<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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Forget chic Bondi Minimalism, Australia’s most extravagantly gaudy home has been discovered, given it's been listed for sale.
With peacocks, mermaids, statues and chandeliers aplenty, one Bondi chiropractor turned a late 1800s four-bedroom home into a real-life house of almost hallucinatory showiness.
And it can be bought in one line!
Over the past 35 years, vendor Kevin Du Val has pumped more than $1 million of trinketry, tack, pomp and artifacts into this cabinet of curiosities.
The former saddlery, butcher's shop and grocery store now includes a 270-year-old chandelier, various taxidermies, painted leadlight windows and an impressive collection of assorted gaudy antiques.
In the courtyard, a statue of Poseidon looms over a heated spa, which is festooned with crude ocean scenes.
Inside the pink and purple lounge room, a cast iron spiral staircase leads up to a cosy attic bedroom dominated by what looks like a fox fur-covered bed.
Du Val has been using the home as a part residence, part studio for his osteopathy, iridology (diagnosing ailments from the shape and colour of a person's eyes) and chiropractor business.
The ostentatiously ornamented property is being listed for sale by Troy Deviesseux from Ray White Wentworth Point.
“You’d be hard pressed to find another property like this,” Deviesseux says.
He is looking to sell the property for upwards of $2.5 million, not including the furnishings.
“That doesn’t include the furnishings and the various artworks which give the property its character.”
“The first preference would be for it to sell as one package, which would be worth in the high $3 million.
He insists the property has had strong interest for its October 12 auction.
“The interest comes from collectors mainly. People who have an art collection and people who are just looking for something a little bit different.”
Du Val has set the 205-square-metre property up as a three-bedroom house, with the fourth used as his practice.
Pressed metal front doors lead into a formal entry. Downstairs is a formal lounge with a mahogany bar, a formal dining room and an eat-in kitchen.
Upstairs are three bedrooms, a TV rooms and a main bathroom. There is an upstairs terrace that looks down onto the courtyard.
There are four open fireplaces spread throughout the property.
The sale includes parking for up to three vehicles.
Du Val says he created the home around his artworks.
The decision to sell had been a difficult one, Du Val told News Limited
"It's fairly emotional, probably more so than I'm letting on. But sometimes you just need a change and it's just time. They say the two most difficult things you can go through in life are selling a home and getting divorced, and this is like both."
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Australia’s most extravagantly gaudy home for sale

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Los Angeles self-betterment entrepreneur Siimon Reynolds has secured $1.56 for his Double Bay bachelor pad.
Last traded for $788,000 in 1997, the two-bedroom 1930s apartment had undergone an extensive renovation by BKH architect Ian Halliday in collaboration with architect and feng shui master Howard Choy.
It has a bath as big as a room given his predilection to read during lengthy baths and just the aeroplane galley kitchen given Reynolds typically ate out during his bachelorhood.
His late mother, Jennifer, had spent years house-hunting with her numerical disciple son indulging his quest to find the perfect property with the right "lucky" number: apartment 3, number 1.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/siimon-reynolds-hopes-his-auction-number-comes-up-right-september-18/2012082056117">Title Tattle recalled the then Nationwide Realty auction in 1997</a>.
The Wiston Gardens, Double Bay abode sold through BHR agents Daniel Baran and Reece Coleman, who expected more than $1.5 million at last night's auction by Cooley Auctions. The auctioneer Andrew Cooley took 29 bids from the four registered bidders after the initial $1.4 million opening offer. Andrew Cooley had instructions to sell after the bidding got to $1,495,000.

Reynolds, who married the writer, pop culture commentator and television presenter Kathryn Eisman in a ceremony at Palm Springs in the US last year, came to fame at 21 when appointed creative director at Grey Advertising in 1986.</body></html>

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Siimon Reynolds sells Double Bay apartment for $1.56 million

