<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>

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

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RP Data has updated the auction cleareance rates for the week ending May 5.
There were 1,749 capital city auctions, up from 1,658 the previous week, according to RP Data.
The combined capital city auction clearance rate was recorded at 67.7%  in the week to May 5, up from 64.5% over the previous week.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2013/05/rpdataauctionsmay9one.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2013/05/rpdataauctionsmay9onethumb.gif"></a>
<a href="/news">The initial Sunday auction tally sat at 67.3% over the week ending Sunday May 5</a>.
In Melbourne, Australia’s largest auction market, the initial clearance rate was given as 70.4% this week. And it remained there after later results were included.
In Sydney, clearance rates actually finished at 72.7% having had a preliminary 72.4% for the week ending May 5.
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Sydney and Melbourne weekly auction success rates sit at 70%-plus: RP Data

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The Wenona School has purchased the Independent Theatre, at 269 Miller Street, North Sydney, from the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust for $4.97 million.
"This beautiful heritage building, adjacent to our school, has served as a venue for many Wenona drama performances, HSC music recitals, presentations and other functions, throughout its long history," said the Wenona principal Dr Briony Scott.
"Some of our independent school’s first students in 1886 may well have trod parts of the current building which date from the same year, when it was built as a cable tram terminus and depot," she said.
The Edwardian theatre, originally named the North Sydney Coliseum, opened in January 1911, and from 1939 to 1977 was home to the grand dame of Australian theatre, the late Doris Fitton. It has been used as a boxing hall, a vaudeville hall, car service depot and even an ammunition store.
It now has a recently refurbished 300 seat two-tiered auditorium and reception foyer on the 916 square metre land holding. The artists who have current booking with the Independent Theatre throughout 2013 will continue to perform.
The sale followed an apporach by the AETT to Wenona, the AETT chairman, Lloyd Waddy confirmed. Waddy thanked the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation and previous donors to the Seaborn Broughton and Walford Foundation, and The Friends of the Independent.
The AETT bought the theatre in 2004 for a second time from a group of philanthropists headed by Dr Rodney Seaborn who had saved the venue when purchasing the Independent Theatre at North Sydney for $600,000 in 1993 after the financial collapse of the Elizabethan Theatre Trust which had bought it in 1988 for $450,000, with plans to restore it.
Lloyd Waddy said he had devoted over a third of his life to its preservation and enhancement.
"Since 2000 the AETT have awarded over $1 million in 100 scholarships to help them achieve excellence in their music," he said.
"We intend to continue that mission, including assisting such use of the Independent to the extent it might be available," he added.
The building will provide much-needed presentation and performance spaces for Wenona’s students.
Wenona has been an independent, non-denominational day and boarding school since 1886.
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Wenona School buys the Miller Street Independent Theatre, North Sydney from the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

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Ori Allon, who has previously sold businesses to both Google and Twitter, has launched his latest venture, Urban Compass, after tying up $8 million in investment capital.
Allon (picture below) was born in Israel and holds US citizenship but is also a naturalised Australian, after moving to Melbourne in 2002 to study at Monash University. He then moved on to the University of NSW in Sydney, where he completed his PhD in 2009.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/05/oriallonmay9one.jpg" width="400" height="316" alt="oriallonmay9one">
He built the Orion search engine, which he sold to Google, before creating Julpan, which analyses information shared on social media sites. Julpan was sold to Twitter in 2011, with Allon moving to New York to join Twitter’s team.
Allon is now onto his third notable venture, called Urban Compass. It was, rather grandly, officially launched by New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Allon has secured $8 million from a clutch of investors, which he has used to employ a relatively large workforce of 63 people, including several ex-Twitter employees.
“I could do another start-up, build something very specific, and sell it to a larger company,” Allon told The Verge last year. “But I’ve done that already, you know. It’s not about the money. I’m ready for a different challenge. I want to build something really, really big.”
Urban Compass is aiming to help people negotiate the notoriously difficult New York property market. The business hopes to crack the Big Apple before moving onto other markets.
The web app allows apartment-seekers to search for property based on location, price and size, with the aid of a mapping tool. Users can negotiate rents and agreements with real estate agents through Urban Compass, with Allon aiming to eventually handle tenant rental payments on the platform.
In return for this, Urban Compass will collect a broker’s fee, which is designed to be much less than a standard monthly rental fee.
On its site’s blog, Urban Compass states: “Your neighbourhood is at the centre of your local world, linking you to a community of people and a network of businesses. We started Urban Compass to help you connect with the world around you, starting with your neighbourhood.”
“We believe some of the most meaningful local insight comes from on-the-ground knowledge, and we are merging technology with real-world expertise to create the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.urbancompass.com/network">Urban Compass Network</a>. This platform will help you connect with your local community: the people and businesses that make a neighbourhood feel like home.”
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/">StartupSmart</a>.
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omilman-K9ivm2FW5a

