Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

Joel Robinson

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Billbergia, Metrics, approved for $3.5 billion Sydney skyscrapers

International developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/spg-land">SPG Land</a> is preparing to re-launch its long-awaited $1.5 billion <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Paradiso Place</a> development at Budds Beach, bringing a new price point to the Surfers Paradise apartment market.

The developer will release one-bedroom apartments from $825,000 and two-bedroom apartments from $1.24 million in the three-tower development.

According to Urbis, the starting price for the two-bedroom apartments is more than $400,000 below the weighted average sale price for comparable two-bedroom apartments in Surfers Paradise during 2025, which was pinned at $1.7 million.

&nbsp;

Urbis reported quarterly average sale prices for new two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments ranged from around $1.2 million to $1.7 million throughout 2025, peaking in the December quarter.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185853]

Paradiso Place is now moving into its formal sales campaign, with a limited early-release opportunity available ahead of the public launch.

The development will comprise 845 apartments across three towers rising 40, 41 and 44 storeys from a 1.15-hectare site spanning an entire city block. The towers will sit above a new retail precinct.

"Paradiso Place represents a rare opportunity in today's market, offering premium apartments at a price point that is significantly more competitive than anything else currently available," SPG Land Sales Director Brad McMahon said.

"When you look at comparable new developments across Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and the Southern Beaches precinct, buyers are typically paying hundreds of thousands more for a similar product.

"The scale of this project and the developer-builder construction model allows us to unlock efficiencies that smaller developments simply cannot achieve. We are passing those benefits directly to buyers, while still delivering a five-star residential experience with an unmatched lifestyle."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=374280]

Each of the three towers designed by Rothelowman will have its own podium, connected by an elevated skybridge network to create a beachside village for residents. The resident amenity has been designed to rival a five-star hotel, with private dining rooms, resident lounges and entertainment spaces.

McMahon said the pricing strategy was a deliberate response to the current market.

"What Paradiso Place offers is a unique balance, genuine value within a premium market. Buyers are not compromising on quality, design or amenity, they are gaining access to it at a more competitive price point at a time when prices across the Gold Coast continue to reach new highs."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=362498]

Located around 100 metres from the beach and within walking distance of the Surfers Paradise North light rail station, Paradiso Place occupies one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held beachfront precincts.

Construction is continuing to progress, with eight of the project's 112 foundation piles now complete. Excavation has also commenced on the first diaphragm wall panel, with the first concrete poured on 15 June, marking a key milestone in the project's early works program.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106566]

SPG Land launches $1.5 billion Paradiso Place at attractive price point

Luxury developer-builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> has achieved a new Victorian benchmark for an off-the-plan apartment, with the sale of two penthouses at its ultra-exclusive Maison Savoy development in Brighton.

The two penthouses achieved a combined sale rate of $49,926 per sqm. Both transactions eclipsed the previous identified Victorian off-the-plan price-per-square-metre benchmark, set by the 449 sqm apartment at Como Toorak, which sold at $46,659 per sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366473]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/maison-savoy-brighton-150-esplanade-brighton-vic-3186">Maison Savoy</a>, Lowe Living's redevelopment of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel on absolute beachfront land at 150 The Esplanade, Brighton, has gained significant momentum since launching just eight weeks ago. Around 30 per cent of the project's 19 residences have already been secured, generating approximately $45 million in sales.

"Securing two of the three penthouse sales at this stage, within eight weeks of launching to market speaks to the confidence our clients place in Lowe Living," Lowe Living co-founder Emma Lowe said.

"They know we'll be with them through every stage of the journey, and that assurance is something we've worked hard to earn and never take for granted."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366474]

Lowe said Maison Savoy was conceived as a genuine alternative to a prestige Brighton home, combining house-scale proportions with the convenience, security and lock-up-and-leave appeal of apartment living.

Lowe Living co-founder Tim Lowe said the early sales success demonstrated the resilience of Melbourne's prestige market and highlighted the growing demand for house-sized apartments among ultra-high-net-worth buyers.

"The Melbourne market has definitely been tested in recent years, with interest rates and global economic factors all creating a period of uncertainty across the real estate sector. The sales success at Maison Savoy however demonstrates that confidence remains exceptionally strong at the top end of the market.

"The prestige market is being driven by long-term lifestyle decisions rather than short-term market sentiment, which continues to create a level of certainty that befits an absolute beachfront property in a blue-chip location like Brighton.

