<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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ASX-listed online real estate company Onthehouse Holdings will look to take on the established real estate data businesses following its agreement to acquire 100% of property data business Residex.
Onthehouse already owns 50% of Residex, having acquired the half-share in May 2011.
The company, which runs listings valuation website onthehouse.com.au, and two other real estate software businesses, Console and Portplus, will acquire the remaining 50% of Residex for $3.5 million.
Residex was founded by John Edwards in 1990 to to develop house price indices for the NSW state government and has since added expanded historical residential data, suburb reports and valuation reports to its national mix of products and services.
Residex hold more than 350 million records provided to the property industry and the public dating back to 1865.
Edwards will stay on as an adviser with day-to-day operations not changing for customers.
He told the Australian Financial Review he no longer had the capital to compete with larger data companies.
Residex’s main data rivals are RP Data, owned by California-based CoreLogic, Fairfax-owned Australian Property Monitors (APM) and Louis Christopher's SQM Research.
Onthehouse will incorporate the Residex intellectual property and technology into its business.
Onthehouse managing director and CEO Michael Fredericks says the acquisition of Residex will bring it a step closer to becoming a leading real estate data company.
Onthehouse recorded a 22% year-on-year increase in revenue of $20.3 million for the 2012 financial year and net profits of $2.14 million following a loss of $1.83 million in 2011.
Most of Onthehouse’s revenue is earned from its real estate solutions businesses – Portal and Console.
It also earns  revenue from lead generation provided to mortgage brokers and real estate agents, from listing fees (a flat rate of $250) and a sponsorship arrangement with Suncorp-Metway.
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Onthehouse to take full ownership of John Edwards' Residex business

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The founder of the Clarendon Homes group, Peter Campbell, is in due dilence to buy back the home building business.
Clarendon, one of Australia's top 20 home builders, is being offloaded by Morgan Stanley’s global real estate funds. In early August the Australian Financial Review wrote that while the business was not formally put up for sale, there had been an unsolicited approach by a potential buyer who was doing due diligence.
Peter Campbell sold the group to the Investa Property Group in 2004, with the business changing hands in 2007 when Morgan Stanley acquiried Investa.
No price has been revealed although it will be a fraction of the price Investa paid in 2004/2005 when Clarendon was the third-largest home builder in the country.
Investa paid about $100 million for a 40% stake in the unlisted Clarendon Property Group when the business had about $575 million in assets and $325 million in debt.
Investa then exercised its call option for the remaining 60%  in 2005. In 2006 Campbell stepped down from the board to pursue personal interests.
The then sale price included assets that are no longer within the group.
Clarendon has operations in NSW, Queensland and Victoria under a number of brands, including Domaine Homes.
The group started 935 homes in 2010-2011, ranking the 18th-largest home builder, according to the Housing Industry Association’s Housing 100 report.
Since selling Clarendon, Mr Campbell has been involved in several projects through Lindsay Bennelong including the Advanx tyre and rubber site in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney where he maintains his Sydney abode.
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Peter Campbell thinking of buying back Clarendon Homes business

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Dunblane, the Italianate home on a 4,726-square-metre holding with guest house at Sunbury, has been listed for October 11 auction with $3 million-plus hopes in one line through Lindsay Hill and Annette Travers at Bennison Mackinnon.
Dating back to its 1890s construction for local hotelier Peter Eadie, the country manor has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/38-40-jackson-street-sunbury/Property-Details-buy-residential-4389835">restored and renovated </a> to highlight its refined period rooms.
There have been just the three owners, it most recently selling to the Mason family in 1999 by Essendon real estate tycoon Graham Goodson.
The seven-bedroom, five-bathroom house has light-filled contemporary spaces along with a designer kitchen.
Its grounds have a heated pool, spa and a mod-grass flood-lit tennis court with pavilion – all within botanic gardens.
There's also a two-bedroom guest house which sits on its own title, and will be offered the first right to secure the 700 sq m offering.
"Dunblane is further distinguished by its status as the only Sunbury home of such significance to have served continuously as a family residence," said Lindsay Hill, the Mount Macedon agent.
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Sunbury's 1890 mansion Dunblane listed