Ori Allon launches Urban Compass property portal app with New York focus

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Did city prices stagnate in the March quarter? Or did they show moderate growth? Or perhaps they rose strongly.
All three interpretations are possible, depending on which information source you choose to highlight.
The publication this week of the house price indexes from the ABS highlight how important it is for reporters to do more than simply parrot the figures from that single source, with their own inexpert interpretation.
Data released earlier from other sources contradict those interpretations.
According to the ABS, seven of the eight capital cities now have house price levels higher than a year ago. The weighted average of the eight state and territory capitals was an annual rise of 2.6%.
Darwin (up 8%) and Perth (up 6%) once again were the leading cities for price performance. Sydney was up 3.6%, while Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra all recorded an annual increase in the 1% to 1.5% range.
Hobart, down 2%, was the only capital city with pricing levels lower than a year earlier.
Most reporters chose not to focus on that. They recorded that the ABS indexes showed only moderate growth in the March quarter, with a weighted average rise of just 0.1%.
In most of the capital cities, the movement in their indexes amounted, essentially, to no change. Only Darwin (up 1.9%) and Perth (up 1.2%) recorded meaningful changes, according to these figures.  
That has led to headlines which proclaim that “the Australian property market” has stagnated. Taken in isolation, the ABS March quarter figures give that impression.  
But Australian Property Monitors reported a 1.7% rise in the March quarter, while RP Data recorded a quarterly rise of 2.8%. The APM data suggests a moderate rise and RP Data a strong increase, given that it suggests a double-digit annual growth rate if the March quarter performance continues.  
The ABS says Melbourne prices barely moved in the March quarter (up 0.2%). APM said they rose a nation-leading 3.6%, RP Data reported a rise of 2.5%, while the ever-bullish Real Estate Institute of Victoria claimed a 5.1% quarterly rise in Melbourne’s median house price.  
Who do we believe?  
The result, once again, is confusion and misinformation for real estate consumers. Media is awash for conflicting figures, each treated in isolation and each given its own erroneous analysis, with economists who should know better weighing in with naive commentary.
It highlights, once again, how important it is for consumers to consult multiple information sources to get a true picture of what’s happening in real estate markets. They’re unlikely to find any quality analysis in the media.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>
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Conflicting property market performance figures lead to consumer confusion: Terry Ryder

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A one-bedroom apartment in Ascot Vale was recorded as the cheapest auction sale in Victoria over the last weekend, selling for $245,000, according to Australian Property Monitors (APM).
Located at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-ascot+vale-113554255">5/230 Ascot Vale Road</a>, the apartment (pictured below) sold at auction on May 4 through Jim Michaels of Barry Plant Moonee Valley.
<img alt="ascotvalemay9one" height="345" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/ascotvalemay9one.jpg">
The unit was listed for rent in October last year with a $240 weekly asking rent, according to RP Data records.
Based on this figure, the price reflected a rental yield of 5.09%, slightly higher than the average rental yield for units in Ascot Vale which currently stands at 4.4%.
The unit had a $145 weekly asking rent in 2005. The asking rent for the unit was $250 a week in 2010.
According to the <a target="_blank" href="/news">latest report by RP Data</a>, the median sale price for units in Ascot Vale is $410,000, down 13% on last year. The average discount required to sell a unit is 10.5%, while private treaty sales average 84 days on market. 
Other one-bedroom apartments for sale in Ascot Vale include: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-ascot+vale-113233403">4/242 Union Road</a> (pictured below), listed for $340,000 by Weda Property Essendon.
<img alt="ascotvalemay9two" height="351" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/ascotvalemay9two.jpg">
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Ascot Vale $245,000 unit sale reflecting 5.09% yield was last weekend's cheapest Victorian auction

