<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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Melbourne’s property market has unquestionably deteriorated over the past year, but The Block 2012 has triumphed as more than just a television ratings success.
<a 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" target="_blank">After the series went to air, Brad and Lara emerged as the winners.</a>
<li>Brad and Lara's terrace (reserve $1,114,000) sold for        $1,620,000
</li>
<li>Dan and Dani's terrace  (reserve $992,000) sold for            $1,440,000
</li>
<li>Mike and Andrew's terrace (reserve $966,000) sold for   $1,400,001.01
</li>
<li>Sophie and Dale's terrace (reserve $975,000) sold for      $1,330,000.
</li>
Being some $506,000 over the $1,114,000 reserve price, the Maitland couple took home the breathtaking $506,000 difference along with the game's $100,000 prize. With a pace-setting $1.62 million auction sale price, Brad and Lara's South Melbourne terrace kicked off the weekend's four auctions – and never looked liked getting beaten as The Block 2012's top seller.
Bettering the past four series – Bondi Beach, Manly, Vaucluse and Richmond – all four contestant couples won huge winnings – a collective $1.74 million – for their 10-week effort arising from Channel 9's ultra-cautious reserves given the prevailing Melbourne property market sentiment.
But with very keen bidding from numerous prospective buyers, plenty of investors left The Block without their desired Dorcas Street acquisition despite turning up at all four Saturday afternoon auctions.
The Block 2012 auction result spoilt the dire forecasts of property crash pundits, but only one of the four terraces actually sold at around its expenditure cost.
From behind the 405 terrace's green door, Karl Gillon from Buxton Albert Park, which sold Channel 9 the four terraces for $3.8 million in 2010 – noted when bidding neared $1.6 million that "we are still at below cost."
It was the breadth of buyers who wanted a South Melbourne address that underpinned the prices, as opposed to the slightly trickier Richmond location. The buyers, who included neighbours, were tempted in after low reserves were mooted – and offered. There was also an ambush marketing presence from EnergyWatch's new boss, entrepreneur Danny Wallis, best known as founder of the information technology service provider DWS Limited.
Based on disclosed sales of terraces in South Melbourne over the last two years, two-bedroom sales have averaged $1.13 million, three-bedroom terraces have averaged $1.3 million and one four-bedroom terrace sold for $1.8 million in April last year.
Brad and Lara's 405 Dorcas Street three bedroom terrace was the biggest offering of the four adjoining terraces at 158 square metres land. It was also the less adventurous fitout of the four.
The next best price was $1.44 million for Dan and Dani's at 407 Dorcas Street, which had a $992,000 reserve and meant the couple had a $448,000 take-home prize.
In third place, price wise, was 403 Dorcas Street, with Mike and Andy's offering fetching $1.4 million in the day's final auction. It had a $966,000 reserve, with the brothers taking $434,000 home in winnings.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/auction-order-the-block-2012-revealed-405-407-401-403-dorcas-street/2012062955354" target="_blank">The bookies' pre-auction favourite, Dale and Sophie</a>, finished fourth with a $1.33 million sale price, which was $355,000 over its $975,000 reserve.
On Saturday, after the auctions, but before the Sunday night finale went to air, Property Observer noted the South Melbourne auctions were held behind security-enforced closed doors this afternoon, and remain officially unreported. But with a spoiler alert for Blockheads, Property Observer gleaned all four terraces found buyers.
Only Hockingstuart revealed it sold its listing at an undisclosed price on the REIV Saturday results website, the sole agency to break ranks. And by Sunday morning sold stickers were on the auction boards for two of the terraces. Melbourne agents secured an overall 59% success rate at its reported weekend auctions.
Without any confirmation – and plenty of trepidation given confidentiality clauses required from all attendees – the whispers suggested all four Dorcas Street terraces sold surprisingly well - for in excess of the timid $1 million plus price expectations that understandably cautious agents gave in the early days of the marketing campaigns.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/energyblock.jpg" width="470">
It proved a remarkably successful lure in securing interested bidding parties, attracted also my the tax depreciation entitlements, who turned competitive during the auctions.
Based on the unconfirmed reports, the terrace prices averaged about $1.45 million.
At that, the prices are mildly reflective of current market values in the district, but a bit short of their overcapitalised works program that followed the initial pricey outlay that secured all four terrace at a $3.8 million cost.
The results will be a key market sentiment indicator, of significance far beyond its entertainment value, which is why Property Observer reports generally on the same-day results without going into the specifics of the reality television game outcome.
The overall prize winning couple is seemingly still a tightly kept secret, partly because it all depends on the reserve pricing, of which the dozens of auction attendees were typically uninformed. This series the auction reserves are even affected by price deductions arising from rewards from game results after challenges put to the contestests.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/block401auction.jpg" width="470">
All contestant couples pocket the difference above the reserve prices and the winners get an extra $100,000. There was no sign any of the property carnage that accompanied last year’s Richmond auction. The Block’s 2011 airing – which ramped up the series to a remarkable six nights a week footage – ended with a dose of reality at its auction finale as three of the four listings failed to find bidders under the hammer.
But at one Dorcas Street auction the usual silence of opening bidders was instead accompanied by simultaneous bids from four parties, one attendee told Property Observer.
“Very cosy auctions in packed lounges,” one buyers’ agent tweeted.
Footpath observers noticed there was a caravan of investors moving jovially, but increasingly frustrated, between the four consecutive auctions, which kicked off around 2.15pm and ran until about 5pm Saturday afternoon.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/danblock.jpg" width="470">
An underbidder on one property reputedly snapped up the next offering.
Even bidders who were at the Richmond auction were back in attendance for the Dorcas Street offerings.
Buyers arriving for the next auction typically became aware of the previous comparable sale price in hushed conversations and so Channel 9’s containment hopes failed to keep the results to within the four walls. Although The Sunday Age kept mum on its inside knowledge having been permitted to attend the first auction, Brad and Lara's auction, whose house is the biggest of the four.
Forbidden from revealing the results – and indeed whether the property even sold – The Age television reporter Michael Lallo wrote on the Fairfax Media website: “it will make for compelling viewing.”
He reported it was Karl Gillon – from Buxton Albert Park, which sold Channel 9 the four terraces – who opened proceedings with the 405 Dorcas Street auction – and reportedly set about knocking the neighbouring three properties.
"We have real living zones," he said, "not those shoebox front rooms they call a living room.”
The Block tweeted its website had technical difficulties last night possibly given the desire of the high ratings audience to prematurely know the outcome.
It is expected there will be two series in 2012 - one series will be filmed with semis in Bondi above the more beachy location where The Block began in 2003 – and there are rumours of a second series as an Allstars version including former contestants.
Channel Nine is expecting huge ratings for the finale, which aired from 6:30pm Sunday night.
Property Observer readers can download<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-lessons-from-the-block-and-other-property-reality-television-shows." target="_blank"> a free ebook on renovation and reality television</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Block 2012 auction result spoils the dire forecasts of property crash pundits

