Growing national developer Time &amp; Place has announced its fifth new apartment development.

With two projects in Manly and two upcoming in Surry Hills and Potts Point, the developer, which expanded beyond Melbourne just a few years ago, is now heading to Mosman. It is planning 53 new apartments on Redan Street.

The 3,233 sqm site, spanning <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-48-redan-street-mosman-nsw-2088">40–48 Redan Street</a> with frontage to Redan Lane, is located just under 400 metres from Spit Junction Town Centre. It is reported the developer paid around $100 million for the five-site amalgamation.

Time &amp; Place, founded by Tim Price and backed by James Packer’s private investment firm NPACT, has submitted the project as a State Significant Development through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

Of the 53 apartments, 42 will be released to the market, with the remaining 11 allocated as affordable housing in line with NSW Government requirements.

fjc Studio has designed the building. In its Design Report, the architect said the diverse mix of dwelling types and sizes, including 11 two-bedroom affordable housing units, 40 three-bedroom apartments, and two four-bedroom residences, will support a broad demographic, including families, downsizers, and key workers.

The development will rise to nine levels, a height encouraged by the NSW Government due to the site’s proximity to Spit Junction, which has been identified as a low- to mid-rise centre. Developments within a certain proximity to these centres are permitted increased height.

fjc said the project “achieves an appropriate density outcome for its setting by balancing increased housing supply with strong amenity performance,” adding that it “makes a measurable contribution to NSW housing supply targets through the delivery of additional dwellings and dedicated affordable housing.”

The new development will replace five existing two-storey homes.

“By aligning with the objectives of the Housing SEPP and applying careful architectural and urban design principles, the development provides high-quality residential accommodation that integrates sensitively within its established Mosman context and delivers enduring benefits to residents and the wider community.”

Mosman has become increasingly popular with developers in recent years.

Developer Abadeen has been particularly active, with Mosman Residences currently on the market and under construction on Clifford Street. It also has an upcoming Burran Avenue project, comprising just three apartments on the Balmoral Slopes, and recently secured the Midas and Honeysuckle nursery site on Military Road.

Prosker Property has a project on Redan Lane, just a few doors down from Time &amp; Place’s proposed development.

Developers including Toohey Miller, DARE Property Group, and WINIM also have projects underway in the area. In 2024, a five-year target was set for the Mosman LGA to increase housing supply by 500 dwellings by 2029.

Time &amp; Place entered the Sydney market with Two Tides, its under construction Manly development. Given its sales success, it has secured another development in the area, more boutique, facing the beach on North Steyne.

They are hoping to launch their redevelopment of The Chimes in Potts Point this year, and next year will look to take to market Marlborough House, an adaptive re-use of the landmark David Jones warehouse in Surry Hills.

Joel Robinson

Time & Place to take on Mosman apartment market

Brunswick’s civic heart continues to consolidate around the Merri-bek Arts and Culture Precinct, where a growing cluster of cultural institutions, recreation facilities, and public infrastructure has created one of the inner north’s most defined community hubs.&nbsp;

Within this evolving precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/saxon-street-by-milieu-brunswick-31-saxon-street-brunswick-vic-3056">Saxon Street by Milieu</a> introduces new housing directly alongside the civic anchors that shape daily life in the suburb.

At 31 Saxon Street, the project sits immediately beside Brunswick Baths and within moments of Brunswick Library and Town Hall, longstanding institutions that support both community services and everyday amenity.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348840]

Next door, the newly delivered Balam Balam Place arts precinct has emerged as a central piece of Merri-bek Council’s cultural strategy, bringing together creative studios, exhibition spaces, maternal and child health services, and community programming in a purpose-built civic facility. Together, these destinations have reinforced the surrounding blocks as a focal point for public life in Brunswick.

This part of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> forms a key pocket within the suburb’s designated Major Activity Centre, where long-term planning has prioritised walkability, civic investment, and increased housing supply close to transport and services. The surrounding street network reflects that strategy, with compact blocks, established retail corridors and active transport links supporting a lifestyle that is largely navigable on foot.

