<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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Celebrity builder Scott Cam is seeking $3100 a week tenants at his redundant Rosebery house following his $4.6 million Vaucluse mansion purchase.
Cam will thrown in a gardener and pool man for the new occupants who take up the rental.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-rosebery-409349331" target="_blank">It's a contemporary, custom-built family residence</a>. The previous residence on the site is pictured below.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/12/scottcamold.jpg">
There's huge open-plan living, dining and family entertaining zones with soaring ceilings, glass walls and louvres, polished concrete floors and two Jetmaster fireplaces.
Its Caesarstone kitchen comes with Ilve appliances, five-burner gas hob, double oven, dishwasher and walk-in pantry.
The private master suite occupies the entire upper level features double walk-in-robes, sunroom, adjoining study/nursery and Japanese-inspired ensuite.
There are an additional four double bedrooms, all with built-ins.
The grounds have north facing grassed garden with solar-heated saltwater pool complete with decking, sunbeds and a separate cabana with kitchen/wet bar, living room, home theatre, guest bedroom, bathroom and steam room.
It comes with "big workshop space" (pictured below) plus office.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/12/camtoolroom.jpg">
Last month Scott Cam, Channel 9's top-rating host of The Block, and his wife, Ann, bought a Tuscan-inspired Vaucluse home (pictured below). And neighbours have noticed utes descend on the upmarket suburb.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/12/camnew.jpg">
The property was sold by pub baron Peter Wadsworth.
"Scotty said that he grew up around Vaucluse and that he's always wanted to come back to the area," said Ray White Double Bay agent Daryl Rosen.
<a href="/news/the-block-2012-presenter-scott-cam-spends-670-000-on-a-mollymook-retreat-title-tattle">The couple spent $670,000 for a retreat at Mollymook on the south coast earlier this year.</a>
Their not-so modest home in Rosebery cost $750,000 in 2001.
The celebrity builder, who launched his TV career in 2000 alongside Jamie Durie on Backyard Blitz, also appears on Backyard Blitz, Domestic Blitz, Random Acts of Kindness and Renovation Rescue.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Celebrity builder Scott Cam seeks $3,100 weekly rent for Rosebery house as he moves to Vaucluse

<html><body>
Located at the mouth of the Endeavour River, Cooktown – with a median house price of $300,000 – is Queensland’s slowest-selling suburb, with property lingering on the market for an average of 258 days.
Chambers Flat is the second slowest, with an average of 233 days on the market and a median house price of $477,000.
Third place is a draw between Mission Beach and Yarraman, with an average time on the market of 220 days.
Mission Beach – a small village along the Coral Sea – has a median house price of $395,000.
Located 181 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, Yarraman has a median price of $192,000.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Median Price
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Time on market (days)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Cooktown</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4895
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$300,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
258
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Chambers Flat</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4133
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$477,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
233
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Mission Beach</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4852
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$395,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
220
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Yarraman</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4614
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$192,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
220
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Vetern</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4570
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$366,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
218
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Heathwood</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4110
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$4983,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
209
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Laidley Heights</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4341
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$338,750
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
205
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a href="/news">Ocean View</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4521
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$600,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
199
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Babinda</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4861
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$174,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
198
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Boyland</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
4275
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$545,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
198
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/">RP Data</a>
A property located at 20 Flinders Street, Cooktown (pictured below), was listed for sale in July 2011 for $440,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/flinderscooktown.jpg">
The  four-bedroom, one-bathroom home has been listed for 490 days.
The price hopes have dropped from $450,000 to $395,000 in that time.
Grant Freeman from Premium Property Specialists has listed the property for the full 490 days.
A property located on 133 Charlotte Street was originally listed for $400,000 in March 2011.
Its asking price has reduced by 25% to $300,000.
It was bought in 2008 for $535,000.
A property at 15 Boundary Street has failed to attract a buyer, having been listed for sale for a total of 981 days.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house was listed in March 2010 with a $375,000 asking price and is currently asking $290,000 – a reduction of $85,000.
Jill Williams from Rainforest Real Estate Cooktown has held the reins on the property for the duration of its listing.
Wonga is Queensland's fastest selling suburb, with a speedy 35 days on the market.
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ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Cooktown Queensland's slowest-selling suburb

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{qtube vid:=4tl4yM5D8hE&amp;feature=plcp}
 
