<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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<img src="/images/stories/scone2.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
Invermien and Bhima, the iconic Hunter Valley thoroughbred horse studs, have been listed by Geoff and Beryl White. The two adjoining Scone properties that sit across 1,168 acres (473 hectares) has a $12 million asking price. It comes with an 1831 homestead and a 1910 homestead on Bhima. The districts' first settlers included ship's surgeon Dr William Bell Carlyle, who took up a 2,000-acre grant in 1822 in the Kingdom Ponds area. His nephew, Francis Little also moved into the area and called his property Invermien (pictured above). Work began on the handsome single-storey homestead in the late 1820s with the historic twin gabled homestead now a showcase of the early colonial period, with high pressed metal ceilings, quality cedar joinery, marble fireplaces and an underground cellar. Made of sandstock brick in a timber frame, it comes with hipped, corrugated iron roof, French windows, and a six-panel main door. In 1895 the gables at the front were added, the stone-flagged verandah was extended and the rear wings lengthened to form a courtyard with the dairy and the kitchen. The Whites set up their operation around 1994 having previously run their horses at the Castlereagh property, Robrick Lodge. The two properties - Invermien with 313 hectares and Bhima with 160 hectares - had previously been owned in the Bath family. Bhima had been the Bath family home since 1952 after Vivien Bath conceived his dream horse stud while imprisoned at the infamous Changi camp. The best stallion that it housed, Biscay during its Bath ownership, was ironically the sire of Marscay, the racehorse and stallion that gave the White's their first major success in the industry. The Whites’ horses raced under the colours white with a purple star and hooped sleeves having purchased their first Inglis Easter Yearling in 1973. Some 200 winners, with $27.5 million in prizes, have been bred at the farm under the White ownership, now run by the couple's son, Greg. The property has been listed through Michael Burke and Jamie Inglis at MacCallum Inglis Scone inconjunction with Gavin Beard at Landmark Harcourt Scone.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/april13mornington]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Fern Vale Farm, the 1890s property in the Macedon Ranges (pictured above), has been listed for sale by interior designer Jane Charlwood and her partner Bruce McFarlane. There are $3.2 million-plus expectations for the 24-hectare property set on Straws Lane Hesket through Beverley Higgs and Tom May of RT Edgar Macedon Ranges. Its arrival is through an enchanting covered holly entrance, with its winding drive leading to the large rambling homestead with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. There are large living spaces taking advantage of the garden vistas and district views to the north over structured hedging. The holding comes with two hectares of native habitat. Fern Vale's importance has been recognised in The Australian Magazine, as voted in the top 10 lifestyles properties in Australia. It was bought for about $900,000 in 1999 from author Brendan Gullifer and his wife, stylist Robyn.
<img src="/images/stories/shellbankave.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">No sale yet for Paul Fleming – a son of the late grocery tycoon Jim Fleming – and his wife, Simone, with expressions of interest closing on Easter eve. It had been listed through LJ Hooker Mosman agents Geoff Smith and Richard Harding with $9 million plus hopes for the six-bedroom residence set on a 759-square-metre deep-waterfront block (pictured above). With a northerly aspect from its Shellbank Avenue location, the three-level house with gas-heated pool, poolside cabana and boating facilities last traded for $8 million in 2003 when bought from the Wong family.
<img src="/images/stories/napoleon.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Pharmacist Greg Kay has listed his four-bedroom home on the Derwent River in Battery Point, Hobart with a $3.5?million asking price. Its striking design with glass, steel and jarrah timber was undertaken by Maria Gigney Architects. The 362-square-metre house sits on a 1,030-square-metre riverfront property with a 12.5-metre indoor solar-heated saltwater lap pool, which can be covered by custom-built boards to create an entertaining space. Pam Corkhill of Corkhill &amp; Associates has the listing.
<img src="/images/stories/nzave.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Wavertree, the fine example of an early Victorian sandstone manor home at Parramatta, has been sold for a suburb record. The heritage-listed treasure’s sale price hasn’t been revealed, but the record house price stood at $1.3 million for a house on Thomas Street that sold to Chinese buyers. It sold through Ray White Parramatta agent Steven Fan, who sold it to a Hong Kong-based family. It was built in 1843 by architect James Houison and then gifted as a wedding present for his daughter Annie, who married Captain Hugh Fairclough in 1862. It’s been sold by the Horwood family. When first sold in the 1930s it fetched £660. It was bought back by descendants in 1959 for four years. Houison’s works include the nearby All Saint's Church, St John's Church, the Old Courthouse, Endrim, Perth House and Houisons Cottage.
<img src="/images/stories/wavertreehistoric.jpg">
Set on a 1,891-square-metre block, Wavertree features four bedrooms and two bathrooms. A photo of the house taken around 1870 (pictured above) features on the <a target="_blank" href="https://collection.hht.net.au/firsthhtpictures/fullRecordPicture.jsp?recnoListAttr=recnoList&amp;recno=38642">website of the Historic Houses Trust</a>.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Iconic Hunter Valley horse studs Invermien and Bhima listed: Title Tattle

