<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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There's almost no more ultimate terrace house address in Sydney than owning on Paddington Street, Paddington.
And that's just where the former Queensland premier Anna Bligh has been spotting house hunting.
Everyone knows she's been looking – though Property Observer has the first confirmed location – since she and her husband, Greg Withers, have been renting after he took a job in Sydney earlier this year.
''We are looking to rent for 12 months while we get acquainted with the Sydney property market,'' Bligh told the local paper after her August arrival when Withers began as a senior executive in Arts NSW.
And Bligh, who said she would ''always regard Queensland as my home", seems to have kept herself busy with Saturday open for inspections. With around $2 million to spend, it won't be at the pointy end of the <a href="/news">Paddington</a> market, but certainly above the suburb median which RP Data says sits around $1,325,000,  down 9.1% over the past year.
Paddington's most recent sale was last night when Brad Caldwell-Eyles at<a href="https://www.1stcity.com.au/Buying/Search/Detail.aspx?id=HCES248&amp;wlid=06e16cb5-0826-495e-857e-5d023e3f94d1" target="_blank"> 1st City Hasemer + Caldwell-Eyles </a> secured $3,425,000 for 138 Glenmore Road Paddington at Cooley Auctions. It sold at mortgagee auction having last traded at $3 million in 2004. 
There are currently 34 houses for sale in Paddington, advertised on realestate.com.au.
There are five on Paddington Street and one on Paddington Lane.
The listings include <a href="https://woollahra.ljhooker.com.au/1Y6GP8" target="_blank">13 Paddington Street </a> which has been listed for sale since May this year through LJ Hooker Woollahra agent Michael Stavianos by the Stravrianos family.
The imposing offering at <a href="https://rweast.com/nsw/paddington/832179/" target="_blank">133 Paddington Street </a> is for sale at $2.5 million through agent Richard Carwin. The Ray White Paddington office initially listed it in August 2011.
The fresh offering (pictured above) at <a href="https://www.ballardproperty.com.au/Buying/Auction-Timetables/residentialdetail.aspx?id=WOOLLAHRA%202012091&amp;wlid=c451b1f6-9eb0-46c9-bf9c-36594a0b42fb" target="_blank">84 Paddington Street </a>went to November auction through Ballard Property Group agent Mark Lowe.
With Harbour views from some of its four levels, the six-metre-wide terrace was on the market for the first time in more than 30 years. It sits on a 190-square-metre parcel of land.
Another fresh listing that didn't sell at its November auction was <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-paddington-nsw-2021/168931" target="_blank">168 Paddington Street</a>. It last sold in 2009 at $1.78 million.
The <a href="https://www.bresicwhitney.com.au/real-estate/Buy/Auction-Times#top" target="_blank">1 Paddington Lane </a>offering is a timber cottage which goes to auction this weekend through Maclay Longhurst of BresicWhitney Estate Agents. 
It was <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/listing-of-%2411-million-could-smash-paddington-record/2011092251645" target="_blank">September 2011 when the suburb's priciest listing hit the market, and remains for sale through McGrath agent Ben Collier</a>.
The Leal family, who made their money as owners of Super Smash, the Bondi smash repairer, listed their grand Paddington Street home with $11 million hopes.
It wasn't their first foray into record-setting Paddington listings, as they sold their previous double-fronted offering for a record $4.52 million in late 2004 to investment industry bigwig Andre Morony and his wife, Beverley, through McGrath agents James Dack and Ben Collier. It was a four-level, six-metre-wide terrace standing on a 202-square-metre block.
The latest offering is described by Ben Collier as "arguably one of Paddington’s finest homes".
The north-facing terrace is set on a 390-square-metre block of land, located at the Woollahra end of Paddington Street.
It has four levels with lift access. The double-fronted terrace spans 12 metres in width.
The two now amalgamated terraces were consolidated in 2000.
The Paddington record residential price is $7.75 million when a Goodhope Street Dunkley Developments residence sold through Bickmore-Hutt agent Damien Bickmore-Hutt in April 2010.
There had been an earlier $7.75 million sale in 2006 when stockbroker Neville Miles sold in Union Street.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Anna Bligh seeks out Paddington purchase possibilities

