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GUEST OBSERVATION
Eighteen lenders have so far announced rate cuts to their variable home loans since the Reserve Bank dropped the cash rate to 2.2%. 
It's great to see that all of the 18 lenders that have so far announced rate cuts will be passing on the full 0.25 percentage points, with Westpac dropping further, by 0.28 percentage points. In particular, <a href="https://Loans.com.au" target="_blank">Loans.com.au</a> lowered its variable home loan rates by the full 0.25 percentage points yesterday, securing its position for the lowest variable home loan rates on the market, from 4.23%. 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 Lender
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 Rate cut
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 Effective date
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/anz-aug-4-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
12 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/bank-of-melbourne-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200px">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/BOQ-aug-13-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
24 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/banksa-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/Bankwest-Logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/cba-aug-4-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
 <img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/logo_Greater_Building_Society.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/heritage-bank-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/hsbc-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/ing-direct-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/loans.com.au-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
4 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/maitland-mutal-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">-0.25%</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
23 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/me-bank-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/nab-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/newcastle-pernamnet-logo.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
23 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/st-george-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/westpac-aug-4-logo-breakout.jpg" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.28%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
20 February 2015
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/Company-Logos/ybr-aug-4-logo-breakout.png" width="200">
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
-0.25%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
24 February 2015
 
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: finder.com.au, ranked alphabetically. Dates may vary for some customers.
*Some loan changes may be effective from 15/3/15.
<a href="https://Loans.com.au" target="_blank">Loans.com.au</a> was also the fastest to pass on the interest rate cut, making its new rates effective immediately, sparking greater competition in the home loan market. This is in contrast to most lenders, which change their rates a couple of weeks later. 
In fact, we analysed effective rate changes by the big four banks (as they hold the majority of home loan market share) following every Reserve Bank cash rate movement over the past five years and found that they were faster to pass on a rate increase than they were to pass on a rate cut. The big four banks took 11 days on average to pass on a rate cut to variable home loan customers, yet managed to pass on rate rises in just seven days.
ANZ and Westpac both took the longest to pass on rate cuts to their customers, at 13 days on average. Commonwealth Bank took eight days, while NAB passed on rate drops at the quickest average of seven days.
Commonwealth Bank were quickest to pass on a rate rise, at an average of three days. Following them were ANZ and NAB (both eight days), then Westpac (nine days). This means Commonwealth Bank passed on rate hikes around five days earlier than any of the big four banks.
The longer a bank holds on passing on a rate cut, the more money they'll squeeze from Aussie pockets before finally adjusting their rates. So it's no surprise we're seeing them taking more time to pass on discounts.
Though the numbers are concerning, it's highly unlikely these tendencies are limited to the big four banks, which means it's up to every Australian borrower to know if they're being ripped off. A good first step is to understand how the cash rate works and keep track of the movements, and then try to negotiate a better deal with your lender. They'll want to keep you onboard so fight hard!
If that doesn't work out, <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">comparing home loans </a>with other lenders is also a good option. In fact, there's a huge difference between what lenders are offering, with 5.12 percentage points difference between the cheapest variable rate home loan on <a href="https://finder.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">finder.coma.au/home-loans</a> at 4.23% and the most expensive at 9.35%. 
The number of home loans on the market is continually growing, so compare other lenders and not just the big four banks to make sure you're getting the best deal.
The table below shows the lenders that have so far announced rate cuts and <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/rba-cash-rate" target="_blank">we will be updating</a> this page as we hear more announcements.
Michelle Hutchison is spokesperson for comparison website <a href="https://finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>.
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mhutchison-SWt6qigzDX

