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

Joel Robinson

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

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Billbergia, Metrics, approved for $3.5 billion Sydney skyscrapers

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?

Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.

The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366473]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.

"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.

"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]

Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.

Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.

"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.

"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=374378]

According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.

Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.

"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.

"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.

"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.

"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366480]

The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.

A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.

The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.

"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.

"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."

The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.

Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.

Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.

Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.

&nbsp;

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Lowe Living set new Melbourne off the plan apartment record

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Office space in East Melbourne is in popular demand from boutique consultancies, resulting in the lowest office vacancy rate in Australia of 3%.
East Melbourne offers 183,781 square metres of office space but currently has a direct vacancy rate of 2.2%.
The demand for office space is exceeding the space available; however there has been no increase in supply since the first half of 2009 and no new supply is in the pipeline.
West Perth is the only suburb that comes close to equaling East Melbourne’s current vacancy with a vacancy rate of 4.5%, according to the latest PCA data.
Savills Australia’s senior leasing executive Louise Nicoll says the area has always been popular with a constant stream of enquiry but there was never an overload of enquiry.
“Ironically, the fact that there isn’t any space available, only seems to make it even more desirable and that has intensified the demand,” says Nicoll.
“East Melbourne is not a big market but it has a lot to offer in terms of its location on the doorstep of the CBD.”
Nicholl says the suburb’s architecture and overall character and ambiance is a major draw card.
East Melbourne contains some of Victoria’s oldest homes, parks and gardens.
The most famous office building is the ICI house located at one Nicholson Street, which was completed in 1958.
Melbourne based private investor Brendan Sullivan recently leased a whole floor at his 126 Wellington Parade building opposite the MCG.
“The space had a cool makeover to appeal to the boutique market, but enquiry is always good in this market and in this case was really quite remarkable,” says Sullivan.
Sullivan says the floor received several offers and leased very quickly.
Both domestic and offshore buyers are realizing now is the time to buy investment properties within the metropolitan office market due to tightening vacancy rates, low levels of new supply and steady rental growth.
“Astute investors, particularly cashed-up private investors and syndicates, have begun to take notice of the strong fundamentals that many of these markets have to offers,” says Colliers managing director of capital markets and investment sales John Marasco.
There was more than $2.3 billion worth of investment transactions within the metropolitan office markets in 2012 – the strongest result since 2007, according to Colliers latest Metropolitan Office Research &amp; Forecast report.
“This scenario is likely to continue until developers and financiers gain more confidence to develop and the next supply cycle begins,” says Marasco.
Melbourne remains a domestic buyers market with no foreign purchasers in 2012.
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East Melbourne office space experiences lowest vacancy rate in Australia

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Located five kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Prahran is ripe with period architecture and facilities which are attractive to homeowners and investors, says Richard Wakelin of Wakelin Property Advisory. 
In Wakelin’s latest video on <a target="_blank" href="https://wakelin.com.au/">Wakelin.com.au</a>, he says property values in the area have shot up in the last 20 years as a result of the attractions now offered in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Prahran</a>.
With Chapel Street one of the main attractions, the area has an abundance of cafes and retail shops.
Wakelin says properties in Prahran that are rich with period architecture and are located in a period style streetscape have consistent strong demand due to their scarcity.
However, the underpinning characteristic is the value of the land, he says.
“Improvements are timeless, it’s the land that dictates the value of properties,” says Wakelin.
“Markets like Prahran take a breather, but because of their high scarcity value, they are held down by economic sentiment and the investment cycle.”
“They sit ready, poised, to take off when conditions are right again,” says Wakelin.
Wakelin says we are currently seeing early signs of a turn around in the property market, particularly as a result of easing monetary, which is making interest rates and borrowing particular appealing.
“These sort of properties take off in a significant manner,” says Wakelin.
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom home on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-prahran-112855299" target="_blank">Russell Street</a> (pictured below) is currently listed for sale for $729,000.
<img alt="prahranapril10one" height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/prahranapril10one.jpg">
It was built in 1910 and sits on approximately 162 square metres of land.
It is listed by Lauchlan Waterfield of Hocking Stuart Armadale.
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom property on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-prahran-113350403" target="_blank">Donald Street</a> (pictured below) is listed for sale with a price guide of $700,000 to $770,000.
<img alt="prahranapril10two" height="351" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/prahranapril10two.jpg">
Built in 1930 and sitting on approximately 465 square metres, the property is listed by Fiona Martin of Hocking Stuart Armadale.
The median house price in Prahran is $900,000, according to RP Data.
Wakelin's video can be found <a href="https://wakelin.com.au/blog/view/id:80" target="_blank">here.</a>
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Prahran poised after taking a breather: Richard Wakelin