"Brighton's fundamentals remain among the strongest in Melbourne, with limited new supply, enduring demand from an overwhelmingly local owner-occupier market, and a rare combination of beachfront amenity and proximity to the CBD."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=374378]

According to Cotality, Brighton remains one of Melbourne's most tightly held prestige suburbs, with an average ownership tenure of 15.3 years for houses and 12.3 years for units, while more than 73 per cent of homes are owner-occupied.

Tim Lowe said selling two of the project's three penthouses so early in the campaign was an uncommon result.

"This sales result is a reflection of quality and understanding the local market. It's incredibly rare to transact the penthouses so early in a sales campaign in any project so to have sold two of the three penthouses at Maison Savoy so soon after launch, all in-house without any external sales agency appointed, is reflective of our careful consideration of our buyers' needs and lifestyle.

"This is knowledge that is accumulated not just from data and demographic analysis, but via a deeply embedded understanding of how this type of buyer wants to live and feel in their home. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally, and over the last 10 years we have been able to refine our product offering by talking one-on-one with our clients about their design and floorplan preferences.

"Being a fully integrated developer-builder with an in-house design and sales team allows us to lead every part of the process and ensure the highest quality of product and service at every touchpoint. It's a really important part of our DNA and the recent sales success at Maison Savoy indicates that our clients and purchasers are resonating with this point of difference.

"It reinforces that demand remains strong for thoughtfully designed residences that offer rarity, lifestyle and long-term value in tightly held locations, which ultimately validates Maison Savoy's positioning as creating a new benchmark for house-scale, wellness-led apartment living on Brighton's beachfront."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140818 project_image_fid=366480]

The residences at Maison Savoy start from 295 sqm, with most enjoying uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay. The project sits moments from the Brighton Bathing Boxes, Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Middle Brighton Baths and Church Street's retail and dining precinct.

A key feature of the development is its private residents-only bathhouse, curated by the founder of Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and modelled on traditional European bathing rituals and the award-winning Sorrento bathhouse.

The wellness offering includes a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, foot activation zone and a Vichy rainfall bed, one of only a handful in Australia. Residents will also have access to a Technogym studio, lounge spaces and a dedicated concierge service offering everything from morning coffee delivery and restaurant bookings to dry cleaning and home coordination.

"Wellness-led design has become a defining factor for luxury buyers," Emma Lowe said.

"Purchasers increasingly value homes that enhance wellbeing through thoughtful design, private amenity, privacy and liveability."

The penthouse purchasers are now undertaking a bespoke customisation process curated personally by architect Pete Kennon and the Lowe Living team, one of the developer's signature service offerings.

Construction on the $160 million transformation of the former Brighton Savoy Hotel site commenced last month, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has secured funding from NAB alongside development partner Monark.

Just one penthouse remains available, along with a limited number of two and three-bedroom residences starting from $3.75 million.

Lowe Living currently has eight projects on the market across Melbourne and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, having grown a $1 billion development pipeline alongside a $350 million construction pipeline.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140818]

Lowe Living set new Melbourne off the plan apartment record

For more than three decades, Hyecorp has been delivering residential projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, building a portfolio centred on design-led apartment living in some of the city's most established neighbourhoods.

Hyecorp recently launched the latest in its long line of apartment developments, Celine, a 29-storey tower on Archer Street in Chatswood. Like the majority of the developer's projects, Celine caters to a broad buyer demographic, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, all designed with owner-occupiers in mind.

Functionality and flexibility are often buzzwords in the new apartment market, but they sit at the core of Hyecorp's design philosophy.

Hyecorp Joint Managing Director Stephen Abolakian says the developer understands it isn't designing apartments for today's needs alone, but for how buyers will live several years into the future.

"When we launch our projects we need to be aware that these developments aren't finished for several years," Abolakian says.

"That home office in the here and now might be a nursery by the time the project completes for a prospective buyer, so we need to think about how the apartment spaces function for future uses so there's longevity in the ownership."

Celine's architects, Fuse, followed the same philosophy, saying the design extends well beyond aesthetics.

"Celine focuses on timeless architectural form and functionality, with a strong emphasis on light, proportion and materiality. The design responds to the urban context of Chatswood while delivering calm, highly liveable interiors that feel both contemporary and enduring. The floorplans have been carefully resolved to maximise usability and outperform typical market offerings in terms of efficiency and liveability."

