<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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The 1970s Bayview home of the late American psychoanalyst and sailing enthusiast Victor Himmelwright has been listed for sale. It’s a Hollywood Hills-style home on sprawling hilltop bushland on Sydney’s northern beaches.
It was Himmelwright’s Australian summer pad since he split his time between the US and Australia. It’s not been touched since built, so it comes with the original shagpile carpets, wallpaper and colour scheme. The 14-bedroom, 13-bathroom Captain Hunter Road house comes with eight living rooms cross three levels.
It’s set on a 17,000-square-metre block with a pool and parking for 12 cars. Cunninghams Property agent James Haywood expects more than $3?million.
“It’s a classic playboy mansion, which would make the perfect set for a 1970s movie,” he says, adding it was also suit a medical facility, a holistic wellness centre, a rehabilitation clinic, educational institution or even the headquarters of a religious  group.
Himmelwright’s father was the famed pioneering engineer Abraham Lincoln Artman Himmelwright, with the house design modelled on his famous fireproof house concept in the US. His first and second names were given to him by his parents to honour the slain president, assassinated the year Himmelwright was born in 1865. In most of the works he authored he went by the name "ALA Himmelwright". Wikipedia noted as an expert on the danger of fire, he published one of the many books on fireproof construction including, <a href="https://userwww.sfsu.edu/~szwald/bibliography.htm" target="_blank">The San Francisco Earthquake and Fire : A Brief History of the Disaster ; A Presentation of Facts and Resulting Phenomena, With Special Reference to the Efficiency of Building Materials, Lessons of the Disaster.</a>
Himmelwright set out to test the merits of fireproof construction, adding to his thinking a philosophy of environmental engineering, sustainable building and permaculture by purchased 47 acres (19 hectares) outside New York, where he completed the construction of what he called a "Model Fireproof Farm House". It included a state-of-the-art wood-fired water system, which pumped spring water to a third-floor holding tank and a coal-fired furnace with radiators in each room for heat. With walls of granite, and floors and ceilings of poured concrete with steel reinforcement, and its roof lined with copper, Himmelwright estimated its lifespan at 400 to 500 years.
 
 
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Victor Himmelwright’s Hollywood Hills-style fireproof ’70s Bayview home listed: Title Tattle

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Hollywood film producer Robert Cohen and wife, Barbara have yet to sell their rural Balinese retreat, Villa Minangkabau for US$3 million.
Created by Irish designer Linda Garland, who has lived in Bali since the 1970s, the style is heavily influenced by the ancient royal residences of the Minang people of Sumatra.
Garland, who was nominated by The Architectural Digest as one of the most influential designers of the past century, produced a meandering three-section domain divided by a stream.
At the centre is a vast open house with 180-degree views and a huge bedroom overlooking the sea and Mount Agung.
There are two separate Minangkabau guest suites plus two Bali-modern villas with a total of six bedrooms and six bathrooms in the complex.
To ensure authenticity of the structures master builders were brought from Sumatra to oversee the project.
The Minangkabau buildings have soaring ceilings made of locally grown grass and the interiors are decorated with a beautiful collection of Indonesian masks and antiques.
The gardens are well established and lush, with privacy maintained by an unsigned dirt road entry.
Villa Minangkabau, <a href="https://www.elitehavenssales.com/component/option,com_hotproperty/task,view/id,394/Itemid,43/" target="_blank">which has been listed through Elite Havens</a>, in association with Knight Frank for about two year, is set on 24,790 square metres of the Pantai Jasi coast near Candi Dasa and looks out to Mount Rinjani on Lombok.
Cohen, who studied anthropology at Harvard, is best remembered as The Fast and the Furious director. The house featured in the August 2009 issue of Architectural Digest.
The couple <a href="https://kyerphotography.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=8203" target="_blank">married at the  property</a> in 2006.
 
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US film producer Robert Cohen still to sell Balinese villa for $3 million

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Sunshine Coast land values down 5% last year, with Dicky Beach beating out Battery Hill as worst performer

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A new Asian commercial property website has been launched and includes Australian commercial properties among its listings. 
The new property portal, CommercialAsia.com, has been launched by ASX-listed iProperty Group and is targeted at investors from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and China. 
Currently the site has more than 50,000 commercial and industrial properties listed for sale and lease, including 1,000 Australian commercial properties listed from agents including Knight Frank and Burgess Rawson. 
According to research by CBRE, offshore-based institutions and private investors accounted for 37% of Australia’s commercial sale transactions in 2011.
 “Australia’s steady economy and commercial property sector, particularly in those areas connected with the resources boom, offers Asian investors attractive yields and a ‘safe haven’ to preserve and grow their wealth,” says Corey Weekes, CommercialAsia.com’s national sales manager for Australia and New Zealand. 
“Region-wide cooling measures for property investment by Asian governments are also driving many Asian investors to explore offshore options like Australia,” he adds. 
John Bowie Wilson, city sales director with Knight Frank, says the number of offshore investors interested in the Australian commercial property sector is increasing on a daily basis.
 
