Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<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/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

Mildura

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In Mildura there have been few recent substantial sales to report on, however there are a number of large properties currently being marketed according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
The valuation firm stated that the result of these will have to be closely watched to see the mood of buyers and whether any of the recent Federal government changes affecting foreign buyers have had any effect.
The Adveq Almond portfolio, which comprises 12,000 hectares of almond trees, originally developed by Timbercorp under a Managed Investment Scheme structure between 2001 and 2007, is being offered for sale.
"The scale of this portfolio is impressive and we expect that a number of institutional buyers will show interest," stated the report.
The agent’s comments suggest the current owners are hopeful of achieving a sale price above $300 million.
A second 'property of note' is a 1,200 hectare horticultural greenfield site at Trentham Cliffs, just to the east of Mildura.
The report noted that, this land is well suited to a variety of tree crops and is expected to receive strong interest, given the shrinking supply of available development land.
The substantial increase in rural values throughout north western Victoria over the past two to three years has seen unwelcome repercussions on council rating valuations, with many farmers reporting their local government rates have increased by up to 40% in recent years.
The fact that farm land values have appreciated to a much higher degree than all other property types is, however, hard to dispute.
The report concluded that farming lobby groups are currently working hard to change the mechanism for how rates are set.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Supply aplenty in Mildura's rural market: HTW

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The residential property market in the Mildura region shows no signs of slowing, according to the June report from the valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The region's selling periods remain comparatively low, often below 30 days, which contributes to agents having a shortage of listings, it noted.
The main sector to see growth is the upper end of the market, with a higher than normal number of sales occurring above $600,000
Many of these sales are in the surrounding semi-rural areas of Irymple, Nichols Point and Gol Gol.
This sales activity points to strong confidence in the local economy and is likely to also reflect a bit of a rub off effect, with some buyers having sold properties in metropolitan areas.
The valuers have noted, "a dramatic improvement in rural land values has been providing an impetus for older farmers to plan their retirements and we expect that this will bolster demand for better standard homes."
"In the past month, we have seen several examples of this occurring, including the sale of a riverfront property at Gol Gol for over $2 million", the report stated.
Values appear relatively stable in the lower end of the market, while mid-range properties appear to have risen by around 4% to 5% over the past two years.
"Building activity remains strong, with a number of residential subdivisions selling quite quickly", according to the HTW valuers.
The value of serviced lots has risen faster than established housing over the past few years due to a limited supply, which has helped developers recoup the higher cost of completing subdivisions.
The valuation firm forecasts that it is unlikely the current strong conditions will weaken during the remainder of 2018 and that while it appears that the Melbourne market has peaked, they expect that the Mildura market will continue to improve or at least remain stable.
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Mildura residential property market showing no signs of slowing: HTW 

