<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

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Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

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The outlook for the commercial property sector has turned gloomier, with a recovery in the retail property sector at least two years away, according to the latest sentiment survey by NAB.
Across all sectors the index hits new low of -19 points in the third quarter of 2012 “as the domestic economy passes through a soft patch, with business conditions weaker and forward indicators concerning”.
The outlook remains strongest for CBD hotels, with capital values expected to rise 3.8% over the next two years, followed by industrial assets (up 2.8%) and offices (up 1.8%).
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Retail property participants in the quarterly survey remain the least optimistic and expect capital values to fall 1% over the next 12 months before improving be down 0.2% over the next two years.
Results of the survey suggest that the retail property market could start turning the corner around September 2014, with the pace of decline in rents and capital values slowing over the next two years.
Rents aren’t expected to offer much comfort over this period, falling 2.1% over the next year before improving to be down 0.8% over the next two years.
Over the next two years, the poorest retail property outlook is in Victoria, where capital values are forecast to fall 1.6%.
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The outlook is not much better for NSW retail property, with values forecast to fall marginally over the next two years (-0.7%) with rents down 1.5%.
The outlook for capital values and rents is better in the resource states of WA and Queensland as well as in the combined Northern Territory/ South Australia market.
The quarterly survey is based on the responses of around 250 commercial property participants including real estate agents, property developers, fund managers, owners and investors.
According to respondents, consumer confidence is still the biggest challenge facing property firms but concerns over government regulation/red-tape and stock levels also a growing challenge. 
Business costs are expected to have the biggest impact on commercial property businesses over next year with interest rates and global economic volatility also a major concern.
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No recovery for retail property sector for at least two years: NAB 

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Property developer FKP has announced practical completion of its striking elliptical glass apartment project Aerial, which has risen up above Camberwell Junction in Melbourne's inner east.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/aerial5.jpg">
The project was delayed earlier this year due a combination of weather and union issues, with completion and settlements pushed back from the first quarter of the 2012-13 financial year to the second quarter.
Aerial has been developed on the former Henley Honda dealership site at the intersection of Burke, Camberwell and Riversdale road in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Camberwell </a>and features two towers, the tallest rising to 14 levels.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/aerial4.jpg">
It was designed by architects Woods Marsh.
FKP has pre-sold 122 out of the 144 apartments, with settlements expected later this month to deliver proceeds of $105 million.
The developer has sold only one apartment since June, with a spokesperson telling Property Observer this was "typical" for a project that is in the "homestretch of construction, as many purchasers hold off to see the final completed product".
Goldman Sachs analyst Peter Zuk says the completion of the project is “welcome news” for FKP and will inject “much-needed cash back into the business, which in turn will facilitate the commencement of other planned development projects”.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/11/aerial3.jpg">
In its annual report FKP said its group debt had reduced from $938 million to $738 million following an equity raising entitlement offer to shareholders, with Aerial settlements to reduce this debt by a further $120 million.
This would imply that the sale of the remaining 22 apartments would bring in an extra $15 million in revenue.
Aerial features a selection of one-, two-, three-bedroom apartments as well as sub-penthouses and penthouses rising above Camberwell Junction.
Around 95% of the sales have been to local buyers, with a mix of owner-occupiers and investors purchasing the apartments.
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FKP completes construction of delayed Aerial apartment project in Camberwell

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Stradbroke, an 1870s St Kilda mansion that was the birthplace of former Prime Minister Stanley Melbourne Bruce, has been sold by the Presentation Sisters.
The 1,761-square-metre property has been the home to the Sisters of the Society of Australian Congregations of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, better known as the Presentation Sisters, since 1919.
It had been listed for an expressions-of-interest campaign, but the buyers sought an auction from the Bennison Mackinnon agency.
Despite interested parties securing the transparent auction process, there was just the one $3.8 million bid made – and it was sold for an undisclosed higher price after the auction to a local family.
An adjoining 788-square-metre parcel of land at 71a Grey Street, <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Kilda</a>, was passed in on a vendor bid of $1.5 million.
Both properties had been offered earlier this year to Port Phillip Council, which declined to proceed with any acquisition.
The 18-room mansion, which has been operating as a boarding house, was built by Thomas Moore Esq in 1873.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/bruceplaque.jpg">
In 1919 the Presentation Sisters purchased the property from the Sisters of Mercy.
The mansion includes arcaded verandas over its two levels and an 18-room interior, including a chapel and a wine cellar.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/birthplace-of-former-prime-minister-stanley-melbourne-bruce-listed-by-st-kilda-nuns/2012100556999">Bruce, the prime minster of Australia from 1923 to 1929, was born in the property on April 15, 1883, in the house</a>.
From windows overlooking Port Phillip Bay, its occupants would have been able to see ships laden with goods from the mother country sailing from the Great Southern Ocean, writer David Lee said in his book Stanley Melbourne Bruce: Australian Internationalist.
Bruce’s family is better associated with Wombalano, a large colonial-style Toorak mansion.
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Presentation Nuns sell 1870s St Kilda mansion

