High-profile apartment defect cases have changed the way many NSW buyers approach purchasing, putting greater scrutiny on building quality, strata records and the parties behind a development before a contract is signed.

The industry buyers are assessing today, however, is also different from the one in which cases such as Opal Tower and Mascot Towers emerged.

NSW has introduced a series of regulatory measures aimed at strengthening oversight of apartment construction, including Building Commission NSW, the Residential Apartment Buildings Act 2020 and the Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme. Under the latter, developers are required to lodge a bond, with independent inspections forming part of the process for identifying defects in new strata developments.

Those changes provide another layer of protection, but they haven't removed the importance of buyer due diligence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

For purchasers considering an apartment, that means looking beyond the residence itself. Building and strata history, strata reports, the track record of the builder and developer, the condition of common property and any known or planned expenditure by the owners corporation can all form part of assessing a building before purchase.

Whether the development is already complete can also materially change what can be assessed.

An off-the-plan purchaser is necessarily buying before the finished product exists. A completed apartment, by comparison, can be walked through before contracts are signed, allowing the purchaser to see the finishes, common areas and broader building as they have actually been delivered rather than relying solely on plans and renders.

It also removes exposure to some of the uncertainties that exist between an off-the-plan purchase and completion, including construction delays, cost pressures and builder insolvency during the delivery period.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=927]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a> National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said that greater focus on tangible evidence is increasingly evident among apartment purchasers.

“The biggest shift we're seeing is buyers wanting proof, not promises,” Hamblett said.

“That's exactly why we deal in completed stock - you can inspect the building before you commit - and why we've backed every purchase with a cash bond against special levies.”

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> in Parramatta, that emphasis on a completed, inspectable product is already in place.

The 413-apartment, 46-level tower at 12 Phillip Street is being marketed by Projects by Equitifund, allowing prospective purchasers to inspect the residences, common areas and resident facilities before committing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=375255]

The Lennox also introduces another layer to the due-diligence conversation through Strata Surety.

The vendor-funded arrangement provides purchasers with a cash-backed bond held in their own solicitor's trust account from settlement. According to Equitifund, the bond covers any special levy raised during the applicable cover period and is provided at no cost to the purchaser.

Special levies can create an unexpected cost for apartment owners where an owners corporation needs funding beyond its existing strata contributions. Under NSW strata law, a special levy requires approval by owners at a general meeting.

Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said Strata Surety was designed to provide something more concrete than reassurance about that potential exposure.

“Buyers have every right to ask hard questions about strata risk - the industry has given them plenty of reasons to,” Huxley said.

“Our answer isn't a reassurance, it's a bond. Strata Surety puts real money behind that confidence, held by the buyer's own solicitor, not by us.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=375281]

For The Lennox, its completed status also means purchasers can assess not only the apartment itself, but a building that has already been occupied and operating for several years.

Completed in 2021, the $300 million development, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, with open-plan living areas extending to private balconies. Interiors incorporate engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops and integrated appliances, while many upper-level residences have views across the river and surrounding district.

Its established amenity can similarly be inspected in operation. Resident facilities include the Watermark precinct with a 20-metre pool, outdoor terrace, barbecue areas, gym, fitness studio and conference room, while ground-floor retail addresses the river walk and surrounding public space.

The Lennox is also home to the Southern Hemisphere's first fully robotic residential car park, which has now operated for several years. Its nine-level basement combines three conventional parking levels with six automated levels, accommodating 327 vehicles using technology from German firm Lödige Industries.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

The riverfront address puts The Lennox close to much of central <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a>'s existing infrastructure, including Parramatta Station, Westfield Parramatta, Parramatta Park, and the Church Street dining precinct.

The remaining apartments form part of a limited release secured by Equitifund, following the sale of the majority of residences before and shortly after completion.

The regulatory environment around NSW apartment construction has changed considerably since the defect cases that reshaped public discussion around the sector. For purchasers, however, regulation is only one part of the equation. The ability to investigate a building's history, review its strata position and, where possible, inspect what has actually been delivered remains central to making an informed apartment purchase.

At The Lennox, its completed status provides that opportunity before contracts are signed, while Strata Surety adds a financial backstop against special levies beyond the protections already provided under NSW strata law.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

Joel Robinson

Buying with confidence: What NSW apartment buyers should check beyond the defect headlines

Too often, heritage buildings become the podium for a contemporary tower. At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/623-collins-607-623-collins-street-melbourne-vic-3000">623 Collins</a>, <a>Sterling Global</a> challenged its design team to reverse that process.

The brief to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> was deliberately simple: "Don't design around the heritage. Design from it." It became the philosophy behind a project that draws inspiration not only from two landmark heritage buildings, but from Collins Street itself, a street layered with architectural history and civic significance.

That philosophy has shaped one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a> CBD's most considered residential projects, where the 1924 State Savings Bank and neighbouring Batman's Hill Hotel have become the architectural foundation for 623 Collins rather than remnants preserved beneath a new development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=372749]

Rather than approaching the site as a blank canvas, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sterling-global">Sterling Global</a> saw the existing buildings as the beginning of the story.

"Sites like this rarely become available," the developer said.

"623 Collins wasn't simply an opportunity to develop a prominent CBD site. It was an opportunity to restore and reimagine one of Melbourne's important heritage landmarks while contributing to the continued evolution of Collins Street. For us, the existing buildings weren't constraints. They were the beginning of the story."

Instead of mimicking the ornate heritage architecture, Plus Studio studied the proportions, rhythm and craftsmanship of the original buildings before translating those characteristics into a contemporary 42-storey tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=372748]

"The brief challenged us to create a contemporary landmark that respected Melbourne's architectural history without becoming nostalgic," Plus Studio said.

"Rather than mimicking heritage, we sought to understand its proportions, rhythm and material language before translating those qualities into a distinctly contemporary architectural expression."

