<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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Melbourne is set to get its second international airport after the federal government agreed to amend lease agreements with Avalon airport.
The government will amend the lease to Lindsay Fox’s airport so he can build a new terminal and sign up international airlines.
Fox can now build a terminal of up to 10,000 square metres and up to $15 million in value can be developed without federal government approval, the Australian Financial Review reported.
The airport, 15 kilometres northeast of Geelong, has been in negotiations for a long time to secure international carriers.
Local federal MP Richard Marles says Defence Minister Stephen Smith approved changes to the lease arrangement with Defence during the week.
“This is a truly historic day for Avalon Airport, for Geelong and for our region,” Marles told The Australian Financial Review.
“It means the airport operators can, with full confidence, get on with the job of securing an international airline for Avalon.
Chief executive of the airport Justin Giddings says the decision is critical to Avalon’s future growth.
“This decision gives us the certainty and confidence we need to go out and secure international airlines to operate out of Avalon,” Giddings says.
He called the decision “a huge win for Victoria, for the Geelong region and for the flying public”.
“This decision cements Avalon’s future as Victoria’s second major domestic and new international airport.”
Giddings says approval and the Victorian government's recent financial commitment to a rail link to Avalon means the airport can meet growing demand.
The state government has committed $50 million towards the design, planning, land acquisition and preliminary construction works of a rail link to Avalon Airport and $3 million for an aviation fuel line from Shell Geelong to the airport.
Linfox has controlled the airport since 1997, and Qantas’s low-cost carrier Jetstar has been using the airport since 2004.
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Avalon set for Melbourne's second international airport

