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]

Joel Robinson

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

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.

The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.

According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.

&nbsp;

Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185853]

Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.

The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.

"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.

"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.

"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=374280]

Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.

McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.

"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362498]

Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.

Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

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

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.

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<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

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Mintaro, the 1882 Monegeetta, Sunbury district mansion, has been sold at its $3 million reserve price.
It had been passed in shortly before at $2.85 million at its November 15 onsite auction. It's been bought by Brian and Cheryl Glassel of Toolern Vale who intend to restore the house as a residence.
The new owners plan their own "Country House Rescue'' with tours and dining experience set to make the "property pay for itself". Country House Rescue is an observational documentary series on the British television channel, Channel 4, where an expert visits a struggling country house to turn its fortunes around with advice on making more usage of the estates.
More than 500 attended the onsite auction, with three bidders.
The 9.9-hectare estate was an executor's sale, concluding 78 years of family ownership by the Rae family.
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"A once undeniably grand and gracious country residence is now in need of total restoration with outstanding future use potential," its selling agent John Keating of Keatings Real Estate says.
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It's a smaller replica of Melbourne's Government House, which was built by a Captain Robert Gardiner to a design by architect James Gall. The auction crowd included Gardiner family descendants.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/mintaro3.jpg">
The property is 56 kilometres from the Melbourne GPO at Monegeetta on the Melbourne Lancefield Road.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.keatings.com.au/view-property/?OID=4545899">John Keating </a>advised potential buyers of its $3 million reserve price in the advertising material for the Victorian Period Italiante-style mansion.
"Buyers love the transparency of declared reserve auctions and if the reserve is set at a realistic amount, the publication of the reserve price acts like a buyer-enquiry magnet," he said.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/mintaro2.jpg">
It was listed by the executors of the estate of musician Derek Rea.
When the house was entered on the register of the National Estate in 1978, the accompanying notes indicated that it was in a "superb state of intactness and is being meticulously restored".
It's close to land owned by the Department of Defence for its Land Engineering Agency (LEA).
Photos of the house in 2007 on <a href="https://www.walkingmelbourne.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&amp;t=4419&amp;start=20">Walking Melbourne </a>show it surrounded by dozens of derelict cars prior to its yard clearance sale.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/mintaro.jpg">
Picture courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.walkingmelbourne.com/">Walking Melbourne</a>
Robert Gardiner was born in Scotland in 1812. He and his first wife, Susan Foley, had five children. He first came to Tasmania, where he was involved in the whaling industry. He was one of the earliest European settlers in the Berwick area, having taken up a pastoral lease in 1837.
The front room of the property is painted with his initials on the ceiling.
The walls are painted with friezes of whaling, pastoral and gold mining, which is reputedly how he made his money.
Robert Gardiner, who was the great grandfather of ballet dancer Sir Robert Helpmann, died in South Yarra in 1889.
"I wish we had another couple of Mintaro's we could offer to the unsuccessful bidders, but unfortunately they just don't exist," Mr Keating said. 
There were 230 purchaser enquiries and some 85 inspections during the market campaign.
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Country House Rescue envisaged for Mintaro, the sold $3 million 1882 Monegeetta, Sunbury district mansion

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Leighton Properties intends to start building a 55,000-square-metre office building at 567 Collins Street within weeks, according to a company statement.
It has plans to building a 26-level tower at the site between Spencer and King streets after signing an anchor tenant agreement.
Leighton Contractors has been appointed to build tower and is considering signing an anchor tenant lease for building, occupying the podium campus component of the building.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/5672.jpg">
Law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth has also agreed to lease 8,800 square metres of the building.
The company has bought the entire site having exited a partnership with APN in 2008.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Leighton with Leighton Properties and Leighton Contractors  working together as a team to achieve an outstanding result in leasing, design and construction,” says managing director Mark Gray.
“567 Collins St will be an iconic contribution to the Melbourne central business district, and an exemplar of Leighton’s expertise in the development of high sustainability, architectural and urban quality and amenity.
“We are confident of the prospects for a new premium building on Collins Street which will redefine the centre of business activity in Melbourne.”
The building includes a two-three level high foyer comprising a lobby, cafe and retail component, two levels of health club, seven levels of podium campus office and 16 levels of upper tower office with a net lettable of 54,770 square metres.
The tower will occupy a 3,942-square-metre site with a 74-metre frontage to Collins Street.
It is designed by architects Cox and Spowers and is hoped to achieve a six-star green star office design v2 rating with the Green Building Council of Australia.
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Leighton Properties to begin construction of 567 Collins Street, Melbourne, within weeks

