<p>The most elevated residential tower in Palm Beach, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a>, has officially launched this week, however only a handful of buyers will have an opportunity to buy in to the 17-storey project.</p>

<p>The $200 million mixed-use project includes ground floor dining and retail and is considered so valuable its developer, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, will be staging its release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses to the market.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=806]</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> International, Director, David Higgins, said the development’s location just metres from the beach on the corner of Palm Beach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway influenced the sculptural design by the acclaimed Plus Architecture studio.</p>

<p>“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> locals understand the rare opportunity here at Corallo, particularly being the tallest building in the suburb and its proximity to the beach and local restaurants, and they’ve represented the bulk of pre-launch enquiries,” Higgins said.</p>

<p>“The orientation of the apartments captures views of the coastline from Surfers Paradise to Currumbin, and the diversity of floor plans and apartment types provide an exceptional level of choice.</p>

<p>“The first release includes just 59 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments and two half-floor penthouses, with flexible use designed to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors."</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=799]</p>

<p>In addition to the ground floor amenity, residents will also have access to a private dedicated wellness level offering 734 sqm of resort-style amenities including a pool, cold plunge, wet deck, steam room, sauna, gym, day bed, fire pit, barbecue area, dining area and yoga/stretch deck.</p>

<p>The project is located within walking distance of Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads village, Currumbin Alley and Palm Beach Currumbin High School. The Gold Coast Airport is under 10 minutes away.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=814]</p>

<p>Higgins said Palm Beach remained a hotly contested suburb for home buyers, with prices doubling in the past five years.</p>

<p>“What makes Corallo so appealing to the local market is the diversity of apartment types and pricing, with one-bedroom apartments starting from $841,000 and two-bedroom apartments starting from $1.34 million,” he said.</p>

<p>“The ground floor retail and dining offering will further expand on Palm Beach’s village atmosphere and create a meeting place for locals, and those opportunities for connection are highly valued.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=807]</p>

<p>The on-site sales display, which includes a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, will be open until early works commence in Q1 2026. Each residence at Corallo will feature premium finishes including natural stone, artisanal brickwork, and warm copper accents.</p>

<p>Changfa Group has a two-decade history of delivering premium developments in Australia and internationally, having recently completed its collection of premium townhomes at Lyra, Hope Island, as well as apartment projects in Leichhardt, Carlingford, and Chatswood in New South Wales.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112194]</p>


Joel Robinson

$200 million Corallo Palm Beach launches with limited apartment release

<p>In a move that aligns with NSW's accelerated planning incentives for affordable housing, developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/the-one-collection">One Collection</a> has revised its Hills District apartment plans, and taken it to the NSW Government, to secure approval.</p>

<p>The developer, which is currently delivering Horizon Hurstville, is seeking to add 80 more apartments to its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-castle-hill-16-dawes-avenue-nsw-2154">Castle Hill development</a> near Castle Towers. They already have approval for 280 apartments across eight six-storey buildings.</p>

<p><img alt="One Collection" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3c298ba-1cc5-4db7-9872-607c75f8ceca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=wN9KpFIu5ENSGZLLsaZgXQHrXcwEO3Vd" /></p>

<p>Now on the desks of the NSW Department of Planning is 360 apartments, 48 of which will be dedicated to affordable housing.&nbsp;Affordable housing is to be “fully integrated within the building and visually indistinguishable,” according to the planning submission.</p>

<p>The 15,697 sqm block, an amalgamation of 16 sites, spans across Dawes Avenue, Hughes Avenue, and Camdan Crescent, sits 550m from Hills Showground Metro Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The existing context is quickly changing from free-standing homes into residential flat buildings in line with the Hills Showground Precinct planning framework," Place Studio noted.</p>

<p><img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ec24948-c185-48fa-af8b-ed25adf302bf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.04%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zNDX.IeRROX1RlDeYcS38xn8w_dqgU2t" /></p>

<p>They said the design was informed by the site's unique condition of having three street frontages and was developed to to respond sensitively to iots surrounding context.</p>

<p>"The design adopted a conventional perpendicular alignment to the primary street frontage. The massing of the development was carefully modulated to align with the evolving character of the neighbourhood. The design ensured that the scale was not excessive or out of context, but instead contributed to a cohesive urban form consistent with emerging developments in the area."</p>

