Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.

Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.

Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]

The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;

Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.

Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]

Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.

"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.

"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."

The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]

Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.

Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.

The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.

The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.

<img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" />

Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.

"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.

The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.

The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.

Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.

"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.

Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.

Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.

Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.

Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.

Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.

Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]

Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.

The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.

"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.

"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]

The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.

For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.

"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."

The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.

The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.

At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]

The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.

Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.

Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.

"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."

Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]

North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.

The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]

McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.

"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.

"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]

A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.

The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.

Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.

"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."

Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]

Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.

"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.

She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.

Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.

Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.

Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]

More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.

The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.

"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.

"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”

He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.

"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."

When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.

"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.

"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."

The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a>

The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.

Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.

"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.

"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."

Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.

"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.

The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;

The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.

Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

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The New South Wales Real estate auction results for Saturday 18 June 2016 have been prepared for realestate.com.au by CoreLogic, Australia's no.1 property information service.
There was a preliminary <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/auction-results/nsw?rsf=edm:auction:nsw" target="_blank">75 percent success rate</a>.
 
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All the June 18 NSW weekend auction results: CoreLogic

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The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales has collated a list of its concerns ahead of the NSW State Budget, with the abolishment of stamp duty the number one concern.
REINSW president John Cunningham said the NSW Government has left stamp duty rates unchanged for more than 30 years and are reaping the rewards at the expense of ordinary NSW citizens. 
“The NSW Treasurer and Premier must look to the lead of Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison who recognised the burden placed on middle Australians through bracket creep and lifted tax thresholds accordingly,” Mr Cunningham said. 
“The NSW Transfer Duty already collected for the 9 months from July 2015 to March 2016 is $6.749 billion.
“The NSW Half Yearly Review for 2015-16 highlighted stamp duty revenue in 2015-16 is forecast to be $863 million higher than at Budget at $7.841 billion, while Land tax revenue in 2015-16 is expected to be $104 million higher than at Budget at $2.764 billion."
“Based on Domain Group's March 2016 house price data, stamp duty of $31,827.50 would be  payable on a property at the median Sydney house price of $807,500. 
“On a house price of $1 million the stamp duty payable is $40,490, for houses over $1 million stamp duty payable is 5.5 per up to $3 million, and thereafter the rate becomes 7 percent.
“This means that after the stamp duty is paid, a man or woman on an average wage (currently around $75,000 to $77,000) would have to work for five to six months in order to just pay the stamp duty.
“This barrier to entry has become unjust and disproportionate over time. It is too much and is distorting social fortunes and creating a range of social challenges and consequences for young, middle aged and elderly people. "
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REINSW calls for removal of stamp duty

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A BP retail complex with national tenants at Grafton in northern NSW is up for sale through an expressions of interest campaign closing May 31.
The complex at 1-3 Spring Street and 5 Iolanthe Street, South Grafton, is being marketed by Kelly Zeckovic of Ray White Commercial Robina.
The nearly 7,000 sqm site was recently completed and its major tenants, which include Red Rooster, Driven to Espresso, BCF, Anytime Fitness and Bridgestone Australia, have long-term leases with options.
The complex earns a net rental income of about $801,950 per annum and is on two titles available individually or combined, said Zeckovic.
“The site is zoned Business Development and the property offers excellent depreciation advantages,” she said.
The city of Grafton is located on the Clarence River, about 630 km north of Sydney and 340 km south of Brisbane.
 
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BP retail complex in NSW's Grafton up for sale

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Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet announced yesterday a simpler, more equitable pricing scheme for Land and Property Information’s (LPI) registration and titling services, delivering on the NSW Government’s commitment in 2015 to review LPI’s pricing framework to improve transparency.
Mr Perrottet said the old framework was outdated and overly complex, while the new framework removes pricing inconsistencies that had built up over time.
“This reform delivers a more transparent framework that will make dealing with LPI simpler for everyone, from new home buyers to the legal and property professionals who deal with the LPI every day,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s a reform that makes sense, adjusting the current framework to make it more user friendly and easier to regulate, while also making sure LPI’s product pricing is more equitable for customers,” he said.
Changes introduced under the new framework include:
<ul>
<li> Consistent pricing for core document lodgments, more than halving the number of different price points for LPI services (from 44 to 20).</li>
<li> A much simpler fee for plan lodgments, to be priced on a flat per-lot basis.</li>
<li>The introduction of requisition fees to ensure practitioners lodge quality-assured documents, reducing the need for costly resubmission of amended lodgments.</li>
<li>LPI ceasing to operate as an online retailer of title search products, with existing private-sector information brokers already servicing 91% of the market.</li>
</ul>
The impact of the reforms on existing product prices will vary, however the new framework is designed to remain revenue-neutral to Government overall, with NSW to remain one of the cheapest jurisdictions in Australia for core land titling transactions.
Among the price changes, titling charges on new home purchases will decrease by up to $61, while mortgage refinance charges will increase by up to $53.  Plan lodgment charges for subdivisions of 9 lots or more will increase, but will be lower for subdivisions of 8 lots or less (which make up more than 90% of subdivisions).
The new pricing framework takes effect from 1 July 2016, with LPI to delay applying the new requisition fee until 1 January 2017 to allow practitioners sufficient time to adjust.
Further information on LPI’s new pricing framework is available at <a href="https://www.lpi.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">www.lpi.nsw.gov.au</a>.
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Property 101: NSW LPI new registration and titling pricing

