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

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

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

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

Staff Writer

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

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

alisonwarters@gmail.com

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

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

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

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Tanderra, one of Sydney’s few remaining houseboats, now comes with confirmed $1 million expectations.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/mosman/mosman.jpg" alt="mosman">
It's one of the 32 houseboats that moored in Middle Harbour near The Spit at Pearl Bay before, and then through the 1930s Depression.
Now there are just four.
A Mosman heritage study said the houseboats were "rare examples of a now unconventional form of living still in use".
The 2012 auction campaign – which evoked Sleepless in Seattle and Chocolat houseboat portrayals – and for those with longer memories Sophia Loren and Cary Grant's romantic 1959 movie Houseboat - was interrupted after technical issues with the Roads and Maritime Services lease.
It has 38 years left in its 40 year lease.
The three-level houseboat is classified as a permanent residential structure with long-standing existing use rights.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/houseboat2.jpg">
Its use rights give the new owner the ability to resubmit architect-designed plans or submit their own plans to finish Tanderra’s 310-square metre redevelopment into a luxury residential dwelling.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/houseboat.jpg">
Property Observer reported on the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/tanderra-the-middle-harbour-house-boat-%E2%80%93-that-dates-back-to-the-1920s-%E2%80%93-has-been-listed-for-auction/2012070455433">earlier listing in July</a>. And a vendor bid of $700,000 was made at its December auction.
There was controversy last year, when the Mosman deputy mayor Simon Menzies suggested it should be "towed out to sea and sunk" given its was a visual eyesore.
“It is visual pollution in one of Sydney’s most picturesque bays,” he said.
<img height="313" width="470" src="/images/stories/mosman/more_mosman.jpg" alt="more_mosman">
Its vendor Maureen Young, now wanting to spend more time with her family in England, paid about $150,000 in 1983 to its then owner, adman John Singleton and then she rebuilt the 65-tonne pontoon.
Four years after Singleton sold Tanderra to Young, he bought another Pearl Bay houseboat for about $200,000. Named Spec, Singo's second houseboat had a two-storey residence designed and crafted by yachtsman Ian Kiernan. In 1989, Singleton sold Spec for $560,000 to a group of barristers.
The Tanderra houseboat is being sold by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-mosman-112300703">Sandie Dunne from Harcourts Dunne Mosman</a>. The renovation is mooted to cost about $600,000.
{module Houseboat}
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney Harbour million-dollar houseboat yet to sell

