<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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Property developers are defying the current depressed new housing market – combining more affordable offerings with incentive packages and grants – to secure buyers in new residential communities.
On the Sunshine Coast, Stockland has found a sweet spot among buyers after selling all 11 affordably priced townhouses off-the-plan in its Bells Reach community at Caloundra.
The two and three bedroom terrace-style homes called the Bower Series and designed by multi award-winning Queensland architect John Mainwaring, were all priced just under $205,000 and provided buyers with the added bonus of being on freehold titles, meaning no body corporate fees.
The smallest townhouse is a two bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom single garage unit on a 75 square metre block rising up to a three bedroom, two bathroom plus tandem garage unit on a 120 square metre block lot.
Property Observer understands that Stockland plans to release around 60 more of the affordably priced townhouses in future off-the-plan marketing campaigns.
“They are also less than half the median price of established homes and buyers will be eligible for the $10,000 Queensland Building Boost if they purchase before the end of April,” says Stockland Project director for Bells Reach, Ben Simpson.
“We are now very proud to be leading the delivery of affordable and innovative homes in Queensland,” he adds.
The successful Bower Series campaign was highlighted by Stockland CEO Matthew Quinn in a speech to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) this week, where he said that the average family can no longer afford the average house.
“The average house is $500,000, while the average family can afford $329,000,” Quinn said.
However Quinn also highlighted that Australian consumers are no longer seeking the biggest houses with conversation moving from “how big is my house to how small is my mortgage”.
Quinn expects the overall housing market to improve due to the pressure created by a shortage of houses and says the current softness is cyclical.
However he warns that without monetary stimulus the recovery will be slow.
“In a normal cycle without the resources boom, rates would be on a greater downward trajectory based on the downturn in consumer spending and home building activity,” Quinn told The Australian Financial Review.
Stockland is fighting hard at a time when residential building approvals are falling and the outlook remains week.
There was a 7.8% drop in ABS building approvals in February with particular weaknesses in Queensland and NSW.
The Autumn 2012 HIA National Outlook report forecasts that new housing conditions will continue to deteriorate into 2012 with a 5.9% decline expected taking housing starts to 139,360 just above the 138,790 starts recorded in 2009.
The HIA forecasts a modest recovery from 2013 onwards with starts rising to 147,980 in 2013 and then to 158,290 in 2014.
“The over-arching challenge facing new home building is overcoming a very high and inefficient level of taxation relative to just about every other sector of the Australian economy,” says the HIA in its Autumn report.
“A good place to start would be with the re-invigoration of a program of structural reform to boost new housing supply.”
Aside from the more affordable offering, Stockland is also among those developers spicing up there land sales and house-and-land packages with incentives and bonuses.
Stockland has just released its ‘Bigger Bonuses’ campaign which gives NSW buyers who purchase a selected block of land at eight of its residential developments a $5,000 Visa card.
The six developments are Waterside at Penrith Lakes; Glenmore Ridge in Western Sydney;  Darcy’s Peak and McKeachie’s Run of the Maitland and Hunter region; Murrays Beach at Lake Macquarie; McCauley’s Beach and the newly-launched Brooks Reach in the Illawarra; and Bayswood on the NSW South Coast.
It has also lowering its minimum deposit on all NSW land purchases to $5,000, helping buyers to enter the property market before the NSW State Government Stamp Duty Exemption scheme comes to an end July 1 2012.
Under the NSW Government’s Home Builder’s Bonus scheme, buyers receive full stamp duty exemptions for vacant land purchases up to $400,000 (pre-construction) and for new home or off the plan purchases up to $600,000.
What other developers are offering:
Mirvac: 
<ul>
<li>will double the $7,000 first home owner’s grant upon settlement at its Ayre Spring Farm project in Sydney’s South West for eligible buyers. It will also provide free ducted air-conditioning for all single storey house and land package in this development. House and land Packages at Ayre start from $363,200</li>
</ul>
Peet:
<ul>
<li>offering discounts of up to $30,000 for buyers who purchase bigger lot sizes at its Flagstone Rise development south west of Brisbane as well as $5,000 landscaping package with the offer ending on May 31. Lots start at around $170,000.</li>
</ul>
FKP:
<ul>
<li>offering a $20,000 building bonus on selected lots at its Ridges Peregian Springs development on the Sunshine Coast on top of the  Queensland government’s $10,000 building bonus.  Lots start from around $219,000.</li>
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Stockland finds success with $205,000 Sunshine Coast offering as big developers look to attract buyers with grants and incentives

