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Chinese investors have acquired $201 million worth of Australian commercial real estate in the first four months of the year, Colliers International's head of Australian research Nerida Conisbee has tweeted to her 117 followers.
She points out that five years ago, the Chinese weren't buying any Australian commercial property at all.
<a href="https://twitter.com/neridaconisbee" target="_blank"><img alt="nerida_conisbee_tweet" height="87" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/nerida_conisbee_tweet.jpg"></a>
Her tweet links through to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.colliersvideo.com.au/eMag/Capital_Markets_Report/#/1/">Colliers International's Australian Capital Markets 2013 report</a>, providing further details on the state of the commercial real estate market and how the buyer profile has shifted.
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Chinese investors have bought $201 million worth of Australian commercial property in first four months of 2013: Tweet of the day

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Fairfax Media are reporting Julia Gillard is set to return to Adelaide to be closer to her ageing mother, Moira, and her sister, Alison.
She is currently living in her Altona house in the south-western Melbourne electorate of Lalor after she moved out of The Lodge after being deposed from the top job.
Ms Gillard declined to provide any comment for the Fairfax article.
But Fairfax's chief political correspondent <a href="https://twitter.com/search/users?q=mark%20kenny" target="_blank">Mark Kenny</a>, who hasn't tweeted since he joined Fairfax from The Adelaide Advertiser, wrote he understood the interstate shift was not imminent, with Julia Gillard and partner Tim Mathieson planning to move after the election.
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<a style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" data-user-id="42562661" href="https://twitter.com/theagebreaking" class="account-group js-account-group js-action-profile js-user-profile-link js-nav"> </a><a href="https://twitter.com/theagebreaking" target="_blank" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 0.8em;"><img alt="tweetofthedayjuly18one" height="61" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/tweetofthedayjuly18one.jpg"></a>
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Its speculated Julia Gillard with take up an international role, as well as write a book for Penguin Publishing.
Her Altona house is a three-bedroom brick-and-tile home which cost $140,000 in 1998 - slightly less than Altona's then $155,000 median price.
RP Data puts <a target="_blank" href="/news">Altona's median</a> currently at $545,000, thereby suggesting Julia Gillard's home likely to be sitting just below, unless she bought very well or undertook huge improvements.
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Julia Gillard set to move back to Adelaide, but not leave Altona imminently 

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Ultimo, two kilometres out of the Sydney CBD, ranks among New South Wales highest gross yielding rental suburbs at 11.3%, according to RP Data. Then Bella Vista, the outer Sydney suburb comes in as runner up.
The median weekly advertised rent in Ultimo is $500. The surprise ranking comes due to dramatic decrease in the median unit price, which suggests a shift in the type of apartments sold during the year reflected the lower end rather than the prestige end of the market. 
Property Observer lists the top 18 New South Wales rental yield locations, with yields typically ranging from 7% to 11.3%.
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<h3 align="center">Location</h3>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<h3 align="center">Gross Rental Yield</h3>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<h3 align="center">Weekly Median Advertised Rent:</h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bateau Bay</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$325
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Batehaven</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$250
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bella Vista</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
11
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$680
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bradbury</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$320
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Casino </a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$285
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Dubbo</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$230
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">East Tamworth </a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$260
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Kooringal </a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$210
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Metford</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$340
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Murwillumbah </a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$280
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Nambucca Heads</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$330
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">North Albury</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
10
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$190
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">North Tamworth </a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$270
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Nowra </a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
8
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$200
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">South Tamworth</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$215
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Tumut </a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$210
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Ultimo </a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
11
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="205">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Wyong </a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
7
</td>
<td valign="top" width="205">
$305
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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NSW's 18 highest yielding unit locations topped out by Ultimo

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From Adelong to Woodberry, here are New South Wales suburbs with the highest gross rental yields for houses.
 
