<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 Block 2012’s first night in situ at Dorcas Street South Melbourne averaged a strong 1.43 million audience.
It was a nice fillip for the blockbuster reality series, whose ratings had trailed off a bit during its initial opening week when the contestants were chosen.
<img src="/images/stories/1point405m.gif">
The average audience of opening night of Channel 9’s reality property series – Monday, April 16.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/1point308m.gif">
The average audience for Tuesday night, April 17.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/1point133m.gif">
The average audience for Wednesday night, April 18.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/1point099m.gif">
The average audience for Thursday night, April 19.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/1point012.gif">
The average audience for Friday night, April 20.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/1point43m.gif">
The average audience for last night, Monday, April 23
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Block audience numbers pick up as contestants move into South Melbourne 

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LJ Hooker has appointed a new chief executive officer. Georg Chmiel will take over from L. Janusz Hooker, who will take up the role of the group’s deputy chair.
Chmiel was the chief financial officer and general international manager at REA Group Ltd for almost six years before he resigned in 2010 to become chief operating officer at LJ Hooker.
Janusz Hooker, the grandson of the company's founder Leslie Hooker, acquired the business in an $82 million deal in 2009.
“It gives me great pleasure to appoint L. Janusz Hooker to the role of deputy chair of LJ Hooker in recognition of his role in leading the business and setting the foundation of future growth. He will continue to play a vital role in the future success of the LJ Hooker business,” says LJ Hooker chairman Greg Paramor.
“Georg has been a key member of the LJ Hooker executive team for more than two years.
“Together with myself and Janusz, Georg will oversee the next phase of growth for the company.”
Paramor says LJ Hooker’s top sales performers outperformed the market by 14% over the past year.
“We have added 36 new offices and 500 new sales people to our business in 2011, bringing the LJ Hooker network to a total of 690 offices,” says Paramor.
 
 
 
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

LJ Hooker appoints Georg Chmiel as new CEO

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Kia Pajouhesh, the Melbourne dentist who established Smile Solutions, has bought the 39th whole-floor Royal Domain Tower sub-penthouse. With 557 square metres space its been sold by Joanne Cookes, the wife of former Venture Stores Group owner Colin Cookes.
More than $8 million is the reputed selling price of the St Kilda Road apartment through Kay &amp; Burton agent Andrew Baines. It has views across the Shrine, city, Botanic Gardens and the bay.
It comes with three bedrooms and a study plus a separate self-contained, one-bedroom apartment along with parking for eight cars. It was reportedly listed at $15 million last October, when it became the first sub-penthouse to come up for four years.
It was bought by the Cookes family in 2007 from Ross and Jennifer Palazzesi for $5.35 million. The Cookes had sold their Toorak mansion to Solomon Lew's daughter, Jacqueline, for about $8.6 million.
The Cookes family had an involvement in the retailing industry for more than nine decades. The 42-level apartment block is substantially higher than most other residential projects on St Kilda Road, which are restricted to about 15 levels.
 
 
 
 
 
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Smiles as dentist secures Royal Domain Tower whole-floor sub-penthouse

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A 20-hectare farm in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges has been listed with hopes of more than $1.6 million.
Tivoli Farm, on the banks of Menzies Creek at Clematis, comes with a 1910-built homestead set amid English gardens and laurel hedged paddocks, suitable for horses or cattle.
The farm was once a gooseberry farm owned by the Australasian Jam Company (AJC) and originally belonged to one of the earliest selections in the district.
Former St Kilda publican Michael O’Connor established the farm when moved there in 1900 – the same year the region’s famous steam train, Puffing Billy, opened. He planted an orchard and raised cattle until his death in 1915, when the farm was sold to AJC.
The produce of the berry and laurel bushes were transported to Melbourne via Puffing Billy.
The train ran until a landslide forced its closure in 1953. It has since reopened as a weekend tourist attraction.
AJC have since been incorporated into IXL Jam.
The current owners, Tanina and Logan Connolly, have been unable to further investigate the history of their property after shire records were destroyed in the Sherbrooke and Ferntree Gully bushfires in the early 1900s.
“We're not sure when they stopped growing berries on the farm; we think they went well into the 1920s or '30s. The berries are gone, but all the hedges are still here," Tanina told the Weekly Times.
"We just fell in love with the building – it has the most magnificent return veranda – and it's a beautiful place to live."
The garden has 100 year-old trees including Irish strawberry trees, tulip trees, Cunningham pine, copper beech, chestnuts, black woods, maples and elms including a weeping elm.
The four-bedroom homestead has been renovated since the Connollys bought the property 28 years ago. They’ve retained the original period detail while installing a new kitchen and bathrooms. It comes with a granite benched kitchen, conservatory, a formal lounge, five open fireplaces and a banquet hall with French doors leading onto a large veranda.
The house is surrounded by numerous outhouses, which were once used as packing sheds. The agents are marketing these as potential offices or granny flats.
The couple planted 600 hazelnut trees with the intention of growing truffles, but instead focused on their gift card and information technology consulting business.
The land consists of pasture country with rich red mountain soils.
The property is being marketed as a possible base for a country retreat or a bed and breakfast.
Matt Childs from Pat Rice and Hawkins Melbourne has the listing, which goes to auction on May 12.
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Tivoli Farm in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges listed with price hopes of $1.6 million plus

