Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Joel Robinson

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

When the opportunity arose for South Australian developer Palumbo to return to Kent Town, where it had previously delivered East Park Apartments and the East 
Rundle Apartments, it wasn't one the longstanding developer-builder was going to pass up.

The decision was quickly vindicated, with more than 30 apartments sold within the first month of launching <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/royal-apartments-kent-town-2-8-north-terrace-kent-town-sa-5067">Royal Apartments</a> to the market.

The 206-apartment development, which will bring significant new supply to Adelaide's tightly held eastern city fringe, also gives <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/palumbo">Palumbo</a> the opportunity to bring new life to one of Kent Town's most recognisable watering holes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376073]

Royal Apartments incorporates the historic Royal Hotel, a venue Palumbo Managing Director Daniel Palumbo said has a longstanding connection with the local community.

"Everyone in the area has history with the Royal Hotel," Palumbo told Apartments.com.au.

"It was quite an active pub and social gathering place for locals. We want to bring it back to its former glory."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376072]

The wider development will comprise two residential towers alongside the restored hotel, sitting on North Terrace opposite the Adelaide Park Lands.

For Palumbo, the project also marks a return to familiar territory.

The developer completed East Park Apartments next door more than a decade ago and jumped at the opportunity to develop in Kent Town again when the Royal Hotel site became available.

"The opportunity emerged, and we moved to secure the site," Palumbo said.

"We were approached by the previous landowner, who said they had extensive commitments in Sydney and weren't in a position to deliver the project.

"We took over the site and within six months recut the design scheme to be more in keeping with the type of development we want to bring to Adelaide.

"Now we're on the market and those changes have really resonated with local buyers."

That has translated into a strong start to sales, with 33 apartments transacting in the project's first 35 days.

Palumbo said the early purchaser profile had been consistent with the group's traditional focus on owner-occupiers rather than investor-led apartment stock.

"Local owner-occupiers have always been our market," he said.

"There are always some investors, but we've never developed what would be called traditional development stock. Owner-occupiers are very much our market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376068]

The buyer mix has been diverse so far, with downsizers and younger professionals both accounting for a significant portion of early sales.

South Australia's current stamp duty settings, which allow&nbsp;eligible homeowners in South Australia aged 60 savings of up to $103,830 on stamp duty when they downsize to a new property valued at up to $2 million,&nbsp;have helped encourage downsizer activity, while younger buyers in their late 20s and early 30s have been attracted to the opportunity to live immediately outside the CBD while still being able to walk into the city.



Location has been a major part of the proposition for both buyer cohorts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376075]

Royal Apartments sits on North Terrace directly opposite the Adelaide Park Lands, with residents able to walk through the parklands toward the East End, Rundle Street and Rundle Mall.

Apartments have been positioned to capture views across the parklands, Adelaide skyline, Botanic Gardens and Adelaide Hills.

Palumbo believes the scarcity of developable land along this section of the Park Lands makes the site particularly difficult to replicate.

"There's very few allotments on that side that can be developed," he said.

"If this location was in New York and you were sitting on Central Park, you'd be talking about a $60 million apartments."

Royal Apartments will offer a broad mix of residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to four-bedroom sub-penthouses and penthouses.

Current listings include one-bedroom apartments from $680,000, while larger three and four-bedroom residences are priced around $2.5 million.

Residents will have access to a swimming pool, gym, barbecue and recreation areas, residents' lounge and dining space, and a communal deck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6109 project_image_fid=376067]

The apartments will feature generous balconies, while secure parking, bicycle storage and storage cages will also be provided.

A porte-cochère-style arrival and drop-off area has also resonated with buyers, particularly those attracted to being able to walk into the CBD during the day while retaining secure vehicle access at home.

Palumbo is acting as developer, architect and builder on Royal Apartments, continuing the vertically integrated model it has used across its South Australian portfolio.

The group was also behind the $150 million Sofitel Adelaide, the 251-room five-star hotel and residential tower which opened in 2021.

Palumbo said Royal's launch had come at an interesting time for the broader Adelaide apartment market.

Buyer confidence had initially been impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Federal Budget and broader economic conditions, but Palumbo believes sentiment is beginning to improve against a backdrop of significant investment flowing into South Australia.

He pointed to increased activity across defence and resources, including Olympic Dam, as potential long-term drivers of the state's economy and housing market.

"Money is starting to flow into Adeliade, significant amounts as Adelaide bucks the trend of the rest of the country.," Palumbo said.

