<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 prestige Bellevue Hill market continues its faltering price path with a $6.1 million sale – which reflects a 7.38% annual decrease in price.
It was the former French consular residence until the dress-circle four-bedroom, four-bathroom house sold in September 2010 for $7.24 million through Ray White Prestige agent Michael Finger.
The<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-111970043" target="_blank"> 4 Ginagulla Road </a>property sat among the 1,700 properties listed for sale that year by the French government as it sought to reduce its debt burden after the global financial crisis.
It was bought in 1995 for $3.75 million.
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bellevue Hill</a> house  comes with alfresco entertaining within its 923-square-metre rear north-facing landholding.
It was sold this time around in a matrimonial matter through Michael Finger and Diane Wilson.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Oh la la, le pauvre! Bellevue Hill prestige prices plummet

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After a “period of protracted weakness” a strong recovery in demand for residential land on the fringes of Sydney and Perth is being tipped by forecasters at BIS Shrapnel.
To meet this rising demand, BIS Shrapnel expects annual residential lot production in outer Sydney to more than double over the next five years from an average of 2,809 lots produced annually from 2007 to 2012 to 5,870 lots annually from 2012 to 2017.
Last week developer Devine announced its first return to the Sydney market in nine years, with plans for an apartment development in Turramurra.
A strong recovery is also anticipated for the outskirts of Perth, with residential lot production expected to rise from an average of 7,633 lots produced annually from 2007 to 2012 to 11,280 lots produced annually between 2012 and 2017.
A strong recovery is also tipped for the Gold Coast with smaller improvements on the Sunshine Coast and outer Brisbane.
Recent and Forecast Lot Production
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="370"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
City/region
</td>
<td valign="top" width="230" colspan="2" nowrap>
Average lots produced annually
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap></td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
2007-2012
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
2012-2017  forecast
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
2,809
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
5,870
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
16,917
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
12,340
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
5,372
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
5,560
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Gold Coast
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
1,494
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
2,280
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Sunshine Coast
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
1,652
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
1,820
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
2,962
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
2,320
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="139" nowrap>
Outer Perth  (includes Mandurah)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="125" nowrap>
7,633
</td>
<td valign="top" width="105" nowrap>
11,280
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: BIS Shrapnel
“The recent protracted weakness in the Sydney, Perth and Brisbane markets – and to a lesser extent the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast markets – has created the conditions for an upturn,” says report series author and senior manager Angie Zigomanis.
“Low new dwelling construction has resulted in a rising underlying dwelling deficiency, while affordability has improved considerably due to the combination of the weakness in house and land prices and lower interest rates.”
In its third-quarter update released earlier this month, residential developer Australand notes that conditions remaining challenging in south-east Queensland but says activity is more positive in Sydney and Perth with it making good progress on sales targets.
While Australand says the market softened in the third quarter resulting in weaker sales “particularly for land in Melbourne’s growth corridors” it says the Sydney market continues to display “resilience supported by an ongoing structural undersupply of median-priced product”. 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Strong recovery in demand for residential land anticipated in Sydney and Perth fringes: BIS Shrapnel

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Only two rounds to go in the final season of 2012 and MC, last season’s winner, has risen to the top of the Melbourne leader board. He is less than $100,000 ahead of Rainbow and Jorgo, who are still tied in second place.
There’s a website, <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess what they think properties will sell for at their weekend auctions in Melbourne and Sydney. This season <a style="font-size: 14px;" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Property Observer readers have their own competition, which you can access here</a><a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF" rel="nofollow">.</a> The winner of the overall competition will win $1,000.
Spike has almost $1 million lead in Sydney and is the box seat to take out the title, ahead of Nan63 and Davidk9. However, with around $10 million of property up for grabs in the final two rounds it is not over just yet.
At 213 Station Street, <a href="/news">Carlton North</a> (pictured below), the top end of the quote range was lifted to $900,000 in the late stages of the campaign. This sent a clear signal to the market that it was going to be a competitive auction.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/stationst.jpg">
When Tom Roberts from Nelson Alexander started the auction, however, it appeared as though the buyers had stayed home, as he was forced to start with a vendor bid of $800,000. Two bidders eventually came to the party and when bidding stalled at $920,000 the agents went inside to seek further instructions
When the agents returned the words “we are on the market” kicked the auction into another gear as a third bidder emerged. After a flurry of bidding, the property sold $50,000 above the reserve at $970,000.
In Sydney Kerrie Robertson from LJ Hooker sold 28 Coolaroo Road, <a href="/news">Lane Cove</a> (pictured below), under the hammer but has insisted the result in undisclosed.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/coolaroo.jpg">
This is the bizarre reality of the Australian property market where a property can be sold in the most public of forums yet the result kept private.
The penultimate round of properties will be revealed at 5pm today.
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marmstrong-sd3emVLPPb