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One of my favourite and most exciting research criteria when looking at areas to invest is infrastructure projects.
When a government or private sector announces a new infrastructure project, history tells us that it will boost the local community. Infrastructure projects yield indirect benefits through the supply chain, employment, business and retail growth, consumer spending, social benefits of community development related directly to the project and my favorite, property values increase.
The increase in property values that is associated with the construction of that piece of infrastructure goes beyond what would be perhaps the case of the normal appreciation of property.
I have been told there are two stages of a major infrastructure project that most affect property values. A spike in values will take place shortly after the announcement of a major new infrastructure project and then again when the project is completed and functional and the benefits of the project are realised.
I’ve seen this first hand with the announcement of the Hunter Expressway a $1.7 billion road project that will provide a dual carriageway linking the F3 to the New England Highway.
The project was announced in the 2009 federal budget but had been originally proposed back in 1988. It has been a long time coming.  What I saw after the announcement was a distinct demand in the areas impacted by the project, particularly around the interchange areas and where the highway would finish.
A development project we have completed for clients in one of these towns is testament to the impact the Hunter Expressway has had.  The development site was a three-bedroom house on a large block. The development strategy was to renovate the house, build two three-bedroom villas and subdivide.
Something amazing happened and the equity creation in this project was phenomenal. The land benefited from capital growth at the same time we were developing it.  So the normal equity we create through the development process was almost doubled due to the capital growth during the development period.  To add to that, the house was rented and still is, at a record high rent by construction workers employed in the project.
The cherry on the top for our clients will come later in the year when we hope to see that second spike and increase in property values when the Hunter Expressway is finished.
We are looking forward to seeing the impact the opening will have. For me the benefits will be twofold; firstly my clients in many of the Hunter towns we work in will benefit as we’ve been busy developing in these areas for the past ten years and secondly, it will shorten my travel time each week when I do my site inspections. I am really looking forward to cutting about 45 minutes off my trip to Muswellbrook!
Jo Chivers is director of <a style="font-size: 14px;" title="Property Bloom" href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Property Bloom</a>, which manages property development.
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Infrastructure is key when considering where to invest: Jo Chivers

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The appeal of ungainly industrial property for private investors remains high with a warehouse/office with long term tenants at Bentleigh East in Melbourne’s south-east selling at auction for $1.115 million.

The property at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/2010363834/for-sale/vic/bentleigh-east/industrial-warehouse" target="_blank">2 Ardena Court, Bentleigh East</a>, was sold by Ray White Commercial Oakleigh’s Ryan Amler and George Kelepouris on behalf of an undisclosed vendor. 
Amler said the industrial property on a total land area of approximately 1800 square metres and currently leased for $65,000 per annum net was sold to a local investor with a yield of 6%. 
There were more than 30 enquiries for the property and three registered bidders at the auction.
Tenents recently commenced a new five by five year lease.
The property included a large clear span warehouse and well-appointed office/showroom with a building area of approximately 1200 square metres.
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Warehouse appeal for investors as Bentleigh East showroom sells on 6% yield

