tom Wright are very pleased to have secured a Salt Townhome in Stage 1 before being sold out."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="776" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image001.jpg?itok=SLtltkJ2" title="Jan Juc brothers Lewie and Tom Wright are very pleased to have secured a Salt Townhome in Stage 1 before being sold out." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Jan Juc brothers Lewie and Tom Wright are very pleased to have secured a Salt Townhome in Stage 1 before being sold out.</figcaption></figure>Each home boasts light-filled modern living spaces, with first-floor living areas extending to large north-facing balconies. The collection of townhomes have also achieved a 7.5-star environmental rating, thanks to the use of natural building materials, double glazing and solar panels. 

<blockquote>
"This product has hit the spot with discerning townhome buyers who have also given their stamp of approval to the estate's environmental credentials." 
</blockquote>

Sam Parsons, Salt Townhomes Sales Consultant

<blockquote>
"Much of the interest has been from people looking to work from home utilising the high-speed internet and doing it all from a great outlook over Torquay, some with potential water views. With the process to have Torquay's town boundaries locked up well and truly underway, this creates an excellent opportunity to be part of a well-planned sustainable community that may not happen again."
</blockquote>

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/siteb_th1-th3_cam001.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Stage 2 of SALT Townhomes has hit the market after the sell-out success of Stage 1."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="363" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/siteb_th1-th3_cam001.jpg?itok=HsWCKzug" title="Stage 2 of SALT Townhomes has hit the market after the sell-out success of Stage 1." width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Stage 2 of SALT Townhomes has hit the market after the sell-out success of Stage 1.</figcaption></figure><a href="/buildings/salt-townhomes-85-grossmans-road-torquay">To learn more about Salt Townhomes, visit the Urban listing.</a>
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urban.com.au

Salt Townhomes Torquay prove to be popular among locals and first home buyers with off-the-plan sales success

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The Westpac economist Matthew Hassan has noted the broad-based strengthening in the November property prices as recorded by CoreLogic.
"Notably the reopening in Melbourne has finally seen prices turn in the one major market still recording declines a month ago – the 0.7% mth gain surprisingly firm given turnover was still low."
Melbourne's 0.7% gain was across all segments and building types although prices have generally been firmer for lower priced parts of the market.
Despite an apparent large overhang of stock in the inner city, unit prices also posted a solid rise in the month – Hassan adding "perhaps a caution that some of the gain may be running off expectations rather than conditions on the ground."
Hassan noted other markets consolidated on previous gains with Adelaide and Perth, the smaller capital cities and regional areas leading the way.
Turnover nationally largely consolidated on its Q3 'pop', he added.
The detail continues to show stark differences, activity in Melbourne only just moving off the extreme lows seen during lockdown but activity across other capital city markets still holding well above pre-COVID levels (and well above new listings suggesting these markets are likely to be very tight in coming months).
Sydney recorded a 0.4% gain to be up 0.3% on a three month basis.
Units remain a notable weak spot, with prices in this segment down 0.7% in the November month and 1.8% on a 3month basis, declines accelerating slightly, particularly at the top end of the market. 
He added Sydney houses at the lower end of the market have seen the most promising gains.
Prices rose 0.6% in Brisbane, 1.3% in Adelaide, and 1.1% in Perth.
The smaller capital city markets also recorded strong gains – Hobart up 1.4% and both Canberra and Darwin up 1.9%.
"All of these cities except Perth now have prices above their pre-COVID peaks."
Hassan concluded by noting "the housing market is now moving clear of COVID disruptions with recoveries at different stages across different jurisdictions but gaining momentum everywhere."
"While there will still be some weak areas, particularly in the Sydney and Melbourne unit markets, the resurgence in activity, the associated lift in market sentiment and more promising outlook for a vaccine remedy to emerge next year suggests broader momentum will remain well supported in 2021."
Wespatc have recently marked up our price forecasts with a 4% gain now expected in 2021 and a 10% rise in 2022, essentially bringing forward our forecast for a 15% surge that was previously expected to begin in mid-2021.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne's surprisingly firm price growth given low November turnover: Westpac

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Aster Apartments is the final residential release within Cedar Woods' new up-and-coming community, Jackson Green, in Melbourne's Clayton South. Recently we were invited to take a tour of the display suite to get an idea of the brand new collection of residences now available for sale. 

