Over the past 12 years Thirdi Group has been very lucky to be included in a range of media & industry awards, recognised in how we combine traditional property development & investment strategies with in-house developed technologies.
We are proud of our innovative approach to property development and we believe it’s our simple philosophy of ‘Investing where Investments are being made’ that has helped our company secure its place as one of the fastest growing development firms within Australia.
It’s an extra kick’: New-home inquiries spike as buyers jump on HomeBuilder grant
Developers and builders have fielded a wave of renewed interest from home buyers motivated by the federal government’s HomeBuilder scheme.
The $25,000 grants come as a welcome shot to the arm for the new homes industry, which was suffering a dramatic drop in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant applies to new homes of up to $750,000 with contracts signed between June 4 and December 31 this year, where construction is due to commence within three months of the contract date. Buyers must also meet income tests.
The scheme comes in sync with the first signs of a rebound for the industry, says Patrick Cooney, sales and marketing director at Melbourne developer Milieu.
“With HomeBuilder and improved market sentiment, a combination of both really, we’ve had a lot more people inquiring at the just under $750,000 mark,” he said.
Cooney said inquiries about the company’s developments had quadrupled in the past week.
An artist’s impression of Pace at Sunshine North, a new development in Melbourne. Photo: Supplied
“It’s really given people an incentive to go out and purchase,” he said. “It’s a huge amount of money – if you’re looking at a $500,000 apartment, it’s 5 per cent of the purchase price.
“It’s an extra kick that has really given people an earlier avenue to be able to make a purchase, rather than having to wait another year to save that 5 per cent.”
In the three months to May, new home sales fell by 20.3 per cent compared to the previous three months, Housing Industry Association figures show. Project cancellations also hit 26 per cent, compared to the typical range of 7 to 9 per cent.
Developers and builders in the new home industry are hoping HomeBuilder will fend off any further market decline.
“It’s certainly a big help and, given its quick implementation, will go a long way to smoothing out the significant drop that was looming,” said Ash Bramich, director of sales and marketing at development firm Pace.
“The limited window that the grant is available will serve as additional motivation for those buyers who were already planning to buy in 2020.”
Bramich said inquiries had risen by an average of 30 per cent across all of Pace’s projects since the scheme was announced on June 3.
HomeBuilder is expected to be more successful in cities such as Brisbane and Adelaide where the median house price is $584,778 and $542,418 respectively, compared to Sydney at $1.168 million and Melbourne at $918,000.
The Orchards Norwest by Sekisui House. Photo: Artist’s impression
David Laner, general manager of Stockland’s 11 residential projects in Queensland, said the scheme complemented the Queensland government’s first home owner’s grant of $15,000.
“At our Aura community on the Sunshine Coast for example, this could see a $380,000 three-bed, two-bath, one-car free-standing home cost the customer approximately $340,000, with the potential for further concessions for those eligible,” he said.
Queensland’s Daniel Hirst, residential director at Colliers International, said he expected the popularity of HomeBuilder would stimulate other sections of the property market.
“It will feed into the resale of existing homes and into the sale of apartments as well because that’s what traditionally happens when one segment of the market becomes buoyant, the others will come along for the ride,” he said.
However, Hirst said there was still a measure of confusion around the scheme’s fine print.
“There’s a few questions unanswered yet such as how do the mum and dads get the money, when is it paid to them?” he said.
“The banks don’t know that, we don’t know that, so hopefully the government can quickly answer that at such a point in time that it doesn’t stop the momentum that’s started.”
Luke Berry, co-founder of Sydney-based developer Thirdi Group, said buyers of his apartments wouldn’t qualify for the grants because construction wasn’t commencing before the cut-off date.
“It’s good and positive that the government is creating this incentive for the home buyers and the house-and-land companies, I just hope the government realises that our sector is a major employer of trades, architects and designers,” he said.
“I’m waiting with interest to see what they’re going to do to help activate off-the-plan, medium and high density part of our industry.”
Scott Rudgley, marketing manager at Sekisui House, said the developer was running out of stock, largely as a result of first home-buyers motivated by HomeBuilder.
“It has renewed interest, particularly at that lower end of the market obviously because of the price point,” he said.
“Generally speaking, it’s the first-home buyer who has been sitting on the fence for the past six months or thereabouts who are ready to transact now.”
Q&A with Katie Rea from Property Developer: Thirdi Group
Industry news / Q&A with Katie Rea from Property Developer: Thirdi Group
Q&A with Katie Rea from Property Developer: Thirdi Group
Urban.com.au caught up with Katie Rea from Thirdi Group for a Q&A session to discuss how developers are navigating the current crisis.
