<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

First Home Buyers

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First home buyers will get government support to get to a 20 per cent house deposit if either the coalition or the Labor Party wins the federal election.
</div>
<div class="assets">
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the policy at the Liberal election campaign launch in Melbourne on Sunday, which was then matched by Bill Shorten.
The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme will be available to first home buyers who have been able to save for a deposit of at least 5 per cent.
</div>
<div id="article-titan-mobile-pos1" class="advertisement">Under the plan, the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation would guarantee the difference between five per cent of the purchase price and the 20 per cent deposit.</div>
<div class="assets">
The PM said all the normal checks would apply to borrowers to make sure they could meet their expanded payments.
<div>
The scheme is based on the belief it is the deposit gap rather than the size of mortgage payments that is the real barrier to home ownership.
<div>
The scheme, adopted from a 2015 New Zealand scheme, would allow singles earning less than $125,000 a year and couples earning less than $200,000 a year to get into the housing market in quick time.
</div>
Past schemes, including the first home super saver (FHSS) scheme, have simply been too slow in achieving outcomes. 
The $500 million scheme is set to be initially capped at 10,000 loans annually, about one tenth of the market. 
Some 110,000 bought their first home in 2018, which was the highest level in nine years.
But the latest NSW figures for March show the lowest number in two years.
Although it has fallen in recent months, an entry-level Sydney apartment costing $560,000 takes around five years and four months savings for a 20 percent deposit, some 16 months longer than in Melbourne and two years longer than the equivalent in Brisbane.
The scheme will also help first home buyers save around $10,000 by not having to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme will start on 1 January next year.
The value of homes that can be purchased under the Scheme will be determined on a regional basis, reflecting the different property markets across Australia.
"With the banks pulling back and larger deposits of 20 percent now being standard, it is not getting easier," Scott Morrison said.
“The lenders would still be the ones lending the money. They would still do all the normal checks on the borrowers to make sure that they can meet their repayments – this isn’t free money."
<div>There will be a small risk for the government having first time borrowers with higher indebtedness especially if the market continues to fall.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>No official figures are kept on first home buyer arrears or distressed sales, but the even now more cautious big four banks maintain overall arrears levels across NSW remain very low given the low interest rate landscape.</div>
</div>
The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation will partner with private lenders to deliver the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, prioritising smaller lenders to boost competition.
The latest Roy Morgan Poll shows that Labor's lead over the Coalition on a two-party preferred basis has narrowed to 51%-49%. 
With the Coalition now back in contention, Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine says trust and distrust will determine the outcome of the election, and any "glaring mistake" could cost Scott Morrison or Bill Shorten the prime ministership. 
Roy Morgan's executive chairman Gary Morgan expects a hung parliament, with minor parties and their preferences to play a major role.
<div class="advertisement">The $500 million scheme will allow Australians to buy their first home with a deposit of just five per cent rather than 20 per cent, with the government to underwrite the balance via its National Housing Finance &amp; Investment Corporation.</div>
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<div class="teads-adCall"> </div>
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<div class="advertisement teads-1x1 conditional ">
<div id="adspot-1x1-pos1" class="advertisement__1x1" data-hide-platforms="" data-lazy-load="no" data-google-query-id="CO7Ds82EleICFdoJcgodrWcHag">
<div id="google_ads_iframe_/21666581298/cessnockadvertiser/news/nationalnews_0__container__">"The support would stay in place for the life of the loan," Mr Morrison said on Sunday.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="assets">
"They've got their first leg on the first rung of the ladder."
Morrison told the party faithful at the Liberal Party’s campaign launch in Melbourne that the policy would make a big difference to first-home buyers, “cutting the time taken to save for a deposit by at least half”.
“It can take nine to 10 years for an average household to save a deposit,” he said. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

First home buyers with 5 per cent deposit will have government backing to get it up to 20 percent deposit 

