<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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After more than five years on and off the market, Dalkeith House, the two-storey gabled Tudor-style mansion at Mount Martha, has been sold for about $2 million.
The four-hectare property at <a href="https://www.rtedgar.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=1973683" target="_blank">245 Nepean Highway</a> came with initial $5 million hopes in 2007 and then was relisted with $4 million hopes in 2009 by the Heber family, who fully restored the property since paying $1,725,000 in 2004. It was most recently listed at $2.65 million.
The five-bedroom Dalkeith House residence includes original half-timber wall finishes, stone chimneys and leadlight picture windows.
The grounds includes an orchard, horse paddock, tennis court and swimming pool.
Over the years Dalkeith House has been used as a wedding reception venue, bed-and-breakfast accommodation – even the site of Agatha Christie-type murder-mystery parties.
In 1974, the Dalkeith House estate, which was then around 34 hectares, was bequeathed to three hospitals – the Royal Melbourne, St Vincents and The Alfred.
The hospitals later onsold it as a private home.
It's been listed over time through Bennison Mackinnon, in conjunction with Aqua Real Estate and RT Edgar, which has its listed as sold.
It is believed to have been built around 1938, with parts of the home dating back to at least 1911.
There were reportedly 24 full-time staff at the property, which spread over more than 700 acres on the west side of <a href="/news">Mount Martha</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Dalkeith, the 1911 Mt Martha Mornington Peninsula Tudor estate, sells after five years

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There were 365 unconditional inner-Brisbane apartment sales in the September quarter, with more than four out of five sales below the $650,000 mark, according to a new report by Place Advisory.
Affordability appears to be a key consideration for buyers, with more than a third of sales (35%) price between $350,000 and $450,000 – the most popular price band.
However, there appears to be little appetite (or little product) at the more expensive end of the market, with just 3% of sales for apartments prices from $900,000 and above.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/11/placenov19.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/11/placenov19thumb.gif"></a>
Source: Place Advisory
The weighted average price over the quarter was $548,493 – 3% below the previous June quarter price. 
The 365 transaction were 15% lower than the previous quarter but above the long-term 10-year average of 311 transactions, which Place Advisory says indicates stability in the market.
At the current sales rate there is more than a year’s worth of apartments available for purchase, with Place Advisory counting a total of 1,808 new residential apartments remaining for sale across the inner-<a target="_blank" href="/news">Brisbane </a>market.
It was a very good quarter for developer David Devine,who notched up two of the top-selling projects over the three months to September via his Metro Property development businesses.
The highest-selling project over the quarter was Metro Property’s newly released Plaza Apartments, which recorded 54 unconditional sales, followed by another Metro Property project, Brooklyn on Brookes, with 44 sales.
Double One 3 (39 sales) – being developed by Devine Limited in <a href="/news">Teneriffe </a>– ranked third. The business is no longer associated with David Devine, but still bears his name.
“From discussions with agents and developers across the marketplace, consistency month to month remains the biggest challenge,” says Place Advisory, a project marketing agency.
“Enquiry appears to fluctuate in quality and quantity with no reasoning associated.
“The reality is when you look at the overall picture, we must be prepared and understand that we are in what could be regarded as a normal market.
“Most feedback suggests that if Brisbane’s residential supply pipeline continues as a constant, where close to an average of 1,000 new apartments have been released annually over the past five years, and stock remains price pointed and affordable these trends are unlikely to change in the coming two years.
“Importantly, the impact of the first-home owners' construction grant (FHOCG) will be one to watch in coming quarters.”
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Brisbane apartment market stabilises in September quarter with sub-$650,000 the sweet spot: Place Advisory

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Western Australia’s remote Pilbara region, the state’s iron ore mining heartland, has topped the list of regions with the lowest proportion of annual sales under $400,000.
According to research by RP Data, just 5.8% of sales in the Pilbara region were under $400,000 over the year to August.