In our Purchase or Pass segment this week, Chris Gray is joined by Rosemary Tan to look at a development in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and to see what your money gets you in comparison to Australia.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/mesra1.jpg">
Have you ever thought about investing overseas – what are the pros and cons of putting your money in a foreign country?
How does Malaysia stand up as a potential investment opportunity? What kinds of properties are available there and how much do they cost? 
This property is 10 minutes from central Kuala Lumpur in an area called Dutamas. A unique community of 58 semi-detached homes in a gated environment with a courtyard garden, playground, a community bath-house, an indoor pool, gym, hall and a recently added outdoor pool.
The homes at Mesra Terrace are three to four storeys high, with sizes ranging from 333 square metres to 400 square metres with three to five bedrooms. They each have their own garage or car porch.
The price is around $725,000 and they would rent for around $600 a week.
Chris Gay: Tell me a bit about the development.
Rosemary Tan: I designed the homes for a three-generation family. What you are seeing here is the interior of the living room and the potential family room. This is a typical semi-detached home. It’s actually two units attached to one another. What you see is a courtyard, and right by the fountain is a huge ring water-harvesting system that we put in and you notice that it’s traffic-free. Why is it child friendly? Basically they can play freely on the courtyard without worrying about traffic.
Chris Gray: And so would this be a classic investment for a home owner or is it a more investment type of thing?
Rosemary Tan: It’s mainly, right now, for a home owner. Although originally when it was first built, a lot of investors came in. We have a very friendly foreign investor policy and in terms of investment in Malaysia, what is basically sought after is land property and the alternative to that is high-rise condominiums.
Chris Gray: I’ve just got back from Hong Kong for a week and is that similar kind of thing? You get a massive high-rise and a lot of foreign investors are getting into those things.
Rosemary Tan: The scarcity of the land around Kula Lumpur in the major cities, a lot of the developments are now going up high.
Chris Gray? So what would you say are some of the pros and cons with these types of properties?
Rosemary Tan: If you invest in a gated environment or condominium, security is a given. So that’s what’s sought after, security, as well as a managed property, and right now all the high-rise style feel like six-star hotels, and that’s what you’re getting. You get a variety of sizes and a variety of styles. The options right now, the most popular neighbourhood is called Mont Kiera, and why is it popular? We have three international schools in that area. Everything is high rise there except for some landed property, and it’s supported by commercial hubs. You can work, play and live there because you can have your office there and you can shop there, and it's all walking distance, but everybody drives in Kuala Lumpur. So that’s the most popular neighbour right now.
Chris Gray: Certainly, the buildings you have there look absolutely stunning. Do people buy these as holiday homes as well?
Rosemary Tan: Our property right now is very near the French school, so half of them are investors renting out to this market. In ringgit terms it's not $1,000 per month. 
Chris Gray: It’s about $600 AUD a week.
Chris Gray is a buyers' agent at <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.yourempire.com.au/">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? Semi-detached homes in Kuala Lumpur

<html><body>
Beldon and Coolbellup are Western Australia’s fastest selling suburbs with an average of 36 days on the market.
Beldon – with a median house price of $433,250 – is located in between two major north-south arteries: Marmion Avenue and Mitchell Freeway.
Coolbellup – with a median house price of $389,000 – is named after the Aboriginal name for the nearby North Lake.
Myaree - the aboriginal word meaning foliage - is the second fast selling suburb with an average of 38 days on the market and a median house price of $630,000.
The southeastern suburb Lynwood is the third fastest selling suburb with a median house price of $395,000 and an average of 39 days on the market.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Median Price
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Time on market (days)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Beldon</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6027
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$433,250
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Coolbellup</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6163
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$389,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Myaree</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6154
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$630,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
38
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Lynwood</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6147
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$395,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
39
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Hamersley</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6022
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$500,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
41
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">West Perth</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6005
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$780,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
41
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Kingsley</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6026
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$532,750
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Martin</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6110
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$680,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Parkwood</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6147
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$425,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
46
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Warwick</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
6024
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$480,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
48
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a href="https://www.rpdata.com/">RP Data</a>
However Mount Melville is the slowest selling suburb with an average of 213 days on the market and a media house price of $335,000.
</body></html>

Beldon and Coolbellup sit atop WA 10 fastest selling suburbs

<html><body>
The small coastal town Binalong Bay – with a median house price of $318,500 – is Tasmania’s slowest selling suburb with an average of 209 days on the market before a sale.
Coles Bay - the main entrance point to the Freycinet National Park - comes in second place with a median house price of $300,00 and 190 days on the market.
Located on the western side of the Huon River, Glen Huon is third on the list with an average of 187 days on the market and a median house price of $265,000.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Media Price
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Time on market (days)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Binalong Bay</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7216
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$318,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
209
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Coles Bay</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7215
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$300,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
190
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Glen Huon</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7109
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$265,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
187
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Huonville</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7109
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$299,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
183
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">St Helens</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7216
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$240,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
182
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Cygnet</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7112
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$255,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
177
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Scamander</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7215
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$280,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
175
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Geeveston</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7116
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$265,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
174
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
Rosebery
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7470
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$60,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
169
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bicheno</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
7215
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$267,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
164
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Lenah Valley is Tasmania’s fastest selling suburb with an average of 43 days on the market.
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpdata.com/">RP Data </a>
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Binalong Bay tops Tasmania's 10 slowest selling suburbs

