<p><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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Joel Robinson

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

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.</p>

<p>"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

<p data-end="288" data-start="269"><strong data-end="288" data-start="269">Article summary</strong></p>

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289"><strong data-end="374" data-start="291">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development</strong>, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443"><strong data-end="513" data-start="445">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences</strong>, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574"><strong data-end="646" data-start="576">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project</strong>, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718"><strong data-end="787" data-start="720">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road</strong>, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<p data-end="1011" data-start="790"><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.</p>

<p data-end="1296" data-start="1013">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</p>

<p data-end="1296" data-start="1013"><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" /></p>

<p>The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.</p>

<p>“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;</p>

<p>“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."</p>

<p>Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."</p>

<p>"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.”</p>

<p><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." /></p>

<p>The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.</p>

<p>A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]</p>


DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<p><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.</p>

<p>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>.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><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" /></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.</p>

<p>"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p><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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>"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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]</p>


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

<html><body>
<p>Fixed rate home loan deals are on the way up.</p>
<p>New data released by financial comparison firm Canstar has revealed 14 lenders have increased fixed-rate loan offers across dozens of products by an average 0.18 percent.</p>
<p>On a typical $300,000 30-year home loan, the average three-year fixed rate is 4.08 percent and monthly repayments are $1,446.</p>
<p>It is compared to the average SVR rate of 4.45 percent and monthly repayments are $1511.</p>
<p>Lenders to introduce small hikes include Westpac, ING Direct, Suncorp, ME, Bank of Queensland, Bank of Sydney and RAMS.</p>
<p>Canstar’s group executive of financial services Steve Mickenbecker said he expected more movement in the short term.</p>
<p>The rises to fixed rates have been blamed on the policies of the President-elect Donald Trump which could lead to bigger deficits and result in the US cash rate going up, experts say.</p>
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Fixed rates rising to average 4.08 percent

<html><body>
<p class="first-para">First home buyer activity in New South Wales is at the lowest on record for the state according to Domain Group chief economist Andrew Wilson.</p>
<p class="first-para">He said latest ABS data reveals that just 1284 loans were approved for NSW first home buyers over September which is the smallest September total recorded in the series since the all-time low recorded over September 1991.</p>
<p>"First home buyer loans in NSW accounted for a record low 4.5 percent of all lending approved for housing purchases over September," he said.</p>
<p>"This is well below the long-term market share for this group of 13.0 percent and is clearly the lowest proportion of all the state markets – well below the next lowest state South Australia with a 9.7 percent loan market share.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/11/24/FHBSep16.png" target="_blank"></a>First home buyer residential loan market share September 16</p>
<p>NSW   4.5 percent</p>
<p>VIC   10.5 percent</p>
<p>QLD  12.9 percent</p>
<p>SA      9.7 percent</p>
<p>WA    19.7 percent</p>
<p>TAS    13.2 percent</p>
<p><em>Source: ABS, Dr Andrew Wilson</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>"Although activity levels are low and falling, the average loan approved for a first home buyer in NSW increased by 2.9 percent to $376,700 over the month and was clearly the highest of all the states with next highest Victoria at $325,100.</p>
<p>"First home buyer activity in NSW is set to remain at historically low levels, particularly with home prices rising sharply in the Sydney market over recent months.</p>
<p>"The recent surge in investor activity is also clearly a factor in sidelining NSW first home buyers and will continue to contribute significantly to prices growth."</p>
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

