<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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Mining towns like Chinchilla in Queensland’s Surat Basin offer potential for capital growth.
However, its promotion (and others like it) should also serve as a reminder to investors that they should bear in mind who is making the recommendation, what interest they may have in the hotspot and whether they will earn income from selling real estate in this area.
Among those promoting Chinchilla is Sam Saggers of Positive Real Estate, who describes it as a mining boom town that should be on the “radar” of all property investors.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/chinchilla.jpg">
Saggers says he expects Chinchilla will soon have rents that rival those in Moranbah and Port Hedland, and says average annual price growth has been at 17% – “with no signs of stopping any time soon”.
“Chinchilla has a diverse economic base,” Saggers reassures investors.
“This small but growing region is known as the ‘Home of the Melon’, which is a well-deserved name considering that a quarter of Australia’s watermelons, rockmelons and honeydew melons come from this region.”
“Chinchilla doesn’t rely solely on mining for its ‘bread and butter’.” says Saggers. “The area has a big agricultural base, selling produce such as cotton, wheat, barley and sorghum. They have large cattle and pig farms, as well,” he says.
While this may all be accurate, investors should bear in mind that it is Saggers’ job to promote all the best that Chinchilla has to offer as he sells many properties in the mining town and others like it. Saggers does not hide this fact: you can find examples of off-the-plan projects he is marketing in Chinchilla, Mackay and Gladstone on the Positive Real Estate website.
But even Saggers himself acknowledges that there are risks to investing in mining towns and investors need to consider that mining demand could slow, so investors must assess the risk of that happening.
And, he says, not all mining towns are wise investments.
He describes Moranbah, Middlemount, Dysart and Karratha as mining towns where “rents have been driven out of control from the mining boom” and where he expects a “market contraction”.
Chinchilla, Mackay and Gladstone though are not on the list.
Surat Basin Property Group is also promoting Chinchilla and other nearby Queensland mining towns as “opportunities for ‘mum and dad’ investors to capitalise on the country’s resources boom”.
Similar to Saggers, the SBPG does not keep it a secret it has a vested interest in Chinchilla.
The company has its headquarters in the town and has “land holdings in the region that will ultimately deliver approximately 2,500 dwellings”.
SBPG has already built and sold 200 house and land packages in Chinchilla.
It should not be surprising then that SBPG chief operating officer, Jason van Hooft says opportunities for investors in the Surat Basin area are “unique in Australia”.
“For a start, we are not that isolated, being only 3.5 hours' drive from Brisbane, and secondly the towns of Chinchilla and Miles are long established country communities with existing infrastructure, existing thriving communities and broad-based economies.”
“If you like, the resources boom is the icing on the cake for these centres,” van Hooft says.
SBPG is offering house and land packages from $390,000 to $452,000, which it says will attract rents in the order of $550 to $800 a week “with a waiting list of prospective tenants in a number of the towns”.
“Similar properties, probably not as well built, in Western Australia’s mining regions would command prices of around $800,000 to $1 million,” van Hooft adds.
SBPG currently has 60 residential blocks available to be developed in Chinchilla and Miles and hundreds more in the pipeline; van Hooft says the certainty of tenancy and the potential for capital gains (16% on average over the past 10 years) cannot be duplicated anywhere else.
All of this can sound enticing, but investors should ensure they also obtain an objective opinion of locations like Chinchilla.
While there are many positives about investing in these locations, there is significant risk as well – risk that will not be highlighted by anyone with a vested interest or who stands to earn commission on property sales.
For advice on navigating hotspots, download our free eBook: <a target="_parent" href="https://bit.ly/O6ekCX">Tools for Getting Through the Hotspot Maze.</a>
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Chinchilla, Queensland: Mining hotspot or one underpinned by marketeers?

