<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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Les Flots Bleus, the clifftop Shelley Beach, Manly, property that set the suburb's then residential record in 2007, has been sold.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/home-economist-lists-record-setting-fairy-bower-manly-property-title-tattle/2012021553405" target="_blank">It was listed earlier this year </a>by home economist Jane Fitton-Williams, the relatively low-key cookery expert and author of Foolproof Food.
It was listed through Jake Rowe from McGrath, who had secured its $6.75 million sale in 2007.
Rowe says there has been an inspired “re-imagining” of the traditional three-storey period home since its sale.
He suggests the UK-bound Fitton-Williams has created a sumptuous world-class designer retreat.
It has four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
It stands with views over the Fairy Bower point surf break, Shelly Beach up towards Manly Beach and beyond to the central coast.
The 696-square-metre block comes with poolside entertainment space with kitchenette and bathroom.
Its deluxe kitchen comes with AGA stove, butler’s pantry and cool room.
Hailing from England, Fitton-Williams is a skilled AGA demonstrator who can be booked for one-on-one demonstrations of the iconic stove.
Its previous owner was InterStrat strategic marketing company founder Professor Linden Brown, who bought and built the house for $1.43 million in 1997 and then paid the leasehold renewal, which cost about $550,000.
Rowe, who was initially telling buyers that he expected $7 million plus for the listing, declined to give a sales price.
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Les Flots Bleus, the Manly home of the foolproof food empire, sells 

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Singer Shannon Noll has yet to sell his Condobolin cottage.
It was his first house bought in late 2002 – before he was catapulted into the charts following his Australian Idol success.
<img src="/images/stories/noll2.jpg">
The High Street house cost $150,000.
It now has a $198,000 asking price.
It was listed with $230,000 hopes late last year, then $220,000 hopes and didn't sell when scheduled for May auction.
Noll has not unsurprisingly stuck with his estate agent, the Ray White Parkes agent Kim Noll, but recently allowed another local agent, <a target="_blank" href="https://jnstraney.com.au/2012/08/24-high-street/">J N Straney &amp; Son Pty Ltd</a> a conjunctional agency.
It was in 2003 when the sleepy little in western NSW was nicknamed Shannonville.
The town of 3,000 on the Lachlan River was brought to life by the success of the local singer.
Shortly after his singing success captured the nation he moved to Sydney with fiancee Rochelle and their sons Blake, 16 months, and Cody, 3.</body></html>

Singer Shannon Noll chops his Condo cottage asking price

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The single biggest quality underlying the success of mining companies has been their ability to keep their eye on the long-term objective. 
They have resisted the tendency of business generally towards short-termism and knee-jerk reactions to temporary setbacks. 
This is why miners have enjoyed such massive profits recently. Many of the big projects that are now delivering income were conceived and advanced in the shadow of the GFC. 
Grant King, managing director of Origin Energy, said it best with this quote in 2008: “We make investment decisions in assets that have economic lives of 30 years or more. And so, cycles that play out over a year or two are basically irrelevant. We are fundamentally driven by the long-term view.” 
Curiously, a notable exception to the resources ethic of long-term thinking is BHP Billiton. It’s the nervous Nellie of the sector. In 2008, for example, it opened a Western Australian nickel mine that cost $2.2 billion, then shut it down within 12 months of opening when it got GFC jitters (putting 1,800 people out of work) and sold it for $370 million. 
The recent closure of the Norwich Park coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin has all the hallmarks of a dummy spit, after not getting its way in union negotiations. In similar vein, BHP took its bat and ball and went home when Moranbah landlords asked more rent than it felt it should be paying for houses. 
And now we have the Olympic Dam backflip. Half a dozen years of planning and preparation tossed aside because of a few blips on the global radar screen. The people running this enterprise seriously need to develop a spine and some long-term vision. 
The question is how this will impact on the South Australian economy and various property markets. The answer is: not nearly as much as commentators are implying. 
The SA economy has been chugging along quite nicely in recent years without any contribution from an Olympic Dam expansion, and it will continue to do so. 
Media, in its simplistic way, would have us believe that the $30 billion expansion was the only show in town, but this is far from true. 
The state’s resources sector has been in a significant growth phase for many years, and this will continue. Iron ore mines are in various stages of development on the Eyre Peninsula and elsewhere, including several multibillion-dollar enterprises. There’s a $1 billion expansion of Prominent Hill mine, among other projects, happening near Coober Pedy, and the $2 billion Hillside mining venture on the Yorke Peninsula. 
A far bigger potential for SA than Olympic Dam is the prospect of mining operations in the Woomera Prohibited Area following last year’s joint federal-state announcement. The resources in this area and the potential investment are far greater than BHP Billiton’s piddling little affair at Roxby Downs. 
There are multiple export port projects in various stages of planning and development around the state, billions are being invested in wind farm developments, and further billions are circulating thanks to the defence contracts being handled in Adelaide. 
The other thing likely to overlooked as media over-dramatises the impact of the BHP Billiton decision is that the company isn’t scrapping the development of its Roxby Downs resource. It says it’s going to seek less expensive ways of doing it. 
So something major will happen at Roxby Downs, just not as big or as soon as was originally planned.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">hotspotting.com.au</a> and can be <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting">followed on Twitter</a>.
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

