<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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A one-time notorious Kings Cross drug den sold at auction yesterday for $1.25 million, less than half what it traded for in 2002.

The 1995 Royal Commission that examined the drug trade investigated the Darlinghurst Road premises, formerly called Lasers.

In its heyday, drug seekers would head to the toilets in the premises, where they would pass money through a 30-centimetre by 30-centimetre hole in the ceiling and the drugs would would be passed back.

The drug joint was earning up to $20,000 a day, and the bouncers carried guns.  The den relied on police tip-offs before drug raids.
The nightclub closed before the vendor bought the property.
The building was sold under mortgagee instructions.
It was owned by a Burwood-based Chinese investor who had bought it from Thanae Investments Pty Ltd for $2.75 million in 2002 with a lucrative lease.

The streetfront space had been leased by the NSW state government's Health Administration Corporation, on behalf of K2, the health administration corporation. K2, the Kirketon Road Centre, which provided a needle syringe service, health and social welfare advice, assessment and referral to drug treatment.
In 2011 the needle exchange moved to Victoria Street in Potts Point, leaving the vendor without his key occupant. 
The Kirketon Road Centre signed the lease in 2001, paying $113,564 plus GST per year. The centre also paid 35% of the outgoings, which were set at $41,000 per year.

Rent reviews took place each year, and the rent was raised by CPI plus 1%. 

Agent Miron Solomons says the rent from that tenant was much higher than usual given the nature of the business.

Colliers agent Matthew Meynell says the rent reached a net of $210,000 per year for the property before the tenant moved out.

The only tenant in the building at sale date was an internet café, which was on an unofficial agreement with the vendor and paying a relatively low figure for the space.

It was bought by a national pharmaceutical chain, which plans to install a shop front on the ground floor, an internet café on the first floor and to convert the upper levels into short-term accommodation.
 
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The property on Darlinghurst Road has lapsed approval for a boarding house and was being sold as a mortgagee sale by PPB Advisory. 

The five-storey building has a lower ground floor and first-floor retail, while the top three levels have lapsed development application approval for a five-bedroom boarding house with potential to convert them into residential apartments.

The building is potentially being offered as vacant possession or with a licence agreement for the first-floor retail area.

"There's huge residential demand in the area. Subject to council approval there is a conversion to residential down the track and an upgrade of the retail space," Solomons says.

In its current state the building is essentially unlettable. 

"You couldn't inhabit most of the building in its current state. Upstairs is really stripped out and a raw shell. It needs capital to improve it," Solomons says.

Meynell says the vendor simply didn’t have to liquidity to develop the property into a boarding house.

The property has current yearly outgoings of $18,405 of council rates, $1,081 of water rates and $37,705 of land tax.

It comes with an eight-metre frontage to Darlinghurst Road and rear access via Kellett Way.

It comes on 176 square metres and has net lettable area of 500 square metres.

Marketing for the property says most hotels in Kings Cross run at 90% occupancy rates while the residential apartment vacancy runs below 2%.

The property is zoned mixed-use 10, which allows for allow a mixture of compatible land uses in appropriate circumstances, such as residential, retail, commercial, light industrial and industrial development.

The marketing for the property was previously occupied as a night club, with no mention of its more salacious history. 

The 113-square-metre second floor is currently configured as a one-bedroom and studio apartment with laundry.

The 80-square-metre third floor is currently configured as three studio apartments.

The 57-square-metre fourth floor currently configured as two studio apartments.

None of the apartments have actually been completed, and they have not undergone separation of service.

Comparable sales include 48 Darlinghurst Road, a retail plus budget accommodation site on 171 square metres that sold for $3.85 million in 2011; 70A Darlinghurst Road, a retail and nightclub venue on 279 square metres that sold for $6 million in 2009; and 49 Darlinghurst Road, basement, ground and first-floor retail shop on 272 square metres that sold for $3.6 million in 2009.

Solomons says retails in the area range from $1,000 to $2,000 per square metre per year, office rents range from $400 to $600 per square metre. One-bedroom apartments rent anwhere from $350 per week to $800 per week.

He says he wasn't bowled over with interest at the auction, though there are always some bites at mortgagee sales.

The plans for the property were designed in 2009 by architects Antonius and Associates.

The site is not a heritage item but is located within the Heritage Conservation Area CA19-Elizabeth Bay Conservation Area and the Streetscape Area HS4-Darlinghurst Road.