The practice says the State Savings Bank and Batman's Hill Hotel became the project's primary source of inspiration, allowing the heritage buildings and contemporary architecture to exist "in conversation rather than contrast." Generous planted terraces further soften the transition between old and new, creating elevated green spaces while reinforcing the dialogue between the restored podium and the contemporary tower.

That dialogue continues throughout the interiors, where Melbourne designer Fiona Lynch developed a material palette inspired by the idea of alchemy, balancing contrasting materials that reference both the Neo-Grec detailing of the original bank and contemporary urban living. The result is a series of spaces that feel timeless rather than trend-driven.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=354343]

The project will deliver 316 residences across four collections, Heirloom, Signature, Reserve and the Penthouse Collection, with each responding differently to its position within the building, from the restored heritage podium through to the upper levels of the tower. The Heirloom Residences retain defining heritage elements including original heritage windows, generous proportions and high ceilings, while the tower introduces contemporary homes with expansive layouts and elevated views.

Amenities have likewise been designed to support long-term city living rather than short-stay convenience. Residents will have access to concierge services, wellness facilities including a pool, cold plunge, sauna, steam room and gym, alongside private lounges, entertaining spaces and dedicated resident clubs.

Sterling Global says that approach is resonating with buyers seeking permanence rather than novelty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145324 project_image_fid=354347]

According to the sales team, purchasers are looking for enduring architecture, generous floorplans, heritage character and long-term value, with many commenting that 623 Collins "doesn't feel like another apartment development" because of the way the architecture has been curated around the site's history.

Situated on the prominent corner of Collins and Spencer streets, the project occupies one of Melbourne's most recognisable gateway sites, marking the western entrance to the city's best-known street. For Sterling Global, it also reflects a broader shift in city-making.

"Rather than maximising development yield, the project embraces adaptive reuse as a design philosophy, allowing heritage to inform architecture, interiors and the overall resident experience," the developer said.

"The result is a building that feels uniquely connected to Melbourne."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145324]

How Sterling Global designed 623 Collins from Melbourne's history

Avant Townhomes is adding to Ivanhoe’s family-sized housing options with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/three-82-ivanhoe-382-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Three 82</a>, a collection of just 16 four-bedroom townhomes on Upper Heidelberg Road.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/intrapac-property">Intrapac Property</a> townhome division has taken a contemporary approach to the traditional family home, pairing larger floorplans with the lower-maintenance format of a townhouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374394]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/arcadia-studio">Arcadia</a>, with landscaping by Landsite, the homes feature generous open-plan living and dining areas that connect directly to outdoor spaces, with layouts also designed to maximise natural light and privacy.

Natural stone is used throughout the interiors, including in kitchens that pair stone surfaces with bespoke cabinetry, considered storage and SMEG appliances.

The four-bedroom layouts include built-in wardrobes and a main bedroom with its own ensuite, while family bathrooms service the additional bedrooms. Each home also includes a lock-up double garage and intercom entry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374399]

Energy efficiency has been incorporated into the design through solar panels, double glazing and reverse-cycle heating and cooling, with the homes targeting 7-star energy ratings.

Rather than incorporating extensive communal facilities, Three 82 has been conceived around private residential amenity, with the 16-home scale keeping the focus on individual homes and their own indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development is located at 382 Upper Heidelberg Road, around one kilometre from Ivanhoe Village's cafés and retail and a short drive from Eaglemont Station and Ivanhoe Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152069 project_image_fid=374393]

Several of Ivanhoe's established schools are also nearby, including Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar and Ivanhoe Grammar School. The address also provides access to the suburb's parklands and the wider Yarra River corridor.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/nelson-alexander">Nelson Alexander</a> has been appointed to handle sales.

Construction is underway and progressing well, with Three 82 currently tracking toward completion in Q2 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152069]

Three 82 brings boutique four-bedroom townhome collection to Ivanhoe

Builder-developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/graya">Graya</a> has secured a prime Newstead site from fellow developer Fraser, subsequently lodging plans for The Silo, a major mixed-use residential project in Newstead designed around a new public laneway linking the James Street precinct with the wider Gasworks and Newstead neighbourhood.

Proposed for the corner of Chester and Morse streets, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bureauproberts">Bureau^Proberts</a>-designed project places its strongest emphasis at ground level, where retail, landscaping and a new cobblestone pedestrian connection would open the site to the surrounding neighbourhood. The design team describes The Silo as “more than a residential building”, positioning the development as an extension of Newstead’s public realm rather than a standalone apartment tower.

“A new cobblestone laneway and landscaped connection between James Street and Gasworks unlock a missing pedestrian link, improving walkability and stitching together two of Brisbane’s significant urban destinations,” Bureau Proberts said in its Urban Design Report.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ea1b06a-75f5-40a5-b2c5-33c97bc86052" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/silo%20bldg.png?VersionId=KmjsAtNePu57_B31EM_DJ5T6KPJHtcmo" />

The Silo is planned as a mixed-use development incorporating apartments alongside a bar and centre activities including food and drink outlets, indoor sport and recreation, office and retail uses.

Architecturally, Bureau Proberts has conceived the building as a collection of vertically expressed, stepping forms rather than a single uniform tower. The composition rises from an articulated podium before being broken by a triple-height landscaped recreation level, with the upper section becoming more compact before terminating in a landscaped rooftop garden.

The project's name and architectural language draw directly from Newstead's industrial history. Patterned off-form concrete is proposed as the principal façade material, complemented by slender metal rod balustrades and extensive planting. The cylindrical and vertically ribbed elements give the building its silo-like expression, while curved balconies and planted edges introduce a softer subtropical layer.

