<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/jwland-development">JWLand</a>’s De Burgh, the final residential release within the Northbourne Village precinct in Lyneham, is nearing completion just as the Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme prepares for its most significant expansion to date.&nbsp;

From October 2025, the scheme will allow first home buyers to enter the market with just a five per cent deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), removing some of the most common barriers to ownership.

With <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/de-burgh-at-northbourne-village-40-de-burgh-street-lyneham-act-2602">De Burgh</a> on track for residents to move in by late spring 2025, the timing creates a strong opportunity for first home buyers seeking brand-new apartments in Canberra’s sought-after Inner North.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212888]

The project delivers 350 residences across two buildings, with layouts ranging from compact studios through to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

JWLand has tailored the development for long-term liveability, integrating natural light, privacy and outdoor space into each home. Ground-floor residences feature private courtyards, while upper levels benefit from generous balconies.

Kitchens are fitted with Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and all apartments include ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning with smartphone app control for lighting and climate.&nbsp;

Shared resident facilities include a rooftop garden, gym, lounge and parcel lockers, alongside landscaped green space within the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=267376]

For buyers, the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme removes income caps and introduces unlimited places, making it more accessible than ever. With most De Burgh apartments priced under $1 million, they fall well within the updated eligibility thresholds.

The policy changes provide first home buyers with greater certainty and a smoother path to finance. Combined with the quality and location of De Burgh, the expanded scheme is expected to draw a new wave of buyers to Canberra’s Inner North.

Residents will benefit from the project’s central setting, just 600 metres from the light rail and three kilometres from Canberra’s CBD. The precinct is bordered by the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/lyneham-act-2602">Lyneham</a> wetlands and sits within easy reach of cafes, restaurants, schools and the ANU.

With completion scheduled for late 2025, De Burgh is set to be among the first major apartment projects to meet the expanded scheme head-on, offering first-time buyers a realistic pathway to ownership in one of Canberra’s most connected neighbourhoods.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139989]

Joel Robinson

JWLand’s De Burgh aligns with expanded Homebuyer Scheme, opening doors for first home buyers in Canberra’s Inner North

A subtropical pair of residential towers are in planning for a key South Brisbane site neighbouring the iconic Expo ’88 Skyneedle, with new documents revealing a vertically layered vision designed to respond to the precinct’s evolving high-density character.

The proposal has been lodged by&nbsp;Darveniza Group, which is also is behind the 400-apartment Station Quarter precinct in Alderley.

Darveniza Group, led by Jane Darveniza, the Brisbane-based investor and Queensland rich-lister and widow of the late property magnate Bojan Darveniza, is seeking approval for a mixed-use project encompassing 204 apartments, ground-level retail, food and drink tenancies, and office space across two architecturally integrated towers at 37–39 Manning Street.

Occupying an 1,822 sqm site, the proposed towers would rise above a sculptural podium base, with a recessed landscaped centre, rooftop communal areas, and a total of 220 car parks and 256 bicycle bays. The apartment mix spans one- to five-bedroom dwellings, with a design emphasis on generous balconies, cross-ventilation, and climate-responsive materials.

<img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42c1f501-2afd-440b-af49-67c257123ea7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20podium.png?VersionId=KFlksfWzmDRD.VIYxd_1q3VAel.nN3TH" />

“The development is conceived as two slender twin buildings that meet at a lushly landscaped central recess,” the Finegrain design report states. “The façade is highly articulated with the plan form stepping back and forth to reduce visual bulk and maximise internal occupants’ access to natural light and air”.

A hallmark of the proposal is its integration of greenery, both visually and functionally. Around 77 per cent of the site’s green plot ratio is delivered through vertical planting spines, a green podium wall, and rooftop amenity. Ground-level deep planting and landscaped communal zones aim to create a shaded, walkable interface along Manning Street.

“The stepped plan form introduces variation in balcony setbacks and enclosed apartment areas, enriching both the façade expression and the resident experience,” the design team notes. “At ground and podium levels, this stepping also enhances permeability, maximising pedestrian view lines to the neighbouring Skyneedle and reinforcing a strong sense of local identity”.

<img alt="First look: Twin towers proposed for Manning Street site beside Skyneedle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3f26dfc-6b93-465c-9ffb-0a2530372a23" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Manning%20site.png?VersionId=JflvKdqDxcaHTFbb9HL5TwoiRgeQ2LqA" />

The site directly adjoins the heritage-listed Skyneedle at 35 Manning Street, an enduring legacy of World Expo ’88. The accompanying heritage impact report by Pendergast Architects contends that the proposal has been carefully conceived to protect the cultural significance and landmark visibility of the structure.

“The design provides setbacks, tower separation and podium articulation to maintain the visibility and landmark role of the adjoining Skyneedle,” the report states. “The significance of the Skyneedle lies principally in its landmark visibility and cultural symbolism, rather than in detailed fabric or architectural setting”.

