<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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Former prime minister Paul Keating – and former chairman of the Barangaroo Design Excellence Review Panel – has told James Packer that his planned hotel and casino complex at Barangaroo should not be built on an area earmarked for public open space.
Keating met Packer yesterday to discuss the proposal for a new high-rise, six-star hotel in the middle of the 22-hectare harbourfront development site.
In a statement released last night, Keating said he had taken Packer through the history of the Barangaroo site and its important design principles.
''I told him that the principal civic dividend from the project was its near 60% public open space – and that I regarded the public amenity of these lands as inviolate,'' Keating said.
He said Packer ''respected that view but to the extent that Lend Lease failed to reach an agreement with him, he was commercially bound to press for an alternative hotel site which may devolve to those lands, or part of those lands, currently earmarked for theatres and entertainment within the Barangaroo Centre precinct''.
When contacted by the The Daily Telegraph, Packer said: "I was heartened by some of Mr Keating's comments.

"I always enjoy spending time with Mr Keating. He's an Australian who has made a huge contribution to the country."
Their meeting followed criticism of the Packer plan by Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/barry-ofarrell-endorses-barangaroo-casino-concept/2012022653561">Premier Barry O'Farrell is set to be further briefed</a> on Packer's proposal.
''Any premier would be a mug if people are saying we want to invest a billion dollars in NSW not to at least hear those proponents out,'' he told ABC radio.
''There are a whole range of regulatory hurdles that Mr Packer's company would have to go through that are decided at arm’s length from government before any of this comes to government for a decision.''
 
 
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Paul Keating urges James Packer to reconsider Barangaroo hotel and casino but definitely keep it off the grass

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Central Coast properties make up a large portion of SQM Research's list of the top 10 most discounted properties in New South Wales.
The list features one property in Magenta, one in Gorokan and two in Green Point. The last time the research firm compiled a NSW most discounted list, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/nsw-central-coast-market-in-a-slump-as-vendors-offer-discounts-sqm-research/2011101751962" target="_blank">in October last year</a>, there were also four Central Coast properties on it. However, no Central Coast properties are repeated from October's list. 
Last year's list featured two Blue Mountains properties, whereas this time around there is just one, 9 Brentwood Avenue, Blackheath, which has been on the market since February last year and featured on October's list. 
Four other discounted properties on the New South Wales list are in the Sydney suburbs – Thornleigh, Bondi Junction, Clovelly and Kyeemagh – but SQM director Louis Christopher says Sydney has been spared the price reductions apparent in many other capitals. None of these properties featured on the October list. 
"Sydney appears to be suffering a little less than other capital cities in terms of recent house price declines, which is of course in many ways good news to current Sydney home owners," Christopher says.
"Many of the homes on this list are not located in the capital city's inner and middle rings but rather in less populated localities in New South Wales where the market is obviously not as high in demand as it appears to be towards the inner-urban areas."
1
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2007217761" target="_blank">1302 Birkdale Place, Magenta, NSW, 2261</a>
On the market since: June 17, 2008
Initial asking price: $700,000
Current asking price: $450,000
Reduction: 36%
Days on market: 1,341
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">2</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2007736307">26a Paling Street, Thornleigh, NSW, 2120</a>
On the market since: May 16, 2009
Initial asking price: $1.1 million
Current asking price: $730,000
Reduction: 34%
Days on market: 1,008
 
3
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106483661" target="_blank">257 Avoca Drive, Green Point, NSW, 2251</a>
On the market since: May 22, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.3 million
Current asking price: $879,000
Reduction: 32%
Days on market: 637
 
 
4
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008850003" target="_blank">3 Wharf Road, Green Point, NSW, 2251</a> (pictured)
On the market since: March 5, 2011
Initial asking price: $950,000
Current asking price: $649,000
Reduction: 32%
Days on market: 350
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">5</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2009290335" target="_blank">120 Glendiver Road, The Oaks, NSW, 2570</a>
On the market since: October 15, 2011
Initial asking price: $1,595,000
Current asking price: $1.1 million
Reduction: 31%
Days on market: 126
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">6</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107195829" target="_blank">9 Brentwood Avenue, Blackheath, NSW, 2785</a>
On the market since: February 26, 2011
Initial asking price: $1,425,000
Current asking price: $990,000
Reduction: 31%
Days on market: 357
 
