<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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ANZ has noted housing demand/supply fundamentals continue to tighten, buoyed by net migration and population growth accelerating.
Given building activity was only moderately higher than cyclical lows, there was now pressure in vacancy rates.
Strong demand for existing rental stock was adding upward pressure to advertised rents across most Australian capital cities rental markets.
It was also creating some spill over activity in the home buying market from first home buyers, with the relative cost of mortgage payments to rents decreasing.
"Looking through the distortions of first home buyer policy incentives, first home buyer finance levels are around 25% higher than the recent low in early 2011, the report by David Cannington and Paul Braddick noted.
"We expect demand for first home buyer finance will continue to recover through 2013," the 2012 housing chartbook said.
The report noted house prices have increased in recent months across most capital cities aided by interest rate cuts and tightening underlying housing market demand/supply fundamentals.
However, the housing market outlook across states and territories will likely remain "quite desynchronised."
In the coming year, house prices in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin are likely to increase moderately, while soft state economic activity is expected to keep house prices flat to moderately lower in Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

ANZ notes housing demand/supply fundamentals continue to tighten, with net migration and population

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Australand has rebuffed the unsolicited, non-binding proposal from GPT to acquire much of its core business.
Its taken five days for the Australand board to make its response to what effectively was the cherry-picking proposal of GPT for Australand’s investment property portfolio and its commercial and industrial business.
The offer involved Australand retaining the residential business.
The Australand board has today declared the GPT proposal as "not providing a compelling value proposition."
It was not in the best interests of Australand’s securityholders with the board suggesting the offer "does not provide a sufficient premium nor compensate Australand securityholders for the transaction costs that would be incurred by Australand, structural inefficiencies and risks involved with implementing the proposal including the uncertainty as to the trading value of the residual residential business as a stand alone listed company."
The board does not intend to engage with GPT in relation to the proposal which they view as  "incomplete, highly conditional and subject to a number of factors including undertaking due diligence, exclusivity and market break fees."
The proposal involved GPT acquiring the assets at a premium of $140 million to the 30 June 2012 book value.
 
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Australand rejects GPT offer

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{qtube vid:=tzRK9OYDCW4&amp;feature=plcp}
 