The proposal sits within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct, under Brisbane’s TLPI 02/2023, where revised planning controls support high-density, mixed-use development integrated with subtropical design and increased public realm contributions.

Finegrain’s design reflects this intent, drawing cues from the site's adjacency to Musgrave Park, the subtropical landscape of South Brisbane, and cultural landmarks such as QPAC and South Bank.

Twin green towers proposed for Manning Street, South Brisbane site beside Skyneedle

A first-of-its-kind culinary precinct is coming to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a>, inspired by global street-food flavours and best-in-class restaurants and entertainment.

Deicorp’s emerging mid-city precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/melrose-central-melrose-park-33-hope-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Central</a>, will become the go-to precinct within the wider Melrose Park community, and at its heart, a first-of-its-kind culinary precinct that brings the buzz of Asia’s most iconic food streets to life.

Spanning more than 4,700 sqm, Melrose Central street food precinct is inspired by the energy and vibrant flavours of street-food neighbourhoods from Hong Kong and Tokyo to Seoul and Singapore.

This new destination will be over three times the size of existing offerings like Burwood Chinatown or Westfield Chatswood’s Hawker Lane, positioning Melrose Central as a must-visit dining hub for all of Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=289878]

Designed by Anthony Ho of Basalt Studio, this street food concept blurs the lines between culinary theatre, art, and entertainment, offering an immersive experience. Neon-lit laneways thread between open kitchens and live grill stations, while murals, interactive displays, and light installations will bring the precinct to life, trading until late, a first for the area.

“We’ve imagined our street food concept as a graduated evolution of everything people love about Burwood Chinatown, East Village and Regent Place, elevated by the immersive artistry creating a city-style dining offer,” said Bilinda Turner, Head of Retail at Deicorp.

“By curating the very best tenants from across Australia, we’re creating a fit-for-purpose town centre for 2025 and beyond. It’s something that people truly haven’t seen before."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=352610]

Melrose Central is far more than a food precinct. Spanning 30,000 sqm across four levels, the shopping centre will be home to approximately 100 retailers, providing a total lifestyle offering from morning until late evening.

Fresh food offerings span a brand new Coles Supermarket, Local Grocer, Korean Supermarket, Bakery and boutique fresh food, as well as a Dan Murphy's, while health needs are covered from a pharmacy, medical centre and allied health. Fitness and wellbeing take centre stage from a dedicated wellbeing hub that includes pilates, recovery, Infrared saunas and a gym, to name a few.

Variety stores will feature throughout, as well as personal care offerings from nail salons to hairdressers, as well as a dedicated early-learning centre on level 1.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134220 project_image_fid=289888]

Situated above the retail precinct will be 495 Turner Studio-designed apartments that open onto 6,000 sqm of lush podium gardens and rooftop terraces.

Located just six kilometres east of Parramatta’s CBD and 15km from Sydney CBD, Melrose Central forms the retail and lifestyle heart of Melrose Park, an urban-renewal precinct that is set to deliver more than 11,000 homes, 22,000 new residents, and 50,000 sqm of park and open space.

A dedicated stop on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will arrive at the precinct’s Hope Street entrance, and the forthcoming Parramatta Gateway Bridge will link directly to Sydney Olympic Park and Wentworth Point.&nbsp;

Supported by a 10-minute drive, this growing catchment of 200,000 people, which is projected to grow to 279,000 by 2026, and an average household income above the Greater Sydney average, Melrose Central embodies Deicorp’s vision for transport-oriented, community-focused placemaking.&nbsp;

Melrose Central street food precinct and the wider Melrose Central retail town centre are both slated to open in mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134220]

Melrose Central: First-of-its-kind culinary precinct coming to Sydney’s West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> has unveiled the fifth and final stage of its $1 billion Norwest community, The Orchards.

The final stage, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/zeste-at-the-orchards-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Zeste</a>, will deliver 209 apartments across two distinctive buildings, Essence and Eden. The 135 apartments in Essence will be the first to be released to the market, which will bring to an end the decade-long vision to create a&nbsp;neighbourhood defined by design excellence, sustainability, and community engagement.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351878]

David Lee, Sales Manager at Sekisui House Australia said, Zeste's oversized living spaces and diverse apartment mix, which includes the introduction of&nbsp;Breezeway Sky Homes for the first time, deliver a unique lifestyle offering.

Early purchasers will benefit from exclusive VIP pricing as well as the choice of one premium upgrade, which Lee says is a "thank you" for their commitment to the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351876]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, Zeste embodies Sekisui House’s global design philosophy of creating harmony between people, homes and nature. Principal Ben Pomroy explained that Zeste is about living within the landscape.

