<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sunland-group">Sunland Group</a> has officially lodged plans for its first Gold Coast apartment project since the departure of the Abedian family from the company three years ago, unveiling a new high-rise proposal for a prominent Broadbeach corner site on Old Burleigh Road.

The application was submitted by an entity directed by Tom Jamieson, stepson of longtime Sunland leader Soheil Abedian, and Riaz Rezvanipour, brother-in-law of Sahba Abedian, Soheil’s son.

Sunland acquired the 1,283 sqm site on the corner of Old Burleigh Road and Armrick Avenue for $9.5 million late last year and is now seeking approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/99-101-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">42-storey tower with 81 apartments</a>.

<img alt="First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fea2946d-90ee-4cfc-babe-2a8ad5db2cb6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers.png?VersionId=BV0fihJw31nDIQ8ozY_h3GbS8mxDyhnm" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/contreras-earl-architecture">Contreras Earl Architecture</a>, the proposed tower at 99-101 Old Burleigh Road would deliver a predominantly larger-format apartment mix aimed at the owner-occupier market. Plans include 17 two-bedroom apartments, 55 three-bedroom apartments, and nine four-bedroom residences across 35 residential levels.

The development also incorporates three basement levels, four podium parking levels, two levels of communal recreation facilities, and rooftop plant and equipment. A total of 189 car spaces are proposed, significantly exceeding the 90 spaces required under the planning scheme.

The architecture adopts a sculpted, curvilinear form, with deep wraparound balconies and integrated landscaping intended to soften the tower’s vertical expression. The planning report states the building’s “slender footprint/form provides a complimentary yet varied built form within the local streetscape” and contributes to “a varied, yet ordered skyline.”

Contreras Earl noted in its Architectural Statement that from the early stages, the project addressed a fundamental challenge: how to accommodate the required residential yield while avoiding the conventional model of a tower sitting on a rigid, fully resolved parking podium.

“The most direct response would have been to consolidate parking into a singular, flat podium and extrude a repetitive tower above,” the statement said. “While efficient, this approach would result in a consolidated built form with limited engagement with the surrounding landscape and public realm.”

Instead, the conventional podium model was “deliberately rejected”. The architects described the base of the building as “a landscaped architectural condition where structure, planting and circulation are integrated”.

“Rather than presenting a continuous built mass, the base of the building is articulated through a series of concrete planter elements that organise the podium into a fragmented system,” the statement said. “This approach reduces the perceived bulk of the lower levels while establishing a more permeable interface with the streetscape and adjacent open space.”

<img alt="Sunland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="923fad8d-c960-4527-8fbe-975cf1ddf88d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2010.32.03%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=pngwb0hYOIUpq9vDw6F2EsOiVuHF3DiX" />

&nbsp;

The site sits within the High Density Residential Zone and inside the City of Gold Coast’s unrestricted “HX” building height area, where the planning framework anticipates intensified residential development tied to the expanding light rail corridor. The planning report notes the area is undergoing “transition toward more intense development forms” given its proximity to Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and high-frequency public transport infrastructure.

Positioned directly opposite Broadbeach Park and within walking distance of Florida Gardens light rail station, the development would sit among a rapidly evolving stretch of Old Burleigh Road that has become one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment development corridors.

The application joins a growing pipeline of luxury residential projects reshaping Broadbeach, including nearby developments by 5Point Projects, Polycell, and Graya.

The planning report argues the project contributes toward the Gold Coast’s long-term housing targets under the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which forecasts the need for more than 100,000 additional high-rise dwellings across the city by 2046.

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The Abedian family departed Sunland Group in late 2023, ending a four-decade association with the company, and subsequently established the private development firm Abedian &amp; Co. The group is currently delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/greenmount-residences-cnr-hill-street-and-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Greenmount Residences</a> at Rainbow Bay and recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/18-mary-avenue-14-18-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">18 Mary Avenue</a> in Broadbeach.
</section>

Joel Robinson

First look: Sunland Group returns to Broadbeach new apartment market with new Old Burleigh Road tower plans

The Minns Labor Government has established the new Bays West Delivery Authority to lead the development&nbsp;of the Bays West Precinct and Blackwattle Bay Precinct.&nbsp;

The Authority is charged with creating Sydney’s newest precinct, a thriving, connected, sustainable hub with White Bay Power Station as its cultural heart. Its vision is to build on the area’s natural, cultural and industrial history to shape a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The precinct will deliver up to 8,500 well-located homes, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable and essential worker homes. Combine new housing with public open space, opening public access to the waterfront for the first time in more than 100 years, while retaining important deep-water facilities to support Sydney’s working harbour.

Located just minutes from the Sydney CBD and connected to a world-class metro, ferry, walking and cycling links, the Bays West precinct will rebalance housing growth towards well-serviced inner-city locations and help tackle the state’s housing crisis.

The Bays West Delivery Authority,&nbsp;an agency of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, will report to the NSW Minister for Lands and Property who already has oversight of major precinct renewal projects including at Blackwattle Bay and Barangaroo.

As part of the broader Bays West transformation, the Minns Government recently announced that a proposal from Lendlease to redevelop part of the Bays West Precinct has progressed to Stage 2 of the NSW Government’s unsolicited proposals process.