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Olympian Matt Shirvington has listed his Mosman home for October 4 LJ Hooker auction.
The <a href="https://mnb.ljhooker.com.au/1S1FF6N">1897 Canrobert Street </a> house was bought by the Foxtel presenter and his wife, Jessica Pagent, for a bullish $2.5 million in 2008.
It was renovated in 2010 retaining its best traditional elements including pressed metal ceilings and leadlight windows.
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Olympian track sprinter Matt Shirvington hopes for speedy sale for 1897 Mosman home

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The median house price for the top 10% of Sydney's suburbs by value has declined by about 8% since it peaked in June 2010, according to Dr Andrew Wilson, the senior economist at Australian Property Monitors.
But confidence was slowly returning to this market, he said.
In the first six months of this year, 118 Sydney properties have been recorded as having been sold in Sydney for $5 million or above, with one sale at $20 million.
"With spring yet to fully unfold and the sharemarket seemingly on the rise, it's a good bet that 2012 will end as a recovery year for top-end property," Dr Wilson said.
In 2010, 348 Sydney properties were sold for $5 million or above, with six at $20 million or above.
Last year, 274 Sydney properties sold for $5 million or more, with just one going for more than $20 million, at $21.5 million.
Dr Wilson said Sydney's prestige market was showing signs of a revival, with recent healthy auction clearance rates emerging in the eastern suburbs, lower north shore and northern beaches.
Melbourne's "ultra-prestige" market was suffering a hangover from a "bubble" during the last boom in 2010, according to Dr Wilson.
"People who buy at this level tend to be risk-inclined and more adventurous in prosperous times and that inflates the value of top-end assets," he told Fairfax Media in the weekend press.
"But it becomes speculative and that can be unsustainable."
Only 14 homes have sold for prices above $5 million this year, down from a record 85 homes in 2010, according to APM.
The number of transactions is now at its lowest point since 2004.
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Melbourne ultra prestige activity at eight year lows while Sydney prestige median off by 8%

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A US investor is believed to have bought 8% of struggling rural property owner and manager PrimeAg.
The investor paid $1.30 per share for 21.5 million shares late last week, with the Australian Financial Review's Street Talk column noting that this was well below the net asset backing of $1.58 per share.
The identity of the investor will be made known later this week when a substantial shareholder notice is lodged.
PrimeAg managing director Peter Corish announced less than a week ago (September 11) that the entire business is up for sale via private tender.
A successful sale of the business will privatise the business and return proceeds to investors.
Should the sale process not result in a price that meets the board’s valuation, PrimeAg will begin an orderly sale of its properties.
PrimeAg owns and operates Australian agricultural land and water entitlements with its portfolio stretching from the Liverpool Plains of NSW to central Queensland, 1,200 kilometres to the north.
The 2011 winter crop comprised wheat and chickpeas while, the 2012 summer crop was made up of cotton and sorghum.
It also owns irrigation water entitlements in the Upper Darling and the Fitzroy river systems.
The most recent financial report shows a property portfolio valued at $164 million.
“By positioning properties over a 1200km zone, PrimeAg is able to mitigate climatic risks, most importantly those risks associated with rainfall and drought,” says the company on its website.
PrimeAg is due to hold a special meeting of shareholders on October 17 with the aim of reducing its issued shared capital by repaying $40 million to shareholders – equating to 15¢ cents per share – following recent asset sales.
In July PrimeAg sold its Darling Downs mixed dry land and irrigation properties in Queensland comprising  St Ruth, Colonsay and Prentices and the North Star dry land properties in the Goondiwindi region of Northern NSW comprising Burradoo, Wilga Warrina and Ivanhoe to Global Ag Properties Australia Trust (GAPAT) for $36.7 million.
The properties were acquired by PrimeAg for $35.1 million in 2008.
The Darling Downs properties have been leased back to PrimeAg for three years, and the Goondiwindi properties have been leased back for six months.
PrimeAg announced a net profit after tax of $5 million for the 2012 financial year ending June 30 – a fall of 29% on the previous year.
Recent valuations of PrimeAg’s McIntyre Downs, Mullala, Crooble and Dodds properties resulted in the value of the company’s assets increasing by $5.7 million.
PrimeAg is chaired by former Woolworths boss  Roger Corbett.
The full board comprises managing director and CEO Peter Corish, AM,  Samantha Macansh, the CFO and company secretary and non-executive directors Steve A Williams, Stephen R Williams, David Trebeck, Peter Young, AM and Geoff Hewitt. 
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Rural property owner PrimeAg attracts rumoured US interest as business for sale signs go up

