<html><body>
Laorence Nohra is the chief executive of the Tradebusters Group, which includes Tradebusters Tradesman Concierge Services, Tradebusters Connect and Tradebusters Academy.
The <a href="https://www.tradebusters.com.au" target="_blank">Tradebusters </a>companies connect homeowners with a network of trusted tradespeople for a variety of projects. Property Observer spoke to Nohra about how renovators can avoid dodgy tradies and when it's time to tackle something on your own. 
When choosing a tradesperson for a renovation, what are the key things to consider?
<ul>
<li>Does the tradesperson have the right experience for the job? Each tradesperson is different so you want to make sure he or she has the right skill sets for your particular type of project.</li>
<li>Does he or she have the correct licences for the jobs they are undertaking? Licence requirements vary state by state and may be different depending on the size and value of the job</li>
<li>Are they covered by the right insurances?</li>
<li>Who will be doing the work - are they employees or sub-contractors?</li>
<li>Will they meet your timelines? Will this tradesperson be 100% focused on your project or do they have several running at the same time which runs the risk of your job dragging out. 
</li>
</ul>
How can renovators prevent issues with their tradesperson?
First and foremost, get the selection of your tradesperson right so that you don’t have any major or “unmanageable” issues. Unfortunately, issues become costly and stressful when the wrong tradesperson is selected, or, worse still, they have disappeared from the scene.
You'll also need to establish the track record of the tradesperson. Especially for major renovations - meet their recent customers and see the quality of the work. Find out what the customer experience was like with that tradesperson: did they meet deadlines, stick to budget and most importantly, how did they deal with issues that presented themselves along the way?
Find out if the tradesperson has clients that he or she does regular on-going work for, like local real estate agents or architects. How long have they know them and what can they say about the tradesperson's history and track record?
The thing with renovations is, sometimes thing do go wrong or expectations may not be completely met– but that can all be solved by selecting the right tradesperson upfront, and ones that care about their reputation and take pride in their work, as they are the guys that won’t leave until you are totally satisfied.
How can a person act when their tradeperson causes delays or doesn't complete a job as expected?
Always try and communicate your expectations around timelines and quality upfront.
In terms of how to “act”, don’t overreact and don’t be afraid to give feedback!  I have meet some homeowners that feel almost “afraid” to give a tradesperson feedback, but what they may not realise is that sometimes, unless you tell a tradesmen that there is an issue is, they may genuinely not be aware of it.
It’s always important to be as constructive as possible with the feedback and share the positives as well. Any reputable tradesperson will appreciate the feedback and work with you towards a positive outcome.
This article continues on the next page.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
How can a person decide whether to DIY a renovation job or hire a team?
<ul>
<li>Do you have the time to DIY? Will it mean taking time off work and can you afford that?</li>
<li>Know your objective for doing it yourself. If it’s to save money, have you calculated the cost of your time off work and lost annual leave (something many people forget). It may take you far longer to do it on your own, which means it could be cheaper to hire a professional.</li>
<li>If it is a property you are planning to sell or rent, and going DIY means taking an extra four, eight or 12 weeks to get it to market or to get rental income, then does it work financially? It could actually be more costly to go DIY.</li>
<li>Are you experienced enough to do a DIY renovation? It is important to know your capabilities so that you are not left disappointed with the results, or, more importantly, risk your safety and health. Also, it is a lot more costly to bring a professional to fix up a DIY job gone-wrong than just to have a professional do the job in the first place.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
"I'm noticing a lot more women taking charge of renovation projects and doing it extremely well" 
</blockquote>
 
 
 
 
What are some of your top tips for DIY renovations?
<ul>
<li>Know your limitations and when to call in the professionals.</li>
<li>Absolutely leave anything that requires a licence or that is structural in nature to the professionals.</li>
<li>Don’t take shortcuts in areas where quality is highly visible, like tiling or cabinetry.</li>
<li>Take all precautions and don’t do anything that could risk your safety or those around you</li>
<li>Think twice about a DIY renovation for a property that you plan to sell post-renovation. As a potential seller, you have a huge opportunity to maximise the potential sales value of your property and reap the profits through a well done renovation. Quality plays a big part in that. Bad DIY jobs do not go unnoticed by potential buyers and can destroy potential profits.</li>
</ul>
What are some of the key trends in renovation that you're noticing at the moment?
I'm noticing a lot more women taking charge of renovation projects and doing it extremely well.
There's also a big trend in doing all the joinery of a home in a more consistent and sophisticated style from kitchen, to laundry to living and bathrooms, and all at the same time. Kitchen renovations continue to be popular, especially as they can add considerable value to the property, and homes are getting more lifestyle focused, with extensions of living areas “outdoors”, with covered decks, and mini outdoor kitchens.
For more information on what to do when your renovation goes wrong, see <a href="/expert-insights/building/lessons-from-the-block-what-to-do-if-your-tradie-disappoints">Lessons from The Block: What to do if your tradie disappoints</a>
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Renos, DIYs and tricky tradies: Q&A with Laorence Nohra

