<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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Staff from rival Beiling real estate agencies have been caught slugging out their differences in a bloody brawl on the street.
Fists flew as more than 20 well-dressed men came to blows outside the office of the real estate company on a busy city street.
No one has yet concluded precisely what the battle was about, although Beijing Cream suggests its a turf war – white-shirted men on one side and light-blue-shirted men on the other.
Except the white-shirted one attacking his own, which just confuses everything.
<a href="https://twitter.com/beijingcream" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/beijingcream.jpg"></a>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Fists fly in Chinese real estate agent brawl: Tweet of the day

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<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">
Los Angeles self-betterment entreprenuer Siimon Reynolds is selling his Double Bay bachelor pad (pictured above). Last traded for $788,000 in 1997, the two-bedroom 1930s apartment was then renovated by BKH architect Ian Halliday in collaboration with architect and feng shui master Howard Choy. His late mother, Jennifer, had spent years house-hunting with her numerical disciple son indulging his quest to find the perfect property, with the right "lucky" number: apartment 3, number 1.
Title Tattle recalls the then Nationwide Realty auction, which had a total 133 bids, ending the six years of searching.  It was deemed the location had good feng shui elements; it’s near water, with a hill behind and a park nearby. The apartment is also a pure rectangle, which is apparently considered auspicious. Sydney architect Howard Choy had been applying classical feng shui principles in his local practice for more than two decades when he was commissioned by Reynolds.
“Feng shui is defined through energy,” he once said. “It’s the flow and containment of energy in our environment.” 
Practised widely throughout China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other Asian countries feng shui – literally "wind" and "water" – is the belief that aspects of a living environment can affect a person's health, happiness and prosperity. Among the beliefs commonly held by Chinese about properties include not having the front entrance directly opposite the back door because the family's earnings will pass through the house
The Wiston Gardens, Double Bay abode has been listed through BHR agents Daniel Baran and Reece Coleman, who expect more than $1.5 million. It has just the aeroplane galley kitchen given Reynolds typically ate out during his bachelorhood and a bath as big as a room given his predilection to read during lengthy baths. The <a href="https://www.mybhr.com/509232/">Double Bay offering </a>had been scheduled to be auctioned by BHR Estate Agents on May 30, but who knows why, its instead rescheduled to September 18.
Reynolds, who married the writer, pop culture commentator and television presenter Kathryn Eisman in a ceremony at Palm Springs in the US last year, came to fame at 21 when appointed creative director at Grey Advertising in 1986. His belief in numerology saw his adding another "i" to his name on the advice of a fortune teller/numerologist, whom he found when he was 17. He'd been told  if he put an extra 'i' in his name, he'd be famous and successful. O<a href=""></a>f course many have since tried since to emulate his numerological pathway, as noted by Doug Anderson, the irreplaceable SMH television columnist, who recently referred his devoted readers to Dannii Minogue and The Shire participant Beckaa.
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg"> Even the selling price – not just the street number and name of the owner – means much when it comes to property nunerology, which could put Siimon in a quandry. Preferably without any 4s in the sale price as of <a href=""></a>course in Chinese numerology four means death. Something with a 3 and 8 could be a good figure because three is a lucky number and eight stands for riches. Last year in Castle Cove on Sydney’s Middle Harbour a mainland Chinese buyer paid $6.006 million through Adam Ross and Shayne Harris of Savills Residential, in conjunction with Raine &amp; Horne World Square, for the impressive Neerim Road offering. Its Hong Kong-based expatriate owner had no qualms about there being no rounding down, as one would typically expect. Neerim House, an even more opulent estate in Castle Cove, last sold in 2005 for $9,008,000. Its an eight-bedroom mansion on 9,400 square metres of waterfront reserve overlooking Middle Harbour thats currently listed for sale. This year's oddest price in Castle Cove has been $1,291,588.   
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Numerology isn't just about mystic well being as Title Tattle recalls the strong opposition from residents of Churchill Street Jamberoo a few years back when Kiama Municipal Council sought to re-number properties in the street to allow four new lots. When first proposed the Churchill Street residents expressed concerns over several issues surrounding the re-numbering including the legal status of property records, even the postie's likely confusion. One resident expressed an unwillingness to change because his house number served as his "lucky number". The council's response was: "Council ... and many other organisations make no allowances for the application of numbers in regard to lucky numbers, religious or cultural value, astrology, numerology or otherwise." Apparently renumbering had happened in Riverside Drive without a fuss. Title Tattle recalls that Cr Monique Dare-Ward was a Churchill Street resident and was living at number 50 – rather than 38 – until her house sold in May this year for $565,000. As she was a Churchill Street resident, Dare-Ward was excluded from the vote – a spooky 4-4 deadlock – only split by mayor Sandra McCarthy's casting vote.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Smart real estate agents have learnt much about feng shui since Asian migrants started to see Australia as a desirable residential destination.  Although few agents still know much about the spiritual origins of feng shui (pronounced fong shwee), it's now almost part of our real estate cliches along with position, position, position. Just recently the penthouse in the Residence overlooking was marketed through CBRE by the developer Galileo Group with emphasis on it being apartment number 88 at 18 College Street. Not that it's all gone perfectly to date, as the 800-square-metre penthouse came close to setting a new price record for an apartment last year but at the last minute an offer fell through. The block's most recent developer stock sale was $3.85 million for a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.laing.com.au/518730/">three-bedroom 14th-floor apartment</a> through Simon Polito at Laing Estate Agents. He's yet to see the need for any extra 'i's!
 