 
Location:                           Gross Rental Yield:                               Weekly Median Advertised Rent:
Adelong                                           7                                                                            $230 
Ashmont                                         7                                                                              $250
Batlow                                             7                                                                             $170
Bellbird Heights                            7                                                                              $330 
Bidwell                                            7                                                                             $320
Blackett                                            7                                                                               $310 
Boggabri                                         9                                                                               $370
Bolton Point                                    8                                                                             $383 
Broken hill                                      9                                                                               $200
Cobar                                                8                                                                                $330
Condobolin                                     8                                                                             $200
Coraki                                               7                                                                             $245
Cringila                                              7                                                                                         $305
Cundletown                                     7                                                                              $320
Deniliquin                                        7                                                                             $220
Denman                                            7                                                                               $385
Emerton                                           7                                                                             $330
Finley                                                7                                                                              $175
Forest Hill                                         7                                                                             $310
Gloucester                                       7                                                                               $283
Greta                                                  7                                                                             $393
Junee                                                7                                                                             $243
Kandos                                              7                                                                             $200
Lake Illawarra                                   7                                                                               $370
Lethbridge Park                                 7                                                                              $310
Lithgow                                               7                                                                               $260
Lockhart                                             8                                                                                $178
Maitland                                         7                                                                              $320
Manilla                                            7                                                                             $230
Narrabri                                           7                                                                            $420
North Albury                                  7                                                                             $255
North Wollongong                        7                                                                           $525
Parkes                                             7                                                                             $290
Pelaw Main                                     7                                                                             $300
Quirindi                                          7                                                                            $250
South Grafton                                7                                                                             $270
South Lismore                              7                                                                           $290
South Tamworth                            7                                                                           $280
Telarah                                            7                                                                            $335
Tregear                                             7                                                                               $320
Vale Of Clwdd                                 7                                                                            $255
Watanobbi                                     7                                                                            $350  
Wellington                                       8                                                                           $195
Wentworth                                   8                                                                           $230
Werris Creek                                   7                                                                           $195
West Kempsey                               7                                                                            $250
Weston                                           7                                                                           $300
Whalan                                             7                                                                            $320
Willmot                                          7                                                                            $300
Windale                                           7                                                                            $315
Woodberry                                     7                                                                           $330
Source: RP Data
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From Adelong to Woodberry, NSW's highest yielding suburbs for house investments

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Economist Stephen Koukoulas has tweeted about strong growth prospects for the Australian economy following publication of the Westpac Melbourne Institute Leading Index.
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TheKouk">@TheKouk</a> tweeted:
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TheKouk"><img alt="kouk_tweet" height="81" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/kouk_tweet.jpg"></a>
The annualised growth rate of the Westpac Melbourne Institute Leading Index, which indicates the likely pace of economic activity three to nine months into the future, was 4.9% in May, above its long term trend of 3.0%.
The annualised growth rate of the Coincident Index, which gives a pulse of current activity, was 2.7%, slightly below its long term trend of 2.9%.
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Economy to "surge": Stephen Koukoulas

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Colliers International agent Peter Chittenden wrote that for varied reasons a flat, or unit, have historically been seen as ‘second-best’.
He says this <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/demographics/a-flat-or-a-unit-has-always-been-viewed-as-second-best-why-is-this-so-peter-chittenden/2013071563314?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=ourobservers:adviceandanalysisforreaders">stems back to when in the 1830s </a>the first multi-unit homes were built in New York and these were not really flats or apartments, because as inner-city tenements a number of dwellings shared a bathroom.
Peter writes that "from such a humble start apartment living is now a fully mature market, and when it comes to CBD apartments a very complex market and a rich demographic."
{module Do you think that flats or units are still considered to be 'second-best' to houses?}
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Do you think that flats or units are still considered to be 'second-best' to houses?

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Ross Greenwood, the Channel Nine finance editor and host of Money News on 2GB in Sydney, was bemused that the exiting boss of the NBN rollout won't be getting it anytime soon at his new $3.85 million Sydney CBD digs following reading the news - well gossip - in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/former-nbn-boss-mike-quigley-s-%24385-million-hyde-park-sydney-cbd-retirement-bolthole-sans-imminent-nbn-rollout/2013071363236">Property Observer</a>.
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Ross_Greenwood">Greenwood has 17,100 followers</a>.
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<div class="stream-item-header" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a data-user-id="14694538" href="https://twitter.com/Ross_Greenwood" class="account-group js-account-group js-action-profile js-user-profile-link js-nav" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;"> </a></div>
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Ross_Greenwood"><img height="77" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/07/tweetofthedayjuly16.jpg" alt="tweetofthedayjuly16"></a>
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Mike Quigley's three bedroom, three bathroom apartment is in the recently completed complex, The Residence overlooking Sydney's Hyde Park on the Darlinghurst border.
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The NBN rollout that bemusingly by-passes the outgoing boss: Ross Greenwood 

