Victorian Government

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Whether you’re looking to purchase a new or existing home, first home buyers will be glad to know they can still take advantage of the Victorian Government’s stamp duty exemptions.

Unlike the NSW Government’s First Home Buyers Assistance scheme (FHBAS), the Victorian Government’s stamp duty-exempt thresholds are the same for both new and existing homes.

The exemption, which came into effect on July 1, 2017, abolishes stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing a property valued at $600,000 or less.

To assist you in your search, Urban takes a look at six apartments you can secure with no stamp duty payable, which could effectively erase barriers to home ownership for many. 
 

1. 661 Chapel Street, South Yarra 
Address: 661 Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC 3141 
One-bedroom apartments from $546,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=600]

661 Chapel Street is one of Melbourne’s latest luxury developments with 116 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across 30 floors.

Developed by Gamuda Land and designed by Bird de la Coeur Architecture, among the project’s extensive hotel-inspired resident amenities is a concierge, gym, winter garden and members’ lounge, as well as a 25-metre pool and library. 
 

2. Melbourne Quarter, Docklands 
Address: 628 Flinders Street, Docklands VIC 3008 
One-bedroom apartments from $458,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3459]

Lendlease's Melbourne Quarter also lets first home buyers enjoy stamp duty savings whilst delivering a blinds package on brand-new, ready-to-move-in apartments.

Designed by the award-winning Fender Katsalidis, the project includes a hotel-style lobby, concierge and exclusive access to three whole floors of resort-style amenities at Club MQ, such as a multi-use space, pool, theatrette and library. 
 

3. Moreville, Footscray 
Address: 12-18 Napier Street, Footscray VIC 3011 
Two-bedroom apartments from $595,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2060]

Located at 12-18 Napier Street, Moreville boasts a collection of 43 apartments designed by Moull Murray Architects, offering open-plan floorplans, terraces and numerous amenities.

The residence’s façade has been inspired by Footscray’s traditional building styles, where contemporary design meets industrial chic. Sering Urban are developing the block. 
 

4. Parkhill Apartments, West Melbourne 
Address: 408 Spencer Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003 
One-bedroom apartments from $479,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]

Central Equity’s Parkhill offers buyers the chance to save up to $43,000 on stamp duty exemptions in the West Melbourne development.

The project developer is additionally matching the HomeBuilder Grant to save buyers $30,000.

Amenities offered alongside each residence include a rooftop gym for residents, a relaxing rooftop garden and a seven-day concierge service. 
 

5. Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights 
Address: 15 Sixth Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3196 
Two-bedroom townhouses from $599,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=32136]

First home buyers can still take advantage of the stamp duty concessions for brand new townhouses.

The 59-townhouse development, Sixth Ave, delivered by Aultun Group and designed by Point Architects, provides perfect bayside living with an endless array of retail, dining and recreational amenities, as well as two-storey designs and expansive private courtyards. 
 

6. Magnolia at St. Boulevard, Melbourne 
Address: 601 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 
One-bedroom apartments from $555,000

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1260]

Developed by the Shakespeare Group, St. Boulevard offers a multitude of exclusive facilities for its residents and among its three buildings is Magnolia.

The Elenberg Fraser-designed apartment delivers private kitchens and dining room, climate-controlled wine storage and a health club and spa featuring body jet showers, a sauna and steam rooms.

Designed around three signature trees, Magnolia, Anaca and Ginko, the residence presents a place to gather with friends or seek quiet moments of solitude.
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Urban takes a look at six apartments you can secure with no stamp duty payable, which could effectively erase barriers to home ownership for many

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Save thousands: Melbourne apartments you can buy without paying stamp duty

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Local government areas (LGAs) are struggling to accommodate the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-22/victoria-public-social-housing-build-local-council-rules/12907336">growing demand for housing in Victoria</a> – a problem which the Victorian Government are planning to address with an investment boost of $5.4 billion.

The Government's plan is to replace obsolete properties and construct 12,000 new homes, providing more social and affordable housing. This funding will, in turn, provide 10,000 jobs each year over four years. 

<h2>Current projects underway</h2>

Bills Street, Hawthorn - The site is prepped and ready for new developments to commence construction once the planning application is approved.

Dunlop Avenue, Ascot Vale - Planning permit has been issued earlier this year.

Elizabeth Street, North Richmond - The new buildings to be established in the vicinity of 147 - 161 Elizabeth Street in Richmond will deliver well designed, safe, secure and modern social and affordable housing. 

Markham Avenue, Ashburton - The site is prepped and ready for development to begin. The new homes will be located next to existing parklands.

Tarakan Street, West Heidelberg - Redevelopment for improved open space is planned for this site.

Victoria Street, Flemington - A new residential development will offer affordable homes due to demand.