1. How are you going about things at Thirdi in 2020?
Thirdi finished 2019 in an incredibly strong position having bolstered the development pipeline for years to come. To date, the first half of 2020 hasn’t come without its challenges though as we navigate and pivot into new ways of working, my honest belief is that from these challenges growth and opportunities start to arise. For Thirdi it has been a firm belief that it is “business as usual’ albeit with a twist. Friday drinks are morphed into zoom cocktail hours, coffee catchups are done virtually, and sales inspections have unfortunately been carried out without a friendly handshake. Whilst we are all facing adversity our commitment to ‘innovative brilliance’, embracing change, adopting new technologies and assuming the Australian spirit of ‘having a crack’ are the traits in which will ensure Thirdi can and will deliver on its value proposition for years to come.
In 2020 we are seeing digital take over even more so than the previous 3-5 years. Video calls have allowed us to sell our high-end stock to clients who are currently overseas without them having to physically turn up. We are seeing clients spend more time on our App, looking at views, studying floor plans and watching video content to familiarise themselves with the product before they purchase. With some good luck and good management over the past 6 months, Thirdi is sitting in a good position to slingshot out of this on the other side.
2. How has COVID 19 changed the landscape of marketing for higher-priced stock?
COVID with all its surprises and unpleasantries has come with its silver linings. As financial markets around the world retreated, pandemonium set in and governments gathered to formulate strategies, savvy investors/owners looked to park capital in high quality, safe haven, asset classes. Over the past 12 weeks Thirdi has exchanged on large volumes of stock in high-quality areas across Sydney and Newcastle. I honestly believe that over this period of time people who knew what they wanted and were in a position to purchase still put their hat in the ring.
Marketing in general over the past 12 weeks has been difficult and has given everyone the opportunity to think outside the box. We were lucky at Thirdi that in the lead up to the shutdown we had some great momentum on our live projects. With completion dates nearing closer it pushed us through the challenging new world that we found ourselves in. Additional learning from COVID is that everyone has had to find more innovative ways to serve their clients and this has opened up a lot of communication between all teams involved throughout the development process.
COVID-19 has provided the industry with an opportunity to pivot, embrace new technologies, scrutinise internal practices, self-analyse, peer review and over-service clients. No industry has been immune to COVID 19 though I firmly believe, post-crisis these best practises will evolve and be implemented. Whether in person or not our lessons learnt have paved the way to give our clients the best experience in purchasing property. Video content is going to be essential in all marketing campaigns and that needs to be supported with digital access to views, digital floor plans, 3D floor plans.
Tech is evolving so fast, it’s going to be amazing to see what comes out of COVID. At Thirdi, we have now rationalised a Chatbot on website and listings so that clients can get an immediate answer while they’re at home. This is active to take clients on the journey start to finish and then be contacted within business hours.
At Thirdi our approach has been to control what we can control. Our best in class marketing practices help to celebrate the extraordinary enlightened developments that we have brought to cities around Australia.
3. Do you see a difference in the lead to sale ratio in the higher-priced stock?
What I have seen over the past 6-12 weeks is that people who are enquiring are more qualified. Leads have dropped over this period however the leads that we are receiving, and I speak for Thirdi, are purchasing and this is resulting in a shorter time to exchange on a property.
Thirdi Group and Merewether Golf Club secure major senior village development approval
Thirdi Group and Merewether Golf Club secure major senior village development approval
Merewether Golf Club (MGC) is on track to be the home of a brand new $120 million golf club and seniors living precinct within the Merewether Golf Course in Newcastle.
The Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel unanimously agreed to approve a Site Compatibility Certificate (SCC) for Thirdi Group and Merewether Golf Club in support of their plans to create a senior living precinct.
The SCC approval provides the mechanism for future development consent to be obtained from Newcastle City Council across the site for the purposes of a seniors living precinct.
The proposed MGC development includes the creation of a new clubhouse that will provide for a new restaurant, sports bar, pro-shop & conference center, as well as the provision for 148 serviced, self-care seniors living units and wellness center, within a multi-story tower development with basement parking and associated facilities.
Director of Acquisitions at Thirdi Group, Robert Huxley, said this was a huge development to add to their list, and was happy to hear the project had been approved.
“This is a major development milestone for the project, and we are thrilled with this decision from the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel,” he said.
“This endorsement gives both Thirdi and MGC great confidence in the proposal and we now look forward to working with Newcastle City Council to finalise our Development Application and deliver on our promise to create one of the best golf clubs and seniors living precincts ever seen in the Newcastle and Hunter region”.
Club Captain of the MGC board, Aaron Spalding said everyone is excited by the recent approval and to see some outcomes after many years of work to get the project across the line.