"There's a lot of activity in the economy over the next decade. I think more investment will come into this market."

Early works on Royal Apartments are expected to commence this year, with major construction activity and cranes anticipated on site from early next year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6109]

Palumbo's return to Kent Town strikes early chord with buyers

Go-to builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">GRAYA</a> is continuing to bulk out its already impressive and diverse apartment portfolio across South East Queensland. Their latest milestone is securing development approval for Silk, its boutique riverfront apartment development in St Lucia.

The approval clears&nbsp;the way for the team to begin construction planning for the 22-residence project.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/silk-st-lucia-16-18-sandford-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">Silk</a> will rise 15 levels from an 810 sqm site at 16-18 Sandford Street, occupying a prominent bend of the Brisbane River with a prized northern aspect across Orleigh Park toward the Brisbane CBD.

The approved scheme will comprise 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences, continuing GRAYA's move into larger-format apartment developments targeting Brisbane's prestige owner-occupier market.

The project has been designed around the site's broad river frontage and dual-direction views, with GRAYA prioritising larger residences, privacy and outlook over apartment yield.

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa5c2349-f96c-4914-a812-1f2cd6827af8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WY0vEU_7vYjeRJKQHiCwFdMxu8PvFh52" />

GRAYA Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Gray said the project had been shaped around local homeowners wanting to remain in St Lucia without maintaining a traditional family home.

"St Lucia is one of those suburbs people do not want to leave," Gray said.

"They know the river, the trees, UQ, the golf course, Toowong and Indooroopilly, and that familiarity is hard to replace.

"True riverfront opportunities here are exceptionally scarce. What we have designed at Silk is a way to stay in the suburb people love, with the scale and privacy of a private home and far less to maintain.

"This is not typical apartment product. It is a proper home on the river, and that is exactly what this market has been missing."

The approval comes as new apartment development continues to increase across the St Lucia and neighbouring Toowong corridor, although direct riverfront sites remain considerably more tightly held.

GRAYA Co-founder and Managing Director Andrew Gray said securing the approval had removed a significant element of development risk from Silk.

"Genuine riverfront sites of this quality in St Lucia are not something that comes up regularly," Gray said.

"The approval removes a substantial layer of execution risk, and the location underwrites demand in a way very few inner-city sites can.

"The fundamentals here are as strong as anything we have assessed in Brisbane."

<img alt="Silk St Lucia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f3d734-65e1-48e8-8ed3-2e0715ffcdd9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%208.25.56%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sOLSs_jdHkXLWbBKzRyayf5BfTb2vPsD" />

Silk will see GRAYA return to a stretch of the Brisbane River where it already has recent construction experience. The vertically integrated group recently completed ARC in neighbouring Toowong as builder for developer Spyre, delivering the riverfront project on a constrained site.

GRAYA will take a different role at Silk, controlling the project from design and development through construction and aftercare under its vertically integrated model.

The development will include a gym and resident leisure areas at ground level, integrated with the river's edge.

Silk joins a growing pipeline for GRAYA across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes Enclave, The Gallery, Coral and Ripple.

The developer-builder has also recently lodged plans for its largest project to date, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-silo-19-chester-street-newstead-qld-4006">The Silo</a>, a proposed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/graya-buys-frasers-newstead-site-plans-the-silo-between-james-street-and-gasworks-precincts">$700 million mixed-use development</a> in Brisbane's James Street precinct.

Silk is expected to predominantly target local owner-occupiers and prestige buyers seeking a permanent riverfront home in Brisbane's inner west.

Registrations of interest are now open, with further details on the project and construction program to be released as it progresses.

<hr />
<h2>SILK PROJECT FACTS</h2>

Developer-builder: GRAYA

Project: Silk

Location: 16-18 Sandford Street, St Lucia

Apartments: 22

Built form: 15 levels

Site: 810 sqm riverfront holding

Mix: 16 split-floor and six full-floor residences

Status: Development approved

Next step: Construction planning underway

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152168]

GRAYA greenlit for riverfront St Lucia apartment development, Silk

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?