“The Silo reinterprets its robust forms, scale and materiality through a contemporary subtropical architectural expression, creating a building that acknowledges its industrial legacy, while responding to the way the precinct is occupied today,” Bureau^Proberts said.

The recreation level is one of the defining breaks in the tower. Plans include a lap pool, mature subtropical planting and shared resident facilities within an elevated communal garden. Landscaping continues through the podium and onto the rooftop, where a further garden forms what the architects describe as a “subtropical crown” to the building.

<img alt="First look: Graya plans The Silo as new pedestrian link between James Street and Gasworks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8451036-35a4-49a9-8d88-2ef4438eba3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Silo%20Lane.png?VersionId=h8N31_rYmCEqoNrpt4kbYVQhJGZn60LH" />

At street level, the development has been designed to establish a more permeable block. Retail and hospitality tenancies address the public realm, while landscaped pedestrian spaces lead into the new laneway connection. Renders in the design report show the proposed “Silo Lane” as a substantial opening through the podium, framed by cylindrical concrete forms with cascading planting above.

The Silo continues Graya's move into larger apartment developments after building its reputation across high-end residential projects in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Graya buys Frasers Newstead site, plans The Silo between James Street and Gasworks precincts

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>’s completed Linacre Rise development in Hampton is giving Bayside downsizers the opportunity to move into a spacious apartment near the beach, with the developer covering stamp duty for a limited time.

The 27-residence development has been designed for buyers who want to simplify their living arrangements without giving up the space, warmth and quality associated with a long-term family home. Most apartments have already been secured by Bayside locals, leaving a select collection of two and three-bedroom residences and penthouses available.

Two-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.275 million, three-bedroom residences from $2.25 million and penthouses from $3.375 million, with the completed homes available to inspect and move into now.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366760]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton-vic-3188">Linacre Rise</a> occupies an elevated position on one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>’s quiet, tree-lined streets, around 250 metres from the bay and 500 metres from Hampton’s village centre. Its setting gives residents access to the beach, local cafés, shops and Hampton Train Station while retaining the feel of an established residential neighbourhood.

Architecture and interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> draw on the warmth and permanence of traditional brickwork, with the building integrated into terraced landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/john-patrick-landscape-architects">John Patrick</a>. Ground-floor apartments are elevated above the street and include private garden courtyards, while several upper-level residences have generous balconies and outlooks toward the bay.

Inside, the residences favour natural materials and generous proportions. Herringbone-pattern European oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, premium joinery and Swiss V-ZUG appliances are among the key inclusions, while integrated storage has been incorporated across kitchens, bathrooms, studies and living areas.

The kitchens have been planned as practical spaces for both everyday use and entertaining, with substantial island benches, detailed cabinetry and adjoining dining and living zones. Full-height wardrobes, plush bedroom carpeting and carefully considered lighting reinforce the residential character Wickton sought to retain for buyers moving from larger homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366769]

A Linacre Rise purchaser said the completed apartment had delivered the space, outlook and construction quality they had been seeking.

“The unit is very light, has views to die for over the bay, all construction materials and fittings are premium quality, we have secure parking for three cars, EV charging at very competitive rates, the neighbours are friendly and there is just a lovely ambiance about the place,” the purchaser said.

Environmental features include solar panels, shared electric vehicle charging stations, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, double-glazed windows and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95289 project_image_fid=366762]

The development was built by Balmain &amp; Co, with Wickton managing the broader development process through its in-house team.

For downsizers, the project’s completed status removes much of the uncertainty associated with buying off the plan. Purchasers can inspect the finished apartments, understand their outlook and proportions, and move in without waiting for construction to conclude.

The remaining selection includes north-oriented balconies, corner configurations and penthouses with elevated bay views. The developer-paid stamp duty initiative is available for a limited time, with potential savings of up to $200,000 depending on the residence purchased.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95289]

Limited-time stamp duty offer at completed Linacre Rise apartments in Hampton

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

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The Tenterfield Tavern and Motor Inn, renovated in 2008 and built in 1872, has been listed for sale through Ray White Hotels Australia with spectacularly colourful photos.
The 378 Rouse Street, Tenterfield opportunity was originally built as the Aireys Grant Hotel, explained Leon Alaban, who is selling the property, along with Blake Edwards. Tenterfield is a farming town in New South Wales, 699 kilometres north of Sydney and 275 kilometres south-west of Brisbane.
An expressions of interest campaign is underway for those looking to purchase the right-bedroom AAA-tourism accredited four-star motel. It has five double rooms and three family rooms, all with adjoining ensuites, kitchenettes, TVs, internet and undercover carports.
The two-storey hotel, occupying a 3,105 square metre site, is being sold as a freehold going concern.
“It has been modernised and is now very well equipped with a public bar, gaming room with 12 PMEs and Keno monitor, TAB, dining area, children’s play area, rear deck/beer garden, kitchen, bottleshop, storage, motel accommodation and manager’s residence,” said Alaban.
It has rear lane access, and is on a prime main street site.
“The main street position provides the venue with excellent traffic exposure as well as providing easy access to the walk-in bottleshop,” he said. Despite being on a main street, the design has apparently minimised the road noise by putting the sleeping quarters to the back of the property.
Despite the 2008 renovation, there are likely still opportunities to add value, said Edwards, as well as to attract visitors on route between Sydney and Brisbane.
“Tenterfield is the main service centre for the surrounding regions where agriculture, viticulture and wine production industries are located, so trade is consistent and on-going,” he said.
An additional three gaming machines could be installed, trade operation systems could be improved or adjacent land could be purchased and developed.
Expressions of interest are closing on 10 June, 2014 and can be made via the Ray White listing here.
At present, the Motor Inn is pet-friendly for some rooms, offers seven days a week cooked breakfast and offers dinner to the rooms from Monday to Thursday. Visit New South Wales suggests that a room can be snapped up for $79 to $109 per night.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Investment opportunity: New South Wales’ Tenterfield Tavern and Motor Inn

