<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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While yesterday’s release of the draft rules for national licensing for real estate agents (otherwise known as the consultation regulation impact statements – or RIS – for property occupations) has the potential to lay the foundations for a truly national profession, it is also disappointing.
As the profession considers the far-reaching changes, it is immediately obvious that one recommendation runs counter to the notion of improving skills and education in the 21st century and shows a total misunderstanding of the issue at hand.
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG), through the national occupational licensing system, has proposed that licences should no longer be required to perform commercial and industrial work.
The rationale for this is flawed.
It is based on the faulty premise that “consumers” in the commercial sector are well resourced and sophisticated investors. This is not always the case. Think of every “high street” with its myriad small businesses whose operators need to lease or buy their premises. They are not shopping centres, they are not multinational firms negotiating with super funds over office space. They are more akin to the hundreds of thousands of people who benefit from the licensing in the residential market. Like home buyers, they are busy with their lives or businesses and expect that a real estate agent has a proven knowledge of the laws and knows how to transact property.
A review of transactions in the commercial market last year’s demonstrates this. In 2011 there were around 10,400 commercial sales, according to the Valuer-General, and 34% were valued under half a million dollars. This is hardly an example of the market dominated by well-resource, “sophisticated” investors.
The RIS advances a risk-based analysis to justify this, suggesting that because “there are few complaints to consumer protection agencies in relation to these transactions” there is no need to protect consumers. It could be equally the case that, due to the existence of minimum educational requirements as expressed by the current licensing system, the commercial and industrial real estate agents are simply doing a good job that meets the needs of their clients.
One wonders if this logic could be applied to other professions. Are lawyers regulated because they have a high level of consumer complaints? Should the registration of architects be removed because they do a good job? A review of the residential market shows how flawed this idea is. In Victoria real estate agents have an excellent record of compliance with the law yet COAG has not recommended removal of licensing.
Of equal concern is the recommendation’s ignoring the substantial investment in their education made by the existing licensed commercial and industrial agents. For governments that claim to want to lift Australia’s education and training standards, it seems counterproductive to totally remove them.
Like many other professions, commercial real estate agents spend a considerable amount of time, effort and money to meet the educational requirement of the licensing system. The entire transitional system benefits from this. Through education they are able to more efficiently and effectively undertake the role of buying, selling and leasing on behalf of their clients. A non-regulated profession would open the door to any number of people who say they are able to undertake the property transaction – but could they? Would they understand the complexities of the role? Would they know how to provide professional services to their clients?
Licensing in this case cannot be characterised as “red tape” that increases the cost of the transaction, because there is nothing to compare it to. If governments want to reduce the cost of the transaction and increase the efficiency, there are plenty of other ways to do that without devaluing this profession.
For instance: stamp duty rates are too high; in Victoria there is double taxation of some leased commercial premises; and landlords are forced to lodge leases with the government for no practical reason.  Dealing with these issues first would substantially cut the cost of the transaction and deliver a net benefit to the economy, one that would be more proven than this recommendation to remove licences for commercial and industrial work.
In conjunction with the REIA, the REIV will fight this proposal because we believe the economy benefits from real estate agents who meet basic educational standards.
Trevor Booth is president of the <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Victoria.</a>
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Commercial real estate agents should be licensed, just as residential agents are

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New draft national licensing rules for estate agents have removed the requirement for them to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) or obtain a diploma-level qualification.
The consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on a proposal for national licensing  for property occupations  has also removed the requirement that commercial property agents be licensed under the national framework.
These draft rules reject suggestions by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/real-estate-institute-fears-2013-national-licensing-scheme-could-reduce-agents-qualifications/2012041754323">the Real Estate Institute of Australia in April</a> in its recommendations to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in April.
The removal of the diploma requirement would mean that estate agents in Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania and South Australia will face lower educational qualifications than are currently in place.
These states and territories require either a diploma or a certificate IV qualification.
The national licensing framework is due to begin on July 1 next year, replacing the mutual recognition of real estate licences that currently exist between state and territory jurisdictions.
The RIS presents three options:
<ul>
<li>retain the status quo; </li>
<li>automatic mutual recognition, where similar to ‘driver’s licences, each license would be declared equivalent, being recognised by every other state and territory without the licensee having to reapply for a licence or pay any additional fee; or </li>
<li>national licensing, which is COAG’s preferred option.</li>
</ul>
“A national licensing system would provide a single policy approach to licence categories, regulated work and the eligibility requirements to obtain a property occupational licence,” COAG says.
“This would allow a person to work anywhere in Australia where the relevant work is licensed without having to reapply for a licence or pay any additional fee. A national licensing register would be established.”
Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) president Pamela Bennett is in favour of national licensing but has warned against settling for a lowest common denominator outcome.
“REIA supports national licensing and recognises the benefits this will bring to both the industry and to consumers through improved mobility between jurisdictions, an end to overlapping laws and a uniform approach across Australia. However, it is imperative that standards are not lowered for the sake of expediency”, she says.
Other items COAG is seeking to change include:
<ul>
<li>Under national licensing, a set of nationally uniform licence categories for the property occupations has been developed. The proposed licence categories that would apply to specified regulated work are real estate agent, business agent, strata managing agent, auctioneer and agent’s representative</li>
<li>One- or three-year licence periods are being proposed and would be available for all licence types, including property agent’s representative registration</li>
<li>Licence fees will be set in jurisdictional legislation, and it is likely that they will continue to differ across jurisdictions. It is proposed that licensees will pay their licence fee and renewals according to their primary place of residence</li>
<li>The removal of the requirement for continuing professional development: licensees would no longer need to spend time on and pay the fees associated with annual mandatory training courses</li>
</ul>
The industry and consumers now have the opportunity to make their views known by September 21 as part of a six-week consultation period.
<a href="https://nola.gov.au/files/2012/08/Property-Occupations-Regulation-Impact-Statement1.pdf">A copy of the draft framework can be downloaded here.</a>
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Draft national licensing rules ignore REIA suggestions on education standards for agents

