<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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Meriton boss Harry Triguboff, who turns 80 next March, has signed up to Twitter.
Triguboff will tweet using the handle <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/@Harry_Triguboff">@Harry_Triguboff</a>.
He’s only tweeted twice since his July 1 initial post and had just the 12 followers at the time of writing.
So he has some way to go to catch up to Australia’s (and most likely the world’s) most famous tweeting octogenarian, News Limited boss Rupert Murdoch.
Murdoch has 287,000 followers.
Among those Triguboff is following on Twitter are Property Observer (<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/propertyobs">@propertyobs</a>), Donald Trump, the City of Sydney and West Tigers footy club, of which Meriton is the main sponsor.
Triguboff has made quiet start on the social media site, confining himself to company matters. His first tweet was a retweet of a Meriton post about stamp duty. The Meriton company Twitter account has 71 followers.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/meritontweet.jpg">
His most recent (and only original) tweet was July 13 about his appearance on SBS News talking about Asian investors – the core market for his new apartment projects.
 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/trigubofftweet.jpg">
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Meriton boss Harry Triguboff eases into the Twitter revolution at age 79

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The UK housing market won’t return to pre-GFC conditions before 2020, according to the latest report by PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers).
The July 2012 UK Economic Outlook report says nominal house prices may return to 2007 levels in the middle of this decade but in real terms, prices won’t bounce back until the mid-2020s.
By 2015, nominal house prices will still be 8% below 2007 peak levels, while in real terms they will be 24% lower, says PwC.
By 2020, UK house prices are expected to be 30% more than 2007 levels, though still 7% below peak levels when inflation is taken into account.
In real terms, the pre-crisis peak levels might not be seen until 2024.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/07/priceprojectionsjuly18.gif"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/pricepredictionsjuly18thumb.gif"></a>
As economic uncertainty persists, the market will remain flat in the short term, while the eurozone crisis could lead to double-digit declines in house prices over the next couple of years. The market should start to recover later in the decade.
"House prices should recover later in the decade as confidence is gradually restored, credit conditions ease for first-time buyers and underlying housing supply shortages reassert themselves,” says PwC economist John Hawksworth.
Hawksworth calls for policy to encourage investment in houses for rental as more people will be unable to participate in the private housing market without affordable rental housing or government assistance.
“As house prices are likely to stay high relative to earnings by historic standards, and credit is likely to remain less readily available than before the crisis, we estimate that a single person leaving university today is unlikely to be able to afford their first house until their late 30s without financial assistance from their parents or others."
Hawksworth says the outlook for the UK as a whole remains cloudy but there is scope for improvement.
Although it is forecast to be flat over 2012, the UK’s GDP is expected to pick up in 2013.
“We expect London and the south east to lead this gradual recovery, but all regions are projected to see at least moderate average growth in 2012 and 2013. However, risks from further storms in the eurozone need to be taken into consideration and businesses should make appropriate contingency plans for this," Hawksworth says.
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UK housing market won’t recover to pre-GFC levels before 2020: PwC

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Simone Callahan, the former wife of Shane Warne, has sold her Mornington Peninsula home, which was on the market earlier this year with $1.65 million-plus hopes.
A $1.5 million sale was secured for the four-bedroom Arthurs Seat home with a tennis court and swimming pool, and guest quarters.

It was bought by Barbara Fayman, wife of Marvin Fayman, the abattoir company boss who successfully established the Half-Case Warehouse Supermarket chain in Victoria and New South Wales in the 1970s.

Callahan had first put it on the market in March 2010 with a $2 million price tag.

Callahan bought the house in 2008 for $1,225,000 and gave it an upmarket makeover.

The 4,700-square-metre property <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/simone-warne-hopes-third-listing-lucky-for-mornington-peninsula-retreat-title-tattle/2012022653550" target="_blank">had been listed</a> through Harcourts Rosebud agent Grant McConnell, who put Clahane to March 2012 auction.

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Simone Callahan sells Arthurs Seat home for $1.5 million

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The fashionista philanthropist Rozalia Alpert has listed her Tarana, Potts Point, ballroom garden apartment with $5 million plus hopes. It is set on Wylde Street, high above the sandstone cutting overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay.
It’s a two-bedroom, two bathroom abode in the restored 1885 Victorian-Italianate-style mansion turned into a triplex through its 2003 restoration by the developer Jorge Fernandez.
Alpert founded <a target="_blank" href="https://www.caraandco.com/">Cara &amp; Co</a>, which has stores in Sydney and Moscow. Billed as neither a boutique nor a department store, Cara &amp; Co is a concept store combining cutting-edge fashion, art, food and music.
The apartment has been listed by Jason Boon and Geoff Cox from Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay in conjunction with Richard Shalhoub at McGrath Estate Agents.
The apartment comes with 258 square metres of internal space plus a 160-square-metre garden.
The middle apartment with 236 sq m internal and a 275 sq m garden and terracing sold for $4.6 million last year.
The retired stockbroker Chris Trumbull and his wife, Paddy, sold their Tarana apartment in 2010. The top two floor apartment fetched $6.2 million when bought by the Gardiner publishing rural family. It was 326 sq m internally plus 182 sq m of balcony/terrace space.
The mansion, designed by architect Edward Harman Buchanan, was built for Arthur McQuade, whose family also owned the adjacent sandstone mansion, Bomera. In 1907, a third storey was added to the residence and the original billiards room was extended into a ballroom.
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Fashionista philanthropist Rozalia Alpert lists garden apartment in 1885 Potts Point mansion

