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

Joel Robinson

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

Private equity real estate firm Conquest has entered into a $220 million partnership with Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot, to deliver its long-awaited Waterloo project on Bourke Street.

The Bourke Street development was first flagged by Fabcot back in 2021 as part of its push into Sydney’s residential market. However, progress has since stalled, with no activity on site amid a number of design revisions in consultation with the City of Sydney.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a>, which is actively planning more than $6 billion worth of new developments, predominantly mixed-use precincts, is now set to move the project forward.

The current plans include between 110 and 120 apartments across two buildings designed by Bates Smart at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/923-935-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">923 Bourke Street</a>. The scheme will incorporate a portion of apartments reserved for key workers, alongside premium commercial space at ground level, including a full-line Woolworths supermarket.

Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2026.

Michael&nbsp;Akaawi, CEO of Conquest, said the partnership reflects the firm’s commitment to "convenience-led" urban renewal."

"We are preparing to commence construction in the second half of this year," Akaawi says.

"Along with Woolworths, we look forward to delivering the first major supermarket to the growing Waterloo community, integrated with premium new apartments and specialty retail shops. Our focus is on creating a seamless lifestyle hub where essential services are at the doorstep, saving residents time and enhancing their quality of life."&nbsp;

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8beee83-ef9b-446b-a3b3-1e2fe596512b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-01%20at%2011.08.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=raYhGepiLUJfx4InLPRRJduA3ftDJ_kS" />

The news comes just a week after Conquest went to the NSW Government to upsize its plans for Castlecrag's Quadrangle Shopping Centre.

Conquest purchased the site for just shy of $70 million last year, with existing plans in place for a mixed-use residential and retail precinct comprising 38 luxury apartments.

Those plans have now been significantly expanded, with the developer lodging a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for 150 apartments across two 11-storey buildings. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, incorporating specialty retail tenancies and five levels of basement car parking, on the 5,166 sqm site at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-edinburgh-road-castlecrag-nsw-2068">100 Edinburgh Road</a>.

Conquest has been increasingly active in the development space in recent years. The group acquired the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/eastlakes-nsw-2018">Eastlakes</a>&nbsp;Shopping Centre redevelopment, where it plans to deliver more than 1,000 apartments above a new retail precinct, and has also lodged a $900 million State Significant Development Application for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/conquest-unveils-900m-stanmore-village-vision-for-landmark-inner-west-site">mixed-use precinct in Stanmore</a>.

Conquest partners with Woolworths to deliver mixed-use Waterloo project

A shift away from Sydney’s industrial past has left parts of the inner south defined by contrast, brick warehouses repurposed into dining precincts, former factory streets softened by landscaping and pedestrian activity.

Rosebery is one of those suburbs. Over the past decade, it has undergone significant gentrification, anchored by The Cannery, which has helped reposition the area as one of the inner city’s most sought-after lifestyle pockets.

What hasn’t kept pace with that transformation is new residential supply, which has remained relatively limited. Builder-developer Deicorp identified that gap early, securing a site in 2019 and delivering what is now one of the suburb’s most architecturally distinctive developments.

To realise the vision, Deicorp engaged Candalepas Associates to design The Rothschild, a project that is immediately recognisable from the street.

Completed in 2025, The Rothschild comprises two buildings across Rothschild and Mentmore Avenues, delivering 176 apartments. The development replaces a former industrial site, retaining a material and structural dialogue with its past while introducing a more resolved residential framework. The scale is deliberate but not monolithic, broken into forms that engage both street frontages, with retail at ground level and two levels of basement parking below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221665]

From the street, the architectural intent is clear. Off-form concrete columns run through the façade, establishing a repeated structural rhythm that gives the building its visual weight. These are paired with deep-set arches and sections of exposed brickwork, creating a layered elevation that reads less like a typical apartment block and more like a reinterpretation of industrial architecture.

The material palette is intentionally restrained, with concrete left exposed and brick used to define mass rather than decoration. The result is a building that stands out through proportion and repetition, rather than height or glazing.

