<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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Red Cliff, the Kater family's 2028 hectare Southern Monaro farm, has been listed for auction.
Its November 8 auction could end nearly 180 years ownership by five generations of the family.
The Campbell family occupancy, of most of the holding, originates back to Captain Ronald Campbell's 1830s holding, Cambalong Station.
There are $3.6 million plus hopes through Stewart Lee at Stewart lee &amp; Co Rural Marketing who says the farm was ideal for breeding, fattening and potential cropping.
It runs both sheep and cattle with stock numbers over the past two decades avering 245 cattle and about 5900 sheep.
The Southern Monaro farm has a  fertile mixture of basalt and red loams wuth extensive Cambalong Creek frontage and a reticulated stock watering system.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Red Cliff on the Southern Monaro listing to end 180 years family ownership

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A remarkable church conversion in Moonee Ponds has been listed for sale.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/10/nov5hudson1]}
The conversion of an 1892 Anglican <a target="_blank" href="/news">Moonee Ponds</a> church was designed by owner and architect duo Dominic and Marie Bagnato.
The Gothic-style timber church was originally built by Tadgell Brothers following the general consensus at an 1890 residents' meeting that the area needed a church for religious purposes and Sunday school.
The church was officially opened by then Lord Bishop of Melbourne Dr Goe. The treasurer of the consortium who built the church was Robert Hedge, who was honoured in a 1901 memorial. which still existed in 2008.
The church acted as a venue for sports meetings, working bees and other social activities. The church was part of the St Thomas parish, before leaving temporarily in 1915 and permanently in 1960.
In 1904, an extension to the church was built at the rear and in 1918 a vicarage was built nearby. A church hall was built in 1927. The current vendors bought the church itself in 2007.
Heritage documents say the front gable of the church is adorned with a decorative barge board standing proud from the main wall.
“There is a small Gothic-style porch centrally located in the main facade. The design of the church building is symmetrical. The interior of the building matches the overall design in its simplicity,” Heritage Victoria documents say.
“The arched windows are plainly pointed, the walls are with a timber dado, the ceiling has timber lining and the exposed trusses are also constructed from timber. Most interior fittings such as the pews, the pulpit, altar and font have been removed.”
Upstairs pictures on page 2
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Moonee-Ponds/?adid=2010097178">The five-bedroom conversion</a> includes an open plan living, dining and entertaining area situated arranged around a Nero Tempesta marble fire-place and looking out over the swimming pool.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/10/nov5upstairshudson]}
It has limestone floors, Baltic pine ceilings and a Calacatta marble kitchen with a butler's pantry.
Upstairs has a mezzanine lounge, which leads onto a loft with city views.
There is a 700-bottle capacity wine cellar, a gym and a day bed retreat.
The conversion is being sold by Jellis Craig agent John Morello. It goes to auction on December 1 with price hopes for more than $2.4 million.
It comes on 445 square metres.
Recently a Bullarto Church with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/bullarto-uniting-church-sells-at-%24115000/2012101457155">toilet complications</a> sold for $115,000.
And an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/collingwood-1870s-church-listed-as-heavenly-development-opportunity/2012082156023">unconverted church in Collingwood</a> sold for more than $2.5 million to a couple looking to renovate and occupy.
Hocking Stuart agent Charles Atkins sold the property.
“It was a great result, we were very pleased. At the time there were a lot of people looking at it for commercial purposes, but it ended up being purchased a couple looking to occupy as home,” Atkins says.
And a church in nearby Napier street sold for more than $2 million in September. Agent Grant Sutherland says it was bought by a developer looking to turn it into apartments.
 
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Moonee Ponds church conversion listed for sale

