<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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Bomera, the Italianate sandstone mansion at Potts Point, has been relisted, but this time without the $25 million-plus hopes.
The 1858 house, designed by architect J.F. Hilly, is on 2,000 square metres on the tip of the peninsula overlooking Woolloomooloo Bay. The meticulous 2003 restoration of the estate was overseen by heritage architects Graham Brooks &amp; Associates after the property was deemed surplus to Royal Australian Navy requirements. It comes with a five-bedroom house with regal formal rooms, a provincial-style kitchen and a grand ballroom. There is also a three-bedroom cottage in the gardens, which have a pool and a spa, and a six-car garage.
Bill Bridges from Ballard Property and Ken Jacobs at Christies International have the Wylde Street listing.
Bomera was originally on land that stretched from Wylde Street to Victoria Street along the harbour foreshore.
It was 2001 when historic Potts Point villas Bomera and Tarana were sold for about $6.55 million by the Defence Department, which acquired the 3,700-square-metre holding as fleet headquarters for the Royal Australian Navy in 1941.
<img src="/images/stories/bomerahist.jpg">
The 1858 Italianate-style Bomera, built for merchant William McQuade, who helped establish Randwick racecourse, became a single dwelling. The late Victorian-style Tarana, built for McQuade's son Arthur in 1888, was converted into three apartments overseen by the manufacturer-turned-property-developer Jorge Fernandez.
Fernandez knocked back a $15 million offer to sell Bomera within a couple of years of its purchase.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sandstone Potts Point 1858 Italianate trophy mansion Bomera relisted

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Actress Toni Collette and her musician husband, Dave Galafassi, have listed their Hollywood Los Angeles pied a terre, as they seek to unravel their Australian property holdings.
The 1924 Los Angeles house is on the market at $1,325,000. It cost the entertainment industry couple $1.33 million in late 2010, having been listed with $1,445,000 hopes. The walled, gated Spanish-styled house had been purchased as a fixer-upper in early 2008 for $650,000.
The residence sits on a 198-square metre block between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue.
It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with a detached pool house. The Collette-Galafassi furnishings are a somewhat spare, according to the on-the-ball <a target="_blank" href="https://realestalker.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/toni-collettes-recent-real-estate-whirl">realestalker.blogspot.com</a> blogger, with a colorful pastiche of mid-century modern things that include a couple of Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chairs.
When the house was bought <a href="https://realestalker.blogspot.com.au/2010/10/aussie-actor-toni-collette-snags" target="_blank">Realestalker noted</a> it was in the downmarket 90038 zip code, not normally associated with celebrity residents.
The recent unfolding events in Sydney have been described as the couple catching a case of “the Celebrity Real Estate Fickle”.
Collette has appeared in numerous feature films over the years, getting huge billing for Muriel’s Wedding, then The Sixth Sense and Little Miss Sunshine. More recently she starred in Steven Spielberg’s Showtime series United States of Tara, in a lead role that won her Emmy Awards. The series finished last year.
The LA property is for sale through Steve Sanders at Coldwell Banker. The Zillow website says it’s been listed for 39 days. It had been briefly listed early 2011 at $1,445,000, according to Zillow.
 
 
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Toni Collette’s property fickleness spreads to Hollywood

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There are some things we just take for granted. Like the ability to buy and sell a car or a home.
 
