<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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Gladstone's $455,000 median price put the reional Queensland coastal town among the more affordable of mining town investment options, according to Ray White Real Estate director Andrew Allen.
"Compared to the cost of housing in other mining and industry towns, such as Moranbah which is about $700,000-$800,000 for a home, it is certainly more affordable than that," Mr Allen suggested.
Andrew Allen told the Gladstone Observer there was an income gap within the district.
"Definitely there is (an imbalance). Anyone working in the construction industry or related industries, definitely they're the bigger wage earners," he said after some Gladstone residents voiced concerns at the affordability of new housing.
"For people on average incomes, anything up to $500,000 is definitely a battle," he said.
House prices in the Queensland’s mining town of Gladstone fell 4.2% over the September quarter, but are not indicative of a softening in the market, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
The 4.2% drop to a median $455,000 was recorded from just 19 sales.
Data for 12 months of sales show the median house price has risen by 13.1% to $475,000.
REIQ Gladstone zone chair Mark Spearing says Gladstone’s property market has been steady and well balanced over the last quarter.
He says the September figures are a reflection of new developments hitting the market and a more competitive selection process for buyers.
New projects include residential developer Devine Limited launching a new $1.4 billion master-planned community - Riverstone Rise - in Gladstone in April, which is expected to have 2,900 homes upon completion.
“When in an upward cycle such as Gladstone’s, there is always a percentage of vendors pricing their property above realistic market expectations,” Spearing says.
Spearing said marketed and negotiated properties are still selling.
And he says sales activity has been very strong over the past two weeks (in November).
Gladstone is located 100 kilometres south of Rockhampton and has a vast number of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal projects in development.
Property Observer <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/gladstone-s-mining-is-booming-but-property-market-far-from-unified-in-queensland-hotspot/2012080755742">reported in August</a> and noted a number of headwinds facing investors in the area.
PRDnationwide predicted property and land prices would begin to ease once new and more affordable housing projects were completed.
It seems that PRDnationwide’s prediction came true, but Spearing says the decline is nothing to be concerned about.
The residential area of Gladstone is made up of nine suburbs: Clinton, Glen Eden, Kin Kora, New Auckland, South Gladstone, Sun Valley, Telina, Toolooa and West Gladstone.
 For more on investing in Gladstone, download the free Property Observer eBook: <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-gladstone-investment-keys-to-one-of-the-nations-most-talked-about-hotspots">Gladstone - Investment keys to one of the nation’s most talked-about hotspots.</a> 
 
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Gladstone's comparable affordability - as quarterly house price dip not the start of a trend: REIQ

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The list of potential candidates to replace Matthew Quinn a Stockland chief executive has another new name with former Westpac retail banking executive Rob Coombe thrown into the mix.
Coombe is well known to Stockland director Carolyn Hewson who spent 10 years on the Westpac board.
Coombe recently gave a presentation to the Stockland board, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review.
Earlier this week it was reported that Stockland chairman Graham Bradley had met with <a target="_blank" href="/news">New York-based Australian investment banker Mark Steinert</a>, who has also been tipped as possibly filling Quinn’s shoes.
Coombe stepped down as head of Westpac’s retail and business banking division in November last year after a career spanning nearly thirty year’s at Westpac, in its various guises.
He was appointed chief executive of Westpac’s wealth management subsidiary BT in 2004 and in 2010, was appointed group executive retail and business banking at Westpac.
He would be a left-field appointment for Stockland given he has no direct experience in the property development market – Bradley though has stressed the Stockland board is looking beyond the property sector for candidates.
Previous names touted as possible replacements for Quinn include Australand managing director Bob Johnston, Westfield chief financial officer Peter Allen, Rod Leaver, CEO of Lend Lease Asia, former St George Bank CEO Paul Fegan, David Southon, co-founder and joint managing director of Charter Hall, veteran Macquarie banker Matthew Banks and the only internal candidate, John Schroder, current chief executive of commercial property at Stockland.
A spokesperson for Stockland told Property Observer earlier this week it has yet made a decision about who would replace Quinn and that the search for a replacement is ongoing.
Quinn is due to step down in February.
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Former Westpac executive Rob Coombe tipped as possible Stockland boss