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With a pace-setting $1.62 million auction sale price, Brad and Lara's South Melbourne terrace kicked off the weekend's four auctions – and never looked liked getting beaten as The Block 2012's top seller.
Being some $506,000 over the $1,114,000 reserve price, the Maitland couple took home the breathtaking $506,000 difference along with the game's $100,000 prize.
<li>Brad and Lara's terrace (reserve $1,114,000) sold for $1,620,000
</li>
<li>Dan and Dani's terrace (reserve $992,000) sold for $1,440,000
</li>
<li>Mike and Andrew's terrace (reserve $966,000) sold for $1,400,001.01
</li>
<li>Sophie and Dale's terrace (reserve $975,000) sold for $1,330,000
</li>
Bettering the past four series – Bondi Beach, Manly, Vaucluse and Richmond – all four contestant couples won huge winnings – a collective $1.74 million – for their 10-week effort given Channel 9 gave ultra-cautious reserves given the prevailing Melbourne property market sentiment.
But with very keen bidding, almost auction fevour, among numerous prospective buyers, plenty of investors left The Block without their desired Dorcas Street acquisition despite turning up at all four Saturday afternoon auctions.
The Block 2012 auction result spoilt the dire forecasts of property crash pundits,  but only one of the four terraces actually sold at around its expenditure cost.
Based on disclosed sales over the past two years in South Melbourne, two-bedroom sales have averaged $1.13 million, three-bedroom terraces have averaged $1.3 million and one four-bedroom terrace sold for $1.8 million in April last year.
It was the breadth of buyers who wanted a South Melbourne address that underpinned the prices, as opposed to the slightly trickier Richmond location. The buyers, who included neighbours, were tempted in after low reserves were mooted – and offered. There was also an ambush marketing presence from EnergyWatch's new boss, entrepreneur Danny Wallis, best known as founder of the information technology service provider DWS Limited.
Brad and Lara's 405 Dorcas Street terrace was the biggest offering of the four adjoining terraces at 158 square metres land. It was also the less adventurous fitout of the four.
The next best price was $1.44 million for Dan and Dani's at 407 Dorcas Street, which had a $992,000 reserve and meant the couple had a $448,000 take-home prize.
In third place, price wise, was 403 Dorcas Street, with Mike and Andy's offering fetching $1.4 million in the day's final auction. It had a $966,000 reserve, with the brothers taking $434,000 home in winnings.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/auction-order-the-block-2012-revealed-405-407-401-403-dorcas-street/2012062955354" target="_blank">The bookies' pre-auction favourite, Dale and Sophie</a>, finished fourth with a $1.33 million sale price, which was $355,000 over its $975,000 reserve.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/block4052.jpg" width="470">
It was almost inexplicable, but some auctions appeared to have close to 10 or more registered prospective bidders at the onsite auctions. The speed of offers relegated those making online bids from estate agency offices well behind the auction onsite bid action.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/block401auction.jpg" width="470">
The buyers' agent Frank Valentic from Advantage Property, who secured the only Richmond under the hammer purchase last year, tweeted his clients had a red-hot go at both the 405 and 403 offerings.
But the bidding from others overtook them.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/danblock.jpg" width="470">
Before the properties went to auction Property Observer took a peek inside the South Melbourne terraces, looking at the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/inside-the-block-2012-%E2%80%93-the-bedrooms-and-bathrooms/2012062755316" target="_blank">bedrooms and bathrooms</a>, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/inside-the-block-2012-%E2%80%93-the-exteriors-and-top-floors/2012062755325" target="_blank">outdoor areas and top floors</a>, and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/inside-the-block-2012-%E2%80%93-the-kitchens-and-dining-rooms/2012062555265" target="_blank">kitchens and dining rooms.</a>
The four terraces were bought by the production company for $3.8 million last year, reflecting a $950,000 cost before stamp duty.
The report by BMT Tax Depreciation on 405 Dorcas gave the total cost of expenditure at $721,803, totalling $1.67 million after expenditure, excluding stamp duty.
Investors<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/the-block-2012-triggers-gold-mine-fever-return-to-south-melbourne-as-investors-seek-depreciation-windfalls/2012062055199" target="_blank"> could expect depreciation windfalls from the properties.</a>
The contestants made internal renovation decisions that showed <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/rootop-study-v-bar-four-bedrooms-v-three-dorcas-street-block-floorplans-indicate-the-auction-battlelines/2012060154945" target="_blank">each terrace had a different layout and style.</a>
From behind the terrace's green door, Karl Gillon from Buxton Albert Park, which sold Channel 9 the four terraces for $3.8 million in 2010 – noted when bidding neared $1.6 million that "we are still at below cost."
Property Observer readers<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-lessons-from-the-block-and-other-property-reality-television-shows." target="_blank"> can download a free eBook on renovation and reality television</a>.
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At $506,000 above reserve, Brad and Lara's $1.62 million South Melbourne sale secures The Block 2012 prize result

