Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

Selling

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Ray White Group managing director Dan White and Loan Market executive Chairman Sam White took to the virtual stage last night to explain why current market activity should give customers confidence to sell now rather than wait.     The webinar, that has been watched by more than 3,000 viewers, followed on from the success of the most recent Landlord Information Webinar and addressed property owners looking to sell in the next year.   “At a time when there’s so much conflicting commentary and confusion about the state and outlook of the property market, we wanted to talk directly to our customers about what’s happening now,” Mr Dan White said.  " “The one thing we have been reminded about over the past few months is the deep resilience of the Australian property market and the great love Australians have for it."   “People looking to sell need to know that the real estate industry has remained very active despite restrictions starting two to three months ago."
“During April and May, we served nearly 9,000 Australian families and businesses, representing over $4.4 billion of property. We also conducted 1,025 online auctions, with a better auction day clearance rate than the same months last year – prices also remained strong."   “When you look at our suite of office sites, they’ve had 9,640,000 – more than a third of the Australian population – visit, and that’s up 24 per cent on last year."    “The competition for property is as strong as ever – and with demand very much outstripping supply right now – there’s never been a better time to list your property." “Addressing the question of whether to sell now or wait, given the conditions we're seeing now and the potential risks in the market later this year, it seems hard to see why anyone would wait."
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/6/19/27_Webinar%20Ray%20White.jpg" alt="">   Loan Market Executive Chairman Sam White said buyers were confident and that was driven by the finance market and the support given to buyers from Australian banks.    “Banks and other major lenders have generally been very aggressive in trying to attract customers. We’ve seen this through very low-interest rates and specials, as well as banks offering customers cash incentives to refinance existing loans to them,” he said."   “Interest rates are at historical lows. For owner-occupied loans, we’ve seen variable rates from 2.63 per cent."
“Fixed rates are even lower, with rates starting from 2.09 per cent, a figure you can lock in for two years. It's important you understand all the conditions that go with a fixed rate as restrictions may exist on your ability to make additional payments, as an example."   “Longer-term, there seems broad agreement that Australia’s fundamentals post-COVID-19 should remain strong. Property investment has, and will always be, a long-term investment.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Ray White believe the time to sell is now

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Placing an offer on your dream home is an exciting process, especially if you’re a first home buyer. As with any significant purchase, doing thorough research is vital before putting your pen to paper, and having a greater understanding of the buying process could help boost your confidence and bargaining power.

In this article, you’ll learn more about:

<ol>
<li>Considerations for getting your finances in order</li>
	<li>Due diligence you could consider undertaking</li>
	<li>The different sale types in the market</li>
	<li>The pros and cons of unconditional vs conditional sales</li>
	<li>How to determine how much you should offer</li>
	<li>Tips to help you place your offer with confidence</li>
</ol>
<h2>1. Getting your finances in order </h2>

Firstly, it is important to determine your budget from the outset before you place an offer on a property. This will help mitigate issues such as offering too much for a home you can’t afford or taking on a mortgage you are unable to service. If you’re a first home buyer, it could also be a good idea to research whether <a href="/guides/how-to-navigate-australias-first-home-buyer-grants"><ins cite="mailto:Shay%20Waraker" datetime="2019-10-21T10:30">any government grants</ins></a> may apply to you.

In the current Australian property market, a minimum deposit on a house can cost anywhere from 5% to 20% of the sale price. You will also need to factor in additional fees such as legal costs, building reports and Stamp Duty*. <a href="http://www.canstar.com.au/home-loans/what-are-the-real-costs-of-buying-a-house/">Additional costs</a> will vary from buyer to buyer, so it is best to consult with a property lawyer about which ones apply to you.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28314]

*Stamp Duty is the tax associated with buying property in Australia. If you’re looking to purchase a new apartment which will be your primary residence, then you may be eligible for an off-the-plan stamp duty concession. While Stamp Duty concession policies vary state to state, the concept generally means that the duty you’re required to pay on the property you’re purchasing is heavily subsidised to account for construction costs.

For example, if you were looking to purchase a $500,000 off-the-plan apartment, but $400,000 of that is to be spent on construction costs, the dutiable value of your home would be $100,000*.

Once you’ve got a budget in mind, if you’re going to require a home loan then you’ll need to decide whether you would like to opt for a fixed rate or variable rate loan. A fixed rate is where the interest rate remains stable for a certain period of time. This can provide you with more certainty and enable you to set up an automatic payment to make weekly or monthly payments of the fixed rate.

