<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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Logan Central is the Brisbane suburb with the greatest yields for units, according to RP Data figures.
With a median price of $150,000 and a median rent of $250, units in the suburb hav a median gross rental yield of 8.7%.
According to the 2011 census the suburb has a population of 6,172 up from 5,592 in 2006. The census shows 26.5% of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Logan Central</a>’s 2,308 dwellings are flats, units or apartments.
Logan Central is the central business district of Logan City, 20 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD.
A search of real estate listings reveal no apartments priced below $165,000.
The cheapest unit currently available is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-logan+central-111044487">3/10 Blackwood Road</a> with a negotiable asking price of $165,000. The two-bedroom townhouse is in a complex of six properties.
It comes with a second toilet and a single car park.
The property is being marketed by Meryl Woods from Run Property Springwood, who says it could earn $230 per week. If it sells for $165,000 this would give a gross yield of 7.25%.
It last sold for $105,000 in 2004.
According to RP Data median unit prices have dropped 42.7% over the last year. In September, REIQ figures showed prices had dropped 15% over the quarter but were up 10.9% for the year.
Local agents say the price fluctuations have been due in part to new developments in the area, but prices are down.
In September, local agent John Ahern from John Ahern Real Estate Slacks Creek told Property Observer prices were actually down around 15% for the year.
“The peak of the market was in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and then prices started trending slightly downwards during 2010, and by 2011 and 2012 prices tended to drop a little further,” Ahern says.
“They’ve dropped about 15% from their peak over the last 18 months or so.”
Agent Marian Grimsey from Professionals Logan Lifestyles Browns Plains and Marsden told Property Observer prices are desperately down from two years ago.
Apartment <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-logan+central-110123581" target="_blank">7 at 28 Defiance Road</a> is on the market looking for offers over $175,000. It’s being sold by Ioan Vancia also from Run Property, who says the unit is leased at $225 per week and could earn $260 per week plus. This would put the yield at around 7.7%.
It hasn’t sold since 1989, when it traded for $60,000. It was last on the market in 2009 listed at $199,000, discounted from $212,000.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-logan+central-111810583">Unit 4 at 13 Blackwood Road</a> is listed at $179,000 through Tracey Child from All Properties Group. It’s currently rented at $250 per week giving a gross yield of 7.3%.
It last traded for $140,000 in 2005. It was last on the market every year since then with an asking price of $220,000 in 2010.
The Brisbane suburb with the next highest yields for units was Brookwater at 8.4% and Goodna at 8.2%.
 
<table width="404" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
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<col width="64">
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<col width="38">
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<tr height="20">
<td width="107" height="20">Suburb</td>
<td width="64">Postcode</td>
<td width="93">Median Price</td>
<td width="102">Median Rent</td>
<td width="38">Yield</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Logan Central</a></td>
<td align="right">4114</td>
<td align="right">150000</td>
<td align="right">250</td>
<td align="right">8.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Brookwater</a></td>
<td align="right">4300</td>
<td align="right">330000</td>
<td align="right">530</td>
<td align="right">8.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Goodna</a></td>
<td align="right">4300</td>
<td align="right">175000</td>
<td align="right">275</td>
<td align="right">8.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Woodridge</a></td>
<td align="right">4114</td>
<td align="right">180000</td>
<td align="right">250</td>
<td align="right">7.2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Waterford West</a></td>
<td align="right">4133</td>
<td align="right">191500</td>
<td align="right">260</td>
<td align="right">7.1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Slacks Creek</a></td>
<td align="right">4127</td>
<td align="right">200000</td>
<td align="right">270</td>
<td align="right">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Brisbane City</a></td>
<td align="right">4000</td>
<td align="right">460000</td>
<td align="right">620</td>
<td align="right">7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Kuraby</a></td>
<td align="right">4112</td>
<td align="right">285000</td>
<td align="right">370</td>
<td align="right">6.8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Spring Hill</a></td>
<td align="right">4000</td>
<td align="right">365000</td>
<td align="right">472.5</td>
<td align="right">6.7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Bellara</a></td>
<td align="right">4507</td>
<td align="right">214500</td>
<td align="right">277.5</td>
<td align="right">6.7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Logan Central tops list of Brisbane suburbs with top unit yields

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Queensland has simultaneously reached both the bottom and the top of the property market, according to managing director of National Property Research, Matthew Gross.