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Unit prices in Logan, Queensland, have dropped 15% over the last quarter despite a yearly rise of 10.9%, according the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
The quarterly price drop was the biggest drop for any area in Queensland, according to REIQ statistics, though the yearly gain was the highest as well.
Local agents say the price fluctuations are due in part to developments in the area, but prices are down.
Agent John Ahern from John Ahern Real Estate Slacks Creek says prices have dropped by about 15%, but he says this drop has been over the last 12 months or more, rather than the last quarter.
“The peak of the market was in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and then prices started trending slightly downwards during 2010, and by 2011 and 2012 prices tended to drop a little further,” Ahern says.
“They’ve dropped about 15% from their peak over the last 18 months or so.”
He says the 11% rise in prices is likely due to new developments in the area.
“The trouble with statistics is you take a bunch of sales prices and unless you dig deep you don’t really know if there were some new developments in the area, which can bump up the median.”
“You might have brand-new two- and three-bedroom upmarket apartments which are being sold to interstate investors and possibly overseas, and that can move the average up. An established property in the area has not gone up in the last four years. It’s gone down.”
There have been a number of new developments coming to market recently.
Ahern says prices have likely bottomed out and are due to bounce back.
“It’s a mixture of people buying. We are getting investors coming back in because the prices have dipped. Some investors sold over the last few years, and we’re seeing an influx back into the market because the returns are so good.”
“You can rent around the $250, $260 mark and they’re being sold from $155,000 to $165,000 in that bracket."
He says there has a slight rush in buyers hoping to cash in on the first home owners' grant before new changes roll in.
Ahern recently sold <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-logan+central-111031379">unit 27 at 279 KIngston Road, Logan Central</a> for close to $155,000 in a mortgagee possession sale.
REIQ chief Anton Kardash says winter is traditionally a low point in sales.
“We do know that the winter quarter is in fact historically the quitest time of year and there are a lot of variables that affect confidence,” Kardash says.
The REIQ notes the figures were more influenced by an increase in lower-price unit sales rather than any drop in values.
Agent Marian Grimsey from Professionals Logan Lifestyles Browns Plains and Marsden says prices are desperately down from two years ago.
“I just sold a block for $169,000 which originally went for $230,000.”
“I feel sorry for these people, the owners. It’s better for them to sell than to end up having the bank take it and them not getting anything.”
Grimsey says tighter lending conditions are pushing first home buyers into the unit market.
“They’re having to take another look at what they can borrow.”
Grimsey is selling <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-qld-loganlea-111551515">unit 8 at 46 Monash Road</a>, Loganlea for $289,000.
The median price for units and townhouses in Logan is currently at $262,500, according to RP Data.
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Unit prices in Logan drop most over quarter in Queensland: REIQ

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Horse breeder Tania Carmichael has listed Ourmundi, set on 20 hectares in the Noosa hinterland.
The six-bedroom home was designed by Stephen Kidd for the original owners, Wolfgang Groh and wife Nicola Smith, who founded Nice Cream in Sydney in 1993.
Groh and his wife bought the 20-hectare block of land in 2002 for $400,000.
In 2007, the house and property were sold to Queensland entrepreneur Dean Shannon for $2.4 million, $600,000 less than its then ambitious $3 million asking price.
Carmichael bought the property in April 2008 for $3,075,000.
Featured in the 2006 book <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.thamesandhudson.com/9780500512913">Tropical Minimal</a>, the house located at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/37-venning-road-doonan/Property-Details-buy-residential-4306833">37 Venning Road, Doonan</a>, comes with expansive polished concrete floors, soaring ceilings and huge expanses of bi-fold glass doors. The modern kitchen is installed with marble benchtops and commercial appliances such as a teppanyaki plate, deep fryer and a large cold room.  After selling their Nice Cream business, the Grohs settled in Noosa and continued their interest in food, setting up Mrs Quick, which supplies sausage rolls to supermarkets.
The master bedroom has a private spa on the deck and a five-star ensuite.
Located on the property is a self-contained guest wing, a 20-metre pool, which is linked to the main home via a timber terrace, a barbecue and pizza oven as well as an outdoor fire pit. There is also a chicken shed and run and vegetable garden beds. It comes with spring fed dam stocked with 300 plants and 500 fish.
Since purchasing the property in 2008, Tania Carmichael has renovated the interiors and developed the equine facilities. The property comprises of four stables with tack rooms and feed shed and four horse paddocks, corrals and a Mary River sand area. She also had 4,500 cabinet timber trees planted.
Ourmundi has direct access into Verrierdale forest with dedicated riding trails to Yandina and beyond. The property is fully fenced and is only 10 minutes to schools and supermarkets, and less than 10 minutes to the Eumundi markets and 20 minutes to Hastings Street.
Ourmundi is listed for auction by Graham Smith at Richardson &amp; Wrench Noosa on October 5 and is expected to sell for over $3 million. 
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Ourmundi, the tropical minimalist Noosa hinterland listing