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Developer Consolidated Properties had the official opening of its Casuarina Village Shopping Centre, which is a full house after surfwear retailer Rip Curl secured the final tenancy in the precinct.
Rip Curl, which signed a lease for a 144 sqm space with an expected July open, adds to Casuarina Village's line up of retailers that includes cafes and restaurants, doctor’s surgery, bottle shop and a travel agency. 
The $25-million centre also includes a 2,500 sqm market-style Coles, the only full-line supermarket in the Salt Village/Casuarina residential and resort precinct.
Tweed deputy mayor Gary Bagnall, Member for Tweed Geoff Provest and Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Consolidated Properties executive chairman Don O'Rorke went on a tour of Casuarina Village.
"Casuarina Village has had an extremely successful first few weeks of trade, vindicating our decision to create a dedicated retail hub for the Casuarina township," O'Rorke said.
Member for Tweed, Geoff Provest, said the Casuarina Village Shopping Centre had created around 220 jobs during the development stage, while the 100 ongoing, long-term jobs within the centre would benefit the local community.
"I think particularly looking at the local economy relying on tourism and retail, this centre adds so much value and is especially great for the locals who already love the new services they can access right on their doorstep," said Justine Elliot, Member for Richmond.
Casuarina Village was developed by Casuarina Beach developer Consolidated Properties along with capital partners CVS Lane Capital Partners.
The centre is on the corner of Grand Parade and Casuarina Way, which links the north and central residential villages of Casuarina Beach, and also provides a direct connection to the adjoining $1 billion Salt Village community.
"I've lived in Casuarina for 13 years and I've always loved it here, but now it's even better because I can shop locally instead of having to drive to Kingscliff or Cabarita," said local resident Lisa Burgess.
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Full house at Casuarina Village shopping centre

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Estate agents have been told an underquoting audit program will be conducted by NSW Fair Trading commencing today, Monday 7 March lasting for two weeks.
The program will target agents in both Sydney metropolitan and regional locations.
The inspectors will be looking at published advertisements and the Estimated Selling Price contained within agency agreements.  
They will also review and consider the evidence utilised in developing the estimated selling price.
The department has viewed the industry as coping well with the new laws and overall compliance. 
But in the first seven weeks since the laws were introduced on the 1 January 2016, Fair Trading received 68 complaints relating to underquoting. 
"Complaints are from named individuals, anonymous complainants and other real estate agents," a department spokesperson said.
To coincide with the new underquoting laws starting, Fair Trading ran a public awareness campaign to raise awareness and understanding among NSW real estate agents and consumers seeking to buy and sell residential property in NSW.
The campaign advertisements were run throughout January 2016 directing people to underquoting information on the Fair Trading website.
Fair Trading’s online display advertising delivered almost 1 million impressions.
A Facebook campaign was run concurrently with the digital advertising and generated more than 685,000 impressions. 
Fair Trading has information tailored specifically to support agents specifically, a publication was produced – <a href="https://fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/biz_res/ftweb/pdfs/About_us/Publications/Underquoting_guidelines_for_residential_property.pdf" target="_blank">Underquoting guidelines for residential property</a>, including a checklist to help agents with their obligations.  
Also, the mandatory fact sheet, which agents need to supply to sellers when entering into an agency agreement to sell their home, was updated to refer to the new underquoting laws. 
Fair Trading has conducted 119 agent education lessons following a review of more than 5000 advertisements. 
Fair Trading also issued two trader education letters for failing to comply with an undertaking to update advertisements. 
"Fair Trading will take action in regards to any future or ongoing contravention, which can include penalty infringement notices, and civil pecuniary penalties."
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Underquoting estate agent blitz launched by NSW Fair Trading