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It is hard to see any reasons for the current buoyant Mildura rural property market not to continue throughout 2018, according to HTW valuer Graeme Whyte.
"The current property cycle is remarkable for the fact that virtually all local commodities are enjoying above average returns, with the outlook for most commodity prices currently being very favourable," the recent update advised.
"At the same time, there is a large pool of corporate buyers targeting Australian agriculture," added. 
Buyers are actively chasing most types of horticultural property as well as cropping and grazing enterprises and appear prepared to pay historically high prices for properties that provide good economies of scale and have a good standard of improvements.
There also continues to be large scale green field development of almonds, olives, table grapes, citrus and to a lesser extent dried fruit, however the pool of available land for such development is getting smaller. 
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The valuation firm noted the foundations for the current good export returns for commodities such as citrus, table grapes and almonds date back to many years of patient market development combined with the signing of free trade agreements with key Asian countries.
The ability of growers and marketers to ensure all market protocols are met will be the key to maintaining these lucrative markets.
"Maintaining a competitive exchange rate will also be important." 
The other main factor affecting the horticultural sector will be the irrigation water outlook, Whyte advised.
"There was above average winter rainfall (and snow fall) during 2016 and 2017, which contributed to high allocations in the Murray Valley and readily available temporary water on the leasing market.
"The cost of leasing water has been mostly below $130 per megalitre for the past 18 months.
"Forecasting future rainfall is beyond my brief, however history suggests that there will be a drier winter during one of the next few years and that at some stage, irrigators will have to face the prospect of paying more for temporary water." 
One of the more noteworthy recent sales is of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-mixed+farming-nsw-arumpo-7893338" target="_blank">Petro Station</a>, which is a large scale cropping and grazing property located in south-western New South Wales, approximately 60 kilometres north of Mildura.
This property, held under NSW Western Lands lease, included approximately 8,400 hectares of good standard cropping country.
The $11.8 million sale was advised with the land transfer at $9 million. It was bought by GoFarm Australia which snared one of Victoria's biggest parcels of water with its purchase of Del Rios for around $22 million in 2016. The 900ha vineyard, north of Swan Hill and near the junction of the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers at Kenley, was sold along with its 5476 megalitres of high-security water.
HTW advised the Petro sale shows over $900 per hectare for well regarded arable land, but located in an area with an average rainfall of around 300 millimetres.
It was offered for the first time in 73 years by the Doyle family.
The property is 26,685 hectares of which 9000 hectares is of cropping country with sandy loam soil type and solid cropping history and average rainfall 302.5 mm and 17,500 hectares approximately of grazing land with some 800 dorpers and 90 per cent fully fenced.
The property has a further 200 hectares cropping license undeveloped, and the balance of land consists of pristine Mallee scrub and locked up conservation in conjunction with Dept of Infrastructure and Natural Resources .
Petro has a permanent 21 megalitre water entitlement with private diversion from the Darling river via a 32 km, 2 inch line.
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<div class="column">
Meanwhile, the purchaser of this property sold an 1,130 hectare parcel of mostly arable land adjoining the Robinvale irrigation district for approximately $4,500 per hectare, which showed a healthy 240% capital gain in the three years they owned it.
The purchaser of the Robinvale property is an established table grape growing family, who intends to complete a large scale horticultural development.
"This last sale highlights how quickly market sentiment in the horticultural sector can shift." 
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</div>
<div class="column">
Some of the trends HTW expect to see during 2018 include:
• A large number of sales continuing to be negotiated in off market transactions, with both buyers and sellers willing to by-pass real estate agents. In most cases, buyers are directly approaching owners of properties deemed to suit their requirements. 
• The price gap between highly improved and just average standard properties will narrow. It will get harder to find highly improved properties and buyers will likely become more pragmatic as a result. 
• There will continue to be sales of winegrape vineyards where the purchaser intends to redevelop to a higher returning crop. 
• As the market moves through the current cycle, there will be some properties purchased for prices that are subsequently viewed as being at above market levels.
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Mildura rural market to remain bouyant in 2018 

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Home ownership in Mildura is still a realistic goal, with the median house price being around $260,000 and $180,000 for units.
Herron Todd White said in a recent report that families and older couples make up the largest percentage of people living in Mildura.
The majority of buyers in Mildura are owner-occupiers.
Statistics from Corelogic show the average time a home in Mildura is held is around eight years, which supports the theory that many buyers gradually trade their way up from entry level homes to better standard homes as their financial circumstances improve.
Over the past 10 years, first home buyers have shown a willingness to take on more debt in order to acquire more expensive first homes.
"No doubt the low interest rate environment has contributed to this confidence, however it appears that many first home buyers have much higher expectations than previous generations," wrote HTW.
"Most first home buyers in Mildura are looking for modern detached dwellings in better locations and will typically spend from $280,000 to $350,000."
The presence of attractive first home owner grants has made building a home an attractive option for many young people.
"Currently there is $20,000 available to first home buyers who build a home in Victoria and $10,000 in NSW, which when combined with the stamp duty exemptions currently available make this attractive for many people.
"We note however, that the cost of land and building has increased in recent years by at least this amount, making this option less attractive than it once would have been."
As an example, a three-bedroom house at 40 Golden Ash Drive (picture above) sold recently for $320,000 through Ray White’s Luke Hermans.
Another recent sale was a four-bedroom house at 281 Eighth Street for $256,000, (below) close to the median house price.
<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/2017/11/15/Mildura2.jpg" alt="">
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The HTW report noted that townhouses and units are mostly being purchased by either investors or retirees, attracted by the lower maintenance requirements.
"There has been a trend in the past five to ten years for many empty nesters to move from their large family homes to new townhouses on compact lots."
 The development of around 70 residential lots within part of the Mildura golf course has met with strong demand from this buyer segment who are typically spending between $450,000 and $650,000 to acquire good standard housing on lots of around 500 square metres, HTW advised. 
Buyers in Mildura still have a preference for detached dwellings and the relative affordability of land makes this possible. 
"Our constant theme is that owner-occupiers (and tenants) always show a preference for homes which have functional outdoor living areas designed to be shaded in the summer months. 
"Mildura has long, hot summers, and the ability to spent time outdoors is an important consideration for home buyers," it added. 
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Mildura's first home buyers have higher expectations than in the past: HTW