This approach continues internally. A central landscaped courtyard sits between the two buildings, anchored by an olive grove that acts as both a visual and spatial focal point. Rather than functioning as residual space, the courtyard is designed as a shared ground plane, where circulation paths, seating areas and planting come together to create a usable communal environment. Its positioning allows natural light to penetrate deep into the site while maintaining separation between residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221666]

Within the apartments, the planning follows a clear and functional logic. Entry points lead directly into open-plan living areas, with kitchens positioned as central elements alongside dining and lounge spaces. These zones extend to balconies or external openings, maintaining a visual connection to either the courtyard or the street.

Kitchens prioritise practicality, with generous bench space, ample storage and European appliances configured for everyday use. Bedrooms are typically set back from the main living areas, creating quieter zones within each residence, with separation achieved through layout rather than material change. Bathrooms are compact but efficient, incorporating mirrored cabinetry and integrated storage to maximise space. Across all residences, the emphasis is on clarity of movement and functional planning.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221669]

At ground level, retail and hospitality uses extend the building’s presence beyond its residential function. A café or restaurant space, alongside communal amenities such as a music room and rooftop areas, positions the development as part of a broader urban network rather than a standalone project. These shared spaces reinforce a lifestyle where the building operates as an extension of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Rosebery’s proximity to Green Square, The Cannery and nearby parklands supports this model of living, where much of daily life is within walking distance. The Rothschild sits comfortably within that network, contributing to the streetscape through its distinctive architecture, while internally organising space around light, structure and communal use.

The Rothschild is now complete and ready to move in, with limited residences remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106843]

The Rothschild reinterprets Rosebery’s industrial DNA into residential form

KTQ has unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/casilia-16-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Casilia</a>, the final residential release within the Kirra Point precinct which really kicked off the boom in the area back in 2019.

The final stage comprises&nbsp;87 residences and marks the culmination of a long-term, family-led vision for Kirra Point, as the precinct moves toward completion in tandem with the development.

Around $100 million in sales have been achieved already, close to 35 per cent of the residences secured ahead of launch. There have been a significant number of buyers returning from the first stage of the development, Miles Residences, securing another property within Kirra Point.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368410]

Selling agent Tim Keenan from Keenan Byrne said the response reflects both the scarcity of the offering and Kirra’s growing reputation as a premium coastal market.

“This is effectively Kirra’s final act, the last release within what has become one of the Southern Gold Coast’s most tightly held beachfront precincts,” Keenan said.

“We’ve seen exceptionally strong pre-sale interest, from VIP waitlists through to off-market enquiry, which speaks to both the quality of the product and the confidence buyers have in the precinct. What’s particularly compelling is the number of buyers returning from Miles, either upgrading or investing again, which is a strong signal of how the precinct has been received."

Keenan adds that at the same time, north-facing beachfront remains exceptionally rare in Australia, limited to places like Noosa, Byron and Kirra, which is underpinning long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368415]

Positioned along one of Australia’s few true north-facing beaches, Casilia offers a mix of two and three-bedroom residences with pricing ranging from $1.87 million to $7.15 million and two exclusive penthouses. Residences are oriented to capture varying outlooks, from uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views across Kirra Beach to hinterland vistas, with upper levels and shared amenity taking in sweeping perspectives along the Gold Coast coastline.

At rooftop level, a north-facing pool deck captures expansive, uninterrupted views over Kirra Beach and north towards Surface Paradise. The space incorporates a heated resort-style pool, mineral spa, sun lounges and a covered BBQ cantina.

Buyer profiles are broad, typically aged between 40 and 70, with a strong skew toward second-home ownership, drawn by a combination of lifestyle, relative value, proximity to Gold Coast Airport and lower congestion compared to more established markets such as Byron Bay and Noosa.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368414]

The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ktq-group">KTQ Group</a>, a family-owned Australian property group with a diverse portfolio spanning residential, hospitality and commercial developments. The group has delivered a number of notable projects across sectors, including the award-winning Elements of Byron resort, demonstrating its depth of experience across both hospitality and residential development.