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Cockatoo Island could become an active recreational-commercial maritime hub with the Sydney Harbour Trust looking to lease the 2.5-hectare docks precinct.
Its envisaged the new public maritime facilities could include short-stay berthing for small vessels.
The Harbour Trust executive director Geoff Bailey said the available space includes 15 buildings with 4500 sq m floor space and a 400m stretch of wharf frontage.
Bailey says the existing small cultural, accommodation and tourism businesses would be complemented by a maritime precinct that acknowledge the island’s maritime past.
The available space is about an eighth of the island which began its colonial settlement usage as a penal colony in the mid 1800s.
It is Sydney’s largest island.
"It would cost millions to get a business plan off the ground, with especially difficult access," one marina industry commentator said.
Previously one of the nation's biggest shipyards, Cockatoo Island has 160 years of maritime history following the construction of the Fitzroy Dock in 1857.
The larger Sutherland Dock was constructed in the 1880’s and by World War I the island had become the naval dockyard of the Royal Australian Navy.
For the next 78 years, Cockatoo Island was Australia’s most significant shipbuilding and marine repair facility with the HMAS Success, launched in 1984, being the last ship to be built on the island. The dockyard closed in 1992, lying dormant until control was vested in the Trust in 2001.
It was briefly on the late Kerry Packer's radar as a potential casino site in the mid-1980s.
It was opened to the public in 2007, and has since hosted festivals, art installations and tourists, including Cockatoo Island Film Festival, Biennale of Sydney, Project Outpost and Cockatoo Island Camping and Accommodation, with up to 300,000 people visiting annually.
Fitzroy Dock, the only remaining dry dock built using convict labour, is not included in the lease opportunity.
 
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Maritime to return to long dormant Cockatoo Island

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The former Parramatta Eels chief executive Paul Osborne has now listed his Byron Bay property investment for May 5 auction.
The timing of the marketing campaign is aimed at snaring interest over Easter from tourists in the Northern NSW town. 

It failed to sell at its December 2011 auction when there were $1,499,000 hopes. It was subsequently listed at $1.395 million. It cost $1.9 million in January 2011 having previously sold at $1,475,000 in 2007.

Osborne claims to have been the victim of a <a target="_self" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/cash-strapped-parramatta-eels-ceo-paul-osborne-lists-in-byron-bay/2011111452351">Byron Bay property de</a><a target="_self" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/cash-strapped-parramatta-eels-ceo-paul-osborne-lists-in-byron-bay/2011111452351">al</a> that went sour.

Last year Osborne's financial situation was made public by SMH investigative reporter Kate McClymont after leaks that Osborne had borrowed money from the Parramatta chairman Roy Spagnolo.

The Massinger Street, Byron Bay property has been listed through Ray White Byron Bay agent Brett Connable.

Set opposite the Top Shop Cafe in Massinger Street, it comes with ocean views to the North over Byron Bay. It has three upstairs bedrooms plus downstairs is a one bedroom guest quarter.
 
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Former Parramatta Eels chief executive Paul Osborne lists Byron Bay property investment for May 5 auction

