<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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Onthehouse.com.au has appointed Gail Pemberton as its interim chairperson following the resignation of Jim McKerlie.
With over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Pemberton was formerly at BNP Paribas Securities Services in both the UK and Australia.
Before that from the late 1980s at Macquarie Bank she was chief information officer for 12 years and subsequently chief operating officer for the Financial Services Group.
Her other directorships include Paypal Australia and Baycorp.
Onthehouse also announced that Diana Eilert has joined its board as a non-executive director.
Eilert was most recently the head of strategy and corporate development at News Ltd, where she was responsible for identifying, analysing, and implementing strategic growth opportunities.
She had been the News Ltd nominee on the REA Group board.
Onthehouse provides data on residential real estate in Australia via three services: consumer online (free sales data), real estate agency solutions (back office trust accounting and front office management systems) and analysis and consulting on real estate industry trends.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Gail Pemberton appointed interim chairperson of onthehouse.com.au

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Dramatic house price growth in central Queensland’s mining regions appears to have stabilised, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
The July Month in Review report found prices in Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone remained steady in recent months.
The report found a large number of residential properties have come onto the market in Gladstone and suggested some prices would have to be reduced in order to achieve sales.
An influx of worker accommodation over the next couple of years is said to be contributing to lower confidence in the area.
“Consequently we highlight the potential for market correction following the construction of major LNG projects and therefore do not foresee further large increases in capital growth,” Herron Todd White says.
Future workforce numbers in the area are hard to predict, and the report says housing demand may change.
In Mackay rentals figures have grown in the last six months, resulting in increased demand for the sub-$450,000 market from owner-occupiers avoiding paying rent and keen investors cashing in on rental increases.
And in Rockhampton the median sale prices has remained steady over the past 24 months.
The report found sales volumes in the under-$350,000 price range have improved in the first half of 2012 due to buyers enjoying affordable investment houses and low vacancy rates.
However, the prestige housing and coastal unit markets have suffered over recent years, with extended selling periods and reduced list prices required to secure a sale.
For more information on buying in Queensland mining hotspots, read our free eBook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-property-investing-in-queenslands-resources-boom">Property investing in Queensland’s resources boom</a>
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Central Queensland mining region house price growth stabilising: Herron Todd White

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/07/july6jimbeam]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Lomalagi (pictured above), the absolute Narrabeen beachfront residence of Philip Baldock, the president of the Asia Pacific/South America section of the Jim Beam group, and his wife, Tracy, remains listed for sale on the Max Walls International website. It’s a luxury five-bedroom, five-bathroom contemporary house that takes its Fijian name meaning Heaven. It’s been marketed as a four-year-old home with a six-star resort feel. It was built with feng shui principles in mind from the entrance with koi pond.  It comes with an award-winning gas-heated pool. The 835-square-metre block cost $2.08 million in 2002. It was initially listed in mid-2010 with $6 million-plus hopes, then withdrawn from major websites, but remarketed last month after a $7.8 million Mona Vale sale. Baldock has responsibility for Beam's business in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, as well as two of the company's largest developing markets, India and Brazil.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/07/buxton.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Steve Buxton, the joint managing director of the Melbourne developer Hamton, has listed his resort-style Mt Eliza (pictured above) abode of five years. It’s been where since 2007 he and his wife Liz have raised their four young children. It’s been listed having recently purchased a new block overlooking Canadian Bay, where they plan to build a new house. The Orchard Lane house was originally designed by architects McGlashan Everist with extensive recent renovations and additions designed by Jackson Clements Burrows and Ten23. Set behind security gates, the house has five or six bedrooms, plus four bathrooms. Its mezzanine level has glimpses of the bay. The outdoor spaces come with a horizon-edge pool, stone-paved terracing, lawns, vegetable gardens and cubbyhouse. Even a netted mod-grass sports area for cricket and basketball.  More than $2.5 million is sought through Stewart Lardner from Century 21 Elite RealEstate Mornington.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/07/july6norma1]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">
Norma House (pictured above and below), one of the first sandstone homes on Sydney’s Palm Beach peninsula, has been listed for sale by the Goldsmith family. It’s been modernised but retains its classic Palm Beach style. It’s a popular holiday rental ensuring substantial rental returns all year round. It has a northerly aspect towards the Barrenjoey Headland and across the Pacific Ocean to the horizon. It’s for sale through Peter Robinson at LJ Hooker Palm Beach 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.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/07/july6norma2]}
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/07/wyong.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">A Bauhaus-inspired Mosman residence (pictured above), built in the 1940s on a 1,600-square-metre Wyong Road double block, has been listed for sale. Reflecting the German modernist style, architect Peter Downes overhauled the property with interiors inspired by the Mediterranean about two decades ago. The property has views across Long Bay, Quakers Hat Bay and Middle Harbour. Around $8 million is being sought by Colin Craig of Belle Property Mosman for the Tanner family, who bought it from the original owners, the Korner family.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/2012/07/roseberry.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Hotelier Chris Crawley has listed his Killara residence (pictured above). Set on 2,367 square metres, the Federation-style residence comes with $4.5 million-plus hopes for its July 28 auction. Crawley has been responsible for the recently completed Macleay Street, Potts Point apartment complex, where he’s retained the penthouse in the Georgian. Interested parties in the Rosebery Road, Killara property are also being offered an adjoining 1,220-square-metre block.
 