However, a variable rate means that as interest rates fluctuate, so does your repayment rate. This option is more unpredictable, with the potential for your rate to increase or decrease depending on the market.

There are also two ways you may be able to pay your loan.

<ol>
<li>
Principal + interest loan: This type of loan will mean you are paying both the principal (the amount you borrowed to purchase the property) and interest at the same time.</li>
	<li>
Interest-only loan: Interest-only loans can reduce the amount you pay weekly, but keep in mind you will only be paying the interest, without contributing towards the principal.</li>
</ol>
If you are unsure which repayment type suits you, it could pay to seek the help of a financial advisor.

You may also choose to apply for <a href="https://www.canstar.com.au/home-loans/get-home-loan-pre-approval/">home loan pre-approval</a>, which could be a useful way to understand how much you are eligible to borrow from a lender.

<h2>2. Undertaking thorough due diligence </h2>

Due diligence is the research required prior to placing an offer to check whether the property is a good investment for you. Due diligence is undertaken throughout many stages of the buying process, but before you make an offer, it can help you to determine if the property has been constructed to a high standard, using safe and healthy building materials – as well as a tool for deciding what the property may be worth. There are a number of things <a href="/guides/20-things-you-should-look-out-for-before-you-buy-property">to look out for</a>, and some of the key due diligence research can include:

<ul>
<li>When considering buying an off-the-plan property, investigate the track records of developers by running a background check online and reading news articles. It could also be a good idea to consult property industry experts (such as town planners, master builders and environmental consultants) to ask for honest opinions of the quality of work produced by the developer. Another option is to arrange a meeting with buyers of the developer’s previous developments via the sales agent, to discuss whether they’re happy with their home and if it was completed on time.</li>
	<li>Research the suburb where the property is located including checking crime rates, public transport options, planned infrastructure, property value increases/decreases over time and local schools. These factors will impact the overall liveability, safety and value of the property.</li>
	<li>Research the architect and builder responsible for the home. Consider their credibility and visit their completed developments to assess whether you’re happy with the quality of their work.</li>
	<li>Acquire all supporting documents for the property you’re interested in and read through them with a fine-tooth comb.</li>
	<li>Study the minutes from past strata/body corporate meetings and find out what will be required from you time-wise and financially as a resident if buying into an owner’s corporation*</li>
	<li>Find out whether the property has a heritage overlay and what renovations and modifications you are allowed to make to the property</li>
	<li>Take a look at Geospatial data (known as GIS maps) to identify any risks posed by sea level rising; property boundaries; the location of water, sewer and stormwater services; and more.</li>
</ul>
[smartcode_project:default project_id=29329]

*An owner’s corporation applies to shared residences where financial decisions need to be made for collective maintenance projects. 

When you’re ready to place an offer 

<ul>
<li>Consult with a conveyancing lawyer who will outline your rights and obligations</li>
	<li>Find out how the sunset clause* could be enacted in your state and whether you’re protected against loss of finances and/or the off-the-plan property you’re purchasing</li>
	<li>Find out what your rights are if your off-the-plan property is not delivered on time</li>
	<li>Ask how you will connect your property to utility services</li>
</ul>
*The Sunset Clause is essentially the ‘expiry date’ of an off-the-plan development which gives both the developer and buyer the opportunity to dissolve a contract if the building has not been completed on time.

Getting your offer contract drawn up by a conveyancing lawyer

An offer placed on a property is a legally binding contract, so by engaging a lawyer in the process will help to mitigate any miscommunication within the agreement. A specialised conveyancing lawyer can also help you negotiate the best deal. For example, your lawyer may suggest including a clause which highlights that you will not proceed with the sale should the property fail any inspections undertaken by a master builder or surveyor. This could include issues surrounding soil contamination, asbestos, structural issues and more.

<h2>3. Understanding the different sale types </h2>

TENDER 

A tender is often considered a silent auction where prospective buyers will submit an expression of interest offer in writing to the real estate agent, at a value they believe the property is worth. There is no suggested sale price apart from a capital value* to work from, but this is a good way for the vendor to assess how much the market is prepared to pay for their home – to which they can accept, provide a counter offer or decline.

*A capital value or CV is the recommended house and land value provided by a property valuer. If the valuation has been carried out over a year ago, it is worth engaging in a re-evaluation as the property market is constantly shifting, and house prices fluctuate.