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Two-and-a-half months after he was unceremoniously sacked as Mirvac CEO, Nick Collishaw says he is still waiting for an explanation for his  sudden dismissal.
Collishaw’s last day at Mirvac was October 31 with new CEO Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz taking on the role this week.
In an interview with the Australian Financial Review, Collishaw described his abrupt dismissal as “bizarre”.
He said he was told of his dismissal on the morning of August 15, the same day Mirvac made the announcement to the ASX and also when it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/mirvac-s-nick-collishaw-surprise-departure-that-hands-reins-to-susan-lloyd-hurwitz/2012081556038">named Lloyd-Hurwitz as his successor</a>.
Collishaw says his performance as CEO over four years – including guiding Mirvac through the worst of the GFC - did not warrant his sudden dismissal.
However he did not endorse a campaign by some Mirvac shareholders to unseat chairman James Mackenzie.
Commenting on his dismissal, Collishaw said: “[It is] pretty bizarre of a chairman to dismiss the CEO on the same day he presents the new CEO,” he said.
“The reasons for my departure remain unclear.”
On the morning of his dismissal Collishaw said he had a brief conversation with MacKenzie.
“He just said that the board has decided to go in a different direction and we think there is a better person to lead the company.”
Collishaw said he he had no intention of challenging the decision.
“I knew it wasn’t worth arguing, once [MacKenzie] had made his mind up. He is the chairman and wields ultimate power,” Collishaw said.
Collishaw delivered a 2012 full year profit of $416 million a 128% increase on the previous financial year including a $21 million profit from the sale of Mirvac’s hotel management business.
Collishaw called the results “very pleasing” and said they had been achieved at a time when “many parts of the property market are not buoyant”.
Not pleasing enough for chairman James MacKenzie and the Mirvac board who had already announced Collishaw’s dismissal six days earlier.
Mirvac shareholders will have the opportunity to put further questions to MacKenzie and Lloyd-Hurwitz at it AGM next week on November 15 in Sydney.
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Ex-Mirvac boss Nick Collishaw still waiting for answers on sudden departure

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The questionable benefits of employing feng shui experts for a building project will be explored in tonight’s episode of Grand Designs.
In <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lifestyle.com.au/granddesigns/series-3/episode-4-warburton-arch-house.aspx">episode 4</a>, couple Tyrone and Hailey follow the guidance of a feng shui expert and so-called energy ecologist throughout the construction of their <a target="_blank" href="/news">Warburton </a>home, 65 kilometres north-east of Melbourne.
Their property, Arch House, is a passive solar construction with a curved living roof planted with native grasses.
The couple are building their house around the concrete former reservoir that supplied water to the township.
The reservoir is on 1.4-hectare property on a hill covered in chestnut and olive trees.
They originally planned to build the house cantilevered over the concrete dam, but the feng shui expert advised against it.
The feng shui expert advises throughout the project, including testing radioactive gas levels in the stone used in the construction.
Partway through the project Tyrone starts to express his doubts over the benefits of employing a feng shui expert.
The couple also have the property blessed by a Buddhist monk.
The property is designed by Soft Loud House architects, who describe it as a seven-star, rendered ICF earth-sheltered house using local stone and passive design principles, including a ground linked heat pump and hydro power generator.
They began construction on the project in 2010.
According to RP Data the median house price in Warburton is $260,000. Prices dropped 17.1% in the last year but have increased 11.8% over the past five years.
The median rent is $288 per week.
Nearby <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-vic-warburton-111572647">a two-storey mud brick construction</a> on 3.6 hectares by the Yarra River is listed at $550,000.
And <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-warburton-111216903">a three-bedroom weatherboard home</a> on 3.2 hectares in the hills is listed for $660,000.
Last week’s episode featured <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/balnarring-hobby-farm-beach-house-as-grand-designs-australia-s-third-episode/2012110157566">a hobby farm in Balnarring.</a>
Tonight’s episode airs on the Lifestyle Channel at 8.30pm.
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Feng shui expert guides construction of Warburton home on Grand Designs' November 8 episode