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With a total year-on-year returns of 16.6% for houses and 9.6% for units and yields of 6% in the year to October, Darwin has solidified its reputation as very desirable location for property investors.
RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher says much of this growth is being driven by the mining and resources sector as well as spending from the public sector.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="99" valign="top"> </td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
QUARTERLY CHANGE
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
RENTAL YIELD
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="99" valign="top">
OCTOBER
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
$525,000
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
1.2%
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
5.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="99" valign="top">
SEPTEMBER
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
$534,000
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
3.6%
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="99" valign="top">
AUGUST
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
$545,000
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
4.8%
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
5.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="99" valign="top">
JULY
</td>
<td width="78" valign="top">
$543,500
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
4%
</td>
<td width="79" valign="top">
5.7%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="86" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="86" valign="top">
MEDIAN UNIT PRICE
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
QUARTERLY CHANGE
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
RENTAL YIELD
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="86" valign="top">
OCTOBER
</td>
<td width="86" valign="top">
$427,000
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
2.7%
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="86" valign="top">
SEPTEMBER
</td>
<td width="86" valign="top">
$423,000
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
5.5%
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="86" valign="top">
AUGUST
</td>
<td width="86" valign="top">
$420,000
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
7.1%
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
5.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="86" valign="top">
JULY
</td>
<td width="86" valign="top">
$410,000
</td>
<td width="99" valign="top">
-0.2%
</td>
<td width="75" valign="top">
5.9%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source:<a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/"> RP Data</a>. Note the median price is the middle price of all settled sales over the three months to the end of the final month.
However, Kusher also notes that the recent rise in Darwin house values – up 10.6% for the year to date for houses and up 8.9% for units – has come following a “fairly significant correction in values through most of last year”.
“At one point last year Darwin values were down 15% on an annualised basis.
“Values have increased, but they can be volatile," Kusher says, pointing out that because Darwin is tied to the mining boom it is very dependent on demand from China.
Apart from the mining and resources sector boost and public sector investment, Kusher says there are also “significant incentives” from the Northern Territory government to encourage property purchases.
Currently the NT government continues to offer a $7,000 first-home owner grant for both existing and new homes (in contrast to NSW and Queensland, which offer $15,000 for first-home buyers buying a new home but nothing for existing homes) as well as a $10,000 'BuildBonus' for home buyers building or purchasing a new home until the end of 2012. In addition the NT government also offers a first-home owners stamp duty concession of up to $26,730 (the duty owned on the first $540,000 value of a property).
Kusher says the Darwin market is also appealing to investors because many people won’t live there long term.
“There are a lot of renters and people who don’t stay long. This means more opportunities for investors to negotiate the rent upwards when new tenants move in,” he says.
Kusher expects the Darwin property market to trend higher in the long term, but “perhaps not at same rate it is currently trending upwards”. 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Darwin well-positioned as investor hotspot but dependent on mining and public sector: RP Data

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Receivers have listed the Belongil Beach, Byron Bay retreat of the former milk magnate Ken Lacey and his wife, Madeleine, for December 1 Ray White auction.
It was in 2008 when the retired Potts Point stockbroker Chris Trumbull and his wife, Paddy, sold their Border Street, <a href="/news">Belongil Beach</a>, retreat for $3.6 million to the Lacey couple.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported earlier this year that Lacey declared bankruptcy in December last year but then secured a way out of bankruptcy.
Westpac is the only registered lender on title, Property Observer notes.
The Trumbulls had paid $3 million in 2005 for the 683-square-metre beachfront holding. The marketing ads by Ray White agent Lloyd Lawton say the beach house may be subject to an upgrading or demolition order.
The Laceys had the proprty listed originally at $5.75 million, then for sale at $4.9 million in 2010.
Lacey won Melbourne's milk distribution turf wars in the 1980s before heading north to the Gold Coast.
They hit the headlines when their imposing house on the Gold Coast's millionaires' row, Hedges Avenue, sold for $17 million in 2006, reportedly as the family were off to the United States to oversee the career of their aspiring rap-singer son, Jade, aka Lace Italiano.
But Jade, 24, and his brother, Dionne, 20, were subsequently arrested for the alleged murder of a Nerang landscaper, which has resulted in lengthy costly $6 million legal proceedings. They are in jail for manslaughter, torture, kidnapping and drugs. 
A Supreme Court jury in Brisbane found Dionne not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter and Jade guilty of wounding with intent. Dionne was sentenced to 10 years' jail and Jade to five years. Their prison time was increased by six years apiece when, in a separate case heard, they were convicted of a series of charges relating to an abducted at gunpoint over another drug dispute.
More recently the local paper reported Lacey had withdrawn from the sex industry, selling up Club Lace Bordello at Chinderah.
The Gold Coast Bulletin said the brothel had been bought in 2011 as an inheritance for his sons. The Club Lace at Chinderah, south of Tweed Heads, was to be the first of several brothels he was setting up.
H<a href=""></a>e told the paper this week he would now focus on "development opportunities".
"We received a good offer for the club and we took it," he said. "[My sons] know I'll find something else for them."
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Receivers list Belongil Beach property of Ken Lacey, former milk and bordello industry entreprenuer