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The Commonwealth Bank Group has reached a resolution with the Australian Securities &amp; Investments Commission (ASIC) in relation to the Storm Financial matter.
It will make available up to an additional $136 million in compensation to its customers who invested through Emmanuel and Julie Cassimatis's Storm Financial.
It takes the total in CBA payments to customers to about $270 million. CBA's Storm Financial investors will get compensation of about 55% of their losses.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with ASIC on this matter as it is in the best interests of our customers to avoid lengthy and uncertain litigation,” David Cohen, the bank's group general counsel, said.
The agreement with ASIC was reached without any admission of liability by the bank, which will continue to defend the class action proceedings, which are before the Federal Court in Brisbane.
ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft welcomed the agreement, saying CBA's $136 million of additional compensation was intended to ensure that each CBA investor who takes part in the settlement will get compensation of approximately 55% of that part of their total loss allocated to CBA under the ASIC compensation model.
"Storm investors can be confident we would not have agreed to a settlement unless we thought the compensation was appropriate," he said.
Speaking at a hastily organised press conference this evening, Medcraft said the deal with the Commonwealth Bank would allow about 2,400 individuals to take part in the settlement
“Investors will get compensation of about 55% of their loss.
“It's one of the largest settlements every achieved for investors
“Its timely and fair. Rather than have lengthy court case – many of investors are elderly – it does not put them through the strain of a long court battle," said Medcraft at the press conference to announce the settlement.
He said the Commonwealth Bank had done the right thing and hoped the other lenders caught up in the dispute would continue doing the right thing in the future.
Payments will be made "fairly soon", though no exact timing has yet been made known.
He said subject to the court dismissing ASIC's claim against CBA, the agreement would bring to a close the legal action against CBA in ASIC's unregistered managed investment scheme proceedings, which were brought in the Federal Court of Australia in Brisbane in December 2010.
ASIC will continue the unregistered managed investment scheme proceedings against Storm, Bank of Queensland and Macquarie, which are scheduled to start on September 17.
ASIC estimates the total loss suffered by all investors who borrowed monies from banks to invest through Storm to be approximately $830 million.
ASIC has been investigating a range of issues relating to the affairs of Storm Financial Limited (receivers and managers appointed) (in liquidation) since December 2008.
 Storm investors can visit <a target="_blank" href="https://storm.asic.gov.au/">ASIC’s Storm investor website</a> if they have questions about the settlement.
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Commonwealth Bank settles Storm Financial dispute with ASIC with compensation of about 55%

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US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has received celestial praise from AMP Capital Investors chief economist Shane Oliver for his handling of the US economy and this week's announcement of new housing stimulus efforts.
Oliver, who is also head of investment strategy at AMP Capital Investors, tweeted:
<a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneOliverAMP" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/09/olivertweet1.jpg"></a>
Oliver's praise follows the announcement this week that that US Federal Reserve would start buying US$40 billion of mortgage-backed bonds every month.
No end date has been set for the scheme.
The securitisation of mortgage loans (where loans are packaged together and then sold to investors) collapsed in the wake of the GFC and remains in a subdued state. 
“Buying those bonds should translate into lower mortgage interest rates, speeding up the tentative recovery of the housing market,” noted  Peter Coy, Bloomberg Businessweek's economics editor.
“The Fed is betting that a stronger housing market will help lift the overall economy, which remains stuck in low gear more than three years past the end of the 2007-09 recession.”
The Australian government also supported the securitisation of loans when it agreed to buy mortgage-backed securities from Australian lenders. To date the AOFM has invested $12.7 billion in 45 residential mortgage-backed securitisation (RMBS) issues.
For more insights from Shane Oliver, <a href="https://www.ampcapital.com.au/news/olivers-insights.asp" target="_blank">visit a dedicated section of AMP's website.</a>
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