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A 354-hectare property in Arcadia in central Victoria has been listed for sale with a price guide of $2 million.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-arcadia-7467307">Mellowood</a> operated as a Poll Hereford cattle property for 25 years, but after the passing of her husband, owner Helen Jennings has decided to sell.
The 1870 Mellowood homestead has recently undergone major renovation – including the replacement of the roof – and features four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The property also features a tennis court, swimming pool and adjoining the historic brick homestead is a barn with stables attached.
Arcadia is located midway between <a target="_blank" href="/news">Nagambie</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Shepparton</a> in Victoria.
The 354-hectare property has three long road frontages and is on three separate titles.
The main point of entrance is off Dawsons Road.
The land is subdivided into 30 main paddocks and recent improvements include steel stockyards, two hay sheds and two machinery sheds.
“Properties of this scale with a classic homestead and valuable farming improvements of quality are a rare enough offer,” says listing agent Bart O’Sullivan of Pat Rice and Hawkins.
The property currently has a 262-megalitre-water entitlement, which the successful purchaser of the property will also have the right to buy.
O’Sullivan is offering the property as private sale and is selling it as a whole, or in two lots.
O’Sullivan says the property has received steady interest.
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Cattle farm in Arcadia with 1870s homestead seeks $2 million

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Victoria's most expensive suburbs experienced a slow market during the school holidays, with only one property securing a spot on RP Data’s top 10 expensive sales list.
In the week ending Sunday April 7, New South Wales accounted for the other nine sales.
Located on the Esplanade in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mornington</a>, the three-bedroom home sold at auction on April 7 for $1.9 million.
Dean Phillips of McEwing Partners Real Estate secured the sale.
Situated on a 978-square-metre block, the property includes two bathrooms, an upstairs timber kitchen and a balcony that stretches the length of the house.
It last sold in 1999 for $825,000.
The top sale for the week was actress <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/actress-susan-hannaford-s-balgowlah-heights-harbourfront-fetches-%24315-million/2013040860238" target="_blank">Susan Hannaford’s Balgowlah Heights harbourfront property</a>, which sold at auction for $3.15 million.
The five-bedroom home sold at auction on April 6 by Mark Novak of Novak Real Estate.
There were a total of 443 auctions in Victoria last week, with 286 properties selling and 157 being passed in.
“The volume of auctions in the cities most expensive suburbs drops significantly in the school holidays,” says Robert Larocca from Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
“It’s interesting to note that this trend is only present in the inner east and inner south eastern suburbs, as they are the city's most expensive.”
“This causes the overall value of sales to drop.”
“This is not an issue with the market or its health, rather it’s a particular trend in some suburbs and it will correct itself after the holidays,” says Larocca.
The REIV expects around 570 auctions this coming week.
The most expensive sales for the week ending April 7 are as follows.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/30a_beatty_street_balgowlah_heights_nsw_2093/1229317" target="_blank">30A Beatty Street, Balgowlah Heights, NSW, 2093</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Novak Real Estate for $3.15 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/1_thompson_street_tamarama_nsw_2026/6666941" target="_blank">1 Thompson Street, Tamarama, NSW, 2026</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Ray White Double Bay for $2.962 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/16_queens_avenue_mcmahons_point_nsw_2060/4169475" target="_blank">16 Queens Avenue, McMahons Point, NSW, 2060</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by 1st City Hasemer &amp; Caldwell.Eyles Double Bay for $2.1 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/25_loch_street_freshwater_nsw_2096/2365014" target="_blank">25 Loch Street, Freshwater, NSW, 2096</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Parnell Partners Estate Agents for $2.025 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/7_albyn_road_strathfield_nsw_2135/6478297" target="_blank">7 Albyn Road, Strathfield, NSW, 2135</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Devine Real Estate Strathfield for $2 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/36_crows_nest_road_waverton_nsw_2060/7378123" target="_blank">36 Crows Nest Road, Waverton, NSW, 2060</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Raine &amp; Horne Crows Nest for $1.95 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/16/26_melrose_parade_clovelly_nsw_2031/1863718" target="_blank">16/26 Melrose Parade, Clovelly, NSW, 2031</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold on April 2 by McGrath Edgecliff for $1.95 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/81_grove_street_birchgrove_nsw_2041/1445222" target="_blank">81 Grove Street, Birchgrove, NSW, 2041</a>, three-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on April 6 by Raine &amp; Horne Montano for $1.902 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/835_esplanade_mornington_vic_3931/11969265" target="_blank">835 Esplanade, Mornington, VIC, 3931</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 7 by McEwing Partners Real Estate Mornington for $1.9 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/49_robert_street_freshwater_nsw_2096/2366002" target="_blank">49 Robert Street, Freshwater, NSW, 2096</a>, five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on April 4 by L J Hooker Seaforth for $1.8 million
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Victoria's most expensive suburbs slow during school holidays: RP Data