Most apartments incorporate multipurpose rooms designed for flexibility. Each includes an integrated desk and a standard Murphy pull-down single bed, allowing the space to transition from a home office or study to guest accommodation as needs change. The layouts have also been designed to maximise natural light, storage and overall functionality.

One and two-bedroom apartments feature Miele appliances, while three and four-bedroom residences are appointed with integrated Gaggenau appliances and Taj Mahal stone benchtops.

Buyers who purchase early in the construction process can also take advantage of Hyecorp's "Live Your Way" interior design service, allowing them to personalise finishes and tailor elements of their home to suit their own lifestyle. It's a feature designed to appeal to owner-occupiers who want their apartment to feel uniquely theirs from the day they move in.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362614]

While flexible floorplans have become a hallmark of Hyecorp's apartment design, the developer has also continued to place significant emphasis on resident amenity.

As buyers increasingly expect more from apartment living, shared spaces have evolved beyond a gym and barbecue area. They are now an extension of the home, providing spaces to relax, exercise, entertain and connect with neighbours.

At Celine, the resident amenity has been designed with a focus on wellness, centred on the level six podium. An infinity-edge swimming pool, spa, sauna and fully equipped gym are complemented by barbecue facilities and a residents' lounge, creating a range of spaces for relaxation, recreation and social connection above the streets of Chatswood.

Practical conveniences have also been integrated throughout the building, including EV charging provisions, smart parcel lockers, bicycle storage, a pet wash station and dedicated car wash bays, reflecting the project's focus on making everyday living as seamless as possible.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149594 project_image_fid=362633]

"Celine has been designed to deliver a refined residential experience that reflects the evolution of Chatswood into a premium urban centre,"&nbsp;Abolakian says.

"With over 30 years of experience delivering projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore, Hyecorp brings a deep understanding of what local buyers value. Every detail has been considered to balance luxury, functionality and long-term liveability. This is not just about apartments, but about creating a lasting residential address for discerning buyers."

Hyecorp, vertically-integrated builder-developer, is anticipating construction commencement later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149594]

Hyecorp brings 30 years of Lower North Shore experience to Celine in Chatswood

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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<img src="/images/stories/barringtonavenue.jpg">
7 Barrington Avenue, <a href="/news">Kew</a>, Vic 3101
Great street, great façade, good land size but the floorplan needs some work as I don't think the sleeping rooms work for modern requirements. That said, don't give up on it as there are some real positives - lovely powerful feel as you enter. Slate roof and tuck pointing. Love the wallpapers. Dual access. Private backyard. Botanical garden.
But back to the floorplan - the sitting and dining rooms are great but the master for me should be where the sitting room is - the rooms are little on the north side and rear living area is also a little small with a bedroom in the way. I think going up is the best answer if you are a multiple-child family, with the staircase in one of the smaller northern rooms - that way you have the space to rework the majesty of downstairs. An atmospheric home that needs a smart renovator.
A stately, single-level Queen Anne  home thathas a series of wonderful formal rooms. Other key pluses for me were the ornate period detailing, private front yard, expansive entry and dual car access. Given the land size some buyers may like to see a bigger backyard area or even a larger rear informal area. Going up seems the logical idea, yet that may not be that easy. Although this property enjoys a western rear orientation (which is quite good for afternoon sun) the house does turns its back on the north, which is not ideal and therefore results in dark feel internally.
James Buyer Advocates gives the property a rating of 666 out of 1,000, which is in the category of a good average home. The property sold before auction at an undisclosed price above $3 million.
Adam Woledge is a registered architect and principal buyer advocate of <a target="_blank" title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.james.net.au/">James Buyer Advocates.</a> 
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maljames-vHwm28JUAa

Sold Kew property has a lovely feel, but the floorplan needs work

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october17sammitchell]}
The West Hawthorn home of former Hawthorn AFL premiership captain Sam Mitchell was passed in at its weekend auction.
The onsite Jellis Craig auction opened with a $1.05 million vendor bid.
There was then a $1.1 million vendor bid.
It concluded with a $1.15 vendor bid.
”Three or four of you have been through three or four times,” said the auctioneer Steve Abbott as he tried to get a bid.
The renovated, single-fronted, three-bedroom house features open fireplaces, baltic pine floorboards, a CaesarStone bathroom, north-facing courtyard and rear off-street parking.
Jellis Craig agent Peter Vigano had been quoting $1.1 million plus. The house is now advertised as for sale for $1.25 million.
Mitchell paid $920,000 in early 2007 a year before his engagement to long-time girlfriend Lyndall Degenhardt. The couple now have three children.
Mitchell did not attend the auction.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Former Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell's house passed in at auction

