<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

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Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

For most Australians, buying an apartment is one of the biggest financial decisions they'll ever make

The location, floorplan and price are often the first considerations, but in recent years another question has become increasingly important: who is actually delivering the project?

A series of high-profile builder collapses, construction delays and defect concerns have fundamentally changed how many Victorians approach buying off the plan. The collapse of Porter Davis in 2023, which reportedly left around 1,700 homes unfinished, became one of the most visible examples of the risks that can emerge when a construction company fails. <a href="https://www.equifax.com.au/sites/default/files/lpassets/pdf/Final-Business-Market-Pulse-June-Sector-Deep-Dive-Report-2.pdf">Similar challenges across the broader construction sector</a> have left buyers asking more questions before signing a contract.

As Victoria continues encouraging higher-density housing to address supply shortages, transparency is becoming just as important as location or price.

One tool increasingly entering the conversation is the <a href="https://icirt.com/">Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT)</a>, an independent assessment framework designed to help buyers better understand the developer or builder behind a project. Originally developed by Equifax in consultation with government and industry as part of NSW's Construct NSW reforms, the system has since expanded nationally.

<h2 data-end="1519" data-section-id="7nmx3" data-start="1492">What is an iCIRT rating?</h2>

Most Australians are familiar with independent ratings in everyday life.

We compare ANCAP safety ratings before buying a car. We look at Health Star Ratings in supermarkets. Banks rely on credit assessments when lending money.

Until recently, however, there has been very little independent information available to help apartment buyers assess the business responsible for delivering a residential project.

That gap is what iCIRT was designed to address.

Builders, developers and other construction professionals with an iCIRT rating have demonstrated high-trust characteristics through an independent, evidence-based assessment across six criteria: Character, Capability, Conduct, Capacity, Capital and Counterparties. This involves a rigorous review of financial health, past project track record, and ethical conduct. Crucially, an iCIRT rating could help provide property buyers with confidence that they are working with a professional who has demonstrated the capability, capacity, and willingness to return and rectify issues.

<img alt="iCIRT" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcbb59af-3d5a-43aa-b28e-a66e55a83568" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Announcement.png?VersionId=6OD8r.v.oucEF01BWxR85urzoD9seQ9e" />

Importantly, iCIRT is not a recommendation to purchase a particular property, nor is it a traditional credit rating. It is an independent assessment framework designed to provide objective information about a construction business using a <a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2025-08/iCIRT-Methodology-Issue1-May-2021.pdf">published methodology</a>.

The system has been widely adopted in New South Wales, where more than one-third of medium and large residential builders and developers now hold an iCIRT rating, representing over two-thirds of the state's residential building market by value as of 2025/26.

<h2 data-end="3126" data-section-id="h6ohtj" data-start="3084">Why buyers are doing more due diligence</h2>

For many buyers, particularly those purchasing off the plan, the biggest risk isn't whether they'll like the kitchen finishes.

It's whether the project will be delivered on time, to the expected quality, and by a company capable of completing the development.

<a href="https://icirt.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/iCIRT%202025%20Consumer%20Survey%20Report%20v05.pdf">Consumer research commissioned by iCIRT</a> found more than half of respondents believed current protections do not adequately safeguard buyers from builder insolvencies or defective projects. Other research found 88 per cent of prospective buyers would seek independent ratings or due diligence before purchasing, while 90 per cent said trust in construction professionals is essential.

That doesn't mean buyers should rely on a single rating alone.

Independent legal advice, understanding the contract, and seeking financial advice all remain important parts of the due diligence process.

However, an independent assessment can provide another source of information alongside those traditional checks.

<h2 data-end="4138" data-section-id="pquzxc" data-start="4094">Trust is becoming a competitive advantage</h2>

The conversation isn't only changing for buyers.

Developers are also recognising that trust has become an increasingly important part of the sales process.

<img alt="mirvac" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c11c691-e8cd-46c3-88fd-6c8d614e8357" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mirvac.png?VersionId=ZqDqNL36WJOOCmNMmmO93Q2GTrFOBomz" />Mirvac is a 5 Gold Star iCIRT rated developer, the highest possible rating a developer can get: Harbourside by Mirvac

Five years ago, purchasers typically asked about floorplans, finishes and settlement dates.

Today, sales teams are increasingly being asked about the developer's experience, financial stability, previous projects and construction partners.

For companies with strong governance and established delivery records, an independent iCIRT rating provides another way to demonstrate those credentials before buyers even visit a display suite.

