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.

<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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Houses in Albert Park recorded some of the biggest increase in rents over the quarter for Melbourne, bucking the trend for city, according to Australian Property Monitor figures.
Across Melbourne <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/sydney-and-perth-rents-hit-record-highs-apm/2012101057084">rents remained unchanged for the quarter</a> at $360 per week for houses and $350 for units, but some suburbs recorded strong rental growth.
Rents for houses in Albert Park rose 15.4% over the quarter to $785 per week.
The recently renovated house at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-albert+park-408740367">39 Dinsdale Street</a> is on the market for $995 per week. It was last listed at $895 per week in July 2011, a rise of 11% over the period.
The house at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-albert+park-403111456">5 Boyd Street</a> is offered for rent at $1500 per week. According to RP Data, it’s significantly higher than the 2008 rent of $995 per week but below the asking price earlier this year of $1,750 per week.
The house at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-albert+park-404011798">166 Danks Street</a> is being offered for $800 per week. According to RP Data the asking rents have steadily increased by about $20 per year since 2007.
And the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-albert+park-408834659">12 Faussett Street</a> recently sold for $1.26 million and is being offered for rent at $860 per week, a yield of 3.55%.
A number of popular suburbs rose sharply, according to the figures published by Fairfax.
Houses in Kew recorded a similar spike in rents, rising 12.6% over the quarter to $670.
Units in Springvale were third on the list of 10 top rental growth suburbs, with rents rising 11.8% over the quarter to $285.
 
<table width="430" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
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<col width="127">
<col width="64" span="2">
<col width="175">
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<tr height="20">
<td width="127" height="20">Suburb</td>
<td width="64">Type</td>
<td width="64">Median weekly rent</td>
<td width="175">September quarter change</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Albert Park</a></td>
<td>House</td>
<td align="right">$785</td>
<td align="right">15.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Kew</a></td>
<td>House</td>
<td align="right">$670</td>
<td align="right">12.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Springvale</a></td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td align="right">$285</td>
<td align="right">11.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Footscray</a></td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td align="right">$310</td>
<td align="right">10.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Balwyn</a></td>
<td>House</td>
<td align="right">$550</td>
<td align="right">10.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Malvern East</a></td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td align="right">$345</td>
<td align="right">7.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Templestowe Lower</a></td>
<td>House</td>
<td align="right">$450</td>
<td align="right">7.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Williamstown</a></td>
<td>House</td>
<td align="right">$535</td>
<td align="right">7%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Altona</a></td>
<td>Unit</td>
<td align="right">$310</td>
<td align="right">6.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a href="/news">Sunshine North</a></td>
<td>House</td>
<td align="right">$320</td>
<td align="right">6.7%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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Albert Park heads top 10 rental growth suburbs in Melbourne

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Melbourne residential developers are for the first time building more multi-unit projects featuring townhouses, apartments and flats than detached houses, according to the October report from property valuers Herron Todd White.
Affordability is the main driver of this shift in development focus as “people are pushed to build smaller more modest, cheaper homes".
“The transitioning mentality of the population in relation to buyer preferences is also another reason as people are developing an interest in terrace housing as it looks appealing and is essentially affordable," says HTW.
This trend was also noted by <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/hot-property-investment-opportunities-in-west-north-and-outer-east-melbourne-suburbs-apm/2012100757023">Austr</a><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/hot-property-investment-opportunities-in-west-north-and-outer-east-melbourne-suburbs-apm/2012100757023" target="_blank">alian Property Monitor’s (APM) senior research analyst Clinton McNabb </a>at the recent Melbourne Home Buyer and Property Investor show.
McNabb said comparison between the 2006 and 2011 census data shows rising numbers of single person and childless couple housing occupants, indicating an increasing  demand for higher-density living.
McNabb also said more families are now willing to live in apartments and willing to sacrifice space for location.
The HTW October report focuses on the northern suburbs of Melbourne, where many new residential communities are being developed, and where these macro forces have “put pressure on house prices and influenced demand for product".
“Areas such as the northern suburbs are experiencing a slide in demand since the expiry of the $13,000 new home bonus by the state government which was a huge stimulus for growth in the area,” says the report.
The bonus has been replaced by a with a 20% cut on stamp duty with another 10% discount to follow from January 1, building eventually to 50%.
“Developers have over compensated in suburbs such as Mernda and Craigieburn," says HTW.
“There is a large supply of estate houses for sale in these areas along with developments under construction which are experiencing less demand then what was originally planned for.
“In these areas there is little reason to celebrate as property prices have experienced a drop due to the lack of demand for these products ever since the incentives were taken away.
The report notes that developers have introduced their own incentives but “none are on the same scale of the first home owners’ bonus which led the way for demand for development in the area.”
Thinking about buying your dream land package? <a target="_blank" href="/news">Sign up for our free short courses.</a>
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Melbourne developers now building more multi-unit projects than houses: HTW