<h2>21 LGAs the Government is requesting submissions for:</h2>

<ol>
<li>
	Bendigo
	</li>
	<li>
	Macedon
	</li>
	<li>
	Ballarat
	</li>
	<li>
	Moorabool
	</li>
	<li>
	Melton
	</li>
	<li>
	Wyndham
	</li>
	<li>
	Geelong
	</li>
	<li>
	Shepparton
	</li>
	<li>
	Mitchell
	</li>
	<li>
	Whittlesea
	</li>
	<li>
	Maroondah
	</li>
	<li>
	Casey
	</li>
	<li>
	Cardinia
	</li>
	<li>
	Hume
	</li>
	<li>
	Brimbank
	</li>
	<li>
	Maribyrnong
	</li>
	<li>
	Port Phillip
	</li>
	<li>
	Moreland
	</li>
	<li>
	Darebin
	</li>
	<li>
	Whitehorse
	</li>
	<li>
	Boroondara
	</li>
</ol>
The new initiative will complement the $500 million building works programme, which aims to give the construction industry extra employment security post-COVID-19.
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Olivia Round

Fast-start project: Victoria's $5.4 billion Big Housing Build

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Since opening in 2002, Federation Square has welcomed approximately 10 million visitors each year and is home to several of Melbourne’s cultural institutions including Flinders St Amphitheatre, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.

In April earlier this year, the Victorian Government announced that they would be exploring ways to future-proof the precinct. The review aims to reconsider accessibility of Federation Square, creation of more public and commercial spaces, inspire public gathering and to deliver better access to the Yarra River, transport links, as well as sports and cultural precincts.

The year-long review process has recently reached Stage 1, which has now opened up the project for discussion with 'community consultation'. The feedback phase will run for two months before ideas are pitched to stakeholders.

To date, some of the requests include the following:

<ul>
<li>Urban organic vertical garden</li>
	<li>A large and welcoming public library</li>
	<li>More green spaces</li>
	<li>Move the carpark</li>
	<li>Create seating for people to relax near the river</li>
	<li>More shade</li>
	<li>Creation of a culture and history museum</li>
	<li>Ice skating rink</li>
	<li>Replace paving with lawn</li>
	<li>Fountain or sculpture</li>
	<li>Plant more trees</li>
	<li>Improve the overall connection between zones of the precinct</li>
	<li>Multi-generational friendly spaces</li>
	<li>Install drinking fountains</li>
	<li>Retractable dome roof so the plaza can be used year-round</li>
	<li>Solar implementation</li>
</ul>
While <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/federation-square-review">many also commented</a> that they would like Federation Square to be left as-is.

<blockquote>
“Just let it be. It doesn’t have to be an activity destination. Allow it to keep evolving organically as an integral fabric of our city.”
</blockquote>

Others also placed emphasis on cultural, arts, literary and entertainment offerings.

<blockquote>
“Make it primarily a meeting place. Events-driven. Rotate new pop up restaurants every season to showcase Melb gastronomy (keeps it fresh).”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“Draw on the local Indigenous culture. Showcase different aspects of Melbourne. Make it a fun and interesting place that isn’t just concrete”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
A weekly farmers market on a weekday. Compare it to somewhere like Union Square in New York. Better quality food on offer.”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“A new public library with the capacity to provide visitor services. It will drive visitation, increase activation and support community life”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“A museum of Australian Architecture or an international tramways museum”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“Free water fountains for summer to help reduce waste. More shade. More focus on Australian artists.”
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
“Make it the cultural hub Melbourne is missing! There is Acmi and Ian Potter already. Build on this for a place for exhibits, concerts, talks”
</blockquote>

Share your thoughts on the Federation Square Review in the comments below.

Commentary sourced from <a href="https://engage.vic.gov.au/federation-square-review">Federation Square Review</a>. Lead image credit: Urban Developer.
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The Victorian Government invite the public to share ideas for Federation Square Review

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The Andrews Labor Government have just announced a brand-new funding scheme which aims to protect hundreds of vulnerable Australians who live in apartment buildings with hazardous cladding.

A $600 million fund will be administered by a newly-formed body, Cladding Safety Victoria and will strive to rectify at least 500 buildings with high-risk, combustible cladding, with an outlook to raise the additional $300 million over the next five years to cover more buildings which have been deemed unsafe.

The rectification project was recommended by the <a href="https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/building-policy/victorian-cladding-taskforce">Victorian Cladding Taskforce</a> in their most recent report. The Taskforce previously suggested that the Victorian Government ban the use of aluminium cladding panels that have a polyethylene core of more than 30% and expanded polystyrene that is used on buildings with 3 or more levels, and the policy was passed March 2018.

Premier Daniel Andrews commented that the world-first initiative would fix “most buildings at risk” and help protect residents of Victoria against the danger of non-compliant building materials.

<blockquote>
“Combustible cladding is a national problem and we want the Federal Government to be part of the solution here in Victoria.”
</blockquote>

Premier Daniel Andrews

So far, The Taskforce has identified 15 properties which will be first on the list to undergo remedial works. Cladding Safety Victoria will also be contacting owners corporations and property owners to investigate which buildings are at the greatest risk. The government also plan to revise the Building Code to decipher what legislative changes are required in order to provide better protection for all.

<blockquote>
“This isn’t just about safety, it’s about fairness for people who bought apartments in good faith and were let down by dodgy builders or dangerous building products.”
</blockquote>

Minister for Planning Richard Wynne

The Taskforce has suggested that the Victorian Government seek financial contribution from the Commonwealth due to the problem affecting buildings nation-wide.

Lead image: Lacrosse Tower in Docklands, Credit: The Urban Developer
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