South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Joel Robinson

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

One of the penthouses at Lily Lane, the latest stage of Carrington Place by Ellipse Property, has set a new local apartment price record.

The four-bedroom residence, purchased by a local downsizer, sold for $5.75 million—around 75 per cent higher than the previous record of $3.3 million.

Over 40 per cent of the first release of apartments at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> have already been snapped up just six weeks since it launched to the market.

&nbsp;

Located at 32 Carrington Road, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> and designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane is directly opposite the Hills Showground Metro station. It offers a total 213 units over two 12-storey towers - a mix of 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments - with a ground-floor retail offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368352]

Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says around 44 per cent of buyers are&nbsp;owner occupiers, with 35 per cent being investors and 21 per cent first homebuyers.

“Developments of this calibre are very rare in the Hills District, and Lily Lane’s sales success demonstrates the depth of demand for over-sized apartments that genuinely compete with freestanding homes," Schulze says.

"We are seeing particular demand from downsizers who want to remain in the area but transition into spacious, high-quality apartment living."

On the penthouse sale, it says it shows buyers&nbsp;are prepared to pay a premium for scale, quality, and direct access to the Metro.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368351]

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $745,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $990,000 with sizes from 75 to 132 square metres. Three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm,, with prices starting at $1,395,000.&nbsp;

The three remaining penthouses, spanning up to 262 sqm, are priced from $2.9 million.

Over 75 per cent of apartments include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries. Apartments are appointed with premium Miele appliances including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers, while larger residences also incorporate integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages, with completion expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 sq, of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Ellipse sets Castle Hill apartment record with $5.75 million Lily Lane penthouse sale

Fresh off completing its Delano Crows Nest development, Lindsay Bennelong has lodged plans for its next project, this time turning its attention back to the beach.

The developer, started 20 years ago by Clarendon Homes founder Peter Campbell, is proposing a 37-apartment scheme at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-25-ashburner-street-manly-nsw-2095">17-25 Ashburner Street</a>, Manly, positioned between the southern end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/manly-nsw-2095">Manly</a> Beach and East Manly Cove.

Lindsay Bennelong called on local architecture firm Platform Architects to design the new building, given their success at Finn, Lindsay Bennelong's current luxury apartment project on North Steyne.&nbsp;

According to the Design Verification Statement by Bridie Gough of Platform Architects, the proposal “relates to the current context but also the desired future character of taller buildings suitable to the new planning controls.”

The site has been identified as a Low to Mid-Rise Housing (LMR) location, given its position within 400 metres of the Manly Town Centre E1 Business Zone. The LMR controls are intended to unlock additional housing supply in well-located areas close to public transport, allowing developers to seek increased height limits to support greater density.

“The proposal seeks to provide this increased level of housing whilst being respectful of some of the smaller scale buildings also nearby,” the statement reads.

Lindsay Bennelong Development Director Leigh Manser said the project has been carefully aligned with the intent of the LMR controls. The proposal will significantly increase housing yield on the site, replacing four houses and 10 apartments, comprising 25 bedrooms, with 37 new apartments delivering a total of 94 bedrooms, whilst remaining compliant with the LMR controls.

“Sydney is in a severe undersupply, and delivering more dwellings and more bedrooms than what currently exists is exactly what the LMR policy is designed to activate,” Manser said, noting that nine of the apartments will be allocated as affordable housing for frontline workers.

“We have already commenced discussions with our community housing provider to determine the rental levels that frontline workers can realistically afford in this location,” he said. “These will need to sit well below the standard affordable housing benchmark of 20 per cent below market rent, and that has been factored into our feasibility and pricing.”

<img alt="Manly" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad03000f-19f9-48b4-b27d-e85ca800a1da" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%208.41.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=a.txHwCZgbCInlQ6QXbIrI.umvW1T.r8" />

The design of the building incorporates a wave-like indentation running through the façade, referencing the nearby coastline and anchoring the building within its local context.

The&nbsp;Design Verification Statement says careful consideration has been given to the articulation of the building, ensuring the bulk is broken down to a more human scale through a defined four-storey podium."

