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Qantas frequent flyer points are being offered free with the purchase of units in  Larry Kestelman’s LK Property Group's developments at Clayton, Caulfield South, Brighton East, Ormond and West Footscray.
For every dollar spent on an off-the-plan unit the developers will credit a frequent flyer account with one point.
On a unit worth $639,000 <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/melbourne-units-sell-with-bonus-qantas-frequent-flyer-points-enough-for-three-return-first-class-flights-to-singapore/2013082864650" target="_blank">that's enough for three first class return flights to Singapore.</a>
<img alt="poll-results-sept-2" height="111" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/09/02/poll-results-sept-2.jpg">
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Frequent flyer points might be a gimmick, but will off the plan buyers be attracted by the incentives?

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Financial commentator and breakfast television host David Kochie says buyers should learn from previous booms if they want to take advantage of a potential property boom now.
He says rising house prices are indicative of a patchy recovery rather than a price bubble.
He says to be careful of short term statistics but says if there is to be a property boom then buyers should be prepared.
“In a nutshell, the residential property market is patchy, it is recovering on the back of low interest rates and specific regions (such as Sydney) are looking strong,” he wrote for News Limited.
“But if the key property indicators continue to turn up and a solid trend is established in your region, it's worth brushing up on the best strategies to profit from a property boom.
He gave News Limited readers his top five lessons learned from past booms.
<ol>
<li>Adjust your expectations.</li>
<li>You can't time the market exactly.</li>
<li>Don't treat your home like a piggy bank and load up other debt on it.</li>
<li>Do your own research.</li>
<li>Get the financing right.</li>
</ol>
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David Koch's top five lessons from past property booms

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Financial commentator and breakfast television host David Kochie says rising house prices are indicative of a patchy recovery rather than a price bubble.
He says to be careful of short term statistics but says if there is to be a property boom then buyers should be prepared.
“In a nutshell, the residential property market is patchy, it is recovering on the back of low interest rates and specific regions (such as Sydney) are looking strong,” he wrote for News Limited.
“But if the key property indicators continue to turn up and a solid trend is established in your region, it's worth brushing up on the best strategies to profit from a property boom.
He gave News Limited his top four strategies for profiting from a boom:
Be ready to pounce
“As Christopher and Wilson point out, it's a patchy recovery right now. But history tells us that when a property hot spot is established, the trend ripples outward from the starting point.”
“So maybe position yourself as a buyer in the suburb adjacent to a hot spot but where values are more reasonable but likely to get dragged up as buyers look for better bargains nearby. It could also be worth looking at property in a price bracket just above the one making progress, so the upward pressure absorbs your bracket and drags it up as well.”
Sell the laggards
“One problem from the recent property slump has not only been the softening in values but also the extended length of time taken to make a sale.”
“If you've tried, and failed, to sell a property and you're determined to move on, then start readying yourself and the property for another attempt.
“But make sure you price the property accurately. While activity could be improving, buyers are savvy.”
Ride next door’s coat tails
“Keep an eye out for recent property sales in your street or home unit block.”
“We have friends who live in a block of apartments and the unit on the floor above seemed to sell quickly. So they rang the real estate agent, who told them he had five other contracts on the property with unhappy potential buyers missing out.
“The agent showed through those potential buyers, who made three separate offers, and the property was sold within two days without actually going on the market.”
Keep an eye on the economy
“Property is a prisoner to the business cycle, macro and micro, so ensure the area you buy in isn't over-dependent on one industry or project.”
“Form an opinion on whether the wider economy is expected to remain stable.”
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David Koch's top four tips for profiting from an imminent property boom

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The federal election campaign is in fulll swing but one issue that has not featured prominently is housing affordability.
The focus may be on budgetary holes, asylum seeker policy and parental leave yet several writers on Property Observer have argued it should be on the national agenda.
Ernest Healy and Bob Birrell wrote today that housing affordability is an important election issue and that "the high cost of housing in Australia’s cities is denying most aspiring first-home buyers the opportunity to purchase a home."
While last week, regular observer Peter Chittenden wrote that <a href="/news">housing policy is the elephant in the room this election period</a>.
And just as the election campaign was kicking off, another regular observer Catherine Cashmore wrote about <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/economy/the-failed-politics-of-housing-affordability-catherine-cashmore/2013072163429">the failed politics of housing affordability</a>.
<img alt="poll-results-aug-30" height="80" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/poll-results-aug-30.jpg">
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Do you think housing affordability should be an important issue in the federal election?

