<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

<main data-perf-region="main">
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>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

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

<html><body><div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Australia sits firmly in the property overvalued basket, according to the latest Knight Frank international residential property report.
Not as overpriced as Norway and Canada.
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<a href="/images/2014/05/21/kf-may-21-one.gif" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2014/05/21/kf-may-21-one.gif" alt=""></a>
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://my.knightfrank.com/research-reports/global-opportunites-report.aspx" target="_blank">The Knight Frank Global Opportunities report</a> compared mainstream housing markets across 27 countries, assessing how prices are performing in relation to rents and incomes.
Australian homes ranked fifth among the world's most ''overvalued'' housing markets.
Knight Frank suggest a property market was correctly valued when local incomes are enough to buy or rent an average property.
The axis at 0 represents a position where a market is valued in line with its long-term average. 
A column above the line shows there is an imbalance with house prices surging ahead of rents or incomes.
A column close to the line suggests the market is balanced, and displaying a sustainable level of growth.
<div title="Page 3">
<div>
<div>
<div>
A column below the line signals the market is undervalued with rental and/or income growth outpacing house prices.
At present, 15 of the 27 countries Knight Frank tracked are above their long-term average both in terms of price-to-rent as well as price-to-income ratios, the Knight Frank international residential researcher Kate Everett-Allen said.
"Interestingly, if the same exercise had been carried out at the height of the financial crisis in 2008 more than 20 countries would have been in this bracket," she noted.
Those markets in which prices and rents look to be balanced include the United States, Italy, Austria, Iceland and Luxembourg.
Countries such as Greece, Spain, and Portugal where prices are still falling are likely to end up on the right of the chart as the gaps between the respective indicators narrow.
Germany and Japan, having missed out on the double-digit price growth observed in many developed economies in the early 2000’s remain firmly in the ‘undervalued’ camp.
Belgium, Norway and Canada, where prices are still rising, represent those countries most at risk of a price correction, particularly if mortgage rates increase or incomes start 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
"With the global economy displaying green shoots, buyers – both in mainstream housing markets and second home hotspots – are looking closely at which markets offer real value," the Knight Frank international residential researcher Kate Everett-Allen said.
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
“The upturn in the global economy, albeit gradual, has meant for some home ownership, or even the acquisition of a second home, is back on the agenda again for the first time since 2008.”
</div>
<div>
Already in 2014 there has been a steady stream of positive indicators for global housing markets, she noted.
Lending criteria is being relaxed, interest rates in Europe, the US and the UK look set to remain at historical lows at least until 2015, employment is picking up and buyer confidence is strengthening.
"This upturn in the global economy, albeit gradual, has meant for some home ownership, or even the acquisition of a second home, is back on the agenda again for the first time since 2008 across Europe and the Caribbean. 
"From currency fluctuations to purchase costs, from tax hikes to oversupplied markets; we look at the potential risks (upside and downside) that deserve close consideration," she added. 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Australian residential housing overpriced: Knight Frank

<html><body>
Hindmarsh’s $41 million 18-level  residential tower is undergoing construction, with a crane currently visible on the Sydney CBD site.
The development, <a href="https://aspiresydney.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">Aspire</a>, is in the southern part of the CBD, near Hyde Park, and is being built by Hindmarsh Construction. It is almost 100% sold.
Hindmarsh NSW state manager development, Steve Laffey, said that it is an important addition to their Sydney portfolio.
“The project has been successful in appealing to buyers at a time when demand for quality apartments in the CBD remains robust,” said Laffey. 
Including 48 apartments, it will include a podium level to Alberta Street. The two- and three-bedroom apartments, of which the majority are north-facing, have been selling from $840,000. They come with secure parking.
It is set for completion in December 2014.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Construction progressing on $41 million Sydney CBD Aspire