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october11isabella]}
Friesia, the 1888-built Italian Renaissance-designed Hawthorn house and one of Melbourne’s most captivating residences, has been listed for sale. The single-storey mansion was designed for German consul William Brahe by architect John August Bernard Koch, who later designed Labassa in North Caulfield.
The Hawthorn<a target="_blank" href="/news"> </a>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’s been listed by Kay &amp; Burton agent Scott Patterson, with offers due by November 15. Patterson hopes to secure $6.5 million plus for the property.
Decorated in a way befitting a man of Brahe's standing, there are three dwellings set within established gardens covering approximately half an acre.
The residence, with its unique single-storeyed arcaded loggia (veranda) and internal octagonal domed vestibule, 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 listed 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.
They camped at Friesia on the first night with candles.
Set in the small Isabella Grove enclave near a bend of the Yarra 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.
The marketing material says it was a much-loved cultural meeting place for educated Europeans during the 1880s – a golden age for Australian art and architecture.
“However, during the First World War, the German eagles on the parapet, German flags and German generals painted on the octagonal hall ceiling were all removed owing to anti-German sentiment,” says the house’s marketing material.
William Brahe was a founding partner of the 1856 law firm Garland Hawthorn Brahe. Brahe was appointed consul for Prussia in 1868 and consul for the North German Confederation in 1869. On the re-establishment of the German Empire in 1870 he was appointed consul for the German Empire, a position he held for 25 years.
In 1924, “Vally” Cole, son of E W Cole – famous for Cole's Book Arcade in Bourke Street – purchased Friesia for £6,000 pounds.
Vally's daughters, Nancy and Evangeline, lived on until 1970 when it was sold to the Forge family.
Friesia has been described as the most beautiful house in Melbourne by Dr George Tibbits, senior lecturer in the faculty of architecture at the University of Melbourne.
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Hawthorn house built for 19th-century German consul on the market

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october10neville]}
Fashion designer Arabella Ramsay secured a bullish $1,805,000 when her Albert Park warehouse conversion went to weekend auction.
Initial reported price estimates to buyers had been a very cautious $1.25 million plus for the freestanding Neville Street warehouse. But when Marshall White agent Oliver Bruce asked for opening bids, the auction kicked off at $1.5 million. That was still slightly below Ramsay’s $1.55 million purchase price in May of last year.
It represents annualised capital growth since the last sale of 11%.
“This compares to growth for Melbourne over the same time frame of 3.8%,” Mark Armstrong from propertytycoon.com.au notes.
It was knocked down to buyer's advocate Mal James who had to fend off three other parties during the 20-minute contestant. Bidding narrowed down to three after the two-bedroom property was declared on the market at $1,555,000.
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Bullish result for designer's Albert Park warehouse conversion

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october6westin]}
Melbourne bookmaker Mark Read and wife Shari have snappily sold their sub-penthouse in the Westin hotel in Melbourne.
It had been listed with a $7 million asking price through Dingle Partners agent Anton Wongtrakun, who says he is unable to provide any sale details.
It was marketed as among the finest apartments in Melbourne's CBD, set on a north-eastern corner in the Grocon-built complex above Melbourne's five-star Westin hotel.
The 420-square-metre 11th floor apartment comes with a double-height lobby, five bedrooms, five limestone bathroom and a study.
The formal and informal living areas enjoy a city skyline backdrop.
<img src="/images/stories/markread.jpg">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/title-tattle-packers-shuffle-the-paperwork-john-hewson-a-major-property-player/2011082651311">Read has yet to sell </a>his Queensland acreage at Cooroy Mountain (pictured above).</body></html>

Bookie Mark Read's Westin Melbourne apartment races to quick sale

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As we look to what's ahead for 2012, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of 2011.
 