7
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008805959" target="_blank">69/257 - 269 Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, NSW, 2022</a>
On the market since: February 12, 2011
Initial asking price: $2.5 million
Current asking price: $1.75 million
Reduction: 30%
Days on market: 371
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">8</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2007871851" target="_blank">18 Marks Road, Gorokan, NSW, 2263</a>
On the market since: July 1, 2009
Initial asking price: $640,000
Current asking price: $450,000
Reduction: 30%
Days on market: 962
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">9</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2009066241" target="_blank">103 General Holmes Drive, Kyeemagh, NSW, 2216</a>
On the market since: June 25, 2011
Initial asking price: $1.4 million
Current asking price: $1 million
Reduction: 29%
Days on market: 238
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">10</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2009154691" target="_blank">26/44 Melrose Parade, Clovelly, NSW, 2031</a>
On the market since: August 13, 2011
Initial asking price: $1,295,000
Current asking price: $959,000
Reduction: 26%
Days on market: 189
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"></h2>
SQM Research also offers a list of the <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/top100bargains.php" title="SQM Research" target="_blank">Top 100 Biggest Bargains in Australia</a> for sale.
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Central Coast still heavily represented on SQM's most discounted properties in NSW list

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The doyenne of Australian theatre Robyn Nevin has sold her much-loved Paddington terrace for $1,315,000.
The three-bedroom Windsor Street terrace had been bought in 1983 for $145,000. Title Tattle seems to recall it was bought through her mother's generosity in giving her a big deposit.
Nevin and her partner, actor Nicholas Hammond, who played Friedrich von Trapp in the film The Sound Of Music, met during a 1987 Sydney Theatre Company production.
Their  two-bedroom 1960s-built Pearl Beach, Central Coast cottage that cost $190,000 in 1993 was sold at its $675,000 asking price through Stuart Gan of PRDnationwide  several years ago, with the couple, who spend much of their time working in theatre and film in Melbourne, signalling plans to buy a similar cottage in Victoria.
The Paddington terrace has been recently listed at a $1,190 a week rental through Cantor Real Estate.
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Australian theatre doyenne Robyn Nevin sells Paddington terrace: Title Tattle

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Former St George Bank chief Paul Fegan and his wife, Leonie, have listed their  hillside Mosman residence for March 31 auction.
The Alex Popov-designed Burran Avenue house last traded at $10.75 million in late 2007 when he was the St George chief executive.
Fegan, who was briefly Telstra's executive in charge of strategy and corporate services, is now a non-executive director of AMP Limited.
“Expectations are around the $10 million mark at this stage,” says McGrath listing agent Priscilla Ouvrier.
“It’s an inspired Alex Popov creation that has resulted in sophisticated contemporary residence with light-filled interiors, superior finishes and breathtaking water views.
“Its’ a very private home upon 1,130 square metres,” she says.
The matrimonial property comes with a 20-metre pool.
Burran Avenue’s most recent non-waterfront sales include a $7.4 million to Joris and Adriane Lugtenburg. He’s been associated with the Cape Town based Allan Gray Capital, a South African investment management company, since 1989.
“It was an inspired collaborative design by 4d Architects and its artist owners that created a supremely private and aesthetically exhilarating home offering a sequence of indoor and outdoor living zones and a flexible dual-level layout,” its Raine &amp; Horne selling agent Brendan Warner gushed.
Another hillside Burran Avenue house listed with $5 million-plus hopes in 2010 has been sold at $3.2 million on its third agency marketing campaign.
Mosman has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/mandalong-house-listing-set-to-test-mosman-market-after-banking-bonuses-dry-up/2012022753564">among the hardest hit suburbs since the global financial crisis</a>.
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Former St George boss lists Alex Popov-designed Mosman house

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Actor Nicole Kidman has seemingly sold the final piece of her beachfront holding on the NSW far south coast. 

About $800,000 was expected when the last portion <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/nicole-kidman-s-south-coast-nsw-beachfront-land-fails-to-sell-at-auction/2012021753426">went to February 11 auction</a>.

With the post-auction negotiation sale paperwork now underway, the website now says “Under Contract”.

<img src="/images/stories/kidmanbeach.jpg">
The vacant 1,009-square-metre block had been for sale since 2008 at $1.2 million plus through Michael Skuse of LJ Hooker Batemans Bay. It has 21 metres of beach frontage on Knowlman Road. 

It was 2004 when Angus Hawley, Nicole's then brother-in-law, first swooped into town by helicopter to bid on the rare beachfront offering offered by the Knowlman farming family from Goulburn, who had paid £35 in 1929. Rosedale locals say Kidman has been there only a handful of times since 2004.
Kidman purchased the Rosedale holding as part of a $4 million outlay on the coastal strip in 2004. She has already recouped $3 million, selling two of the properties to Canberrans.
 