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The mystery investor in rural property owner and manager PrimeAg has been identified as Australian-based Laguna Bay Pastoral Company, advised by US commodities trader Jim Rogers.
Laguna is the trustee of the Laguna Bay Pastoral Company Crop Fund no 8, which has acquired an 11% stake in PrimeAg, which is up for sale and seeking to delist from the ASX.
Earlier reports had suggested the mystery buyer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/rural-property-owner-primeag-attracts-rumoured-us-interest-as-business-for-sale-signs-go-up/2012091656596">had acquired 8% of PrimeAg</a>. The 11% stake was acquired at the previously reported $1.30 a share.
Laguna is run by joint managing directors Tim McGavin and Tim Biggs.
McGavin told the Australian Financial Review in November it had been created to “unlock the value of Australia’s best farmers”.
The investment in PrimeAg is expected to kick start its investment in Australian farms.
It aims to raise up to $350 million to buy farms in northern NSW and has already identified 16 properties for acquisition covering 80,000 hectares.
Laguna is based in Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast and backed by the Global Endowment Fund based in Charlotte North Carolina.
It was launched in November last year when Rogers visited Australia and forecast a soft commodities and rural land boom
“It’s the farmers, the producers who are going to be in the captain’s seat when the prices go through the roof,” Rogers said at the time of launch of the fund.
He is predicting a rise in prices for Australian soft commodities due its proximity to Asia.
Rogers founded the Quantum Fund with legendary US investor George Soros.
While Laguna is not pushing for a seat on the PrimeAg board, the AFR’s Street Talk column speculated that the fund could push to be the “leading contender to operate PrimeAg if and when it de-lists”.
The fund’s advisory committee includes Rogers as well as UniSuper Investment Committee chairman Mervyn Peacock, executive chairman of Caledonia Investments Mark Nelson, Harvard University professor Jonathan West and former federal minister for defence John Moore.
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Australian fund advised by US commodities trader Jim Rogers buys 11% of rural property owner PrimeAg

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Ken Raiss, who heads the national accounting and wealth advisory group Chan &amp; Naylor, has advised young property purchasers to get a foot on the property ladder especially as property availability in the major metropolitan areas was dwindling and demand continues to grow.
"Gen Ys popular blind faith in the property bubble popping any time soon is foolhardy," he says, adding that Gen Y could also improve their overall level of financial literacy.
Raiss suggests ditching any complacency and giving serious consideration to alternative and more strategic approaches to property acquisition such as shared purchasing and gaining parental assistance. 
"Failure to do so could see Generation Rent becoming Generation Boomerang," he said, a refence to the <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boomerang_Generation">frequency children choose to cohabitate </a> with their parents after some years absence.
He says parental support may be an option for adult children lacking sufficient funds to get on the property ladder, "but this requires caution."
He recommends a simple and formal loan agreement to help with a deposit as safer than parents becoming co-guarantor.
"Parents have to be very careful ... being financially responsible for 100% of the children's debt also restricts what the parents can do with their future financial lifes," he told Property Observer.
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FHBs awaiting property bubble popping any time soon are foolhardy: Ken Raiss

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A 22 year-old New Zealand entrant has taken the title of best auctioneer at the Australasian Auctioneering Championships, braving difficult conditions including a mock medical emergency.
Daniel Coulson won the competition which tests entrants’ abilities to command a crowd, manage any issues at the auction and call complex bidding offers.
The competition is a joint competition held by REIA and their New Zealand counterpart, REINZ.
REIA president Pamela Bennett says, “At just 22 years of age, Daniel is the competition’s youngest ever winner and continues New Zealand’s domination of the Championships over the past several years.”
Coulson took out the title after a reportedly tight contest between five auctioneers. The other finalists were Michael Fenn (SA), Ben Brady (QLD), Andrew North (NZ) and Rob Mason (WA).
“Judges decided on a winner after the finalists were briefed on a new property to mock-sell under the hammer. The property used was mixed commercial and residential land, the bidding was fast and furious and there was even a medical emergency to contend with during each auctioneer’s frantic 15 minutes on stage. It was very exciting and highly entertaining,” Bennett says.
The competition which is open to the public, hosts 21 auctions over two days.
“REINZ has set the bar very high over the past years. REIA looks forward to gaining back some ground at next year’s Championships in Perth,” Bennett says.
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Young New Zealander takes title of best Australasian auctioneer