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The Melbourne property market tread water over July, August and September with house prices rising 1% and unit prices falling 0.7%, according to the latest data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV).
In the September quarter, the Melbourne median house price increased from a revised June quarter median of $525,000 to $530,000 while unit prices fell from a median $445,000 to $442,000.
The previous unrevised June quarter median was $535,000.
REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo says once consumer confidence returns, capital growth will return.
Currently though, he says, prices remain stable as home buyers and sellers continue to act cautiously.
“The pattern this year has been low transactions and prices at the level they were in early 2010,” says Raimondo.
“A combination of lower interest rates, lower prices, an improving clearance rate and small improvements in consumer confidence should sow the seeds of a recovery in the residential housing market.”
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="373">
<col>
<col width="102">
<col>
<col width="119">
<col>
<col width="96">
<col>
<col width="113">
<col>
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="21">
<td width="373" height="21">Inner Melbourne Median Prices</td>
<td width="102"></td>
<td width="119"></td>
<td width="96"></td>
<td width="113"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="64">
<td height="64">House Prices</td>
<td width="102">Sep-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="119">% chg to last q</td>
<td width="96">Jun-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="113">% chg to quarter last year</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Original</td>
<td>$830,000</td>
<td>-3.3%</td>
<td>$858,250</td>
<td>-2.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Seasonally adjusted</td>
<td>$832,089</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
<td>$840,196</td>
<td>-3.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Trend</td>
<td>$834,211</td>
<td>-0.4%</td>
<td>$837,646</td>
<td>-3.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="64">
<td height="64">Unit and Apartment Prices</td>
<td width="102">Sep-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="119">% chg to last q</td>
<td width="96">Jun-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="113">% chg to quarter last year</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Original</td>
<td>$486,000</td>
<td>-1.8%</td>
<td>$495,000</td>
<td>-2.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Seasonally adjusted</td>
<td>$487,631</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>$487,533</td>
<td>-2.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Trend</td>
<td>$487,248</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
<td>$488,157</td>
<td>-2.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Middle Melbourne Median Prices</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="64">
<td height="64">House Prices</td>
<td width="102">Sep-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="119">% chg to last q</td>
<td width="96">Jun-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="113">% chg to quarter last year</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Original</td>
<td>$585,250</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>$585,000</td>
<td>-1.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Seasonally adjusted</td>
<td>$590,535</td>
<td>1.5%</td>
<td>$581,986</td>
<td>-1.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Trend</td>
<td>$589,705</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
<td>$583,673</td>
<td>-1.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="64">
<td height="64">Unit and Apartment Prices</td>
<td width="102">Sep-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="119">% chg to last q</td>
<td width="96">Jun-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="113">% chg to quarter last year</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Original</td>
<td>$465,000</td>
<td>1.1%</td>
<td>$460,000</td>
<td>-1.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Seasonally adjusted</td>
<td>$461,335</td>
<td>0.1%</td>
<td>$460,653</td>
<td>-2.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Trend</td>
<td>$461,874</td>
<td>0.6%</td>
<td>$459,161</td>
<td>-1.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Outer Melbourne Median Prices</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="64">
<td height="64">House Prices</td>
<td width="102">Sep-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="119">% chg to last q</td>
<td width="96">Jun-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="113">% chg to quarter last year</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Original</td>
<td>$422,000</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>$422,000</td>
<td>-1.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Seasonally adjusted</td>
<td>$426,617</td>
<td>1.3%</td>
<td>$421,162</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Trend</td>
<td>$426,289</td>
<td>0.9%</td>
<td>$422,649</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21"></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="64">
<td height="64">Unit and Apartment Prices</td>
<td width="102">Sep-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="119">% chg to last q</td>
<td width="96">Jun-12 Quarter</td>
<td width="113">% chg to quarter last year</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21">
<td height="21">Original</td>
<td>$346,500</td>
<td>-2.4%</td>
<td>$355,000</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Seasonally adjusted</td>
<td>$347,861</td>
<td>-1.8%</td>
<td>$354,205</td>
<td>-0.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Trend</td>
<td>$350,475</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
<td>$351,365</td>
<td>-0.6%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The REIV has also, for the first time, introduced seasonally adjusted and trend quarterly data.
Seasonally-adjusted data takes into account seasonal, calendar-related movements while trend data reflects the long term movement of the median price and is considered as the underlying direction of the median price.
REIV spokesperson Robert Larocca says the seasonal data is more applicable to the December and March quarter data, when it will reflect seasonal variations.
“We have a lot more auctions in the December quarter and a lot fewer in March, which means that movement in the median price, in original terms, tends to be overstated in December and understated in March.
“It gives an additional level of analysis."
On a trend basis Melbourne house prices rose 1.8% while unit prices rose 0.8% with the more affordable middle and outer suburbs trending up and the more expensive inner city properties trending marginally down.
“REIV analysis of the market shows prices are beginning to trend upwards, particularly in the middle and outer suburbs. In trend terms the inner city median has dropped by 0.4% this quarter compared to an increase of 1% in the middle suburbs and 0.9% in the outer suburbs,” says Raimondo.
The highest growth was recorded in Thornbury where the median has increased by 11.4% to $750,000, in Yarraville with an 8.8% increase to $615,000 and Preston which recorded an 8.2% increase to $598,000.
The fringe suburbs of Mitcham, Cranbourne, Croydon, Greensborough and Rowville also recorded strong growth in demand and median prices over the quarter.
“Improvements in the middle and affordable price segments are also reflected in the fact that the median price of a house sold at auction dropped by 1.3% to $691,000 whilst one sold by private sale increased by 0.2% to $461,000.
In regional Victoria the median house price rose by a marginal 0.7% to $307,000 but are trending flat (-0.1%) while regional unit prices fell 1.7% in original terms to a median of $242,000 with prices trending down (-0.8%).
The three main regional recorded mixed results with the median price of a house in Ballarat increasing by 1.8% to $285,000, in Bendigo it dropped by 2% in the quarter to $301,000 and in Geelong there was a 6.1% to $362,000.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Melbourne property market treads water in September quarter but seeds sown for recovery: REIV