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Residex has looked at the best-performing suburbs for units in each state as at November 2012, with Aubin Grove in Perth experiencing the highest capital growth last year of 26.62%. According to the report Rosehill and Wattle Grove were Sydney’s highest performing suburbs for units.
SYDNEY
Rosehill units had a median price value of $322,000 and a median rent of $400 per week. This offers a median rental yield of 6.46% and a capital growth of 10.93% last year.
Wattle Grove had a median unit value of $463,000 and a median rental price of $496 per week , or a rental yield of 5.58%. Wattle Grove experienced a 10.63% capital growth last year.
BRISBANE 
Marsden and Kingston were the top-performing suburbs in Brisbane units in November, with Marsden having a median value of $314,000 and Kingston at $246,000.
The median rent for Marsden was $340 per week – a median rental yield of 5.63% – and Marsden experienced a 13.42% capital growth.
A three-bedroom unit located at 73-81 Demeio Road, Marsden, is currently listed for sale with a $326,000 asking price and an asking rent of $330 per week.
Kingston had a median value of $246,000 and a median rental price of $280 a week. The median rent rate is 5.9%, and Kingston experienced a 9.51% capital growth last year.
MELBOURNE
Box Hill South was Melbourne’s best-performing suburb for units in November, with a median unit price of $486,000.
Box Hill South had a median rental price of $485 – a median rental yield 5.23% – and experienced a capital growth of 6.25%.
Mont Albert North is Melbourne’s second highest performing suburb for units, with a median unit price of $667,000.
Mont Albert North had a median asking rent of $555 per week – a median rental yield of 4.33% – and experienced a capital growth of 6.19% last year.
PERTH
Aubin Grove was Perth’s top-performing suburb for units, with a median unit price of $317,000 and a median rental asking price of $425 per week.
Aubin Grove had a median rental yield of 6.99% and experienced a staggering capital growth of 26.62% last year.
Morley is Perth’s second highest performing suburb, with a median unit price of $405,500, and had a capital growth of 24.08% last year.
The median asking rent in Morley is $445, with a median rental yield of 5.70%.
ADELAIDE
Adelaide’s top two-performing suburbs for units were Surrey Downs – with a median unit price of $305,500 – and Munno Para West, with a median unit price of $112,500.
Surrey Downs has a median weekly rent for units of $295 – a rental yield of 5.06% - and Surrey Downs experienced a capital growth of 11.24% last year.
A three-bedroom unit located at 3/412 Yatala Vale Road Surrey Downs sold last year for $310,000 and has a weekly rent of $320 per week.
Munno Para West had a median rental price of $245 – a rental yield of 11.43% – and experienced a capital growth of 9.88% last year.
HOBART
Hobart’s top-performing suburbs for units include Berriedale – with a median price of $202,000 – and Sandy Bay – with a median unit price of $351,500.
Berriedale’s median weekly rent is $245 – a rental yield of 6.38% – and Berriedale unit prices fell 0.75%.
Sandy Bay’s capital growth dropped even more  than that of Berriedale, with a -2.61% capital growth last year.
Sandy Bay has a median weekly rent of $340 – a rental yield of 5.05%.
ACT
ACT’s top-performing suburbs were Casey and Weston.
Casey had a median unit price of $385,500 and a weekly rent of $450. This gave Casey a 6.09% rental yield and a capital growth of 10.59% last year.
Weston’s median unit price is $432,500 and weekly rent is $460.
This gives Weston a rental rate figure of 5.54% and a capital growth figure of 7.02%.
DARWIN
Leanyer and Woodroffe were Darwin’s best-performing suburbs for unit investments, with Leanyer having a median price of $416,000 and Woodroffe having a median price of $334,000.
Leanyer’s median rental price was $470 per week – a rental yield of 5.88% – and Woodroffe’s median rental price was $390, a rental yield of 6.12%.
Leanyer experienced a capital growth of 11.68% last year, and Woodroffe experienced a capital growth of 10.96%.
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ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

The suburbs with the best-performing units around the nation – from Box Hill South to Aubin Grove: Residex

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Rich Harvey of propertybuyer argues that despite the high dollar, the depressed prices in the upper end of the property market make this a “brilliant” buying opportunity for expats with a bit of cash to spend.
“If someone is cashed up and wants to buy, they can do very well at the top end of the market right now.”
Harvey recently looked at a house with a $15 million asking price in the pricey eastern suburbs of Sydney that he estimates he could have picked up for $10 million.
And Harvey is confident that he could negotiate about $500,000 or so off houses in the $10 million range.
Angus Raine, chief executive of Raine &amp; Horne, agrees. “This is a fantastic buying opportunity,” Raine says.
“There are great, great deals to be had. And it should remain like this for next one or two years.”
Raine believes that expats should not let the high dollar dictate whether they buy a house at this time. “The upper end of the market is very soft. There is a perception out there that this end of the market has definitely bottomed.”
For more tips for Australian expats buying back home this summer, <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-20-top-tips-for-australian-expats-thinking-of-buying-homes-this-summer">download our free eBook.</a>
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mlaurence-vhAHaLZT8y

Balance the high dollar against depressed prices: Tips for expat Australian property buyers