The scheme includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a full-time building manager's office and wellness facilities including a sauna and a gym.

“The design ensures a high level of amenity, with apartments offering generous private open space, many with expansive views, and all with comfortable proportions."

<img alt="Bennelong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a7f2812-72a1-4959-84b0-997e8cd88aed" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2010.15.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6iMxU3MkXmHVHAoNhYBjnqgka8CUZNbk" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lindsay-bennelong-developments">Lindsay Bennelong</a>&nbsp;is currently developing Finn Manly, just four full-floor luxury apartments on North Steyne. They recently welcomed residents to its 81-unit Delano Crows Nest development, a&nbsp;carefully scaled infill project designed to bridge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>’s lively village centre with its surrounding heritage streets.

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ajc-architects">AJC Architects</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/delano-crows-nest-27-57-falcon-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Delano</a>&nbsp;is arranged across three low-rise buildings, incorporating a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments alongside a limited number of townhomes addressing Hayberry Lane. The architectural approach drew on the area’s Art Deco lineage, reinterpreted through contemporary detailing and framed by landscaped communal gardens.

The developer also has a development site in Maroubra.

First look: Lindsay Bennelong's new Manly apartment development revealed

Fifty-nine residences across 37 levels. No more than two per floor. With 80 per cent now sold, what remains at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/madeline-by-mosaic-broadbeach-22-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Madeline by Mosaic</a> is a short list.

Madeline was always conceived at a scale that sits outside the normal register of Gold Coast apartment living. The residences are half- and full-floor configurations, with the largest spanning more than 400 sqm, dimensions that place them closer to the penthouse end of the market regardless of where they sit in the building.

That scale is the organising principle of everything else: how the floorplans are laid out, how the materials read, how the connection between inside and outside works.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355941]

The interiors were developed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a>, the architecture practice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a> brought in as design partner for the first time on this project. The palette runs to natural stone, textured timbers, and soft metallics, materials chosen as much for their tactile quality as their appearance.

Light cleverly shifts across surfaces through the day, and the design is explicit about wanting that to be noticed. Full-height glazing runs across the primary living areas, and where the building faces east toward the ocean, those walls of glass are doing real work: framing a view corridor that the site's position directly opposite Broadbeach State School's playing fields keeps permanently open.

That outlook is the site's most consequential asset. In a suburb where new towers continue to rise, a protected view line is genuinely rare, and the Mary Avenue address secures it. Residents at Madeline will look out over open parkland rather than the rear of another building, a distinction that becomes more meaningful with each new development approved nearby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355939]

The private outdoor spaces are sized to match the residences themselves. Terraces on the upper levels frame uninterrupted ocean panoramas, and the planning ensures that living areas extend into those outdoor zones rather than treating them as separate attachments. The flow between the two is part of the design intent, not an afterthought.

Inside, the finish specification reflects the same approach. Rich stone benchtops, warm timber joinery, bespoke hardware, each element specified to hold up over time rather than read as a moment in a particular trend cycle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=3409]

Beyond the residences, the amenity offering extends that register. A lap pool and sun deck anchor the outdoor space, alongside a magnesium pool, cold plunge, steam room, and sauna.

A commercial-grade gymnasium, residents' lounge, library, and boardroom round out a programme that functions more like a private members club than a standard building amenity floor.

Construction has commenced under Mosaic's in-house building arm, with completion scheduled for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150135]

Madeline by Mosaic delivers penthouse-level living across every apartment

Developer Fortezza Group is the latest to take its new apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-belvedere-5-7-church-street-nelson-bay-nsw-2315">The Belvedere in Nelson Bay</a>, to the NSW Government.

Fortezza, predominantly a South East Queensland developer, is the latest to apply for State Significant Development&nbsp; status through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority, a pathway becoming favoured by developers to speed up the approval process.

They are planning 57 two- and three-bedroom apartments across 5-7 Church Street and 42 Donald Street, near d'Albora Nelson Bay Marina. The diverse apartment mix has sizes from just over 80 sqm to the largest three-bedroom penthouses that reach nearly 200 sqm.