Check out our video tour:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ADWvST3VQqU" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>ASTER APARTMENTS AT A GLANCE</h2>

Developer: <a href="/developers/cedar-woods">Cedar Woods</a>

Architect: <a href="/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>

Location: 456 Haughton Road, Clayton South VIC 3169

Number of residences: 128

<a href="/buildings/aster-apartments-456-haughton-road-clayton-south"><img alt="" height="3627" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aster-apartments-456-haughton-road-clayton-south-0d09267e815a36f566112b3c395277a9.jpg" width="7606"></a>

Since Aster will be the final development to join the community, we anticipate this collection of apartments to be in high demand. From the engineered timber flooring to the opulent floor-to-ceiling glazing, no expense has been spared to deliver a collection of homes the Cedar Woods team can be proud of. 

The kitchens feature integrated stainless steel appliances and minimalist storage, with recessed LED lighting to illuminate the gas cooktop. The island benches include large sinks with modern chrome tapware and overhead cupboards provide a practical storage solution. Each bathroom includes an ultra-modern fully tiled walk-in shower, with brushed stainless tapware and dual showerheads. 

The design palette is customisable, with future-focused timeless materials giving you the ultimate low maintenance lifestyle.

Open plan living areas flow seamlessly to the private courtyards and balconies, giving you the perfect space to dine and relax throughout the year, enjoying Melbourne's fantastic climate. 

<a href="/buildings/aster-apartments-456-haughton-road-clayton-south"><img alt="" height="5651" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aster-apartments-456-haughton-road-clayton-south-87097eb153e449c96ad729d990995777.jpg" width="5400"></a>

Aster apartments are minutes from Clayton and Monash, and just a short drive you'll find Australia's leading shopping precinct, Chadstone Shopping Centre and Melbourne CBD. 

To speak with an agent about the Aster Apartments available for sale, <a href="/buildings/aster-apartments-456-haughton-road-clayton-south">request a call via Urban today</a>, but be in quick as this is the final release of properties at Jackson Green. 
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Olivia Round