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The public in NSW has more time to have its say on a discussion paper that proposes to support improved housing supply, affordability and diversity.
The discussion paper was released in late November on fast-tracking delivery of housing options such as terraces, often referred to as medium density or ‘the missing middle’, under the state’s complying development assessment process.
Terraces and villas are more energy efficient than detached houses, and medium density housing also offers more variety and flexibility for Sydney’s changing demographics.
The discussion paper provides details of the proposed standards and other requirements for these types of homes.
A Department spokesperson said there have been requests to extend the exhibition period, to allow more time to comment on the discussion paper.
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to spend time looking over the discussion paper and providing their feedback.”
The discussion paper is now on exhibition until Tuesday 1 March.
To view the Discussion Paper and provide feedback <a href="https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/proposals" target="_blank">visit here</a>.
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Property 101: NSW townhouse review continues

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The NSW 2016 auction season kicks off with plenty of unsold property left over from last year's unsold private treaty and auction stock.
Sydney currently has over 17,000 properties for sale - around 16 per cent up on the same time last year, according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The year ended on a 53 percent December clearance rate, with some late 2015 auction vendors six weeks on still to secure offers close enough to their desired asking price.
However new vendors are yet to swamp the market as just 3,300 fresh listings have been posted over the past four weeks. That's down around six percent.
There have been just a few dozen early bird January auction listings, with clearance rates bouncing back a bit.
There were 19 for auction on Saturday January 10, then last Saturday, January 17 there were 12 on offer across the state with agents selling 63 per cent including an $1.22 million two bedroom unit in Clovelly.
Last weekend the numbers bumped up to 82.
Last year around 30 per cent of all properties sold via auction.
But Sydney's overall clearance rates plummeted towards the end of last year from the 82 per cent March record.
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Sydney up 16 per cent on last January's listings 

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GUEST OBSERVER
An overhaul of education and training standards is in the best interests of the consumer and the profession. Responding to the review of training in the property services industry conducted by NSW Fair Trading, REINSW is firmly of the view that the overwhelming majority of issues that attract the attention of the regulator and aggravate consumers, can be resolved by substantially improving the education of property professionals for both entry and continuing professional development. We suggest a higher entry level education standard. It not only better equips the new entrant for the profession, it also allows that new entrant the opportunity to commit themselves to the disciplines required by the profession. This will then, it is submitted, positively impact on a higher retention rate and increase the aggregate competencies of the profession. In order to reduce the churn, which the panel has identified at 80 per cent of new entrants, REINSW proposes new entrants complete an additional three units prior to starting work. This will at least in part address this at the commencement of the new entrants employment and with on-going study together with practical on- the-job experience will grow the new entrant into a capable, knowledgeable and skilled professional. REINSW has also called for additional on the job training. Under the Institute’s suggested educational regime the student will take seven units of competence into the workplace and receive an additional 17 units of competence within the context of practical application and repetition. The complete education, which involves both classroom and on the job training, particularly in a service industry such as real estate is not so much desirable, but essential. Without it the service provider is ill-equipped to respond to the demands and disciplines of the profession. The delivery and assessment of training should be undertaken by trainers who regularly update their property industry work experience and skills. The qualification level of the trainers should be at least a one-step higher level than the qualification currently being taught within the relevant property associated discipline.
 
John Cunningham is President, REINSW and can be contacted <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/imis15_Prod/web" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Real estate agent education, training overhaul needed: REINSW

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The former Miss World Belinda Green and husband Steve Mason have yet to sell their Cowra farm, Glen Echo which was passed in at recent auction.
The online bidding opened at $1 million, with Glen Echo passed in at $1,150,000.
The Meares &amp; Co listed agent Chris Meares advised there was an asking price of $1.3 million for the 50 hectare farm which they bought in 2004. It is listed inconjunction with First National.
The 1896 double brick hillside three bedroom homestead has recently been renovated with new wide verandahs on three sides.
The couple who married three years ago at Nyngan during one of their regular Desert Duel charity car rallies, are now looking to downsize from the farm, located <a href="https://www.meares.com.au/property/glenecho/gallery/glen-echo.htm" target="_blank">16km west of Cowra</a> and 300km from Sydney.
Belinda has had a full life, but is always fondly remembered for her pageantry appearances, winning the 1972 Miss World contest at the age of 20.
These days Green, the mother of two daughters from her second marriage, and Steve's three children, prompts them to be increasingly spending time away from the farm, in Sydney and overseas.
Long retired from pageantry and even her subsequent television work, which included being a Beauty And The Beast panelist, Belinda has always been busy with charity work, awarded an Order of Australia for services to the community in 2013.
She's currently studying as a veterinary nurse at Southern Cross Wildlife care centre, an animal hospital at Braidwood, an adjunct to her rescuing, and caring for, injured and orphaned wildlife, through Wildcare.
The paddocks are currently leased to a local farmer.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
 
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