<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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The Top Ryde shopping centre in north-western Sydney has been formally listed for sale with price expectations in excess of $360 million following an $800 million redevelopment.
The metropolitan regional shopping centre, ranked Australia’s 39th biggest shopping mall by floor space, is being marketed by Simon Rooney from Jones Lang LaSalle on behalf of receivers and managers Joseph Hayes and Jason Preston from McGrathNicol.
The centre was officially opened on August 20, 2010, and comprises approximately 78,000 square metres of lettable area.
The redevelopment has included the opening of a Fitness First Platinum gym in April.
The centre is anchored by a two level Myer department store, Big W, Woolworths, Franklins and ALDI supermarkets and eVent Cinemas.
It also includes a medical centre and an estimated 220 specialty tenancies.
The centre has been in the hands of external administrators since the company behind the redevelopment, Bevillesta, entered voluntary administration in February 2011 after being unable to repay debts.
Numerous potential buyers have run a ruler over the property since it fell into administration, with the retail centre almost sold in July 2010 to a GPT-managed fund.
Bevillesta appointed BRI Ferrier as administrator, with creditors to the company claiming they were owed about $900 million. It included a syndicate of five banks owed more than $600 million, according to Fairfax Media.
It was valued at $350 million in May and was due to be put up for sale shortly after valuation.
“The time is now ideal for a new specialist retail owner/manager to reposition and relaunch the centre, which presents significant value creation opportunities," says Rooney.
“All key stakeholders have approved this transaction process and are genuinely keen to see a successful and early sale outcome, following a successful asset transition programme implemented by centre management.”
“The opportunity to acquire a 100% interest in a virtually brand new, major regional shopping centre asset in metropolitan Sydney is a once in a cycle proposition.”
“Major regional retail holdings have and continue to be tightly held and the attractive investment fundamentals for a fully integrated town centre development such as Top Ryde City are nearlyimpossible to replicate this close to the Sydney CBD."
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Top Ryde Sydney shopping centre returns to market with $360 million-plus expectations

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Buyers aren't embracing social media quite yet when it comes to property purchasing.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/three-bedrooms-two-car-spots-and-140-characters-houses-with-their-own-twitter-accounts/2012061555137">Estate agents are increasingly using social media</a> as another way of marketing their property listings, but buyers are sticking to traditional means of research.
PRDnationwide research found only 10% of buyers said they would be more attracted to a property if it were  marketed on social media, such as Facebook or Twitter.
Some 76% replied they were not more attracted to a property marketed on social media.
It was an "unexpected" result, according to PRD research director Aaron Maskrey.
"More agents are using social media to gain buyer interest in their listings, but it seems buyers prefer traditional methods of marketing," he says.
Maskrey suggests the impact of social media on the real estate industry will change and is likely to grow as the younger and more technologically savvy generation enter the property market.
Maskrey says social media is quick and cost-effective, but the benefits are still unknown.
However, he believes there is space in the marketing sphere for more than agent websites, print advertising, boards in front of homes and open-for-inspections.
"But it's yet to be seen if using social media to promote properties will lead to more sales," he says.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Social media yet to find property buyers