<img alt="Fortezza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="090360e1-66d7-43ad-b686-aba81f173bf2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2010.22.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DMqF96eBZolqSAAAcugX0l66ueWng66m" />

Fortezza calls the project a "piece of Istria in Nelson Bay,"&nbsp;referring to the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, shared by Croatia (90%), Slovenia, and Italy, which is known for its Roman history, Venetian-style coastal towns and inland hilltop villages.

They say the The Belvedere is strategically positioned at the apex of Nelson Bay, offering unrivalled views of the ocean, the bay and captivating topography of the area.

"Our commitment to maintaining the integrity of every view and sight line has been relentless," Fortezza Group says.

"Through extensive modelling and analysis, we ensure that each apartment enjoys the natural beauty of Nelson Bay, regardless of future developments. Each design element is carefully curated to harmonise with our European heritage, drawing profound inspiration from the Roman architectural marvels in Istria. The arches, the cascades of greenery and the stonework that define our project pay homage to the structures that once exemplified Roman grandeur."

Residents will have access to a pool, communal green spaces, an office and a coffee shop.

First look: Fortezza Group takes The Belvedere, Nelson Bay apartment development, to NSW Government

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?

Nearly a year after purchasing the former Leo's Fine Food &amp; Wine supermarket in Kew for a reported $52 million, Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/orchard-piper">Orchard Piper</a>, in a consortium with billionaire James Packer, has filed development plans for the site.

The proposal includes just under 200 apartments on the 6,835 sqm block, which spans <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/26-36-princess-street-kew-vic-3101">26-36 Princess Street and 11-15 Brougham Street</a>. Approval is being sought through the Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) Development Facilitation Program (DFP).

The buildings, designed by Wardle, will vary in scale and rise up to 18 storeys. One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments will be offered, along with townhouses. Ten per cent of the total dwellings will be allocated to key worker housing.

The development will also include 19 new retail premises, comprising a mix of shops, restaurants and cafés, including a dedicated space for a high-quality produce offering similar to Leo’s.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67cc85a5-a9d8-4eaa-95ae-fd93762d3297" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.07%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_p57VJNE2w16xNXB4ISvu3mnVHDDk86R" />

Orchard Piper noted the development is "designed to revitalise the Junction with high-quality housing and retail, while also improving the public realm."

"Assembling an expert team, we've been working with leading architects Wardle and landscape architects Oculus on a site-sensitive design. Wardle is one of Australia's pre-eminent architectural practices, and its founder, John Wardle, is a former long-term Kew resident with an intimate knowledge of the area.

"After close to a year refining the plans, our current opposition embodies Kew's unique character and meets the community's needs, including detailed consideration of the surrounding building design, streetscape conditions and broader planning context."

On top of the extensive retail component, the opportunity to deliver offsite public realm works, involving the council owned land to the south, would include a comprehensive new landscaped laneway strategy that connects Athenaeum Place into the site, a new public park, and the relocation of the public parking currently on the site to the adjoining council land.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02da73ff-e9d9-4e6a-8b6c-75c6f4cb3b01" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NXlzip8H0suSqc.X2H6nLKZr6LB1joJ." />

Orchard Piper, led by Luke Mckie and Rick Gronow, is currently delivering The Carter building on St Kilda Road and One Toorak Place in Toorak village.

Kew has been a popular suburb for new development in recent years. The likes of Piccolo, ANGLE, and Carpe are delivering projects in the area.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Orchard Piper, James Packer's Kew development revealed