According to Equifax, the assessment can also help businesses drive sales and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/icirt-rating-helps-scion-secure-high-value-projects">secure high-value projects</a>, as well as identify operational improvements and <a href="https://icirt.com/resources-for-business/mirvac-reinforces-brand-trust-and-quality-independent-icirt-rating">attract top talent</a>.

<h2 data-end="4962" data-section-id="1j54ng5" data-start="4912">Beyond buyers: lenders are paying attention too</h2>

The influence of independent construction ratings is also extending beyond consumers.

According to Stamford Capital's Real Estate Debt Capital Markets Survey, an increasing number of lenders now incorporate iCIRT ratings into their due diligence processes when assessing residential development finance applications.

The survey found lender adoption has continued to rise, with many respondents saying independent assessments provide additional insight into governance, counterparties and delivery capability beyond traditional financial analysis. Some lenders also reported declining funding applications where businesses had poor or no ratings.

As construction costs remain elevated and access to development finance becomes more selective, demonstrating credibility is becoming increasingly valuable.

<h2 data-end="5801" data-section-id="1qazuxs" data-start="5772">What it means for Victoria</h2>

Victoria's apartment market is entering a new phase.

The state is seeking to accelerate higher-density housing while simultaneously introducing reforms aimed at improving confidence in residential construction.

For buyers, that means there are more tools available than ever before to research the businesses behind a project.

For developers, it signals that transparency is becoming another point of differentiation in an increasingly competitive market.

Buyers are asking more questions than ever before and increasingly expecting independent information, not just marketing material, before making one of the biggest financial commitments of their lives.

<img alt="iCIRT" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="958e1497-8151-4689-aadc-baf59f6e6122" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/iCIRT-Infographic-Assessment-Process-Final.png?VersionId=7KyVcwSo4vCLXBYBdq382e3Si.R.9PWQ" />

<hr data-end="6469" data-start="6466" />
The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal, financial, legal or tax advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstances before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek independent professional advice.

This article contains links to third-party websites. These links are provided for convenience only. Equifax Australia does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of external sites.

Copyright © 2026 Equifax Australia Information Services and Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Buying off-the-plan in Melbourne? How independent iCIRT ratings are set to change Victorian property

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Frasers Property Australia’s Discovery Point estate has been designed to encourage an outdoor lifestyle for residents and their dogs.
Nigel Edgar, the general manager Residential NSW at Frasers Property Australia, says the dynamic of the family was changing.
So new communities needed to meet evolving needs.
“Discovery Point reflects our emphasis on building communities for residents and their families, including their precious pets, to create an inclusive environment for families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy,” says Edgar.
“Pets are a very important part of peoples’ lives and we’re consciously building our communities to encourage pet owners to feel welcome.”
“Walking around the community with your pet not only does great things for your health, it helps you meet other residents. You’ll even find most coffee shops have a water bowl for dogs.”
For residents Jane and Roger, living in a pet friendly community was a must when looking for their new home.
“Our little 13-year-old dog has adapted to apartment living well. We take her down to the park every day soshe can do her own thing,” says Jane.
Jane says it’s nice to see the community thriving with other residents and their dogs too.
“Quite often, I’ll look onto the park and notice about 30 people playing with their dogs. You can tell they’rehaving a good time just being outside.”
With nine hectares of parklands at Discovery Point, Jane, Roger and their dog like to make the most of the surrounding walkways up the Cooks River.
There are a limited number of apartments remaining for sale at Discovery Point.
In Marq, the two remaining three-bedroom apartments offer views over expansive parklands.
They are priced at $1,135,000 and $1,150,000.
In Icon, the final residential building planned for Discovery Point, there are only three remaining three- bedroom apartments available, which boast park and Cooks River views and are priced between $1,210,000 and $1,335,000.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Pet friendly developments triggers dogs at Discovery Point