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The Queensland town of 1770, the site of Captain Cook’s second landing in Australia, is the only locality in the area of boom Gladstone municaplity where land values decreased over the last year, according to Queensland’s valuer-general.
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%.
Valuer-General Neil Bray found median land values decreased from $600,000 in October 2010 to $480,000 in October 2011.
The town has traditionally been a tourism hotspot, with tourists seeking the beaches, coral reefs and local wildlife. When Captain Cook landed here he shot and ate a pelican, afterwards saying it was the best bird he’d eaten since he left England.
A recent report by Colliers found as overseas trips by Australians soared, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/dollar-hurting-tourism-especially-queensland-coastal-hotel-occupancy-rba/2012030653721">the Queensland hotel business suffered significantly</a>.
Local agent James White remains upbeat about the future of 1770. So confident, in fact, that he just bought a $1 million house in the area.
“Tourism did die a bit during global financial crisis, but it has definitely picked up recently,” he says.
White says while property prices have decreased significantly over the last years, clearance rates have doubled.
“The prices here were very high. The land prices three or four years ago were $800,000 for a 600-square-metre vacant lot,” he says.
“It’s a reduction, but it’s part of the whole price adjustment.”
Sales in the area were previously driven by people buying holiday homes, but White has seen a shift to local buyers.
“We’re selling twice as much as three or four years ago, mostly to local buyers.”
He says “95% of the buyers are from the Gladstone region. It used to be around 60%.
“Local buyers are sustainable. They invest in the area and support local businesses. Southern buyers tend to come and go again.”
He recently sold 14 Endeavour Street for $498,000, a property he had previously sold in 2008 for $774,000.
He also recently sold 6 Endeavour Street for $850,000, a three-bedroom home that last traded for $535,000 in 2001. RP Data reports it was on the market for 174 days.
Realestate.com.au reports that the average sale price in 1770 is $850,000.
But he thinks prices will bounce back with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) and mining projects in the Gladstone area.
“All of the activity here comes from the confidence from the mining and LNG region. Ever since the five LNG plants were fully announced 14 months ago property sales have started soaring.”
“There are $91 billion worth of projects going on around here and more and more are announced all the time. In fact a nickel [project] was just announced last week.”
“That’s where I think this area will experience fantastic growth.”
The land tax threshold in Queensland is $600,000 for individuals and $350,000 for companies and trustees.
The tax Queensland Office of State Revenue calculates tax using the total value of all land owned, with exemptions for properties used as a home or for farming.
Photograph by Pierre Pouliquin courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>.
 
 
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Property values on the rocks in 1770, site of Captain Cook’s second landing

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Richmond star Trent Cotchin, the club’s 2011 best and fairest, bought and sold on Super Saturday.
His three bedroom Edwardian home at Ascot Vale – not far from the Puckle Street shops – sold for $790,000 through Joe Zucco at Paul McDonald Real Estate.
It last traded, as is, for $703,600 in late 2009, so a good counter-cyclical gain was secured by the rising star who wants to get into property development.
Cotchin and his partner Brooke Kennedy, who’s with the funky baby and childrens’ fashion website, kidsrevolution.com.au , bought back in the Moonee Ponds municipality later in the afternoon.
<img src="/images/stories/trent.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/cotchin-front.jpg">
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Tigers' Trent Cotchin sells Ascot Vale cottage and upsizes: Title Tattle

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The myth that banks’ lending rates are linked to the Reserve Bank’s cash rate is one that needs to be busted, says Phil Chronican, CEO of ANZ Australia.
Speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce in Australia luncheon Chronican said commercial banks’ cost of funds had gone up and were now disconnected from the interest rate set by the RBA.
Emphasising the recent campaign to set rates independently of the RBA, Chronican said the bank now assessed changes to all sources of funding, including the price of obtaining domestic and offshore funding; the interest rates it paid on consumer deposits and the cash rate set by the RBA when making interest rate decisions.
AAP reported Chronican as saying that this disconnect had begun at the start of the GFC
“That linkage, if anything, only arose in the early 1990s and persisted in a period of extended stability in financial markets,” he said.
Chronican blamed banks themselves for allowing the perception of a link to persist.
“It saves having to explain why home rate loans are going up and down when there was an easy scapegoat to be had by always blaming the RBA," he said.
Chronican led ANZ’s decision to set its interest rates independently on the second Friday of every month rather than following RBA announcements.
He has consistently argued of late that bank wholesale funding costs are on the rise.
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No link between bank lending rates and RBA cash rate: ANZ