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Kalimna, the grand 1881 Coburg mansionette, has been listed for sale.
The Italianate house with richness of details comes with a distinctive tower with a French mansard roof. Set on The Grove, the house was built for Montague Dare, who set about developing an ambitious estate with the promise of tennis court and pavillion and bowling rink.
It’s one of a pair, the other neighbouring maisonette being known as Koorali. 
Title Tattle recollects Dare was especially keen on giving the then Shire of Coburg <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/58433685?searchTerm=montague%20dare&amp;searchLimits=" target="_blank">a hurry along to get the drainage and lighting in the strip then known as Moreland Grove</a>. His estate demonstrates the speculative development associated with the land boom in Coburg just prior to the 1890s depression. The estate was halted by the depression. The pair is one of three proposed and two actually built, according to heritage websites.
The house was designed by Thomas Crouch, who began practising as an architect in Tasmania, but came to Melbourne for the 1850s gold rush.  Crouch was a founding member and secretary of the Victorian Institute of Architects and served as mayor of St Kilda in 1870-71.
Kalimna was later occupied by the Clare Grammar School. It had been divided into flats which were consolidated into a single dwelling in 1979. It hasnt been on the market for two decades or so. Additions were made in 1987, and the house underwent renovation in 1998. There’s dichromatic brickwork, lacework, a hand-carved staircase leading to five bedrooms. Offers close April 4 with Hocking Stuart agent John Sheldrick giving a $2 million price guide.
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Grand Coburg mansionette Kalimna, with French mansard roof, listed with $2 million hopes

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Analysing the data from recent auctions, 25% had three or more bidders while only 10% were ducks (i.e. no bidder auctions). These are the sort of stats that provide early indications of a strengthening market. Should this demand be sustained on the solid auction numbers in the next few weeks leading up to Easter, it’s safe to say for now that the $1 million-plus market, as a whole, has performed a lot better than most expected and that we may be in fact be in a stabilising price phase.
However if we have a repeat of 2011, where demand fell away after a fairly positive pre-Labour Day 2011 market, then all we are seeing now is a bit of price spiking.
As we keep saying, it is early days. But the numbers are substantial and if the clearance rates continue to improve and the bidder numbers continue to increase then in time we could see an end to price falls and prices could in time begin to climb again (the current market has been trending downwards since Anzac Day 2010).
Our focus for the above statements is the $1 million to $2 million segment. We are still not seeing any significant positive momentum in the $3 million-plus market. Sure, agents are claiming they’re getting offers on properties and yes, some long-term stales are being cleaned up. But they are at lower prices and happening when the vendor is meeting the market not the other way around. So before we acknowledge any uniform improvement across all segments of the market, we need to see the top level perform in greater numbers and a lot more consistently.
Overall the $3 million-plus market is seen by optimists as treading water and by realists as still edging backwards.
Do all the good deals have to drag out? Not necessarily. You can make it hard for yourself and the other side if you want, but good negotiations aren’t necessarily long, unpleasant and drawn out. Indeed, why wouldn’t you negotiate in a timely manner if it is right for both parties?
There are many deals out there in real estate land that haven’t worked out just because both sides have insisted on taking what they think is the “moral” or “right” stance (otherwise known as the “ego” or “victim” position). But over the decades we have found that the best position for buying and selling is the “agreement” position.
The fact is that there is no relationship between the time and pain involved in a negotiation and the quality of the outcome you end up with.  Otherwise how could anybody think a 15-minute Saturday auction was a good thing?
So don’t rush. Don’t go in unprepared or without good representation. But at the same time don’t snatch defeat from the jaws of victory for no good reason other than it seemed too quick or too easy. How dumb would it be if the negotiation could have been good, simple and quick and you still said no? Helllooo, sucker.
Mal James is principal of<a title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/" target="_blank"> James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. Mal writes weekly auction reports, advice and in-depth market analysis on James' website.
 
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maljames-vHwm28JUAa

Melbourne’s million-dollar market could be turning around, but no momentum in super-prestige property