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Australia's largest cotton farm has been sold to a Chinese-led consortium.
McGrathNicol, administrators for Cubbie Station, has<a href="https://www.mcgrathnicol.com/administrations/cubbie/Documents/Media%20information/E24-121011-CUBBCEN01-Media%20release-Final-3-SGG.pdf"> signed a sale agreement </a>with Shandong RuYi and Lempriere, the Australian link within the buying consortium. In June Property Observer reported the Lempriere family, one of Australia’s oldest wool processors, had teamed with the Chinese group Shandong Ruyi in<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/larundel-for-its-ultrafine-wool-now-chinese-company-considering-cubbie-station-cotton-farm-acquistion/2012062655287" target="_blank"> an endeavour to buy Australia’s biggest cotton irrigator, Cubbie Station.</a>
Now in its fifth generation, the company, led by William Lempriere, has been the world’s largest wool merchant since 2009.
Over the 155 years since commencement it has sourced more than 1.8 billion kilograms of the finest sheep wool – some 12 million bales – from Australia, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand as the supplier for the likes of Burberry, Austin Reed, Zegna, Cerruti and St. John Knits.
Only one in eight Australians approves of the sale of Cubbie Station to a Chinese-led consortium, polling shows.
The sale was recently approved by the Foreign Investment Review Board.
The names of reputed unsuccessful bidders for Cubbie Station emerged although without any clarity or confirmation.
An Australian consortium believed to include the Paspaley family and WorleyParsons chief executive John Grill was reportedly interested in buying the south-east Queensland farm but was beaten by the Shandong Ruyi group, according to a Australian Financial Review report.
Another unnamed Australian investor also put in a higher offer but only after Treasurer Wayne Swan approved the sale on August 31, on the advice from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).
The Paspaley family's wealth was estimated this year by BRW's Rich 200 at about $900 million, but James Paspaley, head of Paspaley Group's agricultural investments, advised that his side of the family business had not looked at Cubbie but that others may have.
Lawyer James Loell, who represented an unnamed Australian investor, told ABC Radio he had been informed it was “too late” to bid earlier last month.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Cubbie Station officially sold

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Actress Holly Brisley, best remembered for her role as a troublemaker on Home And Away, and her husband, property investor Paul Ford, have relisted their Bondi Beach abode.

The couple were among the buyers who snapped up a 2006 off-the-plan apartment for $6.75 million in the Bondi complex, the apartment block on Campbell Parade that replaced the Bondi Beachside Inn on its 2009 completion.
They are now seeking $6 million plus at October 31 auction for their opulently appointed half-floor residence through <a target="_blank" href="https://lsdb.com.au/pol/property/search.asp?f_propertyID=1905846&amp;xsl=448&amp;f_st=1&amp;f_ct=1&amp;f_ps=2">D'Leanne Lewis at Laing &amp; Simmons Double Bay</a>, in conjunction with Ashley Bierman and Elliot Placks at Ray White.
It equates to about $24,000 a square metre based on its 250-square-metre internal space. It's 486 square metres all up.
On its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/home-and-away-actress-holly-brisley-lists-in-bondi-beach/2011121352830">initial December 2011 </a>listing they were looking for $7 million plus, which was reduced to mid-$6 million in June.
It has views that stretch across the beach and bay from North Bondi to Tamarama from the northern side of the building.
It has three bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms.
The luxurious appointments feature custom American oak joinery.
There’s also C-Bus 2 intelligence system with automated blinds and curtains.
The Bondi Beach prestige unit market currently awaits valuation confirmation of the September 2012 sales marketing of the nearby complex, the Pacific Bondi Beach. But the desired transparency might have to wait beyond ideal trading conditions as settlements will not be until November 2015 at the earliest, as exisiting hotel bookings at the Swiss-Grand Resort &amp; Spa mean construction won't begin until mid-2013.
 Both the recent Campbell Parade apartment complex and the 2006 Bondi complex were marketed and developed by Eduard Litver and Allen Linz.
Last month's off-the-plan sale of 74 apartments in the Pacific Bondi Beach was credited as Sydney's most successful post-global financial crisis apartment sales marketing campaign.
The sales, which included $1.9 million for a 70-square-metre one-bedroom apartment, reportedly grossed $164 million. 
The cheapest sale started at $575,000 for a 35-square-metre studio, with prices peaking at $10.3 million for one of the seven penthouses.
Price per square sales reportedly ranged from about $15,000 to $45,000.
 