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Bell Potter stockbroker Charlie Aitken suggests the day's bank share trading represents property crash bears capitulating. 
He went onto tweet that CBA had hit two-year highs amid a global banking crisis. Shorting aust banks in aud on the housing crash view has been a death trade (again), he advised his 1,085 followers.
Aitken follows just 32 people including a prime minister, retired cricketer, a fireman, a media scallywag and Fei Jai, the modern Cantonese diner located in the heart of Potts Point.
<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/CharlieAitken2"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/aitkentweet.jpg"></a>
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Property crash bears capitulating in bank share trading says stockbroker Charlie Aitken: Tweet of the day

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Another estate agent has been caught using money held in trust for clients for its own business purposes.
The Queensland Office of Fair Trading fined Brisbane-based Christopher Midas Pty Ltd, trading as Julies Realty, $18,000, while director Phuc Ngoc Huynh (aka Julie Huynh) has been ordered to carry out 120 hours of community service over the next 12 months.
The fine and community service order were imposed for failing to comply with the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000.
The maximum penalty for breaching the act is $54,000 or five years’ imprisonment for an individual and $220,000 for a corporation.
Huynh and Julies Realty each pleaded guilty to 18 charges related to unauthorised withdrawals from the agency’s trust account.
The court heard Huynh made 18 unauthorised transfers totalling $144,000 from the agency’s trust account to its general business account between July 22, 2011 and January 27, 2012.
Huynh told Office of Fair Trading officers she had used the money to pay business costs such as staff wages and rent.
The court took into account that Huynh had co-operated with the OFT and repaid all monies to the trust account.
No convictions were recorded.
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Queensland estate agency Julies Realty fined $18,000 for $144,000 trust account breaches

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The conditional sale of property management group RUN Property and its Agent Plus outsourcing business to Rental Express has moved a step closer, with an agreement reached on payment of a $3.8 million deposit. 
The deposit was due on July 16, with the full sale price in excess of $65 million. 
RUN has confirmed that it received $1.8 million from Rental Express before July 16. 
In consideration of this payment, it has agreed that the balance of $2 million will be payable on or before July 27, with around $1 million due by July 18. 
The sales agreement between RUN and Rental Express is subject to a number of conditions precedent, including that shareholder approve the sale of shares in RUN Property Pty Ltd and Agent Plus Pty Ltd to Rental Express and Heritage Acquisitions Limited. 
RUN expects to convene a general meeting of shareholders for late August 2012 to vote on this sale.
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RUN Property sale to Rent Express moves closer with payment agreement

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The sale price of Kalua, the Joye family’s plantation-style Palm Beach trophy home, has been officially registered at $22 million.
It consisted of two amounts, the $19 million 4,615-square-metre front block on Ocean Road plus the rear Florida Road $3 million 888-square-metre block.
Another $1.42 million was paid in stamp duty for the property, which is a five-bedroom, six-bathroom house with three-bedroom guesthouse along with studio cabana, pool and tennis court on a 5,500-square-metre dress circle block overlooking Cabbage Tree Boat Harbour.
Breaking it up into two separate prices allowed a $60,000 stamp duty saving as stamp duty on a $22 million sale would have been $1.48 million.
It represents a record price for the suburb.
Word crept out in April of its bullish sale, with the SMH suggesting a $25 million sale price and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/laurie-sutton-the-kingpin-of-sydney-property-as-he-swaps-mosman-for-kalua-in-palm-beach-in-record-setting-sales/2012042354412" target="_blank">Property Observer estimating the retired car dealer Laurie Sutton and his wife, Di, paid around $23 million.</a>
Sutton and his wife will be the 1920s beach bungalow’s third owner. It was last sold by the Hordern retailing family to the more entrepreneurial Joye family, the current vendors, for $330,000 in 1978.
It was sold by Ken Jacobs and Darren Curtis at Christies International in conjunction with LJ Hooker Palm Beach agents David Edwards and Peter Robinson.
The title inspection by Property Observer indicates that the Suttons did not take up the offer 60% vendor financing – indeed the Sutton’s have no registered mortgage at all.
"Unquestionably the most significant and coveted landholding in exclusive Palm Beach, Kalua is a beachfront sanctuary of international stature beyond compare," Jacobs said on its marketing launch.
"It is secluded amid magnificent sprawling grounds … a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as one of the eastern seaboard’s most prestigious residential offerings," Edwards added.
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Palm Beach trophy home Kalua’s record-setting price revealed at $22 million

