<html><body>
Harry Triguboff's Meriton intends to amend approved plans for an 18 storey development in Dee Why, adding another storey to the mixed-use towers.
Formerly known as the Brookfield Multiplex site, the plot's previous owners had their plans approved in 2008. As works in accordance with those approved plans have been undertaken on the site, the council consent remains active.
Although Meriton plans to build a 19 storey development, the developers plan to keep the towers under the same 78 metre threshold. The company also wants to fit a greater proportion of residences into the site, and make changes to parking provisions and vehicle access.
In 2004, a masterplan with guiding principles for the site's development was put forward, including plans for a new Town Square.
The site is bounded by Oaks Avenue, Howard Avenue and Pittwater Road in Dee Why (pictured above).
The council is accepting public comment on Meriton's proposals until <a href="https://yoursaywarringah.com.au/planning-proposal-meriton-site-howard-avenue-dee-why-site-b-2014" target="_blank">4 August at their website</a>.
If you're marketing off the plan, you should consider signing up to the <a href="/news">Property Observer/Investorist free webinar off the plan marketing masterclass</a>.
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Meriton files plans for Dee Why development

<html><body>
Comedian Andy Samberg and musician Joanna Newsom have bought an expansive LA home that once housed Hollywood legends.

The musical duo reportedly purchased Moorcrest for US$6.25 million in March. The home, formerly rented by Charlie Chaplin, seems a better fit for someone like a boss than a tramp - proving that Andy Samberg may not be such a normal guy after all.

While not <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODz2rUXpKWw">the 'Bu,</a> the house is still <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnuJ0UOn7w4" target="_blank">in California</a>, located in Beachwood Canyon. The home was originally built as part of the Krotona Colony, the national headquarters of the Theosophical Society, an esoteric philosophical group that hopes to "form a nucleaus of the universal brotherhood of humanity".

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/07/22/ac9dc480-0ea9-11e4-b0ef-7bb2bf6cff6e_andy-samberg-joanna-newsom-13-dining.jpg">

The decadent design of the home has Moorish, Gothic, Mission-revivalist and Art Nouveau elements. According to Jewish Business News, the vendors purchased the home for US$900,000 in 1996. They reportedly listed the home with US$9,989,000 million in 2006, then lowered the asking price to US$7.4 million the next year. Newsom and Sandberg apparently bought the home in an off-market deal.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/07/22/Joanna_Newsom_-_Have_One_On_Me.jpg">

Newsom, a critically acclaimed songwriter, harpist, pianist and singer, may occasionally wish to lounge around among elaborate antiques with a stuffed peacock, as she does on the cover of her three-record release Have One on Me (pictured above). She now has the perfect living room - complete with peacock (below).

 <img alt="" src="/images/2014/07/22/903e6e70-0ea9-11e4-b7c6-ff743a0613c9_andy-samberg-joanna-newsom-9-living-area.jpg">

The four bedroom, six bathroom house was designed by Marie Russak Hotchener and built in 1921, when female architects were a rarity. 
The home also includes a glass-toped dome atrium (pictured below), where the couple can look up at the stars - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWFsBQcexkg" target="_blank">on a good day</a> (or night, rather), Newsom may even be able to see <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGoNCvoZuYA" target="_blank">the Pleiades</a>.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/07/22/9dc2d1d0-0ea9-11e4-b39b-e5f776518803_andy-samberg-joanna-newsom-19-atrium-top.jpg">

The huge kitchen has a raised fireplace, wrap around benches and central lonely island for serving boiled goose.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/07/22/a0e6f530-0ea9-11e4-b39b-e5f776518803_andy-samberg-joanna-newsom-24-kitchen-wide.jpg">

There is also a substantial dressing room, perfect for Newsom's coats of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LgQhfusf_E" target="_blank">boucle, jacquard and cashmere</a>, and Samberg's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogG2p_ZUaaQ" target="_blank">turtlenecks and chains</a>. <img alt="" src="/images/2014/07/22/094eab50-0ea9-11e4-816c-17b57f80985f_andy-samberg-joanna-newsom-44-sinks-vanity.jpg">

The listing photos, now removed from their website, show ivy on the walls (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn7duAZjP8w" target="_blank">but not around the lettering</a>) of the incredible home, with lush gardens providing plenty of room for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47yuiPK01kg" target="_blank">a sprout and a bean</a> to grow.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/07/22/ivy.jpg">

There is also a pool, with a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQbgIy2bj9Y" target="_blank">bridge (but no balloons)</a>. The pool area also has a man-made cave, perfect for Hot Rod star Sandberg, who <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbaBoWQSGak" target="_blank">likes to party</a>.

