<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

<main data-perf-region="main">
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>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

<html><body>
Legendary Melbourne CBD watering hole the English-style Mitre Tavern failed to sell at auction today despite a large crowd gathering outside on Bank Place in the damp and cold.

The mediaeval-looking tavern was passed in at $6.05 million with just three bids received, including one from the vendor for $6 million.
Bidding started at $4 million – or four pints, as the bidder called out initially.
The auction was conducted by David Combes, managing director of Alexander Robertson, which also had the listing.
It was listed with $6.5 million-plus hopes.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/mitreauc.jpg">
Most who attended appeared to be interested observers, intent on enjoying a pint after the swiftly concluded auction, plus a few industry players
Kristian Peatling who alongside colleague Warwick Bramich from Alexander Robertson marketed the tavern, told Property Observer he was confident of negotiating a sale post-auction.
The pub, which has claims to hold one of the oldest continuous pub licences, granted in 1868 when a two-storey private dwelling was converted to a drinking house, was listed for auction with $6.5 million-plus hopes.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/mitreauc2.jpg">
The pub has current net annual income is $430,000 plus GST with a long-term lease with three renewal options of 10 years each.
Set on Bank Place between Collins and Little Collins streets, it last traded at $6.3 million in 2008 when bought by the Toorak investor Ian Hicks from the hotelier Robertson family. There was a $4.6 million transfer in 2006 and a $5.75 million transfer in 2004.
The two-storey pub has 480 square metres of retail space as well as one of the city's largest outdoor beer spaces.
 
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Pints on offer but few punters as Melbourne watering hole the Mitre Tavern passed in at $6.05 million

<html><body>
Historic Buring House, built in the early 1920s by iconic winemaker Leo Buring and wife Nay, has been listed for sale.
The landmark three-bedroom house in the Sydney suburb of Leonay on 2,203 square metres has been meticulously restored to maintain its original character.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/buringcellar.jpg">
There's three-metre ceilings, open fireplaces and solid hardwood polished timber floors at the Leonay Parade house with 1,296 bottle cellar. 
It's been listed through David Reeves and Andrew Reeves at Jim Aitken and Partners Emu Plains for September 8 auction, who expect around $1 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/buring2.jpg">
The restoration was undertaken in 2010 by <a href="https://www.integrateddesign.com.au/heritage" target="_blank">Integrated Design Associates</a>.
The couple described their home as "so 'beautiful here with the Nepean River in front and the mountains at our back door, with an abundance of emus and wallabies". The Burings actually maintained a zoo at the then 160-hectare property supplying Australian animals to zoos around the world.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/buring3.jpg">
Around 1936 the Burings built a 19-hole golf course on their property.
Dignitries to have dropped by the house included Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in 1948. The property was sold after Buring's 1961 death, along with other holdings including Chateau Leonay at Tanunda in the Barossa Valley.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/leonay.gif">
Source: Penrith City Council
Leonay is bordered by the Nepean River on one side and a nature reserve on the other.
It was named after the winemaker and his wife.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/buring4.jpg">
He was born in 1876 in Adelaide but studied at Geisenheim Viticulture College in Rhine, Germany, and in 1898 attended the Viticultural College at Montpellier in France. It was in 1902 when he married Ida (Nay) Sobels from another great vigneron family.
 They secured the Edinglassie Estate (376 acres) for £2,200 in 1916. The bulk of the property was sold to off for residential development after his death.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Iconic winemaker Leo and Nay Buring's 1920s Leonay house listed after restoration

<html><body>
The former Equititrust executive Mark McIvor has lost control of his remaining two block Cronin Island holding.
The 2,217-square-metre offering comes with an original single-level house and vacant block.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/cronin.jpg">
McIvor, who founded the Gold Coast's own merchant bank, Equititrust, in 1993, consolidated the offering about a decade ago.
It cost $3.6 million in 2002 and $1.7 million in 2003.
Michael Willems and Robert Graham at <a href="https://myproperty.raywhite.com/PropertyDetails.aspx?id=826415">Ray White Prestige</a> has the receivership listing, which will be auctioned September 6 in one line or as two separate parcels.
Equititrust, which became known for using a Roman voussoir arch as its marketing logo to suggest structural stability, was among the many unlisted mortgage funds to take a battering following the 2008 financial crisis.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/mark-mcivor-s-former-cronin-island-gold-coast-back-up-for-auction/2012072955758" target="_blank">McIvor's own residence was also on Cronin Island</a>. It was a two-storey riverfront home designed by Sydney-based architect Alex Popov on a 1,736-square-metre block with 50-metre frontage onto the Nerang River and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trophy-homes/mark-mcivor-s-house-sales-%E2%80%93-cronin-island-and-double-bay-%E2%80%93-keep-everyone-guessing/2012071055508" target="_blank">was sold off earlier this year amid some intrigue</a>. It is currently up for resale.
McIvor built the house on the $1 million block, which he bought in 1994.
It sits in landscaping by international garden designer Andrew Pfieffer.
There are just 33 houses on the island.
</body></html>

