Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

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?

Boutique Perth developer ADC has unveiled its latest project.

The developer, which focuses on bringing apartments to some of Perth's most premium inner-city and riverside suburbs, has launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mos-lane-mosman-park-46-manning-street-mosman-park-wa-6012">Mos Lane</a>, 68 luxury apartments and townhouses in the heart of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mosman-park-wa-6012">Mosman Park</a>.

<section data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-124" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-69e027bc-1530-839b-a316-e9dad2cbd4d9-34" dir="auto">
Alongside the one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, the development will also include five two-level townhomes and two luxe penthouses. ADC is also introducing a significant retail offering for residents through Mos Lane Village, which will feature a wellness studio, fish and chips shop, barber, and florist, adding a layer of amenity not typically found in the predominantly residential Mosman Park area.

Construction has already commenced on the project, which sits just a short walk from the Swan River, Mosman Park Bowls Club, and Mosman Park Golf Course.

House Agency Directors Tom House and Lachlan McDonald say they are fielding the majority of buyer interest from local downsizers, as well as buyers with a long-standing affinity for Mosman Park.
</section>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364591]

Mos Lane will comprise two buildings; Samson House and Manning House, which have been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nelson-koo">Nelson + Koo</a>, an emerging design consultancy specialising in the masterplanning and design of mixed use places and spaces.

The two buildings adopt distinct architectural responses to their surroundings. Manning House references the strong roof forms of nearby homes, with floorplates oriented to maximise light and long-range views, while Samson House is organised around a central atrium designed to bring daylight deep into the building and create a greater sense of openness.

At ground level, the inclusion of five townhomes introduces a typology more commonly associated with Mosman Park’s established streets, each with private courtyards and direct frontage, offering a transition between traditional housing and apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364103]

Interiors have been led by Melbourne-based Hecker Guthrie, with an emphasis on practical, long-term liveability. Residences incorporate sculpted joinery, generous storage and flexible multi-purpose rooms that can adapt to changing household needs, whether for working from home, guest accommodation or additional living space.

Material selections draw on a restrained palette of textured stone, timber and neutral tones, with options for lighter or darker schemes. Detailing such as fluted glass, full-height joinery and integrated appliances is intended to balance functionality with a more refined residential finish.

Outdoor spaces are a consistent feature across the development, with balconies and terraces designed for dining and entertaining, and larger apartments incorporating outdoor kitchens. Orientation has been considered to allow residents to choose between morning or afternoon sun, while mature street trees and landscaped communal areas contribute to a softer streetscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364107]

Shared amenities are positioned to support both day-to-day convenience and occasional use. These include a private dining room with a caterer’s kitchen, alfresco entertaining areas, and a bookable guest suite for visiting friends and family. Additional practical features such as a resident workshop, storage facilities, car and pet wash areas, and concierge-style services for cleaning and dry-cleaning collection reflect a focus on usability.

Positioned between the Swan River and Cottesloe Beach, and within reach of schools such as Iona Presentation College and St Hilda’s Anglican School, the development is aimed at a broad buyer group, from downsizers seeking a lower-maintenance alternative to larger homes, through to local residents looking to remain in the area in a different housing format.

Mos Lane represents one of the more significant additions to Mosman Park’s limited pipeline, combining new housing supply with a village-style retail centre in a suburb where opportunities for large-scale redevelopment are relatively constrained.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=148957]