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It's the Gold Coast listing that keeps giving – now into its third year.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august16mcivor]}
The striking two-storey riverfront home, designed by Sydney-based architect Alex Popov, sits on Cronin Island with 50-metre frontage onto the Nerang River.
It has been on and off the market since 2011, with its latest auction on-sale now not proceeding to settlement.
It's the much-marketed "Mark McIvor house", which most recently was listed by Fulton Transport boss Gary Fulton, who paid $6.75 million.
The former luxury abode of the Equititrust founder Mark McIvor had gone to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/former-equititrust-boss-mark-mcivor-lists-popov-designed-gold-coast-home/2011081651176" target="_blank">September 2011 auction</a>, but did not <a href="/news">sell until early January 2012</a> when the price was undisclosed.
At its September 2011 auction Stacey McIvor, the wife of merchant banker and property investor Mark McIvor, wept when the five-bedroom riverfront home drew a top bid of $4.55 million.
At the time a disappointed Mark McIvor said the home  had been valued at $6.5 million and that the auction was "a demonstration of a very hard market".
Observers were then highly surprised at the strength of the very bullish $6.75 million price stated in the official DERM land registry paperwork after its January 2012 sale by then marketing agent Michael Kollosche.
The 1,736-square-metre block initially cost $1 million when McIvor bought it in 1994.
McIvor had founded the Gold Coast's own merchant bank, Equititrust, in 1993.
Equititrust, which became known for using a Roman voussoir arch as its marketing logo to suggest structural stability, was among the many unlisted mortgage funds to take a battering following the 2008 financial crisis.
In April 2011 Equititrust confirmed it had stopped paying income distributions to unit holders in two funds housing more than $300 million worth of assets as it accelerated its debt repayments.
Gary Fulton is a freight-traffic operative based in Kemps Creek, NSW.
He tried to sell in in August 2012 after just six months ownership.
It failed to sell at August auction – passed in on a $5.5 million vendor bid by Coldwell Banker agent Alex Caraco – who then had it for November 3 auction.
After the August auction Alex Caraco suggested there had been genuine interest "from a gentleman from Melbourne, a lady in Hong Kong and a doctor in Sydney''. Caraco suggests some other interested parties are using the controversy attached to the property to try to get a bargain.
It sold conditionally in November to Sydney buyers at $5.5 million, with the finance condition being the trigger for the latest contract collapse.
So this week the Southern Cross Drive property is back on the market through Coldwell Banker at $5.5 million – "make an offer" is the owner's instructions.
 
 
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Gold Coast listing that keeps giving

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As the summer holidays linger or fade, Property Observer has found a handful of holiday shacks for sale. And one as cheap as $75,000, if you want in Tasmania, or from $275,000 on the mainland.

<div>
Their basic, no-frills design have possibly helped influenced architects such as Glen Murcutt and Drew Heath seek their quintessential utilitarian design.

Even after the result of years of sea spray, one does come close to a $1 million asking price.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

Just looking at them ought to bring back memories of jumping off sand dunes and baking hot car trips, being traumatised by older siblings and falling off bikes.

So take trip down memory lane – or in one case up the Murray River – just don’t forget your wallet.

$500,000 plus
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/8-diggers-crescent-great-mackerel-beach/Property-Details-buy-residential-2201871" target="_blank">8 Diggers Crescent, Great Mackerel Beach</a>, NSW

<img alt="8diggers" height="353" src="/images/stories/2012/12/8diggers.jpg" width="470">

Located not far from the western foreshores of Pittwater directly opposite Palm Beach, this one's an almost idyllic hideaway. The house was originally built in the 1950s and has had very little change since then expect for its bathroom being updated in the 1960s. As the agent Kathyrn Hall suggests - think back to days of no television, a more simplistic life, simple pleasures of a relaxed holiday atmosphere where you swam at the beach, board games and card games at night. The house itself is a very simple fibro cottage, light and airy, all on one level. And in very original condition, but in good order.

 

<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 

$250,000

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-nt-dundee+beach-200375791" target="_blank">3732 Launceston Road Dundee Beach</a>, Northern Territory

<img alt="dundee" height="353" src="/images/stories/2012/12/dundee.jpg" width="470">

A quarter of a million dollars will buy you this remote shack build from two storage containers on a 10 hectares of arid bushland about  three hours' drive south-west of Darwin and a short drive from the Timor Sea. It’s listed for sale through Margaret Fanning of Elders Real Estate and described as an “ideal spot for a quiet weekend or a fishing shack". The shack is subdivided into two containers with a breezeway in the centre for enjoying a cold beer and presumably, fish caught on the beach or in the nearby Launceston inlet. One of the containers is air-conditioned and is used for sleeping and the other is used for storage.