<html><body>
Housing affordability for first home buyers is a perpetually hot topic. Is there a problem with housing supply, or home buyer expectations? Has investor activity ruined the game for young buyers, or does Gen Y just need to learn how to save? 
While a lot of property commentators have something to say about the first home buyers issue, most bought their first home years ago. So Property Observer took the question to the experts: What would you purchase on a first home buyer’s budget?
To get an idea of what a typical first home buyer would have to work with, we took the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ average first home buyer loan size for March and added a 10% deposit. We arrived at the following budgets for our observers:
New South Wales: $352,880
Victoria: $325,710
Queensland: $317,680
South Australia: $275,440
Western Australia: $364,980
Tasmania: $233,420
Northern Territory: $377,200
Australian Capital Territory: $329,560 
Using the above price guides, four of our Observers have suggested properties on the market that they would purchase if they were first home buyers.
Read on to see what Hotspotting.com.au’s Terry Ryder, the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia’s David Airey, Allen Wargent’s Pete Wargent and iProperty Plan’s Mark Armstrong picked.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
TERRY RYDER, FOUNDER OF HOTSPOTTING.COM.AU<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Terry-Ryder.png" alt="" style="float: right;">
Terry Ryder says he would go for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-edens+landing-116999987" target="_blank">this three bedroom home</a> (pictured below) at 16 Sandra-Ann Drive in <a href="/news">Edens Landing</a>, Queensland.
Listed at $329,000, it’s priced just a touch over our estimated average spend for a first home in Queensland of $317,000.
<img src="/images/2014/05/21/edens-landing-may-21-breakotu.jpg" alt="">
Ryder provided the following reasons for his pick:
<ul>
<li>Location in growth corridor between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.</li>
<li>Walk to train station, with links to Brisbane CBD and to the Gold Coast.</li>
<li>Easy access to Pacific Motorway and Logan Motorway.</li>
<li>Quiet, private residential area with solid standard of brick-and-tile housing.</li>
<li>Lots of choices of schools in the area.</li>
<li>Close to Beenleigh town centre.</li>
<li>Close to retail, including a new Bunnings and a new Woolworths.</li>
<li>Plenty of parkland and recreational choices in the area.</li>
<li>Area has a solid capital growth record, with strong rents and low vacancies.</li>
<li>House itself is low-maintenance with an entertainment area at the back (assuming we can trust the agents' blurb).</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Mark-Armstrong.png" alt="" style="float: right;">MARK ARMSTRONG, DIRECTOR OF iPROPERTY PLAN 
For a Victorian property, iProperty Plan director Mark Armstrong picked a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-thornbury-116867983" target="_blank">top floor apartment</a> in Melbourne’s <a href="/news">Thornbury</a>, pictured below.
The one bedroom, one bathroom apartment tucked away from Kemp Street has a private balcony and a secure parking.
<img src="/images/2014/05/21/2.jpg" alt="">
Armstrong says that the picked the property “because first home buyers need to think like first home investors and look for property that will have strong capital growth potential."
“This property is within 10 kilometres of Melbourne and is walking distance to shops, transport, bars/cafes and parkland. The property is elevated and has plenty of natural light and privacy and would provide comfortable accommodation.”
Another one bedroom, one bathroom apartment in Thornbury <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-thornbury-116240195" target="_blank">sold last month for $310,000</a> (pictured below). 
<img src="/images/2014/05/21/3.jpg" alt="">
