Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<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/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

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The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Stamp Duty

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The WA State Government announced that they will be proceeding with stamp duty relief of up to $50,000 for off the plan apartment purchases.
The rebate is effective immediately and is applicable to all buyers purchasing off-the-plan apartments including first home buyers, seniors looking to right-size and foreign buyers.
Samantha Reece, Director of WAAA, stated that she had held discussions with both Minister for Transport, Planning and Lands, Rita Saffioti, and Minister for Housing, Veterans Issues, Youth and Asian Engagement, Peter Charles Tinley, in March this year after research results from 3312 apartment owners indicated that only 14% were prepared to purchase off the plan.
“With the future of MetroNet hanging on the balance of apartment pre-sales, this decision by the McGowan Government will ensure that people who have been dissuaded to buy an apartment will now have an added incentive,” Reece said.
“This stamp duty relief will undoubtedly stimulate the apartment market and that is very promising with the Government’s focus to achieve 47% infill targets.
"WAAA lends its full support to this decision and we thank the relevant Ministers for listening to the voting public of Perth."
ABS data indicates that WA only represents 4.7% of total apartments in the nation in comparison to NSW at 47.2%, Victoria 22.8% and QLD 17.4%.
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McGowan Government announces WA stamp duty relief for off the plan purchases

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Most Australians could well assume that recent falls in housing values have translated into more affordable housing. Lower prices, after all, should equate to better affordability.
We recently released our <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news/perceptions-of-housing-affordability-2019" target="_blank">2019 Perception of Housing Affordability</a> report, and there was some good news on the affordability front with some 54% of Australians believing that housing affordability is the same or better than it was a year ago.
But despite that positive sentiment, there are several reasons why Australia is still facing a serious affordability crisis.
<ul>
<li>Affordability ratios remain elevated</li>
</ul>
Firstly, the dwelling value to household income ratio today is 6.5 times. So, the typical Australian household is spending, on average, 6.5 times their gross annual income to buy a median-priced dwelling of $524,000. Less than 20 years ago it was 4.5 times. And the privilege of that problem is another. It takes, on average, 8.7 years to save for a 20% deposit.
That’s a long time; an eighth to a tenth of a lifetime.
<ul>
<li>Housing costs are substantial</li>
</ul>
Australian households are spending 35% of their gross annual income to service their mortgage. That is a significant amount of disposable income they need consistently to be able to service their loan.
<ul>
<li>Wages growth is anaemic</li>
</ul>
But while house prices remain elevated, incomes have not been rising in lockstep to match. Wages edged only slightly higher than inflation over the year ending June, up by 2.3%.1
<ul>
<li>Prices are in the early stages of an upswing again</li>
</ul>
While affordability has improved with house price falls, these affordability gains may be unwound with prices now recently entering a new growth phase stimulated by the current lower interest rates and improved lending conditions. This recovery in housing values accelerated in August 2019 with national dwelling values increasing by 0.8% over the month.
<ul>
<li>Australians are struggling to secure a loan</li>
</ul>
Our report found that 45% of Australians say securing loan approval is a major obstacle coming in at second whereas in 2017 Australians viewed it as the 6th most important concern. The rise of this concern comes amid a significant tightening of credit following the implementation of prudential regulations and increased focus on borrower spending behaviour.
<ul>
<li>Low income householders struggle to save a deposit</li>
</ul>
And 31% of households with an income of less than $50,000 say they wouldn’t be able to raise more than a 5% deposit, and 41% wouldn’t be able to raise a deposit of more than 10%.
<ul>
<li>Our most vulnerable</li>
</ul>
The generation most affected by the affordability crisis are amongst our youngest: Millennials.
The fall in housing values hasn’t however dented their desire to own their own home. We found that 86% of Millennials rated home ownership as important. That makes them the most passionate of all generations. More broadly, 81% of all Australians believe it is still important to own a home.
While desire to enter the housing market burns brightly for many it will be delayed with the number of Australians who think they will be at least 30 before leaving home jumping from 20% in 2017 to 34%.
Solutions
We believe that we should be moving beyond short-term cosmetic levers such as stamp duty concessions and first home buyer grants.
We need to be deploying more foundational levers such as transport infrastructure to carry people from affordable regions to job hot spots. We also need to create more jobs in those affordable areas.
Perhaps the most significant shift required is the transitioning from a stamp duty-based property tax scheme, which is inefficient and unfair, to a broad-based land tax.
Australians across all demographics and geographies are united in calling for action on stamp duty. We found that 79% of respondents thought the best strategy to improve housing affordability was to remove stamp duty (up from 73% in 2017).
No time for complacency
We can’t rely on house price falls to improve what remains a critical issue.
Affordability hasn’t gone away. Indeed, some 83% of non-property owners are still concerned about being able to afford their first or next home (87% in 2017).
Policy makers need to acknowledge that and continue to explore structural, long-term solutions to the affordability challenge.
We need to be proactive as a nation to address this problem. Otherwise, we risk alienating the next generation of Australians who will be locked out of the great Australian dream.
LISA CLAES is the CEO of CoreLogic International.
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Why we still have a housing affordability crisis: CoreLogic's Lisa Claes

