<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?

<html><body>
Coppins, the last and largest Australian house designed by the internationally renowned architect Walter Burley Griffin, has sold for about $3.25 million through Mark Blake of Luschwitz Real Estate.
On leaving for India in 1935, Griffin's architectural associate Eric Nicholls completed the plans for the 1935 house.
<img alt="coppinsfeb26one" height="312" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/coppinsfeb26one.jpg">
The Coppins estate had previously always sold as two titles on Telegraph Road, but <a href="https://www.stivesre.com.au/1P0965" target="_blank">this month's sale</a> is the sandstone house on 5716 square metres.
The house was built for the Pratten who ran a printing business. Title Tattle recalls even the dog kennel bore the Griffin design stamp.
<img alt="coppinsfeb26two" height="309" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/coppinsfeb26two.jpg">
The Coppins estate was sold to the Dening family, who then sold it for $6.1 million in 2001 to property developer Michael Kwok.
<img alt="coppinsfeb26three" height="307" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/coppinsfeb26three.jpg">
Kwok tried unsuccessfully to sell it for more than $8.5 million, but by mid-2012 it was listed for sale by HSBC Bank after Kwok's bankruptcy.
Kwok's failed Australian business ventures included the Fairmont Resort at Leura in the Blue Mountains.
The 3927-square-metre adjoining block with a 1950s two bedroom cottage and a tennis court remains listed for about $1.6 million through Luschwitz.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Walter Burley Griffin's Pymble design, Coppins subdivided and sold 

<html><body>
McGrath Estate Agents has opened its fourth office in nine months, this time in the riverside suburb of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bulimba</a>.
It's the second company-owned office in Brisbane is its seventh in Queensland.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Edgecliff</a>, Sydney-based agency opened its first Brisbane office in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Paddington </a>last May and soon after added two new offices to service <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ascot </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Wynnum</a>/Manly.
The latest is deemed "a key part of the company’s Brisbane rollout, with South Brisbane to come," its chief executive John McGrath said.
The company also has two offices on the Gold Coast and one in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Toowoomba</a>.
"The Brisbane property market has been knocked around a bit in recent years, in part by the floods, but also by factors that have impacted most of the nation’s property markets," Mr McGrath said.
"But the fact remains that more than a quarter of Australia’s population growth over the next 25 years is expected to occur between Noosa and Coolangatta, and it is likely that Brisbane will continue as the second fastest growing Australian capital city.
"Population and employment remain the most important drivers of property values and Brisbane is well placed in those areas for many years ahead.
"Its sophisticated lifestyle and warm climate make it appealing for families and retirees alike," McGrath said.
According to the REIQ, Bulimba is one of only three Brisbane suburbs, along with New Farm and Pullenvale, with a median house price of over $1 million.
</body></html>

McGrath Estate Agents opens another Brisbane office

<html><body>
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/collierslogo.jpg" width="470" height="94" alt="collierslogo">
Colliers International’s Michael Heather heads up its investment services in Canberra, a market in the spotlight in an election year. He says he would invest a spare $750,000 in the IQ apartment complex in Canberra City.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/heatherfeb27one.png" width="228" height="225" alt="heatherfeb27one" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Agent: Michael Heather
Position: Director, Investment Services
Company: Colliers International
Office Location: Canberra
How long have you been in the industry? – Five years
What’s happening in the area you specialise in? – Yields are holding steady for prime office assets with strong cash flow security while yields for secondary office assets are more volatile
Describe the most interesting property you have sold – Brucella, it was a vacant commercial building previously occupied by the Therapeutic Goods Administration which was used for testing pharmaceuticals
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job? – Persistence, effective communication, technical expertise and knowledge of local market
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most? – Satisfaction from brokering a deal between a seller and a buyer
Where would invest a spare $750,000? – In the soon to be developed IQ apartment complex in Canberra City
Which football team do you support? – Sydney Swans
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget? – the AFL app on my ipad
How do you use social media? – I am on LinkedIn
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