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The Adelaide unit market proved fairly resilient in the second half of 2011 and ended the year down only fractionally.

WBP says median house price data indicates Adelaide unit prices appear to have bottomed out. 

“Having said that demand is still soft in comparison to the first home buyer boom,” the valuer says.

Charles Tarbey and Louis Christopher offer the same comments about the Adelaide unit market as for the housing market: fairly stable, but showing signs of a pick-up in activity should confidence improve.
<img src="/images/stories/clock-adelaide-units.jpg">
In a recent report, CBRE noted that the South Australian government is currently considering changing planning regulations to increase apartments heights (up to 10 storeys in some areas) to encourage apartment living in inner-suburban areas. The plans include new tram lines and cycling and pedestrian pathways, which once implemented will kick off a 30-year plan to fill unoccupied “infill” spaces close the city.

While there are a number of apartment projects under construction (such as the 108 Uno apartments on Waymouth Street), many others are all still being marketed off the plan or yet to receive development application approval. CBRE points out that a problem in Adelaide is that there are often too few pre-sales for projects to proceed to the construction phase.
Population: 1.2 million
Median unit price: $320,000
Unit price growth in February 2012: -3.1%
Annual unit price growth to December 2011: -1.1%
Annual unit price growth to July 2011: -6.8%
Rental yield: 4.8%
To find out where your capital city's house or unit market is on the property clock, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-autumn-2012-property-clock" target="_blank">download our free eBook.</a>
Property Observer has also analysed the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/south-australia/adelaide-house-market-at-five-o-clock-and-in-a-state-of-limbo-experts/2012041254251" target="_blank">Adelaide house market on the property clock</a>.
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Adelaide unit market at six o'clock, with prices bottoming out

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The Adelaide housing market appears to be in a state of limbo, though annualised data from RP Data shows that house price falls accelerated during the final six months of 2011.

Louis Christopher describes the Adelaide market (both houses and units) as “neither falling nor recovering”.

WBP believes the city’s market still has a way to go before bottoming out but says that house prices appear to be stabilising in some areas, while demand is weak in others.

Charles Tarbey places Adelaide close to the bottom of the cycle and says that while there is a higher level of housing stock at the start of 2012 than at the start of 2011, these levels are steadily declining.  

“It may only require a pick-up in global confidence for activity to increase. Signs of increasing activity can be seen, for example, in attendance levels at open for inspections,” he says.
<img src="/images/stories/clock-adelaide-houses.jpg">
Time: Five o'clock
CBRE says affordability will be the key issue for the Adelaide market during the next 12 to 18 months despite the recent house price correction. CBRE says a recovery in the Adelaide housing market is heavily tied to further interest rate cuts and a reduction in global uncertainty over the eurozone, which is encouraging buyer caution.