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Finding homes in the $250,000 range is now impossible in Mildura, according to Herron Todd White’s July report.
The property investment firm says that it would be better to look for a complex of three or four residential units.
“When posed with this question in previous years, our recommendation has been to buy two houses, each at $250,000.
“However it is now almost impossible to find a reasonable standard home in Mildura for $250,000.
“Selling prices of 3-bedroom dwellings, especially those in a better part of town, are now starting at around $275,000, and so this strategy is now beyond our reach.
“For this year’s recommendation, we would suggest looking for a complex of most likely three or possibly four residential units.
“$500,000 should buy a complex built in the late 1980s or 1990s and of a reasonable standard.
“The main attraction will be the gross rental return of over 6%,” the report stated.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mildura-125879142" target="_blank">5 Pearse Court</a>, Mildura (above) has been listed for between $270,000 to $290,000.
A similar three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mildura-125994882?listingType=buy" target="_blank">15 Kedmenec Drive</a>, Mildura (below) has been listed for $274,435.
<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/2017/07/31/15%20Kedmenec%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
Factors such as living areas and car parking is important when looking for residential units Herron Todd White advises.
“The key is to find a complex which will be appealing to tenants, so look for reasonable size living areas and secure car parking, preferably in a west side or central location.
“The advantage of buying an entire complex rather than some units in a larger complex is the ability to control the management and co-ordinate any upgrading without the need to involve an Owners Corporation.
“Not only will this save money, it will also simplify management.
“In the past we have often observed that the downside of the higher rental return from unit complexes has been limited capital gain, however this seems to now be less significant, with recent sales showing that values of better standard complexes have increased at similar levels to detached dwellings.
“The higher interest in residential unit complexes is driven by buyers seeking consistent, annuity style returns.
“Some of these buyers would have historically focused on small commercial investment properties, however higher vacancy rates, particularly for commercial properties in the sub $500,000 price bracket, are a deterrent.
“Residential rents have also increased more rapidly than commercial units in the past few years,” the report advised.
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The $250,000 homes in Mildura becoming more expensive: HTW