 
 
 
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Nicole Kidman finds buyer for NSW far south coast beachfront holding 

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Publisher Fairfax Media has defended its decision to buy a 50% stake in real estate print publication The Weekly Review following criticism of the investment by REA Group boss Greg Ellis.
Ellis, publisher of realestate.com.au, labelled the decision to invest in The Weekly Review “mind-numbing” in a surprise attack on his closest real estate listings rival.
But Tony Blamey, general manager of real estate at Fairfax media, says real estate print advertising remains “highly relevant”.
“A high proportion of people buy in the local area, so local advertising in print is highly ­relevant,” he told the Australian Financial Review.
Blamey says print media is still a “highly valued” component of real estate marketing.
“We see our local publications being very well supported,” he says.
Blamey also pointed out that Fairfax’s <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank">Domain.com.au </a> website, which <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/realestate.com.au-miles-ahead-of-online-property-portal-rivals/2012021653422" target="_blank">ranks a distant second behind realestate.com.au</a>, had made up ground on its rival over the past year with the number of agents using the site growing by 6% to more than 6,000, despite the property market contracting over that period.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/rea-hit-by-queensland-real-estate-agency-contraction/2012022153479" target="_blank">Interim results to December 31 put out by REA Group</a> last week revealed that it had suffered a 4% drop in paying real estate offices on its listings websites <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/buy" target="_blank">realestate.com.au</a> and <a href="https://www.property.com.au/buy" target="_blank">property.com.au</a>, the second consecutive six-month period that numbers have fallen.
More than 200 real estate offices stopped advertising on realestate.com.au and property.com.au in the second half 2011 with, numbers falling from 9,536 to 9,324 over this six-month period to sit below December 2009 numbers (9,329 paying agent offices).
 
 
 
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Print real estate advertising ‘highly relevant’: Fairfax

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Sydney suburbs, many of them on the outer fringes of the city, account for one in three suburbs on RP Data’s list of the top 100 locations for house price growth, with the Hunter Valley and Newcastle region also making a strong showing.
Mining towns in far north Queensland featured strongly on the top 10, led by Moranbah (1st), New Auckland (3rd), Clinton (6th) and West Gladstone (8th).
The top-ranking Sydney suburb is Arncliffe, about 11 kilometres south of the CBD, which comes in at number nine on the list.
Over the past year house prices in Arncliffe have risen 16.3% from $601,000 to $699,000.
Arncliffe is followed by 10th placed Riverstone, 48 kilometres west of Sydney in the Blacktown municipality where house prices have risen 16% from $364,000 to $422,000 over the course of 2011.
Rounding out the top 10 ranking Sydney suburbs on the list are:
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
Rank
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Distance from Sydney CBD
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
Median price in 2010
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
Median price in 2011
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
% change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Arncliffe
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
9
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
11 km south
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$601,080
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$699,296
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
16.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Riverstone
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
10
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
48 kms south west
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$364,377
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$422,412
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
15.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Granville
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
16
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
22 km west
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$399,000
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$451,000
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
12.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Canley Heights
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
20
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
31 km south west
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$405,000
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$453,000
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
12%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Blaxland
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
32
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
60 km west
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$389,230
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$424,254
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Mona Vale
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
34
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
30 km north
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$851,195
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$926,678
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
8.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Greenacre
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
37
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
17 km south west
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$491,000
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$532,000
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
8.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Earlwood
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
39
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
12 km west
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$754,000
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$817,000
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
8.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Hinchinbrook
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
48
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
39 km south west
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$437,000
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$470,000
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
7.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="107" valign="top">
Macquarie Fields
</td>
<td width="100" valign="top">
52
</td>
<td width="107" valign="top">
42 km south west
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$304,000
</td>
<td width="105" valign="top">
$325,000
</td>
<td width="92" valign="top">
7.2%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
Outside of Sydney, NSW investors should look north towards the Hunter Valley region and the regional city of Newcastle, where a growing demand for mining accommodation is driving up house prices and rents.
The highest-ranking location in the Hunter region was Medowie, a suburb of Port Stephens in the Hunter region, which ranked 24th on the list and recorded house price growth of 10.6% in a year. During 2011 house prices in Medowie increased from $327,000 to $362,000.
Kurri Kurri placed 33rd on the list, with house price growth of 8.9% ($234,000 to $255,000). The small town, which has population of about 6,000, is home to the Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter and is surrounded by wineries.
Raymond Terrace, about 26 kilometres north of Newcastle on the Pacific Highway and administrative centre of the Port Stephens municipality, ranked 44th on the list, with the median house price rising 7.9% from $269,000 in 2010 to $290,000 in 2011.
New Lambton, less than six kilometres from the city centre, ranks 50th on the RP Data list, with house prices up 7.3% over the past 12 months to a median of $441,000.
Also on the list is the north-western Newcastle suburb of Mayfield, where house prices are up 5.1% for the year to $342,000.
Thornton, a suburb in the City of Maitland, ranked 62nd (house prices up 6.4% to $393,000) while Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter Valley region comfortably made it into the top 100 with house prices up 5.3% for the year to a median of $292,000.
Photo by Sam Gao, courtesy of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shanna_shattan/4896204381/" target="_blank">Flickr.</a>
 