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The southern hemisphere's tallest hotel/apartment building – with its mooted mammoth 388-metre skyscraper high above Melbourne's Yarra River – is actually a development site that's up for sale. Its a tad premature to suggest the touted 108-storey development will radically alter the city skyline.
The 2,642-square-metre site has been for sale since July through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-southbank-500322779">CBRE agents Mark Wizel and Josh Rutman</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/australia108.jpg">
The site is set on the corner of City Road and Southbank Boulevard, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) gave approval for a 72-storey, 226-metre, 532-unit skyscraper in September 2010 after a battle with Melbourne City Council.
Designs for the huge Australia 108 are being reportedly finalised and, if approved, will feature 600 apartments, the nation's highest hotel and restaurants seemingly floating 84 stories above the city.
The 108-storey tower, which will be the 18th-tallest building in the world, is planned to rise near the 297-metre Eureka Tower, with 91 storeys.
Architects Fender Katsalidis, who also built Eureka, gained planning approval for a 228 metre apartment building on the 70 Southbank Boulevard site in 2010, despite objections from Melbourne City Council that it was "excessive in both height and bulk".
But architect Nonda Katsalidis has super-sized his plans, by adding a 288-room hotel and sky deck on top, saying the economy has strengthened and Melbourne is more confident and ready for an iconic centrepiece.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/australia1081.jpg">
"Buildings like this change cities, they make the city more dynamic, more interesting, more exciting," he told the News Ltd papers today.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=97223192">skyscrapercity.com website </a>shows both visions for the development site.
One of Australia 108's most striking features will be a two-storey sky lobby, which is set to house two restaurants and two bars, extending nine metres out of the building, 84-storeys above Melbourne. The hotel check-in and swimming pool will also appear to hang over the city, with sections of glass floor enabling visitors to see all the way to the ground in a much larger version of Eureka's Sky Deck. Although the skyscraper is intended to dominate Melbourne's skyline, Katsalidis says it would form a pair with Eureka. The site was listed with a $25 million price tag via an international public expressions of interest campaign closing in August.
In July Property Observer<a target="_blank" href="/news"> reported the site was listed by Katsalidis and property developer Adrian Valmorbida </a>from the Valmorbida family, who had decided to go in different directions.
The site is the former head office of international explosives and fertilising giant Incitec Pivot and is currently in use as office accommodation.
Although in its preliminary design stage, and will be subjected to a fresh planning application process, Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy has already commented that such a project being proposed underlined the confidence in Melbourne. "Australia is coming of age and our cities are growing upwards," Guy says. "Taller buildings ... are a symbol of a growing nation, a strong economy, and they do have the ability to define a city," he told News Ltd.
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Australia 108 has a few hurdles to overcome before it's the southern hemisphere's highest  

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Corio Villa, the landmark 14-room Geelong home, has now been listed with a declared asking price of $5.85 million.
It's been unsold since initially listed in August with vague $5 million-plus hopes through Wilsons listing agent Guyon Wilson.
Set above Corio Bay at <a href="https://www.wilsonsre.com.au/property/geelong/889/">56 Eastern Beach Road</a>, its 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 Edinborough 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 in 1854 prior to arrival of the portable house shipment.
Instead wool washing merchant Alfred Douglas acquired the crates for a small sum and erected the villa in 1856 overlooking Corio Bay.
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.
It's been listed for the first time since 1945 by the McAllister family, who've owned it for three generations. They have hired out the property for occasional weddings and functions.  The house sits on 375 square metres of the 2,885-square-metre block.
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Geelong's Corio Villa listed with $5.85 million asking price

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Construction has commenced on the Wertheim Square apartments in Lend Lease’s Studio Nine development in Richmond.
Prices in the inner-Melbourne block currently start at $649,000 for a two-bedroom unit measuring between 80 square metres and 96 square metres.
Previously prices for two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments started at $655,000.
The <a href="/news">Richmond </a>apartments will be new buildings on the historical site, given earlier offerings within the project were conversions of an older building.
The master-planned community will pay homage to its iconic industrial and broadcast past. The site is a former piano factory, then the Heinz canning factory, and then a broadcast studio.
Construction of the project is due to finish in late 2013 to early 2014.
Lend Lease was previously offering 10% annual returns on deposits paid for apartments.
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Construction begins at Studio Nine

