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.

&nbsp;

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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."

&nbsp;

[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 signature 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." />

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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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More famous for its cheap Asian eateries, strong immigrant population and high rates of crime, Footscray and neighbouring West Footscray to feature among six suburbs within 10 kilometres of the Melbourne CBD on the latest hot 100 list of investment locations compiled by Australian Property Investor.
The four other suburbs within 10 kilometres of the city included on the sixth edition of the annual list are Carlton North, Northcote, Thornbury and Ascot Vale.
Both Footscray suburbs have the most affordable median house prices ($520,000 for Footscray and $500,000 for West Footscray) and median unit prices ($318,000 and $290,000) out of the six inner ring suburbs
Melbourne hottest suburbs with 10 kilometres of CBD 
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="77" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Dis-tance from CBD
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Median house price
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Median unit price
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Median house rent
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Median unit 
rent
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
House yield
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Unit yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Carlton North
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
3.8 kms
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$830,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$460,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$520
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$395
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
3.3%
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
4.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="77" valign="top">
North-cote
 
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
5.5km
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$800,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$445,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$495
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$335
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
3.2%
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
3.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Thorn- bury
 
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
7km
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$658,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$375,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$440
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$290
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
3.5%
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Ascot Vale
 
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
6.6km
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$707,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$468,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$450
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$340
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
3.3%
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
3.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="77" valign="top">
Foots- cray
 
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
6.9km
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$520,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$318,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$360
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$295
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
3.6%
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
4.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="77" valign="top">
West Foots- cray
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
9km
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$500,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$290,000
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$360
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
$240
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
3.7%
</td>
<td width="77" valign="top">
4.3%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Australian Property Investor Magazine
Property consultant Peter Rogozik says the key drivers of the Footscray property market are affordability, the potential for further capital growth and continued gentrification
“Footscray is in close proximity to the expanding Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong, in Melbourne’s north west, and next door to trendy Seddon Village in Seddon and Yarraville, which have both taken off over the past 20 to 30 years,” he says.
“The major attraction of Footscray is it’s the most affordable inner-city suburb where you can still find a freestanding Edwardian house on a good size block from $550,000 with an approximate 4.2% gross rental yield,” he says.
Rogozik says the suburb is shaking its unfair labelling as being “painted in crime” with a more professional demographic moving in.
Alexandra Churches from valuers WBP Property says West Footscray has a very good council that is “actively rejuvenating the Barkly Street village”.
Its other strengths are its connectedness to the Melbourne CBD, with Ballarat and Geelong roads both merging into one and heading into the Melbourne CBD.
“The Westgate Freeway also connects the suburb with the city,” says Church.
While West Footscray does not provide families with a great option of schools, Church says it has university campuses nearby, “a great multicultural food hub, major public and private hospitals, a train station upgrade and is close to a major shopping centre”.
The other Melbourne suburbs chosen because of their proximity to the CBD include Carlton North (“local facilities including parks, restaurants, bars and cafés, universities and more”); Northcote (“family-friendly suburb, where capital growth is generally strong”); Ascot Vale (“more affordable the other suburbs and well serviced by public transport”) and Thornbury (“good access to hospitals and schools and plenty of parkland”). 
Looking beyond the 10-kilometre radius, there are seven Melbourne suburbs on the list, including some surprise locations such as Sunshine, Broadmeadows and the outlying suburbs of Frankston and Dandenong.
Outside of Melbourne the regional centres of Ballarat and Bendigo as well as the country towns of Werribee and Warrnambool are also included in the hot 100.
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Melbourne suburb
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
Distance from CBD
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
Median house price
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
Median unit price
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
Median house rent
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
Median unit 
rent
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
House yield
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
Unit yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Box Hill
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
13 kms
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$748,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$410,000
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$395
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$270
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
2.7%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
3.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Broad-meadows
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
15km
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$359,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$305,000
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$310
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$290
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
4.5%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
4.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Dan- denong
 
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
28km
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$375,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$269,000
 
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$310
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$270
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
4.3%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
5.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Frankston
 
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
40 kms
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$350,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$295,000
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$310
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$260
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
4.6%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
4.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Ringwood
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
27 kms
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$455,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$383,000
 
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$355
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$305
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
4%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
4.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Sunshine
 
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
13.2kms
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$430,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$265,000
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$300
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$250
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
3.6%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
4.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Mentone
 
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
20.3km
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$584,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$396,000
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$450
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$295
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
4%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
3.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="616" colspan="8" valign="top">
Outside of Melbourne…
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Werribee
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
34.6km
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$310,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$270,000
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$270
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$250
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
4.5%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
4.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Ballarat
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
102km
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$270,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$220,000
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$270
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$190
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
5.2%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
4.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Bendigo
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
132km
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$280,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
n/a
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$300
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
n/a
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
5.6%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
n/a
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="115" valign="top">
Warr-nambool
 
