<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>
Continuing to defy the gloomy commentary, Melbourne was the strongest performing capital city housing market over July, with dwelling prices rising 1.4% to a median of $470,000 as the capital city housing market registered its second consecutive monthly gain, according to RP Data-Rismark Home Value indices.
Sydney was also a strong performer with a gain of 1.2% over July to a median of $541,000, with RP Data-Rismark concluding that lower mortgage rates may be starting to have an impact on the housing market.
These gains consolidated 1% increases recorded across both Melbourne and Sydney over June.
Nationally, dwelling prices increased by 0.6% over the eight capital cities to a median of $460,000, with house prices up 0.6% to a median of $480,000 and unit prices up 0.5% to a median of $425,000.
Over the three months to the end of July, capital city dwelling prices are up 0.2% according to RP Data-Rismark calculations.
RP Data notes that the over July, capital value increased relatively consistently over the first three weeks followed by a 0.2% fall over the final week of the month.
None of the other major capital cities recorded gains over July, with Adelaide the weakest, registering a 2.5% decline to a median price of $373,000.
Perth (-0.5%) and Brisbane (-0.2%) dwelling values were virtually flat over July at medians of $462,000 and $417,000 respectively.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/indexresultsas31july.jpg" alt="indexresultsas31july" width="430" height="199">
Sydney's detached house prices recorded the strongest gains of the major capital cities – up 1.4% to a median of $595,000 – while Sydney unit prices were unchanged at $480,000.
Perth had the strongest unit market over July among the major capital cities with values up 2.7% to a median of $410,000.
RP Data’s research director Tim Lawless says the July results were heavily influenced by improving values across the most expensive capital city markets.
“The July rise was not as broad-based as the June results, with the month-on-month increase primarily being associated with the Sydney and Melbourne markets."
“The July result, when viewed together with the positive June result, suggests housing markets may be starting to respond to lower mortgage rates, which according to the RBA’s latest board meeting minutes are around 50 basis points below their 15-year average.”
Despite the positive month-on-month figures, Lawless says Australian home values are still down somewhat over 2012.
“The wash up is that values have fallen more than they have risen, with the market down by -1.2% over the first six months of 2012.
“Regardless, while discounted variable mortgage rates are as low as 5.6%, Australian households remain understandably cautious about the economy given the global uncertainty. This is likely to weigh down on consumer demand for high commitment purchases.”
Rismark CEO Ben Skilbeck noted that in the capital cities there remains significant differences in performance, though the “housing market’s fundamentals are increasingly solid”.
“While both Sydney and Melbourne experienced gains over the month, Adelaide declined 2.5%."
“On a year to date basis, Sydney values have risen 1.7% while at the other end of the spectrum, Melbourne and Adelaide have experienced declines of 2.7%”.
Among the smaller markets, Darwin recorded a 6.5% increase in its median dwelling price to $480,000, making it the third most expensive housing market in Australia behind Sydney and the Canberra ($496,000).
Over the quarter Darwin is also the best performing capital city with prices up 3.2%, with Adelaide the weakest with a 2.3% fall.
Darwin is also delivering the best rental returns for investors with Darwin houses delivering a gross rental yield of 5.7% and Darwin Units, a yield of 5.9%.
The lowest rental yields are Melbourne houses (3.6%) and Melbourne units (4.4%).
Hobart remains the most affordable city with a median dwelling price of $300,000.
&lt;iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeN25fmwV5FmimE_5O04uPE78c-RwIF9fSstQ8DF1O2o-yiRw/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0"&gt;Loading...&lt;/iframe&gt;
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Melbourne leads housing market up 0.6% in July, consolidating June gains with Sydney also strong: RP Data-Rismark