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First home buyers have saved more than a billion dollars in stamp duty courtesy of the 2017 Housing Affordability Strategy, according to the NSW state government. 
The report shows that more than 67,800 home buyers have now taken advantage of the opportunity to save (up to) $24,740 in stamp duty when purchasing their first home.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/13/ss1.png" alt="">
The scheme eliminates stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing a new or existing property valued up to $650,000 and provides stamp duty savings for purchases of homes valued between $650,000 and $800,000.
The First Home Owner Grant of up to $10,000 is also available for new housing constructions valued up to $600,000, or for land and a new construction you intend to build valued up to $750,000.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said her government was delivering on its promise to make it easier for people to own a home.
 “I made it a priority to help first home buyers get the keys to their first home and today’s figures show we are doing just that," Berejiklian said.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/9/13/ss2.png" alt="">
The share of first home buyers entering the NSW property market has increased from 17.3% in July 2017 to 27.5% in July of this year, according to ABS lending data.
Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Lending to Households and Businesses report show lending to first home buyers had the biggest increase of all lending categories, with a 6% jump in July.
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NSW first home buyers save more than $1 billion in stamp duty, according to state government

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Another industry body has lent its voice to the growing calls for tax reform around stamp duty. 
HIA’s Stamp Duty Watch report is a regular review of policies and the latest developments in the states and territories around Australia.
Replacing stamp duty with a more predictable and equitable tax would provide state governments with a more reliable source of revenue, explained HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
“State governments have become increasingly dependent on stamp duty revenues,” said Reardon.
“Stamp duty is an unreliable source of revenue and the increased dependence makes states heavily susceptible to housing market downturns.
“In NSW the downturn in the property market is forecast to cost $10.6 billion in lost revenue over the forward estimates.
“In Victoria where the decline in house prices has been more modest, revenue from stamp duty has been revised down by $5.2 billion.”
The sharp drop in revenues highlights the vulnerability of state budgets, Reardon said.
“In 2018/19 stamp duty revenues made up over one-fifth of all taxation revenue raised in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania,” he said.
“Victoria has the highest dependency on stamp duty revenues closely followed by NSW.
“The ACT, which is seven years into an ambitious 20-year tax reform program to replace stamp duty, has the lowest dependence on stamp duty.
“It makes up only 13% of total taxation revenue.
“Alternative broad-based tax measures could deliver a more consistent and reliable revenue stream.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/4/nsw%20budget.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge: 
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State budgets are vulnerable to reliance on stamp duty: HIA

