Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

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Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

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

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

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?

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Affordable housing in Melbourne is only available in fringe suburbs, with inner suburbs out of reach for most investors and all but the wealthiest first-time home buyers, according to a state government report.
The discussion paper titled Melbourne let’s talk about the future says Melbourne needs to address affordable housing in the city.
“We have an ageing population, those heading towards retirement have reduced wealth, and housing stress is a chronic problem for about 10% of households,” Planning Minister Matthew Guy says.
“Almost all of the city’s most affordable housing is in the outer suburbs with the inner suburbs out of reach to many renters and all but the wealthiest first-home buyers.”
The report finds a dramatic reduction in housing affordability over the last decade means home buyers now have less choice about where they can buy a home.
“People with less money to spend (who are at greater risk of mortgage stress) can only buy in Melbourne’s outer suburban fringe if they want to own a detached house.”
And the report finds that while the cost of the house itself is often lower in outer areas, transport costs can negate some of these savings.
More people are at risk of mortgage stress with the number of people fully owning a dwelling dropping from 40% to 30% over the last 20 years while the number of people paying off a mortgage has risen from 30% to 35%.
The report finds low-income single-person households face the most difficulties renting affordable housing.
In the March quarter, just 0.3% of one-bedroom dwellings let would cost no more than 30% of gross to a single person solely reliant on Centrelink payments.
“Without action the cost of buying or renting a house in Melbourne is likely to rise in the years ahead, particularly in established suburbs. The cost of a dwelling in the middle suburbs of Melbourne needs to be reduced if we are to have any prospect of providing an opportunity to a wider range of the population to live in these areas, and greater socioeconomic diversity in existing neighbourhoods,” Guy says.
With renters facing the most difficult affordability conditions Guy proposes a number of changes to improve affordability.
He says affordable living could be addressed by:
<ol>
<li>Increasing housing supply;</li>
<li>Reducing the cost of building;</li>
<li>Reducing barriers to affordable housing development;</li>
<li>Preserving or offsetting the loss of existing low-cost housing;</li>
<li>Encouraging new affordable housing with planning scheme controls or incentives;</li>
<li>Securing dedicated social housing – housing rented at below market cost;</li>
<li>Increasing the number of jobs in suburban areas, to reduce commuting distances and times for suburban residents;</li>
<li>Reducing the need to own a second car and even any car per household by improving cycling, walking and public transport options; and</li>
<li>Other incentives to integrate affordable housing into new developments.</li>
</ol>
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Matthew Guy's nine-step plan to addressing housing affordability in Melbourne

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The REIV September quarter medians show that the residential housing market continues to remain stable, with a median house price in Melbourne of $530,000, compared with the revised June quarter median of $525,000. In regional Victoria the median house price was also stable, with a minor 0.7% increase to $307,000.
The non-metropolitan market continues to record more moderate growth over the medium term but is also not as likely to record the more volatile fluctuations prevalent in Melbourne.
The three main centres reflected this and recorded mixed results, with the median price of a house in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ballarat </a>increasing by 1.8% to $285,000; in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bendigo </a>it dropped by 2%  in the quarter to $301,000; and in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Geelong</a> there was a 6.1% reduction to $362,000.
The Surf Coast Shire is regional Victoria’s most expensive, with a median house price of $570,000. The Macedon Ranges is the second most expensive, with a median of $470,000.
Strong growth in prices was recorded in: Mildura, where the median increased by 7.6% to $225,000; in Bairnsdale, where it rose by 5.2% to $225,000; and in Traralgon, which rose by 9.3% to $282,000.
Over the quarter the rental vacancy rate dropped from 2.9% to 2%.
Of the three main regional centres the highest level of vacancies was recorded in Geelong, where the vacancy rate was 3.5% in September. In Bendigo it remained very tight, with 0.9% of rental homes vacant. Ballarat recorded 1.3%.
Median rents for houses rose slightly over the quarter from $290 per week in July to $295 per week in September.
Enzo Raimondo is CEO of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>.
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enzoraimond-7fvRFHPR52

Volatile price fluctuations unlikely in regional Victorian property market

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A 1905-built St Kilda terrace with a rooftop garden deck has sold for nearly $1 million above its reserve price. 
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Public/PropertyDetails.aspx?adid=2010010800" target="_blank">Gorphwysfa</a>, the 21 Mary Street property, sold for $3.3 million at its super Saturday auction, well above its reserve of $2.5 million. 

It was sold by Buxton agents Karl Gillon and Ranko Cvjeticanin.