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Milne House, the single-colour Robin Boyd-designed Toorak house passed in at its August auction, has been sold.
Its price has not been disclosed, but it had been passed in on a $2.3 million vendor bid.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/robin-boyd-designed-toorak-home-milne-house-listed-with-%2425-million-plus-hopes/2012071955671" target="_blank">Bennison Mackinnon agents Hugh Hardy and Andrew Macmillan </a>had initially listed it with $2.5 million-plus hopes. 
It’s a four-bedroom courtyard home last traded unrenovated in early 2006 for $1.63 million.
Marketed as a Boyd masterpiece, Milne House comes with steep skilling roof forms in opposing combinations, bagged brick walls, separate wings, simple features and a near windowless front facade on its 640-square-metre block set on the corner of Toorak and Glenbervie roads.
The Malvern Heritage Study puts its date at 1970. It is acknowledged as one of Boyd’s last homes by heritage authorities, as he died aged 52 in 1971.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Robin Boyd-designed Toorak house sells

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House and unit prices have been on the rise for the past six months while property prices fell in regional Victoria, according to graphs released by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. 
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/10/reivoct9.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/reivoct9thumb.gif"></a>
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/10/reivoct91.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/reivoct91thumb.gif"></a>
The charts, part of a REIV presentation at the Melbourne Home Buyer and Property Investor Show, also show that over the past 10 years the median Melbourne house and unit prices have risen in fits and starts, while regional Victoria has shown more steady, even growth. 
For example, house and unit prices in Melbourne show a sharp spike in 2007, whereas growth is more measured across regional Victoria. 
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Regional Victorian property prices have shown long-term mild growth: REIV

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With a disclosed $750,000 reserve price and 14 contract requests, the weekend auction of a striking modern home at Gisborne triggered an $807,500 sale.
The <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/115-outlook-lane-gisborne/Property-Details-buy-residential-4406745" target="_blank">115 Outlook Lane</a> house, with views of Mount Macdeon, sold through Julian Davies at Keatings Real Estate.
Set above Jacksons Creek, the 1.7-hectare vacant building holding was bought in late 2007 for $340,000 by Kate and Ollie Luciano.
There are views from every room through floor-to-ceiling glass along the entire length of the semicircular design of the valley where deer roam.
After their initial inspection of the site the Lucianos took a sketch made on butcher's paper to the architect Design Edge, who came up with a structure designed as a series of 12 wedge-shaped segments, each supported by a framework of high-strength steel columns and beams and spanned by extra-thick laminated glass panels.
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Striking Gisborne semicircular home finds  $807,500 buyer looking for views

