<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

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Ellen Walker

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

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The prospect of Tony Abbott's Coalition government countenancing a $15 million cap after which Foreign Investment Review Board scrutiny of agricultural land purchases would be mandatory attracted strong debate today.
The<a href="https://www.tonyabbott.com.au/News/tabid/94/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8829/The-Coalitions-Policy-Discussion-Paper-on-Foreign-Investment-in-Australian-Agricultural-Land-and-Agribusiness.aspx"> policy discussion paper</a> released today proposes FIRB scrutinise any foreign acquisition of agricultural land valued at $15 million or more. The current cap is $244 million.
The paper also recommends the FIRB get involved at an earlier level than it does currently when considering agribusinesses purchases.
The policy discussion paper attracted quick Twitter criticism including Jan Davis who represents the Tasmanian Farmers &amp; Graziers Association.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/3-8tweet1.jpg" alt="3-8tweet1" height="221" width="466">
Penny Wong, the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, rehashed data from a suspect ABS survey on levels of foreign agribusinesses.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/3-8tweet2.jpg" alt="3-8tweet2" height="206" width="450">
ABC journalist Melissa Clarke also brought Treasurer Wayne Swan's thoughts into the debate.
<img alt="3-8tweet4" src="/images/stories/2012/08/3-8tweet4.jpg" height="182" width="450">
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Coalition's $15 million foreign investment cap for land purchase FIRB review triggers Twitter debate

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/08/38oceanave]}

The jeweller Robert Clerc has relisted his circa 1830s Double Bay residence for August 28 auction through Di Jones Real Estate agents Gary Sands and Jane Schumann, who are pitching its as a fusion of colonial charm and contemporary design. Its most recent asking price indication remains at above $5 million being sought.

At last August’s auction the duo hopes for around $6.5 million for one of Double Bay’s earliest homes, Mort's Cottage.

The original sandstone house built in the Gothic Revival style has been extended with a modern addition of glass and steel designed by Thomas Jacobsen architects after its 2005 purchase for $3.02 million.

Its set on a 620 square metre holding on the corner of Ocean Avenue and Cross Street.

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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Mort's Cottage, the 1830s Double Bay residence, back for auction

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Concerns were raised by economic soothsayers last month when a new report predicted the end of the mining boom – Australia’s runaway success story – within two years. 