Mark McIvor loses controls of another Cronin Island property

<html><body>
Yellow Brick Road's Mark Bouris looking suave in a smoking jacket holding a martini glass.
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/2012/08/toonbouris.jpg" width="100">
A terrified RP Data’s Tim Lawless in roller coaster heading down the property market curve.
<img style="margin: 5px; float: right;" src="/images/stories/2012/08/toonlawless.jpg" width="100">
Westpac strategist and housing bubble denier Rory Robertson sweating inside a bubble floating above a sharpened nail.
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/2012/08/toonrobertson.jpg" width="100">
Rismark’s Christopher Joye as Rodin’s The Thinker.
<img style="margin: 5px; float: right;" src="/images/stories/2012/08/toonjoye.jpg" width="100">
Big four bank economists Westpac’s Bill Evans, NAB’s Alan Oster, Commonwealth Bank’s Michael Blythe and ANZ’s Warren Hogan atop four Roman pillars.
 
John McGrath as the king with a crown, coat and sceptre.
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/2012/08/toonmcgrath.jpg" width="100">
These are just some of the 25 “star” home loan and property market gurus selected and depicted in cleverly observed cartoon format by mortgage comparison website homeloanfinder.com.au.
Homeloanfinder.com.au is part of the finder.com.au group of financial comparison websites, which operate under umbrella company Hive Empire, set up by entrepeneurs and business partners Frank Restuccia and Fred Schebesta in 2006.
<img style="margin: 5px; float: right;" src="/images/stories/2012/08/toonpillars.jpg" width="100">
Schebesta tells Property Observer the cartoons were selected and produced in-house.
“We initially brainstormed the categories of where we saw the majority of value and commentary happening in the home loan and property market.
“After picking the categories, it was much easier to isolate our research and identify some key commentators within each category. “After a huge amount of research, we chose to restrict our list to the commentators featured in the article but are wanting to expand the list down the track. There is so much amazing work being produced each day here in Australia, and we'd love to put in an effort to highlight more amazing property commentators.”
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 <a href="https://homeloanfinder.com.au/">HomeLoanFinder.com.au</a> was setup in March, 2010 following the success of another comparison website in the group, <a href="https://creditcardfinder.com.au/">CreditCardFinder.com.au</a>.
 
Schebesta says what sets HomeLoanFinder.com.au apart from other comparison websites is that comparisons are “contextual and supported with guides”.
In all 25 people are depicted, with caricaturea that cleverly play on the gurus' characteristics, achievements and reputations accompanied by details of their and former roles and some tongue-in-cheek insights into their successes and what has made them who they are.
Each profile includes links to the guru's Twitter feed and blog so property buyers and investors can follow their observations.
As all but a handful are regulars on Property Observer, we've tip-toed around pointing out one or two inaccuracies in their depictions.
Property market bear and University of Western Sydney’s  professor Steve Keen is depicted as lonely jogger in the desert running towards a chart showing rising prices with a note on the back of his shirt with the words: “I was wrong about housing prices” in reference to his prediction that housing prices would fall by as much as 40%.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/toonkeen.jpg" width="470">
However, homeloanfinder.com.au does say that Keen is a good one to keep an eye on for advanced predictions about housing prices and he has some interesting views about the nature of economy and debt.
Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond, famous for his “We’ll save you” mantra and for taking on the banks, is depicted grabbing out for a battler dangling over a fiery lava pit with four ghouls (the big four banks) reaching out for him.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/toonsymond.jpg" width="470">
Weekly Property Observer commentators Michael Yardney and Catherine Cashmore are also included in cartoon format, the former as a school teacher and the latter – a play on her name - surrounded by money.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/toonyardney.jpg" width="470">
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/tooncashmore.jpg" width="470">
<a href="https://www.homeloanfinder.com.au/australian-property-market/star-commentators-of-the-home-loan-and-housing-industry" target="_blank">You can view all 25 cartoon depictions here.</a>
</body></html>

