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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Dunblane, the Italianate home on a 4,726-square-metre holding with guest house at Sunbury, has been listed for October 11 auction with $3 million-plus hopes in one line through Lindsay Hill and Annette Travers at Bennison Mackinnon.
Dating back to its 1890s construction for local hotelier Peter Eadie, the country manor has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/38-40-jackson-street-sunbury/Property-Details-buy-residential-4389835">restored and renovated </a> to highlight its refined period rooms.
There have been just the three owners, it most recently selling to the Mason family in 1999 by Essendon real estate tycoon Graham Goodson.
The seven-bedroom, five-bathroom house has light-filled contemporary spaces along with a designer kitchen.
Its grounds have a heated pool, spa and a mod-grass flood-lit tennis court with pavilion – all within botanic gardens.
There's also a two-bedroom guest house which sits on its own title, and will be offered the first right to secure the 700 sq m offering.
"Dunblane is further distinguished by its status as the only Sunbury home of such significance to have served continuously as a family residence," said Lindsay Hill, the Mount Macedon agent.
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Sunbury's 1890 mansion Dunblane listed

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An iconic 1910 Newtown, Geelong, warehouse has sold for more than $950,000 after auction.
The property– set close to Corio Bay – passed in at $950,000 and later sold for “significantly more”. The price guide leading into the auction was mid-$900,000 to $1.05 million. It was listed by Robert Creece and Tony Young from Robert Creece Real Estate  Manifold Heights.
The Edwardian building was originally built for Collins Bros Pty Ltd Woollen Manufacturers with a second-level Early Modernist extension added in 1934.
The Latrobe Boulevard building has been under renovation for the last five years. One renovation project was finished the day before it went to auction. Parts of the property remain to be renovated.
The heritage-listed building is considered historically significant as a representative embodiment of industrial practice and the woollen processing industry in Newtown before the Second World War.
Heritage documents describe the building as “a two-storey symmetrical red brick industrial building with later two-storey additions”.
“The three-bay front is divided by flat piers, becoming semi-octagonal section over window-head height on foliate corbels.”
The leadlight windows are Art Nouveau influenced, and there is an “unusual” nine-panel door and knocker.
The manganese brown brick first floor is adorned with a massive sans serif sign in a recessed panel.
At the left of the property is an Edwardian timber veranda with an arched palisade valence and a picket fence at one side.
A 1946 obituary of Basil N. M. Collins, a member of the firm of Collins Bros Pty. Ltd, says he was a former player and president of the Geelong Football Club. He was also a Grand Lodge officer of the Masonic Lodge.
The renovation has yielded 570 square metres of internal space. The building sits on a 945-square-metre block of land.
The lower level is currently set up as an office or showroom or retail area that leads through to a open space, which is marketed as ideal for an art gallery or cafe or conference room.
That room opens through to a private paved courtyard and the rear yard.
The upstairs portion of the property is currently set up as a residential area with two bedrooms, an open plan living and dining room, kitchen and bathroom.
The former power room has undergone partial renovation towards a two level apartment.
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Geelong 1910 woollen warehouse sells for more than $950,000

