<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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Almost 300 Australian farmers have left the land every month over the last three decades, resulting in a 40% exodus in their numbers.
Not just due to drought, family succession lines ceasing, plus small land holders selling out to the bigger producers.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics report puts the number of famers in 2011 at 157,000 farmers – some 106,00 fewer than in 1981.
The number has dropped by 11% in the past five years.
The majority of farms were small in terms of land area, with around a third covering less than 50 hectares (36%), and a similar proportion (36%) between 50 and 500 hectares.
Conversely there were a small number (100) of massive farms that occupied more than 500,000 hectares, which is more than twice the land area of the Australian Capital Territory.
The total area of agricultural land in 2011 amounted to 410 million hectares or just over half (53%) of the nation’s landmass.
The proportion of land devoted to agriculture varied across states and territories lead by Queensland where agriculture occupied the vast majority (81%) of the state, while in Tasmania just under a quarter (24%) of all land was used for agriculture.
The farmers work longer hours than most in the workforce with 50% working 49 hours or more a week, compared to 17% of other workers putting in similiar long hours in other industries.
More than half (56%) of Australia’s farmers were self employed owner managers, compared with 15% of other workers.
Despite the long hours, the average weekly disposable income of farmers in 2009-10 ($568) was considerably lower than that of people working in other occupations ($921).
However, the average equivalised net worth, taking into account both assets and liabilities, of farming households in 2009-10 was $1.3 million, much higher than the average across other households, at $393,000. But, according to ABS, such high levels of wealth are not enjoyed by all farming households with 10% of farming households classified as having relatively low levels of wealth.
Some 71% of farming households were in the top 20% of the wealth distribution.
The majority of farmers were involved in specialised beef cattle farming (28%), mixed grain-sheep or grain-beef cattle farming (9%).
The farmers still working on the land are getting older.
“In 2011, almost a quarter (23 per cent) of farmers were aged 65 years or over, compared with just 3 per cent of people in other occupations,” the ABS report noted.
“The tendency of farmers to work beyond the traditional retirement age may reflect the decline in younger generations taking over family farms.”
In 2011, only 11% of Australian farmers were born overseas, compared with 26% of the total population.
In 2011, there were 93,300 farming families.
Almost half (48%) of these comprised a couple living by themselves (compared with 38% of other families), many of whom were likely to have had older children no longer living at home.
Of those families with children living at home, farming families were slightly larger on average than other families (4.0 people compared with 3.7).
Close to a third (29%) of farming families with children had three or more children, compared with one fifth (20%) of other families.
One parent families were much less common among farming families (3%), than among other families (16%).
"This may suggest that separation and divorce is less common among farming families," the ABSA report noted.
"Indeed, of those people who had been married, farmers were much less likely than other people to be divorced or separated (8% compared with 18%)," it noted.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Farmer exodus from the land continues as drought, youthful disinterest and long hours, but not divorce take toll

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The number of residential properties listed for sale across Australia increased by 4.9% during the month of November but remain unchanged year-on-year according to SQM Research.
The overall listings totalled 363,436 nationally but there is only the difference of 10 listing when compared to November 2011.
SQM Research says Darwin is showing signs of severe under supply with a decrease of 21.7% in listings compared to this time last year. However, during November the Northern Territory capital city experienced a 3.3% increase in stock, bringing total listings to 1,188.
Perth experienced the highest increase of listings this month with a 10.4% change - bringing the total listings to 18,737 – but dropped 3.5% when compared to November last year.
Sydney experienced a 7.7% increase on last month but is 9.0% lower than last year, with a total of 31,863 listings.
Melbourne has increased by a modest 2,345 listings compared to last month – a total of 5.3% - but isstill down on last year by 0.4%.
Brisbane listings also increased compared to last month by 3.1% - a total of 27,331 – but is down 1.2% on November 2011.
Canberra listings increased by 9.2% compared to last month and 4.4% year-on-year, with listings totaling 4,103.
Hobart also increased significantly by 6.4% to 4,615 listings during the month of November. Hobart experienced the biggest year-on-year change with a 6.6% increase.
“It seems the spring selling season did come late for the property market, with the November results being the first spring month to record a meaningful increase in listings,” says managing director of SQM Research Louis Christopher.
SQM Research predicts closer to Christmas, the level of stock will stagnate or decrease slightly as the property market slows down for the end of the year.
“In line with seasonality, I expect the December and January results to records falls,” says Louis Christopher.
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Residential listings rise 4.9% in November to bloom late in the last month of spring: SQM Research

