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Federal Finance Minister Penny Wong has denied that the Prime Minister is putting pressure on the Reserve Bank to cut rates, insisting that the government’s focus is returning Australia to surplus. 
Yesterday, Julia Gillard said that a budget surplus would give the RBA the opportunity to lower interest rates. 
Wong later said that Gillard wasn’t trying to “heavy” the central bank into cutting rates. 
Economist Christopher Joye said yeseterday that the Prime Minister's speech was an <a target="_blank" href="/news">attempt to politicise the RBA.</a> 
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/">StartupSmart</a>.
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Finance Minister Penny Wong denies government pressure on RBA to cut rates

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There were 792 sales in Perth for the week ending April 18, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australa. This is up 195% from the same week last year. The same week last year was the lead-up to Easter, which fell on April 24 last year.
<img src="/images/stories/reiwaapril19.gif">
 
 
 
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Perth sales volumes up 195% on same week last year: REIWA

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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/sydney-re-embraces-its-passion-for-the-block-as-south-melbourne-swan-song-series-kicks-off-with-bigger-numbers/2012041754309"><img src="/images/stories/1point4m.gif"></a>
 
The <a target="_self" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/sydney-re-embraces-its-passion-for-the-block-as-south-melbourne-swan-song-series-kicks-off-with-bigger-numbers/2012041754309">average number of viewers who watched the premiere of The Block 2012</a>. This is up from last year's 1,342,000 who watched the first show of The Block 2011.
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/eiger-chalet-at-perisher-set-for-auction-after-51-years-ownership/2012041354253"><img src="/images/stories/51.gif"></a>
The number of years the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/eiger-chalet-at-perisher-set-for-auction-after-51-years-ownership/2012041354253">Eiger Chalet at Perisher in the NSW ski fields </a>has been owned by its original owners, who have now put the property up for sale.
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/final-piece-of-brian-rays-port-douglas-bale-dream-sells-for-%24750000/2012041654286"><img src="/images/stories/750k.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/final-piece-of-brian-rays-port-douglas-bale-dream-sells-for-%24750000/2012041654286">price paid for the last piece of land due to be developed by the late Gold Coast property developer Brian Ray</a>, which sold under the hammer this week. 
 
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<img src="/images/stories/6point32percent.gif">
The standard variable mortgage rate being offered by Collins Home Loans. This is currently the cheapest standard variable mortgage rate being offered by banks or non-bank lenders in Australia.
 
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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/harry-triguboffs-six-steps-to-apartment-affordability-%E2%80%93-starting-with-more-high-rise/2012041754326" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/12.gif"></a>
The minimum number of stories a new development in inner Melbourne or Sydney should have, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/harry-triguboffs-six-steps-to-apartment-affordability-%E2%80%93-starting-with-more-high-rise/2012041754326" target="_blank">according to Meriton boss Harry Triguboff</a>. "In inner-city areas we need to recognise that five-to six-storey apartments are uneconomical," Triguboff says.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/actor-ryan-toadie-moloney-says-goodbye-to-malvern-east-neighbours-as-home-sells-title-tattle/2012041754329"><img src="/images/stories/1point2m.gif"></a>
The <a target="_parent" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/actor-ryan-toadie-moloney-says-goodbye-to-malvern-east-neighbours-as-home-sells-title-tattle/2012041754329">price hopes Ryan "Toadie" Moloney had for his Malvern East home</a>, which sold this week. The sale price has not been disclosed.
 
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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/melbournes-second-tallest-tower-residential-receives-approval-for-southbank-queensbridge-hotel-site/2012041854346" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/276m.gif"></a>
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/melbournes-second-tallest-tower-residential-receives-approval-for-southbank-queensbridge-hotel-site/2012041854346" target="_blank">height of a new skyscraper planned for the Queensbridge Hotel site in Southbank</a>. When complete, the tower will be the second-tallest residential building in Melbourne.
 