Sure we sometimes complain that properties are expensive, but we just expect to be able to buy or sell something we own. 
However, it’s not that way everywhere in the world.
When Fidel Castro took power in Cuba in 1959 he placed a ban on property sales, which has been in effect until late last year when the purchasing and selling of private property was legalised by President Raul Castro in a bid to keep the struggling Communist state afloat.
And not surprisingly the newfound freedom to buy property has created a property boom in Cuba <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2122601/Cuban-property-market-booms-house-buying-allowed-time-1959-Revolution">according to a report in the Daily Mail</a>.
Only citizens and permanent residents are allowed to buy properties in the Communist country, but many Cuban exiles in America are entering the property markets through friends and family on the island – bumping up property prices.
Why the ban on property sales? In an effort to fight absentee ownership by wealthy landlords, Fidel enacted a reform that gave title to whoever lived in a home. This meant most who left the island forfeited their properties to the state.
Cubans have long bemoaned the ban on property sales, which took effect in stages over the first years after Fidel Castro took power in 1959.
What this meant was that before this new reform, Cubans were mainly stuck in the homes they were born in, only moving through house swaps and marriages.
Since no property market was allowed, the rules meant that for decades Cubans could only exchange property through complicated barter arrangements, or through black-market deals.
Some Cubans entered into sham marriages to make deed transfers easier. Others made deals to move into homes to “care” for an elderly person living there, only to inherit the property when that person died.
Many more were forced to live in overcrowded apartments with several generations crammed into a few rooms.
The new property market will alter everyday life for Cubans, with many being able to choose where to live for the first time.
But the government has insisted no individuals will be able to accumulate great wealth through the new legislation, as sales will be subject to taxes.
It’s much the same with cars. The ability to buy and sell property came shortly after the legalisation of the purchase and sale of cars.
But the new rules have so many restrictions that it is still hard for ordinary Cubans to buy new cars.
And you can go into business. Raul Castro took over from his infamous brother Fidel in 2008 and has said repeatedly that “the system” is not working in the communist country where the government employs more than 80% of the workers in the island's economy.
So he has now allowed citizens to go into business for themselves in a number of approved jobs – everything from party clowns to accountants – and has pledged to streamline the state-dominated economy by removing 500,000 government workers.
Yes our government could do a better job, some properties in Australia are expensive and unfortunately the value of my home has fallen a little over the last year. But overall the wealth of our nation is increasing, our standard of living is improving and we’re living longer. 
Yes, we live in the “lucky country.”
Michael Yardney is the director of <a href="https://www.metropole.com.au/">Metropole Property Investment Strategists</a> , a best-selling author and one of Australia's leading experts in wealth creation through property. He also writes the <a href="https://www.propertyupdate.com.au/">Property Investment Update</a> blog.
 
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Cuba has a property market for the first time since 1959: Michael Yardney 

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International chef Tetsuya Wakuda has emerged as the latest buyer in The Residence, the new College Street high rise overlooking Hyde Park.
<img src="/images/stories/theresidence.jpg">
Tetsuya reputedly paid about $3.2 million for the three-bedroom north-east corner unit, according to Fairfax Media video presenter Simon Johanson. The apartment had been sold off the plan, apparently at a similar price, to an offshore buyer who didn’t proceed with the eighth-floor purchase.
 
 
 
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Chef Tetsuya Wakuda bites off a piece of The Residence: Title Tattle