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Shopping centre landlord Federation Centres, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/centro-seeks-clean-break-with-the-past-with-name-change-to-federation-centres/2012120958372" target="_blank">previously called Centro Retail Australia</a>, has purchased the Centro Gympie shopping centre in Queensland for $64 million.
The mall was previously held by the Centro MCS 9 property investment syndicate. 
It is now wholly owned by Retail Direct Property, the direct property division of Federation Centres with its purchase part of ongoing plans to simplify the complex syndicate business it operated previously as the debt-laden Centro property group. 
Centro Gympie is located at the corner of Bruce Highway and Excelsior Road in Gympie.
It has a gross lettable area of 14,054 square metres and offers 752 car spaces. Big W and Woolworths are anchor tenants on the property. 
Gympie is a regional town in the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland, Australia. It is about 160 kilometres north of Brisbane, and has a population of 18,602 according to the 2011 Census. 
Federation Centres reported an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/federation-centres-emerges-from-centro-with-stronger-balance-sheet-and-back-in-the-black/2013021959432">interim net profit $115.91 million for the six months to December 31</a> 2012 – its first complete first-half results under its new brand name. 
In the prior corresponding period, then known as Centro Retail Australia, it reported a loss of $100 million for the six months to December 2011. 
Federation Centres plans to buy other syndicated malls, spending $650 million on such acquisitions thus far. 
Other properties under the Centro MCS 9 syndicate which have been purchased by Federation Centres include Centro Dianella in Western Australia, which it bought for $54 million. 
Federation Centres also acquired full-ownership of the $570 million Bankstown shopping centre in NSW. 
Last month Goldman Sachs upgraded its recommendation on Federation Centres from ‘neutral’ to ‘buy’ with factors behind this upgrade including the ongoing simplification of its syndicates business, asset acquisitions, non-core asset disposals and the rollout of its $1.1bn development pipeline.
Federation Centres plans to develop 16 shopping centres over the next five years.
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Federation Centres buys Centro Gympie for $64 million

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More than 1.35 million premises have been added as next in line to receive high-speed fibre-optic broadband, NBN Co., the company put in charge of building the National Broadband Network, has announced.
The plan adds almost 190 new towns and groups of suburbs, as well as more homes and businesses in areas covered by the previous plan.
This brings to 4.85 million the number of premises that will have construction commenced or where services can be ordered by June 2016.
Blacktown has become the first suburb of Sydney to switch on to the National Broadband Network (NBN).
The NBN now "passes" 1,300 homes and businesses in Blacktown with a further 9,300 premises in the area to come online over the coming months, including premises in Lalor Park.
In April, the NSW Central Coast connected to the NBN with the service available to more than 2,300 homes and businesses in central Gosford.
NBN Co. CEO Mike Quigley said: “We’re getting on with the job of rolling out the NBN in every state and territory. Our plan is to deliver better broadband to every Australian over the remaining eight years of this 10-year build.”
Of the 188 Australian-wide suburbs added to the NBN construction timetable; 66 suburbs were in NSW including Sydney’s Bondi and 46 suburbs in Queensland which included Airlie Beach and the Sunshine Coast.
In South Australia there were 20 suburbs including rural towns Ceduna, Port Lincoln and Salisbury, 15 suburbs were listed in Western Australia including Esperance, Margaret River, Port Hedland and Yunderup and 41 suburbs in Victoria listed Angelsea, Glen Iris and North Melbourne.
The nationwide rollout of the NBN is due to be completed by 2021.
The latest locations next in line to receive the NBN are:
Victoria
 