There were nearly four times as many sales below $400,000 in the second-ranked Kimberley (22.1%) region, which lies just above the Pilbara geographically, and benefits from mining as well as tourism.
Third was Canberra (22.1% of annual sales) and fourth Sydney (30.3% of all sales).
The Pilbara is a vast region covering an area of 502,000 square kilometres in northern WA running west from the coast. Its main mining towns are <a href="/news">Karratha</a>, <a href="/news">Dampier</a>, <a href="/news">Port Hedland</a>, <a href="/news">South Hedland</a> on the coastal edge and <a href="/news">Newman </a>and <a href="/news">Tom Price</a> in the hinterland.
Property Observer has scoured real estate listings in these mining towns and found only four properties currently listed for sale under $400,000, three of them in the Karratha suburb of <a href="/news">Bulgarra </a>and one in the Karratha suburb of <a href="/news">Pegs Creek</a>. All of them are one-bedroom apartments. None of the other mining towns had properties listed for sale under $400,000.
Property Observer only considered existing properties with a listing price advertised under $400,000 and excluded vacant land and house-and-land package listings.
$182,000
A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-pegs+creek-111445311" target="_blank">one bedroom unit being sold by Ray White Karratha on Warambie Road in Pegs Creek (pictured below).</a>
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/11/warnambie.jpg">
$299,000
A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-wa-bulgarra-110436629">one-bedroom ground-floor apartment on Ridley Street, Bulgarra</a> (pictured below), being sold by Jackie McVee of First National Karratha.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/11/ridleyst.jpg">
$350,000
A<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-bulgarra-112164847" target="_blank"> one-bedroom bedsit with separate bathroom and toilet on Ridley Street</a> in Bulgarra (pictured below) being marketed by Richard Naulls of Ray White Karratha.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/11/ridleyst2.jpg">
$375,000
A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-bulgarra-110467185">furnished one-bedroom bedsit with separate bathroom and toilet on Ridley Street</a> in Bulgarra (pictured below) being marketed by Richard Naulls of Ray White Karratha.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/11/ridleyst3.jpg">
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Pilbara offers only rarest of property investment nuggets under $400,000

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Sydney's auction housing market regained its 60% plus success rate status at weekend auctions.
There was a preliminary 62.1% clearance rate, according to Australian Property Monitors.
The clearance rate in the prior weekend initially scraped in at 60.3% which ranked as the eighth consecutive result above 60% - and sat as the best sequence of results since autumn 2010.
However the revised APM tally was 58.6%.
Dr Andrew Wilson, the APM senior economist, notes although Sydney's auction clearance rates are higher than those recorded at the same time last year, the number of properties being offered each weekend remains consistently below last year's levels.
"While buyer momentum has gradually built during spring, sellers have remained relatively subdued," Dr Wilson said.
He says the prestige market was the main culprit, with the number of properties for sale in the eastern suburbs, lower north shore and northern beaches continuing to be "restrained."
"These are also the suburbs where weekend auction clearance rates continue to fluctuate."
The APM data shows the inner-west and Canterbury-Bankstown areas, however, remain hot spots both for listing numbers and auction clearance rates.
A clearance rate of 64% was recorded this weekend in Melbourne compared to 59% last weekend and 49% for the same weekend last year, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
"This time last year was the low point for the 2011 spring selling season and the result this weekend illustrates the improvement in the market this spring," said Enzo Raimondo, the chief of the REIV.
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Better than last year weekend auctions suggests buyers momentum

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The Victorian government is reviewing the way vendor’s statements (Section 32s) work.
It's part of a review into red tape for businesses and the community. 
The vendor’s statement, introduced in 1982, requires sellers to disclose certain information to prospective buyers. However, the amount of information required to be disclosed has grown, along with the size of vendor’s statements.