<img alt="Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ed71eb9-d8e8-4fa7-b9d1-de4531dcf2f3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%209.42.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=IDryFIbped9SNDg72LEN_EecvhUsOPvp" />

The Minns Labor Government has also confirmed the Bays West precinct will have a new suburb name. This will be the first major suburb built in close proximity to Sydney’s CBD in decades and will encompass the area currently being referred to as Bays West, including Glebe Island and the White Bay Power Station. Served by a new Metro station just five minutes from the CBD, it will become one of the most populous suburbs in the Inner West and one of Sydney’s premier cultural destinations.

An early works program is taking shape, which&nbsp;includes the first stages of an international design competition.&nbsp;

The aim of the Bays West&nbsp;International&nbsp;Design Competition is to&nbsp;ensure design excellence is embedded in the project from the start. The competition will deliver an&nbsp;urban framework that defines the character, ambition and long-term identity of&nbsp;this&nbsp;former industrial precinct as it transitions to a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable residential&nbsp;neighbourhood.

The competition will be led by the Bays West Delivery Authority in partnership with Government Architect NSW.&nbsp;

It will launch with an invitation for a global Expressions of Interest, before moving to an invitation-only stage that will be assessed by a panel that&nbsp;will provide advice to Cabinet who will select a winner.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said the establishment of the new Authority is the first step in transforming the Bays West precinct into a vibrant, livable suburb minutes from the Sydney CBD and two stops from Hunter St Station on the Metro West line.

“The Authority will deliver well-located homes close to the heart of the city and integrate the new precinct with Blackwattle Bay and the new Sydney Fish Market.

“This is a generational opportunity to build a new suburb on the city’s edge and open the harbour foreshore to the public for the first time in a century.”&nbsp;

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new Bays West Delivery Authority established by the Minns Government will turbocharge the development of Sydney’s newest suburb.

“The Authority is working at a record pace to deliver an international design competition, planning pathways and a financial model so that this development benefits Sydney with well-designed homes in a central location, close to public transport, jobs, entertainment and essential services.

“If we want Sydney to stay liveable and affordable, we need to be bold about using underutilised government-owned land to deliver homes for the future while making sure essential working harbour functions can be accommodated.”

Bays West Delivery Authority established to "turbocharge" Sydney’s newest suburb

Around 400 additional homes could be built at Southwark Grounds on Port Road, lifting total site capacity from 1300 to around 1700 dwellings.

A recently approved code amendment would allow apartment towers of up to 14 storeys in some areas of Renewal SA’s redevelopment of the former West End Brewery.

Renewal SA Acting Chief Executive Shane Wingard said he welcomed the code amendment, with the increase in heights and homes making a positive impact on the supply of high-quality, well-connected housing close to the city.

“By going higher across some parts of Southwark Grounds, we are adding a substantial number of very well-located homes with little impact on project delivery time or planned open space,” Mr Wingard said.

Since the project officially launched in 2025, Mr Wingard said more than 12,000 enquiries had been received about living at Southwark Grounds.

“The very strong early interest we’ve seen since homes were first released in the precinct reinforces our plans to create more housing opportunities,” he said.

The Southwark Grounds code amendment was launched in December last year, with community engagement undertaken over five weeks from January.

It proposed increasing maximum building heights from eight to 14 storeys on the eastern section of Southwark Grounds, and to 12 storeys across the remainder of the site, with minimum building heights ranging from two to four storeys.

The code amendment was implemented through an Early Commencement policy in late January, allowing developers to quickly explore the viability of increased height and housing yield while other planning processes continue.

One of the first developers delivering apartment sites have already finalised redesigns to increase the number of apartments following the code amendment.

Samaras’ development adjacent to the future Colonel Light Park is now planning to deliver 125 apartments across 11 storeys, significantly greater than original plans of around 50 apartments across four storeys.

The developer is also exploring the potential for additional affordable housing outcomes.

Most of the apartments at Southwark Grounds will be delivered within a master-planned precinct on a large parcel of land on the eastern portion of the site, covering around two-thirds of its 8.4 hectares.

Wingard said detailed precinct planning over the coming months may identify further opportunities to increase yield further that could see total apartment numbers at Southwark Grounds, exceed this number.

Affordable homes at Southwark Grounds will also see a net increase, with Renewal SA maintaining its commitment to a minimum of 20 per cent affordable housing across the development.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Civil works have begun across the site, with construction under way on the first new roads surrounding a townhouse precinct in the south‑west corner of Southwark Grounds. This includes Renewal SA’s 17 Founder’s Row homes, which are on track for completion by Christmas.

“We expect to have people living at Southwark Grounds by the end of the year, so delivering roads and public spaces for those residents is among our highest priorities.”

Construction of 40 townhouses off Anderson Street, known as West Village and being delivered by Contour, is forecast to begin in mid‑2026. Kolabb’s Anderson Lane development will follow shortly after, delivering a further 26 townhouses.

Southwark Grounds is a state government‑led urban renewal project now set to deliver around 1,700 homes over the next decade.

Homes will be supported by a supermarket, a range of retail and hospitality offerings anchored by a revitalised Walkerville Brew Tower, a childcare centre, car parking and well‑connected public spaces.

400 new homes planned for Adelaide's former West End Brewery site

Brisbane developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/cavcorp">Cavcorp</a> has lodged plans for a new mixed-use residential development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-wyandra-street-teneriffe-qld-4005">55 Wyandra Street</a>, Teneriffe, anchored by an 85-metre public laneway designed to reconnect the suburb’s riverfront with the Gasworks precinct.