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Properties in the tightly held suburb of Ivanhoe, in Melbourne’s north east, have been trading hands more frequently of late, according to Jellis Craig’s Annual Property Review.
“While the market may have been more subdued at the end of 2011, median house prices in Banyule have generally defied the trend of a softening market.
“Suburbs such as Ivanhoe, which traditionally have a low turnover, where homes are often held by families for a generation, have enjoyed a 21% increase from December 2009 to December 2011 and more than doubled over the last five years,” says Jellis Craig Ivanhoe director Dave Oster.
“Last year we offered a superb family home in Ivanhoe East which exemplified all the fine features that are increasingly attracting buyers to the area at the higher end. This impressive home in Robinhood Road had a large block with a swimming pool and tennis court and was marketed over several months to achieve a $3.15 million result. The delighted buyer not only acquired a remarkable house but one in which they recognised the long term potential for capital growth.”
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/banyulecomment1.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/banyulecomment1thumb.jpg"></a>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/">Jellis Craig</a> Annual Property Review
He says sales have slowed in the first few months of 2012 in the area but expects volumes to rebound moving into the Easter period.
“Moving into 2012 we have seen the number of properties on offer slightly decline but increased numbers through the open for inspections have perceptibly increased in comparison to late last year,” says Oster.
“We have also received some solid pre-auction offers over the January/February period, which we anticipate will convert to improved clearance rate levels this side of Easter.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/banyulecomment2.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/banyulecomment2thumb.jpg"></a>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/">Jellis Craig</a> Annual Property Review
“The more active buyers are those in the market for properties either side of $1 million. Properties located close to train stations and schools are attracting very healthy numbers at viewings, while those with difficult floor plans or not within easy access to public transport are more challenging.
“We will start to see solid listings in the coming months with an even mix of top end properties in Ivanhoe and Eaglemont and more affordable family homes on large blocks in neighbouring Rosanna and MacLeod.”
 
 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Sales in tightly held Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe up 21% in past two years: Jellis Craig

<html><body>
Kate Aujard from Pulse Pharmacies has snapily sold her imposing Hawthorn residence.
With a tennis court in its 2,800-square-metre grounds, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom English-style house is set on Scotch Hill. It last traded at $9.1 million in 2007 when bought from head hunter David Dick and wife Sandra, so it represented a good test of Melbourne’s prestige market.
Tim Picken and Scott Patterson at Kay and Burton haven’t revealed the sale price, but Title Tattle reckons its likely to have sold at around the realistic quote price of $8 million in quick time – within two days of offers being due earlier this month.
 
 
 
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Fading price pulse in Hawthorn prestige market as Kate Aujard sells at a loss: Title Tattle

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The historic gothic 1914 Mount Martha mansion Glynt Manor, briefly known as Demetri’s Castle, has been sold to the prominent Zampelis restaurateur family.
But the Zampelis family, who’ve operated more than 70 hospitality venues in Victoria since the late 1980s, including Cafe Greco, The Long Room, Lotus, Silk Road and Waterfront at Crown, have decided to lease out the property.
The Zampelis family snapped up the property for $3,399,000 – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/demetri-s-castle-sells-for-%24900000-loss-not-including-televised-labour-of-love/2011111352335">which represented a $900,000 loss</a> in three years by the Commonwealth Bank in a mortgagee sale.
It had been initially listed by the vendors, hair and make-up artists Demetri and Lila Sideropoulos, at $6.5 million in 2010.
The nine-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion was bought by the Greek couple in 2008 for $4.3 million from Michael Puttock and Diana Carr.
They then thoroughly renovated it into a family home and bed-and-breakfast on the SBS documentary Demetri’s Castle, a name that’s been abandoned by the new owners.
It sits on about 8,000 square metres, with views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne lights in the distance. It was designed by Harold Desbrowe Annear as a single-storey farmhouse for the Henty family, descendants of Victoria's first European settlers.
It bears a similarity to another of his designs, Delgany at Portsea. Its later owners included the Buxton family from 1917 to 1983 when the then 31-hectare property featured sweeping lawns, orchards and farmlands that ran right to the edge of the bay.
In 1969 the family subdivided the property but retained the manor and two hectares of beautiful English- and French-inspired gardens.
In 1983 the property was sold to new owners, who restored the grand old manor and ran it as a tourism resort, naming it "Glynt By The Sea". It was again run as a bed-and-breakfast from the mid-1990s by the adventure travel pioneer Bill King.
Mark Callan and William Gilchrist bought the property in 1997 and commissioned Yarraville architect Hugh Basset to undertake some interior redesigns while the home's former gardener, Bob Barker, who started work at Glynt in the late 1920s, returned to restore the gardens.
The duo sold the property in 2000 for $2.35 million.
Last year the Sideropouloses indicated they were selling so they could pursue opportunities overseas, saying they didn't get attached to things. Geoff Smith from LJ Hooker Frankston sold last November, some four weeks after its scheduled October auction, and now has it up for rent.
ASIC documents indicate Smith was taking instructions from administrators of the holding company Mt Martha Landmark Pty Ltd.
The Zampelis Group owns seven restaurants/bars/cafes in the Melbourne area serving over 15,000 customers a week. Earlier this month The Age reported that Crown Casino faces a multimillion-dollar damages payout after Victoria's appeals tribunal found it breached a verbal agreement with Nick Zampelis to renew leases for his former riverside eateries.
The decision by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard Zampelis claimed former Crown owner Lloyd Williams and his two sons, Nick and John, told him the lease for the two venues,  Cafe Greco and Waterfront, would be extended by at least five years.
Despite denials by Lloyd Williams, his sons and Crown management, VCAT senior member Alan Vassie decided a ''collateral contract'' did exist and ordered for damages to be determined by an independent assessor. A Crown spokesman Gary O'Neill told Fairfax Media it would appeal the decision.
 