SALE BY NEGOTIATION/PRIVATE TREATY 

Sale by negotiation or a private treaty is where the vendor sets the price, and prospective buyers will either make an offer or provide a counter offer. If a subsequent counter offer is provided by the vendor, the buyer may engage in a bartering process so both parties reach a sale price and agreement that they are both happy with.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27839]

This sale type is often a longer process due to there being no set sale date, giving the vendor more time to settle on an offer they are comfortable accepting.

AUCTION 

The auction process is simple – prospective buyers bid in a competitive environment, with the highest bidder often winning the property on the day if the reserve price is met. In some instances, interested buyers may place an early offer before auction day in an effort to secure the property before it goes to auction. In Australia, auction clearance rates are high, meaning many properties will sell on auction day, rather than progress to a tender.

BALLOTS 

If there is high demand for an <a href="/new-apartments">off-the-plan apartment</a> a waitlist ballot could be created. Interested buyers can enter the ballot, and if their name is chosen at random, then they will be given the opportunity to purchase an apartment at a fixed price.

What do all three sale types have in common? Offers are made via a written contract

A contract offer can either be prepared by the buyer or the buyer’s lawyer. This is a legal document which states the amount the buyer is prepared to pay for the property and includes any conditions that need to be delivered in order for the sale to be finalised. It is encouraged that all offers are drafted with the help of a legal professional in order to help protect you against any unforeseen problems such as any hidden fees, unknown building rectification costs or any other issues that could arise between placing your offer to settlement and beyond.  

4. The difference between unconditional vs conditional sales 

Generally, when you make an offer, you can choose whether your offer is conditional or unconditional. This will generally depend on your circumstances and the property you are purchasing. Sometimes unconditional offers can be a more desirable option for vendors as they can result in a quicker, more seamless sale, however conditional sales can give the buyer the chance to negotiate a better deal.

A Conditional Sale is exactly as the name suggests – a sale with conditions attached. These could include (but not limited to):

<ul>
<li>Buyer’s finance is subject to approval</li>
	<li>Building/pest inspections still to be conducted</li>
	<li>The sale of buyer’s current home to be completed without any complications</li>
	<li>A certain fixture or fitting needs replacing</li>
	<li>The house needs to be professionally cleaned</li>
</ul>
Pros of conditional sale: 

<ul>
<li>If there are aspects of the home which need fixing, changing or even upgrading, buyers may include this in the conditions of sale. If the offer is accepted the vendor must honour these conditions before the buyer takes ownership of the property.</li>
	<li>Less risk involved if the buyer wishes to withdraw their offer, as a clause can be written to provide 14 to 21 days to finalise their decision about the purchase.</li>
</ul>
Cons of conditional sale: 

<ul>
<li>A conditional sale can span across a longer period of time while the buyer secures finance, which could result in the vendor accepting an unconditional offer if they’re looking for a quick transaction</li>
	<li>Unrealistic demands in your conditions may lead vendor to accept another offer</li>
</ul>
[smartcode_project:default project_id=29171]

An Unconditional Sale means that the buyer is willing to accept the property in its current state and can sometimes secure the home for a lower price point because of this. The buyer will have already secured approval for a home loan and has the deposit ready for immediate finalisation of the sale. It is a good idea to consult with a conveyancing lawyer and a registered builder/building inspector before opting for an unconditional sale, as there may be unforeseen issues with the property that might outweigh the savings you made from the sale. While it is imperative that the vendor’s agent discloses all issues present within the building – it is also important to do your own due diligence.

Pros of unconditional sale: 

<ul>
<li>An unconditional offer provides security for the vendor and therefore is more likely to be chosen preferentially over a conditional offer of a similar value.</li>
	<li>Since finance is already secured, buyers are able to place their highest bid with confidence.</li>
</ul>
Cons of unconditional sale: 

<ul>
<li>No longer able to back out of a contract</li>
	<li>The buyer may overvalue the property if making a hasty offer and won’t be able to change it</li>
	<li>If home loan finance is not approved, the buyer may have to forfeit their deposit</li>
</ul>
<h2>5. Deciding how much you should offer </h2>

You’ve got your budget in mind, you’ve accounted for additional upfront costs, now it’s time to decide whether you can comfortably service your mortgage. A great way to figure out your weekly or monthly repayments is by using a comprehensive mortgage calculator. This will factor in your deposit paid, interest, and home loan rate.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24412]

CASE STUDY: 

NAB have set their principal and interest home loan rate at 4.92% per annum. If a buyer was to borrow $500,000 then their weekly repayments would be $613 p/w over a 30-year term. If the buyer was to borrow an additional $50,000, then this amount would increase to $675 p/w (a difference of $62 p/w).