First home buyer fallout in New South Wales

<html><body>
<p>Property expert John McGrath has encouraged first home buyers to look deeper into the grants and stamp duty concessions available to them. </p>
<p>In his latest his latest Switzer blog he says with first home buying across Australia at its lowest level in more than a decade he wants to encourage young people to re-think their position, adding every single state and territory in Australia is currently offering assistance to first home buyers – and not just on new property purchases either.</p>
<p>"Every now and then the rules change and young people need to keep abreast of these changes so they can best take advantage of them," he said.</p>
<p>"For example, did you know the Queensland Government has introduced a $5,000 boost to their First Home Owners’ Grant for this financial year only? This is a one-off, one-year boost to the grant from $15,000 to $20,000 that will end on June 30, 2017.</p>
<p>"While it’s true that all grants are limited to newly-built, off-the-plan or substantially renovated properties, some stamp duty concessions apply to both new and established homes.</p>
<p>"It’s really worth taking the time to check out exactly what assistance is available to you, especially with interest rates at such record lows and likely to stay this way indefinitely. If you put these two factors together, motivated first home buyers can do very well right now.</p>
<p>"Although affordability is a big hurdle in cities like Sydney, I see a major opportunity ahead for young buyers in prime east coast markets.</p>
<p>"That opportunity is the impending oversupply of new apartment stock in Melbourne, Brisbane and to a slightly lesser extent, Sydney. Where a market is oversupplied, prices fall. It’s that simple and that means opportunities for buyers.</p>
<p>"The impending apartment oversupply means first home buyers will be able to:</p>
<ul>
<li>    Buy for a better price</li>
<li>    Have more negotiating power</li>
<li>    Have more choice of property available to them</li>
<li>    Have more time on their side to choose their next home</li>
<li>    Get tens of thousands of dollars in grants and duty concessions to assist them</li>
</ul>
<p>He gave a few few words of caution for potential buyers to heed when buying in an oversupplied market.</p>
<p>"You have to be careful in your choice of location. Pick a desirable area close to amenities with easy access to major employment hubs. Once the oversupply has been absorbed (which might take a few years), prices will begin rising again in good quality suburbs.</p>
<p>"Be careful in your choice of product. Focus on good quality developments and choose an apartment that has some unique features, such as a particularly large floor plan, generous balconies or courtyards, great privacy, views or a north aspect. Avoid small uninspiring apartments in developments where every property is the same.</p>
<p>"Shop around for finance. Some lenders are avoiding certain postcodes (primarily central CBD areas) not because they’re bad areas to buy in, but because the oversupply creates too much short-term risk for the banks. So you’ll need to talk to a broker to find out which lenders are appropriate for you if you want to buy in these areas.</p>
<p>"Buy for the long term. I can’t stress this enough. The oversupply will take some time to run its course. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you need to sell during the oversupply period. Oversupplies are only advantageous to buyers.</p>
<p>"Here is a brief overview of the grants and stamp duty concessions available in each state and territory. For more comprehensive information, go to <a href="https://www.firsthome.gov.au" target="_blank">www.firsthome.gov.au</a>."</p>
<p><strong>New South Wales</strong></p>
<p><strong>Grants</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) scheme</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $750,000 or less</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p>Amount: $10,000</p>
<p><strong>Stamp duty concessions</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home – New Home scheme</p>
<p>Eligible price point: Full exemption up to $550,000, concessional rates for new homes valued between $550,000 and $650,000</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p><strong>Victoria</strong></p>
<p><strong>Grants</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owner Grant</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $750,000 or less</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p>Amount: $10,000</p>
<p><strong>Stamp duty concessions</strong></p>
<p>Name: First home buyer duty reduction</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $600,000 or less</p>
<p>Eligible properties: All properties</p>
<p>Amount: Up to 50% discount on stamp duty</p>
<p>Note: A second scheme called the Off-the-Plan Concession provides a further discount specifically for off-the-plan purchases</p>
<p><strong>Queensland</strong></p>
<p><strong>Grants</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owners’ Grant</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $750,000 or less</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p>Amount: $20,000 until June 30, 2017</p>
<p><strong>Stamp duty concessions</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Concession</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $550,000 or less</p>
<p>Eligible properties: All properties</p>
<p>Amount: Stamp duty exempt to $500,000, sliding scale from $500,000 - $549,000 </p>
<p>Note: A second scheme called the Home Concession provides stamp duty concessions on all properties at any price point purchased for owner-occupation. If your first home is above $550,000, you can apply for a concession through this scheme</p>
<p><strong>Australian Capital Territory</strong></p>
<p><strong>Grants</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owner Grant</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $750,000 or less</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p>Amount: $10,000</p>
<p><strong>Stamp duty concessions</strong></p>
<p>Name: Home Buyer Concession Scheme</p>
<p>Eligible price point: Full concession up to $455,000; sliding scale to $585,000</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p>Other criteria: Gross income thresholds apply. For example, the threshold for applicants without children is $160,000. You do not need to be a first home buyer but you cannot have owned property for the past two years</p>
<p>Amount: Stamp duty reduced to just $20 on properties worth $455,000 or less</p>
<p><strong>Western Australia</strong></p>
<p><strong>Grants</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owner Grant</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $750,000 cap on properties south of the 26th parallel (i.e. Perth metropolitan areas) and $1 million cap on homes north of the 26th parallel</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p>Amount: $10,000</p>
<p><strong>Stamp duty concessions</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owner Rate of Duty</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $530,000 or less</p>
<p>Eligible properties: All properties</p>
<p>Amount: Stamp duty exempt on homes worth $430,000 or less. Sliding scale of concessions on homes valued $431,000 - $530,000</p>
<p><strong>South Australia</strong></p>
<p><strong>Grants</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owner Grant</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $575,000 or less</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p>Amount: $15,000</p>
<p><strong>Stamp duty concessions</strong></p>
<p>Name: Off-the-Plan Apartment Concession</p>
<p>Eligible price point: No threshold</p>
<p>Eligible properties: Off-the-plan apartments</p>
<p>Amount: Partial concessions available until June 30, 2017. Amount depends on the stage of construction at the time of purchase</p>
<p><strong>Northern Territory</strong></p>
<p><strong>Grants</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owner Grant</p>
<p>Eligible price point: No threshold</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p>Amount: $26,000 plus a further grant of up to $2,000 under the Household Goods Grant Scheme</p>
<p><strong>Stamp duty concessions</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owner Discount</p>
<p>Eligible price point: $650,000 or less</p>
<p>Eligible properties: Established properties</p>
<p>Amount: Stamp duty exempt up to $500,000; sliding scale to $650,000. Flat $10,000 duty discount for homes worth more than $650,000</p>
<p><strong>Tasmania</strong></p>
<p><strong>Grants</strong></p>
<p>Name: First Home Owner Grant</p>
<p>Eligible price point: No threshold</p>
<p>Eligible properties: New homes</p>
<p>Amount: $20,000 until June 30, 2017 and $10,000 from July 1, 2017</p>
<p><strong>Stamp duty concessions</strong></p>
<p>None available</p>
</body></html>