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/12/benboyd.jpg">
In our Purchase or Pass segment this week Chris Gray is joined by Warren McCarthy, the managing director at McCarthy Business Consultants, to check out another potential investment for someone on a budget that is trying to find something affordable close to the city but not in it.
It’s a one-bedroom unit in a block of 15 units, 4.7 kilometres from the CBD and less than one kilometre from the ferry. The unit is 60 square metres and has sunlight coming in from both sides. It has fantastic views of the city and harbour bridge from the lounge and balcony area. It gets $500 a week rent, which equals a 5.4% return.
Chris Gray: I guess to start with, if you have a budget of $500,000, you don’t get much for your money these days, do you?
Warren McCarthy: You certainly don’t, and that potential return you’re referencing of 5.4% is pretty good. The size of the dwelling of 60 square metres is good for a couple, and there’s certainly room to move instead of being too pokey. It sounds like it’s in a pretty good space there, Chris, with the views, and capturing the dear old Harbour Bridge. I think not a bad entry point for that type of location.
Chris Gray: Most of the time we’re not talking about location because we’re always trying to get into the intimate details but obviously we can’t pretend it’s Melbourne or Perth because it’s pretty much Sydney all over, isn’t it?
Warren McCarthy: Sounds like it downtown Sydney Harbour views, and that’s quite rare and good for a long-term capital growth strategy, and I think real estate should always be considered in that regard, but good entry level.
Chris Gray: One thing I’m always after is sticking to a block size of 12 units or so, but it certainly fits 15, do you think that makes much difference?
Warren McCarthy: Not really. I think it’s certainly within control and understanding of your levies of what’s going to go on in that building, rather it be 70 or some sort of huge number like that. It’s well within a reasonable number.
Chris Gray: Something that costs no money but can add a lot of value is light. When you’ve got light coming in from both sides of the building it makes a hell of a lot of difference. Obviously you used to be in real estate sales and on the financing side, how much difference does it make to try and sell an apartment that’s nice and light?
Warren McCarthy: Without a doubt, the right aspect is what sells property and if the sun’s shining in that just adds that extra element to the attractiveness to the buyer and so it is a good point to have as part of your ownership of that particular investment.
Chris Gray: A lot of the time in a perfect world, most of us would probably go for a two bedroom if we had the money, but obviously there’s limited budgets on this question. But having something unique like the Harbour Bridge can that make the be all and end all difference, the difference between selling a unit and not selling it?
Warren McCarthy: That can certainly help put the sale right across the line. If it’s always going to have those views and hopefully they’re never obstructed in the future. If it does have those views, it’s always going to be that lovely tick in the right box for that sale to be made and at a premium price because of that rare view of the Sydney Harbour.
Chris Gray: Especially if you have a foreigner just to tell his mum back in the UK or wherever he comes from, I can see the Harbour view.
Warren McCarthy: And for $500,000 at this level, good price.
Chris Gray: So purchase or pass for you?
Warren McCarthy: Definitely purchase for me in this particular climate.
Chris Gray: It is still possible to still buy near the city, in a high capital growth location and get value for money and a high rent return. There’s always going to be a limited market for those who can pay $500 a week for a one-bedroom unit but because it’s large it can still fit two people in very comfortably. So if your budget is restricted, I say I would be happy to purchase this one, so I give it a purchase as well.
Chris Gray is a buyer’s agent at <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.yourempire.com.au/" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Empire</a>. He is host of Your Property Empire on Fridays on the Sky News Business Channel.
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chrisgray-pn7di3ceFk

Purchase or Pass? A Neutral Bay investment for someone on a budget

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The Sydney rental market tightened during the month of November, dropping 0.1% to a vacancy rate of 1.8% - according to a report from Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
The outer suburbs of Sydney dropped the most, with a decline of 0.6% to 1.6% total vacancy rate.
The inner suburbs – within 10 kilometres from the CBD – went against the trend to rise 0.1% to a 1.7% total vacancy.
The middle suburbs – 10 to 25 kilometres from the Sydney CBD – were steady during the month of November at 2.1%.
There were also vacancy drops in Illawarra and Wollongong.
Illawarra declined 0.2% to 2.2% and Wollongong dropped 0.1% to 2.5%.
“The most dramatic change in the state was recorded in the outer suburbs of Sydney, with a fall of 0.6% to 1.6%,” says REINSW president Christian Payne.
“In fact, since August 2012, the vacancy rate in the outer suburbs of Sydney has fallen from a high of 3.1% to 1.6%, a level last seen in March 2012, when the vacancy rate was 1.5%.”
Newcastle also experienced a decline of 0.4% to 1.2% but the Hunter as a whole stayed steady at 1.7%.
Coffs Harbour experienced a decline of 0.2% but continues to have the highest vacancy rates in the state at 3.4%.
The Murrumbidgee continues to grow with a vacancy rate of 1.5%, an increase of 0.1%.
Albury holds the lowest vacancy rate at 1.4%, a drop of 0.2% from October.
“The reduction in interest rates by the Reserve Bank of Australia at their board meeting in December is likely to help stimulate investment in the residential property market. This should have a flow on effect in 2013,” says Payne.
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ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Sydney rental market tightened in November to 1.8%: REINSW

