<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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The new owners of the Australian and New Zealand RE/MAX master franchises will look to double the size of the network over the next five years, with a particular focus on recruiting new estate agent immigrants familiar with the brand in their home countries.
“Our medium-term goal is to double the number of offices in each country,” RE/MAX Australia and New Zealand master franchise co-owner and managing director Michael Davoren tells Property Observer.
Davoren, Keith Walker, the current RE/MAX Australia franchise director, and Chris Chapman, the current RE/MAX New Zealand regional director, bought out the Australian regional master franchise from its US owner. 
“We have 65 offices in Australia and aim to have 130 in five years. In New Zealand we have 50 offices and our aim is to have 100."
“It’s very achievable," says Davoren.
The trio will look to recruit real estate agents immigrating to Australia from places like South Africa and Europe, where RE/MAX is a very well-known brand name.
“We are working with recruitment organisations, outplacement services in this regard,” Davoren says.
In Australia, Davoren says there are a lot of territories where RE/MAX’s presence is nowhere near where it should be, including big real estate markets like Sydney and Melbourne.
RE/MAX is considered the biggest real estate brand in the world – primarily due to its size in the US and its presence in more than 80 countries, but it punches below its weight in Australia and New Zealand.
The new owners are also investing in promoting the RE/MAX brand to consumers and agents.
“It started that in the last 12 months with significant investment to get the brand out into places we don’t have offices through billboards and bus advertising.
“We will also look to build the brand over next few years through social media and online.”
Davoren says Australia and New Zealand were among the last regions where RE/MAX America actually still owned the master franchise, the others being Western Canada and the Caribbean.
“They decided to clear the decks. They are very good at franchising, but being an operator is a different kettle of fish with a different culture, legal requirements and industrial awards that makes Australia peculiar.”
“The rules made from world’s biggest real estate don’t fit into the country where you are not the biggest."
Davoren, Walker and Chapman negotiated with RE/MAX since February before securing the buy-out.
He says being the owners will increase their focus on being creative in growing the business.
“It’s going to be pretty interesting times.
“We expect fairly good sales levels over next few years. There is a bit of science behind this thinking as in most major centres, there is no major oversupply.
“It’s a bit different in places like Port Douglas or the Gold Coast.”
But overall, he says real estate is now more affordable than it has been in a while, with prices having come back in most areas and with interest rates falling.
Davoren has been with RE/MAX for a year.
Prior to that he had own consultancy for five years providing real estate training, auction and business consultancy services.
He spent 12 years as a director at LJ Hooker and before that was with Raine &amp; Horne.
He is also a past president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
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RE/MAX Aussie owners aim to double network with appeal to new estate agent immigrants

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A converted church in Melbourne’s Moonee Ponds has sold for $2.4 million.
Located at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/propertyimages/brochure/16103/Preview.pdf">1 Hudson Street Moonee Ponds</a>, the sale was secured by John Morello from Jellis Craig Kensington. The architecturally transformed <a target="_blank" href="/news">Moonee Ponds</a> church had an incredible 12,500 internet hits and 325 inspections.
So in anticipation of a huge auction day crowd, the agency organised a coffee cart with complimentary drinks.
There were more than 300 spectators and three bidders, with the offering sold just after auction.
Its listing was reported by Property Observer <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/moonee-ponds-church-conversion-listed-for-sale/2012110457525/Page-1">last month</a>.
Designed by owner and architect duo Dominic and Marie Bagnato, the property has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a gym and a basement wine cellar.
The Gothic-style timber church was originally built by Tadgell Brothers following the general consensus at an 1890 resident’s meeting that the area needed a church for religious purposes and Sunday school.
The church was officially opened by then Lord Bishop of Melbourne Dr Goe.
The church acted as a venue for sports meetings, working bees and other social activities.
The church was part of the St Thomas parish, before leaving temporarily in 1915 and permanently in 1960.
In 1904, an extension to the church was built at the rear and in 1918 a vicarage was built nearby. A church hall was built in 1927.
The current vendors bought the church itself in 2007.
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Moonee Ponds converted church sells for $2.4 million