<img alt="" src="/images/2014/07/22/148e00b0-0ea9-11e4-b0ef-7bb2bf6cff6e_andy-samberg-joanna-newsom-47-pool-bridge.jpg">

According to Hollywood lore, Charlie Chaplin rented the home in the early 1920s before it was purchased by the parents of Maltese Falcon star Mary Astor in 1925. They sold the house at auction for $21,500 in 1934.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27406]

Newsom is known for her albums The Milk Eyed Mender, Ys and Have One On Me. Samberg is a comedian who currently stars in Brooklyn 99, was formerly a cast member on Saturday Night Live and is a member of The Lonely Island.
</body></html>

From Incredibad to Chaplin's pad - Andy Samberg and Joanna Newsom buy legendary Hollywood home

<html><body>
It's the list every seller wants to see their home on - the most expensive sales of the week. 
According to RP Data, these were the 10 biggest sales this week. The list doesn't include <a href="/expert-insights/buying/petersham-boarding-house-fetches-3-3-million-in-sydney-weekend-auctions">the 12-bedroom 1888 Victorian Petersham trophy home sold at weekend auction</a> for $3.3 million, or the <a href="/news/backwards-at-2-000-a-day-millioniares-row-hedges-avenue-mermaid-beach-still-at-half-price">loss making Mermaid Beach home that sold on Sunday for $4 million</a>.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f30_dawson_avenue_brighton_vic_3186%2f10009235" target="_blank">30 Dawson Avenue, Brighton, VIC</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/30-Dawson-Avenue-Brighton-VIC-3186-Real-Estate-photo-2-large-7196071.jpg" alt=""> This four bedroom house<a href="/expert-insights/buying/brighton-home-sells-for-4-68-million-as-weekends-top-auction-result"> sold for $4.68 million through Buxton Brighton this week</a>. Just a few doors down from the beach, the home is located in <a href="/news">Brighton</a>'s golden mile. With two storeys, the house has both formal and informal living spaces including a parent's retreat, a library and a "children's retreat" with a wet bar. The north facing backyard features a pool and spa, a covered dining area, spotted gum decks and a pool house or separate guest house. The vendor, prominent harness horse-breeder and construction company director Duncan McPherson, purchased the house in 2000 for $1.5 million. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f8_stack_street_balmain_east_nsw_2041%2f1262300" target="_blank">8 Stack Street, Balmain East, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/2.jpg" alt=""> Another four bedroom house sold at auction this weekend, with this <a href="/news">Balmain East</a> home securing $3.12 million through Cobden &amp; Hayson Balmain. Minutes from the harbour, the house is located within a gated community. The home has private covered courtyards, an al fresco dining area and a heated pool. The sale comes after two previous attempts to list the property - the vendors also attempted to move it in September 2010 and March 2012. They purchased the home in 2008, for $2,925,000. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f33_royalist_road_mosman_nsw_2088%2f4504281" target="_blank">33 Royalist Road, Mosman, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/3.jpg" alt=""> Raine &amp; Horne Mosman sold this home for $2.95 million this week. The renovated house with an easterly aspect has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Located on the end of a quiet cul de sac, it is a short walk away from Mosman Bay. The single storey house was purchased by the vendors in July 2007, for $2,125,000.  </li>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f71_irrubel_road_newport_nsw_2106%2f4872610" target="_blank">71 Irrubel Road, Newport, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/4.jpg" alt=""> This single storey waterfront home sold for $2,925,000 through L J Hooker Mona vale this week. The open plan house on Crystal Bay has its own swimming pool, boat shed, ramp and a shared deep-water jetty with a pontoon, fresh water and power. It has American Oak polished floorboards throughout and a sandstone fireplace. The vendors purchased the home in 2011, for $2.2 million. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f71_irrubel_road_newport_nsw_2106%2f4872610" target="_blank">347 Bronte Road, Bronte, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/5.jpg" alt=""> Dellcotta, a five bedroom semi-detached terrace in Bronte, sold for $2.67 million through McGrath Coogee. The 1881 era home has dual occupancy zoning, with the opportunity for the buyer to reside in one part of the home and rent out another. The property has two kitchens, separate dual level accommodation with two double bedrooms, and a cellar. The vendors purchased the home 23 years ago, for just $281,000. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f24%2f5_towns_place_millers_point_nsw_2000%2f4286471" target="_blank">24/5 Towns Place, Walsh Bay, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/6.jpg" alt=""> The only unit on this week's top 10 list secured $2.6 million when sold through McGrath Estate Agents Eastern Suburbs. The three bedroom penthouse overlooks Barangaroo Headland Park and across the harbour. The apartment includes access to a heated pool, gymnasium, sauna, spa and storage cage. The vendors purchased 24/6 Towns Place for $2,125,000 in 2006. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f11_hinkler_street_greenwich_nsw_2065%2f2634026" target="_blank">11 Hinkler Street, Greenwich, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/7.jpg" alt=""> This five-bedroom house sold at auction through Shead Property Chatswood for $2.39 million. With a formal lounge with fireplace, a home office, an open plan living room and a freestanding studio, the house offers plenty of living spaces for residents. Outside, there is a paved courtyard, a heated pool and lawns. The sellers purchased the house 15 years ago, for $925,000. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f172_paddington_street_paddington_nsw_2021%2f5273350" target="_blank">172 Paddington Street, Paddington, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/8.jpg" alt=""> Di Jones Real Estate Woollahra sold this terrace for $2.25 million this week. The 1890s terrace, which opens out to a north-east facing courtyard, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The listing agents suggest the home has potential for an attic conversion and a studio over the home's garage. Held for 27 years, the vendors originally purchased the home for $300,000 in 1987. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f21_austin_avenue_elwood_vic_3184%2f10909342" target="_blank">21 Austin Avenue, Elwood, VIC</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/9.jpg" alt=""> One of only two Melbourne homes on this week's top 10 list, this Elwood house is just a 20 minute walk from the Dawson Street home. It was sold at auction by Pride Real Estate St Kilda for $2.2 million. Sitting on 500 square metres of land, this Californian bungalow has been transformed by Jackson Clements Burrows, who have added a contemporary extension and revised the house's interiors. The home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It was purchased by the vendors in December 2007 for $1.17 million. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jIPiREyySEeCynWu5WdVSEYF81nQeNEIYYWzmmVK0FaNtaCI-4D4qvj35un_nURQ8wM4kiv9Znc.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myrp.com.au%2fproperty%2f22_cleveland_street_wahroonga_nsw_2076%2f7188577" target="_blank">22 Cleveland Street, Wahroonga, NSW</a> <img src="/images/2014/07/22/10.jpg" alt=""> A four-bedroom house in Wahroonga sold through McConnell Bourn Wahroonga for $2.196 million. A single storey home set on a 930 square metre block, 22 Cleveland Street has north-facing living areas, with four double bedrooms and three recently-renovated bathrooms. Outside, there are two large entertaining areas and lawns. T he vendors purchased the house six years ago, for $1.52 million.</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