“With two large courtyards, the lagoon pool precinct for the wider community and a central courtyard with pavilion exclusively for Zeste residents, the architecture frames an experience of living in a park," Pomroy said.

“Over 50 per cent of the site is landscaped, ensuring a deep connection to nature at every stage of daily life. The buildings are designed as a collection of smaller, finer-grain forms, with over 85% of apartments enjoying dual aspects.

“The focus on natural ventilation, generous layouts and communal interaction creates a residential environment that is both sustainable and socially connected.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351886]

Natalie Shalala, a member of Rothelowman’s interiors team said they reimagined the former site’s Orchard homestead with a contemporary twist. &nbsp;

“The design draws on the nostalgia of the past orchard – timber floors, the warmth of a fireplace, the rituals of the homestead and reinvents them for modern apartment living,"&nbsp;Shalala said.

“We have created two tonal palettes, one with pale honey undertones and another with a soft blush inspired by nectar. A highlight feature is the cathedral glass light box, a bespoke design element that re-interprets the classic lantern. It is both beautiful and functional, tying kitchen and bathroom spaces together in a way that feels entirely unique."

Shalala said the&nbsp;day-to-day liveability has been carefully considered, with abundant storage solutions, butler’s pantries, bike storage and joinery designed to simplify routines and enhance comfort.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=352090]

Apartments in Zeste start from $715,000 for one-bedrooms and extend through to expansive three-bedroom Sky Homes priced from $2.25 million. Floorplans range from 59 sqm to 144sqm.

The mix in Essence comprises 41 one-bedroom, seven one-bedroom + Max space, 39 two-bedroom, 40 two-bedroom Breezeway Sky Homes (24 of which include additional Max spaces), and eight three-bedroom residences.&nbsp;

Max spaces are integrated into select residences, offering a flexible room that can be tailored to individual needs, ideal as a home office, children’s play area, or additional storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351881]

Zeste continues Sekisui House Australia’s partnership with Altogether Group, providing sustainable water, power and data services to residents. Passive design strategies include cross-ventilation, deep landscaping and water features that encourage evaporative cooling, aligning with The Orchards long-term environmental goals.&nbsp;

Construction is set to commence on the Zeste buildings in early 2026, with completion anticipated in late 2027 to early 2028.&nbsp;

More than 850 apartments have been sold across the masterplan, contributing to The Orchards community of 1,300 apartments when complete.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150510]

Sekisui House Australia launches Zeste, the final stage of its $1 billion Norwest masterplan

A significant addition to the Bella Vista Station Precinct is in the pipeline, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/landen-property">Landen</a> formally lodging a State Significant Development Application for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/40-memorial-avenue-bella-vista-40-memorial-avenue-nsw-2153">new apartment community on Memorial Avenue</a>.

Positioned beside the Elizabeth Macarthur Creek corridor, the project is among the first major transit-oriented residential proposals within the Metro precinct.

The masterplan, designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/turner-studio">Turner Architects</a>,&nbsp;outlines a four-stage delivery, comprising four buildings between four and fifteen storeys, and includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a limited selection of four-bedroom penthouses and terraces.

The project places a strong emphasis on housing diversity and liveability, with apartment sizes ranging from 50 to 180 sqm. The first stage will deliver 213 dwellings, followed by 231 in the second stage. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, pending approvals.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb3d84b1-d2df-4e26-915a-31b27faf9b1a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/View02_01-scaled.jpg?VersionId=Gb0AUtZ3VXsLxrqUaw_AwT_vcBwQ_FJu" />

As the first transit-oriented development (TOD) in the precinct, Landen’s Bella Vista community has been designed to align closely with the surrounding Metro infrastructure. The proposal integrates new pedestrian and cycling paths, a new bridge over Elizabeth Macarthur Creek, and direct access to Bella Vista Metro Station.

Lush communal amenities are also central to the design. 'The Grove' and the 'Garden Link' will create landscaped community areas that reflect the area's agricultural heritage and provide direct access to the creekside.&nbsp;

The ‘Garden Patio’ is conceived as a multi-use indoor-outdoor facility offering a gym, study nooks, and communal lounge spaces.&nbsp;Rooftop terraces across the buildings will offer views to the Blue Mountains and Parramatta skyline.

<img alt="Bella Vista Apartments" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="778da409-d5cf-4e7d-9ba9-0c36990bf0b4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/landen-bella-property-image.jpg?VersionId=ukPpmVcHF71xRc7U3MUT5rtGwOsntMMz" />

Landen’s Head of Property, Shane Harding, said the proposal highlights the developer’s precinct-scale ambition.

“As the first TOD proposal in Bella Vista, it highlights Landen’s ability to pioneer precinct-scale projects, integrate housing with infrastructure, and deliver outcomes that align with government priorities,” Harding told the Daily Telegraph.

