<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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With Sydney almost back in love with property, The Block, Channel 9’s reality property series, returned to the airways last night with a stronger following than last year’s Melbourne series.
The first-night ratings – with the four derelict terraces in South Melbourne barely sighted – attracted an average 1.4 million viewers, bettering last year’s 1,342,000 debut viewers of the Richmond renovation.
<img src="/images/stories/blocksouthmelb2.jpg">
Ten’s juggernaut MasterChef doesn’t start for another two weeks, so The Block began without serious opposition. The competition came internally with eight couples desperate to move in – and in the first week being paired off and pitted against each other in a 24-hour, do-or-die room fit-out challenge at a quaint red-painted Melbourne residence.
It was not however the four unrenovated terraces which the production company <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/the-block-sticks-with-made-in-melbourne-formula/2011071150759">spent some some $3.8 million in Dorcas Street</a>, South Melbourne last year.
The next series of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/its-back-to-bondi-for-the-block-home-renovation-realty-series-after-they-sell-south-melbourne/2012033054098">The Block </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/renovating/its-back-to-bondi-for-the-block-home-renovation-realty-series-after-they-sell-south-melbourne/2012033054098">seems set to return home to Sydney</a>, as the production company has recently bought four single-level semis at Bondi, close to the southern end of the coastal strip.
The hush-hush purchase, which echoes its previous property acquisitions of four adjacent properties, has possibly cost $4.4 million or more. Each of the three-bedroom semis (pictured below) sits on a 260-square-metre holding.
<img src="/images/stories/theblockproperties.jpg">
The 2012 opening night of The Block recorded a peak of 1.9 million viewers within the hour, compared with 1,723,000 viewers in last year’s opening hour.
It was the night’s second most watched program – behind The Voice talent show, with 2.5 million.
Last year the keener watchers were in Melbourne, with 523,000 viewers compared with Sydney’s 365,000 viewers. Last night there was less of a gap, with Melbourne on 508, 000 and Sydney at 404,000. The 1.4 million mix was made up by 259,000 Brisbane viewers, 116,000 in Adelaide and 118,000 in Perth.
The first season of The Block was filmed in Bondi in 2003, with 2.2 million watching weekly – and the auction finale episode attracted 3.1 million viewers, which was the second-most watched event of 2003.
Its 2003 first series coincided with the peak of the property boom along the east coast Sydney property market.
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Sydney re-embraces its passion for The Block as (South) Melbourne swan song series kicks off with bigger numbers

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The Stoke-on-Kent, <a href="https://www.reedsrains.co.uk/properties-for-sale/house-for-sale-well-street-stoke-on-trent-st1-sale-id-200453258">West Midlands terrace house</a> where Titanic captain Edward John Smith was born is up for sale. The skipper of the ill-fated liner grew up in the two-bedroom Victorian terrace in Hanley in Staffordshire, which is now on the market for £79,500. His pottery worker parents are believed to have lived in the house for more than a decade and after he left school he worked at the Etruria Forge before heading off to sea aged 13, where he progressed from ship's boy to captain.
Property investors Neil and Louise Bonner secured the house for £35,000 as an investment in 2002 and rented it out. But now in the 100th anniversary of the Titanic tragedy, they have put on the market through Reeds Rains in Hanley. Its listings of-two bedroom terraces range in price <a href="https://www.reedsrains.co.uk/properties-for-sale/house-for-sale-north-road-cobridge-stoke-on-trent-st6-sale-id-200455391">from a North Road house for £29,500</a> to a <a href="https://www.reedsrains.co.uk/properties-for-sale/house-for-sale-leek-new-road-sneyd-green-stoke-on-trent-st1-sale-id-200406656">Leek New Road house</a> <a href="https://www.reedsrains.co.uk/properties-for-sale/house-for-sale-leek-new-road-sneyd-green-stoke-on-trent-st1-sale-id-200406656">for</a> <a href="https://www.reedsrains.co.uk/properties-for-sale/house-for-sale-leek-new-road-sneyd-green-stoke-on-trent-st1-sale-id-200406656">£90,000.</a>
<img src="/images/stories/stokeontent.jpg">
Stoke-on-Trent is considered to be the home of the pottery industry in England and is commonly known as The Potteries. A pottery craft plaque was unveiled at the house on Well Street on the weekend funded by the Burslem-based Titanic Brewery, which notes the captain's birthday of January 27, 1850 and the date of the doomed liner's sinking – April 14, 1912
<img src="/images/stories/belvroad.jpg">
TheLiverpool home of Joseph Bell, the chief engineer on the Titanic, is also on the market (pictured above).
It’s a pricier offering, with the double-fronted two-storey <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-22324929">Belvidere Road, Crosby house</a> listed for £420,000.
Bryn Mel Manor is situated in Anglesey, on the west bank of the Menai Strait, at the north west of Wales, is another house with supposed Titantic links. It’s been marketed as built in 1899 as the summer residence of the family of the owners of the White Star line. But local historians doubt the claim and say it was built for the wealthy Liverpool ship owner Edmund Johnston, whose  1880s shipping company operated cargo vessels from Liverpool to the Black Sea, Greece and Turkey – but soon branched out into American beef.
<img src="/images/stories/titanic3.jpg">
Its price guide is £1,100,000 after failing to sell at recent auction. <a href="https://www.lshauctions.co.uk/PDF/11-27247.pdf">The 39-bedroom house</a> (pictured above) has been a nursing home in recent times.
 