Within a few minutes’ walk, Sydney Road delivers one of Melbourne’s most recognisable streets, known for its long-running mix of independent retailers, international dining venues and everyday convenience. Tram routes along Sydney Road provide frequent connections south toward the CBD and north through Brunswick and Coburg, while Jewell Station on the Upfield line sits within roughly a ten-minute walk, offering direct train access into the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348839]

Active transport also plays a significant role locally. The nearby Upfield Bike Path forms a key north–south cycling corridor linking Brunswick through Parkville and into the central city, reinforcing the area’s reputation as one of Melbourne’s most accessible inner-urban neighbourhoods for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

The surrounding civic cluster extends beyond cultural infrastructure. Siteworks, a nearby creative hub supporting artists and community organisations, adds to the concentration of cultural activity in the immediate area. Educational institutions such as Brunswick North Primary School, Brunswick Secondary College and RMIT’s Brunswick campus are also within easy reach, contributing to the suburb’s diverse resident base spanning families, students and professionals.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136434 project_image_fid=348841]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/jackson-clements-burrows-architects">Jackson Clements Burrows Architects</a> in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> and landscape architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>, the nine-level building has been shaped to respond to the surrounding streetscape, with lower levels aligning to the street and upper storeys stepping back to soften its scale and improve solar access.&nbsp;

Curved balcony forms reference nearby heritage architecture, while the development’s public realm improvements include a widened footpath along Saxon Street to strengthen pedestrian connections between the precinct’s civic sites.

Sustainability also underpins the project’s approach. The building is designed to operate entirely on electric infrastructure supported by rooftop solar, with an average 7.5-star NatHERS energy rating and EV-charging readiness across the development. Shared resident amenities will include a landscaped rooftop terrace with barbecue and covered dining areas intended to encourage informal interaction between residents.

Saxon Street marks developer Milieu's fifth project in Brunswick and continues its focus on design-led infill housing across Melbourne’s inner suburbs.&nbsp;

Construction has commenced through reputable builder Manresa, who will complete the project in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136434]

Saxon Street by Milieu connects residents to Brunswick’s cultural and civic core

Within <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079">Candela Ivanhoe</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/salter-brothers">Salter Brothers</a>&nbsp;takes a different approach to larger residences, moving away from the constraints of a single level.

In Grand Residence 3.05, known as the Lustre, plays out across two levels, with a mezzanine configuration that is uncommon in apartment living.

Lustre is a four-bathroom residence where the layout creates a clear distinction between shared and private zones, with uninterrupted views toward the Dandenong Ranges extending the sense of openness from the main living areas.

Entry is to the primary living level, where the kitchen, dining, and living areas are arranged as one continuous space. Timber flooring runs throughout, with a fireplace set within the living zone. Full-height glazing brings in natural light, supported by double glazing that improves thermal performance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357506]

The kitchen is configured as both a working and social space. A large island bench provides seating, while a walk-in pantry extends storage beyond typical apartment expectations.

Gaggenau appliances, including a 900mm gas cooktop and 600mm oven, are integrated into a layout that connects directly to the adjacent dining and living areas, and outward to the terrace. This balcony includes a built-in BBQ, reinforcing the apartment’s capacity to accommodate larger gatherings without compromising internal space.

A dedicated laundry room, powder room, and a wine cellar area sit discreetly off the main living zone, ensuring that functional requirements are resolved without encroaching on primary living areas. The master suite is also located on this level, designed as a retreat with a walk-through wardrobe and an ensuite that includes double vanities, a bath, and a dedicated dressing table.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=357508]

The mezzanine level introduces a second layer of living, rather than simply additional bedrooms. Two large bedrooms with built-in robes are positioned alongside a central bathroom, while a secondary lounge and study area create a self-contained zone suited to children, guests, or extended family. A large storage room further supports long-term usability, addressing a common shortfall in apartment design.

This separation of levels is central to how the residence functions day-to-day. It allows the lower level to operate as the primary entertaining and living space, while the upper level provides privacy and flexibility. The result is closer in feel to a townhouse or standalone home, but with the benefits of apartment living, security, and low maintenance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=364553]

Candela is close to 80 per cent complete, with Ironside delivering construction ahead of its expected October 2026 completion. The development comprises 58 residences, with a strong owner-occupier profile and a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments and loft-style townhouses.

Candela has exclusive access to private amenities, including a residential lounge and rooftop terrace. A charming café and a lifestyle wellness centre are located on the ground level, designed to foster community connection and extend the living experience beyond individual apartments without competing with the scale of homes like Lustre.