According to the Real Estate Institute of South Australia, Adelaide vacancies sit around the 3.1% level, just above the equilibrium figure of 3% – indicating a slight oversupply of rental accommodation.
Population: 1.2 million 
Median house price: $390,000 
House price growth in February 2012: 1.4% 
Annual house price growth to December 2011: -5.3% 
Annual house price growth to July 2011: -3.9% 
Rental yield: 4.2% 
To find out where your capital city's house or unit market is on the property clock, <a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-autumn-2012-property-clock">download our free eBook.</a>
Property Observer has also analysed the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/south-australia/adelaide-unit-market-at-six-o-clock-with-prices-bottoming-out/2012041254252" target="_blank">Adelaide unit market on the property clock</a>.
 
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Adelaide house market at five o'clock and in a state of limbo: Experts

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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/sunbury-tops-list-of-most-traded-hotspots-with-more-than-house-sold-a-day/2012040354106" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/1point6.gif"></a>
The average number of homes sold per day <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/sunbury-tops-list-of-most-traded-hotspots-with-more-than-house-sold-a-day/2012040354106" target="_blank">in the Victorian hotspot of Sunbury</a>. In total there were 604 sales in Sunbury in 2011, making it one of just eight locations out of Smart Investor magazine’s 601 hotspots that managed an average of at least one sale a day over the course of 2011.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/property-values-on-the-rocks-in-1770-site-of-captain-cooks-second-landing/2012040454170"><img src="/images/stories/20percent.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/property-values-on-the-rocks-in-1770-site-of-captain-cooks-second-landing/2012040454170">decrease in land values last year in the Queensland locality of 1770</a>, the only municipality within the booming muicipality of Gladstone to record a decrease in land values. Land values in the ugly duckling locality decreased 20%, while neighbouring towns increased by an average of 19%, with Bororen, 40 kilometres east, increasing a stellar 70%.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/regional-victorian-towns-dominate-list-of-mainland-hotspots-under-%24300000-but-melbourne-off-the-menu/2012040454176"><img src="/images/stories/56.gif"></a>
The number of mainland suburbs selected in a list of 601 hotspots by Smart Investor magazine that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/regional-victorian-towns-dominate-list-of-mainland-hotspots-under-%24300000-but-melbourne-off-the-menu/2012040454176">have a median house price of under $300,000</a>. There are 28 in Victoria, 17 sub-$3000,000 hotspots in NSW, six in South Australia, three in Queensland and two in the Northern Territory.
 
<hr>
<a target="_self" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/construction-industry-contracts-for-22nd-straight-month-in-march-due-to-weak-residential-sector-aig/hia/2012041054203"><img src="/images/stories/22.gif"></a>
The number of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/land/construction-industry-contracts-for-22nd-straight-month-in-march-due-to-weak-residential-sector-aig/hia/2012041054203">consecutive months the construction sector has contracted</a>, according to the latest Australian Industry Group Performance of Construction Index released in conjunction with the Housing Industry Association. There was particular weakness in the residential building sector.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/jennifer-hawkins-sells-coogee-townhouse-after-five-months-on-market/2012040954193"><img src="/images/stories/2point22m.gif"></a>
The price model and former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/jennifer-hawkins-sells-coogee-townhouse-after-five-months-on-market/2012040954193">secured for her Coogee residence</a>. She paid $2.27 million for it. 
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/south-australia/adelaide-mistakenly-overlooked-by-investors-as-projects-get-under-way-terry-ryder/2012041154211" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/50b.gif"></a>
The approximate value of mining projects <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/south-australia/adelaide-mistakenly-overlooked-by-investors-as-projects-get-under-way-terry-ryder/2012041154211" target="_blank">currently under way in South Australia</a>, according to Hotspotting.com.au director Terry Ryder. Ryder says the state is Australia's most under-rated economy and could be a good prospect for investors.
 
<hr>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/campbelltown-mandurah-toowoomba-and-south-eatern-victoria-%E2%80%93-the-worst-10-postcodes-in-each-state-for-insolvencies/2012041154209" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/227.gif"></a>
The number of insolvencies in Sydney's Campbelltown last year. The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/campbelltown-mandurah-toowoomba-and-south-eatern-victoria-%E2%80%93-the-worst-10-postcodes-in-each-state-for-insolvencies/2012041154209" target="_blank">2056 postcode had the most insolvencies in Australia</a>.
 