The 10 most expensive sales of the week: RP Data

<html><body>
A Sunbury man appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court after the Australian Securities and Investment Commission alleged that he fraudulently obtained more than $1 million from investors.
Barry John Patrick, a 71 year old from Sunbury, Victoria, allegedly obtained the money from 14 investors between 2007 and 2010, telling investors it was to be used to fund a property development.
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) allege that Patrick took some of the funds for personal use, and used some of the money to pay interest payments to past and existing investors and to make loan repayments. According to ASIC, investors were persuaded to refinance their self managed superannuation funds and homes, take out additional loans or use credit cards to pay Patrick.
Patrick has been charged with eight counts of obtaining property by deception, five counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception, one count or theft and one count of running a financial services business without an Australian financial services license.
The charges relate to the three-year period between 2007 and 2010, in which ASIC alleges Patrick formed companies to purchase properties for development and consequently persuaded investors to refinance their homes or self-managed super funds, or take out additional loans or credit cards.
“ASIC allege the funds raised by Mr Patrick were not used to develop the properties, instead, they were used to pay interest payments to past and existing investors and to meet repayments on loans as well as for personal use,” said the regulator.
But this is not the first time Patrick has fallen on the wrong side of the law.
In 2010, Patrick <a href="https://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf/byheadline/10-257AD+Melbourne+director+sentenced?openDocument" target="_blank">received a four-month suspended jail sentence</a> and a five-year good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to one charge of carrying on a financial services business without holding an AFS license and three charges of managing a corporation while disqualified.
According to ASIC, during August 2003 and December 2006, Patrick persuaded 40 investors to invest in three companies: E.K.B Properties, Sandgrove Specialised Securities and Cardinia Specialised Securities.
During the time, E.K.B Properties raised approximately $4 million, Sandgrove Specialised Services raised approximately $1.5 million and Cardinia Specialised Services raised approximately $1 million.
<a href="https://www.moneymanagement.com.au/news/superannuation/2014/victorian-charged-with-smsf-property-fraud" target="_blank">According to Money Management</a>, ASIC alleged Patrick and his associate Karl Heinz Veljkovic were pushing investors to roll over their superannuation into self-managed funds and then invest those funds into the three companies.
However, the companies, which were controlled and managed by Patrick and Veljkovic, were placed into liquidation by the Federal Court in 2007 following investigations by ASIC. As of December 2010, ASIC said none of the investors had been repaid.
In 2007, both men consented to Federal Court orders banning them from carrying on a financial services business; parting with any funds that have come into their possession by issuing, selling or offering a financial product; and managing corporations for a period of 20 years.
Graeme Colley, director of technical and professional standards at the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia, said these kinds of cases arise from time to time, and are the result of a “failure of the independence between initial advice given to individuals and where the money ends up”.
Colley says cases like this don’t preclude investing your self-managed super fund in property, but says “the hotter it gets, the closer you are getting to the fire”.
As a general rule, Colley says investors should only consider advice from advisers with AFS licenses. This way, if something goes wrong, the investor potentially has some recourse against the licensee and can use formal complaints arrangements.
Colley says it is also important to do your own research and be as thorough as possible. “Make some investigations into who owns the business, the relationship between the adviser and the organisation, and if there are any other real investors,” says Colley.
Patrick is next due to appear in court on 16 September. He faces a maximum 10 years in jail for each of the deception and theft charges, and a maximum jail sentence of two years if found guilty of operating a financial services business without an AFS license.
Parts of this article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
</body></html>