Melbourne and Sydney properties sell under the hammer as tipping competition winds down

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The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) says consumers will suffer if Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) proposed changes to qualifications for Auctioneers under National Licensing, is allowed to go ahead.
Auctioneers don’t just call the numbers at the front of an auction. They’re not ‘trained actors’. They play a significant role in the sale of a property.
The COAG regulation impact statement (RIS) proposes that auctioneers only require three units of qualification. REIA is calling for a minimum of 12 units to be completed from the nationally accredited property services training package.
In many cases, auctioneers review the contract and disclosure statement prior to auction to ensure that any inclusions and exclusions are announced. They receive instructions from the vendor, and if the property is not sold under the hammer, they may be involved in negotiations to facilitate a post auction sale.
Under the RIS proposal, auctioneers miss out on vital learning including minimisation of consumer and agency risk and interpreting legislation.
In some states, auctioneers have the authority to sign the contract on behalf of the purchaser. These are important tasks, carrying high levels of responsibility and professionalism, when we are talking about someone’s home in which their life savings are tied up.
Why would the government dumb down the credentials of the person handling the sale of your biggest asset? It’s madness, the consumer would be at risk for minimal savings, with the RIS stating that the expected average cost saving of COAG’s proposal would be around $74, 000 per state/territory per annum.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia urges the government to support the highest levels of qualifications for all real estate professionals.
Pamela Bennett is president of the <a href="https://www.reia.com.au/" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Australia.</a>
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pbennett-Zvm5u8EFas

Consumers will suffer if auctioneer licensing requirements are changed: REIA

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<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/knightsbridge.jpg">
The Queensland hotelier Robert Fraser-Scott has lost his prestige Sovereign Islands residence, which has been sold under instructions from Ernst &amp; Young for $3,065,000.
Listed through Ray White Surfers Paradise agent Shaun Kaddatz, the trophy property had its own website, <a href="https://www.2knightsbridgewest.com/" target="_blank">www.2KnightsbridgeWest.com</a>.
Last November Fraser-Scott thought he'd sold his mega-mansion, albeit also for less than half what it cost four years earlier.
It had sold under the hammer for $3.5 million last November, but the buyer has since lost the deposit after several extensions to secure finance.
Set on 2,369 square metres, Westley Manor had been bought from builders Rob Smith and wife Susan Chudley-Smith for $7.36 million in April 2007, just before the global financial crisis.
The Knightsbridge Parade West property has six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a mooring able to take two 18-metre boats and two jet-skis, a 1,500-bottle wine cellar, drive-through underground parking for 12 vehicles and resort-style grounds.
The mansion also features a two-sided wall aquarium between the living and media rooms.
Its latest sale was last month through Ray White Surfers Paradise for $3,065,000, and the contract reportedly became unconditional last week.
The Fraser-Scotts hotel empire has been listed but most yet to be sold.
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Publican Robert Fraser-Scott's Sovereign Islands mansion sells at less than half price

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Storage space is at a premium for many inner-city apartment dwellers.
So Rockwall Apartments, a residential building at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Potts Point</a>, looked at its basement garage for vacant spaces within the common property.
At a private auction restricted to people who owned apartments in the Mirvac-built high rise, the body corporate auctioned off seven storage spaces last month.
NSW Title records reveal buyers included David Jones boss Paul Zahra, who spent $28,000 on a two-square-metre basement storage space.
His upstairs apartment with car space cost $1.7 million in 2007.
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DJ's boss Paul Zahra spends $28,000 on two-square-metre Potts Point basement storage space 

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A Rye beach bathing box without power or water has sold for a record $275,000.
It was snapped up before its scheduled weekend auction. 
They might be a throwback to the 19th century, when the increasing popularity of sea bathing clashed with Victorian-era prudishness, but demand is still there for them.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/ryebathing.jpg">
The pre-summer sale betters the previous $170,000 <a target="_blank" href="/news">Rye </a>record, according to JP Dixon Portsea Sorrento agent Jenny Fink, who sold <a href="https://www.jpdixon.com.au/view.php?OID=4510601" target="_blank">122 Tyrone foreshore in Rye</a>.
"There is no power and no water. It is just a box and it is on the beach."
But she said<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/122-pt-nepean-road-rye/Property-Details-sold-residential-4510601" target="_blank"> the beach boxes </a>were bought by now elderly people who paid $4,000 for them and now "they just get handed down."
Victorians last year spent more than $5 million on beach boxes, according to a News Ltd report.
The tiny beach boxes dot Port Phillip Bay from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula. 
A Portsea box last year sold set a record $585,000.
A Brighton record was set 18 months ago when a new box sold for $260,000. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/brighton-bathing-box-market-buoyant/2011120652689" target="_blank">Bathing boxes existed in Brighton as far back as 1862</a>.
Those now on the market include one at <a target="_parent" href="/news">Rosebud </a>for $75,000, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mt Eliza</a> for $65,000 and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mornington </a>for $180,000-plus.
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Rye beach bathing box sells for $275,000