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Capitalising on the Titantic: Boyhood home of captain for sale: Title Tattle

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Marsala House, the fabulous Brutalist Iwan Iwanov-designed Perth house that is the youngest property to be enshrined on the Western Australian heritage list, has been listed for sale.
Owners Mark Etherton and Christopher Beer bought the then deteriorating house in 2005 for $725,000 and embarked on a massive restoration project. The result quickly re-established Marsala House as one of Iwanov’s most idiosyncratic explorations of Australia’s late 20th-century Brutalist style, a movement that includes iconic Canberra buildings including the High Court of Australia and the Australian National Gallery.
Known locally in Dianella as the Disco House, its won a WA Heritage Award for outstanding conservation of a residential building.
“There is a richness to the brutalist style,” says Etherton. “The way the light plays on it and the texture that is revealed in the harsh Australian sun that makes this house so special to live in.”
Built in 1976 for the Marsala family, the project pushed the boundaries of concrete block contemporary design while the inside was heavily influenced by Las Vegas overstatement.
Now the interior is a wonderful tribute to groovy 1970s style.
The three bathrooms are tiled with Bisassa mosaics while the formal dining room has a full bar with backlighting in the cabinets, and the “disco” room remains a bizarre but chic nod to its era. A kidney-shaped pool graces the back garden.
It is expected that house will sell through listing agent Paul Tonich of Altitude Real Estate for about $2 million.
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Perth’s Iwan Iwanov-designed Brutalist Marsala House listed for sale

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Founder(s): Stuart Berens, Amy Berens  Revenue: $4.35 million Started: 2007 Head Office: Victoria Employees: 6 Website: <a title="www.youpack.com.au" href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/weblink?cid=5811&amp;fid=36&amp;ord=1">www.youpack.com.au</a>
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Moving house, we are often told, is one of the most stressful things that you will do in your lifetime. 
Stuart and Amy Berens saw the whole process of moving possessions, especially interstate, was causing undue anxiety to people, so went about remodelling the traditional proposition. 
You Pack Removals delivers a container to clients, allowing them to pack up as they see fit. The business then moves the container to the new location and gives you 12 days in which to unload it before it is picked up again. 
This seemingly simple change was a little confusing to some people but the concept has gained traction and You Pack Removals is now generating healthy revenue. 
Stuart Berens said: “I identified a niche in the market place and that there was a need for a non-conventional removalist to give people another option in the removals market.” 
“Offering a self-pack option would also stop people getting ripped off with extremely high removal costs.” 
“As self-pack removals was a new concept there was no business model to compare to. Every concept, idea and process was brand new which meant some trial and error to put a complete end-to-end solution together.” 
“I had to draw on my previous transport experience and knowledge to help with starting up the business.”
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartupSmart</a>.
 