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Sydney's north-west corridor has suffered the greatest decline in apartment values since their peak, according to data from Corelogic shows.
Re-sale prices of apartments have dropped 19% compared with their original selling prices at different times of their peaks over the boom over past few years. 
Apartments in the Hills and Hawkesbury area in the north-west corridor of Sydney peaked last year.
The downturn has impacted on new and established apartments.
Recently a three bedroom unit in a 1990s building at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-baulkham+hills-127841946" target="_blank">4/32-38 Linton Street</a> in Baulkham Hills sold for $790,000, having traded six months ago for $820,000.
A nearby two bedder in a newer 2016 block at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-baulkham+hills-127440366" target="_blank">110/1 Meryl Avenue</a> (top) recently fetched $690,000, down on its $728,000 off the plan sale in 2014.
<img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DezG1M2UYAEqLZE.jpg" alt="" data-aria-label-part=""> 
"While values may have bottomed for now there is still a lot of new unit stock to be completed over the coming years which could create more downwards pressure on values over time despite the stronger conditions recently," Corelogic senior analyst Cameron Kusher told The Australian Financial Review.
"I'd suggest it will take a long time for unit values in that region to recover back to their previous peaks," Kusher said.
"At their peak the median value of a unit in the Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury region was in excess of $900,000 when you consider the distance from the city centre and the fact that house values are not that much more expensive it is not really a surprise to see large unit value falls in that region."
Apartment developers have flocked to the northwest region buoyed by the construction of the new Sydney metro, a fast train that runs as far as 50 kilometres from the CBD.
As for standalone houses, since the peak of their prices in July last year, prices in Sydney's inner city, inner south such as Alexandria, Waterloo and Zetland and the inner west such as Balmain have fallen between 10 to nearly 14%.
Values of standalone houses in North Sydney and the northern beaches have come down between 7 to 9%.
House prices in the eastern suburbs have fallen nearly 5% since last July.
Apartment values in Sydney overall, however have held strong mainly because of its affordability, Corelogic says.
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Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury apartment values tumble 19% off peak pricing

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Melbourne has the strongest housing market, when it comes to retaining boom time gains, according to CoreLogic.
Since its peak last November, the harshest hit property are standalone houses in inner, inner east and inner south Melbourne.
It is where prices have declined between 4 and 6.1%.
Elsewhere across Melbourne both houses and unit prices have fallen no more than 3%.
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Inner Melbourne apartment holding value after market peak: CoreLogic

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Armadale is set for a new luxury development, on one of its most prestigious streets.
Orrong, named its prominent position on Orrong Road, is a bespoke collection of nine luxury townhouse residences.
Designed by local architecture firm David Watson Architect, each townhouse has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and space for two cars.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/26/Armadale%202.jpg" alt="">
A variety of floorplans are on offer. Some emphasize indoor and outdoor entertaining, while others provide flexibility and privacy.
The townhouses complete with Roger Seller bathrooms range from $2.15 million to $3 million. Some have rooftop terraces.
The median house price in Armadale is $2.05 million with apartments having a $630,000 median, according to CoreLogic.
The 1350 sqm double block traded in 2016 when it was offered as one. On the site has been two two level houses, each comprising five and six bedrooms.
Castran Gilbert South Yarra agent Tim Brown is marketing the properties off the plan.
For more information on Orrong, <a href="http://castrangilbert.com.au/jrea_listing/527-orrong-road-armadale-vic-3143-1395306/" target="_blank">click here.</a>
We have a free ebook on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/component/content/article?id=82173" target="_blank">property investments in Melbourne. </a>
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Armadale set for luxury townhouse project Orrong

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A South Yarra apartment has been sold for $315,000 by mortgagees after spending over a year on the market.
The one bedroom apartment in a 2012 block was leased for $389 per week in 2016.
It last traded for $434,000 in 2012.  
Lan Williams and Steven Lee from Dixon Kestles secured the sale.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-south+yarra-128088158" target="_blank">The 1601/50 Claremont Street</a> apartment features the modern kitchen, secure entrance, swimming pool, gym and comom area facilities. 
Located in Inner Melbourne, it is close to schools, shops and transport.
The suburb's median unit price sits on $577,000, according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
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South Yarra one bedroom apartment sold by mortgagee