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Victoria’s new stamp duty laws will create higher operating costs for unlisted property funds and is sending shockwaves through the property industry, an industry body has warned. 
The Property Funds Association (PFA), the peak industry body for the $125 billion Australian unlisted wholesale and retail property funds sector, said that changes to The State Taxation Acts Amendment Act 2019 received royal assent on 18 June 2019 and incorporated significant amendments to stamp duty.
“Victoria’s stamp duty changes have been introduced without consultation and will likely increase costs for unlisted property funds, which may then be passed on to unlisted property investors,” Paul Healy, CEO of Property Funds Association said. 
He said the new rules could impact any property transactions within a fund.
“There are particular concerns over how the new stamp duty rules will apply to property transactions, and how they will apply to fund performance fees, acquisition fees, and disposal fees,” Healy said. 
“PFA believes there needs to be more scope for exclusions or exemptions to ensure funds are able to carry out their business without being unreasonably taxed.” 
Most issues centre around changes to the ‘economic entitlement provisions’ under the Victorian Duties Act. Changes include removing the 50% threshold and moving most of the provisions from the ‘landholder duty’ regime into the ‘transfer duty’ regime. 
Prior to the new provisions taking effect, duty was only imposed under the economic entitlement provisions where the owner of the land was a private or wholesale unit trust, or a private company, and the economic interest acquired was 50% or more of the relevant economic entitlement (e.g. rent, profits, capital proceeds etc.).
PFA says removing this 50% threshold and removing the restrictions in the landholder regime means a much wider range of entities and activities will be caught in the stamp duty net. 
Victoria’s State Revenue Office has issued administrative guidance on these new provisions, but PFA says appropriate exclusions from these new provisions should be legislative, rather than administrative.
“This guidance has limited value to many unlisted property funds and does not provide adequate certainty for taxpayers as it does not have legislative force and only addresses ‘plain vanilla’ circumstances,” Healy concluded.
“In PFA’s view, further legislative amendments are warranted to provide clarification and certainty for taxpayers.”
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Victorian stamp duty changes have shocked unlisted property funds and investors: PFA

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The NSW Budget indicates that the softening housing market has wiped out $10.6 Billion in expected stamp duty since 2017 but the Budget has no stimulation for the housing market.
The NSW Budget is a well -rounded document that continues the government’s roll out of city shaping infrastructure with $93 Billion committed to key projects.
The positive commitment to infrastructure is offset by a loss of $10.6 Billion in expected stamp duty due to the soft housing market.
The major commitment to infrastructure should underpin the urban growth across the state with a major focus on public transport growth that should occur around rail stations and in city centres.
The housing development industry is getting mixed signals from government on where development should occur and this is eroding confidence within the industry. 
Confusion exists over the ‘missing middle’ code, the future of spot rezoning, affordable housing levies and the impact of lifting the cap on infrastructure levies. 
Resolution is needed on these areas so that the current slow-down can be reversed.”
While housing construction is down the budget papers do point out that this is partly off-set by the large infrastructure construction commitment and a swing by some developers towards commercial office projects. 
Unfortunately for the budget these projects do not contribute stamp duty to the Treasury.
The Budget Statement (P 2-4) states that apartment commencements fell 22 per cent within the final quarter of 2018 and then states ‘Expectations for ongoing strong population growth and a stabilisation in house prices from late 2019 should encourage the commencement of more projects. 
How conditions in the housing market evolve over the next 12 months will be important for dwelling investment and household consumption.’ 
The budget included a proposal to drive reform of Federal Financial Relations with a review from a NSW perspective.
On major rail infrastructure projects the Sydney Metro West will receive $6.4 Billion over 4 years to fast track construction.
 These large rail infrastructure projects in Minister Andrew Constance’s portfolio are important locations for Sydney’s growth.
Western Sydney is a big winner in the budget with Stuart Ayres portfolio receiving $561 million for 2019-20 towards the Parramatta Light Rail, $404 million to upgrade the Northern Road, $286 million for Westmead Hospital, $196 million for Nepean Hospital. $108 million for Campbelltown Hospital.
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The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes, had smaller financial commitments including $113 million to create connected communities and $162 million to upgrade government-owned land and buy new land for public parklands as well as for increasing tree canopy across Sydney.
The NSW Budget demonstrates that the state’s finances are in a strong position but the reduction in expected stamp duty is warning signal that the housing market has problems in years ahead. 
The Urban Taskforce believes that the NSW Government needs to have a plan to ensuring the softening housing market is managed back into a strong position that handles population growth and continues the large number of jobs the industry generates.
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO
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NSW Budget has little to help the housing sector: Chris Johnson