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The nation’s construction activity declined further in October albeit it at a slower rate, according to the Australian performance of construction index from the Australian Industry Group and the Housing Industry Association.
October was the 29th month of declining activity, marking almost two and a half years of hardship for the construction industry.
The Housing Industry Association chief economist, Harley Dale suggested the period extending to 29 consecutive months represented a "blight" on Australia’s economic performance and had made it difficult to find any glimmer of hope for the construction industry.
But the director of public policy at the Australian Industry Group, Dr Peter Burn, said while the construction industry, and particularly the commercial and residential sub-sectors, were still contracting, the pace of decline had turned for the better in October.
“This was most noticeable in the long-suffering housing building sub-sector where a combination of lower interest ratest and a shift in the focus of new home buyer support have helped slow the pace of construction.” he said.
In particular, new orders and supplier deliveries declined less than in previous months.
"The residential and commercial sub-sectors still have a lot of recovering to do with construction activity, new orders and employment all remaining in the red," Dr Burn said.

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Construction activity declines in October making 29 consecutive months

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The Reserve Bank may have kept interest rates on hold at 3.25% yesterday, but economists are still expecting the central bank to adjust the official cash rate downward – borrowers and businesses just may have to wait until next year to see it happen.
The move has been criticised by business groups, especially retailers, which claim the RBA is letting down the economy by refusing to cut rates two months in a row. This is despite the fact the bank itself suggested the world economic outlook is improving.
AMP economist Shane Oliver said this morning the economic situation in Australia warrants a cut – and sooner rather than later.
"I think the case for cutting is really to bolster the economy," he says. "I think they're taking slightly more of a wait-and-see approach, but I'm confident that rates need to go lower for standard mortgage and small business rates."
Oliver says it's "definitely going to happen", and has pencilled in a December rate cut.
But others disagree. CommSec economist Craig James, who previously had expected the RBA to cut rates either this month or next, is now expecting a 25 basis cut early next year.
"Is this the final rate cut? Hopefully, yes – that would indicate a better global and domestic economic climate. But we aren't totally convinced, and are pencilling in the risk of a 25 basis point cut early in 2013."
"The seeds of an economic upturn have been planted, now we have to wait for green shoots to appear. But it all depends on the confidence levels of businesses and consumers."
The disappointment among businesses is curious – a rate cut from the RBA would reinforce the idea the economy is still struggling, even after signs of life have emerged among consumers.
As James points out, rate cuts may not be enough to help the economy, especially when consumers may need to be given some stability when it comes to interest rates. "Confidence and expectations will be all-important on whether further cuts are required," James said.
"The missing ingredient is confidence. Add in the fact that the Aussie dollar remains high, despite an easing in commodity prices, and the Reserve Bank may be forced to consider different strategies."
Commonwealth Bank economist Michael Blythe also said he expects the RBA to wait until after inflation readings are released in January.
This view hasn't taken hold among business groups, which have blasted the RBA for refusing to cut rates two months in a row.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in a statement the lack of a rate cut was a "disappointment", citing its own survey that shows SMEs are struggling.
"ACCI is firmly of the view that another rate cut is needed, given weakness in the mainstream economy and the flow-on impact of ongoing global uncertainty."
The Australian Retailers' Association took a darker view, with executive director Russell Zimmerman saying the industry could forget about a "bumper" Christmas.
"The decision will be disappointing to retailers at a time when good sales are essential to get through Christmas and given many retailers rely on the festive season and its lead up to make the bulk of their sales."
Zimmerman's harsh assessment comes after retail data showed department stores suffered their biggest quarterly fall in sales in seven years.
This article first appeared on Smart Company. 
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pmcstafford-pr9eMARWoN