<html><body>
A five bedroom, four bathroom house at Yowie Bay topped RP Data's list of sales this week, selling through McGrath Estate Agents for $3,425,000. 
Only one Queensland home made it on this week's 10 most expensive sales list, according to RP Data.
The Noosa Springs home sold for $2.85 million, coming in at fourth place. All the other properties on the list were from New South Wales or Victoria.
The 10 most expensive sales of this week:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-yowie+bay-116811735" target="_blank">220c Attunga Road, Yowie Bay, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/1%20copy.jpg" alt=""> The contemporary waterfront home, set on a 3,329 square metre block, features a one bedroom retreat with a sound studio, living spaces that spill out onto an infinity pool and balconies with views over Yowie Bay and an entertaining terrace. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-albert+park-117203651" target="_blank">61 Merton Street, Albert Park, Vic </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/2.jpg" alt=""> An Albert Park terrace house was sold for $3,235,000 through Cayzer Real Estate last week. The five bedroom, two bathroom Victorian terrace has undergone a renovation, with a three room fully fitted studio, two car garage, pool and sauna at the rear. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-cabarita-117429755" target="_blank">36 Dorking Road, Cabarita, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/3.jpg" alt=""> Raine and Horne Concord sold this four bedroom, four bathroom house for $2.85 million. Set on a 1,100 square metre block, the main residence has multiple formal and informal open plan living areas with timber beech floors. The bedrooms include a master suite with 180 degree water views, a walk in robe and en suite with double shower. Behind the main house, there is an undercover entertaining terrace, a spa, sauna and steamroom, a saltwater pool and a fully fitted outdoor kitchen and bar. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-noosa+springs-115499511" target="_blank">517/61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Springs, Qld</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/nossa-spring-aug-5-one.jpg" alt=""> A house in Noosa Springs sold for $2.85 million through ONE Noosa Sunshine Coast. The only Queensland property to make the top 10 list this week, the lakefront house has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, with a multiple living areas including a main living room with six metre high ceilings. The north facing home on a 1,239 square metre plot offers views over the Noosa Springs Championship Golf Course and includes a substantial outdoor entertaining area, with a pool bordered by palm trees. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.andrewblake.com.au/1P0847" target="_blank">9 Hansford Parade, Bilgola Plateau, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/5.jpg" alt=""> Sold through Andrew Blake Real Estate Avalon, this Bilgola Plateau offering secured $2.7 million for the vendors. The colonial style home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, including a master suite with its own private deck and an outdoor shower. Sitting on a 910 square metre parcel, the home has waterfront views, with an pool that sits in a hardwood deck which spans the property's entire width. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-wheelers+hill-117311915" target="_blank">23 Winterton Drive, Wheelers Hill, Vic </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/6.jpg" alt=""> Located a half hour's drive from the Melbourne CBD, this six bedroom house was sold for $2.66 million through Harcourts Judd White. The three level Wheelers Hill home has a five bedroom garage in its basement, a games room, a gym and storage. On the ground floor, there is a guest bedroom and multiple living areas which open onto an elevated rear garden and paved entertaining area. Upstairs, there are four more bedrooms and a study or retreat. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-balwyn+north-117517559" target="_blank">51 Sutton Street, Balwyn North, Vic </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/7.jpg" alt=""> This five bedroom, four bathroom house was sold for $2.43 million through Hocking Stuart Glen Iris. The listing information states that the home is "enhanced with a sense of Feng Shui", and notes the home's location in the Balwyn High school zone. The house has both formal and casual living areas, and city views from the front balcony. There is also a garden studio with separate entry on the 820 square metre plot. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-pymble-117477487" target="_blank">70 Pymble Avenue, Pymble, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/8.jpg" alt=""> A restored art deco home in Pymble sold for $2.3 million through Chadwick Real Estate Turramurra. The five bedroom, two bathroom double brick home includes a foyer with a cathedral window and limestone washed floors. Outside, there is a solar heated pool and outdoor entertaining area. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wahroonga-117468291" target="_blank">123 Boundary Road, Wahroonga, NSW </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/9.jpg" alt=""> This north shore home was sold by Keith Soames Real Estate Wahroonga for $2,238,000. The full brick residence has five double bedrooms with built in robes, with a master bedroom which features an en suite with a sunken spa. The north facing home is set on a 1,486 square metre block, with the listing information noting that the property is near to Knox Grammar, Loreto, Abbotsleigh Girls, Barker College and The Bush School. Outside, there is a north/south facing tennis court and a swimming pool. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-hawthorn+east-117421719" target="_blank">1a Wiseman Street, Hawthorn East, Vic </a> <img src="/images/2014/08/05/10.jpg" alt=""> A four bedroom, three bathroom house in Melbourne's Hawthorn East sold for $2,156,000 through Jellis Craig Hawthorn. Widford Mews was built in 1883 as the stables and coach house for a neighbouring mansion. Now, it exists as a four bedroom, three bathroom home, with north facing gardens on a 708 square metre block. It is within the Auburn Primary School district and close to many of Melbourne's private schools.</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Yowie Bay waterfront tops the 10 most expensive sales of the week: RP Data