 
 
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Arncliffe leads Sydney suburbs on RP Data top 100 hotspot list 

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The total land value of the 55,907 properties in Shoalhaven was put at $13.512 billion for July 2011 by NSW Valuer-General Philip Western.
The figure was down 3.3% from $13.977 billion in 2008.
Western says land values generally remained steady over the three years.
Year on year median business land values decreased 0.5% from $302,000 in 2010.
Median industrial land prices decreased 5% from $260,000 in 2010.
Median residential land values increased 1.3% from $150,000 in 2010.
Median rural prices also increased, up 1% from $297,000 in 2010.
Landowners and rate-paying-lessees received a notice of valuation earlier this month.
The valuations are used to determine rates and land taxes on investment properties.
Typical residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>1,334 square metres at Addison Road, Culburra Beach valued at $239,000</li>
<li>1,008 square metres at Admiralty Crescent, Huskisson valued at $1,390,000</li>
<li>740 square metres at Albert Street, Berry valued at $281,000</li>
<li>816 square metres at Government Road, Sussex Inlet valued at $135,000</li>
<li>1,012 square metres at Karowa Street, Bomaderry valued at $118,000</li>
<li>544 square metres at Knapp Avenue, Nowra valued at $80,000</li>
<li>683 square metres at Martin Avenue, Ulladulla valued at $182,000</li>
<li>930 square metres at Quay Road, Callala Beach valued at $1,000,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical commercial land values were:
<ul>
<li>821 square metres at Boree Street, Ulladulla valued at $391,000</li>
<li>468 square metres at Island Point Road, St Georges Basin valued at $150,000</li>
<li>462 square metres at Kinghorne Street, Nowra valued at $450,000</li>
<li>190 square metres at Owen Street, Huskisson valued at $670,000</li>
<li>251 square metres at Queen Street, Berry valued at $517,000</li>
<li>645 square metres at Weston Street, Culburra Beach valued at $160,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical industrial land values were:
<ul>
<li>4,330 square metres at Aroo Road, Ulladulla valued at $284,000</li>
<li>2,077 square metres at Concorde Way, Bomaderry valued at $160,000</li>
<li>4,936 square metres at Cumberland Avenue, South Nowra valued at $288,000</li>
<li>2,100 square metres at Erina Road, Huskisson valued at $181,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical rural land values were:
<ul>
<li>70.2 hectares at Bundewallah Road, Bundewallah valued at $1,250,000</li>
<li>40 hectares at Croobyar Road, Croobyar valued at $760,000</li>
<li>40.7 hectares at Princes Highway, Broughton valued at $1,290,000</li>
<li>55.2 hectares at Mount Scanzi Road, Kangaroo Valley valued at $1,060,000</li>
<li>42.8 hectares at Turpentine Road, Tomerong valued at $508,000</li>
<li>58.6 hectares at Jack Reid Road, Termeil valued at $500,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical rural residential land values were:
<ul>
<li>2.7 hectares at Culburra Road, Wollumboola valued at $390,000</li>
<li>2 hectares at McArthur Drive, Falls Creek valued at $246,000</li>
<li>2 hectares at Pointer Road, Yatte Yattah valued at $327,000</li>
<li>1 hectare at Scotts Road, Upper Kangaroo River valued at $412,000</li>
<li>2 hectares at Stringybark Road, Nowra Hill valued at $293,000</li>
<li>1 hectare at Beach Road, Berry valued at $500,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical hobby farm land values were:
<ul>
<li>10 hectares at Coolangatta Road, Coolangatta valued at $701,000</li>
<li>27.6 hectares at Devitts Lane, Meroo Meadow valued at $782,000</li>
<li>16.2 hectares at Jacks Corner Road, Kangaroo Valley valued at $574,000</li>
<li>16.2 hectares at Princes Highway, Termeil valued at $418,000</li>
<li>16.2 hectares at Bayly Road, Tomerong valued at $399,000 </li>
</ul>
Typical village land values were:
<ul>
<li>911 square metres at Cullen Crescent, Kangaroo Valley valued at $226,000</li>
<li>607 square metres at Cyrus Street, Hyams Beach valued at $1,000,000</li>
<li>613 square metres at Edwin Avenue, Lake Conjola valued at $799,000</li>
<li>607 square metres at Surf Tide Avenue, Bawley Point valued at $270,000</li>
<li>699 square metres at Torquay Drive, Lake Tabourie valued at $140,000</li>
<li>2,390 square metres at Bellfield Place, Tomerong valued at $174,000</li>
</ul>
 