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It’s not been the easiest of times for the local high street real estate agency over the past two years.
Following a long period during which healthy transaction figures and 70%+ clearance rates were “the norm” – in the Melbourne market at least – the recent sharp downturn in revenue has caused many in the industry to struggle to make headway in a highly competitive and progressively difficult atmosphere.
IBISWorld – “Australia’s largest provider of industry-based research” – estimates revenue for the real estate agent industry will decrease some 4.3% through 2012-2013. Furthermore, according to the report, over the past five years, industry revenue has fallen by 1.6% and currently stands at an estimated $8.9 billion – revised downwards from a previous estimate of $9.61 billion.
Although there was a pickup in annual sales turnover in 2009-10 principally buoyed by various government stimulus packages such as the first-home buyer boost, 2011 and 2012 have hit the industry hard – taking the overall number of transactions back to levels not seen since the mid-1990s.  And although the trend is slowly improving as the year draws to an end, it’s still a bleak remnant of that achieved in the few years prior to the GFC.
The job listings promising potential sales agents commissions amounting to and in excess of $100,000 per year, which attracted so many into the industry while the market was bursting with confidence, would seem a distant dream to a number of less experienced employees who have recently left in search of riches elsewhere.
IBISWorld estimates an annualised drop of 1% in employee numbers as agents, not used to working in a harder market terrain, head for the hills.
It takes a lot of skill negotiating with a reluctant and unconfident buyer who will only show interest if the price is right. Sales success in the industry is often underestimated by those looking from the outside in, who tend to assume agents do little more than stand outside open for inspections handing out brochures.
Competition in some suburbs of Melbourne has caused commissions to be lowered to “flat rate” figures.  In Victoria it’s not uncommon to find some agents prepared to list a property at 1-1.5% (including or excluding GST) – or signing a general authority to share the listing with another agency.  It’s something I happen across at least once or twice a week.
Although it’s hoped – particularly by the government, which plans to replace a diminishing mining boom with another property boom – that investor confidence will return during 2013-14, spurring a new decade of growth, there are no such certainties in a world that is arguably struggling to recover from the brink of economic collapse.
It may not seem as such in Australia, however this was – and is – the continuing reality in many areas of Europe and the USA and we’re not immune.  At the very least, it alters the investor mindset.
As The Australian Mortgage Report 2013 by global consultancy Deloitte pointed out, growth in Australia’s mortgage lending market is slowing – particularity for the big four – and “property prices will remain either flat or (only) grow in the order of 1–5% into 2013”.
Future drops in the RBA cash rate are less likely to be passed on as banks struggle to protect existing margins, and although I’ve read more bullish reports in regard to property prices of late – as a whole, I expect the above prediction to fall closer to the mark.  We’ve entered a new era ruled by cautionary sentiment, and it’s not going to change overnight.
Other <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/realestate/news/jump-in-debt-stacking/story-fncv6y42-1226522426290">reports</a> of households taking advantage of lower interest rates to stack more onto their mortgage is also a concern, with the OECD estimating our household debt to income ratio currently sits at a lofty <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/oecd-warns-of-further-australian-house-price-corrections-but-strong-overall-growth/2012052254801">183.7%</a>.
 