Read on for more first home buyer picks from our Observers on the next page.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/David-Airey%2023.png" alt="" style="float: right;"> DAVID AIREY, PRESIDENT OF THE REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Working with a budget of $364,980, Airey chose a <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/15-moat-street-mandurah/Property-Details-buy-residential-7120661" target="_blank">three bedroom, one bathroom home in Perth’s Mandurah</a>, pictured below.
<img src="/images/2014/05/21/4.jpg" alt="">
“This property offers excellent value and lifestyle for a first time buyer,” says Airey.
“Although <a href="/news">Mandurah</a> is 80 kilometres from the Perth CBD, it has good freeway access and a fast commutable train service. Situated right in the heart of this seaside village, this property is just a short walk to the marina, shops, pubs, restaurant and cafe strip.
“At more than 800square metres, the block is perfect for raising a young family, growing some veggies or having a dog. It also offers good long-term capital growth. Although zoned as R20, there is plenty of space to add extra rooms in future or create an alfresco area out the back for entertaining.
“Mandurah is a city of 77,000 people and serviced with good schools, recreation and medical facilities. And all of this comes with a country lifestyle, a huge estuary for fishing and crabbing and cool ocean breezes in summer. A similar property on Perth’s northern beaches would be twice the price.
“The average annual growth rate in Mandurah over the last five years has been 0.0 per cent, as it struggled to recover from the market slump and GFC in 2008. However, REIWA data show that it achieved 3.4% growth in the year to December 2013, while more recent REIWA data indicates 7% growth for the March quarter this year. With recovery on the way, it’s a good time buy.”
<img src="/images/authors/fullbody/Pete-Wargent.png" alt="" style="float: right;">PETE WARGENT, DIRECTOR OF ALLENWARGENT
Pete Wargent recommended two <a href="/news">Blacktown</a> properties, to first home buyers, noting that the average first timer budget in Sydney is a little higher than the New South Wales average of $352,880.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/blacktown/Property-Details-buy-residential-7073129" target="_blank">This two bedroom single level villa</a>, pictured below, is priced from $350,000.
<img src="/images/2014/05/21/5.jpg" alt="">
Blacktown is located 36 minutes by train from the city. “If the budget is tight,” says Wargent, “drop down a notch.” He suggests this single storey home at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/43a-177a-reservoir-road-blacktown/Property-Details-buy-residential-6933231" target="_blank">43A/177A Reservoir Road as a cheaper alternative</a> (pictured below).
<img src="/images/2014/05/21/6.jpg" alt="">
“For $300,000 or under, look for a modern two bedroom unit,” he says. For those who are after something within 20 minutes of the CBD, Wargent would pick a property close to <a href="/news">Campsie</a> train station, “with low strata fees on a quiet, pleasant, leafy street.”
“Entry prices in Campsie range from $230,000 for a quality studio apartment up to $380,000 plus for a two-bedder,” says Wargent.
“A short train ride to the city, Campsie has a buzzing central strip, is gentrifying apace and within a few years will be the new Marrickville.
“People scoff when you make such assertions but that’s a recurring theme in real estate. They said that the suburbs in London’s east end would never gentrify.
“Even half a decade ago people told me when I’d bought in in the inner west in <a href="/news">Erskineville</a> - three kilometres from Sydney CBD - the suburb would be a “ghetto”, and years before that when I bought in <a href="/news">Pyrmont</a>, which is adjacent to the city, that suburb would be a “future slum”.
"Wrong, and I believe they’ll be wrong again about Campsie.”
Our Observers came up with stand alone houses, apartments, and semi-detached homes as close as seven kilometres and up to 72 kilometres away from the capital city centres for their first home buyer picks. What would you buy on a first home buyer's budget?
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Exclusive: First home buyer picks from the experts