Known for its long-term approach to place-making, KTQ Group retains a vested interest in its projects, often holding assets within its portfolio, which has also helped build trust among buyers and reinforced confidence in both the vision and delivery certainty of the precinct.

“Casilia represents the final opportunity to secure a residence within Kirra Point and brings to market the last release within our long-term vision for the precinct," KTQ Group's Jeremy Holmes said.

"Kirra Point has been more than a decade in the making, and that timeframe reflects the care behind each decision, it takes listening, balance and vision to arrive at something that feels right for the location.

“Our approach has always been to deliver Kirra Point as a destination in its own right, a connected coastal neighbourhood integrating residential, hospitality and wellness, rather than a standalone project. It’s a vision that respects place, pace and permanence, and contributes to a sense of community that feels authentic to Kirra.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368411]

Once complete, the Kirra Point masterplan will incorporate a mix of dining establishments, bars and cafés, alongside the Kirra Point Health Club and a future 91-room independent resort hotel, creating a walkable, integrated lifestyle precinct.

Architecutue and interiors at Casilia have been designed by the experienced design houses of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/little-boat-projects">Little Boat Projects</a> and O’Neil Architecture &amp; Interior Design, The design moves beyond the conventional coastal apartments, instead taking cues &nbsp;from the surrounding landscape - layering natural materials, soft curves and warm textures to create spaces that respond to light, airflow and the rhythms of coastal living.

Residences are designed with an array of floorplates, generous proportions and intuitive flow, while at ground level Casilia connects into the broader precinct, where future laneways, retail and hospitality offerings will contribute to a neighbourhood defined as much by how people live day-to-day as its beachfront position.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152295]

The final residential release within the Kirra Point masterplan is set to launch, as strong pre-sales signal sustained demand for the Southern Gold Coast

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

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?

Nearly a year after purchasing the former Leo's Fine Food &amp; Wine supermarket in Kew for a reported $52 million, Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/orchard-piper">Orchard Piper</a>, in a consortium with billionaire James Packer, has filed development plans for the site.

The proposal includes just under 200 apartments on the 6,835 sqm block, which spans <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/26-36-princess-street-kew-vic-3101">26-36 Princess Street and 11-15 Brougham Street</a>. Approval is being sought through the Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) Development Facilitation Program (DFP).

The buildings, designed by Wardle, will vary in scale and rise up to 18 storeys. One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments will be offered, along with townhouses. Ten per cent of the total dwellings will be allocated to key worker housing.

The development will also include 19 new retail premises, comprising a mix of shops, restaurants and cafés, including a dedicated space for a high-quality produce offering similar to Leo’s.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67cc85a5-a9d8-4eaa-95ae-fd93762d3297" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.07%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_p57VJNE2w16xNXB4ISvu3mnVHDDk86R" />

Orchard Piper noted the development is "designed to revitalise the Junction with high-quality housing and retail, while also improving the public realm."

"Assembling an expert team, we've been working with leading architects Wardle and landscape architects Oculus on a site-sensitive design. Wardle is one of Australia's pre-eminent architectural practices, and its founder, John Wardle, is a former long-term Kew resident with an intimate knowledge of the area.

"After close to a year refining the plans, our current opposition embodies Kew's unique character and meets the community's needs, including detailed consideration of the surrounding building design, streetscape conditions and broader planning context."

On top of the extensive retail component, the opportunity to deliver offsite public realm works, involving the council owned land to the south, would include a comprehensive new landscaped laneway strategy that connects Athenaeum Place into the site, a new public park, and the relocation of the public parking currently on the site to the adjoining council land.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02da73ff-e9d9-4e6a-8b6c-75c6f4cb3b01" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NXlzip8H0suSqc.X2H6nLKZr6LB1joJ." />

Orchard Piper, led by Luke Mckie and Rick Gronow, is currently delivering The Carter building on St Kilda Road and One Toorak Place in Toorak village.