Living village precinct set for Mosman Park as ADC launches Mos Lane

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A recent announcement from planning minister John Day has noted that new building standards are going to be put on homes being built in bushfire areas, under new construction standards.
The Building Code of Australia and the Australian Standards AS3959 will identify mandatory provisions for properties being built in bushfire-prone areas under new planning schemes across Western Australia.
The new guidelines are open for public comment, however the plan is for the standards to apply from May 2015, and will apply to all properties in areas mapped by the government as bushfire-prone or within 100 metres of one hectare or more of bushland.
“If land intended for development is located on a bushfire map or close to a large area of bushland a bushfire hazard assessment will be required,” Day announced.
“The assessment will identify the bushfire risk level and the Australian Standards to be applied when the new home is constructed.  These standards are used in many jurisdictions across Australia and include requirements such as the placement of ember screens over evaporative air-conditioner units, window screens and appropriate construction methods."
The measures look to reduce the severity of the effect of a fire on a home.
Part of this will be the introduction of uniform state-wide maps, explained Emergency Services Minister Joe Francies, led by the Fire and Emergency Services commissioner, based on the Keelty Report into the Perth Hills bushfires.
These will be available to the public.
The WA Planning Commission, at the same time, released the State Planning Policy and Planning Guidelines on Bushfire Risk Management. These are all available for public comment, and look to provide both government and developers guidance when planning developments in these areas.
This may cause an extra hoop for developers to jump through, with the current draft suggesting that some developers will be required to supply a Bushfire Management Plan prepared by a fire consultant, jointly endorsed by a local government and authority responsible for emergency services.
It also notes that: "Any planning proposal or development application that will result in the introduction, or intensification, of development in an area that has an extreme bushfire hazard level and/or requires construction standards of BAL-40 or BAL-FZ shall only be supported if it is unavoidable development."
New developments will be required to provide the highest achievable protection, and where earlier strategic planning has not been seen to address bushfire risk, "assessing greenfield or infill development will require the exercising of statutory planning discretions."
It notes that this may include situations where new risks are identified, requiring planning measures to be taken where they have previously been unexpected.
Subdivisions may also be implicated.
The public consultation period on the State Planning Policy closes on 4 July, while the guidelines' commenting period closes on 1 August.
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New construction requirements coming for houses in WA bushfire areas

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The ANZ Australian Housing Market Update has found that Perth remains out of step with the rest of Australian cities, recording price weakness where other capitals are recording an uptick.
ANZ Research’s David Cannington and Stephanie Wong reported that “home prices continued to trend higher across all reported capital cities, except Perth."
Prices in Perth have been easing moderately since the commencement of this year, despite solid increases being recorded in Sydney and Brisbane.
Upticks were recorded by RP Data and ANZ in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, while the other states and territories are not recorded.
<img src="/images/2014/04/29/perth-graph-april-29.jpg" alt="">
Source: RP Data, ANZ Research
Auction sales have remained low, due to public holidays, yet despite this sales are expected to rebound in coming weeks, providing a timely read.
Cannington and Wong noted that when this data comes through after this seasonally-affected period, a more accurate picture of housing strength and momentum, as well as a growth outlook, should be ascertainable.
Year on year, the percentage growth trend is still a positive for Perth, despite being down 0.2% over the month since a gradual softening from the end of 2013.
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ANZ points to Perth price weakness as out of step with other capitals

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There is a lot of pressure on the Barnett government to cut costs and raise revenue in the state budget this May.
Those of us who work in the property sector are particularly concerned that property taxes might again be targeted. In last year’s budget the government increased land tax by 12.5%.
This year it might be very tempting for the Treasurer to cast his net more widely by increasing stamp duty across the board for all buyers as well as scrapping the stamp duty exemption for first home buyers.
The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has cautioned the state Treasurer against considering such moves. The property market in WA is only just stabilizing after several volatile years and current REIWA data indicates a market downturn for the second half of this year.
It’s critical that current policy settings remain in place and property taxes are not increased, distorting a fragile market.
Typical stamp duty on a median priced home in Perth is now $20,000. Bracket creep alone has pushed this up by $4,280 over the last five years.
The stamp duty exemption for first home buyers was raised to homes under $500,000 by the Labor government in 2007 and along with the first home owners grant has been extraordinary successful at nurturing the market.
Cost of living and housing affordability is much tougher in WA than other states, but removing the stamp duty impost from first home buyers saves most of them around $14,000 and helps them into a home of their own.
<blockquote>
It’s critical that current policy settings remain in place and property taxes are not increased, distorting a fragile market.
</blockquote>
In combination with low interest rates, first home buyers have flourished in WA but the signs are that they are now trending downwards and it would be devastating if they soon get hit with stamp duty.
Getting rid of first home buyer relief or increasing stamp duty across the board would also hit the housing construction sector through the increased cost of land.
The clear evidence from NSW, which recently scrapped its tax concessions for first home buyers, is that first home buyer activity collapsed and hasn’t recovered.
It has been a similar experience in Victoria where other concessions for first home buyers were removed or diminished.
First home buyers are critical to the overall health of the property market because they help nurture construction and facilitate the trade-up market.
Data from the Office of State Revenue show activity by first home buyers has been falling for several months, slipping from 1,974 applications in July last year to 1,540 in March.
For a sustainable, affordable housing market, it’s terribly important there is no rise in stamp duty for all buyers or that tax relief for first time buyers is abolished.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com/" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>.
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The WA budget's threat to first home buyers