<html><body>
New property market analysis will now be available for urban land developers, with a new report released by RP Data and Urban Supply Intelligence (USI).
The customisable Greenfield Corridor Report will offer national data on yields, popular block sizes, threshold pricing, sale volumes and other market and property attributes for property developers. Information on which greenfield corridors (previously undeveloped areas) sell the most homes by bed, bath or car, are the fastest and slowest to sell or have the highest or lowest vendor discounts can also be included in the report.
Tim Lawless, RP Data's head of research, says the data is important for those planning short and long term projects.
“We are able to produce a report for any growth corridor or sub market across Australia, updated quarterly, which offers great appeal for developers and builders who are active in numerous geographical locations,” said Lawless.
The report has a strong focus on the established housing market, which report author and USI director Peter Bell says will provide information for new property developments, a market segment that is difficult to track. Bell says that most development executives now have the ability to apply data to their own venutres.
“Post GFC, developers have become more cost conscious but still need to access information and data. Innovative products like the Greenfield Report that incorporate cutting edge and timely visual elements are becoming more popular because they are affordable, whilst also offering quick and concise findings,” said Bell.
</body></html>

RP Data and USI launch Greenfield Corridor report

<html><body>
The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) recognised projects in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in Friday's Australia Bricks Awards for Excellence.
Held at Sydney's Star Casino, this year's award ceremony and gala dinner saw a record 90 entries.
Winners in the 15 categories included One Central Park (pictured above) by Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia, which won the awards for Design and innovation and High-Density Development, and Liberty Place by Grocon, which won the award for Sustainable Development.
According to chief executive Stephen Albin, tickets for the event, hosted by UDIA-NSW, sold out shortly after they were released.
“At the moment there’s a real buzz in the industry as companies are continuously finding new ways to raise the bar in terms of sustainability, affordability and aesthetic design,” said Albin.
“Each year the UDIA NSW Austral Bricks Awards for Excellence go from strength to strength and this year our entrants just knocked it out of the park.”
This year, three specialist judges joined four industry experts to judge the entrants.
Laurie Rose, chief judge and urban engineer, travelled throughout the region to inspect the projects.
“While judging can be time consuming, it’s also very rewarding to be shown such wonderful projects by their creators,” said Rose. “The toughest job, however, came when we sat down to determine the winners.”
The UDIA Awards for Excellence first began in 1994, with just 20 entrants.
Full list of winners on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
The full list of winners:
Concept design: 301-303 Botany Road, Zetland by Crown GRoup
Government Leadership for Urban Development: Bungarribee Community Resource Hub by UrbanGrowth NSW
Design and Innovation: One Central Park by Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia
Retail/Commercial Development: 8 Chiffley by Mirvac
Affordable Development: Ocean Club Resort by King and Campbell Pty Ltd for Gwynvill Trading Pty Ltd
Sustainable Development: Liberty Place by Grocon
Urban Renewal: The Gantry by Parkview Constructions Pty Ltd
Seniors' Living: The Gracewood Kellyville by McFadyen Architects Pty Ltd for BaptistCare NSW &amp; ACT
Medium Density Development: ESQUE Mosman by HELM Pty Ltd
High-Density Development: One Central Park by Frasers Property Australia and Sekisui House Australia
Residential Development: Heritage Parc by McCloy Group
Masterplanned Development: Jordan Springs by Lend Lease Jordan Springs Project Team
Marketing Apartment Communities: Woolooware Bay - Stage 1 Residential Development by Bluestone Capital Ventures No 1 Pty Ltd for Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club
Marketing Residential Estates: Dual winners - Crimson Hill by Defence Housing Australia and Spring Cove by Our Agency on behalf of Oakstand &amp; Denwol
NSW Regions and ACT: Sorrell Apartments by Antoniades Architects for Hindmarsh Development Australia 
</body></html>