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VCAT, Victoria’s planning tribunal, has today given Windsor Hotel owner Adi Halim the extension he sought – until January 2015 – to get the controversial hotel redevelopment under way.
“I am unable to conclude there are any compelling reasons to refuse to extend the time as requested,” VCAT senior member Jeanette Rickards said in her ruling.
Halim had warned that the historic hotel built in the marvellous Melbourne era  might have to shut its doors and cancel guest and event bookings if the development permit were not extended.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/windsorhotel.jpg">
His legal team was fronted by barrister C J Canavan, QC, who was instructed by Norton Rose.
The permit required work to begin by November 4 this year and be finished by November 2014. 
Planning Minister Matthew Guy was critical the request to extend the permit had not been submitted earlier and argued the applicant continued to take bookings in 2012 and was promoting its 130th birthday celebrations also for 2013.
But Jeanette Rickards found the bureaucratic process of obtaining the second heritage permit took approximately 13 months.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/windsorhotel2.jpg">
"As a result the applicant has been left with only seven months at most, and more like three months, given the endorsement of plans by the minister in April 2012, to go through the compliance processes to ensure the proposal is ready for the development to commence," she noted.
"I do not accept the submission of the minister that the applicant should have commenced the development earlier.
"This is an unrealistic suggestion that does not appear to take account of the integration of the planning and heritage requirements of the proposed development and a recognition that the processes under each approval must be integrated to ensure the development is properly carried out.
"Whilst it is in the interests of the public that the development be undertaken in a timely manner, given the significance of the heritage building, it is also in the public's interest that such development is done carefully and in a proper manner," the ruling concluded.
The land currently contains the 19th-century Hotel Windsor building and an adjoining 1960s building on the corner of Spring and Bourke streets.
The applicant sought a review of the decision of the Minister for Planning that refused to extend time.
The applicant sought the time for commencement to be extended January 2015 and for completion t0 January 2017.
 The permit allows development of a residential hotel comprising part demolition of existing hotel and construction of a new 26-storey tower and north wing extension.
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Victoria’s planning tribunal allows delay in controversial $285 million Windsor Hotel redevelopment

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A 1960s brick Castlecrag house built by renowned professor of engineering Stan Shaw has been offered to the market for the first time. Shaw, who was born in 1911, died in 1992, and his widow, Noel Jessie, died in March this year.
Enjoying Middle Harbour and city skyline views, the house was designed to be part of the landscape.
The predominately <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-castlecrag-111173391">single-level, three-bedroom home </a>has potential to be updated sympathetically to maximise the location, according to its listing agent Mark O'Brien at Richardson &amp; Wrench Castlecrag.
The aeronautical engineer and civil engineer worked at the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Melbourne from 1942.
During his 18-year tenure there Shaw had many secondments to institutes in the USA including the Brooklyn Polytechnical Institute, New York.
Shaw left the Melbourne laboraties in 1960 to take up an appointment as professor of civil engineering at the University of New South Wales until his 1971 retirement.
The house has been listed for August 29 auction with $1.5 million plus hopes.
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Castlecrag house auction offering with great aeronautics