Candela, positioned in the heart of Ivanhoe Village, reinforces the practicality of the address. With a Walk Score of 90, residents are within immediate reach of cafés, retail, parklands, and Ivanhoe Station, while also benefiting from proximity to established schools and healthcare services.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Inside Lustre: Grand Residence 3.05 at Candela Ivanhoe

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a> is being shaped around a simple but increasingly rare premise in apartment development: that the built environment should actively support residents’ wellbeing.&nbsp;

Located on the former ABC Studios site on Gordon Street in Melbourne’s south-east, the new neighbourhood sits on an expansive 11,740 sqm site neighbouring the heritage-listed Rippon Lea Estate, whose gardens date back more than 140 years.

Rather than positioning wellness as an add-on amenity, the development integrates it into the physical planning of the site. Architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> is arranged across six low-rise buildings set within extensive landscaping designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/oculus">OCULUS</a>, with more than 40 per cent of the land dedicated to gardens and green space. Walking trails, pocket gardens, and mature trees are threaded between buildings, creating a network of green corridors that encourage residents to move through the precinct on foot and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288420]

Milieu has intentionally framed these gardens as an extension of the neighbouring Rippon Lea Estate. More than 16,000 new plants will be introduced across the site, with species carefully selected to protect and complement the area’s ecological significance. The approach focuses on strengthening existing environmental conditions while establishing new habitats that support native wildlife, reinforcing the role of the landscape as both an active ecosystem and a defining element of daily life.

A private resident gate will provide direct access to the historic grounds during opening hours, allowing residents to move seamlessly between the development’s landscaped gardens and the estate’s expansive lawns, lakes, and mature trees. The project’s gardens will also be maintained by the same gardeners responsible for Rippon Lea, reinforcing the visual and ecological continuity between the two landscapes.

Complementing the landscape is a dedicated wellness hub designed to support everyday health and recovery. Residents will have access to a gym alongside yoga and Pilates studios, while mineral pools and infrared saunas provide spaces for relaxation and restorative wellbeing. Shared lounges, workshop spaces, and pet care facilities expand the concept of wellness beyond fitness, creating opportunities for social connection and community interaction within the precinct.

Environmental performance is another key component of the project’s wellbeing focus. Elsternwick Gardens will be entirely fossil-fuel-free, with homes designed to operate on renewable electricity rather than gas. Passive design strategies, including cross-flow ventilation, high-performance insulation, and thermally broken double glazing, are intended to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing energy demand. Solar photovoltaic systems will power common building services, while rainwater harvesting will help irrigate the extensive landscaping across the site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=361030]

Milieu Founder and Managing Director Michael McCormack says the scale and setting of the project allowed the team to take a different approach to urban apartment living.

“This site represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something truly special,” McCormack says.

“Through that process, we arrived at a design that centres on a fully realised natural landscape – a series of private, interconnected gardens that encircle the homes and extend seamlessly from Rippon Lea Estate.”

Elsternwick Gardens will comprise three residential offerings, Gordon Place, Ripponlea Terrace, and The Garden Pavilion, each designed for owner-occupiers and shaped around high-quality interior design by Woods Bagot, K.P.D.O., and Flack Studio. The first stage, Gordon Place, includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed with a strong focus on indoor-outdoor living and sustainability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288412]

Milieu recently appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brady-constructions">Brady Constructions</a> to deliver the project, marking a key milestone for the development. The appointment follows the demolition of the former studio buildings on the Gordon Street site, with construction progressing toward the delivery of the nature-led community.

Situated between the established villages of Elsternwick and Ripponlea, the development balances its garden setting with strong urban connectivity. Residents will be within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, and local retail, while nearby train and tram connections provide quick access to Melbourne’s CBD and the beaches of Elwood and St Kilda.

With construction underway and the first residents expected to move in by early 2027, Elsternwick Gardens represents a growing shift in apartment development toward environments that prioritise wellbeing as much as density or location. By placing landscape, sustainability, and shared spaces at the centre of the design, Milieu is positioning the project as a residential neighbourhood where wellness is not just promoted, but built into the structure of everyday life.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136535]

Elsternwick Gardens' wellness-first design strategy

Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co</a> has made a striking debut on the Gold Coast, officially unveiling its $250 million COMO development in Varsity Lakes, a lifestyle-driven residential project anchored by an extensive rooftop wellness and activity precinct.

Having recently launched to market, construction has already been fast-tracked by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a>, ensuring momentum continues on what is set to become a landmark residential address for the growing Varsity Lakes community.

Located at 22 Lake Street, Varsity Lakes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels, comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences designed for modern living. However, it is the project’s rooftop amenity offering that sets COMO apart.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363510]

Designed as a dedicated wellness and recreation hub, the rooftop will feature a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium, and multiple pickleball and paddleball courts - amenities rarely seen in boutique apartment projects.