His two-way bet stems from his view of the two-speed economy in Queensland.
“Many of Queensland’s regional centres have experienced demand at record levels, most fuelled by investors that have chased the next big thing. Some will have done very well, many may be okay but unfortunately, those late to the scene are probably doing the equivalent of sticking their fingers in a dyke trying to stop the flow of leak,” Gross says in his latest newsletter.
“South-east Queensland, on the other hand, has had some of the most diabolical trading conditions in memory. Now this is where I stick my neck out… I believe the worst may well be behind us. This doesn’t mean that the recovery is going to be quick or uniform. It will be like dropping a stone in a bucket and watching the ripples move out.”
The improvement is partly being driven by increasing levels of migration, Gross says, but also by limited building approvals.
“Whilst this is not good for the construction industry in the short term, it is setting up the preconditions for a shortfall in the residential sector. Rental pressure remains firm in many locations, this is likely to increase over the next couple of years,” Gross says.
The bankruptcy rate has dropped to pre-2005 conditions, and the Reserve Bank is in a stimulatory frame of mind, with a possible extra 50 basis points in cuts to come, Gross says.
He says that the conditions for recovery are there, but not every region will experience the return.
“Areas like the western corridor that have significant supply are likely to experience a more modest improvement in the next two years, though the rail and improved amenity continue to make this a region with sound prospects into the future,” Gross says.
“The inner suburbs of Brisbane are experiencing higher demand. The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are starting to pick up, but this is often on the back of mortgagee sales which have set back new projects at least two years. As this stock is finally absorbed into the market, developers will again start to build again”
National Property Research is a Brisbane-based research firm established in 1999. Gross is a former state research manager for Stockland.
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The best of times and the worst of times simultaneously for Queensland property market

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A 1930s early Canberra residence that was recently renovated has sold for $1.45 million at its weekend auction.

It was built to a 1926 prototype, the most expensive of five housing styles that were permitted by the agency set up to build Canberra.

The Federal Capital Commission was set up to further construct Canberra from 1925 and prepare it for the arrival of civil servants. The FCC took over from the Federal Capital Advisory Committee, which took over from Walter Burley Griffin. The FCC was disbanded in 1930 with the onset of the Great Depression.
The <a href="https://www.luton.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2175549&amp;realestate=17_Hann_Street_GRIFFITH_ACT_2603" target="_blank">Hann Street, Griffith, property</a> was originally built at a cost of £2000 and had been expected between $1.3 to $1.5 million.
The FCC had 26 approved house designs. Some, like the type 13 on Hann Street, were rarely built.
The two-storey house was built in 1938 with a sleep-out, a contemporary kitchen, large living room and front and back verandas.

The façade of the building revealed the trappings of a senior public servant lifestyle with its Dutch-gable roof line, overhanging eaves and stylish window treatments.

The property was sold by Luton Property agent Richard Keeley, REIA residential sales person of the year 2012.

Vendor Mark Stevens bought the property in 2002 for $720,000. Prior to that it traded for $410,000 in 1996 and $467,000 in 1993.

In 2008, Stevens unsuccessfully tried to sell the property for $1.66 million despite it being on the market for 288 days. Stevens had another crack at selling in 2011 with an initial asking price of $1.7 million.

Stevens bought the property in a run-down condition and has renovated over the last decade.

He bought the property from the New Zealand government.

The property sold to a family hoping to owner occupy.

Canberra was established in 1913 and built over various stages of central planning over the next century with an eight-year hiatus during the Great Depression.