2013 RBA rate cut looms most likely

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An 1860s grand estate in Bendigo has been listed for the first time in 70 years.
<a href="https://www.tsfn.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2199224">Fortuna Villa</a> is being sold by the Department of Defence with $3 million expectations.
The three-storey Italianate-style mansion with 30 bedrooms was once owned by quartz king, George Lansell.
The mining entrepreneur was the director of 38 mines and had links to almost every mine in Bendigo.
He struck fortune with his purchase of the 180 mine, part of the New Chum Reef.
He remodelled the mansion in the late 1880 which was lavishly furnished with pieces collected from around the globe. He designed the spacious gardens with walks, lakes and imported plants.
He bought the property in 1871 from Theodore Ballerstedt, a mine operator who bought the site in 1857 from the Crown.
The Villa is built in a number of architectural styles - Victorian Italianate and Victorian Free Classical, with Federation influences.
The heritage listed rendered brick construction comes with seven bathrooms, cast-iron verandahs, a billiard room, a ballroom, a conservatory, a reception room and entrance hall.
It has a stained glass, cedar and blackwood staircase, a solid marble bath, extensive acid-etched glasswork.
The villa comes on 7.57 hectares and has 32 outbuildings. The Victorian gardens include a roman bath and a Pompeii fountain. There is also a tennis court, coach house and a large lake on the property.  The lake was previously a tailings pond.
<a href="https://www.fortunavilla.net.au/inc/pdf/Draft%20Fortuna%20Phase%201%20Summary%20Report%20-%20Public%20Doc%20-%20final%20100709.pdf">The Department of Defence</a> occupied the site from 1942 and in 1957 it was compulsorily acquired for Army use. Since then the site has been occupied by the Army and other Defence organisations. Most recently it has been the home of the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation.
The department of defence built a number of modern buildings on the property including a mess hall, stores and accommodation.
The property is being sold by public tender ending December 7.
An environmental survey of the property shows some soil contamination from previous mining activities and defence activities.
The report says that any buyer looking to build on the land would be required to undertake measures to avoid contamination.
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Department of Defence selling 1860s Fortuna Villa in Bendigo

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There will be a surge in buyer activity in the Port Macquarie market led by rent-seeking investors, according to PRDnationwide research.
PRDnationwide research analyst, Oded Reuveni-Etzion says the arrival of the spring selling season will lead to a recovery after a few softer years following the global financial crisis.
"This is really the first sign of the reprieve that the market has shown since government stimulus and lower interest rates encouraged buyers to purchase in 2009," says Reuveni-Etzioni.
"An increase of properties on the market has resulted in a slight increase in sales activity, but prices and activity are expected to only marginally benefit from a low interest rate environment, as only one quarter (25.9%) of dwellings here are owned with a mortgage."
He says an increase in rental returns is expected to stimulate investor activity.
"The rental market has recorded a 31% increase in the median rent price for units and houses over the past five years," he said
"In June 2012 a two bedroom unit recorded a median rent of $250 per week, while a three bedroom house closed at a median weekly rent of $360. The median unit rent climbed 8.7% in the year to June, while the median rent for a house remained unchanged."
The rise in rent has been driven by a tight vacancy rate of 1.5% in September. PRDnationwide say it is now one of the tightest rental markets in coastal New South Wales.
"Gross yields for a two bedroom unit ranged from 2.9% for an apartment in Park Street to 9.0% in Flynn Street. A current median unit yield of 5.3% proved insufficient for investors, although projected growth in rent prices may change this situation in the medium term."
The principal of PRDnationwide Port Macquarie, Tony Dekker, says there has been increased investor interest in holiday apartments.
"I would say that the current low interest rates and a belief that the market has now bottomed out have contributed to this increased activity," he said.
"Certainly the newly introduced direct flights to and from Melbourne will have a positive impact on our volume of holiday makers in the near future, and we are confident that the market will improve in the New Year."
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Rebound in Port Macquarie anticipated to be led by investors

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Ray White chairman Brian White has singled out the group's New Zealand estate agents for particular praise as the real estate business racked up $2.6 billion in sales across Australasia in October, a record over the past 12 months.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://twitter.com/brwhite/status/265542578693357568?uid=275380192&amp;iid=6c612cfc-9117-4a5a-9261-88cbb86657fe&amp;nid=12+47+20121105"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/whitetweet.jpg"></a>
At the start of November, Brian White tweeted that early October results have "NZ a massive 66% above Oct 11".
"Even Christchurch better than pre-earthquake results! Who would have predicted?"
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