When determining the price-point of your offer, some factors you may want to consider include how much you believe the property is worth based on market value, the condition of the home and your how attached you are to it. To gauge how much other listing in the area are selling for, you can research market values online, visit open homes in the area and speak with the real estate agents and sign up to mortgage brokering newsletters to stay informed about market trends. But ultimately, you’ve got to be happy with the property and comfortable with price based on your budget.

Depending on the type of sale you’re engaging in, you can generally place a low-ball offer, and have it either accepted or receive a counter offer from the vendor. However, if you’ve found the dream house and have the funds to pay your allocated amount for it, sometimes offering a decent price will avoid the risk of losing the property to a higher bidder if the vendor is looking for a quick sale.

6. Top tips when making an offer 

Know your budget before auction day 

Auctions are generally a high-pressure environment, which may lead some buyers to spend more than they initially intended, however attending an auction with a clear budget in mind is the best way to ensure you don’t exceed your spending capacity.

Seek loan pre-approval 

By securing your home loan before making an offer, your bid will have a stronger chance of being accepted as this provides more certainty to the vendor that you will be able to access the funds.

Have a contingency clause written up 

Worried you’ll get cold feet about the purchase? You can have your conveyancing lawyer write up a contingency clause – a legal document which generally accompanies your offer and is personalised to your requirements. For example, it might allow you 14 days to view the property again before the contract becomes binding. This will give you time to confirm your decision.

Triple check your conditions of sale 

If you’re asking the landlord to fix a window, but also want the property for $10,000 lower than the asking price – you might want to reassess your priorities. Consider the cost of your conditions versus the price you’re offering as the more conditions you can address yourself (and the shorter your list of requests) the more likely the vendor will be to take your offer over someone else's.

Include a personal letter 

Finally, you may like to include a personal letter to the vendor, sharing some background information about yourself and why you have chosen their property. Perhaps you love the house for its Victorian ceiling roses that have been so meticulously restored, or maybe you’re a young family with kids who are going to attend the school nearby. There can be a lot of emotional attachment for both parties when negotiating the sale of a house, so it can be helpful if the vendor is reassured that the property will be going to someone who will appreciate it.
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Olivia Round