Urban's tour of the Aster Apartments display suite

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Victoria’s virus flare up and subsequent lockdown has hit the south-eastern state’s economy hard. The implementation of level 4 restrictions in Melbourne and level 3 constraints in regional Victoria – including curfews – led to the shutdown of 90 per cent of Victoria’s shopping centres and retail stores in August, according to Kepler Analytics. So it’s no surprise that retail spending in Victoria fell by whopping 12.6 per cent in the month. According to Commonwealth Bank card spending data, Victorian credit and debit card spending plunged by 14.8 per cent in the week to August 14 from a year ago after being down just 0.8 per cent in the prior week.
The damage to Victorian businesses and workers from the two COVID-19 lockdowns is evident in the latest Statistical Area 4 (SA4) weekly payroll jobs data. Since March 14 (the week Australia recorded its 100th confirmed COVID-19 case) payroll jobs have decreased most in Melbourne’s Inner (-9.8 per cent), North-Western (-9.3 per cent) and Western (-8.7 per cent) suburbs. And regional Victoria hasn’t been spared with payrolls down 8.8 per cent in North-Western Victoria and the Mornington Peninsula (-8.5 per cent). Job losses also exceed 7 per cent across Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Latrobe-Gippsland.
Victoria’s labour market scarring is likely to persist in the near term with skilled job vacancies falling 7.5 per cent in August – the only state or territory to post a decline in ads during the month. In Greater Melbourne job vacancies are down 44.6 per cent over the year to August.
Australia’s manufacturers have weathered the coronavirus shock better than most sectors of the economy. Despite manufacturing’s share of Aussie economic output declining from peaks of just under 30 per cent of GDP in the early 1960s to 5.6 per cent of GDP in 2019, its importance has been underlined by global supply disruptions (freight delays and import restrictions) during the pandemic.
Australia is making more hi-tech manufactured goods than ever before, including the manufacture of food, wine, beverages, vitamins, baby formula, building materials, mining machinery and medical equipment. In fact, the latest survey of purchasing managers shows that manufacturing activity rose to the highest level in 29 months in September, supported by a pick-up in production, sales, export orders and building capacity pressures.
Importantly, IHS Markit report that manufacturers employed more factory workers for the first time since November 2019. This is good news given that manufacturing is Australia’s sixth largest employer, employing around 852,800 (or 7 per cent of the total workforce).
What do the figures show?
‘Preliminary’ retail trade – August
‘Preliminary’ retail trade fell by 4.2 per cent in August after rising by 3.2 per cent in July. Retail spending is still up 6.9 per cent on the year and 6 per cent above pre-COVID-19 levels in February. The final August data is scheduled for October 2.
According to the ABS, “Victoria led the falls, down 12.6 per cent compared to July 2020. Stage-4 restrictions in Melbourne, and Stage-3 restrictions in Regional Victoria, restricted trading for non-essential retail businesses.
“Excluding Victoria, the rest of Australia fell 1.5 per cent from July 2020 to August 2020.
All industries fell, primarily driven by the Victorian result, although there were falls in most states and territories.
At the industry level, Household goods retailing led the falls, although sales in this industry remain 20 per cent above the levels of August 2019.
Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing, Department stores, and Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services, also saw large monthly falls, with the largest falls recorded in Victoria. New South Wales saw a large fall in Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services.
Food retailing saw a small fall, with mixed results amongst the states and territories.”
Regional payrolls – Week ending September 5
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the regional (SA4) payroll indexes.
Between March 14 (date of 100th case of COVID-19) and September 5, payrolls fell most in Melbourne - Inner (-9.8 per cent). Thirteen of the 15 regions with the biggest declines in payrolls can be found in Victoria. Sydney’s City and Inner South also feature with payrolls down 8.3 per cent for the period.
Of the 15 regions with the smallest declines in payrolls over the period, seven can be found in Western Australia. Perth’s South-West recorded just a 1 per cent fall in payrolls from March 14 to September 5. But the New England and North-West region of NSW performed best with payrolls down just 0.9 per cent over the period.
Skilled job vacancies – August
In seasonally adjusted terms, the Internet Vacancy Index (IVI) increased by 1.3 per cent (or 1,700 job advertisements) in August to stand at 133,400. Despite this increase, job advertisements are 19.5 per cent (or 32,400 advertisements) below the level recorded a year ago.
In August, job advertisements increased in three of the eight occupational groups. The strongest gains were recorded for Professionals (up 2,300 or 5.8 per cent), followed by Clerical and Administrative Workers (up 350 or 1.9 per cent); and Managers (up 120 or 0.9 per cent). But ads fell most for Labourers (down 420 or 4.1 per cent).
Over the year to August, job vacancies for Machinery Operators and Drivers (up 480 or 6.5 per cent) and Labourers (up 180 or 1.9 per cent) lifted most and now exceed pre COVID-19 levels. But vacancies fell for the other six occupational groups, led by declines for Managers (down 7,300 or 34.4 per cent) and Clerical and Administrative Workers (down 8,700 or 31.4 per cent).
All states and both territories recorded an increase in job advertisements in August, except Victoria. NSW (up 2.4 per cent); Victoria (down 7.5 per cent); Queensland (up 0.4 per cent); South Australia (up 7.4 per cent); Western Australia (up 8.7 per cent); Tasmania (up 8.1 per cent); Northern Territory (up 6.8 per cent); ACT (up 8.3 per cent).
Over the year to August, job ads increased in Western Australia (up 1,700 or 10.6 per cent), South Australia (up 760 or 10.2 per cent) and Tasmania (up 30 or 1.9 per cent). All remaining states and both territories recorded falls in job advertisements over the year with the biggest falls in Victoria (down 21,200 or 45.7 per cent) and NSW (down 11,500 or 20 per cent).
Over the year to August, in three-month moving average terms, job ads increased in 20 of the 37 IVI regions. Dubbo &amp; Western NSW posted the strongest increase in vacancies (up 50.7 per cent), followed by Southern Highlands &amp; Snowy NSW (up 34.6 per cent), South-West Western Australia (up 32.5 per cent), Yorke Peninsula &amp; Clare Valley South Australia (up 26 per cent) and Fleurieu Peninsula &amp; Murray Mallee South Australia (up 24.2 per cent). But Melbourne recorded the biggest decline (down 44.6 per cent), followed by Sydney (down 38.4 per cent), Geelong &amp; Surf Coast Victoria (down 32.0 per cent), Ballarat &amp; Central Highlands Victoria (down 23.4 per cent) and Brisbane (down 20.7 per cent).
‘Flash’ IHS Markit Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMI) - September
The IHS Markit ‘flash’ PMI for manufacturing rose from 53.6 in August to a 29-month high of 55.5 in September. The services PMI lifted from 49 in August to 50 in September. The composite PMI rose from 49.4 in August to 50.5 in September. A reading above 50 indicates an expansion in activity.
According to IHS Markit economists, “The latest PMI data showed signs of stabilisation in Australia's private sector business conditions during September, with activity and sales increasing marginally after falling in August amid tightening containment measures to contain a surge in new infection cases. However, other survey indicators suggest that the rebound may lack legs going forward. The absence of capacity pressure led to a further and sharper decline in workforce numbers, highlighting the prospect of rising unemployment.
The survey also showed a divergence in the sectors participating in the economic recovery. Services business activity remained subdued, coinciding with weak sales as the sector was more adversely hit by COVID-19 restrictions. Meanwhile, manufacturing output continued to increase, supported by renewed growth in export sales.
Government spending on public works and expectations of an eventual easing of containment measures, including crossborder restrictions, boosted business sentiment, which rose to the highest for just over two years."
What are the implications for investors?
Yet another central bank has provided an update on its policy ‘tool kit’ – this time the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Kiwi monetary policy makers have made it abundantly clear that they will implement negative interest rates if more stimulus is required to prop up the economy after Auckland’s virus setback.
As excitable Aussie investors reacted to Reserve Bank of Australia Deputy Governor Guy Debelle’s ‘monetary policy approaches’ speech yesterday by aggressively pricing in a rate cut to 0.1 per cent on October 6, Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Adrian Orr calmly reiterated that the Bank intends to hold the official cash rate at 0.25 per cent until March 2021 - as communicated on March 16. Governor Orr also suggested that instruments including a Funding for Lending Programme (FLP) and purchases of foreign assets are additional policy options, along with a negative official cash rate.
The divergence between Victoria and the rest of Australia continues. The re-opening of the NSW-South Australian border is encouraging with border closures - and associated restrictions - inhibiting the economic recovery. What is also positive is that recruitment activity in South Australia and Western Australia is now above pre-COVID-19 levels with Tasmania just 1 per cent below these levels in August. Regional areas outside of Victoria are performing better than their city peers with lower unemployment, more job vacancies and more stable housing markets.
The next few weeks are critical to the economic outlook. The Reserve Bank’s monetary policy meeting and Federal Government’s Budget are both delivered on October 6. Expectations for a co-ordinated policy response to Victoria’s health and economic crisis are growing. It appears that the Morrison Government will announce more infrastructure spending and bring forward personal income tax cuts at a time when the JobKeeper wage subsidy and JobKeeper government payments are reduced. But as yesterday’s weekly payrolls jobs data shows, a continued targeted approach in supporting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is equally, if not more important. The acceleration of payroll losses (-1.9 per cent) for businesses with 20 or fewer employees between August 22 and September 5 will trouble policymakers.
Ryan Felsman is a Senior Economist at CommSec
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Victoria has dominated job losses as retail trade tumbles: CommSec's Ryan Felsman