The Edwardian terrace on 253 square metres had been in the same family for 30 years before selling.

The four-bedroom <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Kilda</a> home has coffered ceilings, a marble master bathroom, four bathrooms, an internal atrium garden and a glass wet bar.

Cvjeticanin  was pleased with the result.

“This was a pleasant surprise and just another example of how prices continue to exceed expectations,” Cvjeticanin  says.
But <a target="_blank" href="https://www.12crimeastreetstkilda.com/home">an 1880-built St Kilda terrace</a> (pictured below) listed by Leon Piterman, the vice-chancellor of Monash university and his consultant wife, Hannah, didn't get to weekend auction.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/crimeast1.jpg">
Enniscorthy, the 611-square-metre two-storey property had been expected to sell for more than $2.5 million at its October 27 auction before it was postponed to November 17th.

It comes with a broad tessellated tiled veranda, an imposing double arched entrance hall, 4.2-metre ceilings, Baltic pine floors and a Tuscan-inspired garden.


Marketing for the property describes it as one of the area's most admired homes, featuring hydronic and under-floor heating, an alarm system, a basement wine cellar, intercom, laundry, auto-gates and off-street parking for four cars.

Buyers' agent Guy Angwin from Mal James Buyers Advocates says the property is a classic but has some floorplan issues.

“This property has been updated over time, and whilst it is not a recent renovation it does provide some floorplan flexibility,” Angwin writes in his summary of the property.

“This is a significant property with good land content, and while it has some floorplan issues, with the right renovations it could become a fine large family home.”

It was last listed for sale in 1997.

It comes with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and four car spaces.

The house is surrounded by the Tuscan-style gardens, which give the property a second street frontage on Marlton Crescent.

The hall, sitting room, dining room and study all feature marble fireplaces.

Stone floors lead through to the kitchen living and dining areas.

It is being sold by Simon Gowling from Damian O'Sullivan.

Leon Piterman was given Queen's birthday honours in 2006 for service to family medicine through distance education for doctors in remote areas, to research and student training, and to international medical education.

The property mentioned in The Argus in 1956 going up for lease £4/16/9.

The property is being marketed with its own website.

 


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Hit and miss with prestige St Kilda terrace offerings