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The historic Gippsland town of Moe on the western end of the Latrobe Valley was Victoria’s top-performing housing market over the October quarter, according to new figures by Residex.
<a href="/news">Moe </a>house prices increased by 4.66% over the three months to October, rising to a median value of $243,500. Residex calculates the median weekly rent in Moe at $270, suggesting investors can expect rental returns of around 5.7%.
Moe (along with <a href="/news">Morwell </a>and <a href="/news">Traralgon</a>) is one of the major urban centres in the Latrobe Valley, which has a population of around 18,000 people according to the 2011 census.
The majority (80%) of properties are houses, with around one in four (27%) Moe residents renting.
In its September market round-up valuers from Herron Todd White (HTW) picked Moe along with Morwell and <a href="/news">Newborough </a>as offering sub-$300,000 opportunities with 1980s and 1990s brick veneer homes.
HTW said also that 1970s units can be bought for well under $300,000 with gross rental returns of 7% to 9% possible.
Investment properties listed for sale include a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-moe-112013631" target="_blank">four-bedroom weatherboard house</a> priced between $185,000 and $200,000 and marketed by Alan Johnson and Ross Maddaluno of Ross Maddaluno Real Estate Morwell. It is expected to rent for $250 per week, an indicative yield in excess of 6%.
Current listings also include this <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-moe-107244651" target="_blank">modern two-bedroom townhouse</a>, which has an asking price of $195,000 and rents for $240 per week, a gross yield of 6.4%.
The second best performing region in Victoria over the October quarter was the north-western regional city of <a href="/news">Mildura </a>in the Sunraysia region, with house prices up 3.2% to a median of $194,500.
With a median weekly rent of $235, Mildura investors can expect rental returns around 6.3%.
In its September assessment of sub-$300,000 options, HTW says investors should look at brick veneer houses in Mildura built between 1995 and 2006 on reasonably sized allotments in the centre.
"The home won't come with a pool and will have an average fit-out, but will most likely have some established landscaping and not need any immediate upgrading," HTW said.
HTW also suggested buying four-bedroom homes off the plan on the fringes of Mildura, which are popular with out of town investors, “keen to capitalise on the tight rental market and potential to obtain 6% gross rental returns combined with higher depreciation allowances than would be obtained from older dwellings”.
Currently listed for sale in Mildura is this <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/63-hazeldene-street-mildura/Property-Details-buy-residential-4659603" target="_blank">three-bedroom weatherboard</a> house built in 1940 priced between $115,000 and $145,000 marketed by Barry Plant Real Estate Mildura as an investment opportunity with rental potential of $220 per week. This would represent a yield of between 8% and 10% at this price range.
According to RP Data records, it rented for $170 per week in 2008.
The Victorian regional centres of <a href="/news">Ballarat </a>and <a href="/news">Bendigo </a>registered modest house price growth over the quarter of 1.72% ($277,500) and 1.09% ($266,500) respectively, while Geelong house prices fell 2.28% to a median of $380,000.
House prices in <a href="/news">Warrnambool</a>, often picked on hotspot lists, fell by 2.5% over the quarter to $269,000.
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Moe beats Mildura as Victoria's top-performing regional city: Residex October quarter

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Pricey Forrest – with a median house price of $1,722,500 – is ACT's slowest selling suburb, with an average of 138 days on the market before private treaty sale.
In second place is Casey, with a median house price of $535,000 and an average of 121 days on the market.
Third place is a draw between Campbell and Forde, which both have an average sitting time of 155 days.
Campbell's median house price is $893,000 and Forde's median house price is $543,000.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><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">
Days on market
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Forrest</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2603
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$1,772,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
138
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Casey</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2913
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$535,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
121
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Campbell</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2612
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$893,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
115
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Forde</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2914
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$543,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
115
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Monash</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2904
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$512,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
112
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Bruce</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2617
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$645,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
108
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Isaacs</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2607
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$815,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
98
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Griffith</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2603
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$1,060,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
93
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Hughes</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2605
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$777,500
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
93
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="106" valign="top">
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Flynn</a>
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
2615
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
$480,000
</td>
<td width="106" valign="top">
92
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpdata.com/" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">RPData</a>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpdata.com/"></a>
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Forrest tops ACT 10 slowest selling suburbs: RP Data 