<html><body>
The Queensland division of Metricon Homes has been ordered to pay $800,000 in penalties after misleading buyers that some of its new home packages came with a swimming pool and Bali hut. 
Photos of these features were included in brochures that promoted the homes which were not available or not available at the "at the price represented in the brochures".
The $800,000 fine was handed down by the Brisbane Federal Court following action taken by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
In response, Metricon CEO and director, Mario Biasin said: “We take our responsibilities to consumers seriously. Comprehensive steps have been taken to address the concerns of the ACCC. Specifically, we have adopted a rigorous review of our advertising and promotions and reviewed our trade practices training program and policies.”
Metricon added that it had co-operated fully with the ACCC and has given undertakings that "for a period of three years, it will ensure that its advertising and promotional material conforms to certain requirements agreed with the ACCC".
It is one of the biggest penalties handed down this year on the back of  ACCC action following on from the $2 million fine imposed on Energy Watch in July, also for misleading advertising.
Metricon Qld agreed that some of its advertising and promotional material was false or misleading.
The builder was also ordered to pay $50,000 towards the ACCC’s costs.
Justice Collier also declared that Metricon Qld had breached the Trade Practices and Australian Consumer Law.
The court accepted undertakings provided by Metricon Qld that for a period of three years it would not make similar misrepresentations.
Commenting on the decision, ACCC chairman Rod Sims said other home building companies should take the penalties ordered in this case as a serious warning.
"Photographs and glossy brochures that promote products should be of what the consumer will be supplied at the advertised price, not an upgraded package that would ultimately cost the consumer much more,” said Sims.
In a statement, the ACCC said it was particularly concerned with some photographs in Metricon Qld's brochures that included swimming pools and bali huts adjacent to the house, “when Metricon Qld does not supply these features or include them in packages to its customers, and Metricon Qld did not make it clear that these features were not part of the package”
In ordering the penalties, Justice Collier found that the contravening conduct involved participation by senior management of Metricon Qld and observed that its competition and consumer compliance programs in place at the time failed to prevent the contravening conduct.
"If companies run promotions or advertise savings then those savings must be real, not a lure to attract customers to their products over competitors who might be doing the right thing," said Sims.
"This is also another reminder to traders that fine print is not an antidote to misleading headline representations."
The ACCC was concerned with a number of misrepresentations Metricon Qld made in its promotional material and on its website between January 2009 and August 2011 including  it advertised a 'Build Time Guarantee' that did not automatically apply to the majority of houses offered by Metricon Qld during that period.
</body></html>

Home builder Metricon’s Queensland arm hit with $800,000 fine over misleading customers about pool and Bali hut inclusion

<html><body>
House prices across most of Tasmania continue to fall, according to a report by the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania.
The June quarter property report found median house prices in Tasmania dropped 3.3% to $290,000 for the quarter in an environment where sales volumes dropped 6.5% to 1170 sales.
The North-West Centres region was the hardest hit with prices dropping 7% to $236,250 over the quarter. Sales numbers there rose 2.9% to 106 over the quarter.
Transaction numbers are significantly down in Hobart dropping 16% overall to 377. Numbers in outer Hobart dropped 25.5% to 82, middle Hobart dropped 22.5% to 162 while numbers in inner Hobart rose 2.3% to 133 over the quarter.
Median house prices in Hobart grew 4.8% to $370,000 over the quarter, with inner Hobart dropping 5.6% over the quarter to $435,000, outer Hobart dropping 0.7% to $335,000 and middle Hobart growing 4.7% to $335,000.
Launceston median house prices dropped 1.2% to $262,750 while sales volumes increased 4.3% to 220.
While Tasmanian house prices are down for the quarter, the median price for other dwellings grew 3.1% to $240,000 over the quarter, while sales dropped 6.1% to 201.
The median prices for other dwellings in Middle Hobart grew 6.7% to $240,000, the largest increase across Tasmania, though sales numbers were down 35.4% to 42.
For inner Hobart, other dwellings are selling like Tasmanian hotcakes with numbers up 33.3% to 40. Prices rose 0.5% to $327,500 over the quarter.
In the North West Centres region, sales numbers for other dwellings have rocketed 111.1% to 19, though prices dropped 2.8% to $210,000.
According to the report, median house prices in the town of Strahan, on the West coast, increased 225% over the quarter though this should be taken with a bucket of salt as there was only one sale.
Similar scepticism should be applied to King Island where one sale led to the median house price dropping 69.5%.
Median house prices in Riverside, in the north east, dropped 32.1%. There were 18 sales over the quarter.
REIT president Adrian Kelly says while house sales have decreased, median house prices in 10 municipalities increased over the quarter.
“There are also currently six municipalities across Tasmania recording a median house price higher than that of the state median, those being Clarence, Hobart, Kingborough, Latrobe and the Meander Valley,” Kelly says.
“The top five most expensive suburbs were Tolmans Hill, Tranmere, Taroona, Acton Park and Sandy Bay, while the top five most affordable suburbs were Queenstown, George Town, Ravenswood, New Norfolk and Smithton.
“The top five Tasmanian suburbs with the highest turnover of house sales were Sandy Bay, Devonport, Newstead, Kingston and Howrah.”
First time buyers accounted for 15% of house sales for the quarter, while interstate buyers made up 14%.
“The average time it took to sell a house fell by two days for the June quarter, closing the median at 77 days for Tasmania.”
</body></html>

awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Tasmania property prices slide further south amid sales volume slowdown

<html><body>
The Kooralbyn Resort in the Gold Coast hinterland has been put back on the market.
Murray Bailey, who heads US-based renewable energy company EESTech Australia, had private plans to pay $22 million plus to the mortgagee-in-possession, the Premium Income Fund last year.
However the negotiations lapsed after due diligence, according to CBRE agents Mark Witheriff and Rem Rafter, who are now marketing the property with offers due August 30.
Wellington Capital Limited, the responsible entity of the Premium Income Fund, said it had been a disappointing result for the fund given the considerable work performed by both the fund and the proposed purchaser. 
Kooralbyn is situated on more than 350 hectares of land within the Kooralbyn hinterland valley.


The property is 64 kilometres south-west of Brisbane.
The Kooralbyn Resort operated until 2008 as a 100 room hotel.
The Kooralbyn Resort Golf Course was the first resort golf course built in Australia. From 1986 to 2008 it was featured in every national rating list.
Kooralbyn International School continues to operate today providing private education to students from prep through to year 12, offering a sports excellence program.
The school’s list of past students is impressive, including Cathy Freeman and four current US PGA Tour winners, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Steven Bowditch and Adam Crawford.
 CBRE is inviting expressions of interest for the 100-room Kooralbyn Resort, a 36-room lodge, bars, restaurants, conference facilities and an 18-hole Championship golf course.
There is potential for the buyer to also acquire adjoining assets including a private airstrip, polo fields, horse race track, stables and renowned International School.
Witheriff said CBRE had recently been appointed to conduct a fresh campaign after negotiations for a private sale of Kooralbyn lapsed in May 2012.
He said the resort was not operational but had been well maintained.
“There is considerable scope for a new owner to re-establish Kooralbyn to its heyday as a five-star resort,” Mr Witheriff said.
“The property itself is important to the township of Kooralbyn, so a new owner with innovative ideas would be gladly welcomed.”

An earlier report by Property Observer wrongly identified another Murray Bailey.


 
 
 
 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Kooralbyn Resort in the Gold Coast hinterland back on the market 

<html><body>
Duncan and Sally Mount have listed Cedar Springs, Possum Creek in the Byron Bay hinterland for September 29 auction.

The entrepreneur and his former model wife bought the 132-hectare holding from actors Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski in 2006 for $8.1 million.

They have since sold two 40 hectare building lots.

The main residence has been listed for September auction through Nicollette van Wijngaarden of Unique Estates, <a href="https://www.cedarsprings.net.au/" target="_blank">whose website of the estate</a> shows the former Hogan home in all its Hollywood splendour.

Nicollette van Wijngaarden is telling buyers that $6.5 million will secure the property pre-auction.

Cedar Springs is eight minutes to the village of Bangalow; 15 minutes to Byron Bay, 20 minutes to Ballina Airport and 45 minutes to Coolangatta International Airport.

"This amazing property must be seen to be truly appreciated," Nicolette van Wijngaarden told Property Observer.