<html><body>
The Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation has listed two Jolimont heritage homes for 31 May auction.
They have been listed with a $6 million combined expectation.
Bromo, at 28 Jolimont Terrace was built in 1865 for John Bruce, father of former prime minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce, according to the East Melbourne Historical Society, before their move to St Kilda.
It is expected to fetch mid-$2 million.
The two-storey, six-bedroom residence, at 26 Jolimont Terrace with bluestone cellar, has mid-$3 million expectations.
</body></html>

Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation lists two East Melbourne terrace houses

<html><body>
Mirka, a six-floor apartment block at St Kilda due for completion next year, will take its name from the octogenarian artist, Mirka Mora.
Some 25 of the 56 apartments have sold with prices ranging from $375,000 for one bedrooms to $695,000 for two bedroom two bathroom apartments.
<a href="https://www.mirkaapartments.com.au/enter.php" target="_blank">The Inkerman street block</a> has been designed by architect Ivan Turcinov, of Carabott Holt Turcinov. It will replace the 1970s three storey Barkly House office block.
There will be a mix of timber, glass, metal, concrete and bluestone. 
Mirka currently has major exhibitions of her works at the Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne and Manning Clark House in Canberra.
There's already been a street named in her honour and a restaurant.
Mirka Mora was born in Paris in 1928 making Melbourne her home in 1951. Mirka Cafe in Exhibition Street opened in 1954, with one of the city's first Gaggia espresso machines and defying then council by-laws by putting tables and chairs on the sidewalk and pushed for the right to serve wine.
In 1964, French emigres Georges and Mirka Mora opened Tolarno in St Kilda, which became a haunt of writers, painters, politicians, sports stars and the fiercely loyal St Kilda community.
"Giving entry to the property market, becoming part of a portfolio for a seasoned investor or providing a unique home to a couple or family, these St Kilda, Melbourne apartments won't last for long," Look Property Group selling agents Paul Raimondo and Michael Robinson suggest. 
Mirka Mora appears in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUbx6GxOhrM" target="_blank">Happy craze youtube video</a>where locals dance through their village, parks and beaches, Fitzroy and Acland Streets in a clip to the Pharrell Williams tune directed by Aaron Wilson and produced by Serge Thomann.
</body></html>

St Kilda apartment block to honour living legend Mirka Mora

<html><body>
Brookfield Place Perth was named the Australian Development of the Year at the Property Council Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence awards last weekend.
The 45 storey office development also took home the SAS International Award for Best Office Development and S4B Studio Award for Best Heritage Development. Positioned in the centre of the Perth CBD, the development has about 74,500 square metres of premium grade commercial space, making it one of the country’s largest commercial office buildings.
Fitzpatrick + Partners in collaboration with Hassell Architects designed the project, which includes the refurbishment of five heritage buildings containing offices, restaurants, bars and fashion retailers. Construction of the development’s second tower is currently underway.
Other big winners at the gala dinner in Sydney on Saturday included the Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre, which received two awards. The $46.6 million Victorian recreation centre was awarded the Best Tourism and Leisure development by Ryan, while the City of Glen Eira took home the ISPT award for Government Leadership.
Meriton’s Soleil apartments won the Gough Recruitment Award for Best Residential Development. Another Brisbane development by Harry Triguboff's Meriton, the Infinity tower, was<a href="/expert-insights/buying/harry-triguboff-s-tallest-brisbane-creation-wins-best-high-rise-award"> recently named Australia’s best highrise development</a> at the Asia Pacific Property Awards.
The winners of this year’s Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation &amp; Excellence awards were drawn from 83 finalists across 16 categories.
</body></html>

Brookfield Place Perth takes out top prize at Property Council of Australia awards

<html><body>
A new $85 million mixed-use residential tower, Trafalgar Lane, at Woolloongabba is bringing a bit of Melbourne to the Brisbane suburb.
The recently launched development from Pellicano Group includes views of Brisbane city, and a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments from $345,000 at 855 Stanley Street.
Pellicano Group Queensland development manager Michael Kent said that the <a href="https://www.trafalgarlane.com.au/" target="_blank">Trafalgar Lane</a> design, from Melbourne laneway architect Techne Architects, is redefining the concept of inner city living.
It includes a podium at ground level, with 1,000 square metres of retail space, and a pedestrian link. This connects Stanley Street and Trafalgar Street.
"An intimate and intricately designed urban laneway - a focal point for the building and the inspiration behind the name of the new development - connects the building's two street sides and is set to become a new destination for dining, shopping and entertainment in Brisbane," Kent said. 
"The laneway lifestyle is completely unique to Brisbane, bringing a real cosmopolitan feel to the burgeoning area of Woolloongabba.”
He noted that the area was chosen for its property fundamentals with low vacancy rates, strong median rental prices and capital growth.
DBI Design created the 20 level tower, which features 147 apartments over 15 levels and two private residence’s lifts. This will be atop a five-level podium with retail and commercial space.
"It's been designed with the commanding views in mind, with private, noise-protected balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. The north and west-facing apartments boast enviable views across the Gabba to the Brisbane River and the CBD, while  the southern and eastern-facing apartments offer wide open vistas towards Moreton Bay, with Norman Creek's parklands in the foreground,” he said.
"The modern exterior is complemented by luxurious, hand-selected fittings and finishes including stone benchtops with waterfall ends, high quality tapware, joinery and integrated fridge and dishwasher, complete with crisp, clean, refined interior detailing."
Each apartment includes a minimum of one parking space, which is flood-safe, as well as bike parking.
The development also features Trafalgar Residences’ Retreat on level six, a rooftop garden, a recreation area with pool and spa, a sauna, steam room, gym, yoga lawn, a residents’ lounge, a barbecue area and a media room.
</body></html>