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Less than half of the 416 estate agencies polled by Macquarie Group reported an increase in revenue in 2011, according to the investment bank’s recently realeased 2012 residential real estate benchmarking report.
 Nationally, 47% of agencies reported an overall increase in revenue compared to the previous year.
Two out of every five estate agencies (40%) reported a decrease in revenue, with 13% saying revenue did not change.
"The Australian residential property market in 2012 is an increasingly challenging landscape for real estate agencies to navigate," says Shaun Bassett, national head of residential real estate at Macquarie Relationship Banking.
Bassett says estate agents must have the ability to "adapt quickly and be sufficiently robust to survive, and thrive, in an environment where they are increasingly affected by factors outside their control".
"The focus therefore has to be on factors that are controllable – elements within and outside of the businesses that principals, owners and managers alike can exert influence over – to better place themselves to generate a return irrespective of what is happening in the broader environment," he says.
The 2012 report found that many estate agents are turning to property management as a way to diversify their income.
It also found some disparity by states when it comes to revenue growth, most notably between NSW and the rest of the country.
Click to enlarge 
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/07/didyour800.gif" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/didyour470.gif"></a>
A comparatively high 57% of NSW agencies are experiencing an increase in revenue, with Macquarie attributing this to sales revenue growth, with the survey also finding that 44% of NSW agencies versus 32% nationally reported an increase in sales commissions over the same period.
In no other state did a majority of agencies report an increase in revenue over 2011.
Victoria and Queensland both reported the highest percentage (46%) of agencies reporting decreasing revenue.
For those agencies that did report revenue increases over 2011, more than three quarters cited property management as a key area contributing to growth.
Around 60% attributed their revenue increase to rising sales revenue with 39% of respondents identified both.
“This tells a compelling story about the value of property management as a very real driver of revenue and business growth,” says Macquarie.
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Less than half of estate agents report revenue rise in 2011, with NSW agents best placed: Macquarie survey

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/07/628LiffeyRoad]}

The 1825 colonial Tasmanian homestead, The Hermitage, with Liffey River frontage at Bracknell has been listed for sale.
The 77-hectare holding dates back to when the Cressy Land Company built the house as part of its extensive agricultural land on the Norfolk Plains.
The Cressy Company was a private partnership of seven members, formed in London in 1825. It was initiated by Bartholomew Thomas whose brother was the Colonial Treasurer of Van Diemen's Land. The company failed to secure a land grant in New South Wales, but secured a 20,000-acre grant in the Cressy district.
The sandstone, brick and bluestone Georgian era house, set among giant conifers, has undergone major renovations in the past two decades.
There's also a three-bedroom farm cottage, cattle yards, six bay machinery and shearing sheds.
The agricultural land is subdivided internally by electric fencing to support a herd of pedigree Angus cattle.
It has in the past run flocks of British bred ewes for lamb production.
Tenders close July 27 through agents Peter Stackhouse and Martin O'Byrne at Roberts Limited Western Junction.
It last sold for $400,000 in 1989. A $1.5 million plus price indication has been given to Property Observer, based on a recent $1.6 million Longford sale. The highest sale in the Bracknell district was $1.73 million for a 250 hectare grazing holding in 2005. Since then a 179 hectare holding sold in 2006 for $800,000 and a 134 hectare holding sold in 2010 for $740,000.
Bracknell featured in the Tasmanian Mercury's top 10 towns list in 2004 in 10th place.
The list was:
Stanley
Good enough to double as a Cornish fishing village. Bluestone, salt air, nice folks and awash with history. Becoming a tourism must-see.
Cressy
Gets a medal for its long main street – the way country towns used to be. Set amid the gently rolling Northern Midlands, it is redolent of old pastoral money and old-fashioned shop service.
Oatlands
It may be bypassed by the Midland Highway but it still has that solid sandstone dependability. A lovely mix of history and business energy.
Strahan
Almost a boutique town but still retains its rugged edge from its frontier mining and fishing days. The weather is always better than you would expect and there is heaps to do.
Cygnet
Settled down from its hippy phase and is a lively Huon Valley junction for arts, food, wine, fun and the mildly offbeat.
Deloraine
Boomville. Its upwardly curving main street has the bustle of a much larger town. And that view of the Western Tiers!
Swansea
History and the sea combined. Close enough to Hobart and Launceston for a trendy day trip but with beaches close enough to escape the summer crowds. Picturesque golf course, too.
Richmond
The leader of the pack for decades. Still sniffily superior – and why not? History, good looks, locals who are passionate about their town and great shopping.
Bothwell
The gateway to the Central Highlands and all that fishing. Got that spread-out, old-town, seen-better-days mossy charm and is tops for hospitality.
Bracknell
Wonderful Northern Midlands village just a tad off the beaten track. Just like Deloraine, there are Tiers in your eyes. A real sense of community and even has a decent footy team.
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The Hermitage, a colonial Bracknell, Tasmanian homestead listed