The review will examine:
<ul>
<li>the range of matters currently disclosed through vendor’s statements;</li>
<li>whether the range of matters required to be disclosed on a vendor’s statement is appropriate; and</li>
<li>if alternative methods are available for disclosing this information prior to sale. </li>
</ul>
The review will also examine the volume and complexity of the information being disclosed.
The first step in the review has been the release of a discussion paper – Review of section 32 of the Sale of Land Act 1962.
The discussion paper is open for consultation – the general public, estate agents, legal practitioners and conveyancers are encouraged to make submissions no later than December 20.
Section 32 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 requires the vendor to disclose certain information about the property for sale, by providing a vendor’s statement to prospective purchasers.
Examples of information provided in the vendor’s statement includes information about:
<ul>
<li>the property, including planning and land use controls (such as easements and covenants);</li>
<li>finance, such as undischarged mortgages and insurance requirements; and</li>
<li>the connection of essential services. </li>
</ul>
A property inspection alone may not necessarily reveal all the information a prospective buyer needs to make a decision. This gap in information can place the buyer at a disadvantage during negotiations.
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Victorian Section 32 sales contracts under review

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Peter Campbell's Lindsay Bennelong Developments has finalised an agreement to purchase the Clarendon Group, an acquisition that will return the residential building company to its founder.
In the interim Lindsay Bennelong Developments got its own major projects underway, including developing the $400 million Gore Hill business precinct and $390 million Advanx precinct at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Rushcutters Bay</a>, both in Sydney.
Clarendon Homes was founded by Peter Campbell in 1978, diversifying the business before selling it as an integrated residential building and development company to Investa Property Group in 2004.
In 2007 Investa Property Group was taken over by two Morgan Stanley real estate funds, with Clarendon Homes positioned under the direction of Morgan Stanley.
The company was separated from the Investa group of companies in 2009 so that it could operate as a stand-alone home building company. 
The transaction comprises the purchase of 100% of the shares in Clarendon Residential Holdings and its subsidiaries, including Clarendon Homes New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria for an undisclosed sum. Settlement of the transaction is scheduled to take place in late-November 2012.
Lindsay Bennelong will assume all past and present liabilities for Clarendon Homes, including the performance of all warranty works.
"While there is an element of sentimentality about the purchase, this was above all a prudent business decision," Campbell says.
"By acquiring a business with scale and an existing pipeline, we will be well placed to take advantage of improving economic conditions when they eventuate," he says.
Maurice Felizzi, the Clarendon Group chief executive, welcomed the change of ownership.
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Peter Campbell does a Packer and buys back the property empire

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A meeting of Provident Capital debenture holders has been called for December 13 with the aim of voting on a new arrangement, which receivers Phil Carter, Tony Sims and Marcus Ayres from PPB Advisory believe will result in a more efficient and fairer distribution of money following the non-bank lender and mortgage fund manager being declared insolvent.
Provident Capital, a lender of last resort, collapsed in July leaving around 3,500 small investors who placed their savings in Provident’s fixed interest debenture fund out of pocket with an average investment size of $30,000.
The fund was frozen when Provident collapsed and investors have not received any payments in the past five months.
Since their appointment PPB Advisory have recovered funds from just two of the 49 loans in the fixed interest debenture fund totalling $4.8 million with only one loan discharged in full,leaving 48 loans undischarged with a closing book value of $109.9m as of September 30.
The receivers have also returned $5.6 million (six loans) of the $74.2 million owed to Adelaide and Bendigo Bank, which must be repaid first before debenture holders can receive payments.
Receivers are marketing another three properties for sale, but have identified six properties "which are not suitable for sale at this time, predominantly due to planning issues".
Most of the mortgages were provided to property developers on very high interest rates that could not secure bank funding.
“The Receivers understand the frustration of debenture holders that we are unable to commence distributions at this time,” says PPB advisory in a note on its website.