The buildings, known as Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane, would replace the existing Queensland Cotton head office site with a 15-storey residential tower transitioning to eight storeys toward Helen Street. The project has been designed by Plazibat Architects and lodged as a code assessable development application for 93 apartments across a 3,401 sqm mixed-use site within the Newstead and Teneriffe Waterfront neighbourhood plan.

Central to the scheme is the transformation of an existing service easement into a publicly accessible cross-block connection linking Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the new laneway will act as both a pedestrian shortcut and a landscaped civic space between the Teneriffe Riverwalk, ferry terminal, and Gasworks precinct.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26e7f058-b065-4de8-b13d-a2b8cb64dfcc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/bldg.png?VersionId=sELS0ZKYi361oYipUa1BIKfe_.DLZoFV" />

“The revised proposal delivers a legacy public-realm cross-block link, permanently secured for community use, transforming an existing private easement into a safe, high-quality pedestrian connection between the Teneriffe heritage riverwalk and the Gasworks–Long Island precinct,” the planning report states.

The laneway will sit beneath a large subtropical loggia integrated into the podium levels of the development. The design incorporates deep landscaping, water gardens, lobby spaces, business lounges, and ground-floor apartments to create what Cavcorp describes as a climate-responsive “urban verandah.”

The tower itself has been designed as a slender form with recessed floorplates and curved translucent corners inspired by contemporary Japanese architecture. The building height aligns with the Commercial Road precinct controls, which permit towers up to 15 storeys within proximity to Longland Street.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8a17d40-43b6-4718-b3fd-67676fcbb485" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202_1.png?VersionId=i3VwDtp5AmL_8InW7w4qRbDFEpb744Jt" />

The project will comprise a mix of larger-format apartments aimed at owner-occupiers, downsizers, and families. The proposed apartment mix includes 11 loggia apartments across the lower levels, 50 four-bedroom Sky-Terrace apartments from levels three to seven, and 32 Sky-Pool Homes occupying the upper tower levels. The Sky-Pool Homes will feature private thermal plunge pools integrated into oversized balconies.

According to the application, the apartments are intended to reinterpret the scale and character of Teneriffe’s woolstore conversions and Queensland homes within a vertical residential format.

“The sky-pool homes build on Cavcorp’s previous projects and introduce a distinct apartment typology to Teneriffe, informed by both local and international precedent and responding to an identified market demand for enhanced safety, space and amenity,” the planning submission notes.

A major focus of the proposal is its five-level wellness and lifestyle offering, extending from the basement through to the rooftop.

Amenities proposed include a rooftop Swim &amp; Racquet Club with a 25-metre Olympic lap pool and tennis court, coworking spaces and libraries, golf simulators, wine storage, concierge facilities, business lounges, pet wash areas, and rooftop longevity-focused wellness spaces with spas, outdoor fitness zones, and landscaped terraces.

<img alt="First Look: Cavcorp unveils Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane plans for landmark wellness tower in Teneriffe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="944b352c-49b9-4247-a4c6-5967b4b69fda" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/amenity.png?VersionId=Ed_qKjAtMwFT.5gfl3jiA9QwdWxSMsaX" />

All parking will be concealed within basement levels accessed from Wyandra and Helen Streets. Cavcorp says the deep-basement engineering approach allows the entire ground plane to prioritise landscaping, pedestrian movement, and active frontage rather than vehicle infrastructure.

The development continues Cavcorp’s concentration in Newstead and Teneriffe, where the Brisbane developer has delivered a number of apartment projects including Lucent, Le Bain, and Luminare, as well as the Long Island Wellness Precinct nearby. Several of those projects have received national design and architecture awards, including recognition under Brisbane’s “Buildings that Breathe” program.

Cavcorp unveils wellness-focused Teneriffe House and Teneriffe Lane apartment buildings

Focus Group Investments has lodged plans for a new apartment development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-70-hanover-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">64–70 Hanover Street</a> in Fitzroy, seeking to utilise the Victorian Government’s recently introduced Great Design Fast Track pathway to accelerate approvals for the project.

The proposal is among the latest developments to emerge through the state-led initiative, which was established to fast-track well-designed residential projects in activity centres and transport-connected inner-city locations. The pathway allows qualifying developments that meet elevated design and housing benchmarks to bypass traditional council planning timeframes and instead be assessed directly by the Department of Transport and Planning.

Designed by SJB, the development will comprise a mix of apartments above activated lower levels, with a strong focus on architectural articulation, landscaping, and communal amenity. The design response seeks to balance the industrial character of Richmond’s former warehouse precincts with a more contemporary residential form.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="abea51cc-d85b-479e-9aef-a589f3b37ca7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ground.png?VersionId=e1Kf8EyPWwyiVumtqQ4rM5S4GpOR3CCz" />

Proposed are 63 new dwellings, a wide ranging mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and townhouses and duplexes. They will be spread across a part-three, part-eight storey building.

The Planning and Urban Context Report by Tract says the development is of an "exemplary architectural standard" and has been carefully crafted by SJB Architects.

"Dwellings&nbsp;will benefit from excellent access to natural light, cross-ventilation opportunities and extensive communal space," the report noted.

The architectural material highlights the project’s integration of landscaped elements and communal spaces throughout the building. The proposal also incorporates sustainability initiatives aligned with the Victorian Government’s push for higher-performing apartment developments under the fast-track program.