Residents will also have access to a sauna and plunge baths, while landscaped gardens and relaxation zones will provide tranquil spaces overlooking sweeping panoramic views across the Gold Coast skyline.

The rooftop precinct has been designed to function as the social and wellness heart of the development, encouraging residents to embrace an active, balanced lifestyle within their own building.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363512]

Red &amp; Co director David Laverty said the amenity offering was central to the project’s design from the outset.

“Amenities were at the forefront of our decisions,” Laverty said.

“Buyers today are looking for more than just an apartment - they want a lifestyle that promotes health, connection and balance.

“The rooftop at COMO has been designed to be the epicentre of that lifestyle, with a suite of wellness and recreation facilities that are quite unique for a boutique development of this scale.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the residences prioritise liveability, featuring spacious layouts, 2.7-metre ceilings and high-quality finishes throughout.

The development sits beside Bond University, placing residents within walking distance of education, retail and dining options within the vibrant Varsity Lakes precinct, including Robina Town Centre, Varsity Lakes Train Station and a range of leading schools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Laverty said the location was a key driver behind Red &amp; Co’s decision to bring the project to the Gold Coast.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/varsity-lakes-qld-4227">Varsity Lakes</a> was a clear choice for us to invest in as it’s a lifestyle hub that seamlessly blends lakeside living with urbanity,” he said.&nbsp;

“Como will capitalize on this great location, delivering a project that not only creates premium homes, but a lifestyle defined by community, wellbeing, and connectivity.”

Red &amp; Co has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects in Brisbane in recent years, with COMO marking the company’s first major Gold Coast development.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Red & Co unveils amenity-rich Como development in Varsity Lakes

grant

<html><body>
If you’re a first home buyer at the moment, then you will have noticed the Governments, Federal and State, seem to just want to <a href="/expert-insights/buying/home-building-grant-to-benefit-affordable-areas-and-first-timers">throw money at you </a>to try and help you get into that first home.  You’ve got to love that.  Let’s have a brief look at what the offerings are and how they can assist.

There are essentially four different offers available:

<ol>
<li>First Home Buyer Duty Exemption or Concession</li>
	<li>First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)</li>
	<li>First Home Loan Deposit Scheme</li>
	<li>Homebuilder </li>
</ol>
Please note that I’m looking at this from a Victorian perspective, so things may be different in other states.

The first three apply only to first home buyers, while the fourth is applicable to anyone that meets the criteria.

The <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/fhbduty">First Home Buyer Duty Exemption or Concession</a> relates to the purchase of either a new or existing property as a first home to owner occupy and live in.  If you qualify for this and the property you purchase has a value of $600,000 or less (technically the ‘<a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/dutiable-value#:~:text=Dutiable%20value%20is%20the%20price,market%20value%20of%20the%20property.">Dutiable Value</a>’ to be $600,000 or less) then you will receive the first home buyer duty exemption, or if the value is between $600,001 to $750,000 you will receive the first home buyer duty concession.  This relates to the stamp duty normally charged on the purchase transaction.  In the case of the exemption, you don’t pay any stamp duty, while in the case of the concession, you pay a reduced rate of the stamp duty.  

The <a href="http://www.firsthome.gov.au/">First Home Buyer Grant </a>is applicable only to new homes.  That is if you are building your own home, or are purchasing a home that is being offered for sale for the first time, as well as <a href="/new-apartments">off the plan </a>purchases.  In this instance, in Victoria, you can receive $10,000 or, if the property is in regional Victoria, $20,000.  The property involved, however, has to be valued at $750,000 or less.

The <a href="https://www.nhfic.gov.au/what-we-do/fhlds/">First Home Loan Deposit Scheme</a> is a little different in that its aimed to reduce the amount of funds contribution required by home loan applicants in order to pass the Bank's credit criteria to obtain the loan. How this works is that the Government pays the Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) premium normally associated with borrowing over 80% of the properties value.  There are still certain criteria applicants must meet, property value again being one of them, but this time it is based on postcode, and the criteria now include your level of income as well.  Not all lenders are participating in this scheme either but if it works for you then you can save several thousand dollars on the LMI premium.  