 
 
 
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

The 7 must-know numbers of the week

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Founder(s): Bill Huynh Revenue: $1.3 million Started: 2009 Head Office: Victoria Employees: 4 Website: <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/weblink?cid=5818&amp;fid=36&amp;ord=1" title="www.interiorsecrets.com.au">www.interiorsecrets.com.au</a>
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WINNER OF THE START-UP HERO AWARD
<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/billhuy.gif">
If you’ve ever walked into a designer furniture store that stocks those especially sleek and sexy Scandinavian lounge chairs you’ll soon know that high-end aesthetics equals high-end prices. 
Bill Huynh certainly noticed the desire among shoppers for these sorts of fine design objects and thought he could source similar products but at a lower price. 
Ploughing $20,000 of his savings into the venture, Huynh took a trip to China - that great and vast source of so many modern consumer products – and started to feel his way through the tricky business of negotiating product supply lines with reputable manufacturers who could make good quality replicas of European design classics. 
Huynh candidly admits he was walking relatively blind into a world he knew little about. 
“I had no business knowledge, little money and took the risk to quit my 9 to 5 job at 24 years of age,” the 26-year-old says. 
“Money was initially the first motive. Then it was about beating the competition and ultimately maximising customer value.” 
Huynh had cannily noticed the rising demand for “lifestyle living” and that many furniture and interior wares stores seemed to be stocking the wrong sort of furniture. 
His aim was simple: “To provide designer lifestyle living at affordable prices, even to the average Joe renting or buying their first home.” 
Interior Secrets’ online store offers shoppers replica versions of such interior design classics as Eames lounge chairs, the Le Corbusier chaise lounge, and the classic ‘Egg’ chair.
Taking the plunge and starting his own business has been a thrilling experience for Huynh, a mixture of amazement that he has managed to make it work so far and exhilaration at the sense of liberation it has brought him. 
“Every day that I go to work; I no longer miserably look at my computer screen and question, 'What the hell am I doing here?' 
“I now go to work knowing the sky is the limit.”
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/">StartupSmart</a>.
 
 
 
 
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StartupSmart Awards 2012: Interior Secrets

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There were 521 sales in Perth for the week ended April 12, down 16% from the 617 recorded the same week last year. However, the Easter long weekend fell later in April in 2011.
<img src="/images/stories/reiwaapril12.gif">
 
 
 
 
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Perth records 16% fewer sales than same week last year: REIWA

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Perth rents are expected to keep rising as vacancy rates remain low and tenants face increased competition for houses, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.
Median rents have increased to $420 a week during the March quarter, up 10% from the same time last year, REIWA figures show, but there are reports of many potential tenants offering $50 to $100 more a week to secure a lease.
Earlier this year callers to ABC radio's 720 morning program told of 30 to 40 people turning up to open homes only to find out later the successful applicant had offered significantly more than the advertised price.
REIWA President David Airey told the ABC that while it's not illegal and landlords are unlikely to reject the extra money, it's not a practice he encourages.
Managing director of Stockland Matthew Quinn says suburban Perth had once been one of the softer rental markets in Australia but vacancy rates in Stockland projects there have fallen to less than 1%.
"Rents are going through the roof, just ask anybody who's tried to rent a house in Perth in the last six months – it is a nightmare," says Quinn.
Quinn predicts the housing shortage will lead to a rental crisis. He says massive queues of house-hunters at rental inspections will drive rental prices up.
"It's already happening and it's going to happen in greater and greater numbers because housing is undersupplied, it's unaffordable and rents are now going up."
Properties for sale outnumber those for rent by more than three to one in many Perth suburbs, recent RP Data figures show.
Rental vacancies reached a four-year low during February – dropping from 2.3% to just 1.6% according to REIWA, a drop of 700 houses.
The institute's data show the metropolitan vacancy rate at 1.9% for the first three months of the year, but during the months of February and March alone it dropped to 1.6%. Airey says a vacancy rate of 3% indicates a balanced market.
"The overall median rent for Perth is now $420 per week, which breaks down to $425 for a house or $400 for a unit, villa or townhouse," Airey says.
"REIWA data show that the stock level for rental accommodation has improved by 12% since the start of March, in sharp contrast to the 28% fall during January and February.
"The good news for tenants is that the vacancy rate does not appear to be dropping any further and seasonal demand is levelling off."
Airey says while there is strong demand for accommodation Perth will avoid the rental crisis of March 2007.
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Perth rents rise to $420 weekly median but no rental crisis looming: REIWA