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Warracknabeal in the Wimmera is Victoria’s most affordable suburb despite mooted plans for a giant topless statue of musician Nick Cave.
The median house price in the wheatbelt town is just $105,864, with 54 properties sold in the last 12 months, according to RP Data.
The town, the birthplace of Nick Cave, is nearly 300 kilometres north west of Melbourne.
According to the 2011 census the town has a population of 2,745, with 1,349 dwellings. This is up from 2,625 as indicated by the 2006 census.
Previous RP Data figures suggest the town has a median rent of $160 per week for houses. Median prices fell 8.8% last year.
Nick Cave has long harboured plans of building a giant golden statue of his likeness bare-chested on a rearing stallion. The plans have been discussed since at least 2001, but he says recent economic conditions might make constructing a giant gold statue of himself in the middle of the town seem in bad taste.
Cave is the legendary frontman  of Grinderman, The Bad Seeds and The Birthday Party.
Perhaps investors should buy now and wait for prices to no doubt skyrocket after Cave finally realises his plans.
A search on online real estate listing portals reveals more than 50 options.
A property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-warracknabeal-107575231">32 Gardiner Street</a> is listed for sale at $125,000, though a quick check reveals it has been on the market since August last year. It was originally listed at $137,000 before gradually dropping down. Prior to this it was listed for most of 2009 at $120,000 before being reduced to $115,000.
The three-bedroom property sits on 590 square metres and is listed through Rob Lehmann from North West Real Estate. It was listed for rent at $150 per week in January this year, giving a gross yield of around 6.25%.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-warracknabeal-111218187">111A Jamouneau Street</a> has a similar history. It’s a three-bedroom house on 1,000 square metres listed at $120,000. It was on the market for most of 2011 at $129,500 and was relisted in August this year for $120,000 through John Hadley, again from North West Real Estate.
And<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-warracknabeal-107497689"> 6 Kelsall Street</a> has been listed at $99,500 through Gerry Smith First National. Marketing for the cottage suggests the property could rent at $145 per week, giving a gross yield of around 7.5%. The 1930-built property has been on the market for 475 days.
Nearby Dimboola is the second most affordable suburb in Victoria, with a median house price of $107,470.
Coleraine in the Southern Grampians is the third most affordable suburb with a median house price of $117,263.
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<tr height="53">
<td width="63" height="53">National Rank</td>
<td width="122">Suburb</td>
<td width="86">Median Value</td>
<td width="87">Number sold (12 months)</td>
<td width="69">Distance from GPO</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">3</td>
<td><a href="/news">WARRACKNABEAL</a></td>
<td align="right">$105,864</td>
<td align="right">54</td>
<td align="right">286.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">4</td>
<td><a href="/news">DIMBOOLA</a></td>
<td align="right">$107,470</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">301.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">6</td>
<td><a href="/news">COLERAINE</a></td>
<td align="right">$117,263</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">289.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">10</td>
<td><a href="/news">CASTERTON</a></td>
<td align="right">$123,359</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">315.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">11</td>
<td><a href="/news">NHILL</a></td>
<td align="right">$125,876</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">337.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">19</td>
<td><a href="/news">ST ARNAUD</a></td>
<td align="right">$145,827</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">201.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">23</td>
<td><a href="/news">MERBEIN</a></td>
<td align="right">$152,548</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">469.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">25</td>
<td><a href="/news">MORWELL</a></td>
<td align="right">$153,087</td>
<td align="right">205</td>
<td align="right">134.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">27</td>
<td><a href="/news">TONGALA</a></td>
<td align="right">$157,724</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">173.6</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">28</td>
<td><a href="/news">RED CLIFFS</a></td>
<td align="right">$157,819</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td align="right">462.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">37</td>
<td><a href="/news">COHUNA</a></td>
<td align="right">$165,281</td>
<td align="right">37</td>
<td align="right">232.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">45</td>
<td><a href="/news">STAWELL</a></td>
<td align="right">$169,912</td>
<td align="right">83</td>
<td align="right">208.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">50</td>
<td><a href="/news">CHURCHILL</a></td>
<td align="right">$172,177</td>
<td align="right">70</td>
<td align="right">138.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">53</td>
<td><a href="/news">MOUNT BEAUTY</a></td>
<td align="right">$175,686</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">229</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">54</td>
<td><a href="/news">GOLDEN BEACH</a></td>
<td align="right">$176,096</td>
<td align="right">27</td>
<td align="right">217</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">55</td>
<td><a href="/news">ARARAT</a></td>
<td align="right">$176,575</td>
<td align="right">146</td>
<td align="right">187.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">56</td>
<td><a href="/news">MOE</a></td>
<td align="right">$176,809</td>
<td align="right">152</td>
<td align="right">120.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">61</td>
<td><a href="/news">ORBOST</a></td>
<td align="right">$178,426</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
<td align="right">307.1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">65</td>
<td><a href="/news">KERANG</a></td>
<td align="right">$180,070</td>
<td align="right">48</td>
<td align="right">249</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">68</td>
<td><a href="/news">LOCH SPORT</a></td>
<td align="right">$181,507</td>
<td align="right">57</td>
<td align="right">231.3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">73</td>
<td><a href="/news">MARYBOROUGH</a></td>
<td align="right">$182,870</td>
<td align="right">165</td>
<td align="right">132.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">76</td>
<td><a href="/news">AVOCA</a></td>
<td align="right">$185,411</td>
<td align="right">23</td>
<td align="right">147.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">78</td>
<td><a href="/news">TERANG</a></td>
<td align="right">$186,938</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">185.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">85</td>
<td><a href="/news">NUMURKAH</a></td>
<td align="right">$189,415</td>
<td align="right">49</td>
<td align="right">192</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td align="right" height="20">94</td>
<td><a href="/news">TALLANGATTA</a></td>
<td align="right">$192,312</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">264.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>
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Warracknabeal and Dimboola most affordable housing locations in Victoria