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The series finale of Grand Designs Australia features a "semi-brutalist" contemporary home in Queensland’s Ocean View.
The concrete home is designed to last and was driven by couple Brunella and Carlo’s passion for concrete.
Almost 50 metres of a six-metre-high concrete wall will form the spine of the house.
A concrete gallery style wall will extend the full length inside and polystyrene blocks filled with more concrete will shape the ground floor.
A series of consecutive bedrooms, a kitchen and a main living space will run off one long corridor.
Upon entry to the home, a staircase leads to either the upstairs or bottom level, with the master bedroom and study upstairs.
Upstairs also plays host to an outdoor terrace with an outdoor fireplace.
The outside façade is rendered in concrete gray and is solid and bold.
“In no way does this building look warm and inviting,” says Grand Designs host Peter Maddison.
“A site with no water, no sewerage, termites, bushfires, high winds and soil instability… brutalist seems to be the right way to go,” says Maddison.
<a target="_self" href="/news">Ocean View</a> is a rural suburb of Queensland, located north of Dayboro.
It has a population of 3,720 residents, and separate houses account for 98.5% of dwelling types.
Current market listings range from $459,000 for a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/QLD/Ocean-View/?adid=2009555728">three-bedroom, one-bathroom home</a> to $1,185,000 for a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/QLD/Ocean-View/?adid=2009554845">three-bedroom, two-bathroom home</a>.
Last week’s episode featured a house in the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/people-in-barossa-valley-glass-houses-on-grand-designs/2012112858157http:/www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/people-in-barossa-valley-glass-houses-on-grand-designs/2012112858157">Barossa Valley</a> that was virtually all glass in the hope of capturing the Barossa Valley views.
The Ocean View House episode will air on the Lifestyle channel on December 6 at 8.30pm.
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Semi-brutalist right at home in Ocean View on this week's Grand Designs

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Yellow Brick Road has passed on the full 25 basis point reduction in the official cash rate to its Empower home loan customers. 
Its comes as all three big banks, NAB first, then Commonwealth Bank and Westpac, announced they will pass on 20 out of the 25 basis points cut from the cash rate by the RBA yesterday. ANZ advises its rate cut next Friday.
The YBR rate reduction will put the variable rate at 5.25% per annum for the first year and as low as 5.54% over the remaining life of the Empower loan.
“We negotiated hard for this .25 per cent rate reduction because we believe our clients deserve it and we want to help them enjoy their holiday season, even if that means that we have to eat some of our margin,” says Mark Bouris.
“We hoped the major banks would do the same for their customers, but with NAB, CBA and Westpac only going .20 per cent, consumers aren’t feeling the confidence that our economy desperately needs right now,” Mr Bouris said.
YBR's new variable home loan rate is effective from December 10. Its interest rate on savings deposits sits unchanged at 7.7% p.a.
It was recently announced that <a target="_blank" href="/news" title="Macquarie Group takes Yellow Brick Road into home loans market">Macquarie Group was combining with Yellow Brick Road to take a stake in the home loans market</a>, which will cause Yellow Brick Road to go head-to-head with the big four banks.
Property Observer commentator Robert Simeon predicted that under the deal, Yellow Brick Road would actively undercut the big banks.
"The big four have actively acquired all the second-tier banks to protect their market share, which is approximately 80% of the Australian home loan market," <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/yellow-brick-road-likely-to-be-the-first-to-respond-to-the-next-rba-rate-cut-robert-simeon/2012111157732">Robert Simeon wrote</a>.
Its Cup Week launch of a variable-rate mortgage pitched at a 115-basis-point discount resulted in a 120% surge in written business, achieving $320m for the month.
YBR had started advertising on the Nine Network, its 19.9% stake holder, but postponed the slots as it couldn't keep up with the inquiry rate.
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Yellow Brick Road passes on the full 25 bps reduction with Macquarie Group firepower