BHP's scrapping the Olympic Dam mine expansion won't affect SA property investors much: Terry Ryder

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Art dealer Sotheby’s Melbourne headquarters at 926 High Street, Armadale, was passed in at $4.8 million at its recent auction.
The property had been listed with an annual rental of $352,760, of which Sotheby’s pays around $300,000.
It had been tipped to fetch <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/sotheby-s-building-on-high-street-armadale-for-auction/2012080655870" target="_blank">more than $5 million</a> through Chris Kombi and David Bourke at Fitzroys. Its now listed at $5.25 million.
Sotheby’s Australia is moving into central Melbourne to two floors of a building that is currently under construction, Australian Financial Review reporter Terry Ingram wrote.
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Sotheby's Melbourne headquarters still for sale

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The high Australian dollar, a wealth of available information and an enduring love affair with France mean more Australians are buying property in France than ever before. So is it a realistic option for you?
While there is no hard evidence as to the number of Australians who own property in France, the anecdotal evidence is plenty.
For a number of reasons – of which a remarkably strong Australian dollar is one – Australians are looking to France for property investments, especially as affordability in the Australian market becomes an issue and French mortgage rates hover somewhere between 2.95 and 4.4 per cent.
For many, these factors – along with the growing ease with which people can research online – have resulted in an unprecedented opportunity: the ability to own a house in France without having to take on crippling financial risk.
For a growing number of Australians, owning a piece of a country that has long beguiled them is becoming a reality.
Moving on in
One man who has witnessed the rise and rise of French property sales to Australians is Melbourne-based notary and lawyer Michael Bula.
In his 30th year of practice at Michael Bula Solicitors International Lawyers &amp; Notaries, Bula has been at the forefront of French property conveyancing and is witnessing a flourishing market.
"It is booming," says Bula. "I haven't ever had as many conveyancing files as I have now. This year, they would have at least doubled or tripled."
While the strong Australian dollar is certainly playing a significant role in this trend, another factor, says Bula, is the wealth of information now available for those looking to investigate the market.
"There are a lot of books out there, and there is an information explosion via the internet, as well as Twitter and Facebook," he says.
"Social networking has really done a lot for the market. The information is there, and there is more anecdotal evidence that people are buying in France. It all makes it more doable and on the radar."
As awareness grows about the possibilities in France, the natural question posed is whether it is even possible for Australians to buy property in France, "just like that".
Bula sees this as an obvious question, given historical realities in other European countries such as Italy and Poland, which have imposed restrictions on non-European investment in the past.
But the reality is that Australians can buy in France, and more and more are choosing to do so.
"Australians are getting well known locally in France, because we are buying more and more properties," says Bula.
"I am dealing with a French agent at the moment who said, 'I have had all these Australians in my office! What is going on?'"
Chasing the sun
According to Bula, while many property sales have traditionally been in the major cities such as Paris, Australians are turning towards purchases in more rural areas of France.
This is primarily due to two things, according to Bula: affordability and sunshine.
As such, Australians are gravitating towards the south of France, to regions such as Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence.
"I am definitely seeing a trend more to the provinces and rural areas," says Bula. "They are not necessarily far from regional centres, but most of my files from this year have been in the southern sections of France. I think the climate is renowned for being more temperate than the north of France ... and it is also the pricing, which is just fantastic in the south."
The good news is that those Australians who are buying in regional areas are generally receiving warm welcomes from the local communities.
"Australians are certainly on the radar in France, and I think with a very good image," says Bula.
"It is very reassuring, because it means that when they have bought, when they go to the local restaurant ormairie, they get a great reception ... That is a great selling point, because you know you'll feel welcomed and that you won't get the cold shoulder. It's quite the opposite."
 