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The volatility of transfer duty revenue has proved a significant fiscal challenge for New South Wales. 
During the property market boom, transfer duty grew to be the State’s largest tax, representing 31 percent of tax revenue in 2016-17.
The decline in the property market over the past 18 months has seen forecast transfer duty fall to 21 per cent of tax revenue in 2019-20. 
Since the 2017-18 Budget, the four-year forecast for transfer duty has been reduced by $10.6 billion. 
Residential transfer duty is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 8.8 per cent over the four years to 2022-23. 
The NSW Treasury forecast is largely driven by the expected return to average transaction volumes. 
“As interest rate cuts and relaxed credit restrictions flow through into increased lending, residential transaction volumes are forecast to rebound strongly from the middle of 2019.
“Price growth, however, is expected to be restrained during the forecast period, largely keeping pace with inflation.”
New South Wales become more reliant on transfer duties in recent years, which rose from $3.8 billion in 2011-12 to $9.7 billion at its peak in 2016- 17. 
Since the 2017-18 Budget a softening of the housing market has resulted in a write down of more than $10 billion in forecast transfer duty. 
Land tax too has been revised down following a lower 2017-18 outcome than expected at Budget, along with lower than expected foreign investor land tax surcharge revenue. 
Non-residential construction activity is expected to partially offset falls in dwelling construction over the next two years. 
The public sector will be a major driver, assisted by the State’s record $93.0 billion capital spending program over the next four years. 
The large public infrastructure program, rising commercial building activity and a solid export sector are forecast to underpin the State’s resilience and are expected to partially offset the weakness in the household sector. 
The budget papers noted transfer duty makes up about 8.2 per cent of forecast 2019-20 general government sector revenue and a delay in the forecast residential property recovery, or a less robust return to growth, could detract from the State’s budget result. 
Transfer duty revenue is expected to be $7.4 billion in 2018-19, $173.0 million lower than forecast at the 2019 Pre-election Budget Update. 
From 1 July 2019 home buyers will benefit with the previously announced annual indexation of transfer duty thresholds to the Sydney Consumer Price Index. 
The measure is estimated to save homebuyers around $330 on an average-priced dwelling purchased by 2021-2. 
Transfer duty brackets had not changed since 1986. 
Budget surpluses are being maintained despite the State facing revenue pressures.
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NSW residential transaction volumes forecast to rebound strongly from the middle of 2019: NSW state budget

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Victoria's state budget, announced yesterday, has moved to increase taxes on foreign buyers and foreign ownership.
The stamp duty has risen in Victoria for a foreign investor from seven percent to eight percent, which puts it at the same rate as in New South Wales.
The budget also focused past the purchase and have changed rules regarding the absentee land tax, where foreign investors leave land purchases empty.
The tax has increased from 1.5 percent to two percent, also in line with the figures in New South Wales.
It is estimated about 3000 foreign property investors will be hit by a boost to the absentee owner surcharge.
Victoria Treasurer Tim Pallas said the tax increases, which have been said to have been enforced to discourage landbanking, were targeted at people who could bear a greater tax burden.
He said that over the past year Victoria has seen its biggest 12 month decline in property prices in the state's history.
The Property Council have described the increased stamp duty for foreign investors as an "own goal"
Carrie Law, the CEO of Juwai, a Chinese website for buyers of overseas property, said the decision to hike taxes for foreigners were "<a href="/news/chinese-website-reaction-to-victorian-state-budget-s-new-taxes-on-foreign-buyers">dispiriting but not too damaging.</a>"
"Will the higher taxes announced this week make a tremendous difference on the market? The answer is no," Law said.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Foreign property buyers and ownership hit in Victoria state budget