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Agent name: Sam Brewer<img src="/images/2014/05/19/brewer-profile.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
Position: National director - head of metropolitan sales and investments 
Company: JLL
Office location: NSW
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the property industry since 2002. I began my career at Chesterton International as an industrial sales and leasing agent, and moved on to CBRE running their South Sydney Industrial team for two years.
I then spent several years in development before joining JLL in early 2010, initially running the Mascot business as head of office, South Sydney. As of 2014, I now run the NSW metropolitan sales and investments business.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
It’s no secret that residential development sites are absolutely booming in Sydney at the moment.
Both local and offshore (largely Asian) developers in particular are seeking large-scale development sites between 100 and 1,000 apartments. This has resulted in price growth of over 20% since late 2013 for such sites. We’re also seeing demand levels similar to those not seen since 2007 for suburban investment stock such as service stations and freestanding office buildings.
Describe the most interesting property you have sold.
There is a lot of growth in South Sydney, with prices moving quickly. In November last year I advised a client on a residential development site in Zetland that their site should sell for around $30 million in an open market environment. During the campaign we received over 100 enquiries and 10 offers, with an eventual sale price of $47.5 million – showing that when marketed properly in a rising market, anything is possible.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? 
Having strong integrity is key to being successful in this role – you’ve only got one reputation. Your best clients are often your colleagues, so maintaining internal relationships is also really important.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I love the varied characters we deal with in metropolitan sales. Many of the private investors and developers we deal with started their careers with very little and have built extreme wealth. There’s a lot to learn from them. 
Where would you invest a spare $750,000?  
If I was taking a conservative view of the market, I would probably invest in an art deco apartment in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. If I was taking an aggressive view of the market, I’d use it to put towards a residential development site within 20 kilometres of the Sydney CBD.
Which football team do you support?
I support the Brumbies.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
My Android smartphone.
You can connect with Sam on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.linkedin.com/pub/sam-brewer/37/246/594" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

In profile: JLL's national director - head of metropolitan sales and investments, Sam Brewer

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Office space is one of the largest costs associated with running a business, which is why hot desking, where employees choose from a selection of available work sites rather than having an assigned workspace, has gained popularity since the 1990s.
Greater collaboration is an essential ingredient in the creative process, and one of the arguments in favour of the adoption of hot desking in organisations. But research on information processing suggests employees need space to concentrate without distractions, and interruptions inhibit creativity. Open work spaces may actually undermine creativity by normalising group behaviours towards structures and boundaries.
Frequent desk relocations can also waste time and generate additional work, and the noise associated with more open work spaces can increase distraction, mental workload, fatigue and stress, all of which can negatively impact productivity.
One of the major criticisms of hot desking is that it reduces the opportunity for employees to express their identity and personality at work, which in turn can decrease job satisfaction, commitment and engagement, factors that have been shown to be positively associated with performance. It has also been suggested hot desking may contribute to a sense of loss and marginalisation thus negatively impacting mental well-being. When managers take control of an individual’s work space, workers can feel psychological discomfort and begin to identify less with the organisation.
The good news is that regular online communication helps maintain organisational attachment in hot desking environments. The bad news is that employees are wary of surveillance systems used to manage dispersed workers, and they may even increase counter-productive behaviours, such as only putting in as much effort as they feel inclined to. There is also evidence to suggest hot desking can result in distinct social structures and even indifference between those employees who settle, versus those that move regularly. Managing employee behaviour in this environment requires an awareness that two distinct cultures may emerge.
Health scares
The negative health implications associated with hot desking are often exaggerated, although perhaps rightly. Multiple user keyboards have been <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5727910/Shared-computers-are-breeding-grounds-for-germs">found</a> to have five times the bacteria of single-user keyboards, although one would hope policies such as BHP’s <a href="https://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/bhp-billiton-enforces-severe-clean-office-policy-" target="_blank">“office environment standard”</a> can go some way to diminishing the associated risks.
The negative effects associated with sedentary office jobs are however well established and it’s just possible that making employees walk around to find an available desk, find each other, and perhaps find themselves, could have beneficial health implications.
It’s apparent from the literature to date that different job roles require different environments. Hot desking works best when there are clearly defined inputs, outputs, and set goals, and in many cases these are unlikely to be sufficiently defined for every employee and team within every organisation.
There’s also evidence to suggest that employees have different preferences, for example, goal orientated environments align most closely with the preferences of conscientious individuals. For organisations and managers this means fitting the person to the job and to the workspace.
Activity-based working
Activity-based working (ABW) is one possible solution which is gaining momentum both in Australia and world-wide. ABW has moved beyond hot desking by creating multiple areas tailored to work tasks such as “hubs” for team working and collaborative areas for brainstorming and meetings.
Undoubtedly some of the challenges associated with hot desking will continue to be evident with ABW and the question as to whether the benefits outweigh the costs will still need to be answered. It’s possible ABW environments will become the norm in certain sectors and that there will be work spaces to fit the needs of every work role and every employee.
Global companies such as Microsoft and Google have experimented with ABW, closely followed by companies in the professional services sector such as PwC and KPMG. Companies in the financial sector, such as BankWest, Macquarie Bank, NAB and the Commonwealth Bank have also started to adopt ABW. More recently government departments have been getting in on the action, often using office refurbishments, to integrate the shift to ABW.
While the jury is still out with regards to the financial return of ABW, there are a number of other benefits including a reduction in sedentary behaviours, attracting talent, and retaining high performers. Ultimately it’s about matching individual employees and specific work tasks to work environments and technologies that support those activities in order to enable greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Graeme Ditchburn is academic chair - organisational psychology at Murdoch University.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. 
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The rise and fall of the hot desk: Say hello to activity-based working