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There's a $2.25 million St Kilda offering where the owner can watch the Luna Park smile all year round and eat downstairs at Phamish.
It's a modern two-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse facing the iconic St Kilda landmark and the Palais. Its for sale through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXmeu5IK0-M&amp;feature=youtu.be">Josh Stirling at Hodges St Kilda</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/luna2.jpg">
There's a fully-integrated Smeg kitchen plus contemporary open-plan lounge/dining areas that flow out to a winter garden and adjoining balcony that takes in the sea breezes.
Its private rooftop area comes with built-in barbecue, storage and a full guest bathroom.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Kilda</a> penthouse was last sold for $2.2 million in mid-2011 by the entrepreneur Danny Vorhauer who had paid $1,915,000 off the plan in 2009.
It was bought by investor Kel MacCulloch, who had purchased the adjoining apartment for $1.6 million off the plan in 2009 from the developers, George Saade's St Kilda Esplanade Investments Pty Ltd.
Kel MacCulloch, who operates IT firm O2 Networks, rented his initial apartment when he moved to Clarendon Towers at Southbank, according to 2010 newspaper reports.
It's in the SJB Architects-designed building, which when unveiled in 2008 and was dubbed the "Legs" building, given its green, fishnet-patterned glass facade.
The 12-apartment building won the 2009 South-East Design award for outstanding medium-density housing development and was entered for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&amp;entryno=2009032144">the Australian Institute of Architects multiple housing award for Victoria</a>.
The design includes rectangular, terrace-style apartments and curved, irregular residences.
"We felt that the building should reflect the vibrant character of St Kilda – the interest in art and form-making," Bialek said at the time.
"The graphic (on the building) is a tongue-in-cheek recognition of the fish nets of the fishermen and of the hookers' stockings."
The apartment has also been recently available at $1,000 a week rental.
An investor paid $2.6 million last month for the premises occupied by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/investor-snaps-up-phamish-restaurant-premises-on-st-kilda-esplanade-for-%2426-million/2012112057963">Phamish cafe </a>reflecting a yield of 6.39%, according to Savills agents Nick Peden and Clinton Baxter.
It was on December 13, 1912, when Mr Moon opened his giant mouth at the fun park now owned by businessman Lindsay Fox.
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St Kilda penthouse with Luna Park views fishing for new $2.25 million owner

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With the year coming to an end, it’s interesting to look back and see how turbulent the last 12 months have been and how many crises we’ve survived.
The troubles in Europe and the US didn’t bring the financial system to its knees, our economy performed well, and our property markets didn’t collapse, as some doomsayers predicted. In fact, our markets finished the year in much better shape than they started.
While it looks like 2013 will be another “interesting” year and the media will continue with its barrage of negative messages, the good news is out there -- you just have to look for it.
In the spirit of optimism, here are 17 things you should feel good about.
<ol>
<li>Biomedical gerontologist Aubrey de Grey thinks the first person to live to see his or her 150th birthday is already born. Medical technology is awesome.</li>
<li>The International Monetary Fund reported that Australia is now the world’s 12th largest economy, steadily moving its way up the list and punching well above its weight for a nation of 23 million people.</li>
<li>Swiss Banking giant Credit Suisse reported that Australians have the highest edian net worth in the world – $217,559 per person. By the way, that’s almost four times the net worth of each person in the U.S.</li>
<li>A cancer-stricken man from Eritrea received an artificially grown trachea derived from his own cells. More awesome medical technology at work.</li>
<li>Part of the reason our health system is a money pit is because we are living much longer than previously expected. I can think of worse problems.</li>
<li>If you're reading this article, you're part of the 30% of the world with internet access. Some 70% of the planet would love to be in your shoes.</li>
<li>Australia’s population is growing at around 1.4% per annum. Faster than almost every other developed nation.</li>
<li>94% of Australians who want a job are gainfully employed.</li>
<li>Today's personal savings rate is higher than it has been for many, many years.</li>
<li>Life expectancy for someone born today is eight years longer than someone born in 1960.</li>
<li>Ten years ago, mobile phone technology consisted of a calculator and game called Snake. Today you can watch full-length movies, bank online and get driving directions on a phone half the size and a fraction of the price.</li>
<li> Almost all news on the internet is free.</li>
<li>You had to be rich to get on an aeroplane in 1950; today almost every Australian can afford to fly.</li>
<li>In the U.S. and Europe, death by stroke has fallen 70% since the 1950s.</li>
<li>In the early 1970s, an influential study predicted the world would exhaust all known supplies of oil and natural gas by 1992. “End of the world” predictions are nothing new.</li>
<li>Interest rates are low, affordability is the best for a decade consumer sentiment is increasing, auction clearances are firm and prices are creeping up. Putting all this together, it looks like our property markets bottomed in the middle of 2012 and 2013 will be a better year for property.</li>
<li>Around 0.3% of the world’s population live in Australia. Odds are, you're one of them.</li>
</ol>
Michael Yardney is a director of <a href="https://www.metropole.com.au/">Metropole Property Strategists</a>, which creates wealth for its clients through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He is best-selling author, one of Australia's leading experts in wealth creation through property and writes the <a href="https://propertyupdate.com.au/category/property-investment/">Property Investment Update</a> blog. Subscribe today and you'll receive a free video, The Golden Rules of Property Investment.
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myardney-DFoGhGbSJX