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Sam Dastyari, the state secretary of the NSW Labor machine, has upgraded homes.
He has paid $1.36 million for a four bedroom Russell Lea house.
Until recently the family lived at their Concord home – his wife, Helen, two large dogs (Sasha and Lulu), the three cats (named Lenin, Trotsky and Chairman Mao), and young daughter Hannah.
The 1920s two-bedroom John Street Concord house was sold <a target="_blank" href="https://exclusiveproperties.com.au/50john">for $900,000,</a> having been bought by the couple for $820,000 in 2009. It failed to sell <a target="_blank" href="https://raywhitedrummoyne.com.au/nsw/concord/353284/">last November</a>.
He reportedly runs an average of 70 kilometres a week – presumably now along the waterfront Henley Marine Drive – and works 12-hour days at Labor's Sussex Street headquarters.
Both addresses are in the Drummoyne state electorate and the Reid federal elecorate.
Dastyari courted Helen when she was working for then premier Morris Iemma in 2008. Her father is Peter Barron, the Labor guru who advised both Neville Wran and Bob Hawke.
His parents, Naser and Ella, were studying civil engineering in Tehran when they fell victim to an Islamist crackdown and were hounded from the northern Iranian village of Sari, where he was born.
The family migrated to Sydney when he was five.
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NSW Labor machine man Sam Dastyari upgrades inner west family abode

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{qtube vid:=jD-C8fmoryk&amp;feature=plcp}
In our Purchase or Pass segment this week Chris Gray is joined by Stuart Waugh, executive director of Bell Partners, to check out a potential investment that is right in the heart of the action and see whether it meets our strict criteria. It’s a <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/Apartment-Unit-Flat/NSW/Bondi-Beach/?adid=2009980339" target="_blank">two-bedroom unit</a> in a small block of four and within metres of all the local entertainment, shopping and leisure facilities. It’s only 7.6 kilometres to the centre of the CBD for work and transport is on your doorstep. It has plenty of attractive Art Deco features and has only one common wall. It features a private entry and spacious semi-like layout.
In terms of location it seems to tick all the boxes. I thought I would highlight some of the comments in the details in their advertisement as some people, especially those interstate may not realise the significance.
It is 7.6kms from the CBD, has one bathroom, has a lock-up garage, costs $900,000 and rents at $670 per week.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/glenayr.jpg">
Chris Gray: Quite often around Sydney we talk about northeast facing, what does that really mean?
Stuart Waugh: It means the sun coming up in the morning. It means some action in the morning and some nice energy. It means the property is always desirable by future purchasers.
Chris Gray: The reason I bought it up is because I was up in Queensland 10 years ago and I went to see a property and I said to the agent, ‘What direction does it face’ and he looked at me strangely and asked why I cared. I said don’t you want the sun? He said no no no we want to get away from the sun, we want the shade. So it does change state to state.
Stuart Waugh: It certainly does. In Sydney a nice sun aspect is actually quite nice to have. I can imagine in some of those warmer states the sun can be quite deterring.
Chris Gray: One of the comments on the ad was “Art Deco block of only four”, what kind of difference does that make to people?
Stuart Waugh: Art Deco usually needs a bit of work to be honest and when it needs work people have to have time to put the work in and look at options as far as renovating it. Some people are busy and can’t afford the time to put into making sure they do a good job. Art deco can be restrictive. But not only that usually the body corporate will be restrictive with an Art Deco property.
Chris Gray: The positive for some people is the style of it because everything gets a bit bland these days so some period features can be good.
And I guess having only four in the block at least you’re not competing with 12 other people. If you need some stuff done at least there’s only three other owners.
Stuart Waugh: But the negative of that is you’re raising money from four people to pay for it. There are negatives and positives, but the high ceilings are a good positive, but when I look at blocks of property I look at how many units are there and who’s going to raise the money to pay for these kinds of things.
Chris Gray: Another thing it mentions is one common wall. Obviously that’s going to quieter especially in some of the party suburbs but also it says private entry and spacious layout. That’s got to be good for some people who can’t afford to buy a house on these suburbs and so you’re maybe you’re still in the unit but at least it feels like a semi.
Stuart Waugh: And especially for young families that are quite often not rolling in cash they can get into an apartment like this and feel like they’re living in a house and they can grow their family.
Chris Gray: The one thing that it doesn’t say in the advert, and I’m not surprised, is that the road is basically 10 metres from the bedrooms. You’re at ground level, you’re in the heart of the pubs and the rest of it. The amount of noise you’re going to get from that, that’s got to be a nightmare, doesn’t it?
Stuart Waugh: Absolutely. Noise is a big deterrent for me. I don’t live with noisy roads that often and I can’t see myself going for that kind thing.
Chris Gray: It’s got to be pretty tough. So purchase or pass for you?
Stuart Waugh: Mine’s a pass.
Chris Gray: OI. Noise is a major problem in the inner cities and so for tenants who do want to be closer to the action some do want to sleep at night, those with jobs at least. Even though the property does tick all the other boxes this is one negative that I can’t get over especially at $900,000 for a two-bedroom unit. So for this one I’m going to pass as well.
Chris Gray is a buyers' agent at <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.yourempire.com.au/">Empire</a>. He is host of Your Property Empire on Fridays on the Sky News Business Channel.
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Purchase or Pass? Two-bedroom unit in Bondi Beach