<p><img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f83ffdaa-f960-469d-b6fe-abcece57c9ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4oKlCyfaKes7jLi1_EMoqa46w2h_YvDZ" /></p>

<p>The apartment mix will be 46 one-beds, 168 two-bed apartments, and 146 three-bedroom units, with 631 parking spaces proposed.</p>

<p>Along the street frontages, the building heights are four storeys with a 7.5 metre setback, and eight storeys with an 11.5 metre setback. It should cost about $150 million to build.</p>

<p>One Collection works hand-in-hand with the respected development and construction firm Masscon, which has built a reputation for leveraging its expertise in the built environment to take on developments others can't. That's what they're achieving at Horizon Hurstville, having taken over the project to deliver it.</p>


First look: One Collection advances plans for Castle Hill apartments

<p>At Yarra’s Edge, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>’s newest tower under construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarra-s-edge-docklands-16-point-park-crescent-docklands-vic-3008">Trielle</a>, sets a new benchmark for elevated living. Rising 45 storeys, 12.5 metres from the Yarra River, the landmark building offers residents access to a private wellness retreat and spa, a resident-only golf simulator, and an elegant lounge, dining and bar complete with a self-playing piano, all without ever having to leave home.</p>

<p>Now, that sense of elevation has reached new heights with the Aerus Sub-Penthouses, a limited release of half-floor riverfront residences on the Collins St axis where the sought-after street meets the Yarra River.</p>

<p>Each Aerus Sub-Penthouse, located across levels 42 and 43, represents the most expansive offering within Trielle, aside from the yet-to-be-revealed crowning penthouses. Spanning between 269 and 301 sqm, these residences are designed to capture natural light and uninterrupted views of the city skyline, Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3784]</p>

<p>Among the collection are three-bedroom sub penthouses, complemented by a media room, and expansive four-bedroom layouts. All include panoramic living areas and oversized master suites with luxury ensuites reminiscent of a five-star hotel, complemented by dedicated dressing rooms finished in timber and natural stone.</p>

<p>The interiors have been crafted by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mirvac-design">Mirvac Design</a>, the developer’s award-winning in-house architecture and design team. Every material has been chosen for quality and longevity, from sculpted stone island benches with feature soft wash LED lighting to bespoke joinery and chevron timber oak flooring.</p>

<p>Kitchens are fitted with a BORA induction cooktop with integrated downdraft extractor, alongside Gaggenau appliances, including a fridge, freezer, and wine fridge. The adjoining butler’s pantry incorporates the exclusive Gaggenau Minimalistic Series including oven, steam oven, microwave, coffee machine and warming drawer, all concealed behind handleless glass panels for a clean, integrated presentation. Bathrooms feature custom Apaisar freestanding baths and basins and natural stone benchtops, continuing Mirvac’s design emphasis on tactile, timeless materials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Trielle at Yarra's Edge, Docklands" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c00be724-b0f1-47c0-afed-54f829870704" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aerus%20sub-penthouse.png?VersionId=Uktd61kpLSqNjwJeDFs7IaZ3xgLlDQmu" /></p>

<p>Michael Wiener, Design Director at Mirvac, says The Aerus Sub-Penthouse embodies the apex of Mirvac’s design ethos.</p>

<p>“Moving through your home is like walking on air - a private sanctuary where the craftsmanship is refined, the proportions generous, and the flow so effortless, you feel completely at ease in the sky,” Wiener says.</p>

<p>“In Aerus, we wanted to create a sense of weightlessness - a home that feels suspended in the skyline, full of light, grounded in luxury.”</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3777]</p>

<p>The Aerus Sub-Penthouses are expected to attract a mix of local and international buyers seeking a long-term residence of scale and quality in a riverfront setting, from returning expats to established families and business owners who value privacy, craftsmanship, and convenience within walking distance of the CBD.</p>