Reasons to be thankful in 2012

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A holiday house on tropical Hamilton Island – known at The Whitehouse – is among the country's pricest rentals at $24,000 a week.
Located at 8 Melaleuca Drive, the six-bedroom, seven-bathroom residence can sleep a maximum of 16 people.
With imported marble floors throughout, the sunken lounge has electronic doors opening the view to the blue water of The Great Barrier Reef.
The house is split into two, with the north and south wing mirror images of each other.
The 900-square-metre residence sits on 6,286 square metres of manicured gardens and has a swimming pool and tennis court.
There is also a buggy garage that hosts three buggies, since they are the main form of transport on the island.
The Whitehouse traded in 2006 for $5.25 million and received an extensive makeover in 2007.
It resold in 2011 for $6.35 million, some $650,000 shy of the owners $7 million asking price.
It was sold after being <a href="https://www.hamiltonislandrealestate.com.au/pol/property/search.asp?f_propertyID=1625235&amp;xsl=4973" target="_blank">relisted for sale </a>earlier this year with a $7.5 million asking price.
The Whitehouse was built in the early 1990s by a group of Melbourne architects as an island getaway and rental investment.
If you choose to rent, the minimum stay at the property is one night.
A stay from Sunday to Thursday could cost you $3,500 a night or $7,000 a night if you stay Friday or Saturday.
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Summer rental holiday countdown: The Whitehouse on Hamilton Island

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The Take a Stickybeak campaign, promoting the REIWA’s real estate portal, strikes an amusing note.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/REIWA/status/269698903627145217"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/sticky.jpg"></a>
It comes with a 30-second video campaign aimed at establishing the website as the state’s leading real estate portal.
{qtube vid:=yU6d6T9lfNE}
The reiwa.com website is an industry-based portal that lists properties for sale or rent as well as new homes and developments across WA. It is owned by the Real Estate Institute of West Australia who teamed up to secure marketing support from Kerry Stokes's West Australian Newspapers.
Its competitor sites are News Ltd's realestate.com.au and Fairfax's domain.com.au.
The October Nielsen numbers showed reiwa.com attracted more than 1 million visits per month from over 400,000 unique visitors, generating over 10 million page impressions and around 65 million searches a month. Numbers dipped in November, as for much of the industry, to 351,000 unique visitors generating 9.5 million page impressions, with an average session duration of eight minutes.
Even though the site only shows properties in Western Australia, reiwa.com is the sixth biggest real estate site Australia wide, according to a recent Hitwise Top 10 for real estate.
Charlie Gunningham, the executive manager of reiwa.com, says it's a fun marketing campaign that recognised that everyone likes to have a stickybeak at property.
Indeed is that not the truth! Especially around this place.
I often recall the words of property sage Max Raine in singing the praises of the Sydney Morning Herald's property column, Title Deeds during my lengthy editorship.
Max Raine often noted that Title Deeds, especially when it appeared on the front page of the Saturday property section in the years after its 1987 launch, brought increased numbers of readers who were not actually in the market place for property to the SMH real estate classified pages. And then they quite often became buyers once they were there.
Here at Property Observer we have that same approach in mind - seeking to provide articles for everyone from the property naive to the property passionate. Our readers can be anywhere along the property journey - from those possibly starting out on their first home to those searching for yields for their next property investment. For those looking for advice on buying a simple small storage space to those embarking on setting up their smsf. And ofcourse the curious stickybeaks.   
Interestingly, total visits to all the major Australian property listing sites had its most recent peak last January, according to the blogger Michael Daley <a target="_blank" href="https://www.experian.com.au/blogs/marketing-forward/2012/11/13/is-it-the-right-time-to-buy-or-sell/">who undertakes analysis of Hitwise Competitive Intelligence data</a>. Nothing higher since.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/12/sticky1.gif" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/sticky1thumb.gif"></a>
 