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A good turn-out at open for inspections is one of the first indicators that the market’s kicking off – four months into the new year, that’s exactly what we’ve been witnessing in Balwyn. We’ve gone from having four or five people turn up at our opens late 2011 to groups of up to 30 this year – and this is also translating into auction attendance, with our biggest auction last weekend drawing a crowd of 60 people (pictured).
Prior to our first set of auctions kicking off late February, we were already seeing strong signs of confidence returning, with nine private sales taking place in January alone – a record number compared with the usual two or three in previous years. Everybody’s been saying for a long time “save your money or pay your mortgage off before you make your next move”. It’s clear people have listened and are now in a better position to upgrade their lifestyle.
The issue in Balwyn though, is that buyers are ready but the stock is in short supply – not dissimilar to what’s happening around the rest of Melbourne at the moment, but low stock levels has always been a challenge in Balwyn, even last year. So we have an auction-oriented market with properties selling quickly – on average we’re holding six or seven auctions per weekend sometimes up to nine or 10 – and with clearance rates of at least 80%. March in particular was an exceptional month, with 25 auctions and a 90% clearance rate (compared with an average clearance of 65% in November and December).
Our first super Saturday was also a success, with only one property out of 12 passed in – indicative of the short supply in Balwyn and high demand for quality homes. The most astute vendors are reading the market well and seeing an opportunity to put their property on the market when listing numbers are low and there’s little competition against similar properties. They’re also continuing to lean towards auctions because it gives them three opportunities to sell; pre-auction, at auction and post-auction. Buyers also tend to look at auction properties first as they know there’s a limited window of opportunity to buy them and they get snapped up more quickly.
The most popular Balwyn properties are post-war 1950s three-bedroom cream or red brick homes – they sell nearly every weekend in excess of the $1 million mark. The property at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/ore/Public/PropertyDetails/default.aspx?adid=2009452508" target="_blank">25 Winmalee Road Balwyn</a> is a classic example of the older-style home, recently selling for $1.05 million.
While we have a typical type of house, one thing we don’t have is a typical buyer. Compared to Richmond, for example, where young couples and investors dominate the market, Balwyn boasts an eclectic mix of buyers. It’s for this reason that units such as this one on <a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/?autoSearch=1&amp;OID=3798627&amp;Con=S" target="_blank">Greythorn Road</a> sell well – they’re suitable for a multitude of buyers, from young families to investors or older couples scaling back.
The number of enquiries we’re getting from potential vendors on a weekly basis is also growing – not dramatically, but we’re seeing the market balance out as buyer and vendor expectations start to align. I’m predicting that once Easter and the school holidays are out of the way, May will be our busiest month yet.
The market will remain steady but we may start to see a mild increase in values later in the year – we’re talking 3% to 5%. Days on market will start decreasing and stock levels will steadily start to increase once vendors realise the market’s picking up.
In terms of sale prices the market can be summed up with one word – realistic. Most sales are meeting expectations but not exceeding them. We’re seeing sales occur within the designated price range or slightly above reserve; they’re creeping there and just making it. Vendors are more realistic about market value, buyer confidence has grown but no one’s over-excited – not just yet.
Toby Parker is director of <a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au" target="_blank">hockingstuart </a>Balwyn
 
 
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Balwyn: The hockingstuart mid-2012 autumn property review

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Vendors in Sunbury, about 40 kilometres north west of the Melbourne CBD and most famous as the birthplace of The Ashes, sold on average 1.6 houses every day last year, making it Australia’s most heavily traded hotspot.
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.
The hotspot list is based on those suburbs where dwelling prices appreciated the greatest over the 12 months to December 2011.
Sunbury house prices grew by 5.3% over 2011, but are forecast to grow by only 2% over 2012.
Second on the list is Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, nearly 1,000 kilometres from Darwin, which had 491 sales last year and is a centre of both mining exploration and cattle grazing, while another mining and agricultural town, Emerald, in the Queensland central highlands, recorded 375 sales during 2011.
The eight locations also include the outer-Melbourne suburb of Tarneit, which recorded 424 sales over 2011.
Both Sunbury and Tarneit are part of the Baillieu government’s $200 billion growth corridor plan, which aims to house 1 million people over the next 20 years in north, west and south-east Melbourne suburbs <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/a-new-adelaide-on-melbourne-s-outskirts-baillieu-government-s-growth-corridor-plans/2011110952270" target="_blank">and create a regional centre the size of Adelaide</a>.
Sunbury forms part of the City of Hume, which the Victorian government expects will “continue to play a key role in contributing to the national economy and Australia's global position, with an expectation that employment will grow to between 90,000 and 95,000 jobs”.
Tarneit is in the city of Wyndham, the fastest-growing region in Melbourne and a hotspot for residential developments with 23 active projects comprising 24,000 homes underway with Australand, Dennis Family Corporation, Multiplex, Stockland, Peet and Villawood among those involved. Tarneit’s population is forecast to grow by at least 161,000 people by 2031.
Sunbury and Tarneit are among those suburbs that will benefit from an investment program, which includes the building of new train infrastructure, major roads, revamping town centres, building 350,000 new homes and the creating jobs for 400,000 people as well as building new parks and environmental reserves.
According to legend, following a game of cricket between the English cricket team and a local side, Sir William Clarke and Lady Clarke were presented with an urn containing the ashes of a bail used during the game in their grand Sunbury mansion of Rupertswood (now the home of Salesian College).
 