Step-by-step guide to placing an offer on a house

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EXPERT OBSERVER
We’ve just entered what is traditionally the busiest time of the year for selling and it’s going to be a tough season. Property markets are cooling causing an increasingly tight and competitive market for those looking to sell. To achieve the best possible price in the current environment it is essential that sellers have greater control and visibility over the entire sales process – but how do you do this when you’re not actually in control?
Doing it yourself (DIY), is the best way to position yourself at the centre of a sale, and achieve the best outcome for you. You are actually the best person to sell your home as only you have your best interests at heart.
The benefits of selling, yourself
I’ve often heard that vendors believe they need a professional to facilitate the sale of their largest asset. My response to that is with that much at stake, shouldn’t you, the seller, maintain control? It’s a level of transparency that is very difficult to achieve with an agent, though can be achieved by taking the property to market yourself.
North America and Europe boast a significant portion of the market as DIY sales, with 23% of homes sold privately in Canada, 9% in the USA, and 44% in France. This sees vendors successfully transacting directly with the buyer market, realising the significant benefits of control, visibility and savings on commission. Whether selling yourself or engaging an agent, information is power.
Dedicated service
As the vendor, you are selling one property – your property. You have only one motivator; to sell your property at the best possible price. This means you can choose when you have open for inspections whether it’s during the week, after work, on weekends – it is completely up to you. You won’t need to limit potential buyers to a quick 30 minutes on a Saturday afternoon or the middle of the day when everyone is working.
Property knowledge
Agents will tell you no one knows local real estate like they do, and when it comes time to market the property, vendors are asked to leave their property so as not to “scare off” any potential purchasers. However, no one knows your property and your street like you do. You will always have a knowledge advantage over any agent, whether it be electricity costs, sunniest spot in the garden, or Joe across the road who keeps an eye on the place when you go on holidays – buyers love to hear these insider details from you.
Further, sellers are reliant on agents to tell them how many people attended, how many are interested and how many requested a copy of the sec. 32 etc. You never actually get the chance to engage with interested parties as they’re the property of the agents – agents who are not only responsible for the sale of your home, but the raft of other properties on their books.
Open for inspections continue and interest builds, still, the vendor has no contact with these ‘interested’ parties. The entire sales process is in the hands of the agent, a person who hasn’t slept a single night in the home and doesn’t know the unique benefits and quirks of both the property and the surrounding environment which make for outstanding sales attributes.
Money, money, money
The costs you will need to pay an agent upon the successful sale of your property can vary – often between 1.8 and 3 percent of the sale price. On a $600,000 home, that’s almost $20,000 you need to pay out of the sale of your home, out of your pocket. That’s a lot of money that could go to better use.
Immediate response to buyers
Provided you give them the privacy to look around, buyers appreciate the opportunity to ask questions of the owner directly, rather than filtering through an agent which draws out the process. You can manage open for inspections well by giving a quick outline of the house layout and advising buyers to come to you should they have any questions. Invariably the buyers have queries, whether it’s about recent renovations or a tree in the backyard so best to deal with these efficiently, and honestly.
Negotiation
Negotiation is often the major hurdle between choosing an agent or the DIY path due to the fear factor. However, it isn’t as complicated as it seems. By choosing to DIY you are able to be honest about your needs, and buyers can be honest about their own. In my experience, vendors who have elected to DIY report the process is less combative than it is using agents as the go-between. And when a rapport has been established between buyer and seller, it can make negotiation a pleasant and friendly experience.
If this isn’t for you, then there are services that can be offered where a professional can handle the negotiation component of the sale for you.
Overall, many first time DIY sellers advocate the experience as being a lot of fun. Being complimented on your home as well as achieving an agreement on price provides a huge sense of accomplishment and joy. Not to mention what can be done with the thousands of dollars saved in agent commissions.
Colin Keating is the CEO buyMyplace
 
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Why you are the best person to sell your home: buyMyplace Colin Keating 

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Government charges are dissuading property owners from selling their homes, driving up demand and impacting affordability, a survey by LJ Hooker has shown.
The survey of 2,700 home owners showed 44 percent of respondents who wanted to sell in 2016 but decided against it, cited transactional imposts such as the stamp duty they would pay on their next property as the reason for staying put.
If stamp duty was lessened, 51 percent of respondents said they would likely go to market, but that figure increased to 61 percent of respondents if the charge was scrapped entirely.
As the Commonwealth and state governments prepare to tackle affordability in their 2017-18 Budgets, pent-up demand has been a significant contributor to price rises in capital cities.
Nationwide, listings were 8.9 percent fewer in 2016 than the previous 12 months according to CoreLogic RP Data.
The reduced level of choice – accompanied by a record low cash rate - resulted in the number of transactions dropping by 9.2 percent over 2016.
LJ Hooker’s Head of Research Mathew Tiller said the survey found 60 percent of survey respondents who requested a market update in 2016 decided against selling.
“A market update is the first critical step in the selling process,” said Mr Tiller.
“The fact that six out of every ten people who had a market update, also known as an appraisal decided against listing suggests there is a deterrent in the selling process,” he said.
“When pressed for the reason why they chose not to sell, almost half (44 percent) indicated the costs involved with selling then buying a new home, including stamp duty, were too high.
As stamp duty is pegged by the state governments to property prices, we’ve seen transactional costs rise exponentially.
In Sydney, the sale of a median priced property costs a buyer around $40,000; in Melbourne, the 5.3 percent duty adds $37,520 for buyers.
While Sydney and Melbourne sellers have enjoyed strong price growth, respondents have reported the accompanying increase in stamp duty, on the purchase of their next home, as a reason to not sell.”
Mr Tiller said the high response rate to “cost of change” such as stamp duty could give governments ‘food for thought’ during their budget preparations.
“A drop off in the number of transactions has a bearing on the amount of stamp duties collected by governments and place strains on their programs.”
LJ Hooker Network Chief Graeme Hyde said while the efforts of governments to increase new supply assisted in improving market affordability, established homes overwhelmingly accounted for the bulk of real estate transactions.
“Home owners are staying in their properties for longer periods of time which is reducing the necessary turnover of stock.
With an increasing and ageing population, it’s important all market demographics have the confidence to buy and sell in the marketplace to aid sustainability,” said Mr Hyde.
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Stamp duty stopping Australians from selling