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<img alt="polljuly16facade" src="/images/stories/2013/07/polljuly16facade.jpg" width="470" height="356">
Set a short walk to Bondi Beach, landscaper William Dangar has listed his four bedroom, two bathroom contemporary house.
The semi certainly has superb curb appeal.
Featured in the 2008 Collectors Edition of Belle magazine, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/leading-landscaper-william-dangar-s-bondi-beach-trophy-house-listed-by-goodyer-donnelley/2013071463271" target="_blank">the Wellington Street residence</a> is expected by the Goodyer Donnelly agency to sell for more than $1.6 million.
{module Do you think streetside appeal can make or break a property sale?}
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Do you think streetside appeal can make or break a property sale?

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<img src="/images/stories/2013/07/anthonyfalasheadshot.png" width="150" height="117" alt="anthonyfalasheadshot" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Position: Project Sales Manager, V by Crown, Parramatta
Company: Crown International Holdings Group (Crown Group)
 
Office Location: 45 Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150
How long have you been in the industry? 15 years
 
Have you noticed any major changes in the typical buyer?
 
The concept of the typical buyer is shifting. First-home buyers are becoming increasingly prevalent in the marketplace because they understand the value of purchasing inner-city property close to business districts, universities, shops and restaurants. This attitude shift has seen the marketplace move away from house and land packages in suburban districts and toward urban inner-city living, focused on convenience and lifestyle.  
A noticeable change is the improved knowledge of the typical buyer. The proliferation of information online has stimulated buyers to become more knowledgeable about off-the-plan purchasing and the real estate marketplace in general. This exposure of buyers to formerly unavailable information means it is important for agents to step up and know the product inside and out. This extends to having a thorough understanding of the marketplace and competitors alike. It is this understanding of factors driving the market, what appeals to the population and what is available to a buyer that ensures agents are adequately equipped to sell to the evolving, “typical” buyer.  
Another major change has been the increasing number of purchases through self-managed super funds (SMSFs). At least one in every five purchase in the past two months at our V by Crown project has been through a SMSF.  
Do you think the increasing number of people choosing self-managed super will have an effect on the property industry. If yes, how?
 
Yes, self-managed super funds have provided people with another avenue to invest in bricks and mortar, bringing a trillion dollar industry to the property market. The exponential growth in this sector of the market is encouraging for the industry. We should see this translate into stimulation for further development and demand for well located property in budding areas like Parramatta. A site like the V by Crown project at Parramatta covers the fundamentals of an ideal property investment, and has attracted SMSF purchasers that recognise the opportunity here.  
With many large corporations moving their headquarters West, Parramatta is increasingly becoming a thriving business district making it an attractive place to live for workers wanting to avoid the daily commute. Are there any other factors which make Parramatta a good place to buy residential property?
 
Population growth and urban sprawl has seen Parramatta develop into the geographic centre of Sydney, shaping Parramatta as the bustling centre for work, education, entertainment and lifestyle. I would argue that Parramatta is a sensible choice to buy residential property as it demonstrates strong employment and growth potential. Parramatta is home to Westmead Hospital which employs 15,000 people and is the largest bio-medical facility in the Southern hemisphere, Parramatta Justice Precinct - just North of the V by Crown site -is the third largest legal precinct in the southern Hemisphere and the University of Western Sydney which has a target of doubling the number of students to 30,000 within the next ten years. Parramatta can also boast the second busiest shopping centre in the country and was only a month ago labelled the fastest growing night economy in the country. The relocation of government organisations and private enterprises alike to Parramatta is a testament to the growing value of the area. A huge 40% of all employees in Parramatta are employed by local, state and federal government departments. The bottom line of these benefits? Combined they position Parramatta for strong growth in the coming years, making it an ideal place to purchase residential property.  
What are the benefits of buying off-the-plan?
 
An often overlooked benefit is that buyers can secure the price of the property prior to completion for an outlay of just 10% of the total property value. This opens up potential in terms of appreciation in the course of the build which benefits buyers that make an early commitment. Buying off the plan can also provide buyers with a wider selection of apartments in a desirable location than is typically available when purchasing existing property.  The structure of delayed settlement, unique to off the plan projects, can also be appealing to those looking to sell their existing homes and downsize with the view of moving to the new project on completion.
 
What’s next at V by Crown?
 