 

See more: Other coastal properties on the market now

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27575]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5559]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29947]
</body></html>

Cedar Springs, the Paul Hogan built Byron Bay hinterland house, listed for auction by Duncan and Sally Mount

<html><body>
Sydney studio apartments may prove tempting to investors and home buyers given both buying classes are being affected by rising rents across the city.
Property Observer has hit the listings sites to find the 10 cheapest studio apartments in Sydney’s CBD postcode 2000.
Buyers and investors should take note though, it may be hard to secure a fully funded loan when buying at the cheapest end of the market.
Apartments under 50 square metres typically require deposits of 20%, compared to the standard 10%. Some buying situations may need upwards of 30%.
And the same applies to studios off-the-plan.
So if buyers and investors can secure a loan then this is the list to see.
The apartments are spread all through the CBD. The very cheapest of the lot come from 8 Dixon Street near Chinatown.
#1
$255,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110993711">124/8 Dixon Street </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110993711" target="_blank"></a>
The cheapest of the 10 is this 25 square metre apartment. It earns $410 a week and outgoings total $1253 per quarter for strata, council and water fees. It comes with air-conditioning, an internal laundry, a “spacious” bathroom and a kitchenette. It is small but it’s going to suit someone. It’s being sold by Alan Cheung from LJ Hooker Chinatown.
#2
$265,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-serviced+apartment-nsw-sydney-106659143">318/8 Dixon Street</a> <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-serviced+apartment-nsw-sydney-106659143" target="_blank"></a>
Number two is in the same building but ever so slightly bigger. It’s a 28 square metre studio on level three of the building. The property currently earns $14,502 per year in rent from Quest Apartments, which is set to increase to $15,082 next year. That works out to about $280 a week. Agent David Tsang from Friendly Properties says outgoings would total around $250 a quarter.
#3
$275,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-107037659">94/8 Dixon Street</a>  <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-107037659" target="_blank"></a>
In the same building again here, but back down to 25 square metres. It’s a similar deal to the cheapest on the list but it earns slightly less rent at $400 a week. Total quarterly outgoings are $1,296. It’s being sold by Alan Cheung from LJ Hooker Chinatown who says the vendor for apartment 124 is just slightly more motivated.
#4
$285,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-108003436">252-258 Sussex Street </a>
This is in the Seasons Darling Harbour building, 500 metres north of the other offerings. For your money you can buy a 33 square metre studio that earns approximately $370 a week, guaranteed by building management. Management also pay all outgoings for the apartment. The studio is being sold by Jessica Chen from Domain Direct Real Estate Burwood.
#5
$310,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110968611">361 Pitt Street </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110968611" target="_blank"></a>
This top floor studio earns approximately $400 a week with quarterly outgoings of $1,400. The north-facing apartment comes with high ceilings and large windows, both somewhat rare for a studio apartment. The room was recently renovated and has a new floor, bathroom, kitchen and paint-job. Alex Dharma from Citiwise Property is selling the property.
#6
$355,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110054733">1009/148 Elizabeth Street</a>
Back towards the same meridian as Quest building, but about 300 metres east is this 49 square metre apartment in 148 Elizabeth Street. The room comes with an east-facing balcony, a modern kitchen, built-in wardrobes, air-conditioning and an internal laundry. Outgoings total $2,141 per quarter and the apartment earns $430 per week.
#7
$355,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-105933708">31/361 Pitt Street </a>
Nearby is this offering in Pitt Street. The current tenants are paying $380-$400 a week, a figure likely to increase slightly. Outgoings for the apartment are around $1,000 a quarter. It’s 37 square metres which includes a 1.5 square metre balcony. Central Sydney Realty Ultimo has the listing.
#8
<a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/38+bridge+street+sydney+nsw+2000/19134168/">38 Bridge Street </a><a href="https://www.homehound.com.au/38+bridge+street+sydney+nsw+2000/19134168/" target="_blank"></a>
$359,000
An offering here right up the north of the city on Bridge Street. Agent Bryn Fowler from Sydney Cove Property says the building has one of the cheapest strata fees in the area. Total outgoings for the property are around $1,000 per quarter. The 29 square metre apartment is currently renting some below market value at $395 per week.
#9
$379,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110972111">1602/38 Bridge Street</a> <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-sydney-110972111" target="_blank"></a>
In the same building and offered by the same agent, this apartment is offering a higher rental at $485 a week. It’s currently set up as a short-term serviced apartment but that can be changed on sale. Total outgoings for the 30 square metres are around $1,100 per quarter.
#10
$392,000
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-sydney-110753883">298 Sussex Street </a><a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-sydney-110753883" target="_blank"></a>
And heading back down, almost to where we started, is this offering on Sussex Street. The 54 square metre studio earns $490 a week in rent with total outgoings of around $1,330 per quarter. The lounge area leads onto a balcony over Bathurst Street and the building comes with the usual amenities. Stephen Marshall from Oaks Property Sales has the listing.
For further investment advice about studio apartments download Property Observer's free eBook: <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-investing-outside-the-square">Investing outside the square</a>.
</body></html>