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Dixon Advisory, the manager of the US Masters Residential Property Fund, does not expect storm damage from Hurricane Sandy to materially impact on the value of its portfolio of 249 rental properties in New Jersey and Brooklyn.
Yesterday, fund managing director Alan Dixon said low-lying properties in Jersey City, Bayonne and Hoboken had suffered damage as a result of Hurricane Sandy following inspections made by himself and other members of the fund's management team.
In an ASX statement, the fund said net asset value calculations on October 26 – prior to Hurricane Sandy making landfall in the New York Metropolitan area – was at $1.44 per share.
“An assessment of the impact of the storm on the portfolio is currently being undertaken," says the fund.
“While it is too early to precisely estimate the storm’s impact on the value of the portfolio, given the limited nature of the damage and the insurances carried by the fund, the responsible entity currently estimates there will be no material effect on the NTA.”
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/international/dixon-advisory-to-undertake-significant-clean-up-of-new-jersey-properties-damaged-by-hurricane-sandy/2012103157557">An announcement yesterday</a> about damage to some properties in the portfolio did not impact on its share price, which is currently trading at $1.55, having traded in a range between $1.53 and $1.61 over October.
The ASX-listed fund bills itself as the first Australian fund to invest directly in US residential real estate with many of the investors being self-managed super funds.
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Dixon Advisory expects “no material impact” on the value of US residential portfolio following Hurricane Sandy

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The Perth property market has turned the corner and is now well into its upswing, according to property clock estimates from property valuers and investment advisors WBP Property Group.
WBP places Perth houses at seven o’clock on the property clock and its unit market further into an upswing at eight o’clock.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/clock-generic.jpg">
<ul>
<li>At 12 o’clock the market is at its peak (demand exceeds supply)</li>
<li>At 3 o’clock the downswing has set in (an evenly supplied market)</li>
<li>By 6 o’clock it has bottomed out (an oversupplied market).</li>
<li>At 9 o’clock the market is rebounding (supply tightening)</li>
</ul>
In its commentary on the Perth detaching housing market, WBP says supply has decreased and there has been a "significant increase in buyer activity in the sub-$500,000 market".
“Yields are continuing to rise as rental levels increase, which is resulting investors come back into the market.
“With supply issues now coming into effect and housing shortage becoming more evident, it is considered the cycle will continue for the medium term,” says WBP.
Taking a look at the Perth unit market, WBP says strong rental demand and the increase in the median rental has resulted in higher yields.
“Investors that are looking for even to positively geared properties are active in the sector,” says WBP.
According to October data from RP Data-Rismark released yesterday, Perth was the strongest performing market over the month, with dwelling values up 0.4% over the month and 3.5% year-on-year to a median of $460,000.
The Perth median house price is up 3.8% year-on-year to October to a median of $475,000, while unit prices are 3.5% to a median of $397,500.
RP Data puts Perth yields at 4.5% for houses and 4.9% for units.
According to RP Data senior research analyst Cameron Kusher the Perth housing market is just starting to turn around after more than five years of decline.
"Perth prices are still 7% below their peak," he says.
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Perth property market into its upswing: WBP

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The median <a target="_blank" href="/news">Hobart </a>house price fell by 8.1% to a median of $340,000 in the September quarter, according to the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT).
This has pushed back prices to levels last seen around early 2008.
The median house price fell despite a 4.2% rise in the number of Hobart houses sold over the quarter to 393 and the number of days taken to sell a house decreasing by one day to 58.
Across the state there was a 6.2% increase in house sales to 1,242.
Figures released yesterday by RP Data-Rismark suggest Hobart house prices are continuing to fall, recording a 4.5% fall in the Hobart dwelling price over October (one month ahead of REIT figures) to a median of $300,375 with houses down 3.8% ($313,000) and units down 10.1% ($247,500).
According to the REIT, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Launceston </a>was the only region in Tasmania to record an increase in its median house price over the quarter – up just 0.9% to a median of $265,000 and the only region to record an increase in median rent paid per week, with the rent for two-bedroom units up 20% for the quarter ($270 per week) and the year, and rent for three-bedroom houses steady for the quarter ($240 per week).
Across the state the median house price fell 1.7%, a 3.4% decrease overall for the year, to a median of $285,000, while unit prices fell more steeply, down 3%, a 4.2% decrease overall for the year to a median of $232,750.
The decline did not affect the prestige suburb of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Sandy Bay</a>, just south of the CBD, where the median sales price was up 26% over the quarter and 4.9% year-on-year to a median of $640,000.
The most affordable suburbs or town in Tasmania is <a target="_blank" href="/news">Queenstown</a>, where the median price has risen 33% over the past 12 months to September to $100,000.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/10/reitnov2.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/reitnov2thumb.gif"></a>
The price declines were particularly severe in the outer suburbs of Hobart, where the median house price fell 8.3% over the September quarter to a median of $307,250 to be down 11.6% over the past 12 months, while unit prices fell 18.5% over the quarter to a median of $232,250, down 17.8% since September last year.