<p>With an unmatched suite of amenities, Trielle is the most extensively appointed development Mirvac has created to date at Yarra’s Edge. Within the tower will be The Oasis, a 900 sqm podium rooftop wellness retreat designed in collaboration with spa expert Naomi Gregory. Located seven storeys above the Yarra River promenade, it features a 25-metre lap pool, spa and sauna, hot magnesium spa, biophilic gym, yoga and Pilates studio, cold-pail contrast treatment, and day spa treatment rooms. Further amenities include a piano lounge, bookable dining room, cinema room, golf simulator studio, games room, teppanyaki bar, dog wash bay, and two flexible work hubs, The Biblioteca library and Mills Place office space, catering to residents’ evolving lifestyle needs.</p>

<p>Construction of the $350 million tower is underway through Mirvac’s in-house construction arm, with completion anticipated for mid-2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114216]</p>


Sky-high sanctuaries: Mirvac unveils The Aerus sub-penthouses at Trielle

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/jwland-development">JWLand</a>’s De Burgh, the final residential release within the Northbourne Village precinct in Lyneham, is nearing completion just as the Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme prepares for its most significant expansion to date.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From October 2025, the scheme will allow first home buyers to enter the market with just a five per cent deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), removing some of the most common barriers to ownership.</p>

<p>With <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/de-burgh-at-northbourne-village-40-de-burgh-street-lyneham-act-2602">De Burgh</a> on track for residents to move in by late spring 2025, the timing creates a strong opportunity for first home buyers seeking brand-new apartments in Canberra’s sought-after Inner North.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212888]</p>

<p>The project delivers 350 residences across two buildings, with layouts ranging from compact studios through to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.</p>

<p>JWLand has tailored the development for long-term liveability, integrating natural light, privacy and outdoor space into each home. Ground-floor residences feature private courtyards, while upper levels benefit from generous balconies.</p>

<p>Kitchens are fitted with Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and all apartments include ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning with smartphone app control for lighting and climate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shared resident facilities include a rooftop garden, gym, lounge and parcel lockers, alongside landscaped green space within the precinct.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=267376]</p>

<p>For buyers, the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme removes income caps and introduces unlimited places, making it more accessible than ever. With most De Burgh apartments priced under $1 million, they fall well within the updated eligibility thresholds.</p>

<p>The policy changes provide first home buyers with greater certainty and a smoother path to finance. Combined with the quality and location of De Burgh, the expanded scheme is expected to draw a new wave of buyers to Canberra’s Inner North.</p>

<p>Residents will benefit from the project’s central setting, just 600 metres from the light rail and three kilometres from Canberra’s CBD. The precinct is bordered by the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lyneham-act-2602">Lyneham</a> wetlands and sits within easy reach of cafes, restaurants, schools and the ANU.</p>

<p>With completion scheduled for late 2025, De Burgh is set to be among the first major apartment projects to meet the expanded scheme head-on, offering first-time buyers a realistic pathway to ownership in one of Canberra’s most connected neighbourhoods.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139989]</p>


JWLand’s De Burgh aligns with expanded Homebuyer Scheme, opening doors for first home buyers in Canberra’s Inner North

<p>A subtropical pair of residential towers are in planning for a key South Brisbane site neighbouring the iconic Expo ’88 Skyneedle, with new documents revealing a vertically layered vision designed to respond to the precinct’s evolving high-density character.</p>

<p>The proposal has been lodged by&nbsp;Darveniza Group, which is also is behind the 400-apartment Station Quarter precinct in Alderley.</p>

<p>Darveniza Group, led by Jane Darveniza, the Brisbane-based investor and Queensland rich-lister and widow of the late property magnate Bojan Darveniza, is seeking approval for a mixed-use project encompassing 204 apartments, ground-level retail, food and drink tenancies, and office space across two architecturally integrated towers at 37–39 Manning Street.</p>

<p>Occupying an 1,822 sqm site, the proposed towers would rise above a sculptural podium base, with a recessed landscaped centre, rooftop communal areas, and a total of 220 car parks and 256 bicycle bays. The apartment mix spans one- to five-bedroom dwellings, with a design emphasis on generous balconies, cross-ventilation, and climate-responsive materials.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42c1f501-2afd-440b-af49-67c257123ea7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20podium.png?VersionId=KFlksfWzmDRD.VIYxd_1q3VAel.nN3TH" /></p>

<p>“The development is conceived as two slender twin buildings that meet at a lushly landscaped central recess,” the Finegrain design report states. “The façade is highly articulated with the plan form stepping back and forth to reduce visual bulk and maximise internal occupants’ access to natural light and air”.</p>