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At the end of last year, predictions were flying around left right and centre about the state of the market in 2012. There was a lot of buoyancy following the RBA’s double interest rate cut, with the industry confident it would result in buyers flooding the market. In truth, while the cuts didn’t deliver the influx of buyers experts were hoping for, it has definitely boosted confidence.
It’s relatively early days in 2012 but here in Brunswick, we’re already witnessing some interesting trends take place. A key movement has been the type of buyers we’re seeing – second-home purchasers are generally married with one child. Many young professional couples are seeking apartments because they want to live within 10 to 15 kilometres of the CBD, and they’re willing to sacrifice space in order to have all the amenities nearby. Similar to the rest of the world – especially the capital cities in Asia and Europe – people are turning to apartment living to be located close to the city, a trend I believe will be highly prevalent in Australia in the next century.
We started 2012 with a bang, sitting around a 95% clearance rate in our first five weeks of auctions. In February, we sold a three-bedroom, single-fronted house in <a target="_blank" href="https://realestate.melbournetimesweekly.com.au/overview/3321823/417-barkly-street-brunswick-3056/">Barkly Street</a> for $1.01 million – the highest price ever achieved for a single-fronted house in Brunswick. We’re also expecting a four-bedroom home in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Brunswick-East/?adid=2009560271">Kingfisher Gardens</a> to draw a lot of interest due to its proximity to cafes, shops and public transport. A few auction sales have been 10% to 15% above the reserve, proof of increased buyer confidence, especially compared to last year when we had properties selling up to 10% below the asking price.
Auction activity has now cooled off slightly as more sellers put their homes on the market. Still, we’re finding that any properties not selling at auction are being sold pretty soon after. Auctions have now become part of a process for obtaining that final sales result. Often we need an auction to transpire to truly see what a property is worth, and for vendors to understand what the market’s willing to pay for their home.
<img src="/images/stories/brunswick2.jpg">
We’re finding sellers also prefer auctions because unlike private sales, auctions are regulated. Vendors know an auction sale is final and not subject to any clauses such as finance or building inspections. Private sales, on the other hand, can typically take much longer and because they’re unregulated – buyers can get caught up in various bidding methods, be it a closed ballot, boardroom auction or informal bidding war.
Price-wise, last year was definitely a better opportunity for investors in Brunswick, but unfortunately a lot of them weren’t financially ready to buy at the time and they’re now competing – and often being priced out – by first-home buyers returning to the market.
Looking ahead, I think the doom and gloom from last year is gone and buyers are ready to settle down and secure their homes. Across the board, I predict a 5% increase in prices in areas within a 10-kilometre radius of the city – including Brunswick, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/top-10-victorian-capital-growth-hotspots-with-ivanhoe-a-shining-star-for-past-five-years-reiv/2012040254123">which was listed by the REIV in the top 10 growth suburbs for the five years ending 2011.</a> Clearance rates in Melbourne will remain around 58% to 63% all year, with Brunswick a little higher at 70% to 75%. Even throughout 2011 our clearance rates were hovering around 60%, attributed mainly to buyers seeing us as an affordable alternative to the more affluent neighbourhoods of Fitzroy, Carlton and Northcote. Currently our days on market are sitting at 38 days – a slight improvement from last year at 43 days – and I expect this to stay consistent for the next 18 months.
We’re at a time in the market where the playing field is pretty even, so it’s a good opportunity for both buyers and sellers alike. Buyers should bear in mind it’s always hard to find something that ticks all the boxes no matter what the state of the market, so they need to weigh up if they’re willing to sacrifice their dream home now to pay less for a property that meets 75% of their needs, or wait six months to find their perfect match when prices are higher.
Robert Elsom has 15 years’ experience in real estate and is director of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/">hockingstuart </a>Carlton, Brunswick and Northcote.
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Brunswick: The hockingstuart mid-2012 autumn property review