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We may have population issues and a widely accepted housing shortage, however this doesn’t mean growth in the industry or market prices is a foregone conclusion.  The elastic band of debt only stretches so far – especially when it is hamstrung by a reluctance to borrow through fears of further capital losses.
However, as with any industry, the need to pump the market and keep the dollars circulating under the premise that “everything’s rosy” is – as one agent expressed to me – “absolutely vital” – especially in a sector that’s heavily dependent on behavioural economics.  It’s one reason you’ll rarely hear a mortgage broker or industry professional tell you now is “not a good time to buy”.  It’s akin to a shop keeper advising his customer to leave their credit card at home – it’s simply not going to happen.
Aside from feeding the media with positive messages, another weapon sales agents have to inspire uplift to the real estate sector and improve overall revenue is by way of marketing initiatives such as broadening their affiliations with offshoots in the industry.
For example, it’s not unusual to see a brokerage within a high street agency or organisations offering “one stop shops” with a range of services including buyer advocacy, vendor advocacy, finance, renovation and property management all under one roof.
Other more innovative ideas have been by way of real estate apps, with the Commonwealth bank even developing a “property mogul“ Investorville  game, in which you can imagine your way to a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio.
Obviously the idea is to inspire a feeling of confidence that a consumer with the ability to tap a screen and buy a fictional listing with monopoly like dollars can navigate the world of property acquisition with as much success as Donald Trump.  I’m doubtful it can translate into markedly higher transaction figures; however, ‘feel good’ motivation is clearly the idea.
 
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Recently a story hit the press of a type of <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/realestate/facebook-for-property-obsessed-aussies/story-fnczi4hc-1226522067417">Facebook</a> site for real estate devotees marketed as ‘social media for real estate’.  The idea is to give buyers and sellers a forum to communicate with other like-minded people (including real estate professionals) along with the opportunity to list and sell their own properties.
However, whether Australia’s infamous house market obsession will develop into a viral atmosphere of ‘likes’ and ‘favourites’ is debateable.  After all, the last thing you want when listing a property is buyers discussing between themselves how much it’s worth and the potential downsides.  No one trusts a price quote – most have a well-accepted perception that real estate agents play games – and any sales patter, no matter how accurate, is seen as spruiking the market.  Therefore, I remain somewhat sceptical that social media is the ideal platform for a sales campaign.
However, in a few cases it has been successful. Earlier in the year individual vendors took the lead developing Twitter accounts for their homes – some of which turned out to be incredibly popular.  Agents have tried the same tactic – however it was the vendor’s love and emotional attachment to their property which translated ideally across the internet domain to produce a ‘feel good’ atmosphere for interested buyers.  They were able to create the perception of homely bliss, and unlike Facebook, where negative comments are displayed openly on the home page, Twitter conversations are somewhat less obvious.
Any social campaign can only be successful if it manages to personalise an inanimate object, thereby inspiring buyers to fall in love.  Think Thomas the Tank Engine or named number plates on cars, for example. It’s the same concept.
Time management and lack of market experience deters the majority of vendors from selling their own homes – and although I don’t see this changing any time soon, vendor marketing can clearly achieve something the all too often “despised” real estate agent – automatically labelled as “dodgy and dishonest” - can’t.  I often wonder what would happen if real estate agents had the same ‘feel good’ reputation they have in <a href="https://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121126-385786">Singapore</a>, where eight in 10 consumers expressed that they were ‘satisfied with the service’ from their local real estate agency.  Perception is such a powerful force in the world of finance – it really is a true demonstration of behavioural economics.
The game of perception is most clearly demonstrated at an auction.  Traditionally, auction sales push median prices higher than those sold by private sale, however this is generally only the case by any significant percentage when two buyers are openly demonstrating their ‘desire’ to purchase in a heated frenzy of testosterone induced activity.
If you attend an auction where buyers are waiting around for someone else to start the ball rolling only choosing to bid when it’s clear the home’s about to pass in, confidence in the worth of that property can fall like a stone.  Should it pass in without a bid, the most common question I get asked is “what’s wrong with it?”
It’s one reason agents will opt to sell prior to auction if they can negotiate to meet vendor expectation.  If the property fails to sell on the day, it’s far harder to achieve the vendor’s wish price.
So while the HIA may be spruiking that “Housing affordability has been improving on the back of steadily growing incomes, falling interest rates, and easing dwelling prices”, and is consequently back at levels “not seen since the early 2000s” – and we’re all busy telling potential purchasers that ‘now’s the time to buy!’ it’s doing little to inspire the consumer who is not motivated by indexes or charts.
For the purchaser who still feels in the midst of a rocky terrain, housing affordability may as well be back at the extremes of 2007 because the plain perception and stark reality prevails that housing is still “unaffordable” for a growing minority of renters and potential home buyers – and I expect it to remain as such for some time to come.
Catherine Cashmore is a market analyst with extensive experience in all aspects relating to property acquisition.
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catherinecashmore-6LXia3pPQj