Canberra celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.
The following pictures on page 2 show most of the 26 house designs produced by FCC architects.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029313&amp;SE=1">Type 1</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type1.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029316&amp;SE=1">Type 2 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type2.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3102033&amp;SE=1">Type 3 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type3.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029303&amp;SE=1">Type 4</a> 

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type4.jpg">
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3131038&amp;SE=1">Type 5</a> 


<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type5.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=1964878&amp;SE=1">Type 7</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type7.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.images.act.gov.au/duslibrary/imagesact.nsf/V01/9E9CF4A9B767CB104A256EA9001CEE1C?OpenDocument">Type 8</a> 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type8.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029254&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 9</a> 

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type9.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029311&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 10 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type10.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=1964737&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 11 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type11.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=1975298&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 15 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type15.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=4029253&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 19 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type19.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3131036&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 20</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type20.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3103044&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 21 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type21.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3130900&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 22</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type22.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3130739&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 23 </a>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type24.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3130901&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 24</a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type24.jpg">
<hr>
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3098073&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 25 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type24.jpg">
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/PhotoSearchItemDetail.asp?M=0&amp;B=3099939&amp;SE=1" target="_blank">Type 26 </a>

<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/type26.jpg">
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A 1920s Canberra prototype home sells for $1.45 million

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A 1905-built St Kilda terrace with a rooftop garden deck has sold for nearly $1 million above its reserve price. 
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Public/PropertyDetails.aspx?adid=2010010800" target="_blank">Gorphwysfa</a>, the 21 Mary Street property, sold for $3.3 million at its super Saturday auction, well above its reserve of $2.5 million. 

It was sold by Buxton agents Karl Gillon and Ranko Cvjeticanin.

The Edwardian terrace on 253 square metres had been in the same family for 30 years before selling.

The four-bedroom <a target="_blank" href="/news">St Kilda</a> home has coffered ceilings, a marble master bathroom, four bathrooms, an internal atrium garden and a glass wet bar.

Cvjeticanin  was pleased with the result.

“This was a pleasant surprise and just another example of how prices continue to exceed expectations,” Cvjeticanin  says.
But <a target="_blank" href="https://www.12crimeastreetstkilda.com/home">an 1880-built St Kilda terrace</a> (pictured below) listed by Leon Piterman, the vice-chancellor of Monash university and his consultant wife, Hannah, didn't get to weekend auction.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/crimeast1.jpg">
Enniscorthy, the 611-square-metre two-storey property had been expected to sell for more than $2.5 million at its October 27 auction before it was postponed to November 17th.

It comes with a broad tessellated tiled veranda, an imposing double arched entrance hall, 4.2-metre ceilings, Baltic pine floors and a Tuscan-inspired garden.


Marketing for the property describes it as one of the area's most admired homes, featuring hydronic and under-floor heating, an alarm system, a basement wine cellar, intercom, laundry, auto-gates and off-street parking for four cars.

Buyers' agent Guy Angwin from Mal James Buyers Advocates says the property is a classic but has some floorplan issues.

“This property has been updated over time, and whilst it is not a recent renovation it does provide some floorplan flexibility,” Angwin writes in his summary of the property.

“This is a significant property with good land content, and while it has some floorplan issues, with the right renovations it could become a fine large family home.”

It was last listed for sale in 1997.

It comes with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and four car spaces.

The house is surrounded by the Tuscan-style gardens, which give the property a second street frontage on Marlton Crescent.

The hall, sitting room, dining room and study all feature marble fireplaces.

Stone floors lead through to the kitchen living and dining areas.

It is being sold by Simon Gowling from Damian O'Sullivan.

Leon Piterman was given Queen's birthday honours in 2006 for service to family medicine through distance education for doctors in remote areas, to research and student training, and to international medical education.

The property mentioned in The Argus in 1956 going up for lease £4/16/9.

The property is being marketed with its own website.