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Former Kings Cross drug den sells to pharmacy chain following K2 tenancy departure

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Two Ballarat suburbs have experienced the strongest median house price growth in Victoria in the last quarter, according to Real Estate Institute of Victoria statistics.
Median house prices in Sebastopol, on the south side of the Goldfields city, increased 16.2% in the September quarter, while prices in Alfredton, on the west side, increased 15% over the quarter, according to the REIV September quarter property update.
They were the two star performers in the city, where median house prices increased 1.8% over the quarter.
The best-performing Melbourne suburbs over the quarter were Thornbury and Yarraville, where the quarterly change was 11.4% and 8.8% respectively.
Both Ballarat suburbs showed strong annual growth, suggesting it’s possibly a longer-term trend.
Median house prices are up 10.9% over the year in Sebastopol and 10% in Alfredton, according to the REIV.
The median house price in Sebastopol is now $254,000, while Alfredton is at $385,000.
Despite the headline price growth, not all listings reviewed by Property Observer matched the bullish data.
A 688-square-metre property (pictured below) at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/12-bridge-street-sebastopol/Property-Details-buy-residential-4456669" target="_blank">12 Bridge Street, Sebastopol,</a> is a three-bedroom home listed for sale at $265,000. It’s currently tenanted at $340 per week, earning a gross yield of 6.67%.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/bridgest.jpg">
But RP Data shows the property has been on the market for more than one year with the asking price steadily decreasing from $320,000.
The 703-square-metre property at <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/149-albert-street-sebastopol/Property-Details-buy-residential-4376947" target="_blank">149 Albert Street</a> (pictured below) is a three-bedroom house listed for sale at $260,000. RP Data shows it was last offered for sale in 2009 at $240,000.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/albertst149.jpg">
 
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In Alfredton, the four-bedroom home at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/1-belltower-avenue-alfredton/Property-Details-buy-residential-4491351">1 Belltower Avenue</a> (pictured below) is being offered for sale at $380,000. RP Data shows it was last offered in 2010 with an asking price of $360,000 to $380,000.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/belltower.jpg">
And the three-bedroom home at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/15-robertson-drive-alfredton/Property-Details-buy-residential-4005293">15 Robertson Drive</a> (pictured below) on 941 square metres is being offered for sale at $375,000 to $385,000. It has been on the market since may with an initial asking price of $375,000 to $405,000.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/10/robertsondr.jpg">
The median price in the whole of Ballarat is $285,000, up 1.9% over the year.
The median house price in three suburbs in Ballarat went down in price over the quarter – Redan went down 5.6%, Mount Clear went down 7.7% and Delacombe dropped 4.7%.
Property Observer notes there were fewer than 30 sales in Alfredton over the quarter.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Sebastopol </a>is reportedly named after Sevastopol in the Ukraine, an important battle site during the Crimean War.
According to ABS the suburb has a population of 9,399 with 4,299 private dwellings.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Alfredton </a>is a major part of Ballarat's growth corridor with a number of new housing estates.
The suburb has a population of 7,195, according to ABS, with 2,653 private dwellings.
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Ballarat suburbs Sebastopol and Alfredton have strongest house price growth in Victoria in September quarter: REIV

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The Riverina's Tuppal Station has been sold some four months after it was passed in on a $6.25 million auction bid.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/tocumwal.jpg">
Its been bought by the Bozzo family through Elders Finley agent John Dalton.
The price has been undisclosed, but understood to be substantially higher than the passed-in price.
It was the setting of Slim Dusty's song Twisted Tuppal Gums.
The 5,568-hectare irrigation and pastoral property at Tocumwal attracted a number of interested buyers.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-cropping-nsw-tocumwal-7437281">The property </a>was listed by Frank and Maria Vodusek, who purchased the holding in 1994.
In its past it had been part of the FS Falkiner and Sons’ Riverina pastoral empire following their purchase of the station, then totalling 64,000 hectare at £392,000 in 1891.
The station has 24 kilometres of double frontage to the Tuppal Creek. There is some 800 hectares under irrigation, with a total water entitlement of 1,962 megalitres.
John Dalton advised buyers this year's sown crops was included in the sale.
It was listed for June auction with $8.5 million hopes.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Riverina's Tuppal Station has sold

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Queensland's besieged Quinlivan property spruiking family have had their Byron Bay NSW retreat sold by mortgagees for $2 million.
The property was a vacant hillside block above Wategos Beach, which cost $2.4 million in 2004.
In April 2010 the weatherboard house was totally destroyed by fire.
The property's registered owner was Joahannah Quinlivan, the wife of Dudley Quinlivan, who has been bankrupt three times and was once described in state parliament as the “king con” of Queensland’s property marketeering scandal.
He is currently banned from managing corporations for five years, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission describing him as “not fit to be a director”.
<a href="https://byronbay.ljhooker.com.au/7GSF5G" target="_blank">The property's last asking price was $2.25 million</a> through Tony Farrell at LJ Hooker Byron Bay. It's been for sale since its unsuccessful April 2011 auction. 
Title Tattle gathers its been bought by the Ingham chicken family.  
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Mortgagees sell Quinlivan Wategos, Byron Bay, retreat  