One Central Park and Liberty Place among those recognised in UDIA ACT and NSW awards

<html><body>
Last night marked the first set of room reveals for The Block Glasshouse.
Each of the five teams - Darren and Dee, Maxine and Karstan, Michael and Carlene, Simon and Shannon and Chris and Jenna - unveiled their guest bedrooms to the judges and Australia. While it's no secret that all five of the teams were under an extraordinary amount of pressure, some coped better than others.
Tasmanian brothers Shannon and Simon scored the highest marks for the week, with the judges commenting that their guest bedroom with four and a half metres of storage space tucked behind a timber nib wall displayed strong attention to detail and was fresh and stylish. They were rewarded with $10,000 for their efforts.
But a few of the other teams didn't fare so well. The judges pointed out some dodgy plastering in Chris and Jenna's room, while Darren and Dee were pulled up for leaving their painting unfinished. Maxine and Karstan, however, had the roughest time this week - after all the teams suffered setbacks with asbestos removals and delays putting up steel framing, their blinds came late and their cabinet maker failed to show up, leaving the couple with an unfinished room (and a handy note on the wall explaining their troubles to the judges).
The missing cabinet makes Max and Karstan the only team to have ever failed to complete a room in the history of The Block, and earned them marks as low as 5/10.
Although cabinet maker was due to arrive at 5 am on the morning of judging, he failed to turn up at all, and was uncontactable. Unfortunately, the problem is not as uncommon as it should be.
While the majority of tradespeople and subcontractors are honest, hardworking and helpful, ask around and it won't be long til you uncover a treasure trove of tradies-gone-bad stories. The carpenter who kept revealing hidden cost after hidden cost, the painter whose work peeled off the month after and, of course, the cabinet maker who never turned up. It's a problem that can cost you time and money ($10,000, if you're Max  or Karstan).
So if you happen to be unlucky enough to run into one of the few bad apples when you're renovating, what can you do?
First, you can do your best to ensure the problem doesn't arrive in the first place. Regular observer Jo Chivers considers <a href="/expert-insights/the-most-common-first-time-property-developer-mistakes-team-selection">team selection</a> one of the most vital factors in the success or failure of a development or renovation project. Here are some tips on choosing your reno team:
<ol>
<li>Ask about their past completed projects. You could also ask for referrals from previous clients.</li>
<li>Ask about their financial position. If you're hiring a builder, don't be shy about asking if they can afford to take on the project. The last thing you want is for your builder or contractor to liquidate, leaving you in the lurch. They may not like the questions, and don't have to answer them, but it can help you get an idea of how reliable they are.</li>
<li>Ask other tradies and builders. If your builder recommends using a certain tradesperson, ask other tradies on their team how they work. If you're hiring a builder, Chivers recommends asking for a list of their current contractors or tradies. Chivers advises that you ask them what the builder is like to work for, whether they pay on time and whether the tradesperson is intending to continue working for that builder. She writes: "If a tradie has been crossed, he will tell you all about it!"</li>
<li>Check your department of fair trading or consumer affairs website. If a tradie or builder has been in trouble in the past, you may be able to find out about it before you hire them.</li>
</ol>
Your builder should also be licensed or registered - if they're not willing to show you their license, go with another builder.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
When it comes to working with your chosen builder or tradesperson, open and honest communication is key.
Be clear about your expectations and your timeline from early on, so there's no confusion and can be no excuses if the job fails to get done. Get everything in writing whenever possible - dates, costs, materials and promises - in case you need to refer back to an earlier conversation.
If your builder goes into liquidation and can't complete a job, you may be covered by insurance. All licensed builders require some form of insurance, usually called Home Warranty Insurance or Builders Warranty Insurance, and their obligations will vary from state to state - in Victoria, Domestic Builder's Insurance is required when the works cost over $16,000.
Your building contract should include the details of your warranty rights. In New South Wales, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/what-to-do-when-your-nsw-builder-goes-into-liquidation">Home Warranty Insurance</a> will provide you some cover if your builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent. Unfortunately, the process is usually a lengthy one, and may not cover the costs of your project.
Court is the worst case scenario. But if your tradesperson has failed to do a job properly, or at all, you might have to resort to legal action. It's a road that few want to go down - tribunal or court proceedings are costly, lengthy and stressful. As Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) deputy president Heather Lambrick says, "Every case that comes to VCAT has a losing party". 
If you do have to go to tribunal, know what you want to achieve when you're going there. Do you want to recover the costs of contracting a tradesperson? Have them come back and fix their dodgy job? Or are you just blowing of steam?
Here are some of Lambrick's tips for winning your case at tribunal (for more information, see <a href="/expert-insights/how-to-win-your-case-at-tribunal-vcat-deputy-president">How to win your case at tribunal</a>).
<ul>
<li>Know the relevant law. You don't need to be an expert, but you do need to know the relevant piece of information that covers your dispute.</li>
<li>Isolate the issues. Figure out where exactly things went wrong - perhaps your tradie not show up at the agreed time, or did not use the agreed materials.</li>
<li>Get the documents to prove your issues. Have as much evidence as you can on hand - photographs, those conversations you've been documenting, and the relevant contracts.</li>
<li>Anticipate the other side of the argument. Organise yourself and have a good idea of what the other side will argue. Prepare a counter argument before you get to tribunal.</li>
<li>Ask for help if you need it. You don't necessarily need a lawyer, and you're not expected to be an expert. Feel free to ask when you need clarity.</li>
<li>Watch other cases. Try sitting in on a couple of tribunal cases so you have an idea of how the proceedings work.</li>
<li>Stay calm and be polite.</li>
</ul>
But no matter how calm or polite you are, going to tribunal won't guarantee you'll get the outcome you want, or deserve. The best way to avoid Maxine and Karstan's situation is to choose wisely in the first place.
Picture courtesy of Channel 9/Facebook.
</body></html>