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<div class="column">EXPERT OBSERVATION</div>
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<div class="column">Weakness in Australia’s housing market has persisted longer than we expected, and the rate of decline in prices has recently accelerated. </div>
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<div class="column">Auction results are also soft, suggesting we will see a further cooling in prices over the near term at least.</div>
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<div class="column">Additional headwinds are possible, such as the shift away from interest only loans. There could also be further tightening of credit as the impact of the current regulatory focus on mortgages flows through into lender behaviour. All of this suggests that the fall in house prices will be quite a bit larger than we previously expected, with recovery coming later.</div>
<div class="column"> </div>
<div class="column">We will publish revised forecasts for house prices in our upcoming housing chartpack. We do, however, think stabilisation of the market later this year is the most likely outcome – unless the credit tightening materially extends beyond what is happening at present. The fundamentals for the market, low interest rates and continued strong population growth, remain supportive. And the experience of last year was that shifts in the regulatory regime are priced in by the market over the course of months rather than years.</div>
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<div class="column">Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/6/figure1.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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<div class="column"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/6/figure1.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div class="column">AUSTRALIA’S HOUSING DATA CONTINUES TO SOFTEN</div>
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<div class="column">CoreLogic’s housing price data show that the aggregate housing market has continued to soften, with dwelling prices down 0.3% m/m in seasonally adjusted terms in May. That is now nine of the past ten months that have seen lower prices, and the decline has persisted longer than we originally anticipated.</div>
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Of course, there is not just one housing market in Australia, and the picture is different across the capital cities. Prices in Sydney have been falling for most of the past year, and now sit 4.2% lower than the peak of July 2017. Melbourne was initially more resilient, but has since recorded slightly larger price falls than Sydney in each of the past three months. In contrast, prices are still rising in Hobart and Canberra, while the post-mining boom decline in Perth prices continues to ease. 
As well as the price falls in Sydney and Melbourne lasting longer than expected, the scale of decline in recent months has accelerated somewhat. Sydney recorded declines of 0.2% and 0.3% m/m in each of the first three months of the year, but April and May saw this pick up to falls of 0.4% m/m and 0.6% m/m respectively. Melbourne has transitioned from small price rises in January and February to declines for the past three months. The starting point for these major markets is therefore weaker than we previously expected. 
FURTHER WEAKNESS IS IN STORE 
Our expectation that prices would have begun stabilising by now was based on auction results, which had settled through the end of 2017 and opened 2018 at reasonable levels. Consistent with this, the pace of house price declines had been moderating since a large decline in October. However, this was not sustained, and nationwide auction clearance rates have fallen from an average of 66% in February to just 58% in May. This is the weakest monthly result since the start of 2013, and suggests that prices are likely to come under further pressure over the near term.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/6/figure2.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>
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This weakness is challenging our previous view that prices would stabilise and then recover somewhat to finish the year in positive territory. There are still a number of headwinds that are likely to weigh on prices through the remainder of 2018, including the shift away from interest only loans, and the ongoing tightening of credit availability. It is important to acknowledge that this cycle is being driven by different factors than previous price downturns. Previous periods of falling housing prices (Figure 3) have coincided with increases in mortgage rates and/or mortgage rates hitting elevated levels. Neither is the case this time. Interest rates have increased from their 2016 and 2017 lows, to the tune of 5bp for owner-occupiers and 35bp for investors, but these movements pale in comparison to previous cycles. Nor are interest rates high. Servicing costs are around the long-run historical average, even with mortgages that are much larger than in the past.
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The primary driver behind this slowdown in prices is the availability of credit, rather than the cost of credit. Banks have responded to regulatory requirements by implementing a combination of lower loan-to-income ratios, lowering estimates of rental income from investment properties and raising expense estimates. Ongoing changes in this space cannot be ruled out, which is something we will be watching closely. Indeed, the RBA noted in its June meeting that “there may be some further tightening of lending standards”. Developments of this nature will continue to apply downside pressure to house prices. 
The key question is how far this pressure will extend? We can’t be certain of this given the unprecedented factors driving the slowdown. We think developments through 2017 and early 2018 are instructive, however. The additional tightening in credit to investors triggered by the regulator in early 2017 was the catalyst for the weakness through that year, in our view. 
But the impact of this had faded by the end of the year, with the auction clearance rate starting to rise and the pace of decline in house prices easing considerably. This indicates to us that if the fundamentals of the economy remain supportive the impact of credit tightening on house prices is not permanent. 
With this in mind we think the solid fundamentals of the Australian economy mean that by late this year the impact of the current credit tightening will likely be fully priced and the market will have stabilised. We will publish updated forecasts for house prices in our upcoming housing chart pack. 
There is necessarily an element of conjecture in this view. We will need to watch the data carefully to see whether things evolve in this manner.
 