<table style="width: 320px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" frame="box">
<colgroup>
<col span="5" width="64">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21" width="64">Anglesea</td>
<td width="64">Daylesford</td>
<td width="64">Kooyong</td>
<td width="64">North Melbourne</td>
<td width="64">Shoreham</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Ballan</td>
<td>Dimboola</td>
<td>Kyneton</td>
<td>Numurkah</td>
<td>Sunbury</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Beaufort</td>
<td>Elmore</td>
<td>Lang Lang</td>
<td>Oakleigh</td>
<td>Tallangatta</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Beechworth</td>
<td>Garfield</td>
<td>Maldon</td>
<td>Point Cook</td>
<td>Thomastown</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Castlemaine</td>
<td>Glen Iris</td>
<td>Mirboo</td>
<td>Portarlington</td>
<td>Trentham</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Chiltern</td>
<td>Heathcote</td>
<td>North Moreland</td>
<td>Romsey</td>
<td>Warburton</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Clunes</td>
<td>Heidelberg</td>
<td>Nathalia</td>
<td>Rushworth</td>
<td>Winchelsea</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Coburg</td>
<td>Heyfield</td>
<td>Newport</td>
<td>Rye</td>
<td>Woori Yallock</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21" colspan="2">Craigieburn</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
New South Wales
<table style="width: 320px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" frame="box">
<colgroup>
<col span="5" width="64">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" width="64">Albion Park</td>
<td width="64">Bulahdelah</td>
<td width="64">Finley</td>
<td width="64">Mona Vale</td>
<td width="64">South West Rocks</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bankstown</td>
<td>Canowindra</td>
<td>Frenchs Forest</td>
<td>Moruya</td>
<td>Sydney Springwood</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Barham-Koondrook</td>
<td>Cessnock-Bellbird</td>
<td>Gilgandra</td>
<td>Moss Vale</td>
<td>Tocumwal</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Batemans Bay</td>
<td>Clarence Town</td>
<td>Gunnedah</td>
<td>Murrurundi</td>
<td>Tumbarumba</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Batlow</td>
<td>Como</td>
<td>Hornsby</td>
<td>Murwillumbah</td>
<td>Tumut</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bawley Point</td>
<td>Cooma</td>
<td>Howlong</td>
<td>Narooma</td>
<td>Tuross Heads</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bellingen</td>
<td>Coraki</td>
<td>Jindabyne</td>
<td>North Parramatta</td>
<td>Ulladulla</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Belmont</td>
<td>Culcairn</td>
<td>Kellyville</td>
<td>Petersham</td>
<td>Uralla</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bermagui</td>
<td>Deniliquin</td>
<td>Kempsey</td>
<td>Quirindi</td>
<td>Urunga</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Berowra</td>
<td>Dorrigo</td>
<td>Kooringal</td>
<td>Ramsgate</td>
<td>Walcha</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Berridale</td>
<td>Dungog</td>
<td>Macksville</td>
<td>Raymond Terrace</td>
<td>Williamtown</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bombala</td>
<td>Edensor Park</td>
<td>Maclean</td>
<td>Shoalhaven Heads</td>
<td>Woodburn</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bondi</td>
<td>Evans Head</td>
<td>Manilla</td>
<td>Singleton</td>
<td>Yamba</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" colspan="2">Branxton-Greta</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Queensland
<table style="width: 320px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" frame="box">
<colgroup>
<col span="5" width="64">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" width="64">Agnes Water</td>
<td width="64">Burrum Heads</td>
<td width="64">Highfields</td>
<td width="64">Mossman</td>
<td width="64">Sunshine Coast Noosa</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Airlie Beach</td>
<td>Cardwell</td>
<td>Howard</td>
<td>Murgon</td>
<td>Tin Can Bay</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Albany Creek</td>
<td>Childers</td>
<td>Innisfail</td>
<td>Oakey</td>
<td>Toorbul</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Ayr</td>
<td>Collinsville</td>
<td>Lammermoor</td>
<td>Proserpine</td>
<td>Toowong</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Babinda</td>
<td>Cooktown</td>
<td>Landsborough</td>
<td>Rainbow Beach</td>
<td>Tully</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bells Bridge</td>
<td>Coorparoo</td>
<td>Malanda</td>
<td>Ravenshoe</td>
<td>Wondai</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Booral</td>
<td>Crows Nest</td>
<td>Maleny</td>
<td>Redland Bay</td>
<td>Wonga Beach</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Bowen</td>
<td>Gympie</td>
<td>Maryborough</td>
<td>Sherwood</td>
<td>Woodford</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Boyne Island</td>
<td>Herberton</td>
<td>Mission Beach</td>
<td>Sunshine Coast Caloundra</td>
<td>Woodgate</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20" colspan="2">Burleigh Heads</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
South Australia
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 320px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" frame="box">
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 48pt;" span="5" width="64">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt; width: 48pt;" class="xl65" height="20" width="64">Barmera</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Ceduna</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Minlaton</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Port Lincoln</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Stansbury</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Beachport</td>
<td class="xl65">Glenunga</td>
<td class="xl65">Mount Gambier</td>
<td class="xl65">Renmark</td>
<td class="xl65">Tumby Bay</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Berri</td>
<td class="xl65">Lyndoch</td>
<td class="xl65">Naracoorte</td>
<td class="xl65">Robe</td>
<td class="xl65">Waikerie</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Brighton</td>
<td class="xl65">Millicent</td>
<td class="xl65">Penola</td>
<td class="xl65">Salisbury</td>
<td class="xl65">Yorketown</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Western Australia
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 320px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" frame="box">
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 48pt;" span="5" width="64">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt; width: 48pt;" class="xl65" height="20" width="64">Augusta</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Derby</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Esperance</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Margaret River</td>
<td style="width: 48pt;" class="xl65" width="64">Spearwood</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Broome</td>
<td class="xl65">Dunsborough</td>
<td class="xl65">Glenfield</td>
<td class="xl65">Norseman</td>
<td class="xl65">Wickham</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" class="xl65" height="20">Cowaramup</td>
<td class="xl65">Ellenbrook</td>
<td class="xl65">Jandakot South</td>
<td class="xl65">Quinns Rocks</td>
<td class="xl65">York</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
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National Broadband Network rollout expanded as Sydney's Blacktown switches on