The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/business-planning/predicted-end-of-mining-boom-has-start-ups-scrambling/201207237004">Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook</a> praised Australia’s 21-year stint without a recession but pointed out that the boom would not last forever, forecasting that it will “crest and then ease beyond 2014 and 2015.”
Like it or not, new businesses won’t be able to rely on the resources sector propping up the rest of the economy in the long term.
But while any decline in the mining industry will have knock-on effects for some enterprises, there are still plenty of post-boom opportunities for innovative, nimble start-ups.
Indeed, many entrepreneurial figures argue that a shift in our economic obsession from the stuff we can dig up from the ground will allow smart start-ups to shine.
Most obviously, clean energy ventures look set to be bolstered by initiatives such as the Federal Government’s $200 million <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/funding/green-start-ups-targeted-by-new-%24200-million-innovation-fund/201207096861">Clean Technology Innovation Program</a>.
The private sector is stepping up too, as evidenced by this week’s unveiling of the first five clean tech participants in <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/innovation/ignition-labs-unveils-first-five-clean-tech-start-ups-for-accelerator/201207257037">Ignition Labs’ new start-up accelerator</a>.
But what other industries look set to thrive beyond the boom? Gazing into a crystal ball, here's five areas that budding entrepreneurs should be keeping an eye on in the next few years.
Click on the tabs below for more information on each of the five sectors:
<h2></h2>
1. Biotech
While our web and mobile-based start-ups are starting to gain traction both in Australia and overseas, investors seem more willing to fork out major sums of money for our biotech innovators.
A <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/business-planning/angels-hone-in-on-biotech-clean-tech-and-web-based-software/201202275508">report from earlier this year</a> picked out biotech as a key area for funding and this appears to be borne out by a number of recent deals, including a $15 million round for <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/finance/%2415-million-investment-in-biotech-start-up-wins-global-award/201204176024">needle-free vaccine invention Vaaxas</a>.
The early stages of building a biotech business is still costly and time-consuming, with the industry recently calling for more government support to <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/funding/government-urged-to-bolster-biotech-start-up-investment/201205236382">get innovations off the ground</a>.
However, Australian ingenuity in this area is clearly turning heads overseas and could flourish while the resources sector slowly fades. The numbers are strong, too – revenue is estimated to grow by 10.3% in the coming year to reach over $2.4 billion.
<h2>2. Personal fitness and wellbeing</h2>
Australia’s ageing – and increasingly overweight – population is set to fuel a number of business opportunities in the years to come, such as the personal fitness industry.
These huge demographic trends look set to fuel the fitness boom in the years to come, although the mining industry does contribute to the sector by regularly building gyms for fly-in-fly-out workers.
Figures released by the Department of Education earlier this year showed that in the past five years, the number of fitness instructors in Australia has grown 36.7%, compared to 13.1% for all other occupations.
There are now 22,888 fitness instructors operating in Australia, and that number is likely to increase by 252% to an additional 57,592 instructors by 2020.
Happily for potential new entrants to this market, the trend seems to be moving away from the large, contract-binding chains and more towards leaner, more user-friendly operators.
<h2>3. Preschool education</h2>
Over the coming financial year, IBISWorld expects the preschool education industry to grow by 26% and to be worth $1.1 billion.
Growth is expected to be driven primarily by additional funding, equating to $297 million over 2012-13, from the Federal Government to support reforms aimed at standardising preschool education.
The Federal Government’s universal access policy is expected to increase demand for preschool services and increase total childcare hours.
All state governments have agreed that by the end of 2013, all four-year-old children will have access to 15 hours of preschool per week, 40 weeks of the year.
These services are to be delivered by an early childhood teacher with four years of university training.
All in all, pre-schoolers look set to be a fruitful target demographic for entrepreneurs in the coming years.
<div class="dpWrapPage active" id="page-page4">
<h2>4. Artisan food</h2>
Australia may have a supermarket duopoly that is allegedly squeezing suppliers, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for the right kind of products.
Over the past five years, Australia’s organic farming industry has grown at a robust pace of 11.6% per annum and IBISWorld expects the industry will continue to soar, increasing its revenue by 14.9% over 2012-13 to be worth $578.9 million.
Demand for organic produce has been mainly driven by growing consumer interest in sustainable food production and rising disposable incomes.
Supermarkets have responded quickly to increasing demand for organic products by increasing organic product ranges to improve accessibility.
This has resulted in supermarkets accounting for around 60% of all organic sales, although supply chain challenges remain an issue for organic producers.
Traditional food retail should survive and prosper too, albeit in a different form. For example, the recent financial woe faced by chocolate retailer Darrel Lea shouldn’t deter start-ups from this area.
“In the chocolate bar segment, you’re going up against heavyweights – the Nestlés and Cadburys of the world,” says IBISWorld analyst Naren Sivasailam. “It’s going to be very hard to compete with those given their brand recognition.”
“But in the premium high end – fine chocolates made experientially by expert chocolatiers – that market has been growing by about 14-15% a year.”
“Fair trade chocolate is the biggest growth segment – it has experienced growth of about 11,000% in the last five years but that’s going off a base close to zero.”
“It doesn’t mean it’s premium, but it’s appealing to certain ethical stances of consumers. Consumers care about this, and producers will lose out if they don’t tap into it.”
<div class="dpWrapPage active" id="page-page5">
<h2>5. Data and analytics</h2>
Okay, so it isn’t quite as glamorous as the likes of Quora or Pinterest, but “big data” and analytics looks set to be the next major tech trend to land in Australia.
There is a large market opportunity with the number of big companies that want a better way to store, sort and analyse their data and start-ups could fill the gap.
Entrepreneur and angel investor Sidney Minassian recently returned to Sydney from a spell in the US to launch his own big data firm, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.startupsmart.com.au/planning/business-angel-sidney-minassian-hails-aussie-start-up-scene-launches-contexti/201206186631">Contexti</a>.
“I was looking for something that revolved around enterprises that was in a growing market and I realised that there was still a huge pain point around data capture and analytics,” he told StartupSmart.
“Big data is going gangbusters in the US and Europe and we’re about 12 to 18 months behind here. No one has mastered this area. Some companies dabble in advising about it, but not the whole implementation from a strategy.”
If you’re a subscriber to the view that the big trends taking hold in the US will eventually filter through to Australia, you’ll be heartened by the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Future-of-Big-Data/Overview/Introduction-and-overview-of-responses.aspx">recent analysis by the Pew Internet Center</a>.
As part of the US-based study, Sean Mead, director of analytics at Mead, Mead &amp; Clark, Interbrand, suggested that big data is set to be the next tech boom.
"Large, publicly available data sets, easier tools, wider distribution of analytics skills, and early stage artificial intelligence software will lead to a burst of economic activity and increased productivity comparable to that of the internet and PC revolutions of the mid to late 1990s," he said.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.StartupSmart.com.au">StartupSmart</a>.
</div>
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Pre-school education facilities a post-mining boom industry opportunity: IBISWorld forecast