John McGrath sees big opportunities for first home buyers

<html><body>
<p>A survey of first home buyers has found most would not consider asking parents to go guarantor on their home loan</p>
<p>The annual First Home Buyer survey from Mortgage Choice found Victoria had highest proportion of first home buyers who would not ask parents for help.</p>
<p>Mortgage Choice chief executive officer John Flavell said 59.7 percent of respondents to the survey would not consider asking their parents to go guarantor on their home loan and one reason is because they don’t understand what guarantor loans are and how they work. </p>
<p>“While guarantor loans have been around for a while, they have only enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent times," he said.</p>
<p>"As such, many first home buyers may not even be aware that guarantor loans exist.</p>
<p>“In addition, some first home buyers may feel as though they need to be able to prove they can buy a home on their own and don’t want to burden their parents by asking them to go guarantor on their loan.</p>
<p>“Nearly 65 percent of Victorian-based first home buyers said they would not consider asking their parents to go guarantor on their loan.</p>
<p>"With home prices rising month after month, many first home buyers were finding it increasingly difficult to get their foot onto the property ladder without some form of financial assistance.</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="198">
<p class="ColorfulList-Accent11"><strong>Would you consider asking your parents to go guarantor on your loan?</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="44">
<p class="ColorfulList-Accent11" align="center"><strong>National</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="44">
<p class="ColorfulList-Accent11" align="center"><strong>NSW</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="44">
<p class="ColorfulList-Accent11" align="center"><strong>VIC</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="44">
<p class="ColorfulList-Accent11" align="center"><strong>QLD</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="44">
<p class="ColorfulList-Accent11" align="center"><strong>SA</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="44">
<p class="ColorfulList-Accent11" align="center"><strong>WA</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="198">
<p>Yes</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>35.7%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>43.8%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>32.5%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>37.5%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>31.9%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>33.7%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="198">
<p>No</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>59.7%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>52.7%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>64.9%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>59.2%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>58.5%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>62.9%</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="198">
<p>My parents and I don't know/ understand what guarantor is</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>4.6%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>3.5%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>2.6%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>3.3%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>9.6%</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="44">
<p>3.4%</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>“Not only are property prices rising across most capital cities, but all of the states have now removed the first home buyer grant for those wishing to purchase an established dwelling.</p>
<p>He said according to Mortgage Choice data more than 80 percent of first home buyers will look to purchase an established dwelling, meaning the vast majority of first timers will not receive any type of government financial incentive.</p>
<p>“With that in mind, there are plenty of reasons why a first home buyer may need financial assistance from their family. And while it is clear the majority of first home buyers are uncomfortable about asking a parent to go guarantor on their loan, there is a lot of benefits associated with this type of loan structure.   </p>
<p>“A guarantor can not only help first home buyers get their foot on the property ladder sooner rather than later, but they can also help them to avoid paying potentially costly Lenders Mortgage Insurance.</p>
<p>He stressed it was important to speak to a mortgage professional.</p>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