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The latest capital city data relating to the average number of days it takes to sell a residential property shows that in May homes were selling at close to their fastest rate on record driven by record sales rates in Sydney and Melbourne.
Acacia Gardens in Sydney was the fastest sellling suburb for houses across Australia, according to CoreLogic RP Data's analyst Cameron Kusher.
Recent sales included a <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/50-wilson-road-acacia-gardens/Property-Details-sold-residential-8548856" target="_blank">three bedroom brick home for $765,000</a>, set five minutes drive to Stanhope Village Centre and 10 minutes to Rouse Hill Town Centre.
<a href="/news">The median price is at a record $678,000</a> having been at $515,000 in early 2013.
The average time on market figure is measured by the difference between the initial listing date of a property for sale and the contract date.
CoreLogic RP Data notes if the days on market are short it is typically indicative of a seller’s market where homes are selling rapidly and buyers have little time to ponder a purchase decision.
When the average selling time starts to rise, buyers will typically have more scope to deliberate their decision and negotiate on the purchase price.
Short selling times will typically coincide with rising prices and long selling times will generally see less upwards price pressures.
The latest combined capital city data showed that homes were on average taking 37 days to sell. The rate of sale was close to a record low and across the two largest cities homes were selling at their fastest rate on record at 26 days in Sydney and 32 days in Melbourne. It is important to note that these figures are focussed solely on private treaty sales and don’t include properties sold at auction.
The suburb level data to April also highlights a rapid rate of sale across certain capital city suburbs.
"The chart highlights that the suburbs with the shortest days on market have much lower figures in Sydney and Melbourne relative to the remaining capital cities," he said.
'The other point to note is that in most cities it is either the more affordable of ‘middle’ priced suburbs where the rate of sale is quickest.
"It reflects the fact that those areas with the largest pool of buyers are typically going to achieve sales quicker," Cameron Kusher said.
<a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/resources/property-pulse/article-graphs-img/2015-07-20--01--houses-top5-capital-city-suburbs-shortest-days-on-market-April2015.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
Houses | Top 5 capital city suburbs with the shortest days on market, April 2015
<img src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/resources/property-pulse/article-graphs-img/2015-07-20--01--houses-top5-capital-city-suburbs-shortest-days-on-market-April2015.jpg">
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sold in 16 days - little known Acacia Gardens headlines Australia's fastest selling suburbs

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The latest Commonwealth Bank-CoreLogic Home Buyers Index suggests housing market conditions remained relatively balanced between buyers and sellers.
It noted selling conditions in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide were stronger than elsewhere. 
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At a national level, the ratio of buyers to effective supply across the Australian real estate market has shifted slightly in favour of buyers over the past three months, resulting in a housing market which remains balanced between buyers and sellers, the report noted.
Total advertised stock levels are generally in line with the number of home loans funded, suggesting that current market conditions, at least at a national level, are balanced. 
As at April 2015 across each state and territory the results were quite different; in Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, and Northern Territory market conditions were skewed towards buyers. Every other state and territory was showing relatively balanced conditions. 
Conditions across the capital cities were typically more balanced or in favour of sellers, reflecting a different balance between advertised stock levels and demonstrated buyer demand in metropolitan versus regional housing markets.
The results also reflected the higher levels of buyer demand compared with stock levels which were occurring in the Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide markets where overall conditions favour sellers rather than buyers. While Sydney and Melbourne have recorded significant value rises over the past year, Adelaide has recorded relatively soft capital growth conditions. 
<a href="https://www.commbank.com.au/content/dam/commbank/personal/docs/hbi-report-apr-2015.pdf" target="_blank">The Commonwealth Bank–CoreLogic Home Buyers Index</a> provides an indication of how well market conditions are suited to buyers or sellers, based on the ratio of properties advertised for sale compared with the number of housing loans which are being committed to by customers of Australia’s largest mortgage lender, Commonwealth Bank.
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Where the number of properties being advertised for sale outweighs the number of mortgage commitments (adjusted for market share), the market is considered to be in favour of buyers; effective supply is outweighing demand.
Where new home loans are outweighing the number of homes being advertised for sale, market conditions generally favour sellers.
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HBI by capital city – April 2015
<a href="/images/2015/06/15/700_hbi2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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