<p>A hallmark of the proposal is its integration of greenery, both visually and functionally. Around 77 per cent of the site’s green plot ratio is delivered through vertical planting spines, a green podium wall, and rooftop amenity. Ground-level deep planting and landscaped communal zones aim to create a shaded, walkable interface along Manning Street.</p>

<p>“The stepped plan form introduces variation in balcony setbacks and enclosed apartment areas, enriching both the façade expression and the resident experience,” the design team notes. “At ground and podium levels, this stepping also enhances permeability, maximising pedestrian view lines to the neighbouring Skyneedle and reinforcing a strong sense of local identity”.</p>

<p><img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f26dfc-6b93-465c-9ffb-0a2530372a23" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20site.png?VersionId=JflvKdqDxcaHTFbb9HL5TwoiRgeQ2LqA" /></p>

<p>The site directly adjoins the heritage-listed Skyneedle at 35 Manning Street, an enduring legacy of World Expo ’88. The accompanying heritage impact report by Pendergast Architects contends that the proposal has been carefully conceived to protect the cultural significance and landmark visibility of the structure.</p>

<p>“The design provides setbacks, tower separation and podium articulation to maintain the visibility and landmark role of the adjoining Skyneedle,” the report states. “The significance of the Skyneedle lies principally in its landmark visibility and cultural symbolism, rather than in detailed fabric or architectural setting”.</p>

<p>The proposal sits within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct, under Brisbane’s TLPI 02/2023, where revised planning controls support high-density, mixed-use development integrated with subtropical design and increased public realm contributions.</p>

<p>Finegrain’s design reflects this intent, drawing cues from the site's adjacency to Musgrave Park, the subtropical landscape of South Brisbane, and cultural landmarks such as QPAC and South Bank.</p>


Twin green towers proposed for Manning Street, South Brisbane site beside Skyneedle

Construction Boom

<html><body>
<p>Helping Australians get into a home of their own and supporting tradies’ jobs are both key priorities for the as we build a comeback from the COVID-19 recession, according to the Morrison Government</p>

<p>The Treasury's latest figures released today show, that as at 31 December 2020, over 75,000 households have applied for a HomeBuilder grant, with 80 per cent of applications to construct a new home.</p>

<p>Tradies and home buyers in every state and territory has benefitted from these HomeBuilder applications;</p>

<figure><figcaption><p><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/homebuilder_data.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="314" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/homebuilder_data.jpg?itok=sfbj8k87" width="580"></a></p>

<p><em>Source: Australian Treasury</em></p>
</figcaption></figure><p>As a key driver of our comeback, the Treasury estimates that HomeBuilder will now support up to $18 billion of residential construction projects.</p>

<p>HomeBuilder was designed immediately to inject confidence and encourage buyers back into the market to offset the devastating effects of the pandemic on the residential construction industry.</p>

<p>On all counts HomeBuilder has achieved this objective and kept hundreds of thousands of tradies in work who would have otherwise been facing the unemployment queue.</p>

<p>To maintain this momentum in Australia’s economic comeback, the Morrison Government has announced HomeBuilder will be extended until 31 March 2021.</p>

<p><strong>For all new build contracts signed between 1 January 2021 and 31 March 2021:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Eligible owner-occupier purchasers will receive a $15,000 grant; and</li>
	<li>The property price caps for new builds in New South Wales and Victoria have been increased to $950,000 and $850,000 respectively.</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, the construction commencement deadline has been extended from three months to six months for all eligible contracts signed on or after 4 June 2020.</p>

<p>Extending HomeBuilder ensures there a steady pipeline of construction activity through to 2022.</p>

<h2>Three Victorian developments eligible for the HomeBuilder Grant:</h2>

<p><strong>1. The Docklands Residences</strong></p>

<p><em>Address: <a href="/buildings/the-docklands-residences-3-43-waterfront-way-docklands">3-43 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008</a></em></p>

<p><a href="/buildings/the-docklands-residences-3-43-waterfront-way-docklands"><img alt="" height="373" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/docklands.jpg" width="662"></a></p>