Melbourne property developer charged with $1 million fraud

<html><body>
More than half of the baby boomers surveyed by realestateVIEW.com.au believe today's generation "have it tougher" than they did when buying their first home.
In a recent survey, 56% of the 2,554 respondents aged between 50-59 thought today's first home buyers are having a tougher time than they did when purchasing their first homes in the late 80s and early 90s, despite interest rates reaching 17%.
According to Petra Spektros, general manager of realestateVIEW.com.au, baby boomers weren't facing the same affordability constraints experienced by today's first home buyers.
"I think certainly the current generation have it tougher," says Spektros.
"Interest rates were the biggest constraint for baby boomers," she explains. But Spektros says that non-housing related costs are contributing to the affordability issues faced by today's first home buyers.
"You just have to look at HECS, for example, and private health cover," Spektros says. "There's lots to pay for that just wasn't needed when the baby boomers were purchasing property."
She also noted population growth and increased competition as house price drivers.
Only 18% of those surveyed by realestateVIEW.com.au thought today's generation are finding it easier to buy their first home than they did.
The survey also revealed that despite the "cashed up" baby boomer stereotype, many are experiencing affordability issues of their own. The majority of baby boomers surveyed were seeking a property priced under $600,000, with 36.6% after a property that will cost them less than $400,000. Around a quarter of the respondents had been looking for a home for more than three years, a results realestateVIEW.com.au says reflects "rapid price growth and market competition in Australia's cities".
However, 51% of those surveyed said they were "comfortable" with current house prices, with 33.5% saying they are "uncomfortable with house prices" and 15.5% saying "I feel I am being priced out/outbid by other buyers".
Baby boomers in New South Wales appear to have a less rosy look than Victorians, with 39.7% of New South Wales respondents reporting that they are comfortable with current prices, while 51.7% Victorian respondents shared the same sentiment.
Most of the survey's respondents are looking to downsize, but 34.4% of the baby boomers intend to stay in the family home when they retire. Spektros says many are probably still funding their kids who live in the family home.
"A significant proportion are struggling and have affordability concerns. I think house prices today ahave a particular bearing on that," says Spektros.
"Some may not be working as hard or full time, as they used to. But they still have the family home bills to pay," she says. But there are other lifestyle factors at play as well.
"And of course this generation, because they have worked so hard, are waiting for their retirement to have their big holiday and dinners."
It appears retirement villages and communities are becoming less popular, with only 6.1% of respondents reporting a retirement village as their preferred option in retirement.
{module Do you think the younger generations have it tougher?}
</body></html>