Not content with being home to the premier football team in Australia, Geelong is also developing into an investment hotspot, with its more affordable house prices luring Melburnians willing to make the commute.
Geelong, which a population of about 180,000 people, is an hour’s drive or train ride from the Melbourne CBD but has median house prices significantly below those of its big-city neighbour.
The regional city has been picked as a hotspot by hotspotting.com.au’s Terry Ryder and is ranked 74th on Your Investment Property magazine’s Top 100 suburbs survey earlier this year.
Ryder tells Property Observer Geelong is a good long-term prospect for investors, and will get stronger.
“It has quite a lot to offer, and is viable alternative to Melbourne,” Ryder says.
“It is considerably cheaper. As a general rule of thumb, a house in Geelong is $100,000 cheaper than Melbourne. Land is also cheaper to buy.”
A ring road currently under construction will improve links to Melbourne, as will a $4 billion rail connection, also under way.
“There are also plans to upgrade Avalon to a second international airport and extends rail links from Melbourne to the airport,”Ryder says.
Currently, a peak express train from Railway Terrace, Geelong to Melbourne’s Southern Cross takes 53 minutes.
Other factors in its favour, according to Ryder, are its water-based lifestyle centred around the bay and surf beaches and strong job prospects.
Ryder says plans to relocate car import and export trade from the Port of Melbourne to the Port of Geelong will bring up to 1,500 jobs to the region.
And he says the success of footy team should also not be underestimated in terms of attracting people to the region.
“Having a team that wins does make a difference. It generates confidence in the community and has economic benefits, too,” he says.
Building activity appears to be picking up, with a total of 249 domestic new building permits issued in the City of Greater Geelong in June 2011, an increase of 35.3% on the previous month, according to the latest economic report for the region. 
House and unit prices in Geelong have performed well over the last 12 months, exceeding price growth in the Melbourne unit market and not far behind house price growth, according to Real Estate Institute of Australia’s June quarter figures. 
During the three-month period to June, 438 houses were sold, with a median price of $370,000. Cheaper houses are priced just above $300,000 while more expensive properties sell around the $480,000 mark
House prices are down 3.7% over the June quarter but for the year are up a 7.2%.
Over the same period, 69 units changed hands at a median price of $317,000.
Unit prices are up 8.7% over the June quarter and up 13.2% for the year to June.
How Geelong stacks up against Melbourne and other regional cities 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
Distance to Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Median house price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Change over 12 months
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
Median unit price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
Change over 12 months
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
Geelong
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
80 kms
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
$370,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
7.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
$317,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
13.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
Ballarat
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
120 kms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
$289,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
24.4%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
$230,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
26%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
Bendigo
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
160 kms
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
$288,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
7.4%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
$200,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
-21.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
Melbourne
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
$590,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
9.3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
$475,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
8.1%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: REIA market facts
According to the Victoria’s Department of Human services, the median rent on a one-bedroom flat in Geelong is $178 per week, compared with $155 a year ago, and a two-bedroom flat rents for a median of $260 (compared with $257 a year ago).
The REIA puts the median rent on a three-bedroom house at $300 per month, down 3.2% over the June quarter but up 7% for the year.
Four-bedroom houses rent for a median $380 a week, up 5.6% compared with the same quarter last year.
According to RP Data, median rental yields in Greater Geelong are just under 4%. In Geelong West, yields are around 4.4% (median sales price of $386,000) and in North Geelong yields are around 4.6% (median sales price of $314,000).
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Hotspot: Geelong's on the ball with rising yields 

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SQM Research’s top 10 discounted properties list this week focuses solely on Victoria. It's headed by a Hoppers Crossing property that has been on the market since April 2011.   Melbourne properties don't usually make it onto the most discounted national list, save for two Southbank apartments, 195/38 Kavanagh Street and 2506/83 Queensbridge Street, whichhave made appearances for several months.

The price hopes for the Kavanagh Street property were $1.1 million in mid-August, but now the vendors are hoping for $1.18 million. This is still a 25% discount on the $1.56 million the vendors wanted for the property when they listed it in September 2010.

The Queensbridge Street unit made its debut on SQM's list in mid-June with a price reduction of 30%, from $2.15 million to $1.5 million. The vendors are now hoping to secure $1.65 million, a discount of 23% from its original October 2010 price hopes. 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">1</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="1/9 Albert Place" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107436109">1/9 Albert Place, Hoppers Crossing, VIC, 3029</a>
On the market since: May 28, 2011
Initial asking price: $535,000
Current asking price: $400,000
Reduction: 25%
Days on market: 112
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">2</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D7287832" title="1365 Ballan Road" 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: 483
 
