Construction is set to begin at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/orchard-mews-glen-iris-18-scott-grove-glen-iris-vic-3146">Orchard Mews</a> in Glen Iris, with&nbsp;PC Whitehall &amp; Sons&nbsp;now appointed as the townhome development moves into its next phase.

The development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/montcoeur">MontCoeur</a>,&nbsp;located at 18 Scott Grove, is now around 30 per cent sold, with completion targeted for late-2027.

Orchard Mews comprises a curated collection of three- and four-bedroom customisable townhomes, positioned within one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>’ more tightly held residential streets. The low-density project has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>, bringing together a team known for high-end residential projects across Melbourne.

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The development is defined by its focus on flexible living and long-term usability. Each residence includes multiple living zones and a customisable multipurpose room, allowing buyers to tailor spaces to suit changing needs, whether as a home office, additional bedroom, wellness area or entertainment space.

Architecturally, the townhomes emphasise natural light and spatial volume, with dual-aspect layouts and double-height living areas incorporated into the design. Interiors feature natural stone benchtops, premium appliances, and a neutral material palette intended to support everyday functionality rather than statement-driven finishes.

All residences are all-electric and include private lifts and secure double garages, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability and future-focused housing in Melbourne’s established suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366277]

Outdoor connections are also central to the offering, with a mix of private courtyards and terraces extending internal living spaces and integrating with the landscaped surrounds.

The Scott Grove address places Orchard Mews within close proximity to some of Melbourne’s key lifestyle and education amenities, including Scotch College, Sacré Cœur, Cabrini Hospital and the retail hub of Chadstone. Public transport access is also nearby, with trams and Gardiner Station providing connectivity to the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

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Joel Robinson

Construction to commence at luxury Glen Iris townhome project, Orchard Mews

A rare new apartment development has been proposed on the fringe of St Ives Village.

Developer Newquest Property has lodged plans for a low-rise apartment project designed by well-regarded architecture firm Warren &amp; Mahoney, which is best known for its work in the multi-residential sector in Melbourne.

The building, proposed for a 1,916 sqm site on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-ives-residences-3-5-memorial-avenue-nsw-2075">Memorial Avenue</a> opposite St Ives Village Green, has been designed to blend into the surrounding natural environment.

<img alt="St Ives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c1c7437-2fba-4345-a6d7-05321714ad3e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-04%20at%201.28.46%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=KrYyMaJvNqR7vbx0xbB3Ef8sJ6FuHpmn" />

“Drawing inspiration from the pale trunks and flowering canopies of the scribbly gums and blue gums prevalent in the area, a considered material palette was developed,” the architectural design report states.

“This palette references the established materiality of the suburb while elevating it through refined finishes to achieve a more luxurious architectural expression.”

Of the 33 apartments proposed, 21 will be three-bedroom residences. The remaining mix includes nine two-bedroom apartments, one one-bedroom apartment and two four-bedroom residences. The development will be supported by 62 car parking spaces and 33 secure bicycle spaces.

The proposal would replace two single-storey brick buildings currently on the site.

<img alt="St Ives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21422eaf-09a9-4439-9278-b9bd9daf22a1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-04%20at%201.38.10%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=v.fXSgcUcEscvOZzqcjG5nk3gVqk_Amt" />

St Ives remains a relatively untapped market for new apartment development. North Shore developer WINIM has a number of projects in the area, while INCA is nearing completion of Ellis Residences.

More recently, Traders In Purple has lodged plans for one of the denser projects proposed in the suburb, a 75-apartment development on a 5,900 sqm site on Cowan Road.

NewQuest, a construction, design and development firm, has delivered over 24 projects across commercial, residential, industrial, and lad markets.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: NewQuest Property proposes new St Ives apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/centa-property-group">Centa Property Group</a> has achieved two major milestones at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bilinga-house-107-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">Bilinga House</a> apartment development in the sought-after southern Gold Coast.

They've almost sold 50 per cent of the Golden Four Drive building, while at the same time announcing the commencement of construction through reputable builder Greyburn Construction.

The boutique 10-storey building, with 47 two- and three-bedroom apartments, now has a mid-to-late 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5333]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed project is positioned just 200 metres from Bilinga Beach and brings a relatively rare apartment offering to a market that has seen limited new supply in recent years.

Residences have been designed to maximise natural light and ventilation, with open-plan interiors, generous glazing, and material palettes that reflect the surrounding coastal landscape.

Interiors incorporate engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, and custom joinery, with layouts designed to adapt to both permanent living and lock-and-leave use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5336]

Rothelowman Senior Project Leader Matthew Tencate said the design approach centres on liveability and community.

“Providing curated on-site amenities and communal spaces for residents that facilitate a sense of community, liveability, and wellness,” Tencate said.

Residents will have access to a suite of private amenities including a pool, gym, sauna, and communal alfresco areas, alongside practical features such as surfboard storage and bicycle facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5336]

Centa Property Group Director Jason Yuen said the project has been designed to appeal to a range of buyers seeking flexibility in how they use their property.