Sydney CBD's 10 cheapest studio apartments starting from $255,000 

<html><body>
Four new estate agency office openings in Queensland has taken the LJ Hooker network to past 700 offices throughout Australasia, an ambition first set in 1986. 
The South East Queensland district has been the hub of LJ Hooker activity in recent weeks.
LJ Hooker Lutwyche was the 699th office, followed by LJ Hooker Holland Park, LJ Hooker Highgate Hill, and at 702, LJ Hooker Bracken Ridge.
The agency's deputy chair, L. Janusz Hooker flew into Queensland this week to the opening LJ Hooker Bracken Ridge in Brisbane.
“We are targeting expansion of our network in Queensland, especially Brisbane," Mr Hooker said.
"The state capital will directly benefit from the employment, commercial and infrastructure growth riven by the huge resources activity in the Bowen, Surat, and Galilee Basins."
“Property continues to be one of the best performing assets for Australians,” said Mr Hooker.
Its not just new office activity, but existing offices have opened new doors too.
On the Gold Coast, LJ Hooker Palm Beach owners Neil and Robyn Shorrock opened new premises in the Pavilions Building on Fifth Avenue  for their long-time customers.
“LJ Hooker Palm Beach has a special place in LJ Hooker’s history,” Neil Shorrock noted as it was LJ Hooker’s first Queensland office, opening in 1957 two years before the Gold Coast was proclaimed a city.
The Shorrocks bought the real estate business in 1981.
The book on the man behind the LJ Hooker real estate chain, <a href="https://www.ljhookertheman.com/">Sir Leslie Hooker</a> was written by his granddaughter, Natalia Hooker in 2011.
<img alt="9780646543925" src="/images/stories/2012/9780646543925.jpg" height="318" width="243">
While most Australians are familiar with the group and its “nobody does it better” slogan, few know the man behind its foundation was actually Leslie Joseph “LJ” Tingyou.
His deed-poll name change to Hooker in 1925 was only revealed nine years after his death, in a 1985 article in the Sydney Morning Herald by its then property editor, Michael Laurence.
The article's publication surprised even his long-term colleagues and closest friends.
Believing the story of her grandfather deserved to be told, Natalia spent six years researching the project during visits from her home in Europe.
Sir Leslie Joseph Hooker was born in Canterbury, NSW, in 1903 and died in 1976.
His birth certificate lists only his mother, Ellen "Nellie" Tingyou.
Natalia suggests Leslie, who was part-Chinese, was forced to hide his identity because of the White Australia policy.
The story of the agency dates back to 1925 when Leslie, the assistant purser on a Burns Philp ship left the sea to enter business as a partner in a building firm operating from the E.S. &amp; A. Bank building on the corner of Pitt Street and Martin Place.
In 1928 Leslie opened a real estate office at Maroubra Junction.
<img alt="4e94e20de24a892e31000310" src="/images/stories/2012/4e94e20de24a892e31000310.jpeg" height="279" width="243">
In 1935 he opened a city office at 26 O'Connell Street; a year later the firm acquired Woods and Co, with an office at South Kensington. In the same year, an office at Randwick was opened.
In 1938, LJ Hooker acquired H.L. Cross and Co at 98 Pitt Street. That year, too, the auction department of the firm was created. The first auction was conducted at 939 Arden Street, Coogee, and the property was sold for 950 pounds.
Offices were opened at Bondi and Bondi Junction shortly before the business went public in 1947, with an issued capital in its first year of 110,000 pounds.
Sir Leslie, who died in 1976, was knighted in 1973.
Its current residential sales team comprises over 7,000 sales professionals, property managers and support team members. In 1986 as Australia's largest real estate chain, LJ Hooker had 360 agencies and plans to double its operations.
By its late 1980s receivership under George Herscu's ownership there were 450 LJH franchisees with about 2,500 staff.
In 2009, when the grandson of the founder paid $82 million to Suncorp Metway to buy back the family business, using a consortium of private cash and his own funds, there were 500-plus franchisees in the network.
</body></html>