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It appears that investors may still be struggling in Perth, with Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) figures showing a slowdown in sales and a lift in the rental vacancy rate.
REIWA president, David Airey, said that the median house price has increased from $546,000 in the December quarter to $550,000 in March, however this $4,000 lift is unlikely to do much to improve the concerns of investors in the state.
“There was little change in overall sales turnover for the quarter, down by only 2%, however, it’s noteworthy that the March quarter was down by about 6% on the same period last year,” Airey said.
Noting it had been a ‘choppy’ quarter for sales, he said there had been a steady decline in recent weeks as more properties were put on the market for sale.
The biggest slide was seen in the City of Vincent, south east segments of the City of Stirling and Gosnells and Melville areas.
Across Perth, and areas such as Fremantle, Rockingham and northern Joondalup, sales have, in fact, been lifting. Despite this, listings rise and are now at their highest level since December 2012.
This may mean a good time to get in for prospective home buyers, with more choice, however it does make selling prospects somewhat lacklustre.
Similarly, landlords won’t be too impressed with the most recent vacancy rate statistics – with the highest vacancy rate seen in the past four years. It has now lifted to 4.1% for the rate for the three months to February. The last time it was higher was the winter of 2010’s 4.3%.
“It’s now a tenants’ market with much more stock available and median rent coming down a little. It has dropped $15 per week in the last nine months and I anticipate a further fall in the median weekly rent to show up in the data over the next few weeks,” Airey said, pointing to around 5,000 rental properties on the market.
This is an incredible 56% up on the same time last year.
“The March quarter normally experiences a tightening in the vacancy rate, but not so this year,” Airey said.
The biggest jump in rental listings was in Joondalup and Wanneroo, up 26% on December.
He said the absence of first home buyers is being felt with the increase in selling stock on market, with 10,067 homes on the market – a rise of 861 properties from a month ago and 1,600 from a year ago.
“For several quarters the number of listings hovered around 8,500 properties but now seem to be trending back to a more usual 12,000,” he said.
“The biggest jump in listings was experienced through parts of the cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo which saw 28% more stock up for sale”.
Do you have a vacant property in Perth? Tell us what you are experiencing: <a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Perth vacancies highest in years, rentals on market 56% up on 2013

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A development site in East Perth is to get under the hammer at public auction in May with Knight Frank, and it looks set to gather developer interest offering the possibility of unit or townhouse properties.
Sitting on 2,401 square metres, the 44-46 Joel Terrace property is zoned Residential R60 and would see interested developers able to build with river views.
It appears there was an attempt previously to develop the plot, which is in the City of Vincent area, with August 2013 council meeting minutes noting their reconsideration of a proposal to demolish the building on the site and create a 31 apartment, five-storey, project with basement carpark from TPG and James Christou Design Group.
The council, at this time, required more detail. However, it did appear as if the development was looked upon favourably.
Near to parks, river foreshore reserves and a proposed redevelopment of the East Perth Power Station into a mixed-use site, Knight Frank managing director – WA John Corbett, said that this is a unique opportunity.
“The MRA plans to develop the 8.5 hectare power station site to create a unique mix of community and lifestyle opportunities that will activate this part of East Perth as a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly area,” Corbett said.
The site appears to form part of an already established residential precinct, said Knight Frank associate director Todd Schaffer.
“It is possible to walk or bike to the CBD centre along the river foreshore in less than 10 minutes,” Schaffer said.
“Increasingly this is attractive for young professionals and people who work in the city that want convenient access as well as attractive lifestyle amenities.”
Local and national developers are expected to show interest.
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East Perth Riverview site open for local and national developer interest

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Sales turnover in metropolitan Perth bounced back in February after a seasonal dip during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Data from the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia show that in the three months to February, sales returned to the same level being experienced in the three months to November last year, before the break.
Market turnover was healthy and that the median house price was unchanged at $545,000.
The market is humming along at a normal pace and REIWA members are reporting that there is plenty of work to keep them busy.
There was a fall away of sales activity in the central sub-region, that is, broadly within 10 kilometres of the CBD and including Fremantle, while in the north-west sub-region there was a lift in turnover through the cities of Wanneroo and Joondalup.
In the last week of February REIWA reported that listings for houses, units and land all increased to a total of 9,200 properties on the market.
This is about 3,000 properties fewer than average, but the market is balanced between supply and demand so it’s nothing to be concerned about.
Also at the end of February, REIWA reported that the metropolitan vacancy rate had lifted to 3.8 per cent, the highest level in four years. Rental stock is just under 5,000 properties.
Results for the March quarter due in a few week’s time would give a better picture of the Perth housing market for the start of the year.
January is always a quiet period, but we’ll have much more sales data to analyse in a month’s time.
This article was originally posted on <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>
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Perth sales turnover bounces back in February