Sydney sublease market tide turns as office space availability halved

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Property is one of the greatest investments for long-term wealth creation and there is no one that argues that point stronger than me!
However, as with any investment, there does come when a time when you need to re-evaluate your position and consider the timings of your options. And that time is now.
Last year I wrote an article about the affordability of housing and its impact on the Australian population. Within this, I detailed how historically we have a tendency to spend between 33% and 55% of our household income on property, giving an indication of the lengths we’re willing to go to in order to own and invest in property.
The current record house prices mixed with record low interest rates should, however, ring alarm bells. It might be a time to consider selling your property investments in order to secure a profit you might not see again for a very long time.  
Remember, I am a long term holder of property and don’t advocate selling if you don’t have to. But there are always exceptions. This is one such time.
So don’t jump onto the phone to the real estate agent just yet. Take a look my signs that can help you assess how the market is performing in your area.
<ol>
<li>
When Main Road Properties Sell Main road properties often leave many people stumped, asking themselves: ‘who would actually live on the side of a busy road like this?’ Think of the Pacific Highway in Sydney, Welshpool Road or the Great Eastern Highway in Perth and Monash Freeway in Melbourne, for example. All busy main roads, all with a smattering of houses dotted along the sides. Main roads have always been a source of very cheap land. Many people would prefer not to live on a main road and the only encouragement to buy there is because of the cheaper prices. There’s nothing wrong with that – pragmatic purchases and entry level home buyers always need a platform from which to dive into the market. But take a minute to think about the last time you drove down one of these roads and consider if there were a lot of ‘sold’ signs outside these houses. Is that the norm? Think about it. Normally there would be a lot of ‘for sale’ signs, and those signs would have been there for a good while – an estate agents little trick to have free branding for a long period of time! So if you do notice a lot of sold signs next time you drive down these roads, consider why. I’d bet they are the highest they’ve been since 2003 and that should tell you something about your local market and how it’s performing. If properties on main roads are selling, imagine what that means for properties elsewhere? 
</li>
<li>
When dog properties sell There are many properties out there that an investor wouldn’t even consider touching. Buyers agent’s like myself call them dogs. These normally have bad or non-existent natural light, are in a noisy area (such as close to an airport), have a bad strata management or are located in a less than desirable suburb. But there are many investors out there that own these types of properties. At the time they might have thought they were snapping up a bargain or perhaps they simply saw potential somewhere within it. But my advice to you would be to consider looking at how similar ‘dog’ properties are doing in the market? Are they selling? If they are, again - consider why this might be. Record low interest rates are encouraging people to snap up property left, right and centre so if you think you have one - sell up now! A little tip: If it’s in a state of disrepair describe it as a renovators delight, this immediately inspires potential buyers and it should fly out of the real estate window! 
</li>
<li>When agents sell their houses</li>
</ol>
As a buyer’s agent, I often talk with estate agents about the state of the market. But I have never seen so many agents being so open in telling me that even they think the current market is ‘frothy’.
In the last three months I have witnessed 11 agents tell me they’re looking at selling their property, and then have gone and done it. None of those properties are still on the market and they’ve all sold for good prices.
Think about it another way. If there’s one thing estate agents do, it is to preserve their own interests. These agents aren’t waiting for the data to come out to confirm what they already know – they know a good market when they see one and use it to their advantage.
Oh and in case you’re wondering, I too have just sold my Sydney property – and I’ll start looking for a new one soon - when the time is right, but it’s definitely not now.
A final note: My comments targeted above are largely based on the Sydney and Melbourne market in the current climate. Please take note that there are many outer suburbs not yet in this position due to the delayed response of the ripple effect. Brisbane, for example, is well below its eventual peak which I predict will rise in 2015.
Gavin McPherson is CEO of <a href="https://www.oasisproperty.com.au" target="_blank">Oasis Property</a> and author of 'Value Investing in Property: What Would Warren Buffet Do If He Was Buying Property In Australia?'
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It's time: Three signs you should sell your investment property