 
 
 
 
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Zampelis family regain a crown with purchase of Mt Martha castle Glynt Manor

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Period flats and houses close to Melbourne “villages” such as Elwood, Kensington, South Yarra, Prahran and Richmond Hill offer great investment potential, according to Greville Pabst, chief executive of property valuation and advisory firm WBP Property Group.
Speaking at the WBP Melbourne Property Outlook breakfast, Pabst said Melbourne had been built on villages and that being able to walk to the village to get a coffee was very important when looking at a potential property investment.
He says that “1960s and 1970s flats in low density are going to perform well. The high rises will struggle to perform”.
“In suburbs like Elwood, Prahran and South Yarra we are starting to get some really good results such as a two-bedroom 1960s flat in South Yarra that sold at auction recently with two strong bidders for $713,000.”
Pabst says he is also seeing competition for good-quality one-bedroom flats in East Hawthorn and South Yarra with prices approaching $500,000.
WBP is forecasting growth of between 2% and 6% for established houses and units within 10 kilometres of the Melbourne CBD in 2012.
However, the outlook for modern units in places like Docklands is poor, with WBP forecasting no price growth in 2012 and a potential drop of 5%.
“Investments must have high land value and an element of scarcity. Owning one apartment out of 200 in Docklands has no scarcity value,” Pabst says.
“You also have to think about the underlying land value,” he adds.
WBP Housing performance predictions for 2012
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
Lower Limit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
Upper Limit
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
Modern units / apartments (legitimate resales)
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
Established units/apartments 
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
+2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
+6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
Prestige market ($3.5m +)
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
Prestige market ($2m - $3.5m)
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-4%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
+2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
Established houses: 10km of CBD (under $2m)
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
+2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
+6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
Established houses : 11 – 20km of CBD (under $2m)
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
0%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
Holiday / leisure market 
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-10%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
Mortgage-belt (under $500k)
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="262">
Development sites 
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="148">
-5%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
0%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Pabst provided examples of actual sales to show the merits of investing in period properties within villages instead of cookie-cutter units in suburbs with less history.
WBP advised on the sale of a 1960s two-bedroom flat in this block (below) on Tennyson Street in Elwood.
The flat <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-elwood-107372208">sold for $632,000 in May 2011</a>, having previously sold for $475,000 in 2008, equating to annual growth of nearly 10%.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/pabst1.jpg">
The flat is close to the St Kilda Botanical Gardens among a “leafy streetscape” and is within walking distance of the St Kilda shopping strip that begins at the intersection of Barclay and Acland streets.
Pabst contrasted this with a flat on NewQuay Promenade in Docklands, which sold for $540,000 in 2010 having  been purchased for $495,000 in 2005 – annual growth of just 2%.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/pabst2.jpg">
“You’re better off putting your money in the bank,” he says.
Furthermore, Pabst says the higher corporate ownership costs on this particurlar unit made it unviable as an investment
In October 2009, WBP advised on the sale of this three-bedroom Edwardian two-storey home. It sold for $780,000 having previously sold for $270,000 in 1998, representing annual growth of 10.12%
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/pabst3.jpg">
Pabst contrasted this with the 2012 sale of this three-bedroom house in Derrimut (pictured below), for which WBP acted as vendor’s advocate. The property was bought for $330,000 in 2004 and sold for $335,000, representing annual growth of 0.2% over eight years.
“She (the vendor) could have bought a flat in South Yarra that would be triple that value now,” says Pabst.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/pabst4.jpg">
WBP also advised on the sale of a top-floor one-bedroom flat in this low-rise complex in Rowena Parade in Richmond Hill, which looks out of the MCG.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/pabst5.jpg">
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-richmond-107555255" target="_blank">unit sold for $468,500 last year</a>, having previously sold for just $79,500 in 1998, equating to annual growth of nearly 15%.
In contrast, a Docklands apartment in this complex (below) on Bourke Street sold for $422,000 in 2010, having previously sold for $410,000 in 2007. This equates to annual price growth of 0.25%.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/pabst6.jpg">
Pabst says investors need to burrow down not just into the suburb but into street level and even go as far as considering one side of the street versus the other.
“In Richmond, we don’t like to go south of Swan Street because of freeway noise or too far north of Bridge Road because the streets are narrow and as you get closer to Victoria Street you compete with restaurants for parking,” he says.
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Hotspots: Villages like Elwood and Richmond better for investors than Docklands: WBP