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Eblana, the 1880s East Melbourne residence built as the residence for Thomas Jackson of Young and Jackson's Hotel fame, has been listed for sale.
The boom-period Italianate-style terrace dwelling with a grand entry approached by a flight of substantial bluestone steps is zoned Business 5 under the Melbourne Planning Scheme, allowing its varied use including office or residential.
It is to be sold with vacant possession through Marcus Quinn and Langton McHarg at<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-offices-vic-east+melbourne-500430463"> Knight Frank, </a>who are expecting around $4 million when expressions of interest close October 4.
Jackson’s name first appears in connection with Jolimont Road in Sands &amp; McDougall’s Melbourne and suburban directory in 1879.
In 1879 he had just vacant land on Jolimont Road.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/09/jackson.jpg" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/09/jacksonthumb.jpg"></a>
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By 1881 he was living in one of three six-bedroom brick houses that he then owned, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://prov.vic.gov.au/publications/provenance/thomas-joshua-jackson">the records </a>of the Public Records Office of Victoria (PROV), authored by Peter Fielding.
In December 1882, Jackson’s architect, James Gall, placed an advertisement in the newspapers calling for tenders to erect a villa residence.
Jackson called the house Eblana, believed at that time to be the Latin spelling for Dublin.
It was a comfortable two-storey home, complete with tiled balcony and hall, vaulted timber ceilings, leadlight windows, and horse stables with access from Jolimont Lane. 
From its rear balcony Jackson could look out across the East Melbourne Cricket Ground to his hotel at the corner of Flinders and Swanton streets.
Jackson later added a single-storey extension, in which he installed a billiard table. The house sits on a 510 square metre block.
Following the death of her husband in 1901, Sarah Jackson remained at Eblana.
After her death on Christmas Day, 1924, aged 84,  Sarah Jackson was buried with Thomas Jackson and her son James in Kew Cemetery.
In October 1925, Eblana was sold – described as a magnificent brick residence – to the Commonwealth of Australia, with it used as the head office of the Post Master General.
The then neglected house was bought by travel agency entrepreneurs Peter and Nancy Fielding, who restored Jackson’s house extensively, after paying $837,500 in 1997.
It had traded at $640,000 in a 1993 Westpac mortgagee auction.
It had traded at $1.1 million in 1990.
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Eblana, the 1880s East Melbourne house of publican Thomas Jackson, listed