Brisbane’s Trafalgar Lane brings Melbourne-inspired laneway feel

<html><body>
The former National Australia Bank executive Michael Ullmer and his wife, Jennifer secured $6.65 million for their Double Bay residence.
It was sold recently to academic, professor of sleep medicine Ron Grunstein, and his wife, Rose through<a href="https://doublebay.ljhooker.com.au/M15F93" target="_blank"> LJ Hooker Double Bay</a>.
The Ocean Street property, which had traces of being renovated by architect Professor Leslie Wilkinson in the 1950s, last traded in late 2002 for $5.82 million.
It was sold back then by the real estate chain chairman Brian White and his wife, Rosemary in 2002.
</body></html>

Banker Michael Ullmer sells Double Bay abode

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
Summary
Market outlook: unchanged - positive with negative bias
<ul>
<li>Buying and renting costs are changing at the same pace giving no preference to either option (as at March 2014).</li>
<li>Purchase affordability is at a historically high level but the downward trend is now apparent (as at March 2014).</li>
<li>Confidence in the economy has deteriorated further and is close to crossing into negative territory (as at May 2014).</li>
<li>Housing credit is growing strongly, indicating healthy demand (as at March 2014).</li>
<li>Actual prices are above of what could be expected based on housing credit growth but margin is reasonable (as at March 2014).</li>
</ul>
National Real Estate Price Forecast
Unchanged: conditions are supportive of further growth in prices in June 2014 quarter and beyond, however declining optimism about the economy indicates a possible slowdown in the pace of that growth.
#1 optimal accommodation choice: buying and renting costs are balanced
 <img src="/images/2014/05/20/BRI_May2014.png" alt="">
The Buy-Rent Indicator (BRI) identifies how cost of buying is changing in relation to cost of renting.
BRI bottomed in June ’12 (indicating the lowest point in the current cycle) and it has been rising consistently since then. The indicator has now reached the equilibrium line.
This indicator is constructed based on a simple concept that renting and buying are substitute accommodation options, hence the optimal choice depends on which cost is rising in relation to the other. The practical use of this indicator is for identifying market cycles and for timing purchase and sale decisions.
The crossing of the indicator from buy to rent zone gives a signal that buying costs are starting to rise faster than rental costs.
In the market where property prices are rising, this marks the point in time when opportunities to purchase a property at attractive prices may be all but exhausted in the current cycle. Prices are expected to continue on the upward trajectory from this point onwards which will cause buying costs to rise further.
#2 purchase affordability: at historically high level but declining 
 <img src="/images/2014/05/20/PAI_May2014.png" alt="">
The Purchase Affordability Indicator (PAI) compares changes in the annual cost of buying to changes in average full time adult income, therefore it identifies how purchase affordability has changed over time.
PAI is at historically high level, comparable to that reached in 2009 or 1994, but is steadily declining from a peak reached in September 2013.
This indicator explains that, relative to incomes of Australians working full time, property prices are still very affordable. In the past 30 years purchase affordability was only better between September 1996 and December 2002.
Prices have still a lot of room to move before they can be considered unaffordable.
Article continues on next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
#3 perceptions about economy: conditions are deteriorating
<img src="/images/2014/05/20/EWI_May2014.png" alt=""> 
The Economic Wellbeing Index (EWI) is designed to reflect general perceptions of Australians about the current economic conditions.
The EWI is falling since June 2013 and has almost reached a crossover line.
The key premise behind this indicator is that people are generally less inclined to make big purchases when they are worried about the state of the economy.
EWI fallings towards neutral line indicates that perceptions of Australians about the state of economy are deteriorating but have not yet turned negative. Increased uncertainty about the economy can result in more sluggish demand for residential properties.
#4 demand: housing credit continue to grow
 <img src="/images/2014/05/20/PHCI_May2014.png" alt="">
The Private Housing Credit Impulse (PHCI) provides an indication of the level of buyer activity in the residential property market in Australia, hence it reflects underlying demand for properties.
The preliminary March 2014 PHCI is positive and reached its highest value since December 2011. Consequently, property prices continue to record higher values.
The practical use of this indicator is to provide early warning about impending changes in housing credit uptake, and hence, changes in the underlying demand for residential property.
Positive and rising value of the indicator reflects continued strong demand for residential property.
#5 property price expectation: values are rising and are close to the level of actual prices
<img src="/images/2014/05/20/PPG_May2014.png" alt="">
The Property Prices Gauge (PPG) is a proxy of a property price index. It becomes a leading indicator when combined with House Price Index (HPI).
PPG continues on the upward trajectory after a temporary slowdown between March and July 2013. The value of the indicator is close to the value of establish house price index.
Actual prices are above of what could be expected based on housing credit growth but not too far ahead. Therefore, current price level is well supported. 
For more extended description of individual measures and how to apply this information please refer to the first report in this series: <a href="/expert-insights/buying/buying-more-advantageous-than-renting-yet-change-imminent-april-2014-state-of-the-market-analysis">State of the Property Market, April 2014</a>. 
Caveat: The information is provided in good faith and does not constitute financial advice. Use with caution and at own risk.
AREK DROZDA is an independent analyst who has worked in the public and private sectors for over 20 years in business development, data analysis and in building geographic information systems. 
You can read more of Arek Drozda's pieces here.
</body></html>