“Bilinga House is designed for those who want the best of both worlds – a modern beachside escape with the flexibility to generate income when you're not there,” Yuen said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5338]

Bilinga remains one of the quieter pockets of the Gold Coast, sitting between the more established hubs of Coolangatta and Palm Beach. Its appeal has strengthened in recent years, supported by proximity to the Gold Coast Airport and the Oceanway coastal path.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150037]

Bilinga House apartments snapped up as Greyburn commences construction

Breaking into the Sydney property market has long felt out of reach for many first home buyers, particularly as median house prices sit above $1.6 million and unit prices push beyond $900,000.

But entry points still exist in pockets of Greater Western Sydney, where pricing, government incentives, and product mix are aligning to make ownership more attainable.

Understanding where those opportunities sit, and how the numbers actually stack up, is becoming increasingly important for buyers weighing up their next move.

<h2>Work out what you can actually afford</h2>

Sydney is expensive, but it isn’t uniformly expensive. The Greater Parramatta region continues to offer comparatively accessible entry points, particularly for buyers open to alternative configurations like studios.

There's an assumption that a first home needs to be a certain size, that anything smaller than a one-bedder is a concession rather than a choice. That assumption doesn't hold up against what well-designed studios in the right location actually offer: immediate liveability, strong urban amenity, and a price point that makes the deposit target realistic rather than theoretical.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/mason-main-merrylands-249-259-merrylands-road-merrylands-nsw-2160">Mason &amp; Main</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a>'s multi-award winning precinct in Merrylands, studio apartments are unlike the typical studio configuration.

Starting from $498,000, the bedroom is fully enclosed, separated from the living area by a cavity sliding door, creating a genuinely private sleeping space that functions more like a one-bedroom apartment than a traditional open-plan studio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=359814]

At 42 sqm internally, with an open-plan kitchen, built-in robes, modern bathroom, and separate laundry, the apartments are designed for everyday liveability rather than short-term use.

With a five per cent deposit under the Federal Government's First Home Guarantee, that equates to a deposit of around $24,200, achievable for many first home buyers without the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

<h2>Understand the real cost of renting versus buying</h2>

For buyers weighing up the shift from renting to owning, the numbers are closer than many expect.

Here’s how the numbers stack up for a studio at Mason &amp; Main (based on a $498,000 purchase):

<ul>
	<li>Purchase price: $498,000</li>
	<li>Five per cent deposit (First Home Guarantee): ~$24,900</li>
	<li>Loan amount: ~$473,100</li>
	<li>Estimated mortgage repayment (6.29% variable, 30-year term): ~$675–$695/week*</li>
	<li>Estimated rental return: $590–$620/week*</li>
	<li>Rental yield: 6.16% - 6.47%</li>
</ul>

At this level, the gap between renting and owning is relatively narrow, particularly when factoring in long-term equity, with rental returns also making the apartments a viable option for investors.

The rental range reflects current asking rents for remaining studio stock in the development and, based on prevailing asking prices, equates to an indicative gross rental yield of up to 6.47 per cent.

For buyers seeking more internal space, Mason &amp; Main also offers a range of one-bedroom apartments from $629,000, alongside larger one-bedroom plus multipurpose room configurations priced from $680,000 - all priced under $800,000 and eligible for first home buyer incentives.

<ul>
	<li>Purchase price: $629,000</li>
	<li>20 per cent deposit: ~$125,800 (5% deposit on exchange: $31,450)</li>
	<li>Loan amount 80%: ~$503,200</li>
	<li>Estimated mortgage repayment: ~$720–$740/week*</li>
	<li>Estimated rental return: $650–$680/week*</li>
	<li>Rental yield:&nbsp;5.37% - 5.62%</li>
</ul>

One-bedroom apartments continue to present a balanced option for both owner-occupiers and investors, supported by steady rental demand across Western Sydney.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=359812]

<h2>Make sure you're across the government incentives</h2>

Government incentives continue to play a key role in reducing the upfront cost barrier.

At Mason &amp; Main, studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments are priced under $800,000, allowing eligible buyers to access a full stamp duty exemption under the NSW First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme.

On a $498,000 purchase, that represents a saving of roughly $17,900 that would otherwise need to be paid at settlement.

Combined with the First Home Guarantee, which enables purchases with as little as a five per cent deposit, the total capital required to secure a home is significantly reduced compared to traditional lending pathways.

<h2>No waiting, no uncertainty</h2>

For first home buyers who want to move sooner rather than later, Mason &amp; Main removes one of the more common pain points from the purchase process entirely. The development is already complete and move-in ready, meaning buyers can walk through the apartments, inspect the finishes, and have full certainty about what they're purchasing before signing anything.

Coronation brought in renowned architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> to design the development.&nbsp;

"The project's design drew inspiration from the area's rich heritage, in particular the nearby brickworks and aqueduct, infusing a contemporary perspective to seamlessly integrate historical influences into the design," Woods Bagot Principal Dom Alvaro says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=736]

<h2>Factor in location and lifestyle</h2>

Beyond the apartment itself, the surrounding infrastructure matters, particularly for a first purchase. Merrylands Station sits 350 metres from the development, putting the Parramatta CBD a five-minute drive away and the Sydney CBD roughly 25 minutes via the Western Line. Directly across the road is Stockland <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/merrylands-nsw-2160">Merrylands</a>, one of Greater Western Sydney's major retail centres.

At street level, Mason &amp; Main's own retail and dining precinct has more than 30 tenants trading, including Iftar, Macelleria, Hayat, San Churro, Yuzu, and Fat Jaks. Residents also have access to a resort-style pool, a Technogym-equipped gym, private dining rooms, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views across Parramatta, the Sydney CBD, and the Blue Mountains, all exclusive to the building.