Real estate agents doing it tough amid economic woes and vendor-led marketing alternatives

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The Balwyn home of the Health Services Union national secretary Kathy Jackson now has a $1.99 million asking price guide, having been listed previously with $2.1 million expectations.
The four-bedroom house passed in at its September auction on a $1.85 million vendor bid through Fletchers agents Jeremy Desmier and Daiman Kane.
The tree-lined <a target="_blank" href="/news">Balwyn </a>property is being marketed as a "developer's dream", given it's a 1,452-square-metre block.
The four-bedroom, three bathroom house sits on part of the holding, easily allowing some land to be sold or redeveloped.
It was transferred into Jackson's full ownership by her former husband, Peter Jackson, in March 2010.
It last traded at $1.15 million in 2004.
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HSU official Kathy Jackson's Balwyn house asking price reduction

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Last sold in 2006 at $4.85 million, Coombe Grange, a heritage-listed Tudor Revival-style Cronulla house, has been listed for sale.

The 2,637-square-metre Taloombi Street estate almost commands beachfront prices, albeit with freehold pathway access to Gunnamatta Bay.
It's been listed through McGrath agent Sean Egan for December 15 auction. Around $5.95 million is tipped.
Taloombi Street beachfront prices hit $6.9 million in 2007, with four subsequent sales above $4 million.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Cronulla </a>house, with Queensland maple timberwork plus diamond-shaped leadlight windows, sandstone fireplaces and ballroom, comes with a tennis court, pavilions and pool.
The house initially hit the headlines in the early 1990s when a mortgagee sale in 1991 secured $970,000 after the catering industry manufacturer Patricia Poulos, founder of the Centre Unity Party, lost the house pursuant to her Commonwealth Bank indebtedness.
The $360,000 debt, with interest, had soared to $1,019,000 during lengthy contest court hearings.
It was last sold in 2006 by the Burke &amp; Shute estate agent Chris Burke who'd had the house leased briefly to $2,000-a-week tenants Robert Bassili and Nicholai Dimitri Popov, who'd ran the ill-fated Radisson Maine property lending group.
The house was designed by architect Spencer Spasfield for Reginald and Florence Snelling who'd operated a Glebe printing business.
The house was completed in stages, including the addition of the ballroom in 1925.
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Sutherland Shire Tudor Revival heritage mansion Coombe Grange in Cronulla listed

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With Xe.com is citing AUD to USD conversion figures of around $1.04, and further signs that the US economy is slow but is likely to grow by the critical 3% in 2013, I thought now was as good a time as any to revisit property investment in this market. Where I initially focused on the risks involved with market selection within the country, quality of tenants and fluctuating currency exchange rates, I want to look more closely at some of the buying and holding costs involved with US property investment and highlight areas where this may differ to Australian property investment.
The list is not exhaustive, and it’s likely that there are further unforeseen costs that others will have experienced in getting in to this market. In particular, there may be nuances between various states that are not accounted for here. In 2013, I’m aiming to be on the ground in the US to conduct further research and investigate several key markets identified as ‘game-changers’ in terms of their scope for future capital growth. I’ll look to report back in during and after this trip with further discoveries I make.
It is important to note some of the additional set-up costs involved, no matter how small. I say this because many young investors or those with very limited savings look to the US because of its attractive entry point costs. These low costs can be the difference between a viable investment and a non-investment, where there is not enough capital to make up the entry costs to proceed with an acquisition. This is important to highlight for low-cost properties such as some of those in the US.
Take an Australian investment property purchase of say $300,000. The late discovery of a couple of extra thousand dollars in sudden fees can be much easier to accommodate in Australia.
Where US investors get unstuck are those who have not allocated additional funds much contingency. So where a $5,000 contingency on a $300,000 Australian buy may not be that big a deal, for someone who has overextended on a $50,000 US buy, a last-minute $5,000 fee could destroy the entire feasibility of the project. The below will at least give an indication to some of the fees involved in a US acquisition, regardless of whether the buy is a $50,000 property or a $250,000 property.
Setting Up an LLC:
This is a ‘limited liability company’, a must for non-US citizens looking to build an investment portfolio in the US. This cost actually varies depending on who you get to help set it up, but can be anywhere from $2,800 to $6,000, depending on the scale and complexity of the way it is set up and its intended purpose.
An additional LLC “holding fee” may be payable depending on the state you are buying in. I do not know the cost of each state, but typically this is around $1,000.
Title search, inspection and solicitor’s settlement fees:
This is similar to Australia typically; anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the size and scale of the property being settled.
 