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

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The latest Kay &amp; Burton video report confirms that One Towers Road, Toorak fetched $20 million-plus.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeopro.com/goldeneyemedia/kay-and-burton-report/video/68679281" target="_blank">The video</a> presented by Tracey Aitken gives viewers a look within the prestige offering by vendors Brian Watson and his wife, Edwina Le Maistre.
Even before the One Towers sale the prestige agency had notched $260 million in sales over April and May, its best result since 2010. The tally came from 124 sales.
Independently it has emerged Nigel Austin, the founder of the Cotton On chain, was the confirmed buyer of One Towers Road, Toorak.
It will be <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/one-towers-road-toorak-sells-but-falls-short-of-record/2013061662281">the home </a>of the Geelong born and based ragtrader and his expectant partner, Melanie.
There is no official confirmation of the actual price of the Georgian-style mansion on Towers Road, Toorak but Property Observer understands it to have fallen short of the Melbourne record of $24 million.
Property Observer gleans it sold for around $21 million, a very healthy result. The initial Fairfax Media report gave the sale price as a record breaking $25 million, and their revised $21.5 million price estimate came with the suggestion it represented a "bargain".
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Kay & Burton confirm One Towers Road Toorak fetched $20 million-plus

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The residential market in Sale and Traralgon is slow to stable with minimal movement in prices, according to property valuers Herron Todd White.
The valuers say for the best four to six year medium growth, the average buyer would be looking at the $200,000 to $400,000 price bracket.
The lower end of house prices, $200,000 and under, has slowed due to the removal of the first home buyers grant.
The valuers say the top end, $500,000 plus, is seeing vendors getting hurt due to over capitalising causing a sale loss, however a property in a strong location has the best chance of growth in this price range.
Herron Todd White say there has been an increase in renovations and extensions among home owners due to the high cost of land prices and building costs.
Home owners are staying put for a short term and then make a profit in the four to six year period.
The valuers say another option to consider  is the established home at the top end.
"With the high building costs, an established house at the top end may see growth in that four to six year period and I can’t see building costs coming down too quickly."
The valuers say a 1980s brick house in a good location is approximately $250,000.
They say this property should be renovated and the home owner shouldn't sell until five years later.
The valuers say buying an established property is a lot cheaper than building a new propert.
" A $400,000, five to 10 year old family home, with all improvements complete, is no cost to you.
"It is a lot more expensive to build, considering when land is $200,000, a new house is $250,000, suddenly you are at $450,000 and you don’t have concrete driveway, landscaping, shedding, fencing, paving?
"Yet the house which is 10 years old has all these and is probably in just as good a location."
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Gippsland opting for renovations and extensions due to high land prices and building costs: Herron Todd White

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Property valuers Herron Todd White say now is a good time to buy residential property in Melbourne with interest rates at record low levels.
"The Melbourne property market is currently a buyers' market, giving potential purchases the chance to shop around, and negotiate to find themselves a bargain.
“If you’re one of the many thinking about taking the metaphorical dive into property ownership and you want to be savvy about it, there are few things to consider.
“Properties with strong tenant demand and minimal holding costs will help to maximise you rental return; however homes with the potential for significant capital growth help to provide financial freedom in the long run."
The valuers say the equity built up can be used to purchase another property, which is beneficial for those looking to expand their portfolio.
For those looking for a house or unit with the potential for strong growth in the next four to six years, HTW says <a href="/news">West Footscray</a>, <a href="/news">Footscray</a> and <a href="/news">Maidstone </a>are showing positive signs for strong growth in the detached/semi detached market.
The suburbs are located within eight kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and are more available, with houses under $500,000.
Herron Todd White forecasts these areas to attract stronger demand due to their convenient location and as the trend towards high-density housing and gentrification continues.
Footscray is expected to profit from the proposed and current development in the area including the Footscray Railway Station redevelopment, Footscray Plaza Redevelopment and the Whitten oval Redevelopment, as well as being home to Victoria University, Western Hospital and Lonely Planet Publications.
Herron Todd White says the Melbourne 2030 planning strategy has designated Footscray as one of the major activity centres which are the preferred locations for future higher density residential land and mixed use development.
“All of these factors help to generate rental and investment demand in which the median house values are below that of surrounding areas which have already experienced gentrification and a shift in development plans.
"Like Footscray, Maidstone and West Footscray will benefit from the current and future development of the area.
"Both suburbs are located within eight kilometres of the CBD and offer greater housing affordability."
The valuers say a potential investor can expect to enter the West Footscray and Maidstone market with $535,000 and $498,000 being the median house price respectively.
Maidstone and West Footscray are located nearby the Maribyrnong Defence Site Redevelopment and the Maribyrnong/Footscray early years hub.
Areas of Maidstone also offer larger blocks and city views while development in West Footscray include the Barkly Village streetscape improvements and the West Footscray Railway Station redevelopment.
Image of Footscray by Steve Davidson, courtesy of Flickr.
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Melbourne property market a buyers' market; Footscray, West Footscray, Maidstone: Herron Todd White