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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buxton.com.au/?OID=4509947">8/5 Brentwood Street, Bentleigh, VIC, 3204</a> <img src="/images/stories/2012/10/brentwood.jpg" width="470">
This two-bedroom Bentleigh unit is currently vacant, but Buxton listing agent Heather Steadman says it was recently rented at $305 per week. It is close to schools, Moorabbin Reserve, shops and the train station. 
Steadman <a href="https://www.buxton.com.au/?OID=4509947" target="_blank">is marketing the property</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buxton.com.au/"> </a>with price hopes of $280,000 plus, and if it sells for that price, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 5.7% at a rent of $305 per week,  well above the gross rental yield for Bentleigh units of 3.5%, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $4,000 and over five years to be $7,000.
The median unit price in Bentleigh fell 8.6% in the past year but rose 39.5% in the past five years, according to RP Data.
For more information about prices and yields in <a href="/news">Bentleigh, see the RP Data suburb page.</a>
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Friday form guide: Yields of up to 5.7% in Bentleigh

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Boorowa farmer John Arnott has listed his Byron Bay district dress circle property, dubbed The White House on Wategos.
Positioned metres from the sand on Marine Parade, the beach house getaway has ocean views from all living areas and four out of the five bedrooms.
The three-level, open-plan property has multiple terraces.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/marinepde.jpg">
It cost $5.5 million in 2009 when Arnott acquired the property from the founder of Sausage Software, Steve Outtrim, who had paid $2.2 million for it in 2000.
Its been listed for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-byron+bay-111850587">November 17 </a> auction through Ray White agent Lloyd Lawton.
Lawton says the owners are motivated to sell the 434-square-metre property as they wish to pursue investments closer to home. 
The five-bedroom home attracts as much as $14,000 per week in holiday lettings and has played host to the likes of Kate Moss, Elle Macpherson and countless other celebrities.
Not that it's ostentatious. “It was a little unloved when we bought it, our intention was to bring it back to life and retain the integrity of an authentic beach house,” owner Angelica Arnott said.
“We let the light in, but you can still hear the wind whistle enough to soothe you to sleep. It’s not so much state-of-the-art, more of a state of grace.” Meanwhile, next door, Skilled Engineering group boss Greg Hargrave is still seeking to offload his property, which was bought from the Albury medico David Kirwan for $7.55 million in 2009. 
Kirwan had bought the property for $900,000 in 1996.
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Wategos' comfortable White House listed

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Borrowers should look to fix at least part of their home loan as fixed rates continue to fall, according to mortgage broker Loan Market.
“Investors and families on tight budgets should really be looking to lock in some rates as they hit near record lows,” says Loan Market corporate spokesman Paul Smith.
“Lenders are coming out with three year fixed rates as low as 5.35%. Historically, it always pays off to fix rates when they are on the way down, as opposed to what most people do in fear, which is fix on the way up.
“Many people were caught out fixing on high rates post recovery during the GFC when lenders began lifting their rates and confidence returned to the market. Right now, these fixed rates are already a quarter percentage point below variable rates, so even if variables dropped one more time this year, they would still be ahead. 
“Could rates dip below 5%? Possibly, but rates right now are pretty hard to resist the gamble and waiting game.
Smith says that borrowers with higher incomes can afford to ride the variable wave a little longer or look at fixing half of their rates and continue paying extra into their variable loans.
“Obviously, consumers should be aware that when the market recovers, these all-time low fixed rates will disappear pretty quick and borrowers will start to scramble for the lender slowest to react and pick up leftovers.”
Currently the cheapest one-year fixed rate home loan is 5.29% offered by Greater Building Socieity while the cheapest three-year fixed is 5.35% offered by loans.com.au.</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Fixed rate offerings pretty hard to resist: Loan Market

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All three school campuses of the former Mowbray College around Melbourne have sold for educational use.
Werribee-based Heathdale Christian College bought the Patterson Campus in Melton for an undisclosed sum. The site will reopen in 2014 as a kinder to year 4 school.
Intaj Khan, chief executive of The Western Institute of Technology, bought the Caroline Springs town centre campus for $6.7 million. His company will offer courses in building and construction at the site from November.
And Grace Children's Services bought the Brookside campus in Caroline Springs for $3.3 million. The company plans to run an preschool there and lease the remaining buildings to other schools.
The sales come four months after Mowbray College went into liquidation, after it was revealed the school had $18 million of outstanding debts.
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All three Mowbray College campuses sell to education institutions

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Standy by for a new food venture in the landmark Georges Building at the Paris end of Collins Street in Melbourne.