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Personal travel fees:
If you are buying site-unseen, you may be able to avoid the travel costs involved on a whirlwind trip to the US, but this tactic is only recommended for those who have absolute trust in the company or buyer’s agent you are working with for the purchase. Many investors should look to budget in a few thousand dollars to visit the areas you are set to invest in.
Property management, building insurance and county taxes:
These are all annual charges payable to different stakeholders, but can range from 6-10% per year for property management fees – this is definitely an area where investors should not cut corners. This holding cost is entirely dependent on the annual rent coming in, but if you are buying an “entry-point” property you’d be typically hoping for around $800-$1.000 per month in rental income, translating to around $900 per year in property management.
Building insurance is an absolute must and should always been included.  Allow around $1,000 to $2,000 annually for this
County taxes are annualised and are pretty much like the Australian version of quarterly council rates (to fund the basic services and facilities of your suburb). These are actually similar to most Australian council rates; anywhere from $150-$300 per quarter.
Cost of Finance:
Regardless of which financier you enlist in the US to finance your loan, you will likely be paying additional fees – and higher interest rates – than domestic US citizens would be paying for those same loans. The fee types involved are as similar and varied as Australian loan fees are, so it is vital to be fully aware of all application, establishment, annualised, and exit/departure fees involved with your loan product
US government tax:
This is an area I must do a lot more research in, but just like in Australia, tax returns for any income must be filed each year. Capital gains tax at the “cashing out” phase of your property holding term is also something that should be addressed upfront. This is challenging, because capital gains tax laws for foreign investors have changed considerably over the years and continues to change often. This means for those who employ a mid-long term holding strategy (typically 10-20 years); the laws may change several times by the time you “cash out” further down the track. This means it becomes harder to plan for this.
Cameron McEvoy is a NSW-based property investor and maintains a blog, <a href="https://propertyspectator.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Spectator.</a>
 
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cmcevoy-Go82SmsJA9

The costs for Australian property investors looking to buy in the US

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One Cornwall Terrace, located on the Outer Circle road around The Regent's Park, London has been listed for sale. There's estimates of its £100 million ($154 million) likely selling price.
The prime zone one location comes with a seven-bedroom end of terrace house in NW1 4QP.
Savills is marketing its as a magnificent grade I listed London Regency mansion that has been beautifully modernised to create a 1,997-square-metre mansion.
Accessed via a carriage driveway with two gated entrances, the house has 11 reception rooms and a leisure complex with gymnasium and swimming pool, set in landscaped grounds of 0.453 of an acre complete with mews wing, garaging and forecourt parking. Originally designed and built in 1821-23 by architect Decimus Burton and supervised by John Nash, who created the master plan for the Regent’s Park.
"One Cornwall Terrace is one of the most important private residences in London," the Savills marketing says.
It's got easy access to London's West End with Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty department stores, Marylebone High Street, St. John’s Wood High Street, Mayfair and Knightsbridge.
Named after King George IV, who also known as the Duke of Cornwall, it is often described as one of the most important private residences in London.
It has served as a grand residential home for ambassadors, generals and nobility for 150 years.
It was the official London residence of the New Zealand High Commissioner from 1955 until the 1970s.
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One Cornwall - the world's most expensive terrace house