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Professor Roz Hansen, a leading urban planning advisor to the State Government, has said she's deeply troubled by growing disparities in the choices available to Melburnians by the fact of where they live.
"The amenity enjoyed by a resident of an established suburb like Hawthorn, six kilometres east of the CBD, or Clayton, some 19 kilometres southeast of the CBD, is quite different from that of a Melburnian putting up stumps in areas like Craigieburn, 26 kilometres north of the CBD, or Melton, 35 kilometres west of the CBD, or Cranbourne, 43 kilometres to the south-east."
Professor Hansen, chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the Metropolitan Planning Strategy, made her remarks while delivering a keynote speech to the social welfare agency, the Brotherhood of St Laurence last night.
In the speech entitled "Two Melbournes", Professor Hansen also proposed charging property owners a Melbourne metropolitan levy that was tied to specific projects.

"In the past Melburnians paid a levy to fund the Melbourne Underground Loop and we continue to pay an annual parks charge to enhance, manage and maintain our world class network of major parks, trails, gardens and waterways," she said.

"A new payment would need to be charged annually to all property owners and the basis of the amount to be paid would need to be carefully determined to ensure fairness and equity. Such a levy would be tied to agreed projects and timelines for delivery of those projects in collaboration with local government and other relevant agencies."

"It might be a hard sell politically, but again it is about sharing the benefits and the responsibilities of implementing the strategy."


Professor nHansen said there was an increasing geographical divide in the mode of travel to school, to work, to local shops and community facilities between suburbs in various parts of Melbourne.
The divide also extended to educational options, ranging from child care and pre-school to primary, secondary and tertiary education.
"You can even see a gulf in the different flavour of lifestyles offered by real estate advertisements – be it so-called 'downtown' city living or suburban living.
"Disparities of place are also reflected in availability of jobs within a reasonable travel distance from homes located between suburbs and even the type of dwellings offered to match different needs and budgets.
"Long travel times from home to work are hurting productivity levels, the city’s environmental health and disrupting work and life balance.
"There is less time to spend with children, family and friends and long commutes – overwhelmingly by car in the urban growth-corridor suburbs – are contributing to problems of mortgage stress."
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Craigieburn and Cranbourne planning success requires a Melbourne metropolitan levy from all property owners:Professor Roz Hansen 

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Model Megan Gale hasn't been the regular attraction along Sydney's Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk for many years.
And now her <a target="_blank" href="/news">Tamarama </a>property is up for December 6 auction. Title Tattle gathers buyers have been told $2.95 million plus.
The Perth, Western Australian-born beauty paid $2.4 million home in 2003 after months of searching.
Megan Gale was mingling with the celebrity set at the 2003 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne when her mother, May, secured the Taramama hillside pad, which sold through McGrath agent Bethwyn Richards.
Gale had often said that when not travelling the world, she wanted to remain close to her beloved Bondi.
It's only been a rarely used bolthole – and often rented – especially since she made her mark as a model in Italy, but she always considered the place as her home.
She also sold her Ramsgate Avenue, <a href="/news">Bondi Beach</a>, apartment for $1,025,000 in 2007, having paid $600,000 in 2000.
But of course much of her time has also been spent in Melbourne, given her partners.
"Melbourne has become like a second home to me over the years," she once blogged.
She's currently a David Jones brand ambassador, the face of L'Oreal Paris, and also creative director of Isola by Megan Gale.
She's also been producer and host of Project Runway Australia
It's a beach house with <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tamarama-112217767" target="_blank">stunning coastal panoramas</a>.
The renovated beach house comes with light-filled interiors and private spaces to relax and entertain.
Its elevated, dress-circle setting in a cul-de-sac adjoining quiet coastal reserve is footsteps to the beach.
It's for<a href="https://www.mybhr.com/627017/" target="_blank"> BHR </a>auction through Daniel Baran and Reece Coleman.
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Glamarama wanes as Megan Gale lists Tamarama house for December auction

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The comedian Julian Morrow, who has been on television screens recently in The Hamster Wheel on ABC1 and The Unbelievable Truth on Channel Seven, and his wife, Lisa Pryor, the former SMH property journalist now studying medicine at the University of Sydney, have secured $760,000 for their Camperdown apartment.
It had been listed through McGrath agents Peter Shield and Sarah Tanner priced at $775,000.
The two-bedroom two-bathroom second-floor Aquilon complex apartment cost $540,000 in 2005. During that time, its value has changed at an annual rate of 4.9%.
The 131-square-metre <a target="_blank" href="/news">Camperdown</a> apartment with covered balcony first traded at $520,000 in 2001 when sold by the developers Sterling Estates.
With two small children, the couple are reportedly looking to upsize.
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