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The auction sequence has been set for the invitation only Saturday auctions at The Block 2012 on Dorcas Street, South Melbourne.
The running order is 405 Dorcas Street, then 407, 401, and lastly 403.
It puts Brad and Lara as first to be auctioned behind closed doors at 405 Dorcas Street at 2pm, ending up with the auction of the renovated terrace by Mike and Andrew.
The order ought not make much difference - unlike the unbridled corporate piggy-back marketing euphoria that fueled the auction crescendo of the first Bondi series.
It saw over the top bidding by owner occupiers, investors and corporate players like mobile phone retailer, Crazy John and John Fairfax's newspaper, The Sun Herald who were bidding in what was described as audacious marketing stunts that piggy-backed the successful debut of the television series.  Crazy John's bidding was done by a 2.1 metre tall Crazy John's mascot that lent an air of a circus to proceedings.
Investors and owner occupiers have proved to be timid buyers in subsequent series.
"Buyer competition will be the challenge," the Melbourne buyers' agent Frank Valentic says.
Sophie and Dale have firmed to the shortest price of any couple since this season’s market on The Block opened, into $2.10 from $3.10 with online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au. 
The price change has come on the back of a lot of interest in the couple over the last 24 hours.
Dani and Dan are the next best backed couple, but have drifted from $3.30 to $3.50.
Brad and Lara have also drifted from $3.50 to $4.00, while Andrew and Mike continue to be outsiders and have moved from $4.00 to $5.50.
sportsbet.com.au’s Shaun Anderson, seemingly with unconfirmed inside knowledge, says Sophie and Dale "have the lowest reserve and given that the market isn’t exactly booming, that is a massive advantage for them.”
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<div class="article-left-box">
<div width="160" height="600">
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Valentic says the auction reserves have been advised to the four listing agents who are "happy."
"I predict they will be $1.1 million or less," Valentic who bought the only under the hammer property sold at the Richmond Block finale.
Dale and Sophie in 401 Dorcas won the competition which will see them knocked $10,000 off their publicly undisclosed auction reserve price.
Dan and Dani in 407 Dorcas have $8000 knocked off their reserve.
Brad and Lara have $6000 off and Mike and Andrew have $4000.
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Auction order The Block 2012 revealed - 405, 407, 401, 403 Dorcas Street