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We’re all aware Melbourne is facing a shortage when it comes to affordable housing, especially if you have your heart set on buying within 20 kilometres of the CBD.  However, there are still some affordable hotspot suburbs that fall well below the average Melbourne median price and will make it easier to help secure your next property. From the outset, you need to know how much you can really afford to spend, as this will dictate the properties available to you.
At Advantage Property Consulting, we are regularly trying to locate hotspot suburbs and have assisted over 2,000 clients in achieving their dream of owning a property.
So what is a hotspot?
A hotspot can best be described as an area that has not attracted the same level of attention as traditional blue-chip locations. They are often identified as areas that are underperforming, usually within close proximity to more popular suburbs.  When an area becomes too expensive for people to afford, they usually move to these neighbouring suburbs that are more affordable, causing a positive outward ripple effect.
What are some important things to look for before buying into a hotspot area?
Pick a diamond in the rough Choose a well-positioned property that represents good buying value.  An unrenovated property can often be purchased under market value, offering the chance to improve and increase equity over time. If it is well supported by strong infrastructure and lifestyle amenities, then the chance of gaining a good investment return is higher.
Follow the ripple effect outward If you’ve been priced out of a more expensive inner-city suburb, look to its surrounding areas to try and pick up a bargain.
Choose an area with good quality stock/dwellings For example: buying a period-style apartment in a block of four versus buying an apartment in a high-rise precinct where you are the owner of one of 100 similar apartments. Period homes tend to fetch better prices and are in much higher demand than other property types.
Easy access to employment opportunities It is important to have easy access to a diverse range of employment opportunities near your property.  This will attract reliable tenants/investors to the area and offers better growth potential over the long term.
Look for areas with solid or expanding infrastructure Having good, reliable access to nearby arterial roads, highways and satellite cities will always add more value to a suburb.  Look out for planned developments in the area as well as new infrastructure improvements such as freeways, as this often indicates the area is on the up.
Don’t always go for the cheapest property Focus on what comparable properties are actually selling for in the area to figure out if a property is overpriced, has met the current market or is at under market value.
Focus on the property not the hotspot You are buying a property, not an entire suburb. The key is to identify potential for capital growth and rental returns. If it is well positioned, then the desirability factor increases.
Look for signs of the next “Williamstown or St Kilda” and trust your intuitio Look for a feeling or indicators that a suburb is on the move. Lifestyle features such as being close to the water, bars, restaurants and retail outlets will always add substantial money to your investment.  It is not unusual for unwanted locations to become hotspots over a 10- to 20-year period, so think long term.
With these key factors in mind, here are five potential “hotspots” in Melbourne worth taking a look at:
1. Thornbury
Thornbury has shown an impressive 21% growth per annum over the last 22 years.  Units and flats are still very affordable with an average median price of $432,000.  Located just seven kilometres north-east of the CBD, it has easy access to transport, an attractive lifestyle vibe and is very family friendly. The ripple effect from more expensive suburbs such as Northcote, Fitzroy and Carlton has caused Thornbury to become a more financially viable and affordable alternative. It has all the right features and qualities of a prime suburb, making this an ideal entry-level suburb for first-home buyers and investors.
2. Spotswood/Newport
Positioned just seven kilometres west of Melbourne’s CBD, both Spotswood and Newport have shown steady growth of 14% per annum growth over the last 22 years.  It is one of the few affordable inner-city suburbs left in Melbourne. Apartments and flats are still available well below the $535,000 median. It has very good transport connections to the CBD, with a new multi-line train station, nearby Westgate Freeway, Western Ring Road and City Link arterials. Neighbouring satellite city of Footscray is close by.  You can still find older-style cottages on good- sized blocks, proving popular with first-home buyers and investors.
The ripple effect from wealthier suburbs such as Williamstown and Yarraville has caused both Newport and Spotswood to become future hotspots.
3. Box Hill
The ripple effect from Camberwell and Surrey Hills has put Box Hill in a good affordability category. The median price for units and apartments is still relatively affordable at $467K.   Located 14km east of the CBD, it is a major commercial centre and transport hub.  It has excellent access to Maroondah Highway and is home to the local Box Hill Hospital.  In addition to all the wonderful amenities, it is also a growing satellite city with the local council introducing further relaxed planning controls to help promote and build medium density development.
4. South Yarra
The reason why we have chosen to include the inner “blue-chip” suburb of South Yarra is that prices have fallen considerably.  You can now buy one-bedroom apartments well under its median price of $620,000. This holds great appeal to those seeking an affordable entry in to a highly desirable location. Located just three kilometres south-east of the CBD, you can’t go wrong with the close proximity to trendy Chapel Street and Toorak Road.  Established infrastructure such as The Alfred Hospital and Swinburne University are also nearby.
5. Frankston
Located 41 kilometres south of the CBD, Frankston is slowly becoming a major commercial, retail, educational and transport centre. This satellite city will have the Peninsula Link opening in early 2013.  As a result, you will see travel time cut by up to 40 minutes between Carrum Downs and Safety Beach.  The median price for a home is super affordable at $350,000, and apartments can be purchased at less than  $270,000.  Close to the beach, the future development of a local marina will also add significant value to the area.  The ripple effect from neighbouring Mount Eliza and popular Mornington Peninsula suburbs (Portsea, Sorrento and Flinders) is offering potential buyers a much more affordable option.
In summary, you can still make money in a flat market.  Boom suburbs always happen for clear reasons, and picking one before it becomes popular, is one of the simplest and quickest ways to make money in real estate. In fact, if you remember the following winning formula –purchase at the right price, in the right place and at the right time, you will no doubt reap good financial rewards.
With this in mind, make sure you choose under-performing suburbs and stick to affordable areas under Melbourne’s median price.  Do your due diligence and research thoroughly before you buy.
What other strategies can you use to make money in the current flat property market?
Find distress sales Chase vendors who need to sell quickly due to divorce, finance issues and impending deadlines due to other purchases or commitments.
Buy wholesale, not retail For example: Buy a whole block of flats in a group syndicate and purchase in the $1 million to $6 million price range, as this will reduce your competition.
Add value with subdivisions Buy properties that need to be subdivided.  This will simultaneously increase the properties’ value instantly.
Add value with renovations Buy “ugly ducklings” that need internal and external renovations, as this will add instant value and equity.
 