adrozda-Nq9GwoWWBW

Further price growth likely, though pace may slow: May 2014 state of the market analysis

<html><body>
Tom and Joy Williams, who bought Kyal and Kara's apartment on The Block Albert Park television series, are selling their nearby Albert Park home.
It's the former 1896 bakery at 1a College Place.
With separate living and dining spaces, the five bedroom property is tipped to fetch more than $2.9 million at its 31 May auction.
There is an upstairs retreat at the 300 square metre holding.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-albert+park-116896327" target="_blank">Warwick Gardiner, of Greg Hocking Holdsworth, has the listing</a> which traded at $860,000 in 1998.
Kyal and Kara’s apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-albert+park-116390163" target="_blank">2/47 O’Grady Street, Albert Park </a>sold 8 April through Cooley Auctions, one of four apartments installed into a red brick former silent cinema turned office warehouse that was offloaded <a href="/news"></a>by a company associated with <a href="/expert-insights/investing/the-block-albert-park-warehouse-price-appreciation-in-history">Lloyd Williams</a>, the Melbourne property developer to The Block production company.
<a href="/news/substance-over-style-as-chantelle-and-steve-win-the-block-2014-fans-v-faves">The Block Albert Park results</a> were as follows:
<ol>
<li>Steve and Chantelle, 1/47 O’Grady: $2.47 million ($636,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Alisa and Lysandra, 3/47 O’Grady: $2.375 million ($616,000 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Kyal and Kara, 2/47 O’Grady: $2.44 million ($567,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
<li>Brad and Dale, 4/47 O’Grady: $2.31 million ($507,250 above the adjusted reserve)</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

Latest Buying Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Buying Insights

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

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News