 

<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 

$299,000 plus

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-walker+flat-112039323" target="_blank">Swan Reach Road, Greenways Landing, SA</a>

<img alt="greenways" height="353" src="/images/stories/2012/12/greenways.jpg" width="470">

Hey, they don't make them like this anymore! This is one of eight shacks set close to one of the only boat ramp for miles on this portion of the Murray River. The freehold river front shack has plenty of room for boats, parking for cars, bikes and tents. Its got two bedrooms, water tank, pump shed, paved river front patio with fire pit, shaded lawns, sunset vistas with tame kookaburras and pelicans. Just a short boat ride to the legendary Swan Reach Hotel. Comes on a walk-in-walk-out basis with Torrens title, water licence and development plans (STCC).

 

<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 $640,000 - $690,000

<a href="https://www.fletchers.net.au/3106069/247-The-Esplanade-Indented-Head" target="_blank">247 The Esplanade Esplanade, Indented Head</a>, Vic

<img alt="indented" height="264" src="/images/stories/2012/12/indented.jpg" width="470">

This fibro beach house is just metres from the beach and bay. Its been for sale with no price adjustment since listed in May 2012 through Fletchers. Hopefully the toes don't get wet on the front decking when the king tide comes in. It is bring your own tree.

 

<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 

$275,000

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-falcon-112488079" target="_blank">12 Maranel Street, Falcon</a>, WA

<img alt="maranel" height="353" src="/images/stories/2012/12/maranel.jpg" width="470">

Cute might be stretching it, but at just 350 metres to the beach, this two-bedroom cottage is well located. It's apparently on a quiet street on a lovely treed 885-square-metre block. Michael Goodwin at Harcourts Mandurah had the listing, selling it just a few days ago in early 2013. It had been for sale since October 2012, having last traded at $300,000 in early 2010.

 

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$185,000

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-qld-burrum+heads-200360715" target="_blank">40 Orchid Drive Burrum Heads</a>, Queensland

<img alt="orchiddr" height="353" src="/images/stories/2012/12/orchiddr.jpg" width="470">

Though this “lovers'” beach shack may have all the charm of a prison cell, it is just a short stumble the “very private” Sirenia Beach and will appeal to those holidaymakers who love the idea of a morning or evening beach walk searching for sea shells and other “treasures”. There’s also the opportunity to fish on the beach, the saltwater lake or in Burrum River. The property itself is a fully furnished three-bay colorbond shed (all indoor and outdoor furniture included in the sale price) and includes a shower, toilet and kitchenette.

 

<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 

$75,000

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-cramps+bay-112305039" target="_blank">78 Cramps Bay Road Cramps Bay</a>, Tasmania

<img alt="cramps" height="353" src="/images/stories/2012/12/cramps.jpg" width="470">

Affordable fishing cabins in Tasmania's Central Highlands have a naive romantic charm. This one's many great features include direct lake views and a boat ramp/lake access located within a lure throw. The 38-square-metre cabin is heated by a little Red Embers freestanding wood heater. The property is listed on a walk-in-walk-out basis, including all furniture, white goods, cookware, generator and presumably the firewood. Paul Kaine at Roberts Real Estate Longford has the 2,518-square-metre listing. 

 

<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 

$970,000

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-arrawarra+headland-107302421" target="_blank">14 Second Avenue, Arrawarra Headland</a>, NSW

<img alt="secondave" height="353" src="/images/stories/2012/12/secondave.jpg" width="470">

Not many people paint their houses pink these days, it’s a shame. With its holiday décor, a granny flat out the back and various hidden treasures, this home has almost certainly been the site of many a teenage holiday romance. The four-bedroom property sits on a generous 750 square metres, and it’s literally metres from the beach. It’s a seven-hour drive north of Sydney, probably a two day affair back in the day. It’s being sold by Mark Killian from Nicole Cardow Real Estate Woolgoolga and Matt Dougherty at LJ Hooker Grafton.