The steakhouse Little Hunter will join the existing international fashion brands and hospitality operators.
The Little Hunter steak restaurant is being launched by the group behind the new Senoritas Mexican restaurant in Meyers Place.
It's due to open in 2013, under the stewardship of head chef Gavin Baker, in a 295-square-metre space fronting Little Collins Street.
The American-born Baker has worked for Jean-Jacques Rachou in New York and served as executive chef in Justin Timberlake's restaurant in Los Angeles along with being a sous-chef at The Fat Duck in London.
“Little Hunter draws inspiration from the land, the farmer and the best cattle bred in Australia to blend contemporary dining with the highest quality local produce,” a company spokeswoman said.
CBRE associate director Max Cookes says the Little Hunter lease is another step in the right direction for the Georges Building, where the flagship retail spaces on Collins Street are still available.
There is also an all-day café space overlooking Little Collins Street available for lease, although negotiations are well advanced.
“We are seeking one of Melbourne’s best cafe operators for this space who can take advantage, not only of the customers who already frequent the existing Georges retailers such as Toni &amp; Guy, Readers Feast Bookstore and Dolci Firme, but who is also capable of drawing in customers from surrounding buildings,” Cookes says.
A Melbourne institution, the original Georges store traded in the Collins Street building for 115 years, from 1880 until its closure in 1995. At that point, Country Road founder Stephen Bennett bought the rights to the Georges name from David Jones and gave the building a multimillion-dollar refurbishment and fitout under the stewardship of international designer Terence Conran.
The Bennett makeover transformed the building into a popular venue for dining and lifestyle retailing and was the catalyst for the creation of a new fashion precinct in Little Collins Street. However, the venture foundered after just a year and the centre was later resurrected as a series of speciality stores, service retailers and hospitality operators.
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Steak restaurant plans for Georges Building on the Paris end of Collins Street

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Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has posted the first full financial year Australian bank loss in 20 years, in part, due to its exposure to the declining south-east Queensland commercial property market as well as from operating in a tougher overall credit environment.
It reported a full-year loss of $17.1 million, compared with a net profit of $158.7 million in the previous 12 months.
It reported a 100% increase in its loan impairment expense of $401.0 million, compared with a prior year expense of $200.5 million.
“The increase in impaired assets is a result of a thorough independent review of the bank’s commercial loan portfolio and the continued decline in commercial property prices in Queensland in the first half,” reported the bank in its full-year accounts.
The bank’s $5.1 billion business and agricultural loan book is now in run off “due to impaired property asset realisations”.
BOQ chief executive Stuart Grimshaw, who took on the role in November, said today the bank was seeing stabilisation in the commercial portfolio, with “no new large impaired exposures” in the second half of the year.
The last Australian bank to report a full-year loss was ANZ, which made a $579 million loss two decades ago.
BOQ was profitable in the second half of the year and expects to return to profitability in the current financial year.
Commenting on the results, Grimshaw said the bank continued to operate in a low credit growth environment but was seeing signs of consumers returning to the housing market.
“Consumers are behaving cautiously and paying down their debt. More than 40% of Australian mortgage holders are at least one year ahead of schedule on their repayments.
“Household savings are at levels not seen since the late 80’s, despite falling interest rates.
“We are starting to see some early signs of consumers returning to the housing market, evidenced by auction clearance rates in capital cities improving,” he said.
“Stronger credit and collection processes are now in place and our risk management capability is vastly improved."
BOQ does 60% of its lending in Queensland with 16% in Victoria, 13% in NSW and 8% in WA.
It will look to tap into the bullish WA property market with an increased retail presence and use of mortgage brokers.
The bank expects the WA economy to continue to exhibit strong GDP growth and believes there is “significant opportunity to improve its market share using a multi?channel approach".
BOQ quit the mortgage broker market in 2004 to focus on its owner-managed franchised branches, but has recently returned to using brokers selectively to expand its footprint outside of Queensland.
The bank grew its home loan book by 5.1% over the financial year from $24.15 billion to $25.36 billion and also reported a decrease in the proportion of borrowers more than three months behind on their mortgage repayments from  0.93% in the first half of the year to 0.7% in the second half.
However, it also reported a tightening of net interest margins from 2.01% to 1.98% as well as increasing reliance on more retail deposits  (rising from 56% to 59% of funding). 
The improvement in arrears performance is across all states.
Despite the loss, the BOQ board approved a fully franked final dividend of 26¢ per share, taking the full year dividend to 52¢ per share.
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