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It's a change in abodes, not job, that is on Brian Cook's agenda.
Last month Geelong AFL football club chief executive Brian Cook turned down an offer to join rival AFL club North Melbourne.
But his <a href="/news">Albert Park</a> home is listed for December 15 auction through John Holdsworth at Greg Hocking Holdworth, in conjunction with Vendormarketing.com.au, the recently established vendor marketing advocacy company.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/briancook.jpg">
It's a stylish <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/48-moubray-street-albert-park/Property-Details-buy-residential-4705893" target="_blank">Brad Hooper-designed terrace home </a>with Jack Merlo-designed landscaped garden.
There are three upstairs bedroom plus a study, which has the give-away signs of the owner's AFL allegiance.
It was bought in 2001 for $750,000 when Cook moved from Highton.
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Geelong boss Brian Cook staying in job, but swapping Melbourne homes

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LandMark White Group chairman Stuart Gregory has given a gloomy assessment of the state of the commercial property market noting that accessing funding from lenders remains a key constraint.
“In a sense I could simply refer you to my address from last year. In this post-global financial crisis environment very little seems to have changed,” is how Gregory began his AGM address to shareholders this week.
Gregory says that while the residential valuation business continued to perform well, “the recurring theme continues to be the limited lending into the commercial and development markets, the markets that most affect our commercial valuation practice”.
LandMark White managed profits of $800,000 for the 2012 financial year to June 30, down 6.4% from $900,000 in the previous financial year.
Gregory says these results were achieved in “another very difficult year in the property industry”.
“The market remains patchy and for property valuations is dependent on the availability of funding and the appetite of financial institutions to lend into both commercial and residential markets,” said Gregory.
However, while residential lending remained “reasonably positive” he says the group “cannot anticipate with any certainty the banking industry’s support or otherwise of the commercial property market”.
LandMark White declared a dividend of 3¢ per share for the financial year.
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Funding constraints continue to hamper commercial property market: LandMark White chairman 

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Former LJ Hooker Pymble estate agent David Johnson has been disqualified from holding a real estate agents' licence for eight years.
He has also been disqualified from being involved in the management of a company for eight years following the completion of an investigation by the NSW Department of Fair Trading.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/lj-hooker-terminates-pymble-franchise-office/2011090151388">LJ Hooker terminated</a> the franchise agreement with its Pymble and Lindfield office franchisee, Johnson Prestige Realty Pty Ltd, due to a breach of the franchise agreement in September last year.
The office had been responsible for many prestige sales on Sydney’s north shore.
NSW government licensing service (GLS) records shows that David Michael Johnson of 987 Pacific Highway was disqualified on November 8 until November 8 2020.
His disqualification from being involved in the management of a company runs over the same period.
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Former LJ Hooker Pymble agent David Johnson banned for eight years

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A Sydney real estate agent who operated a business in Oatley while unlicensed has been ordered to pay fines and costs totalling more than $20,000, following a NSW Fair Trading investigation

Mike Damcevski from Earlwood was ordered to pay $2,833 in fines and costs, $10,800 in consumer compensation and $7,217 to the Property Services Compensation Fund by the Parramatta Local Court.

In addition to operating without a real estate licence, Damcevski also failed to account for rent collected on behalf of two property owners.

Damcevski held a real estate agent’s licence from April 2003 to April 2006 and from November 2006 to November 2007.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said Fair Trading investigated Mike Damcevski’s conduct after being made aware through a consumer complaint that he was carrying on the business of a real estate agent without holding a real estate agent’s licence.

The investigation found Damcevski had undertaken unlicensed activities including the managing of rental properties, collection of rent money and the receipt of commissions in relation to that money.

Damcevski did not respond to NSW Fair Trading’s correspondence and failed to attend a voluntary interview with Fair Trading investigators to respond to the allegations against him.

He also failed to account for rent collected on behalf of two property owners. The properties were managed and the rent was collected by Damcevski, but he did not remit the net rent collected to the property owners, and consequently they suffered financial losses.

One owner made a claim on the Property Services Compensation Fund of NSW, and the claim of $7,217 was paid by the fund.

The second owner has been awarded compensation by the court, which ordered Damcevski to reimburse the property owner $10,800.