 

<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 

$289,000 - $299,000

<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-aldinga+beach-112618315" target="_blank">12 Maurice Street, Aldinga Beach</a>, SA

<img alt="maurice" height="353" src="/images/stories/2012/12/maurice.jpg" width="470">

This one's called Wacko Shacko – set in the scrublands just a few minutes walk from the access ramp to Aldinga Beach, under one hour from Adelaide. Wacko Shacko has three bedrooms, open plan living areas, and a well-equipped kitchen. The property is offered furnished – through Deb Tucker at Raine &amp; Horne McLaren Vale. It last sold for $235,000 in 2004. It's a holiday rental too, <a href="https://www.rent-a-home.com.au/propertydetails.aspx?PropertyID=41685#requestAQuote" target="_blank">currently renting at between $80 and $140 a night</a>.

 

 
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Nostalgic fibro holiday home shacks from $75,000 plus

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Australian expats often rely heavily on their Australian-based relatives – from second cousins to mothers-in-law – to help select properties to buy. In many cases, expats first identify potential buys on the internet and then ask their relatives to inspect the properties.
The general, but hardly unanimous, view among property specialists is that there is nothing wrong with asking relatives to inspect properties, however expats shouldn’t overly rely on their opinions when deciding whether to buy.
Shayne Harris of Savills Australia has found that parents, for instance, tend to really enjoy inspecting properties and representing their expat children. “They are obviously proud of their kids and pleased to be on the ground looking after them.”
But Harris says that some expats “rely on relatives having some sort of intuitive sense about what they like”, and this can lead to disappointment.
Rich Harvey, managing director of Sydney buyers’ agent propertybuyer, warns that the task of inspecting properties and making recommendations can place relatives under stress. “You are putting a lot of pressure on them to do a professional job that they may not be skilled at,” says.
For more tips for Australian expats buying back home this summer, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-20-top-tips-for-australian-expats-thinking-of-buying-homes-this-summer" target="_blank">download our free eBook.</a>
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Don't rely too much on relatives: Tips for expat Australian property buyers

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Australand’s biggest shareholder, Singapore-based CapitaLand, is considering divesting from the residential property developer, as takeover rumours continue to circulate.
Should CapitaLand go ahead and sell out of Australand it could clear a hurdle allowing larger property development rival Mirvac to make a formal bid for Australand, following a failed $3 billion offer from another listed developer, GPT.
A statement posted by Australand to shareholders on the ASX says that CapitaLand, which owns 59% of Australand, is to “conduct strategic review of its investment in Australand”
Australand says it has appointed Macquarie Capital, Fort Street Advisers and law firm King &amp; Wood Mallesons as advisers to its board with directors to keep securityholders informed of any “material developments as they occur”
The Australian Financial Review said these appointments were to bolster Australand’s defences as it “braces for a potential barrage of buyout proposals”.
In December last year, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/australand-rejects-gpt-offer/2012121358470">Australand rejected</a> an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from GPT to acquire much of its core business.
GPT had offered $3 billion for Australand’s entire commercial and industrial business, but not its residential development business.
Following the rejection of the GPT proposal, there was also speculation that Mirvac was considering a proposal to acquire the entire Australand business that would have created a a <a target="_blank" href="/news">$7 billion listed property trust.</a>
On December 18, the Australian Financial Review reported that a bid by Mirvac was being considered by new Mirvac boss Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, following earlier discussions instigated by former managing director Nick Collishaw.
The AFR article did not name any source for its story, but said the proposal was being considered by Mirvac advisers Citigroup and was at an “early stage”.
Mirvac has not made any official statement about a bid for Australand.
For the Mirvac deal to go through, it would need the backing CapitaLand.
The Australand share price traded up 3¢ to $3.47 yesterday.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Majority shareholder CapitaLand to review its investment in takeover target Australand 