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">The founder of Downstream Marketing, Steve Knowles, and his wife, Kaye, have spent $6.3 million on a Vaucluse abode. It was sold by the Awford family through Doreen Wilson at Di Jones Real Estate and Morgan Carr at Ray White Double Bay. It had previously traded at $4.4 million in 2002. Steve founded Downstream Marketing in 2005 after five years at eBay.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2012/07/july3jackieo]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Breakfast radio star Jackie O and her husband Lee Henderson have listed their cosy farmhouse (pictured above) with breathtaking views over Kangaroo Valley. With wide wrap-around verandas, Glen Athan is marketed as being one of the NSW South Coast's most stylish country properties. It's been their retreat since the land was bought in 2005 and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/2day-fm-s-jackie-o-buys-family-home-in-vaucluse-with-five-bedrooms/2012062255231"> its listing follows their recent Vaucluse purchase.</a> It's been marketed through Shaine Hilaire at Ray White Berry, who has issued four contracts after 15 inspections over the past month. Blending Australian homestead heritage design and contemporary luxuries, the six-year-old house comes with wide-board flooring, timber-lined walls and ceilings, South Australian slate hearths and 150-year-old convict-hewn sandstone. There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms - all with underfloor heating. The master bedroom comes with open fire, ensuite bathroom and private wardrobe area. It has a bespoke kitchen featuring marble benchtops and walk-in pantry; a scullery; and a laundry and mud room.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/may9anderson]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Kennebunkport (pictured above), the longtime Western Australian beachfront retreat of the property developer Warren Anderson and his former wife, Cheryl, has been sold after being listed with revised $5.2 million-plus hopes. The six-bedroom Eagle Bay home was put in the hands of receivers after the internecine collapse of the Anderson family trust, Owston Nominees No 2. The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/fund-manager-and-mortgage-lender-provident-capital-placed-in-receivership-following-court-order-to-protect-small-time-investors/2012070455428">troubled mortgage lender Provident Capital</a> – which went into receivership this week – had the first mortgage on the property dating back to 2004 refinancing. The finance was offered at a 17.5% interest rate. Angas Securities took a second mortgage in 2008 along with Balanced Securities taking the third mortgage and Mortgage Funds Management taking the fourth mortgage on the 2,261-square-metre holding. The house had $12 million initial hopes on its 2009 listing. The trust paid $420,000 in 1989 for the block. The Fern Road property with views of Eagle Bay had been listed by Peter De Chiera of Stocker Preston. No sale price has been revealed of the transaction, which preceded the recent court case, and orders, before Justices Peter Jacobson and Steven Rares. Anderson <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/property-developer-warren-anderson-goes-quietly-this-time-departing-fernhill-after-three-decades/2011112452520">vacated Fernhill</a>, his historic mansion at Mulgoa in Sydney's outer west, under court order after being <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/property-developer-warren-anderson-goes-quietly-this-time-departing-fernhill-after-three-decades/2011112452520">declared bankrupt</a>.
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Jim Beam boss takes another shot at the luxury Narrabeen property market: Title Tattle