 
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Take three, and $1 million off, as Holly Brisley relists Bondi Beach sub-penthouse

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The NSW government’s $15,000 handout for first-home buyers purchasing a new property, including off-the-plan apartments, is 12 days old, and some developers are suggesting enormous spikes in inquiries and sales to this market segment.
While the $15,000 handout applies to purchases up to $650,000, first-home buyers can save $35,240 if they buy off the plan for less than $550,000, the upper limit to benefit from a maximum stamp duty concession of $20,240.
An upper price limit of $550,000 would restrict most Sydney first-home buyers to a one-bedroom inner-city apartment or possibly a two-bedroom unit further out – ruling out most first-home buyers with children. Two-bedroom apartments in Meriton's Eon Zetland project near Green Square start from $690,000.
Meriton, Australia’s biggest apartment builder, claims that first-home buyers numbers have shot up since the grant was introduced, from just 5% of the market to 45% of all Sydney metro sales – taking up the slack from declining Chinese buyers and investors.
Meriton does not provide any specific sales numbers in the published News Ltd article.
And while it does say the Chinese buyers have withdrawn from the market, it does not say what has happened to second- and third-home buyers and investors, who were able to access developer discounts and incentives aimed at keeping the market ticking over in the three-month period from July to October before the official government first-home buyer grant doubled from $7,000 to $15,000.
Possibly these market segments have dwindled as the developer incentives have disappeared.
CBRE is marketing DNA, a 119-apartment development in Camperdown ranging from studios to two-bedders on the corner of Pyrmont Bridge Road and Barr Street and being privately developed by Mark Mezrani.
Murray Wood, director of residential projects at CBRE, says DNA received over 1,000 enquiries in a week, with 70% of these coming from first-home buyers
The actual sales conversion data has not been released.


<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Not all developers are reporting an immediate jump in sales or enquiries from first-home buyers.
Japanese developer Sekisui House has reported no pick-up in inquiries for two NSW projects – The Waterfront at Wentworth Point and The Hermitage in Gledswood Hills in Sydney’s outer south-west.
The sales teams for these projects report that sales to first-home buyers at The Waterfront had been “very quiet leading up to the increased grant and stamp duty concessions”.
There is an expectation of a “significant increase” in first-home buyer enquiries for properties priced under $650,000, with Sekisui House having recently made some reviews of pricing to ensure maximum number of units fall below $650,000.
Sekisui has no product priced under $550,000 to take advantage of the maximum stamp duty concession.
Last week David Chittenden, director of residential in Sydney for Colliers International, said the wind had been taken out of the sales of the new first-home owner grant because developers were forced to offer incentives in the three-month vacuum between the $15,000 grant’s announcement and its commencement to all buyers to keep sales ticking over.
“Every developer tried to prop-up the market in this interim period,” Chittendon said.
“This has watered down the official grants because buyers have been conditioned to expect incentives and discounts.”
Mark Mendel, CEO of findinvestmentproperty.com.au, which claims a big spike in first-home buyer enquiries since the introduction of the $15,000 handout says a popular strategy among many of its clients is to purchase a property as a first home buyer and move in to it for six to 12 months before turning it into an investment and going to rent where they were previously.
“This allows people to get into the market without the burden of the additional costs of buying a property,” he says.
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Some NSW developers claim big first-home buyer rush, but is it hype or reality?