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Shane Warne has taken to Twitter to deny the Fairfax Media report that he and fiancée Liz Hurley had spent $1.6 million on a Healesville property.
Shane Warne? (@warne888) tweeted on Sunday: “So... @ElizabethHurley and I have apparently bought a property in Melbourne's Yarra Valley WOW, wonder what it looks like Sadly not true.”
He tweeted another denial today to the MMM Hot Breakfast team, with Mick Malloy and Eddie McGuire suggesting estate agents were using Warne to bump up prices.
<img src="/images/stories/warnetweets.jpg">
It was suggested in the now-denied Saturday story that the property, described as a private winery and farm, would be their wedding venue.
It follows the visit by the celebrity couple and their children to the Healesville Sanctuary in a much-publicised day trip last October.
Fairfax Media reported that a veteran Healesville agent “would only confirm that the couple had bought in the Yarra Valley”.
 
 
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Shane Warne denies buying Healesville property

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The 1950 and 1960s fashion model Margot McKendry and her American plastic-surgeon husband, Michael Hogan, who typically have split their time between Santa Barbara, California and New York's Upper East Side, have listed their occasional Sydney base.
It’s a three-bedroom Darling Point apartment listed for May 8 auction through Brad Caldwell-Eyles of 1st City Hasesmer+Caldwell Eyles with $3 million-plus hopes. The whole-floor 225-square-metre unit is on the fourth floor of Torrington, the tightly held 1986 Mirvac-built Darling Point Road block of nine apartments, where the last recorded sale was in 2004.
It has north-westerly views across Elizabeth Bay towards the city and Harbour Bridge. It cost $900,000 when bought in 1986.
<img src="/images/stories/margotmckendry.jpg">
During the 1950s and 1960s, McKendry modelled and even did a few film tests when she worked overseas, with works including a session with <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://h-rust.livejournal.com/267818">Cary Grant photographed by Bob Willoughby</a> (pictured above). Her portrait in a Tommy Harrison hat <a href="https://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=150264&amp;search=Fashion+models&amp;images=&amp;c=&amp;s=1">taken by Helmut Newton on a Flinders Lane, Melbourne</a> rooftop in 1954 (pictured below) is held at the Powerhouse Museum.
<img src="/images/stories/margotmckendry2.jpg">
In 1960, after being discovered internationally following an Australian Women’s Weekly cover, McKendry was earning £27 an hour while modelling in New York.
Hogan, who often visited Tasmania to fish, periodically hit the headlines himself, given his clients included Jackie Onassis and Kerry Packer.
 
 
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Sixties fashion model Margot McKendry lists Darling Point apartment: Title Tattle