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Jutting out like a ship's prow, a four-bedroom home on The Strand in Williamstown has been listed for sale with price expectations over $5 million.
The home was built in 2008 by local architect firm George Bourakis and Associates.
The building and design company began in 1981.
Situated on a 321-square-metre block, the ground floor features three bedrooms, including the master bedroom.
A Miele-equipped imported Italian Bontempi kitchen is located on the upstairs level with a living/dining area and a fourth bedroom.
The living area opens up to an outdoor terrace offering views over the bay.
The basement boasts a home cinema, a billiards room with a bar and wine cellar and polished concrete floors throughout.
It is the first time the home has been offered for sale.
<a href="https://greghockingrealestate.com.au/real-estate/property/635516/for-sale/house/vic/williamstown-3016/48-the-strand/" target="_blank">The property is listed by Leigh Melbourne and Wayne Elly from Greg Hocking Elly Partners.</a>
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Striking Williamstown home with cinema asks $5 million-plus

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Ercildoune Homestead, the Victorian property has been listed with $4 million-plus hopes. The restored heritage-listed, Scottish baronial-style granite Burrumbeet property dates back to 1838 when built by brothers Thomas and Somerville Learmonth.

Its other owners have included pastoralist and later British MP Sir Samuel Wilson and Sir Alan Currie, a former chairman of the Victorian Racing Club who in 1930 innovated with the installation of a hydro-electric power scheme drawing on the natural spring and interconnected lakes. The series of waterways was where Sir Samuel Wilson developed his fish hatchery, believed to be one of the first trout hatcheries in Victoria.

Sir Samuel Wilson was the owner of the property from 1873 to 1920 and Sir Alan Currie lived at the property from 1920 until his death in 1942. Lady Currie continued to live there until her death in 1962.

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After Sir Alan's passing Ercildoune was somewhat neglected until purchased by the current owners in 1999.

Set on 73 hectares about 30 kilometres west of Ballarat, the two-storey homestead has nine bedrooms, and features ballrooms and a library.

There's also a self-contained three-bedroom residence in the former maid's quarters along with numerous outbuildings.

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-ballarat-7529427" target="_blank">Peter Hawkins, of Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins, is handling the sale in conjunction with Charles Stewart</a>.

The Leathmonth brothers had been part of an unsuccessful exploration mission into the interior of the colony in 1837, and embarked on another reconnaissance in 1838, which resulted in them running sheep over lands extending from Mt Buninyong to the foothills around where the township of Learmonth is now located, according to Heritage Victoria.

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It has been listed by Melbourne legal identity John Dever and his wife Christine.

The baronial style manor surrounded by traditional English gardens, 80 hectares of farming land and restored farm cottages including stables and shearers’ quarters, last traded in 1999, will be auctioned on May 18.
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Ercildoune Homestead, the Victorian property listed with $4 million-plus hopes

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Victorian planning minister Matthew Guy has received two further development applications for high rise towers in Melbourne's inner city precinct.
His department his received applications for a 49-storey tower on Ferrars Street, <a target="_blank" href="/news">South Melbourne</a> and a 43-storey tower on City Road, Southbank, Fairfax Media has reported.
The Ferrars Street development could be the first of many – if approved – for the Fishermans Bend Development area, the largest urban renewal area in Australia.
Port Phillip council mayor Amanda Stevens said the council was working closely with the state government urban renewal authority, Places Victoria, on a strategic framework for the area.
Mr Guy said he would not approve any development in the area until a strategic framework is in place.
He has been eagerly approving high-rise projects in and around the CBD over the past year with his vision to transform the Melbourne skyline into something resembling Manhattan.
His press release announcing the approval of Australia 108 last month had as its headline "Melbourne, moving upward".
"Melbourne’s skyline will take a dramatic turn upward following the Victorian Coalition Government's approval of the Australia 108 tower," said Guy.
Mr Guy approved plans to build <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/tallest-building-in-southern-hemisphere-approved-for-melbourne/2013031759915" target="_blank">Australia 108, the tallest highrise in the southern hemisphere</a>, despite concerns it will cast a shadow over the Shrine of Remembrance and later revelations that its height infringes on the flight path into Essendon Airport.
In late 2012, he gave the go-ahead for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/melbourne-cbds-tallest-residential-tower-crown-tussle/2013022858541" target="_blank">CEL Australia’s $170 million Tower Melbourne </a>which will boast 555 apartments (and townhouses) across 71 storeys.
A third high rise project, the 72-level Vision tower was approved by Mr Guy in April last year. The Brady Group's proposed 226-metre tower is due to stand at 500 Elizabeth Street, near Queen Victoria Market. </body></html>