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Siimon Reynolds hopes his auction number comes up right September 18: Title Tattle

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Inala, a multicultural suburb 18 kilometres south west of the Brisbane CBD, had the cheapest median sale price of $277,000 over the June quarter, according to Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) house price data.
Inala house prices increased by 1.8% over the June quarter, but are down 5.9% over the past 12 months, when the median price was $295,000.
It is one of 35 suburbs that recorded a median sale prices below the $500,000 median for Brisbane houses, according to REIQ:
The 35 suburbs are: 
<table width="340" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="158">
<col width="69">
<col width="64">
<col width="49">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="65">
<td width="158" height="65">Locality</td>
<td width="69">Median Sale Jun12</td>
<td width="64">Qtrly change</td>
<td width="49">1yr change</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">BRISBANE CITY (LGA)</td>
<td>$   500,000</td>
<td>-1.0%</td>
<td>-4.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">ACACIA RIDGE</td>
<td>$   315,000</td>
<td>3.3%</td>
<td>-2.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">ALGESTER</td>
<td>$   400,000</td>
<td>0.6%</td>
<td>-1.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">BALD HILLS ~</td>
<td>$   336,000</td>
<td>-9.8%</td>
<td>-9.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">BANYO</td>
<td>$   385,000</td>
<td>1.4%</td>
<td>-0.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">BOONDALL</td>
<td>$   405,000</td>
<td>-0.2%</td>
<td>-3.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">BRACKEN RIDGE ~</td>
<td>$   385,000</td>
<td>-11.2%</td>
<td>-0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">BRIGHTON</td>
<td>$   385,000</td>
<td>2.1%</td>
<td>-1.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">CARINA</td>
<td>$   493,750</td>
<td>1.8%</td>
<td>-3.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">CHERMSIDE WEST</td>
<td>$   426,000</td>
<td>-1.5%</td>
<td>-5.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">COOPERS PLAINS</td>
<td>$   373,250</td>
<td>0.6%</td>
<td>-11.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">DARRA ~</td>
<td>$   324,000</td>
<td>-15.8%</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">DOOLANDELLA * ~</td>
<td>$   433,000</td>
<td>25.5%</td>
<td>-13.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">DREWVALE ~</td>
<td>$   432,500</td>
<td>-10.0%</td>
<td>-10.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">EVERTON PARK</td>
<td>$   450,000</td>
<td>2.7%</td>
<td>-6.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">FITZGIBBON</td>
<td>$   385,250</td>
<td>-1.7%</td>
<td>-6.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">FOREST LAKE</td>
<td>$   357,500</td>
<td>-2.1%</td>
<td>-3.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">GEEBUNG ~</td>
<td>$   404,000</td>
<td>-1.5%</td>
<td>-4.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">INALA</td>
<td>$   276,500</td>
<td>1.8%</td>
<td>-5.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">KEPERRA</td>
<td>$   392,500</td>
<td>-3.1%</td>
<td>-8.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">LOTA ~</td>
<td>$   424,000</td>
<td>-17.7%</td>
<td>8.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">MANSFIELD</td>
<td>$   476,250</td>
<td>7.6%</td>
<td>-9.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">MITCHELTON</td>
<td>$   460,000</td>
<td>0.0%</td>
<td>-9.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">MOOROOKA</td>
<td>$   469,250</td>
<td>-2.7%</td>
<td>-6.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">MOUNT GRAVATT EAST</td>
<td>$   454,000</td>
<td>3.4%</td>
<td>-3.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">OXLEY</td>
<td>$   379,000</td>
<td>-5.3%</td>
<td>-5.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">PARKINSON ~</td>
<td>$   455,000</td>
<td>-9.3%</td>
<td>-3.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">RUNCORN</td>
<td>$   440,500</td>
<td>7.4%</td>
<td>2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">SALISBURY</td>
<td>$   390,000</td>
<td>-9.3%</td>
<td>-5.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">STAFFORD ~</td>
<td>$   465,500</td>
<td>7.0%</td>
<td>-6.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">STAFFORD HEIGHTS</td>
<td>$   437,000</td>
<td>2.8%</td>
<td>-5.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">SUNNYBANK HILLS ~</td>
<td>$   474,500</td>
<td>13.5%</td>
<td>-1.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">TINGALPA</td>
<td>$   422,000</td>
<td>2.9%</td>
<td>-4.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">UPPER MOUNT GRAVATT</td>
<td>$   460,000</td>
<td>2.3%</td>
<td>1.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">WAVELL HEIGHTS</td>
<td>$   486,000</td>
<td>-2.8%</td>
<td>-9.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">WYNNUM WEST</td>
<td>$   415,000</td>
<td>1.6%</td>
<td>-4.4%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Source: REIQ
For more on Brisbane, download our free eBook <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-the-brisbane-inner-city-market">Brisbane's Inner-City Urban Renewal</a>
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Inala houses the cheapest among 35 suburbs priced under the $500,000 Brisbane median: REIQ