LJ Hooker breaks through 700 estate agency office banner

<html><body>
Mining magnate Nathan Tinkler has denied a Fairfax Media report that he has bought a property in Singapore.
A spokesman told Property Observer that Tinkler had not bought in Singapore "as yet."
The Sydney Morning Herald had reported this week it understood Tinkler had secured a property in the Sentosa Cove precinct.
Its the luxury island where Gina Rinehart has reportedly secured two off the plan apartments.
There has been no confirmation of the Hancock purchases.
The director of Savills International Residential Sales in Singapore, Julian Sedgwick, has suggested that Mrs Rinehart's mooted purchase was being hotly discussed in Singapore's real-estate circles as, if confirmed, would set a new residential price record.
Marketed as Singapore's only beachfront condominium, the 41-unit Seven Palms Sentosa Cove development, is due to be completed next year.
Tinkler was previously based in <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/nathan-tinkler-sells-merewether-home-to-his-executive-troy-palmer-for-a-friendly-%E2%80%93-and-possibly-underpriced-%E2%80%93-%2428-million/2012061255087">Merewether</a>.
Tinkler, who built his fortune with three big coal deals, has an estimated $915 million wealth according to the latest BRW.
And according to the Forbes magazine, Tinkler ranks as Australia’s 26th-richest person, with a net worth of around $825 million in 2012.
"His principal place of residence would now be described as Singapore," his spokesman, Tim Allerton, told Fairfax Media in June.
 
 
</body></html>

Nathan Tinkler yet to buy in Singapore 

<html><body>
The former coal baron Ric Stowe is still seeking to retain Devereux Farm, he told theWest.com.au in his first public utterance in more than two years.
The usually private Monaco-based businessman offered his view on how his Griffin Coal empire imploded in January 2010, leaving behind a trail of more than $2 billion in debt.
It forced him to give up the family's beloved unsold $70 million, 2700 hectare estate on the outskirts of Perth, Devereux Farm.
Stowe says it was a perfect storm of events in 2009, including production problems at his coal mine.
"It was a very wet year and we were running to the end of the Muja deposit and getting the Ewington deposit going," he says.
"Mining two locations stretched us a bit thin."
"We also had problems with Wesfarmers and mining the high wall between our mine and their Premier coal operations (now owned by Yancoal)."
When he needed to raise money to overcome the problems (and legacy expenses from building Bluewaters), the global financial crisis hit, and unlike the past decade he had trouble raising money via bond markets in the US.
"Some of our debt went to funds, including one called Clearwater," he told thewest.com.au.
"I think some of them saw us as a 'dripping roast'; a good buy."
"It was all quite a difficult time, but (in late 2009) we won up to $2 billion in refunding through one of the other bondholders. We had that in place but we needed bondholder approval and Clearwater had more than 50% of the bonds and wouldn't approve it."
"It was quite a surprising time for us. We had never experienced that type of institution. We were very much used to the old-school tie banking firm."
Stowe conceded his family had interests outside of Griffin, and that he is still surrounded by a group of advisers and well-paid lawyers.
Optimistically, he confirmed to <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/news/14049997/perfect-storm-did-me-in-stowe/">theWest.com.au</a> he has been in talks to buy back Devereux Farm, which is in the hands of receivers.
In May last year the receivers PPB Advisory advised the selling agents Garland International to withdrawn the property from auction.
</body></html>