Kew has been a popular suburb for new development in recent years. The likes of Piccolo, ANGLE, and Carpe are delivering projects in the area.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Orchard Piper, James Packer's Kew development revealed

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Former St Kilda football player turned property developer Max Hudghton and his wife, Anya, have listed their fully renovated <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kayburton.com.au/property/33-gordon-street-hampton">Hampton home</a> with $4 million-plus hopes.
Located on Gordan Street, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home sits on 1,902 square metres of land.
The house boasts travertine flooring, and the kitchen has marble bench tops and miele appliances.
A floodlit mod grass tennis court is on the block.
The property has been listed by Ian Jackson from Kay and Burton Brighton.
Hudghton's construction company built the Brighton townhouse that soccer champion Harry Kewell leased as his Melbourne base.
The Nicholas Day-designed property was built by Maxton Constructions for a development syndicate headed by the former St Kilda champion Fraser Gehrig.
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Former St Kilda player Max Hudghton lists home for $4 million plus

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 The Melbourne property market had everything thrown at it at 2012 with low clearance rates, international reports that stated it is overvalued and a barrage of negative reports in the media suggesting the market was going to experience a US-style crash.
But the latest figures from the REIV show not only did the property market hold its ground, but it actually began to pick itself up from the canvas and showed significant growth in the last quarter of the year.
<img alt="armstrongjan30" height="91" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/armstrongjan30.png">
While the 2012 year started on shaking ground as property values continued to slide, the December quarter showed a massive 7.8% jump in median value for houses.
This growth is in line with what I was seeing in the market as reported in my September Property Observer article<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/a-new-breed-of-upgrading-home-investors-injects-buoyancy-into-the-subdued-suburban-property-market-mark-armstrong/2012091856658"> A new breed of upgrading ‘home investors’ injects buoyancy into the subdued suburban property market.</a>
The research showed strong demand coming from home buyers who were looking to upgrade the family home and take advantage of a soft property market.
This jump in last quarter median values turned the corner for the housing market and resulted in a 4.7% growth for the year. Melbourne apartments also performed well. with 4.2% growth in the last quarter pushing it into positive territory by years end.
The wash-up is the market has proved to be very resilient and as we look forward into the 2013 there are some clear signs the property market will continue this trend and some sectors may even return to the heady heights of in explosive growth seen in 2009. The catalyst will be a growth in confidence driven by interest rates once again.
While history is no guarantee of what will happen in the future it does provide some useful insights. In September 2008 the cash rate was at 7%, seven months later it had plummeted to 3% and property investors exploded back onto the scene forcing the property market in Melbourne to surge by more than 20% in 2009.
This time around the RBA has been a bit more tentative with the trigger. It has been careful not to cause a frenzy and has slowly lowered rates to entice investment back.
The last upward interest rate movement was way back in November 2010, and the RBA has met to discuss the economies outlook 23 times since. On 17 of those occasions it has decided to leave the rates on hold. In the remaining meetings the board have voted to lower rates.  Rates have now fallen by 1.75% at sit at the 2009 level of 3%.
<img alt="armstrongjan301" height="199" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/armstrongjan301.png">
This slow decline in rates has meant property investors have sat on the sidelines and watched. This will not last forever.
I don’t think the return of property investors will be as bullish as we experienced in 2009, and this is a good thing. Any market that experiences euphoric highs is destined to fall on the other side. I predict the market will learn from its recent experience and move into a more sustainable growth pattern.
Interest rates are not the only factor weighing on investors' minds. Their confidence is being enhanced by the fact many Australians have money burning a hole in their pockets. According to the RBA household savings rates are at the highest levels since the mid ’80s. They have been trending up since the mid-2000s and now hover around 10% of disposable income.
In addition, many borrowers have been making substantial excess principal repayments in recent years, and this will increase their equity and cashflow positions.
 
Mark Armstrong is a director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ipropertyplan.com.au/">iProperty Plan</a>, which provides independent analysis and tailored advice to investors and home buyers.
 