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All 10 of the properties on SQM Research's most discounted properties in Victoria list are in Melbourne suburbs, with no regional Victoria representation.
This is in sharp contrast to the list of the most discounted properties in New South Wales, which features four Central Coast properties and two properties in the Blue Mountains.
The property taking out the eighth spot on the Victorian list is in the new outer-Melbourne suburb of Caroline Springs, where the post office opened just seven years ago. 
"Victoria has been experiencing some extremes in the property market in comparison to other states, with Melbourne's stock on market figures considerably high (currently sitting at 45,423 as of February 2012 – up 19.8% year-on-year) as well as elevated residential vacancy rates (currently sitting at 12,719 vacancies and a vacancy rate of 3.5% as of January 2012)," SQM director Louis Christopher says. 
"These high figures for Melbourne have been previously attributed by SQM Research to the substantial amount of residential property development occurring in the capital city, as well as an overall increase in stock levels nationally over the course of the past year."
1
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D7287832" target="_blank">1365 Ballan Road, Wyndham Vale, VIC, 3024</a>
On the market since: May 22, 2010
Initial asking price: $2.4 million
Current asking price: $1.8 million
Reduction: 25%
Days on market: 609
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">2</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2009275350" target="_blank">1/67 Ballarat Road, Footscray, VIC, 3011</a>
On the market since: October 9, 2011
Initial asking price: $329,000
Current asking price: $250,000
Reduction: 24%
Days on market: 140
 
3
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2009308240">4/69 Denbigh Road, Armadale, VIC, 3143</a> (pictured)
On the market since: October 23, 2011
Initial asking price: $1,175,000
Current asking price: $900,000
Reduction: 23%
Days on market: 105
 
 
4
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107616668">13 Summit Avenue, Oak Park, VIC, 3046</a> 
On the market since: August 20, 2011
Initial asking price: $670,000
Current asking price: $510,000
Reduction: 24%
Days on market: 189
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">5</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2009281706" target="_blank">24a Jackson Avenue, Mont Albert North, VIC, 3129</a>
On the market since: October  9, 2011
Initial asking price: $1,56 million
Current asking price: $1.2 million
Reduction: 23%
Days on market: 140
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">6</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2009119742" target="_blank">20/234 Warrigal Road, Camberwell, VIC, 3124</a>
On the market since: July 24, 2011
Initial asking price: $180,000
Current asking price: $140,000
Reduction: 22%
Days on market: 182
 