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
226km
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$315,000
</td>
<td width="80" valign="top">
$241,000
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$320
</td>
<td width="72" valign="top">
$230
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
5.3%
</td>
<td width="53" valign="top">
5%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Australian Property Investor Magazine
 
 
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Unfashionable Footscray and West Footscray among 2012 Melbourne hotspots 

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Portsea’s had its quietest summer selling season in recent memory. Few trophy listings, so even fewer actual sales.
From the officially known data, the highest publicly recorded sale was $2,375,000 on the golf course on Relph Avenue.
So summer’s done and dusted and Kay &amp; Burton Portsea agent Liz Jensen is now onto her Easter listings.
Dundonald, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom 1917 limestone residence opposite Fishermans Beach, has been with the Boykett  family since its construction.
Set on 1,724 square metres of level Point Nepean Road lawns, it’s only been recently refreshed.
More than $2.75 million is being sought.
Summer's shining moment was the delayed terms settlement in December of the landmark clifftop Ilyuka to John Higgins, who ran a family paint business in Brunswick before his windfall investment in Polish breweries.
Its sale - Victoria's record house sale - was officially recorded at $26 million after much speculation since its December 2010 exchange by the former Computershare director Michele O'Halloran.
The 1930s Spanish Mission house was marketed by Ross Savas and the veteran agent Gerald Delany, who has since departed Kay &amp; Burton, and despite much speculation has yet to take his open for inspection sign boards to any other agency.
Ilyuka, a sprawling house built for American oil tycoon Harry Cornforth in 1929-30, was marketed globally with a campaign that included a five-minute movie set in the mansion. O'Halloran bought the mansion in 1999 for $7.5 million and then secured $1.6 million for the 742-square-metre former vegie patch in a subsequent disposal.
 
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Portsea’s limestone charmer Dundonald on the market after quiet summer selling season

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Construction mogul Daniel Grollo has sold his Cape Schanck holiday house. Its sale price has not been disclosed, but the five-bedroom, four bathroom house, which offers sweeping views of Bass Strait, was listed pre-Christmas with $2 million-plus hopes.
Set on the doorstep of the exclusive National Golf Club, the house sits on 3,155 square metres.
It comes with three living areas, gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, theatre, bar, horizon pool and a double garage.
Kay &amp; Burton Flinders agent Andrew Hines had the listing.
Grollo bought the property for $2.45 million mid-2008 following several unsuccessful sales campaigns in which the house was quoted at prices from $2.7 million to $4 million.
It had been designed by Waterface Living Architecture for friends Dr Dick Merigan, a GP with a large practice in Rowville, and Paul Goss, owner of Modern Milk Supplies.
Entered via a monumental portico, it has polished spotted gum floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and an open fireplace. There's also a home theatre with built-in bar, a family room or gym with its own ensuite, swimming pool, wine cellar and double garage.
 
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Grocon boss Daniel Grollo sells Cape Schanck weekender: Title Tattle

<html><body>
Former model Simone Warne-Callahan has relisted her clifftop Mornington Peninsula retreat, Clahane.
The former wife of cricketer Shane Warne wants $1.5 million plus for the four-bedroom, 332-square-metre Arthurs Seat house this time.
She’d initially sought $2 million in early 2010, which was subsequently revised to $1.59 million-plus hopes.
It was last traded in 2008 at $1,225,000.
The 4,700-square-metre property comes with self-contained guest accommodation, tennis court and swimming pool. There’s a 100,000-litre water tank that services the established gardens.
There are sweeping views towards the CBD and over the Mornington Peninsula from the renovated single-level Scenic Place house, which had its Fasham-Johnson-makeover done before its last sale.
It’s listed through Harcourts Rosebud agent Grant McConnell, who will put Clahane to March 24 auction.
Callahan, a former model and Dancing with the Stars contestant (2006), now partners with part-time model Toby Roberts, son of 1958 Brownlow medallist Neil Roberts.
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Simone Warne hopes third listing lucky for Mornington Peninsula retreat: Title Tattle

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Woodlands, the 6,130-square-metre Brighton estate with a striking European inspired residence, has returned to the market.
Ian Jackson at Kay &amp; Burton has the South Road listing, which hit the market in both 2009 and 2010.
The six-bedroom residence was designed by local architect Jon Friedrich within Paul Bangay designed gardens. Its foyer has a sweeping wrought-iron staircase with marble flooring.
The estate comes with a guest house, flood-lit mod-grass tennis court and glassed indoor pool and spa.
Woodlands, initially listed with $10 million plus hopes, reputedly sits on the suburb's largest private landholding.
The block cost $1 million in 2002.
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Brighton estate Woodlands with Paul Bangay gardens returns to the market on third try: Title Tattle