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There has been limited sales activity in the Mildura region over the last month according to Herron Todd White's July report apart from the $84 million winery at Red Cliffs by Chinese wine making company Weilong.
According to HTW, a planning permit has been issued and approval granted to crush 84,000 tonnes of grapes annually with the winery operational for the 2019 vintage.  
In the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area new plantings of Almonds are up due to the difficulty in finding remaining suitable land within an affordable distance from the Murray River.
"Data released from the Almond Board of Australia indicates that the area of plantings grew by 15.8 percent, or 4,904 hectares in 2016, and that a similar area of plantings is expected within the coming year," HTW said.
"If the forecast is correct, this will take the planted area to over 36,000 hectares.
"Much of the new plantings are now occurring in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, due in part, to the difficulty in finding remaining suitable land within an affordable distance from the Murray River.
"The Webster Ltd owned Tandou farm, located just to the south west of Menindee, is to be de- commissioned, with the associated 21,900 megalitre water licence (mix of General and High Security entitlements), being acquired by the Federal Government for $78 million.
"Webster lobbied for this sale due to concerns over water reliability in the lower Darling River. Cotton and other irrigated crops have been grown on Tandou since the mid 1970s, however significant crops (more than 3,000 hectares) have only been grown in four of the past 12 years, with no crops sown over five of those years."
Property Observer hound 26Ha of agricultural land on the market at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://domainrural.com.au/listings/details/2012119517" target="_blank">473 Coorong Avenue, Red Cliffs, Victoria</a> on the market, price undisclosed.
The property has multiple grape varietals including 6.5Ha Crimson Seedless, 10.7Ha Red Globe, 3.0Ha Menindee Seedless and 0.9Ha Long Crimson.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-24%20at%2011.00.01%20AM.png" alt=""> 
Cowra Station, approximately <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://domainrural.com.au/listings/details/2011951746" target="_blank">25kms west of Mildura</a> (below) has a total area of 10,349 acres (approximately), 12kms of river frontage &amp; a 300 acre (approximate) billabong.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/24/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-24%20at%2011.09.20%20AM.png" alt="">
It is currently operated as a mixed enterprise with sheep grazing, irrigated vegetable production &amp; cereal cropping and is on the market for between $4.5 to $5 million. 
 
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Limited sales activity in Mildura region over June: HTW

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Vineyard sales in Victoria's Mildura region are expected to strengthen on the back of farm gate prices for grapes and continued demand for local citrus fruits overseas according to Herron Todd White.
In the May report HTW noted the pending sale of a Riverland property in  South Australia will show over $20,000 per hectare (excluding water licences) for a high standard vineyard, reflecting an increase of around 50 percent over the past two years.
"The wine grape harvest has wound up for the year, with most growers feeling a greater sense of optimism than they have for many years," HTW said.
"Growers are reporting that farm gate prices for red varieties were generally around $400 per tonne and for Chardonnay around $300 per tonne.
"Larger growers can make a profit at these levels and we expect to see vineyard sales strengthen.
The citrus harvesting season will commence in the first week of May, with reports of continuing strong demand from the key export markets of China, Japan and USA. An average size crop is expected.
"There is currently a two year wait for citrus trees, with nurseries unable to keep up with demand.
"The recent sale of a citrus property at Ellerslie, just to the north of Mildura, showed levels of around $30,000 per hectare (excluding water licences) and exceeded most people’s expectations.
"The buyer was however motivated by the higher returns currently being generated and aware of the long lead time to source and establish new trees.
"Good rains over the past week have resulted in the best autumn break for many years.
"With wheat prices continuing to languish, yields will be the key again this year and the early break provides an opportunity for farmers to at least start the season with confidence. A large scale farming property, Petro Station, which has approximately 9,000 hectares of cleared land and is located approximately 45 kilometres north of Mildura is currently being advertised for sale and will be a good litmus test of the market. 
"The recent sale of a relatively small Western Division grazing property, Mazar Station, located 130 kilometres south of Broken Hill, highlights the strong demand from existing landholders in the region for additional country.
"The agent reported over 20 inspections and the sale price of just under $70 per hectare will equate to around $340 per DSE for a property with only modest building improvements and a relatively isolated location.
"Other sales reported include the Eulo/Kinross aggregation between Pooncarie and Menindee apparently at strong levels, whilst a report of the sale of Gundalundy Station in the Ivanhoe/Mossgiel area will show unprecedented levels for this area when the sale settles for open bluebush and grass plains country."
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Wine grape, citrus driving stability in Mildura's agricultural property market