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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/how-to-avoid-the-winter-home-buying-blues-the-case-for-and-against-buying-now/2012070455426">At the time of my last blog post</a>, the fridge door had opened on the market and the mood was a little sombre.
July hasn’t really given us any more pointers as to where things are going, given that – as you would expect – there has been such a small number of transactions.
In our opinion, right now the overall million dollar-plus market is about as exciting in terms of stock quality as an Opp Shop – lots of junk and the occasional gem.
For example, at 97 Page Street, Albert Park, 80 people showed up to the auction by Greg Hocking. It was bought under the hammer for $990,000 with three bidders.
Meanwhile, just down the road in Elwood there were two auctions – at 15 Kingsley Street and 38 Byrne Avenue. Our reporters turned up at both these auctions, but no one else did except for the auctioneer. Consequently, there were no bids and no action.
We consider $80-100 million-plus auctions a good solid weekend in Bayside and the inner east.
Last weekend we could only find around 30.
Only a handful tipped the excitement scale above lukewarm and a few didn’t even make the $1 million mark.
This weekend the numbers are not much better, with just under 40 auctions.
However, the following week, August 11, we are getting back to normal, in this lower stock year, with around 70 auctions scheduled in the million dollar-plus price segment.
So we are keeping our overall market opinions to ourselves – other than to say she is pretty quiet and unexciting by any measure, but that this is not completely unexpected.
Things have also been quiet at the $3 million-plus price level in all areas during the month of July. This is fairly understandable given that:
<ol>
<li>Many agents who sell at this price level are in Europe or elsewhere during July.</li>
<li>Given the winter school holidays, this time is historically as quiet as January in terms of $3 million-plus family home action – meaning almost nil.</li>
</ol>
With the Olympics as a market-perceived interrupter, it doesn’t look like things are going to hot up in a hurry much before the start of the AFL footy finals, when traditionally spring brings those first buds of $3 million-plus homes out onto the market.
Having said that, there was some limited action in July and here are three interesting homes that show the price vagaries of the market with regards to the current 2007 to 2012 cycle.
<ul>
<li>
Brighton, 16 Albert Street, with Andrew Urquhart of JP Dixon – sold for around the mid-$3 million. This was a new home, a couple of hundred of metres from the beach on almost a 1,000 square metres of land. The 2012 price represents a decrease on the early 2008 sale (start of GFC) of around 6%.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Balwyn North, 1 Cascade Street, with Andrew Keleher of Jellis Craig – bought for around $3 million. This had an older style front with ultra modern extension on 800-plus square metres. It’s been on the market for a few months with this agent. It was a strongish price for the area, despite the fact other agents had been asking in the mid-$3 millions for it recently. The 2012 price represents a 10% increase on the late 2007 sale price, which shows there is still some life left under the right circumstances.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>
Canterbury, 34 Maling Road, with Tom Ryan of Jellis Craig – on a big block of land and tennis court (3,000-plus square metres), this period home had potential but was in need of renovation (James Home Rating 626/1000). It sold for, we believe, around $4 million. If this was the case then it was almost exactly the same price as two years ago when it last went to market.</li>
</ul>
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maljames-vHwm28JUAa