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GUEST OBSERVATION
I have worked in the property investment industry for a long time and have learned something new nearly every day. Some of the most important lessons I have learned involve the simplest things like requesting a title search. 
A title search may seem like a mundane or irreverent task to you now, but once you read the three cases below, you will understand why a title search is so important.
A title search can sometimes reveal unexpected surprises and not the good kind.
Title Search Case #1 – That’s not our home?
Bob and Mary were applying for a business loan and they were using the equity in their home to fund the purchase of this new business.
About one week into the loan application the bank called to give them the “bad news”. The land they owned did not provide enough value to support the loan application. In fact, the bank asked Bob and Mary, “We thought you told us you owned a home, not a block of land.”
After much confusion it was discovered that the Titles Office had noted the incorrect lot and plan number on their title. At that point in time Bob and Mary technically owned a vacant block of land, two doors down the road! This took weeks for it to be proven incorrect and then rectified.
Title Search Case #2 - Mark who?
Jane and Mark were refinancing a unit in North Queensland, which they owned for many years and planned to use the equity to support their latest purchase. The increase on the property was approved, as was the loan for the new purchase. Everything was going to plan until the day of settlement. Their world suddenly became very stressful.
As settlement was about to happen, it was noted Mark’s middle name on the title of the property and on his birth certificate was not spelled the same. Yes, Mark’s driver’s licence and passport were the same as the name on the title.
The settlement was aborted. Jane and Mark had to pay default interest on the purchase for three weeks until Mark<ins cite="mailto:Lisa%20Sanders" datetime="2014-04-28T16:46"> </ins>could prove he was the rightful person on the title and on the purchase documents. Mark also had to rectify the spelling error on his birth certificate, which his mother knew about, but never thought it was enough to worry about. 
Title Search Case #3 – Nearly debt free... 
Jim and Jenny purchased their family home in 1984 and paid it off within 10 years. When they made the last payment they were very proud and promptly approached their bank for a copy of the title deed.  After speaking with the bank, Jim and Jenny changed their minds as the bank told them they would have to pay a fee to have the title deed released to them. The bank also suggested they would be the safest place for the title deed to be held.  
Many years later in 2004, Jim and Jenny agreed to act as guarantor for their son to purchase a small farm and they offered their home as additional security. Their son paid down the loan within a few years and then refinanced the farm so he could purchase more equipment and stock. 
One day, Jim and Jenny decided to request a copy of their title. They discovered there were still two registered mortgages against their property, which they believed was totally unencumbered.
Their are several valuable lessons you can learn here:
<ol>
<li>
Carefully check data entry Make sure your title search has been correctly registered – human error is possible, even in the titles office.  Check to see if your names are spelled correctly and are exactly the same on all identification documents, in particular on your birth certificate. Make sure you cross check your lot and plan number. You can do this through your local council and/or order a copy of the plan for your lot. 
</li>
<li>
The more you learn, the more you earn If you have paid off your home, make sure you learn about the potential investment opportunities that come with all your new equity.  Find out how you can generate wealth using your home. Remember, it is far wiser to have your money working for you and not the bank. If you seek further education and learn how banks leverage against mortgage backed securities, it makes it a lot easier to obtain and understand good professional financial advice. 
</li>
<li>
Always understand your risks When you sign up to be a guarantor for a loan, you are offering your assets as security for the debt on the loan. If the loan cannot be paid, the bank or lender has the right to go after your assets because you have agreed to be the guarantor for the loan. If the loan is increased, then the bank also has increased ownership over your assets because you are a guarantor of the loan. This can occur with or without your knowledge. For example, when John and Jenny agreed to go guarantor for their son they did not fully understand their risk with the second mortgage registered again with their home. Nor did they know this could be extended to future borrowings their son may commit to without their consent or knowledge.  They should have obtained more advice on the risks of offering a limited guarantee.
</li>
</ol>
In Summary 
<ul>
<li>Conduct regular title searches on all property you own.</li>
<li>Make sure all details are recorded correctly and as you believe they should be.</li>
<li>Make no hesitation regarding the release of a mortgage once you have repaid the loan. </li>
<li>The cost to have a mortgage released is minimal compared to the potential risk if you leave it registered without full knowledge of the lost opportunity and/or risk associated.<ins cite="mailto:Lisa%20Sanders" datetime="2014-04-29T11:53"></ins>
</li>
<li>Obtain a full understanding of the opportunity available to you if you have equity in your home. You must also understand the cost of lost opportunity if you are not making smart financial decisions.</li>
</ul>
If for some reason you cannot obtain a palpable copy of the title, it is not the end of the world. Thanks to the <a href="/expert-insights/finance/what-is-torrens-title-property-investment-terms-explained">Torrens title register</a>, all titles are digitally stored. The Torrens title system, which transfers property ownership through title registration rather than the deed, was introduced in 1863.
Now that property titles are digitally stored, it eliminates the risk of you losing all your property if you lost the tangible copy of your title.  However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry so we strongly encourage you to keep your title in a safe deposit box at the bank or you can ask the bank to hold it for security.
Dianne Crichton is a property market advisor at <a href="https://yourfuturestrategy.com.au/" target="_blank">Your Future Strategy</a>. 
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Three case studies that show why you should always perform a title search