Baby boomers believe younger generation have it tougher: realestateview

<html><body>
For investors hoping to use their properties as an income stream as well as a growth asset, some Sydney regions stand out more than others.
According to RP Data's Quarterly Rental Review, rental rates for houses in Sydney didn't move over the quarter to June, remaining at $520 per week.
While the median weekly rent for houses saw no change overall, one segment of the house rental market did grow in the June quarter. Four bedroom houses saw a 3.3% rise in rents to a median of $620 a week, while three bedroom houses stayed flat at $470 per week, as did five or more bedroom houses, which attracted $850 per week.
On a yearly basis, there was no area in Sydney which recorded a fall in rents for houses, although rents were flat for the year in the Fairfield-Liverpool region, at $450 per week. The Lower
Northern Sydney region saw a 10.4% jump in rents for the year, the biggest increase of any Sydney region and well above its own five year average of 6.7%. Its median rent per week is now $900.  
However, some growth was seen in the unit rental markets, with rents rising by 2% over the three months to June to a median of $500 per week. All unit types saw an increase for the quarter, with one bedroom units increasing by 1.1%, two bedroom units recording a 3.1% rise and rents for three bedroom units increasing by 3.5%.
The median weekly rent for units in Outer Western Sydney fell by 2.9% over the year to June - the region was the only Sydney area to see a yearly decrease in rents. The strongest regional rental performance for the unit market was seen in the Northern Beaches, where the median rent climbed 5.6% over the year, and Inner Sydney, where rents grew by 5.1%.
The top performing regions for rental houses over the past year
The following five areas had the strongest year on year growth in rents for Sydney houses.
<ol>
<li>
Lower Northern Sydney With 10.4% year on year growth in the median weekly rent, Lower Northern Sydney outperformed every other Sydney region's rental house market.  
</li>
<li>
Inner Sydney The median weekly rent for a house in inner-Sydney is now $750, up 7.1% from the same time last year. The area's rental market has shown consistent growth, with five year average rental increase of 6.4%. </li>
<li>
Northern Beaches Sydney's Northern Beaches have seen the median weekly rent for houses increase by 5.9% for the year to $900, the same median house rent as Lower Northern Sydney. However, the area has seen a dip in recent months - in the quarter to June, house rents dropped by 2.7%.  
</li>
<li>
Central Coast With 5.3% growth over the past 12 months, the median weekly rent for a house in the Central Coast is now $400. The region saw 2.6% quarterly growth.  
</li>
<li>
Canterbury-Bankstown The Canterbury-Bankstown area saw its median rent for houses increase by 5% in the past year, with 1% growth in the quarter to June. The median rent for a house in the area is now $520. </li>
</ol>
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 The top performing regions for rental units over the past year
<ol>
<li>
Northern Beaches Units in the Northern Beaches attracted weaker rental growth than their house counterparts, with a 5.3% increase for the past 12 months. A renter can now expect to pay $550 per week for a unit in the Northern Beaches. </li>
<li>
Inner Sydney Inner Sydney units recorded 5.5% growth for the year, with the median weekly rent for a unit in the region now $580.  
</li>
<li>
Eastern Suburbs Units in Sydney's Eastern suburbs now attract a median weekly rent of $625 after a 4.2% growth for the year. The five year annual average growth for the area is 4.8%. <a href="/news"></a>
</li>
<li>
Lower Northern Sydney After 3.8% growth over the past year, the region now has a median weekly rent of $625.  
</li>
<li>
Inner Western Sydney Sydney's Inner West saw rents for units increase by 4% for the year. The past 12 months have outperformed the area's historical average - the five year annual average growth in rents for the region is 3.4%. <a href="/news">Click to open in new window: </a>
</li>
</ol>
<a href="/images/2014/07/21/rp-data-july-10-three.gif" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/07/21/rp-data-july-10-three.gif" alt=""></a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/21/rp-data-july-10-two.gif" alt="">
Source: RP Data.
</body></html>