The state of the $3 million-plus property market: Mal James

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We’re down to the best of Property Observer's list of the 20 top home cinemas and this one's an interesting case.
All the previous 19 cinemas were like going to a Gold Class cinema and having it all to yourself or family and friends.
But this one is trend setting – its a shared cinema facility within a modern luxury East Melbourne apartment building.
The cinema is in the Salta redevelopment of the former Mercy Hospital for Women hospital building on Clarendon Street.
Property Observer gleans the 17-seat cinema can be booked by residents of the apartments for film screenings and parties. During big sporting events, such as the Olympics and the Grand Final, it's an open house with the first in getting the best seats.
The cinema comes with access to a hard-drive with 250 films or residents can bring their own DVDs.
RT Edgar agent, Sarah Case, says the building has a friendly atmosphere and shared facilities like this help build the community.
She says the building also comes with a library where residents meet once a month for a book club.
There is also a boardroom, an indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room and a full-sized gym with better facilities, says Case, than most commercial gyms.
Wine connoisseurs are able to buy a portion of the building's massive wine cellar to store their wine.
To get access to the cinema you could look at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-east+melbourne-110109565">apartment 405 </a>on the north eastern side of the building, being sold by RT Edgar's Sarah Case.
For just $3.8 million-plus, buyers will get a two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment with views from every room.
If you find the cinema booked out though, residents do have access to the movie hard-drive through the internal wired network.
Another opportunity to buy in 150 Clarendon is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-east+melbourne-110799111">apartment 213 </a>for $2.95 million through Paul Caine from Caine Real Estate.
<img height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/HOMECINEMASNUMBER1.gif" alt="HOMECINEMASNUMBER1">
Case says having a cinema as a shared facility in luxury apartment buildings could be an emerging trend.
<img height="300" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/3-8cinema2.gif" alt="3-8cinema2">
Yve, on St Kilda Road, does have a shared cinema facility (photo below) but by our reckoning, it's nowhere near in the same league as this one.
<img height="300" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/IMG_0503.gif" alt="IMG_0503">
As part of trend of vertical villages, at least two apartment blocks are being built with shared cinema facilities. Melbourne’s Fifty Albert and MY80 on A'Beckett Street will both feature shared facilities.
A 38-seater home cinema in a $9.5 million house at Paradise Point on the Gold Coast was the runner up on the top 20 cinemas on our Property Observer list which follows:
Two
Three
Four
Five
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/the-swan-river-mosman-park-home-cinema-in-australia-s-priciest-sold-residential-compound/2012072655718">Six</a>
Seven
Eight
Nine
10
20-11
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Australia's best home cinema - popcorn shared with fellow East Melbourne apartment block film connoisseurs

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Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley has topped the list of suburbs with the highest proportion of rentals, with 70% of dwellings occupied by renters.
It narrowly pipped Canberra’s City at 69.7% and Perth’s Northbridge at 69.3%.
The other 30% of Fortitude Valley is made up of 20.6% owned with a mortgage, 6.7% owned outright, 2.3% not stated and 0.4% other tenure.
The top 20 is dominated by Sydney and Brisbane suburbs while Victoria doesn’t make an appearance until 21, with the Melbourne CBD at 63.1% renter occupied.
The list, compiled by RP Data’s Tim Lawless using ABS 2011 Census data, does not include suburbs with fewer than 200 dwellings or suburbs where more than 25% of rental dwellings are not privately owned.
This excluded suburbs like Sydney’s Claymore where 93.9% of homes were renter occupied, but mostly made up of public housing.
The top 10 suburbs include Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, Canberra’s City, Perth’s Northbridge, Adelaide’s New Port, Sydney’s Chippendale, Brisbane’s Spring Hill, Sydney’s Gosford, Sydney’s Ultimo, Darwin and North Cairns.
Sydney suburbs appear 20 times on the top 50, Brisbane suburbs seven times and Melbourne and Perth suburbs five times respectively. The rest of the list is made up of Queensland, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and NSW suburbs.
The median unit price in Fortitude Valley is $399,000 with an indicative gross rental yield of 6.0%. Some 78.6% of rentals dwellings are privately rented.
Meadowbank in Sydney had the highest proportion of privately rented properties on the list, with 97.8% of rental dwellings privately rented.
"What is even more interesting is drilling down on the Census data to show exactly where the most popular suburbs for investment/renting are located. The table below shows the top 50 suburbs around the nation that have the highest proportion of renters where at least 75% of the dwellings are privately rented (ie. dwellings where the landlord is the government or a community/church group comprise 25% or less of all occupied rental dwellings). Based on these parameters, Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is the most popular ‘investor/rental’ suburb in the nation with 70% of all occupied dwellings being rented, followed by Canberra’s city centre (69.7%) and the Perth suburb of Northbridge (69.3%).
Of the top 50 list, 40% of the suburbs are located in Sydney, 14% are in Brisbane and 10% respectively in Melbourne and Perth. Unit dwellings are clearly the most popular dwelling type for investors, with many of the suburbs in the top 50 list recording fewer than 10 house sales over the past year (this is why a median price or rental yield is not recorded for houses in some suburbs). Yields for units tend to be well above average in most of these suburbs, highlighting the attractive investment conditions."
<img height="849" width="315" src="/images/stories/2012/50suburbs.jpg" alt="50suburbs">
Source: RP Data/2011 Census
Photo: fortitude : 1997 Commissioned by the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane for the  "Art On Line" project. Temporary installation of artificial flowers on Brunswick Street Railway Station, Fortitude Valley. 
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Property investor must-know guide to Australia's top 50 rental suburbs