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With Ferraris and Lamborghinis lining the street –according to James buyers' advocate Kate Agnoleto – there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air leading up to the onsite auction.
And its RT Edgar listing agent Jeremy Fox wasn't disappointed after selling the Toorak townhouse at weekend auction for $5.5 million.
There were three bidders at the auction of the brand-new Nicholas Day-designed property on Cole Court.
"It's positive for the market. We haven't seen a lot of that for a while," Fox told Fairfax Media.
The bidding on the townhouse kicked off at $5 million, and it had a reserve price of $5.4 million.
The three-bedroom townhouse with study and pool is set on a 560 square metre holding in a cul-de-sac off Irving Road.
It came with interiors by David Hicks with extensive use of Italian Calacatta marble and American oak parquetry.
“Blue-chip real estate with the wow factor – it doesn’t get much better than this,” auctioneer Jeremy Fox noted in his preamble.
This week's top 10 sales:
1. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/13-cole-court-toorak-vic-3142/myrp-490?propertyId=13580614">13 Cole Court, Toorak, VIC, 3142</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 11 by R T Edgar Real Estate Toorak for $5.5 million
2. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/60-willoughby-street-kirribilli-nsw-2061/myrp-490?propertyId=3437060">60 Willoughby Street, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 9 by Ray White Lower North Shore for $4.5 million
3. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/90-barker-road-strathfield-nsw-2135/myrp-490?propertyId=6479754">90 Barker Road, Strathfield, NSW, 2135</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 11 by Georges Ellis &amp; Co for $2.96 million
4. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/17-victoria-crescent-mont-albert-vic-3127/myrp-490?propertyId=11881818">17 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert, VIC, 3127</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 11 by Jellis Craig for $2.81 million
5. 6B/3 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, NSW, 2026, three-bedroom unit, sold prior to auction on August 11 by Goodyer Donnelley for $2.57 million
6. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/61-well-street-brighton-vic-3186/myrp-490?propertyId=10025069">3/61 Well Street, Brighton, VIC, 3186</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold at auction on August 11 by Hocking Stuart Brighton for $2.525 million
7. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/26-parslow-street-malvern-vic-3144/myrp-490?propertyId=11581173">26 Parslow Street, Malvern, VIC, 3144</a>, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on August 11 by Marshall White Albert Park for $2.3 million
8. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/75-roslyn-street-brighton-vic-3186/myrp-490?propertyId=10021154">75 Roslyn Street, Brighton, VIC, 3186</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 11 by Hodges for $2.3 million
9. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/2-crossakiel-court-hawthorn-vic-3122/myrp-490?propertyId=11188397">2 Crossakiel Court, Hawthorn, VIC, 5062</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on August 11 by Kay &amp; Burton Hawthorn for $2.125 million
10. <a href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/19-garden-avenue-brighton-east-vic-3187/myrp-490?propertyId=10032807">19 Garden Avenue, Brighton East, VIC, 3187</a>, four-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on August 8 by Biggin &amp; Scott for $2 million
 
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Toorak townhouse sells for $5.5 million – the week's highest sale: RP Data

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Unit prices are pricier in the property investment hotspot Gladstone, Queensland than ever before, with units over $500,000 now representing more than a quarter of all unit sales, compared with 3% for this price point two years ago.
The percentage of units sold priced between $450,000 and $500,000 also increased dramatically over the past two years, from 5% to 20% of units in the region, according to PRDnationwide. 
"Unprecedented growth in both sales activity and capital values during [thje past five years] has driven the market to a full recovery, bucking the nation’s unrelenting trend of diminishing sales volumes and softening capitalvalues since the onset of the global financial crisis," says the PRDnationwide analysis.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/prdaug9.gif">
The PRDnationwide report also shows that after slumping during the GFC, Gladstone unit sales volumes have recovered to pre-GFC levels. This is not the case for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/gladstone-house-and-land-prices-rising-but-sales-volumes-below-pre-gfc-peak-prdnationwide/2012080755900" target="_blank">Gladstone house and land sales</a>, as they are yet to return to their pre-GFC peak.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/08/prdaug92.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/prdaug92thumb.gif"></a>
For more, download our free eBook <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-property-investing-in-queenslands-resources-boom">Residential Property Investment Amid Queensland's Resources Boom.</a>
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Units pricier than ever in Queensland hotspot Gladstone