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First home buyers have become more active in the housing market over the past year.
There has been a number of reasons for this, dwelling values have been falling which has improved affordability lessened the deposit hurdle, other segments of the market have been less active (less competition) and attractive incentives have been offered to first home buyers in certain states. The latest data on housing finance from the Australian Bureau of Statistics for December 2018 shows that perhaps that trend is reversing.
Note that all the data is seasonally adjusted so the slowdown isn’t likely to be related to seasonality.
In December 2018, there were 8,476 finance commitments by owner-occupier first home buyers which was the fewest monthly commitments since June 2017. Commitments were also -9.6% lower over the month and down -12.6% year-on-year. Although the number of commitments was lower, as a share of all owner-occupier finance commitments (excluding refinances) the share of first home buyers shifted only slightly from 26.8% the previous month to 26.4% in December 2018. The minimal change in share is reflective of the overall weakening demand for mortgages.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/28/New%20Project.png" alt="">
NSW
Across the state, there were 2,232 first home buyer commitments to owner-occupiers in December 2018, which was the fewest since July 2017. The number of commitments was -5.2% lower over the month and -3.0% lower year-on-year. In terms of the share of total owner- occupier finance commitments, first home buyers were 24.0% of the NSW market (excluding refinance) which was up from 23.6% over the previous month. However, overall owner-occupier mortgage demand (excluding refinances) has fallen by a larger -6.1% over the month compared to the -5.2% fall across the first home buyer segment.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/27/image.png" alt="">
Vic
The 2,604 first home buyer finance commitments in December 2018 were the fewest since June 2017. First home buyer commitments were -7.7% lower over the month and -14.8% lower year-on-year however, overall owner occupier commitments excluding refinances recorded a larger monthly fall (-10.4%). As a result, the share of owner-occupier housing finance commitments compared to total commitments (excluding refinances) actually rose over the month to 29.0%, its highest share since July 2013.
Given this, the share is rising however; it is rising on falling volumes for both first homebuyers and overall owner-occupiers.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/28/New%20Project%202.png" alt="">
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/28/New%20Project%202.png" alt="">
Qld
Both the number of first home buyer finance commitments and the share of first home buyers compared to new lending fell in December. Over the month, there were 1,586 owner-occupier first home buyer commitments, which was -11.1% lower over the month and -23.2% lower year-on-year. It was also the fewest first home buyer commitments since October 2015. Looking at first home buyers as a share of total new owner-occupier lending, first home buyers represented 24.3% of lending, their lowest overall share since February 2017.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/28/New%20Project%203.png" alt="">
SA
The 495 first home buyer finance commitments in December 2018 was down -6.4% on the previous month but was 2.3% higher than a year earlier. The number of first home buyer commitments in December 2018 was the lowest it has been since July 2018. First home buyer demand for new mortgages fell faster than overall demand for new mortgages and as a result, the share of owner-occupier new finance commitments to first home buyers fell from 21.6% the previous month to 20.9% in December 2019.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/28/New%20Project%204.png" alt="">
WA
The 1,164 first home buyer finance commitments in December 2018 was the fewest since June 2018. First home buyer commitments were -5.4% lower over the month and -12.7% lower year-on-year. As a share of total new lending to owner-occupiers, first home buyers in WA are active and account for 34.3% of total new lending with the share rising over the month. The relative strength of the first home buyer market is also reflective of the overall weakness in demand from non-first home buyer owner-occupiers across the state.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/2/28/New%20Project%205.png" alt="">
Tas
There were 154 owner-occupier first home buyer commitments in December 2018. The 154 commitments was the fewest since May 2018 with the number -8.3% lower over the month but 8.5% higher year-on-year. The sharp fall in first home buyer commitments saw them fall as a share of overall new lending to owner-occupiers, recorded at 19.7% over the month. The 19.7% share was down from 21.5% the previous month and the lowest share since April 2018.
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NT
Because it is such a small market, first home buyer volumes tend to be quite volatile. In December 2018, there were 81 first home buyer finance commitments, which was 2.5% higher over the month and 28.6% higher year-on-year. While first home buyer lending increased, new lending to owner occupiers fell significantly over the month leading to the share of new lending to first home buyers spiking to 42.4% from 36.4% the previous month.
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ACT
There were 191 first home buyer finance commitments in December 2018. Although commitments were -15.1% lower over the month and - 16.2% lower year-on-year there had been fewer first home buyer commitments in September 2018 (182). First home buyer demand fell much more substantially over the month than overall demand to owner occupiers, as a result, the share of new owner occupier lending to first home buyers was recorded at 24.0%, down from 26.3% over the previous demand.
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To-date, the first home buyer segment has been the one source of growing demand across the housing market. Although the weakness has only been apparent for a few months, it will be important to watch going forward. With an entrenched downturn in lending to investors and owner occupier demand falling sharply, if first home buyer activity drops it could lead to a further leg down in value declines across the market. The more pragmatic potential first home buyers are probably seeing values decline and despite incentives, they realise that if they remain on the sidelines the properties they are targeting could be becoming even more obtainable over the coming months.
CAMERON KUSHER is a Research Analyst at CoreLogic.
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Are first home buyers waiting on the sideline? CoreLogic's Cameron Kusher