At the December 13 meeting, debenture holders will be asked to vote on a proposal to amend the debenture trust seed to facilitate the new payment structure and will also receive an update from PPB Advisory on its efforts to discharge loans.
Currently the trust deed provides that interest will be payable before principal.
The proposed amendment of the trust deed is designed to facilitate the payment of interim distributions in the following order:
<ul>
<li>first, the return of interest accrued but unpaid as at 3 July 2012 on all debentures (whether interest was paid periodically or on maturity);</li>
<li>second, capital (as in the face value of your debenture); and</li>
<li>finally, in the unlikely event that there is any surplus, interest at the rate of 10% per annum for the time which the face value of debentures remained unpaid.</li>
</ul>
The outcome of the vote and the wishes of debenture holders will be taken into account at a court meeting on December 17, where the receivers will propose the amendment.
An informal information session will follow with debenture holders invited to submit questions prior to the meeting.
A meeting will be held in Sydney and broadcast in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Debenture holders can either vote in person or by proxy.
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Frustrated Provident Capital debenture holders to vote on fairer distribution policy at December 13 meeting

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Hobart is the capital city where investors are most likely to pick up a property cheaply, according to new analysis by RP Data.
Close to three-quarters (70.9%) of all house and unit sales in Hobart over the year to August were sold below $400,000, with Adelaide ranking second (58.7%) followed by Brisbane (43%) and Melbourne (36.4%).
Only a third (30.3%) of all Sydney sales were below $400,000 with Canberra ranking last with around a quarter (22.5%) below this benchmark.
The results for Hobart are not surprising, given the city had a median house price of $340,000 based on sales over the September quarter, according to the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT).
According to the REIT, the cheapest Hobart suburb is the fringe suburb of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Risdon Vale</a>, on the eastern shore of the River Derwent, where the median house price was $181,000, based on eight sales over the quarter.
The Tasmanian capital city also accounted for highest proportion of house and unit sales below $200,000, with 12.9% of sales priced below this point.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="161" valign="top">
Capital City
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
&lt;$200,000
</td>
<td width="157" valign="top">
$200,000 to $400,000
</td>
<td width="138" valign="top">
Total &lt;$400,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="161" valign="top">
Hobart
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
12.9%
</td>
<td width="157" valign="top">
58%
</td>
<td width="138" valign="top">
70.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="161" valign="top">
Adelaide
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
6.3%
</td>
<td width="157" valign="top">
52.1%
</td>
<td width="138" valign="top">
58.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="161" valign="top">
Brisbane
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
2.5%
</td>
<td width="157" valign="top">
43%
</td>
<td width="138" valign="top">
45.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="161" valign="top">
Melbourne
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
1.9%
</td>
<td width="157" valign="top">
34.5%
</td>
<td width="138" valign="top">
36.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="161" valign="top">
Darwin
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
5.1%
</td>
<td width="157" valign="top">
28.6%
</td>
<td width="138" valign="top">
33.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="161" valign="top">
Sydney
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
2.4%
</td>
<td width="157" valign="top">
27.9%
</td>
<td width="138" valign="top">
30.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="161" valign="top">
Canberra
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
1%
</td>
<td width="157" valign="top">
21.5%
</td>
<td width="138" valign="top">
22.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="161" valign="top">
Combined caps
</td>
<td width="160" valign="top">
2.7%
</td>
<td width="157" valign="top">
34.5%
</td>
<td width="138" valign="top">
37.2%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/">RP Data</a>
Recent sales in Hobart below $400,000 include this attractive 1880s-built two-bedroom cottage (pictured below), which sold last month. A price has not been disclosed, but it was advertised “in the high $200,000s” and last sold for $73,500 in 1991. It sold through Ant Manton of Ray White Central Hobart. The property is bordered by walls on two sides called an “Arthur Wall” arrangement, an architectural feature used by the first settlers to extend their food growing season into winter by creating a 'warm micro-climate' between the surrounding walls.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/11/brisbst.jpg">
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
Another period home snapped up for under $400,000 recently was this five-bedroom house on Bathurst Street (pictured below), which sold for $325,000 through Martin Waldhoff of Fall Real Estate North Hobart.