Lessons from The Block: What to do if your tradie disappoints

<html><body>
When it comes to buying your first home, there are many daunting tasks to tackle. One of those tasks is securing your first home loan.
Before you’ve found your dream home, start looking for your dream mortgage. Without finance, there's no purchase - so make sure you get it right.
Choosing your first home loan
Fixed or variable? Packaged or unpackaged? A big lender or a small one?
To pick your home loan, there are three main things to think about:
<ol>
<li>Your priorities</li>
<li>Where rates will move</li>
<li>The products</li>
</ol>
To navigate the myriad mortgage products on the market, you need to have your priorities clear. It's rare that one deal will be clearly better than all the others - instead, it's all about what's best for you.
You may be after low ongoing fees. Perhaps security against future rate hikes may appeal to you, or maybe you're more interested in capitalising on the next rate cut.
Firstly, remember that a mortgage is a long term commitment. It's incredibly unlikely that your life circumstances will stay constant over your entire mortgage term. Think realistically about how your life might change over the next five or 10 years - you might have ongoing health concerns that will make rate repayments harder, or go from a double income household to a single one. A new addition to the family will seriously change your finances, as will a career change.
Figuring out your priorities doesn't just mean figuring out your priorities for today. It means figuring out what your priorities will be a decade down the track.
With a variable loan, your interest rate will change each month, according to how your bank responds to changes in the Reserve Bank's overnight cash rate. With a fixed loan, you lock in a single rate for a set number of years - anywhere between two and 10. Your choice will be in large part informed by your personality and your priorities - some are more comfortable with variance than others.
As <a href="/expert-insights/finance/weighing-up-fixed-vs-variable-interest-rates-mark-bouris">Mark Bouris writes</a>, both fixed and variable options come with their own risks. Pick a variable loan, and you'll be paying more when the Reserve Bank increases the cash rate. Go with fixed, and you'll miss out on any rate cuts.
While nobody knows for sure which way rates will move, we're currently at a record low cash rate of 2.5%. For some, this <a href="/expert-insights/finance/analysis-is-it-worth-fixing-your-home-loan">means that fixing is a better option</a>, financially speaking, as many expect the only way for rates to move is up. Fixed products will also make it easier for you to budget, as you'll know exactly how much money you need to put towards your mortgage each month.
However, <a href="/expert-insights/finance/variable-rates-remain-the-loan-product-of-choice">75.34% of all home loans written up in June</a> were variable, perhaps due to the generally lower rates offered on variable loans than fixed ones.
And of course, it's not just the rate that matters, but the product and the bank's conditions. Often, fixed rate loans do not allow you to make extra repayments on the months that you have a bit of spare cash, or will charge you a fee to do so. You may also face a "break fee" if you sell your house before the end of the term and repay the entire loan, or if you change your loan.
The Consumer Action Law Centre recommends that borrowers <a href="/expert-insights/buying/consider-opt-out-costs-when-getting-a-loan-consumer-action-law-centre">consider their opt out fees upfront</a>, rather than waiting until your circumstances change.
There's also the option to split your loan type, with a partially fixed loan. For example, if you know your budget is generally likely to be tight but that you occasionally get substantial injections of cash, from bonuses or short term contract work, you may want to choose a 50% variable and 50% fixed loan which limits your exposure to future rate hikes but still allows you to make extra repayments occasionally.
Of course, there's more to picking a home loan than just picking the type. There are also lenders, packages, fees and discounts to consider. Online comparison websites like <a href="https://finder.com.au" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a> can help with this task.
This article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
But if you're struggling to sort out what is best for you, it might be time to bring in some help.
Mortgage brokers
A mortgage broker is someone who specialises in home loans and will negotiate with lenders on your behalf to arrange your loan. A good mortgage broker will help you select the best loan and secure it with your lender. But be careful - a mortgage broker often receives broker's fees or commissions by credit providers, which can influence what loan they recommend to you. So even if you do use a broker, you should still shop around for the right loan - and the right broker.
Questions you should always ask your broker:
(For more on this topic, <a href="/expert-insights/finance/five-questions-you-must-ask-your-mortgage-broker">click here</a>)
<ol>