Sydney's top five regions for rental growth: RP Data

<html><body>
Have you been keeping an eye on Sydney this week?
Test how well you've been paying attention.
<ol>
<li>Which area of Sydney is the best place to buy, according to Arek Drozda? 
</li>
<li>What is the name of Sydney's largest shopping centre, which opened this week?  <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/phocagallery/2014/07/macquarie-july-17/macquarie_0000_1.jpg.jpg"> 
</li>
<li>Which model just paid $4 million for a new home for two adjoining Newport properties? 
</li>
<li>Architect Chris Howe and his wife, tax lawyer Betsy Anne, finally sold their home in which Sydney suburb? <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/phocagallery/2014/07/vaucluse-july-16/vaucluse_0000_1.jpg.jpg"> 
</li>
<li>Property investors MarksHenderson recently spent how much money on Walsh Bay offices? 
</li>
<li>How many Sydney homes made the top 10 most expensive sales of the week? 
</li>
<li>What was Sydney's auction clearance rate for the weekend of 12 July? 77.7% 
</li>
<li>Significant Investor Visa approvals are how many times higher in Victoria than New South Wales? 
</li>
<li>How many Sydney suburbs made the Housing Institute of Australia's top 20 hotspots for construction and population growth? 
</li>
<li>How many years had this Artamon home been in the ownership of a single person before it was sold this week? <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/phocagallery/2014/07/artarmon-july-15/artarmon_0000_1.jpg.jpg">
</li>
</ol>
The answers on the next page
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 How closely were you paying attention?
<ol>
<li>Which area of Sydney is the best place to buy, according to Arek Drozda? Sydney's <a href="/expert-insights/investing/inner-ring-the-best-bet-in-sydney-and-heres-why">inner-ring is your best bet</a>, said Drozda. 
</li>
<li>What is the name of Sydney's largest shopping centre, which opened this week? The <a href="/expert-insights/investing/sydneys-largest-suburban-shopping-centre-amp-capitals-macquarie-centre-now-open">Macquarie centre</a>. 
</li>
<li>Which model just paid $4 million for a new home for two adjoining Newport properties? <a href="/news/jennifer-hawkins-spends-4-million-on-newport-waterfront">Jennifer Hawkins</a>. 
</li>
<li>Architect Chris Howe and his wife, tax lawyer Betsy Anne, finally sold their home in which Sydney suburb? The couple have finally <a href="/news/architect-chris-howe-sells-vaucluse-trophy-home-finally">sold their Vaucluse home</a>.  
</li>
<li>Property investors MarksHenderson recently spent how much money on Walsh Bay offices? MarksHenderson splashed out <a href="/expert-insights/investing/markshenderson-splashes-28-million-on-walsh-bay-office">$28 million on their new offices</a>. 
</li>
<li>How many Sydney homes made the top 10 most expensive sales of the week? Eight of <a href="/expert-insights/buying/the-10-most-expensive-sales-of-the-week-rp-data--66486">the week's top 10 sales</a> were from Sydney. 
</li>
<li>What was Sydney's auction clearance rate for the weekend of 12 July? 77.7% of homes auctioned sold last weekend. 
</li>
<li>Significant Investor Visa approvals are how many times higher in Victoria than New South Wales? SIV approvals are <a href="/news/siv-approvals-in-victoria-six-times-higher-than-nsw">six times higher in Victoria</a> than New South Wales. 
</li>
<li>How many Sydney suburbs made the Housing Institute of Australia's top 20 hotspots for construction and population growth? One - Homebush Bay. <a href="/expert-insights/investing/list-of-the-day-top-20-building-and-population-hotspots">Two, if you count Silverwater along with it</a>. 
</li>
<li>How many years had this Artamon home been in the ownership of a family before it was sold this week? The house had been in the possession of a woman <a href="/expert-insights/buying/stayput-aunts-artarmon-federation-fetches-record-price-after-99-year-ownership">for 99 years.</a>
</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Friday quiz: Sydney's property market

<html><body>
Channel 9 has revealed more information about the contestants of the latest offering from its renovation franchise.
In a series of videos introducing us to this season's would-be Steve and Chantelles, we get to know a little more about The Block Glasshouse's contestants and the "shock twist" of the season - the five teams will be judging each other.
The competitors-as-judges trope is a quick and dirty way to force the contestants to play to their assigned roles as heroes or villains, if the endless stream of criticism of Brooke and Grant's scoring in the recent House Rules is anything to go by.
Not that the producers need any help figuring out where everyone will fit - from the promos released, it looks like they have that all sorted.
<ul>
<li>Carlene and Michael </li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/07/18/michael%20and%20carlene.jpeg" alt="">
Image courtesy of Channel 9.
Carlene and Michael (pictured above), the first of three blonde-woman-and-brunette-buff-guy couples this season, have been married for seven years, and have two young children. Michael certainly knows his way around a worksite, given his job as a construction manager. Carlene is a part time communications manager for Griffith University. 
The Gold Coast couple have renovated two houses in their 12 years together. Despite Michael's admission that he has a "short temper" and Carlene saying he can be "very snappy" and "has no patience and no tolerance", The Block Glasshouse producers have decided on a different story. 
In a two minute promotional video, host Scott Cam tells us that Carlene "always knows what she wants, and Michael knows she's always right". We're then treated to a laugh from Carlene, echoed to sound like a cackle. Chilling stuff.
<ul>
<li>Maxine and Karstan</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/07/18/karstan%20and%20max.jpeg" alt="">
Image courtesy of Channel 9.
Second in the blonde-and-brunette lineup are Maxine and Karstan, from Newcastle (pictured above).
The engaged couple, who are currently renovating their house, have been together for nine years without a single argument, we're told.
The greatest grievance they can come up with for their talking heads segment is something about laundry on the floor.
<ul>
<li>Darren and Dee</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/07/18/darren%20and%20dee.jpeg" alt="">
Image courtesy of Channel 9.
There's also Darren and Dee Jolly, from Melbourne, pictured above. Former AFL ruckman Darren won premierships with the Sydney Swans and Collingwood and has been studying to be a builder for the past two years, while Dee "loves interiors" and has a background in fashion.
"Australia will feel the full force of hurricane Dee", Cam tells us, forgetting that the producers have already designated a shrew for the season.
<ul>
<li>Simon and Shannon</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/07/18/shannon%20and%20simon.jpeg" alt="">
Image courtesy of Channel 9.
Simon and Shannon Voss, the apparent larrikins of the Glasshouse, run around shirtless on the sand for a bit before telling us that they're brothers and born in Tasmania in their introduction video.
"Cheeky brothers Simon and Shannon from Tasmania," says Cam. "Both good Aussie blokes, and both definitely trouble."
Despite the show's best efforts to paint the brothers as a bit of cheeky fun, in all their promo time so far they haven't managed to come up with more than a bit of car dancing - easily eclipsed in charisma and comedy by the final team, Chris and Jenna (pictured below).
<ul>
<li>Chris and Jenna</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2014/07/18/jenna%20and%20chris.jpeg" alt="">
Image courtesy of Channel 9.
Jenna, a 26 year old video editor, describes herself as "half Maltese, a quarter Aussie and a quarter Aboriginal", while cabinet maker Chris is Chinese-Indonesian. Chris says: "I want to put it out there - I'm Asian, and I want to break that stereotype, the Asians being dodgy and don't know how to drive, and stuff like that."
The married Campbelltown couple are certainly a change from the four brunette-and-blonde white teams. Even Cam's surprised.
"And...the biggest surprise of all..." says Cam.
But it turns out he's talking about their renovation skills. "...Glasshouse newbies, Chris and Jenna," he continues. "No experience, but they might just pack the biggest punch."
We'll have to wait and see. As the promo tells us: "THERE WILL BE GENIUS MADNESS TEARS TRIUMPH AND WOW"
</body></html>