The Great Design Fast Track was unveiled by the Victorian Government in 2024 as part of a broader housing supply strategy aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes. Projects assessed through the pathway must demonstrate high-quality architecture, sustainability outcomes, and housing diversity while being located close to public transport and existing infrastructure.

<img alt="First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Richmond apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afdbe834-8dc4-4a77-a943-ba07bc927348" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_11.png?VersionId=0J657j.TaChAZfp93wqJYBTqSsnREJx2" />

Focus Group, founder and led by Paul De Lutiis, is increasingly active across Melbourne’s inner suburbs, targeting well-connected urban renewal locations suited to medium and higher-density residential development. The Fitzroy proposal continues that strategy, leveraging the area’s strong transport links, established retail amenity, and proximity to the CBD.

Fitzroy has been one of the most popular spots for developers and buyers in recent years. The likes of PACE Development Group, SMA Projects, Crema Group and Chapter Group, currently selling projects in the suburb.

First look: Focus Group Investments taps Victoria’s Great Design Fast Track for Fitzroy apartments

First Home Buyers

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It is becoming more common for generation Y to move to inner city or CBD areas and purchase properties using their family’s home equity, according to founder of Sydney-based Dream Design Do, buyer's agent Zaki Ameer.
“Upon finishing their studies, young adults find that their place of employment is located in the CBD, as well as all the amenities they want to access, such as nightlife, entertainment, and retail offerings,” says Ameer.
“In Sydney, these locations are typically the eastern suburbs and the inner city, and in Brisbane its Newstead and Fortitude Valley.”
“Property is priced way outside of capabilities of the salary of a career starter, so purchasing a property in the desired location of these Gen Y’s is impossible.”
This is forcing young people to draw on their family home equity which is becoming one of the easiest pathways for young people to tap into the property market, said Ameer.
“In many cases, the family home is already paid for, which creates substantial security when applying for the loan”.
“Provided the youngster is gainfully employed, purchasing in the area where it’s all happening is right within his/her foreseeable future.”
According to Ameer this option was not possible for past generations. The parents of today are likely to work longer and are not keen on downsizing or moving to a retirement complex for some years.
“Their parents do not see themselves as old, and therefore are in no hurry to sell the family home. They don’t want to live among retired people or senior citizens, and more than likely are perfectly happy in the family home surrounded by families and young people.”
Ameer said parents could use their children’s move to the city as an investment opportunity.
However, if parents aren’t in a position to draw down on their equity another option is renting which Ameer says is costly but manageable.
If renting is also too expensive and they are still keen to enter the property market, they may purchase a property in a cheaper area, and then work on building equity on that property so that they can buy in their target area in the future.
According to Ameer, another option is taking up employment in a different city where property and living cost is cheaper.
“In their 20s, they probably do not have a lot of personal responsibilities, and are more easily able to relocate,” he said.
“They will see it as an adventure; to work and live in another state than where they grew up, and also often take the opportunity to establish themselves when they are there, by purchasing property that is now affordable for them.”
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Young buyers leveraging family home equity to afford inner city purchases: Buyer's agent

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The latest Adelaide Bank/REIA Housing Affordability Report for the September quarter has revealed that, unsurprisingly, New South Wales remains the least affordable place to buy.
Based on the loan repayments to percentage of income, it's unsurprising that the ACT manages to score the "most affordable" title on the list - as it has previously.
Adelaide Bank general manager Damian Percy said that the ACT is down 0.4% on its previous quarter.
However, it’s Western Australia that’s attracting attention.
“When compared to the June quarter, Western Australia stands out in two key measures, firstly the greatest improvement in terms of the proportion of income required to meet loan repayments, which fell 0.7 percentage points to 25.9% and as the state with the largest proportion of first home buyers who now comprise 20.7% of the Western Australian owner-occupied market,” he said.
The percentage figure noted below is the percentage if income to loan repayments:
<ul>
<li>
ACT - 19.4% 
</li>
<li>
TAS - 24.4%
</li>
</ul>
Average first home buyer (FHB) home loan decreased by 5.2%. The loan is now at $213,233.
<ul>
<li>
WA - 25.9%
</li>
</ul>
First home buyers totalled 20.7% of WA’s owner occupier market over the quarter, the highest proportion in Australia, and totalled 25.1% of all Australian FHB purchases recorded.
<ul>
<li>
SA - 26.8%
</li>
</ul>
The largest quarterly drop of FHBs was seen in South Australia, perhaps as a result of the end of the grant for established purchases.
<ul>
<li>
NT - 27.2%
</li>
</ul>
Largest increase in loans over this quarter and past year noted.
<ul>
<li>
QLD - 28.1%
</li>
</ul>
While improvements were seen in all the other states – this is an unchanged result for Queensland.
<ul>
<li>
VIC - 31.9%
</li>
</ul>
Victoria accounted for 26.4% of first home buyers across the country in the September quarter.
<ul>
<li>
NSW - 34.5%
</li>
</ul>
In New South Wales the average loan size to first home buyers is up 9.1% compared to the same quarter in 2013. The loan is now at $327,767.
Source: Figures - Adelaide Bank, Commentary - REIWA
The Australian average figure sits at 30.4%, an overall improvement – down 0.5% over the quarter.
The president of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia David Airey said that the Western Australia situation is a good picture for those looking to avoid housing stress.
He also noted that first home buyers currently have a stamp duty exemption for buying under $430,000.
“This means that home buyers in WA can avoid ‘housing stress’ by remaining under the 30 per cent threshold regarded by economists as the safest benchmark for comfortable living with a balance between income and housing expenditure,” Airey said.
“The moderating house price growth in WA has translated into good news for those wanting to enter the housing market, with 20.7% of WA’s owner-occupied market now made up with first home buyers.”
However, the figure of loans to first home buyers are still low – down over the September quarter compared to a year prior by 8.3%.
Office of State Revenue figures for Western Australia note a jump from 1,535 first home grant payments in September to 1,826 in October.
First home buyers’ median purchase price was $450,000 for metropolitan Perth and $355,000 in the regions.
“This has dropped from a metropolitan peak of $470,700 in June and from a regional peak of $365,000 reached in August,” Airey said.
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Western Australia cements position as first home buyer hotspot: REIWA

