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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Over the year to February 2019, dwelling sales were down -10 per cent across the Latrobe-Gippsland region, although current sales activity is in line with the five year average for the region, according to the latest CoreLogic regional report. 
Dwelling values across the Latrobe-Gippsland region increased year-on-year with house values increasing by 5.9 per cent over the 12 months to March 2019, while unit values were up by 7.9 per cent over the same period.
'<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/2019/6/5/latrobe%201.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/geelong%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<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/2019/6/5/geelong%202.jpg" alt="">
 
Source: CoreLogic 
 Renting is more expensive across the region with advertised rental rates up $20/week for houses and $15/week for units over the year to March.
<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/2019/6/5/geelong%203.jpg" alt="">
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/geelong%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
 
<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/2019/6/5/geelong%204.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic 
The time a home sits on the market across the region has improved with the average house selling 17 days faster, and the average unit selling 10 days faster when compared to February 2018. 
The average vendor is offering less of a discount to secure a sale over the same period.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/cairns%205.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
 <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/2019/6/5/cairns%205.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Latrobe-Gippsland regional sales volumes down 10 percent: CoreLogic 

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The Geelong region saw 5,595 dwellings sold across the 12 months to February 2019, according to the latest CoreLogic Regional Report. 
Sales across both houses (-14%) and units (-38%) have fallen over the year, although units only accounted for 12% of transactions over that period.
<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/2019/6/5/geelong%201.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/geelong%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<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/2019/6/5/geelong%202.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
The report notes Geelong home values increased year-on-year, with house values rising by 0.4% and unit values up 5.4% over the same period.
<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/2019/6/5/cairns%203.jpg" alt="">
Click here to enlarge: 
<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/2019/6/5/geelong%204.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic 
Homes across the region are selling faster. The average time on market for houses fell by three days over the year to February, while units are selling 19 days faster over the same period.
Vendor discounting levels remain unchanged for units, while increasing slightly for houses.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/cairns%205.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
<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/2019/6/5/cairns%205.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
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Geelong house and unit sales activity in decline: CoreLogic

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A group of strata unit owners have joined forces to sell their assets in one line to a Chinese developer for $14.1 million. 
The eight units on the 2,061 square metre landholding at 12-16 Shipley Street in Box Hill have been acquired by a number of families since 1985. 
Savills Australia’s Dorothy He, Benson Zhou and Julian Heatherich brokered the deal.
It was at a rate of $6,841 per square metre.
He said it was rare to be able to market a series of assets in one line. 
“To the vendors, the family memories carry enormous emotional weight, leading them to eventually decide to sell together,” she said. 
“They were able to achieve a greater sale price by selling their units together than they would have if they took them to market individually.”  
He said the purchaser recognised the versatility of the site, which currently provides a flexible income stream as a land-bank prospect and is also one of the final major development opportunities in Box Hill. 
“The buyer, a locally based Chinese developer, realised the upside of a landholding in the Box Hill Activity Centre,” she said. 
“This is a proven development location, with several successful projects either complete or under construction in the immediate area.
“With an adjacent 20-level project under construction, substantial height can be achieved through development (STCA) and there is enormous potential for views of the Box Hill Gardens and Melbourne CBD.”
Savills has previously tipped Box Hill to become Melbourne’s second high-rise CBD, with the City of Whitehorse population forecast to grow to about 22,850 people by 2036. 
“Box Hill is a thriving hub in Melbourne’s east, currently home to more than 12,500 residents,” Zhou said. 
“The suburb is projected to need more than 5,000 new dwellings in the next decade and beyond, in order to accommodate the rising population, which has been a direct result of significant public and private investment into health, education, retail and commercial initiatives in recent years.”
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Eight strata unit vendors band together to sell half-acre Box Hill holding