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The 7 must-know numbers of the week, starting with The Block ratings

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7/70 Nepean Highway, Seaford, VIC, 3198
<img src="/images/stories/nepeanhwy.jpg">
Directly opposite the beach, this two-bedroom Seaford unit is currently let until August at $245 per week. The property comes with a courtyard for entertaining and carport, and it is within walking distance of Seaford village.
Barry Plant agent Peter Howard says it is in "liveable condition" but that it could use "a small bit of an update". He says that any renovation to the proprety would increase its rental potential. The median asking rent for Seaford units is $275 per week, according to RP Data.
Howard<a target="_blank" href="https://www.barryplant.com.au/property.cfm?propertyID=2010243&amp;realestate=70_Nepean_Highway_SEAFORD_VIC_3198&amp;menuItemID=41771"> is marketing the property</a><a href="https://maroubra.ljhooker.com.au/P9SFA0" target="_blank"> </a>with price hopes $220,000 plus, and if it sells for that price that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.8% at its current rent, substantially above the median indicative gross rental yield of 4.3% for Seaford units, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
<a target="_blank" href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $3,000 and over five years to be $5,000.
The median unit price in Seaford rose by 1.5% in the past year, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection Saturday, April 21 at 11am and will go to auction on Saturday, May 19 at 11am.
For more about prices and yields in Seaford, see the <a target="_blank" href="/news">RP Data suburb page.</a>
For another investment prospect going to auction this weekend, see page 2.
 
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49 Macquarie Street, Greenacre, NSW, 2190
<img src="/images/stories/macquariest.jpg">
This three-bedroom house is currently tenanted at $500 per week, which is market rent for the area, according to listing agent Bassam Barake of Elders Real Estate. The lease is expired but the tenant is keen to stay on. The 670-square-metre block includes a garage and garden shed.
Barake<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eldersrealestate.com.au/residential/buy/property-house-nsw-greenacre-492148"> is marketing the property</a> with price hopes in the "high $500,000"s. If it sells for $580,000 that would secure a gross rental yield of 4.5%, about at the indicative gross rental yield for Greenacre houses of 4.6%, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees. If it sells for $600,000, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 4.3%.
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $4,000 and over five years to be $9,000.
The median house price in Greenacre rose 3.2% in the past year, according to RP Data.
The property will go to auction Saturday, April 21 at 3pm.
For more about prices and yields in Greenacre see the RP Data suburb page.
 
 
 
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Friday form guide: Yields of up to 5.8% in Seaford

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The Housing Industry of Australia and RP Data have released a list of the 10 least expensive regional markets in Australia for lots of land, led by Richmond-Tweed in New South Wales.
<img src="/images/stories/269000.gif">
The median lot price in Richmond-Tweed, New South Wales, according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/235000.gif">
The median lot price on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/230290.gif">
The median lot price on the Gold Coast, Queensland, according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/210000.gif">
The median lot price in the Illawarra, New South Wales, according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/194000.gif">
The median lot price in Barwon, Victoria, according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/176000.gif">
The median lot price in Mackay, Queensland, according to the HIA and RP Data.
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<img src="/images/stories/173000.gif">
The median lot price in Hunter, New South Wales, according to the HIA and RP Data.
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<img src="/images/stories/163450.gif">
The median lot price in south-west Western Australia, according to the HIA and RP Data.
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<img src="/images/stories/16000.gif">
The median lot price in Fitzroy, Queensland according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/157900.gif">
The median lot price in northern Queensland according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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Richmond-Tweed heads the 10 most expensive regional markets for land prices: HIA-RP Data

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The Housing Industry of Australia and RP Data have released a list of the 10 least expensive regional markets in Australia for lots of land, led by south-east South Australia.
<img src="/images/stories/74000.gif">
The median lot price in south-east South Australia, according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/77500.gif">
The median lot price in Mersey-Lyell, Tasmania, according to the HIA and RP Data.
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<img src="/images/stories/80750.gif">
The median lot price in Mallee, Victoria, according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/85000.gif">
The median lot price in northern New South Wales, according to HIA and RP Data.
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<img src="/images/stories/89500.gif">
The median lot price in northern South Australia, according to HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/90000.gif">
The median lot price in Murrumbidgee, New South Wales, according to the HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/97000.gif">
The median lot price in Murray Lands, South Australia, according to HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/101500.gif">
The median lot price in Murray, New South Wales, according to HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/105000.gif">
The median lot price in Loddon, Victoria, according to HIA and RP Data.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/107500.gif">
The median lot price in Ovens-Murray, Victoria, according to HIA and RP Data.
 