<li>How do you get paid? Unfortunately, a broker will not always act in your best interest. Determining where they get their money from may help you identify any conflicts of interest. 
</li>
<li>Who is on your lending panel? If your broker only has access to loan information from a few banks or lenders, you're not getting the full picture and could miss out on a good deal. If you know of lenders they don't, do some independent research. 
</li>
<li>What is your average client like? Make sure you get a broker that specialises or at least has a good deal of experience with first home buyers - long term investors will have very different needs. 
</li>
<li>What are your license details? Your broker should have an Australian Credit License, with their number displayed on official paperwork. Don't be afraid to google them and ask about professional indemnity insurance in case anything goes wrong. 
</li>
<li>What are some difficult deals you've pulled off? Your mortgage broker should be open and honest about their previous dealings - remember, they're there to help you, so make sure you're going with someone with experience and confidence.</li>
</ol>
Knowing what you can afford
A large part of picking the right home loan is about knowing what you can afford. You might have saved up enough to make a 10% deposit on a $500,000 home, but that doesn't mean you can afford to make the monthly repayments on a $450,000 loan. There are a number of calculators available to you, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/six-handy-apps-for-first-home-buyers">including apps</a> like tapMortgage and Approve Me.
tapMortgage can help you calculate your stamp duty, transfer fees, first home concessions and mortgage repayments. You can sort out the potential savings you would make with different repayment schemes or the total interest you'll pay on your loan. Approve Me is another app which can help you decide whether you can afford your prospective loan repayments. It even has a process for obtaining home loan pre-approval.
Knowing what you can afford is the most important part of choosing your first home loan. While many decide on how much they have for a deposit, the area they'd like to live in and even the kind of home they want before thinking about their mortgage, many experts recommend figuring out how much you can afford to pay each month before considering any of the more glamorous aspects of buying your first home.
Once you think you know what kind of loan suits you best, and you've gotten an idea of the kind of property you're after, it may be worth getting a <a href="/expert-insights/finance/a-quick-guide-to-home-loan-pre-approval">mortgage pre-approval</a>. While it's not a watertight guarantee you'll be approved for the loan of your choice, it's your best bet.
Running into trouble
No matter how well you prepare, there's always the risk of something going wrong. Unexpected costs and events can severely hamper your ability to repay your loan. If you think you're at <a href="/news/vic/victoria-s-mortgage-delinquency-on-the-rise-how-you-can-stay-above-water">risk of default</a>, here's what you can do: 
<ol>
<li>Communicate with your lender. Don't think your lender just won't notice if you stop making your loan repayments. Be clear with them about what's happening - they may be able to stop the process that will end in you defaulting on your loan and getting evicted from your home. 
</li>
<li>Enquire about hardship variations A hardship variation is an amendment to the terms of your loan contract which may temporarily make your loan more affordable by decreasing your monthly repayments but increasing your overall loan term. For new loans, you should be able to apply for a hardship variation no matter what your loan size is. If they don't approve your hardship variation application, your lender must provide a reason. 
</li>
<li>Check your insurance Depending on the reason for your default - loss of income, a health issue or a sudden death in the family, you may be able to claim cover that will assist you in paying off your loan. 
</li>
<li>Consolidate and refinance Be wary of refinancing your loan to reduce your payments - like with a hardship variation, this is likely to only be a short term fix. Beware of hidden costs and fees. 
</li>
<li>Selling or renting If you absolutely can't continue to repay your home, you may have to consider selling your property to pay off your loan. This is a long term fix, with its own major costs. You may also face extra fees for breaking your loan contract early. If you have alternative accommodation available - a parent's house, for example, you may consider moving back there temporarily and renting out your house. Again, this comes with its own costs, like the expense associated with hiring a property manager. 
</li>
<li>Seek help If you run into financial trouble, you're not on your own. There are free and low cost services available to help those under financial stress, like financial counsellors and legal advisors.</li>
</ol>
Of course, the best way to avoid running into trouble with your first loan is to plan ahead carefully and choose wisely in the first place. Be honest with yourself about your payment abilities, and consider your mortgage as carefully as you're considering your first home purchase.
</body></html>