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
Number sold in 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
Sales per day
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
Median price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
Year on year change
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
12 month forecast
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Median rent
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Gross rental yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Sunbury houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
Vic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
604
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1.65
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$356,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
5.3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$318
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
4.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Tennant Creek houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
NT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
491
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1.35
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$230,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
24.3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
1%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Snr
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Snr
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Canning Vale houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
WA
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
490
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1.35
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$525,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
-1.9%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
5+%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$450
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
4.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Goulburn houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
456
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1.25
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$269,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
7.8%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$270
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
5.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Traralgon houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
Vic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
453
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1.24
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$265,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
4.7%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$280
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
5.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Brisbane units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
Qld
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
439
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1.2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$430,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
0%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$560
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
6.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Tarneit houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
Vic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
424
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1.16
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$370,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
4.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
0%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$300
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
4.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Emerald houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="56">
Qld
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
375
</td>
<td valign="top" width="54">
1.03
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
$412,250
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
8.5%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
5+%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
$550
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
7.6%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Smart Investor
Photograph by Elizabeth Donoghue, courtesy of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>.
 
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Sunbury tops list of most traded hotspots, with more than one house sold a day

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The Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) will expel a real estate agent reprimanded and fined by the District Court of South Australia for selling a house belonging to an elderly woman who suffered a mental impairment at “significantly below the fair market price”.
Daniel Christiaan Overduin, who traded as Daniel Christiaan Real Estate in Tennyson, was reprimanded by the District Court of South Australia and fined $14,000.
The fine and reprimand was for his “failure to act in the interests of the vendor, a potential conflict of interest given the involvement of a family member, and, at the very least, a serious neglect of his duty” after he sold the three-bedroom house on Bosanquet Avenue in the “low one hundred thousand dollars” in 2008 at a price “significantly below the fair market price”.
The house was sold to a developer, a friend of Overduin’s brother, referred to as “Mr Bergamaschi” in the court judgement.
“While the seriousness of the defendant’s departure from the standard required is such as to potentially require the suspension or even disqualification of his registration, I have been persuaded that the protection of the public, will, in the circumstances of this matter, be achieved by proceeding by way of reprimand and a significant fine. Accordingly there will be a formal reprimand and a fine of $14,000,” said Judge Soulio in his March 21 judgement.
The discounted sale was only discovered following a routine building inspection by the Eastern Health Authority six months later, which placed the woman in the care of the Guardianship Board and rehoused her.
The sale was subsequently reversed and the house later sold by the Public Trustee in 2010 for $491,000. The developer was refunded his $20,000 and Overduin forced to repay his $2,000 commission.
Speaking on ABC Radio in Adelaide, REISA president Greg Moulton said Overduin would be subject to a fit and proper test by the institute, with the end result being that he will “most certainly be kicked out of the real estate institute”.
REISA chief executive officer Greg Troughton described Overduin's actions as "simply not acceptable".
"I have requested an urgent meeting with him to discuss his membership as I am furious and outraged to hear of any conduct which is against the best interests of a client," Troughton told Adelaide Now.
Overduin declined to comment when contacted by Adelaide Now.
 