 


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Hit and miss with prestige St Kilda terrace offerings

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Today brings a first look at the proposed residential tower located at 256-260 City Rd. Submitted for assessment last year on behalf of developer Apex Vic Pty Ltd, the Hayball designed all-glass tower if realised would stand at 60 levels or 191.7m, and maintain a setback of between 5m &amp; 7.5m to the eastern boundary where another residential tower known as Verge is under construction. Totalling 439 apartments, 256-260 City Rd would hold 274 one bedroom and 165 two bedroom apartments, 99 car parking spaces and 160 bicycle bays with two retail tenancies included through a podium split between parking and apartments facing City Rd.
 
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_2787.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Render as per planning application. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2787.jpg?itok=PF-Sb_2c" title="Render as per planning application. Image © Hayball" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image1_5.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East &amp; west perspectives as per planning application. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image1_5.jpg?itok=3T6Z88B2" title="East &amp; west perspectives as per planning application. Image © Hayball" typeof="Image"></a>
Whilst not accurately expressed through the east-west perspectives above, the two-toned bronze facade will tend more gold and dark bronze similar to that of Tower 5 @ Yarra’s Edge. A number of apartment layouts have been submitted, all of which will run either side of a common passage emerging from the central core over every level. Currently a low-rise office building, the tower would yield one bedroom apartments over most floors including level 59, allowing for spectacular views generally reserved for penthouse apartments at such heights. Recessed balconies with angled balustrades allow for a streamlined form whilst adding interest to the design.
 
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_2795.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Level 40 apartment layout. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2795.jpg?itok=MTZt-_c6" title="Level 40 apartment layout. Image © Hayball" typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Img_2796.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Levels 58 &amp; 59. Image © Hayball"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Img_2796.jpg?itok=iGx2HhHm" title="Levels 58 &amp; 59. Image © Hayball" typeof="Image"></a>
For the first time Apartments.com.au will utilise the skills of Lawrence Dragomir, aka Blockhead, our in-house renderer and all round legend. Stay tuned as Blockhead will be making ever increasing appearances over a variety of projects and categories in times to come. But for the time being enjoy his interpretation of Hayball's 256-260 City Rd in situ from both City Rd and Eureka Tower (note the now under construction Verge Apartments abutting 256-260 City Rd from Eureka).
 
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/260%20CityRd_view%20east_130124.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="East perspective of 256-260 City Rd, indicative image only."><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/260%20CityRd_view%20east_130124.jpg?itok=RvnT9jnK" title="East perspective of 256-260 City Rd, indicative image only." typeof="Image"></a>
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/260%20CityRd_aerial%20view_west_130131.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The likely view from Eureka Tower, indicative image only"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/260%20CityRd_aerial%20view_west_130131.jpg?itok=yFtjtYh4" title="The likely view from Eureka Tower, indicative image only" typeof="Image"></a>
Everything going to plan, Apartments.com.au will look at another sizeable tower abutting the as-yet unapproved 256-260 City Rd later this week. To find more info and follow future progress of 256-260 City Rd, the forum link is found below
 
 
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silvermb

Planning Application > 256-260 City Rd 

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The number of economists expecting a cash rate cut to 3% at the Reserve Bank’s November 6 meeting has dropped in recent weeks.
This week, 21 out of 28 surveyed economists expect the rate cut, according to the Bloomberg survey.
Swaps traders are now pricing in a 55% chance of a cut on November 6.
Last week 23 out of 27 economists  expected it to drop with swaps traders then pricing in a 79% chance of a cut and the week prior it was 21 out of 26 economists with swaps traders then pricing in an 80% chance of a cut.
Almost all economists polled, 25 out of 28, expect the rate to be 3% after the December 4 decision.
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Fewer economists expecting a November Cup Day RBA rate cut: Bloomberg