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The Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott says his government would have tighter restrictions on Chinese state-owned companies taking control of existing businesses in Australia, but says he supports them starting new businesses here.
Speaking in China, he warned against Chinese takeovers in Australia, but says he supported Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) developing greenfield start-up businesses here, especially in mining and northern agriculture.
“It would rarely be in Australia’s national interest to allow a foreign government or its agencies to control an Australian business,” he said, mentioning that Chinese investment is dominated by state-owned enterprises.
"That's because we don't support the nationalisation of businesses by the Australian Government, let alone a foreign one."
Trade Minister Craig Emerson has criticised the speech as dangerous.
“In effect, Mr Abbott is saying to China that its investment will not be welcome in Australia. This is a dangerous and stupid thing to say,” Emerson says.
"He has made the journey to China to tell them investment by their SOEs is unwelcome," Emerson says.
"This would create Chinese perceptions of high sovereign risk in Australia, since Mr Abbott has indicated that if he became Prime Minister he would overrule a Foreign Investment Review Board finding for a Chinese SOE, and that his decision on their investment would be no."
Abbott’s deputy, Julie Bishop is co-leading a review of foreign investment rules.
“The Coalition welcomes foreign investment but the increase in sovereign wealth funds and state-owned entities in recent years has meant we, like other countries around the world, have to make sure the rules are appropriate and that there is transparency and clarity around how they are applied,” Bishop says.
“Australia has to be able to make a judgement on national interest grounds and Tony Abbott has restated our position.”
The announcement is a win for views of the Liberal senator Bill Heffernan who has long campaigned against foreign ownership, especially by sovereign-based entities.
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Tony Abbott moves to limit Chinese sovereign investment in Australia

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There was a 30% increase in the volume of vacant land sales on the Gold Coast in the June quarter but the market remains depressed, with house prices still well below pre-GFC levels and more locals choosing to rent, according to the latest quarterly Prodap Report.
The report recorded 208 land sales over the three-month period to June off a record low base of 159 sales in the previous quarter.
Most of the sales were to speculative builders at Gainsborough Greens, Coomera Waters and The Meadows on Yawalpah Road in East Coomera.
This figure is expected to rise higher in the first quarter of the 2013 financial year with end users "in most cases delaying purchasing until the next quarter to avoid paying higher stamp duty".
Prodap Report author Bill Morris says this delay “camouflaged underlying demand over the June quarter”.
But he says funding for new developments remains tight, restricting new housing supply.
The report found that sales of new house and land packages "continue to wallow" at around 70 per quarter for the past two years, reflecting low stock choices because of a limited number of new projects being released to the market.
It notes that only local ASX-listed developer Sunland is adding to the pipeline with new house and land packages at Royal Pines, Sanctuary Cove and The Glades golf resorts.
Over the quarter house sale prices averaged $527,819, down 12% from $600,110 two years ago and 9% below a pre-GFC level of $580,670.
Morris says the effects of the GFC continue to be felt, in particular the contracting pool of available funds for bank lending.
“This situation needs serious attention from the Federal Government, as it is not a local problem."
“It is suggested that the pool of bank funds for lending could be increased if interest earned on bank deposits was not taxable. If this were the case, there would be more incentive for investors to use bank deposits as a serious investment strategy,” says Morris.
Despite stock levels remaining relatively low, the report says falling prices indicate “changing patterns of household ownership, ie. renting or sharing rather than attempting to purchase unaffordable houses”.
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Gold Coast land sales rise 30% in June quarter but funding for new developments still “tight”: Prodap Report