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Nick Collishaw is to step down as Mirvac's chief executive and managing director to be replaced by Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, now the London-based managing director of LaSalle Investment Management Europe. The company announced this morning that Collishaw will leave Mirvac on October 31, and Lloyd-Hurwitz will take on the chief executive role of the business before the end of the year.
"The board has been focused on succession planning for some time," Mirvac chairman James MacKenzie says.
"Having now identified an outstanding candidate in Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, Nick Collishaw and the board agreed that it was time to commence an orderly transition,” he says. With 23 years' experience across four continents, Lloyd-Hurwitz has previously held senior executive roles at Macquarie Group and Lend Lease.
Collishaw joined Mirvac in 2005 after its merger with the James Fielding Group and was appointed managing director in 2008.
MacKenzie says Collishaw will receive his contractual entitlements on his departure, and thanked him for his leadership of Mirvac Group over the past four years.
“As chief executive, Nick has introduced a renewed conservatism to Mirvac’s business model and capital structure consistent with the underlying business and funding environment,” he says.
“He has simplified the business, positioning it for earnings growth in the years ahead. The company’s sound strategy and strong financial position are testament to Nick’s leadership.
“Nick has delivered on the group’s objectives and also established a clear strategy for Mirvac focused squarely on the group’s core activities.
"The work that Nick has led to build Mirvac’s capacity and preparedness to partner with wholesale investors will be central to our strategy going forward.
“This has been an important chapter for Mirvac, but over the next few years the group has a different set of challenges.
"The board is keen to accelerate cultural change in the business, and wants to place even greater focus on the group’s communication with stakeholders," MacKenzie says.
MacKenzie will lead the company in the period between Collishaw’s departure and Lloyd-Hurwitz’s arrival.
Matthew Quinn was the other listed property company chief to recently announce his departure.
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Mirvac's Nick Collishaw surprise departure hands reins to Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz

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Melburnians and Adelaidians can claim bragging rights over Sydneysiders for another year at least with the influential Economist Intelligence Unit naming Melbourne the world’s most liveable city.
Melbourne took over top ranking from Vancouver in Canada with a score of 97.5%, while Sydney ranked seventh overall – one place lower than its sixth-place ranking last year.
Noteably Adelaide moved up the three places to joint fifth in the ranking thanks to an improvement in the South Australian capital's infrastructure score.
Melbourne's score of 97.5% is just shy of a perfect score, with the city only losing points for climate, culture and petty crime.
“Australian cities continue to thrive in terms of liveability: Not only do they benefit from the natural advantages of low population density, but they have continued to improve with some high profile infrastructure investments," Economist Intelligence Unit survey editor Jon Copestake said from London.
"In Adelaide projects completed in recent years under the Strategic Infrastructure Plan for South Australia have been enough to move the city above Sydney, whose score is unchanged."
“Melbourne may claim national bragging rights, but four of the five Australian cities surveyed are in the top ten of the global index and are separated by just 1.6 percentage points," he added.
London, which hosted this year's Olympic Games, dropped in the index as a result of riots that took place in the UK last year.  As a result, the city fell two places to 55th in the ranking.
Dhaka in Bangladesh has the unenviable title of being the least liveable location surveyed.
The liveability report surveys 140 locations around the world to assess the best or the worst living conditions.
It originated as a means of testing whether Human Resource Departments needed to assign a hardship allowance as part of expatriate relocation packages. It has since evolved as a broad benchmarking tool used by city councils, organisations or corporate entities looking to test locations against one another.
Cities are scored on political and social stability, crime rates and access to quality health care. It also measures the diversity and standard of cultural events and the natural environment; education (school and university); and the standard of infrastructure, including public transport.
For more on Sydney's present and t, download our free eBook  <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-sydney-embracing-the-world-of-tomorrow">Sydney: Embracing the World of Tomorrow</a>
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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Melbourne surpasses Vancouver as world’s most liveable city as Sydney drops to seventh

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Essington, the record-setting 10-bedroom Stanmore Victorian Italianate house, has been listed with a $2.95 million asking price.
The Gordon Crescent mansion last sold in 2011 at $2.3 million and in late 2009 for $2.5 million.
The 1888 residence on 920 square metres had been listed with record $3 million-plus expectations in 2008.
It was built by pastoralist Benjamin Eves for his family of 14 children and bequeathed by the family to the Presbyterian Church in the early 1950s.
It was a home for young men from the country, known as the Malcolm Downie Hostel, until sold in the early 1980s.
The  house fetched $620,000 when bought by the O'Rourke family in 1993.
Virginia Nicoll at Harris Tripp First National has the latest listing.
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Stanmore's record-setting Essington relisted