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The 10 cheapest regional markets for land prices across Australia: HIA-RP Data

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<div>
Founder(s): Shane Thatcher, Liz Aitken, Nick Barr  Revenue: $372,000 Started: 2010 Head Office: Victoria Employees: 3 Industry: Other Website: <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/weblink?cid=5819&amp;fid=36&amp;ord=1" title="www.illuminationsolar.com">www.illuminationsolar.com</a>
</div>
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<img src="/images/stories/shanethatcher.gif" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
<div>The solar industry has taken a beating these past few years, but that hasn’t stopped Shane Thatcher (pictured left) from starting Illumination Solar with a clear vision: “To eliminate the burning of kerosene as a fuel source in the developing world.”
Illumination isn’t focusing on the Australian market, but is instead turning to the developing world in order to make a change, being able to provide lights at such a low price due to carbon credits.
Thatcher’s goal is as much as philanthropic as it is commercial and he says the business has already been able to “change the lives of over two hundred thousand people and managed to feed ourselves in the process.”
There are significant problems in bringing solar to the developing world, however.
“Our markets and customers are geographically and culturally diverse,” he says.
“They often lack basic commercial infrastructure and it took some time to locate and develop reliable and trustworthy distribution partners.”
But he says by using a simple customer-focused design, the business has been able to produce a target price point that “makes an enormous difference to our customers’ lives.
“The market potential is absolutely enormous,” Thatcher says.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/">StartupSmart</a>.
 
 
 
 
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StartupSmart Awards 2012: Illumination Solar

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A three-bedroom Bronte house that fetched $2.39 million was the most expensive sale this week, according to RP Data. The 2003 Tipper Avenue house is 50 metres from the beach and was sold by Goodyer Donnelley agent Alexander Phillips on April 13. The adjoining Tipper Avenue house fetched $2.45 million in 2008, also through Phillips.
New South Wales accounted for eight of the 10 most expensive sales of the week, according to RP Data. A two-bedroom Broadbeach unit was the most expensive sale outside of the state. The Queensland unit sold for $1.75 million, coming in at number six on the list. 
It just pipped a four-bedrom Fairfield house that sold for $1.71 million and ranked as the seventh most expensive sale of the week. 
 
1. 23 TIPPER AVENUE, BRONTE, NSW, 2024, three-bedroom house, sold on April 13 by Goodyer Donnelley Real Estate for $2.39 million
2. 80 GORDON STREET, PADDINGTON, NSW, 2021, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 13 by Goodyer Donnelley Real Estate for $2,125,000
3. 25 EDMUND STREET, QUEENS PARK, NSW, 2022, four-bedroom house, sold on April 11 by Belle Property Bondi Junction for $2.1 million
4. 72 TRAFALGAR STREET, ANNANDALE, NSW, 2038, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 14 by Belle Property Annandale for $2.05 million
5. 1 MCBURNEY STREET, NAREMBURN, NSW, 2065, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 12 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2 million
6. 4/5 BROADBEACH BOULEVARD, BROADBEACH, QUEENSLAND, 4218, two-bedroom unit, sold at auction by Del La Parker Executive Realtors for $1.75 million
7. 47 PARK CRESCENT, FAIRFIELD, VICTORIA, 3078, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 14 by Collins Simms Real Estate for $1.71 million
8. 6 CLEVEDON ROAD, HURSTVILLE, NSW, 2220, five-bedroom house, sold on April 10 by CoStar Real Estate Hurstville for $1.65 million
9, 1005/21 ELIZABETH BAY ROAD, ELIZABETH BAY, NSW, 2011, two-bedroom unit, sold on April 12 by Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay/Potts Point for $1.65 million
10. 35B SPENCER ST ROSE BAY, NSW, 2029, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 10 by Richardson &amp; Wrench Bondi Junction/Bondi Beach for $1,587,000
 