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The proportion of first home buyers in the home loan market rose to 18.1 percent, a six year high, in the month of October.
The increase, up 0.1 percent from 18 percent in September, was driven by owner occupiers, whose number of loans committed rose by 2.2 percent, the largest gain in 15 months.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/12/10/FTB1.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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Loans in total however are down by 4.8 percent on the year, namely due to the investor drop off. Investor loans fell by 4.3 percent during the three months to October.
They were 18.5 percent lower compared with the same time last year.
“The three months to October were the worst for housing loans to investors in over 5 years,” MBA chief economist Shane Garrett said.
“August 2013 was the last time investor lending volumes were as low as they are now. Lending to housing investors has fallen by over 30% since the peak in early 2015," Garrett added. 
“The introduction of more stringent APRA regulations in early 2015 kicked off the decline in investor lending. It has been greatly exacerbated by the commencement of the Royal Commission’s work – lenders have become much more nervous about making financing available," he said. 
“The reduction in investor activity is not all down to lending policies. Many investors are reluctant about entering into markets where house prices are falling. In other places, rental price growth is soft and investors have sat out," Shane Garrett said. 
“While investors are exiting the market at the moment, the story for First Home Buyers is much more positive. At 18.1%, the FHB share of owner occupier housing loans is at its highest since late 2012. About 114,000 FHB home loans have been issued over the past 12 months - an increase of 14.9% on a year earlier," he said. 
New loans rose by 2.3 percent in October, the strongest growth rate since July 2017.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/12/10/FTB2.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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CommSec's Ryan Felsman said first home buyers continue to be more active, attracted by more affordable home prices.
"And the average home loan size lifted a little, suggesting that some buyers are still gaining access to sizeable home loans, despite tighter lending standards by banks and a slowdown in approval processing times."
The average home loan across Australia rose from $383,900 in September to $386,300 in October, up by 2.2 per cent on the year.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

First home buyers reach six year high

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Sydney's property prices have been falling yet first-home buyers have been taking out higher home loans.
First-home buyers in NSW are now borrowing $391,700 on average, which reflects a 6.1% annual increase, according to the latest ABS housing finance figures.
This is intriguing.
Some prospective investor buyers have waned and some exisiting investors are quietly bailing out given the prospective of higher repayment once they must convert their interest only loans.
Meanwhile emotionally charged first timers have been diving into the market with much of the influx coming after last year’s expansion of generous first-home buyer concessions.
It is likely these stamp duty exemptions have assisted in holding up the prices in the least expensive suburbs since CoreLogic have calculated prices in Sydney's more expensive suburbs are experiencing the bigger declines.
The five postcodes in Sydney to have received more than $760 million in tax breaks and grants for sales to first home buyers since July 2000 are Liverpool, Westmead, Campbelltown, Blacktown and Parramatta.
Across NSW there were 32,000 first home recipients in the past financial year, according to the latest NSW Office of State Revenue figures, the highest figure since the cash grant splash following the global financial crisis when there were 44,000 beneficiaries in 2009/2010.
Many of those buyers saw their home values then fall, though thankfully without losing their homes in the following brief downturn.
Grant recipients slumped to just 6,900 in 2012-2013.
Under the current rules, no stamp duty is payable for all new or existing properties valued up to $650,000 and for homes valued between $650,000 and $800,000 there is a sliding scale of discounts.
It represents a saving of somewhere between $26,000 to $34,000 depending on the purchase.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she has been "thrilled" at the big impact the latest grants have had on the market mix.
She made helping first home buyers one of her first priorities as Premier, but you'd have to wonder whether the tax break will be illusionary, notwithstanding the moderating property market.
Earlier this year, CoreLogic’s head of research Cameron Kusher warned first home buyers must be vigilant to avoid negative equity.
“Don’t be lured into buying because of attractive incentives,” he advised.
Kusher even went onto suggest a better option for FHBs would be to remain on the sidelines somewhat longer as values potentially continue to slide.
That would allow more time to save an even larger deposit.
First home buyers are of course now able to dip into their superannuation to help pay for their deposit. 
Savers can make a voluntary super contribution of up to $15,000 a year and $30,000 in total towards their home deposit.
The new First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) was then-Treasurer Scott Morrison's policy for giving first home buyers a “significant leg-up”.
According to the initial Australian Taxation Office figures, some 498 FHSSS recipients secured an average of $10,727 per super savings accounts in the first month the scheme was up and running.
That's a good start, but beware it can take up to 25 business days from request to release. First time buyers are not allowed to sign a contract in that time or you will be taxed on the benefit, and also note the funds can only be released once.
This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph. 
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First Home Super Saver Scheme is up and running 