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Property developer FKP has announced practical completion of its striking elliptical glass apartment project Aerial, which has risen up above Camberwell Junction in Melbourne's inner east.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/aerial5.jpg">
The project was delayed earlier this year due a combination of weather and union issues, with completion and settlements pushed back from the first quarter of the 2012-13 financial year to the second quarter.
Aerial has been developed on the former Henley Honda dealership site at the intersection of Burke, Camberwell and Riversdale road in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Camberwell </a>and features two towers, the tallest rising to 14 levels.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/aerial4.jpg">
It was designed by architects Woods Marsh.
FKP has pre-sold 122 out of the 144 apartments, with settlements expected later this month to deliver proceeds of $105 million.
The developer has sold only one apartment since June, with a spokesperson telling Property Observer this was "typical" for a project that is in the "homestretch of construction, as many purchasers hold off to see the final completed product".
Goldman Sachs analyst Peter Zuk says the completion of the project is “welcome news” for FKP and will inject “much-needed cash back into the business, which in turn will facilitate the commencement of other planned development projects”.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/aerial3.jpg">
In its annual report FKP said its group debt had reduced from $938 million to $738 million following an equity raising entitlement offer to shareholders, with Aerial settlements to reduce this debt by a further $120 million.
This would imply that the sale of the remaining 22 apartments would bring in an extra $15 million in revenue.
Aerial features a selection of one-, two-, three-bedroom apartments as well as sub-penthouses and penthouses rising above Camberwell Junction.
Around 95% of the sales have been to local buyers, with a mix of owner-occupiers and investors purchasing the apartments.
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FKP completes construction of delayed Aerial apartment project in Camberwell

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Stradbroke, an 1870s St Kilda mansion that was the birthplace of former Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce, has been sold by the Presentation Sisters.
The 1,761-square-metre property has been the home to the Sisters of the Society of Australian Congregations of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, better known as the Presentation Sisters, since 1919.
It had been listed for an expressions-of-interest campaign, but the buyers sought an auction from the Bennison Mackinnon agency.
Despite interested parties securing the transparent auction process, there was just the one $3.8 million bid made – and it was sold for an undisclosed higher price after the auction to a local family.
An adjoining 788-square-metre parcel of land at 71a Grey Street, <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Kilda</a>, was passed in on a vendor bid of $1.5 million.
Both properties had been offered earlier this year to Port Phillip Council, which declined to proceed with any acquisition.
The 18-room mansion, which has been operating as a boarding house, was built by Thomas Moore Esq in 1873.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/bruceplaque.jpg">
In 1919 the Presentation Sisters purchased the property from the Sisters of Mercy.
The mansion includes arcaded verandas over its two levels and an 18-room interior, including a chapel and a wine cellar.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/birthplace-of-former-prime-minister-stanley-melbourne-bruce-listed-by-st-kilda-nuns/2012100556999">Bruce, the prime minster of Australia from 1923 to 1929, was born in the property on April 15, 1883, in the house</a>.
From windows overlooking Port Phillip Bay, its occupants would have been able to see ships laden with goods from the mother country sailing from the Great Southern Ocean, writer David Lee said in his book Stanley Melbourne Bruce: Australian Internationalist.
Bruce’s family is better associated with Wombalano, a large colonial-style Toorak mansion.
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Presentation Nuns sell 1870s St Kilda mansion

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The questionable benefits of employing feng shui experts for a building project will be explored in tonight’s episode of Grand Designs.
In <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lifestyle.com.au/granddesigns/series-3/episode-4-warburton-arch-house.aspx">episode 4</a>, couple Tyrone and Hailey follow the guidance of a feng shui expert and so-called energy ecologist throughout the construction of their <a target="_blank" href="/news">Warburton </a>home, 65 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.
Their property, Arch House, is a passive solar construction with a curved living roof planted with native grasses.
The couple are building their house around the concrete former reservoir that supplied water to the township.
The reservoir is on 1.4-hectare property on a hill covered in chestnut and olive trees.
They originally planned to build the house cantilevered over the concrete dam, but the feng shui expert advised against it.
The feng shui expert advises throughout the project, including testing radioactive gas levels in the stone used in the construction.
Partway through the project Tyrone starts to express his doubts over the benefits of employing a feng shui expert.
The couple also have the property blessed by a Buddhist monk.
The property is designed by Soft Loud House architects, who describe it as a seven-star, rendered ICF earth-sheltered house using local stone and passive design principles, including a ground linked heat pump and hydro power generator.
They began construction on the project in 2010.
According to RP Data the median house price in Warburton is $260,000. Prices dropped 17.1% in the last year but have increased 11.8% over the past five years.
The median rent is $288 per week.
Nearby <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-vic-warburton-111572647">a two-storey mud brick construction</a> on 3.6 hectares by the Yarra River is listed at $550,000.
And <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-warburton-111216903">a three-bedroom weatherboard home</a> on 3.2 hectares in the hills is listed for $660,000.
Last week’s episode featured <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/balnarring-hobby-farm-beach-house-as-grand-designs-australia-s-third-episode/2012110157566">a hobby farm in Balnarring.</a>
Tonight’s episode airs on the Lifestyle Channel at 8.30pm.
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Feng shui expert guides construction of Warburton home on Grand Designs' November 8 episode