The project arrives at a time of rapid growth in Western Sydney, with Bella Vista alone forecast to more than double in population by 2046. The development’s location, between the Bella Vista and Kellyville Metro stations, positions it as a connected lifestyle hub for families, professionals and downsizers seeking access to transport, schools, and employment centres.

Pending approval, the development is slated for completion in 2028.

Landen plans 444-apartment community in Bella Vista Metro zone

Property Tax

<h2 class="legacy">EXPERT INSIGHT</h2>

Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas&rsquo;s three-pronged strategy to raise an extra <a href="https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/contributing-fair-share-stronger-victoria">A$2.7 billion in property taxes</a> over the next four years is a case of two out of three ain&rsquo;t bad.

<h2>Land tax ✅</h2>

First, Pallas will raise $1.5 billion over four years by lifting land taxes on landholdings worth between $1.8 and $3 million by 0.25%, and by 0.3 percentage points on landholdings worth more than $3 million.

This is a good move. Taxes levied on the value of landholdings are among the <a href="https://theconversation.com/abolish-stamp-duty-the-act-shows-the-rest-of-us-how-to-tax-property-105378">most efficient states can impose</a>. And land taxes offer a more sustainable and less-volatile tax base than stamp duties on property transactions.

<h2>Windfall gains levy ✅</h2>

Second, developers and landowners who reap windfall gains when their property is rezoned will be hit with a 50% levy if the gain is $500,000 or more, with the tax phasing in from windfalls above $100,000. The new levy will not apply to growth-zone land where developers already pay the <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/growth-areas-infrastructure-contribution">Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution </a>charge.

Again, this is a good move. It should reduce incentives for <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/how-money-talks-in-victorian-politics-five-lessons-from-the-casey-corruption-scandal-20201218-p56oo3.html">corruption</a> when planning applications are decided.

As a tax, collecting unearned windfall gains is extraordinarily efficient, so efficient it shouldn&rsquo;t even be called a tax but a charge for a change in allowable land use, which is <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-states-are-crying-poor-they-wouldnt-if-they-charged-for-rezoning-142838">what it is</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95340 project_image_fid=160800]

The new re-zoning charge won&rsquo;t raise much in the short term: just $124 million over four years.

But the next time there is a major rezoning &mdash; think of the bonanzas that have flowed to land holders from previous rezonings in <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/report-slams-matthew-guy-on-rezoning-of-fishermans-bend-20151019-gkcyrv.html">Melbourne&rsquo;s Fisherman&rsquo;s Bend</a> and the Docklands &mdash; it will deliver taxpayers hundreds of millions if not billions.

The property lobby <a href="https://www.afr.com/property/commercial/victorian-windfall-tax-will-hit-urban-infill-developers-say-20210516-p57sbh">has been quick to claim</a> that charging for rezoning windfalls will deter higher-density development in Melbourne, or increase prices. Both claims should be ignored.

Capturing a share of rezoning windfalls won&rsquo;t deter developers. Instead it could make it easier to solve Melbourne&rsquo;s housing crisis while reducing incentives for corruption in planning decisions.

Planning rules make it hard to build more housing in inner suburbs. Zoning for higher density is necessary, but unpopular. Local residents partly object because they think developers are getting a free kick.

The Victorian treasurer&rsquo;s decision to make the winners pay for some of their winnings will make the process fairer and less divisive.

It&rsquo;s a myth that charges for changes in land use raise home prices. Australian evidence suggests those lucky enough to own land before it is rezoned <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0264275117301051">pay the charges</a> rather than pass them on to eventual homebuyers, which might be why they object.

And future developers will pay less for their land, because the expectation of windfall gains won&rsquo;t be built into the price.

The ACT Government has charged <a href="https://www.planning.act.gov.au/leasing-and-titles/varying-crown-leases/lease-variation-charge">75%</a> for land value uplift for three decades without scaring away developers.

But the third prong of the Pallas plan &mdash; lifting stamp duty from 5.5% to 6.5% on properties that sell for more than $2 million &mdash; is a step in the wrong direction.

<h2>More stamp duty ❌</h2>

Stamp duties are among the most <a href="https://theconversation.com/abolish-stamp-duty-the-act-shows-the-rest-of-us-how-to-tax-property-105378">inefficient</a> and inequitable taxes Australia has.

They discourage people from moving to housing and cities that better suit their needs, and they are inequitable discourage people from moving to better jobs.

And the revenue they provide is volatile: any slowdown in property sales &mdash; as happened during COVID took hold &ndash; punches a big hole in state budgets.

Few Victorians will be affected by this tax hike: less than 5% of all Melbourne homes (and just 0.5% of regional Victorian homes) went for $2 million or more last year, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/timlawless/status/1394500338846081026">Corelogic</a>.