<html><body>
Situated in the foothills of Mount Wellington, Lenah Valley – with a median house price of $367,500 – is Tasmania’s quickest selling suburb with an average of 43 days on the market.
 Lying on the ride of Knocklofty, Mount Stuart is second on the list with an average of 46 days on the market and a median house price of $403,750.
Home to the Cascades Female Factory historic site, South Hobart is in third place with an average of 53 days on the market and a median house price of $390,300.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Median Price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Time on market (days)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Lenah Valley</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7008
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$367,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
43
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Mount Stuart</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$403,750
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
46
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">South Hobart</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7004
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$390,300
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
53
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Moonah</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7009
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$275,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
54
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Havenview</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7320
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$229,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
58
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Seven Mile Beach</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7170
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$413,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
62
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Dynnyrne</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7005
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$415,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
66
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">North Hobart</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7007
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$407,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
67
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Park Grove</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7320
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$291,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
67
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
<a href="/news">Brooklyn</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
7320
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$157,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
68
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Bingalong Bay is Tasmania’s slowest selling suburb with an average of 209 days on the market.
Source: <a style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;" href="https://www.rpdata.com/" target="_blank">RP Data</a>
</body></html>

Lenah Valley tops Tasmania's 10 fastest-selling suburbs

<html><body>
Holidaymakers in Western Australia can watch Eagle Bay whales cavort while sprawled out on a sundeck at Inspiration on Wedgetail.
Located on 3,264 square metres of property on Wedgetail View Eagle Bay, the residence is surrounded by vineyards, hinterlands and coastland.
With seven bedrooms, a 20-metre indoor/outdoor pool, a 12-person spa and a gym, you can practice relaxation at its finest.
Also included is a two-lane bowling alley, a squash court and a private cinema.
The property is available to rent from December 12 to December 27, with a minimum seven-night stay of $18,000.
Any extra days from Sunday to Thursday will cost you $3,000 a night and $6,000 for a Friday or Saturday night.
It is also available to rent from January 24 onwards.
Inspiration on Wedgetail is currently listed for sale by Andrew Hopkins from Jhy Realty Dunsborough for $10.5 million
It was first listed in June this year.
It last sold in 2007 for $2.3 million.
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Countdown to summer: Inspiration on Wedgetail 

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One of Gold Coast's most exclusive residential offerings – the riverfront Southport mansion Alston – has been listed for sale.
But rather than its past $20 million-plus asking price, the home of bankrupt developer Graham Spottiswood and his wife, Suzanne, has been ordered by Commonwealth Bank-appointed receivers, who have more subdued expectations.
The Gold Coast Bulletin suggests the likely price benchmark was set two doors away, when $9.5 million was paid for the former Quinlivan home at June auction when sold to the semi-retired cotton farmer Ted Hadley.
Alston, an European-style house, will go to auction on January 27 through John Natoli and James Ledgerwood of <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-southport-qld-4215/168449" target="_blank">McGrath Broadbeach</a> under instructions by Grant Sparks and Craig Ticehurst of PPB Advisory
The 3,442 square metres of land Alston sits on was bought from split-cycle engine inventor Rick Mayne for $2.35 million in 1998, where a house on the site was demolished to make way for Alston.
Completed in 2010, Alston boats six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and seven fireplaces spaced over 2,225-square metres of floor area.
Also included is a 15-metre indoor heated pool, gymnasium, basement cinema, a bar of five-star hotel quality with a six-metre-long marble bar top and a two-level library with a spiral staircase.
“The second you step into this property it is more than obvious that the quality of design, inclusions and meticulous attention to detail positions this very special home as one of world-class standing,” says Natoli.
Alston is fenced with exclusive mansions of Riverina Marine founder Bill Barry-Cotter to the south and former V8 supercar executive chairman Tony Cochrane to the north.
“This dress circle riverfront address is one of the Gold Coast’s premier enclaves and has been tightly held and rarely available,” says Ledgerwood.
In July 2011 Spottiswood listed Alston without success with $20 million price expectations through Christies International.
In February this year Spottiswood was sill holding out for a buyer happy to splash out more than $20 million for his Southport mansion.
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Southport mansion Alston listed for receivers' sale