 
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marmstrong-sd3emVLPPb

Melbourne property market very resilient and may return to heady heights of 2009 in some sectors: Mark Armstrong

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The Industry Superannuation Property Trust's plans to build an $800 million, 2,994-apartment block on the former Age site in the city’s CBD have been approved.
It is Melbourne’s largest-ever residential development, with six Bates Smart-designed towers between 39 and 63 storeys.
The site comprises 11,755 square metres on the corner of Spencer and Lonsdale streets.
The Victorian  Planning Minister Matthew Guy gave his approval last week after the plans were first submitted in December 2011. The project will be staggered over eight to 12 years.
<img height="783" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/ISPT.jpg" alt="ISPT">
The eastern portion of the 250 Spencer Street mixed use site was sold in April 2010 to Central Equity.
"Optimum site utilisation is being worked up as well as the potential exit strategies available," ISPT's most recent annual report noted.
The site has been income producing with the office building leased to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the carpark leased to an independent operator.
It was in 2007 when ISPT and Axiom Properties Limited formed a joint venture to buy The Age newspaper’s Melbourne headquarters for $66.1 million. The site at the time comprised nearly a whole city block of 15,200 square metres.
At the time the executive director of Axiom, Ben Laurance, said the purchase and scheme for redevelopment were part of the long-term vision Axiom’s major shareholder, Pivot Group.
<img alt="age" height="235" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/age.jpg"> “We think this is an opportunity to accommodate major office tenants and apartment dwellers with environmentally sustainable space in a village atmosphere with all of the transport access and retail conveniences everybody wants,” Laurance said in 2007.
Axiom Properties cashed in its stake in 250 Spencer Street in 2010 when its 50% was bought by ISPT.
<img alt="age2" height="251" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/age2.jpg">
ISPT described it as an opportunistic purchase of their joint venture partner’s interest in the site at "a discount to book value driven by their desire to exit in a timely fashion".
The Age – sometimes referred to as the Spencer Street Soviets – relocated to their new premises in December 2009 and formally vacated the 250 Spencer Street property in February 2010.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2010/02/09/lamenting-the-old-age-pies-not-ruccola-panini/?wpmp_switcher=mobile">Crikey columnist Michael Vaughan </a>wrote that the moniker Spencer Street Soviet came because of its left-leaning coverage as much as for the communistic-style brutalist architecture that was the old Age building. 
When the building is demolished, the industry super fund developer must complete an environmental audit of the site given fears of soil contamination from chemicals used in the newspaper's printing presses during its four decades of operation from 1969.
Sean Hogan from ISPT told The Age that few would miss the old Age building.
"The building doesn't have any fans ... this is probably the last industrial part of the Hoddle Grid," Hogan said.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Six high-rise towers to replace former Age building on Spencer Street

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An iconic Robin Boyd creation, the McClune courtyard home at Frankston South has been listed for sale.
The sympathetically restored home is being marketed as an exceptional example of Boyd's ability to blend clean structural lines, huge expanses of glass windows and zoned living to integrate perfectly with nature.
It's set on a gently sloping 4,028-square-metre <a target="_blank" href="/news">Frankston South</a> block in a natural bush setting.
The marketing agent Janice Dunn at Eview Real Estate Partners Frankston is describing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-frankston+south-112796523">it as a number of connecting rooms sheltered beneath a suspended roof with a central open square landscaped courtyard</a>.
More than $1 million is being tipped for the Marcus Road family home.
Built in the late 1960s on land then abutting Sweetwater Creek for teacher Ian McClune, the property is one of 11 Robin Boyd-designed homes built on the Mornington Peninsula.
It was briefly owned by Melbourne lawyer –and Boyd fan – Peter Mitrakas, who sold it to the Stowe family in 2009.
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Robin Boyd-designed Frankston South home listed