<html><body>
It was in 1996 when a pretty, double-fronted Victorian then unrenovated eight-room Caroline Street, South Yarra brick-and-timber house last sold.
Its selling agent Philippe Batters was just about to knock the hammer down the house when a woman stopped the auction to ask the highest $645,000 bidder, “Are you going to develop it? We are neighbours, and we want to know".
The answer was duly given and now the lovely time capsule has returned to the market with its Peter Carmichael redesign by the Liberman family for all to inspect. The light-filled house, with open-plan living and dining areas and adjacent outdoor entertaining spaces, comes with many modern features including Scandinavian myrtle floors and hydronic heating.
Offers are due on the house, which sits on an 895-square-metre block, by February 28 through Darren Lewenberg and Gowan Stubbings at Kay &amp; Burton.
The modern home behind its Victorian façade was briefly listed last July through Justin Long at Marshall White with $4 million-plus hopes, which were revised to $3.75 million plus.
Set on an 1840 subdivision, the lot first sold in 1854 for £200. The 1870s the brick additions to the earlier cottage were made for grocer George Walker, who’d purchased the property for £600 in 1870. It’s believed Walker also added the Italianate front wing with its polychromatic brick and twin bay windows.
<img src="/images/stories/caroline.jpg">
The house was bought by Major-General Walter Adams Coxen before World War II, and he gave it the name it still bears in honour of his birthplace in Surrey, England. It was his daughter, Adelaide ``Marmie" Coxen, 85, who was its 1996 vendor, having set a reserve of $500,000.
Walter Adams Coxen was educated in Australia and had a distinguished record, being ADC to the King between 1920 and 1927, the Chief of Artillery from 1921 to 1924, 2nd Chief of the General's Staff from 1930 to 1934, Quartermaster-General from 1925 to 1930, and chief of the General's Staff from 1930 1931. He commanded the greatest aggregation of artillery of any war in history with 1,083 guns.
“It is as if this house was locked up after World War II and recently unlocked again. The owner's everyday utensils are collector's items," the agents said at the time.
During its 1996 marketing it was noted an old brick bakery, connected to the house by a rusty, corrugated walkway, pre-dated the house. According to a local historian, the bakery building appears on one of South Yarra's earliest maps.
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South Yarra Victorian with on the market after a Peter Carmichael redesign: Title Tattle

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Mount Nagle, the landmark 1870 Queenscliff property, has been sold.
It was listed by the Presentation Sisters Victoria. The property sold within two weeks for $1.1 million to a Melbourne buyer wanting to relocate.
Set on an 1,840-square-metre elevated block, it comes with glimpses of Swan Bay.
The Victorian-era building was marketed by Rendina Kensington agent Charles Bongiovanni as offering “unlimited scope for improvement”.
“One of the most significant historical buildings in Queenscliff and used as a summer house by eminent Victorians during the early 20th century, this remarkable property has been superbly maintained for more than a century,” Bongiovanni says.
“Many period features remain and the property comprises of 15 bedrooms, two bathrooms, four living areas, plus kitchen with adjoining dining room and cellar,” Bongiovanni says.
The Queen Street building is currently used as a private guest house retreat, 100 kilometres from Melbourne.
Some $1.75 million plus had been sought when local agents first listed it in 2010.
 
 
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Queenscliff Victorian house Mount Nagle sold by Presentation nuns

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<img src="/images/stories/omrmelb1.gif">
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Source: Property Council of Australia
 
 
 
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Melbourne commercial office market outlook 1990-2015: PCA