<p> 
</p>
<p>The Docklands Residences will sit atop a brand new 8-floor Marriott Hotel, and residents will be able to enjoy the use of 5-star hotel amenities, including a spectacular infinity pool, gym, sauna and spa, as well as Marriott’s hotel services such as room service, concierge and housekeeping.</p>


<p>The development will include 200 hotel rooms and 88 limited oversized residences, with enviable aspects of the water, city and Bolte Bridge.</p>

<p>With construction almost complete and settlement taking place in January 2021, few residences still remain, now selling from $693,000. </p>

<p><strong>2. 661 Chapel Street</strong></p>

<p><em>Address: <a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra">661 Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC 3141</a></em></p>

<p><a href="/buildings/661-chapel-street-661-chapel-street-south-yarra"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/661_chapel.jpg" width="700"></a></p>

<p> 
</p>
<p>661 Chapel St comprises spacious one, two, three and four bedroom residences across 30 magnificent floors. A soaring private lobby spanning four levels features a gallery-like space filled with renowned artworks, and six-star hotel-like amenities on the ground floor and level six all combine to deliver the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience.<br><br>
Due to the unique location, 661 Chapel St’s uninterrupted views can never be built out. These sweeping views encompass not only the iconic river, but also Melbourne’s CBD, impressive night or day, bay views to the south, and the greenery of the park-like campus of Melbourne High School.</p>


<p>There are one bedroom and two bedroom apartments available from $546,000 and $798,000 respectively.</p>

<p>Developed by Gamuda Land, it was designed by bird de la Coeur architects and is under construction by Crema Constructions.</p>

<p><strong>3. Moreville</strong></p>

<p><em>Address: <a href="/buildings/moreville-12-18-napier-street-footscray">12-18 Napier Street, Footscray VIC 3011</a></em></p>

<p><a href="/buildings/moreville-12-18-napier-street-footscray"><img alt="" height="472" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/moreville.jpg" width="700"></a></p>

<p>Designed with exceptional quality at the forefront, Moreville brings together 41 stunning 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments by the banks of the Maribyrnong River. High-end features and finishes are standard, with sleek monochrome tones, floor-to-ceiling windows and endless finely curated details. At the pinnacle, a spectacular rooftop terrace showcases sweeping city views with communal entertaining and gym facilities for residents.</p>

<p>A premium development embedded in Footscray’s heart, walking distance to its thriving centre, growing business hub and the vibrant market precinct, while cafes and retail will also feature on the building’s ground floor. Set in a quiet tree-lined street just 500m from Footscray train station, with direct freeway access nearby and the CBD just minutes away.</p>

<p>Two bedroom apartments in the development start at $525,000.</p>

<p>All of these developments also have deluxe residences for sale with prices over the HomeBuilder Grant threshold.</p>

<p>Further reading:</p>

<p><a href="/news/save-15-000-until-march-2021-what-the-homebuilder-grant-extension-means-for-off-the-plan-property-purchases" target="_blank">Save $15,000 until March 2021: What the HomeBuilder Grant extension means for off-the-plan property purchases</a></p>

<p><a href="/guides/buy-now-save-20-urban-listings-eligible-for-the-25-000-homebuilder-grant">Buy now and save: 20 Urban listings eligible for the $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant</a></p>

<p><a href="/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-australias-25-000-homebuilder-grant-how-much-off-the-plan-homebuyers-could-save">Everything you need to know about Australia's $25,000 HomeBuilder Grant + how much off-the-plan homebuyers could save</a></p>
</body></html>

As at 31 December 2020, over 75,000 households have applied for a HomeBuilder grant, with 80 per cent of applications to construct a new home

urban.com.au

Victoria leads the HomeBuilder-based recovery with over 25% of new home construction

<p>The number of loans for the construction of a new home saw record-breaking levels in November 2020, as the figure, tracked by the ABS, record its sixth consecutive rise.</p>

<p>New home loan commitments in November jumped a further 7.2&nbsp;per cent higher than the record-breaking levels in October 2020 to now be 99&nbsp;per cent higher over the year.</p>

<p>HIA&nbsp;economist&nbsp;Angela Lillicrap says HIA&#39;s new home sales data suggests the detached housing finance approvals will continue to be strong over the coming months.</p>