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Bulk-buying mecca Costco will be opening its fourth store in Brisbane at Stockland's North Lakes Business Park.
Preliminary planning approval was give earlier this month for the 14,000-square-metre store with 750 car spaces on the seven-hectare site on the corner of Boundary Road and the M1.
The Birsbane outlet, which is set to sell petrol, will be the company's fourth store in Australia since 2009.
"We'd like to find the right area for the south Brisbane market, on the Gold Coast downtown or perhaps west of Brisbane," Costco managing director Patrick Noone told the Courier Mail.
IKEA has announced plans for its second Brisbane superstore at the Westfield precinct at North Lakes, but awaits Morton Bay Regional Council approval.
CBRE recently reported the south-east Queensland bulky goods sector was set for growth during 2012.
CBRE director Craig Godber says around 66,000 square metres of new bulky goods supply is anticipated for 2012.
“This figure represents a 10% increase in new supply compared with 2011, a clear example of the sector’s ongoing recovery,” Godber says.
The supply will be dominated by the roll-out of further new Masters Hardware superstores and a number of new Bunnings stores in response.
There are at least a dozen new Masters and Bunnings stores tipped for the south-east Queensland retail supply pipeline for 2012 and 2013.
Masters Hardware stores planned include Bremer, North Lakes, Upper Coomera and Stafford, while Bunnings has stores underway or planned for locations including Arundel, Oxenford and inner city Newstead.
CBRE associate director of retail services Damian Crocetti says a 27,660-square-metre Harvey Norman-anchored centre will be completed in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.
“This is significant, as it will be the first major new bulky goods centre in south-east Queensland since 2009,” Crocetti says.
The Gold Coast is also an area of focus, with the highly anticipated 10,451-square-metre Bundall Road Homemaker Centre proposed for completed in late 2013.
According to Crocetti, these developments are contributing to an optimistic outlook for the region.
“South-east Queensland has the population to support growth in the bulky goods sector in the medium to long term as the market recovers from the recent economic downturn and natural disasters,” Crocetti adds.
On the investment front, the report notes that after an extended period of limited activity (with just three major sales in the 12 months to June 2011), several major transactions totaling $177.5 million were recorded in the second half of 2011.
These included the $61.5 million acquisition of a 50% share in the Domain Central complex in Townsville by the Bunnings Warehouse Property Trust – the largest bulky goods transaction in Queensland since 2005.
Other sales completed during the period included The Zone Underwood ($23 million), The Zone Rothwell ($25.75 million) and Bundaberg Homemaker Centre ($10.5 million).
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Big box retailer Costco to open fourth Australian store in Brisbane