 
 
 
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StartupSmart Awards 2012: You Pack Removals

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Construction has begun on the new Sandpiper development on Hastings Street at Noosa.
Just three full-floor apartments and two retail shops will be built on the site.
<img src="/images/stories/sandpip.jpg">
R&amp;W Noosa co-principal Peter Butt <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/sale-of-%2414-million-apartments-as-tide-turns-for-better-in-noosa/2011072650927">has already sold two of the apartments</a>.
The penthouse pricing has been revised to $9.25 million, down from its $10 million hopes last July.
Overlooking Laguna Bay, Sandpiper is positioned in the centre of the busy main street. There are also view lines to First Point as well as the Noosa North Shore and river mouth.
<img src="/images/stories/sandpip2.jpg">
"The Noosa market has shown good signs of an early revival in recent months, and this new project on the beachfront is exactly the confidence booster the area needs," Butt told Noosa News.
<img src="/images/stories/sandpiperflicker.jpg">
Developed by a Victorian property investor, the Sandpiper construction is being undertaken by Calty Constructions with an expected mid-2013 completion.
The mid-floor apartment is under contract at $8 million and the ground-floor apartment at $6 million.
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Construction begins on Noosa triplex Sandpiper: Title Tattle

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A private equity firm has paid over $133,000 for the homeloan.com.au and homeloancalculator.com.au URLs, in yet another sign the market for URLs is continuing to grow even more important and lucrative.
Both purchases come after a string of expensive purchases in the past year. Woolworths reportedly bought Hardware.com.au for $33,000, while Zoupon turned into Deals.com.au after a $100,000 transaction.
The real estate market for URLs is also heating up, after investmentproperty.com.au sold for $125,000 last year – although a failed bidder criticised the transaction and said it was overvalued.
Aura Capital has confirmed to SmartCompany it spent over $100,000 for homeloan.com.au last week. It also spent $33,000 to buy homeloancalculator.com.au, after the previous owner let the name lapse. This is the second-highest price ever paid for a URL bought after a name lapse.
Aura Capital director Calvin Ng told SmartCompany both purchases were “purely opportunistic”, although the business does have investments in home loan companies and services.
“We haven’t determined the exact strategy for these yet, it’s opportunistic,” he says. “The guy who owned the calculator URL had let it lapse, and so we just snapped it up.”
“Two weeks prior to that we were contacted about the homeloan.com.au URL, and the two URLs together made the transactions more attractive.”
Aura Capital, which has investments in the minerals, insurance and hospitality industries, has dealt with large URL transactions before. In 2007, it spent over $1 million on 1300homeloan.com.au, and was also involved in the sale of electricity.com.au, which sold for about $30,000.
“This space is really heating up,” Ng says. “It’s just becoming more competitive.”
Buying a simple and memorable URL is essential for any successful business. But as so many of them have been scooped up since the late 1990s, buying the most popular website names becomes an expensive proposition.
Some businesses view it as an investment. Last year, Zoupon purchased Deals.com.au for over $100,000, although co-founder Adam Schwab told SmartCompany at the time he felt it was an investment in the business.
Many businesspeople are also finding it lucrative to become individual domain traders, recognising URLs that are likely to become popular and then selling them for a premium.
Ng says about 35,000 people search for “home loan calculator” every month, and about 200,000 search for “home loan” every month, all but guaranteeing high Google rankings for these URLs.
And although he says the exact opportunity for these URLs hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s an example of how businesses should be paying attention to movements in the URL space if they want to scoop up a bargain.
“This is a very competitive space, and we’re also watching to see what happens.”
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
 
 
 
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Private equity firm spends over $133,000 on homeloan.com.au, homeloancalculator.com.au domain names

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Talana, the imposing Queen Anne-style residence at Hawthorn East, has been relisted for sale.
Set on Harcourt Street, the six-bedroom, three-bathroom 1900 house was designed by architect John Beswicke, the best known architect in Hawthorn during the late 1800s, having also designed the Hawthorn Town Hall.
The red-brick house, with the decorative embellishments overlaid with timber, comes with a third-storey tower under the large hipped roof clad in Marseilles tiles.
It sits on a 4,122-square-metre holding with north/south synthetic grass tennis court, a solar- and gas-heated pool, and a self-contained summer house.
There is a driveway leading to a four-car garage.
It’s named after a town in the province of Ogliastra, in Sardinia, Italy.
Having been listed with Marshall White late last year, it’s now listed through RT Edgar agent Michael Ebeling with $11 million-plus hopes.
<img src="/images/stories/talana.jpg">
Talana has been renovated since the current vendors bought the property in 2000 for $2 million from the Mott family. They have since demolished a brick cottage that sat in its front yard (pictured above).
Photographs courtesey of <a href="https://www.walkingmelbourne.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&amp;t=5922&amp;start=120" target="_blank">Walking Melbourne</a>.
 