<hr class="system-pagebreak">
House prices declined in the middle suburbs by 10.2% over the quarter to a median of $300,750, while units in the middle suburbs were more resilient, holding steady at a median of $241,000 and down a relatively modest 3.6% year-on-year.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/10/reitnov21.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/reitnov21thumb.gif"></a>
The severe house price declines in the suburbs did not extend to the inner city, where house prices rose 7.9% to a median of $469,150 while units fell marginally by 1.9% to a median of $321,250.
REIT president Adrian Kelly says the increased number of sales over the quarter is a “positive sign bringing real estate in Tasmania back to a similar position as it was at the beginning of the year”.
“Anecdotal evidence from agencies across the state also indicates they are receiving similar or more enquires about properties for sale,” he says.
“There are currently seven municipalities across Tasmania recording a median house price higher than that of the state median, those being Brighton, Clarence, Hobart, Huon Valley, Latrobe and the West Tamar.”
First-time buyers increased slightly for the quarter, accounting for 18% of house sales across the state, with a median house price of $237,500.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Devonport </a>on the central north coast of Tasmania recorded the highest number of sales for the quarter of 38. Despite this, house prices fell 14.2% to a median of $220,750 and are down 7.2% year-on-year.
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House prices tumble further in Hobart suburbs despite rise in sales activity: REIT

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<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/10mplus.gif"></a>
The price hopes <a target="_blank" href="/news">Stockland Property Group's departing managing director Matthew Quinn</a> has for his McMahons Point home. Quinn announced in July that he would leave Stockland after 12 years.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/sale-prices-edge-87-above-estimates-of-melbourne-agents-underquoting-at-october-auctions/2012102957500"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/75percent.gif"></a>
The approximate percentage of Melbourne properties surveyed by Property Observer in October <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/sale-prices-edge-87-above-estimates-of-melbourne-agents-underquoting-at-october-auctions/2012102957500">that sold for above their quoted pre-auction price guide</a>. On average, those 55 properties sold for 8.7% above the upper bracket of the price range indicated by the agents.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/12point5mplus.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">price hopes Dirty Deeds filmmaker Deborah Balderstone</a> and her husband, John, an investment manager, have for their Elizabeth Bay villa. Hidden from the street by a high wall within gardens designed by William Dangar, it's on Billyard Avenue non-waterfront block, although it comes with shared jetty access.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/higher-discounts-required-in-sydney-and-melbourne-to-achive-spring-sales-apm/2012103057498"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/9point1percent.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/higher-discounts-required-in-sydney-and-melbourne-to-achive-spring-sales-apm/2012103057498">average amount of discounting required to sell properties in Hobart</a>, according to APM. This was the highest required discounting of all state capitals.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/50percent.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">likelihood that the RBA will cut the cash rate on Melbourne Cup Day</a>, according to Commonwealth Bank chief economist Michael Blythe. Economists had thought it was a sure bet until a speech this week by RBA deputy governor Philip Lowe.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/dwelling-approvals-rise-78-in-september-and-dampen-melbourne-cup-cash-rate-cut-prospects/2012103157544"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/7point8percent.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/dwelling-approvals-rise-78-in-september-and-dampen-melbourne-cup-cash-rate-cut-prospects/2012103157544">rise in dwelling approvals in September</a>. This was the second consecutive month they have risen following a 6.4% rise in August. Dwelling approvals fell 21.2% in July.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/fairfax-media-director-michael-anderson-sells-hopewood-house-in-southern-highlands/2012103157501"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/5point25m.gif"></a>
The approximate price <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/fairfax-media-director-michael-anderson-sells-hopewood-house-in-southern-highlands/2012103157501">Fairfax Media director Michael Anderson</a> and his wife, Susie, secured for Hopewood House, their historic matrimonial Southern Highlands mansion.
 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

The 7 must-know numbers of the week, starting with Stockland boss Matthew Quinn's McMahons Point price hopes