Someone buying a $2.5 million home will pay just an extra $5,000 in stamp duty.

But Pallas should be looking to replace stamp duty with broad-based land taxes, as <a href="https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/property-tax-proposal">NSW</a> is planning to do.

Tax hikes are rarely popular. But they will become increasingly necessary as states try to repair their budgets after the COVID crisis.

In the quest for a better tax system, Pallas has just taken two steps forward, and one step back.

<img alt="The Conversation" f="" height="1" j="" m8tkrlktj="" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/161353/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />

<hr />
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brendan-coates-154644">Brendan Coates</a>, Program Director, Household Finances, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/grattan-institute-1168">Grattan Institute</a>

This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-lesson-for-australia-out-of-victorias-property-tax-hikes-two-out-of-three-aint-bad-161353">original article</a>.

Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas’s three-pronged strategy to raise an extra A$2.7 billion in property taxes over the next four years is a case of two out of three ain’t bad

jordan_55689

The lesson for Australia out of Victoria’s 3 property tax hikes

The City of Sydney&rsquo;s Affordable Housing Program, endorsed by the Minister for Planning, Rob Stokes, introduces a charge for the delivery new homes that will now apply across Central Sydney and much of the City of Sydney local government area.

Minister Stokes announced last week the making of a new plan that will push up the price of new housing in the City of Sydney.

The NSW Government has signed off on a new tax of up to 3% on the production of new homes in the City of Sydney Council area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7317 project_image_fid=79239]

Urban Taskforce CEO Tom Forrest said, &quot;both the Minister and Clover Moore are well meaning, but you don&rsquo;t create affordable housing by adding additional charges to the production of new homes.&quot;

&quot;The NSW Productivity Commission recognised this conundrum in their review of infrastructure fees and charges. This change goes in the very opposite direction. This is a new tax on new homes to be paid by new home buyers.&nbsp;Prices will go up.&quot;

&quot;Housing affordability is one of the biggest issues facing governments at all levels. But the NSW Government has simply done what the Mayor of Sydney wants &ndash; no questions asked &ndash; no economic analysis applied.&quot;

&quot;The key to housing affordability is more supply &ndash; not extra taxes on those who are trying to solve the affordability problem by creating more homes.&quot;

&quot;It is high-time the penny dropped with the NSW Government &ndash; it is the drought of planning approvals that has caused this housing affordability crisis and urgent policy reform is needed.&quot;

&quot;Unfortunately, while well meaning, today&rsquo;s announcement is a step in the wrong direction.&quot;

&quot;Clover Moore is no-doubt popular &ndash; but we are in trouble if we take her advice on housing affordability!&quot;

The NSW Government has signed off on a new tax of up to 3% on the production of new homes in the City of Sydney Council area

New production tax to push up price of new housing in City of Sydney

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
According to data recently released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) property taxation revenue increased further over the 2017-18 financial year to reach $30.293 billion.
State and local governments collected a whopping $30.293 billion worth of property tax revenue over the 2017-18 financial year. If you were to compare these statistics to what was published last year, the figures would be vastly different.
Previously, the ABS included stamp duties on conveyances as taxes on property however, in this year’s release this has been moved to a different section of taxation – taxes on the provision of goods and services.
Nevertheless, the $30.293 billion in property tax revenue was 5.6% higher over the past year with the annual increase lower than the 7.9% increase over the previous year.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/2/Property%20Taxation%201.JPG" alt="">
Within total property taxes, land taxes ($9.153b) increased 9.0% over the year, municipal rates ($18.451b) increased 4.3% and other taxes ($2.689b) increased 3.4% over the year.
Through analysis of the results, it was confirmed that revenues from property taxes are now the highest in the most populous states.
Across the states, total property tax revenue in 2017-18 was recorded at: $8.382 billion in NSW, $8.778 billion in Vic, $5.658 billion in Qld, $2.433 billion in SA, $3.654 billion in WA, $549 million in Tas, $133 million in NT and $705 million in ACT. 
Taking a look at stamp duties, which although they are no longer defined as part of ‘taxes on property’, they are a tax paid when a property when is transacted.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/2/Property%20Taxation%202.JPG" alt="">
When the housing market is seeing increased transactions and rises in values, stamp duty generally rises and vice versa. The national housing market started to see values fall late in 2017 and as a result, stamp duty revenue is largely unchanged in 2017-18 from the previous year.
Stamp duty revenue over time across each state and territory shows the most populous states derive the most revenue from stamp duty, however, the chart also shows how volatile revenue from stamp duty can be based on the performance of the housing market. Over the most recent year, stamp duty revenue fell in NSW, Qld, SA, WA, NT and ACT while it rose elsewhere.
With the national housing market now seeing values and transaction volumes continuing to decline, it is to be expected that the 2018- 19 financial year will see a much lower value of stamp duty revenue.
While non-transactional based property taxes provide state and local governments with consistent revenue streams year after year, transactional-based stamp duty is much less guaranteed and harder to forecast for budgeting purposes.
Over recent years as the housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne have boomed, the NSW and Vic state governments have benefitted greatly from a significant increase in stamp duty revenue.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/2/Property%20Taxation%203.JPG" alt="">
Stamp duty revenue in NSW is 89.7% higher over the past five years and in Vic it is up 116.0%. By comparison, in WA where the housing market has largely been falling over the same period, stamp duty revenue is down -18.9%.
With the NSW and Vic Governments seemingly going to be hit by a loss of stamp duty revenue over the coming years it would seem that now is as good a time as ever to look to move away from this transactional tax.
Although no one likes additional taxes, a tax on all residential properties is more equitable than a tax on the 4%-6% of properties that transact in any given year. Furthermore, it provides a more guaranteed revenue stream to state government so they can better plan their expenditure into the future.
In closing, it should be noted that the ACT Government announced in 2012 that it was going to remove stamp duty over a 20 year period.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/5/2/Property%20Taxation%204.JPG" alt="">
CAMERON KUSHER is the head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic
Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/taxonomy/corelogic-people/cameron-kusher" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.
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Property tax revenues continue climb in 2017/18 despite downturn: Cameron Kusher