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Unlicensed Oatley agent fined $20,000 following NSW Fair Trading investigation

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There are a variety of far-flung outer Sydney suburbs that may appeal to buyers looking to escape the rat race, but still want to be within commuting distance of the city, according to the November property market report from valuers Herron Todd White.
Buying a lifestyle property in the outer suburbs offers the opportunity to make capital gains in the long term, but HTW warns that “short-term gains are very susceptible to market conditions of the time and new projects can have extended selling periods”.
Since the GFC prices for beachfront properties or those located close to the beach with water views have been the hardest hit
South of the city, HTW suggest buyers consider <a href="/news">Bundeena </a>in the Sutherland Shire, about 35 kilometres from the CBD and reached via a “long and winding road through the Royal National Park".
However, potential buyers are warned that commuting time to the city can double during periods of heavy rain, when the Audley Weir (which allows vehicle access across the Hacking River) is closed, forcing commuters to divert south and take a much longer alternative route along the Princes Highway.
“Housing options include weekend cottages, architect-designed residences and everything in between,” says HTW, with prices ranging from $500,000 for a basic cottage to $3 million for a large modern beachfront residence.
“Services include a small local retail strip, petrol station, bowling club, RSL club and primary school. A limited ferry service runs across Port Hacking to Cronulla for those who wish to commute via train to the CBD and other parts of Sydney.”
Local residents include young families and retirees as well as a location for a holiday house not too far from the centre of Sydney.
North of the city, HTW suggests the islands and beaches of Pittwater such as <a href="/news">Scotland Island</a>, <a href="/news">Lovett Bay</a>, <a href="/news">Elvina Bay </a>and <a href="/news">Morning Bay</a>, which can only be reached by ferry or private boat.
“Pittwater offers basic services with shopping, schools and medical facilities on the mainland only.
“Consequently buyer profile is varied and is generally young professionals or empty-nesters,” says HTW.
Property options are also varied and include small weekend cottages and family homes available from the mid -600,000 to $800,000, with asking prices in excess of $1.5 million for waterfront property with modern dwellings and a private jetty.
Another outer-suburban region picked by HTW is the Hawkesbury region, which offers small and large scale acreage properties, riverfront sites and residential blocks in small villages.
“This area is serviced via the regional centres of Richmond and Windsor which provide most, if not all of the necessary amenities.
“Public transport options are limited and this is seen as the biggest negative. There is a railway station at Richmond, but it is a single line and services are limited.”
HTW says this property market tends to follow the same market movements as the wider Sydney metropolitan areas.
“However acreage lifestyle property in areas such as Kurrajong and Pitt Town tend to be more susceptible to rapid market movements.
“This is also the case with property fronting the Hawkesbury River, with extended marketing periods experienced.
“Prices range from $300,000 for a basic residence up to $2 million for prestige acreage/riverfront property.”
HTW valuer Kieran Clair in his introduction to the November report, says outer suburbs are an attractive option for many buyers with most having “some ready transport links, general facilities and sometimes a more rural sense of community”.
“They are areas where your dollar, like your vehicle, travels a little further but if princess wants a pony and the master of the house needs some well-established trees to climb, the far flung locales are just the thing,” he says.
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Bundeena and Pittwater among far-flung Sydney suburbs offering city retreat, but at a cost: HTW

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Toni Collette and David Galafassi have been hit with a demand for $1 million plus arising from their failure to proceed with a Paddington property acquisition. That's on top of the $900,000 loss incurred when they sold their own Bronte house in March this year. 
The vendors - Susan and Nick Kelly who own the hip menswear brand Industrie - wanted the Hollywood couple to proceed with the $6.35 million purchase signed on September 30 last year.
The couple are now suing Collette and Galafassi for $1million plus, mostly for the $850,000 fall in value of the property when they resold for $5.5 million.
But their damages suit includes a claim for $43,516 in state land tax and interest for four months.
Collette and Galafassi are arguing the vendor's resold the property under value.
They claim the price ought have been $6.25 million at auction, according to documents filed in the Supreme Court and obtained by News Ltd.
The $6.35 million sale of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/actor-toni-collette-and-muso-david-galafassi-fall-for-the-charms-of-contemporary-inner-city-paddington/2011110752250">the five-bedroom home </a>was allegedly due to be settled by December 2011, but the couple pulled out of the deal when they couldn't find a buyer for their own Bronte home.
Collette's lawyer, David Carr told the Kellys' lawyer in an email on New Year's Eve last year his clients intended "not to proceed" with the purchase, according to the News Ltd report.
Collette  also sent an email to Nick Kelly on February 24, telling him the couple had decided to <a target="_blank" href="/news">buy another house in Bronte</a>. They had sold their own house in Bronte for a $900,000 loss.
Two months later the Kellys sued in an attempt to force them to complete the sale.
The Hollywood entertainment industry couple claim they do not have to pay the land tax which the Kelly's were hit with given their move into a Vaucluse residence.
They also claim they dont have to pay the interest on the $6.35 million as there was no agreement to "complete the sale" by December 30.
They claim emails sent to the Kellys cannot be used because they were sent "without prejudice".
Property Observer reported last week <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/toni-collette-s-paddington-property-matter-back-in-court-december-11/2012111457822">the next directions hearing </a>into the matter has been scheduled for December 11 in the NSW Supreme Court equity division.
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