<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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Some 51 of Brisbane’s mostly inner city building treasures will be open to the public this Saturday, October 6 for the 3rd annual Brisbane Open House weekend.

The event highlights the cities finest architectural feats, giving visitors access to some of the most fascinating spaces Brisbane has to offer, free of charge. They include government, commercial, school and church buildings.
One building opening its backroom doors is the historic National Australia Bank.

Built in 1885, the imposing Queen Street structure’s boardroom and formal dinning area is used on occasion by the Queensland Cabinet.

There's also the chance to revisit Brisbane’s convict history and take a tour of Queensland’s oldest building, the Windmill Tower. 
Built in 1828, the Windmill Tower was worked mercilessly by convicts to grind grain for the early settlers.

 Most buildings on display open 9am and close at 3pm.  Visit the <a target="_self" href="https://brisbaneopenhouse.com.au/">website</a> for more details.
Similiar events run in five capital cities across Australia.
<a target="_self" href="https://www.openhousemelbourne.org/">Open House Melbourne</a>, which is in its fifth year, featured 100 mostly commercial buildings in its program when it ran in July this year.
<a target="_self" href="https://www.openhouseadelaide.com.au/">Adelaide</a> ran its first Open House festival in May this year featuring 50 buildings open to the public, while <a href="https://www.openhouseperth.net/">Perth</a> will hold its first Open House on November 3 and 4. 


Sydney will feature 50 buildings in its <a target="_self" href="https://sydneyopen.hht.net.au/?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=page&amp;utm_campaign=sydneyopen2012">Sydney Open</a> festival taking place in the first week of November conducted by the Historic Houses Trust of NSW.


<a target="_self" href="https://www.londonopenhouse.org/">Open House London</a> had 800 properties on display in its 20th anniversary earlier this year.



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Brisbane’s inner city treasures in annual open house

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Creditors of failed builder St Hilliers Construction will be asked to vote for a deed of company arrangement (DOCA) rescue package rather than push the company into liquidation.
Administrators will send out documents to creditors this week proposing the DOCA and asking for a meeting to vote on the proposal.
Creditors include staff, who are owed around $3.6 million, and sub-contractors, who are owed around $10 million.
According to ASIC, a deed of company arrangement (DOCA) is a “binding arrangement between a company and its creditors governing how the company’s affairs will be dealt with and aims to maximise the chances of the company, or as much as possible of its business, continuing, or to provide a better return for creditors than an immediate winding up of the company, or both”.
St Hilliers Construction was placed in administration on May 16 ,with Trent Hancock and Michael Hird of Moore Stephens Sydney Corporate Recovery Group appointed as voluntary administrators.
The collapse was sparked due to funding issues relating to the expansion of the Ararat prison in Central Victoria
An associated company, St Hilliers Ararat Pty Ltd, part of a consortium contracted to undertake the $350 million expansion of the prison, was placed in liquidation at the same time that St Hilliers Construction was placed in administration.
The construction arm of St Hilliers had about 360 people employees at the time of its collapse, with group annual turnover of around $700 million.
Should St Hilliers be placed in liquidation, insurance bond providers would have a $45 million exposure, reported The Australian.
Insurance bond providers provide protection to the contract principal (in this case St Hillers) against default by the contractor. The provider undertakes the credit risk of being unable to recover funds paid out by them under the bond from the contractor.
As St Hilliers has continued to trade and many of the projects are operational again, insurance providers have been largely protected from making payments.
St Hilliers projects have resumed in the ACT, Queensland, Victoria and NSW.
These include the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/st-hilliers-resumes-act-and-queensland-projects-with-brookfield-multiplex-named-as-possible-buyer/2012060154941">$30 million Bonner Primary School project in Canberra</a>, housing projects for the Department of Defence in Queensland and a $10 million contract to build modular mining housing for Xstrata in Glenden in the Bowen Basin.
Work has also resumed on a public housing project on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour– one of 13 NSW public housing projects that the NSW government has taken over following St Hilliers being placed in administration.
The company has its headquarters in Sydney as well as offices in Melbourne, Canberra, and Brisbane.
The collapse of St Hillers followed a spate of high-profile building collapses including Kell &amp; Rigby and Reed Construction.
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Administrators seek rescue deal for St Hilliers Construction rather than liquidation

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Low interest rates could lead to property bubbles in some markets according to the head of property at the The Future Fund.
Barry Brakey says low interest rates could lead to strong growth in property values which could lead then to property bubble scenarios.
Brakey’s comments at a Melbourne real estate forum, came after the Reserve Bank of Australia lowered interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.25%.
“We think that this financial repression, if you like, of interest rates around the world can lead to bubbles forming in different markets, and we want to be really careful that we’re on the right side of that,” Brakey says.
He was reported by The Australian as noting recent low interest rates was cause for some concern in Australia’s sovereign wealth fund.
He said Australia’s property investors should be wary of the inflation caused by a lot of capital waiting to be invested directly into the Australian property market.
Brakey says Australia’s property market is already attracting overseas investors and there are many waiting to invest. He says they are all looking to invest in core property but there is only a limited amount of high-quality property on offer.
“We’ve seen a flight to the core around the world,” Brakey says.
He says the Future Fund was concerned about the overvaluing of Australian property which was holding it back from investing more in Australia.
“What that means for us is that we lie to invest in Australia. WE have a third of our investments in Australia (and) would have more if we could but in the end we won’t give up investment returns”
The Future Fund is an independently managed investment fund established in 2006 into which the Australian Government deposits its budget surplus. It holds $4.95 billion in property around the world.
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Low interest rates could lead to property bubble: Future Fund