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SPONSORED POST
Did you know statistics show that over 62 percent of property owner’s under-claim their property tax depreciation allowances and many don't even claim them at all!
Property Tax Depreciation is vital, it's a property investor's secret weapon for better cash flow and yet sadly it’s widely misunderstood. And this is why Napier &amp; Blakeley give you NBtax. 
NBtax, an online property tax depreciation service uses innovative technology to access Napier &amp; Blakeley's specialist property tax depreciation consultants. NBtax means investment property owners can start the process quickly and easily without the need to spend too much time going to and fro.
Once you submit the required information, our expert teams of Quantity Surveyors get on with tailoring your property tax depreciation schedule, setting you up for the depreciable life of your investment.
With decades of property tax depreciation experience, Napier &amp; Blakeley are ideally positioned to provide specialist services, helping investors maximise their depreciation claims while being ATO compliant.
Property tax depreciation is calculated on two different aspects of your asset, Depreciating Assets and Building Allowances. Depreciating Assets include plant and equipment, things like carpets, lifts, appliances and white goods. Building Allowances are primarily based on the building and structure of your asset.
We, Napier &amp; Blakeley, were the first in Australia to provide professional, specialised property tax depreciation advice, and now over 30 years later we’re still the market leaders. A professional property tax depreciation schedule can boost your cash flow potentially by tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your investment.
Yet so many property owners stumble. A simple lack of knowledge and the specialist nature of property tax depreciation means investors often under-claim and at times even avoid the process missing out on thousands. Unfortunately many investors rely on their financial advisors or generic advisors who really cannot dissect a property and its component parts and, they may not maximise the potential benefits.
Remember that no property is too old or small to benefit from a professionally prepared property tax deprecation schedule. Whether it be commercial, residential or industrial, brand new, renovated or just old, every investment property has the potential to further increase your cash-flow. There's hard cash sitting there waiting to be claimed. It's just a matter of taking the first step in the right direction, and that's where NBtax comes in.
Combining the latest in digital innovation with years of specialist experience, it's the best of both worlds, we make life easier for investors in a time poor world.
NBtax combines cloud-based data management with our specialist experience.  With an NBtax property depreciation schedule for your investment you’re able to relax and know that we’ve got your back. Our Quantity Surveyors are some of the most experienced in the industry and their objective is to produce a maximised property tax depreciation schedule tailored to your investment.
It's a wise move, an easy process. More cash and peace of mind – the best of both worlds with NBtax.
Contact one of our specialists for <a href="https://nbtax.com.au/" target="_blank">further information</a>.
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It’s tax time and NBtax is here to help

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SPONSORED POST

Rental properties make money for investors through income and capital gains, both of which are taxable.

Depending on your annual income from investments, wages and other sources, tax can eat up a sizable chunk of your returns.

One way to minimise your tax bill is to ensure you’re claiming all of the deductions you can on your investment property.

Expenses you incur due to owning a rental property can be o set against the income the investment brings in.

If the deductions add up to more than the income, you can offset set the tax loss against earnings from other sources. If the income is higher than the total value of deductions, you must pay tax on the excess. 

Most of the income you’ll receive from your investment property will be rent paid by tenants. Other property-related income is also taxable, such as insurance payouts for damage to the property or lost rent, and rental bond you’ve retained to pay for damage caused by tenants.