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The last home to be designed by the Australian Modernist architect Guilford Bell has been listed for sale with $3.5 million-plus hopes.
It's a 1986 house on a 2.5-hectare block at <a href="/news">Officer</a>, minutes from Beaconsfield and Old Berwick, 50 kilometres south-east of Melbourne.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/10/oct26outwhiteside]}
The Grant House, also called Whiteside, was built in 1986 for Robert Grant and his partner who ran the popular City Gardener garden supplies business in Melbourne for many years. The property was previously an apple and pear orchard owned by Grant's family.
The sloping land framed by cypress hedges was the site for the home designed by Guilford Bell at the age of 74, and credited as his last major residential work.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-officer-109981456" target="_blank">26-36 Whiteside Road </a>house is a snow-white pavillion style abode comes with its pyramidal, sky-pointing roof with Buddhist shrine or carnival marquee appearance.
The late respected architect Guilford Bell's status among well-to-do clients has triggered a National Trust-listing. Bell died in 1992. 
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
The grounds have a pool and series of landscaped gardens – a cherry tree walk, a summer glade and sunken parterre, and terraces of white irises along with lawns and lotus-filled dam, towering cypress hedges, and white wisteria-covered arbour.
There are views to the Gippsland Ranges.
The house is clad in a corrugated Zincalume along with a second corrugated-steel structure to accommodate a three-car garage and a fully serviced cottage.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/10/oct26whitesidein]}
The other dominant feature is the use of 130,000 bricks within the house precinct and garden terraces, which took a local brickie almost two years to lay.
Its listing agent is Malcolm Graham of <a href="https://www.granthousewhiteside.com.au/history/" target="_blank">Alex Scott &amp; Staff Berwick</a>. 
It was briefly listed for sale in 2007 with $2 million-plus hopes when its zoning was yet to upgraded to its current Growth Corridor zoning for residential development.
"The privacy and peaceful surrounds of this site has a wow effect, which opens ones mind to the ongoing potential as only half the site is improved of this quality investment," its marketing material says.
The holding cost $36,000 in 1976. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Guilford Bell's last design, in outer Melbourne, listed

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A Docklands hair salon opposite Etihad Stadium has been listed for auction.
The property is leased to Aveda Hair salons, which runs the shop as White Lotus Hair and Beauty.
It currently earns $25,000 per annum in rental income plus GST and outgoings. The lease is a newly signed five-year lease with options to 2027.
It sits below a series of apartments called Site One complex at 757 Bourke Street.
The <a href="/news">Docklands</a> property is being sold by Domain Commercial Real Estate agent Dean Fornaro in conjunction with Burgess Rawson agent Adam Thomas.
The property is marketed as being ideal for self-managed super fund operators.
“We’ve had a lot of inquiries from self-managed super fund buyers,” Thomas says.
“This one is definitely an affordable entry level property.”
He is looking to sell the property for around $300,000 to $310,000. If it sold for $310,000 the gross yield would be 8.06%.
It goes to auction on October 31 at Crown Casino.
For those with a bit more to spend, Thomas is also marketing a Docklands restaurant with an asking price of around $850,000 and a rent of $68,959 per annum. 
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Docklands hair salon offers small investors and SMSF potential 8% return

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Brownlow medalist Jobe Watson's Melbourne investment property play has been sold.
His three-bedroom <a href="/news">Albert Park</a> investment cottage had lingered unsold on the market since its early August listing, then passed in on a vendor bid of $970,000 at its September 1 auction.
The Richardson Street was purchased for $930,000 in December 2007, having previously traded at $880,000 in mid-2007.
Late September inspectees were told there was a flexible $980,000 asking price on the attractive freestanding double-fronted Edwardian brick residence.
Its most recent price indication was $959,000, but Property Observer gathers it might have sold at around $905,000.
No sale price has been declared by the <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/richardson-street-albert-park/Property-Details-sold-residential-4276135">Cayzer Real Estate Albert Park listing agency, </a>which secured the sale on October 18.
Watson lives elsewhere in Albert Park, where he paid $780,000 in 2009.
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Jobe Watson sells Albert Park investment cottage 

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The former TV personality Steve Vizard has sold his St Kilda mansion, Clendore.
The three-storey Italianate Victorian with 17 rooms and a rooftop pool was sold on October 5, although the website marketing has continued.
It's been bought by former champion skateboarder and streetwear fashion entrepreneur Peter Hill, who directs Globe International.
Vizard and wife Sarah renovated the seven-bedroom, 10-bathroom home after paying $3.96 million in 2004.
The sale ends a year-long campaign to sell the Fitzroy Street property, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/melbourne-businessman-steve-vizard-sticks-with-%248-million-plus-hopes-for-st-kilda-mansion-clendore/2012070855470">which was listed with $8 million-plus hopes</a>. No sale price has yet emerged.
There is a rooftop Paul Bangay-designed garden above the grand colonnaded building, which sits on a 782-square-metre Fitzroy Street block.
The mansion has a 15-person Schindler commercial double-door lift that connects all four floors.
One of the original three adjoining terraces was the home of Sir Graham Berry, the distinguished radical politician, for several years.
The Vizard family sold their Orrong Road, Toorak, mansion for about $17.75 million in 2007 to The Good Guys boss Andrew Muir.
It was listed through Gross Waddell Melbourne commercial agents Andrew Waddell and Jonathan McCormack, given its potential as offices, hotel/leisure or medical consulting rooms. Jock Langley and Tim Derham of Abercromby’s are the conjunctional agents.
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Skateboarder Peter Hill snares Steve Vizard's Fitzroy Street St Kilda mansion