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Melbourne shows that even in a city with a distinct overall trend, there are many diverse scenarios in play. Melbourne generally continues to decline but different sectors are producing different results, especially with price outcomes.
Apartment markets in particular are holding up well and there are more suburbs with rising unit prices than those with prices down. That runs contrary to the general media rhetoric of prices down across the board, thanks to generalised data and bad analysis.
Across the Melbourne metropolitan area, Hotspotting has analysed price trends in 435 house and unit markets and found that 44% have median prices higher than a year ago, while 56% have prices lower than last year.
Markets with significant declines in prices are relatively rare. Only 35% of the 435 suburban markets analysed have had median prices fall by more than 5% in the past 12 months – and it’s mostly the top end markets where prices have dropped a lot. Conversely, the locations where prices are still up substantially are primarily in the outer-ring areas where buyers are chasing affordability.
But, as we frequently observe, prices take time to respond to market realities, as shown by sales activity. The trends with buyer demand suggest Melbourne overall is at the bottom of the trough – suburbs with rising demand are virtually non-existent (the worst outcome since we started our quarterly surveys four years ago) and there are 73 suburbs which we have classified as “decline” markets (more than Sydney currently has).
In terms of trends with buyer demand, the steadiest markets are the areas where most suburbs are “plateau” or “consistency” markets. These are mostly the more affordable areas, either outer-ring precincts or middle market ones.
The City of Melton LGA on the western outskirts of the Melbourne metro area is a stand-out, both with sales trends and price outcomes. There are no “rising” suburbs in terms of sales activity but there are 11 classified as “plateau” markets. And many of the Melbourne suburbs where median prices have risen by more than 10% in the past 12 months are in the Melton LGA.
Other municipalities with steady buyer demand include the Hume LGA in the north, Casey in the far south-east, Brimbank in the western suburbs and Wyndham in the far south-west, as well as middle-ring areas like Darebin, Nillumbik and Moreland. The only LGAs in the Melbourne metro areas with no suburbs classified as “decline” markets are those three middle-ring areas, plus Melton City in the far west.
The middle-market Kingston LGA demonstrates the many different scenarios that can be found in real estate, even within one municipality. We have ranked 13 suburbs in the Kingston LGA: 2 rising, 6 plateau, 2 consistency and 3 decline. The rising suburbs are Chelsea and Chelsea Heights, the only two suburbs across Melbourne to be identified as having rising buyer demand in this Autumn survey.
The strongly-emerging trend is the number of Melbourne locations with significant declines in sales activity – and they are found right throughout the metropolitan area.
Many of the upmarket areas have multiple decline suburbs, including the LGAs of Boroondara, Glen Eira and Melbourne. But middle-markets LGAs like Whitehorse and Monash, as well as more downmarket locations like Greater Dandenong, have multiple decline markets.
And suburbs classified as decline markets are now starting to appear in the outer-ring LGAs like Casey and Hume, which provides further evidence that the previous growth cycle is over.
But the worst of the decline markets is the Mornington Peninsula – in this outlying LGA, we have classified 10 suburbs as decline markets.
Price levels remain quite resilient in many parts of Melbourne. Among the housing markets, 36% of suburbs have median prices higher than a year ago, while in the apartment sector 57% have higher prices.
In the housing markets, 94 suburbs have median prices higher than last year, while among the apartment markets, 98 suburbs have higher prices (compared to 73 with lower medians).
In terms of locations with significant price decline (a drop of more than 5% in the median price), only 38% of housing markets and 25% of apartment markets are in this category.
The suburbs with major decline in median house prices are all millionaire suburbs. Those where the median house price has dropped more than 20% in the past 12 months are Box Hill, Brighton, Canterbury, Carlton, Caulfield North, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, South Melbourne, South Yarra, St Kilda, St Kilda East and Toorak. 
The biggest drops in median house prices have occurred in Box Hill (down 36%), St Kilda (35%), Toorak (31%) and Hawthorn (30%).
Conversely, the areas still delivering good price growth are at the affordable end of the market. Of 11 suburbs with median house price growth above 10% in the past year, 5 are in the Melton LGA, 2 are in Hume and 2 are in Casey. Virtually all of these 11 suburbs are suburbs with median house prices under $600,000.
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Multiple property scenarios producing different results in Melbourne: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The Victorian Budget 19/20 has been adjusted to deal with the biggest write down in revenue in Victoria’s history. 
This is due to the challenging headwinds for Victoria’s property market with sales volumes down 24 per cent and cooling values as we have seen over the past year. 
Victoria’s property industry remains the cornerstone of the Victorian Budget, continuing to contribute 46 per cent of revenue and $10.5 billion in land tax and stamp duty alone in the next financial year.
The Budget delivers on the Government’s bold and ambitious infrastructure investment plan and has addressed many of the priorities outlined in the REIV’s Election Platform and Budget Submission. 
In particular, the REIV welcomes the payroll tax relief for small business and commends the Government for adjusting the rates in Regional Victoria so that by 2022/23 regional businesses will pay the lowest payroll tax in the nation.
The Victorian Government will invest $2.6b to support jobs, economies and communities in Regional Victoria and an additional $150m in the next financial year to establish the Victorian Jobs and Investment Fund. 
The REIV is also pleased with the investment in new urban growth corridors and precinct plans which we have consistently advocated for.
Included in this is $173m for the Geelong City Deal and an additional $18.8m for services.
We welcome the Fishermen’s Bend Framework which includes homes for 80,000 people and the investment in the innovation and employment clusters in Sunshine, Monash, Dandenong, LaTrobe and Werribee.
The Government has also committed $50m for the Growing Suburbs Fund to build and upgrade new community facilities in Melbourne’s 10 rapidly-developing interface municipalities. 
The REIV commends the Government for its commitment to education and training with historic expenditure in the sector.
We will work with the relevant bodies to ensure the ongoing professionalism and upskilling of our industry which was a fundamental tenet of the REIV’s Budget Submission. 
We also welcome the $2.5m support for mentoring for small business.
Other noteworthy initiatives include the extension of the Better Apartments program to the suburbs, the expansion of solar homes and the 50 per cent discount on land transfer duty for commercial and industrial properties in Regional Victoria in four year’s time.
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The Budget is still heavily reliant on property taxes. 
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While we congratulate the Victorian Government on many positive initiatives, the reliance on property taxes is of great concern to our industry.
We appreciate the government has a big infrastructure agenda, but they can’t keep dipping into the same revenue pot to fund their promises. 
The REIV and the industry predicted the property market correction and planned accordingly, but it seems the government did not. 
Robyn Waters is the president of the REIV.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Victorian Budget delivers infrastructure and incentives