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Young Spaniards tired of having awkward sex in the back of their cars are being told by one of Spain’s biggest online real estate portals to move out of their parents’ home and start renting their own place.
Idealista.com have launched a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://vimeo.com/43813383">20-second ad</a> (risque warning) showing a series of still shots of Spanish couples and even threesomes caught in flagrante in their often cramped cars. The ad urges young Spaniards to stop having such uncomfortable sex and to get their own place.
<img height="300" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/idealista.gif" alt="idealista">
Idealista co-founder, Fernando Encinar, told Bloomberg they were trying to portray a scene familiar to Spanish youths.
“We were brainstorming the moment when people most think ‘I need my own home’ and having sex in a car sprang to mind. Millions of Spaniards have gone through it,” Encinar says.
In an effort to attract foreign investment into Spain’s 1.5 million unsold homes as banks approve fewer mortgages in the country, the Spanish government is pushing for more people to start renting.
At 85%, Spain has the third highest rate of home ownership in the euro zone.
Of the 25 million homes in Spain, three million are empty and 1.8 million are rented.
Encinar says the Spanish rental market will grow by to 25%of the total by 2015.
<img height="300" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/idealista2.gif" alt="idealista2">
He says young Spaniards are locked out of the mortgage market.
“Youngsters with no deposit saved and permanent labour contract are effectively locked out of the mortgage market. We are already seeing part of that huge pent-up demand running into flat sharing as it’s the only option for some.”
New measures to boost investment in the rental market include laws to make it easier to evict troublesome tenants, allowing landlords to raise rents above inflation and to reduce the length of leases.
Bloomberg reports that since 2007, there have been 330,000 home foreclosures in Spain.
By coincidence a somewhat less risqué effort to encourage kids to move out has been produced by Australian bread company Lawsons, though in their<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOJEW1KQl34&amp;feature=plcp"> latest ad</a>, the roles are somewhat reversed.
Australian comedian Trevor Marmalade plays a frustrated would-be empty nester.   
<img height="300" width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/idealista3.gif" alt="idealista3">
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Spanish car-sex youths encouraged to move out of home, while Trevor Marmalade gives an Aussie twist to empty nester desires