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Jailed former mortgage broker Mark Booty has been permanently banned by ASIC from providing financial services and engaging in any credit activities following his conviction for defrauding seven clients involving more than $1.1 million.  Booty, 41, formerly of Rockingham, Western Australia, was licensed by the WA Department of Commerce as a finance broker when the offences occurred between 2007 and 2009.
He was the director of Prime Property Investment Perth Pty Ltd, a mortgage broking business based in Perth. Mr Booty provided mortgage broking and financial advice to clients of this busines
Following an investigation by WA Police, a District Court of Western Australia jury found him guilty on eight counts of gaining a benefit by fraud. In April 2012 he was sentenced to five and a half years in prison with a non-parole period of three and a half years. Booty set up an investment scheme into which seven clients invested money over an 18-month period that they had accessed by borrowing against their homes. One investor put $250,000 into the scheme reported the ABC at Booty's trial in April.
Rather than being invested and secured in the manner he had promised, Booty misappropriated the funds for his own purposes in his business and for personal expenses.
Booty became bankrupt in 2009 and the investors in his scheme lost their capital. ASIC commissioner, Peter Kell said the decision to permanently remove Booty from the financial services and credit industries was done to protect the public.  ‘While Mr Booty is currently in prison, it is important that he is prevented from working in the credit and finance industry in the future,’ Kell said. Booty has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decision.  
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ASIC permanently bans former Perth mortgage broker Mark Booty following fraud convictions

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The global real estate franchisor RE/MAX has sold its regional RE/MAX Australia master franchise to the local management group headed by a group led by the region’s managing director, Michael Davoren (pictured below).
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/michaeldavoran.jpg">
Davoren has been joined by co-owners <a href="https://www.remax.com.au/inre-meettheteam_detail.asp?userid=1874">Keith Walker</a>, the current RE/MAX Australia franchise director, and Chris Chapman, the current RE/MAX New Zealand regional director.
The trio will also take over ownership of the RE/MAX New Zealand master franchise.
“This is the right team at the right time to take RE/MAX to the next level of success in Australia,” RE/MAX LLC president Vinnie Tracey said.
With three decades of real estate experience, Davoren became the region’s managing director in October 2011, having served as president of both The Real Estate institute of Australia (REIA) and The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).
The new RE/MAX Australia region will continue to be managed from its headquarters in Milton, Queensland, and will include six states and the Northern Territory.  RE/MAX Western Australia, a separate region, is headquartered in Perth and is owned and operated by Geoff Baldwin, a long-time local real estate professional.
"Our new ownership team and entire regional staff is committed to bringing a new energy and excitement to our work, and providing our brokers, agents and customers with the world class service that RE/MAX is famous for,” Davoren said. 
RE/MAX came to Australia in 1996 and has 61 offices with 511 real estate professionals. Thirteen RE/MAX Australia agents are among the organisation’s global elite, named to the International Top 100 list.
In 2011, the global.remax.com website was launched, providing nearly 700,000 international listings in over 65 countries.
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RE/MAX Australia/NZ gets new owners in management buy-out