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The former Peters Ice Cream HQ in Mulgrave is set to be heritage listed.
<a href="http://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ED-REPORT-INCLUDE-PETERSVILLE-FINAL-FINAL-.pdf" target="_blank">The classic 1960s office building</a>, with its sinuous roofline and waffle-style facade, is hip enough decades on to warrant heritage listing.
It was May 1964 when the new factory was officially opened by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delacombe.
The term Petersville had been coined during 1962 as a quasi-geographic label for the factory site on Wellington Road, and it subsequently became the moniker of the company.
The Petersville Factory Administration Building is one of the classic post-war factory administration buildings, associated with the development of manufacturing in the 1950s and 1960s, a phase of historical importance in Victoria. 
Overall, the Petersville Factory Administration Building remains in very good condition.
Externally, most of the brickwork, concrete columns, door frames and window frames show very few signs of deterioration. There are some areas of rust to metal elements and deterioration to eaves.
<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/2019/5/31/New%20Project%2026.jpg" alt="">
Internally, the foyer of the Administration Wing is in excellent condition with only minor defects to timber ceiling lining and area of damage to stair treads.
In April this year an Interim Protection Order was issued by the Victorian Heritage executive director who has now recommended permanent heritage listing.
The Petersville Factory Administration Building is located at 254–294 Wellington Road, Mulgrave.
It comprises a double-storey brick Administration Wing, attached single-storey Office Wing and Staff Amenities Wing to the rear.
The three wings form an asymmetrical H-plan.
The building is a freestanding element within a landscape setting that includes lawn, a row of flagpoles, paths and mature plantings.
The Administration wing’s arresting design, incorporating a full-length decorative screen and wave-form roof, presents a distinctive and highly visible street frontage. The interior of the Administration Wing has a double-height entry foyer that includes a floating staircase, terrazzo flooring, mezzanine gallery and timber-lined ceiling that reflects the wave-form roof shape. Office space lies to either side of the foyer on both levels. 
The Petersville Factory Administration Building was constructed as part of a large manufacturing complex built in 1962–63 for leading food manufacturers Peters Ice Cream (Vic) Ltd (later Petersville Australia Ltd).
The company developed the Mulgrave site, which became known as Petersville, to replace the Richmond premises that it had occupied since 1936.
During the early 1960s Peters Ice Cream had rapidly expanded to incorporate brands such as Four’n Twenty Pies, Edgell and Birdseye.
Designed by the architectural office of D Graeme Lumsden, the new complex included offices, amenities and extensive production areas.
Lumsden designed several interesting commercial and industrial buildings in Victoria, including the Nicholas Factory in Clayton (demolished) and Mitchelton Winery.
Although he and his firm contributed to the practice of architecture and commercial building design, Heritage Victoria conclude it could not be said to have made a strong or influential contribution to the course of Victoria’s history more broadly.
Architect D Graeme Lumsden had established his own practice in 1948 and was later joined by younger architects Ted Ashton and Bill Hale, who became key members of the office.
Although the office of D Graeme Lumsden (and its later incarnations) undertook a range of projects including houses, office buildings, banks and a winery, the firm’s main focus was industrial buildings. 
Factory projects were commissioned by such high-profile manufacturers as Nicholas Ltd, Volkswagen Australia, Glaxo, Patons Brakes, Leyland Motors, Speciality Press, Murfett Publishers and Smith &amp; Nephew.
After Lumsden’s death in 1995, an obituary by Neil Clerehan described him as both ‘one of Australia’s most successful industrial architects’ and an ‘industrial design pioneer’.
In 1998, under the ownership of Nestle, the production areas of the site were substantially updated.
The Petersville Factory Administration Building was utilised until 2016 before Peters staff moved to a new administration building elsewhere on the site.
Production of Peters products continues to take place elsewhere on site in the new facilities. The Petersville Factory Administration Building is currently vacant.
In 2012, The Peters Ice Cream business, including its Mulgrave factory, was purchased by Pacific Equity Partners (PEP), with licence to produce sub-brands that were retained by Nestlé, e.g., Drumstick.
In May 2014, the European company R&amp;R Ice Cream bought Peters.
It was the American expatriate Frederick Peters who founded the Peters American Delicacy Company in Australia in 1907.
First established in Paddington in Sydney, by 1929 subsidiaries had been set up in Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria.
The Victorian branch and was based in Meyers Place in central Melbourne, before moving to a refurbished former shoe factory in Richmond in 1936.
During 1957, Peters Ice Cream (Victoria) Ltd, took over two rival ice cream producers, and between 1960 and 1963 acquired a further 10 companies.
These acquisitions included other iconic brand names including Four’n Twenty Pies, Edgell and Birds Eye.
To accommodate this growth, in 1961 Peters acquired a 35-hectare site at the south-west corner of Wellington Road and Springvale Road in what was then known as Clayton (now Mulgrave).
The decision to relocate from Richmond reflected a post-war trend towards decentralisation of industry that saw many established Melbourne manufacturers move from the inner-city to developing suburban fringes.
In 1964, Peters Ice Cream (Victoria) Ltd took on the name of the new site and became known as Petersville Australia Ltd.
<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/2019/5/31/New%20Project%2025.jpg" alt="">
The company is notable for its high profile and longstanding promotional activities –including street signage, radio and television programs, branded small refrigerator cabinets and sponsorship of the Moomba parade.
Victoria experienced rapid industrial expansion after World War Two.
Major manufacturers developed substantial new facilities in suburban fringe locations such as Dandenong, Cheltenham and Clayton.
This form of decentralisation developed alongside the growth in car ownership and suburban housing estates.
Manufacturing facilities were built alongside major roads, often some distance from train stations, and car parking was provided for staff on site.
These new greenfields locations allowed for an expansive use of space, with administration buildings often set well in front of more utilitarian production facilities and complemented by landscaping and gardens.
Photos: Heritage Victoria 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Peters Ice Cream 1960s Mulgrave HQ to be heritage listed