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Corio in Geelong has the strongest yields for units for all regional postcodes in Victoria, according to RP Data figures.
With a median price of $155,000 and median rental figure of $240 per week, RP Data suggests the suburb has a yield of 8.05% for units.
Looking at what’s currently available it seems the yields aren’t quite as high as RP Data figures suggest though.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-corio-110599481">Unit 7 at 51-53 Merlin Crescent</a> is listed for sale at $165,000-$175,000. The last asking rent for the property was $220 per week in February this year, giving a yield of 6.54% if it sells for the upper bracket.
And <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-corio-109715241">unit 1 at 82 Hendy Street</a> has been listed for sale at $189,000 to $199,000. Its last asking rent was $240 per week in July this year giving a yield of 6.27% if it sells for the upper bracket.
The suburb is followed by Ballarat Central, with yields of 6.88%, according to RP Data. It has a median price of $170,000 for units and a median rent of $225 per week.
Third is Mildura in north western Victoria, with unit yields of 6.66%. The median unit price is $148,000 and the median rent is $190 per week.
The top 15 rural postcodes with the highest yields for units are as follows.
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<td width="116" height="20">Suburb</td>
<td width="64">Postcode</td>
<td width="88">Median Price</td>
<td width="86">Median Rent</td>
<td width="64">Yield</td>
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<td height="20">Corio</td>
<td align="right">3214</td>
<td align="right">155000</td>
<td align="right">240</td>
<td align="right">8.05</td>
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<td height="20">Ballarat Central</td>
<td align="right">3350</td>
<td align="right">170000</td>
<td align="right">225</td>
<td align="right">6.88</td>
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<td height="20">Mildura</td>
<td align="right">3500</td>
<td align="right">148000</td>
<td align="right">190</td>
<td align="right">6.66</td>
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<td height="20">Cobram</td>
<td align="right">3664</td>
<td align="right">155000</td>
<td align="right">188</td>
<td align="right">6.31</td>
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<td height="20">East Geelong</td>
<td align="right">3219</td>
<td align="right">232000</td>
<td align="right">280</td>
<td align="right">6.28</td>
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<td height="20">Tatura</td>
<td align="right">3616</td>
<td align="right">167000</td>
<td align="right">195</td>
<td align="right">6.07</td>
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<td height="20">Melton</td>
<td align="right">3337</td>
<td align="right">224000</td>
<td align="right">260</td>
<td align="right">6.05</td>
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<td height="20">Norlane</td>
<td align="right">3214</td>
<td align="right">212000</td>
<td align="right">245</td>
<td align="right">6.01</td>
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<td height="20">Eaglehawk</td>
<td align="right">3556</td>
<td align="right">218000</td>
<td align="right">250</td>
<td align="right">5.98</td>
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<td height="20">Bendigo</td>
<td align="right">3550</td>
<td align="right">210000</td>
<td align="right">240</td>
<td align="right">5.94</td>
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<td height="20">Kangaroo Flat</td>
<td align="right">3555</td>
<td align="right">207000</td>
<td align="right">235</td>
<td align="right">5.91</td>
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<td height="20">Morwell</td>
<td align="right">3840</td>
<td align="right">141000</td>
<td align="right">160</td>
<td align="right">5.91</td>
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<td height="20">Yarrawonga</td>
<td align="right">3730</td>
<td align="right">210000</td>
<td align="right">235</td>
<td align="right">5.82</td>
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<td height="20">Mooroopna</td>
<td align="right">3616</td>
<td align="right">168000</td>
<td align="right">188</td>
<td align="right">5.8</td>
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Corio tops list of 15 rural Victorian localities with highest unit yields

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All three school campuses of the former Mowbray College around Melbourne have sold for educational use.
Werribee-based Heathdale Christian College bought the Patterson Campus in Melton for an undisclosed sum. The site will reopen in 2014 as a kinder to year 4 school.
Intaj Khan, chief executive of The Western Institute of Technology, bought the Caroline Springs town centre campus for $6.7 million. His company will offer courses in building and construction at the site from November.
And Grace Children's Services bought the Brookside campus in Caroline Springs for $3.3 million. The company plans to run an preschool there and lease the remaining buildings to other schools.
The sales come four months after Mowbray College went into liquidation, after it was revealed the school had $18 million of outstanding debts.
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