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Monash University professor, the shoulder and elbow orthopaedic surgeon Simon Bell and his wife Jennifer are selling Greystones, their Brighton home, with a price guide of $7.3 million plus.
Located on Park Street amid established English gardens, the 1914 house sits on 2,219 square metres.
The house comes with six bedrooms and five bathrooms.
It's been home to the Bells for the past 20 years.
The house comes with a large cellar, sauna, studio with a gymnasium and a rooftop retreat that offers views across the bay to the city skyline.
Its vast north-facing living and dining area includes two living areas opening out to the terrace and a dining area set beneath a vaulted ceiling.
“It’s a period home with a history," Simon Bell says.
"We loved the fact that it’s an old house with high ceilings. It has a magic hideaway garden, tennis, cricket and basketball court as well as a spa and heated swimming pool.”
After living there for 20 years, the Bells are selling in the hope of downsizing.
“The house is just so big! We have the biggest main bedroom in Brighton, stretching the length of the house with views over the tennis court,” says Bell.
Greystones has been listed through Ian Jackson from Kay &amp; Burton Brighton with expressions of interest closing October 30.
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Greystones, the 1914 Brighton house, listed

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Just six Victorian municipalities recorded decreases in land values since the 2010 revaluation.
They were topped by Indigo in north-eastern Victoria and the Southern Grampians.
The falls ranged between 0.1% and 1.8%.
The data gives the total capital improved value of all privately owned properties within the 79 municipalities. 
    
Municipality     2012 Total CIV       2010-2012 % change
Ararat                $2.14b                                            -0.1
Corangamite     $5.01b                                            -0.7 
Glenelg             $4.91b                                             -0.5
Indigo               $2.63b                                             -1.8
Pyrenees          $1.53b                                             -0.5
Southern
<span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Grampians           $3.98                                        -1.8     
Source: Valuer-General Victoria
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Six Victorian municipalities record decreases in value over past two years: Valuer-General Victoria

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The total capital improved value of residential property across Victoria rose 11% between the 2010 and 2012 valuations, according to the latest data from the Victorian Valuer-General.
There was a 12% increase in rural property, a 9% increase in commercial property and a 7%, the Valuer-General Victoria boss Robert Marsh said.
The City of Melbourne, including Docklands, recorded the highest rise in values among Victoria’s 79 municipalitie,s with CBD investors now possibly facing higher land tax bills.
In 2012, the total capital improved value of the Melbourne municipality properties was $74.6 billion - compared with $65.5 billion in 2010 and $53.9 billion in 2008.
Boroondara recorded the second highest value of private property, with $71.8 billion, followed by Stonnington with $57.8 billion, Mornington Peninsula with $57.8 billion and Monash with $45.9 billion.
The lowest total valuations were recorded in Hindmarsh, with $1.04 billion.
The value of private property in Victoria now sits at $1.39 trillion, according to the latest data from Valuer-General Victoria.
The figure compares with $1.3 trillion in 2010, reflecting a 6.3% overall jump.
The total percentage rise is not necessarily reflective of the actual increase of existing property, as it has been also influenced by the fiscal outlay on new property developments and subdivided housing estates.
In Victoria’s biennial revaluation all private property was revalued by councils as of January 1, 2012, covering a total of 2.7 million residential, industrial, commercial and rural properties.
The data shows the rate of growth has slowed from the 2010 revaluation, when there was a 14.7% increase in value, and an 18.4% increase in 2008.
2012 – $1.392 trillion up 6.3%
2010 – $1.304 trillion up 14.7%
2008 – $1.112 trillion up 18.4%
2006 – $907 billion
The biggest increase in value was recorded in Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander, where the total value of private property increased by 13.8% for both municipalities up from $8.5 billion in 2010 to $9.8 billion in 2012 for Macedon Ranges and from $3 billion in 2010 to $3.5 billion in 2012 for Mount Alexander.
Melton was next biggest rise with a 13.5% increase from $15.9 billion to $18.4 billion along with Yarra Ranges also with a 13.5% increase from $25.4 billion to $29.3 billion.
"These increases in value were mainly due to a larger number of assessments in these municipalities as a result of new housing developments," the Valuer-General noted.
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Melbourne investors face likely higher land tax bills as CBD values double statewide 6.3% overall rise