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The infamous ultra-modern “Pamela Anderson” house in St Kilda West has been relisted at a reduced $1,350 weekly rental, down on the $1,500 being sought earlier this year.
Its executive leasing agent suggests its been caught in the weakening executive rental market after changes to the Federal Government's Living Away From Home Allowance which will take effect from October 1.
Overseas and corporate executives and their companies will lose their current lucrative tax breaks on accommodation expenditure.
The Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten, said the concessions were being "widely exploited". The tax break meant the Government was often paying half the corporate's rent when the accommodation was part of salary packages.
The Government is reforming the tax concession for Living Away From Home allowances and benefits, by better targeting it at people who are are legitimately living away from their actual home in Australia. The reforms are not expected to affect the tax concession for "fly-in fly-out" arrangements.
Leasing agents expect the upper end of rental housing markets in Melbourne and Sydney to weaken.
The three-storey, three-bedroom St Kilda West house comes with a gourmet kitchen, a north-facing terrace with lap pool, a private courtyard with pond and a two-car garage.
Recent tenants behind the internationally renowned façade in St Kilda West have included Hollywood glitterati, according to its last leasing agent.
Now it's available for rent through <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/270-canterbury-road-st-kilda-west/Property-Details-rent-residential-4240233">Capri Property</a> leasing agent Judith Simpson, who is confident it will rent at its new pricing.
The Marshall White agency <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/pamela-anderson-house-built-for-sam-newman-on-the-market/2011103052125">had listed the property last November</a> for sale, but it appears no sale has eventuated at its desired $1.62 million asking price.
Designed by architect Cassandra Fahey in 2000, it won a Royal Australian Institute of Architects award, making news around the world given the Baywatch beauty’s appearance on the façade.
The former Geelong footballer and football commentator Sam Newman built the house at the height of his playboy notoriety, but never lived in it before he sold it for $1.1 million in mid-2002 to financial adviser Sean Patrick Taylor through a company called Canterbury Park Pty Ltd.
Dividing locals on its merits, the large glass mural façade on noisy Canterbury Road has been a source of controversy ever since it was unveiled a decade ago.
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Pamela Anderson rental house gets squeezed in Living Away From Home clampdown

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Building owners in Melbourne will let curious punters visit previously restricted properties as Melbourne Open House kicks off for another year this weekend.
The two-day event will let the public have access to Melbourne’s top architectural developments and structural oddities. It runs over July 28 and 29.
The event has grown significantly over the last five years with last year’s event attracting 106,000 visits over the weekend. That’s 10 times as many volts as runs through the JA substation in Spring Street, which is one of the buildings open to the public.
There are 100 buildings open this year, including places like the Peter Mac radiation therapy bunkers, The Windsor Hotel, Melbourne Town Hall and Melbourne University’s Yarra-side boathouse.
Spokesperson Robert Larocca says the most popular buildings are inevitably those which offer a view of the city from up high.
Some of those offering views this year are Edgewater Towers at 1 Spring Street, the Urban Workshop, Orica House and the Royal Melbourne Hospital Towers.
“This is the only weekend in the year when you can see the very best and most loved buildings in the city for free,” Larocca says.
Some smaller spaces have been booked out but most spaces remain open.
For information visit <a href="https://openhousemelbourne.org">openhousemelbourne.org</a>.
<img alt="RMHTunnels" src="/images/stories/2012/RMHTunnels.gif" height="225" width="400">
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Lofty view vantage points for Melbourne Open House weekend

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Construction giant Grocon, in partnership with Markham Corporation, have unveiled its $500 million Darling Harbour office tower and entertainment complex plans.

It's to be known as The Ribbon, replacing the Sydney IMAX complex set between two expressways. But a new Imax will be a key part of the as yet unapproved complex which has a mooted 38,000 square metres of net lettable office space and 7,000 square metres of retail and entertainment space.

The 18 floor tower proposal has been designed by the Adelaide architects, Hassell. 

The project name seemingly comes from its unique form, although the Daily Telegraph suggested it was because it was gift to Sydney.
The Sydney Morning Herald have immediately attacked the proposal for being 50 metres taller than the incumbent building. The existing building is 37 metres.

The developers notified NSW Planning and Infrastructure of their intention to lodge plans for the state significant site.
Prospective office tenants names are already being thrown around, including Google.
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The Ribbon in Darling Harbour set to replace Sydney's Imax

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Turning 50 on June 16 and a "family board meeting" convinced Stockland managing director Matthew Quinn that he should end his 11 years in charge of Australia's biggest residential property developer.
Speaking at a hastily arranged media conference today following the surprise announcement, Quinn said he had sat down with Stockland chairman, Graham Bradley in April and committed to leading Stockland for the next three years "as it transitioned in tough market.