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Victorian land buyers continue to lock in purchases despite the State’s strict lockdowns, with developer and government incentives encouraging many to push ahead despite being unable to visit most estate.
The State’s leading project marketing group Oliver Hume has achieved an average of 70 reservations per week over the last six weeks as a result of new innovative processes for selling land as well as a sales and marketing team that have lead the way in educating buyers virtually.
Oliver Hume has also launched a new $25,000 initiative which matches the Federal Government’s $25,000 Home Builder grant. The $25,000 Perfect Match campaign is available at selected projects marketed by Oliver Hume. Buyers can also utilise Oliver Hume’s new online deposit system which has experienced strong demand during lockdowns.
Oliver Hume Chief Executive Officer Julian Coppini said the new bonus had been in high demand since it was launched in late August.
“While buyer demand has been impacted by the lockdown we are still seeing strong levels of enquiry and sustained sales which has our current sales rate still higher than March, April and May before the HomeBuilder grant was announced,” he said.
“Many buyers have understood the new processes due to being in a lockdown and are happy to rely much more on digital presentations, inspections and communication as part of their purchase decision.”
“Buyers understand the extraordinary nature of the current market and appreciate the opportunity to utilise the support measures and grants from the state and federal governments in conjunction to developers providing attractive offers in market”
“The incentives and grants combined with low interest rates have generated some of the best buying conditions in a generation.”
Mr Coppini said the industry was quickly adapting to managing sales through the lockdowns with buyers becoming more confident navigating the purchase decision in a fully digital environment.
“Oliver Hume is thankful for the ongoing digital transformation it started on years ago as it has been a major benefit to our vendors and purchasers over the last six months. Many of the systems and processes we have put in place will become permanent features in the land buying process,” he said.
Earlier this year, Oliver Hume launched a new digital deposit platform that allows buyers to secure and pay a deposit on their new block of land, without ever visiting a sales office or meeting in-person with a developer representative.
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Victorian land sales are holding up as grants kick in: Oliver Hume