First home buyers reluctant to ask parents for help

<html><body>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>We traded in a car this week for about a twentieth of what it was bought for when new.</p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Not so keen so reproduce this underwhelming result, in its stead I bought a 2012 Ford with 36,000 clicks on the clock, for around half of its 'as new' price. A bit more palatable.  </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Being no spring chicken any longer, I could obviously afford to buy new, but it's only a runabout and buying second hand simply offers far superior value. </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Besides, I feel I should practice what I preach: when compounded over a couple of decades, $20,000 could be worth quite a lot in the future. </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Of course, someone must buy all the new vehicles, else they'd never be sold. But who?</p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Well, some people just like the 'feel' of driving something brand new. And it sometimes makes sense for some company car drivers. </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Other people just have money burning a hole in their pocket, I guess, and more power to them...</p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Who buys new dwellings?</p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>In a similar vein, buying new property tends to incur quite a hefty price premium, and for those buying 'off the plan' there is always that nagging risk that the final product doesn't much resemble what was breezily sketched in the brochure (those busy main roads just never seem to feature, hey!). </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Some speculators go down this path anyway, hoping to make a fast capital gain before the property is even constructed. I've seen this work very well (e.g. Barangaroo), but have seen it go wrong more often (too may places to mention).  </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>I must confess I've bought new property in Sydney before, and I'm even considering doing so elsewhere again right now, though I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone looking for a bargain.</p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Why?</p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>In fact, why would anyone buy new property? It's a bit like buying a new car in many ways. </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Well, firstly, some people just like the undeniably fresh feel of an unused dwelling. </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Secondly, downsizing Baby Boomers can comfortably afford to buy new for cash using the proceeds from their home sale - so they may elect to buy new, as indeed they have earned the right to. </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Thirdly, and unfortunately, some would-be investors attend 'educational' courses which convince them that there are great benefits to buying new, often not realising that the apparent white knights doing the educating are actually salesmen (sometimes egregiously posing as psuedo-financial advisors).  </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>The middlemen/salesmen may secure up to a 6 percent or greater commission from the developer, unbeknownst to the unsuspecting buyer. Goodness knows how this is still allowed to happen, but nevertheless it does. </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Nascent self-managed super-funds (SMSFs) and inexperienced investors are key target groups for this type of salesman. </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>In truth, there actually are tempting depreciation and other deductions available to investors in new properties, since policy makers know that they must attempt to incentivise investors to buy new dwellings in order to stimulate construction. </p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<p>Strangely these generous benefits are rarely mentioned in the now-traditional annual negative gearing debate.</p>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a href="/images/2016/10/20/ATO.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></span></h3>
<div id="post-body-4869361016050785926" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>
<div class="separator">
<img src="/images/2016/10/20/ATO.jpg" alt=""> </div>
<div class="separator"> </div>
</div>
<div>That said, if anyone ever throws you this sales pitch in order to flog you a new property, tell them you're considering buying a one-year-old dwelling for the same benefits and gauge their reaction (if they're dead set against the idea, you'll know why: obviously they are angling for a sales commission from the developer). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Fourthly, a high percentage share of the new dwelling stock in Australia is bought by non-residents, a cohort typically restricted from buying established stock (except in certain circumstances, such as for development purposes). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) typically restricts non-residents to new properties or development projects in order to encourage construction, and by and large this policy works. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>For this reason - especially with lenders less than keen to extend finance to offshore buyers of late - non-settlements on new apartments will be one of the most keenly observed market metrics over the next two years. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And fifthly, purchasing new just suits some buying demographics. It is frequently said that Chinese buyers like unused property to the extent that some don't even let out their new dwellings, in order to keep them in a pristine condition.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span>Incentives for first homebuyers</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>For first homebuyers, there are typically incentives available to buy or construct new homes.<br><br>These tend to vary over time, and by state and territory. The available incentives as at September 2016 are summarised in the table below. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/20/INCENTIVES2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/20/INCENTIVES2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>In the same way that I wouldn't buy a new investment property for the depreciation benefits due to the purchase price premium, first homebuyers should be wary of buying new solely to get their hands on cash grants. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Fortunately, most young people are quite wise to this, and a larger cash grant doesn't necessarily equate to more buyers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In August, for example, the housing finance figures recorded only 6 (six!) owner-occupier commitments for the purchase of new dwellings in the Northern Territory, despite a lavish cash grant of $26,000 being available for first-timers!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>That said, well-targeted grants do tend to be effective, as the recently revised first homebuyer statistics showed. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/20/FHB.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/20/FHB.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span>New dwelling purchases</span></strong></div>
</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>With such a high share of new dwellings being bought by offshore buyers, particularly from mainland China these days, the domestic housing finance figures only show a part of the story. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Overall, the August housing finance commitments figures showed domestic transaction volumes for new builds holding up well, which is good news for the economy given that there is a record number of completions due over the next two years. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/20/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/20/A1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>At the state level, when the original data is plotted in rolling annual terms, it appears that volumes began to increase steadily in each of the most populous states from around 2012 when the interest rate easing cycle commenced in earnest.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/20/A2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/20/A2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stay and renovate</span></strong><br><div> </div>
<div>Finally for today, various forecasters have long predicted a boom in major renovations.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Generally this makes sense as a concept, for the stamp duty thresholds for the two largest cities were originally designed with much lower purchase prices in mind.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>As such, from the sublime to the ridiculous, stamp duty collection in Sydney has risen to what would previously have been thought of as absurd heights - the state's coffers are literally overflowing!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Homeowners should therefore be incentivised to stay put and renovate rather than incur the punitive transaction costs of moving. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In the event there has indeed been a decent boom in major renovations activity in Sydney, but to date this has not been replicated elsewhere, and the anticipated contribution to GDP has not yet materialised.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/20/A3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/20/A3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><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>
<br><div> </div>
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Five reasons buyers seek new dwellings: Pete Wargent