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The Eliza penthouse, spanning three levels overlooking Hyde Park, is the latest Sydney skyhouse being marketed with $15 million hopes.
Developed by Edward Doueihi of Ceerose, with an architectural hint in its balconies of Antoni Gaudi's Casa Mila, the penthouse is due for completion in mid-2013. Its the building site with the crane that currently swings across Elizabeth Street just down from the intersection with Market Street.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse.jpg">
The 460-square-metre, three-level penthouse will sit atop a 17-storey building designed by the architects Tony Owen Partners.
It features four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a home theatre, a private lift, 3.5-metre-high ceilings, a massive 13.5-metre frontage overlooking the park and full automation through C-Bus.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse4.jpg">
The top level comprises the entertainment terrace with a 10-metre lap pool.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse2.jpg">
It’s being marketed by Jean-Paul Markopoulos of CBRE. Just 7 of the 19 apartments remain for sale, including six full floor apartments with prices around $4.5 million each.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse3.jpg">
The site – whose neighbours are Hermes and the Sheraton on the Park – was originally to be used for a building named The Elizabeth. Its then developer Andrew Richardson however lost his record $20.1 million off-the-plan penthouse buyer in 2008. Richardson had accepted a $100 deposit for the proposed three-storey penthouse from now-bankrupted businessman Rodney Price.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse5.jpg">
The vacant Elizabeth Street site cost $13 million in 2003 when bought by Richardson and his initial partner, Tjeerd La Grouw, who exited the project several years later. Edward Doueihi, from the Dural construction company, Ceerose, paid $8.5 million in December 2009 to Richardson and his subsequent partner, Multiplex.
<img src="/images/stories/elizapenthouse7.jpg">
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Eliza penthouse finally getting off the ground with $15 million hopes: Title Tattle

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Ballarat has been identified as a potential hotspot, but investors should tread cautiously when considering housing in new estates further out of town, according to property valuers Herron Todd White.
In its April property market report, HTW notes that “Ballarat property values soften as the distance from Lake Wendouree, [schools], shops or CBD increases”.
“The modern outer suburbs of Lucas, Alfredton, Sebastopol and Delacombe continue to be developed to new housing and estates, which are largely filled by young families and investors.
“It is these outer suburbs that are generally hardest hit by government announcements, interest rate movements and economic uncertainty, due largely to the high loan to value ratios and relatively generic product in the $200,000 to $350,000 price range,” warns HTW.
Currently developers are offering house-and-land packages in Lucas and Sebastopol starting from about $240,000 for a two-bedroom house on a 375-square-metre block rising up to $435, 000 to a two-storey, four-bedroom house on a 522-square-metre block.
There more than 500 off-the-plan house-and-land packages on offer in these two suburbs alone.
Among them is this three-bedroom house-and-land package on a 375-square-metre block (pictured below) priced at $267,000 and <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-ballarat-110186989?listingType=buy">listed by Vince Cavarra of Burbank Homes Melbourne</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/ball1.jpg" width="470">
There are no established houses for sale in Lucas, according to Realestate.com.au.
On Spencer Street in Sebastopol <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-sebastopol-107576844">this “updated” three-bedroom house</a> (pictured below) is targeted at first-home buyers or investors with a price tag of $195,000 and is listed by Mark Nunn of Hocking Stuart Ballarat.
<img src="/images/stories/ball2.jpg" width="470">
In contrast, the inner suburbs offer a more stable investment environment for property investors.
 Four Ballarat suburbs within a two-kilometre radius of the city centre feature among Smart Investor magazine’s list of 601 suburbs that delivered the best capital growth over 2011.
Two of them – Soldiers Hill and Ballarat East – have median house prices under $300,000 while a third, Ballarat Central, has a median house price just over $300,000.
Only Lake Wendouree has a median house prices approaching that of some Melbourne suburbs:
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Median house price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Capital growth over 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Median rent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Gross rental yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Ballarat East
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
$237,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
4.8%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
$255
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
5.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Soldiers Hill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
$285,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
9.6%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
$255
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Ballarat Central
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
$302,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
7.9%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
$270
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
4.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="114">
Lake Wendouree
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
$540,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
6.3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
$295
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
4%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Smart Investor magazine
According to Herron Todd White, proximity to the Ballarat CBD continues to remain important, with the residential property market “largely driven by infrastructure, planning, amenity and return on investment”.
The report notes that proximity to Lake Wendouree for walking, running and water sports remains important, with the suburb remaining predominantly owner-occupied with some of Ballarat’s most expensive housing.
“Areas such as Lake Wendouree, Soldiers Hill and Newington are thinly traded and tend to maintain steady value patterns as outer suburbs grow and become more or less expensive,” says HTW.
Currently the most expensive home in Lake Wendouree listed for sale is this rather <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-lake+wendouree-108085451">grand-looking five-bedroom home on Wendouree Parade</a> (pictured below) listed by Laurie Gillett from Professionals Ballarat, which has an asking price of around $1.4 million.
<img src="/images/stories/ball3.jpg" width="470">
According to HTW, market volatility in new housing areas is a good indicator for the greater region.
“In a softening market, as buyers become more hesitant, property type begins to significantly impact purchasing decisions.
“Features such as street appeal, access and the detached/semi-detached nature of a property begin to create larger price variances and impact marketing periods. Traditionally, detached homes with good access are preferred,” says HTW.
Photograph of Ballarat courtesy of Tourism Victoria
 