7
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D109125461" target="_blank">2/17 Hamilton Road, Bayswater North, VIC, 3153</a>
On the market since: December 31, 2011
Initial asking price: $359,000
Current asking price: $280,000
Reduction: 22%
Days on market: 56
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">8</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2009288821" target="_blank">3 Calthorpe Green, Caroline Springs, VIC, 3023</a>
On the market since: October 16, 2011
Initial asking price: $560,000
Current asking price: $440,000
Reduction: 21%
Days on market: 112
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">9</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107401737">12 Hotham Street, Cranbourne, VIC, 3977</a>
On the market since: May 14, 2011
Initial asking price: $329,000
Current asking price: $260,000
Reduction: 21%
Days on market: 252
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">10</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107415823">89b Bluff Road, Black Rock, VIC, 3193</a>
On the market since: May 21, 2011
Initial asking price: $1.2 million
Current asking price: $950,000
Reduction: 21%
Days on market: 280
 
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SQM Research also offers a list of the <a target="_blank" title="SQM Research" href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/top100bargains.php">Top 100 Biggest Bargains in Australia</a> for sale.
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Most discounted properties in Victoria all in Melbourne: SQM

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Friesia, an 1888-built Italian Renaissance-designed Hawthorn house and one of Melbourne’s most captivating residences, has been sold.
The single-storey mansion was designed for the German consul William Brahe by architect John August Bernard Koch, who later designed Labassa in North Caulfield.
It’s been bought by Caulfield North couple Valeri and Irma Danilova. He hails originally from Makhachkala in the Russian Federation and resided in Sydney’s North Bondi in the early 1990s. He heads Australia's Quality Sheepskin Pty Ltd, whose core business is to supply raw sheep and lamb skins to tanners and dressers worldwide from its processing plant at Leongatha North in Gippsland.
The Hawthorn house was last traded in 1970 for $49,000 totally derelict – with no electricity, no hot water, no internal toilet, and the sky could be seen through most rooms.
It was listed by Kay &amp; Burton agent Scott Patterson, who <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/hawthorn-house-built-for-19th-century-german-consul-on-the-market/2011101051871" target="_blank">on its listing last November</a> hoped to secure $6.5 million plus.
No sale price has yet been revealed for the property, which was inspired by the works of Filippo Brunelleschi, father of Italian Renaissance architecture in Florence.
From its Corinthian-arcaded entrance, Friesia exhibits the grandeur, glory and grace of Melbourne's magnificent boom period during the 1880s.
It’s been sold by Warwick Forge and his wife, Sue, who have been running the biennial Australian Landscape Conference for 10 years in a bid to bring together creative landscape designers from overseas and Australia.
It is set in the small Isabella Grove enclave near a bend of the Yarra, and a pocket of German high culture was formerly centred on Friesia.
The flow of German immigrants began within 10 years of Melbourne being established in 1835, with vignerons laying the foundations of the Victorian wine industry in the Lilydale and Geelong districts during the 1840s, and many were attracted by gold discoveries in the 1850s.
 
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Hawthorn home Friesia, built for German consul, sells

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Jellis Craig presents the change in house and unit prices in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Clifton Hill during 2011.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/cliftonhillmap.jpg" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/cliftonhillmapthumb.jpg"></a>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/">Jellis Craig</a> Annual Property Review
Numbers in brackets indicate a decrease
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Annual median dwelling price changes in Clifton Hill in 2011: Jellis Craig

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Collingwood’s 2011 Best and Fairest winner, Scott Pendlebury, still hasn’t sold his Newport cottage through Barry Plant Yarraville agent Niels Geraerts. And he’s committed to a $1.3 million Albert Park cottage, which was snapped up post-auction last spring.
His two-bedroom Douglas Parade property – just a stroll to Williamstown’s cafes – <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/magpie-scott-pendlebury-on-the-move-but-not-to-greater-western-sydney-title-tattle/2011110452216">went to late November auction</a> with $780,000 to $840,000 expectations.
Pendlebury bought it for $567,000 in early 2008.
His latest price guide is between $780,000 and $820,000. The house is being advertised with a sale by set date marketing campaign – with a March 29 desired sale date.
<img src="/images/stories/pendlesnew.jpg">
His Albert Park purchase (pictured above) had previously sold at $1.28 million in 2010. The Albert Park cottage came with the former local dairy outbuilding that had been converted to self-contained office.
 
 
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