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An 1855-built former hall of the fraternal group Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows has sold in Tenterfield, NSW.
Girl Guides NSW and ACT sold the hall for $146,000, saying it was surplus to their requirements.
The Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows was originally formed in 1810 after breaking away from the Grand United Order of Oddfellows, which had its roots in 13th-century trade guilds.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/oddfellow.jpg">
Members of the Oddfellows included former British prime ministers Stanley Baldwin and Winston Churchill, King George IV and the fathers of Ringo Starr and George Harrison.
The first Australian lodge (Adelaide Lodge No.1) was established in South Australia in 1843 after it received approval from the authorities in Manchester.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/oddfellows.jpg">
Oddfellows. Image courtesy of State Library of NSW
The brotherhood used the hall until 1958, when it began its new life with the Girl Guides. The building was either sold or donated to the Girl Guides by an Oddfellow named Whit Roper, who owned the general store in Tenterfield.
The open-plan property has polished timber floors throughout. French doors opening from the main hall lead into a basic kitchen at the back. There are indoor and outdoor toilets.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/oddfellow1.jpg">
The imposing façade bears the faded name of Tenterfield Girl Guides.
Libby Sharpe from Ray White Rural Tenterfield sold the property.
She says a young couple bought the hall and hope to turn it into a family home. The building is listed as item of heritage interest but has no development restrictions.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/oddfellow2.jpg">
Sharpe says the only "odd fellows" she knows of in Tenterfield are the ones in her office.
Three hours from Brisbane, Tenterfield is a regional hub at the intersection of the New England and Bruxner highways.
The father of the Australian Federation, Henry Parkes, delivered his famous Federation Speech in Tenterfield.
It was also home to bush poet Banjo Paterson, and it’s been the subject of an emotional song by the late Peter Allen.
The University of New England archives holds three boxes of the original minute books from the Loyal Star of the North Lodge No. 93.
Other historic properties in the area are still available. <a style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-tenterfield-107386978" target="_blank">Comerford Hall</a> is a five bedroom, 410 square metre hall built in the 1860s. From 1881 to 1916 the building served as The Terminus Hotel, serving guests arriving and departing on the Great Northern Railway. After this it was a private maternity hospital before becoming a guest house. Until 1998 it remained in the ownership of the Leis family.
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Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows hall in Tenterfield sells for $146,000

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Thousands of small investors who have their funds tied up in Provident Capital debentures will have to wait until at least the second week in August for any update on their investments.
An exact date for the meeting has not yet been confirmed.
Receivers Phil Carter, Tony Sims and Marcus Ayres of PPB Advisory are currently carrying out an assessment of the failed fund manager and non-bank lender’s financial position ahead of an August meeting in Sydney.
At the “information session” debenture holders will have the opportunity to put questions directly to the receivers, and they will also receive an update on the status of the receivership.
About 3,000 debenture holders are owed <a target="_blank" href="/news">around $128 million by Provident Capital</a>, with redemptions frozen following the appointment of receivers.
Over $22 million worth debentures were due to reach maturity by the end of June 2012, with close to $54 million falling due by December 2012.
Debenture holders rank as secured creditors of Provident alongside Adelaide and Bendigo Bank.
December 2011 Provident Capital financial statements show that Adelaide and Bendigo Bank provided $91 million in funding to Provident.
Receivers are currently preparing an application to the NSW federal court for guidance as to how interest repayments and other distributions are to be made to debenture holders, as there “presently exists a conflict within the trust deed”.
The receivers expect that debenture holders will “suffer a shortfall on their total claims”, but are confident that it distributions will be made “in the near future, albeit at a reduced rate”.
Debenture holders were offered annual returns as high as 9% or more for three- and five-year fixed-term investments, with the money lent to property developers at high rates of interest.
Provident was placed in a court-ordered receivership on July 4 following an application by Australian Executor Trustees Limited (AET), a trustee for Provident Capital debenture holders.
The receivers also released information about two other mortgage funds.
The Provident Capital High Yield Fund
<ul>
<li>Was closed on June 25</li>
<li>Any investor who invested after this date will be refunded.</li>
<li>Distributions for the month of June 2012 have been paid.</li>
<li>Redemptions have been temporarily suspended.</li>
<li>Funder under review and receivers yet to confirm the position regarding future distributions.</li>
</ul>
The Provident Capital Monthly Income Fund 
<ul>
<li>Was closed on June 25</li>
<li>Any direct investor or investor directed portfolio service (IDPS) operators who invested after this date will be refunded.</li>
<li>Distributions for the month of June 2012 have been paid.</li>
<li>Redemptions have been temporarily suspended.</li>
<li>Receivers currently reviewing the overall future strategy of the fund.</li>
<li>Unit holders will be contacted in due course with a further update regarding the fund’s future.</li>
</ul>
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