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An 1860s grand estate in Bendigo has been listed for the first time in 70 years.
<a href="https://www.tsfn.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2199224">Fortuna Villa</a> is being sold by the Department of Defence with $3 million expectations.
The three-storey Italianate-style mansion with 30 bedrooms was once owned by quartz king, George Lansell.
The mining entrepreneur was the director of 38 mines and had links to almost every mine in Bendigo.
He struck fortune with his purchase of the 180 mine, part of the New Chum Reef.
He remodelled the mansion in the late 1880 which was lavishly furnished with pieces collected from around the globe. He designed the spacious gardens with walks, lakes and imported plants.
He bought the property in 1871 from Theodore Ballerstedt, a mine operator who bought the site in 1857 from the Crown.
The Villa is built in a number of architectural styles - Victorian Italianate and Victorian Free Classical, with Federation influences.
The heritage listed rendered brick construction comes with seven bathrooms, cast-iron verandahs, a billiard room, a ballroom, a conservatory, a reception room and entrance hall.
It has a stained glass, cedar and blackwood staircase, a solid marble bath, extensive acid-etched glasswork.
The villa comes on 7.57 hectares and has 32 outbuildings. The Victorian gardens include a roman bath and a Pompeii fountain. There is also a tennis court, coach house and a large lake on the property.  The lake was previously a tailings pond.
<a href="https://www.fortunavilla.net.au/inc/pdf/Draft%20Fortuna%20Phase%201%20Summary%20Report%20-%20Public%20Doc%20-%20final%20100709.pdf">The Department of Defence</a> occupied the site from 1942 and in 1957 it was compulsorily acquired for Army use. Since then the site has been occupied by the Army and other Defence organisations. Most recently it has been the home of the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation.
The department of defence built a number of modern buildings on the property including a mess hall, stores and accommodation.
The property is being sold by public tender ending December 7.
An environmental survey of the property shows some soil contamination from previous mining activities and defence activities.
The report says that any buyer looking to build on the land would be required to undertake measures to avoid contamination.
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Department of Defence selling 1860s Fortuna Villa in Bendigo

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A landmark historical commercial building in the Melbourne bayside suburb of Williamstown that was once the premises of turn-of-the-century grocer Robert Punshon has sold for $2.5 million.
The two-storey freehold building, designed by local architect CJ Polain and built by James Rowsthorn in 1890, was sold to Wayne Elly, owner of Greg Hocking Elly partners.
The building was marketed and sold by Fitzroys Associate James Gregson.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/ferguson1.jpg">
Elly will use the building as his business premises.
According to Victorian Heritage the building is a “novel adaptation” of the English Queen Anne architectural style and notable for its ornamental façade, which houses a bas-relief bust of its original owner, Robert Punshon.
Punshon operated from the shop under the name of Punshon’s Federal Stores.
Most recently the property had been occupied by Marks Brothers electrical store for over 20 years.
It was sold with vacant possession with the vendor being local businessman John Marks.
The Williamstown Chronicle reported in 1904 that both 82 -84 Ferguson Street and 78 Ferguson Street were sold by "Mrs. R. Punshon to W.N. McAlister and Co., a grocery, wine and spirit business".
John Pentase, a grocer and the ES&amp;A Bank shared the premises in the 1920s.
Victorian Heritage notes that the building is of historical significance as it “perhaps best illustrates the increasing importance of Ferguson Street as the main commercial centre of Williamstown during the latter half the nineteenth century”.
“It is also notable for its original and long association with the locally important Punshon family and for its long use as a grocery.”
The 750 square metre building comprises ground floor retail space, a grand first floor dwelling and a basement.
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