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A two-bedroom Paddington cottage, set on an inner-Sydney 70-square-metre landholding, was snapped up before its scheduled weekend auction for $825,000.
The Paddington Lane cottage last traded at $812,500 in July 2010.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/padlane.jpg">
The late 1880s renovated property is set to be rented out at around $825 a week by its new investor owner.
It traded for $545,000 in 2002 and at $515,000 in 2001.
Before that it traded at $306,000 in 1997 and at $125,000 in 1991.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-112287691">Maclay Longhurst of BresicWhitney</a> secured the latest sale after around 125 parties inspected the offering.
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Pocket-sized gains for Paddington Lane, Paddington offering

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Colliers International has sold the Australia Taxation Office (ATO) building in Albury for $48 million reflecting an 8% yield.
The seven storey commercial building is being used by the ATO for the administration and collection of business activity statements.
The ATO occupies 95% of the total lettable space and has a 15-year lease.
Colliers International received expressions of interest from onshore investors and overseas parties in the United States, Singapore and New Zealand.
“The sale of the Albury ATO building confirms what we’ve been saying in the market place – there is a flight to quality and above all else the ability of an asset to attract secure long term cash flow is king,” says director of investment Services and office leasing, Tim Mutton.
“Our experience in major office building sales is that buyers are interested in the security of the Commonwealth lease covenant and want cash flow for more than 10 years,”
Located at 520 Smollett Street, The 10,786 square-metre building has 56 basement car parks and was built by the Doma Group.
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ATO Albury building sells for $48 million

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Following today’s Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meeting, the Bank of Queensland  has announced it will pass on a 20 bps rate cut. CEO Stuart Grimshaw said the 20 bps rate cut brings BOQ’s standard variable rate home loan to 6.51% p.a. effective from Friday, 21 December 2012.
For the past year BOQ has consistently announced its rate change on the same day as the RBA meeting. “This decision has provided a level of continuity and certainty for our customers and I believe they have appreciated it,” he said. Mr Grimshaw said BOQ was conscious of the pressures facing all customers at this time of year, including those with home loans and those with deposits, and believed the 20 bps cut would strike a fair balance between the two. 
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Bank of Queensland quickly cuts by 20 basis points

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The Sydney-based former Queensland premier Anna Bligh, recently appointed by the federal government to the board of health insurer Medibank Private, has sold her south Brisbane home, which went to recent auction with $1 million-plus hopes.
There were five registered bidders, but not a single offer at its September auction.
Bligh co-owned her renovated <a href="https://www.raywhitesouthbrisbane.com.au/property/STB4471003" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">1890 Highgate Hill </a>home with her husband, Greg Withers, having bought it in 1997 for $290,000.
After its $900,000 vendor bids, it was listed through Ray White South Brisbane.
It was marketed as a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house oozing "charm and character of a bygone era".
It has a land value of $710,000.
A nearby three-bedroom house on a similar 827-square-metre block fetched $900,000 last year, and a four-bedroom house fetched $825,000 in 2010.
Bligh has been renting in Sydney's inner east before buying, spotted recently at a Paddington open for inspection.
Her move to Sydney came following Withers taking a job at Arts NSW.
The couple also own investment units in West End and Highgate Hill, which have not been listed for sale.
The RP Data median house price for <a href="/news">Highgate Hill </a>was $755,000 when she initially listed, having dropped 2.6% in the past year, and now sits at $744,000, reflecting a 4.3% annual drop.
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