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Borrowers can forget about an RBA cash rate cut on Tuesday, according to the latest Bloomberg survey of 28 economists.
All 28 expect the RBA to leave the cash rate on hold at its July 2 meeting at 3.5%.
A decided majority – 19 out of 28 – expect the RBA to reduce the cash rate at its August 7 meeting – including economists at all four of the major banks.
One economist – Stephen Koukoulas from policy group Market Economics and former advisor to the Gillard government – is forecasting a 50 basis point rate cut in August to bring the cash rate down to 3.5%.
The verdict on where the cash rate will be at the end of the year is quite mixed, but the majority (15 economists) expect just one rate cut in the second half of the year bringing the cash rate down to 3.25%.
Six are forecasting a 3% cash rate and three a 2.75% cash rate by year-end.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

August awaits as economists unanimous on no RBA cash rate cut at July meeting: Bloomberg survey

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Glenholme, the 1870s grand Victorian Ballarat residence, has been listed with a $2.5 million asking price, most likely a historic house record for the district.
It's been with the Cuthbert family since 1901.
It was first occupied by accountant John Cuthbert, the son of Henry Cuthbert, who’d arrived in Australia in 1854 and lived in Beaufort House.
Hidden behind a white paling fence within a meandering garden, the grand six-bedroom Victorian house is wrapped in wisteria.
There are three reception rooms comprising the salon with white marble fireplace and bay window, the sitting room, which features hand-made copper-plated book shelves and a black marble fireplace, and the stately dining room with open fireplace and gas heating.
Its kitchen has been updated.
Exotic trees, shrubs and old-fashioned flowers create a romantic National Trust-classified garden – which is possibly one of Victoria's finest intact examples of a late Victorian suburban garden, according to the garden historian Peter Watts, who said in 1980 that it was of national significance.
It's been listed through Tony Douglass and Tim Valpied of Hocking Stuart Ballarat.
The suburban villa was built for the merchant John Joseph Goller, a convenient distance from his warehouse in Lydiard Street North. The family had Gollers Wholesale Wine &amp; Spirit Merchants, which was established in 1855.
The radicalterrace website has reported Ballarat’s most expensive home sale is currently on Wendouree Parade, which fetched $2.23 million in 2010. Set back from the road and the banks of Lake Wendouree, the 1888 house had been altered moderately in the 1930s. With four-metre-high ceilings, detailed plaster and paint work, arched doorways and stone fireplaces, the 424-square-metre six bedroom house had been listed with $2.7 million plus hopes in 2009.
The $2.23 million purchase was bought from the Deam family by the Ballarat estate agent and farmer Stewart Gull, who played for South Melbourne and Melbourne in the 1970s, and his wife, Sue.
But Property Observer is aware of a $2.4 million in March this year of the Invermay mansion, Whistlers Run. It was a five-bedroom modern mansion, previously home to local businessman Gavin James.
The Robert Andary-designed house, just five minutes from Ballarat on Pyrenees Vista Close, came with a price tag of $3.5 million. Whistlers Run was marketed as a semi-rural retreat, with a 10-car garage, saltwater swimming pool, six bathrooms, three living areas and floor-to-ceiling windows with views to Ararat and Mt Langi Ghiran. Its tallowwood floorboards are reclaimed from the seats at the Melbourne Cricket Club Members Stand.
Property Observer is also aware of a higher sale on Lake Wendouree when $2,825,000 was paid in late 2007 for a house with 53 square metres of living space, an indoor pool and a tennis court on a large block.
<div>In its April 2012 property valuers Herron Todd White noted that “Ballarat property values soften as the distance from Lake Wendouree, [schools], shops or CBD increases”.</div>
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National garden treasure Glenholme, the 1870s grand Victorian Ballarat residence, listed with $2.5 million asking price