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<a href="https://www.thehomepage.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Thehomepage.com.au</a> was founded three years ago by Morry Schwartz, who recognised an opportunity to revamp how real estate agents do business.
Thehomepage.com.au enables real estate agents to reach more buyers, in what Schwartz says is a quicker, cheaper and more attractive way.
Schwartz, who is the chairman of property development firm Pan Urban, is also the publisher of politics and current affairs publications Quarterly Essay and The Monthly.
The website belongs to start-up company Dog No. 7, which, according to Schwartz, is designed to reflect the fact that it is always one step ahead of the game.
Schwartz, who has since been joined in the business by friends Mark Copley and Vicki Williams, talks about how Thehomepage.com.au is attempting to get in front of the competition.
<h3>What prompted you to launch Thehomepage.com.au? What niche did you identify?</h3>
I launched Thehomepage.com.au and its sister site Millionplus.com.au because, in my real estate development business, I was amazed at how expensive it was to advertise on the existing real estate listings portals.
Using the existing real estate portals as a consumer, I also found them to be slow to load, cluttered with advertising and ugly to look at.
I wanted to create something that was different from what was already available in all of those ways: it would be free to advertise basic listings and less expensive for premium listings.
It would be fast to load. And it would be clean and attractive to look at.
Both Thehomepage.com.au and Millionplus.com.au belong to our start-up company, Dog No. 7. We picked that name because the CEO of our biggest competitor had said that Dog No. 7 is the one he worries about.
He compared the business to a dog race and said that Dog No. 2 always follows what Dog No. 1 does, and Dog No. 3 follows in the footsteps of Dog No. 2.
But Dog No. 7 is so far behind that he realises he can’t beat the top dogs by following in their footsteps.
Instead, he decides to win by cutting across the middle of the arena. The moral of the story is to always watch out for Dog No. 7.
<h3>How did you fund the business and what were your start-up costs?</h3>
I lent money to the business to fund its start-up. I’ve invested about $1.5 million so far.
<h3>How many staff do you have?</h3>
We have seven excellent people on our team. That includes myself, our CEO and an editor, a social media and advertising manager, a salesperson and two web developers.
Every one of them is on top of their game. I’m proud to have them working with me.
<h3>How do you promote the business?</h3>
Our business depends on consumers being able to find as many real estate listings as possible when they come to our site.
We are currently focused on acquiring more of that listings content and then driving web users to them. We are not doing much brand and awareness advertising as yet.
We put a lot of effort into being found online because we are an online business. That means search marketing and search optimisation are the biggest line items.
<h3>How do you stand out in the market? What’s your point/s of difference?</h3>
I already mentioned that we provide free basic listings and much less expensive premium advertising to real estate agents.
I also mentioned that we focus on being cleaner to look at, faster loading and more enjoyable to the consumer.
When we tested speed earlier this year, our web pages loaded twice as fast as our big competitors’ pages. That’s better for the consumer.
In addition, our key strength is the fact that we refuse to do priority listings.
When you type in a property search on our competitors’ sites, they return a bunch of listings results, but they don’t show you the most recent listings first by default.
Instead, they take money from agents to promote certain listings above others, and then they make sure you see all those “priority” listings first.
We decided to give people a break and always put the most recent listings first, so that you don’t have to scroll through listing after listing just to get to the ones that you haven’t seen yet.
After all, when you’re searching for property you can find yourself checking the site for new listings several times a day.
People tell us that our system is much more productive and enjoyable to use, and it is one of the things that brings them back to the site for repeat visits.
<h3>What are your revenue projections for 2012/13?</h3>
We don’t share our revenue numbers, but it’s fair to say our primary focus in 2012 is to acquire content. Revenue is a secondary focus right now, although it is growing.
What’s the biggest risk you face?
We’re growing steadily and quickly in content, traffic and revenue, so we are confident we will hit our growth targets.
I suppose the biggest risk is that online technology is getting cheaper and easier every day. That lowers the bar and makes it easier for new competitors to pop up.
We are confident, however, because launching a website is the easy part. Building relationships with agents and consumers is much harder.
<h3>Is there anything you would have done differently?</h3>
It’s not that we’re perfect, but we have learned from the mistakes we’ve made. No one mistake stands out as a horrible error that I would go back in time to correct.
<h3>What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?</h3>
Invest in good people and reward them. Building a business is all about people and relationships.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartupSmart</a>.
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Why developer Morry Schwartz started thehomepage