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Until the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/opposition-divided-over-station-sale-20120903-25amj">recent bid</a> from a Chinese-Japanese consortium Shandong RuYi for megafarm Cubbie Station, it appeared the property would limp along under locally based administration.
But then the opportunity for the consortium to make a bid was approved by Treasurer Wayne Swan, who said he was convinced that a future sale was in the national interest after being given certain undertakings by the potential purchaser regarding the use of water, the employment of workers and the management of the station.
Should there be any fuss? After all, the government and opposition both welcome foreign investment in Australia. As recently as December last year Peter Costello joined Bob Hawke in a delegation to the Gulf States where both <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/bob-hawke-in-gulf-trade-push/story-e6frg8zx-1225976841263">implored countries</a> such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to expand their investments in Australian food and agricultural industries.
But Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce used the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/barnaby-joyce-rejects-xenophobia-tag/story-fn59niix-1226475218339">National Party federal conference</a> in Canberra this weekend to outline his passionate opposition to the sale, rebuffing claims that his view was based on xenophobia.
In an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/coalition-trades-blows-over-cubbie-station-20120904-25cnj">immediate response</a> to Swan’s announcement, Joyce labelled the Cubbie decision a “bloody disgrace”. Any sale of a property of this size to foreigners will undermine Australia’s ability to determine the use of its own resources into the future, he argued.
Finance farming
While there’s an unhealthy mix of rural populism and anti-Chinese sentiment in some of the complaints about Cubbie, there is no doubt that foreign firms will continue to increase their stake in Australian agriculture.
Cubbie is simply part of a bigger picture. In what has been termed the “financialisation” of farming, sovereign wealth funds, investment houses, private equity consortia and others dealing in financial instruments such as credit default swaps, derivatives, bonds, securities and futures trading have been increasing their investments in agriculture, worldwide.
In some countries this is deemed to be a “land grab” while, for developed nations, this is termed “foreign direct investment” and is welcomed as capital necessary for economic development.
There has been a host of agri-food purchases in Australia during the past two years:
<ul>
<li>more than 750,000 hectares of sheep and wheat land has <a target="_blank" href="https://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/nationalrural/agribusiness-and-general/general/land-the-perfect-investment-for-foreigners/2431007.aspx?storypage=0">been bought</a> by Hassad Foods of Qatar;</li>
<li>some 250,000 hectares of Victoria’s western district farmland was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abc.net.au/rural/regions/content/201102/3127526.htm?site=westernvic">purchased</a> by the Alberta Pension Fund;</li>
<li>CSR Sugar <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/csr-sugar-takeover-bid-by-wilmar-a-well-kept-secret/story-e6frg8zx-1225889995293">was sold</a> to Wilmar International of Singapore;</li>
<li>Tully Sugar <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/great-tully-sugar-sell-off-proves-bittersweet/story-fn59niix-1226088463624">was sold</a> to China Oil and Fuel;</li>
<li>Australia’s major grain-trading company, AWB, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201011/s3067639.htm">was acquired</a> by Canada’s Agrium company.</li>
</ul>
Today, foreign companies control more than half of the Australian wheat export industry, some 60% of raw sugar production, and 40% of lamb and beef processing.
Assets in agriculture
Why would the finance industry be interested in farming?
After all, it is a risky business that has often provided small, if not negative, returns to investment. The answer lies in a combination of factors. When the dot-com bubble burst at the turn of the century, followed by collapse of real estate prices after the GFC, the financial sector was looking for a safe haven for investors’ money.
Farmland prices had been rising for a decade on the back of strong demand for food from a growing world population, including millions of new middle-class consumers in places such as China, India and Indonesia.
Legislation requiring an ethanol mix for vehicles provided a clear signal to the finance firms that their investments in biofuel production would be secure. Oil-rich but water-poor countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar are seeking to guarantee food for the future and have no hesitation in using billions of dollars in sovereign wealth funds to secure lands and water in food-producing regions around the world.
Deregulation of financial markets has also helped facilitate the quick movement of funds from less profitable markets to agriculture. And, of course, there have been opportunities for speculation. Facilitated, in part, by global financial deregulation, traders have been able to manipulate markets for commodities such as corn, wheat and rice, making considerable profits for their investors along the way.
Farmlands are, in this sense, just another “bundle of assets” that can be bought and sold to maximise shareholder profits.
Critics point out that farmland must be viewed as more than a tradeable commodity and should be harnessed to provide global food security – not profits for speculators from wealthy nations. But the reality is that it is providing an opportunity for capital accumulation in an era of considerable financial turmoil.
Selling the farm
So, where does this leave Barnaby Joyce and others who have expressed disquiet over the purchase of Cubbie and other Australian properties?
Their protests are unlikely to halt the movement of funds from overseas financial institutions into Australian agri-food industries – especially since Joyce’s own Coalition comrades believe strongly in the virtues of free trade and the desirability (read: necessity) of increased foreign investment.
Will Barnaby resist the pleas by Abbott and Hockey to fall into line with his neoliberal-oriented colleagues and thus continue to rail against the “sale of the farm”?
Whether Joyce falls in step with his Coalition colleagues or not, one thing is for sure: “the farm” is out for tender.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.edu.au/">The Conversation.</a>
Geoffrey Lawrence is a professor of sociology at the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank">University of Queensland.</a>
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Why the foreign finance industry is interested in buying Australia's farms