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To achieve the first home owners grant there are a number of rules around how long you can live in a property, the type and value of the property and whether or not your partner owns property.
Usually, no one is eligible for the grant if they or their partner have received the grant before. They must also not have owned a property that they have lived in.
However, if you have owned an investment property then in some areas this may be a different story and you may still be eligible for the grant. In many cases, if you held interest in a commercial property investment then this does not affect your ability to obtain a grant either.
When we look at the below scenarios, usually the same applies for the applicants spouse as well.
<h3>ACT</h3>
In the ACT you must “not have previously owned or held a relevant interest in a residential property anywhere in Australia prior to 1 July 2000.”
You must also have not occupied a residential property in which you held a relevant interest on or after 1 July 2000 but before 1 January 2004, nor have occupied a property for a period of at least six months in which you acquired a relevant interest on or after 1 January 2004.
<h3>NSW</h3>
“You or your partner have not previously owned residential property in any form in any State or Territory of Australia.”
<h3>NT</h3>
You must not have owned residential property in Australia prior to 1 July 2000 and not have occupied a residential property in Australia that you or your spouse owned on or after 1 July 2000.
<h3>QLD</h3>
“You or your spouse has not previously owned property in Australia.”
<h3>SA</h3>
You and your partner must not have owned residential property jointly, separately or with some other person before  1 July 2000 anywhere in Australia. And you must not have lived in a property for a continuous period of six months in which you had an interested on or after 1 July 2000.
<h3>TAS</h3>
You must not have owned and occupied a property for more than six months after 1 July 2000.
<h3>WA</h3>
You cannot have owned property anywhere in Australia prior to 1 July 2000. You can not have owned property, and have lived in it, for six continuous months on or after  from 1 July 2000.
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If you buy an investment property, do you lose FHOG eligibility?

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The Big Four banks continue to dominate Australia’s mortgage market, but when looking at refinancing figures it’s clear that the non-major lenders are taking an increasing share.
According to comparethemarket.com.au, an analysis of AFG’s latest data found non-major lenders responsible for 32.1% of refinanced mortgages in the last 12 months. When looking at all mortgages this figure dipped to 26%.
Comparethemarket.com.au’s Abigail Koch said that home owners who are looking to refinance are increasingly willing to consider small lenders, as opposed to first home buyers who stick to the mainstream lenders.
“Where first home buyers likely lack confidence and prefer the perceived safety of the ‘Big Four’, Australians refinancing, having gone through the mortgage process previously, are more comfortable using smaller lenders if it means they can secure a larger loan, lower rate or lower fees. As a result, they may be more willing to compare a variety of providers,” she said.
It seems the refinancing space offers opportunities for non-major lenders.
“Refinanced mortgages comprise just over a third of all AFG-introduced mortgages annually, it is a very substantial portion of the overall market. Additionally, data also shows that the percentage of first time buyers is steadily declining across every state in Australia,” she said.
First home buyers were noted as more likely than investors to opt for a non-major lender, with 29.1% of first timers opting for a non-major in the last 12 months, compared to 23.5% of investors. Of course, it’s worth remembering that investors are a major part of the market, and their numbers are substantially higher than first timers at present.
In fact, while first time buyers accounted for 10.2% of mortgages brokered by AFG, investors totalled 39.1% of business.
Investors may consider the big four as they have “greater financial muscle” when it comes to financing multiple properties, explained Koch.
“The GFC took its toll on smaller lenders. Consequently, customers looking to acquire a mortgage felt more comfortable going with the brands they had known their whole lives, as they felt they would be a safer bet,” she said.
“Now that the economy has stabilised, first time buyers are taking notice that the ‘smaller guys’ may have greater agility than the majors in terms of reducing interest rates and ongoing fees, which has helped them to steal a greater market share."
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First home buyers stick to Big Four as refinancers show confidence in non-majors

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The latest Finder Reserve Bank Survey, with 37 experts on the panel, has found that a rise in property prices is largely expected to occur next year.
Money Expert at Finder, Michelle Hutchison, said that this is bad news for first home buyers who are already struggling.
“If you’re a first home buyer struggling to get into the property market this year, next year isn’t looking to get any better,” she said.
Of those surveyed, 69% expect the price gains to continue.
“There were also 14% of respondents who expect property prices to stabilise, while 17% are betting on property prices to fall next year,” she said.
While it isn’t necessarily expected to improve, it may not worsen too much either.
“Most of the experts in the survey are expecting property prices to continue rising however, they don’t expect the higher costs will dramatically impact the first home buyer market,” she said.
The majority, 64%, expect the level of first home buyers active in the market to remain similar to this year, with one in five expecting fewer people will be able to enter market.
“With the national median property price across our capital cities hitting $545,000 in October – 8.9% higher than the previous year – it’s a good time to jump into the property market if you are prepared,” said Hutchison.
“But there’s no point in rushing in you’re not ready, because overstretching your budget could have serious consequences if interest rates rise next year.”
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“Next year isn’t looking to get any better” for struggling first timers: Finder