Due to the mix of configurations, including studios which are rarely offered in today's new apartment market, first home buyers and investors have driven Mason &amp; Main to over 90 per cent sold.

Coronation Property Managing Director Joe Nahas says the development is driving a revitalisation of Merrylands, setting a high standard for future developments in the area.

Mason &amp; Main is move-in ready and is the latest in a series of award-winning mixed-use developments by Coronation Property.

Disclaimer: Mortgage repayment figures are estimates only, based on a 6.29 per cent variable rate over a 30-year term (Canstar, April 2026). Pricing and rental estimates are indicative and based on current listings and project information. Gross yield figures are indicative and derived from asking prices and estimated rental ranges. Stamp duty savings are indicative only. Buyers should seek independent financial and legal advice before proceeding.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=31751]

How first home buyers can enter the Sydney property market for under $500k

Australia’s housing debate has rarely been more urgent. The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council forecasts the country could fall around 262,000 homes short of housing needs by 2029, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing planners, governments and developers.

In response, much of the conversation has centred on high-density towers around transport corridors and strategic centres.

Diversified developer Coronation Property, while also focused on well-located, strategic sites, is incorporating an arguably underutilised typology, the terrace.

Difficult to integrate into true high-rise developments, terraces have become a defining feature of Coronation’s lower-rise portfolio, including projects in Ashbury and Erskineville. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/ashbury-terraces-165-171-milton-street-ashbury-nsw-2193">Ashbury Terraces</a> places a stronger emphasis on this housing type, forming part of a broader community mix.

At its Erskineville development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, terraces are more limited, with just a handful&nbsp;included within the wider, predominantly apartment-led precinct, one of the first developments to launch in Erskineville in several years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=368392]

Terrace residents at Lillian benefit from many of the same advantages as apartment owners, the lock-up-and-leave lifestyle and access to shared amenities like the rooftop wellness space, but with significantly more space.

Spanning multiple levels, the terraces also feature front and rear courtyards, providing direct access to the central landscaped gardens within the precinct.

<h3 data-end="212" data-section-id="1n97jye" data-start="191">The terrace model</h3>

Terrace housing has long been part of Australia’s urban fabric. From Paddington and Surry Hills to Glebe and Annandale, rows of terrace homes have shaped neighbourhood streets, offering a housing form that sits between detached houses and apartments.

The contemporary terrace, however, addresses many of the limitations of older designs, where narrow staircases and constrained layouts often compromised liveability.

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“Terraces represent one of the city’s most intelligent housing models,” says Joe Nahas, Managing Director of Coronation Property.

“They deliver density without losing the human scale that makes neighbourhoods liveable. In many ways, they provide a bridge between the Sydney we know and the Sydney we need to build. If Sydney is going to grow well, it can’t rely on towers alone.”

<hr data-end="1090" data-start="1087" />
<h3 data-end="1124" data-section-id="1a7l0gw" data-start="1092">The evolution of the terrace</h3>

That thinking has shaped Coronation’s approach at Ashbury Terraces, where the terrace typology has been reinterpreted for modern living.

Designed by SJB, the project recently received recognition at the 2026 Better Future World Design Awards, acknowledging its architectural clarity and response to the surrounding suburban context.

SJB Director Adam Haddow says the intent was to evolve a familiar housing form rather than reinvent it.

“The terrace is one of Sydney’s most familiar housing forms, so our approach at Ashbury was to reinterpret that typology in a contemporary way,” Haddow says.

“The homes are designed to sit comfortably within the existing neighbourhood while introducing more light, landscape and shared spaces that support modern living.”

Ashbury Terraces combines terraces, apartments and penthouses across a series of low-rise buildings, integrating contemporary architecture with landscaped communal spaces and resident amenity.

That same typology is now being carried into Coronation’s Lillian development in Erskineville, where a smaller number of terraces sit within a predominantly apartment-led precinct.

<hr data-end="2269" data-start="2266" />
<h3 data-end="2289" data-section-id="cazuws" data-start="2271">Buyer response</h3>

Coronation’s decision to include terraces at Lillian was informed by strong buyer feedback from Ashbury Terraces, where purchasers were drawn to the flexibility and scale the housing type offers.

One resident, Sweta Pursem, purchased a terrace as a single buyer, citing its long-term versatility.

“As a single buyer, it might seem surprising that I chose a terrace over an apartment, but I was thinking long term,” Pursem says.

“The terraces are incredibly versatile, catering to a range of lifestyles while still offering the space and privacy of a house.”

For Pursem, the multi-level layout provides a level of functionality not typically found in apartment living.

“Having a separate living area from the bedroom and home office makes everyday living feel both functional and comfortable. When friends and family come to visit, the layout gives a sense of privacy while still feeling open and spacious.”

Her terrace also supports a more connected, lifestyle-driven way of living.

“I love entertaining, and the courtyard is ideal for relaxed weekend drinks with friends. I tend to use each level differently throughout the day, it creates a natural rhythm between work, downtime and entertaining, which I didn’t have in apartment living.”

Ashbury Terraces is now complete and ready to move in, while Lillian in Erskineville is under construction and expected to welcome residents in mid-2027.