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February retail sales figures have brought some cheer for retail landlords in Queensland and Western Australia, but not much for those with investments in other states and territories.
According to Macquarie senior economist Brian Redican, the latest ABS figures highlight the widening gap between the performance of resource-rich Queensland and Western Australia and those states not benefiting from the mining boom.
Redican expects the RBA to cut rates next month in what could be the first of three quick cuts to restore confidence in the economy.
He says the monetary policy statement which accompanied the April decision suggested a considerable shift in the central bank's view on the economy over the month.
Prior to April, Redican says the RBA has been suggesting that "any weakness in demand was temporary and so didn't need a policy response".
"That no longer seems to be the view," he says.
Westpac chief economist Bill Evans expects the RBA to cut the cash rate twice by July taking it down to 3.75%.
Nationally, retail sales crept up by just 0.2% over the month on a seasonally adjusted basis, with Queensland the top-performing state, recording a 1.5% increase in sales turnover following a 1.9% gain in January.
Western Australia was second best performer, managing retail sales growth of 1% following a 1.1% gain in January.
The only other state to record an increase was South Australia (0.7% following a fall of 0.4% in January), with the Northern Territory registering no growth following a 3.4% gain in January.
Turnover fell by 0.6% in New South Wales and by 0.4% in Victoria in February, matching similar falls in January, while the ACT declined by 0.7% and Tasmania fell by 0.1%.
"What is interesting is the regional composition there, where it does look like you're getting exacerbating weakness in NSW and Victoria, while Queensland and Western Australia seem to be holding up pretty well," Redican told AAP.
"That divergence is getting wider rather than narrowing but overall is looking fairly sluggish."
Redican says retail sales may rebound in mid-2012 when households get their carbon tax compensation payments, which could be in the range of $300 to $600.
Redican says there will be a strong temptation among households to spend this money.
"That's probably the greatest hope in the near term,” he says.
Across retailing sectors, the largest contributor to the February rise was other retailing (including newspapers, books, stationery and pharmaceutical products) which increased by 1.8%, followed by food retailing (supermarkets and grocery stores) 0.3% and department stores 0.7%.
Turnover fell in clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing (-1.4%), cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services (-0.7%), and household goods retailing (-0.5%).
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Retail sales figures show divide widening between mining states and rest of country: Brian Redican

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Housing starts are likely to come in at 139,360 during 2012, according to the Housing Industry Association.

The HIA's autumn outlook confirms deteriorating conditions for the housing industry in the final quarter of 2011 and into 2012, and suggests subdued new home building levels for the remainder of the year.
Following a 12.8% fall in housing starts in 2011, HIA is forecasting a 5.9% decline in starts in 2012, to a level of 139,360. It anticipates a rise to 147,980 in 2013 and then to 158,290 in 2014. The recent peak was 169,860 in 2010. The recent low point was 138,790 in 2009, marginally weaker than this year's anticipated figure. The 2009 figure was the lowest since the GST-introduction affected 2001 year.
"New home building has been hampered by interest rates that have been too high for too long as well as a glacial pace of reform in terms of the supply-side of the Australian housing market," says HIA senior economist Andrew Harvey.
But the HIA pinpointed "excessive tax levied on new housing" as constraining supply and harming business conditions and therefore the wider domestic economy.
Harvey notes research that found that around 40% of the purchase price of a new home was due to taxation, and that the majority of this was in the form of highly inefficient taxes, including stamp duty.
"More is needed in terms of Commonwealth and state government reform to lift some of the tax burden from new housing – taxes on housing simply have to be substantially reduced," says Harvey.
"The economy is now posting zero employment growth, and the non-mining states are going backwards in terms of their labour markets - now is not the time to allow residential building to decline further," Harvey adds.
Click to enlarge
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Housing starts dip to continue, with 5.9% decline forecast during 2012: HIA

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The Ray White real estate group is on track to surpass its March 2011 sales figures, which group chairman Brian White describes as a “positive sign for the broader market”. 
Preliminary figures compiled across more than 700 Ray White real estate offices, including offices in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, show that the real estate group sold $2.44 billion worth of residential and commercial property during March 2012 compared with $2.43 billion achieved in March 2011. 
White says the March results are viewed by the group as the “key monthly indicator for the entire year”. 
"Rarely will our figures come close to March until well into spring. So the group’s incomplete sales results of $2.4 billion gives confidence that the Australian market is assuming a new resilience,” he says. 
The March 2012 figure was also significantly up on the $2.06 billion sales turnover recorded in February 2012 and the $1.52 billion recorded in the traditionally quiet January period. 
"Ray White Group’s March figures were a pleasant surprise, suggesting that the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to keep rates on hold was not imprudent," says White.
 
 
 
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