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Melbourne laneways are famous for its cobbled bluestone laneways. 
If we think of the bluestone in Melbourne, we may first think of the famous cobbled laneways intersecting the urban grid.
Initially, these laneways were used for the collection of night soil – human excrement collected at night from buckets or privies – and they are still useful routes for collecting rubbish and recycling bins. But laneways are increasingly being reclaimed as lively strips for cafes, bars, restaurants and galleries in the city, or re-made as <a href="https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/city-of-melbourne-unveils-first-green-laneway/" target="_blank">gardens</a> in the suburbs.
Laneways are an important part of Melbourne’s heritage infrastructure, protected by legislation and design guides. And they are often defended by enthusiasts whenever a local council threatens to remove the bluestones or pave them over with asphalt.
The other thing we might think of when it comes to bluestone in Melbourne are landmark buildings such as Pentridge Prison (still known affectionately as the “bluestone college”) and the Old Melbourne Gaol in Russell St.
Then there is the more elegant gothic style of St Patrick’s Cathedral, or the brutal modernism of the National Gallery of Victoria. Several blocks further down St Kilda Road are the grand Victoria Barracks, festooned with gorgeous crimson Boston Ivy in autumn.
Deep bluestone foundations also underpin some of the city’s most famous sandstone buildings: the Victorian Parliament, the Treasury, the Town Hall and the Supreme Court.
These dark grey stones that line and frame its streets and buildings are an important feature of Melbourne’s urban identity. Here’s how it began.
From furious beginnings
The formations of bluestone are paradoxically both fast and slow, and begin with explosions of fire and rock.
In successive periods of <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/website/melbournemuseum/discoverycentre/600-million-years/timeline/quaternary/western-district-volcanoes/index" target="_blank">volcanic activity</a> to the north and south-west of Melbourne (some from 4.5 million years ago, some as recent as 10,000 years ago), rocks and boulders were thrown up as flaming projectiles or poured out of volcanoes as molten lava.
From these furious beginnings, basalt settles into the heavy dark stones we now associate with stability and endurance.
But the consistency of bluestone varies widely, depending on how it was formed. When it cools slowly, it’s hard and smooth, with barely a flaw, or at most a delicate thread of tiny bubbles. This is the highest grade stone, used for smooth surfaces such as hearthstones and front-facing walls.
But if a flying boulder lands in water, it cools more rapidly, so pockets of gas produce bubbles, even sometimes a honey-comb effect.
The quality, colour and consistency of bluestone used in Melbourne also varies according to the quarries from which it’s sourced; or whether it comes from Australia or overseas.
Uses in Indigenous culture
Geological time is almost beyond our reckoning, though Indigenous culture and history helps us read these formations on a human scale. A stone axe-head, found deep beneath layers of volcanic ash at <a href="http://www.worngundidj.org.au/?q=tower-hill/about-reserve">Tower Hill</a>, suggests Indigenous people would have witnessed some of the volcanic activity on this site.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/281499/original/file-20190627-76705-1etkjff.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/281499/original/file-20190627-76705-1etkjff.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
A sketch from 1837 showing The Falls, a stretch of bluestone crossing the Yarra that acted as a natural bridge. (Source: State Library of Victoria)<a class="source" href="http://digital.slv.vic.gov.au/view/action/nmets.do?DOCCHOICE=295764.xml&amp;dvs=1561599813270~465&amp;locale=en_US&amp;search_terms=&amp;adjacency=&amp;VIEWER_URL=/view/action/nmets.do?&amp;DELIVERY_RULE_ID=4&amp;divType=&amp;usePid1=true&amp;usePid2=true"> </a>
Important traces of Indigenous knowledge and use of bluestone have also been discovered throughout Melbourne and elsewhere in Victoria.
For instance, bluestone was used for an eel trap system carbon-dated to 6,600 years old, developed near Lake Condah in the sacred <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/budj-bim" target="_blank">Budj Bim</a> landscape.
There’s also the natural basalt-bluestone ledge across the Yarra river — known as “<a href="https://overland.org.au/2012/07/melbourne-from-the-falls/" target="_blank">The Falls</a>” — which separated fresh and salt water. It was used as a meeting place for different tribal groups, but was removed in the 1880s.
And there are basalt stones arranged as astronomical markers at <a href="https://www3.astronomicalheritage.net/index.php/show-entity?identity=15&amp;idsubentity=1" target="_blank">Wurdi Youang</a>, near Lara.
Settler buildings
Bluestone was the obvious choice <a href="https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/operating-procedure-bluestone.pdf" target="_blank">for construction</a> when Melbourne was a booming gold-rush city in the 1850s. It was cheap and plentiful, and there was convict labor to cut and haul its heavy weight.
But as early as the 1880s, bluestone had become unfashionable, perceived as too dark, somber and forbidding.
Bluestone has a somber, dark appearance – an appropriate material for the Old Melbourne Gaol.
Bluestone buildings were increasingly lightened with sandstone or white stucco edges and borders, while granite and sandstone became the stones of choice for grand public buildings.
Now, bluestone is prized again for its heritage value. But “heritage” is always a movable category, susceptible to changes in both fashion and feeling about the past.
There is something compelling about the way stone helps us think about time, history and change. As Jeffrey Jerome Cohen <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5749/j.ctt155jmth" target="_blank">observes</a>:
<blockquote>
to lay hand upon stone is to press against time in material form.
</blockquote>
Bluestone is prized today for its markers of history
In my own work <a href="https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/bitstream/handle/11343/129561/Bluestone.pdf?sequence=1&amp;isAllowed=y" target="_blank">researching bluestone</a>, I’m collecting more recent personal narratives about this stone.
Many Melburnians have powerful stories about the way its characteristic square “pitchers” and long rectangular building blocks are bought and sold, collected and dispersed, recycled or moved from one site to another, from public buildings to suburban gardens and makeshift walls. It’s as if the citizens were playing a mysterious, long-range collective game of Lego.
 