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<p>The expiry of Tasmania's first home buyer incentives for purchasers of established dwellings in 2014 saw first home buyer demand decline, according to QBE’s latest housing report.</p>
<p>First home buyer demand in the state has since bottomed out and is now in a recovery phase, the report said.</p>
<p>Loans to first home buyers increased by an annual 6% in 2015/16 and the rising trend has been accelerating, with loans to first home buyers in June quarter 2016 being 24% higher than the same period a year earlier.</p>
<p>It is likely that some of this demand stems from increased interstate migration. In contrast, purchase activity by upgraders and downsizers has been easing, with loans to non–first home buyers having fallen by 4% in 2015/16.</p>
<p>Demand from investors has also been decreasing, with the total value of loans to investors having fallen by an annual 13% in 2015/16. As with the other states, tightened lending policy by the banks is containing investor demand, although the decline in 2015/16 has been lower than the national decline.</p>
<p>Rental growth has been largely flat and vacancy rates are close to balance at just under 3% through 2015/16.</p>
<p>House prices in Hobart were flat in 2014/15, but picked up in 2015/16, with the median house price increasing by 5.2%. Tasmania’s net interstate migration outflow has been steadily declining since peaking in 2011/12, and interstate migration is on track to record a net inflow in 2015/16.</p>
<p>Part of the driver of this recovery is likely to be increased “tree changers” downsizing from the more expensive mainland capitals, while there are also likely to be many returnees from the mining states who contributed to the higher net interstate migration outflows of recent years.</p>
<p>House price growth has been unevenly spread across the Local Government Areas of Hobart. Median house price growth has been particularly strong in Hobart (10.1%), Clarence (8.4%) and Kingborough (6.9%). Glenorchy (1.1%) and Brighton (2.8%) saw more moderate house price growth while Sorell (–3.3%) experienced a decline in its median house price. The overall Greater Hobart median grew 5.2% over 2015/16.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/10/14/Table%2012.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/10/14/Table%2012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2016/10/14/Table%2012.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>The Tasmanian economy has been weak in recent years. A high Australian dollar and slow population growth have added to general economic weakness. However, improved household spending, non–residential building activity and improving exports suggest a stronger economic recovery.</p>
<p>The weakening Australian dollar should support growth in tourism while the agricultural and mining industries should also benefit. The state unemployment rate fell from 7.8% at March 2014 to 6.6% at March 2016. Greater Hobart has a lower unemployment rate than the rest of the state, having fallen from 6.7% to 6.1% over the same period.</p>
<p>Greater Hobart has also been the main destination for migrants from overseas, interstate and the rest of Tasmania, with its population rising by 0.8% in 2014/15 while the population of the rest of Tasmania was flat.</p>
<p>On the supply side, completions at the state level have continued to rise while underlying demand has been slow. This has seen Tasmania’s dwelling surplus climb from 4,800 dwellings to an estimated 5,300 dwellings at June 2016. Given the disparity between population growth, it is likely that the oversupply is greater in regional Tasmania.</p>
<p>Reflecting lower income levels and fewer drivers of employment, Hobart has the lowest median house price compared to the other state capitals. Its relative affordability compared to other capital cities is a significant driver of demand as interstate migrants seek a more affordable market.</p>
<p>The current low interest rate environment is expected to improve affordability and spur purchaser demand, the QBE report said. Poor affordability in Melbourne and Sydney is expected to fuel further migration to Tasmanian cities, a trend already evident with the net interstate inflow forecast to increase further to 1,000 persons in 2016/17 and 2017/18.</p>
<p>Click to open chart in new window</p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/10/14/Chart%2030.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>Overall, the gradual recovery in the local economy and interstate migration is expected to underpin price growth, while the presence of an excess dwelling stock at the state level will likely limit price growth to more moderate levels. Hobart’s median house price is forecast to rise from $377,900 at June 2016 to $425,000 by June 2019, reflecting growth of around 4% per annum or a cumulative 12.5%.</p>
<p>With a significantly smaller unit market, and thus a smaller sample of sales volumes to measure the median, movement in the median unit price in Hobart can be much more volatile from quarter to quarter. Overall, however, median unit prices have been in a gradual decline since its peak median price of $420,000 in June 2011.</p>
<p>With falling investor demand, the unit market could experience the greatest impact as investor purchasers have traditionally been more prevalent buying units.</p>
<p>This softness is expected to continue to dampen demand, limiting median unit price growth to a forecast 1%–2% per annum through to 2018/19. This is forecast by QBE to push the median unit price to $315,000 at June 2019; a cumulative growth of 4.5% over the forecast period.</p>
</body></html>