The cottage dates back to 1890 with the listing suggesting it required some renovations (“ready for an internal make over”) while photos show a barren backyard.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/11/bathurstst.jpg">
However, it also demonstrates the stagnancy of the Hobart market. The cottage last sold for $320,000 in May 2007, having traded for $110,000 in 1992.
At the other end of the spectrum, Sydney had the highest proportion of sales above $1 million (11.1%), followed by Melbourne (7.8%) and Perth (6.5%).
Nationally, properties that sold for between $200,000 to $400,000 accounted for the plurality, or the bulk of sales; this price bracket accounted for 41.2% of sales over the year.
Property sales between $400,000 and $600,000 accounted for 30.4% of all sales over the year, while the price bracket between $600,000 to $800,000 represented the third largest segment at 11.2%.
RP Data research analyst Cameron Kusher points out there were more sales below $200,000 (7.1%) compared with sales over $1 million.
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Hobart and  Adelaide the capital cities with most property under $400,000: RP Data

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{qtube vid:=JKeZ95HLtKY&amp;feature=plcp} 
In our Purchase or Pass segment this week we take another look at affordable investing around the inner cities with Arthur Charlaftis, general manager of sales and operations at Realestate.com.au. What can you buy with a limited budget that is still likely to give you some growth in the future?
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rs.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-north+bondi-107290495">This Bondi property</a> is 8.9 kilometres from the city. It’s a small studio unit in a small block of units literally right across the road from Australia’s most iconic beaches. It cost $293k last year and would rent in excess of $300 per week. So over a 5% return. There’s a surf shop and a café underneath you on the street level so you’re not going to go hungry or run out of beach gear. The unit offers no parking or ocean views but you can’t get any closer to the sand. So, Arthur, how would that suit you as a bachelor pad in your earlier days?
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/bondipurchasepass.jpg">
Arthur Charlaftis: Obviously it’s an unbelievable property. I think it’s well priced and good return so it makes a lot of sense.
Chris Gray: Certainly to buy something for under $300,000. It just seems ridiculous that you can buy in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bondi Beach</a> and you’re there. Obviously we don’t have sizes, and the pictures show it’s not the most salubrious place, but it’s still a unit.
Arthur: From some of those pictures we know it’s opposite the beach so we know maintenance for that kind of property will always be tough. But across the road from the beach great location and a pretty reasonable price.
Chris: And looking at some of the negatives. Obviously no parking is a bit of a nightmare. If you’re right on the beach it’s even more of a nightmare because there’s no way you’re going ot get a park on a Saturday. But maybe for some of the youngsters don’t need a car.
Arthur: Transportation is pretty good, but I agree. Parking in summer, if you wanted to have a car it would be problematic.
Chris: In terms of noise there would be a few parties going on during the summer. If you like your sleep it’s probably not the place for you.
Arthur: Yeah, you’re got the parties at the night and early beachgoers in the morning, so you could be hit at both ends. But part of being there is participating in that kind of lifestyle.
Chris: These guys are probably the ones causing the chaos. Another thing is obviously we talk about these small apartments, the banks quite often don’t like these. They get more cautious.
Arthur: They do, but obviously the location is pretty good. So it’s a pretty reasonable investment. The other thing is if you took a long-term view it would be interesting whether you could buy the components over time. And obviously if you did that site would be worth a lot of money.
Chris: Exactly. I think there’s only half a dozen units in the block. so effectively a couple of million dollars. They had the Pacific sale down there and I think they had something like 80% or 90% were selling, and it was $1.5 million for a two-bedroom unit at the Swiss Grand. I don’t know if you even got a view for that. There’s plenty of money down there. So purchase or pass?