<p>&ldquo;It is evident in today&rsquo;s data that HomeBuilder has been successful in boosting confidence in the market and creating work on the ground,&rdquo; Ms Lillicrap says, adding that the extension of&nbsp;HomeBuilder will see the strength in housing finance data extend into 2021,&quot; Lillicrap says.</p>

<p>The value of construction loan commitments grew 5.6 per cent in November, rising 75 per cent since July. This follows the June implementation of the Government&rsquo;s HomeBuilder grant in response to COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Loans for first home buyers also soared in November, with 13,905 loan commitments from first home buyers&nbsp;the highest since 2009. The number of loans accounted for&nbsp;42 per cent of the total number of owner occupier loans issued in November.</p>

<p><img alt="" height="866" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/record_home_lending_commsec.jpg" width="1200" /></p>

<p>CommSec economist Ryan Felsman says housing activity across Australia is buoyant, supported by record low mortgage rates and government policy initiatives.</p>

<p>&quot;Home prices are lifting, new home sales have hit decade highs and increasing numbers of young Aussies are committing to home ownership,&quot; Felsman says.</p>

<p>New housing loan approvals hit record highs in November with the easing of lockdown restrictions in Victoria (up 19.6 per cent) further driving up home loan demand.</p>

<h2>Am I eligible&nbsp;for HomeBuilder?</h2>

<p>Time is running out for prospective HomeBuilder applicants to to advantage of the&nbsp;$15,000 grant to construct a new home, with the government stimulus set to conclude on March 31. Applications however will now be taken until April 14 2021.</p>

<p>To be eligible for HomeBuilder, below are the criteria:</p>

<p>-&nbsp;Construction must commence within six months of the contract being signed.</p>

<p>- The property value cannot exceed $950,000 in NSW, $850,000 in Victoria or $750,000 in all other States and Territories.</p>

<p>-&nbsp;Applications must be submitted to the relevant State Revenue Office by April 14 2021.</p>

<h2>What can I buy?</h2>

<p>Urban has taken a look at some projects across the country which qualify for HomeBuilder grants.</p>

<p><a href="/buildings/haven-altona-north-278-288-blackshaws-road-altona-north-vic-3025">Haven, Altona Heights</a></p>

<p>Prices: From $605,000</p>

<p><a href="/buildings/haven-altona-north-278-288-blackshaws-road-altona-north-vic-3025"><img alt="" height="778" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/haven_altona.jpg" width="1200" /></a></p>

<p>The Stockland developed Haven in Altona North offers a collection of boutique townhouses, designed by the award-winning SJB Architects. They have two, three and four bedroom townhouses, with prices starting from $605,000 for the two bed, two bath townhouses with a parking spot.</p>

<p>The three bedroom townhouses, spanning nearly 200 sqm, start from $742,000 and the four bedroom townhouses start from $805,000, with 216 sqm of space.</p>

<p><a href="/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020">Luma, Sunshine North</a></p>

<p>Prices: From $545,000</p>

<p><a href="/new-townhouses/luma-sunshine-north-247-st-albans-road-sunshine-north-vic-3020"><img alt="" height="607" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/luma_st_albans.jpg" width="1200" /></a></p>

<p>Development Victoria have secured a prime site in Sunshine North, with a vision to create a brand new collection of 300 townhomes, comprising of two, three and four bedroom configurations.</p>

<p>Prices start from $545,000 for the two bedroom townhouses set in a master-planned community by RobertsDay, with plans for a new 3,600 sqm park.</p>

<p>Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights</p>

<p>Prices: From $599,000</p>

<p><img alt="" height="912" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sixth_avenue_chelsea_heights.jpg" width="1200" /></p>

<p>Point Architects have designed the townhomes in the bayside Chelsea Heights, the development of the Aultun Group. They&#39;ve created 59 townhomes with prices starting at $599,000 for the two bedroom townhouses set over two stories. The three bedders start from $650,000 and the four bedroom townhouses from $820,000.</p>

<p>Sixth Ave. Chelsea Heights has already achieved&nbsp;a &lsquo;Best Practice&rsquo; rating for BESS (Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard) with many key sustainable design strategies including a 5 star gas hot water system, water efficient tapware and showerheads as well as bicycle parking provided within each home and recycled water for garden irrigation and toilet flushing. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


New home loan commitments in November jumped a further 7.2 per cent higher than the record-breaking levels in October 2020.