Hobart first home buyers in recovery stage: QBE Housing Outlook

<html><body>
<p>First home buyer demands have remain unchanged compared to two years ago while investor demands have declined by 20 percent, according to QBE's latest housing outlook report.</p>
<p>This is illustrated in the change in moving annual turnover of residential loans to first home buyers, non–first home buyers (i.e. upgraders and downsizers, as illustrated in chart 4 which include all purchases made for owner occupation and where the buyer has previously owned another dwelling) and investors.</p>
<p>The chart represents trends for Australia, which masks some differences across the states, as outlined later in this report.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/10/13/Chart%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/10/13/Chart%204.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>First home buyer demand has been declining since the end of calendar 2014. In 2015/16 the number of first home buyer loans was 1.8% below the year prior. Loans to non–first home buyers rose by 7.1% in 2015/16, after recording an annual 0.9% rise in 2014/15.</p>
<p>Growth in loans to investors peaked in 2014 and has steadily slowed before recording a decline in 2015/16. Monthly loans to investors have been below the same month a year earlier since August 2015, which has corresponded with the timing of tightening bank lending policy toward investors. The total annual decline in the value of loans to investors in 2015/16 was 16.8%.</p>
<p>First home buyer demand is important because it creates demand for entry–level properties, facilitating broader demand by encouraging current occupiers to upgrade through the value chain. As a result, incentives have often been put in place to promote first home buyer demand during times of market weakness.</p>
<p>Table 3 shows existing state and federal government incentives offered to first home buyers. It refers to grants available specifically to first home buyers and not broader grants and incentives first home buyers can also access. Where stamp duty concessions are offered, the maximum concession is indicated. It should be noted there are some purchase price limits for grant eligibility which vary by state.</p>
<p>Over the past five years there have been progressive changes in first home buyer incentives across all states to favour purchasers of new homes over existing homes. The long–term impact will be a shift of first home buyer demand that would have otherwise been for established homes into the new home market, thereby adding to supply.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/10/13/Table%203.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/10/13/Table%203.jpg" alt=""></p>
<p>The short–term impacts on the market as a result of the progressive removal of incentives for the purchase of established dwellings are:</p>
<p>• Future first home buyer demand was brought forward to take advantage of the grants before they expire, leaving a vacuum of first home buyers in the established market immediately afterwards.</p>
<p>• A delay in the next round of first home buyers who then have to accumulate a larger deposit to compensate for the lack of financial assistance. In periods where prices are rising, this delay could take longer as the deposit hurdle progressively increases.</p>
<p>With first home owner demand being fixed (i.e. households are first home buyers only once), incentives do not create or diminish demand but rather serve to shift existing demand through time. Once the impacts of the changes to incentives are worked through, first home buyer demand should return to long–term averages.</p>
<p>This is likely to be the case in the coming years with first home buyer incentives now being relatively stable.</p>
<p>Tasmania and South Australia removed the first home buyer incentives for existing dwellings in July 2014 and have accordingly shown higher first home buyer activity in 2015/16 as they progressively recover to long–term levels.</p>
<p>Victoria experienced 5.6% growth in first home buyer loans in 2015/16, with the 9.3% year–on–year growth in June quarter 2016 suggesting that first home buyer activity is strengthening.</p>
<p>In Queensland first home buyer loans have been stable in recent years with little to no change in the number of loans over 2014/15 and 2015/16.</p>
<p>New South Wales has been similarly flat, recording recent marginal declines in loans, but the average annual number of loans in New South Wales in the five years to 2015/16 is down 32% on the average over the six years to 2010/11.</p>
<p>Western Australia experienced a decline in first home buyer loans in 2015/16, caused by a deteriorating economy, and the fact that first home buyer demand had held up strongly between 2011/12 and 2014/15.</p>
<p>The Northern Territory removed the incentives for existing dwellings in January 2015 and accordingly first home buyer activity was significantly lower in 2015/16, although the pace of decline was beginning to slow by June quarter 2016.</p>
<p>The Australian Capital Territory has also shown declining numbers of loans to first home buyers after a peak in activity in 2014/15.</p>
<p>Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data on loans to first home buyers are derived from returns submitted by financial institutions to APRA at the time of the loan approval.</p>