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<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">
It was only after a three-year search that Lady (Sonia) McMahon bought her Palm Beach summer retreat in 1993. Now almost two decades on its been listed by her executors for November 8 LJ Hooker auction.
Back in 1993 she'd advised the L J Hooker agent David Edwards she wanted level access property with views that could not be impinged upon.
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom Ralston Road Palm Beach weekender had been in the Burton-Taylor family since bought for $29,575 in 1968. It was sold in 1993 by Lady (Joan) Burton-Taylor, widow of white-goods chief Sir Alvin, who resided at Warrawee's 2,600-square-metre estate Greenways.
The unrenovated brick-and-timber 1950s house was designed by architect John Suttor with an intent of instilling memories of former times even then.
Back in 1993 there were 44 house sales in 1993's first nine months totalling $28 million, with Palm Beach prices averaging $640,000.
So far this year RP Data says there has been 21 house sales totalling $57 million. So a $2.7 million average sale. But that includes the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/palm-beach-trophy-home-kaluas-record-setting-price-revealed-at-%2422-million/2012071655601">$22 million Kalua sale</a>.  
<a target="_blank" href="https://palmbeach.ljhooker.com.au/2JEF6Z">David Edwards </a>is suggesting a $2.25 million plus price estimate for the 1,350-square-metre property, which Lady McMahon had made available for her hairdresser's usage.
Lady McMahon, widow of the former prime minister Sir William McMahon, was 77 when she died in April 2010. The estate is being sold off by their children, the Hollywood actor Julian McMahon and his two sisters.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/julian-mcmahon-and-sisters-to-split-%24625-million-proceeds-from-lady-sonia-mcmahons-home-sale/2012070255376">The sibblings have sold two Bellevue Hill properties since May last year. </a> 
The latest listing could lift the sales tally from $15.25 million to $17.5 million plus – equating to about $5.8 million for each child, albeit less costs, which include sizeable land tax charges. 
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Lady Sonia McMahon's Palm Beach weekender listed

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<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/1point3m.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">price Socceroo Jason Culina and his wife, Terri, spent to buy a colonial mansion</a> at Ingleburn in Sydney's western suburbs. It's one of NSW's most significant colonial palladian houses, Denham Court, and was built by Captain Richard Brooks, the enterprising sailor who settled at the Ingleburn holding in 1820.
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/perth-and-brisbane-heading-into-property-market-upswing-louis-christopher/2012100857033"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/630.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/perth-and-brisbane-heading-into-property-market-upswing-louis-christopher/2012100857033">time on the "property clock" for Perth houses and units</a>, according to SQM Research director Louis Christopher. This indicates the market has just bottomed out and heading into an upswing.
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/geoff-cousins-seeks-%2413-million-plus-whale-beach-buyers/2012100857046"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/13mplus.gif"></a>
The<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/geoff-cousins-seeks-%2413-million-plus-whale-beach-buyers/2012100857046"> price hopes Geoff Cousins</a>, the adman-turned-environmental activist and author, has for his six bedroom beach house at Whale Beach. Named ‘The Wedge’, after the famous surf beach break at the northern corner of Whale Beach, the home occupies nearly 1,440 square metres.
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/340k.gif"></a>
The price, exclusive of GST, an investor has paid at auction for a two-level brick retail building on three titles on <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ryrie Street</a>, a Geelong café and speciality retail strip surrounded by medical and professional services premises. The investor, who hails from Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula, will acquire some of the property via his self-managed super fund.
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/2point4m.gif"></a>
The price of the most expensive property sold this week. The<a target="_blank" href="/news"> four-bedroom McMahons Point house</a> sold significantly above its expectations, having been listed in mid-September with a price guide over $1.9 million.
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/spring-brings-a-40-increase-in-property-on-the-market-in-prahran-hockingstuart/2012101057082"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/40percent.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/spring-brings-a-40-increase-in-property-on-the-market-in-prahran-hockingstuart/2012101057082">increase in stock on market in Prahran</a> from winter to spring, according to hockingstuart. "September was busy, but October will be hectic," says the agency's Andrew James.
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/sydney-s-surry-hills-ranked-23rd-most-stylish-neighbourhood-in-the-world/2012101157094"><img src="/images/stories/2012/10/23.gif"></a>
The ranking of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/sydney-s-surry-hills-ranked-23rd-most-stylish-neighbourhood-in-the-world/2012101157094">Surry Hills, Sydney, on Complex magazine's list </a>of the most stylish neighbourhoods in the world. “Crown Street, the heart of the neighbourhood, is where you'll find all of the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops,” author Julian Kimble writes.
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The 7 must-know numbers of the week, starting with Socceroo Jason Culina's Ingleburn purchase price