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Update: 30/8/13.  Kevin Rudd has announced if the ALP are re-elected on September 7th, they will establish a Minister for Cities.  We welcome Federal Leadership in cities and hope everyone who views the following lecture walks away with the same impression we did: increasing density in appropriate areas - distributed thoughtout entire metros - increases localised economic opportunity away from the central cores of Australia's cities.  
If we're to have a debate the future of our cities, we believe strategies like Transforming Australian Cities should be at the forefront of outlining alternatives to never-ending outer suburban growth and a way to get a better return out of each and every Australian city's existing infrastructure for future productive growth.
Original Text 11/03/2013:
The City of Melbourne's Director of Design, Rob Adams, authored a report in 2009, which was then revised in 2010, on how it is possible to grow Melbourne by another 2.5-3.5 million people by utilising a mere 10% of the existing urban area - without sprawling further and further beyond the Urban Growth boundary.
If you have a spare hour, a must for anyone wishing to understand the Transforming Australian Cities strategy should watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfnynzD0yDI">t</a>he following lecture Rob gave to the Simon Fraser University in Canada where he paints the historical context and goes through the 11 steps of elimination to calculate the area available for redevelopment in future.
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lfnynzD0yDI" width="100%"></iframe>
The <a href="http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/Statistics/Documents/TransformingCitiesMay2010.pdf" target="_blank">supporting documentation</a> is also available on CoM's website. 
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/transforming_australia_cities_banner.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Title page from the Transforming Australian Cities report - © City of Melbourne"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/transforming_australia_cities_banner.png" title="Title page from the Transforming Australian Cities report - © City of Melbourne" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
 
 
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Alastair Taylor

Transforming Australian Cities - a must read

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It was John 'Strop' Cornell and his model wife, Delvene Delaney, who were Paul Hogan's sidekicks in their comedic heyday.
They all took a fancy to property around <a href="/news">Byron Bay</a>, and after almost three decade ownership the couple are putting some of their remarkable holdings on the market.
It's headlined by three building blocks within their large compound estate at Belongil.
They've been described as the three best beachfront blocks in Byron Bay, so each of the Border Street blocks is expected to fetch $2 million plus.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/01/belongil.jpg">
They are sizable holdings ranging between 2,022 square metres and 4,575 square metres.
The couple are keeping two Border Street blocks for their continued use.
The couple are also set to sell 41 housing sites at nearby Ewingsdale, which comes with frontage onto Parkway Drive, McGettigans Lane and St Helena Road.
"I'm 72 and I'm clearing the decks for my wife and girls to make everything easier," said Cornell in an accompanying statement through his selling agent Glen Irwin from LJ Hooker Byron Bay.
"The land for sale at Fig Tree Fields (Ewingsdale) was a subdivision which I bought 25 years ago, so if you want a large block where wallabies drop by and Mother Nature lives next door, get in quick.
"My wife is selling part of her beachfront holding at Belongil to realise her long-term investment, as long-term has arrived.
"Instead of 26 Paddington-size blocks, they've been amalgamated into five. Three are for sale.
"They are the best beach-front blocks in Byron Bay, according to the state government which charged $150,000 a year land tax."
Glen Irwin expects the blocks to be worth at least $2 million each.
The lots were bought in the early 1980s for around $325,000 from the then local abattoir. Title Tattle once calculated the entire holding totalled 18,000 square metres or so.
Delvene Delaney was a Sale of the Century television hostess and appeared with Paul Hogan and the John Cornell-devised character, the dopey Strop  in Channel 9 comedy shows.Cornell and Hogan went onto make the Crocodile Dundee movies, which earned both of them a fortune. Cornell also developed a close relationship with Kerry Packer, taking the World Series Cricket idea to Australia's richest person.
Much of their money went into buying extensive property around Byron Bay.
Paul Hogan had the most obvious of holdings, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/cedar-springs-the-paul-hogan-built-byron-bay-hinterland-house-listed-for-auction-by-duncan-and-sally-mount/2012073155795" target="_blank">Cedar Springs at Possum Creek in the Byron Bay hinterland estate.</a>
Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski sold it in 2006 to Duncan and Sally Mount.
The house had been built with a dash of Hollywood splendour as the Australian base for the California-based actors who met on the set of the 1986 international box office success Crocodile Dundee.
Built in the late 1980s, the vast home was completed in time for their 1990 wedding.
The Mounts sold it last October through <a href="https://www.uniqueestates.com.au/Recent-Sales-Detail.aspx?id=ue40&amp;wlid=98891b8f-fddd-4426-9a1b-d7e8115c3ace" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nicollette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates </a>, who was telling buyers that $6.5 million would secure the property pre-auction. It fetched $6.8 million.
It was bought through a nominee holding company with its occupants yet to become known. The holding company is based in a Perth accountancy office in Subiaco, Barringtons, suggesting the buyer to have been a Perth-based millionaire.
Back on Border Street at Belongil, the strip's last sale was in December when a lesser landholding with little privacy was offloaded by receivers. It was the<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/receivers-list-belongil-beach-property-of-ken-lacey-former-milk-and-bodello-industry-entreprenuer/2012110257590" target="_blank"> retreat of the former milk magnate Ken Lacey</a>and his wife, Madeleine, which fetched for $1.25 million.
It was in 2008 when the retired Potts Point stockbroker Chris Trumbull and his wife, Paddy, sold the Border Street, <a href="/news">Belongil Beach</a>, retreat for $3.6 million to the Lacey couple.
The Trumbulls had paid $3 million in 2005 for the 683-square-metre beachfront holding.
The marketing ads by Ray White agent Lloyd Lawton suggested the beach house may be subject to an upgrading or demolition order, i.e. land value.
Of course the year's biggest sale was the<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/rae-s-at-wategos-sold-in-the-hour-before-its-auction/2012102657462" target="_blank"> Rae's property around at Wategos Beach.</a>
It's sold in the hour before its scheduled auction on October 26. No official sale price or buyer details have been released, other than to say the accepted offer was consistent with the $20 million vendor expectations.
Property Observer gathers it was snapped up by interests associated by an offshore non-expatriate buyer, little-known London financier William Morris, although no official settlement has yet been registered with NSW Land Titles.
The London-based trader's LinkedIn website described himself as having "excellent relationships with some of the largest financial institutions around the world, from hedge funds, foundations, banks to top security houses."
It was on the market for the first time in 20 years, having been listed by the entrepreneur Vincent Rae.
Located on a prized 1,049-square-metre beachfront Marine Parade block, the property was set for auction through Ray White Hotels agents Tony Bargwanna and Andrew Jolliffe in conjunction with Gerald Delany of Kay &amp; Burton in Melbourne.
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Delvene Delaney and John 'Strop' Cornell sub-dividing off their Byron beachfront compound: Title Tattle