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New home buyers with smaller deposits often opt for a ‘fixer upper’, a property that needs substantial renovation, to get into the market they are after.
Filled with aspirations of renovating, and hyped up on The Block, it’s not surprising that sometimes the reality of home improvement isn’t at the forefront of every purchaser’s mind.
Here are six things to consider to give yourself a reality check.
Your own skills
First up – have you renovated before, or do you have any renovation experience? If not, are you intending to bring in the experts? It’s time to get honest with yourself about your capabilities.
Some people are more able than others to renovate, it’s just a fact of life. Know your limits, know how much it’s going to cost to bring in some experts, and whether or not you should really be DIY-ing.
In fact, real estate expert Chris Gray’s perspective is to overestimate the costs and time it takes to renovate.
“My tip is to double your expected cost and double the time frame, and then work out if you’re still going to make a profit. Most of the time, it works out more efficient from a time, cost and stress perspective to outsource the renovation to the experts,” explained Gray.
He <a href="/expert-insights/building/when-you-should-turn-your-diy-reno-project-over-to-the-professionals-chris-gray">also suggests being realistic about the DIY</a>. Remember, tradespeople and renovation experts do these tasks for a living. They’re not all as straightforward as you’d imagine and often you get what you pay for.
“I once had a client who wanted me to buy him a property to renovate as a retirement project. When the time came to renovate, my client asked me to outsource big jobs like the kitchen and bathroom, as they’re best done by specialists who would do it in a fraction of the time,” Gray said.
“We then agreed that tiled flooring was best left to an expert and built-in wardrobes left to a different specialist. Five minutes later, the only non-specialist job that he had a hope of completing himself was the painting.”
The ‘unchangeable’ items
If you’re looking to renovate a property, it’s fair enough to overlook garish wallpaper and pink bathrooms. But what you don’t want to overlook are the items you cannot change in the property.
One of these is the neighbourhood. Another may be the busy road to the front, or the overshadowing neighbours to the sides that offer no privacy. Be acutely aware of these limitations and understand that no matter how nicely you update the physical property itself, some of these aspects will ensure a ceiling on potential growth remains.
Floor plan
An aspect to check is the floor plan of the property you’re looking at. This will largely determine whether the shell offers you scope to work with the space as you choose. Ensure you know which walls are load bearing and which can be taken away easily to make a room open plan or to combine two small pokey rooms into one large room.
The floor plan is also worth looking at if you’re only looking at a cosmetic upgrade. If you don’t want to be pulling out walls, ensure the floor plan shows good potential on its own.
Structural integrity
The structural integrity of the property is critical, especially if it is out of your budget to fix up largely hidden items. This could cover plumbing, electrics, termite damage and a whole host of other issues.
These are unlikely to be spends that you will recoup in a re-sale environment, unless you plan carefully and get the property at a discount as a result of the time, effort and cost you need to put in to rectify the issues.
When someone refers to a property with “good bones” this is usually what they are referring to – a property without structural defects and with little that needs to be done to the physical property itself. A building and pest inspection will certainly come in handy at this point.
Local council restrictions
Depending on the extent of renovations, to the point of structural or minor redevelopment, you may want to quickly call the local council. Some councils take longer than others and some are not as open to development.
It is also worth speaking to the neighbours if you intend to do anything major with the home to see if they are likely to fight against your improvements.
You may also want to look online at what has already been approved to check timeframes and what is likely to be allowed on your block.
Are you purchasing for a fair reduction?
Buying a cheaper unrenovated home can be a false economy if renovated properties are available for less than it will cost you to purchase and fix up the lacklustre cheaper option. Ensure you are getting the property for an acceptable discount, otherwise you will face overcapitalising and plenty of wasted time.
Do your back of the envelope sums to work out the cost of your potential renovations.  
What have your experiences with renovating been like?
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Buying a 'fixer upper': Six things to check for

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If you’re living with your parents, finding it tough to enter the property market, then you’re certainly not alone.
With property prices increasing, it’s becoming more common for multiple generations to live together in one home, according to QM Properties’ sales manager Damien Ross.
While many have heard of the granny flat, for keeping elderly relatives at the family home with their own privacy, it’s not quite as common to build a property from the ground up with a multi-generational family in mind.
“Young people are staying at home longer and often couples are living with their parents so they can save for their first home,” explains Ross.
The idea of living at home to save a larger deposit is compelling for many first timers and it’s likely that this will increasingly be the case should property prices continue to rise.
This trend is now so established that builders are creating homes designed specifically for multi-generational living.
For instance, NuTrend has offered a ‘Dual Living’ design that includes a floor plan splitting into two separate homes with one common fire wall. They even suggest that the outside living areas could be divided with a wall, hedge or fence. With two kitchens, three or four bedrooms, three bathrooms and separate entries, it’s close to, but not quite, a duplex.
“The home is not a duplex, it is still within Residential A zoning so there are no related council fees that come with duplex sites,” said Ross.
“NuTrend have built six of these homes already at our Forest Pines estate on the Sunshine Coast.”
<img src="/images/2014/11/28/front%20facade.jpg" alt="">
It’s expected that this type of home will become more common in areas with median prices out of reach for many buyers. Ross notes that Burderim, with a median price for a three bedroom home sitting at $455,000, is one of these locations with larger land sizes that make this new type of home easier to build.
There are a number of designs for different block shapes, but all are single level and fit easily onto 600 square metres or more.
At <a href="https://www.qm.com.au/sales-centres/" target="_blank">Forest Pines</a> home sites cost upwards of $249,000, spanning from 462 square metres.
For investor buyers the home has separate services connected.
<img src="/images/2014/11/28/_THISONE2.jpg" alt="">
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Is multi-generation living the answer for first home buyers?