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It’s the tallest building in Australia, and the Q1 has recorded some of the steepest price falls over the past financial year.
Just one of the 28 recorded sales since July last year actually went up on its previous boom-time sale price.
The average price drop among the 27 price falls was 26% on its former boom-time sale.
The worst fall was 51% on the 57th floor, with a $970,000 mortgagee sale. It had fetched $2 million in 2006.
There were another seven sales reflecting declines of 40% or higher, three of which were on the upper floors with $1 million plus prices.
Just six of the sales were officially mortgagee sales.
The only apartment that went up was on the 23rd floor, and it was nothing special. It fetched $326,000 in January, having last sold at $321,000 in 2002.
The cheapest sale was $250,000 on the 12th floor, which was 21% less than its $318,000 off-the-plan sale price in 2002.
The priciest resale was $1.3 million on the 71st floor. It had sold at $2.32 million in 2003, reflecting an overall 41% drop, having also sold in the interim at $1.6 million in 2009.
There were also 28 apartment sales in the 2010-11 financial year with just one official mortgagee sale.
Q1 is ranked the world's third tallest residential tower after the 348-metre building The Marina Torch in Dubai won formal recognition as the tallest residential building in the world in April 2011.
Q1 is the tallest building in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere when measured to the top of its spire and second tallest building behind Eureka Tower in Melbourne when measured to roof and highest habitable floor.
The Sunland development group-built highest apartment is its 74th-floor penthouse with a sprawling size of 940 square metres. An Oatlands, NSW couple spent $4.8 million in 2010 on the Q1 Surfers Paradise penthouse. It previously sold off the plan for $7.8 million in 2002, reflecting a 38% decline.
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The taller they are, the harder they fall: Q1 prices falling steeply from boom-time Surfers Paradise highs

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Australia remains a highly transparent real estate market and thus appealing to offshore investors, but has fallen two spots in Jones Lang LaSalle's biennial 2012 Global Real Estate Transparency Index, with the US and UK ranking higher.
Australia ranked third out of 97 countries and is the top Asia-Pacific country, ahead of New Zealand (fifth) and Hong Kong (11th).
Australia has a 2012 transparency ranking of 1.36, with a perfect score being 1 and 5 indicating “total real estate opacity”
Other countries to rank in the “highly transparent” category in 2012 are Netherlands, New Zealand, Canada, France, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland.
In the 2010 survey Australia ranked number one (1.22) followed by Canada, the UK and New Zealand (tied with Sweden) with the US ranking sixth.
The World’s Most Transparent Countries, 2012
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/trans1.png">
According to Jones Lang LaSalle, rising levels of transparency are associated with an increase in foreign direct investment, with the index used by investors as a risk management tool "offering comparative information across multiple geographies".
The 2012 survey ranks countries on 83 different factors.
“The results show no deterioration in Australia’s transparency performance since the survey was last conducted two years ago. Our market is highly transparent and stable,” says Australasian head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle David Rees. 
“Changes to the methodology in the questionnaire this year has resulted in a shuffling of the ranking for the top three countries, but the gap in the scores amongst the top three remains paper thin.
“The survey has been extended and refined this year by adding in further questions.  It is worth noting that the Australian score actually remained unchanged between 2010 and 2012 based on a direct comparison between the questions asked in 2010 compared to 2012,” Rees says. 
In 2012 environmental sustainability emerged as an important transparency factor, with Australia ranking second behind the UK on this measure. The UK implemented the world’s first green building rating system.
The report notes that Australia “has been the test bed for new environmental laws, regulations and incentives”. 
The World’s Most Transparent Countries, 2010
<div align="center">
<table width="180" title="Click to view global data" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0">
<thead><tr>
<td>
2010 Rank
</td>
<td>
Market
</td>
<td>
2010 Score
</td>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
1
</td>
<td valign="top">
Australia
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.22
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
2
</td>
<td valign="top">
Canada
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.23
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
3
</td>
<td valign="top">
United Kingdom
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.24
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
4
</td>
<td valign="top">
New Zealand
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.25
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
4
</td>
<td valign="top">
Sweden
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.25
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
6
</td>
<td valign="top">
United States
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.25
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
7
</td>
<td valign="top">
Ireland
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.27
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
8
</td>
<td valign="top">
France
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.28
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
9
</td>
<td valign="top">
Netherlands
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.38
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
10
</td>
<td valign="top">
Germany
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.38
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
11
</td>
<td valign="top">
Belgium
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.46
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
12
</td>
<td valign="top">
Denmark
</td>
<td valign="top">
1.50
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
 