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First home buyers are the biggest holder of home loans in almost six years.
This is despite an overall fall in today’s ABS housing finance figures.
The seasonally adjusted figures for June show an overall drop in new lending of 1.6 per cent from the previous month with falls from both investors and owner-occupiers.
While housing finance continues its downward trend, first home buyers have capitalised on a less-crowded market, recording 18.1 per cent of new home loans in June.
This is the highest proportion since October 2012.
The average loan size for first home buyers has also hit a record high of $349,800.
RateCity research director Sally Tindall said today’s data showed first home buyers were taking advantage of a cooling market.
“First home buyers are finally getting some time in the sun. There’s space in the market for them to find their feet without having to go toe-to-toe with cashed-up investors.
“While a lot of investors have sworn off property until the bottom of the market hits, first home buyers who are looking for a place to call home for the next five or 10 years are often more focused on the long game.
Today’s ABS housing finance figures also show non-bank lenders are continuing to gain market share from the banks.
Non-banks have increased the value of new owner-occupier loans by 13.37 per cent, year-on-year, while banks recorded a drop of 0.81 per cent in the value of new loans over the same period.
“The banks are throwing everything at potential new customers to attract new business and put a stop to this slide. It will be interesting to see how far they go in order to protect their market share,” she concluded.
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First home buyers at a six-year high

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The quickest path for first home buyers to purchasing a house in Greater Darwin is Berrimah, according to a report released by Domain.
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The time needed to save for a house or unit has dropped over the past year in Greater Darwin.
 It’s now 11 months quicker to save for an entry price house deposit and nine months quicker to save for an entry price unit deposit.
 Along with Greater Perth, Greater Darwin is the only other city where the savings journey is shorter for both houses and units than the previous year. The market has softened in Greater Darwin shaving significant time off the journey to saving a deposit, which is a positive for first home buyers.
The fastest path to unit ownership is Nightcliff
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Berrimah ranked the quickest FHB path to house ownership in Greater Darwin: Domain

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It is a huge disappointment that the NSW Government has failed to address stamp duty rates in today’s budget, which have been left unchanged for the last 32 years. 
The government collected $8.673 billion in stamp duty, $1 billion less than 2016-17. 
The number of transactions has fallen and will continue to fall because people aren’t buying and selling real estate.
The Budget forecasts $6 billion less than previously budgeted in stamp duty over the next four years but an increase by $407.6 million in land tax from stronger forecasts for land values.
Taxation is driving the market into the ground. It is fiscally naive, irresponsible and unconscionable not to reduce the stamp duty rates. 
There is empirical evidence that shows reducing taxation will increase the number of transactions and therefore it is a win – win. Government will get additional revenue and the consumer will get a more affordable product. 
The government can save a lot of time and money consulting the community on how to solve housing affordability - the answer to affordability is increasing supply and reducing property taxes. 
After it has all been said and done there has been more that has been said than done. We need action not words.
Albert Einstein said ‘insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’. Persisting with outdated stamp duty rates and impediments to supply will not improve affordability. 
Government continues to over tax the property market and then says they will look at affordability, and then don’t understand why things aren’t improving.
It’s time to conduct a full review of property taxes, in particular stamp duty brackets, and make a real change.
Tim McKibbin is the CEO of REINSW.
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NSW Budget fails home buyers: REINSW