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The latest ABS figures estimate that the total number of dwelling units that commenced construction fell 9.5% in the December quarter. The current decline in Victoria’s residential property development is pushing many developers to look at diversifying.
Restrictions on foreign investment, changes in statutory fees and investment incentives, lending becoming tighter and policy uncertainty with the looming federal election have all contributed to a decline in the Victorian residential property market. As a result, developers are struggling to pre-sell a sufficient number of properties to fund residential development projects in the current environment. 
However, with Australia’s rapidly growing population, the need for new housing will persist and lead to a bounce back in the market in time.
Until then, more and more developers are looking at repurposing their existing residential development sites and transitioning them into commercial sites. Some are looking to capitalise on growing sectors of the market by turning to opportunities in the aged care and retirement living and the up and coming ‘build-to-rent’ sector. Build-to-rent developments are purposely built for rental, rather than sale. This benefits people who want or need to rent for longer periods of time. 
Residential developers frequently discuss rezoning and repurposing sites to a commercial development.
Commercial properties are vastly different from residential property developments in terms of size, function, characteristics and most importantly financial risk. 
While residential developments involve selling off the asset once complete, commercial developments usually involve retaining and maintaining the asset, which is a much longer-term financial model.
The biggest challenge for residential developers who adopt any of these alternatives is understanding market expectations and changing their feasibility from a short-term to a longer-term return with a different model and risk profile.
However, with the right team of consultants leading the transition of a development, traditionally residential developers are presented with the potential to thrive under the current housing climate in Victoria.
Opportunities in the growing aged care and retirement living market
The aged care sector is expected to boom over the next few years as our population ages and continues to live longer. 
Aged care and retirement expectations and offerings have completely changed over the last few years in Melbourne due to our society becoming accustomed to an amenities-rich way of living.
New aged care and retirement living sites are no longer sprawling developments on the suburban fringes. They are now situated in inner city areas and have become high-rise modern developments with the same premium finishes as a luxury apartment development.
Traditional residential property developers are seeing the growing ageing and downsizer population as an opportunity to take advantage of in the current market. In particular, an originally proposed high-density residential apartment site can now present an ideal transition for a modern inner city vertical aged care and retirement living development.
Earlier this year, Lendlease submitted an updated proposal for the redevelopment of the historic Channel Nine studio site in Richmond to include aged care and retirement living precincts.
One caveat is that aged care and retirement living sites have a different set of regulations and requirements which developers will need to consider in terms of feasibility and buildability.
Making moves in the new build-to-rent sector
Some developers are also considering repurposing their residential sites into a ‘build-to-rent-model’. 
While this model is still largely untested in the Australian market, there’s a growing demand for this alternative development scheme, particularly as the issue of housing affordability continues across Melbourne. 
In terms of transitioning residential development sites into a build-to-rent model, the design and construction remains largely the same, but the financial model is completely different. 
Developers will be keenly observing how ‘build-to-rent’ sites, such as UBS Asset Management, Grocon and JLL’s Gold Coast ‘built-to-rent’ site which opened early this year, will perform to see if they should transition their developments over to this model.
The reality is, the Victorian residential property development market as we know it is changing. For developers to stay afloat, they may need to explore different types of developments and repurpose their existing residential development sites. 
James Ford is the National Director at WT Partnership
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Residential developers are repurposing sites to capitalise on growing market sectors 