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The 2018-19 NSW State Government surplus is projected to be $846 million, which is $273 million lower than at half-yearly review.
The details were in the NSW Pre-election Budget Update which was issued in accordance with section 24 of the Parliamentary Budget Officer Act 2010.
The Secretary of the Treasury released the NSW Pre-election Budget Update on 5 March 2019 which provides updated information on the current and projected financial position of the New South Wales general government sector.
This is the first time New South Wales has released a <a href="https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/news/nsw-treasury-releases-updated-economic-and-fiscal-projections" target="_blank">Pre-election Budget Update</a>.
The revenue for 2018-19 is forecast to be $477 million lower than at half-yearly review, reflecting weaker taxation estimates, including transfer duty and payroll tax.
The review noted the ongoing deterioration of conditions in the housing market had been a key challenge for the local economy in recent months.
Turnover in the housing market has fallen away sharply, while the median Sydney house price has fallen another 11⁄2 per cent in the two months since November 2018.
The Sydney house price is now down more than 10 per cent from the peak in mid-2017.
"This is the largest fall since the 1980s, but represents only a partial unwinding of the sustained price gains experienced in recent years," it noted.
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Revenue for 2018-19 is projected to be $81.3 billion, which is a downward revision of $477.3 million since the Half-Yearly Review. 
This takes into account downward revisions to multiple state taxation lines, including transfer duties of $393 million.
Transfer duty has been revised down by $393 million in 2018-19 and by $747 million over the four years to 2021-22.
While dwelling price declines have been closely in line with the Half-Yearly Review forecast, residential transaction volumes in recent months have been weaker than expected.
Residential transaction volumes in 2018-19 are expected to be 19.5 per cent lower than in 2017-18.
Transaction volumes are forecast to return to trend levels by the middle of 2021.
Since the Half-Yearly Review in December 31, 2018, revenue has been revised up by $363 million over the four years to 2021-22.
This is mainly due to higher GST revenue of $1.2 billion (reflecting an improved relativity recommended by the Commonwealth Grants Commission and a lower expected GST pool), largely offset by downward revisions to state taxation – including transfer duties ($747.0 million) and payroll tax ($573.1 million).
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Expenditure for 2018-19 is also projected to be $204 million lower reflecting reprofiling of expenses to better align with project and service delivery schedules.
Over the four years to 2021-22, budget surpluses are expected to average $1.3 billion per year. 
The update also advises land tax revenue has been revised down by $21.8 million in 2018-19 and by $82.8 million over the four years to 2021-22.
Land tax is assessed based on landholdings at 31 December each year, with assessments typically issued in the first half of the following calendar year.
The forecast revenue for 2018-19 incorporates actual landholdings at the end of 2018, replacing the Half-Yearly Review forecast which was based on the previous year’slandholdings.
For subsequent years, the revenue forecast incorporates lower expectations for residential land value growth.
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$393 million lower stamp duty hits NSW State Government revenue