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Savers for their first home have under a fortnight to start their savings and tax advantage during the current financial year under the recently introduced First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme.
FHBs have been advised in the countdown to the June 30 end of the tax year, there are advantages to start putting money in this financial year.
The FHSS scheme is based around making contributions to your superannuation fund to save for your deposit.
 Contributions to superannuation are taxed at 15%, which is typically lower than your marginal tax rate, meaning more of your cash is saved and less is going to the ATO. There is a limit of $15,000 per tax year.
The FHSS was introduced by the Australian Government in the Federal Budget 2017/18 to reduce the pressure on housing affordability.
It allows FHBs to save money for your first home inside your superannuation fund.
The idea was to help first home buyers save faster with the concessional tax treatment within super.
From 1 July 2017 you can make voluntary concessional (before-tax) and non-concessional (after-tax) contributions into your super fund to save for your first home.
From 1 July 2018 you can then apply to release your voluntary contributions, along with associated earnings, to help you purchase your first home.
This scheme is suitable for first home buyers if:
<ul>
<li>you either live or intend to live in the premises you are buying as soon as practicable</li>
<li>you intend to live in the property for at least six months of the first 12 months you own it, after it is practical to move in.</li>
</ul>
You can apply to have a maximum of $15,000 of your voluntary contributions from any one financial year included in your eligible contributions to be released under the FHSS scheme, up to a total of $30,000 contributions across all years.
You will also receive an amount of earnings that relate to those contributions.
For more information <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/Super-housing-measures/First-Home-Super-Saver-Scheme/" target="_blank">click here.</a>
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First First Home Super Saver scheme tax year deadline approaching

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First home buyers are delaying or missing the opportunity to get into the property market by not engaging a guarantor on their home loan, new data shows.  According to Mortgage Choice and CoreData’s Evolving Great Australian Dream 2018 whitepaper, just 4.9% of all first home buyers said they used a guarantor to purchase their property.  However, bucking the trend are home buyers aged 29 years and below, of which 21.8% had someone go guarantor on their mortgage. 
Mortgage Choice CEO Susan Mitchell said the data raises the question that many are divided on.
"Are first home buyers missing an opportunity to get into the property market by not engaging a guarantor?”
Currently, the average first-time buyer needs to put down approximately $100,000 in deposit to secure a property with the median dwelling value of $554,605.  “For many first-time buyers, the biggest hurdle they face is saving a sufficient deposit that amounts to 20% of the purchase price, and this has been made even harder by strong property price growth over recent years,” Ms Mitchell said.  The whitepaper found that 40% of buyers would need some form of assistance to enter the property market, as they had just 15% or less of the required deposit for a property. “The Government’s new plan to allow older Australians to stay in their homes for longer, as part of the ‘More Choice Longer Life Plan’ is likely to hinder the supply of available properties to those looking to buy their first home.," Ms Mitchell said. A variety of factors is making it increasingly difficult for people to achieve the traditional Australian dream, say 86.4% of people asked by Mortgage Choice. “One way first home buyers can get a leg up onto the property ladder is to access intergenerational wealth, created by the boom in the property market, and ask a parent to be a guarantor by offering their own home as extra security,” Ms Mitchell said.  “This strategy lets them get onto the property ladder sooner rather than later, and with a smaller deposit and has the added advantage of avoiding Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance, which can total thousands of dollars for cash-strapped first home buyers.”  The whitepaper research revealed that on a whole, 15.2% of prospective home buyers across Australia would have someone go guarantor on their loan. This figure dropped to 12.6% for females.  On a state by state comparison, Western Australia had the highest proportion of prospective buyers saying that they would have a guarantor on their mortgage, at 16.5%. They were followed by New South Wales at 13.9% and Victoria at 13.3%.  Of those who purchased with a guarantor, 77.2% said their  parents were their guarantor.  Ms Mitchell said it was important for buyers and their prospective guarantor to weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.  “Having a family member go guarantor on a mortgage is not without risk and as such, no one should jump into the situation until they’ve given it considerable thought,” she said.  “If the first home buyer defaults on their home loan, the guarantor becomes responsible for paying their debt. This can be a significant financial impost for the guarantor as it can affect their ability to cope with their own day to day costs, which in turns compromises their financial wellbeing.  “Their own ability to borrow money will also be reduced after they agree to become a guarantor.  “As a result, it is very important for both the buyer and the guarantor to set clear expectations from the outset and think carefully about their future plans.  “If a buyer has a guarantor on a home loan, it is essential they speak with a qualified mortgage broker and a solicitor to protect both parties. A contract can be drawn up that clearly explains how the loan will be structured and what happens in the event that the borrower defaults on their loan. “It is helpful to note that a guarantor is not tied to the loan for its entire duration. Once a buyer has built up sufficient equity in their property, a guarantor can apply to be released from the loan, though this may incur a fee.  “Lastly, buyers should always look at their other options as a guarantor is not the only way that someone can purchase a property. A buyer can receive a one-off financial gift to help cover part or all of the cost of the deposit, which reduces the risk to a potential guarantor,” concluded Ms Mitchell.  
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Only five percent of FHB's using an intergenerational guarantor: Mortgage Choice