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Tread carefully
While buying in France is a dream for many Australians, Bula still urges his clients to be cautious about the decisions they make, especially when it comes to expectations about rental income and resale.
"I always say to clients that they shouldn't think they'll make a fortune on rental. They can kiss that goodbye, and they might even have trouble selling it," says Bula.
"But very rarely have I encountered a person who genuinely believes they're going to make a fortune by investing in France. You can make a fortune investing in any country if you know what you're doing, but the property market in Europe isn't brilliant. You can snap up a good deal when you're buying, but people need to remember that they might have to sell. People generally say, 'We'll cross that bridge when we come to it'."
And according to Bula, the reason behind such an attitude is easily explained, and it comes down to the fact that Australians really do love France, and the opportunity to live the dream outweighs any real notions of financial gain.
"I think Australians have a yearning. The Portuguese have a beautiful word, which is difficult to translate – saudade – which is a yearning ... I think it is to do with old Europe, the sense of imagery in Europe ... It is so colourful, historical ... It is something that validates you and identifies you. It may even relate to your ancestry. France is a melting pot of all that European symbolism," says Bula.
"Australians yearn for that."
What you need to know:
Can Australians buy property in France? Yes!
Where are we buying? In the south of France, primarily in rural areas not far from regional centres
What are we buying? Village houses and apartments
Why should we consider buying? The strong Aussie dollar, depressed European economy, low house prices and low mortgage rates
What do we need to watch out for? Be realistic about rental income and resale expectations
<a href="https://frenchlivingmag.com.au/" title="This article first appeared in French Living Magazine" target="_blank">This article originally appeared in French Living magazine</a> and was republished by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.womensagenda.com.au/">Women's Agenda.</a>
Photography by Patrick-Alain Prouteau courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

The je ne sais quoi of why Australians are investing in French property

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The former 1880s industrial-era plaster factory of antique dealers Edward and Peta Clarke in the Melbourne suburb of Windsor has been listed for sale.
Offers are due by September 12 through Kay &amp; Burton. The property last traded at $1.02 million in 2006 when bought in a liquidation sale.
The Thomas Street corner factory, with views towards the CBD, was subsequently converted into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in an ambitious renovation overseen by Chris Connell.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/thomas2.jpg">
The spacious home comes with antique French doors throughout and a reconstructed antique staircase by Christopher Morgeau.
The entrance leads into a large showroom plus living room, library/office and a garage with a lift servicing the three floors.
An antique staircase leads to level one consisting of a family room with large arched windows. A main bedroom includes walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. There is a separate bathroom, laundry and lift access to all the levels.
Upstairs on the third floor is an assorted collection of art and colour, with an open-plan kitchen overlooking the enormous balcony with panoramic views of Melbourne by night.
<a href="https://www.kayburton.com.au/property/29-thomas-street-windsor" target="_blank">The house  </a>has been tipped to fetch more than $3.5 million.
The antique dealer couple's previous renovation was another residential warehouse fit-out of the former Golden Crust Bakery in Armadale overseen by Jackson Clements Burrows.
The 915-square-metre Sutherland Road premises, built in 1915, was largely untouched when the Clarks bought it in the mid-1980s.
The fittings included oak doors, lanterns and bronze door fittings from Paris, plus a wrought-iron staircase reproduction.
The property, which includes an open and airy, three-bedroom house, a first-floor gallery space and the former stables with bedroom, ensuite and living area, was listed in 2006 through Kay &amp; Burton with $4 million-plus hopes.
Title Tattle recalls it fetched $4.55 million when bought by Mark Rowsthorn.
 
 
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Industrial-era Windsor factory abode listed with $3.5 million-plus hopes