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Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who plays in the English Premier League with Fulham, has listed Boongarre, his Watsons Bay property, for rent at $3,500 a week, which is a snip compared with the $10,000 being sought for the nearby Vaucluse residence, Coolongatta, the Vaucluse four-bedroom Art Nouveau waterfront.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">The Schwarzer harbourfront property has been on the market with price hopes of more than $12 million through Pillinger Real Estate</a>, but it hasn't sold so Schwarzer is now seeking a tenant. The two-storey, five-bedroom, four-bathroom weatherboard house sits on a 1,214-square-metre Pacific Street block.
Schwarzer bought Boongarre for $10.2 million in 2009.
Schwazer and his wife, Paloma , who are staying in Europe, had it previously available for rent in March last year at the same asking price.
Boongarre was the childhood home of the renowned author Christina Stead, and it was owned by the Stead family from 1918 until 1980, when it was bequeathed to the National Trust.
It’s for lease through Camilla Piggott at Laing + Simmons Double Bay Executive Leasing.
Coolongatta, the Vaucluse waterfront that last sold at $10.5 million in 2002 to the Dalley family, is a 1,750-square-metre Coolong Road property. It’s best remembered for its $5.25 million sale in 1987 by the stockbroker Anthony Crichton-Brown to stockbroker Brent Potts, who sold in 2000 for $8.5 million.
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Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer passes Watsons Bay home to rental market after buyers play hardball

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Mining railway lines bring big construction employment and housing requirements with them.
There were estimates of 1000 workers required for the rail infrastructure build over three years of Waratah Coal's Galilee Basin China First Project and then by way of permanent operational employment around 460 for operation/maintenance of rail infrastructure 
Queensland’s Gailee Basin is one step closer to securing a mining rail line, with Indian mining group Adani and coal carrier QR National undertaking a feasibility study for its rail corridor.
Adani’s mine is expected to begin digging operations in July 2013 at an expected cost of around $4 billion.
Rail lines are said to be the main hurdle for development in the relatively untapped Galilee Basin. Five mines in the area could produce more than 200 million tonnes of coal a year if it can be transported.
By 2016 the $6 billion line would connect Adani's Carmichael coal mine to the Abbot Point Coal Terminal and possibly the future Dudgeon Point Coal Terminal.
The line would handle 60 million to 80 million tonnes of coal per year from Adani’s $10 billion mining project.
Last month the state government approved work on two lines in the area – one direct to the port at Abbot Point, touted by Indian coal miner GVK, and Adani’s proposal for a smaller track to connect with QR National's existing railway network in the Bowen Basin.
After the approval the ABC reported land owners were concerned about the projects.
Land owners in the path of the proposed lines could face compulsory acquisition.
Coal from the mine is destined for power stations in India.
The study is expected to be completed by March 2013.
For information on investing in mining areas, read our free book <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-property-investing-in-queenslands-resources-boom">Residential property investment amid Queensland's resources boom</a>.
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Rail line for Queensland’s Gailee Basin mooted, with feasibility study underway 