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First home buyers are active in Perth’s property market, with data for the March 2018 quarter revealing an increase in sales for properties priced $500,000 and below.
REIWA President Hayden Groves said after observing subdued first home buyer activity during the December 2017 quarter, the lower end of the market had strengthen early in 2018.
“The final quarter of 2017 saw the composition of the Perth market shift.
The balance of sales had shifted back to the lower end of the market, Mr Groves said.
Perth’s preliminary median house price is $510,000 for the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said once all sales settle, this figure was expected to increase to $517,000, which would put the March 2018 quarter median marginally lower (by 0.6 per cent) than the December 2017 quarter.
“Although Perth’s median house price experienced a minor adjustment during the March 2018 quarter, the median house price is up 0.4 per cent when compared to the same time last year, which shows prices are stable,” Mr Groves said.
Perth’s preliminary median unit price is $401,000 for the March 2018 quarter.
“This is expected to lift to $410,000 once all sales settle, which would put it equal with the December quarter median.
“These results are in line with REIWA’s 2018 forecast, which expects stable conditions throughout the remainder of this year, with moderate price growth during the next 12 months,” Mr Groves said.
Preliminary Landgate data shows there were 5,865 dwelling sales during the March 2018 quarter.
"We expect around 6,603 sales for the quarter overall, which is marginally lower than volumes recorded during the December quarter,” Mr Groves said.
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There was a 5.7 per cent increase in house sales in the sub-$500,000 price range during the March 2018 quarter.
“Increased activity in the lower end of the market is usually a sign first home buyers are active. We are fortunate the dream of home ownership is more attainable for West Australians than it is on the east coast. After seeing activity drop off last quarter, it’s good to see first home buyers are increasing their presence in the market,” Mr Groves said.
There were 14,413 properties for sale in Perth at the end of the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said listings had increased 10.2 per cent over the quarter, but were down 2.9 per cent when compared to the March 2017 quarter.
“While it is pleasing listings have declined on an annual basis, the increase over the quarter is not cause for alarm. With overall sentiment in WA improving and all signs indicating the market has begun to turn, sellers are feeling more confident than they have been and therefore more inclined to put their property up for sale.
“We’ve also seen a sharp decline in rental listings over the past year which has had a flow-on effect to the established market. With some investors choosing to sell their rental property instead of lease it, this has contributed to the rise in the number of properties for sale in Perth,” Mr Groves said.
It took 67 days on average to sell a house in Perth during the March 2018 quarter.
Mr Groves said although average selling days increased over the quarter, it was still two days quicker to sell than it was during the March 2017 quarter.
“With more listings on the market, buyers now have more choice, which has had an impact on the time it takes to sell. It’s very encouraging though, that on an annual basis, we’re seeing average selling days decrease,” Mr Groves said.
 
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