Banks taking their time to pass on rate cuts: Michelle Hutchison

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Guest observation
With another result of 'no change' at the Reserve Bank cash rate meeting for December, it may seem like the property market is becoming a tedious 'waiting game', however recent analysis suggests many possible outcomes could surface in the few years ahead.
Of the 37 experts surveyed in finder.com.au's December Reserve Bank Survey, 69% predicted that house prices would continue to rise throughout the New Year, despite most experts betting on the cash rate to rise.
Interestingly, just three experts were forecasting the cash to fall next year but since last week, six of the 37 have adjusted their predictions, also forecasting the cash rate is likely to take a tumble.
However, many are still expecting the cash rate to come back up to a new normal level of around 4%, so rates won't stay low for long, even with another rate cut.
For potential buyers, it makes sense to dive into property before they become more expensive, and it's also worth considering locking in a fixed interest rate if you're worried about the higher costs down the track.
Provided you've got a repayment strategy to suit, securing a property with an LVR (loan-to-value ratio) over 80% (so a deposit of less than 20% of the property value) could be feasible, given the forecasted property price hikes. However, the widening dialogue around rate movements can be confusing and even daunting, especially for those new to the market. With some five-year fixed rates on the market for less than 5%, securing a good deal until the rate argument settles could be a viable option for confused potential property owners.
finder.com.au's lowest variable rates allowing 95% LVR:
<ol>
<li>
IMB Introductory Variable Rate Home Loan: 4.66% p.a. This loan allows you to save interest in the first year by offering a discounted rate. You could either reserve these savings as a safety buffer, should interest rates move, or use them to curb the steep $767.74 combination of application and legal fees. 
</li>
<li>
Pacific Mortgage Group Construction Home Loan: 4.72% p.a. Pacific Mortgage Group has very few fees, none of which are ongoing, so you can rest assured knowing that although you won't be stung with extras, especially if you're planning to borrow more than 80% LVR and capitalising lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) into your loan. However, if you plan to build using this loan, there are loading fees around the construction period of the loan which vary depending upon the constructions undertaken.</li>
<li>
Aussie Optimiser Plus Variable Rate: 4.84% p.a. This loan also allows for a 100 percent offset account, so you'll have even more room to move as it is then possible to negate some of the interest charged on your loan. 
</li>
</ol>
finder.com.au's lowest 5-year fixed rates:
<ol>
<li>
UBank UHomeloan: 4.93% p.a. This is the lowest five-year fixed rate currently on finder.com.au, and it has some restrictions including that you will be unable to make extra repayments or redraw funds from this account. If you can meet the strict guidelines, you've nailed a good deal that will shelter you from interest rate movements for the next five years. 
</li>
<li>
Commonwealth Wealth Package: 4.99% p.a. This is one of the Commonwealth Bank's many home loans that can be taken out as part of its Wealth Package, which entails a discount on their advertised rates. However, this loan does have a limit on offset accounts per withdrawal and deposits. There's also a $375 annual package fee. 
</li>
<li>
NAB National Choice Package: 4.99% p.a. The package fee is again probably the biggest additional consideration to this loan, as it sits at an annual cost of $395. With that being said, this loan allows redraws, extra repayments and an additional discount on the advertised rate. As long as you don't want this loan for construction purposes, it's a notable contender in the five-year fixed space.</li>
</ol>
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A volatile year ahead for the property market with rates expected to change

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Melbourne Cup day is the race that stops the nation and in 2014 this is true in more ways than one.
Almost half the cash rate announcements made on Melbourne Cup day in the last 20 years have seen a rate move so all eyes were on the Reserve Bank board meeting. The 33 experts in the <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/rba-cash-rate" target="_blank">finder.com.au RBA survey</a> weren’t surprised however, when the Reserve Bank left the cash rate on hold for another month.
Despite all 33 experts betting on no move, some lenders were shaking up the market by changing their rates. Over the past month we saw 18 variable rate home loans move their rates – 13 of which were cuts. There were also 16 three-year fixed rates that saw rate moves, nine of which were hikes.
This shows that although the cash rate is a fairly good indicator of rate stability, it’s not doesn’t mean that home loans will stay put. With 32 of the 33 expert’s in the cash rate survey predicting an incoming cash rate rise, the time is nigh to consider or revise your home loan options – both fixed and variable. <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loans" target="_blank">Comparing home loans to refinance</a>, or enter the property market, are some effective ways to make sure that, regardless of the incoming rate rise you’re still on top of the ever-changing rate market.
finder.com.au’s top variable rate home loans:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/loans-com-au-blackboard-special#841">loans.com.au Dream Home Loan - &lt;90% LVR</a>: 4.48% per annum Minimal fees as well as flexible features are two key safety buffers that can minimise the impact of changing rates – these are all things that this loan contains. This loan also minimises upfront fees, such as application, annual and legal fees. It is important to know that an early termination fee does apply to this loan, which can sting for those repayment overachievers. This is the lowest variable rate loan currently on finder.com.au and also a loan that gives you a 100% offset account and redraw facility – meaning if you do overshoot on a repayment, you can take it back later.  
</li>
<li>
 <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/ubank-uhomeloan-variable-rate">UBank UHomeloan</a>: 4.54% per annum This loan from UBank comes with no application fees, legal fees, valuation fees, annual fees, settlement fees or exit fees. It’s available for purchasing, refinancing or investing on amounts between $100,000 to $1,000,000. While this allows for a measure of flexibility, this particular product can only be used for a maximum 80% of LVR, which means you will have to save the remaining 20% deposit before applying.  
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/newcastle-permanent-premium-plus-package-home-loan#4697">Newcastle Permanent Premium Plus Package Home Loan</a>: 4.87% per annum This package loan has two limited time offers that are worth considering. If you apply for a loan of $150,000 or more before December 19, 2014, you’ll receive $1,000 cashback. Newcastle Permanent also has a limited time offer where any loan will be eligible for the Tier 4 discounted rate, which is usually only reserved for combined loan balances of over $900,000. This loan is part of the premium plus package, so you will need to open other products from this provider, which may be an important consideration.
</li>
</ol>
finder.com.au’s three lowest three year fixed rates:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/newcastle-permanent-fixed-rate-home-loan#851">Newcastle Permanent Fixed Rate Home Loan</a><a href="https://www.finder.com.au/newcastle-permanent-fixed-rate-home-loan#851">:</a> 4.49% per annum Newcastle Permanent also has a competitive fixed rate loan option available – in fact, it’s the most competitive fixed rate on finder.com.au right now. You’re able to lock in this low rate for three years and enjoy $1,000 cashback when you apply for a loan of $150,000 or more by 19 December 2014. While the establishment fee is waived, you’ll still be obligated to pay $375 annual fee if you take out this loan.  
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/me-bank-standard-fixed-rate-home-loan#1101">ME Bank Standard Fixed Rate Home Loan</a>: 4.59% per annum You won’t have to pay any application or account-keeping fees with this loan, meaning a saving both at the onset and during the life of your loan. However, while you can borrow up to 95% of your property’s value, access a redraw facility and a split loan option, you will be obligated to pay $200 at the beginning and end of this loan – in the form of a valuation and exit fee. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/greater-building-society-ultimate-fixed-rate-home-loan#1450">Greater Building Society Ultimate Fixed Rate Home Loan</a>:4.59% per annum This package gives you discounted access to a range of Greater’s products, including their fixed rate home loan, Visa credit card, and transaction account. You’ll pay one annual fee for all your products while locking in a competitive rate for three years. With fees totalling $455, you may want to make sure the full range of Greater discounts available to you will be of maximum value.
</li>
</ol>
The cash rate remains at its historical low of 2.50% for now, however you shouldn’t ‘set and forget’ your home loan on this basis. Compare these and other home loan options and see if you can benefit from refinancing – if you’re new to the property market, make sure you take advantage of the best products available to you. 
Michelle Hutchison is the money expert for <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/" target="_blank">finder.com.au</a>, one of the biggest online comparison networks in Australia. 
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The top home loans currently on the market