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Kermadec, the 1906 Federation-era house built as the Lane Cove home to William (Billy) Hughes, Australia’s seventh prime minister, has been listed for sale through Simon Harrison and James Bennett of Belle Property Lane Cove.
The double-storey Federation mansion is now four bedrooms with powder room and one bathroom. It comes with a pool and tennis court on its 2,787-square-metre landholding.
Title Tattle recalls the <a target="_blank" href="/news">Lane Cove</a> home last traded in 1999 for $1.95 million, a then record for the suburb. Slightly earlier $1,375,000 was secured when it sat on a 4,600-square-metre Richardson Street block.
It's now been listed with renewed record hopes when offers are due by December 12.Belle Property are looking for offers "from the high $3s."
The former SMH heritage reporter Geraldine O'Brien noted once that William Morris Hughes was a barrister and a Federal MP in 1905 when he bought two hilltop blocks of land in a suburb then dotted with dairy farms.
Until its late 1990s restoration and extension of the house, the number of bedrooms was minimal, although Hughes and his wife had six children.
The original house only three bedrooms.
Richard Dinham from SJPH Design Partnership oversaw the 1997 renovations.
Hughes, who wasn't a rich man, didn't lavish money on the house, so the original detail was typically Edwardian with some anomalies such as the ceiling over the staircase being low, which later residents suggested was because he was a little man.
When Hughes was back in Lane Cove from parliamentary sessions in Melbourne, he would speak from the house balcony to address his constituents.
Hugher, who was borned in 1862 and died in 1952, was Prime Minister from 1915 to 1923 and over the course of his 51-year federal parliamentary career (and an additional seven years prior to that in a colonial parliament), Hughes changed parties five times from 1901 to 1952.
The house's name, Kermadec was actually given to it by trader Graham Kerr, who'd bought it in 1920 and named it for the Pacific islands.
 
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Kermadec, 1906 Federation house built for Billy Hughes, listed with record hopes

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<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">
The retiring billionaire John Grill, from the mining services company WorleyParsons, has emerged as the $13 million-plus buyer of the Wedge, the beachfront home at Whale Beach.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/10/oct9whalebeach]}
It was sold last month by the businessman and environmental activist Geoff Cousins, snapped up within 10 days of hitting the market through Raine &amp; Horne Palm Beach agent Glenn Lee. The actual sale price remains very much unconfirmed.
Despite the prestige Palm Beach peninsula rumour mill's normal reliability, Title Tattle scoffed at the almost instantaneous rumours it had been the neighbouring hedge fund expatriate Greg Coffey who'd bought himself an early retirement present, with Title Tattle proffering instead the buyer was from the <a href="/news">mining services industry</a>.
Grill stepped down last month as the chief executive of WorleyParsons, the mining engineering giant he co-founded, but will now become its chairman.
His wealth has fluctuated over the course of the mining boom, but he was estimated as having billioniare status in Forbes 2006 listed as #1014 with a net worth of US$1.01 billion, the 19th richest man in Australia and New Zealand. In the latest ranking of Business Review Weekly's richest Australian executives and managers, John Grill had a $780 million estimated value.
Now the retired lawyer Malcolm McLean and his artist wife, Jean, have listed their nearby beachfront home with $10 million-plus hopes through Glenn Lee when offers close November 29.
The Whale Beach Road property is two doors from the beachfront retreat of Geoff Cousins.
Both the Cousins house – built in 1991 – and the 2002 McLean house (pictured below) were designed by architect John Crawford.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/10/nov2mclean]}
The McLean residence is described as a modern, Hamptons-style, five-bedroom house with sweeping beach views. The home boasts two pavilions with an interconnecting corridor, five bedrooms, including private master retreat.
The McLeans' 1,567-square-metre block is bigger than the Wedge's 1,392 square metres and by some pundits' measurements the largest land holding on <a href="/news">Whale Beach.</a>
Jean McLean is originally from St Martins College of Art London, a designer and artist who shares the home with husband Malcolm McLean, the former managing partner of Greenwoods and Freehills, the tax arm of Herbert Smith Freehills. They are downsizing to a city apartment.
He retired in 2007 after many decades advising clients on Australian taxation matters.
T<a href=""></a>he previous Whale Beach record stood at $13 million achieved for 245 Whale Beach Road in May 2007. Coincidentally that had been Cousins' previous northern beaches weekender, having sold to the late international photographer Richard Bailey for $1.5 million in 1994.
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