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Longerenong Homestead near Horsham, a heritage-listed, refurbished, two-storey, 60-square (558-square-metre) Gothic mansion, has been relisted for sale.
The 16-hectare <a target="_blank" href="https://www.eldersrealestate.com.au/office/horsham/residential/buy/property-acreage-semi-rural-vic-horsham-406041">897 Burnt Clay Road property</a>, classified by the National Trust, has a $1 million-plus hopes through Geoff Coustley at Elders Real Estate Horsham in conjunction with Peter Hawkins of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.prh.com.au/pol/property/search.asp?f_propertyID=938963&amp;xsl=2146&amp;f_st=1&amp;f_ct=1,3&amp;f_ps=2">Pat Rice Hawkins</a>.
Longerenong Homestead had been in the same family between 1862 and 2002. The Wilson brothers acquired the lease in 1856 and in June 1862, Samuel Wilson laid the foundation stone of his new villa residence.
Melbourne architects Crouch and Wilson designed this axially planned, two-storey brick residence which cost 30,000 pounds to construct.
Taken from an American pattern book, it was built for Sir Samuel Wilson on the banks of the Yarriambiack Creek, identical to the "Villa In The Pointed Style", a Gothic revival design that appeared in The Architecture of Country Houses by A.J. Downing, published in 1850 by Andrew Jackson Downing.
While the facade of Longerenong is very similar to the American model, the interior planning was altered significantly, as the architects reverted to closed British corridor planning.
The entrance is grand with emblems of the British Isles and the monogram of Samuel Wilson in Belgian stained glass surround the imposing doorway.
There's a marble hallway with a staircase of ornate carved cedar.
The formal sitting and dining rooms, flanking the hall on both sides, have patterned pressed metal ceilings, painted white.
The marble mantelpieces feature Sir Samuel's crest.
Longerenong Homestead interior photos on page 2
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The homestead is surrounded by rare Schotia and Moreton Bay fig trees, Osage oranges, Bunya Bunya pines and Norfolk Island pines.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/10/oct12burnt2]}
The National Trust considers Longerenong Homestead to be the finest picturesque gothic style villa in Western Victoria and perhaps the exemplar of this style in Victoria.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/planburnt.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/planburnt2.jpg">
Sir Samuel Wilson, the sixth son of a Northern Ireland farmer, was a distinguished Victorian pioneer whose career as a successful politician, pastoralist and philanthropist culminated in his election to the British House of Commons in 1886.
Wilson imported marble for the floors and fireplaces from Italy and the stained glass from Belgium.
It last traded at $555,000 in 2004. It was briefly listed in 2008 with $1.5 million expectations, which were reduced to $1,195,000 more recently. 
The Wilson family secured $375,000 in 2002.
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Longerenong Homestead near Horsham with bush Gothic grandeur