As far as the most common city- and state-based property searches, "melbourne" dominates, followed "nsw" then "perth", which certainly punches above its weight.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/12/sticky2.gif" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/sticky2thumb.gif"></a>
 
Recent data compiled by JP Morgan indicated there was a $1.56 billion Australian classifieds market, both print and online, in the past financial year. 
The total online classifieds market was worth $640 million, with the big three made up of employment, real estate and cars. 
The report concluded the total real estate advertising market totalled $586 million – with its online ads being a $219 million segment.
The analysis of the online/print advertising price differential show that the dollar amount spent on print is currently 3.5 to 4.5 times that of online real estate advertising.
The News Ltd lead REA Group ranks as the clear leader in the online residential real estate classifieds market with a near 70% revenue share, followed by Domain, the Fairfax-owned site, with 27% share and in third place, the industry portal, realestateVIEW.com.au with a 4% share.
The newest entrant, Metro Media Publishing, a 50%/50% joint venture between FXJ and leading Melbourne real estate agents, has a forecast online revenue of $20 million by the end of 2013 financial year. JP Morgan notes this would place it as the number three player in the online real estate classifieds market.
realestate.com.au attracts more than twice as much website traffic as its nearest competitor, domain.com.au.
Residential real estate is the largest classifieds market by size at $586 million in the past financial year, accounting for 38% of the $1.56 billion total classifieds market in Australia.
However, online still only comprises 37% of the real estate market, significantly less than employment (58% of total) and automotive (90% of total).
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There's a property stickybeak in us all, but selling property is big business