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Everyone likes to hear about the first home owner grants that regularly change and can strongly affect interest in the market. However, there are a number of less-discussed grants that affect other, non-first time buyers.
Here are the lesser known grants  by state and territory.
We noted that some are not on this list. If you know of any concessions or grants within these areas, email <a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a> and we will get them added to the list.
Property Observer notes that most states and territories do offer other grants for pensioners, farmers and for those in difficult situations, many of which are not mentioned here. Charitable bodies, and prime production land, are also offered numerous concessions. For further information on these grants, the relevant Treasury or Office of State Revenue website should provide more details.
For those looking for first time buyer grants, you can <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-national-guide-to-first-home-buyer-grants">see them listed here in our national guide</a>.
If you want to read how to apply for one of these first timer grants, then we have a how to article detailing the necessary steps.
ACT
There is an opportunity for those looking to buy new residential home or residential vacant land in the form of charging stamp duty at a concessional rate. Called the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, it is available until 30 June 2014.
Applicants are required to satisfy a current and previous property ownership test, which requires purchasers to have not hold, or held, an interest in property over the past two years.
There is also a gross income test, that requires those applying (including their partners) to not earn more than a certain amount to be eligible. For those without dependents, this amount sits at $160,000 total gross income, gradually increasing per child until a five child cap at $176,650.
For a new or substantially renovated home, the duty charged looks like the following:
For properties worth $435,000 or less, the charge is $20.
For those worth more than this amount, but less than $535,000, the charge is $20 plus $18.85 for every $100 over $435,000.
After $535,000, no concession is available.
For vacant residential land:
For land worth $260,000 or less, the charge is $20.
For land worth more this amount, but less than $290,000, the charge is $20 plus $25.75 for each $100 over $260,000.
After $290,000, no concession is available.
Northern Territory
HomeBuild Access is a slightly different opportunity for some home buyers, offering a loan product instead of a flat grant. It comes in two variants, either a Low Deposit Loan or a Subsidised Interest Rate Loan, and they must be for new builds.
The former requires you to get a loan with TIO, the only approved financier, for 80% of the purchase price. The Territory Government then loans you 17.5%, leaving you 2.5% to come up with. There is also an Off The Plan Deposit Loan available.
The interest rate loan offers help with repayments for the first five years of the loan, as well as a Fee Assistance Loan of $10,000 to help with associated buying costs, including white goods, and is primarily, although not completely, available to first home buyers.
The price limit on one to two-bedroom homes is $475,000, and three-bedroom plus homes are capped to $550,000.
There are, however, strict eligibility requirements to achieve either of these products, including that you must not currently own other residential property, and have demonstrated satisfactory rental repayments (or loan repayments on previously owned homes). You must also have held employment for 12 months.
Income limits may also apply.
A Principal Place of Residence Rebate is also available on new build homes, which can take up to $7,000 off of your stamp duty bill. You must live in the property for a specified period of time upon completion.
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
New South Wales
In New South Wales there is a push towards regional relocation – with two grants on offer. One is the Skilled Regional Relocation Incentive, which includes two $5,000 payments.
The other is the Regional Relocation Home Buyers Grant, which is $7,000 paid within 21 days from the receipt of an application. To achieve this grant, you must have purchased a regional property between 1 July 2011 and 1 July 2015, and either use or intend to use it as your principal place of residence.
It must not exceed $600,000 in value – or $450,000 for vacant land.
You must commence living in the property within 12 months from completion of purchase and, if you have purchased vacant land, you must commence construction within six months and live in it within 12 months of the data of purchase.
You must have owned and occupied a metropolitan home as your principal place of residence in the 12 months prior to purchasing the regional property – and it must have been sold in the 12 months after the regional purchase as well.
From May this year, relocations may include properties that are 50 kilometres from the metropolitan home, and that are not in the same LGA or in an adjacent LGA.
The New Home Grant Scheme is also available to non-first timers. This is available to investors and owner occupiers.
Introduced on 1 July 2012, it provides a $5,000 boost to new homes, off the plan purchases and vacant land on which news homes will be built.
The scheme provides a grant of $5,000 towards the purchase of new homes, homes off the plan and vacant land on which a new home will be built. There’s a limit of $650,000 on the value of a new home, and $450,000 in the value of the vacant land.
It is paid as credit against the duty required. There are no restrictions on the number of times you can apply for this grant.
South Australia
The Housing Construction Grant for those purchasing or building a new home to a value of $450,000 was a bonus of up to $8,500 – which can be used in addition to the FHOG for those who are first timers – however this is now no longer applicable (since December last year) unless you entered into the contract between October 2012 and December 2013.
Those buying a new or substantially refurbished apartment may, however, still be eligible for the OTP or Off-the-plan Stamp Duty Concession. RevenueSA says that this is also available in addition to the FHOG, and is an amount up to $21,330 – capped to the stamp duty available on a $500,000 apartment.
Where an apartment is worth that amount or less, no stamp duty is payable. Over that price, and the total concession is available, plus you will need to pay any extra funds.
This is available until 30 June 2014, after which time a “partial concession” becomes available from 1 July 2014 to 20 June 2016.
It only applies to properties within certain areas (see the defined boundaries on the RevenueSA site here <a href="https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/grants-and-concessions/off-the-plan-concesson">https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/grants-and-concessions/off-the-plan-concesson</a>).
Victoria
The Victorian government offers a concession to those purchasing off the plan property, that has been around since 2008.
It also applies to house and land packages and refurbished lots, and allows a deduction from the contract price of the cost of construction or refurbishment, meaning that duty is only payable on the improved value of the land, the non-deductible costs and the completed construction or refurbishment.
Do you know of any other offered grants, concessions or government assistance? Email <a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Grants for non-first time buyers: A state-by-state guide