The Block Glasshouse promos released, series coming soon

<html><body>
Overpriced, or undervalued? Despite suffering the biggest price cuts in the country, some homes just won't sell.
<a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au" target="_blank">SQM Research</a> has gathered the 10 most heavily discounted homes in the country.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-qld-ellen+grove-114951879" target="_blank">38 Considine Street, Ellen Grove, Queensland</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/09/1.jpg" alt="">
38 Considine Street has the dubious honour of retaining top place on the discounted list this week. The brick house on a 1.57 hectare flat block has been on the market for 253 days now, despite a 43% price cut. It was initially listed at $1.4 million and now has a $799,000 price tag.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-wa-carabooda-200627671" target="_blank">292 Carabooda Road, Carabooda, Western Australia</a> 
<img src="/images/2014/07/17/caraboo.jpg" alt="">
Making its debut on the discount list, this 7.1 hectare farm has seen its price lopped by 37% from $1.65 million to $1,032,000. A three bedroom cottage sits on the property, with a big double garage, with water supplied by an on-property bore. In its listing, selling agent Thomas Massam of Harcourts Alliance Joondalup suggests buyers could grow fruit and veggies on the property, or "build a tennis court".
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-richmond-114883299" target="_blank">2 Wellington Street, Richmond, Tasmania</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/09/2.jpg" alt="">
The historic Mill House in Richmond, Tasmania, sits along the convict-built Richmond Bridge. It seems vendors overestimated market demand by a clean million, with the price tag dropping 36% from $2.8 million to $1.8 million. The estate's main house includes four bedrooms and bathrooms, a formal living and dining area, sunroom and cellar. The listing agent advises that the house has a "convict brick feature wall", a formal living and dining area, sunroom and cellar. The vendors, who according to the listing information have experienced a "change of circumstances" which have "significantly increased [their] motivation", are also open to selling the adjoining plot.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-carabooda-114289451" target="_blank">219 Bernard Road North Carabooda, West Australia</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/09/3.jpg" alt="">
This rural property has been discounted by 35%, with its asking price now $2,272,000, down from $3.5 million. The Bernard Road farming property shares a listing agent with its Carabooda cousin on the list, the heavily discounted 292 Carabooda Road. Set on 15 hectares of farm land, the property has a 36,000 kilolitre water license. The dual lot property features a brick and tile home and farm sheds on one plot, and a "home in disrepair" on another.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/michelago/668779/" target="_blank">76 Tinderry Road, Michelago, New South Wales</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/09/4.jpg" alt="">
On the market for 988 days, this rural property near Canberra has had its price cut from $1.9 million to $1.25 million. The Michaelago creek supplies water to the property, with two dams on the land. An original 1925-era home, requiring significant renovations, stands on the property. The listing information states: "The property is ideally suited to run livestock with some areas having had some pasture improvement in previous years, although this was some time ago and would likely need to be revisited."
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-doubleview-116544475" target="_blank">1 Princess Road, Doubleview, West Australia</a>
 <img src="/images/2014/07/09/5.jpg" alt="">
This property in Perth’s Doubleview has been discounted by 33%, with its price now at $1.8 million (down from $2.7 million). Advertised as having subdivision potential, the current cottage and granny flat on the plot are described as “very rentable during the development phase” in the listing information.
The vendors purchased the 1,412 square metre plot 1 Princess Road for $150,000 in 1990, hoping now to secure more than 10 times what they paid.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-strathalbyn-107584093" target="_blank">21 Cotton Court, Strathalbyn, South Australia</a>
<img src="/images/2014/04/30/strathalbyn.jpg"> 
After a 32% price cut, the owners of this Strathalbyn home are now seeking $339,000. The house has been on the market for nearly three years. It was purchased by the owners for $118,000 in 1995.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-battery+point-108230936" target="_blank">1/23 Albuera Street, Battery Point, Tasmania</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/09/6.jpg" alt="">
The former Albuera Art School now houses this luxury renovated apartment, priced at $1.5 million. It's been on the market for more than two and a half years, with an initial asking price of $2.2 million. The three bedroom apartment has a combination of heritage and new features, with polished timber floors and pressed metal ceilings. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-green+point-114436679" target="_blank">99 Green Point Drive, Green Point, New South Wales</a>
<img src="/images/2014/04/30/green%20point%20drive.jpg">
This contemporary New South Wales home is a discount list staple. After 1,381 days on the market (more than three and a half years) and a 31% price cut, it still hasn't secured a buyer. The home on the Central Coast was originally listed at $1.15 million but vendors are now asking for $795,000. Originally designed as a bed and breakfast, the lakefront home now functions as a hair salon. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bar+point-113991687" target="_blank">53 Kalinda Road, Bar Point, New South Wales</a>
<img src="/images/2014/07/09/9.jpg" alt="">
A two cabin offering set above a waterfront reserve on the Hawkesbury River has been on the market for 591 days. The steep property houses one two bedroom cabin with a kitchen and living area, and another with a bedroom and bathroom. Its asking price has dropped 30%, from $280,000 to $195,000.</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