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To paraphrase former prime minister Paul Keating, walk into <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/plenty-of-bark-any-bite-20101028-175mv" target="_blank">any pet shop in the country</a> and you’ll find the resident galah saying we should swap stamp duty for a land value tax.
Just about every economic think tank in the land thinks it’s about the best value tax change there is, among them the <a href="https://theconversation.com/abolish-stamp-duty-the-act-shows-the-rest-of-us-how-to-tax-property-105378" target="_blank">Grattan Institute</a>, <a href="https://percapita.org.au/our_media/replacing-stamp-duty-with-broad-based-land-tax-could-increase-revenue-to-11-2-billion-by-2047-new-report-shows/" target="_blank">Per Capita</a>, the <a href="http://www.tai.org.au/sites/defualt/files/P149_Tax%20the%20need%20for%20change.pdf" target="_blank">Australia Institute</a>, and the <a href="https://www.cis.org.au/commentary/articles/dominic-perrottets-reforms-are-welcome-but-the-government-must-break-its-addiction-to-this-bad-tax/" target="_blank">Centre for Independent Studies</a> as well as <a href="https://www.thepolicyspace.com.au/2015/25/58-five-ways-to-reform-state-taxes" target="_blank">a swag of academics</a>, the Treasury in its work on the <a href="http://bettertax.gov.au/files/2015/03/08_GST-and-State-Taxes.pdf" target="_blank">draft white paper for tax reform</a> and the <a href="http://taxreview.treasury.gov.au/content/FinalReport.aspx?doc=html/publications/Papers/Final_Report_Part_2/chapter_g2-2.htm" target="_blank">Henry Tax Review</a>.
Among the benefits of what I will call SD4LVT are said to be greater ease in upsizing and downsizing, a more mobile population (less reluctant to buy and sell houses) and a more reliable source of revenue for state governments.
One state, the Australian Capital Territory, has already begun a <a href="https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/tax-reform" target="_blank">20-year</a> phase out of stamp duty and a 20-year build up of land tax.
But beneath the near universal enthusiasm for SD4LVT are layers of bad economics.
It is extremely frustrating to me that the leading minds in Australian policy have put their heads together and decided that the best reform they can think of is to replace a good tax on property with another good one that would be even less popular.
The more thoughtful among them don’t even bother to claim that SD4LVT will make housing more affordable, yet still put it forward as the “holy grail” of tax reform.
It is bad economics because of four key points its proponents miss or overlook.
<h2>Price effects</h2>
Stamp duty comes out of what the buyer is prepared to pay. This means that if you remove it, all other things equal, prices will rise by exactly the amount of the duty removed.
If the average home price is A$500,000, and buyers pay a 5% stamp duty, taking the total to A$525,000, then when stamp duty is removed the price will immediately increase to $525,000 being what the buyer was prepared to pay.
If you replace the stamp duty revenue with revenue from land value taxes, the effects on price are less clear. The change could push them up (enriching sellers) or it could push them down.
Imagine an example economy with:
<ul>
<li>20 houses</li>
<li>Turnover of one house each year (a turnover rate of 5%)</li>
<li>An average home price of A$500,000</li>
<li>Total stamp duty revenue of A$25,000 per year</li>
</ul>
Replacing the A$25,000 stamp duty revenue with a land value tax requires taxing all 20 homes at A$1,250 per year each.
Whether the market price of homes rises or falls depends on whether buyers think the cost to them of A$1,250 per year is lower or higher than the A$25,000 upfront stamp duty they avoided. If they thought it was about the same, SD4LVT wouldn’t much affect prices.
But what if turnover was half that, say 2.5%, which in this example would be where one house was sold every two years? In that case, the total stamp duty to be replaced would be A$12,500, which would be only A$625 per house in land tax.
The new buyer could pay A$512,500 for the house plus A$625 per year in land tax and be equally as well off as paying A$500,000 for the house plus A$25,000 in stamp duty.
The net effect would be a 5% price increase from A$250,000 to A$262,500.
If that happened nationally it would mean a transfer of almost A$200 billion to existing owners.
Whether or not that did happen would depend on the turnover and buyer’s views about the future value of money. In short, the price effects of a SD4LVT are ambiguous.
<h2>Mobility</h2>
While it is said that stamp duties deter Australians from changing addresses and switching jobs, there is little evidence that they are not changing enough.
Most people who relocate for work <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2017/mar/pdf/bu-0317-3-housing-market-turnover.pdf" target="_blank">don’t buy and sell homes in order to do it</a>.
They rent first, becoming both a renter and a landlord for a while, perhaps selling their first home later, but not quickly.
When they do sell, often for a healthy profit, stamp duty ensures they pocket less than would have, grabbing back some of what might otherwise be an untaxed capital gain.
Lower housing turnover from stamp duties mainly falls on the nearly half of sales involving investors who buy speculatively to capitalise on short bursts of capital growth before selling, in the process fuelling the boom and bust price cycle.
To me, anything that slows down real estate turnover and captures capital gains seems like a good idea.
<h2>Revenue stability</h2>
It is claimed that stamp duty revenues are much more volatile than other taxes. During a boom, they climb more than proportionally to prices since they also depend on turnover. During a bust, they fall more quickly than prices.
If I was to think in the abstract about what sort of taxes are good for the economy, I would say it is those that are pro-cyclical, meaning they automatically increase takings during a boom, and wind them back during a bust.
On this measure, stamp duty is a good tax for stabilising the economy, something important given how much our economic cycles are tied to housing markets.
The land value tax that SD4LVT proponents would replace stamp duty with would make the tax system as a whole less stabilising.
<h2>Odd modelling</h2>
You might have seen a chart like the Treasury graph below, with stamp duties presented as having enormous flow-on economy-wide costs compared to other taxes. In this example, land tax which is presented as having an economic benefit.
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The problem with the graph is that modelling used to prepare it (computational general equilibrium modelling) can’t directly account for transaction taxes because it doesn’t model transactions.
Instead of using a better tool for the job, the modellers assume that stamp duties increase cost of housing to all buyers and renters. It’s this assumption that drives a conclusion they describe as merely “<a href="http://www.policypartners.com.au/assets/treasury---economic-incidence-of-taxes-(2015).pdf">illustrative</a>”.
<h2>To sum up</h2>
Stamp duties don’t push up the cost of housing. The claim that they impede household mobility is overblown. They do reduce asset churn, and as a result they help maintain price stability.
Their “revenue instability” is actually a huge positive for the economy as a whole. And the modelling that has underpinned the talk of high economy-wide costs is as good as made up.
Yet SD4LVT remains the apparent holy grail of Australian tax policy.
Our best policy wonks continue to push our politicians to use up the precious capital to swap one very good property tax for another, for no obvious economic gain.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/106841/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/cameron-murray-172480" target="_blank">Cameron Murray</a>, Lecturer in Economics, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a>.
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/stamp-duty-fever-the-bad-economics-behind-swapping-stamp-duty-for-land-tax-106841" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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