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The Uardry Merino stud and property has been sold to South Australia's Brinkworth family.
Tom and Patricia Brinkworth and family are considered among Australia’s biggest wool growers, reportedly owning 68 properties.
It comes just a year since the Black family announced plans <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/pedigree-riverina-merino-sheep-station-listed-for-a-pretty-shilling/2011081451150">last August</a> to sell the iconic 35,000-hectare NSW property. It last traded at the depth of the early 1970s wool recession.
The sheep farm near Hay produced “Hallmark”, the ram featured on the Australian shilling from 1938 to 1966.
Initial estimates suggested about $40 million was expected for the offering, although today's Weekly Times report does not give a selling price estimate. The Black family has owned Uardry – established in 1864 and home to the Shilling Ram – since the early 1970s. In announcing plans for the sale last year, Uardry managing director Graeme Black said his family's decision "to divest its interests was not made lightly''. In 2005, the Black family sold the 80,000-hectare Yanga Station at Balranald to the NSW government for a reported $30 million to $40 million.
Colliers International executive of rural and agribusiness Craig Young confirmed the October 30 scheduled settlement, saying it was good to see that an Australian family had purchased the Uardry property.
Mr Brinkworth and wife Patricia already control more than 1 million hectares – home to 350,000 sheep – across South Australia and NSW.
“It spreads our risk around a bit, and it’s a really good location with a bit of water,” Mr Brinkworth told The Australian Financial Review of the acquisition. Industry sources said it sold for about $30 million.
The sale was facilitated by the vendor advocate Bill Russell of Russell Harvey &amp; Co, the property advisory company.
The stud's <a href="https://www.uardry.com/about-uardry/history">full history featured on its website</a> starts when the first Europeans to take up land at Uardry were John Ray and Henry Angel. Ray arrived in 1840, Angel following four years later. Ray and Angel were cattle breeders and reaped the benefits of the 1850s goldrush by selling stock to hungry miners on the New South Wales and Victorian goldfields.
In 1864, Angel and Ray sold their properties and lease holding to the partnership of Thomas and William Wragge and John and James Hearn for 1,000 pounds. For the next 11 years, the Wragge and Hearn partnership ran the property changing the name to Wardry. Some time later, the name was changed to Uardry (Aboriginal for Yellow-Box tree) when a land surveyor showed the name clashed with another Wardry further north.
It was the Wragge and Hearn partnership that introduced merino sheep to Uardry in 1864. They bought 5,000 four-year old ewes from the Peppin Brothers of Wanganella.
Charles Mills, Andrew Neilson and William Smith became the new owners of Uardry in 1875. Charles Mills and Andrew Neilson were particularly skilled woolmen and through their guidance, Uardry began to develop as a stud of major significance.
Mills and Neilson together evolved the Uardry Merino as a distinct strain; big-framed, with bold fronts and good folds, the wool was long stapled, dense and of excellent quality. Tremendous importance was placed on the character and handle of the wool. The records show that for the first 45 years, no Australian-bred sheep were introduced to Uardry. According to Charles Mills’ diaries up to 1909, the only introduction in Uardry’s first 45 years of evolution were two early Rambouillets, one discarded early, the other used to breed up an American flock of 500 ewes some years later. A Saxon ram was introduced after the original Rambouillets. This important fact forms the basis for the prepotency of the Uardry stock.
<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-222" title="shearing" src="https://www.uardry.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shearing.jpg" height="150" width="216">On the deaths of his partners, Charles Mills bought out their shares and with the assistance of his eldest son, Ainslie, continued to develop the stud further. When Ainslie died of appendicitis in 1908, his brother Neilson took up the reins and he worked closely with his father for 8 years, absorbing much of Charles Mills’ knowledge and experience.
Following Charles’ retirement in 1909, Neilson Mills introduced nine Boonoke rams. Another infusion of new blood during Neilson’s era was from Haddon Rig. The other purchase of significance was a pen of rams and some ewes from the Murgha stud dispersal of 1921. From this pen of rams purchased, one in particular stood out. He became the Grass-Fed Champion at Sydney in 1923 and eventually the Grand Champion Ram. He sired many top sheep and was the grandsire of Uardry 0.1 – the ram on the Australian Shilling coin.
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Uardry Merino stud sold to South Australia's Brinkworth family 