<p>A first home buyer is defined as “a borrower entering the home ownership market for the first time”. The definition includes all first home buyers obtaining a loan (and not just those eligible for grants) but excludes first home buyers who are investors as the data relates to loans for owner occupied properties.</p>
<p>There is some evidence to suggest that an increasing percentage of first home buyers, particularly in the higher priced cities of Sydney and Melbourne, are purchasing an investment property as their first home as a stepping stone into the market.</p>
<p><a href="/images/2016/10/13/Chart%205.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="/images/2016/10/13/Chart%205.jpg" alt=""></p>
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First home buyer demand declining as non-first home buyer loans increase: QBE Housing outlook

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<div id="post-body-9168898991581718703" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>The ABS produced its muchly awaited revised first home buyer numbers yesterday. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As flagged previously, the numbers are a bit lower than previously reported, although the month to month movements remained broadly consistent with what we have already seen. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The statistics more or less confirm what we already knew: that there are fewer first homebuyer loans being written than there were in the lead up to the financial crisis (though actually not that many fewer Australia-wide). </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2016/10/12/B1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/12/B1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>Unfortunately the figures don't shed any light on how many first-time buyers have elected to buy an investment property instead of a home (which the NAB survey implies more than accounts for the downward shift in first homebuyer numbers). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And nor does these series cover first homes bought without finance i.e. for cash, thanks to the so-termed 'bank of Mum and Dad'.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Unlike Britain, Australia doesn't have agonizingly high rates of inheritance tax, and thus in my opinion inequality is likely to increase in favour of those lucky folks with wealthy parents. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sydney effect</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Drilling down to the state level, not at all surprisingly the impact of higher prices on first homebuyers has been felt most keenly in Sydney. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Not that we actually needed a graph to confirm this!<br><br>Even the majority of middle-aged peeps have given up trying to buy homes in the more desirable suburbs, while investors have practically been running riot since mid-2012. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/12/B2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/12/B2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br>Elsewhere there doesn't seem to me to have been all that much of a change.<br><br><div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Loan sizes revised down</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The data for the average first homebuyer loan size has been revised down for recent years, although the chart patterns still tend to mirror the averages for non-first homebuyers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>One interesting observation here is that the average first homebuyer loan size over the past ten years has not increased at the same rate as median house prices. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/12/B3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/12/B3.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>You could read any number of things into this statistic (and no doubt people will!). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>For example, the figures could support the recently held argument that parents are tipping in far greater deposits than they were during 2008 and 2009, being the period when the first home owners grant (FHOG) was doubled. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It has to be said that the divergence does seem to begin at the right time for that to be the case.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Anyhoo, here are the figures at the state level, which I've just tidied up on a 3mMA basis to smooth out some of the jagged edges (the chart'd give you a headache otherwise). </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/12/B4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<br><div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/12/B4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<br><div>First homebuyers look to be steadily gearing up again in Queensland, and particularly in Tassie of late, as the Hobart market tightens and rents rise.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In 2014, first homebuyers in Western Australia were taking on larger loans on average than anywhere in the country. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And in 2015, the Northern Territory became the very epicentre of first homebuyer extravagance. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>This is no longer the case - in either location. </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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What's going down with first home buyers? Pete Wargent