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Rae's on Wategos Beach at Byron Bay has been sold in the hour before its scheduled auction on Friday October 26. No official sale price or buyer details have been released, other than to say the accepted offer was consistent with the vendor expectations. Property Observer gathers it was snapped up by an off-shore non-expatriate buyer.
It was on the market for the first time in 20 years, having been listed by the entrepreneur Vincent Rae.
Located on a prized 1,049-square-metre beachfront Marine Parade block, the property was set for auction through Ray White Hotels agents Tony Bargwanna and Andrew Jolliffe in conjunction with Gerald Delany of Kay &amp; Burton in Melbourne.The auction was scheduled for 2pm but following last minute negotiations, the auctioneer Andrew Bell, of Ray White Surfers Paradise, announced that the property had sold. "It's a momentous day," he told the large waiting curious crowd.
The selling agents have declined to give any indicative pricing, although the local paper says it fetched more than $21 million.
The agents expected interest from hoteliers, but it would mostly likely attract considerable residential buyer interest. There is recent approval for a new underground car park, cocktail bar, lift, sub penthouse, spa area and a 200 square metre entertaining terrace.
It charges between $600 to $1380 a night.
The purchase has apparently no given any indication of intended usage.
Rae's is opposite the 1,406-square-metre record-setting holding bought by property developer Danny Goldberg for $15.68 million in boomtime 2006.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/april26watermark]}
Marine Parade's most recent beachfront sale has been the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/watermark-at-wategos-beach-sells-five-years-after-initial-listing-for-just-shy-of-%2410-million/2012042654431"> Watermark at Wategos</a> (pictured above), a duplex apartment building on a 656-square-metre block, which sold quietly earlier this year for $9 million through Graham Dunn of Byron Bay Property Sales to David Knappick, who made his fortune from his shareholding in Felix Resources.
Rae's guesthouse was built by Ruth Harris who established a restaurant there called Argentine Ant Cantina and then La Belle Epoque, neither of which were especially successful although Liberace did play the piano at the then French medieval-styled mansion around which Salvador Dalí had a hand in its early 1970s tropical garden design, presumably a sketch or two done from afar.
Wanting $2 million at its June 1994 auction, Harris later sold for $1,375,000 in 1994 to Rae, who developed it into an iconic luxury retreat once rated by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in its "Top 25 Hotels in the World" in 1997.
Over the years its guests have included Richard Branson, Harvey Keitel, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Tom Cruise, Meg Ryan, Russell Crowe, Keith Richards, Pink, Elle Macpherson and Nicole Kidman.
Rae says that at 50 he's ready to move on - possibly moving to Barcelona while keeping his involvement in mining interests in Papua New Guinea and  a project in Bali.
"I've had a lot of interest over years but I've never wanted to sell," he told News Ltd in the lead up to the auction.
"I've had discussions with Richard Branson over the last year or two, he loves the place.
"You would love to think it will continue on. She is a great old dame, that building.
"But at the end of the day I'm looking for the best result, and if a Packer came in and wanted to pay top money and turn it into a house I could walk away with a smile on my face."
Property Observer gleans Richard Branson was not however its buyer.
Peter Metzner, the publicity spokesperson for Rae's, has said he didn't know whether the new owner would keep it as a hotel or convert it into a private residence.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Rae's at Wategos sold in the hour before its auction

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The Sydney-bound former Queensland premier Anna Bligh didn't secure her desired sale when her south Brisbane home went to recent auction with reported $1 million-plus hopes.
There were five registered bidders, but not a single offer. 
Bligh co-owns her renovated <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.raywhitesouthbrisbane.com.au/property/STB4471003">1890 Highgate Hill </a>home with her husband, Greg Withers, having bought it in 1997 for $290,000.
After its $900,000 vendor bids, it remains listed through Ray White South Brisbane, which is marketing the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house as oozing "charm and character of a bygone era".
It has a land value of $710,000. A nearby three-bedroom house on a similar 827-square-metre block fetched $900,000 last year, and a four-bedroom house fetched $825,000 in 2010.
Bligh intends to rent in Sydney's inner east before buying. The listing followed Withers taking a job at Arts NSW.
The couple also own investment units in West End and Highgate Hill, which The Courier Mail reports they have not listed for sale.
The RP Data median house price for <a target="_blank" href="/news">Highgate Hill </a>is $755,000, with prices having dropped 2.6% in the past year.
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Anna Bligh's Highgate Hill abode still for sale 