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The decision by BHP Billiton to cancel its $30 billion Olympic Dam mine expansion project is likely to have direct repercussions for the regional South Australian property markets of Roxby Downs, Port Augusta and Whyalla as well as for the wider South Australian economy.
All three property markets had been tipped to take off again once the long-mooted expansion project kicked off, which would have significantly expanded BHP’s existing mining and processing operation at Olympic Dam, 560 kilometres north of Adelaide.
Figures compiled by RP Data to May 2012 show that Roxby Downs house prices have been rising by a healthy 13.6%  per annum over the past 10 years with a median price of $440,000.
Over the past year to May house price growth picked up to 11.4% having slowed to 7.3% over the past three years - during a time when BHP was awaiting final approval on its Olympic Dam project.
Recent sales at Roxby Downs include a three-bedroom house that sold for $445,000 at the end of June, having last traded for $138,000 in 2003.
A four-bedroom house sold for $488,000 in July, having last traded for $160,000 in 2003.
BHP Billiton chief executive Marius Kloppers says current market conditions, including subdued commodity prices and higher capital costs, have led to the decision to investigate "an alternative, less capital-intensive design of the Olympic Dam open-pit expansion".
“As we finalised all the details of the project in the context of current market conditions, our strategy and capital management priorities, it became clear that the right decision  for the company and its shareholders was to continue studies to develop a less capital intensive option to replace the underground mine at Olympic Dam," says Kloppers.
BHP received approval for the project in March this year, with environmental impact studies dating back to 2005.
The planned open-pit mine was expected operate simultaneously with the existing underground mine.
By 2050 the size of the pit was expected to grow to be 4.1 kilometres long, 3.5 kilometres wide and one kilometre deep. Eventually, mining the planned open pit would have produced 60 million tonnes per annum of ore, equivalent to an additional annual rate of refined copper production of 515,000 tonnes.
The Olympic Dam project was expected to “put billions of dollars into the South Australian economy for decades to come”, said BHP in a booklet on the project released last year.
Apart from expansion of the mine itself, BHP also planned to build a new airport at Olympic Dam to cater for large commercial jets and the increase in passengers and air traffic and build a new accommodation village for workers.
Transport plans included the building of a landing facility about 12 kilometres south of Port Augusta and extensive use of the Stuart Highway between Port Augusta and and Olympic Dam.
The population of Roxby Downs township was expected to double in size to around 10,000 due to BHP providing additional services and accommodation.
Roxby Downs has a current population of 4,700, according to census 2011.
At the time approval for the dam was granted Sam Saggers from Positive Real Estate wrote that investors who purchased properties in 2008 – and who had been waiting a long time for an announcement – would be able to “recycle their equity and tighten their rents”.
“The Olympic Dam mine is the mothership of projects, so I expect the South Australia economy and workforce to reap the rewards,” <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/south-australia/want-to-capitalise-on-the-mining-boom-consider-whyalla-and-south-australias-olympic-dam-mine-sam-saggers/2012032253859" target="_blank">wrote Saggers in Property Observer in March.</a>
“I think we will see a lot of interest in Whyalla by the middle of this year, with clients looking for capital gains as a spin off from the project. Vacancy rates will tighten up and the outlook is a lot brighter.
Saggers wrote that Whyalla and nearby Port Augusta will derive a great deal from this expansion
“During the construction phase, 6,000 jobs will be created, and the mine will add another 4,000 jobs to its normal operations. Indirectly, the mine expansion will create 15,000 jobs, and the total number of jobs becoming available will total 25,000.
Mineral processing at Olympic Dam began in 1988, initially producing 45,000 tonnes per annum of copper plus associated products of uranium oxide, gold and silver.
Between 1997 and 1999 there was a major expansion of the mine and minerals processing plant.
In recent years annual copper production has averaged about 180,000 tonnes, with 4,000 tonnes of uranium oxide, 80,000 ounces of gold and 800,000 ounces of silver.
Copper produced at Olympic Dam is sold to global and domestic markets. The uranium oxide is sold to power stations for base load power generation. All of the gold and silver is sent to the Australian Mint in Perth.
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Headwinds for Roxby Downs property investors as BHP's Olympic Dam expansion cancelled