The Australian Taxation Office has strict rules about what costs and expenses you can and can’t use to reduce your tax bill. For example, you can only claim expenses for the period that your property was rented or available for rent.

You can claim some expenses in full in the tax year in which you incurred them but others must be claimed over a number of years.

CLAIM IN FULL NOW

The long list of expenses you can claim straight away includes:

• Interest on your mortgage

• Strata fees

• Council rates

• Water bills

• Repairs and maintenance

• Pest control

• Property management costs

• Advertising for tenants

• Land tax

• Legal expenses

• Bank charges

• Administration costs such as phone bills, stationery and postage.

You can claim a tax deduction this year on expenses you’ve prepaid such as insurance and interest on your mortgage for the coming nancial year.

CLAIM OVER TIME

Some costs must be claimed over several years. Charges for establishing a mortgage are usually claimed over five years, for instance. Assets that wear out and need to be replaced periodically – such as carpets and hot water systems – need to be depreciated with the cost claimed over their useful lifespan. 

You may also be able to claim capital works deductions, which cover the property’s construction costs, including the home itself, carports, sealed driveways and fences, and items that are fixed in the building such as kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

DON’T CLAIM AS EXPENSES

You can’t claim the cost of buying and selling the property or any initial repairs that are needed before you can rent it out. These costs are factored into the profit, or capital gain, you make when you sell.

These lists are not exhaustive. If in doubt, check with a tax professional. 

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To download a free ebook on new financial year taxation tips for property investors, click here.
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New financial year tax tips for property investors

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You can claim a tax deduction for some of the expenses associated with owning a rental property in the year in which you incurred them, but others must be claimed over time.
DEPRECIATING ASSETS
Items that will wear out and need to be replaced, such as carpets and appliances, need to be depreciated. This means you claim the cost of the item over its expected lifespan.
The Australian Taxation Office has published a list of the timeframes for depreciating common items found in rental properties.
For example, the ATO suggests carpet should be depreciated over 10 years and floating timber doors over 15 years. Gas or electric hot water systems can be depreciated over 12 years, while the suggested lifespan of solar hot water systems is 15 years. The ATO suggests cook tops, ovens and refrigerators should be depreciated over 12 years.
You can use the ATO’s suggested timeframes to claim depreciation or, in some cases, you can make your own estimates.
If you want to use your own estimate of the e ective life of a depreciating asset, you’ll need to be able to back up your claims with information such as the manufacturer’s specifications, engineering information or common practices for scrapping the item.
The item’s lifespan starts from when it was new, not when you started claiming deductions. If you install second-hand items, you’d have to consider their lifespan since new, not since you bought them.
CAPITAL WORKS
If your rental property was built after July 17, 1985, you may be able to claim a deduction for construction costs, known as a capital works deduction. 
Capital works deductions are usually claimed at a rate of 2.5 percent t a year for the 40 years after construction. They cover expenses for buildings, extensions such as garages or patios, alterations such as kitchen and bathroom renovations and structural improvements including carports, sealed driveways and fences.
Assets that are considered to be part of the building must also be depreciated as capital works.
This includes:
• Cabinets, sinks and xtures in kitchens and bathrooms
• Built-in wardrobes
• Tiles and other oor coverings that can’t easily be removed without damaging the building
• Insulation
• Fly screens and awnings
If you want to claim for capital works, you’ll need records of the construction dates and building costs, details of who carried out the works and the type of construction.
If you don’t have access to these details, you can hire a quantity surveyor, architect or builder to supply this information. 
To download a free ebook on new financial year taxation tips for property investors,<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/55208-new-financial-year-tax-planning-tips-for-property-investors" target="_blank"> click here</a>.
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Claiming a tax deduction for rental property ownership expenses

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The Federal Budget may unveil a tax on properties owned by foreign investors who leave them vacant for a period of time, as part of measures to improve housing affordability.
The levy will be part of the conditions imposed by the Foreign Investment Review Board when overseas buyers are approved for Australian property purchases, Sky News reported.
The fee charged to foreign investors who leave their properties vacant could be as much as $5,000, and would be on top of the fees they pay per property depending on its value.
It said the revenue raised from the scheme would be redirected into the government's wider package of housing affordability measures.
FIRB charges for investment approval are currently $5,000 for properties worth less than $1 million and $10,000 for those over $1 million.
A separate report in The Australian said the spokesman for Treasurer Scott Morrison declined to comment on the new report.
The Australian Taxation Office is in the process of building a nationwide register of foreign-owned land, under the Foreign Investment Framework, to identify which land is owned by overseas nationals.
This could be compared with water usage levels, kept by each state, to determine which properties are sitting vacant.
Earlier this month, Labor unveiled new measures if it came to power that will include adopting a nationally consistent Vacant Residential Property Tax, as recently imposed by the Victorian government, to curb investors buying properties and leaving them vacant.
Labor will also double the fines imposed on foreign investors who illegally purchase residential real estate. 
The Victorian government has decided to impose a tax on homeowners who leave their properties vacant in a bid to make housing more affordable in and around Melbourne, taking a leaf out of Vancouver's Empty Homes Tax.
The <a href="/news/victoria-to-tax-owners-for-leaving-homes-vacant-as-it-tackles-housing-crisis">Vacant Residential Property Tax</a> will be levied at 1 percent, multiplied by the capital improved value of the taxable property. 
Vancouver last year introduced a tax on owners of unoccupied homes. 
University of NSW research suggests up to 90,000 properties are sitting empty, while in Melbourne figures have shown almost 20 per cent of investor-owned homes were empty.
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Foreigners who leave homes vacant could soon be taxed