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Queensland billionaire John van Leishout is poised to buy Homemaker City Fortitude Valley centre for around $100 million from GPT.
The Fortitude Valley Centre measures 38,300 square metres of lettable space and was valued at $100.2 million as of June 30 2012 with 36 tenancies in place.
The centre brought in six-month income of $4.2 million delivering a capitalisation rate of over 9%.
Major tenants are Harvey Norman, Domayne, Nick Scali and Freedom Furniture.
Van Leishout made his fortune from discount furniture store Super Amart in Brisbane's outer suburbs.
The mooted sale, reported by the Australian Financial Review, comes as GPT sells its non-core assets.
Earlier this week GPT sold two other bulky good centres in its Queensland Homemaker City portfolio.
It sold The Homemaker City Jindalee to BB Retail Capital for $50.5 million and the Homemaker City Aspley to a private investor for $41.2 million.
The sales of the centres are being negotiated by Jones Lang LaSalle’s Australian head of retail investments Simon Rooney.
Rooney says bulky good centres represent strong buying opportunities for specialist investment groups following the withdrawal of institutional investors from the sector.
He says over $486.5 million of bulky goods centres sold in 2012, double the value of 2011
GPT’s head of investment management Carmel Hourigan says the sale of the non-core assets would further strengthen the quality of the retail portfolio and support the group’s move towards its target weightings.
“GPT is committed to portfolio weightings of 15% for logistics and business parks, 35% for office and 50% for retail,” says Hourigan.
“While these target weightings can be achieved through organic growth, GPT will also continue to look at strategic investment opportunities.”
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