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The fallen coal tycoon Ric Stowe has failed in his bid to keep Devereaux Farm, the 2,470-hectare farm on the outskirts of Perth.
Ric Stowe had hoped to keep the property despite his indebtedness following the Griffin Group collapse in 2010 with debts in excess of $1 billion.
In July <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/ric-stowe-still-seeking-to-retain-devereux-farm/2012073155791">he expressed continued hope that he would do a deal with the receivers</a>.
A May 2011 auction for the Bullsbrook property was abandoned on the morning of  the auction, after the PPB Advisory receivers concluded they were likely to recoup more money from a sale to Mr Stowe than an auction in a flat property market.
Jones Lang LaSalle and Garland International have now been appointed to sell Devereaux Farm with a November 30 tender deadline.
Industry sources told the Australian Financial Review that the current valuation of the property is close to one-third of its former $70 million price tag, although the property has been well maintained.
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Ric Stowe's Devereaux Farm listed again

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The former boss of Billabong, Matthew Perrin, has appeared in the Brisbane Magistrate’s Court on charges of defrauding the Commonwealth Bank of Australia of $13.5 million.
The court took Perrin's passport, potentially thwarting plans to marry his fiancée Belinda Otton in a Thailand wedding in December.
Police allege Perrin, 40, provided false documents and a guarantee relating to mortgages taken out on a Gold Coast home in 2008.
Perrin allegedly forged the signature of his now ex-wife, Nicole Bricknell.
Perrin was granted bail and though he argued he was not a flight risk, he had his passport confiscated.
Perrin’s lawyer, Peter Shields, indicated Perrin would plead not guilty.
His appearance in court comes after a three-year investigation by the Queensland Police’s corporate crime division.
The former millionaire and BRW Rich List regular wanted to go to Phuket to be married.
Magistrate Anne Thacker found there was no compelling reason for Perrin to leave and ordered he surrender his passport.
Perrin is now forbidden from contacting three witnesses, including his ex-wife.
The case goes back to court in November 26, and Perrin must stay at his Bundall address.
Perrin, the man who floated surfwear company Billabong, was once worth $150 million, but three defunct companies and a failed marriage later, he is is bankrupt and facing criminal charges.
Perrin lost most of his Billabong fortune in China in 2005, propping up a failing business. The GFC gave him an additional hit, and he filed for bankruptcy in March 2009.
After filing for bankruptcy, Perrin’s marriage to Nicole, the daughter of former bookmaker Laurie Bricknell, fell apart when it emerged Perrin had an affair with his current fiancee Belinda Otton.
Victoria Bricknell <a href="/news">listed the seven-bedroom property for sale in January</a> this year after a failed attempt by the Commonwealth Bank to repossess the home.
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Billabong's Matthew Perrin in court over alleged mortgage fraud

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With a disclosed $750,000 reserve price and 14 contract requests, the weekend auction of a striking modern home at Gisborne seems set to ignite.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/115-outlook-lane-gisborne/Property-Details-buy-residential-4406745">115 Outlook Lane</a> house, with views of Mount Macdeon, is scheduled for October 6 through Julian Davies at Keatings Real Estate.
Set above Jacksons Creek, the 1.7-hectare holding was bought in late 2007 for $340,000 by Kate and Ollie Luciano.
There are views from every room, with floor-to-ceiling glass along the entire length of the semicircular design.
The Lucianos took a sketch made on butcher's paper to the architect Design Edge, who came up with a structure designed as a series of 12 wedge-shaped segments, each supported by a framework of high-strength steel columns and beams and spanned by extra-thick laminated glass panels.
Each glass panel is a sliding door.
Its floor is polished concrete with underfloor heating.
"We wanted a home that looked as if it had landed like a pod on the earth, but which, because it is so transparent, also has a sense of being at one with the land," Kate Luciano told The Age.
They have fenced the property and planted Manchurian pears around the perimeter.
"Signature design on a sensational canvas," is how listing agent Julian Davies describes the property.
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Gisborne's transparent contemporary semicircular pod home listing

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The Princeton, Double Bay penthouse of the late interior design doyen Leslie Walford has been listed for sale with $4.5 million-plus hopes through Christies International agent Ken Jacobs.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/oct3penthouse]}
It's been listed by Walford's partner, Colin Davies.
<a href="https://www.kenjacobs.com.au/570519/" target="_blank">The penthouse </a> with 279-square-metre garden terracing sits atop the 1939 Art Deco building with northerly views across the harbour to Manly.
The interiors showcase the tastes of Walford, who retired just five years ago after an international career spanning five decades. It was built with polished timber floorboards, high vaulted ceilings, ornate cornices, curved bay windows and french doors.
More Princeton penthouse photos on page 2
 
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With illness triggering postponement of his regular trip to<a href="/news"> his Galle, Sri Lanka retreat</a>, Walford <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/interior-designer-leslie-walford-who-heralded-the-push-away-from-drab-interiors-to-be-buried-next-week/2012021753429">died in February, aged 85</a>.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/09/oct3penthouse2]}
Title Tattle seems to recall the initial Double Bay purchase cost $125,000 in 1975 from Sabrina Van der Linden.
The apartment, which comes with 500 square metres of space, was consolidated with another purchase in 1978 from the photographer Ann Riddell.
It comes with double parking.
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