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A high-profile Melbourne buyers' agent has called for the introduction of a limit on the number of vendor bids allowed to be placed at Victorian property auctions.
There is no cap on the number of vendor bids at Victorian auctions.
Buyers' agent Frank Valentic’s call came after he attended a recent Clayton auction where the auctioneer placed three vendor bids.
“Should we allow only one like NSW?” Valentic tweeted.
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/FrankValentic"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/valentictweet.jpg"></a>
Peter Mericka, who runs the Lawyers Conveyancing website, has noted previously that the legislation permits an auction to be "crippled" if mutiple permissible vendor bids are used by the auctioneer.
Robert Larocca, the REIV spokesman suggested "auctioneers must make a judgement on what's in the best interest of their client."
Many auctioneers are loathe to lodge more than two vendor bids, one to open and another to close proceedings where buyer interest is restrained.
But last October there were three vendor bids when the West Hawthorn home of former Hawthorn AFL premiership captain Sam Mitchell was <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/former-hawthorn-captain-sam-mitchell-s-house-passed-in-at-auction/2011101651947">passed in at its weekend auction</a>.
The onsite auction opened with a $1.05 million vendor bid. There was then a $1.1 million vendor bid. It concluded with a $1.15 vendor bid.
”Three or four of you have been through three or four times,” said the auctioneer Steve Abbott as he tried to get a bid. It subsequently was sold by Mitchell for $1.18 million. 
In May a Gordon Street, Clifton Hill house was passed in at $980,000 after the Collin Simms auctioneer Antony Woodley placed four vendor bids.
"Unfold the arms, sir," he implored one attendee, but to no avail. It subsequently sold for $1,049,500.
At a late 2010 auction in West Melbourne four vendor bids were placed on an offering with a touted $680,000 selling price. It was passed in at $650,000 and sold a month later at $685,000.
In 2004 the REIV chief executive Enzo Raimondo suggested: "If no one is showing interest, there is not much point using five or six vendor bids."
Industry reform elsewhere to the auction vendor bidding process is already underway following new industry advice that changes how agents conduct post-auction negotiations after vendor bid auctions.
Under the Victorian sale of land regulations, when a Victorian property is passed in on a genuine bid, the estate agent must negotiate immediately and first with the highest bidder.
However what’s not been spelt out in the law is what happens when a property is passed in on a vendor bid.
Common practice, according to a recent report in The Sunday Age, is that an agent is free to negotiate with anyone.
But a legal memo issued by the pro-active Real Estate Institute of Victoria advises its members that free-for-all negotiations was no longer considered best practice.
"[The REIV's solicitor] is now inclined to the view the vendor should negotiate with the bidder whose bid immediately preceded the auctioneer's vendor bid that closed the auction," REIV members have been advised.
“This scenario is more in line with the intent of [the regulations], as that bidder is the 'highest bidder' before the vendor bid is made."
Thus, if a genuine bid is received before the final vendor bid an agent would have to deal with that bidder first rather than throw the process open to all comers.
The advice does not apply if no genuine buyer bids were received during the auction.
REIV data shows that more than 40% of all properties going under the hammer are currently being passed in, with nearly two in three of them on vendor bids.
Chris Vedelago, The Sunday Age's property reporter, noted the advice was sent to REIV members at the end of last month.
 
 
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Vendor bid auction reform needed: Melbourne buyers' agent call

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Interior designer Tina De Salis has listed the Castlecrag home that she's modernised since she purchased it for $2.59 million in 2009.
The 1960s home has five bedrooms. It sits on a 696-square-metre mostly level block on The Redoubt.
Mark O'Brien of Richardson &amp; Wrench Castlecrag &amp; Northbridge has the listing for <a href="https://www.rwnc.com.au/506596/">September 12 auction </a>with $3 million-plus hopes.
Property Observer has contrasting then (below left) and now (below right) images from the two sales campaigns.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/castlecrag1.jpg">
Edward de Salis and Tina de Salis, who is a partner in Tina &amp; Louise Interiors, has just had it photographed for Belle and Vogue Interiors, no doubt attracted by the decorative wallpapers by Vivienne Westwood for Cole &amp; Son.
It was designed and built by architect Ervin Mahrer in 1966 with its solid brick and reinforced concrete, extensive use of Californian redwood, mudgee slate stone walls, and polished brushbox flooring.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/castlecrag2.jpg">
<a href="https://www.randw.com.au/65601/">Mahrer sold in 2009 </a> through Mark O'Brien, but went back at the weekend inspection to take a quiet look at his former home of 43 years.
Positioned highside in one of the Crag's sought-after cul-de-sac's, it has a  north to rear aspect.
Orhan Ayyüce, the senior editor for Archinect, <a target="_blank" href="https://archinect.com/orhan">recently noted</a> Ervin Mahrer was a Hungarian immigrant and a great modernist architect in Sydney.
"He is still active and designing buildings in his 80s," Ayyüce blogged.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/castlecrag3.jpg">
The property at 2 to 4 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach, is an Ervin Mahrer design.
Ayyüce described its as a beautiful apartment building overlooking Bondi Beach.
"Great capture of the sculptural aspect of the building as it beautifully takes the curve of the street and the slope," he observed.
Title Tattle recalls the 30-unit block – most recently updated by Stanic Harding – was built by Bill Shipton in 1981, with the venture capital provided by tycoon Kerry Packer.
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