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<img src="/images/stories/porteous2.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Having<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/rose-porteouss-toorak-home-passed-in-at-weekend-auction-title-tattle/2012040154110" target="_blank"> placed a $4.5 million vendor bid at its March auction, Rose Porteous</a> has now secured about $5 million in post-auction negotiations on her redundant Toorak abode. The Perth socialite bought the Irving Road house (pictured above and below) for $4.75 million in 2007. The Georgian-style residence comes with a double-height entrance hall. It was listed with Phillip French and Jeremy Fox at RT Edgar. The three-bedroom, four-bathroom house comes with lift access. The sale draws the curtain on Porteous's plentiful Toorak property plays, which have filled the city's society columns for much of the past decade.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/march9rose]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
The five-time winning skipper of Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner Wild Oats XI, Mark Richards, and wife Gaenor Meakes have listed their Mosman semi-detached house (pictured below), with plans to build a larger house for the family. Richards told the Mosman Daily that with four children, it’s time to upsize. It’s been the home of the managing director of Palm Beach Motor Yachts since he paid $750,000 in 2003. The three-bedroom, two- bathroom 1910 house is set for May 5 auction through Stewart Gordon of Belle Property Neutral Bay. More than $1.3 million is tipped for the Rangers Road two-storey Federation semi, which was fully renovated in 2005. The Richards were briefly looking for $1.5 million late last year.
<img src="/images/stories/rangers.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">It’s like motherm like daughter when it comes to Chippendale warehouses. No sooner had Judith Neilson, the founder of the White Rabbit Collection, one of the world's most significant collections of Chinese contemporary art, splashed out $7,975,000 (including GST) on what will be her residential warehouse, but daughter Beau, a curatorial assistant at the gallery, has gone and bought herself a nearby warehouse. The 310-square-metre space cost $3.1 million. The White Rabbit Gallery, a converted former knitting factory on Balfour Street, which has four floors of exhibition space as well as a theatrette, a library and a teahouse, cost $4.6 million in 2007.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">The Darling Point home of the late Roddy Meagher, who was perhaps the most loquacious of latter-day judges, has been sold. It went to auction with price hopes of $3 million plus, having been his home for 40 years. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/darling-point-terrace-of-the-late-forthright-judge-roddy-meagher-on-the-market-title-tattle/2012021353348">The three-level Darling Point Road terrace</a>, which sits on a 322-square-metre block, sold through LJ Hooker Double Bay agents Alain Waitsman and Emma Barbour. Roderick Pitt "Roddy" Meagher, AO QC, died aged 79 last July.

<img src="/images/stories/pbutler.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Peter Butler, the former managing partner at Freehills and one of the nation’s top litigators, and his wife, Jillian, have secured $7.9 million for their Mosman waterfront on Sydney’s lower north shore. Kallaroo (pictured above), the contemporary four-bedroom house towers above the harbourside pool with pavilion, which predated more restrictive planning regulations. There is also a deep-water jetty and a pontoon. There’s lift access to each level from the four cars garage. McGrath agents Michael Coombs and Scott Thornton had been hoping for $9 million plus since last November. It cost $6.4 million in 2003.
<img src="/images/stories/minkarard.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">The former Val Morgan chief executive Terry Savage, chairman of the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, and his wife, Cheryl Wannell, the general manager of the secretariat of the Screen Advertising World Association, have sold their Bayview estate for $3 million. It had been listed through LJ Hooker agents Ryan Petrie and Gordon Spring with $4.6 million expectations in May 2010. Set on a 4,125-square-metre block, the residence has a tennis court, heated pool, spa and children's playground. The property on Minkara Road had been their Sydney base since 1999, when it cost $2.25 million. They intend to maintain a smaller property near the waterfront on the Pittwater peninsula, which cost $3.35 million in 2010.
<img src="/images/stories/bawley.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Canberra restaurateur Paulie Higgisson has listed her contemporary NSW south coast retreat. Higgisson, who owns Tilley’s Devine Cafe Gallery in Lyneham, has the Bawley Point, had the house designed by architect Alan Greene. The four-bedroom house set about two hours’ drive from Canberra, has easy beach access, being at the edge of Batemans Marine Park. Daily visits from whales and dolphins to your front yard has been the sales pitch by Damian and Bill Lyristakis of Berkely Residential. With offers due by April 27, the price guide is about $1.5 million. She tried to sell it through Sydney agents in 2010 with $1.68 million hopes. Higgisson recently sold her nearby 778-square-metre Harrington Crescent vacant oceanfront block. It had been listed at $849,000.
<img src="/images/stories/stirling.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Dubbed as one of Orange pick rural properties, the Hattersley family’s Stirling and Bellview Farm offering (pictured above) was passed in at its mid-week auction at $3.7 million through rural property agency Meares and Associates. Agent Sam Triggs said there were 40 enquires and a large number of inspections. The homestead was constructed in 1991, with 700 square metres under roof, to a design by local architect, John Blackwood. The farm has an established 58 ha vineyard, most planted between 1997 and 1999, at an average density of 1,854 vines per ha, which produces for the Hattersley’s Belgravia wine label. 
 