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Stats from Australian Property Monitors (APM), a supplier of property pricing information, has revealed that if it hasn’t happened already, by 2014 the median price for a house in Sydney will exceed $700,000.

This secures the city as the world’s second most unaffordable housing market when compared to the likes of the USA, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and China.

For other states, the numbers are much easier to digest.

But if you’re a prospective first-home buyer wanting to purchase a house in Sydney, these stats mean a $140,000 deposit if you don’t want to incur <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/lenders-mortgage-insurance" target="_parent">Lender’s Mortgage Insurance</a> (LMI), which is generally exempt when your deposit is at least 20% of the value of the property. And add about $50,000 for <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/cost-of-buying-property" target="_blank">upfront costs</a> such as stamp duty, application and valuation fees and removalist services - the list goes on.

While investors and owner-occupiers are clearly the winners, confidence isn’t strong in the first-home buyer corner. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that young Aussies should fear the property market. The trick is that you will need to look at your situation and create a strategy to enter the property market.

The first-home owners grant (FHOG) can be useful if the conditions favour your situation, that is, if you’re buying a ‘new home’. Considering that Sydney is suffering a housing shortage and new dwellings are below the government target, some may not be able to take advantage of these grants.
 
One way to go about this is to take a shortcut and have your parents <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/home-loan-guarantors" target="_blank">go guarantor</a> (but only if your folks are willing to help). This means that your parents’ property will be used as security for your home loan, allowing you to get a home loan with a 5% deposit, plus you can save on LMI. However, you have added pressure to avoid defaulting on the loan because your parents will be liable for your debt.

If you don’t have the luxury a guarantor, then you will have to show the banks evidence of genuine savings.  This means that the banks need to see that you’ve made regular savings to reach your current deposit for a property. The good news is you can add the LMI to your principal, which means that you can borrow up to<a href="https://www.finder.com.au/low-deposit-home-loans" target="_blank"> 95% of the property’s value</a>. The bad news is paying back your LMI throughout the life of your home loan means you essentially pay back double the amount. But whether this is worth getting a home loan early or not is entirely up to you.

Another option that is increasingly popular among first-home buyers is to skip the whole process altogether and go straight into investing. Many Gen Y’ers are renting while their primary place of residence has been rented out for cash flow and an investment. By taking advantage of interest-only loans, they buy time and capital gains. Better yet, some even expand their property portfolio further, paving the way to financial independence.

Regardless of what your decision is, it all comes down to having a <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/saving" target="_parent">savings plan</a> in place, even if you only need to save a 5-10% deposit. If you want greater returns from your savings plan, then you will need to cut back on other living costs.

A deposit is like getting your foot through the door, it’s the first step. Everything gets easier after that, especially with online tools and resources to help you compare, find better deals, and understand the property and home loan market.

 
<hr>
 Michelle Hutchison is the spokesperson at <a href="https://www.finder.com.au/">finder.com.au</a>
 
 

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First-home buyers should not fear the property market: Michelle Hutchison

<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

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

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