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Two states' first home owners grants are coming close to their deadlines.
As of 1 January 2015, first home owners in the Northern Territory and Tasmania are up for some changes.
In the Northern Territory the new year will bring the territory in line with the rest of the country – offering no grant to first home buyers who purchase established properties where currently $12,000 to $25,000 (depending on location) is available.
Meanwhile, in Tasmania, the First Home Builder Boost will drop to $20,000 from next year until 30 June 2015. It will then decrease to $10,000 from 1 July 2015. At the moment, $30,000 is available.
If you're interested in how you apply for these grants, here's a comprehensive explanation.
Here are the grants current accessible by first time buyers, as per information available from the respective Office of State Revenues and Treasuries. Australian Capital Territory
First home buyers in the ACT can receive $12,500.
This is only available for "new" or "substantially renovated" property worth $750,000 or less.
New or substantially renovated properties include:
<ul>
<li>A home that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence; or</li>
<li>A substantially renovated home that, as renovated, has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence; or</li>
<li>A property which is subject to an "off the plan" purchase agreement.</li>
</ul>
There is no grant available for purchasing established houses.
As a condition of the FHOG, buyers will need to occupy the property for 12 months upon completion of the dwelling.
To claim the grant, you will need to apply in a one year time period starting from either the settlement or date of issue of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Owner builders can only lodge after the home has been completed.
Payment of the grant is usually then made within 10 days of lodgement.
First home owners who fulfil the requirements for the grant may also have the opportunity to defer their stamp duty.
New South Wales
First home buyers in NSW can receive $15,000. From 1 January 2016 this will be reduced to $10,000.
This is only available for to buy a new home or to build your own new home. The property is required to be worth $750,000 or less.
Properties that are applicable include:
<ul>
<li>A home that has not been previously occupied, including occupation by the builder, a tenant or other occupant;</li>
<li>A home that has not been previously sold as a residence. Where the home is being purchased, it must be the first sale of that home;</li>
<li>A home that has been substantially renovated and a home built to replace demolished premises.</li>
</ul>
There is no grant available for purchasing established houses.
As a condition of the FHOG, buyers will need to occupy the property for a six month continuous period, within 12 months of completion.
Duty exemptions are available when purchasing new properties valued up to $550,000 and concessions exists for those from $550,000 to $750,000.
Those buying vacant land will pay incur no duty on vacant land valued up to $350,000 and concessions exists  for properties valued between $350,000 to $450,000.
To be eligible, you must not have owned and occupied (for more than six months) a home in Australia after 1 July 2000 and you cannot have owned a property before this time.
Those who are in the Defence Force and on the NSW electoral roll may be able to see the length of time they are required to live in the home reduced.
ALSO READ:<a href="/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-nsw-first-home-buyer-15-000-grant-scheme"> Everything you need to know about the NSW first home buyer $15,000 grant scheme</a>
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
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Northern Territory
First home buyers in the Northern Territory can get up to $26,000 towards their first purchase, with established first time buyers not left out of the picture either.
But from 1 January 2015, the First Home Owners Grant will be redirected solely to first home buyers looking to buy or build a new home.
Currently, as of 13 May 2014, there exists a transaction eligibility threshold (in plain English, this essentially means that the property can only be worth up to a certain amount) for established properties of $600,000, while no limit exists for new properties. Prior to this time, both new and established properties were given a limit for grant eligibility.
An established home is one that has been "previously sold or occupied, and is lawfully fit for occupation".
A new home is considered one that has never previously been lived in or sold as a place of residence.
However: "To prevent anomalies, a discretion applies in limited circumstances to declare a home that has been previously sold, but not occupied, to be a new home."
From 13 May 2014 to 31 December 2014, a new home can bring in $26,000. Meanwhile, an established property in an urban area will be provided $12,000, and everywhere else will be given $25,000. The only material difference in grant money compared to 4 December 2012 - 12 May 2014 is an extra $1,000 for new homes (and threshold changes).
An "urban area" means land that sits within the Darwin, Palmerston or Litchfield municipalities. It also covers Wagait Shire, the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, the "prescribed area" for the Darwin Rates Act and other areas potentially proscribed by regulation.
Since December 4, 2012, there has been no stamp duty concession for first timers.
Queensland
Queensland first time buyers can get themselves $15,000 when purchasing a new home. Unfortunately, nothing remains for first time buyers who are purchasing established properties.
Their Great Start Grant, previously being known as the First Home Owner Construction Grant, has been available for those buying new (or substantially renovated properties) since 12 September 2012.
If you previously held any interest in residential properties before 1 July 2000, even if it was an investment property, you're not eligible. Those who have had a property since - but used it solely for investment purposes and did not live in it - may be eligible. You'll need to give them tax return details, tenancy agreements and current electricity and phone accounts.
Grant applications are processed within 10 days of receiving the information.
Those looking to get the grant then must move into the property within one year of completion, and live there for six continuous months.
South Australia
South Australian first time buyers are currently eligible for a FHOG on new homes and established homes - however, since 30 June 2014 the grant hasn't been available for established properties.
The property value must not exceed $575,000.
For those buying a new home, a $15,000 grant has been available since 1 January 2014.
If you previously held any interest in residential property before 1 July 2000, even if it was an investment property, you're not eligible. Those who have had a property since - but used it solely for investment purposes and did not live in it - may be eligible. You'll need to give them tax return details, tenancy agreements and current electricity and phone accounts.
After the property is built, you must then live in the property for six months commencing within 12 months of completion.
Off-the-plan properties may also be eligible for a stamp duty concession for a new apartment or substantially refurbished apartment. A full concession was available for properties from 31 May 2012 to 30 June 2014, capped at the stamp duty payable on a $500,000 apartment (or $21,330). A partial concession now applies, from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016.
The concession does, however, apply to specific areas as outlined on the Revenue SA site and associated maps.
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
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Tasmania
Currently, established and new properties can receive a benefit for first time buyers, with up to $30,000 available. As in many other states and territories, this was altered from 1 July 2014, and saw established home buyers lose some benefit.
For new properties, the First Home Builder Boost has increased since 7 November 2013 from $8,000 to $23,000, and applies until 31 December 2014. Those eligible for this would also be eligible for the $7,000 FHOG, bringing their total payment to $30,000.
From 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2015 inclusive, the First Home Builder Boost drops to $20,000. From 1 July 2015 onwards this is to decrease to $10,000.
To be eligible, you must not have owned and occupied (for more than six months) a home in Australia after 1 July 2000, and you cannot have owned a property before this time.
When you get the FHOG, you need to live in the property for a continuous six months within 12 months of the data that the certificate of occupancy is issued.
Victoria
Only new properties get first time buyers a grant in Victoria, as of 1 July 2013. A payment of $10,000 is available.
It is only available for properties that do not exceed $750,000 in value, apartment from properties on primary production land.
You must live in the property for 12 months continuously, within 12 months of settlement.
The reduction in duty is becoming increasingly attractive - initially, 20% was reduced on 1 July 2011, followed by 10% on 1 January 2013, 10% on 1 July 2013 and an upcoming 10% on 1 September 2014.
Western Australia
A $10,000 grant for first time buyers purchasing or building a new home has been available since September 2013. Those looking to buy an established property may be eligible for a $3,000 grant.
A cap to first home owner grants was introduced in early 2010. To be eligible for a grant, your home must cost less than $750,000, though this threshold increases to $1,000,000 if your home is located north of the 26th parallel. You can't receive a grant if you owned a residential property after 1 July 2000 and occupied it at all prior to 1 July 2004, or more than six continuous months after 1 July 2004. You must live in the property you're intending to buy with your grant for a continuous six months within 12 months of completion.
The Home Buyers Assistance Account, which can provide $2,000 in help, is an extra benefit for West Australian first timers. This $2,000 comes from interest paid on real estate agents' trust accounts. Essentially there for 'extra' fees around buying, like solicitor and valuation fees, you can only use it for properties costing $400,000 or less. Your purchase must be a established or partially-built home and you must live in the home for the first 12 months. You must purchase the property through a licensed real estate agent, have the loan financed through a lending institution. To be eligible it must also be your first property purchase in Australia.
First home owners also receive a discounted stamp duty rate. Established homes must not be worth more than $530,000 (as of July - this was previously $600,000) to receive the discount. No duty is payable up to $430,000 value (previously $500,000). Above that threshold, $19.19 per $100 is payable (previously $22.51). For vacant land, no duty is payable up to $300,000, and after this $13.01 per subsequent $100 is payable. For vacant land, you will need to pay this upfront and then retrieve a refund on receipt of the FHOG - once you have completed the build. The land cannot be worth more than $400,000.
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First home owners grants set for 2015 changes: State by state round up