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<img src="/images/stories/2012/400-265774.jpg" alt="400-265774" width="350" height="263">
Leading Sydney society power couple Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull have spent $US3.275 million on a glamourous Central Park West, New York bolthole.
It's in one of the iconic twin towered apartment buildings on Central Park West, The Century which has been described as a sophisticated art deco design built in the 1930s by Irwin Chanin.
It last traded in 2004 at $1,512,500. The two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment, with a much sought-after balcony terrace, had been listed with a $3.295 million asking price just 45 days earlier.
So no bargain unless the Picasso on the wall was thrown in.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/400-265776.jpg" alt="400-265776" width="201" height="268">
It also sold 10 years ago at $860,000. The building's two bedders listed for sale range in price from around $1.3 million to $4.69 million with the current priciest offering having two very impressive terraces. 
The purchase has been the talk of the well-heeled political and diplomatic circles since Malcolm Turnbull was obliged to notify the House of Representatives pecuniary interests clerk, despite its purchase being in Lucy's name only. The ever alert SMH business section CBD columnist Scott Rochfort fleetingly advised the tip that Lucy had recently purchased in the context of her chairpersonship of the recently Nasdaq listed ovarian cancer vaccine developer Prima Biomed. Title Tattle notes the shares are down 70% since listing.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/400-265772.jpg" alt="400-265772" width="350" height="233">
Of course Lucy's uncle, Robert Hughes, the art critic, writer and television documentary maker has resided in New York since 1970. Hughes and his wife, Doris Downes divide their time between a SoHo loft in New York City and at Briarcliff Manor, New York, at a five-bedroom farmhouse on nearly two hectares which Ms Downes purchased for $530,000 in 2000.
The 32-storey highrise, which spans the entire block from West 62nd to West 63rd Streets, was originally named The Century Apartments because it was built in 1931 on the former site of The Century Theatre.
It was converted to The Century Condominium in 1989.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/400-265773.jpg" alt="400-265773" width="350" height="233">
Boasting three attended entrances, and a magnificent lobby with inviting landscaped terrace, it is also a pet friendly building.
There were 416 apartments and 52 unique layouts when it was built, approximately 406 units when it converted to condominium and today there are about 350 units.
New York estate agent, Irene Lowenkron at Brown Harris Stevens suggests The Century’s condominium status makes it an excellent investment destination for international buyers seeking a NYC pied-à-terre.
It had been the home of Jeffrey Meleski, chief growth officer for a social media firm and Steve Markov, president of a trend-forecasting company and their beagle, Jack.
Title Tattle gleans it's a 1,400 square foot apartment that includes 225 square foot terracing.
(Robert Hughes died in New York aged 74 on August 6.)
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New York pied-à-terre for Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull 

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The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has issued specific guidance to builders to ensure they correctly identify workers as either employees or contractors, which has implications for tax and super contributions.
The guidelines are included the <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/pathway.aspx?sid=42&amp;pc=001/003/135&amp;alias=employeecontractoressentials">ATO's new 'Employee or contractor' homepage, </a>which was launched this week by tax commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo at this week’s National Small Business Summit in Melbourne.
It includes general advice for all businesses to help determine whether a worker is an employees or a contractor as well as <a href="https://calculators.ato.gov.au/scripts/axos/axos.asp?CONTEXT=&amp;KBS=BC_SOWA.xr4&amp;go=ok">an employer/contractor decision tool for the building and construction industry</a> and a <a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses/content.aspx?doc=/content/61646.htm&amp;pc=001/003/135/004/004&amp;mnu=0&amp;mfp=&amp;st=&amp;cy=">detailed guide</a> providing information about the six factors builders need to consider concerning the way their working arrangements are set up.
The guide includes industry-specific information, examples and scenarios.
“We want to make sure businesses are aware of the tax and super implications of the working arrangements they set up. Recent visits to discuss contractor arrangements with businesses show a significant number of them do get it wrong. These mistakes can prove costly for the business," says D'Ascenzo as part of general advice for employers.
"The new employee or contractor homepage offers a comprehensive range of new information which has been developed to help address areas of confusion and highlight common reasons businesses get the employee or contractor decision wrong."
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

ATO issues tax guidance for home builders on determining status of workers and warns that many businesses still getting things wrong

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A harbour-side penthouse with views over Sydney Harbour Bridge is going under the hammer this weekend in an auction that could go either way.
The auction at <a href="https://propertytycoon.cmail4.com/t/r-l-hkijuiy-ekdeljij-t/">901/1 Pottinger St Millers Point</a> could be huge or a fizzer. Properties like these are as rare as hens teeth and can fiercely contested. On the other hand only a small sector of the market can afford it.
The spectacular north east facing penthouse captures the beauty of Sydney Harbour and comprises three bedrooms. It is an ultra modern apartment with a massive 376sqm of floor space. It is truly an entertainers dream.
Agent Ettiene West from Morton &amp; Morton Real Estate said buyer interest has been around $3.3 million - $3.5 million.
For those who want to have a harmless punt, there's now a tipping website, www.propertytycoon.com.au, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
 
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