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Activity in the rural scene over the past month in Mildura has finally seen the wine grape and table grape harvest in full swing after an abnormally late start to the picking season, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The property data firm says that this will result in both harvests extending well into April.
The weather throughout recent weeks has been excellent for the grape harvest with warm conditions and no rain or storms.
“Reports filtering in advise that quality is high and above average yields are apparent for wine grapes, which on the back of slightly better prices this year is some welcome news for growers.
Growers are also reporting another good year in the table grape sector with prices remaining firm particularly for the better market preferred varieties,” the report stated.
The Bureau of Meteorology continue to forecast warm and dry conditions to remain throughout Autumn in the region.
“This is not overly good news for dryland cropping farmers who are looking to the skies for an early autumn break.
"The forecast late break will result in a larger area of land being dry sown throughout April and early May, with reports that some farmers have already commenced this practice,” the report warned.
HTW says that investment in rural regions are outstripping supply.
“Following on from previous editions, the ongoing interest and demand in the agricultural sector from international and domestic corporate entities investing in the Sunraysia region appears to be resulting in current demand outstripping supply.
"Prices being paid for good quality properties continue to firm with reports of a number of significant transactions in recent weeks of table grape, citrus and also an aggregation of dryland cropping land being negotiated, all at strong levels,” the report stated.
A horticultural wine grape rural property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-horticulture-vic-red+cliffs-7885558" target="_blank">490 Lowan Avenue</a>, Red Cliffs (above) has been listed for between $310,000 to $350,000.
Similarly 23 acres of agricultural land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-yelta-7738223" target="_blank">637 Wentworth Road</a>, Yelta (below) has been listed for $220,000.
<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/2017/04/21/637%20Wentworth%20Road.jpg" alt="">
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Mildura wine property bringing in high to average yields: HTW

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The relative affordability of housing in Mildura is one of the region’s main attractions for first home buyers, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says despite it being much cheaper to buy a home in Mildura than in any of the mainland capital cities, first home buyers still face the challenge of saving a decent deposit.
HTW says first home buyers must decide whether they are prepared to buy an older home and then complete some upgrading or set their sights higher and buy a new home.
“Traditionally, first home buyers would start with a basic, older house and then trade their way into a newer home,” the report says.
“In the past 10 years we have seen an increasing number of first home buyers electing to stretch themselves into a new home.
“This trend reflects greater aspirations and has been assisted by low interest rates.”
In reaction to this demand, developers have reduced the average size of lots in new subdivisions in order to keep price options below $100,000.
Despite this, HTW says that the cost of buying a new home is still going to be around $350,000 - beyond the reach of many first home buyers.
“For buyers looking at cheaper options, we would suggest looking at either an older house in an inner city location or a 1980s brick veneer on a good sized lot,” the firm says.
“These types of dwelling can be purchased for around $250,000 and can be upgraded once funds allow.
“They are also going to be in more central locations than some of the current subdivisions.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mildura-124171498" target="_blank">685 Walnut Avenue</a>, Mildura (above) has been listed for between $340,000 to $370,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mildura-123377662" target="_blank">3 Mayan Court</a>, Mildura (below) has been listed for between $359,000 to $385,000.
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Mildura developers cutting lot sizes to meet first home buyer demand: HTW

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The Mildura Homemaker Centre in north-west Victoria has found three new tenants, establishing its position as one of the town’s leading large format retail complexes.
Super Retail Group’s Amart Sports, Carpet Court and the Salvation Army have all signed new leases at the centre, taking three separate tenancies totalling 3,088 sqm.
Amart Sports’ entry marks the retailer’s first store in the Mildura market.
The deal was brokered by CBRE’s Tom Perkins and Chris Parry.
Parry said the Mildura Homemaker Centre’s strong national tenancy profile helped attract the new retailers.
“With seven existing national brands at the centre, these new retailers were eager to capitalise on the strong patronage at one of Mildura’s major shopping destinations,” Parry said.
Other retailers at the centre include Fantastic Furniture, Chemist Warehouse and The Good Guys.
Perkins added: “The Mildura Homemaker Centre represents a strategic location for the retail network due to the low cost to entry, including rent, advertising and employment – whilst also servicing a significant catchment due to the town’s isolation from other regional centres.”
Parry said recent deals highlight the strength of Victoria’s regional retail markets.
A case in point is the Rocklea Homemaker Centre in Bendigo, which was recently fully leased to primarily national retailers such as Fantastic Furniture, BCF and Pillow Talk.
“The centre subsequently sold for $35,000,000 - representing an equivalent yield of 7.43 percent,” Parry said.
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