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Patricia Mirawati Susilo and brother Bryan Artawaijaya Susilo, of Karawara, have been ordered to pay $17,500 and $12,000 respectively after admitting to misleading and deceptive conduct around a rent to buy scheme. They were also required to pay $8,000 in costs.
Patricia Susilo also admitted to operating as a real estate agent without a licence. The siblings were the operators of <a href="https://www.sellhouseseasy.com.au/" target="_blank">www.sellhouseseasy.com.au</a>, the logo of which can be seen below. Patricia Susilo was the sole director.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/images/stories/2013/06/sellhouseseasyjune12two.jpg" alt="sellhouseseasyjune12two" height="148" width="278">
Bryan Susilo's <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/pub/bryan-susilo/5a/b2/a22" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> refers to himself as a 'Vendor Finance Specialist (Property)' at 700 Dollar Houses.com. This was the young siblings' first venture into business, with Bryan Susilo still at school when it began - at present he is just 20 years old. In 2009, the Susilos attended a wealth creation seminar of which one of the segments related to rent to buy. They then undertook a course, which began in Sydney for five days. Their parents paid $20,000 for them to undertake this course. Promotion, sales and documentation were discussed at this course, and there was also a lawyer who did a presentation.
The Susilos said that they were taught their current sales methods at this seminar, and this was accepted in Court. They also paid $1,000 a month ongoing in mentoring fees. The business was small, with transaction details of just four properties provided, and the profit they had achieved was not substantial when the costs of operating the business were taken into account.
While it was claimed that they did not know at the time that their actions were misleading, "The Company Website Conduct was deliberate in that Ms Susilo knew that her business did not buy houses and knew that she derived fees and commissions. However, she believed, based on the course she had done, that the business did buy houses in a broader, non-technical sense of the word," according to the judgement.
"Nevertheless, given the defendants' age and inexperience, and what they had been told at seminars, their beliefs might be said to be understandable."
They did accept to know that potential buyers could not purchase properties for the amounts stated in their advertising. They sought legal advice from the lawyer who had presented at the seminars when approached by the Consumer Protection. Up until late-2013, they defended themselves believing they had a strong defence case, with the promoter of the scheme paying their legal fees. This came to an end in November 2013 and they became unrepresented. In January 2014, they made changes to their admissions.
"It is open to infer from the defendants' evidence that there is, or is likely to be, an active rent to buy industry. Some of the participants may have attended the same seminars and may be liable to engage in marketing and promotions strategies that raise questions of misleading conduct under the ACL. That engages the need for general deterrence. In any event, the object of general deterrence applies more widely," continued the judgment.
Their promotional video (below) tells potential clients to think of them as your "friendly real estate pawn shop". It notes they are active Australia-wide, not just in Western Australia.
{qtube vid:=_fjSdzySHj4}
There is also another 'About Us' video with Bryan Susilo featuring an introduction about Sell Houses Easy.
{qtube vid:=d0Zp4DPjQP4}
Ordered to pay the penalties by the Supreme Court, it was in relation to the advertising and promotion of rent to buy schemes on a number of properties in both late-2010 and early 2013, with the counsel for the Commissioner for Consumer Protection providing a number of statements that were false, deceptive or misleading.
Some of these included the following:
"Own my home": This was said to provide the wrong impression that prospective buyers could get sole or joint ownership of the homes after signing. This was not the case. They would not be the owners of the properties.
"No banks needed", "Stuff the banks - move in today": This gave the suggestion that a bank loan would not be required. There was no reasonable grounds to make this statement.
"We buy houses": Suggested the promoters could purchase properties immediately. This was not the case.
"We do not charge commission or fees”: Said to be misleading as the promoters do, in fact, get a benefit from the scheme.
"We are part of a group of real estate investors”: False statement. It currently reads the following on the still active website "We're part of a group of real estate investors who buy residential property in all areas throughout Australia! Any price, any condition!"