The latest survey finds that as real estate markets recover there has been a renewed impetus to being more transparent, with nearly 90% of markets having registered advances in real estate transparency during the past two years.
Transparency advances have been driven by improving quality of data on market fundamentals and performance measurement, combined with better governance of listed property vehicles.
Notably, the 2012 index highlights continued transparency deficiencies in many African, Middle Eastern and Latin American markets. Nations scoring the lowest on transparency, the so-called opaque markets, include Venezuela, Mongolia, Tunisia, Ghana, Iraq, Pakistan, Algeria, Belarus, Angola, Nigeria and Sudan. Many of these countries were assessed for the first time in this update of the index.
The full list of 2012 rankings can be found <a href="https://www.joneslanglasalle.com/GRETI/en-gb/Pages/Global-Transparency-Index-Rankings.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Australia ranked third most transparent real estate investment market but loses top ranking to US: Jones Lang LaSalle

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Melbourne auction clearance rates appear to be back in sync with changes in consumer sentiment, having diverged noticeably in the last six months of 2011.
From July to December last year Melbourne clearance rates dipped below 60% despite consumer confidence (as measured by the Westpac-Melbourne Institute) rising as the RBA cut rates in November and December
The divergence can be seen in the graph (below) included in the Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s (REIV) June 2012 property report.
This divergence suggests Melbourne buyers were less confident about the economy than the overall national mood and holding off purchasing at auction.
Since the start of the year, auction clearance rates (and Melbourne buyer sentiment) appear to be back in synch with consumer sentiment, rising modestly in tune with the Westpac-Melbourne index.
The gaps in the graph indicate the Easter selling period when sales spike and detract from the actual trend, explains Robert Larocca, spokesperson for the REIV.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/2012/06/reivjune29.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2012/06/reivjune29thumb.gif"></a>
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Melbourne auction clearance rate back in step with consumer confidence: REIV

Sydney's top 20 house sales in the 2011-12 financial year: Title Tattle

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The Australian Tax Office has released updated guides for property investors and real estate employees (estate agents and property managers) to help them complete their end of financial year tax returns.
The 2012 Rental Properties guide explains how to treat rental income and expenses, including how to treat more than 230 residential rental property items.
Among the things it will help landlords determine:
<ul>
<li>which rental income is assessable for tax purposes</li>
<li>which expenses are allowable deductions</li>
<li>which records they need to keep</li>
<li>what they need to know when they sell their rental property</li>
<li>what expenses are not deductable</li>
</ul>
It also includes information about capital gains and goods and services taxes, negative gearing, pay as you go (PAYG) instalments and the effects of the general value shifting regime.
The 2011-12 real estate employees guide (a series of links, not a download) provides a simple summary of ATO tax rulings covering allowances, reimbursements and work-related deductions.
It explains the claims estate agents and property managers can and cannot make by looking at the common expenses they might incur as a real estate employees. It also includes information about some changes to the tax laws that have occurred since the ruling was issued - for example, capital allowances and will real estate employees work out what claims they can make.
<a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/content/00313554.htm">The property investor guide can be downloaded here</a>
<a href="https://www.ato.gov.au/content/00313580.htm">The estate agents guide is accessed here (click on the table of contents link on right hand side of page). </a><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://law.ato.gov.au/atolaw/view.htm?Docid=TXR/TR986/NAT/ATO/00001">The full version of the ATO ruling on real estate industry employees can also be downloaded.</a>
</body></html>

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