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One of the biggest Western Sydney land developers, Perich Group managing director Tony Perich, says it would a "disaster" if interest rates were to go up 2-3%.
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"If its just 0.5%, I think we will be right," he recently told News Ltd papers.
The official cash rate is currently at a record low 2.5%.
Perich also thinks there are too many investors in the market who are pricing out first home buyers.
"It worries me a lot,’’ he told The Australian when asked about his fears of a potential housing bubble.
"People are going to start to get scared of the market. Are there too many investors in the market? There probably is.
"I worry about investors at times. First-home buyers should always be first in the line and they are not."
Perich, who has just been named the Urban Taskforce Property Person of the Year, said the market was "getting too expensive in a lot of areas".
The Perich family’s Greenfields Development Company has housing lots in Western Sydney, a 50% stake in the Narellan Town Centre, and the 1,100 hectare Oran Park Town project in south-west Sydney.
“What we have tried to do in the west and the south-west in particular is keep the land prices down. They are still very affordable. We haven’t pushed the prices up like everyone else has. You can still buy in our area for a reasonable price," he said.
"We could put a lot higher prices on our blocks and still sell them, but we haven’t.
"So if we can keep it at a sensible price, we think the market will keep coming out there.
"You can buy a block out there for $250,000 to $300,000. The price is going up, but not like it is everywhere else."
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