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Series two of the popular lifestyle show Location Location Location Australia airs tonight on the Lifestyle channel at 8:30pm.
Hosted by Bryce Holdaway and Veronica Morgan, <a href="https://www.lifestyle.com.au/tv/location-location-location-australia/" target="_blank">Location Location Location</a> sees the pair help Australian families find their dream home.
{qtube vid:=qjXDfKR4izs}
On tonight’s episode, it's two couples in Melbourne.
Couple one live in Brighton, but due to business issues, have to downsize.
The house hunt is a struggle as they to come to terms with moving from their beloved suburb.
Couple two are inner city dwellers who are first home buyers looking to find space for their family of two children.
With $850,000 in the kitty, the couple are looking for a property they can add value to through renovations.
The West Melbourne couple are nervous of the switch to suburbia, with Holdaway taking them to houses in Hampton East, Bentleigh and Carnegie.
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Hampton East, Bentleigh and Carnegie feature on Location Location Location series two premiere

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South Australians are voting to find the best main street in the state.
The Mainstreet SA awards recognise best practice in mainstreet management, marketing, event, partnerships and contributions.
The People’s Choice Award asks communities around South Australia about their mainstreet and highlights loyalty and support for the heart of the community.
They recently noted the Prospect Road village was bucking the bricks and mortar business trend with the lowest vacancy rate of Adelaide's shopping strips - less than 1%. 
King William Road, Hyde Park had a vacancy rate of 5.34%. The Parade, Norwood sat 8.29% and Jetty Road, Glenelg showed a 4.9% vacancy rate.
The Prospect Road village - between Gladstone Road to Daphne Street - has 103 properties with only one shop available for lease at 110-112 Prospect Road, the local paper notes.
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/MainstreetSA"><img height="109" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/tweet-of-the-day-aug-28.jpg" alt="tweet-of-the-day-aug-28"></a>
Ofcourse <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/tiffany-co-to-open-its-first-adelaide-store-in-2014/2013082664561?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news">Tiffany &amp; Co will open up shop in Adelaide</a> next year reportedly in Central Plaza.
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Best main street in South Australia

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Tiffany &amp; Co will open up shop in Adelaide next year, marking the first South Australian store for the glitzy jewelry brand.
The shop will reportedly open in Central Plaza.
The Adelaide store will be the eighth Australian store for the little blue box.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/poll-results-aug-29-two.jpg" width="470" height="124" alt="poll-results-aug-29-two">
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Is there enough wealth in Adelaide for Tiffanys to work in the town?

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While the government has banned lenders from charging exit fees on customers switching out of variable-rate loans, this only applies for loans dating from July 1, 2011.
If you refinance out of a variable-rate mortgage dating from before July 1, 2011 or a fixed-rate mortgage before the fixed rate period ends, you will still have to pay penalty fees for breaking the contract with your lender.
Even if your variable-rate loan was originated after July 1, 2011, you will most likely have to pay a mortgage discharge fee of about $350 and legal fees of between $250 and $500.
There are also intangible costs such as ending a long-term relationship with your bank or lender, which might have included favourable terms and conditions – in the event that you are refinancing purely for a better rate.


<hr>
This article was taken from Property Observer's <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-12-tips-for-refinancing-your-mortgage" style="font-size: 14px;">free eBook: 12 tips for refinancing your mortgage</a>.</body></html>

Determining the costs of leaving your current loan

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Melbourne recorded a 82% auction clearance rate this  past weekend, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria which compared to 74% last weekend and 57% this weekend last year.
Allen's Real Estate has weighed in on the result, tweeting their report of comments from <a href="https://allensre.com.au/the-orange-room/article/experts-downplay-melbourne-property-boom-despite-h?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Victoria chief Enzo Raimondo, who downplayed the notion of a property boom</a>.
<a href="https://twitter.com/AllensRE" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_Shot_2013-08-26_at_11.18.41_AM" height="67" width="442" src="/images/stories/2013/08/Tweet_of_the_Day/Screen_Shot_2013-08-26_at_11.18.41_AM.png"></a>
"We are definitely not in a boom,” Enzo Raimondo said.
''We are still coming off a relatively low level of transactions. This high clearance rate is a reflection of an increase in latent demand after a couple or so years of below-average transactions.''
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REIV dampen boom talk, despite Melbourne's weekend clearance rates

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Melbourne clearance rates overtook Sydney last weekend for the first time for a while.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/melbourne-records-80-plus-auction-clearance-rate-as-sydney-s-79-falls-short-of-recent-highs/2013082464516?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news">REIV recorded Melbourne’s clearance rate at 82%</a>, while Sydney fell just short of recording its seventh straight 80% result, with APM reporting a 79% auction clearance rate in Sydney.
They are both preliminary figures, so subject to review.
Melbourne’s result across the August 24 weekend compared to 74% last weekend and 57% this weekend last year.
 
{module Did the weekend clearance rates represent a baton change with stronger results to be expected from Melbourne rather than Sydney over the spring selling season?}</body></html>

Did the weekend clearance rates represent a baton change with stronger results to be expected from Melbourne rather than Sydney over the spring selling season?

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]

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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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