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Little Parndon, the East Melbourne house built for colonial artist Eugene von Guerard fetched $1.75 million at its weekend auction.
Four bidders sought the heritage-listed Georgian property at 159 Gipps Street, which was built in 1862.
Jellis Craig Bennison Mackinnon agents Iain Carmichael and Nathan Waterson announced it on the market at $1.47 million with two remaining bidders seeking the terrace. The plain face red brickwork Little Parndon features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a self-contained studio apartment.
Little Parndon had been the townhouse of former governor-general Lord Casey and Lady Casey. Since Lady Casey's 1983 death Little Parndon had been periodically occupied by visiting artists, according to the East Melbourne Historical Society.
Lady Casey, the editor and co-writer of Early Melbourne Architecture, which was published in 1953, helped Melbourne's emerging conservation movement.
The 180-square-metre terrace, Little Parndon was constructed by Ravenscroft and Oldfield for von Guerard who was born in 1811 in Vienna and died in 1901 in London.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may27eastmelbourne]}
After emigrating to Australia from Austria, von Guerard was one of Australia’s most renowned landscape artists and was influential to the Australian romantic landscape painting. 
Von Guerard added a rooftop studio to the house in 1866 having often painted the country properties of the rich for earnings to build his house.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may27eastmelbournetwo]}
After Von Guerard moved back to Europe in 1882, Robert Sparrow Smyth, an entrepreneur and manager of musicians was the next owner, followed by John H. Daley.
The property was then home to Australia’s 16th Governor General Lord Casey and Lady Casey from 1939.
Meanwhile one of von Guerard's paintings, <a href="https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21362/lot/17/" target="_blank">The farm of Mr Perry on the Yarra</a> goes to June 26 Bonhams auction as part of the Grundy Collection sale with $900,000 plus hopes. It was painted in 1855. The Perry family's farm Fulham Grange at Alphington on the Yarra River, is unique amongst von Guerard's works as it was the artist's first commission in the colony and it depicts not just an early homestead (a genre von Guerard would later make his own) but one that was also a working farm, vineyard and nursery.
The land was still untamed bush when Englishman Richard Perry and his wife Elizabeth first took it up in the early 1850s, creating a farm, market garden, vineyard and after a time, a tree nursery, eventually known as Perry's Nursery Garden and Orchard.
The Southern Highlands, NSW-based Grundy's say they have too many paintings in storage and they wish for others to get to enjoy their ownership.
Little Parndon was listed by the Casey estate through <a href="https://www.jelliscraigbm.com.au/property/EAST-MELBOURNE-159-Gipps-Street/5527689/#.UZ7TpuBAt6o" target="_blank">Jellis Craig Bennison Mackinnion Armadale</a> with an initial price guide of $1.4 million, which was around its reserve price.
The median house price in <a href="/news">East Melbourne</a> is $1,950,000, according to RP Data.
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Little Parndon, the East Melbourne gem sells as Eugene von Guerard painting set for auction from Reg and Joy Grundy collection