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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/at-%24506000-above-reserve-brad-and-lara-s-%24162-million-south-melbourne-sale-secures-the-block-2012-prize/2012062955355"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/606k.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/at-%24506000-above-reserve-brad-and-lara-s-%24162-million-south-melbourne-sale-secures-the-block-2012-prize/2012062955355">amount The Block 2012 winners Brad and Lara take home following the conclusion of the reality show</a>. This includes $506,000 above the reserve for their $1.62 million terrace sale, plus $100,000 in prize money. The bidding enthusiasm knocked the five local buyers' agents out of contention. 
Karin Mackay of Australian Property Buyers said the bidding across all four terraces "blew everyone out of the water with the prices they achieved."
She had authority to purchase two terraces armed with two deposit cheques for if she was successful.
"I know the area extremely well and had the resources to evaluate their worth," she told Property Observer. "Based on historical sales I believed they were worth between $1.12 million to $1.2 million for 401, 403 and 407 and Brad &amp; Lara's 405 up to $1.3 million."
She had expected that 401,403 and 407 would have had a $1 million reserves and 405 a $1.2 million reserve. Mackay suggests even though they were fully furnished she doesn't believe there was "that great a value for an investor".
"Lovely for depreciation and renting them out fully furnished, however I saw a risk value issue if the investor found themselves in financial trouble a year or two down the track. The furniture wouldn’t be worth anything and the investor may have lost money on the sale price. When buying for investors in particular I always evaluate the risk value. These terraces stacked up extremely well for my investor client and would have been positively geared if we had bought at the market value."
Mackay suggests the bidding enthusiasm was "amazing ... people were there to buy and it showed in the bidding."
Mackay's takeout impressions were that it was important for home owners not to over capitalise "unless you are going to live in it for at least 10 years"/ "Location, location, location sells, especially if you have created a wow factor by hiring furniture – furniture sells the property. You don’t need to sell the furniture with the property. For the investor the newer the better when you are in the 47.5% tax bracket. These were positively geared if we had bought at the market price and rented fully furnished. If I had gone higher they still wouldn’t have cost the investor very much out of his own pocket, however I also chase capital growth and if I had gone any higher he wouldn’t have enjoyed any capital growth for three or more years in this market," she concludes.
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/julian-mcmahon-and-sisters-to-split-%24625-million-proceeds-from-lady-sonia-mcmahons-home-sale/2012070255376"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/6point25m.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/julian-mcmahon-and-sisters-to-split-%24625-million-proceeds-from-lady-sonia-mcmahons-home-sale/2012070255376">amount that Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon</a> and his two sisters, Melinda and Deborah, will split following the sale of their mother Lady (Sonia) McMahon's former Bellevue Hill home.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/june-30-buyers-took-advantage-of-stamp-duty-concessions-boosting-nsw-off-the-plan-sales-for-crown-v/2012070155370"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/21.gif"></a>
The number of off-the-plan sales the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/june-30-buyers-took-advantage-of-stamp-duty-concessions-boosting-nsw-off-the-plan-sales-for-crown-v/2012070155370">Crown Group secured for its V project in Parramatta</a> last weekend as buyers rushed to secure the NSW home builders' bonus stamp duty exemption on its last day. 
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/militant-nimbyism-from-mosman-to-bondi-ruining-development-of-sydney-housing-market-mckell-institute-s-41-suburb-hit-list/2012070255380"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/41.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/militant-nimbyism-from-mosman-to-bondi-ruining-development-of-sydney-housing-market-mckell-institute-s-41-suburb-hit-list/2012070255380">number of Sydney suburbs that think-tank the McKell Institute says are “ripe for a terrace revolution”</a> but for “narrow-minded, self-interested individuals” protesting against redevelopment. 
 
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<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/3point5percent.gif">
The cash rate, <a target="_blank" href="/news">after the RBA left rates on hold at its Tuesday meeting</a>. 
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/fund-manager-and-mortgage-lender-provident-capital-placed-in-receivership-following-court-order-to-protect-small-time-investors/2012070455428"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/3500.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/fund-manager-and-mortgage-lender-provident-capital-placed-in-receivership-following-court-order-to-protect-small-time-investors/2012070455428">number of small-time investors who have money invested in fund manager and non-bank lender Provident Capital Limited</a>, which went into receivership this week. 
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/fewer-gen-ys-expect-to-ask-their-parents-for-help-in-buying-their-first-home-rabodirect/2012070455421"><img src="/images/stories/2012/07/26percent.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/fewer-gen-ys-expect-to-ask-their-parents-for-help-in-buying-their-first-home-rabodirect/2012070455421">percentage of Gen Y borrowers who expect to have to ask their parents to help them buy their first home</a>, according to the 2012 National Savings and Debt Barometer compiled by RaboDirect. This is down from 35% in 2011.
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The 7 must-know numbers of the week, starting with Brad and Lara's The Block winnings