In profile: Colliers International Canberra director Michael Heather

<html><body>
The AXF Group, which began developing property in Australia in 2005, ranks among the busiest developers in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs.
“Such has been the demand for CBD residential development opportunities that many offshore buyers have turned their attention to suburban residential hotspots such as precincts in Doncaster and Box Hill,” Clinton Baxter from Savills Australia recently noted.
The AXF Group, founded in Shanghai, is currently marketing <a href="https://www.axfgroup.com.au/2010/08/sovereign-point-doncaster/" target="_blank">Imperial at Doncaster</a>, and is soon set to build the tallest apartment complex in Box Hill.
Imperial (pictured below) is a 96 apartment complex consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Completion of Imperial is anticipated towards the end of 2014.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/axffeb26one.jpg" alt="axffeb26one" width="470" height="186">
Located on Sovereign Point Court, Imperial will be 10 storeys high, built to a design by the Buchan Group architects positioned directly across from Westfield Doncaster.
In 2011 AXF Group completed The Berkeley project, a 116-apartment project in Doncaster.
All of the Berkeley apartments sold off the plan in 2009, and majority of buyers were of Chinese descent.
The 33-storey apartment Station Street Box Hill development will be another landmark.
At 109 metres tall it will preside over Box Hill, 14 kilometres east of Melbourne CBD. Known for its Asian culture, the residents of Chinese descent in Box Hill account for about 27% of the population.
AXF Group will redevelop a 2,417-square-metre car park into the 275-apartment complex.
Sitting across from the Centro Box Hill shopping centre, the $135 million development will incorporate the major transport interchange at Box Hill station.
The podium level will contain a high-end retail complex and a varied range of dining experiences, from Asian-style street food markets to fine dining restaurants.
A proposal for a 38-storey development on the site was put forward but was refused in 2010 by then planning minister Justin Madden as it did not conform with the Whitehorse Planning Scheme.
The median house price in Box Hill is $800,000 and the median unit price is $380,000, according to RP Data.
Separate houses account for almost 59% of dwelling types, with units and apartments accounting for almost 24%, but increasing in number.
Box Hill South was Melbourne’s best-performing suburb for units in November 2012, with a median unit price of $486,000, according to RP Data.
Just over a year ago, AXF completed Dorking Gardens, a nearby $7 million townhouse development in Box Hill North.
Located at 231 Dorking Road, the complex comprises nine double-storey townhouses plus one single-storey townhouse.
Landscape designer and host of  Gardening Australia John Patrick worked on the garden concept for the townhouses. 
Scott Jessop from AXF says many of the townhouses were sold to local Asian buyers.
In 2011 AXF Group completed The Berkeley project, a 116-apartment project in Doncaster.
All of the apartments had been sold off the plan in 2009, and majority of buyers were of Chinese descent.
Richard Gu of the AXF Group bought Total House last August, a site on the corner of Russell and Little Bourke streets, in the heart of Chinatown, for $39.5 million.
For more on the allure of Australian property to Asian buyers, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment" target="_blank">download our free eBook. </a>The eBook is also available for<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment-free-ebook" target="_blank"> free download in Chinese.</a>
</body></html>

ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Chinese developer ASX Property selling Imperial, the crown of Doncaster

<html><body>
All the headlines centred on the weekend's stellar highest priced sale of $5.15 million for a six-bedroom, five-bathroom home in Vaucluse.
The Derby Street house, which has harbour views taking in the Opera House and bridge, attracted six Chinese buyers when auctioned by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-vaucluse-112822139">Sotheby's agent Michael Pallier</a> inconjunction with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/NSW/Vaucluse/?adid=2010237325">Ray White Double Bay agent Daniel Ungar</a>.
"We thought it would go for $4.5 million," he told Fairfax Media, after bidding on the property had started at $3.9 million.
Mr Pallier attributed the improved prestige market partly to section 188 visa changes last July, which speed up entry for foreigners who spend $5 million in approved investments. The improving sharemarket was another factor.
Its last sale price was $3.2 million in 2002, reflecting 4.5% annual growth.
The weekend's cheapest sale was $368,000 at Carramar. The three-bedroom, original-condition 1960s Ruby Street offering sold under public trustee instructions through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homehound.com.au/9+ruby+street+carramar+nsw+2163/">Century 21 Southwest Fairfield </a>agent Nickolas Papadopoulos.
It was marketed as "calling all renovators and property investors/developers."
The brick house on 556 square metres was marketed as an "excellent money spinner."
Having last sold for $93,500 in 1987, its price reflected 5.38% annual growth.
For more on the allure of Australian property to Asian buyers, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment" target="_blank">download our free eBook. </a>The eBook is also available for<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment-free-ebook" target="_blank"> free download in Chinese.</a>
</body></html>