From Mark Bouris to John Symond: Property market gurus glorified in website marketing gimmick

<html><body>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/gladstone-property-hotspot-facing-headwinds-with-investor-demand-grossly-outstripping-owner-occupier-demand-prdnationwide/2012080655882" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/69b.gif"></a>
The amount of money currently invested<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/gladstone-property-hotspot-facing-headwinds-with-investor-demand-grossly-outstripping-owner-occupier-demand-prdnationwide/2012080655882" target="_blank"> in mining projects in the Queensland mining town of Gladstone</a>. Gladstone ranked third in Your Investment Propertymagazine’s 2012 list of Top 100 suburbs and was ranked second last year. The town is home to the world’s biggest alumina refinery, Australia’s biggest aluminium smelter and the country’s largest cement operation. However, PRDnationwide says investors in the town face headwinds due to an expanding fly-in, fly-out workforce and investor demand grossly outstripping owner-occupier demand.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/309point2m.gif"></a>
The height of the<a target="_blank" href="/news"> 95-storey London skyscraper The Shard</a>, which officially opened on July 5 with a massive laser show. It is the tallest building in Europe. From the top it’s sometimes possible to see the English Channel, 80 kilometres away. 
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/22b.gif">
The amount by which NAB has grown its loan book from February 29, 2011 to June 30, 2012, <a target="_blank" href="/news">APRA figures show</a>. This translates into mortgage growth of 20% over this time period and comes as NAB revealed that it <a href="/news">would</a><a href="/news"> sign up its one millionth new customer – since the start of the 'break-up' campaign that launched on Valentine's Day last year – this week</a>.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/26.gif">
The number of consecutive months the Australian construction industry has contracted. The construction industry failed to rebound despite successive rate cuts in May and June.
 
<hr>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/15mpounds.gif">
The price hopes for Kenwood, John Lennon's former home in the United Kingdom, where his first marriage ended. The six-bedroom 1920s stockbroker Tudor-style house outside Weybridge, Surrey, is 24 miles (39 kilometres) south-west of London.
 
<hr>
<a href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/16m.gif"></a>
The amount (in US dollars) that <a href="/news">Nicole Kidman secured for her redundant New York apartment</a>. The high-rise apartment has a nine-metre-wide entrance gallery with sweeping views of the Hudson River
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/oracle-commercial-precinct-on-broadbeach-listed-with-%2450-million-hopes-with-gold-coast-office-vacancy-rate-at-215/2012080855906"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/21point5percent.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/oracle-commercial-precinct-on-broadbeach-listed-with-%2450-million-hopes-with-gold-coast-office-vacancy-rate-at-215/2012080855906">office vacancy rate on the Gold Coast</a>. The Gold Coast office vacancy rate tightened marginally in the first six months of the year from 22% to 21.5%.
</body></html>

cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

The 7 must-know numbers of the week, starting with the billions in mining in Gladstone

<html><body>
<div>Hosting the Olympics has become highly competitive sport among economic development officers, providing a unique and valuable opportunity to showcase the host city on a global platform, with free advertising venues.  But are the benefits of hosting an Olympic event fact or fiction?</div>
In the case of Atlanta’s 1996 Summer Olympics, pundits had estimated a $5.1 billion short-term positive impact on the economy in addition to the creation of 84,000 jobs in conjunction with the event.  The Summer Olympics was also expected to bring tremendous longer-term economic benefits to the state of Georgia:
<ol>
<li>Creation of world-class athletic, infrastructure and housing facilities</li>
<li>National and global recognition of city and state through extensive media coverage of the Games</li>
<li>Community benefits including local volunteerism, job creation, funding for community economic development projects and cultural programs, to name a few.</li>
</ol>
We have now had 16 years to assess the impact of the Olympics on Atlanta, and most of the evidence fails to support the initial hype.  The benefits were much less than the impact studies had estimated.  The Olympic investments have not had as large a short-term or long-term impact on Atlanta nor the state of Georgia as was initially advertised. The $5.1 billion revenue impact was never verified and is still being disputed.  The job creation numbers were far below initial estimates as well.
The Olympics were definitely a defining moment for Atlanta, but not the cure-all for all of the city’s economic development challenges.
The Summer Games, however, were a catalyst to move many already planned projects forward in the long run and the city has benefitted from these.  The sport stadiums have been less important than the ancillary Olympic-related investments in infrastructure, housing, and street improvements that were completed.  Expansions at Hartsfield International Airport (HIA) and the introduction of additional HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes, which were already in the plans, were fast-tracked because of the Olympic Games.
Many argue that the elevation of Atlanta’s profile globally was more to do with such improvements to HIA and the road infrastructure rather than the Olympics in isolation.
There were some positive benefits to the Atlanta’s city centre as well.  The installation of the fibre lines attracted an influx of data centres to the CBD. Additionally, the regional universities, Georgia Tech and Georgia State, benefited from the athletic housing that was built and subsequently converted to student housing.  These facilities were turned over to the universities after the Olympics.
It has been difficult to gauge the actual legacy of Atlanta’s Olympics, but it appears to be a little bit of fact mixed with some fiction.
Asieh Mansour is head of Americas research <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbre.com/EN/Pages/Home.aspx">CBRE</a>. This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://olympicsrecord.blogspot.co.uk/">https://olympicsrecord.blogspot.co.uk/</a>
</body></html>