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Property owners and investors on Palm Beach on the Gold Coast are struggling to come to terms with the extent to which property prices have declined in the region since the GFC, according to a new report by PRDnationwide.
“Whilst many vendors acknowledge diminished capital values especially over recent years, and have priced their property accordingly, a large proportion of vendors remain under the illusion that their properties are undoubtedly worth more now than three to five years ago," says PRDnationwide analyst Robert Matta, author of the report.
“Whilst this may be the case for few properties in the area, this is definitely an extraordinary circumstance which has contributed to a lack of reasonable priced property on the market,” he says.
He also notes that buyers who purchased since 2007 are restricted by how much they can revise their pricing due to possible equity shortfalls.
“There is also evidence to suggest that unencumbered vendors have become increasingly reluctant to negotiate on the fire sale cash offers floating around in the market, which is exacerbating the level of well-priced stock in the market,” he says.
PRDnationwide’s investigation of the coastal area of Palm Beach, which includes the suburbs of <a href="/news">Palm Beach</a>, <a href="/news">Elanora</a>, <a href="/news">Currumbin</a>, <a href="/news">Currumbin Waters</a> and <a href="/news">Tugun</a> south of Surfers Paradise, reveals a marked  downwards shift in property values.
In June 2010 nearly two-thirds (65%) of properties that traded in the Palm Beach area sold for between $500,000 and $700,000, with the remainder trading between $400,000 and $500,000.
Figures for June 2012 show that only 45% of sales were in the $500,000 and $700,000, with the majority priced under $500,000
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/prddec14.gif">
PRDnationwide recorded a small increase in residential sales in the Palm Beach area in the first half of 2012 with 220 sales negotiated, but says the market remained idle, “despite a marked correction in the median price over the past five years”.
For Palm Beach investors, the rental market has remained stagnant over the past three years, “with little to no movement in price growth across the house and unit markets”.
“Buying well is the key for investors to achieve a competitive rental yield in the marketplace with low rental price growth anticipated over the coming year,” says Matta.
According to Matta, active investors and owner-occupiers have become increasingly price-conscious, with the sub $350,000 price range accounting for 65% of the total sales recorded in the June 2012 period, in contrast to 35% recorded in the June 2010 period.
The unit market has been more resilient than the wider Gold Coast municipality, with a median unit price for June 2012 of $355,000.
Palm Beach rents range from $300 per week for a two-bedroom apartment to $490 per week for a four-bedroom house.
Elanora recorded the highest number of sales for the six month to the end of June with 67, up 20% one more than Palm Beach, a 20% fall on the same period in 2011.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Marked decline in property values hard to accept by  for Palm Beach vendors on the Gold Coast: PRDnationwide

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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/chateau-le-marais-the-fink-family-s-wallis-island-%2420-million-mansion-listing/2012120958356"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/20m1.gif"></a>
The price hopes the Fink family have for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/chateau-le-marais-the-fink-family-s-wallis-island-%2420-million-mansion-listing/2012120958356">Chateau Le Marais, </a>an imposing neo-classical five-bedroom residence built of stone masonry on its 105-hectare estate on Wallis Island. 
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/68percent.gif"></a>
The percentage of mortgage holders surveyed by Nielsen who said their<a target="_blank" href="/news"> number one financial goal </a>was to pay off their home loans, confirming the view that Australians regard owning their home outright as key for their financial future.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/john-so-snaps-up-west-melbourne-mixed-use-terrace-offering/2012120958361"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/2point28m.gif"></a>
The price former <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/john-so-snaps-up-west-melbourne-mixed-use-terrace-offering/2012120958361">Melbourne lord mayor John So paid for two double-storey Victorian terrace houses</a> combined into a single property on William Street in West Melbourne. The combined seven-bedroom ornate Victorian terrace came with mixed-use zoning.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/0point1percent.gif"></a>
The amount by which <a target="_blank" href="/news">owner-occupied housing finance commitments rose in October,</a> according to the ABS. This was well below market expectations of 3%, with Westpac forecasting the number of loans to owner-occupiers to rise by 3.4% in the month.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/perth-and-darwin-register-double-digit-annual-rental-growth-defying-flat-market-reia/2012121158424"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/15point4percent1.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/perth-and-darwin-register-double-digit-annual-rental-growth-defying-flat-market-reia/2012121158424">annual rent increase for three-bedroom houses in Perth</a>, which was the best-performing rental market in the 12 months to September, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia. 
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/thursday-flicker-4-cooktown-queensland-s-slowest-suburb-top-10/2012121258431"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/258.gif"></a>
The average number of days it takes to sell a property in Cooktown,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/thursday-flicker-4-cooktown-queensland-s-slowest-suburb-top-10/2012121258431"> Queensland's slowest-selling suburb</a>. 
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/thursday-flicker-2-residential-property-prices-to-rise-6-in-2012-shane-oliver/2012121258437"><img src="/images/stories/2012/12/5percent1.gif"></a>
The amount by which <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/thursday-flicker-2-residential-property-prices-to-rise-6-in-2012-shane-oliver/2012121258437">AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver</a> predicts property prices will rise in 2013. Oliver expects only modest returns for property investors compared with other asset classes.
 
 
 
 
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