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Round Hill, the 93-hectare Southern Highlands lifestyle farm with picket fenced oval with cricket pitch, has been bought by the Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke and his wife, Kyly.
The property was advertised for August auction with $3.65 million hopes, and the couple are understood to have secured it after private negotiations for about $3.25 million.
The property last traded for $4,125,000 in 2006 when the neighbouring winemaker Louise Horsley bought it from a company owned by businessman Bill Ireland, the founder of Challenger Financial.  
The then Challenger chief Bill Ireland had the pitch on its irrigated oval installed and utilised it for corporate business and charity events after he bought the property for $2.05 million in 2000.
Designed by architect Richard Rowe, the four-bedroom house stands in mature gardens. It comes with a tennis court and equestrian arena, and Title Tattle recalls from a prior inspection, an impressive lake with boathouse and fountain.
Five of the nine paddocks have dams.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/clarkeflicker.jpg">
The Clarke purchase fulfills his dream of opening a cricket academy. It's a very private forested property accessed only by gravel road.
He told News Ltd papers his wife of four months, Kyly, was instrumental in purchasing the property.
"I have dreamed about doing something like this all my life but I didn't know how to do it," Clarke told News reporter Malcolm Conn. "Kyly's been amazing. She took the dream and turned it into a reality."
He said the academy, which he would love to open within two years, would educate youngsters in all facets of the game including diet.
"I have dreamed about doing something like this all my life but because of my playing schedule I never had the time to act on it," Clarke said.
<div> </div>
"Kyly has played a big part in turning this dream into a reality. Her experience in design and property management will help make this academy happen, and I couldn't be happier about it.
"I'm at a stage of my career where I'm getting older and one day I'll retire or be dropped. This gives me a great opportunity for a job after my playing career is over, doing something I can be proud of."
Berrima's proximity to Bowral, the boyhood home of Don Bradman, was reportedly a major attraction, with excursions to the recently refurbished International Cricket Hall of Fame being part of the holistic curriculum offered by his intended academy.
"I remember going down to Bowral when I was a kid and walking in Don Bradman's footsteps," Clarke said."It's a big part of the reason why we chose this area.
"Berrima is also close enough to the city that it is easy to get to, but far enough away to feel like you're away from it all. And it will give me the opportunity to spend time away from the mobile, the computer and all the busy aspects of life and focus solely on my training," said Clarke, who lives in the Sutherland Shire.
Clarke also plans to use the property to engage in pre-season boot camps, such as the one he undertook in Coffs Harbour before last summer's 4-0 Test series win over India.
Clarke expects the academy to be open for business within 12 to 24 months and will cater to local and overseas juniors. He has yet to discuss the project at length with Cricket Australia but insists he has no intention to compete against their Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.
It was listed through Cameron McKillop of McKillop Property and Michael Maloney of Richardson &amp; Wrench Bowral.
Berrima is one of the prettiest towns in the Southern Highlands, a rare example of a largely preserved Australian Georgian colonial town.
Established during the 1830s as a government settlement, Berrima is popular with Sydneysiders seeking weekenders or a quiet place to retire.
The Horsleys' wine label was the cool climate Blue Metal Vineyard.
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Michael Clarke pads up for Berrima, Southern Highlands, cricket academy venture

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Speculation persists that News Limited could look to mop up minority shareholders and acquire a 100% holding of the online real estate listing business REA Group, publisher of realestate.com.au.
News Limited has a 61.6% holding in REA Group and would have to pay between $910 million and $990 million to acquire the remaining 38.4% of the company.
Asked by the Australian Financial Review if News Limited was likely to acquire 100% of REA Group, Greg Ellis was reported today as saying: “You’d have to ask News about that.”
Minority shareholders of REA Group include fund manager Hyperion Asset Management, which upped its stake in REA Group from 9% to 10% in May.
In July News Limited and the REA Group announced a marketing alliance that sees the realestate.com.au brand integrated into the mastheads and property sections of News Limited metropolitan, community and regional newspapers.
Last week<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/rea-group-says-market-contraction-to-blame-for-drop-in-realestatecomau-agent-numbers-as-profits-rise-29/2012081656077"> REA Group posted a</a><a href="https://www.afr.com/p/business/marketing_media/rea_reports_pc_profit_jump_sK50CeCzO76euVYulKkHCM" target="_blank"> </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/rea-group-says-market-contraction-to-blame-for-drop-in-realestatecomau-agent-numbers-as-profits-rise-29/2012081656077">29% rise in net profit to $87 million</a> for the 2012 financial year ahead of analysts’ expectations, but real estate agent numbers fell by 5%.
In April, Hamish McLennan, executive vice president at News Corporation, was appointed chairman of the REA Group.
In January, Sam White, deputy chairman of the Ray White group, quit the board of the REA Group.
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Speculation surrounding News Ltd’s mooted 100% acquisition of REA Group 