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One Towers Road, Toorak, owned by former JPMorgan Australia chairman Brian Watson, has been finally sold.
It was listed in October 2011 with $26 million record-setting expectations, then relisted last November with reportedly upwardly revised $30 million hopes.
Property Observer gathers the Victorian price record remains intact with the 2010 Portsea clifftop sale of Ilyuka for $26 million.
And the sale of the Georgian-style mansion on Towers Road, Toorak also fell short of the previous Melbourne record of $24 million. Property Observer gleans its sold for around $21 million, a very healthy result.
The $24 million Toorak record was set in 2010 when soft-drink magnate Harry Stamoulis bought his Toorak property.
One Towers Road, Toorak, last traded when Brian Watson secured the 3,900 square metre property in July 2001.
It was the notorious sale that left Amanda Elliott, tycoon John Elliott's then wife, seemingly a little shell-shocked as to her continued occupancy of the 115-square manor. 
"It was apparently something I wasn't involved in," she told reporters after word of the sale had been reported by then Age property writer Antony Catalano in the morning paper. Elliott bought the home in 1989 for the then record price of $7.25 million.
Its Kay and Burton listing agent Michael Gibson has been tight-lipped on the details of the latest sale reportedly to a Melbourne local.
A sold notice went up on realestate.com.au some 10 days before its initial Fairfax Media report which originated from bullish Sydney, hence the some what naive suggestion of a $25 million sale which has since been repeated by the Australian Financial Review. By week's end Fairfax Media were describing their revised $21.5 million sale estimate as a "bargain" price.
Michael Gibson did however advise that Kay &amp; Burton has had "nine sales in the past 10 weeks ranging between $8 million and $20 million."
The Watson family bought the six bedroom <a target="_blank" href="/news">Toorak</a> property in 2001 for $11.1 million, a then record-setting price from businessman John Elliott.
The price the empty-nester Watson family had only recently returned to Melbourne after living for more than 12 years in New York where he headed investment house JP Morgan's equity capital markets group.
The highest known sale in Toorak this year was about $16.65 million when property developer and architect Gabor Hubay and wife Roni sold their sprawling 3 Macquarie Road estate after it was listed last November. The Hubay-designed five bedroom, seven bathroom house with a theatre, a gym and a seven-car basement garage, sits on a 2100-square-metre property.
It was listed by Michael Gibson and Ross Savas of Kay &amp; Burton.
Last October the investment fund manager Ron Dewhurst sold 7 Landale Road for about $17 million, which was the reported highest sale of 2012, and the only Toorak house to sell for more than $15 million since the 2010 boom. 
Dewhurst , who now lives in New York, purchased the Georgian home in 2003 from former television personality Steve Vizard for $6.4 million. It was bought in the recent sale by the chief executive of the pharmaceuticals supplier Ascent Pharmahealth, Dennis Bastas.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Other sales this year include the reputed $15 million sale of Hong Kong-based expat Malcolm Dumenil's custom-built three-storey mansion at 59 Hopetoun Road (pictured below).
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/06/june17hopetoun]}
It was marketed as a blend of the Roman, French and Art Nouveau styles through Jeremy Fox at RT Edgar. Dumenil, chief executive at the Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chiaphua, bought the property for about $2.2 million in 2001.
It came with five bedrooms, a cinema with a bar, two kitchens, plus five-car basement garage, gym and steam room.
Other recent prestige sale include 59 St Georges Road which did not get as far as an expressions of interest. It came with pool and court. It was sold by Paula Crouch, the wife of the former NAB executive Ian Crouch who had $11 million plus hopes for the Neo-Georgian mansion.
"You wouldn’t have expected that six months ago," said Koren and Morell buyer advocates noted on its speedy sale.
It was last traded in 2002 when bought from wealthy property developer Sam Tarascio for $6.75 million.
Ian and Paula Crouch head the international consultancy firm, Reveal Group.
Another Toorak mansion on Clendon Road, which belonged to the Rowsthorn transport family, sold for $11.5 million in quick time in April through Kay &amp; Burton. 
The large six-bedroom home (pictured below) of Mary Rowsthorn at 35 Clendon Road sold just a week after it was advertised.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/03/march22toorak]}
It had been renovated by designer Michael Munckton after the Rowsthorn's purchased it in 2002 from Ken and Gail Roche for $5.2 million. Its interiors were undertaken by Christopher Thomas from Thomas and Alexander interiors.
The 1,842-square-metre property boasts manicured gardens, an outdoor pool and tennis court and an outdoor dining space.
The property faces west so upstairs boasts views to the city.
“It has been the most amazing family home for the four children, but it's time for me to move onto the next adventure,” Rowsthorn says.
The property was listed by Andrew Baines and Michael Gibson from Kay and Burton.
Sales have so far alluded Peter Devitt, owner of the L. U. Simon building business, who listed his Toorak mansion by private sale last November with $20 million plus hopes complete with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/the-beautiful-rose-16-st-george-road-toorak-remains-listed/2013061662258?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=propertyobservertv" target="_blank">Kay &amp; Burton film presentation</a>.
Devitt's 16 St Georges Road house sits on 4257 square metres. Mr Devitt and his wife, Joanne, paid $4.4 million in 1997. 
The Toorak mansion of the event promoter Andrew McManus was under recent offer, but has yet to sell.
It didn't sell at its 2011 and 2012 marketing campaigns.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2345819&amp;agentID=952&amp;realestate=8_Myoora_Road_TOORAK_VIC_3142&amp;showGoBack=true">The Myoora Road house</a> (pictured below) last sold in 2008 mid-construction for $8.75 million.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/05/may27toorak]}
It was listed this time through Paul Pfeiffer and Jeremy Fox at RT Edgar Toorak who had noted buyer interest around $11 million.
The house, with a 12-car garage, had been initially commissioned for construction in 2007 by David Fox, the youngest son of trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, who sold before the property was completed.
There’s also a study, gym, home theatre, billiards room and cabana and pool on its 1,389-square-metre block. The RP Data median house price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Toorak</a> is $2,687,500.
<img height="57" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" alt="trophyhomesstrapone">
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One Towers Road, Toorak sells, but falls short of record