Cheapest $380,000 Sydney sale yields better than $5.15 million Vaucluse prestige

<html><body>
The historic St John’s church site, one of the most well-known properties on Sydney’s Oxford Street strip, is well under way in its transformation into a boutique residential and retail project.
The St John’s Paddington project comes with eight dwellings of which half have been sold by Savills.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/stjohnsfeb26one.jpg" alt="stjohnsfeb26one" width="470" height="286">
Peter Coulton, from Savills Residential Projects NSW, says the start of 2013 had seen a "significant pick up" in market confidence, mainly from downsizers from the North Shore looking for a more centralised living lifestyle.
"St John's Residences in Paddington has received over 30% of its enquiries from downsizers who are looking to move from the North Shore," he said.
Two of the four properties now sold have been snapped up by this demographic – people from the lower and upper North Shore – including the church penthouse at $2.45 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/stjohnsfeb26two.jpg" alt="stjohnsfeb26two" width="470" height="285">
"The penthouse was sold to a couple who have older children and wanted to downsize from the family home," Peter Coulton said.
"Paddington is becoming increasingly attractive to downsizers due to its central location, host of cafes and restaurants, markets, proximity to art galleries and theatres, together with an active and lively community.
“The driver for downsizers is predominantly the release of equity for their child’s first home but increasingly it is the attractiveness of an easier lifestyle within a community and the downscaling of land without compromising on internal space.”
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/stjohnsfeb26three.jpg" alt="stjohnsfeb26three" width="470" height="290">
The <a href="https://www.stjohnspaddington.com.au/" target="_blank">St John’s Paddington residences </a>have proportions ranging from 171 square metres to 339 square metres.
Pricing for the remaining three-bedroom apartments start at $1.725 million and range up to $2.75 million.
The freestanding home within the 261-263 Oxford Street project had been listed at $3.5 million, but sold earlier this month. 
The free-standing former manse was a Torrens title offering - a two-storey Federation Arts and Crafts property on Regent Street.
<div class="property_detail_copy">The development comes with retail and café spaces fronting the busy Sydney pedestriuan hub.</div>
The project is being developed by Australasia Properties Pty Ltd and marketed through <a href="https://www.savillsresidential.com.au/Buying/Property-Search/PropertyDetails.aspx?pfresults=True&amp;id=3058" target="_blank">Savills residential projects divisional director, Peter Coulton</a>.
The site was sold by Savills in 2010 year for $9 million to the developers who have since worked with designers Ancher Mortlock Woolley and architects Marchese Partners.
They have adjusted the initial 2005 conditional development consent for the redevelopment granted by the Land &amp; Environment Court.
“For almost two decades the buildings have been left vacant, subject to vandalism and in an increasing state of deterioration,” its April 2011 Graham Brooks &amp; Associates heritage impact statement says.
It has frontages to Oxford and Regent streets, and at the rear, Renny Lane.
“These historic Paddington landmarks will be given a new lease of life,” Mr Coulton says.
The St John’s manse was built in 1845, with later additions, making it one of Paddington’s oldest buildings. The colonial Georgian manse was built at a cost of 240 pounds. In 1859 the Gothic-style St John’s church was built next door to a design by Henry Robertson.
In 1885 it was extended by the church hall at the rear. It was deconsecrated as a Presbyterian church in 2000.
The church sold in 2004 for $8.3 million to a syndicate headed by Tony Braham. The syndicate offloaded the project in 2010.
It sits within the Sydney City Council municipality.
</body></html>

North Shore downsizers seek out St John's Paddington offerings through Savills

<html><body>
Buyers have secured the purchase of 117 apartments within the 142-unit stage two of the Platinum project at Victoria Park on the weekend.
The sales ranged from $499,000 for a one-bedroom units to $1.3 million for three-bedroom apartments through Link Marketing Services, who maintained strong Asian buyer connections.
The initial 180 apartments in the first stage of Platinum sold off-the-plan within 30 days of release in late 2012.
<img alt="paycefeb25one" src="/images/stories/2013/02/paycefeb25one.jpg" width="470" height="314">
Payce has started construction of Platinum, which comprises five buildings, each with its own identity and colour scheme. The first stage is slated for completion by July 2014.
The project was designed by architect Nick Turner, with interiors by Koichi Takada.
The current 142 apartments are within a 15-storey complex which has an inter-connecting eight level building.
Payce’s earlier buildings at Victoria Park – Apex and East Village – sold out within four and two months respectively in mid-2011.
“The only thing Victoria Park lacks is shopping facilities, and that will change early next year when Payce completes a major fresh food and retail centre called the East Village Urban Marketplace,” said Basil Klevansky, managing director of LINK Marketing Services.
“It will have up to 50 specialty shops with an emphasis on fresh produce, a Coles supermarket, and a health and fitness club with a 25-metre indoor swimming pool,” he said.
For more about Australia's allure for Asian residential property investment, <a target="_self" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment">click here for our free ebook</a>.
</body></html>

Payce secures snappy weekend sale of 117 in its latest 142 Platinum, Victoria Park apartment offering