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The receivers of Mowbray College, a private school in Melbourne’s west that entered into voluntary administration last month with debts of $18 million, have listed the three campuses for sale.
Sal Algeri of Deloitte has appointed Fitzroys, in conjunction with CBRE, to sell the school's three campuses.
David Bourke of Fitzroys says the three campuses had extensive improvements that could be adapted for community and immediate educational uses.
Bourke told Fairfax Media a number of private schools were interested in buying the property, saying the cost to replace the campuses would be very high.
“There are also inquiries from developers. The town centre campus is well located in the centre of Caroline Springs, and the Melton property is also a large infill site.”
The three sites are:
<ul>
<li>The 17.85-hectare <a href="https://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melton-500389691">Patterson Campus in Melton</a> zoned residential 1 with classrooms, halls, gymnasiums and sporting facilities;</li>
<li>The 1.25-hectare <a href="https://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melton-500390039">Town Centre Campus in Caroline Springs</a> zoned “comprehensive development”; and </li>
<li>The 1.057-hectare <a href="https://cbre.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-melton-500390039" target="_blank">Brookside campus in Caroline Springs</a> zoned residential 1 with education facilities.</li>
</ul>
In a bid to protect the properties from residential developers, Melton councillors unanimously passed a motion to change the Patterson campus from Residential 1 to Special Use zone for educational purposes.
Then acting chief executive Luke Shannon told News Limited an application to change the zoning would be made to the Planning Minister, but the process could take up to five months.
 The expressions-of-interest campaign closes on September 14.
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Mowbray College in Melbourne's west listed for sale