Some of the most prized stones are those that seem to bear the ancient marks of wheels, or of convict labor, whether in the form of initials and arrows chiselled into the stone, or the more mundane markers of manual work.
Gardeners, builders and diggers of cellars struggle with the large “floaters” under old houses and in the gardens in the north and western suburbs, straining to lever them from the black sticky clay of the <a href="http://vro.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/soil_vic_contenders_black_vertosol">Merri Creek soil</a>, famously used as the basis of the MCG cricket pitch.
Melbourne’s bluestone history is not just geological and cultural: it is also an emotional one, as we constantly redefine our relationship with this distinctive stone.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/118755/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephanie-trigg-142520" target="_blank">Stephanie Trigg</a>, Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor of English Literature, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-molten-lava-to-cobbled-laneways-how-bluestone-shaped-melbournes-identity-118755" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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From molten lava to cobbled laneways, how bluestone shaped Melbourne: Stephanie Trigg

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Residential dwellings in Melbourne's outer south-eastern suburbs such as Officer, Clyde and Berwick fall within the $700,000 budget, according to the July Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
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The valuation firm took a look at how a budget of $700,000 could be invested in property markets across the nation. 
The report notes these suburbs offer plenty of choices for those looking to buy as there are many newer estates in these areas.
A brand- new house and land package can range from $500,000 to $650,000.
Latest figures show that the median house prices for Officer, Clyde and Berwick are $557,000, $566,500 and $687,000 and depending on the size, location and specifications, can generate rental yields of 4.5 per cent, 3.71 per cent and 3.1 per cent respectively.
A four bedroom house in Berwick has recently been sold for $640,000.
Positioned on a 618sqm block, the family home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-berwick-133901110" target="_blank">21 Shaftsbury Avenue</a> (pictured below) features two living areas, two bathrooms, and large pergola area. 
It is situated within walking distance to parks, public transport and shops. 
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"The recent crisis has rocked buyers’ confidence, with many facing issues of job security," the valuation firm said. 
The government has since introduced a new Home Builder Scheme for those looking to either build a new home or renovate, as homeowners will be given a $25,000 incentive which has been designed to boost the construction industry as it recovers from the effects of COVID-19.
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House and land packages in these urban growth zones are attractive to first home buyers and young families as they allow flexibility in designing homes to cater to their individual needs, the report noted. 
"In more established areas such as Cheltenham, Oakleigh and Mentone, housing prices start from $960,000 for houses and $600,000 for units," the valuation firm said. 
These areas in the south-east generally yield high sales and rental prices as they are among the most sought after suburbs to live in as they are generally close to public transport, major shopping centres and the CBD.
A current listing is a three bedroom apartment in Cheltenham with sea views. 
The modern apartment at 609/6 Railway Road (pictured below) has been listed for sale with a price guide of $680,000.
It comprises three bedroom, two bathrooms, open plan kitchen and living room area. 
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What $700,000 can buy in southeastern Melbourne: HTW residential 