<img width="470" src="/images/stories/albanyrd.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">And Title Tattle likes to tell readers of sales as soon as they happen, if not before, so the word is that Little Milton (pictured above), the Toorak house of late Corona group executive John Batkin, has apparently been sold by his widow, Monika, almost a year after hitting the market last May. The heritage-listed 1926, five-bedroom Albany Road house sits on the corner of Whernside Avenue, with a tennis court atop a 12-car underground garage on its 2,476-square-metre block. It is English Arts and Crafts style by architect Muriel Stott in landscaping by Edna Walling. RT Edgar's Jeremy Fox was marketing Little Milton with some $13 million price expectations reported at the time. But it’s seemingly been sold by Michael Gibson of Kay and Burton for certainly more than $10 million. Perhaps even more than $11 million is the guess of buyers’ agent Mal James who's noticed that while price at the top end might be iffy, buyer interest isn't.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">There's also been a reputed $12 million-plus sale of one of the many homes listed on Kooyongkoot Road, Hawthorn. It was an off-market private sale, so only Marshall White agent Marcus Chiminello knows anything about the sale by Craig Parsell, who was Hong Kong based when he bought it in 2002 for $3.45 million. It's got a tennis court on its 2,788-square-metre offering.
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Rose Porteous draws the curtains on Deco Toorak property excitation: Title Tattle

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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/sydney-re-embraces-its-passion-for-the-block-as-south-melbourne-swan-song-series-kicks-off-with-bigger-numbers/2012041754309"><img src="/images/stories/1point4m.gif"></a>
 
The <a target="_self" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/sydney-re-embraces-its-passion-for-the-block-as-south-melbourne-swan-song-series-kicks-off-with-bigger-numbers/2012041754309">average number of viewers who watched the premiere of The Block 2012</a>. This is up from last year's 1,342,000 who watched the first show of The Block 2011.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/eiger-chalet-at-perisher-set-for-auction-after-51-years-ownership/2012041354253"><img src="/images/stories/51.gif"></a>
The number of years the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/eiger-chalet-at-perisher-set-for-auction-after-51-years-ownership/2012041354253">Eiger Chalet at Perisher in the NSW ski fields </a>has been owned by its original owners, who have now put the property up for sale.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/final-piece-of-brian-rays-port-douglas-bale-dream-sells-for-%24750000/2012041654286"><img src="/images/stories/750k.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/final-piece-of-brian-rays-port-douglas-bale-dream-sells-for-%24750000/2012041654286">price paid for the last piece of land due to be developed by the late Gold Coast property developer Brian Ray</a>, which sold under the hammer this week. 
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/6point32percent.gif">
The standard variable mortgage rate being offered by Collins Home Loans. This is currently the cheapest standard variable mortgage rate being offered by banks or non-bank lenders in Australia.
 
<hr>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/harry-triguboffs-six-steps-to-apartment-affordability-%E2%80%93-starting-with-more-high-rise/2012041754326" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/12.gif"></a>
The minimum number of stories a new development in inner Melbourne or Sydney should have, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/harry-triguboffs-six-steps-to-apartment-affordability-%E2%80%93-starting-with-more-high-rise/2012041754326" target="_blank">according to Meriton boss Harry Triguboff</a>. "In inner-city areas we need to recognise that five-to six-storey apartments are uneconomical," Triguboff says.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/actor-ryan-toadie-moloney-says-goodbye-to-malvern-east-neighbours-as-home-sells-title-tattle/2012041754329"><img src="/images/stories/1point2m.gif"></a>
The <a target="_parent" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/actor-ryan-toadie-moloney-says-goodbye-to-malvern-east-neighbours-as-home-sells-title-tattle/2012041754329">price hopes Ryan "Toadie" Moloney had for his Malvern East home</a>, which sold this week. The sale price has not been disclosed.
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/melbournes-second-tallest-tower-residential-receives-approval-for-southbank-queensbridge-hotel-site/2012041854346" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/276m.gif"></a>
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/melbournes-second-tallest-tower-residential-receives-approval-for-southbank-queensbridge-hotel-site/2012041854346" target="_blank">height of a new skyscraper planned for the Queensbridge Hotel site in Southbank</a>. When complete, the tower will be the second-tallest residential building in Melbourne.
 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