 
 
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New housing investors on Ballarat fringe warned to be cautious: HTW

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The Brisbane unit market fared worse than the house market in the last six months of 2011 and, like Melbourne, faces an oversupply of this type of property.

Real Estate Institute of Queensland figures for the December quarter 2011 show that rental vacancies in inner Brisbane – where most of the stock is apartments – increased from 1.4% in the September 2011 quarter to 1.9% in the December 2011 quarter while the overall city vacancy rate remained unchanged at 2.3%

In addition, valuation firm LandMark White is warning that a combination of too many projects and historically low demand could result in an oversupply of new apartments in inner-city Brisbane suburbs like Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills. 

The firm’s property valuers believe affordable “entry-level” apartments within five kilometres of the CBD will continue to appreciate in value but expect values in prestige units in new complexes to continue to fall.

“We have seen demand for prestige units decline again, with extended marketing periods or heavy price reductions,” says WBP. 

<img src="/images/stories/clock-brisbane-units.jpg">
On the other hand, “entry-level units are being purchased by single professionals who require affordable housing and access to the Brisbane CBD. We have recently seen volumes of sub-$400,000 unit sales increase.”

Michael Yardney is very bearish about Brisbane units, placing the market in the relatively early stages of a property downturn at three o’clock.

“There are a large number of off-the-plan apartments available in the Brisbane CBD and surrounding suburbs. Many of these remain unsold, and this oversupply of properties will put downward pressure on prices and rentals,” he says.

“Many of the apartments that have been sold off the plan are coming on stream in the next few years and have been purchased by investors. 

“Some will have difficulty getting finance and settling their purchase. Others will be disappointed to see the end value of their properties is less than their purchase price,” Yardney says.

“There will be an oversupply of inner-CBD and near-CBD apartments in Brisbane for a few years, causing prices to fall slightly.”
Population: 2 million 
Median unit price: $355,000 
Unit price growth in February 2012: 0.3% 
Annual unit price growth to December 2011: -6.5% 
Annual unit price growth to July 2011: -4.3% 
Rental yield: 5.2%
To find out where your capital city's house or unit market is on the property clock, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-autumn-2012-property-clock" target="_blank">download our free eBook.</a>
Property Observer also tracks <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/brisbane-house-market-at-five-o-clock-and-yet-to-bottom-out-experts/2012041154227">Brisbane houses on the property clock</a>.
 
 
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