Two more Melbourne high-rise towers seek Matthew Guy's tick of approval

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Retirees could unlock hundreds of thousands of dollars by downsizing within their own neighbourhoods, according to research published by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
The REIV has published <a target="_blank" href="https://reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Census-research/Downsizing">interactive maps</a> which reveal how much money retirees could return to their bank accounts by moving to a smaller home in the same area.
<img height="250" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/downsizingapril5one.jpg" alt="downsizingapril5one">
According to their data, moving from a three-bedroom house in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Brighton East</a> into a nearby two-bedroom unit would unlock $453,750.
In <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mornington</a>, moving from a three-bedroom unit to a two-bedroom unit would unlock $232,500. In <a target="_blank" href="/news">Beaumaris</a>, moving from a four-bedroom house to a three-bedroom house would unlock $290,000.
The study found the suburbs with the greatest downsize potential were those in the inner to middle Melbourne suburbs such as <a target="_blank" href="/news">Kew</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ivanhoe</a> as well as those along the bay such as in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Sandringham</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Beaumaris</a>. It found those suburbs have a high share of retirement-aged, lone-person households as well as relatively higher house prices.
By downsizing from a four-bedroom home to a three-bedroom home, residents would unlock, on average, $145,000. <a target="_blank" href="/news">Beaumaris</a> was the top in this category, followed by <a target="_blank" href="/news">Parkdale</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Northcote</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Caulfield South</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Williamstown</a>.
Those downsizing from a three-bedroom house to a two-bedroom unit stand to unlock $220,000 on average. Top suburbs for this were <a target="_blank" href="/news">Malvern East</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Essendon</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Williamstown</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ivanhoe</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Brighton East</a>.
Those downsizing from a three-bedroom unit to a two-bedroom unit stand to unlock $159,000 on average with the top suburbs being <a target="_blank" href="/news">Malvern East</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mornington</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Kew</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bentleigh</a>.
REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo said that through downsizing retirees could increase their incomes and remain in the same area they had been living.
“Retirees can take advantage of the 25 or 30 years spent paying off their home loan by downsizing. This research will give them the tools to weigh up the options.
“By downsizing not only do they unlock the wealth generated over 25 or 30 years but they can also access a simpler lifestyle.”
He says downsizing isn’t for everyone, but those that do can access funds to help boost their retirement income.
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REIV's interactive maps show where downsizers could unlock hundreds of thousands of dollars

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Surrey Hills has been crowned Melbourne’s hottest suburb for property this quarter, according to data released by realestate.com.au.
The report lists the top suburbs in Melbourne based on the amount of online clicks per property tracked through the realestate.com.au website.
Surrey Hills soared up the list from ninth place three months ago, to the number one spot.
“Demand for the Surrey Hills area has grown dramatically over the last few months,” says Toby Parker from Hocking Stuart in Balwyn.
“The clearance rate for property in the area earlier in the month was 100%.”
The median house price in Surrey Hills is $1,095,000 million.
“It’s a leafy, tree-lined, family orientated suburb which offers all the amenities close to hand,” says Parker.
Moving from seventh place to second this quarter was Blackburn North.
The median house price in Blackburn North is $597,500.
Realestate.com.au’s Victoria state manager Ben Auchettl says if you live in one of the top ten suburbs now might be the time to sell.
“We have more than 18.5 million visits to the realestate.com.au website every month, which gives us a solid indication of where people are looking to buy,” says Auchettl.
“The top suburbs are ranked by the number of people looking per listing in an area, which for these suburbs means a high level of buyer competition for each individual home listed in the suburb.”
“A high level of competition indicates an increase in market participation a few months down the tracks,” says Auchettl.
Park says Hocking Stuart Balwyn sold a four-bedroom property in Scheele Street for $370,000 above the reserve price last month.
Robert Larocca of Real Estate Institute of Victoria told The Herald Sun that median house prices in Surrey Hills are 20% below peak, which may be a key reason why more confident consumers are bidding strongly at auction.
The top ten list
<ol>
<li>Surrey Hills</li>
<li>Blackburn North</li>
<li>Fitzroy North</li>
<li>Bulleen</li>
<li>Carlton North</li>
<li>Hampton East</li>
<li>Chadstone</li>
<li>Croyden South</li>
<li>Wonga Park</li>
</ol>
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Surrey Hills crowned Melbourne's most sought after suburb: realestate.com.au

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The $1.8 million sale of a townhouse in <a href="/news">Glen Iris</a> has set a record price for townhouses in the area.
Located on Peace Street, the <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/Townhouse/VIC/Glen-Iris/?adid=2010286214" target="_blank">340-square-metre brand new home</a> went under the hammer on March 16 through Jason Brinkworth and Leonard Teplin of Marshall White with three hopeful buyers competing.
The townhouse features four bedrooms and three bathrooms and boasts a miele-equipped kitchen, oak floors, high ceilings and a landscaped outdoor area.
It stands in a cul-de-sac close to Gardiners Creek parkland.
The townhouse is also connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN).
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