Coronation champions terraces as a key piece of Sydney’s housing mix

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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Question: Which suburb in Melbourne is having the greatest influence on land values across all of Melbourne?
Is it Toorak, Brighton, Hawthorn or is it Albert Park?
These are very influential suburbs and more expensive than the suburb we think is Melbourne’s most influential land value suburb. But it is not any of these.
No, Melbourne’s most influential land suburb is (drum roll please) Balwyn; and it has been since 2008 and possibly since the late 1990s. What happens in Balwyn has been driving Melbourne land prices.
A-grade land in Balwyn at Easter 2015 is now firmly at $3000 per square metre. This is evidenced by multiple sales, including the auction we were at over the long weekend at 58 Metung Avenue, Balwyn.
Quick little auction report on 58 Metung:
The block is a marginally undersized block, in a ‘name’ street, in the Balwyn High school zone; but other than that, it is most unremarkable. West-facing with an average frontage and a “no value” bulldozer home on it. There were 80 people who felt compelled to rock up to participate in or watch this outcome. After a solid opening start at $1.8 million from ourselves, we saw only four more bids from the three bidders. It was all over in a flash at $1,950,000 under the hammer. At 650 square metres in size, our maths says that it sold for exactly $3,000 per square metre.
Supporting evidence of this is 5 Winmalee, Balwyn (Richard Winneke) which sold the week before at $3001 per square metre for a bulldozer 781 square metre home.
Both these addresses are almost North-Balwyn, not Canterbury-Balwyn.
In the last seven years, Balwyn has been both the saviour and the devil for many Melburnian home buyers.
Question: Why is Balwyn all powerful in terms of land value influences?
Answer: Overseas buyers value homes higher than local buyers and this has put pressure on overall prices. Overseas buyers have the wealth in numbers to back their valuations.
Yes, but why Balwyn?
<ol>
<li>Schools</li>
<li>History – it’s close to earlier established Chinese communities in Box Hill and Doncaster</li>
<li>Chinese people like new-build homes and Balwyn has fewer council restrictions to bulldoze than, say, Hawthorn</li>
</ol>
Balwyn (and Kew) saved Melbourne property from the GFC in 2008.
Balwyn and Kew were the leaders in GFC times, when the FIRB law changes opened the floodgates on the previously steady interest from Overseas Buyers. This massive increase in interest turned the struggling Melbourne GFC housing market into a hotbed of excitement. Read Our 2009 James Market News Archives.
Now in 2015, Balwyn is seen as a negative by local Australian buyers. The once welcome bidding from overseas, is still welcome by downsizing sellers; but it’s certainly no longer welcome by local buyers, as many have been forced out of the market.
Balwyn is affecting markets far wider than Balwyn itself.
Balwyn is now consistently more expensive than most of Bayside. Yep that’s right, Balwyn is now more expensive than a lot of Hampton, almost all of Sandringham and its line ball with a fair part of Brighton and Elwood.
Remember when Balwyn North and Beaumaris were comparable in dollar terms? There is now a vast chasm.
Below is part of our new updated land value data which is now current (Easter 2015).
<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/2015/03/wow-50-of-the-auctions-we-covered-today-were-volcanoes/easter-land-bayside/" rel="attachment wp-att-49307"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-49307" src="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Easter-Land-Bayside-597x448.jpg" alt="Easter Land Bayside" width="597" height="448"></a>
<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/2015/03/wow-50-of-the-auctions-we-covered-today-were-volcanoes/easter-land-inner-east/" rel="attachment wp-att-49306"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-49306" src="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Easter-Land-Inner-East-597x448.jpg" alt="Easter Land Inner East" width="597" height="448"></a>
Source: James Buyer Advocates
About James Land Values Above:
<ul>
<li>Please note these values represent an overview. They are guides.</li>
<li>We have done a fair bit of rounding, so as to simplify the different and changing values in Melbourne land.</li>
<li>Values change dramatically with:</li>
</ul>
+ Views + “Name streets” + Wide frontages + Auction iinterest
- Main road - Irregular block - Weaker precincts - High vendors
<ul>
<li>There are some auction results that we consider are outliers, in that they appear to us to be under or over the market</li>
<li>Some houses, eg ones that cannot be bulldozed are, in 2015, actually discounting the land value; such is the insatiable appetite by overseas buyers for land you can build on.</li>
<li>These values, vary from street to street and in this market can change in a month or so eg before Christmas 2014 and after New Year 2015.  The above are guides only to show comparisons and should not be relied on in specific instances without further professional due diligence.</li>
</ul>
Land Price Acceleration: Volcano Auction Prices (4+ Bidders) have risen 10% on bigger land – November 2014 to February 2015!
That’s right 10% or $200,000 on a $2 million block of land. Of course there are exceptions higher and lower.
This will have major flow on effects on new home prices in these areas in the months to come.
But really it’s no surprise to experienced and longer term market watchers. 
With a herd mentality and ‘panic’ comes opportunity
<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/2015/03/easter-2015-james-land-value-guides-for-inner-melbourne/5km/" rel="attachment wp-att-49345"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-49345" src="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/5km-597x448.jpg" alt="5km" width="597" height="448"></a>
Opportunity One:
Really this is true. Hands up who can name one suburb in Melbourne where you can buy 600 square metres plus blocks within 5 kilometres of the CBD – with all the infrastructure you could want and a gentrifying attitude and it’s still around $2,000 per square metre? We’ve deliberately left it off the land maps above.
Yes the game has changed, but there are still opportunities.
<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/2015/03/wow-50-of-the-auctions-we-covered-today-were-volcanoes/opportunity-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-49322"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-49322" src="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Opportunity1-597x448.jpg" alt="Opportunity" width="597" height="448"></a>
Opportunity Two:
Bayside may have been undervalued for years and we have been buying for many clients for many years. But the genie is leaking out.
We recently bought Brickwood Street, Brighton (David Hart) for an investor client. It was a smart buy on their behalf. It is getting harder and will continue to do so for investors and home buyers alike, if the tsunami of overseas interest continues to hit Bayside over the next few years. See above graphic from our James Client Land Guides for comparable kilometre distances.
<a href="https://marketnews.com.au/2015/03/easter-2015-james-land-value-guides-for-inner-melbourne/kew-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-49347"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-49347" src="https://marketnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/kew1-597x448.jpg" alt="kew" width="597" height="448"></a>
Opportunity Three:
In Melbourne right now land values “drop per square metre” when certain types of homes are attached.
So yes, you can bid against overseas buyers on land only buys at auction time. But if you think laterally, you may find a better deal. We are recommending those opportunities to our clients.
In 15 years time a brand new home will look the same and probably be valued the same as a 90s home is now. Buildings can go up in value for the first few years, eg seven to ten years. After that they tend to fall in value.
 