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Scammers are again targeting Perth rental enquiries, with genuine listings being misappropriated to obtain tenant applicants’ personal identification details.
The scam originally targeted overseas students but with the tight rental market, Western Australians desperate for accommodation are now being caught out, the WA Department of Commerce’s Consumer Protection advises.
The rental listings of the big WA real estate agencies are being targeted, with the rental property listings being illegally copied and uploaded onto free classified advertising websites.
Prospective tenants who enquire about the offering are asked to provide details for a personal identification check, after which their identities are stolen, Realmark has suggested.
Last year renters were advised of the online scam, suggesting some listings on sites such as Quokka and Gumtree were listed at significantly reduced asking rentals to generate enquiry from tenants seeking a bargain. The websites warn prospective tenants to use common sense and not get duped.  
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/gumtreewarn.jpg">
The push by agents is seen in part by tenants' advocacy groups as estate agents seeking to prop up their longstanding near monopoly against startup websites and d-i-y landlords.
Gumtree Perth has 1,700-plus rental listings.
Scammers often ask for money to be paid upfront for bond or rent only for the money to disappear.
<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/2012/07/quokkawarn.jpg">
Realmark managing director John Percudani has suggested this week that prospective renters best deal with licensed real estate agents.
“I think if they are not on a proper website like Realmark, or Realestate.com.au, or Reiwa or thewest.com.com, then they should be very wary,” he told The West real estate YouTube program.
SQM Research show Perth's residential vacancy rate at 0.6% in May.
The WA Department of Commerce’s Consumer Protection unit has confirmed an increase in enquiries from real estate agents seeking advice on combating the rental scams.
Consumer Protection recommends tenants deal with prospective landlords or licensed real estate agents in person whenever possible.
Prospective tenants should be especially wary where emails are solely via free webmail accounts such as Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo.
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Perth agents warn/scare tenants against do-it-yourself landlords regarding rental scams

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Kennebunkport, the longtime Western Australian beachfront retreat of the property developer Warren Anderson and his former wife, Cheryl, has been sold after being listed with revised $5.2 million-plus hopes.
The six-bedroom Eagle Bay home was put in the hands of receivers after the internecine collapse of the Anderson family trust, Owston Nominees No 2.
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/fund-manager-and-mortgage-lender-provident-capital-placed-in-receivership-following-court-order-to-protect-small-time-investors/2012070455428">troubled mortgage lender Provident Capital</a> – which went into receivership this week – had the first mortgage on the property dating back to 2004 refinancing. The finance was offered at a 17.5% interest rate.
Angas Securities took a second mortgage in 2008 along with Balanced Securities taking the third mortgage and Mortgage Funds Management taking the fourth mortgage on the 2,261-square-metre holding.
The house had $12 million initial hopes on its 2009 listing. The trust paid $420,000 in mid-1989 for the holding which had traded just seven months earlier at $350,000.
The Fern Road property with views of Eagle Bay had been listed by Peter De Chiera of Stocker Preston. No sale price has been revealed of the transaction, which preceded the recent court case, and orders, before Justices Jacobson and Rares.
Anderson <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/property-developer-warren-anderson-goes-quietly-this-time-departing-fernhill-after-three-decades/2011112452520">vacated Fernhill</a>, his historic mansion at Mulgoa in Sydney's outer west, under court order after being <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/property-developer-warren-anderson-goes-quietly-this-time-departing-fernhill-after-three-decades/2011112452520">declared bankrupt</a>.
Have you invested in Provident Capital debentures or do you have a Provident Capital mortgage? Send an <a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au">email to Property Observer</a> with any news or thoughts.
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Provident Capital secures mortgagee sale of Warren and Cheryl Anderson’s Western Australian beachfront retreat, Kennebunkport