“We are absolutely thrilled with this outcome. We started this process close to four years ago and the SCC is the strongest indication yet our shared vision of a creating a world class golfing facility and seniors living precinct is now on track to become a reality,” Aaron said.
“Not only will this development help secure our clubs future, it also paves the way for significant investment to take place in our course infrastructure and facilities, something that was really important to our members when we decided to explore this type of partnership with Thirdi Group.”
The move fits in with a nation-wide trend of golf clubs seeking partnerships to redevelop their courses into seniors living developments that helps improve facilities and secure their clubs financial future by way of a joint venture on their land.
However, with the broader Newcastle economy under pressure due to the COVID-19 crisis, this development isn’t just important to the Merewether Golf Club and its members, it will also deliver an employment boom to the broader economy if approved and created in the desired timelines set by Thirdi Group.
Director of Sales Marketing at Thirdi Group, Luke Berry, said these developments will help provide further job opportunities in the community, and eventual housing for those who’ve been most at risk.
“These are the sorts of developments our community needs in a COVID-19 recovery, providing jobs during construction and importantly providing housing for those that have been identified as our most vulnerable during the crisis,” Luke said.
“We estimate that our project will create over 1000 jobs in the region during construction and close to 100 ongoing jobs when the new club, facilities and seniors living village is operational.
“We are also using the COVID crisis as an opportunity to drive better design and future proof our project if a similar crisis arises in the future, ensuring our residents remain safe and will be living in the best designed properties possible.
“This is something that we see as really important to individuals and families considering senior living housing options in the future.”
Already the project is having a positive impact on local businesses, with many local firms engaged to assist MGC and Thirdi Group formalise their joint venture and plans for council.
An example of this is local firm Catalyst Project consultant that has played an integral part in securing the SCC.
Both Thirdi Group and MGC thank the Catalyst team for their insight and guidance in progressing the projects planning.
Their local knowledge, professionalism and flexibility in working into the proposals tight requirements has played a major role in securing the SCC for the new development project.
Thirdi Group will now work with the MGC and their consultants to finalise their Development Application and lodge with Newcastle City Council this month or in June this year.
IMAGE | Merewether Golf Club development project artist impressions.
Industry Leader Series – video interview with Luke Berry at Thirdi Group
As the Director of Sales and Marketing, Luke is responsible for the implementation of all sales and marketing activities, the brand development of Thirdi Group and the projects they create.
With close to $2billion in property created and delivered since Thirdi Group launched in 2006, Luke is passionate about design and is committed to creating spaces that improve people’s lives.
Luke’s key duties include the creation and implementation of sales strategies to help sell or lease the property Thirdi Group create, delivering outstanding results for their joint venture partners and clients. Luke is also responsible for the creation and management of web-based businesses and investment portals that Thirdi Group owns and operates across the property industry.
Luke is also a sought after keynote speaker on the Australian property market at a range of property education events and a regular contributor to Apartments & Developments,Your Investment Property, ‘BRW’ and many other industry publications.
Luke Berry has been recognised by smartcompany.com.au as one of Australia’s Hottest entrepreneurs and was included in the Commonwealth Banks ‘CommSec Entrepreneur Series’ for his part in creating Thirdi Group & NextHotSpot.com.au.
It’s an extra kick’: New-home inquiries spike as buyers jump on HomeBuilder grant
| June, 2020
Q&A with Katie Rea from Property Developer: Thirdi Group
| June, 2020
Thirdi Group and Merewether Golf Club secure major senior village development approval
| June, 2020
Industry Leader Series – video interview with Luke Berry at Thirdi Group
| May, 2020
Merewether Golf Club Approved for $120m Seniors Living Project
| May, 2020
MEREWETHER SENIORS’ PRECINCT SET TO GO AHEAD
| May, 2020
Regional Planning Panel approves concept for $120m seniors living project at Merewether Golf Club
| May, 2020
Merewether Golf Club’s $120M Plan Gains Momentum
| May, 2020
MEREWETHER GOLF COURSE TO INCORPORATE SENIORS LIVING PRECINCT
| May, 2020
Developers bypassing Sydney to spend their millions building in Newcastle
| May, 2020
Off-the-plan market showing signs of COVID-19 resilience
| April, 2020
In Sydney, more than $8 million in sales have been notched up at the Gentry Alexandria development during the past month.