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It's a cute historic timber cutter's cottage, circa 1900, in South Gippsland with what looks like a new veneer. 
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mirboo North</a> cottage, which comes with a $285,000 asking price, has investment potential. Its initial price hope was $310,000 last September.
It dates back to the timber-getters who sawed the mountain ash from South Gippsland's once vast forests.
Now the simple abode has been reinterpreted as a nature retreat attracting nightly tourism rentals in the heart of the Strzelecki Ranges.
It's been freshly repainted in a clotted cream palette. 
The<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mirboo+north-111549631"> listing agent Allen Bartlett at </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mirboo+north-111549631">First National Real Estate Prom Country Mirboo North</a> says the original now air-conditioned timber cutter's cottage has a welcoming, nurturing ambiance and a sense of history perfect as a relaxing retreat.
"The perfect getaway for you or paying guests, this quaint home has been lovingly restored to retain many original features including polished timber floors, painted timber ceilings and an open fireplace."
The two-bedroom cottage is set on a 4,000-square-metre battleaxe parcel of rolling lawns, mature trees and cottage gardens that are appealing throughout all the seasons.
Included in the sale of this property is the business registration, Ferndale Holiday Cottage.
Bartlett's ads suggest $190 to $230 a night has previously achievable, although one leasing site suggests $150 plus a night was the base for any rental income calculation.
The property's style most definitely lends itself to holiday accommodation and is presently fitted with new, exquisite furnishings that are also able to be purchased, subject to negotiation.
The timber kitchen features a stainless steel range and dishwasher.
The property is within walking distance of Mirboo Norths town centre, which includes shops and eateries that trade seven days, Baromi Park, the entry point to the Grand Ridge Rail Trail and a boutique brewery.
Mirboo North is growing as a destination for nature-based tourism and is centrally located in South Gippsland for visitors to experience the Grand Ridge Road Tourist Drive, Wilsons Promontory to the south and Latrobe Valley to the north.
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Gippsland tourism rental cottage has $285,000 hopes

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Gold Logie award-winning television personality and comedian Denise Drysdale has for more than three decades lived 100 kilometres from Melbourne on an idyllic farm at Neerim North in Gippsland.
Having previously resided around<a href="/news"> Port Melbourne</a>, <a href="/news">Richmond </a>and <a href="/news">East Brighton</a>, Ding-Dong, as she is affectionately known, escaped after television and stage work to the country to experience peace and quiet amid beautiful scenery.
Title Tattle understands Drysdale is seeking a sea-change, having only recently resigned from Channel Ten's The Circle.
Perched high on a hillside, the <a href="/news">Neerim North</a> property is a four-hectare retreat with a grand bluestone residence built  from the local quarry.
It is the first time it has been offered for sale.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom architecturally designed residence comes with a sunken lounge with open fireplace.
There's a spa room with floor-to-ceiling windows taking in the unspoilt panoramas.
The property comes with a separate bluestone cottage with timber bar and fireplace, which Drysdale had as a billiards room.
The property comes with dam and shelter for livestock.
Evan Broadbent at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Neerim-North/?adid=2010215759" target="_blank">Harcourts Warragul</a> has it listed for February 23 auction.
<a href="https://harcourts.realestateinmotion.com.au/property/vhw3288/35-olsson-road-neerim-north-3832-vic" target="_blank">There's something of a video produced for the marketing</a>.
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Comedian Denise Drysdale lists Neerim North, Gippsland, acreage