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The Melbourne property market is set for a tentative recovery in the short term, but there are currently buying opportunities for investors, particularly in the west, north and some outer eastern suburbs, according to Clinton McNabb, senior research analyst for Australian Property Monitors (APM).
Delivering a presentation at this weekend’s Melbourne Home Buyer &amp; Property Investor Show, McNabb said investors needed to look for areas displaying the greatest population growth and where incomes are rising.
“There will be a tentative recovery for Melbourne, growth will be subdued for a while,” said McNabb.
But longer term, demand for housing will rise as the city’s population grows to beyond 6 million people over the next 20 years and overtakes Sydney, McNabb said.
“The biggest driver of house prices will be population growth,” said McNabb.
Investors should also look for suburbs, where incomes are growing.
McNabb presented a series of heat maps, with shades of blue, orange and red.
The heat map below shows which suburbs have displayed the greatest house price growth over the past two years.
Suburbs in shades of blue show where property prices have declined by 3% or more over the past two years, green suburbs have exhibited limited growth (up to 3%) orange indicates property prices rising around 10% and red zones show growth in excess of 15%.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/heatmelb.jpg">
The map shows much of the growth has been in suburbs around the city, but also good growth in some outlying areas such Narre Warren North and Beaconsfield Upper in the outer east.
In the west, McNabb says suburbs like Altona and Yarraville, where the median house price is around $500,000 – much cheaper than neighbouring suburbs – offer good potential.
Similarly, he picks unfashionable Footscray, West Footscray and Sunshine due to their affordability, closeness to the CBD and good transport connections.
In the north, McNabb says investors should look at well-located suburbs like Brunswick, Coburg and Preston.
They are affordable and also located close to the city with good transport connections.
Currently suburbs that have the highest average discount (the original listing price compared with the sale price) include Canterbury (15% discount), Toorak (12%), Footscray (11%), Brooklyn and St Kilda West.
Taking a wider view of the market, McNabb says the latest census data shows rising numbers of single person and childless couple housing occupants.
This he says indicates an increasing  demand for higher-density living.
“In addition, more families are now willing to live in apartments and they will sacrifice space for location.
“Being close to transportation to the CBD is key. There has been a 47% jump in people using public transport since 2005,” he says.
“Compare suburbs and look at comparable sales – that’s the best way to avoid things like underquoting,” he says.
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Hot property investment opportunities in west, north and outer-east Melbourne suburbs: APM

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An 1870s St Kilda mansion that was the birthplace of former Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce has been listed for sale 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.
The property named Stradbroke was built by Thomas Moore Esq in 1873.
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.
Bruce, the prime minster of Australia from 1923 to 1929, was born in the property on April 15, 1883, in the house.
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.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/bruceplaque.jpg">
A plaque unveiled by politician Barry Jones stands outside the Grey Street, St Kilda mansion celebrating his birth.
Bruce was the second youngest prime minister to serve in Australia, taking office at age 39.
The property comes with 788 square metres of vacant land, which is being marketed as prime for development.
Agent Iain Carmichael from BennisonMackinnon is expecting $3 million to $3.5 million for the mansion and around $1.5 million for the land.
The property is being sold by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benmac.com.au/index.cfm?pageCall=property&amp;propertyID=2177197&amp;showBackToResults=true&amp;realestate=71_&amp;_71a_Grey_Street_ST_KILDA_VIC_3182">BennisonMackinnon agents</a> Iain Carmichael and Andrew Macmillan as well as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/71-and-71a-grey-street-st-kilda/Property-Details-buy-commercial-4515469">Greg Hocking agent</a> John Holdsworth.
The property is being offered by expressions of interest both as a whole and separately.
Any buyers will have to agree to keep a magnificent English oak tree, which is protected by Vegetation Protection Overlay recently applied by the Port Phillip Council.
Council documents show the protected tree was planted in 1919 by the sisters as a symbol of the congregation.
The 13-metre tree can be seen from the reserve and is thought to offer aesthetic and amenity value to the local area.
The English oak is also thought to hold horticultural value with the species in cultivation in Victoria between 1855 and 1889.The Grey Street
A <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/3917348">Grey Street purchase, St Fintans </a>, a primary school run by the nuns was reported in 1928. 
The full original Presentation Sisters' property included what the area now known as Newton Reserve adjoining the southwest of property. The nuns will retain other property on Grey Street.
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Birthplace of former prime minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce listed by St Kilda nuns