Ric Stowe still seeking to retain Devereux Farm

<html><body>
The growth in online shopping as well as the high Australian dollar is likely to put pressure on shopping centre landlords, with GPT and Westfield sustaining low vacancy rates and above inflation rental growth, according to a new report by Moody’s.
The report says GPT is the more heavily exposed of the two shopping centre landlords, with 61% of its property assets in the retail space, while Westfield is less exposed with 40% of its property assets in retail.
Westfield most recent project was its flagship Westfield Sydney project in the Sydney CBD, while GPT Group is currently expanding the Highpoint Shopping Centre in the western Melbourne suburb of Maribyrnong in a $300 million project that will be completed next year.
Moody’s rates Westfield Group as A2 with a negative outlook, still a high investment grade rating signifying high quality and very low credit risk.
GPT Group is rated A3 with a stable outlook – an upper-medium grade rating with low credit risk.
Westfield will release its interim results on August 16 while GPT will put out full year results on August 27.
Despite the online concerns, Moody's also says that GPT and Westfield are better positioned than other landlords and A-REITs by virtue of the quality of their portfolios and their heavy weighting to regional centres.
Moody’s expects regional centres to show greater resilience than sub-regional and neighbourhood centres.
“Retail centres that provide a broad range of offerings, including entertainment, restaurants and services, are more likely to be able to continue to attract tenants than smaller and more narrowly defined centres."
“Ninety-five percent of GPT’s centres are classified as regional and Westfield has a similar profile."
“This contrasts favourably with, for example, Charter Hall Retail REIT (unrated), all of whose properties are classified as sub-regional, neighbourhood, freestanding or household.”
Moody’s’ concerns about the threat of online retailing on bricks and mortar follow recent research by PwC/Frost &amp; Sullivan showing that more than half of all Australians now shop online, with total online spend growing annually at 14.1%, and amounting to 5.5% of total retail sales in 2011, up from 4.9% in 2010.
PwC is forecasting online spending of $26.9 billion annually by 2016, up from $13.6 billion in 2011.
According to Moody’s "this growth in online shopping has negative credit implications for A-REITs with retail exposure”.
“One consequence of the structural change underway is that the long-standing environment of both minimal vacancies and above consumer price index (CPI) rent increases is becoming increasingly unsustainable,” says Maurice O’Connell, Moody’s analyst and author of the report.
O’Connell says retail tenants are operating within a “poor retail environment where sales growth, excluding food, over the past few years has been below 1% per annum”.
As a consequence it is becoming harder for stores to absorb structured rent increases “typically based around the CPI as overall specialty rent as a percentage of specialty store revenue is at historic highs”.
BIS Shrapnel chief economist Frank Gelber also noted the challenges faced by retail landlords as part of a presentation to the REIV Commercial &amp; Industrial Economic Forecast Luncheon in Melbourne last week.
Gelber said the “golden age” of retailing in the late 1990s and early 2000s would not return, but reassured retail landlords that “people would still be shopping in stores in five years’ time”.
He notes that over the last few years, consumers have increasingly directed their spending overseas (in-store when on holiday overseas and online, at overseas-based websites) as well as towards non-retail goods and services, such as travel and health.
“They also increased their rate of saving, although this has now levelled off – albeit at a fairly high level,” he says.
Gelber says gaps between retail turnover (which is a measure of spending in Australia only, and therefore does not include Australians spending overseas) and total household spending widened through 2010 and 2011.
While it now appears to be closing, BIS Shrapnel does not expect it to close entirely for a few years at least due to the likelihood of a sustained high Australian dollar, together with shifts in the ways consumers allocate their spending.
“Retail building is subdued at present, with new projects held in check by funding difficulties as well as the challenges of leasing shops in the current environment of weak business confidence.
“Commencements peaked at over $6 billion in the year to September 2008 and are currently running at a little over $4 billion."
“The rollout of hardware superstores by Bunnings and Masters has helped to prevent a greater collapse in activity."
“However, within a couple of years we are likely to see substantially higher levels of building. Over the next five years as a whole, retail commencements are predicted to average $4.9 billion per annum, marginally higher than over the last five years,” he says.
</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