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;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]

Lowe Living set new Melbourne off the plan apartment record

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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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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

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>

Portsea bathing box listed 

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The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured $10,300 backpay for a Melbourne real estate salesman who was underpaid as part of an unlawful employment arrangement.
The salesman, a recent Sri Lankan immigrant in his 50s, was underpaid between October, 2010 and February, 2011 when employed at McDonald Real Estate Dandenong.
McDonald Real Estate directors John and Le Hoa Wysham of Aspendale also operate other real estate agencies in Melbourne.
After the salesman lodged a complaint, the Fair Work Ombudsman found that the salesman was initially unlawfully required to perform four weeks of unpaid work under a purported ‘training program’.
Over the next three months, he was paid $551 a week as an ‘advance against future commissions’, plus a car allowance of $115 a week.
However, the retainer was cancelled after about three months and the employee was paid only the $115 weekly car allowance for a month before his employment was then terminated.
Under the Real Estate Industry Award 2010, commission-only arrangements are applicable only when if it can be demonstrated that an employee has earned more than the minimum wage payable under the award selling real estate in any 12-month period over the preceding five years.
As the employee did not fit into this category, the employer should have paid wages of at least $557 a week throughout his employment.
Given the Wyshams admitted being involved in the underpayment, as an alternative to litigation they entered into an enforceable undertaking and agreed to:
<ul>
<li>Donate $1,000 to the Peninsula Community Legal Centre;</li>
<li>Make a formal written apology to the underpaid employee;</li>
<li>Develop processes for ensuring future compliance with workplace laws for all real estate agencies they are involved in - and provide evidence of the measures to the Fair Work Ombudsman;</li>
<li>Undertake a professional audit of all real estate agencies they are involved in and rectify any underpayments identified;</li>
<li>Conduct further compliance audits for the next three years;</li>
<li>Provide professional workplace relations training for all managerial, human resources, recruitment and payroll staff at real estate agencies they are involved in for the next three years;</li>
<li>Publish a public notice detailing the contraventions of workplace laws on the McDonald Real Estate website and in The Dandenong Leader and Melbourne Weekly newspapers; and </li>
<li>Display the notice at the premises of all real estate agencies they are involved in. </li>
</ul>
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says that in cases of significant non-compliance, enforceable undertakings are being used as an effective alternative to litigation.
The Ombudsman has entered into more than 30 enforceable undertakings since July, 2009, while recovering $5.4 million for more than 6900 employees.
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Melbourne estate agent wins $10,300 backpay after unlawful employment arrangement

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Corio Villa, the landmark 14-room Geelong home, has been sold.
Its sale price has not been disclosed, but its most recent declared asking price was $5.85 million.
It was listed in August with $5 million-plus hopes through Wilsons listing agents Guyon and James Wilson.
Set above Corio Bay at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wilsonsre.com.au/property/geelong/889/" rel="nofollow">56 Eastern Beach Road</a>, it's one of Australia's only surviving buildings to be made from pre-fabricated cast iron.
Manufactured in Scotland, the home was shipped to <a target="_blank" href="/news">Geelong</a> in boxes. Corio Villa was manufactured in 1855 by iron founder Charles D Young and Co. from designs by Bell and Miller, architects and engineers.
William Gray, colonial land commissioner, ordered the villa, but he died prior to arrival of the portable house shipment.
The crates with the ornate, sprawling design pieces sat unclaimed on Geelong's docks for six months before wool merchant (and later owner of The Geelong Advertiser) Alfred Douglass bought it, carted it up the hill and assembled it like a jigsaw above Corio Bay.
The house remained in his family until it was sold to Dr Keith Ross of Ballarat in 1938 and then to Arthur and Alice McAllister in 1945.
Their son, Glenn, and wife, Rosslyn, live in the house today.
Most of the decorative work echoes the pattern of the rose, and the thistle of Scotland.
Corio Villa is considered by heritage authorities as of paramount international significance not just in Geelong but to the history of industrial technology and the 19th-century British aesthetic movement.
Prefabricated residences were often imported in the 1850s to satisfy housing demand during the gold rush boom, Heritage Victoria notes.
It has its many original character features including intricate leadlight windows, plaster roses and cornices, detailed timber ceiling and wall panelling, plus ornate marble fire places.
The McAllister family have hired out the property for weddings and functions.  The house sits on 375 square metres of the 2,885-square-metre block.
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