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Southern Cross Constructions (NSW) has been placed in voluntary administration by its directors, owing money to around 600 creditors who are mostly subbies.
The value of the debts has been estimated at around $17 million or higher according to the CFMEU.
Southern Cross Constructions (NSW) joins a growing list of failed NSW construction companies which have left a trail of debt to subcontractors.
Bruno Secatore, Jason Tang and Ozem Kassem of Cor Cordis have been appointed as administrators.
Mr Kassem said most of the company’s four projects appeared to be near completion so the administrators’ role was to determine the best way to see them completed.
The company provides building and construction services to developers in New South Wales across residential, industrial and retail developments.
Southern Cross has more than $230 million worth of building projects in New South Wales, including a retail premises at Balgowlah, and a Hurstville housing development.
"Part of our role will be to determine the best way to deal with those projects so that the ultimate return to creditors is maximised.
"We will also need to establish what is owed to each of the contractors whose ongoing support is required to complete those projects and we will also consider the future of the 39 company employees and their employee entitlements.
"It appears Southern Cross has close to 600 creditors located primarily in New South Wales” Mr Kassem said.
The first creditors’ meeting is scheduled for Monday November 5.
Mr Kassem emphasized that at this stage it was only Southern Cross Constructions (NSW) Pty Limited which had been placed under an insolvency administration and the other members of the
Southern Cross Group will continue to trade as normal. 
On Tuesday demonstrations by the CFMEU construction union workers over unpaid wages took place at Balgowlah as between $4 million and $5 million was owed to sub-contractors employed on the site, according to the union.
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Southern Cross Constructions (NSW) in voluntary administration

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The receivership of developer Juniper Group's iconic Soul development is set to trigger a revision of prestige apartment prices in the Gold Coast.
The $17,000-plus per square metre typically sought for apartments in Soul is now likely to drop towards pricing in other unsold new high prestige developments in the Gold Coast.
The latest Midwood report noted the 77-storey Soul development was the priciest of the three ultra-high rise developments.
Of a total 288 units in the building, Midwood listed 92 remaining unsold while noting the developer was not officially participating in the survey.
The priciest apartments in Soul were the three-bedroom two-bathroom configurations, which were selling for $19,321 per square metre.
The cheapest were the two-bedroom, two-bathroom configurations, which were selling for $16,592 per square metre.
This is compared with the Oracle development, where prices range from $7,970 per square metre to $12,121 per square metre and the Hilton development, where prices ranged from $13,299 per square metre to $14,645.
The Midwood found sales for high-rise apartments in the Gold Coast totalled 54 for the August quarter, “excluding Soul and Hilton, each of which refuse to report sales because they are embarrassingly low”.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/trouble-in-surfers-paradise-as-unsold-and-unsettled-soul-in-receivership/2012102557436">The development has been placed in the hands of receivers at PricewaterhouseCoopers on Thursday</a>.
“The challenges facing the real estate market in the Gold Coast area are well known and have been impacting the major developers in the area for some time," receiver Michael Fung noted.
"These challenges, together with the slower than expected completion and delays in settlements on pre-sold stock, meant that the receivership of this world-class development was unsurprising,” says Fung.
Juniper Group had enlisted legal support from Norton Rose to pursue buyers who had been unable or unwilling to settle after committing to buy apartments.
“Many of the apartments have been pre-sold, and we will be working through the settlement process to deliver those apartments to purchasers,” Fung says.
Real Estate Institute of Queensland spokesman John Newlands told The ABC the economy had taken a turn for the worse shortly after construction on the tower began.
"The original purchase price of the land was when the market was at its height and obviously construction and labour costs were at their peak," he said.
"To put a product like that into the marketplace, it can come at a considerable cost.
"But the marketplace is saying something different now and unfortunately they're not able to achieve the prices they were previously sold for."
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