 
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South Australia agent faces expulsion after selling woman's home to family friend at a third of value

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Our newly sworn in Foreign Minister Bob Carr has indicated he intends keeping his long-held New Zealand investment property following his recent appointment.
It’s a three-hectare lifestyle block in the Gibbston Valley pinot noir wine district, which cost $365,000 in 2003. He and his wife, Helena, remain the registered owners and ratepayers according to the Queenstown Lakes District Council rates office.
The building block adjoins the Mt Rosa Vineyard near Queenstown on the South Island and was bought by the Carrs towards the end of his term as the NSW premier.
"It can't be a conflict of interest provided it's been declared," his spokesman told Property Observer, dismissing the likelihood that being a ratepayer of NZ might trigger any such awkwardness either way across the ditch.
<img src="/images/stories/mtrosa.jpg">
The latest official land valuation of the 3.3446-hectare lifestyle block shows up as $415,000, indicating it barely covers the costs.
Its land value peaked at $510,000 in boomtime 2007.
<img src="/images/stories/carr2.jpg">
The couple’s annual rates began at $1,242 and now stand at $1,425.
While he paid no stamp duty on the property because – unlike NSW – New Zealand had no stamp duty regime, Carr paid $37,202 in GST to the New Zealand government on his property purchase. The GST rate in New Zealand at the time of the purchase was 12.5%.
Given its still without any house, the property has been only rarely visited by Bob Carr, whose first semi-official overseas trip happened co-incidently to be New Zealand.
It’s only a short drive from the old gold-mining town of Arrowtown and the bustling town of Queenstown.
Estate agents say it’s blessed with a semi-continental climate and locked in with deep valleys, luscious green hills and snow covered mountains, Gibbston Valley is one of the most idyllic areas in New Zealand.
<img src="/images/stories/carr3.jpg">
World-famous vineyards in the region include Waitiri Creek, Nevis Bluff, Chard Farm, Peregrine and tucked away around the back road, Two Paddocks, Valli Vineyards, Mount Edward, and Sleeping Dogs.
The bigger property - which includes a sandstone shepherd's cottage - was formerly the original ram paddock for Kawarua Station, which totalled 86,365 hectares acres and ran 40,000 sheep. There are about 25 blocks that share the same dusty road (pictured above and below) were sold off in 2003 with international buyers coming from Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States. Most appear to remain as building blocks, with those who've built being given $1 million plus council valuations.
<img src="/images/stories/carr4.jpg">
The protocol for foreign government officials wishing to purchase Australian property in their own names involves notifying the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board of any proposed acquisitions prior to entering into contracts to purchase the property.
The case of Foreign Ministers owning foreign soil seemingly isn’t spelt out anywhere officially.
 
 
 
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Foreign Minister Bob Carr to keep his New Zealand property

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The former champion swimmer Ian Thorpe has sold his Sutherland Shire waterfront home to another sporting legend, the NSW State of Origin coach Ricky Stuart, for $2.65 million.
But its sale reflects the shire’s tough selling conditions, as it has been sold at $250,000 less than the $2.9 million paid in 2003 for the Port Hacking waterfront.
<img src="/images/stories/thorpe2.jpg">
Stuart's purchase marks his return to the sporty shire, having previously owned at Burraneer Bay.
In 2010 the glamour couple Shane Watson and Lee Furlong joined the wave of Australian sports royalty owning in the shire when they paid $3.99 million for a waterfront property at Burraneer Bay.
Test captain Ricky Ponting and fast bowling great Glenn McGrath, who tried to sell last year but couldn’t, all call the district home.
Stuart’s also been on the receiving end of the weaker property market in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, as he sold his former Vaucluse house for $2.3 million last year having paid $2.75 in 2006 while coaching the Sydney Roosters.
<img src="/images/stories/thorpe.jpg">
Thorpe’s used his middle name, James, to secure the property in 2003 to protect his identity and presumably so no seller took advantage of his known wealth.
He also bought a $710,000 Thirroul investment apartment in the name of James Thorpe. Set in the seaside pocket south of Wollongong, it was sold for $655,000 in 2010.
Land Tittle Office records suggest neither Thorpe has not bought any replacement Sydney home. But he still remains loyal to the shire as last weekend when asked by Sun Herald columnist Kate Waterhouse what he thought about the new Jersey Shores-style Channel 10 series on the shire he said: "I think it's terrible (laughs)." And asked if he'd make a comeo: "Hell no."
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Thorpie underwater in sale to Ricky Stuart: Title Tattle