Arthur: This would be a purchase for me, definitely.
Chris: I think it’s a cracking unit, and if you are into fitness, fresh air and surfing you can’t get much better than that at such an affordable price. No parking would be OK for the youngsters as would the noise, as they would probably be the ones making it. Could also be a great one for a super fund if the banks are happy to lend on it. Probably not for the middle-aged owner-occupier who wants peace and quiet. All in all I think it’s great for the money and would go for a purchase.
Chris Gray is a buyers' agent at <a href="https://www.yourempire.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Empire</a>. He is host of Your Property Empire on Fridays on the Sky News Business Channel.
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chrisgray-pn7di3ceFk

Purchase or Pass? Chris Gray and Arthur Charlaftis on a Bondi studio

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<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">
The soon to retire original yellow Wiggles member Greg Page has sold his three-hectare Dural home for $5.2 million.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/11/nov15wiggle]}
The land cost $2.75 million in 2004, and he built the vast 2,600-square-metre house, which was initially listed with a $7.5 million asking price.
Page retired from The Wiggles in 2006 due to ill health, reportedly receiving $20 million to hand over his yellow skivvy, but returned to the group.
During the interim his venture as a property developer didn't work out brilliantly. Indeed, earlier this year Page finished up the endeavour selling a building site in Dural, in Sydney's north-west, for $1 million. The two-hectare property at 13 Langford Road, Dural, cost for $1.47 million in 2008 with unrealised plans to build a salubrious home on the vacant site. It had traded even higher at $1.77 million in 2004.
On Davey Road, <a href="/news">Dural</a>, Page secured $3.41 million in 2010 for a building block property picked up at $1,575,000 in 2008. In between Page built a home offering "living on a grand scale" with five queen-sized bedrooms all with ensuites and walk-in robes.  It came with separate children's play room or billiard room, and movie lovers' theatre with built-in nine-speaker sound system, 100-inch ceiling retractable screen and Ti projector. There was an oversized home office, five-car lock-up garage, porte-cochere and entry foyer with 14-foot tiled feature wall and double entry doors.
The orginal asking price for the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.thehomepage.com.au/property/residential/8-davey-road-dural/92111" target="_blank">8 Davey Road, Dural </a>property was $5.45 million on its initial late 2009 listing.
In 2009 Page sold the five-bedroom mansion at 9 Hoop Pine Place, <a href="/news">West Pennant Hills</a>, for $2.45 million. It cost $2.1 million in 2008, but Page initially endeavoured to secure $3.2 million after his touches were added to the property, which was marketed as have the grace and style of a  modern masterpiece. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/Grace%20and%20style%20are%20hallmarks%20of%20this%20modern%20masterpiece%20set%20in%20arguably%20one%20of%20the%20areas%20finest%20streets.%20Set%20on%20over%202000sqm%20this%20executive%20style%20residence%20boasts%20massive%20living%20areas,%20home%20theatre,%20gourmet%20kitchen,%20ballroom,%20indoor%20pool%20and%20tennis%20court." target="_blank">Set on over 2,000 square metres</a>, the executive style residence boasts massive living areas, home theatre, gourmet kitchen, ballroom, indoor pool and tennis court.
Page lost money on a Long Jetty project, which was bought for $400,000 in 2008 and sold at $260,000 in 2010. It was a vacant 1,124-square-metre medium-density site that suited townhouse development.
Another 2008 purchase - $570,000 at Beaumont Hills - was sold in 2010 for $625,000.
The Wiggles, one of Australia's most successful and highest earning acts, appointed Emma Watkins, a  20-year-old back-up dancer for the Wiggles, as the group's first female member, as part of a major line-up change. Only the blue Wiggle, Anthony Field, will remain as from next year.
Reportedly at the peak of their success, when the Wiggles were named Australia's top-earning entertainers for four years running, their earnings were up to $45 million per year.
Pictures by Nuance Photography
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