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NSW represents eight of the top 10 sales of the week, with Bronte leading the way: RP Data

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Almost half of the 95 apartments in Abacus Property Group’s new Brighton development, 380 degrees, have sold since the project launched in February.
The $110 million development at 380 Bay Street will comprise five levels and is designed to appeal to buyers seeking luxurious, low-maintenance living options in the affluent suburb.
“With apartment living growing exponentially in recent years, 380 Degrees has been carefully designed to capture the epitome of contemporary Australian living,” says Abacus Property Group associate director John Bush.
He says the development appeals to “a broad range of buyers, including empty nesters, investors, corporate high flyers and first-home buyers”.
<img src="/images/stories/380degrees1.jpg">
About 40 of the apartments have been sold to date. Construction commenced in March this year and is set to be finished in late 2013.
There will be 42 one-bedroom apartments, which will range in size from 55 to 75 square metres and from $460,000 to $600,000. Of these, 31 will include a multipurpose room/study, and these start from $545,000. The 40 two-bedroom offerings will be between 80 and 117 square metres internally and will range between $639,000 and $995,000 in price. There will be 13 three-bedroom units of between 102 and 125 square metres, priced between $1.11 million and $1.27 million.
According to RP Data, 20% of the dwelling stock in <a href="Almost%20half%20of%20the%2095%20apartments%20in%20Abacus%20Property%20Group%E2%80%99s%20new%20Brighton%20development,%20380%20degrees,%20have%20sold%20since%20the%20project%20launched%20in%20February.%20The%20%24110%20million%20development%20at%20380%20Bay%20Street%20will%20comprise%20five%20levels%20and%20is%20designed%20to%20appeal%20to%20buyers%20seeking%20luxurious,%20low-maintenance%20living%20options%20in%20the%20affluent%20suburb.%20%E2%80%9CWith%20apartment%20living%20growing%20exponentially%20in%20recent%20years,%20380%20Degrees%20has%20been%20carefully%20designed%20to%20capture%20the%20epitome%20of%20contemporary%20Australian%20living,%E2%80%9D%20says%20Abacus%20Property%20Group%20associate%20director%20John%20Bush.%20He%20says%20the%20development%20appeals%20to%20%E2%80%9Ca%20broad%20range%20of%20buyers,%20including%20empty%20nesters,%20investors,%20corporate%20high%20flyers%20and%20first-home%20buyers%E2%80%9D.%20About%2040%20of%20the%20apartments%20have%20been%20sold%20to%20date.%20Construction%20commenced%20in%20March%20this%20year%20and%20is%20set%20to%20be%20finished%20in%20late%202013.%20There%20will%20be%2042%20one-bedroom%20apartments,%20which%20will%20range%20in%20size%20from%2055%20to%2075%20square%20metres%20and%20from%20%24460,000%20to%20%24600,000.%20Of%20these,%2031%20will%20include%20a%20multipurpose%20room/study,%20and%20these%20start%20from%20%24545,000.%20The%2040%20two-bedroom%20offerings%20will%20be%20between%2080%20and%20117%20square%20metres%20internally%20and%20will%20range%20between%20%24639,000%20and%20%24995,000%20in%20price.%20There%20will%20be%2013%20three-bedroom%20units%20of%20between%20102%20and%20125%20square%20metres,%20priced%20between%20%241.11%20million%20and%20%241.27%20million.%20According%20to%20RP%20Data,%2019.7%%20of%20the%20dwelling%20stock%20in%20Brighton%20comprises%20units,%20with%20about%2060%%20detached%20houses.%20The%20median%20unit%20price%20in%20Brighton%20fell%204.8%%20last%20year.%20Architecture%20firm%20Rothelowman%20is%20behind%20the%20striking%20design.%20%E2%80%9C380%20Degrees%20will%20be%20an%20excellent%20addition%20to%20the%20area.%20The%20building%E2%80%99s%20fa%C3%A7ade%20will%20feature%20perforated%20metal%20sliding%20panels%20to%20create%20a%20stylish%20winter%20garden%20effect,%E2%80%9D%20says%20Interiors%20Rothelowman%20associate%20Clementine%20Inglis.%20%20%E2%80%9CSpacious%20balconies%20and%20terraces%20have%20been%20designed%20to%20capture%20indoor%20and%20outdoor%20living,%20whilst%20creating%20a%20sense%20of%20sanctuary%20and%20privacy,%20which%20is%20perfect%20for%20entertaining%20and%20escaping.%20Each%20apartment%E2%80%99s%20interior%20will%20reflect%20minimalist%20style%20with%20a%20sophisticated%20fit%20out%20%E2%80%93%20wide%20floorboards%20and%20modern%20cabinetry%20to%20polished%20fittings%20and%20flush%20surfaces%20throughout%20help%20ensure%20a%20prevailing%20sense%20of%20openness,%20the%20perfect%20elements%20to%20create%20a%20home%20and%20a%20lifestyle.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank">Brighton </a>comprises units, with about 60% detached houses. The median unit price in Brighton fell 4.8% last year.
<img src="/images/stories/380degrees2.jpg">
Architecture firm Rothelowman is behind the striking design.
“380 Degrees will be an excellent addition to the area. The building’s façade will feature perforated metal sliding panels to create a stylish winter garden effect,” says Interiors Rothelowman associate Clementine Inglis.
<img src="/images/stories/380degrees3.jpg">
“Spacious balconies and terraces have been designed to capture indoor and outdoor living, whilst creating a sense of sanctuary and privacy, which is perfect for entertaining and escaping. Each apartment’s interior will reflect minimalist style with a sophisticated fit out – wide floorboards and modern cabinetry to polished fittings and flush surfaces throughout help ensure a prevailing sense of openness, the perfect elements to create a home and a lifestyle.”
 