Getting your first loan? Here's what you need to know

<html><body>
A mortgage broker network claims that allowing first home buyers to dip into their superannuation to make a deposit on their nome could benefit the housing finance and superannuation markets.
A number of industry bodies have supported Independent Senator Nick Xenophon's proposal to change restrictions surrounding superannuation access for first home buyers, <a href="/expert-insights/buying/time-to-allow-first-home-buyers-access-to-superannuation-hia">including the Housing Institute of Australia</a> (HIA).
According to 1300HomeLoan managing director John Kolenda, Xenophon's propsal could have a positive impact on the housing market but would require restrictions.
“Anything that can help first home buyers get into the market to buy their first home is a good thing,” said Kolenda.
“First home buyers have had a number of factors stacked against them in recent years and they are the least active sector of the home finance market despite record low interest rates.
“Many have difficulty saving for the necessary deposit and they haven’t been helped by rising real estate prices and first home owner grants restricted to new houses.
“The plan from Senator Xenophon deserves consideration and they can set parameters around it such as a maximum withdrawal from a super fund of $25,000.
“If first time buyers are allowed to access their super for a home loan deposit you might actually see people contributing more money into their fund, which will be beneficial to the superannuation sector.
Kolenda said first home buyers should also consider other options, like assistance from their parents.
“First time buyers who have minimal savings should realise they can get help from their parents or other family members to help secure a deposit,” he said.
‘Under the family equity guarantor’s support policy, parents or another immediate family member can help a first home buyer purchase a property.”
Xenophon's proposal is similar to schemes already in place in Canada, New Zealand and Singapore.
While 1300HomeLoans, the HIA and the Real Estate Institute of Australia have shown support for proposed changes to super withdrawal regulations, other <a href="/news/exclusive-should-australia-follow-canadas-home-buyer-plan-the-experts-have-their-say">industry experts have highlighted drawbacks to the scheme</a>, such as increasing house prices and depressed superannuation earnings.
For more on the debate:
<a href="/expert-insights/buying/xenophon-first-home-buyer-super-scheme-supported-by-mortgage-choice">Xenophon first home buyer super scheme supported by Mortgage Choice</a>
<a href="/news/reia-urges-government-to-allow-fhbs-to-dip-into-superannuation-for-a-home">REIA urges government to allow FHBs to dip into superannuation for a home</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/its-time-to-re-think-first-home-buyer-grants">It's time to rethink first home buyer grants</a>
</body></html>

Mortgage broker network joins the call for super access for first home buyers

<html><body>
The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales is lending its voice to warnings from the New South Wales Minister for Fair Trading about the risk of property fraud. After an <a href="/news/act/absentee-macgregor-landlord-loses-act-home-to-south-african-fraudster">ACT landlord's home was sold</a> without his consent while he was overseas, NSW minister Matthew Mason-Cox advised real estate agents to remain aware of the risks of fraud. “Identity fraud and scams are increasingly common throughout the community and the property industry is not immune to this criminal activity," said Mason-Cox. “Once a fraudster has a target they will contact the managing agent, pretending to be the property owner, and request their address and contact details be changed, cutting the real owner out of future correspondence.
“Soon after this, the fraudsters are back in touch with the agent requesting the property be sold. The intention is that once the property is sold, the fraudsters intercept the settlement paperwork, steal even more of their victim’s identity and ultimately take the proceeds of the sale.”
NSW Fair Trading introduced guidelines for preventing fraud in real estate in 2012, including a proof of identity checklist for vendors.
Malcolm Gunning, president of the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW), said the group supports NSW Fair Trading's guidelines. “We take matters of fraud and fraud prevention very seriously,” said Gunning.   “At our recent roadshow events across NSW we spoke to over 1,000 members about possible identity fraud and the key signs to watch for, including requests for contact details to be changed.”   “We have instructed our members to be vigilant and take the guidelines seriously," Gunning said.   “We need co-operation from the public who should be aware that Real Estate professionals will ask them for identification, they should not be offended if an agent seeks extra documentation.     “The NSW Police or NSW Fair Trading should be contacted if identity fraud is suspected," he advised.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ: 
<a href="/news/14-anti-fraud-tips-for-investment-property-owners-and-vendors">14 anti-fraud tips for investment property vendors</a>
</body></html>