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The REIV has issued a list of the suburbs in Melbourne that have a median house price in excess of $1 million.
It covers all sales in the past year.
The REIV notes due to some suburbs small size or low volume of sales on a quarterly basis a median house price may not be suitable for calculation, however using sales over the year ensures a more representative picture.
In the 12 months ending May 2013, Melbourne had 42 suburbs with a median house price in excess of a million dollars.
<table><tbody><tr>
<td>EAST MELBOURNE DEEPDENE TOORAK CANTERBURY BRIGHTON RED HILL SOUTH ARMADALE ST KILDA WEST MALVERN HAWTHORN KEW SOUTH YARRA ELWOOD MIDDLE PARK CAMBERWELL BALWYN EAGLEMONT PARKVILLE CAULFIELD NORTH ALBERT PARK IVANHOE EAST RED HILL CAULFIELD HAWTHORN EAST GLEN IRIS SURREY HILLS ELSTERNWICK KANGAROO GROUND PORTSEA HAMPTON SANDRINGHAM PRINCES HILL MONT ALBERT BRIGHTON EAST KEW EAST BLACK ROCK MALVERN EAST YARRAMBAT BALWYN NORTH IVANHOE ALPHINGTON FLINDERS</td>
<td>$2,600,000 $2,512,500 $2,225,000 $1,800,000 $1,750,000 $1,687,500 $1,660,250 $1,487,500 $1,471,500 $1,426,500 $1,380,000 $1,360,500 $1,342,000 $1,340,000 $1,331,500 $1,315,000 $1,310,000 $1,280,000 $1,278,750 $1,276,250 $1,270,000 $1,250,000 $1,247,500 $1,215,500 $1,200,000 $1,191,500 $1,160,500 $1,155,000 $1,150,000 $1,132,500 $1,103,000 $1,098,250 $1,095,000 $1,075,000 $1,060,000 $1,050,000 $1,050,000 $1,045,000 $1,033,500 $1,020,000 $1,017,500 $1,010,000</td>
</tr></tbody></table>
 
The REIV's Robert Lorocca noted the north eastern suburbs was one area with increasing million dollar sales including Eaglemont <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/north-east/eaglemont/" title="Eaglemont Property for Sale">Eaglemont</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/north-east/ivanhoe-east/houses-for-sale/" title="Ivenhoe East Property for Sale">Ivanhoe East</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/north-east/ivanhoe/houses-for-sale/" title="Ivanhoe Houses for Sale">Ivanhoe</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/real-estate/melbourne/north-east/alphington/houses-for-sale/" title="Alphington Property For Sale">Alphington</a>.
"These suburbs all have one locational feature in common; they have a frontage to the Yarra River."
The REIV noted there were no suburbs with million medians with the most expensive one in the year ending May, being Malvern at $987,500.
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au/en/Property-Research/Median-Prices/Million-dollar-suburbs">REIV</a>
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East Melbourne tops Melbourne's 42 million dollar property suburbs: REIV