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There will be no swift recovery in the outer-Melbourne residential new housing market, with a confluence of factors contributing to the unprecedented high rate of lots being returned to residential developers, according to Charter Keck Cramer.
The most recent update of the National Land Survey – a project undertaken by consultants Charter Keck Cramer (CKC) in conjunction with Research4, which tracks the performance of capital city residential land markets – <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/one-in-three-melbourne-residential-lots-being-returned-to-developers-by-building-firms-report/2012112958179">found that 30% of Melbourne greenfield</a> land had been returned by building companies to developers in the September quarter.
This compared with an already high average cancellation rate of 23% over the past 12 months and a cancellation rate of only 4% during the property boom from June 2009 to December 2010.
CKC director Robert Papaleo tells Property Observer there may have been a degree of artificiality in the September quarter cancellation rate, but there is likely to be a “long, slow recovery” for the Melbourne land market, with the current downturn exaggerated by the swift nature of the upswing over the 2009-10 period as prices rose by an “unsustainable” 15% to 20% ever quarter.
Papaleo says the jump in cancellations recorded in the September quarter to one in three may be partly due to the fact that listed developers – the main players in the Melbourne land market – have used incentives and other selling strategies to lift their contracts on hand and present healthier-looking numbers in their financial results.
Most developers reported annual financial results to the end of June.
Papaleo says some developers relaxed their selling terms to secure sales, including requiring in some cases that buyers pay only a $500 holding deposit, rather than the traditional 10% deposit.
“These are the lots that are being returned – they are also the smallest lots and the lowest price products,” says Papaleo.
He says such selling practices have been common in the south east Queensland and Brisbane market for at least two years, but are now being used to some degree in Melbourne.


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In addition, the $13,000 state government handout for those buying or building a new home ended on June 30, which also may have contributed to a drop in demand.
The December quarter update to the land survey – out in early 2013 – will provide further evidence if the spike in the cancellation rate was exacerbated by these factors or is a longer-term trend.
What does remain though is a current a peak residential lot “overhang” of around 5,000 lots – land held mainly by listed developers – with is likely put further pressure on pricing.
“We are in for a lot of pain, and there is no clear sign of a turnaround either," says Papaleo.
Papaleo says the current incentives being offered by residential developers – <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/from-%2410000-to-%2450000-residential-developers-tempt-buyers-with-incentives/2012112358053" target="_blank">ranging from $10,000 to $50,000</a> – are being dissolved into the pricing, causing a “re-benchmarking to remove the distortion”.
“This will result in the need for a reduction in the price.” he says.
The market has also not been helped by a rise in supply following plans announced in June to extend Melbourne’s urban growth boundary outwards over the next 20 years to incorporate six new fringe suburbs and provide new homes for up to 100,000 people.
There are currently 24 precinct structure plans (PSPs) in various stages of planning, according to Melbourne’s Growth Area Authority, with each PSP catering for master-planned residential communities of between 10,000 to 30,000 people.
“Supply has been forced up at the worst possible time,” says Papaleo.
According to Papaleo, a pick-up in overseas migration will have flow-on effects for the Melbourne property market and help spur a recovery in the fringe residential new housing market.
“Net overseas migration has come off the bottom of its cycle, but there is usually a 12 to 18 month lag before it feeds into the housing market,” he says.
A pick-up in overseas migration could result in a rise in demand for fringe housing from these new arrivals but could also see them acquiring established housing and those displaced residents choosing, in some cases, to buy a lifestyle property on the outskirts of the city.
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Long, slow road to recovery for Melbourne residential land market, with prices to fall further: Charter Keck Cramer

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The US agricultural investment fund Westchester has bought the 17,200-hectare rice farm Cobran Station from the Twynam Group for around $18 million.
The farm near Hay in NSW, which was once the largest rice farm in the country, was developed by businessman John Elliott through the Australian Rice Holdings and the US-based Disney family investment company Shamrock Capital Advisors. Elliott bought Cobran while still chairman and chief executive of Elders IXL in the late 1980s.
The Kahlbetzer family's Twynam Group bought the property in 2002. Twynam paid $21.7 million for the then 31,219-hectare holding, keeping the higher-value irrigation land on the Murrumbidgee River while selling off the property's northern grazing section.
Most of the farm’s irrigated cropping paddocks are now used for raising cotton and sheep are also run on the property.
<a href="https://wgimglobal.com/home" target="_blank">Westchester</a> is a leading global agricultural asset manager, having over 25 years consolidated a $2 billion portfolio including 400 farms across the United States, Australia, South America and Europe.
It's seeking over 1 million acres across the globe as possible farmland opportunities, totalling more than $3 billion in value.
The Twynam Group sold a large rural holding earlier this year – the 35,600-hectare Collymongle at Collarenebri in northern NSW – to neighbouring farmers the Zell family for $40?million plus.
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