“The Asian investor market is more active than I’ve ever seen it before,” he says. 
“As prices rise in Singapore and Hong Kong awaits a currency correction against the US dollar; investors are seeking ‘safe havens’ like Australia to provide them with secure compound growth investment options.” 
CommercialAsia.com draws on the iProperty Group’s existing network of property portals across Asia, which attracts 3.5 million unique visitors per month and has over 25,000 property agent customers. 
For more tips and tools for property investors, sign up for tomorrow’s Property Observer webinar: 10 Top Online Research Tools for the Property Investor
 
 
 
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New Asian real estate website adds Australian commercial properties to listings

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A four-townhouse complex at Robina – with an estimated $3 million worth and estimated $148,000 net annual return – is this year's RSL Art Union's annual Golden Treasure $10 lottery prize.
Ticket sales close on May 22, before the draw on May 30. The total number of tickets available for $10 each is 1.4 million.
"That will be a life-changing moment for someone,'' RSL Chief Executive Chris McHugh says.
"Some may choose to retire, living in the main residence while renting out the remaining three.
“You can rent out all of them and earn close to $150,000 per year, sell them each off individually or keep one or two for the extended family.
“It will set you up for life,'' McHugh says.
The main townhouse has four bedrooms each with en-suite, a study, two living areas, a gourmet kitchen, a pool and barbeque and a lift to reach all four levels.
The remaining buildings have three bedrooms plus a study, two bathrooms and another toilet. They all share a pool and barbecue.
The entire townhouse complex has an estimated $3 million value, plus $312,955 in furniture.
The RSL provides services for war veterans including housing, respite accommodation and a range of pension, advocacy and welfare services.
It paid $900,000 in early 2010 for the 2,300-square-metre holding.
Just along Andromeda Parade, it also bought a 2,300-square-metre vacant lot in early 2010 for $820,000, which will presumably be a future prize.
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RSL Art Union lottery prize turns Gold Coast Robina foursome townhouses into investor gold 

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The Australian building and construction industry has been plunged into deeper crisis with the construction arm of St Hilliers being placed into voluntary administration due to funding issues relating to the Ararat prison project.
An associated company, St Hilliers Ararat Pty Ltd, part of a consortium contracted to undertake the $350 million expansion of the Ararat Prison in central Victoria, has been placed in liquidation.
A statement on the St Hillers website says that Michael Hird of Moore Stephens Sydney Corporate Recovery Group has been appointed as voluntary administrator.
The construction arm has been placed in administration “due to exposure under guarantees for debts of St Hilliers Ararat Pty Ltd relating to the Ararat Prison project in Victoria”.
“Negotiations over several months between the Ararat Prison equity investors and its bankers in conjunction with the state of Victoria have failed to reach a definitive agreement for additional funding of approximately $150 million.
“The St Hilliers Group could not allow further debts to be incurred without adequate funding. As a consequence, the group determined that the only prudent course of action was to cease work on the Ararat project and place St Hilliers Construction Pty Ltd into voluntary administration.”
St Hilliers Group executive chairman Tim Casey described the decision to place the construction arm in administration as “very regrettable”.
“We have over a number of months explored and exhausted all possible avenues to recapitalise the construction business and find a solution to the significant cost and time overruns on the Ararat project.
“Unfortunately a solution was not possible under the current regime.
“We will now work actively and constructively with the administrator and all stakeholders to continue all viable projects and to find a way to restructure the construction business going forward.
“For the rest of the St Hilliers Group it remains business as usual,” Casey says.
<img src="/images/stories/sthilliers2.jpg">
The construction arm employs about 360 people, and the group has annual turnover of around $700 million with a head office in Sydney as well as offices in Melbourne, Canberra, and Brisbane.
Its collapse adds to the growing number of building companies that have collapsed recently.
<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/construction-and-engineering/048778-suburban-tradies-collapse-as-construction-and-building-industries-suffer-through-2012">According to a SmartCompany review of insolvency appointments in March</a>, more than 80 building and construction firms entered administration, liquidation or were hit by a winding-up notice over the previous month on the east coast alone.
High-profile collapses have included <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/kell-rigby-one-of-australia-s-oldest-most-respected-building-companies-set-for-voluntary-administration/2012020853012">century-old building firm Kell &amp; Rigby</a>, with creditors voting in April to liquidate the business. Other collapses include Royal &amp; Taricon Construction, Amorin Constructions, BQL Constructions, Bina Constructions, Simtom Constructions, Australian Property and Construction Pty Ltd.
<img src="/images/stories/araratprison.jpg">
The $400 m Ararat prison project (artist's impressions above and below) is a joint venture with New Zealand firm Hawkins and is being built to address a shortage of prison facilities in Victoria and was commissioned by the Brumby government in 2010.
<img src="/images/stories/araratprison2.jpg">
The project is about 18 months behind schedule, with unions claiming that subcontractors are owed more than $10 million. Last week the consortium told subcontractors there was no money to pay them.
Only 12 workers turned up to work on the project last week out of 250.
Earlier this month concerns were reported about St Hilliers being able to complete the prison project, with construction union Victorian secretary Bill Oliver writing to the company to express concerns about non-payment of suppliers and deterioration of health and safety on other St Hilliers sites.
The administration does not involve St Hilliers Property Pty Ltd, the entity responsible for the group’s activities in funds management, property development and asset management with independent custody arrangements in place.
According to a statement posted on the St Hilliers website, the administrators will be seeking to complete viable projects once they assess the position of each of the projects.
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St Hilliers construction arm placed in voluntary administration