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The auction of a prized Portsea bathing box yielded $440,000 at its RT Edgar auction today.
<a href="/news">The Portsea bathing box had been listed with conservative $350,000 hopes.</a>
There were two bidders at the <a href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2251083&amp;agentID=948&amp;realestate=36_Shelley_Beach_PORTSEA_VIC_3944&amp;showGoBack=true" target="_blank">twilight onsite auction</a> conducted by RT Edgar Real Estate Portsea agents Warwick Anderson and Ilze Moran.
In January 2011 a Portsea box set a record $585,000 when five bidders fought for the property at its RT Edgar auction. Another fetched $455,000 in January 2010. There had been a record $362,500 sale in January 2008.
While today's listing is among the prized Shelley Beach boxes, it is set well back from the water and a bit far up the beach too, so more of interest to just the immediate surrounding properties than the ones sold in recent years.
A <a href="/news">Rye </a>bathing box fetched $400,000 on Saturday in what the market has quickly viewed as an out-of- line sale for the Tyrone foreshore.
RT Edgar also conducted the auction, which attracted 200 plus attendees despite its low-key marketing.
Another Rye bathing box was passed in at weekend auction at $170,000 – around market expectations – through through Emil Foller from Bennison MacKinnon Sorrento.
Last summer <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/rye-beach-bathing-box-sells-for-%24275000/2012112558073" target="_blank">Title Tattle recalls another Rye beach bathing box without power or water sold for a record $275,000</a>.
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Portsea bathing box fetches $440,000 at RT Edgar auction

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There are 33 suburbs in Melbourne – many of them on the outskirts – where first-home buyers can purchase a three-bedroom apartment and pay equal or less than the average estimated first-home buyer mortgage repayment in Victoria of $414 per week.
The suburbs can be found in an interactive heat map showing weekly mortgage repayment price bands across Melbourne suburbs compiled by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) as part of its new <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/First-Home-Buyer-Guide" target="_blank">first-home buyer guide.</a>
<a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/First-Home-Buyer-Guide/3-bedroom-units" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2013/01/3bedmap.jpg"></a>
The $414 per week median mortgage repayment is based on the average first-home buyer loan size of approximately $286,600, a standard variable interest rate of 6.4%, receipt of the $7,000 first-home owners' grant, a loan term of 30 years, a 10% deposit, and benchmark lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) and conveyance fees.
The list is dominated by suburbs further out of town, but does include the middle Melbourne suburb of St Albans, which has a median three-bedroom unit price of $270,000 and average weekly mortgage repayments of $360 per week.
Also on the list are less fashionable, but well-located Sunshine and Sunshine North, where 'Kath &amp; Kim' obtained numerous TAFE qualifications and where Tracey, daughter of the Kerrigans in The Castle obtained her hairdressing diploma.
The full list starting from the cheapest is:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Melton </a>- $277 per week, median price of $210,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Werribee </a>- $312 per week, median price of $235,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cranbourne </a>- $324 per week, median price of $244,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Hoppers Crossing</a> - $332 per week, median price of $250,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Pakenham </a>- $332 per week, median price of $250,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Tarneit </a>- $346 per week, median price of $260,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Frankston </a>- $346 per week, median price of $260,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Sunshine </a>- $350 per week, median price of $263,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Dandenong </a>- $353 per week, median price of $265,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">St Albans</a> - $360 per week, median price of $270,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Noble Park</a> - $366 per week, median price of $275,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Tullamarine </a>- $373 per week, median price of $280,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Narre Warren</a> - $373 per week, median price of $280,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Sunshine North</a> - $377 per week, median price of $283,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Langwarrin</a>- $380 per week, median price of $285,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Hadfield</a> - $380 per week, median price of $285,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Doveton </a>- $382 per week, median price of $286,250</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Somerville </a>- $382 per week, median price of $286,500</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Dandenong North</a> - $389 per week, median price of $291,700</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mill Park</a> - $392 per week, median price of $293,750</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Broadmeadows </a>- $392 per week, median price of $293,750</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Epping </a>- $393 per week, median price of $294,500</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Thomastown </a>- $399 per week, median price of $299,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Seaford </a>- $400 per week, median price of $299,500</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Lalor </a>- $401 per week, median of $300,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Deer Park</a> - $401 per week, median of $300,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Hallam </a>- $403 per week, median price of $302,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Springvale </a>- $406 per week, median price of $304,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Craigieburn </a>- $408 per week, median price of $305,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mernda </a>- $408 per week, median price of $305,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">South Morang</a>- $412 per week, median price of $308,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Sydenham</a> - $412 per week, median price of $308,500</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Berwick </a>- $414 per week, median price of $310,000</li>
</ol>
Source: REIV first-home buyer guide
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From Melton to Berwick: The 33 Melbourne suburbs with affordable three-bedroom apartments 