REINSW lends support to minister's fraud warning

<html><body>
Rams and ME Bank have both cut the interest rates on their fixed home loan products.
Following <a href="/expert-insights/finance/nab-and-westpac-meet-cbas-rate-cut">rate cuts by Commonwealth, NAB and Westpac</a> last week, the two smaller lenders have also dropped their rates, with ME Bank undercutting them all on its five year fixed rate loan.
ME Bank now offers its five-year fixed home loan at a 4.94% interest rate, a 45 basis point cut. They have also cut their three year fixed loan interest rate to 4.69%. According to ME Bank, they are the lowest rates offered for three and five year fixed home loans on the market.
Chief executive Jamie McPhee said ME Bank's rates are better than those offered by the big four banks.
“And borrowers don’t need to pay an extra package fee to get the lower rate – we’re offering 4.94% on our non-package five year fixed home loan," said McPhee.
“Our three year fixed rate has been under 5% for more than 18 months and at a record low of 4.69% since April 2014.
He advised borrowers to fix their home loans, "with variable rates not expected to go much lower - we’re either at or very close to the bottom of the current interest rate cycle”.
ME Bank's rates are available to members of eligible super funds and unions.
Rams cut the rates on their two, three, four, five and ten year fixed home loan rates. Their five year fixed loan product is now offered at 5.19% per annum.
How ME Bank and Rams stack up next to the big four on five year fixed loans: 
<table style="width: 460px;" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bank</td>
<td>Rate</td>
<td>Comparison Rate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ME Bank</td>
<td>4.94%</td>
<td>5.21%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rams</td>
<td>5.19%</td>
<td>5.71%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ANZ</td>
<td>5.64%</td>
<td>5.86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NAB (Choice package)</td>
<td>4.99%</td>
<td>5.56%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CBA</td>
<td>4.99%</td>
<td>5.62%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Westpac (Premier advantage package)</td>
<td>4.99%</td>
<td>5.52%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

Rams and ME Bank cut fixed year rates: How do they stack up against the big four?

<html><body>
Ray White is set to host a combined commercial property auction in Broadbeach next month.
The August 15 event will see 12 properties up for sale from Ray White Commercial Southport, Ray White Industrial Gold Coast and Ray White Commercial Gold Coast.
Auctioneer Richard Impiombato said there is a diverse mix of properties on offer, from office complexes to development sites and retail assets.
“The listings come from as far south as Burleigh Heads to as far as north as Eagleby in Logan City,” said Impiombato, who expects a strong turnout for the auction.
“We have an impressive line-up of properties including a modern warehouse/showroom complex at 3/2 Breakwater Street, Merrimac, being<a href="https://www.commercialview.com.au/unit-3-2-6-breakwater-street-merrimac/commercial-both-details-6921967" target="_blank"> marketed by Kristoffer Sonter of Ray White Commercial</a> Southport,” he said (pictured above).
“Another standout listing is a standalone headquarter building at 34 Nerang St, Nerang, which has three levels of office space and basement parking for 30 vehicles." <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/southport/1150543/" target="_blank">The office block</a>, marketed by Wayne Devenport of Ray White Commercial Southport, is pictured below.
<img src="/images/2014/07/30/comm2.jpg" alt="">
The auction is scheduled for 11am on Friday, August 15 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach.
It's planned to be the first of a regular series of combined commercial property auctions, with others scheduled for October, November and December.
</body></html>

Twelve commercial properties up for grabs at Gold Coast auction event

<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.

&nbsp;

[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.

&nbsp;

[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.

&nbsp;

[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.

&nbsp;

[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.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

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

<main data-perf-region="main">
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.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Jessie Richardson

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News