“But things change. I turned 50 in June. We had a family board meeting and decided it was time to make the change," he said

Quinn, who resides in a McMahons Point house, will step down in February next year, continuing to lead the business until a successor is appointed.
He spearheaded Stockland's "three Rs" strategy - a focus on  the retail, retirement and residential sectors, but no one at the media briefing asked if his own personal retirement was the fourth "R".
The Stockland board will undertake a “comprehensive internal and external search to select Stockland’s next managing director”.
Yesterday, the Australian Financial Review's Street Talk column reported that the market was “abuzz with rumours of a change in leadership” despite Quinn declaring earlier this year that he would remain at the helm for another three years.
In Stockland’s most recent third quarter investor briefing in May Quinn said Stockland was on track to achieve its 2012 financial year guidance.
However, at the end of March Stockland issued an earnings downgrade for the 2012 financial year, saying that the highest rainfall in the Illawarra region in NSW in 50 years, had delayed activities at two residential projects - Brooks Reach in Dapto, comprising 618 lots, and McCauley's Beach in Thirroul, comprising about 160 lots.
And the company is tipped to report a drop in full-year earnings per security to 29.3¢ when it releases its full year results on August 8 compared with guidance released in May of 29.8¢.
Explaining the drop in full-year earnings guidance, Bradley said factors impacting had included provisions made for restructuring costs, which are still ongoing and will lead to costs savings in the years ahead.

The company also did not buy back as many shares as planned due to higher share price, while there was also delay in settlement in contracted super lot sales, which have now slipped into the 2013 financial year.

“There was a delay in the settlement process," said Quinn.

"Contracts on hand in June, did not proceed to settlement before the end of the last financial year, and will come through in first quart of 2013."

However, he said Stockland did achieve a target of 5,000 lot settlements for the financial year.
Street Talk speculated that Investa Property Group’s former head, Chris O’Donnell,was among the names that have cropped up as a potential replacement along with Denis Hickey at Lend Lease.
Bradley said Quinn would be missed and had overseen significant transformation at the developer.

Quinn has been with Stockland for 13 years.

“He has every right to be proud of the legacy of what he has achieved.”

“The board fully understands and accepts his decision.”

Bradley says succession planning is now the board’s top priority from now and process which he says will take no more than 6 months to ensure an orderly and smooth transition.

“Over last 24 hours we have undertaken a comprehensive search to identify a successor to Matthew with rights skills and experience to take Stockland forward,” he said.

“There is no reason to be concerned we will lose momentum and we will fully implement our direction and strategy.”

Announcing his decision to step down, Quinn said: "After much consideration I have decided that it is now the right time to step down. I am committed to working with the Board and executive team to ensure a smooth transition.


“It has been a privilege to lead Stockland and I am very proud of the legacy I will leave behind.” 
Quinn was in born in Northhampton in England and began his professional career as an accountant in the UK before moving to Australia in 1987 with Price Waterhouse.
In 1988 he joined private property group the Rockingham Park Group.
He joined Stockland in 1999 and was appointed as managing director in October 2000.
Among the other positions he has held in the property industry is national president of the Property Council of Australia from March 2003 to March 2005.
He is also a fellow of the Australian Property Institute and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
He lives in McMahons Point, a harbourside suburb on the lower North Shore of Sydney.
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"Family board meeting" convinced Matthew Quinn to step down as Stockland managing director next February

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/07/july6norma1]}
Norma House, one of the first sandstone homes on Sydney’s Palm Beach peninsula, has sold for a reputed $2.75 million.
It has been modernised but still retains its classic Palm Beach style.
It’s a popular holiday rental ensuring substantial rental returns all year round. Its Christmas peak season rental is <a href="https://www.normahouse.com">$9,000</a> weekly.
It sold through Peter Robinson at LJ Hooker Palm Beach who'd listed it with $3 million-plus hopes.
The Norma Road house last sold in 2006 to Hong Kong-based futures trader Rob Goldsmith and his diamond-dealer wife, Jane, for $2,525,000.
Title Tattle recalls that Janne and Rob weren’t really in the market for a house when visiting the northern beaches in December 2006.
But before flying back they drove past the property and decided to take a look inside despite it being in terrible shape, with rotting water-damaged walls, rusted pipes coming through walls, a crumbling roof and major Hawkesbury sandstone foundation issues.
With the 180-degree water views along with sandy beaches, they made a same-day offer, and signed the contract that day.
Builder/manager James Davidson of Jaylo Property oversaw the project, according to writer Katy Scott in a feature by Country Homes Ideas magazine.
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