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On first inspection it looks like a quaint property perfect for a country retreat at Bullarto after some renovations. It’s a decommissioned Uniting Church on a half-acre (2,023-square-metre) block 10 kilometres outside of Daylesford, Victoria, but it comes with some complications.
Any buyers who don’t undertake due diligence could be lured in by the $100,000 price tag only to find the church is potentially useless – as council regulations all but rule out installing a toilet on the site.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/bullarto.jpg">
A quick glance at the contract of sale shows while it’s hooked up to electricity, it’s not connected to gas, water, telephone, or most importantly sewerage. In normal circumstances, buyers would be entitled to install their own septic tank on the property.
Except that they’re not. Council regulations, if buyers can navigate them, reveal it’s next to impossible to install any sort of septic tank system on the property.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/bullarto1.jpg">
A council planner told Property Observer that as a rule of thumb, the guidelines from the EPA require a minimum of one acre (4047 square metres) to install a septic tank system. This holding is about half that size.
There are ways to install systems on smaller lots, but it requires extensive base water management program, which are expensive to implement and rare.
The planner Property Observer spoke to had seen just one or two lots of this size approved for a septic tank system in the last 10 years.
And even if a buyer did manage to meet council regulations with the help of a good town planner and solicitor, the system could take up much of the property, precluding anything that could disturb the system, such as a driveway.
All told, it’s not likely to happen in a hurry.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/bullarto3.jpg">
Agent Bart O'Sullivan from Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins says it is up to buyers to make their own inquiries.
“The church can’t give any guarantees for what it can or can’t be used for,” O’Sullivan says.
“What we’re selling is half an acre plus the building, and they’re very realistic in their price expectations and it’s a matter of people making their own inquiries of what they can and can’t do in the future.
“People have to make their own investigations.”
O’Sullivan did float the idea that regulations might change in the future.
“Who knows what could transpire in the future?” O’Sullivan advised.
“I can’t give any warranties or guarantees as to what authorities will do.
“You look at the situation here - there’s a church, with half an acre, next to a school, there’s other house nearby, they must have some services close to them.”
The church goes to Saturday October 13 auction – a testament to the importance of due diligence.
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Buyers may make the sign of the cross and cross their legs as toilet-less Bullarto church goes to auction

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The All Seasons Salamander Shores hotel in Port Stephens (pictured below) has been listed for sale.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/allseasons.jpg">
The listing comes with a waterfront hotel and 1.2 hectares with approval for redevelopment.
The 91-room hotel with views over Salamander Bay has conference facilities and restaurant, bar and gaming facilities.
The beachfront land bordering national parks has development application approval for a mixed site with 40 permanent residential units, 34 serviced apartments, 84 hotel rooms, 275 car parks and bar, restaurant, conferencing and retail spaces. The total approved area is 19,600 square metres.
The property is currently leased to Ibis Hotels.
Reviews of the hotel on Trip Advisor consistently say the hotel is slightly dated and in need of renovation.
RP Data shows the site last traded in 1992 for $3.1 million.
At <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-soldiers+point-500478355">147 Soldiers Point Road</a>, the hotel has previously been run as an All Seasons Hotel and a Comfort Inn.
The property is being sold by CBRE agent Andrew Jackson. The expressions of interest campaign ends November 20.
Jackson is also selling the nearby <a target="_blank" href="https://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-corlette-500363383">Peppers Anchorage</a> (pictured below) with co-agent Rob Cross. The vendor is Bay Holdings Ltd, a joint venture company owned by Greg Shand and Allan Vidor.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/peppersanchorage.jpg">
Set on a 1.5-hectare site on the Tomaree Peninsula, the 1.5-hectare luxury hotel opened in 1992.
The sales campaign was due to finish on August 23, but it remains unsold.
It was built at a cost of $23 million.
In 2008, Jones Lang LaSalle expressions of interest campaign sought around $30 million for the hotel with marina.
Also nearby, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-nsw-raymond+terrace-500379187">The Spinning Wheel Hotel in Raymond Terrace</a>, a hotel, bistro pub, bottle shop and TAB centre with a pokies room (pictured below) sold after auction for an undisclosed price.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/spinningwheel.jpg">
The gambling operations earned the vendor $1,200,000 in gaming revenue.
The two-level hotel is on a 1,553-square-metre site.
There are 11 hotel rooms on the first floor as well as a two-bedroom manager's residence on the site.
The sale included the hotel licence and 18 poker machine entitlements.
It was being marketed by CBRE’s Joel Fisher and Daniel Dragicevich.
The site last traded for $490,000 in 2002.
 
 
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