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Online scams that have troubled global real estate firm RE/MAX for 12 months have spread to Australia, with the remax.com.au home page now including a pop-up message warning consumers to be vigilant and report any suspicious-looking emails. The most suspicious emails include use of the RE/MAX logo or RE/MAX distinctive hot-air balloon, but with spelling mistakes and other obvious errors.
With the heading “Scam alert” the RE/MAX home page pop-up warns Australian consumers of a recent phishing scam, “which exploits the RE/MAX brand in an effort to gain consumers' e-mail login credentials”.
The real estate network reminds consumers that it will never ask for passwords or personal information and asks that all suspicious emails be sent to remax@remax.com.au
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/remaxscam.jpg">
Lisa Campbell, national marketing and communications manager at RE/MAX, says the scams are targeted at both its estate agents and the public in different ways – the agents by asking them to verify their email accounts in order to steal their identities and the public with the rental scams.
“When the first run of scams commenced, I believe we did have one member of the public who did transfer money to a scam email account.
“Since then however, we have found that we have received calls from the public checking with us first and to see if it was a legitimate email and are warned instantly to discard the email.
“We have kept at the forefront with email notifications, pop-ups on our website, along with social networking the scams through our public pages to ensure the general public and our network are all aware to be careful and that we will never ask for money nor your log-in details ever,” she says.
RE/MAX is also working with The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to address the issue.
One scam email seen by Property Observer came with the email address of <a href="https://mce_host/MAILER@RAMAX.COM.AU">MAILER@RAMAX.COM.AU</a>, sent on September 4, 2012 with the recipient asked due to a “recent upgrade of our systems” to confirm his or her RE/MAX account.
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“So you are required to logon to your Online RE/MAX Account with the provided link below.” 
Another scam email sent to an agent on September 13 reads:
“Am interested in purchasing a property in your territory. I want to find out if you have got any property for sale. How much is it and other details ? Please send me a message to my personal Emai: <a href="https://mce_host/joemalouf1@aol.com">joemalouf1@aol.com</a> Hope to hear from you soon.”
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The RE/MAX global home page warns of an apartment rental scam that has caught out people in the US, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other countries with as much as US$2,000 involved in one transaction.
“In one version of the scam, the consumer who answers the ad receives an e-mail from someone purporting to be the property owner.
“The e-mail includes a link to a Web site that describes the fake rental transaction service.
“The Web site may look somewhat official because it uses RE/MAX logos and graphics and it may include links to actual pages of remax.com.
“In some cases, the e-mail refers the consumer to the actual RE/MAX website, remax.com (although RE/MAX World Headquarters, which operates remax.com, does not operate a rental transaction service)."
The RE/MAX global site explains that the renter is also asked for a mailing address – and then receives an e-mail that looks as though it was sent from RE/MAX.
“The e-mail may have an official-looking transaction number in the subject line or text. The e-mail lists the renter's address for the supposed delivery of the keys and lease and gives instructions to wire the apartment deposit via Western Union or Money Gram to a RE/MAX representative.”
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RE/MAX global online phishing and rental scams spread to Australia