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Runnymede station near Richmond in north-west Queensland has been listed for September 7 receivership auction through Ray White Rural agent Kevin Currie. It had been the long-time farm of John Wharton, the mayor of the Richmond Shire Council.
He lost control of the 20,200-hectare property, which had been with his family for about 96 years, in late 2011 when Bankwest appointed  insolvency firm KordaMentha to take control.
At the time Wharton said the receivers had moved in after a debt repayment of more than $1 million was submitted to the bank beyond deadline. "They just came in and bloody shut the gate," he told the AM program on ABC Radio.
In an act of solidarity, more than 60 beef producers converged on <a href="https://rwmagazine.com.au/country-fortnightly/-mixed-farming/1/23914/">Runnymede</a> to protest about what they described as unfair lending practices. Cloncurry Shire mayor Andrew Daniels suggested some banks didn't understand the challenges landowners currently faced after two very wet seasons and the live export debacle.
Bob Katter, the Federal Member for Kennedy, noted it just needed one bank to start fire selling and then the region's farm values would come down.  Katter advised the protesters he had spoken to the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens about the need to reform the rural banking sector.
In a statement to the ABC last November, Bankwest strongly denied placing Runnymede Station into receivership without enough warning. It said it had been working with John Wharton over a number of years to try to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.
Wharton said last year that he had paid all the interest and reduced debt by $3 million with other property sales.
Wharton, who has an <a target="_blank" href="https://runnymede-bankwest.blogspot.com.au/">occasional blog</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/pages/Runnymede-V-Bankwest/230494100356113">Facebook page</a>, is a well-known figure in the region having been mayor of the shire since 1998.
Wharton has lawyers fighting his battle, with the bank having engaged Stewart Levitt, from Sydney-based firm Levitt Robinson, known for his fight with the banks over Storm Financial, according to the Courier Mail's City Beat columnist Tony Grant-Taylor.
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Storm looms as Charters Towers district Runnymede station listed after rural lending stoush

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A 1927 Woollahra manor home last sold in 1968 by the entreprenuer Harry M Miller has been listed for September 11 auction.
The F. Glynn Gilling-designed house, which sits on 1,365 square metres, was built for Justice Allen Maxwell and his wife, Sadie.
He was initially a judge in the District Court in the late 1920s, then in the Suprme Court from 1934 until he decided to retire, becoming the chairman of Amalgamated Television Services Pty Ltd (ATN-7) in 1955.
The five-bedroom, five-bathroom Edgecliff Road battleaxe house has harbour-view terraces. It's been listed through Kim Jones at Di Jones Real Estate, who says the vendor even secured a couple of couches in the last sale, which are still in the Edgecliff Road family home.
Jones is telling buyers $6 million plus for the property, which last traded at $121,500 in 1968 when bought by the Stephens family.
Miller's better-known residences included Muralla on Martin Road, Centennial Park, his former Woolloomoolloo warehouse and the 41st floor Horizon, Darlinghurst sub-penthouse.  
Centennial Park is where in 1977 he hosted Prince Charles for Christmas drinks.
The 1906 mansion Muralla was the inspiration for the central family home location of the Patrick White book The Eye of the Storm.
The Queen Anne-style mansion was had been bought by Miller for $220,000 in 1973 and sold in 1979 for $567,000.
The 2,300-square-metre estate comprises a two-level mansion and a championship all-weather tennis court with night lights, a heated swimming pool and two-storey stables.
Miller joined writer Patrick White and other local residents in Jack Mundey's green ban protests to save Centennial Park in the early 1970s after the state government announced plans to bulldoze many of the private houses and concrete Centennial and Moore parks to provide an envisaged Olympic venue in a bid to host the 1988 games.
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One of Harry M Miller's hand-me-downs – a 1920s F. Glynn Gilling Woollahra manor home – listed for sale

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The 2012 London Olympics may have placed restrictions on athletes being sponsored, but not all athletic events take the same stance. 
Sydney’s annual Sun Herald City2Surf fun run understands the importance of sponsorship for amateur athletes, allowing companies to sponsor individual runners. 
Sunday’s televised race brought a big audience for Sydney real estate agency McGrath, with the company logo on one runner’s singlet. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/mcgrathcity2surf2.jpg">
McGrath sponsored both Harry Summers (who wore a singlet with the agency's logo) and Lara Tamsett for the 14-kilometre run, which starts in the eastern suburbs of Hyde Park and finishes along the sandy shore of Bondi Beach. 
Last year the event had 85,000 runners and raised more than $3.6 million for more than 600 charities. 
Summers, 22, came second, and Tamsett, 23, was the first woman to cross the finish line. 
Sponsorship can be seen as a form of survival for most athletes, especially those who devote much of their lives to training their body and mind. 
Tamsett maintains a regular training regime of about 100 kilometres per week in the lead-up to the race, making sure to listen to her body in order to avoid injuries. 
Summers, aka the barefoot runner because of the minimalist, no-support “barefoot” five-fingers shoes he wears, has competed in the event for the past three years, finishing in the top 10 on all occasions. 
“Both Harry and Lara are eastern suburbs locals who train in Centennial Park under the guidance of Sean Williams,” McGrath chief operating officer Geoff Lucas told Property Observer. 
“The City2Surf is an iconic community event which is part of Sydney’s <stockticker>DNA</stockticker> and as a company McGrath is very proud to be able to offer our support to two dedicated young people who are passionate in their endeavours,” Lucas says. 
McGrath declined to indicate the extent of its sponsorship but says this is the first year it has sponsored City2Surf. 
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McGrath a television winner as ‘barefoot’ runner and women’s champion cross City2Surf finish line