<a href="https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/homebuilder">Homebuilder</a> is the latest offering from the Federal Government to help the construction industry during the current COVID-19 situation.  This sees a grant of $25,000 available to any eligible applicants ( not restricted to first home buyers ) to go towards either construction of a new home, including off the plan purchasers, or for a significant renovation of an existing home.  Again there are certain criteria applicants must meet, and for now, at least it appears to only be a short term offer.  Any build contract must be signed before the end of the year and construction must commence within three months of the date of the contract. 

In the case of the first three, all the eligibility criteria are determined prior to <a href="/guides">settlement</a> and so the applicable grant amounts can be factored into the equation so that the loan amount applied for is for the correct amount, however, the Homebuilder scheme is proving a bit more problematic in its current form for the Banks.  Only because final eligibility is determined based on if the construction starts within three months of the contract being signed.  Which means that at the time of loan application, we can’t be certain that the $25,000 will actually be received.  This requires that the initial loan applications will need to be assessed for the full amount. 

In addition, you may still be eligible for the FHOG if you or your spouse/partner purchased a property on or after the 1st of July 2000 and have not lived there as your home.

Additionally, to receive the FHOG at least one applicant must:

<ul>
<li>Must occupy the home as their principal place of residence (PPR) for at least 12 months, commencing within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.</li>
	<li>Be aged 18 or over (discretionary).</li>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.</li>
	<li>In the case of the purchase of a new home - as at the date on which the applicant/s become entitled to possession of the home under the contract, which generally occurs on the date of settlement.</li>
	<li>And finally, in the case of entering into a comprehensive building contract - as at the date on which the building is ready for occupation as a place of residence, which generally occurs when construction of the home is finished.</li>
</ul>
On a final note, trying to make sense of it all can be a little daunting so it is always a good idea to have an in-depth discussion with your lender or broker to make sure you fit the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-time-has-come-for-first-home-owners-to-join-the-property-ladder">eligibility criteria for some, or all of these offers </a>so you can take advantage of them while they are still available.
</body></html>

vivian_48447

How New Government Measures Might Help First Home Buyers Secure a Loan?

<html><body>
With the <a href="/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-australias-25-000-homebuilder-grant-how-much-off-the-plan-homebuyers-could-save">HomeBuilder grant</a> offering eligible Australians $25,000 towards building or renovating their home, many Australians will be engaging with builders - some for the very first time. 

To ensure your project goes as planned, it is critical you work with a <a href="/builders">trustworthy and reputable builder</a>. However, many Australians struggle to know how to separate the good from the bad. 

A history of unscrupulous behaviour 

We’ve all heard of someone who has had a bad experience with a builder or perhaps even had a bad experience with a builder ourselves. The prevalence of dodgy projects and dodgy behaviour by builders is obvious when you examine the statistics. Over the last ten years, new homeowners across the nation have encountered a $10.5 billion bill to fix defects such as leaks, cracks, issues with plumbing, guttering problems and more.

Another serious issue in the building sector is "phoenixing" where a new company is created to continue the operations of a former company which was liquidated to avoid paying debts. In 2017-2018 in NSW, 561 construction businesses were found to have been involved in phoenixing behaviour. Unfortunately, not all phoenixing activity is illegal and until this is stamped out it will continue to leave consumers vulnerable. 

Why the HomeBuilder scheme could make dodgy behaviour worse

The danger is that schemes like HomeBuilder which promise quick cash may incentivise those builders with a history of wrongdoing to continue to perpetuate the same behaviour. Although builders on HomeBuilder projects are required to be licensed or registered prior to the announcement of the scheme this will not fully protect new homeowners against <a href="/news/how-a-proposed-ratings-system-for-builders-could-protect-investors-from-dodgy-developments">dishonest behaviour</a>. 

Another major issue is the length of the scheme. Between the 4th of June and 31st of December 2020, the scheme covers any building contracts entered during that time frame, with construction required to begin within 3 months of the initial contract date. The issue with this is that builders will be incentivised to enter into as many contracts as possible, with chances of taking on an unachievable workload and cutting corners to finish projects. Unfortunately, there are many builders with a great reputation and who consistently deliver high quality builds who will end up being crowded out by those unscrupulous builders. 

How to select a reputable and quality builder 

The good news is that there are countless builders doing the right thing, delivering high-quality projects to budget and to time. Instead of feeling the need and pressure to choose a builder quickly to meet the limited timeframes of the HomeBuilder initiative, consumers should attempt to take the time to do their due diligence to secure a great and trustworthy builder. 