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The regional Victorian town of Warrnambool is one of only three locations to receive multiple votes in Smart Property Investment magazine’s 2012 list of 50 suburbs or towns with the most capital growth potential.
Out of the three towns that received multiple votes – the others being perennial hotspot list favourite Gladstone and nearby Rockhampton City, both in north Queensland – Warnambool is the only one not reliant on the resources boom for its high rating.
Multiple vote towns in the SPI Fast 50
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="102" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="94" valign="top">
Number of expert picks
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
Distance from nearest major city
</td>
<td width="102" valign="top">
Population
</td>
<td width="82" valign="top">
Median house price
</td>
<td width="83" valign="top">
Median unit price
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
Gross yields
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="102" valign="top">
Gladstone, Qld
</td>
<td width="94" valign="top">
3
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
550 kms to Brisbane
</td>
<td width="102" valign="top">
29,000
</td>
<td width="82" valign="top">
$437,000
</td>
<td width="83" valign="top">
$350,000
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
5%/7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="102" valign="top">
Rockhampton City, Qld
</td>
<td width="94" valign="top">
2
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
600 kms to Brisbane
</td>
<td width="102" valign="top">
76,000
</td>
<td width="82" valign="top">
$217,000
</td>
<td width="83" valign="top">
$447,500
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
6%/5%
</td>
</tr>
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<td width="102" valign="top">
Warrnambool, Vic
</td>
<td width="94" valign="top">
2
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
265 kms from Melbourne
</td>
<td width="102" valign="top">
33,000
</td>
<td width="82" valign="top">
$316,000
</td>
<td width="83" valign="top">
$255,000
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<td width="64" valign="top">
6%/5%
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Source: SPI Fast 50
Situated on the Princes Highway, about 265 kilometres from Melbourne and near the western end of the Great Ocean Road, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Warrnambool </a>is one of only four Victorian locations to be included on this year’s list.
The town, which dates back to the gold rush in the 1840s, has strong ties to agriculture and the dairy industry, as well as tourism and construction. It has been picked by hotspotting.com.au director Terry Ryder and Todd Hunter, a former Aussie mortgage broker and director of research firm Wheregroup.
It has a median price of $316,000 for houses with gross rental yields of 6% and a $255,000 median price for units with gross rental yields of 5% – both well above the state median (according to Rismark-RP Data) of 3.7% for houses and 4.3% for units.
Ryder describes Warrnambool as “the leading centre of Victoria’s south west” and says it is “growing so fast that the local council has had to rezone hundreds of hectares of farming land for new industrial and residential estates”.
According to Ryder, Warrnambool’s strengths are “tourism, construction, education and medical services”.
“Retail is rapidly expanding and there is a plethora of new power generation facilities, including gas-fired power stations and major wind farms,” he says.
The town has a resident population of just under 34,000 but attracts more than 700,000 visitors each year who come to lie on its beaches in summer and to view southern right whales in the winter months.
Rockhampton, where the median house prices is still a very affordable $217,000 (units are far more expensive at $447,500), was selected by author and founder of Destiny Financial Solutions Margaret Lomas and Luke Berry from hotspot research firm NextHotSpot.
Lomas calls <a target="_blank" href="/news">Rockhampton City </a>a place to “buy now and wait for three to five years for some action” and highlights the current affordability of houses and yields of up to 7.5%.
“I see this area benefiting from the flow-on effect of Gladstone without the high risk that mining areas traditionally bring,” she says.
Berry notes that although the scale of investment in Rockhampton is smaller than in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Gladstone</a>, it is still significant, with the town containing several cheap areas such as <a target="_blank" href="/news">Berserker </a>(a median house price of around $240,000) that are “set to boom”.
Gladstone, which has appeared on just about every hotspot list in the past 12 months, is the only location to be selected by three of the seven experts on the SPI panel, picked by SQM research director Louis Christopher, Terry Ryder and Helen Collier-Kogtevs, managing director of property investment group Real Wealth Australia.
The town, which is at the epicentre of $75 billion worth of energy, rail and port projects, is expected to undergo significant growth over the next five years, according to Collier-Kogtevs.
“It is strategically important to the national economy, has average historical performance and great projected performance, low vacancy rates, higher per capita income levels and a shortage of and high demand for housing,” she says.
Overall NSW has the highest number of growth hotspots in the top 50 with 18, followed by Queensland with 11, Western Australia with 10 and South Australia with six.
Reflecting the declining fortunes of their respective markets, Victoria has just four suburbs in the top 50 and the ACT just one – the capital Canberra.
Other areas to shine in the survey include western Sydney, which received a high level of recommendations for suburbs including <a target="_blank" href="/news">Blacktown</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Goulburn</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Liverpool</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Seven Hills </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Penrith</a>.
The City of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Onkaparinga</a>, south of the Adelaide CBD, comprised three out of the six predicted hotspots for South Australia with <a target="_blank" href="/news">Hackham</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Aldinga Beach </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Seaford </a>all selected.
Suburbs were picked based on population growth, demand for housing, income levels, employment, vacancy rates, previous capital growth and current gross rental yields.
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Warrnambool emerges, but Queensland's Gladstone still darling of top 50 investment list

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Collins Street, Melbourne certainly  had impressive Christmas decorations, as the photo package by Alistair Walsh shows. 333 Collins Street did the CBD proud. We're not not sure about the Town Hall gift wrapping, though.
<img src="/images/stories/christmas5.jpg">
101 Collins Street
<img src="/images/stories/christmas2.jpg">
45 Collins Street
<img src="/images/stories/christmas3.jpg">
Melbourne Town Hall
<img src="/images/stories/christmas4.jpg">
333 Collins Street
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