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If you’re dreaming of cocktails in a swimming pool overlooking the Whitsunday Islands, the Round House on Hamilton Island is the vacation rental for you. 
Perched high on the eastern side of One Tree Hill and overlooking Catseye Bay, the Round House boasts a distinct circular design.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/roundhouse2.jpg">
Designed by Peter Conley and Associates, the Round House offers 12 hours of tropical sunshine “around the house”.
With four bedrooms and five bathrooms, the property can sleep a maximum of eight adults and six children.
Located on Melaleuca Drive, the property has a 12-metre salt-water solar heated infinity pool that wraps itself around the exterior.
Its 3.6-metre-high glass bi-fold doors encase the whole lower floor, and double-storey ceilings offer spacious living. 
The Round House is seemingly only available to rent from January 17 to January 21 within the 2012-2013 summer vacation season.
A minimum of four nights applies at a total of $6,000, or $7,000 for the five-night stay.
During the Audi Hamilton race week in August, a nine night block applies for $14,850.
A separate cottage is available to rent on the property for $300 a night and can accommodate four adults.
The beachfront home also offer two four-seater buggies a means for transport around the tropical island.
Yesterday we featured Kym Illman's beach house <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/countdown-to-summer-kym-illman-s-nautica-at-palm-beach-on-the-gold-coast/2012120958347" target="_blank">Nautica</a>, located at Palm Beach in Queensland.
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Countdown to summer: Round House on Hamilton Island

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Lend Lease has been selected as preferred bidder by the New South Wales government to deliver the Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct (SICEEP) at Darling Harbour.
It's among the winning Destination Sydney consortium consisting of Lend Lease, HOSTPLUS, Capella Capital, AEG Ogden and Spotless.
The two losing bidders were Key Partners comprising Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction Ltd, John Laing Investments Ltd, Macquarie Capital Group Ltd, GL Events and Honeywell Ltd; and the VeNuSW consortia comprising Plenary Group Ltd, Brookfield Multiplex P/L, Brookfield Multiplex Services Pty Ltd and Suntec Int. Convention &amp; Exhibition Services Pte Ltd.
Lend Lease and Destination Sydney will work with Infrastructure NSW (INSW) to enter into a $1 billion public private partnership to design, construct, finance, maintain and operate the convention, exhibition and entertainment facilities.
The state government had concluded the existing facilities at Darling Harbour have served Sydney well since the 1980s and been the backbone of the growth in the major events industry.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/icc3.jpg">
"However, Sydney needs to respond to the substantial improvement in the standard of equivalent facilities in Australia and the Asia-Pacific if the city is to realise its full potential in the convention and exhibition markets," the government says.
The project aims to revitalise the 20-hectare precinct that runs north-south from Haymarket through to Cockle Bay, and east-west from the CBD to Ultimo.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/icc2.jpg">
The project's commitments are fully underwritten, and Lend Lease will invest 50% of the equity alongside the national industry super fund for tourism and hospitality, HOSTPLUS, with debt being provided by a syndicate of local and overseas banks.
Lend Lease, which has the nearby Bangaraoo project, will also work with INSW to enter into project development agreements to develop a mixed-use site of approximately five hectares adjacent to the SICEEP site with an anticipated end development value in excess of $1.5 billion.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/icc1.jpg">
The mixed-use site includes a landmark hotel of up to 900 rooms and approximately 1,400 residential apartments, 23,000 square metres of student accommodation, 7,000 square metres of retail, 15,000 square metres of commercial space, a 400-bay public car park, and up to 2,000 square metres of community space and public realm upgrades.
Lend Lease Group chief Steve McCann, said the commencement of site works was scheduled for December 2013. 
The existing Sydney Convention &amp; Exhibition Centre will close December 2013. The new facilities and the improved public spaces at Darling Harbour will be opened in December 2016. Construction will commence on The Haymarket in 2014, allowing the existing Sydney Entertainment Centre to remain open until December 2015.
Premier Barry O’Farrell said today the transformation of a 20-hectare precinct at Darling Harbour would generate about $5 billion in economic benefit for NSW.
Click for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.siceep.com/home/about-the-project/about-the-preferred-consortia.aspx">preferred consortia details</a>.
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Lend Lease wins $1 billion Darling Harbour project over Macquarie and Multiplex rival consortia