 
 
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Brighton development 380 Degrees about half-sold two months after launch

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There are some very simple steps which could reduce the cost of Sydney apartments by about $60,000 – from, say, $550,000 to $490,000. Many of the steps also apply to Melbourne. If the steps were taken it would also provide a fantastic boost to the Sydney construction industry, which is now struggling. If we do not take these steps then Chinese buyers will purchase the vast bulk of inner-Sydney apartments. Here are my six steps: 1) In inner-city areas we need to recognise that five-to six-storey apartments are uneconomical. We must change the culture and build apartment blocks with 12 storeys or more. These large apartment blocks are the only solution to the dwelling shortage because outer suburban cottages require too much land and too much infrastructure. Worse still, the home buyers are forced to spend too much money on transport and too much effort is required to go to work and come home. 2) We need to streamline the approval process, which currently can take can take two to three years even when an application complies with all the controls.  3) The state government advisory document called SEPP 65 stipulates strict requirements for the number of units requiring light into the living rooms, which leads to the incorporation of far too many two-storey crossover units. These are not favoured by the market and add enormous cost to a development. 4) The New South Wales Land &amp; Environment Court takes far too long to hear cases and then far too long to hand down decisions. In any event, the majority of decisions seem to be in favour of councils and against developers. It’s a huge burden on the cost to the buyer. 5) Section 94 contributions, which are charged by individual councils, must be fixed at a maximum of $20,000 per apartment and should include all works required by councils and other authorities to the roads and utilities surrounding a development site. These should be payable at occupation of development. 6) Affordable housing levies, where they exist, should be abolished as this is purely a tax on development and the provision of affordable housing is a burden which should be shared by the entire community, not just the development industry. Australian buyers are back in the market but they are being forced to pay unnecessary costs. Lower interest rates will increase Australian buyers but supply is artificially being held back and the costs boosted by state and local governments. Harry Triguboff is managing director of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.meriton.com.au/">Meriton Group.</a>
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessspectator.com.au/">Business Spectator.</a>
 
 
 
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Harry Triguboff’s six steps to apartment affordability – starting with more high rise

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

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Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

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Cassidy Knowlton

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