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The median Melbourne rental yield has fallen moderately, according to the CoreLogic June 2020 quarterly rental review.
House yields in the Victorian capital sit at 2.8% (down from 3.3% 12 months ago), and unit yields sit at 3.9% (down from 4.5% 12 months ago).
The current combined median yield (for all property types) is 3.2%, down from 3.7% 12 months ago.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/29/cap%20cities%20yield.png" alt="">
This reflects a downturn of 0.6% month-on-month and 1.0% over the quarter.
For renters, this translates to a median rental price of $453 ($460 for houses and $446 for units).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/29/cap%202.png" alt="">
In the 12 months to June, rental yields fell across seven of the eight capital city markets. Perth was the only exception.
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Melbourne rental yields take hit in June: CoreLogic Quarterly Rental Review

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Values within the Warrnambool market are yet to display any decline due to the impact of COVID-19, according to the July Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at how a budget of $700,000 could be invested in property markets across the nation.
The report notes confidence across the purchaser landscape remains solid; whether this remains the case in three months’ time is open for discussion.
"Demand in this price sector was considered to be on a slight upward trend pre-COVID-19 and we predict that trend to continue moving forward should the COVID-19 recovery come quickly and completely," the valuation firm said. 
Premier central Warrnambool properties, particularly those with heritage stylings and some level of updated interior, are very much excluded from the $700,000 price range. 
The buy-in for entry level property in this location starts at $750,000, the report noted. 
"A great example of what you get at the premier entry level is 9 Victoria Street, Warrnambool, VIC, 3280 (pictured below)," the valuation firm said. 
Three bedrooms, one bathroom, detached two-car garage on an 800 square metre allotment.
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Situated one block removed from city centre. Very basic level of fit-out with fantastic heritage features.
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Moving ever so slightly away from the premier locations, potential buyers will start to see a number of options develop.
It’s here, still centrally located (within one kilometre of the CBD and beach) that buyers will find high quality townhouses, renovated heritage dwellings and properties with further development or value adding potential start to become available in the $600,000 to $700,000 range, the report noted. 
For those with a vision and greasy elbows, look no further than 90 Skene Street, Warrnambool (pictured below).
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A circa 1880 weatherboard dwelling requiring a whole lot of work situated on a 2,100 square metre allotment. 
While the amount of renovation work required can’t be overstated, the dwelling does feature distant ocean glimpses through the Norfolk pines.
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"There’s great potential for value adding with property such as this around Warrnambool," the valuation firm said. 
The report notes buyers interested in something with a little more room to move can find larger sized property (4,000 plus square metres) in Warrnambool’s surrounding lifstyle areas. 
5 Elizabeth Street, Allansford, VIC, 3277 (pictured below). 
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Set on one acre, ten minutes from Warrnambool in the smaller satellite township of Allansford, this property features a standard quality, modern style brick dwelling of approximately 240 square metres. 
Beyond the dwelling, the property is improved with a six bay workshop and large store shed.
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"As mentioned above, if you had this kind of money to invest within the region’s property market, then you have the opportunity to purchase within most market segments, from a large, centrally located character dwelling to a rural living style property on the outskirts of town," the valuation firm said. 
Properties within this price range are generally owner-occupied and we don’t see many of them offered for rent.
"Demand in this price sector has remained relatively steady over the past few years and we predict that it will continue to remain this way over the next 12 months.
"However, with the impact of COVID-19 on the property market still unclear, it is difficult to make any predictions with confidence." 
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