amansour-GLgrw3rgkK

The facts and fiction of the impact of the Olympic Games on Atlanta's property market

<html><body>
More than 150 submissions have been received as part of a Senate inquiry into changes in bank lending practices since the GFC and the relationship between banks, receivers and valuers.
The inquiry is being led by Nationals Senator John Williams, who <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/bankwest-class-action-gathers-steam-as-120-business-owners-and-property-developers-sign-on/2012041154216">raised the alarm at reports that banks were pulling loans to small business clients, including farmers, leading to assets being sold at rock-bottom levels.</a>
Its purpose is to examine recent developments in the banking sector arising out of the impact of the GFC and subsequent events, including “the impact on borrowing and lending practices in the banking sector both during and since the global financial crisis”.
Many of the personal submissions relate to the conduct of Bankwest following its acquisition by the Commonwealth Bank in December 2008.
Law firm Slater &amp; Gordon in conjunction with litigation funder IMF Australia is currently conducting due diligence with respect to a potential class action for aggrieved borrowers/mortgagors against BankWest and the Commonwealth Bank, with more than 120 businesses having signed up.
“As part of its purchase arrangements for Bankwest, CBA extracted from the seller a warranty which enabled CBA to claw back part of the purchase price depending upon whether the assets of Bankwest had been accurately disclosed to CBA in the accounts of Bankwest. Little is known about that warranty,” says Slater &amp; Gordon.
The Commonwealth Bank acquired Bankwest in late 2008 for the bargain price of $2.1 billion following the near collapse of UK parent HBOS.
The committee will issue its report and recommendations at the end of October.
Property Observer has five telling charts that have been included in submissions:
Abacus, which represents building societies and credit unions, presented this chart to show the dominant positions of CBA and Westpac reflecting their respective acquisitions of Bankwest and St George. 
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/08/abacus.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/abacusthumb.gif"></a>
Source: Abacus
The Commonwealth Bank includes this chart which its ays shows that while Australia’s banking system ranks well by international standards for profitability, it falls far short of the top performing international systems
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/08/cbaaug9.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/cbaaug9thumb.gif"></a>
The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), which principally represents mortgage brokers and non-bank lenders (NBLs), presents this chart to show how interest rates on mortgages increased at the same time as non-bank lenders almost disappeared from mortgage lending.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/08/mfaa.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/mfaathumb.gif"></a>
Source: MFAA
Bankwest, which in its submissions says CBA’s acquisition “did not cause any change to existing contractual arrangements between Bankwest and its customers” presented this chart to show that its customer satisfaction rating has improved relative to the big four banks since being acquired by the CBA.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/08/bw.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/bwthumb.gif"></a>
Source: Bankwest
NAB in its submission presented this chart to show that it has only recovered 124 out of the 137 basis point increase in funding costs since June 2007:
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/08/nabaug9.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/08/nabaug9thumb.gif"></a>
Source: NAB
</body></html>

