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The rules have been becoming more flexible in Perth regarding secondary dwellings and the strategy has been popular in Sydney for some time, but is it a strategy that you as an investor would undertake?
Recently, a property industry expert has come out against them saying that they are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/granny-flats-worse-investments-than-vending-machines-gavin-mcpherson/2013090264738">worse investments than vending machines</a>,  however we have also been told that they are a great <a target="_blank" href="/news">value adding technique</a>.
"A property which recently added a granny-flat in addition to the house was able to achieve a consolidated income of $900 per week," said founder of Australian Mortgage Options, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/don-t-overlook-the-potential-of-a-granny-flat-robert-projeski-renovating/2013052061444">Robert Projeski</a>.
 
<img alt="poll-results-sept-4" height="120" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/09/04/poll-results-sept-4.gif">
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Would you build a granny-flat on your investment property?

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Buying into the property market can be a daunting process, which is why buyer’s agent Tracey Chandler has provided a quick pathway for how you can get an apartment.
<a href="https://buyersagent-sydney.com.au/full-roadmap-to-your-first-apartment/" target="_blank">The practical guide </a>includes a quick run through of what you must be checking before you sign on the dotted line to ensure you’re not buying a lemon.
<a href="https://twitter.com/TCBuyersAgent" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2013/09/03/TWEETOFTHEDAYNEWS.png" width="470" height="156" alt="TWEETOFTHEDAYNEWS"></a>
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The best way to buy an apartment

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John Singleton's Australian Pub Fund recently bought its 11th pub for around $34 million.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/singo-s-australian-pub-fund-buy-brisbanes-the-exchange-hotel-for-%2435m-%2440m/2013082864647">The purchase</a> brings the company closer to its goal of having a listed pub empire. 
In 2011 Singleton and his friends, Mark Carnegie and Geoff Dixon, established the fund to start buying distressed pubs around Australia and turn them into cash-cows with food, drinks and poker machines contributing one third of revenue in each.
Eventually<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/no-last-calls-for-john-singleton-and-co-s-burgeoning-pub-empire/2013090264724" target="_blank"> they will publicly list the company.</a>
Property Observer has compiled a list of the pubs bought by the fund so far with their reported sale price at the time as well as RP Data's price for some of the properties. RP Data's prices likely only include the value of the property and not the business value.
The fund is reportedly worth around $180 million now though the purchase prices add up to $140 million.
The Exchange Hotel, 131 Edward Street Brisbane, August 2013, around $34 million
Elephant Arms Hotel (formerly Elephant &amp; Wheelbarrow Hotel), 230 Wickham St?reet Fortitude Valley, April 2013, $27 million though RP Data indicates a land price of $11.6 million.
Bristol Arms, 81 Sussex Street Sydney, April 2013, $7.7 million
RP DATA $7.7 million
Kinselas, 383 Bourke Street Darlinghurst, March 2010, $12 million
Peakhurst Inn, 705 Forest Road Peakhurst, 2010, $10.6 million
RP DATA $7.75 million
Como Hotel, 35 Cremona Road Como, March 2013, $4.6 million
Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street Balmain, June 2011, $10 million
RP DATA $10 million
Toxteth Hotel, 345 Glebe Point Road Glebe, April 2011, close to $10 million
RP DATA $10 million
Marlborough Hotel, 145 King Street Newtown, September 2012, $12.175 million
RP DATA: $7,675,000
Victoria Hotel, 2 Addison Road Enmore, June 2012, $6.9 million
RP DATA: $4,329,220
Bellevue Hotel, 159 Hargrave Street Woollahra, November 2010, $4.2 million
 
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John Singleton's burgeoning pub empire

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CBRE has recruited agribusiness veterans Phil Beale and Geoff Warriner amid what the agency sees are signs of a turnaround in Australia’s northern cattle station market.

Mr Beale is the former CFO of AACo, Australia’s largest cattle producer, while Mr Warriner is the former COO of Consolidated Pastoral Company, Australia’s second largest cattle producer.
Danny Thomas, regional director of CBRE Agribusiness, said the appointments put CBRE in a strong position to capitalise on the recovery in Australia’s cattle station market which had suffered as a result of the high Australian dollar, high debt and the Federal Government’s intervention in the live cattle trade and, more recently, drought.
CBRE has rapidly expanded its agribusiness team from a standing start in May last year to more than 30 sales and valuations professionals around the country.
Mr Beale and Mr Warriner bring a combined 45 years of agribusiness experience to the team.  
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/cbreAustralia/status/374333101235003392"><img height="204" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/09/02/tweet-of-the-day-sept-2.jpg" alt="tweet-of-the-day-sept-2"></a>
<div class="stream-item-footer"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/cbreAustralia/status/374333101235003392" class="details with-icn js-details"> </a></div>
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CBRE rustle up veteran cattle pastoralists for its agribusiness team 

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of auction results in Adelaide for the weekend of August 31. <a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Adelaide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Adelaide auction results for August weekend

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of auction results in Brisbane for the weekend of August 31. <a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Brisbane.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Brisbane auction results for August weekend

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 330 auctions in Melbourne for the weekend of  August 31. <a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Melbourne.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Melbourne auction results for August weekend

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 413 auctions in Sydney for the weekend of August 31. The clearance rate was 84%. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Sydney 413 auction results show a 84% clearance rate

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Michael Matusik says he has several reasons for optimistic.
These include:
<ol>
<li style="line-height: 17px;">
Undersupply of new housing stock, especially in New South Wales and Queensland.
</li>
<li style="line-height: 17px;">
Declining interest rates in concert with low bank loan to value ratios &amp; our current high saving rate.
</li>
<li style="line-height: 17px;">
Expanding population.
</li>
<li style="line-height: 17px;">
Tight vacancy rate.
</li>
<li style="line-height: 17px;">
Lower Australian dollar.
</li>
<li style="line-height: 17px;">
Declining stock listed for sale; less private treaty discounting &amp; shorter time on market plus increasing sales volumes.
</li>
<li>Rising confidence – i.e. The Westpac/Melbourne Institutes “good time to buy a dwelling index” - which is close to its pre-GFC high.</li>
</ol>
You can also read how Michael's seven reasons form the backbone of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/seven-reasons-why-prices-might-rise-25-in-select-australian-east-coast-cities-over-next-three-years-michael-matusik/2013081464226" target="_blank">why prices might rise 25% in select Australian east coast cities over next three years</a>.
Michael Matusik is the founder of <a href="https://www.matusik.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matusik Property Insights</a>, which has helped over 550 new residential projects come to fruition.   Read <a href="https://www.matusikmissive.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael’s Blog</a> or follow him on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThinkMatusik?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/michaelmatusik" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or connect via <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmatusik" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a>.
 
<ol></ol>
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Michael Matusik's 7 reasons to be positive about the Australian property market

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Melbourne was rated the world’s most liveable city for the third time running while Adelaide, Sydney, Perth and Auckland were all in the top 10.
But transport and urban development consultant Alan Davies says no one should be under any illusion that it has any relevance to whether or not Melbourne is a better place to live permanently than Auckland.
He says it doesn’t take account of the cost of living for permanent residents or key issues like job opportunities and housing affordability.
 
<a href="https://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2013/08/29/does-australia-really-have-the-worlds-most-liveable-cities/" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2013/08/tweet-of-the-day-aug-30-2.jpg" width="470" height="167" alt="tweet-of-the-day-aug-30-2"></a>
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Is Melbourne really the world's most liveable city?

Joel Robinson

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.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

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