The 10 most discounted homes in Australia: SQM Research

<html><body>
Though eclipsed in confidence by New South Wales, the Queensland property industry remains positive about the next financial year, according to the Property Council/ANZ Property Industry Confidence Survey.
In a national poll of 2,300 property and construction professionals, the Property Council and ANZ found that Queenslanders had a bullish perspective this quarter, with confidence measuring above the national average.
Chris Mountford, Queensland deputy executive director of the Property Council of Australia, says Queensland's outlook has remained stable, despite "a turbulent period of state and federal budget announcements".
“This quarter Queensland sentiment rose one point, up to 136 on the scale – five points above the national index,” says Mountford.
“Queensland’s bullish outlook is second only to New South Wales which continues its run as the most positive state in the country.
“There is a sense of optimism about the financial year ahead with respondents upbeat about the state’s economic growth prospects for the next 12 months."
He says the state's confidence levels parallel state budget forecasts.
“The industry is anticipating positive increases in capital values across the residential, retail, industrial, hotel and retirement property sectors.  
“This aligns with the Queensland State Budget projections which rely heavily on the property industry to support a predicted 3 per cent growth over the next 12 months.
“This is further evidence that a healthy property industry is the foundation of a strong Queensland economy," he explains.
ANZ Senior Property Analyst, David Cannington, says some sections of the state's economy have shown promise, despite a downturn due to the decline of the mining sector.
“In particular, improved global economic conditions and a lower AUD have provided a boost to Queensland’s tourism industry, with international tourism arrivals increasing in recent months," says Cannington.
"Housing market conditions have also broadly improved, although remain divergent across the state, with upbeat conditions in Brisbane and south east Queensland, while regions exposed to the mining and resources sectors are underperforming.
“The outlook for Queensland’s commercial property sectors also reflects divergent conditions across industries, with the secondary office sector in particular weighed down by weak office employment and elevated vacancy rates," Cannington says.
"In contrast, the outlook for employment and capital growth in the retail, hospitality and health sectors are more buoyant.”
Mountford also singles out the office sector as a source of concern.
“The only segment that remains in negative territory is the office sector due to a unique and challenging blend of issues confronting the Brisbane CBD and Fringe office markets," says Mountford.
“Tackling these challenges will require a collective focus from industry and government in the coming months to ensure growth and prosperity in Brisbane’s CBD," he explains.
</body></html>

Queensland's property industry the country's second most confident: PCA/ANZ

<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