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Melbourne's property market is well set up for next year, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. 
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/55206685" width="470" height="264" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
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rlarocca-zWhvjay44N

Buyers waited for return of confidence to Melbourne property market in 2012: REIV

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Allans Music and Billy Hyde’s Sydney flagship stores will continue trading in their current locations after being leased by Australian Musical Imports.
The three sites are located in the Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Alexandria.
Managing director Peter Karam from Ray White Commercial Parramatta negotiated the deal.
Australian Musical Imports (AMI) successfully purchased the bulk of Allans Music and Billy Hyde’s failed assets earlier this month.
These include the trading names Allans Music and Billy Hyde, Allans Billy Hyde, Australian Music Group, Musiclink and Intermusic.
“AMI confirmed when it successfully purchased Allans Music and Billy Hyde that their flagship stores would continue trading,” says Karam.
The 1,200-square metre outlet at 108 Botany Road Alexandria has been leased for three years with an annual rent of $190,000.
The 1,300-square metre Sydney CBD site at 228 Pitt Street - located in a character building close to The Hilton - secured a five-year lease.
And the 1,500-square metre outlet at 1/197 Church Street Parramatta has been leased for three years.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/receivers-of-music-chain-allans-billy-hyde-to-close-all-27-stores/2012101757234">company collapsed earlier this year</a>, after an injection of capital failed to save the business and investors called in receivers.
Allans Music and Billy Hyde closed a total of 27 stores nationally.
“It’s another positive for these businesses that the new owners have secured new leases from their Sydney premises,” Karam says.
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Allans Music and Billy Hyde's Sydney outlets leased

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Kingsbury, a suburb 12-kilometres north east of the CBD – and with a median house price of $435,000 – is Victoria’s fastest selling suburb with an average of 30 days on the market.
Then the home to the world famous Melbourne Cup, Flemington comes in a close second with an average of 31 days on the market and a median house price of $640,000.
Third place is a draw between Croydon South and Tullamarine with an average of 33 days on the market.
Croydon South - 30 kilometres east of the CBD - has a median house price of $435,500
With hundreds of planes coming and going everyday at Victoria's main airport, Tullamarine has a median house price of $387,500, in fourth fatest selling location.
<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">Kingsbury</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3083
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$435,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
30
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a href="/news">Flemington</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3031
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$640,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
31
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Croydon South</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3136
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$435,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
33
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Tullamarine</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3043
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$387,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
33
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a href="/news">Caulfield North</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3161
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$1,264,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
35
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Croydon Hills</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3136
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$530,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
36
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Meredith</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3333
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$230,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
39
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Wantirna South</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3152
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$530,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
41
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bayswater</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3153
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$419,975
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Malvern East</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
3145
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$994,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
45
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A three-bedroom house at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kingsbury-110806983">50 Flag Street Kingsbury</a> was first listed for sale on June 19 2012.
It snappily sold 16 days later for $411,000 on July 4.
A property located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kingsbury-111543879">10 Club Avenue Kingsbury</a> was first listed for sale on September 10 2012.
The listing ended on October 31 – a total of 52 days on the market - after securing a $400,000 sale.
And a property at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kingsbury-110745021">105 Fairway Kingsbury</a> sold after 35 days on the market.
It was first listed on June 10 2012 and secured a $402,000 sale on July 14.
However, located in Victoria's high country, Mount Beauty – with a median house price of $155,000 – is Victoria’s slowest selling suburb with a whopping average of 232 days on the market
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpdata.com/">RPData</a>
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Kingsbury top Victoria's 10 fastest selling suburbs: RP Data