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Towns and rural villages within an hour’s drive of Newcastle present first-home buyers and investors with many opportunities to acquire property priced under $300,000, though in some cases, employment, shopping and transport options may be limited.
Valuers Herron Todd White pick Cessnock, the fringe suburbs of Lake Macquarie and range of small rural towns to the north, south and west of Newcastle, where houses can be picked up below this benchmark.
“At Cessnock in the west, very basic and dated housing can be acquired for $150,000 to $200,000 as well as in fringe villages like Aberdare and Millfield.
“Further west in the town of Singleton, the coal mining boom is impacting on housing, seeing basic prices again rising to the $250,000 to $300,000 range.
“Singleton can further expect to benefit from the M15 expressway due to open in September 2013 making the region more accessible,” says HTW.
Outer-suburb buyers are being spurred on due to a tight rental market in Newcastle with the Real Estate Institute of NSW reported a 1.6% vacancy rate in October.
The median price of a Newcastle house is $655,000 and $430,000 for units, according to RP Data with BIS Shrapnel tipping <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/hotspot-newcastle-tipped-for-strong-growh/2011062950648">strong capital growth of around 6% per annum </a>over the next two years.
Apart from being Australia’s sixth biggest city with a population of 550,000, Newcastle is also a beneficiary of coal mining investment activity and is well connected to Sydney plane, train and by car via the Newcastle Freeway and the Pacific Highway.
Herron Todd White notes that affordable houses are “typically in areas with limited employment opportunities, shopping, education, and public transport.
“The typical purchaser of affordable housing is quite varied and includes a wide range of owner-occupiers, first home buyers and investors.
“In the current economic climate we are finding the most remote of locations experiencing greater sales periods than their more centralised counterparts.
South of Newcastle, first-home buyer and investor opportunities can be found on the southern fringes of Lake Macquarie, with cheaper housing is priced from around $250,000 to $300,000 in areas such as Doyalson and Wyee.
“Similar pricing occurs in the small villages near the Pacific Highway like Morisset, Dora Creek and Awaba.
Buyers with a penchant for rural living might consider the more remote areas of the upper north and north-west, around towns such Dungog, Stroud, Gloucester and  Buladelah, suggests HTW, with houses priced from as low as $150,000 to $200,000, but where “services and facilities are more limited”.
“Finally in the coastal areas of the north-east, lower end property around Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens can be acquired for around $250,000 to $300,000.
“Just to the south around Nelson Bay, older houses can sell for as low as $300,000.
“Over the last few years these coastal areas have experienced a significantly weakened market with the typical purchaser – an investor or holiday house purchaser having departed the market and sales periods have noticeably increased,” says HTW.
For Terry Ryder's outlook on the state of the regions sign up for the free webinar on Thursday, December 6 at 12.30pm on <a target="_blank" href="/news">Regions versus capital cities - where to invest in 2013?</a>
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Newcastle fringe suburbs attracting first-home buyers and investors with many options under $300,000: HTW

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Commemorated by a blue plaque, Oscar Wilde’s family home on Tite Street in London’s Chelsea is for sale through Savills for £1.15 million ($1.77 million).
It's part of Oscar Wilde’s family home,  where he lived with his wife and two sons for 11 years.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/wilde2.jpg">
It was in the library that Wilde wrote some of his best-known works, including The Picture of Dorian Gray, An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest. Wilde’s library is now a bedroom.
The offering is a one-bedroom flat that also includes an elegant reception room with high ceilings and an open-plan kitchen. In the late 19th century Chelsea was home to London's bohemian quarter, with neighbours on Tite Street including artists John Singer Sargent and James McNeill Whistler. Wilde moved into the property with his new wife Constance in 1884 and left after his fall from grace and imprisonment in 1895 when the Marquis of Queensberry accused the famous playwright of homosexuality due to his affair with her son Lord Douglas. The listing agent Tom Wilson, of Savills Sloane Street, says the ideal pied-à-terre was now in one of London’s most desirable residential locations, where prices for a family home can start from £4 million upwards.
"We forecast that prime central London will outperform all other markets over the next five years, with a 25% increase in prices by 2017.”
<img src="/images/stories/2012/12/wilde.jpg">
The property has recently undergone an extensive renovation by the current owner Myce Lee, an interior designer: “The property was originally a two-bedroom apartment when I bought it, but I wanted to create an open living environment with rooms that flow into each other without feeling constricted.
"During the works everything was stripped back whilst being sympathetic to the history of the building, particularly in the bedroom, which is where Wilde would have once written some of his most important work.”
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