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The Greensborough home with a very long association with the Cordner medical family – and their Melbourne Football Club representation – sold for $1.3 million at its weekend auction.

Ashmead was built for the Cordner family in 1932 and has been held in the family <a target="_blank" href="/news">for 80 years</a>. It was designed in the inter-war English Domestic Revival style – rendered, gabled terracotta tiled roofs, half timbering, shuttered multi-paned windows, tall brick chimneys with terracotta chimney pots and basketweave clinker brickwork.
There were two bidders once the Jellis Craig auction got underway, with a $950,000 opening vendor bid. The property was called on the market at around $1.2 million.
Jellis Craig agent Liz Walker noted an intending developer had been outbid by the new owner who was in Greece, where he spends part of every year.
It's been reported the buyer will modernise the house's floorplan and may build a house for his mother at the rear of the 1,834-square-metre block.
The house and its Monterey Cypress hedge were protected from development, although the house's views had been interrupted by the new Banyule pool complex across Grimshaw Street.
Melbourne's auction success rate fell from 56% to 55%, according to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, below the year to date clearance rate of 60%.
Enzo Raimondo, the REIV chief, notes while the overall Melbourne clearance outcome was below trend many auctions had competitive bidding with results over reserve.
"This highlights that homes are selling well when vendors' expectations are in line with the market," he says.
Sydney clearance rates fell from 64.9% to 59.4% this week, according to Australian Property Monitors (APM) figures.
Strathfield recorded the top weekend sale – a five-bedroom house on Barker Road sold through Georges Ellis &amp; Co – which respresented the third time in the past month that the suburb had the highest reported Saturday auction result. 
In the same week last year Sydney had a rate of 57% and Melbourne 55%.
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Auction success rate eases but the Cordner family easily get their Greensborough goal

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The large Northern Territory cattle station holding Killarney and Birrimba stations were passed in at auction last Friday.
The 5,414-square-kilometre landholding passed in on an auctioneer's vendor bid of $30 million.
The property was offered stocked with 41,000 brahman cattle, with the potential to stock 55,000 head.
Ray White Rural agent Russell Wolff had noted pre-auction interest in buying the properties. The local ABC Radio reported rumours in the territory suggesting buyers from the Philippines had taken a strong interest n the property, as well as interest from Indonesia, Hong Kong, Europe and New Zealand.
The titles are being sold by Wallco Pastoral Company, which paid $21 million for the property in 2001.
The property's failure to sell continues a trend for major station sales in the NT as three other properties in the Victoria River District have also passed in at auction in recent months – Inverway Station at $15 million, Riveren Station at $19 million and Bunda Station at $10 million.
All three leases that make up the original Inverway Station are on the market, which includes the Bunda and Riveren leases. The three leases have been in the Underwood family since 1956, when Pat Underwood bought Inverway.
Wollf has previously rejected suggestions there was a lack of confidence in NT's top end cattle industry due to the restrictions in the number of export permits released by Indonesia.
Herron Todd White valuer Terry Roth recently noted the Indonesian government decided to issue 98,000 live cattle import permits for the second half of the 2012 calendar year - in stark contrast to the 193,000 head permits that were granted in the corresponding period of 2011.
Adding further to the industry’s woes, Indonesia has also imposed a 5% tariff (retrospective to January 2012) on live cattle imports.
 
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Large Northern Territory cattle stations continue auction sales impasse

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Milne House, the single-colour Robin Boyd-designed Toorak house, was passed in at its weekend auction on a $2.3 million vendor bid.
It’s a four-bedroom courtyard home last traded unrenovated in early 2006 for $1.63 million.
The Bennison Mackinnon agents Hugh Hardy and Andrew Macmillan had listed it with $2.5 million-plus hopes.
Marketed as a Boyd masterpiece, Milne House comes with steep skilling roof forms in opposing combinations, bagged brick walls, separate wings, simple features and a near windowless front facade on its 640-square-metre block set on the corner of Toorak and Glenbervie roads.
The Malvern Heritage Study puts its date at 1970. It is acknowledged as one of Boyd’s last homes by heritage authorities, as he died aged 52 in 1971.
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