The National Difference
Source: InMag Volume 24, Winter Edition 2011
www.inmag.net.au
There’s been a lot of discussion in the building industry lately about the new 6-Star standards that came into effect on 1 May 2011. Some builders support it, some don’t. But what does it all mean for the average person building a new home?
Small lots in demand
The West Australian
Sam Jeremic
Recent figures show many homebuyers are taking advantage of Perth land developers offering smaller and more affordable lot sizes to build on.
The West Australian
Daniel Emerson and Gareth Parker
Many young first-homebuyers are struggling because they have unrealistic expectations of living in a new four-bedroom, two-bathroom house, Colin Barnett says. The Premier's comments yesterday overshadowed the announcement of the State Government's long-awaited affordable housing strategy by Housing Minister Troy Buswell.
WA Housing Centre
WA Housing Centre has released a range of new home designs focussed on functionality and affordability for first homebuyers, all of which represent good value for money, and are priced from $133,100.
The West Australian
Maureen Eppen and Gemma Nisbet
The move to six-star minimum energy-efficiency ratings for all new homes in Australia will be phased in over the next 12 months and residential builders must work toward compliance with the new standards.
In WA, the concept of energy-efficient housing has been embraced but there is concern about how it is evaluated and the extra red tape. Maureen Eppen and Gemma Nisbet talk to industry leaders.