<html><body>
The New South Wales government has announced a review of the state’s planning laws suggesting some of the biggest changes in 35 years.
A white paper and draft legislation have been released and comments can be submitted until June 28, 2013.
Key among the changes will be how infrastructure is planned, delivered and paid for. For many years infrastructure has been a central concern among planners, the community and developers and has been a reoccurring theme for Project Agenda.
The white paper is proposing radical changes to the infrastructure charges and there is an urgent need for change as the current system can add as much as $100,000 to the cost of a new home. The current levies are seen as a major constraint on improving the level of supply of new homes in Sydney’s growth centres.
Currently developers are charged for, and then pass on, the costs of varied facilities and local amenities to buyers. The system is seen as very complex and expensive and lacking transparency.
Brad Hazzard, the NSW planning minister, has been quoted as wanting a simple and cheaper way of funding infrastructure with a direct link between the contributions and what is actually provided. From the feedback that I have observed, both the development industry and the wider community will welcome such an outcome.
The minister’s plans will limit the role of councils and ensure that money raised will be spent within three years and not simply squired away. This appears to be an overdue policy shift given that 43 Sydney councils have been accumulating $760 million of developer levies. Under the changes, local council will only be able to charge infrastructure fees for specific areas that will include essential roads, drainage and parks, and they will be unable to use levies to fund other projects.
But the big question, that only time will answer, is will these changes and many others contained in the white paper help improve housing affordability?
In theory the answer is yes. Because with new homes getting approval in just 10 days and some apartment projects and land subdivisions getting the go-ahead in less than a month, then in total all of the changes to the DA system are suggested to generate savings of up to $1.7 billion over the next 10 years.
Possible levy on all new homes
However, one aspect of the white paper that also requires some comment is the suggestion that a levy will be placed on all new home construction in metropolitan areas, not just those in new estates. The idea is that this levy will be redistributed and used for Sydney’s infrastructure shortage. The move to cover established areas is new and may impact investors and the knock down and re-build market.
While more and better infrastructure should stand to benefit, the possible levy which has been described ‘modest’ will be another cost that the end buyer may have to bear and is one of the ideas in the white paper that has received a lukewarm response.
But if we get better infrastructure and swift planning approvals then all buyers, property investors and developers should stand to benefit. There is no doubt that this debate will be very much back in the headlines in late June.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.colliers.com.au/Colliers%20Corporate/Residential.aspx">Colliers International.</a>
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