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Melbourne features very little in my current thinking about property hotspots in Victoria. Strong regional cities dominate the mindset. 
Right now Melbourne is a good place to be near but not in. The strongest places in Victoria are all cities in their own right but close enough to the capital to be commuter cities. 
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bendigo </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ballarat </a>both stand out, not only within the state of Victoria, but on a national basis. They rank nationally as boom towns with strong future prospects. 
The B cities have a lot in common: gold rush histories, strong local economies with ample diversity, proactive councils, plenty of infrastructure development, strong business communities, prosperous tourism industries, lots of real estate investment and generous supplies of affordable dwellings. 
Both have major redevelopments of their hospitals in prospect. Both have significant education sectors, and both have manufacturing businesses that are defying the national trend of downturn in that sector. New roads are being built and airports are being upgraded. National retailers are expanding in both places. There’s even impact from the resources sector, with gold mining undergoing a revival with the benefit of modern technology. 
Both have significant numbers of residents who commute to work in Melbourne. Both will be enhanced by the $5 billion Regional Rail Link, which will shorten the gap (in travelling times) between them and the state capital. 
They have the strong appeal for investors that Melbourne currently lacks. I can see plenty of growth drivers in Ballarat and Bendigo, whereas few are apparent in oversupplied Melbourne. 
Many things happen in these regional cities than you might expect to find in the big capital cities. Ballarat, for example, is developing its IT sector to a scale of national significance through the University of Ballarat, with strong involvement from IBM, which has its primary regional delivery centre in Australia in Ballarat. The new trains needed for Melbourne’s rail system are being built in Ballarat. 
Bendigo, which has the only provincial stock exchange in Australia, is the headquarters for Bendigo Bank, which has retail branches around Australia. Bendigo-based Thales builds vehicles for the Australian Defence Force, while another local business Australian Defence Apparel supplies combat uniforms and other equipment. 
Big property developments are happening in both places. A new suburb covering 750 hectares, to be known as Lucas, is happening in Ballarat, as well as the evolving Ballarat West Growth Area. In Bendigo a major master-planned development called Evergreen Waters is under way. 
If I can isolate one “big kicker” item from among the many drivers of future growth in the B cities, it's the $5 billion Regional Rail Link, which is now well under construction. 
It will provide a direct link for passengers travelling from Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong into Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. This will avoid the current bottleneck with Melbourne commuter trains.
The project is expected to deliver time savings, increase tourism to the regional cities and make living there more attractive. Trains from Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo will no longer stop at North Melbourne station once the link is completed in 2016. 
Regional Rail Link Authority chief operating officer Allen Garner says the project is like building a new four-lane freeway into Melbourne.
“From a sustainability point of view it’s much better than building freeways but it does enable people to choose lifestyles and move more out of the city,” he says. “I think there are great growth opportunities for regional centres.”
With all that in the background, the bonus is that you can readily buy houses in the $200,000s in both the B cities.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a> and can be <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">followed on Twitter</a>.
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Ballarat and Bendigo provide golden opportunities for property investors: Terry Ryder

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A Portsea bathing box has been listed with $350,000 hopes.
Typically passed down from one generation to the next, it's among the prized Shelley Beach boxes, albeit set well back from the water and a bit far up, so probably more of interest to just the immediate surrounding properties than the ones sold in recent years.
<img height="307" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/portsea.jpg" alt="portsea">
This one has been listed by RT Edgar Real Estate Portsea agents Warwick Anderson and Ilze Moran for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2251083&amp;agentID=948&amp;realestate=36_Shelley_Beach_PORTSEA_VIC_3944&amp;showGoBack=true">auction this Sunday, January 20</a>.
In January 2011 a Portsea box set a record $585,000 when five bidders fought for the property at RT Edgar auction. Another fetched $455,000 in January 2010. There had been a record $362,500 sale in January 2008.</body></html>

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