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The New South Wales government leads the country in property tax increases, according to the Property Council of Australia which cited the latest ABS data, adding further pressure on house prices amid the hot debate on affordability.
Taxes on property increased by 16 per cent, or $2.4 billion in NSW in 2015/16, leading Australia in terms of property tax hikes. Over the last five years, revenue from property taxes in NSW rose by 64.9 per cent, or $6.7 billion, the data shows.
The state’s tax share bolstered last year’s national property tax revenue where property taxes hit a record $49.5 billion across Australia. 
The PCA says the state government is leaning on the property industry to prop up its spending. 
“This a podium finish NSW does not want; with housing affordability the number one issue for this premier and her leadership team, it is concerning that they continue to squeeze the industry dry and are swimming in property tax revenue,” NSW executive director Jane Fitzgerald said.
“Higher taxes on property means higher house prices and more strain on first home buyers - this government is simply throwing fuel on the fire.
“With the average house price in NSW at around $900,000 and in parts of Sydney at well over $1 million, we need to be reducing taxes on the property industry, not leading the nation in terms of tax hikes.”
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/28/NSWtax.png" alt="">
Over the past five years, revenue for property based stamp duty in NSW has doubled to more than eight billion dollars from around four billion dollars.
“When will enough be enough and we look at tax reform in this state to reduce the burden on the industry and look at sustainable, long term revenue streams rather than property taxes that rise and fall with the market,” said Fitzgerald.
“The upcoming state budget must be brave and bold and contain tax reform that releases the financial pressure on the people of NSW.”
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NSW leads Australia in property tax hikes: PCA

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High taxes are taking a toll on new house and land packages built in Sydney’s South West, with taxes comprising about 30% of the cost to produce them, according to research by developer The Monarch Investments Group (Monarch). 
Taxes for an average sized house and land package include GST of $65,909, stamp duty of $26,813 and council and state contributions $30,500, Monarch said in a media release.
Monarch chief executive Peter Icklow said the government should look at various measures to improve housing affordability for the younger generation. 
These include reducing the GST on new houses, perhaps placing that shortfall of revenue on all houses and lowering stamp duty as well as reducing infrastructure levies, he said. 
"Ten years ago in Macquarie Links Estate a house and land package on a 800 square metres lot was $700,000, today it is over $1.1 million for the same size home,” Icklow said.
"The tax percentages have remained the same however, with the increase in land and house prices the amount the government is pocketing is vastly different.
"They are billions of dollars richer from the capital growth in property and land.
"Since 1955, we have developed over 6,000 land lots in our masterplanned communities, with over 50 per cent located in South Western Sydney. The biggest change we have witnessed is the shrinking land lots."
Ten years ago the average sized lot in Macquarie Links was 800 square metres, whereas now Monarch is building triplexes on 180 square metres at The Meadows. 
“Land is simply too expensive. We are building smaller lots to meet purchaser demand,” he added.
“The first home buyer market is alive and well in the South West. In recent years, we have witnessed first home buyer city dwellers renting apartments now moving into the suburbs. They are after space to raise children and good infrastructure and facilities. The South West is providing this with billions of dollars being spent in the region from both the private and public sector,” Icklow continued.
He said first home buyers have bought more than 90% in The Meadows in Bardia while at the finished Ingleburn Gardens Estate, their proportion was 80%. 
“We are finding that downsizers from inner city locations that have built up good equity are also now starting to move out. Many people are selling homes worth around one to two million, purchasing a new home in the South West for around $700,000 and then using the excess for holidays or hobbies.”
The Meadows will have 210 houses and more than 30% is already sold. It is located directly beside Monarch’s Ingleburn Gardens Estate and across the road from the company’s first flagship development in the area, Macquarie Links Estate.
The development will have a swimming pool, playground and recreational facilities. 
Prices start from $669,950 to $789,950 (average $709,950) for a three bed duplex and range in lot size from 230 square metres to 300 square metres. 
 
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