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maljames-vHwm28JUAa

The suburb that is most influential on Melbourne's land values: Mal James

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The number of homes transacting across the Latrobe-Gippsland region has fallen over the 12 months to November 2014, down 7% compared to November 2013, according to recent CoreLogic RP Date research.
Despite the fact that less properties have transacted over the year, property values across the region continue to climb, up 5.1% for houses and 5.5% for units over the year to December 2014.
Latrobe-Gippsland homes are taking a long time to sell currently, 118 days for houses and 122 days for units, however it is noted that this is an improvement when compared to the same time last year when homes were taking 121 days and 130 days to sell for houses and units respectively. 
Click to open in new window:
<a href="/images/2015/03/16/latrobe-mar-16-one.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2015/03/16/latrobe-mar-16-one.jpg" alt=""></a>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

House transactions decline in Latrobe-Gippsland region: CoreLogic RP Data

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Abercromby's have a house on Lake Eildon in central Victoria listed for sale.
Lakewood was featured in the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.amazon.com/100-Dream-Houses-Down-Under/dp/1864703016" target="_blank">100 Dream Houses from Downunder</a>.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/lakewood-360-campagnolos-road-mansfield/Property-Details-buy-residential-8303160" target="_blank">360 Campagnolos Road, Mansfield</a> has $2.5 million hopes through Abercromby's agent Tim Bennetts.
Designed by architects BBP with views across Lake Eildon's Delatite Arm, it is primarily constructed from glass and steel.
It has eight bedrooms, multiple living areas, state of the art kitchen and boat shed on its 18 acres.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Lake Eildon home worthy of the 100 Dream Houses from Downunder

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In 2014 a total of $53.7 billion, over one billion dollars a week, was spent on Melbourne residential real estate.
This is an increase from the $52.9 billion in 2013 and $43.8 billion in 2012, reflecting the overall growth in the market over the last few years. It is worth noting that last year was still slightly below the all time record of $54 billion in 2010.
The citywide changes are also reflected at a suburban level.
Whilst the top 10 Melbourne suburbs ranked by the total spent on residential real estate did not show a lot of change between 2013 and 2014, the amount spent did.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Highest-spend-by-suburb-2014.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4422]"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-4423 size-full" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Highest-spend-by-suburb-2014.jpg" alt="Highest spend by suburb 2014" width="652" height="282"></a>
Top of the list was Brighton. Last year an average of $2.3 million was spent every day in Brighton property purchases and $378,213 more every day than the previous year.
This pushed the entire value of sales from $700 million to $841 million. Brighton may have a higher value of sales than any other suburb, however the increase was dwarfed by the rises recorded in Melbourne, Glen Waverley, Kew and Toorak.
In 2013 for instance, $1.49 million was spent on units in the suburb of Melbourne and this rose by half a million dollars a day to $2.05 million. This rise is partly due to the increased prices being paid and partly the increased construction.
Glen Waverley recorded the most significant difference.. Over the course of the year $233 million more was spent on houses which in turn pushed the median house price up from $807,000 to $970,000. Neighbouring Mount Waverley also saw a significant rise of $311,747 on a daily basis.
Key points:
<ul>
<li>Over one billion dollars a day was spent of residential real estate last year 
</li>
<li>Brighton recorded the highest spend, $842 million 
</li>
<li>Glen Waverley recorded a $233 million rise</li>
</ul>
WEEKEND AUCTION PREVIEW
There are 1,459 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 1,414 for the same time last year. The highest volume of auctions in a single suburb will be found in Reservoir where 29 are expected. There are 26 scheduled in St Kilda and 24 in Brighton.
The compressed autumn auction market, the three weeks between Labour Day and Easter, are delivering excellent results to vendors with clearance rates tracking nearly 10 points above the same time last year while simultaneously showing high volumes.
At the end of last year the market appeared to have a slowing trend but the interest rate cut has clearly reversed that.
Citywide across the private sale market over the past week the time on market results for houses sold at private sale fell to 31 days, down from 32 days in the previous week. Overall vendor discounting contracted to -5.2% from -5.4%.
Key data:
<ul>
<li>Clearance rate week ending 22 March: 77.1% 
</li>
<li>Melbourne auctions expected week ending 29 March: 1,459 
</li>
<li>Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 22 March: 31 days (houses) 
</li>
<li>Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 22 March: -5.2% (houses) 
</li>
<li>Listings being prepared for market are 11.2% higher in the month ending 22 March (seasonally adjusted)</li>
</ul>
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rlarocca-zWhvjay44N