HomeBuilder impact sees new home loan approvals continue to break record levels

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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pouf!</span></strong><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br></span></strong>In case it wasn't obvious, that was the sound of the mining construction boom vanishing into a cloud of coal dust.<br><br>Let's take a run through recent Lending Finance figures to see what we can learn.</div>
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<br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Total lending softens again</span></strong><br><br>
</div>
<div>The data for January showed that total lending has pulled back a little from record highs in trend terms.<br><br>The seasonally adjusted lending finance result in September 2015 had been the highest in 7.5 years, but January saw another weaker month of lending recorded, in part due to the dampening of property investor loans.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In seasonally adjusted terms total lending was down by -2.9 per cent from December, with the trend inching down over the past four months from a high of $72.9 billion to $71.3 billion.<br><br>In trend terms total lending is now only +2.1 per cent higher than one year ago, and appears to be softening.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/14/A3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/03/14/A3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>One of the key narratives over the past six months or so has been that while property investor loans have been stymied, owner-occupier lending has by and large ramped up to take its place.<br><br>Indeed this has happened to the extent that APRA is now beginning to sense that some of these loan reclassifications might just be a bit fishy.<br><br>Owner-occupier commitments pulled back a bit in January, although major renovation activity is now increasing at last.<br><br><div>Yet overall trend owner-occupier housing commitments of $21.6 billion are an exceptionally strong +18.8 per cent higher than one year ago. </div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Business lending pulled back by a seasonally adjusted -2.5 per cent in January, reflected by the commercial finance trend in the chart below, the softer figures in part reflecting a huge year-on-year decline in commercial loans to the mining sector, although agriculture finance has been rising solidly since 2013.<br><br>Lease finance, which represents only a small part of total lending finance, increased by 3.7 per cent in January.<br><br>Here's the summary chart, presented in trend terms:</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/14/A4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/03/14/A4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Industry &amp; state trends</span></strong><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br></span></strong><span>Looking at commercial fixed loans by industry shows that with a couple of mega projects now dropping off the annualised data, commercial financing to the mining sector has shrunk by more than a quarter.</span><br><br><span>Fortunately for the economy at the national level, mining represents only a relatively small part of the total and a number of other industries have helped to pick up the slack, although this is unlikely to be much compensation for the struggling regions.</span><br><br><span>At the state level, Victoria (+13 per cent), Queensland (+11 per cent), and New South Wales (+8 per cent) have all enjoyed a solid uplift in commercial finance over the last year in rolling annual terms, but the other resources states of Western Australia and the Northern Territory have seen activity decline.</span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/14/A6.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2016/03/14/A6.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Investor lending stymied</span></strong></div>
<div>
<br>As noted above, property investor lending has been dampened, to be replaced by a rise in home loan activity.<br><br>
</div>
<div>Nowhere has this been more so in evidence than in Sydney where home loan commitments have exploded higher, mirroring a corresponding decline in investor loans. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The property investor loans figures are not seasonally adjusted, and so are presented below on a rolling annual basis.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Lately the best performing states for property investment loans have been Queensland, Tasmania, and South Australia, not least because these states did not experience the great boom that New South Wales and Victoria did.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/14/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/03/14/A1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>On the other hand investor activity in the Northern Territory continues to plummet back to monthly volumes last seen five years ago. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The rolling annual total of property investor loans in the "Top End" has declined by 29.4 per cent in the past year alone, to now be down by 33.9 per cent from the September 2014 peak.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/03/14/A2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/03/14/A2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<span>There is a significant dwelling price correction in the post for Darwin, with rents also having fallen sharply.</span><br><br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong><br><br><div>Overall, January proved to be a softer month for lending, as might have been expected following on from Wednesday's housing finance data.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>These figures present further evidence of the conspicuous and precipitous decline in mining construction.<br><br>Total lending finance has eased over the past few months, although the headline figure remains strong enough in historical terms.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Piff, Paff, Pouf the mining construction boom vanishes: Pete Wargent