<html><body>
The Block All Stars finally won a night with its 1.39 million Sunday night audience beating Downton Abbey's 1.33 million audience.
It was the Bondi bathroom renovations that was the big attraction in the reality television series third room reveal.
Not only being the most watched show on the evening, but it also easily won the 6.30pm timeslot over the current affair program, Sunday Night at 1.18 million.
The night added more than 200,000 viewers to its best previous result so far this series. 
But the night still went Seven’s way as Seven network secured a 31.0% sahren of audience, Nine was at 29.1%, TEN was 20.0%, ABC was 15.5% and SBS was 4.4.
The Block's marketing blitz centred around the (previously heralded) installation of a men's urinal within the bathroom renovation of the two tradies, Mark and Duncan.
But buyers are yet to see the bathroom on real estate listing sites as the appointed estate agency BresicWhitney have yet to post any marketing for 10 Tasman Street.
Viewers can win the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBlock">Reece urinal in a facebook competition </a>being conducted by The Block.
    
</body></html>

The tradies' urinal on the Block All Stars yeilds winning Sunday night audience

<html><body>
Number 35 St Vincent Place, Albert Park, a terrace that sits on 289 square metres, sold post-auction for an estimated $3.3 million plus after four bidders participated in the weekend auction.
Marshall White's John Bongiorno conducted the auction, which opened with a vendor bid of $2.9 million and was passed in at $3.28 million.
It comes with four bedrooms, formal sitting and dining rooms and is set opposite St Vincent Gardens within the iconic double storey row, Rochester Terrace.
<img height="312" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/stvincentfeb25one.jpg" alt="stvincentfeb25one">
It has a wide entrance hall with Baltic pine floors and ornate high ceilings.
Focused around an original kitchen fireplace, the casual dining room and well-equipped kitchen open out to a side deck and paved entertaining courtyard. Out the back is a two-storey self-contained apartment with entry from Bevan Street
It had been tipped to fetch in excess of $3 million - a bit under the strip's record $13,590 per square metre according to James Buyer Advocates - through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.35stvincentplacesthalbertpark.com/home">Marshall White agent Oliver Bruce</a>.
It had been last traded in 2008 when bought by the Kelly family from the gardener Clive Blazey at $3.005 million. Blazey, whose father founded Hortico, began the Digger's Seeds business in the 1970s putting seeds into envelopes with his wife Penny around the kitchen table of their then Albert Park home.
</body></html>

St Vincent Place, Albert Park sells post-auction

<html><body>
The iconic NSW Northern Tablelands property Jeogla Station, purchased by Roche Group in 1998, and nearby Wallamumbi which was acquired in 2001, have been listed for sale with offers due April 4.
In 2008 the two properties, together with a few smaller landholdings acquired over a number of years, were amalgamated covering a 13,340 hectare total with a carrying capacity of 16,000 head of cattle.
The cattle on <a href="https://www.rochegroup.com.au/retailcommercial/jeogla-and-wallamumbi" target="_blank">Jeogla and Wallamumbi Station </a>is primarily Shorthorn Beefmaker with some cattle cross-bred with Angus and Charolais.
<img alt="jeoglafeb25two" height="277" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/jeoglafeb25two.jpg">
The purchases by Bill and Imelda Roche came after the 1997 sale of the skin care company Nutri-Metics International to the United States food and consumer products giant Sara Lee.
The rural <a href="https://www.jeogla.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">New England cattle breeding properties </a>had been previously owned by members of the Wright family.
Wallamumbi was for many years the childhood home of the poet and environmentalist, Judith Wright.
The Wright family pastoral dynasties date back to around 1827 with the family among the first to import hereford cattle into Australia. The Jeogla and Wallamumbi herd has developed from a Hereford stud established in the 1830s.
<img alt="jeoglafeb25one" height="234" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/02/jeoglafeb25one.jpg">
The historic V1V brand of Jeogla and the V2V brand of Wallamumbi, one of the oldest brands in Australia, are still in use.
Bi-annual production sales established on both properties by the Wrights are still conducted, the first for 2013 scheduled for March 13 when 2500 head of EU-accredited steers and heifers  go under the hammer.
It was Charlotte and Albert Wright who moved into the Armidale area establishing the family homestead at Wallamumbi, about 45 kilometres east of the town. After the death of her husband, Charlotte ran the property alone and purchased the rich adjacent grazing property Jeogla.
Jeogla is an Aboriginal word meaning "warm crossing".
Wallamumbi is an Aboriginal word meaning "big waterfall".
Elders have the listing in conjunction with Philip Jarvis and Associates of Armidale.
</body></html>

Latest Property News

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Property News

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News