More than a billion dollars a week spent on Melbourne property in 2014: Robert Larocca

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It will come as no surprise that there are very few three or four bedroom apartments in the CBD, Docklands or Southbank.
Developers frequently cite market demand as the reason why they don’t build larger high-density dwellings.
A review of data from the apartments advertised for sale in the past two years shows that the size of dwellings does vary between the three inner city suburbs of Melbourne, Docklands and Southbank.
Across those three suburbs, 43 of the 3,966 homes had four or more bedrooms.
Three bedroom apartments where rare but slightly more plentiful with 434 advertised for sale. They were mostly found in Southbank and Docklands.
Almost one in two apartments in the suburb of Melbourne were one bedroom but they are far less plentiful in Docklands and Southbank, accounting for around 25% of the housing.
It is interesting to see the differences in the type of apartments between Melbourne and Docklands/Southbank.
From the perspective of the number of bedrooms Docklands and Southbank are the home to larger apartments than Melbourne. One-bedroom apartments accounted for 23% of apartments in Docklands and 28% in Southbank. In the suburb of Melbourne the comparable number is 47%.
Clearly, developers are providing different dwellings in different suburbs. This is also obvious when a comparison is made to a very different apartment market such as bayside Brighton where 9% had one bedroom, three bedroom apartments comprised 34% of the market, and two bedroom apartments were the majority at 53%.
What is also clear is that if you are looking for a four bedroom unit then it will take a very long time.
Key points
<ul>
<li>Across 2013 and 2014 only 1% of apartments advertised for sale in Melbourne had four bedrooms</li>
<li>Two bedroom apartments are more likely to be found in Southbank and Docklands than Melbourne</li>
<li>In Brighton only 9% of apartments had one bedroom</li>
</ul>
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Only one out of 100 apartments has four bedrooms in Melbourne’s CBD: Robert Larocca

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Bathing Box 6 at Dendy Street Beach in the beachside suburb of Brighton will be auctioned on 28 March.
The beach box on the well known strip is located near the Brighton Lifesaving Club.
John Clarkson of hockingstuart is marketing <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/bathing-box-6-dendy-street-beach-brighton/Property-Details-buy-residential-8489600" target="_blank">the blue and yellow bathing box</a>, with $150,000 plus price expectations.
Last year, he sold a new Brighton bathing box, 57a, <a href="/news/vic/200-000-plus-hopes-for-bright-new-bathing-box-on-brighton-beach">for $215,000</a>.
The agent has lengthy history with the suburbs' bathing boxes, being the first to auction one in 1999, for $58,000.
The highest known price for a Brighton bathing box was set in 2011 at $260,000.
While bathing boxes may be Brighton icons, they are known to fetch much more elsewhere in Victoria. In Portsea, the record for a boatshed sale was set in 2011 at $585,000. At an <a href="/expert-insights/buying/no-record-as-portsea-boatshed-fetches-553-000-at-australia-day-2015-weekend-auction">Australia Day auction this year</a>, one sold for $553,000.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Brighton Bathing Box listed with $150,000 guide