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<div>Property transaction volumes are reportedly declining in Sydney, and nationally.<br><br>There are about 9.75 million residential dwellings in Australia, but despite a record construction boom stock turnover has fallen to well below 3 per cent, and way below the historical averages.<br><br>There could be any number of reasons for this.<br><br>Like a property market Jim Bergerac, I took a look through this month's housing finance data angling for clues.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Reason 1 - Staying put!</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>We know that the ridiculous cost of stamp duty (and selling fees) is a discouraging factor for people wanting to move house in Sydney, the only real question is how much of a factor it actually is.<br><br>Sure, stamp has been around forever, but the bands were designed with old dwelling prices in mind, and only recently have duties become farcically high.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Stamp duty receipts in New South Wales have more than doubled since June 2013 to $8.63 billion. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In June 2013 the buyer of a median priced house in Sydney paid about $27,000 in stamp duty, mortgage fees, and transfer duties. Today, they'll pay nearly $45,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That's a lot of capital growth required to justify the costs of moving house, so we'll arguably see a shift towards renovating and staying put (or buying cheap and renovating) just as we did at Sydney's previous cyclical peak in early 2004.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>In fact, that's already happened to some extent in Sydney, while renovations activity is rising steadily in Melbourne and Brisbane.</div>
<p><a href="/images/2016/11/14/b1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/11/14/b1.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p> </p>
<div>People will campaign for higher or different types of property taxes, but it's hard to see it happening in NSW while this unprecedented windfall is enriching the state government.<br><br>The state's finances are in enormous nick - debt free and racking up big surpluses!</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Reason 2 - The trusty buy &amp; hold strategy</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>A structural change over the medium term has been the "asset lock in" associated with property investors, with the prevailing tax legislation more or less compelling investors to use interest only loans and play a longer term capital growth strategy.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/11/14/B4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2016/11/14/B4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Again, investors have been around forever, of course, but since the latest round of monetary easing from 2012 this cohort has become a more substantial force in the larger capitals. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The recent reclassifications of the stock of outstanding credit from investors to owner-occupiers are all too convenient to be taken seriously.<br><br>In any case, there has still been a 300 per cent increase in outstanding investor credit since 2003. Buy, hold, and compound the capital gains.</div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br></span></strong><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Reason 3 - Offshore investors</span></strong></p>
<div> </div>
<div>What of the residential construction boom?<br><br>In Australia non-residents are generally restricted to the purchase of new dwellings, thereby encouraging new construction, and this is clearly working now interest rates have been dropped.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The housing finance figures show that domestic owner-occupiers accounted for only 31,500 or so financed purchases of new dwellings over the year to September 2016. </div>
<p><a href="/images/2016/11/14/B2.jpg" target="_blank"> Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/11/14/B2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
<div>The numbers are up in the most of the larger capital cities, but not that much in the context of a record residential construction boom.</div>
<p> <a href="/images/2016/11/14/B3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/11/14/B3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>So, who is buying the new stock? Downsizing cash buyers would account for a proportion of new dwelling sales, super funds, and investors sold new stock by 'white knight' middlemen or advisors some more. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>But a huge share would be non-resident buyers, particularly now from China.<br><br>This is also a new trend - FIRB approvals have tripled in only two years!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Chinese phenomenon in Australian property in particular is a relatively recent one, so nobody can say for certain what trends will play out, but intuitively it wouldn't be a surprise if most non-resident buyers are in for the long haul.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Arguably a fair proportion of dwellings bought by non-residents don't even make it to the rental market, let alone become resales. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The wrap</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Unfortunately - unlike in <em>Bergerac</em> where the culprit was invariably either one of lovable rogue Charlie Hungerford's mates or someone related to the glamorous jewel thief - there is no singular  explanation for why transaction levels are down.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>High transaction costs represent one valid argument. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Perhaps most people wanting to move house in this cycle have already done so, and the line of willing sellers is becoming exhausted. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Other prospective vendors may fear that if they sell they might never get into the market as prices levitate away from them, for despite a thousand warnings prices are again forecast to rise strongly in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane in 2017 (and with listings down, there are fewer homes to pick from). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Certainly with so much hype around, lots of vendors may just decide that the easiest option is to do nothing.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>And finally, arguably a higher proportion of owners and investors are simply using real estate as a long term inflation hedge, due to rising land prices. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.</em></p>
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