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As we batten down the hatches to get through a cold and wet winter, Property Observer takes a look at nine of the most alluring fireplaces that will have you reaching for the marshmallows.
At the top of the list, Calibre menswear fashion owner Gary Zecevic's 1920s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/calibre-menswear-fashion-owner-gary-zecevic-lists-1920s-toorak-home/2013050961180">English Tudor style Toorak mansion</a> features a large stone fireplace (pictured below) in the lounge room.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/toorak_0002_3.jpg.jpg" width="470" height="313" alt="toorak_0002_3.jpg">
It also includes several elegant fireplaces in other rooms.
The property features five bedrooms, five bathrooms and has been featured in Belle magazine.
Property Observer previously <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/dodo-founder-larry-kestelman-seeks-to-exhume-brighton-trophy-home-market-with-%2412-million-plus-listing/2013053161814">reported</a> on this house listing – owned by Dodo founder Larry Kestelman – but the unique fireplaces were hard to go past.
Located in the beachside suburb of Brighton, this <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-113916571">mansion</a> boasts two suspended pivoting ellipsoid open wood fireplaces (pictured below) and one pebble open fireplace.
<img alt="fireplacejune14one" height="348" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/06/fireplacejune14one.jpg">
The property includes five bedrooms, eight bathrooms and a Vodka bar.
A four-bedroom, four-bathroom home <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-avalon-113392875">on Chisolm Avenue in Avalon</a> has also incorporated a suspended revolving fireplace (pictured below).
<img alt="fireplacejune14two" height="350" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/06/fireplacejune14two.jpg">
It is located in the dining and lounge area, which opens up to an outdoor entertaining area overlooking the Pittwater.
Two hours down the road in Far Meadow, this <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-far+meadow-113323439">farmland homestead</a> features an open plan living pavilion with a central double-sided fireplace (pictured below).
<img alt="fireplacejune14three" height="350" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/06/fireplacejune14three.jpg">
The double-sided fireplace sits between the lounge and dining, which are surrounded by glass doors and windows offering views of the farmland, ocean and mountain ranges.
A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-113972247" target="_blank">Victorian terrace</a> in Paddington has been untouched for almost 50 years and offers five ornamental fireplaces.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/fireplacejune14four.jpg" width="470" height="348" alt="fireplacejune14four">
Located on Brown Street, it is the first time the three-bedroom home has gone on the market since the 1960s.
 
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In contrast to this, a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-city+beach-113787331" target="_blank">modern two-storey home</a> in City Beach WA features a floor to ceiling marble feature gas fireplace (pictured below) in the formal lounge room.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/fireplacejune14five.jpg" width="470" height="352" alt="fireplacejune14five">
The property also features four bedrooms and three baths.
A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-stanmore-113925703" target="_blank">Victorian terrace</a> in Stanmore New South Wales features original twin marble fireplaces and high ceilings in the lounge and dining room.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/fireplacejune14six.jpg" width="470" height="348" alt="fireplacejune14six">
With interiors by Greg Natale, the four-bedroom home has recently been featured in Belle magazine.
Although they don’t feel the chill as much as the south, a retreat in the Tamborine Mountains Queensland has its guests feeling cosy all year round.
The property features six villas and a three-bedroom residence, each with their own log fireplace.
The main building features the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-tamborine+mountain-111632279" target="_blank">Grand Guanaba Room</a> with a large stone fireplace (pictured below), sitting in front of three large windows overlooking the rainforest.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/fireplacejune14seven.jpg" width="470" height="345" alt="fireplacejune14seven">
Last but not least, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mornington-113915539" target="_blank">Combe Martin</a>, located on the Esplanade in Mornington features intricate marble open fireplaces throughout the neo Tudor style home.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/fireplacejune14eight.jpg" width="470" height="350" alt="fireplacejune14eight">
The home is named after the seaside village hamlet in North Devon England.
A marble fireplace is located in the billiards room, sitting room and the gentleman’s mahogany library.
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Nine of the most alluring fireplaces as we face a cold and wet winter

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Matt and Jane Martino who were 2004 contestants on the reality television show The Block have listed their ultra-modern Armadale family project home with $1.995 million hopes through Marshall White agent James McCormack.

The three-bedroom <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/5567013/" target="_blank">Fetherston Street</a> residence (pictured below) comes with floor-to-ceiling windows onto the paved courtyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=26734]

Matt Martino has <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://martinogroup.com.au/developments/21" target="_blank">his own development firm </a>as he was a restaurant manager during the series. The firm has undertaken projects in Glen Iris and Richmond.

<img alt="martinojune14one" height="380" src="/images/stories/2013/06/martinojune14one.jpg" width="470">

Above: Matt Martino's sketch of the Fetherston Street house.

The Fetherston Street block cost $775,000 in 2011.

The 78 Valley Parade, Glen Iris property (pictured below) sold for $1.72 million in early 2012. It was described as modern family home without being cold and minimalist.

<img alt="gleniris" height="292" src="/images/stories/2013/06/gleniris.jpg" width="470">

The 32 to 34 Jubilee Place, Richmond industrial home had raw concrete walls and exposed steel beams soaring up three levels.