Senate banking inquiry submissions: Five telling charts

<html><body>
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">
Rathgar, the 1886 Victorian mansion (pictured below) situated at possibly the highest point in Hawthorn, has been listed for auction with $5 million-plus hopes.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/08/aug10rathgar]}
It was built with two tiers of elegant verandas that offer extensive views across Melbourne.
The landmark five-bedroom, two-bathroom Italianate property is thought to have been designed by architect John Edmund Burke, whose works include mid-1890s shops near the Hawthorn Town Hall which was designed by John Beswicke who also designed Auburn Village shops.
In the past it's been the residence of the Consul for Belgium and a period as Woodhouse Grove' Girls' School.
Set within 1,650-square-metre landscaped gardens created by Jack Merlo, the house comes with solar/gas heated pool and spa and a flood-lit north-south mod-grass tennis court. It comes with bathrooms designed in 2010 by Jane Riddell.
There are traces of a late 1980s bold renovation by Jane Scally that enhanced the rich period details inside.
At its 1993 auction it was priced with $900,000-plus hopes and sold at $1.36 million.
Its been listed for private auction on September 20 through Jock Langley at Abercromby's Real Estate Armadale.
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Sales this year in Hawthorn have included the $5.75 million Friesia (pictured below), an 1888-built Italian Renaissance-designed house and one of Melbourne’s most captivating residences.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october11isabella]}
The single-storey mansion was designed for the German consul William Brahe by architect John August Bernard Koch, who later designed Labassa in North Caulfield.
It’s been bought by Caulfield North couple Valeri and Irma Danilova. He hails originally from Makhachkala in the Russian Federation and resided in Sydney’s North Bondi in the early 1990s. He heads Australia's Quality Sheepskin Pty Ltd, whose core business is to supply raw sheep and lamb skins to tanners and dressers worldwide from its processing plant at Leongatha North in Gippsland.
The Hawthorn house was last traded in 1970 for $49,000 totally derelict – with no electricity, no hot water, no internal toilet, and the sky could be seen through most rooms.
It was sold by Kay &amp; Burton agent Scott Patterson, who <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/hawthorn-house-built-for-19th-century-german-consul-on-the-market/2011101051871" target="_blank">on its listing last November</a> hoped to secure $6.5 million plus.
The property was inspired by the works of Filippo Brunelleschi, father of Italian Renaissance architecture in Florence.
It was been sold by Warwick Forge and his wife, Sue, who have been running the biennial Australian Landscape Conference for 10 years in a bid to bring together creative landscape designers from overseas and Australia.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Another comparable was $5.66 million last November on Kinkora Road when an 1895 Victorian mansion sold at Jellis Craig auction, with the Salter family outbidding three other bidders vying for the Batrouney family property. Set on 1,256 square metres in the Grace Park Estate, the two-storey house featured four bedrooms and two bathrooms.  
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Kate Aujard from Pulse Pharmacies also sold her imposing Hawthorn residence (pictured below) earlier this year. With a tennis court in its 2,800-square-metre grounds, the five-bedroom, four-bathroom English-style house is set on Scotch Hill. It last traded at $9.1 million in 2007 when bought from head hunter David Dick and wife Sandra, so it represented a good test of Melbourne’s prestige market.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/march14pulse]}
Tim Picken and Scott Patterson at Kay and Burton never revealed the sale price, but Title Tattle quickly reckoned its was likely to have sold at around the realistic quote price of $8 million since its sold within two days of offers being due. Title Tattle has subsequently gleaned it sold to the O'Brien family for $7.9 million.  
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">In June a Victorian-style home sold for just under $13 million on Kooyongkoot Road, the prestigious address within the coveted Scotch Hill zone. It’s spread over a 2788 square metre block which includes a tennis court and swimming pool. But its seems the sale was on extended settlement terms. The property was last sold for $3.45 million in 2002. 
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/08/aug10kooyongkoot]}
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">There was another sale on Kooyongkoot Road (pictured above) in June, which was snapped up by Robert Steele and his wife, Kristen. Looking like it was built in 1880 it was actually built in 2001, thereby having the older-style grace but with all the mod-cons of today's living.
It was listed by Peter George, human resources director of strategic accounts at Talent2 recruitment agency, and his wife, Linda, a cookbook producer and food stylist, who were seeking expressions of interest over $6 million through Kay &amp; Burton's Michael Armstrong. Mal James, the buyers' agent, reckon there was one oversight – when he suggested the vendors were obviously not car people. "Yes it has a double car garage, but it's a tight fit and it feels like the garaging for a $2 million home, not a $6 million home. But hey if you haven't got three Maseratis then you won't even notice what we are saying. Even though it's early days this will be one of the better rating homes of 2012 – great big family home on a very good block in a great position, " James noted. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/elmiest.jpg">
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Meanwhile the former newspaperman-turned-adman Stuart Simson, and his wife Anne, are selling their Hawthorn home (pictured above), Hartland, with reported $3.3 million-plus Marshall White August 25 auction hopes.
Dating back to the 1880s, the Victorian mansion on Elmie Street has boasted high-profile residents being the family home of Major Lady (Winifred) MacKenzie, the first woman doctor of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, whose husband, Sir William Colin MacKenzie, was the founder of Healesville Sanctuary. A 1943 Argus report noted the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/11796121">family's residency </a>on Elmie Street in a funeral report of her mother, Mariannie Smith. Her father, Arthur Norman Smith, had been the mayor of Hawthorn in 1898. He also authored the book,  The History of Hawthorn to 1895. A first edition with original red cloth and gilt title that addressed Hawthorn's early settlement to the 1880s land boom was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.timebooksellers.com.au/ANZAAB%202012%20Book%20Fair">for sale</a> at last month's Melbourne Rare Book Fair for $500.
The grand residence features impressive period detail through a formal sitting room, formal dining, study and five bedrooms. There’s also a well-equipped country-style kitchen. They have undertaken the extensive renovation after they bought it almost 20 years ago. The Simson couple reportedly intend to downsize to an East Melbourne apartment.
<img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Who will ever forget Avon Court in Shakespeare Grove, purchased by Autobarn boss Garry Dumbrell in 2009 for $20,250,000? It really was Hawthorn's highpoint when sold by the former Richmond Football Club president Clinton Casey and his wife, Leslie. Ross Savas at Kay &amp; Burton hired Jo Silvagni to be the face of its print and video campaign. Avon Court had traded for $5.7 million in 2003 with a rumoured $9 million or more spent on building two new wings, a cinema, gymnasium, sauna, 10-car garage and replacement tennis court.
</body></html>