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I was asked this week if I could remember the last time we saw such a hostile response to a federal budget. I responded ‘no’ – as it would have been well before we had access to the internet.
When the world moved into the online space, the internet always appeared with a capital I, which has been replaced with a lower case 'i'. So what happened to the capital “I” one might ask? Well the “I” became you – the consumer, where through this very process (for better or worse) this online revolution has changed how we do business in the modern age.
When one looks at the problems facing the budget, it’s quite clear that Australia has a massive productivity problem. Wages have flat lined which has seen living standards rise just 2.6% over the last five years. The modern day terminology is “on hold”, which is exactly what the Reserve Bank of Australia is doing with the cash rate given our labour market is, best case scenario, neutral and employment growth won’t exceed population growth.
When you’re paying (an estimated) $1 billion just in interest each month, it’s time for any responsible government to say ‘enough is enough’. Just like our neighbours across the ditch did in recent years when they too had to re-calibrate their economy and today, are predicting a $370.5 million surplus with 4% growth.
Unfortunately in Australia’s modern day political arena, there is no room for compromise given the central influence is to play populist politics, not policy. We see differing opinions on how Australia will create a sustainable budget that successfully negotiates a path into the future. If Australia was to continue on the current path without significant change, the present budget would be seen as a soft – touch.
<img src="/images/2014/05/27/simeon%20may%2027%20one.png" alt="">
Source: <a href="https://www.treasury.gov.au/PublicationsAndMedia/Speeches/2014/Fiscal_sustainability" target="_blank">Department of the Treasury</a>
For arguments sake, this is the <a href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2014/5/22/politics/budget-graph-brought-stunned-silence-coalition" target="_blank" title="budget graph that brought a ‘stunned silence’ to the Coalition">budget graph that brought a ‘stunned silence’ to the Coalition</a> where Secretary of Treasury described it as “the most alarming single piece of information” he had seen about Australia’s future economic prospects, adding that it created a “stunned silence” when he presented it to both the state treasurers and cabinet. Again the significant point to be drawn from this graph is that with our declining terms of trade and an ageing population, our productivity needs a complete ‘about–turn’.
I wouldn’t hold your breath on that because, when one looks at <a href="https://www.ami.org.au/imis15/News_2013_May/Default/Australia_s_Top_100_Brands_2013__/News_2013_May/Australias_Top_100_Brands_2013.aspx?hkey=7621e19d-3bb4-4c3a-b08c-af2b0a18073d" target="_blank" title="Australia’s Top 20 Brands">Australia’s top 20 brands</a> not one is directly involved in technology. On the other hand when one looks at <a href="https://www.brandz100.com/site/reports/global/2014/report/download-report.pdf" target="_blank" title="2014 BrandZ Top 100">2014 BrandZ Top 100 </a>(this is a PDF file so takes a little while to download but well worth the read) we get a pretty good idea of how bad we are performing on a global stage.
Following three years at the top, Google has bumped Apple from the number one position when, in 2014, Google’s brand shot up 40% in a year to US$158.84 billion (A$171.86 billion). All up The BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2014 added $310 billion to reach $2.9 trillion in brand value. Prior to the BrandZ Global 2014 results, the Top 100 had increased an average of about 6%, $125 billion annually, since the global financial crisis of 2008 and 2009. This year, led by apparel, with a 29% overall increase, all categories rose in brand value. And 10 of 14 categories experienced double-digit growth, indicating that brands across the economy have moved beyond recovery into a period of new growth. In the meantime, Australia sits in a mental void trying to work out what to do following the mining downturn.
<blockquote>
The rise of China as a superpower could see it control as much as half the world’s financial assets by 2030.
</blockquote>
For those who recently raised concerns about China’s attraction to Australian property, Secretary of Treasury, Martin Parkinson, told a forum this week in Hong Kong that China’s foreign exchange reserves now approach $4 trillion. Today, China now accounts for around 11% of both world trade and global GDP but only accounts for 3% of gross holdings of overseas assets and liabilities. He went on to say that this figure, which includes foreign exchange reserves, could triple to $16 trillion. The rise of China as a superpower could see it control as much as half the world’s financial assets by 2030.
Puts the Australian budget into a different perspective, especially when you read how China is preparing for its ageing population – <a href="https://www.economist.com/news/china/21600160-pensions-crisis-looms-china-looks-raising-retirement-age-paying-grey" target="_blank" title="Paying for the grey.">paying for the grey.</a> Although Australia is a long way off telling families they have a limit of just one child.
For the second time in 2014 Mosman houses for sale managed to stay above the 100 mark which either tells us more people are selling or houses are not selling as fast. It will be interesting to see in coming weeks, what the correct reason is, although we should note that clearance rates have dropped significantly. Sceptics no doubt, will attribute that to the federal budget!
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robertsimeon-hRNTwJyXkQ

Australia has one almighty brand problem

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Sydney-based veterinarian, Yen Wong, the founder and director behind Rent With Pets, wants to match pet-friendly landlords with pet-owning tenants.
<a href="https://www.rentwithpets.com.au" target="_blank">Rent With Pets</a> is the newly launched site that provides pet-friendly listings in a similar manner to other rental websites.
“It’s a tragedy when pet owners are forced to give up their beloved pets due to the lack of pet friendly rental accommodation,” said Wong.
“Animal shelters are full of pets surrendered by people who are struggling to find pet friendly rental accommodation.”
A year ago, Property Observer reported that <a href="/news/vic/terriers-and-terraces-melbourne-pet-friendly-properties-attracting-dog-loving-renters">Melburnian rentals that offer themselves as "pet-friendly" can actually achieve a higher rental return</a>.
However, Wong says that they don’t just match the tenants and the landlords and leave them to it. They work closely with landlords and property managers to set guidelines for the pets that are suitable for the properties.
Pet owners can access the site for free and, in celebration of the launch, the first 500 property managers and landlords to sign up, they can get free listings for a year.
Rent With Pets also includes information for pet owners on how to find the perfect rental, tips for applying and other useful information, such as a business directory.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ: Letter from the editor: <a href="/news/letter-from-the-editor-the-drought-of-pet-friendly-rentals">The drought of pet-friendly rentals</a>
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Rent With Pets offers investors a chance to list for free

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The former contestant on The Voice Emma Birdsall performed at the launch of the newly refurbished Rendezvous Grand Scarborough last week.
The beachfront hotel, which sees around 20,000 guests each year has undergone a multi-million refurbishment. It was relaunched in a ribbon cutting ceremony by Premier Colin Barnett, with Far East Orchard chief executive Lucas Chow, group managing director of Toga Group Allan Vidor, Far East Hospitality chief executive Arthur Kiong and Toga Far East Hotels chief executive Rachel Argaman.
The hotel has hosted a variety of celebrities over its life, including Bono, Kylie Minogue, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams and Pearl Jam.
At the relaunch, The Voice’s Emma Birdsall was accompanied by a piano once played by Michael Jackson. The celebrations also featured a 1.5 metre high chocolate sculpture by Sisko Chocolate’s Christina Tantsis and celebrity chef Ian Burch of Melbourne’s Burch &amp; Purchese. French and Spanish couvuture chocolate was moulded to make a coastal inspired sculpture.
It was a fitting tribute to the Rendezvous Grand Scarborough, which has oceanfront event spaces. The 24th floor observation deck and suites have views over 32 kilometres of Perth’s coastline. The 300 capacity Mentelle room offers a view across the Indian Ocean thanks to floor to ceiling windows and an adjoining deck.
<img src="/images/2014/05/26/Rend%20Grand%20Hotel%20Perth%20Scarborough%20-Balcony%20view%205.jpg" alt="">
Toga Far East's Rachel Argaman said the group was "delighted to have been able to showcase our newly renovated hotel alongside WA’s food and wine, recognised as some of the best in the world".
"The relaunch of the hotel alongside the redevelopment of the Esplanade’s frontage will help to re-establish Scarborough as a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike.”
Architects Tema International designed all 336 rooms and suites of the hotel, as well as a new club lounge on the 25th floor. The hotel has also added two new dining venues, the Straits Café and the Lobby Bar.
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