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Homes in Stoke, Staffordshire, could be sold for as little as £1 under a proposed UK scheme to reinvigorate crime-ridden areas. 
Terrace houses would be able to be purchased for the pint-sized price of £1 (A$1.48) and would come with a £30,000 low-interest loan to be used for renovations. 
The only catch is that the owner must renovate the house – typically a two- or three-bedroom property with a backyard – and live in it for five years before it could be sold. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/stokeontent.jpg">
The £30 million scheme would be funded by Stoke-on-Trent Council and the United Kingdom government. 
Council tax <a target="_blank" href="https://www.stoke.gov.uk/ccm/content/housing/private-housing/empty-homes/empty-homes-statistics.en">data</a> from 2011 suggests 4,763 homes have been left empty in Stoke. 
Some of these homes are livable, while some desperately need refurbishment. 
The empty homes have attracted arson attacks, squatting, burglary, illegal waste dumping (known as fly tipping) and drug den usage. 
Some squatters cause damage to adjoining properties, and neglected properties can devalue neighbouring property values. 
“At the moment there is vandalism, people using the backyards of empty houses for fly-tipping and all kinds of problems… Something needs to be done,” local resident John Bannister told <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-19160913">BBC News.</a> 
The ghost town is a result of a now defunct RENEW regeneration scheme. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/stoke2.jpg">
RENEW North Staffordshire was founded in 2004 when the government recognised that the region needed support to improve poor housing. RENEW is the neighbourhood regeneration agency that works together with councils that fall under North Staffordshire. 
The scheme had spent more than £120 million buying up homes and business sites in the hope of transforming them into communities by refurbishing the crumbling homes or replacing them with modern housing. 
The controversial scheme ended in April last year after spending cuts implemented by the coalition government meant the renewal scheme was cut halfway through. 
Brian Hughes of Crane Street in Cobridge told online magazine <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Housing-fund-gives-communities-hope/story-12490922-detail/story">This Is Staffordshire</a> that there were five homes out of 13 on his street that were boarded up and had become magnets for petty crime.
Another resident, Michael Bamford of Rutland Street, said ripping out of the house next door to his had affected how long it took to heat his home.
Some families had to leave their properties to make way for the regeneration project, which never materialised.
The £30 million scheme would focus on Stoke properties in the Portland street area, Cobridge and the Bond street area, Tunstall.
“If agreed by cabinet, the council will consult with local residents and empty property owners about the plans with a view to starting the scheme in 2013,” said Janine Bridges, councilor for Labour-led authority’s cabinet member for housing, neighbourhoods and community safety.
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UK homes could sell for £1 as council attempts to rehabilitate suburbs

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The mansion near Byron Bay where Paul Hogan married his Crocodile Dundee co-star Linda Kozlowski features in this year's season of Channel Nine's Farmer Wants A Wife series.
And the real estate agent, Nicolette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates, hopes the program will show the Possum Creek property to many more potential buyers.
The agency has the home listed for auction on behalf of the entrepreneur Duncan Mount and his former model wife Sally.
"It certainly can't hurt," agency founder van Wijngaarden told the local paper when asked about the priceless free publicity the property would achieve on the show.
She said it was the first property she showed Farmer's producers when they began searching for a location in the Byron hinterland.
The Cedar Springs homestead is set on 46 hectares with a resort-style pool used for the opening introductions between the bachelors and the wannabe farm wives.
The property, which has a guide price of $6.5 million, down from the original listing of $7.9 million, will be auctioned on site on September 29.
Farmer Wants A Wife screens from August 15 at 8pm on Channel 9.
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