3
<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%3D107562063">14/62 Herbert Street, Dandenong, VIC, 3175</a>
On the market since: July 23, 2011
Initial asking price: $279,000
Current asking price: $210,000
Reduction: 25%
Days on market: 56
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">4</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="195/38 Kavanagh Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106820916">195/38 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006</a>
On the market since: September 11, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.56 million
Current asking price: $1.18 million
Reduction: 25%
Days on market: 371
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">5</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="5/12 Aenone Avenue" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107540061">5/12 Aenone Avenue, Noble Park, VIC, 3174</a>
On the market since: July 16, 2011
Initial asking price: $315,000
Current asking price: $240,000
Reduction: 24%
Days on market: 63
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">6</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="2506/83 Queensbridge Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008659274">2506/83 Queensbridge Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006</a>
On the market since: October 31, 2010
Initial asking price: $2.15 million
Current asking price: $1.65 million
Reduction: 23%
Days on market: 322
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">7</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="1 Elizabeth Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107498576">1 Elizabeth Street, Doncaster East, VIC, 3109</a>
On the market since: June 25, 2011
Initial asking price: $1.05 million
Current asking price: $826,000
Reduction: 21%
Days on market: 84
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">8</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="167 Ormond Road" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107135182">2/167 Ormond Road, Hampton Park, VIC, 3976</a>
On the market since: January 29, 2011
Initial asking price: $330,000
Current asking price: $260,000
Reduction: 21%
Days on market: 231
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">9</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="2 Ladd Square" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107236596">2 Ladd Sqaure, Emerald, VIC, 3782</a>
On the market since: March 12, 2011
Initial asking price: $690,000
Current asking price: $550,000
Reduction: 20%
Days on market: 189
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">10</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="713/488 Swanston Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106980336">713/488 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053</a>
On the market since: November 13, 2010
Initial asking price: $350,000
Current asking price: $280,000
Reduction: 20%
Days on market: 308
 
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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louischristopher-TWpYcZDLBK

Southbank properties raise price expectations but still feature on SQM's Victorian discount list

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324 Beaconsfield Parade, <a target="_blank" title="St Kilda West" href="/news">St Kilda West</a>, VIC, 3182
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/september23beaconsfield]} 
What attracted me in the first place was the very unusual façade of 324 and even though it has a block of flats next door overlooking at front and back, which may affect the amenity and the feel in the backyard, I still went inside thinking I could like this - and I did.
Basically it's a three-level house (but it has a lift) with multiple zones on each level. Level one does have a high-quality kitchen and kids' bedrooms and full-length doors. Dining room in a funny place but it sort of works. The second level works well bedrooms and billiard room and then the third level - wow, great views and the lift goes up to it. You would use this.
Two car parks, while without garaging, are good for this area. Its is a question of price. About $4 million was gettable on the forefront last on similar blocks, but with weaker homes, so is more than $5 million with a better home gettable this year? Time will tell if Hocking Stuart agent Andrew Stuart can deliver - history shows says he can - will today's market follow history?
This property, which has price hopes of $5 million plus, went to auction on Saturday, September 24 at 12.30pm. It was passed in on a vendor's bid of $5 million.
Mal James is principal of<a target="_blank" title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/"> 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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Vendors of St Kilda West home hope $5 million is over the horizon

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111 Rowell Avenue, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Camberwell</a>, 3124
An interesting property this one - nothing wrong with the quality, yet for most buyers in this area this will lack another bedroom or two and/or another living area. The laundry is one of the biggest we have seen, and many will like this - yet some could think about converting this back to a bedroom and relocating laundry to eastern side of ensuite/study - just a thought.
There is of course scope to extend up to the rear down the track, and young families may be interested here with this in mind. Rowell Avenue is one of Camberwell's better addresses - leafy, wide and close to Camberwell Junction and the M1 freeway.
James Buyer Advocates rates this property as 708 out of 1,000, which puts it in the above-average category. It will go to auction on Saturday, September 17 at 11.30am.
Adam Woledge is a registered architect and senior buyer advocate at <a href="https://www.james.net.au/rating/111-Rowell-Avenue-CAMBERWELL" target="_blank">James Buyer Advocates</a>.
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Small, but well-formed in Camberwell

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/september9glynt]}
Demetri’s Castle, also known as the historic gothic Mount Martha mansion Glynt Manor, has been relisted with revised hopes.
It was initially listed by hair and make-up artists Demetri and Lila Sideropoulos, who wanted $6.5 million for the nine-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion on its 2010 listing.
The Greek couple, whose celebrity clients have included Matt Damon, Russell Crowe, Bert Newton and the Pussycat Dolls , bought the 1914 house in 2009 for a reported $4.3 million and then thoroughly renovated it into a family home and bed and breakfast on the SBS documentary Demetri’s Castle.
It sits on about 8000 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.
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 has the auction scheduled for October 8.
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