| April, 2020
This Senior Moment is a Good Thing
| December, 2019
Thirdi Group Lists Development Site in North Sydney
| October, 2019
Buying off the Plan
| October, 2019
Get to know Luke Berry with CRIBZ
| October, 2019
Sydney developer lists $330m North Sydney project
| October, 2019
WestEnd GoGet Launch
| October, 2019
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| October, 2019
Wheelchair Market Size Worth US$ 6,388 Million by 2026
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Thirdi brings GoGet car share to Newcastle
| September, 2019
Precinct 21 set to get city heart beating
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Thirdi Wins Major Award
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Buy an apartment and drive for free
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Car-sharing platform GoGet arrives in Newcastle
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GoGet Car Sharing Services Coming to Newcastle
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THE HERALD’S OPINION: GoGet’s arrival part of Newcastle’s modernising appeal
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CAR SHARING SERVICE LAUNCHING IN NEWCASTLE
| September, 2019
Car-sharing network GoGet launches in Newcastle
| September, 2019
GoGet joins Newcastle’s shifting transport picture
| September, 2019
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| June, 2019
When a Pair of Graffiti Artists Vandalised One of Thirdi Group’s Sites, Co-Founder Luke Berry Hunted Them Down
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Thirdi Group’s Paragon means perfection
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Live a vibrant and connected lifestyle at Eaton on Union
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| April, 2019
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2019 Sydney apartment outlook with Thirdi
| April, 2019
A Changing Newcastle Welcomes its Latest Project
Written By Urban Developer | June, 2018
Sydney apartment launched with its own car elevator
Written By Robb Report | June, 2018
Old meets new: Future proofing with a heritage twist at The Gentry
Written by Domain.com.au | September, 2017
Alexandria: The suburb in transition on the inner-city fringe
Written by Carla Grossetti, Allhomes.com.au | September, 2017
The third housing type that everyone’s talking about
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Titles matter in gentrified Alexandria
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How developers are using cafes in display suites to attract apartment buyers
| September, 2017
There’s a car in my lounge room: drive straight into Pyrmont pad
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Why developers are teaming up with luxury partners
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A FUTURISTIC LUXURY MAN CAVE IS COMING TO SYDNEY
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Paragon VIP Event Album
#ParagonVIP | September, 2017
Doors Barely Open On Paragon Of Pyrmont Before Sales Frenzy
Written by Urban Developer | September, 2017
Paragon of Pyrmont Official Video
| September, 2017
Pyrmont mid-rise plays on its working class past to deliver sustainability
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Thirdi Group Unveils Luxury Paragon Of Pyrmont
Written by The Urban Developer | September, 2017
Torrens-titled new homes circling back into inner-city Sydney
Written by Su-Lin Tan, Australian Financial Review | September, 2017
WATERLOO PENTHOUSE AT THE ICONIC ON ELIZABETH ST WILL BE ONE OF SYDNEY’S BIGGEST
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Mega Penthouse coming to ICONIC, Waterloo
Written by Apartmentdevelopments.com.au | September, 2017
Thirdi Foundation For Youth Charity Golf Day 2017
| September, 2017
How to secure the most lucrative property in Sydney
Something truly ICONIC! | September, 2017
Huxley Open Day Weekend
| September, 2017
Residential development Paragon of Pyrmont has been approved for a mix of terraces and units
| August, 2017
2017 Property Forecast: Sydney’s Next Investment Hotspot
Blink and you’ll definitely miss out. That’s how quickly the demand for property in Sydney’s city fringe suburb Waterloo is attracting attention. And the latest residential apartment development to hit the streets – Iconic is no exception. | March, 2017
Thirdi Group and Coco Republic take their clients to new heights with Chinese New Year Celebration
| February, 2017
Thirdi Group #5 in BRW Fast 100!
| November, 2016
Hamilton Marino lands $100million ICONIC Waterloo project.
| October, 2016
SJB Architecture And Design Talk With Us About The ICONIC
| September, 2016
ARTi listed as a finalist for REINSW Awards for Excellence!
Augmented Reality App Property | August, 2016
Thirdi recognised as an ABA100 Winner in The Australian Business Awards 2016 for Product Innovation!
The Australian Business Awards | August, 2016
WestEnd apartment construction driving building boom in Newcastle
The Newcastle Herald | June, 2016
Project Focus: Iconic Blends Heritage And Contemporary Design
The Urban Developer | May, 2016
YOU’RE INVITED
To truly 'ICONIC' tour of Waterloo... | May, 2016
Thirdi & Milligan Group Join Forces On $107M ICONIC Waterloo
The Urban Developer | April, 2016
Waterloo’s New Dawn
The Daily Telegraph, Sydney | April, 2016
Plans lodged for West End high-rise
The Herald | April, 2016
3D app helps new-home buyers see properties more clearly
Domain.com.au | April, 2016
New development blooms in Waterloo
Central Mag | April, 2016
An oasis of green in the heart of Waterloo
The Property Addict | April, 2016
Thirdi snaps up Redfern residential site for $21 million