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Who said I don’t read my mail!  I might be a bit tardy in my replies.  OK, outright ignorant at times, but <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/despite-the-building-boost-10-fewer-houses-built-across-queensland-and-how-premier-newman-can-start-the-uptick-michael-matusik/2012050854616">our post last week</a> got a high proportion of direct email replies questioning the impact of Form 27c on commissions and the market in general.  A few poor souls think that Form 27c has no bearing on valuation.
For those who don’t know, sales commissions are fixed in Queensland at 5% on the first $18,000 and then 2.5% thereafter, plus GST.  It is “illegal” to charge the seller commission above this amount.
Form 27c – as I understand it – is simply a disclosure by the selling agent to the buyer of all fees or favours that are incurred as the result of a sale.  It discloses actual commissions paid, marketing fees/costs paid, management overriders, referrals paid and to whom; and even introductions to other parties (i.e. finance brokers, solicitors, etc) that could assist the buyer –  even if it was a verbal or written reference with no fees paid.   Any party to a real estate sale transaction must be identified, and the remuneration or otherwise identified.
I know it is agony reading such legal-speak but bear with me!
All agents charge the statutory maximum or less as the commission for the transaction.  A number of agents charge their marketing costs on a per transaction basis.  Most sellers of suburban residential real estate are either charged an advertising cost before sale, or some agents are happy to carry this cost on the basis they are paid from sale proceeds.  This can be a higher amount than a pre-sale advertising cost due to the risk to the agent of no sale. However, it’s a great benefit to the seller because they don’t pay unless they “get a result”.
In a buyer’s market, sellers should be budgeting on about 2% of the end sale price for presenting and promoting their property.
In fact, today the normal budget for a sales campaign (including commission, advertising and marketing costs) of a residential property, should be 5% to 6% of the likely sale price.  The commission element is 2.6% on a $500,000 i.e. $13,000.  It’s not hard to spend another $15,000 on marketing and all other costs of sale.
In short, valuers are NOT considering the normal costs of sale.  Too many think (or the banks/mortgage insurers think on their behalf) a property should sell without marketing.
For local property observers, yesterday Place released research showing 450 new apartments (totalling something like $230 million of sales) were reported sold during the March quarter.  Putting aside when these sales were actually made, what Place’s work doesn’t outline is the typical cost per sale.
Most high selling new apartment projects are incurring advertising and marketing costs of between $25,000 and $30,000 per apartment.   True, the smarter in the pack have lower costs per sale.  But most don’t.  In some instances promotional fees exceed $50,000 per apartment.
And it is only going to get more competitive if Place’s research rings true, as there are now 48 major apartment projects across inner Brisbane with a total of 2,100 new apartments for sale.  Importantly, 36 of these projects are either under construction or completed.  These apartments will need to be sold.
In short, Form 27c is a joke because it is now being wrongly used to determine valuations.  Its application does not reflect the current market conditions or how real estate business is really done.
If I want to spend $1 or $1million to market my property, how does this relate to the property value?
Michael Matusik is the director of independent property advisory Matusik Property Insights. Michael is a 25-year veteran in the industry and his firm has helped over 550 new residential developments come to fruition.  Michael has launched a new initiative, called<a href="https://www.matusik.com.au/" target="_blank"> Think Matusik</a>.  Think Matusik brings together expert opinion and select property opportunities.
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Marketing costs don’t reflect a property’s value, and Queensland’s form 27c is a joke