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It is now clear that the Real Estate Institute of Australia, and its various state bodies, intend to torpedo the proposed national licence for real estate agents. The REI has made false claims of a “dumbing down” of educational standards; silly demands for a diploma level of education; and misleading assertions about the consequences of removing licensing requirements for commercial agency work. Despite the REI claiming that it “supports national licensing” it is now obviously bent on derailing this vital COAG initiative, instead of constructively responding to the <a target="_blank" href="https://nola.gov.au/files/2012/08/Property-Occupations-Regulation-Impact-Statement1.pdf">regulation impact statement</a> (RIS).
Unfortunately, while most industry associations regard the removal of unnecessary “red tape” as a major objective, some associations are secretly happy with government regulation. Such regulation erects barriers to entry to their industry and therefore reduces competition within the industry. Regulation, in the form of compulsory licensing and continuous professional development, also provides a handy income stream for these industry associations and for their training providers (which are often one and the same). The REI has been a beneficiary of both outcomes, and these are now under threat. The REI’s self-interest, however, must not be allowed to dictate the national interest.
The REI claims the educational requirements of the proposed national licence, which were determined by an industry/government working group, are a “dumbing down” of educational standards. What it hasn’t revealed is that the REI had three members on this working group – far more than any other organisation – and these representatives all signed off on these requirements. The educational qualifications for the proposed national licence are the same level of qualifications currently required for real estate agents in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, where more than 80% of real estate agents practice. Can anyone recall the REI previously suggesting that real estate agents in NSW, Queensland and Victoria were under-qualified (“dumb”?) compared with their counterparts in SA and WA? Of course not! In its desperation to sink the reforms the REI is sprouting nonsense.
What about its claim that the proposed removal of licensing for commercial agency work will leave the consumer unprotected and that “16-year-olds” will be able to sell commercial property? Let’s leave aside the fact that the existing real estate licence (as well as the proposed national licence) doesn’t teach the holder anything about commercial property, since it is overwhelmingly oriented to residential property.
The REI also ignores the fact that the “consumer” being supposedly protected by a license is not the “man in the street?. The consumers are the owners of commercial real estate, and these are businesses (often very large ones), or business people, who have selected their own managers (agents) and who have the protection of an enforceable management agreement (contract), as well as commercial recourse, if the transaction goes wrong. They do not need, or want, taxpayers’ money being spent to protect them. Of course there are occasional risks in commercial real estate transactions, just as there are risks in any business transaction, but in a market economy this does not necessarily mean such transactions should be regulated by governments (through licensing and compliance with estate agents’ acts).
This is “nanny state? thinking. In any event the RIS, after surveying the state regulatory authorities, could find no evidence of significant risks warranting regulation at either the higher end or the lower end of the commercial property industry. All that licensing and regulation does for commercial property owners is impose unnecessary costs on managers (which are inevitably passed back to the owner) and restrict their ability to negotiate optimum arrangements with other property managers (such as solicitors or accountants).
The national licensing system (for a range of occupations, not just real estate agents) will improve workforce mobility, reduce business costs and boost national productivity. The RIS states removal of licensing will save commercial property owners up to $2.37 million a year, a considerable underestimation. The REI’s false and self-interested assertions must not be allowed to jeopardise this very important microeconomic reform.
Milton Cockburn is executive director of the <a href="https://www.scca.org.au/" target="_blank">Shopping Centre Council of Australia.</a>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/skilled-agents-key-to-consumer-confidence-in-real-estate-pamela-bennett/2012091956676">The REIA has issued a response. </a>
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Don’t let the REIA’s self-interested assertions torpedo important agent licensing changes

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Photographer Chris Colls and his wife, Ferne, have listed their Harry Seidler-designed Gissing House at Wahroonga.

They bought it in early 2008 for $2.66 million from the restauratuer Bill Granger and his wife, Natalie Elliott, who had bought it a few months earlier from the Gissing family at $2.65 million.
The Colls had a brief attempt in late 2010 to sell <a target="_blank" href="https://www.modernhouse.co/property/1134264-gissing-house">the 1972 house </a>with $2.9 million-plus hopes.
The house, which sits on a private 1,688-square-metre Water Street holding, reportedly attracted attention from actor Eric Bana at the time. Other lesser entertaiment industry stars, Tom Williams and Tim Ross, were also spotted at its then open for inspections. 
It's now listed through Marcus Lloyd-Jones at Modern House Estate Agents.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom house – built for a family of five – remains in original yet modern condition.
The large, lofty lounge, with fireplace and wet bar, flows to a north-facing terrace, pool and level lawn. 
The original landscape scheme by landscape architect Bruce Mackenzie has been maintained through the decades.
The interiors feature oak ceilings, concrete pillars, quartzite floors and walls of glass opening outdoors.
The three-level residence came to be after Janet Gissing came to admire Harry Seidler’s architecture.
Her husband, John Gissing, bought land at Wahroonga and as dinner guests at the Seidlers in the Harry and Penelope Seidler House, they asked Seidler if he could design them a house just like theirs.
The family live there until its 2008 .
The couple operate an international company, with Ferne, the CFO at Chris Colls Photography.
Photography: ©<a target="_blank" href="https://www.chriscolls.com/"> Chris Colls</a>
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Harry Seidler's Gissing house at Wahroonga listed 

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With 50,774 national residential vacancies, landlords only benefited from a slight fall in the vacancies rate.
It was the third straight monthly dip, with the national vacancy rate now at 1.8%, according to property research house SQM Research.
Melbourne still has the highest vacancy rate among the capital cities, with a 2.8% vacancy rate and a total of 11,702 vacancies.
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<a href="/images/stories/2012/09/sqmsept18.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/09/sqmsept18thumb.gif"></a>
Darwin has the tightest vacancy rate of the capital cities, a vacancy rate of 0.5% and a total of 114 vacancies.
Hobart recorded the highest yearly vacancy rate increase, rising by 1% to 2.7%, with a total of 730 vacancies.
Canberra and Darwin were the only capital cities to record monthly increases in vacancies, rising by 0.1 percentage points to 1.2% and 0.5% respectively.
All other capital cities either remained the same or experienced minor declines during August 2012.
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