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The trendy riverside suburb of Bulimba has joined an exclusive group of just three Brisbane suburbs with a median house price of over $1 million, according to June quarter data from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).
Bulimba recorded a median price of $1.07 million, a rise of 33.8% over the June quarter, helped by the sale of a number of prestige waterfront properties.
Figures compiled by RP Data show 45 sales over the quarter, with just 11 of these priced over $1 million.
The top sale of the quarter was a six-bedroom Harry Poulos-designed home (pictured below) on 2,026 square metres of prime riverfront land sold by Judy Goodger Prestige Realty for $5.1 million and described as the “epitome of vibrant riverfront living”.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/bulimba.jpg">
The property last sold for $2.85 million in April 2007.
Another prestige sale was a six bedroom house at 33 Coutts Street, which sold for $1.72 million in April having previously sold for $1.375 million in 2006.
Brisbane’s other million-dollar suburbs (based on annual data to June 2012) are New Farm, directly opposite Bulimba on the other side of the Brisbane River, with a median price over the past 12 months of $1.175 million (up 6.8% over the past year), and Pullenvale, which has a median price of $1.05 million, down 2.8% over the past 12 months.
Less well known than its inner-city $1 million rivals, Pullenvale is situated around 15 kilometres south-west of the Brisbane CBD, a semi-rural affluent suburb where the median weekly income ($2,350) is almost double that for Queensland ($1,240). A third of residents earn over $3,000 a week, according to census 2011 data.
Current Pullenvale real estate listings show a number of homesteads on large land holdings for sale.
They include this grand <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-pullenvale-111219491" target="_blank">five-bedroom country homestead</a> on 4.2 hectares, offering space for horses, a few cattle or goats. The listing is held by Prue Greenwood from RE/MAX Property Centre Toowong &amp; Kenmore.
Two prominent Brisbane riverside suburbs have dropped off the million-dollar list.
House prices in Hamilton on the northern banks of the Brisbane River, next door to New Farm, have plunged 28.2% over the year to June from a median of $1.065 million for the 12 months to June 2011 to $765,000 for the 12 months to June 2012.
St Lucia, four kilometres southwest of the Brisbane CBD near the University of Queensland, has also fallen off the list of million-dollar suburbs, with a current median value of $940,000 compared with $1,04 million as of June 2011 – a fall of 13.8%.
Overall, the REIQ figures show that Brisbane house prices declined by 1% over the quarter to a median of $500,000.
The top-performing major region over the June quarter was Moreton Bay, which recorded median house price growth of 5.3 per cent to $379,000.
Moreton Bay, which is part of greater Brisbane, has a variety of more affordable suburbs that are still within commuting distance of the CBD. Its location and supply of affordable housing is therefore attractive to first home buyers and investors
A number of more affordable Brisbane’s suburbs performed well over the June quarter.
Runcorn’s median house price increased 7.4% to $440,500 and was up 2% over the year.
Runcorn is about 19 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and is a popular suburb with young and established families, according to the REIQ. Housing in the local area remains predominantly single-detached dwellings with chamferboard and brick and tile houses the most common architectural styles.
Another suburb to record healthy median house price growth was Mansfield, with a median price increase of 7.6% to $476,250.
According to reiq.com.au, Mansfield is characterised by low-set weatherboard houses with traditional Australian backyards and is about 13 kilometres south-east of the CBD. The majority of the dwellings, constructed in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, are made of traditional weatherboard.
REIQ chief executive Anton Kardash says there was a noticeable slowdown in activity from May to June.
“The state government introduced legislation into parliament in mid-May to reinstate the principal place of residence concession on stamp duty from 1 July this year,” he says.
“The return of the concession meant home buyers, who were not first-timers or investors, could save up to $7,000 from 1 July, so it is little wonder that many decided to delay their purchases until after that date.
“Even though sales activity was lower in the month of June in particular, our June quarter data found no significant variations on median prices which means our market is still holding up well. The four rate cuts since November are also starting to have a positive effect on the market.”
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Bulimba joins Brisbane’s exclusive million-dollar suburb club, helped by prestige waterfront sales: REIQ

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After three years of sitting on the property market, a Mosman waterfront residence sold this week for a street record price. 
Selling agent <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.rwm.com.au/135920">Richard Simeon from Richardson &amp; Wrench Mosman </a>would not reveal the sale price for the Shellbank Avenue house, but confirmed it fetched a street record price. 
The street record was  house two doors along - $11 million in 2005. 
The latest sale was by Shane Smyth, CEO of Cover More Insurance, who renovated after paying $9.2 million in 2007, and then listing it with $14 million plus hopes.
The residence comprises of 1,012 square metres, designed for grand -scale living and entertaining, with four huge living areas. 
The home also has three kitchens, two lifts, seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms and has a separate self-contained apartment. 
The outdoor facilities include a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, deep waterfront boating facilities such as a pontoon and a large mooring pen. 
The property sold to a Sydneysider after a race to the finish line with another potential buyer from China competing. 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/western-australian-buyer-pays-%24101-million-for-mosman-harbourfront/2012080755890">Another Shellbank Avenue waterfront property</a> sold last week for $10.1 million to a retired West Australian mining executive.
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After three years on market, Mosman house sets Shellbank Avenue price record

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Designer Angela Stamos, who runs her own design company, has listed her 1905 Edwardian abode, Invicta, which she has renovated and extended during her ownership.
The?Chaucer Crescent property has four bedrooms, three bathrooms plus study and separate nanny or guest accommodation.
The <a href="https://www.kayburton.com.au/property/31-chaucer-crescent-canterbury">70 square home </a>(651-square-metre) has three lift-accessed levels. There are fireside refined rooms that have been elegantly styled.  There's also a pool.
The expressions of interest close August 28, with the high $3?million range expected by Daniel Bradd of Kay and Burton.
The house was dismantled and re-built from the ground up, re-using almost all the original exterior joinery, doors, windows, verandahs and stained glass.
Angela’s inspiration came from the American architect Robert A. M. Stern, a master of grand timber mansions in the United States.
"The property expresses ‘visual equanimity’: the elegance of its feminine Queen Anne period features wraps comfortably around this surprising modern structure, belying its considerable scale,” says Angela.
 
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