The couple walked away from their Block experience all but empty-handed when their top floor apartment only just met the $795,000 reserve.

They were however compensated with the car they won after being named the most popular couple on the Channel Nine reality show in a viewer poll.

They got married while filming the second series of the Block at Manly in Sydney.

<img alt="trophyhomesstrapone" height="57" src="/images/stories/2013/05/trophyhomesstrapone.jpg" width="470">
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Matt and Jane from The Block list their $1,995 million Armadale project home

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The trendy inner city suburb of South Yarra, just four kilometres south east of the Melbourne CBD, was the top performing Melbourne suburb in 2012, according to the latest Victorian Property Sales report prepared by the office of Victorian valuer-general Robert Marsh.
It led a strong but patchy recovery in the Melbourne property market in the final quarter of the year, with Metropolitan Melbourne sales statistics show an increase of 4.8% for median house prices to $495,000 following a 1.6% decrease in the September quarter.
South Yarra, home to the glitzy shopping strips of Chapel Street and Toorak Road, registered a 19.9% increase in its median house for the December 2012 quarter compared with the previous corresponding period.
The South Yarra median house price increased from $1,037,500 in the December quarter of 2011 to $1,243,500 in the December quarter of 2012 with 158 sales recorded over 2012.
Over the December quarter the South Yarra median house price increased by 25.6% from 36 sales.
Other inner city suburbs to record strong annual quarter-on-quarter gains were Malvern (up 10.8%), Footscray (10%) and Fitzroy North.
However, there were also significant corrections in some prominent inner city suburbs with Toorak, Melbourne's most expensive suburb, recording a 15.9% annual correction with its median house price falling from $2.68 million from $2.26 million with 113 sales recorded over 2012.
There were also an 11.5% decline in St. Kilda (103 sales) and an 11.3% decline in South Melbourne (105 sales).
Click to enlarge
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“The data does not indicate the general location of the 4.8% increase in metropolitan Melbourne housing values,” says Marsh.
“It does indicate the need for data analysts to undertake their own detailed research,” he added.
However, the overall trend was for an increasing number of suburbs to record increases in their median house prices.
“It has generally been observed that there are fewer suburbs showing a decrease in median house price in the December 2012 quarter compared to the September 2012 quarter,” says Marsh.
The December quarter figures show that 134 metropolitan suburbs with 10 or more sales showed a decrease in median house price for this quarter, compared to 182 suburbs in the September 2012 quarter.
In addition, 77 metropolitan suburbs with 10 or more sales in both of the last two quarters shifted from showing a median price increase for the September 2012 quarter to a median price decrease for the December 2012 quarter compared with 112 metropolitan suburbs shifting from an increase in the June 2012 quarter to a decrease in the September 2012 quarter.
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In the Western suburbs, the strongest annual gains were in Altona (up 3.4%) and Derrimut (2.6%) but with steep falls in Keilor East (-9.5%) and Sunshine (-5.8%).
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In the outer-western suburbs,  Taylors Hill house prices lifted 12.6% followed by Hillside up 9.1%. However Werribee median house prices fell 6.6% over 2012 and by 4.4% in Tarneit.
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In the outer-eastern suburbs, Heathmont recorded a 6.8% rise, but Wantirna prices fell 6.9%.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2013/06/metromelbournejune13five.gif" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2013/06/metromelbournejune13fivethumb.gif"></a>
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

South Yarra shines with 19.9% annual rise as part of patchy Melbourne median house prices recovery: Victoria valuer-general report

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A globe trotting family has listed their four-bedroom home in Brighton for $2.65 million in a plan to move closer to the Melbourne CBD.
Located on Downes Avenue, the 927-square-metre property sits opposite the Kamesburgh Gardens. 
The home features two reception rooms, a separate bar room, four bathrooms and floor to ceiling glass doors lead to an outdoor terrace.
A pool house with a kitchen, sauna and bathroom accompanies the outdoor heated pool.
The property was purchased in July 2007 for $2.5 million.
Vendor Zac Rosenberg works in the bank industry and met his wife in Singapore.
They have since lived in London, Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong and have three children.
The home was rented out for $1,800 a week during 2011 before the family returned back to Melbourne in 2012.
The property is listed through Stewart Lopez and Bert Geraerts of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kayburton.com.au/property/16-downes-avenue-brighton">Kay and Burton</a> after it had been listed for June 1 auction.
Initial price expectations were $2.4 million.
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