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The Byron Shire Council is again seeking to regulate the holiday home rental listings market.
The NSW north coast municipality has taken a property owner to the Land &amp; Environment Court seeking to stop them from leasing the property to tourists.
The February 2013 test case could affect the whole NSW holiday letting industry.
Byron Shire Council is taking Joe Blaney who owns an Ewingsdale property to court to prevent its lease to short-term holidaymakers.
Its on an 8000 square metre Bayvista Lane, Ewingsdale property which cost $1.25 million in 2007.
The council said the owner was operating a tourist facility without a development consent.
It wants the court to decide whether holiday lettings are covered by the definition of a “tourist facility”, and are a business or commercial operation prohibited in residential areas.
Its a class 4 prosecution for alleged illegal use of premises for holiday letting.
Local estate agents said it would not only severely affect property values, but would ripple through local economies.
The president of the Holiday Letting Organisation Byron Bay which represents around 600 home owners, John Gudgeon, said it would affect every town on the coast.
It was an issue that initially flared in 2009 arising after complaints about disturbances by home owners within neighbourhoods.
Agents suggest some 70 of owners seek income from short term tourists around the Byron township.
Three sales had recently fallen over because prospective buyers could not get assurance from the council they would be permitted to lease their purchases, according to Ray White agent David Gordon.
“People don’t appreciate how widespread the damage could be," David Gordon said.
"There’s a whole economy behind just one holiday rental – cleaners, restaurants, home owners,” David Gordon told the Australian Financial Review.
“Generally it is families leasing them, they’re the ones who spend more money and stay longer.”
 
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Byron Bay's short term tourism rental battle flares again as holiday home prices suffer

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An Avalon property has been listed for sale with price expectations over $2.8 million.
Designed by architect Laurence Eastwood following his $90,000 land purchase in 1983, the still strikingly modern home, which almost appears suspended over the Pittwater bushland, it features a suspended fireplace in the open-plan living and dining room.
Located at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-avalon-112119855">38 Chisholm Avenue,</a> the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home offers twin views over Pittwater and the ocean.
Eastwood, who worked on the design in a number of films, including Crocodile Dundee 2, has his own architecturally designed home located on the western foreshores of Pittwater.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Avalon </a>house has a wine cellar, a home cinema, and an infinity-edge pool.
Located on 1,909 square metres, the property last sold in 2009 for $1,542,500 and before that in 2007 for $1,525,000.
Bill James from LJ Hooker Avalon has listed the listing.
It was around 2007 when Eastwood returned to architecture after a career designing for theatre, film and television.
Eastwood had studied architecture in London before taking up theatre design and production, migrating to Australia in 1970 where he joined John Bell, Ken Horler and Richard Wherrett in the formation of the Nimrod Theatre Company.
He later worked at Belvoir Theatre and the Sydney Theatre Company before then moving into the world of film and television.

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Laurence Eastwood-designed Avalon house listed for $2.8 million sale

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 The NSW Valuer General has determined that the land tax threshold for the 2013 land tax year is $406,000.
Every investment property, or portfolio, above that level will be billed state government land tax.
It reflects a 2.5% increase on the threshold for the 2012 land tax year which was $396,000.
The threshold for the 2011 land tax year was $387,000.
The principal place of residence is generally exempt from land tax.
The NSW Valuer-General Philip Western will issue individual new valuations in January 2013 that will form the basis of tax assessments sent out by the NSW Office of State Revenue next year.
The state government bases individual assessments on rolling three-year averaging of land valuations to take account of changing property values.
The state government collects about $2 billion in land tax a year. Non-residential properties account for about 60% of land tax revenue.
If you own several land items, the value of all your liable land will be added together
The NSW premium land tax threshold for the 2013 land tax year is $2,482,000.
The premium land tax threshold for the 2012 land tax year was $2,421,000.
The premium land tax threshold for the 2011 land tax year was $2,366,000.
 
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