Similarly, numbers provided that related to the weekly cost to those potential buyers were not found to accurately reflect the true total cost to eventually own a home. Advertisements were seen online, such as on Gumtree, as well as on the listings website www.renttoownhome.com.au.
Justice Beech gave both promoters a three year injunction requiring them to not engage in rent to buy real estate transactions without a licence or without working for a licensee and not to represent that they "buy houses" unless they intend to acquire a freehold title.
They were also told not to represent that they are the owners, jointly or solely, of properties they are selling unless they are the owners, and not to represent to buyers that they can purchase without a bank loan unless there are reasonable grounds for this.
Beech told them that accurate and complete statements of the money payable by prospective buyers under the arrangement must be provided, that rent-to-buy arrangements are not immediate sales of the property and this must be disclosed and that the promoters must also disclose what revenue they will attain from the arrangement.
Anne Driscoll, Commissioner for Consumer Protection, that there is danger in buyers and vendors getting involved in complex arrangements.
“It would appear from our investigations into these rent to buy property schemes that the prospective buyers are at great risk of losing their money and sellers are locked into a fixed sale price for the duration of the contract,” Driscoll said.
“The schemes target people who are desperate and find it difficult to get finance to purchase a home as well as vendors who are having difficulty selling their homes," she said.
“Those who may be contemplating taking part in these schemes should think very carefully and get expert financial and legal advice before signing any contracts. They should treat any claims being made by promoters with scepticism and check to make sure information being provided by the promoter is accurate."
The Supreme Court supported the argument of Consumer Affairs that they were engaged in real estate transactions and should be licensed. The <a target="_blank" href="https://decisions.justice.wa.gov.au/supreme/supdcsn.nsf/judgment.xsp?documentId=0A4F904B45F9C89548257C8C001BBF99&amp;action=openDocument">full judgement is available online</a>.
Promoters of these schemes without a licence have also been given a warning that they could face prosecution and penalties if they are currently unlicensed.
The siblings had been on Driscoll's radar since October 2012 when she noted that she was particularly concerned about cases when tenants and buyers did not have sufficient resources to pay upfront option fees, with the siblings taking wedding rings and family collectables including, almost unbelievably, a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/wa-consumer-protection-targets-rent-to-buy-property-scheme-that-took-david-beckham-jersey-in-lieu-of-deposit/2012101557170" target="_blank">Real Madrid jersey signed by David Beckham and a Franklin Mint edition Monopoly board</a>. Patricia Susilo apparently also brokered the sale of a tenant's vehicle to raise the deposit funds for a home. They were <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/western-australia/perth-rent-to-buy-property-scheme-promoters-hit-with-injunction-ahead-of-trial-renttobuy-consumerwa/2013061362127" target="_blank">served an injunction at the time</a>.
"The proceeds from the transactions are deposited into a bank account of a real estate agent in the eastern states and then transferred to Ms Susilo's personal bank accounts in WA. I am concerned that the funds do not go into a WA trust account and there is no separate account where money is stored for future deposits in accordance with the ‘Option to Buy' agreements," Driscoll noted in 2012.
In August 2011, they had warned about No Loan Home Pty Ltd, who traded as Perth's Easyhomes WA, and the rent to buy scheme promoted by Filip Butkovic and Nikola Butkovic. They had been said to mislead clients relating to the future value of the property, potential ewuity and their ability to obtain finance.
Another vendor financing or rent to buy promoter, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/western-australia/best-selling-property-investment-author-s-wa-seminars-banned-dept-of-commerce/2013111266316" target="_blank">Rick Otton, recently saw his seminars banned in Western Australia</a>, with Driscoll claiming that West Australian consumers are being misled by the marketing of his scheme with statements including ‘buy a house for one dollar’ and ‘profit without initial investment’, the former being part of his book title also.
He has not admitted any wrongdoing under Australian Consumer Law.
With 'We Buy Houses' and similar signs present in many areas across the states and territories of Australia, including numerous signs in Sydney's western suburbs, it will be interesting to see how whether this action will be rolled out across the board. Property Observer notes that there are a number of similar schemes operating across Western Australia.
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
                           