We have recently erected the three-storey tall V structures which will support the front portion of the building. This has been an exciting milestone, signalling rapid progress at the site. Excavation of the level 6 basement is well underway and the first slab should be poured around September.  
From a marketing perspective, we have just launched a new stage of Eastern City View apartments. This comprises a selection of one and two bedroom apartments with views of Parramatta’s city skyline and an impressive panorama of the Sydney CBD, Harbour Bridge and North Sydney district. Prices for these apartments start at $495,000.  
<img alt="crownlogo" height="236" width="150" src="/images/stories/2013/07/crownlogo.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">About Crown Group
Crown International Holdings Group (Crown Group) is a leading Australian property group, active in property development and property investment in Sydney.
The company was co-founded by architect Mr Iwan Sunito and engineer Mr Paul Sathio in 1996.
Crown Group was awarded the Master Builders Association Excellence in Housing award 2012 for its innovative, waterfront development Sanctum by Crown and in 2007 was awarded the HIA (Housing Industry Association) CSR Housing Awards 2007 Apartment Project of the Year for the hugely-successful ICON at Homebush.
Today, Crown Group has grown to become one of Australia’s leading property development companies with successfully completed major developments in some of Sydney’s best locations including Bondi, Bondi Junction, Parramatta, Ashfield, Epping, Homebush, Newington, Pennant Hills and Rhodes.
Crown Group is currently developing four major projects, Top Ryde City Living, a seven tower development in Top Ryde, Viking by Crown, a 10-storey residential complex in Waterloo, V by Crown, a 27-storey residential tower in Parramatta and Skye by Crown a 20-storey development in North Sydney launched in June 2013.
Crown group will launch Viva by Crown, the final stage of Top Ryde City Living, in September 2013.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.crowngroup.com.au">www.crowngroup.com.au  </a>
Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared for information purposes only, and without taking into account your financial situation, needs or objectives. Before acting on any information contained in this document we recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your situation and seek appropriate financial, taxation and legal advice.
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In profile: Crown Group Project Sales Manager Anthony Falas

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Unit rental yields across Australia's capital cities range from 4.4% in Melbourne to 6.2% in Darwin, according to RP Data.
 
<img height="194" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/07/melbourneunitsjuly5.jpg" alt="melbourneunitsjuly5">
The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for units in Melbourne, according to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">RP Data.</a> The median gross rental yield across Australia's eight capital cities was 4.9% for the quarter ending June 30, 2013.
<img height="194" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/07/sydneyunitsjuly5.jpg" alt="sydneyunitsjuly5">
The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for units in Sydney, according to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">RP Data.</a> The median gross rental yield across Australia's eight capital cities was 4.9% for the quarter ending June 30, 2013.
<img height="194" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/07/adelaideunitsjuly5.jpg" alt="adelaideunitsjuly5">
The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for units in Adelaide, according to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">RP Data.</a> The median gross rental yield across Australia's eight capital cities was 4.9% for the quarter ending June 30, 2013.
<img height="194" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/07/perthunitsjuly5.jpg" alt="perthunitsjuly5">
The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for units in Perth, according to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">RP Data.</a> The median gross rental yield across Australia's eight capital cities was 4.9% for the quarter ending June 30, 2013.
<img height="194" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/07/hobartunitsjuly5.jpg" alt="hobartunitsjuly5">
The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for units in Hobart, according to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">RP Data.</a> The median gross rental yield across Australia's eight capital cities was 4.9% for the quarter ending June 30, 2013.
<img height="194" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/07/canberrajuly5.jpg" alt="canberrajuly5">
The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for units in Canberra, according to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">RP Data.</a> The median gross rental yield across Australia's eight capital cities was 4.9% for the quarter ending June 30, 2013.
<img height="194" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/07/brisbanejuly5.jpg" alt="brisbanejuly5">
The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for units in Brisbane, according to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">RP Data.</a> The median gross rental yield across Australia's eight capital cities was 4.9% for the quarter ending June 30, 2013.
<img height="194" width="400" src="/images/stories/2013/07/darwinjuly5.jpg" alt="darwinjuly5">
The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for units in Darwin, according to <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px;">RP Data.</a> The median gross rental yield across Australia's eight capital cities was 4.9% for the quarter ending June 30, 2013.
Source: RP Data
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Melbourne's 4.4% unit rental yield the lowest of the capital cities: RP Data 

<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.

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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