Frank Valentic is managing director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.advantageproperty.com.au/">Advantage Property Consulting.</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.advantageproperty.com.au/"> </a>
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Five potential Melbourne hotspot suburbs

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Yamala, the imposing six-bedroom 1870s English manor on a hillside 5,619-square-metre holding at Frankston South, has been sold for $2.9 million.
Its seventh owners intend to use it as their private residence. 
The house was best known as the country retreat of Sir John Madden, Melbourne barrister, chief justice and lieutenant-governor of Victoria until his death in 1918. Yamala had been originally established by William Woolley after he acquired 104 acres (42 hectares) of land in 1854. Woolley sold not long after he built the smaller four room house to Sir John Madden, whose city house was Cloyne in St Kilda.
The Maddens, who extensively extended the Woolley house, sold the 32-acre property to restaurateur A.J Lucas for £16,100 after Sir John's death.
It's complete with many fireplaces, chandeliers, ornate ceilings and a billiard room with original leather finish wall paper and polished wooden ceilings.
The pillars to the entrance of the front doors were undertaken by the famous architect Walter Burley Griffin in a 1929 makeover.
Its bar room was copied in the 1930s from the Savoy Hotel in London.
Its Olivers Hill grounds have pool house and botanical-like gardens with fountains, ornamental shrubs and pathways.
The home has direct beach access – only a short stroll along the sand to the Davey's Bay Yacht Club.
Its first sale in 34 years was through Quentin McEwing through <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/yamala-drive-frankston-south/Property-Details-sold-residential-4009119" target="_blank">McEwing Partners</a>. It was sold by the Cooper family, who initially listed Yamala in 2009. Mr William Cooper is a retired optometrist bought it in 1978 from the Kauffman carpet manufacturing family. The Kauffman's  had bought from the Hunt family who were in the wool business.
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Yamala, the baronial 1870s English manor at Frankston South, sells

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A gracious freestanding villa in South Yarra has been bought back by the family who had held it for more than 110 years.
Descendants of Mary Harding, the widow who originally built the property in 1891, paid $2.15 million on the weekend bringing it back into the family fold.
The Cromwell Road house on its 753-square-metre holding was last sold in 2003.
Saturday's vendors had bought it at the 2003 executor's auction paying $1.16 million.
It sold through Marshall White agent John Manton, who called <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/24-cromwell-road-south-yarra/Property-Details-sold-residential-4296633">the property </a> on the market at $2.11 million.
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An 1890s South Yarra villa bought back by its original family after nine-year absence

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Harry Kewell's Brighton townhouse rental has been sold for $2.95 million. 
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/harry-kewell-reportedly-kicks-off-brighton-rental/2011102452038">Nicholas Day-designed property </a> has a neo-Georgian style house with a mix of the contemporary and classic elegance.
The townhouse was developed by St Kilda Football Club director John Gdanski and former player Fraser Gehrig.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/2a-collins-street-brighton/Property-Details-buy-residential-4033907">The Collins Street townhouse </a> had initial $3.3 million price hopes before Kewell and his family lived there while Kewell played with Melbourne Victory.
The Kewells lived there for less than a year, leaving suddenly due in part to family circumstances back in the UK in June a few months before their 12-month lease expired.
The dispute over the $28,000 unpaid rent was reportedly settled last week, with Melbourne Victory, whose name was on the lease, footing the bill.
It had been listed through Buxton agent Brian Devlin and Regina Schmidt.
 
 
 
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Harry Kewell's Brighton townhouse rental sells

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The 1880s Bramber, a grand but now contemporary Brighton mansion, has been listed for September 15 auction.
Bramber is a substantial double-storey four-bedroom Italianate brick residence with an asymmetrical double-fronted composition. It now sits on a 460-square-metre block, having had two townhouses constructed in its rear grounds about a decade ago.
Its Marshall White listing agent Kate Strickland says it has been owned by the same family for the past four decades.  There's already been strong buyer interest in the low $2 millions after its first weekend inspection.  
"Bramber's revival is outstanding – a historic light-filled home transformed into a contemporary masterpiece," Stricklan suggests.
It was built in its Black Street Middle Brighton location for the politician Thomas Turner a'Beckett.
The Australian Dictionary of Biography says à Beckett came from London to Australia around 1850 to visit his two brothers, who had emigrated to Sydney and then decided to settle in Victoria.
He later wrote: "No better opportunity will ever be afforded to a man who is prepared to stick to his work."
He soon built up a prosperous private practice as a solicitor sought by savings banks, by the London and Liverpool Fire Insurance Co., and as chairman of the Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway Co., a position he held for more than 20 years.
<a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2136654" target="_blank">Bramber</a> dates from after he retired from active public life in 1878.
With his wife, Eliza, nee Stuckey, they settled in Brighton, where à Beckett was a keen gardener belonging to the local horticultural society.
He died at Brighton in 1892, leaving his estate to his surviving children and his second wife Laura Jane, née Stuckey, a second cousin of Eliza.
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Bramber, the 1880s à Beckett family home, listed