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Actress Toni Collette and her musician husband, Dave Galafassi, have accepted an undisclosed offer for the sale of their Hollywood Los Angeles pied a terre.
The 1924 Los Angeles house <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/overseas/toni-collettes-property-fickleness-spreads-to-hollywood/2012040354155" target="_blank">was on the market with a $1,325,000 asking price</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/toniimpression2.jpg">
It cost the entertainment industry couple $1.33 million in late 2010.
The walled, gated Spanish-styled house sits on a 198-square metre block between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue.
It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with a detached pool house.
The LA property was is for sale through Steve Sanders at Coldwell Banker.
The sale pending advice on the Redfin website indicates the sellers have accepted an offer that is now pending or under contract.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/toni-collette-back-to-court-in-june-over-paddo-property-deal-as-she-settles-bronte-house-swap-title-tattle/2012042554424" target="_blank">Collette is yet to unravel her Paddington property situation.</a>
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Toni Collette comes close to settling one property episode in Hollywood, but Paddo still pending: Title Tattle

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Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson has rejected criticisms that the government’s spending cuts and taxation policies announced in the budget (and aimed at generating a surplus) are undermining the efforts of the RBA to stimulate spending and borrowing following the 0.5% rate cut announced on May 1.
Speaking to economists in Sydney today, Parkinson said the current directions of monetary and fiscal policy were not at cross purposes but simply reflected “a return to their normal roles following an extreme event.”
“The primary objective of fiscal policy, outside of extreme events like the GFC, is to maintain the budget in a sustainable position from a medium-term perspective, while monetary policy should play the primary role in managing demand to keep the economy stable,’’ Parkinson said.
“In an economy with unemployment forecast to be not far from reasonable estimates of its lowest sustainable rate, and commodity prices remaining near historical highs, it is appropriate that the budget return to surplus to remain consistent with the medium-term fiscal objective."
Last week, economists said returning the budget to surplus could dampen domestic growth.
Credit Suisse strategists Damien Boey and Atul Lele suggested fiscal and monetary policy were working against one another. “In principle, the budget could bring the economy to the brink of recession, but for the timely intervention of the RBA,’’ they said.
Releasing the federal budget last week, Wayne Swan said returning the budget to surplus would ensure the Reserve Bank “continues to have the flexibility for further interest rate cuts if it thinks that's necessary”.
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Government fiscal policies not undermining rate cuts: Treasury's Martin Parkinson

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Cotchford Farm, the East Sussex childhood home of Christopher Robin Milne and setting for the Winnie the Pooh stories, has been listed for sale through Savills UK. The author A A Milne lived there on and off from 1924 with his wife, Dorothy and son, Christopher Robin.
<img src="/images/stories/cr1.jpg">
It’s the first time in over four decades the 16th-century house has been offered for sale.
The house in the Ashdown Forest, Sussex, was the Milne family home for over three decades.
It was the inspiration for many of the poems and stories written by AA Milne featuring his young son and the most famous teddy bear in the world. Nearby are the "100 Aker Wood", "the six pine trees" and the Poohsticks Bridge. The bridge was rebuilt about 10 years ago to accommodate the Winnie the Pooh fans who flock to the district, and strip the surrounding trees and then watch their twigs float in races downstream.
<img src="/images/stories/cr2.jpg">
A statue of Christopher Robin as a child and a sundial carved with Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit and Owl – both commissioned by Dorothy Milne for her husband – still stand in the Hartfield garden she created .
<img src="/images/stories/cr3.jpg">
The six-bedroom house sits on nine acres.
<img src="/images/stories/cr4.jpg">
In 1968 Brian Jones, the founding member of The Rolling Stones, bought Cotchford Farm for £35,000, dying a year later at the age of 27. In the 1960s and 1970s all the Rolling Stones acquired country mansions with Mick Jagger buying Elizabethan Stargroves in East End, Newbury, Berkshire, which had been owned by Oliver Cromwell. Charlie Watts bought Peckhams, a property in West Sussex from Lord Shawcross; Bill Wyman acquired a property in Suffolk; and Keith Richards bought Redlands in West Wittering, West Sussex.
<img src="/images/stories/cr5.jpg">
Cotchford Farm last sold in 1970 when bought by Alastair Johns, a property developer, and his wife, Harriet.
Savills is stating a guide price of £2 million for the freehold.
Its original section dates back to about 1580 but the next four centuries brought with them numerous modifications.
Robert Jacobs of <a target="_blank" href="https://residentialsearch.savills.co.uk/property-detail/291154/list">Savills Tunbridge Wells</a> office is handling the sale.
“This is the most idyllic house in an exquisite setting and captivates everyone who sees it," he says.
"It is easy to understand why Christopher Robin Milne says in his autobiography The Enchanted Places: ‘Cotchford was different... Cotchford was ours and on an autumn morning in 1925 we ... drove down to take possession. No, I have got it wrong. It was Cotchford that took possession of us’."
 
 
 
 
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