Here are some ways to vet potential builders for your project: 

<ol>
<li>Check the builder is licensed</li>
</ol>
First things first, you should always check that the builder is licensed. In NSW, this is a simple search on the <a href="https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/">Service NSW website</a>. This will weed out any unscrupulous and unlicensed operators. 

Licensed builders are also covered by insurance. In NSW, licensed builders are required to have home building compensation cover for each project over $20,000. This is to protect consumers in the case that the builder can’t finish building work or to fix defects that may arise.

<ol>
<li value="2">Seek out testimonials</li>
</ol>
Ask the builder for testimonials from former clients. If possible, see if you can speak with former clients to get a true picture of what the experience with the builder was like. 

<ol>
<li value="3">Review past projects</li>
</ol>
Have a look at other projects they have completed. Are they high quality? Have there been any defect issues? 

<ol>
<li value="4">Check credit reports and ASIC listings</li>
</ol>
By checking credit reports and <a href="https://asic.gov.au/">ASIC</a> listings, you will be alerted to any debt issues and will uncover any phoenixing behaviour. 

<ol>
<li value="5">Work with a building broker</li>
</ol>
A building broker will undergo a more extensive due diligence process to help you select the right builder. They will have a panel of vetted and accredited builders to choose from and can match you with the right builder for your project. They can also help you avoid any hidden fees or costs and ensure the contract is sound. The service is free for the consumer. 

The last thing consumers need is <a href="/guides/how-to-buy-a-house-in-2021-a-guide-for-first-time-home-buyers">selecting</a> the wrong builder and seeing money and time go down the drain. This can potentially cancel out the financial value of the HomeBuilder grant completely. By doing your due diligence you can make sure you have a trustworthy and quality builder working on your HomeBuilder project and achieve a much better outcome for your building project.
</body></html>

How to Select a Quality Builder for Your HomeBuilder Project

<html><body>
It is now almost 15 years since the post-GST first home buyers grant came into existence.
Records show some $8.8 billion has been effectively injected into the market through grant or stamp duty exemption. 
The New South Wales First Home Benefits Top 20 Postcodes by Value report includes <a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/file_manager/dsg003.pdf" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">all First Home Owner Grant payments</a> made between 1 July 2000 and 30 April 2015. 
No change to <a href="/expert-insights/no-nsw-state-budget-first-home-grant-changes-so-5000-january-2016-reduction-deadline-looms">NSW first home buyer grants in the state budget</a> could intensify activity before the grant's 1 January 2016 reduction.
The grant for buyers of new homes is scheduled to be reduced from $15,000 to $10,000. 
Grants for established home purchases ceased two years ago. 
The recent strength in the Sydney property boom was being especially driven by properties <a href="/expert-insights/less-revenue-growth-ahead-but-nsw-state-budget-benefits-from-7-29-billion-stamp-duty-bonanza">valued over $1.2 million, the NSW State Budget revealed</a>, but the housing boom longevity is not being assumed by the NSW Treasury.
<a href="/images/2015/06/23/700_abs.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/06/23/700_abs.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Liverpool tops the $8.8 billion first time buyer injection

<html><body>
The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has criticised the decision by the State Government to axe the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) for established homes in this week's state budget, but welcomed the retention of the stamp duty exemption.  
REIWA president David Airey said being exempt from stamp duty for homes under $430,000 was a huge benefit to all first time buyers. 
However first time homebuyers wanting to buy an established property have lost the $3000 First Home Owners Grant.
It comes after the FHOG was reduced for established buyers from<a href="/news/changes-to-wa-fhogs-take-effect"> $7000 to $3000 in 2013</a>.
The FHOG remains unchanged at $10,000 for those wanting to build their first home.
And stamp duty concessions for first home buyers of both new and established homes remain unchanged in this year’s budget.
Treasure Mike Nahan said the change was in line with the State Government’s policy objective of focusing financial support on residential construction.
But cutting the grant for first time buyers purchasing established homes will be a saving of about $109 million for the State Government over four years.
Mr Airey said the government’s argument that the FHOG policy was geared towards providing more housing was flawed, because Perth was currently oversupplied with dwellings.
“Supply is not the issue in WA, affordability is the issue and making it harder for first home buyers attracted to existing stock makes no sense,” he said.
Western Australia’s 2015-16 budget showed a significant write down in expected revenues again, largely due to the greater than expected fall in iron ore and oil prices.
With the state’s spending outlook little changed from the December MYEFO, larger deficits are now expected in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 years.
</body></html>

grant

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

grant

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News