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The Victorian property market is set to steady in the coming six months, stabilising the current falling market experienced in the first half of the year, according to First National Real Estate’s 2012 Property Market Outlook Mid-Year Update. 
The Update, released this week, is based on a survey of the 400+ member network, and provides an insight on what member agents expect the market to do, drawing on their experience at a grass roots level. 
Interest rates, buyer confidence levels, the global economy and job security are all influencing the Victorian property market, which will only improve as market conditions improve.
However, the Victorian economy had several years of strong growth, at a time when other states were struggling, so it is now in slow-down mode, which will continue for the remainder of 2012.
What is evident is that for the market to improve, there is a need for competent business and social leadership, which is currently lacking at federal level.
The key challenges for the Victorian property market are vendors adjusting their price expectations to meet market demand, ongoing consumer nervousness, especially resulting from rising unemployment concerns, lack of buyers and stock surpluses, particularly around greater Melbourne and central Victoria.
The Update says the strongest growth will come from the upgrader sector, followed by investors, then retirees and first-home buyers.
Investor activity will increase as a result of improved buying opportunities, better rental yields and increased affordability.
Property prices should stabilise, with some downswings, and price movements will be affected by buyer confidence, interest rates and worsening financial conditions.
The rental market in Victoria is expected to remain relatively strong overall, with ongoing consumer nervousness keeping many in rental accommodation, even in the face of improved affordability.
Interest rates are expected to reduce further, however it is not expected this will impact too greatly on the state’s property market as any gains will be offset by negative market factors.
While lower interest rates will improve market conditions and strengthen buyer confidence, job uncertainty, increasing living costs and tightening lending criteria will all act against this and, for some areas, may result in increased mortgage defaults.
According to the Update, the Victorian office market is set for ongoing turbulence, suffering from the effects of weakened traditional office occupying businesses.  The slow retail sector and rising unemployment as a result of a stagnant economy will be the key significant factors affecting Victoria’s commercial property market in the second half of 2012.
Market confidence and supply and demand issues will continue to plague the rural property market in Victoria for the remainder of the year.
Garry Nash is chairman of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.firstnational.com.au/">First National Real Estate </a>Victoria.
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Victorian property market in slow-down mode

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Mortgagees have listed a grand Mt Eliza home for September 9 auction.
It last sold for $3.92 million in 2008.
The luxurious 95-square (883-square-metre) Pelican Place beachfront home was constructed in the late 1990s by builder Ahmad Jamshidi, who bought the holding for $245,000 in 1995 and secured $1.7 million in 2001.
It came with $6 million hopes in 2010 when inspected by  Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness as a potential Australian base for them given Furness’s mother lives in Mt Eliza.
Its most recent asking price was $3.6 million plus.
The Mediterranean-style residence has seven bedroom suites along with steam rooms and sauna (pictured below).
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/pelicansteam.jpg">
Its grand marble entrance is flanked by formal reception rooms.
There is a large kitchen ideal for entertaining, a family room, study, swimming pool, a mod-grass tennis court and parking for four vehicles.
"This sophisticated seven bedroom residence is carefully designed with the best craftsmanship to please the most discerning buyer including floor and panel heating, air-conditioning, ducted vacuum system, lashings of marble, imported customised chandeliers, a grand entry foyer that looks past an enormous sweeping staircase to the pool and wide balconies that feature 180 degree bay views," says its listing agent, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mount+eliza-111282695" target="_parent">Michelle Skoglun at Aqua Real Estate</a>.
Its set on 2,380 square metres behind security electronic wrought-iron gates.
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