 
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Imposing Queen Anne-style Hawthorn East charmer Talana listed with $11 million-plus hopes

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Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has vowed to reduce real estate red tape by scrapping the controversial sustainability declaration forms as well as reinstating state stamp duty concessions.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says it will be the Queensland government’s first legislative move when Parliament resumes in mid-May.
The mandatory forms were introduced in 2010 as a way for buyers to determine green credentials but were criticised by the real estate industry as an inefficient inconvenience in an already difficult market.
Seeney says the bureaucratic forms added little benefit to buyers.
"It was just about feel-good green preferences rather than any sort of outcome at all,'' he told The Courier Mail.
Originally proposed in 2008, the sustainability declarations were pitched as a way for buyers to compare the energy efficiency credentials of competing properties.
With fines of up to $2,000 for sellers who failed to complete the forms, the former Bligh government was forced to drop some of the more confusing questions after an outcry from sellers and the real estate industry.
The initial two-page form asked sellers to detail items including the star rating of appliances and the width of hallways before the property could go to market.
Many questions were later dropped, including one that asked sellers to detail "at least one entry from outside to inside the dwelling is provided by either a level entrance, no more than three steps, a ramp or a lift''.
Despite these revisions the document continued to attract criticism over questions including asking about the number of east- and west-facing windows, the colour of the roof and the star rating of toilets.
Seeney says helping the property sector will aid the recovery of the Queensland economy.
He says more efficient decision-making would also help the sluggish industry.
"What the industry wants is timely decisions.”
"If it is 'yes' let them get on with it, and if it is a `no' then let them know so they can get on with something else.''
The government will also reintroduce stamp duty concessions.
"Cabinet also formally approved the reinstatement of the principal place of residence stamp duty concession from 1 July 2012, which will save Queenslanders up to $7,000 when they purchase an average family home,'' Newman says.
The concession was dropped in June 2011 by then Queensland treasurer Andrew Fraser in a bid to raise an estimated $161 million for the state government.
 
 
 
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Queensland government vows to cut real estate red tape and reinstate stamp duty concessions

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Founder(s): Larissa Robertson Revenue: $1.76 million Started: 2009 Head Office: New South Wales Employees: 35 Industry: Property and business services Website: <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/weblink?cid=5824&amp;fid=36&amp;ord=1" title="www.trimandproper.com.au">www.trimandproper.com.au</a>
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<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/larissa.gif">
There's nothing especially glamorous or high-tech about Trim and Proper Property Services. They provide gardening and handyman services to private and government clients such as Housing NSW. 
But behind the steady buzz of lawnmowers and the fixing of leaky taps is a remarkable story about one woman's vision and belief, and the capacity of work to empower and change people's lives. 
Many of the people employed by Trim and Proper Property Services have grown up in family and community environments blighted by entrenched and generational unemployment. In extreme cases this can involve three generations of unemployed people in a family. 
When 31-year-old Larissa Robertson took the first big steps in 2009 to start Spectrum Community Focus - the parent company of Trim and Proper - she knew it was not going to be easy. 
While many business experts caution against letting emotion get in the way of commercial judgement, Robertson saw a proposition in which good business could also mean good community outcomes.
“I couldn't sit by and watch hundreds of people lose their jobs because of bad management, so I decided to take a huge gamble and save as many jobs as I could,” Robertson says, recounting her thinking behind starting the business. 
"Many of the people we employ, initially have had no work experience.” 
Trim and Proper Property Services is a business unit of Spectrum Community Focus Ltd, established in 2009 after founding director and chief executive Robertson bought out the failing not-for profit Spectrum Employment Services Cooperative Limited, which was in liquidation. 
Robertson set out to continue the mission of SES to alleviate poverty through employment and, in doing so, also saved over 180 jobs by purchasing the assets of SES and establishing SCO Recruitment and Trim and Proper Property Services. 
Robertson combined dogged resolve and business acumen to salvage the remains of the failed enterprise and put the new enterprise on a solid commercial footing. Today, Trim and Proper employs 35 full-time staff and had $1.76 million revenue last financial year.
One of the main purposes of Trim and Proper is to act an employment incubator, a place where people can develop work skills and habits to help make them more employable.
"This area of the community is greatly in need of assistance, though it is often overlooked by the wider community and other charities," Robertson says.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/">StartupSmart</a>.
 
 
 
 
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