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Rino Grollo sold most of his 24 redundant Mount Buller holdings at auction today.
More than $4 million of property sold under the hammer and in the minutes after the mass auction.
Some 17 sold at auction, two sold prior and five properties were passed in but three of sold immediately after.
Castran agent John Castran conducted the auction and says he and Rino were happy with the auction, which had 43 registered bidders.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/snowauction1.jpg">
"Rino's happy. There's plenty of new people to ride his ski lifts now," Castran says.
Castran says most of the buyers were leisure seekers rather than investors. He says most of the buyers were buying without borrowing any money.
The stand-out performer was the Stables Chalet, which sold for $980,000 after being marketed with $900,000-plus hopes.
The four-bedroom chalet was designed by architects Bruce Henderson and Provan Burdett. The property won awards at the state and national Master Builder Australia awards.
It is built from local stone and timber, and the new owner will be able to ski in and ski out from the Chamois ski run.
The property includes three bathrooms, open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas, a garage, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, laundry/drying rooms, a heated driveway and fireplace.
There were three bidders after the property was announced on the market at $900,000, including one late bidder on the phone.
After bids hit $900,000 they came in $5,000 increments then jumping $10,000 per bid to $970,000 when two bids to $980,000.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
Bidder interest wasn’t matched with the Skyline Penthouse in the Chalet Hotel. It had been expected to sell for $900,000 but it passed in on a vendor bid of $800,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/snowauction2.jpg">
It did sell after auction though with Castran securing just shy of $1 million.
The recently renovated three-bedroom suite includes access to all the luxuries expected with a hotel.
Before auction, Castran relayed a message from Grollo saying, “Today is the day to buy because today is the day I’m selling”.
True to his word he was willing to come down in price on some properties, including the Kirstie Marshall Homestead, which sold for $137,000 despite his insistence $140,000 was the lowest he could accept.
Interest in the freehold small building block land offerings out of the ski slopes at Sawmill Settlement wasn’t as strong, with Castran working hard for every bid.
He said the <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mt Buller</a> lots were selling for almost the same amount that they cost to develop.
He even got to down to $1 bid to get it over the reserve price of $45,000 in two instances for blocks at the Sawmill Settlement location at the foot of the mountain.
Prices for the 12 St Anton apartments ranged from $120,000 to $205,000, having been marketed as likely to secure between $130,000 and $225,000.
Interest in the auction had been strong, with Castran inundated with 600 pre-auction inquiries. There were more than 100 at the auction.
Castran said the results showed the market was price-sensitive with the discretionary acquistions trading at about 20% below last year’s prices.
But he said he hadn’t seen $900-plus prices in?Mt Buller for two years.
Auction attendees at the city auction premises weople were ushered into the 19th-level board room by ski instructors in full garb. It's especially impressive given the weather topped 31 degrees in Melbourne.
Buyers were required to pay a 10% deposit up front with a 60-day settlement period. There was no GST payable, and furniture was included.
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Cashed-up skiers snare 22 of Grollo family Mt Buller snow auction offerings

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Monash University professor, the shoulder and elbow orthopaedic surgeon Simon Bell and his wife Jennifer are selling Greystones, their Brighton home, with a price guide of $7.3 million plus.
Located on Park Street amid established English gardens, the 1914 house sits on 2,219 square metres.
The house comes with six bedrooms and five bathrooms.
It's been home to the Bells for the past 20 years.
The house comes with a large cellar, sauna, studio with a gymnasium and a rooftop retreat that offers views across the bay to the city skyline.
Its vast north-facing living and dining area includes two living areas opening out to the terrace and a dining area set beneath a vaulted ceiling.
“It’s a period home with a history," Simon Bell says.
"We loved the fact that it’s an old house with high ceilings. It has a magic hideaway garden, tennis, cricket and basketball court as well as a spa and heated swimming pool.”
After living there for 20 years, the Bells are selling in the hope of downsizing.
“The house is just so big! We have the biggest main bedroom in Brighton, stretching the length of the house with views over the tennis court,” says Bell.
Greystones has been listed through Ian Jackson from Kay &amp; Burton Brighton with expressions of interest closing October 30.
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Greystones, the 1914 Brighton house, listed

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With a disclosed $750,000 reserve price and 14 contract requests, the weekend auction of a striking modern home at Gisborne seems set to ignite.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/115-outlook-lane-gisborne/Property-Details-buy-residential-4406745">115 Outlook Lane</a> house, with views of Mount Macdeon, is scheduled for October 6 through Julian Davies at Keatings Real Estate.
Set above Jacksons Creek, the 1.7-hectare holding was bought in late 2007 for $340,000 by Kate and Ollie Luciano.
There are views from every room, with floor-to-ceiling glass along the entire length of the semicircular design.
The Lucianos took a sketch made on butcher's paper to the architect Design Edge, who came up with a structure designed as a series of 12 wedge-shaped segments, each supported by a framework of high-strength steel columns and beams and spanned by extra-thick laminated glass panels.
Each glass panel is a sliding door.
Its floor is polished concrete with underfloor heating.
"We wanted a home that looked as if it had landed like a pod on the earth, but which, because it is so transparent, also has a sense of being at one with the land," Kate Luciano told The Age.
They have fenced the property and planted Manchurian pears around the perimeter.
"Signature design on a sensational canvas," is how listing agent Julian Davies describes the property.
</body></html>

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