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<div id="title">
<p>What are the government grants for first home buyers in your state or territory?</p>
<p>The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) scheme was introduced on 1 July 2000 to offset the effect of the GST on home ownership. It is a national scheme funded by the states and territories and administered under their own legislation.</p>
<p>Under the scheme, one-off grants are still payable to first home owners that satisfy the eligibility criteria.</p>
<p>To see if you are eligible, click on the links below the correspond to the state or territory you are looking to purchase in.</p>
</div>
<div id="generalinfo">
<p><span>New South Wales State Government</span></p>
<p><span><a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/grants" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2015/07/28/nsw.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="138"></a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Australian Capital Territory </p>
<p><a href="https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/home-buyer-assistance/first-home-owner-grant" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2015/07/28/ACT%20Logo.gif" alt=""></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Northern Territory State Government</p>
<p><a href="https://www.treasury.nt.gov.au/TaxesRoyaltiesAndGrants/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2015/07/28/nt1.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Queensland State Government</p>
<p><a href="https://greatstartgrant.osr.qld.gov.au/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2015/07/28/qld.png" alt=""></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Government of South Australia</p>
<p><a href="https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2015/07/28/sa.png" alt="" width="309" height="206"></a></p>
<p>Tasmanian Government</p>
<p><a href="https://www.sro.tas.gov.au/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2015/07/28/tas.png" alt=""></a></p>
<p>State Revenue Office of Victoria</p>
<p><a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/first-home-owner" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2015/07/28/album_photos_medium_28.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
<p>Government of Western Australia</p>
<p><a href="https://www.finance.wa.gov.au/cms/State_Revenue/FHOG/First_Home_Owner_Grant.aspx" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2015/07/28/govOfWATextColour_283x268.jpg" alt=""></a></p>
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National roundup of first home buyer grants

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<p>Singles earning an average income have been priced out of the property market from nearly all of Australia’s capital cities, a new report shows.</p>
<p>An analysis by financial comparison website RateCity.com.au shows that Hobart and Adelaide remain the last affordable capital cities for the nation's singles with a salary of $59,441 and $72,529 needed respectively to afford repayments on a 30-year mortgage (with a deposit of 20% at today's average variable rate of 4.74%). The industry rule that no more than 30 percent of a person’s income should go towards housing costs was applied to arrive at the figures.</p>
<p>The east coast remains the most unaffordable, with Sydney topping the list of tough markets for singles to crack. A person wanting to buy in the harbour city needs a six-figure salary of $137,556 to comfortably fund a mortgage on a median-priced house.</p>
<p>Someone looking to buy in Brisbane or Melbourne would require an $80,866 and $96,706 salary respectively to afford a median priced house, while in Canberra the salary needed would be $97,756.</p>
<p>According to Peter Arnold, data insights director at RateCity.com.au, the report raises further concerns that rising property prices across many cities in the country are forcing Australians out of the market. This could fundamentally impact the nation's demographics and service needs in the years ahead, he said.</p>
<p>“Our analysis reveals a reality that many young Australians are now living; the impossibility of affording a median-priced house on an average salary in most capital cities,” Arnold said.</p>
<p>“Without a partner or family member to share mortgage costs with, the numbers paint a grim picture for millennials, many of which may be squeezed out. Even as part of a couple, east coast property prices are out of reach for many Australians.”</p>
<p>“Many first home buyers, including young families, may find that they have to move away from careers in the CBD and the support of families to more affordable parts of Australia. This could have long-term effects on Australian society and bring with it challenges for the future in many areas, including transport and childcare.”</p>
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