Rathgar, almost the highest home in Hawthorn, listed with $5 million-plus hopes: Title Tattle

<html><body>
The most actively traded suburb in the Gladstone region of Queensland is <a target="_blank" href="/news">Clinton</a>, with 64 house sales in the six months to March, according to a PRDnationwide report on the region.
However, this is a 33% drop in the number of house sales in the suburb from the six months to March 2011.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">Gladstone City </a>is the most actively traded unit market in the area, with 29 sales. This is also down significantly (-45%) from the six months to March 2011.
The only suburb in the top five most actively traded for house or unit sales that improved significantly over last year was <a target="_blank" href="/news">South Gladstone</a>, which is the strongest-performing suburb in the city, according to RP Data. The unit median price went up 19.2% over the last year while the house median went up 23.9%.
An alumina plant was built in the area in 1996,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/gladstone-s-mining-is-booming-but-property-market-far-from-unified-in-queensland-hotspot/2012080755742/Page-2"> and the impact is still seen in South Gladstone.</a>
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/prdaug93.gif">
 
</body></html>

Clinton most active house market in Gladstone region, but sales volumes down 33% in a year: PRDnationwide

<html><body>
A Mosman residence, nicknamed Cannons Hall in respect to its dance hall days past, has been listed for sale. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/mandolong.jpg">
Set on a level 718-square-metre Mandolong Road block, it last traded when bought by the Hewson family in 1998 for $1,375,000.
It was once home of Gavin Souter, the author of Mosman, a History and his wife, Ngaire.
In the book he writes about the dance hall that John Cannon operated there in the late 1890s.
In 1905 there was a move by the Methodist Church to shut down the dancing saloon from operating – especially on Sundays – through it continued until around 1912.
“My wife and I moved to Mosman in 1965 and we lived in Mandolong Road down near Balmoral, No 28,” Souter told <a href="https://mosmanfaces.net/stories/gavin-souter" target="_blank">Mosman Faces</a> a fascinating 12-minute vidoe prepared in 2010.
“It used to be quite a long while ago, Cannon’s dance hall," Souter recollected.
"There was no trace of it left in our back garden, but we knew it had been there and it sort of interested my wife, Ngaire, in Mosman’s early history.
"She lived in Mosman since the age of three and she soon after we arrived in Mandolong Road, started doing articles for the Mosman Daily about the streets of Mosman, and that ran in 1966/67.
"There were a lot of them and that was quite a good introduction for me as well too – the history of Mosman.
"But I didn’t really get involved in doing Mosman’s history for quite a few years after that.”
Offers on the five-bedroom house close with Richardson &amp; Wrench agent Stephen Patrick on September 5 with $3.75 million plus hopes.
</body></html>

Latest Property News

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Property News

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News