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Toorak truimphs among the 59 suburbs in Melbourne that currently have a median house price of $1 million or more, according to the REIV.
Of these, 36 suburbs had more than 30 sales in the December 2014 quarter. 
There were eight new entrants to this list over the quarter: East Melbourne, Flinders, Carlton North, Clifton Hill, Richmond, Northcote, Aberfeldie and Strathmore. 
Carlton, North Melbourne, Fairfield, Moonee Ponds and Bentleigh fell off the list in the latest quarter.
Melbourne's $1 million plus suburbs:
<table style="width: 460px;" dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="162">
<col width="100">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TOORAK"]'>TOORAK</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2850000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,850,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DEEPDENE*"]'>DEEPDENE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2250000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,250,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CANTERBURY*"]'>CANTERBURY*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2201000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,201,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"EAST MELBOURNE*"]'>EAST MELBOURNE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2087500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,087,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FLINDERS*"]'>FLINDERS*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2070000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,070,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"KEW"]'>KEW</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2035000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,035,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BRIGHTON"]'>BRIGHTON</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2000000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$2,000,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MALVERN"]'>MALVERN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1912500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,912,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ARMADALE"]'>ARMADALE</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1900000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,900,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BALWYN"]'>BALWYN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1800000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,800,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAMBERWELL"]'>CAMBERWELL</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1775000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,775,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HAWTHORN EAST"]'>HAWTHORN EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1725000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,725,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MIDDLE PARK*"]'>MIDDLE PARK*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1717500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,717,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MONT ALBERT*"]'>MONT ALBERT*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1700000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,700,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"GLEN IRIS"]'>GLEN IRIS</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1570000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,570,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"EAGLEMONT*"]'>EAGLEMONT*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1560000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,560,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SURREY HILLS"]'>SURREY HILLS</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1525000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,525,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HAWTHORN"]'>HAWTHORN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1515000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,515,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"IVANHOE EAST*"]'>IVANHOE EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1503750]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,503,750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BALWYN NORTH"]'>BALWYN NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1503000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,503,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BLACK ROCK*"]'>BLACK ROCK*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1500000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,500,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ELWOOD*"]'>ELWOOD*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1500000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,500,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ALBERT PARK"]'>ALBERT PARK</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1452000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,452,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"HAMPTON"]'>HAMPTON</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1450000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,450,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MALVERN EAST"]'>MALVERN EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1432500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,432,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAULFIELD NORTH"]'>CAULFIELD NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1401000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,401,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAULFIELD*"]'>CAULFIELD*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1375000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,375,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BOX HILL*"]'>BOX HILL*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1359000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,359,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BRIGHTON EAST"]'>BRIGHTON EAST</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1350000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,350,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"KEW EAST*"]'>KEW EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1305500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,305,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MCKINNON*"]'>MCKINNON*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1292500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,292,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SOUTH YARRA"]'>SOUTH YARRA</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1290000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,290,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SANDRINGHAM"]'>SANDRINGHAM</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1282500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,282,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FITZROY*"]'>FITZROY*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1279500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,279,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"IVANHOE"]'>IVANHOE</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1270750]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,270,750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ELSTERNWICK"]'>ELSTERNWICK</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1255250]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,255,250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CAULFIELD SOUTH"]'>CAULFIELD SOUTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1250000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,250,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"SOUTH MELBOURNE*"]'>SOUTH MELBOURNE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1243000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,243,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PARK ORCHARDS*"]'>PARK ORCHARDS*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1210000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,210,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ASHBURTON"]'>ASHBURTON</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1200000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,200,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PORT MELBOURNE"]'>PORT MELBOURNE</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1180000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,180,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CARLTON NORTH"]'>CARLTON NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1160000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,160,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"PRAHRAN"]'>PRAHRAN</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1160000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,160,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ALPHINGTON*"]'>ALPHINGTON*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1140000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,140,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"CLIFTON HILL*"]'>CLIFTON HILL*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1140000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,140,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MONT ALBERT NORTH*"]'>MONT ALBERT NORTH*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1140000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,140,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ORMOND*"]'>ORMOND*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1102000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,102,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"BEAUMARIS"]'>BEAUMARIS</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1100000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,100,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"GLEN WAVERLEY"]'>GLEN WAVERLEY</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1095000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,095,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"RICHMOND"]'>RICHMOND</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1071000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,071,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"NORTHCOTE"]'>NORTHCOTE</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1065000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,065,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ST KILDA"]'>ST KILDA</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1060000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,060,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ABERFELDIE*"]'>ABERFELDIE*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1050000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,050,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"STRATHMORE"]'>STRATHMORE</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1026000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,026,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"MURRUMBEENA"]'>MURRUMBEENA</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1022500]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,022,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"DONCASTER"]'>DONCASTER</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1020000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,020,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"TEMPLESTOWE"]'>TEMPLESTOWE</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1014000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,014,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"ST KILDA EAST*"]'>ST KILDA EAST*</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1010000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,010,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"FITZROY NORTH"]'>FITZROY NORTH</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,1010000]" data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]'>$1,010,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: REIV
* denotes less than 30 sales in the quarter
</body></html>

Toorak triumphs with Melbourne's highest median house price: REIV

<html><body>
RealAs advised 80% of home auctions in metropolitan Melbourne suburbs were "underquoted" in February 2015 with buyer price guidance.
Box Hill South had the biggest gap between estate agent price guidance and the final auction selling price.
The realAs website alleges Victoria holds the title as the worst underquoting state in Australia.
<table style="width: 460px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="22">
<col width="150">
<col width="90">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
 
</td>
<td>
Top 10 VIC gaps
</td>
<td>
Sold Price vsAgent Quote
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
1
</td>
<td>
Box Hill South
</td>
<td>
32%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2
</td>
<td>
Bulleen
</td>
<td>
31%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
3
</td>
<td>
Templestowe Lower
</td>
<td>
30%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
4
</td>
<td>
Burwood
</td>
<td>
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
Armadale
</td>
<td>
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
6
</td>
<td>
Carlton North
</td>
<td>
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
7
</td>
<td>
Doncaster
</td>
<td>
28%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
8
</td>
<td>
Burwood East
</td>
<td>
28%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
9
</td>
<td>
Caulfield South
</td>
<td>
27%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
10
</td>
<td>
Carnegie
</td>
<td>
27%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
 
</td>
<td>
Source: realAs.com
</td>
<td>
  
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The realAs.com price predictions website was co-founded by Australia’s first buyers’ advocate, David Morrell.
</body></html>

Box Hill South agents can't get their price estimates close to auction results: realAs