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A Mentone apartment block is set to go under the hammer.
The 320 square metre 39 Venice Street property has a two level building comprising of six apartments.
There are a couple of two bedroom apartments and four single bedroom units and the building is fully leased.
It also has a communal laundry and on-site parking including one lock up garage.
It is located within easy walking distance of Mentone Village shops which includes Coles, Woolworths, banks, and cafes, and transport including Mentone railway station and buses.
Zoned General Residential 3 under the City of Kingston Planning Scheme, the 651 square metre site covers two titles and has 20 metres frontage to Venice Street and nearly 35 metres to Cremona Street.
The property will be sold subject to month to month leases returning a passing rental of $96,072 per annum.
According to marketing agent, Teska Carson Director, George Takis, the property offers an exceptional location for an apartment investment with strong rental upside and the potential for refurbishment to maximise rental returns. 
“The property presents well in a location which is just what you would look for as an apartment site with excellent access to everything,” Takis said.  
“We believe the apartment rentals are currently below market rates and as such offer immediate potential for rental income growth. Most of the tenants have been long term with few if any rental increases for many years.
“This is a region which will continue to benefit from ongoing demand for housing, and particularly apartment living, and so the growth prospects for apartment investors would appear to be very good.”
The property will be auctioned on Wednesday, May 22, at 1pm on site. 
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Fully leased Mentone apartment block set to go under the hammer 

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A Mount Martha beach box has been listed for sale with a price guide of $310,000 to $340,000.

Situated directly opposite Mount Martha village, the recently restored beach box at 98 South Beach features storage underneath boatshed, secure decking area, floor space for tables, chairs and entertaining.

It last sold at $215,000 in 2014. 

It has been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mount+martha-130681042" target="_blank">listed through</a> Sam Danckert and Ian Ross of Danckert Real Estate - Mount Martha. 

<img alt="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/7/mount%20martha%202.jpg">

 

Related projects:

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89720]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

 
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Recently restored Mount Martha beach box listed 

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A north-facing Edwardian residence at Middle Park has been listed via an expressions of interest campaign.
It has been offered by Darren Lewenberg and Ross Savas from Kay Burton South Yarra.
They expect $7 million to $7.7 million.
The home at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/64-nimmo-street-middle-park-vic-3206-2014987654" target="_blank">64 Nimmo Street </a>consists of four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a swimming pool and a separate self-contained apartment.
The interiors feature of the family home include sitting room, north-facing open plan living and dining, kitchen with high end design, main bedroom with walk-in robe and three further fitted bedrooms. 
The property last traded at $3,155,000 in 2009.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/5/middle%20park%202.jpeg" alt="">
Additional highlights include air conditioning, integrated speaker, gas open fireplace, sheer walls of glazing, and crafted oak wall cladding.
It's within a few minutes’ walk of the beach and Middle Park village, and convenient to Albert Park Lake, schools, light rail, library and Melbourne Sports &amp; Aquatic Centre.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/3/5/middle%20park%203.jpeg" alt="">
The expressions of interest campaign ends on March 9. 
The suburb's median house price sits at<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/64-nimmo-street-middle-park-vic-3206-2014987654" target="_blank"> $2.55 million</a> according to CoreLogic.
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