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Daniel Gradwell is a senior economist at ANZ
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Housing market weakness challenges ANZ's view on price direction

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Harry Triguboff, one of the country's biggest owners of rental apartments, has accused unspecified rival developers, but the likes of Lendlease, Mirvac and Stockland, of supporting build-to-rent housing because they were trying to drum up capital at a time of harder access to funds.
Triguboff owns a portfolio of more than 4000 apartments that he rents out.
He suggested the current build-to-rent drive was pushed by his rivals.
"They want… a tax break," Meriton boss Mr Triguboff told The Australian Financial Review, though not naming them directly in the article.
"But the interesting thing is, it's not the people with the money talking.
"It's the snorers that have no money to build."
Housing built for long-term rent to middle-income households has yet to become established in Australia because tax concessions for investment in residential housing are not available to institutions in the way they are to mum-and-dad investors and low yields on residential property do not make it viable.
Last year, Treasurer Scott Morrison ruled out the use of managed investment trusts, a vehicle that pays a low 15 per cent withholding tax, for at-market residential property, saying they had to be limited to the purpose of affordable, or key-worker, housing.
The shadow treasurer Chris Bowen last month signalled he would reconsider the issue.
But Mr Triguboff, who subsidises his own rental portfolio with profit from his development projects in Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast, questioned whether foreign institutions were interested in Australian build-to-rent as an asset class.
"I'm critical of people talking about it without naming who are the people that will invest," he said in an interview with the Financial Review.
"I don't think they have people that will invest. I think what they are trying to do is sell the idea to Morrison, then they will run around and get somebody. That's how it appears."
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Triguboff says the likes of Lendlease, Mirvac and Stockland support build-to-rent to drum up capital

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There have previously been attempts to restrict Airbnb in Sydney, but owners corporations have failed.
Owners corporations in the past have attempted to block Airbnb letting, the most notable case was in Woollahra.
Alisa Taylor, a partner at Meyer Vandeberg Lawyers, noted the issue.
The landlord was Ms Peta Estens, who paid $580,000 for her one bedroom courtyard apartment in 2015.
Estens regularly let her apartment, due to her frequent travelling interstate and overseas.
"She was selective with the guests she permitted to lease the property and always found the apartment in impeccable condition when she returned," Taylor noted.
There were only two complaints over a 12 month period, with guests misusing the washing machine in the commercial laundry.
Taylor said Ms Estens changed the rules on her listing, limiting the use of the washing machines and also prohibiting pets.
The owners corporation in the small block of five had passed a 'special by-law', having the effect that Airbnb was an illegal use for all units in the complex.
Estens then sought an order from the NCAT to invalidate the rule, on the basis the owners corporation didn't have the power to make it.
She relied on a 2016 NSW Legislative Committee Environmental Planning Report which said that (among other things) the committee regarded short term letting of a residential property as ‘residential use of the same character as longer term letting or traditional tenancy’.
The owners corporation argued that no section Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) permitted the use of Airbnb.
The owners corporation said that the common areas of the building were being subjected to a high rate of wear and tear as a result of luggage being continuously moved in and out of Ms Esten’s unit, and also pointed to issues of security and control of short term occupiers including abatement of noise.
Ultimately the NCAT agreed with Ms Estens, declaring an owners corporation cannot pass by-laws banning short-term letting.  
"The NCAT said that it was satisfied that the manner in which the Airbnb arrangement operates ‘is sufficient to constitute a tenancy or lease’," Taylor advised.
"The NCAT based this on the fact that the tenant has exclusive possession of the property, and concluded that the arrangement is properly described as a lease rather than a licence."
 
<a href="mailto:Alisa.Taylor@MVLawyers.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a>
 
 
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Airbnb court case ends in landlord owner win against owners corporation

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It was a weak performance across the board for Sydney's sub-regions, with not a single area clearing over 60 percent on what was Sydney's lowest clearance rate of the year.
There were a handful of suburbs that cleared 55 percent. 
North Sydney and Hornsby was again the strongest performing sub-region. 
It had the highest clearance rate touching 60 percent, as well as having 67 more auctions than any other area.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/6/4/Sydney_June4.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/6/4/Sydney_June4.jpg" alt="">
xxxx sold
xxxxx also sold
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Sydney auction clearance rate into the low 50s

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Butleigh Wootton, a Kew Icon and historical landmark on a 2,836 sqm land has been listed by mortgagees with an indicative selling price of $10 million to $11 million.
It is offered by Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden from Savills.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/%20https:/www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kew-127655082" target="_blank">Located at 867 Glenferrie Road</a>, the 1880's mansion over three levels comes with seven bedrooms, large commercial kitchen and extensive wine cellaring. 
It is only a short walk from the bustling Glenferrie Road retail precinct with trams, trains and buses nearby.
With 19 on-site car spaces, this property provides unlimited potential and would ideally suit education, medical, hospitality, residential or entertainment/leisure uses.
The suburb's median house price is 2.2 million, according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
 
 
 
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