<html><body>
Two homes, just a kilometre apart, in Aireys Inlet are among this year's Easter auction offerings.
The double storey home with ocean views in Fairhaven will be auctioned on Sunday 5 April.
Set on a 920 square metre parcel, the home perched atop a cliff has views of a 6 kilometre stretch of Fairhaven beach. The three bedroom house, renovated in 2010, has direct beach access. Natural materials feature prominently, with timber cladding, columns and ceilings.
Agents Marty Maher and Mim Atkinson of Great Ocean Properties Aireys Inlet are expecting $2.75 million to $3 million for <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/26-lialeeta-road-fairhaven/Property-Details-buy-residential-8401114" target="_blank">26 Lialeeta Road</a> (pictured above).
Nearby <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/8-river-reserve-road-aireys-inlet/Property-Details-buy-residential-8145724" target="_blank">8 River Reserve Road in Aireys Inlet</a> (pictured below) will be auctioned the day before by the same agents, on 4 Saturday April.
<img src="/images/2015/03/16/aireys%20inlety%20march%2016%20one.jpg" alt="">
The distinctive house is marked by a glass atrium at the entrance, which holds a spiral staircase leading up to the upper level and the rooftop terrace. The four bedroom, four bathroom house includes a gas open fire and views over the river valley.
It comes with $950,000 to $1 million price expectations.
Victoria's coastal Easter long weekend auctions aren't restricted to Aireys Inlet. <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/148-150-back-beach-road-portsea/Property-Details-buy-residential-8445140" target="_blank">148-150 Back Beach Road in Portsea</a> (pictured below), a five bedroom home, will be auctioned on Sunday 5 March.
<img src="/images/2015/03/16/portsea%20%20march%2016%20one.jpg" alt="">
Known as Lido, the two storey house and its gardens span two titles at 1,500 square metres, with views over Port Philip Bay. The house with a pool is mareted by Kay and Burton agents Liz Jensen and Linda Boulter.
Jensen is also marketing <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/4-benjamin-parade-blairgowrie/Property-Details-buy-residential-8444826" target="_blank">4 Benjamin Parade in Blaigowrie</a>, which is to be auctioned an hour later, with David Heathcote.
While some vendors have chosen to take their homes to auction on the traditionally quiet Easter weekend, it seems the bulk of Victoria's coastal auctions will occur the weekend after. The second weekend of April will see Sorrento's <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/3492-point-nepean-road-sorrento/Property-Details-buy-residential-8481806" target="_blank">3492 Point Nepean Road</a> (pictured below) go under the hammer through Max Prentice of Prentice Real Estate in conjunction with Hodges' Andrew Boyce.
<img src="/images/2015/03/16/sorrento%20mar%2016%20two.jpg" alt="">
The two cliffside allotments will be offered through executor's auction. Lot 2, which is accessed through Netley Avenue, is 1,592 square metres. Lot 3 is 2,789 square metres, and accessible from Point Nepean Road.
</body></html>

Two Aireys Inlet homes among coastal Victorian Easter auctions

<html><body>
The Melbourne housing market weakened over 2014, down by an underperforming local economy, according to the Domain Group senior economist, Andrew Wilson.
It was reflected in Melbourne recording price growth of 4.1% over the year, well down on the 10% recorded over 2013.
<img src="/images/2015/03/12/melbourne-mar-12-one.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
But Melbourne has commenced 2015 in "solid to strong fashion" with activity in the local auction market clearly tracking ahead of the weaker results recorded over late spring and early summer in 2014. 
"Interest rate cuts are fuelling increased confidence with inner suburban regions particularly active," Wilson said.
Melbourne’s mid and upper price ranges, and eastern suburban regions in particular, were the best performers in 2014 with these sectors expected to continue to prove resilient through 2015 as aspirational buyers remain active. 
"Lower interest rates through 2015 will offset weakening economic activity although budget priced outer suburban markets are likely to remain subdued," Wilson said.
"The prospect of a stronger stock market through 2015 will continue to activate prestige buyers. 
"This market sector reported a solid 2014."
<img src="/images/2015/03/12/melbourne-mar-12-two.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
Wilson said overall Melbourne house prices were set to record similar growth in 2015 compared to 2014. 
"The prospects for a solid autumn season and a moderate spring season continue to be dependent on a stable and improving economic environment," he forecast.
"The Melbourne median house price will increase by between 3 and 5 percent over 2015 with the autumn season likely to produce the best results."
<img src="/images/2015/03/12/melbourne-mar-12-three.jpg" alt="">
Source: Domain Group
Sales this week in Melbourne's eastern suburbs highlight the emerging depth of prestige buyers.
Jock Langley at Abercromby's has sold <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/12-washington-street-toorak/Property-Details-buy-residential-8294460" target="_blank">12 Washington Street, Toorak</a> on the back of a major pre-auction offer. The 2001 house in Paul Bangay gardens had been quoted at $6 million plus for its March 17 private auction.
Late yesterday several parties gathered inside <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/106-stanhope-street-malvern/Property-Details-buy-residential-8312666" target="_blank">106 Stanhope Street, Malvern</a> (pictured above) for a private auction, with it selling under the hammer at around $1 million above the $4 million plus lower guidance expectations. 
Midlothian, the 1891 Malvern property had been renovated by the current vendors by Rosenthal, Munckton and Shields in 1997 and then further enhanced by the addition of a superb pool-side studio, with sub-floor heating, from the same architects in 2006.
Langley says just about every premium offering now has multiple buyers running on it, which is a sign of the depth and heat in the market.
</body></html>

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