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The outlook for the new Brisbane apartments market remains healthy with supply and demand evenly matched, but the Gold Coast market continues to struggle with sales of new apartments still at post-GFC lows, according to the latest Midwood Report.
Unconditional sales of new Brisbane units increased from 74 in the November quarter 2011 to 186 in the February 2012 quarter.
Stock levels have declined to 1,446 from a peak of 1,683 in May last year, which equates to two-and-a-half years’ worth of supply at current sales rates.
Investors have been spurred on by rising rental returns, with one-bedroom inner-Brisbane flats registering rental growth over the past 12 months of 9% to a median of $300 per week, with a smaller 4% increase in two-bedroom flats ($380).
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/midwood.gif"><img src="/images/stories/midwoodthumb.gif"></a>
Midwood Report author Bill Morris says the Brisbane market has been characterised by a sustained level of sales over the past two years, averaging 200 sales per quarter
Brisbane remains the fastest-growing state capital, with current growth rate of 2% per annum and is also experiencing an influx of employees in the inner city, with both trends being driven by the Queensland resources boom.
The strongest-selling project was David Devine’s Metro Property Madison Heights development in Bowen Hills, which clocked up 57 sales with prices ranging from $350,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $434,000 to $556,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Madison Heights features 296 apartments, with 200 sold since launch of the project in March 2011.
There were also 15 sales at Metro Property’s The Chelsea development also in Bowen Hills, with 190 out of 195 apartments now sold in the project. Prices range from $355,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $546,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, and there were 20 sales recorded for Brooklyn on Brookes in Fortitude Valley, Metro’s joint development with Indian-based developer Pearls.
The other strong performer was Meriton’s 81-storey Infinity Tower, currently under construction, with 34 sales recorded and prices ranging from $470,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $650,000 for a two-bedroom unit. To date 123 out of the 287 apartments in the tower have been sold.
Meriton’s other high-rise Brisbane project the 74-storey Soleil registered no unconditional sales over the quarter. It has sold 216 of the 414 apartments marketed to date with prices ranging from $347,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $806,000 for a three-bedroom apartment with two car spaces.
In comparison the Gold Coast managed continued to struggle to attract buyers. with just 52 sales recorded over the February quarter, half of these for units in Southport Central 3 on Lawson Street in Southport, currently in the hands of administrators.
“Sales are being sustained almost entirely by mortgagee sales,” says Morris, who adds that the Gold Coast market is showing “no signs of improving”.
While stock on market has reduced from 723 to 500 over the past 12 months due to no new projects in the pipeline, the slow rate of sales means that there is still two years of stock available.
The Midwood report notes that quarterly sales have averaged just 60 since the start of the GFC in 2008.
In the year to February 2008, before the onset of the GFC, the Gold Coast averaged around 25 new unit sales per week, equating to a total of just under 1,200 over the 12 month to February 2008.
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According to Morris, most of the stock of new apartments (351 out of 500) is priced above $600,000, which explains the flat sales volumes. 
He says there is demand for lower-priced units, as demonstrated by Meriton’s Brighton on Broadwater and Southport Central, where most of the apartments are priced below $600,000. 
“The market demand for larger three- and four-bedroom apartments has been constrained by lenders, who are wary of price softening at the upper end of the price range. Future development sites such as the City Planners/ Lotte group site on Ferney Avenue and the Aussie Blue site opposite should aim to satisfy the demand for smaller, more affordable high rise units,” he says. 
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