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The small coastal Sydney suburb La Perouse has recorded its first house sale since mid-2010.
An architectural designed Endeavour Avenue house overlooking Frenchmans Bay sold for $1,595,000 last week. 
It was bought by the Channel Nine television sports identity Tim Gilbert and his wife, Josie who recently sold their Maroubra home for $1.16 million through Raylean Ellison of Ellison Zulian Property.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/laperouse.jpg">
Starting off with a $2 million-plus asking price, the property had been on the market by the Reid family for 460 days with two different agencies and two auction campaigns before selling last month through private treaty.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/laperouse2.jpg">
Its McGrath selling agent said it was hard to set a price due to the lack of comparable sales in the area.
The suburb notched up its first $1 million-plus sale in 2002. There have been six subsequent sales, with the highest price being $1.6 million in mid-2010, the suburb’s last house sale.
The Endeavour Avenue house previously sold in 1999 at $540,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/laperouse3.jpg">
The sale of the water-view contemporary four-bedroom home has been heralded as a sale that will start a significant demographic change in the next few years in the district, which has just 86 residential properties.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/laperouse4.jpg">
"As the older generation starts to sell up and move out, you'll see real change here. It will be really exclusive," selling agent Damon Anasta said.
"Like in Kangaroo Point (in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire), the change will happen almost overnight," he told the Southern Courier.
Within a stone’s throw of the developing infrastructure and amenities of neighbouring Little Bay, La Perouse is 14 kilometres from the CBD.
Randwick Council has recently upgraded the foreshore. The La Perouse tram line from the inner city closed in 1961 after about six decades in operation.
Anatsa door-knocked every house in Endeavour Avenue after he listed the recent offering but didn’t find any other home owners interested in selling.
“The most common response was: ‘You’ll carry me out in a box!’”
Presumably the reason no plans are yet mooted for McGrath to open its 49th office at La Perouse.
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Sportscaster Tim Gilbert puts La Perouse back on track after first house sale in two years fetches $1,595,000

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Tanderra, one of Sydney’s few remaining houseboats and which dates back to the 1920s, has been listed for August 4 sale.
It was one of 32 houseboats moored in Middle Harbour near The Spit at Pearl Bay during the 1930s depression, but now there’s just four.  
A Mosman heritage study said the houseboats were "rare examples of a now unconventional form of living still in use".
 Maureen Young's Pearl Bay houseboat, aka HB8, has been listed after securing a 40-year lease with Roads and Maritime Services.
<img src="/images/stories/mosman/mosman.jpg" alt="mosman" width="470">
There was recent controversy when the Mosman deputy mayor Simon Menzies suggested it should be "towed out to sea and sunk" given its was a visual eyesore.
“It is visual pollution in one of Sydney’s most picturesque bays,” he said.
Young told the Mosman Daily it was badly in need of a makeover but she had been unable to renovate until security of tenure was finalised.
Young paid about $150,000 in 1983 and then rebuilt the 65-tonne pontoon. Its listing agent Sandie Dunn says Young bought the houseboat from adman John Singleton who then went onto buy the much-publicised Spec houseboat.
Tanderra is an Aboriginal word for resting place.
When the war began in 1939, there were 15 houseboats remaining on Sydney Harbour and then immediately after, with a housing shortage and high rents, houseboat applications soared.
The biggest houseboat colonies were on the Parramatta River, near Gladesville Bridge and Meadowbank, and on the Hawkesbury River at Berowra Waters. Catalina flying boat hulls were often used.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/houseboat.jpg">
There are three houseboats at Pearl Bay, including Spec and Lodestar, and a houseboat moored at Clontarf. The last known houseboat sale was Spec, an Ian Kiernan-designed floating home, in 1996.
Its listing agent Sandie Dunn won't be drawn on price.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/07/houseboat2.jpg">
Dunne, of Dunne Mosman, says the value of the houseboat was not in its structure but in the length of its lease and existing use rights status.
 <img src="/images/stories/mosman/more_mosman.jpg" alt="more_mosman" width="470" height="313">
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The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

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