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"We Buy Houses" claims from rent to buy promoters prompts fine

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<img alt="welshpool_march_5" height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/03/05/welshpool_march_5.jpg">
A large industrial facility in the Perth's premier industrial precinct of Welshpool has been listed for sale or lease.
Located at 33 McDowell Street, the property is being offered for sale at a price of $11.95 million with vacant possession or leased on flexible terms.
The property, which has the potential to be divided into several separate tenancies, has two large warehouses, loading docks and office to provide almost 14 square metres of refurbished warehousing.
One warehouse covers 7,769 square metres and the other 3,442 square metres, with the office space covering 864 square metres.
Knight Frank industrial director Jarrad Grierson said the property had a substantial land area of 2.89 hectares and had previously been the headquarters of a local manufacturing company.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank"></a><a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Industrial facility in Welshpool, Perth listed for sale or lease

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The former administration building for the ABC at 189 Adelaide Terrace in East Perth is set to become the tallest building in the area, named ‘Concerto’ as part of development group Finbar’s Symphony City redevelopment.
Set to include 226 apartments and a five and a half storey underground car park, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.finbar.com.au/FutureDevelopments.aspx">the imposing building Concerto</a> will also feature a 25 metre lap pool, a cabana, a barbecue, a gym, a pool lounge, a games room with pool table, a theatrette, formal dining facilities, meeting rooms and a large lobby.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/03/05/east-perth-march-5-one.jpg" width="470" height="548" alt="east-perth-march-5-one">
The $220 million development, and ASX listed developer Finbar’s largest project to date, will have 38 levels – 11 levels taller than Fairlanes by Finbar, developed in 2012 on a neighbouring site.
The site currently contains the former ABC administration building and three level former sound and music studios, constructed in 1959.
The administration building will become 17 one bedroom apartments and studios. The ground floor will house a bar/café and will lead through to Concerto Tower with 209 apartments, many of which will have panoramic views of the terrace.
The former ABC sound studio building, including the Basil Kirke Studio, will be subdivided onto its own title and refurbished. Several parties have expressed interest in commercial uses for this site.
The land owner of the former ABC site, Singaporean-owned Ventrade Australia, went into a joint venture with Finbar in 2008, when the site was purchased from the ABC for $37.58 million. It is a 1.28 hectare site.
A minor town planning scheme amendment had been sought, resulting in completed 23-level Adagio, and 22-level Toccata, currently being constructed.
<img alt="east-perth-march-5-two" height="339" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/03/05/east-perth-march-5-two.jpg">
Managing director of Finbar, Darren Pateman said that it had been a long process to deal with the sensitive issues of the site, from obtaining the scheme amendment to having a previous plan for the site rejected on heritage grounds.
“Whilst the former studios will be on a separate title to the new development, we will be working very hard to make sure that the ultimate use respects its heritage but also compliments our development plans next door and the East Perth area as a whole. We believe that this outcome is the best result for all involved and one that we will be very proud of in years to come,” said Pateman.
There will be a marketing launch in July 2014, with plans for enough sales to commence construction early next year. Completion is estimated for 2017.
Back in 2011, Property Observer reported about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/developer-finbar-making-an-impact-in-wa/2011102051937">Finbar making an impact on the desert in Western Australia</a>. They were then "little known" and targeting a site in Karratha. Since then, they have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/finbar-upgrades-profit-guidance-following-strong-east-perth-apartment-sales/2012062055202">seen strong sales</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/finbar-wins-tender-to-build-%24300m-serviced-apartment-project-in-port-hedland/2012073055776">won tenders</a> and had much success in the western state. They have previously completed 15 developments in East Perth alone.
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
Photos are artistic impressions.
For the latest development listings, brought to you by Property Observer and partners, see our <a rel="nofollow" href="https://showcase.propertyobserver.com.au/">Investor Showcase</a>. 
                        
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Finbar announces tallest tower in Western Australia as East Perth ABC site redevelopment

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Trading as Crawford Realty, Oresome (WA) Pty Ltd, of South Hedland, has been fined $9,500 and ordered to pay court costs of $970 after failing to lodge bonds ‘as soon as practicable’ as required by law.
Pleading guilty in the South Hedland Magistrates Court to 21 charges of failing to lodge bonds with the Bond Administrator on time, the fine was issued. There has now been a 1 July 2013 change to the act that requires bonds to be lodged as soon as practicable but within 14 days of receipt. At the time the law was to lodge the bonds 'as soon as practicable'.
Lawyers for Consumer Protection told the court that it had taken the company between 15 and 60 days to lodge the 21 security bonds that totalled more than $170,000. These bonds were collected between March and August 2012.
Anne Driscoll, commissioner for consumer protection, said that real estate agents, property managers and landlords needed to keep an eye on their procedures.
“It’s essential that tenants’ funds are safe and secure and lodged with the Bond Administrator as soon as possible. Taking many weeks or even months to do so is unacceptable and is a breach of the law,” Driscoll said.
“The appropriate lodgement and security of tenant’s bond moneys is an issue that Consumer Protection takes seriously. Agents and property managers need to keep their business in order so they don’t run the risk of being prosecuted.”
Western Australia has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/western-australia/landlord-fined-%242500-over-late-bond-lodgement/2013112566591">particularly active in cracking down on late bond lodgements</a> over the past few years.
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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