The 7 must-know numbers of the week, starting with The Block ratings

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Wagga Wagga’s status as a property hotspot may come under threat in 2012 with the current oversupply of rental properties expected to persist despite an increase in demand for temporary accommodation due to the March floods. 
Located 450 kilometres from both Sydney and Melbourne, Wagga Wagga is NSW’s largest inland city, with a population of 63,500 people. 
About 250 properties were flooded when the Murrumbidgee River burst its banks in early March this year. 
Research carried out by PRDnationwide has found there are currently 230 houses and 100 units available for rent in the city. 
The property group expects that some of these properties will be rented by residents whose houses have been flooded. 
However, the long-term forecast is for rental vacancies to rise due to the completion of nearby Sturt and Hume highway upgrade projects, during which workers have vacated their rental properties in Wagga Wagga. 
In addition, the expansion of Charles Sturt University in North Wagga, due for completion next year, will add about 160 bedrooms, further adding to the supply of properties in the region. 
In 2011 there was a 10% drop in housing transactions in 2011, with 463 properties sold, according to PRDnationwide. 
Over this time the median house price declined by 3.4% to $259,000 while units were more resilient, recording a 0.9% decline to $217,000. 
Despite the drop in house prices, vendors selling detached houses in 2011 still recorded solid capital gains of around 5.9%. 
The most sought-after locations were suburbs closest to the city, with the Wagga Wagga town centre accounting for nearly half of all sales, followed by nearby Kooringal, Glenfield Park and Lake Albert. 
A smaller number of sales was recorded in newer suburbs like Springvale and Tatton.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/prdapril16.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/prdapril16thumb.gif"></a>
House prices between $250,000 and $299,000 accounted for nearly one in four sales while there was also strong appetite for properties prices up to $450,000. 
There are currently 207 properties for sale in this price bracket according to realestate.com.au including <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-wagga+wagga-109518801">this original three-bedroom Federation cottage</a> (pictured below) on the market for $295,000 complete with pressed ceilings and an outdoor toilet.
It last sold for $132,500 in 1996.
It is being sold by Grant Harris of Raine &amp; Horne Wagga Wagga.
<img src="/images/stories/wagga1.jpg" width="470">
A more modern offering aimed at investors is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-glenfield+park-109045836">this three-bedroom house in Glenfield Park</a> (below) available through Mark Steel from PRDnationwide Wagga Wagga. It is on the market for $269,500 with rental potential of $300 per week, a yield of around 5.8%.
<img src="/images/stories/wagga2.jpg" width="470">
Wagga Wagga was picked as a hotspot in the top 100 suburbs list by Your Investment Property magazine in 2011, with the publication noting that house prices had risen by 9% every year for the past 10 years. 
According to Hotspotting.com.au director Terry Ryder, the appeal of Wagga Wagga includes its standing as a regional centre for a very wide area, its status as an educational hub and as a good place to retire to due having a number of very good medical facilities. 
“It has got a multi-faceted economy, and some of the big impetus comes from the RAAF base – there is an army base outside of Wagga Wagga that is expanding. 
“These expansions will generate economic activity, jobs, demand for housing,” he says. 
Wagga Wagga is one of seven cities that form part Evocities, a project funded by the Australian government aimed at encouraging more people to relocate from Sydney and other metro regions to one of seven regional cities. The others are Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Tamworth and take advantage of the NSW government’s $7,000 regional relocation grant. 
Evocities lists Wagga Wagga employment prospects as being “medical and allied health, aviation, education &amp; training, engineering, construction, retail, property and business services, public sector and hospitality”. 
It says there are 20 primary schools and eight secondary schools in Wagga Wagga as well as the a number tertiary education facilities including the aforementioned Charles Sturt University, the University of NSW Rural Clinical School, the University of Notre Dame Rural Clinical School, TAFE NSW and Australian Airline Pilot Academy. 
Wagga Wagga is a one-hour flight from Sydney, with 58 flights per week.
 
 
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Wagga Wagga rental market still oversupplied despite flooding of 250 homes: PRDnationwide

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Laing+Simmons, the 47-office NSW-based franchise group, has been acquired by Canberra’s largest real estate company, Independent Property Group. No sale price has been given.
Independent Property Group chief executive John Runko hopes it’s a good cultural fit, which would help bolster his company's geographic reach, especially when it comes to services such as strata management, project marketing and commercial real estate.
Leanne Pilkington, the general manager at Laing+Simmons having been with the group since 1995, says the deal originally started as a discussion around sharing resources.
Laing+Simmons, which will retain its name and presumably all its self-owned franchisees within the expanded network, has been working with Independent Property Group for nearly 10 years. IPG says it has about 40% of the real estate business in Canberra.
Laing+Simmons was established in 1967 by Doug Laing and Spencer Simmons, and purchased by its current owners Robert Farrell and Tony Anderson in 1997. Previous owners included corporate entreprenuer Lee Ming Tee's HDFI group whose acquistion of a 76% stake in 1986 was billed as the first real link between a real estate group and a major financial services organisation in Australia.
The HDFI purchase included the freehold of its headquarters building in Ward Avenue, Kings Cross.
 
 
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