 
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Shoalhaven land values down 3.3% in three years

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A corruption inquiry has begun hearing allegations that Sydney businessman Fortunato "Lucky" Gattellari bribed an Aboriginal land council on the New South Wales south coast.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has heard that in 2005 a man called Ronnie Binge approached Lucky Gattellari with a plan to develop several parcels of land around Narooma.

The land was owned by the Wagonga Aboriginal Land Council.

The ABC reported Ronnie Binge told Gattellari that side payments would have to be made to the council's decision makers to secure the land.

The commission’s counsel assisting told the inquiry that Gattellari liked the plan and asked his business associate Ron Medich to put up the cash.

The inquiry heard that over five years the developers paid upwards of $130,000 to the chairman, coordinator and chief executive of Wagonga but ultimately the deals did not go through because the New South Wales Land Council intervened to stop them.

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Gattellari and Medich bribed an Aboriginal land council: ICAC inquiry told 

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Moranbah ranked as the number-one suburb for capital growth over 2011, with house prices rising 29% from a median of $474,000 in 2010 to $612,000, according to RP Data.
Property investors continue to pour funds into the small northern Queensland town close to coal mining activity in the Isaac region with yields still on offer of up to 16%.
Sales activity has soared over the first two months of the year, with 44 houses sold in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Moranbah </a>over January and February, according to realestate.com.au figures.
This is more than double the 21 houses sold in the first two months of 2011.
Top Five suburbs for capital growth over 2011
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Rank
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
State
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Median value in 2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Median value in 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
% change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
1
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Moranbah
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$474,089
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$611,752
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Moss Vale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$297,060
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$364,407
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
22.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
New Auckland
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$378,833
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$459,150
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
21.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
ACT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Red Hill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$940,873
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$1,129,919
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
20.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="103">
5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
Clinton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$385,118
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
$452,865
</td>
<td valign="top" width="103">
19.7%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
Hotspotting.com.au director Terry Ryder says there will be further price growth in Moranbah, but believes that the best time to buy was 18 months ago before the growth in prices and rents gathered pace.
“There appears to be long-term sustainable demand from overseas markets for Queensland coal, so towns like Moranbah have a future.
“Investors need to be aware of the risks, however. Mining towns are highly vulnerable to economic cycles and sit at the high-risk end of the investment spectrum. Mining companies are increasingly opting to fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workforces.
“BHP is seeking to run its new mine near Moranbah on a 100% FIFO workforce, so that does not generate accommodation in the town,” says Ryder.
RP Data’s Cameron Kusher also warns that investors must tread carefully when it comes to mining towns like Moranbah
"'We've seen locations where capital prices collapse as soon as the mine is shut down," he told the Sun-Herald earlier this month.
Local agents though continue to report record listings, high yields and strong investor demand for properties.
Sharyn Mackay from Vision Real Estate is seeking $1.25 million – a Moranbah record – for this five-bedroom house (below) on Longman Drive. According to principal Vikki Oldfield, the property would rent for more than $3,000 per week – a yield in excess of 12%.  It last sold in August 2010 for $710,000.
<img src="/images/stories/mora1.jpg" width="470">
This four-bedroom house (below), marketed by Emma Elliott from Ray White Mackay Beaches and Moranbah with swimming pool on Gilbert Court close is currently under offer of $920,000 according to RP Data and renting at $2,800 per week. At this sales price, this equates to a yield of 15.8%. It last sold for just $121,000 in 2002.
<img width="470" src="/images/stories/mora2.jpg">
Another local real estate agent, Craig Aitcheson from LJ Hooker Moranbah, described the market as the “craziest” he'd ever seen and believers there is still room for further price growth.
“I just can't see it slowing down with all the activity that's happening,” he told the Mackay Daily Mercury.
Aitcheson says 95% of inquiries are coming from investors.
The Moranbah region has undergone rapid population growth in recent times, with the population expanding from just over 7,000 according to the 2006 census to over 10,500 in 2009 according to the Isaac Region Council.
The supply of homes has received a small boost in recent months with the launch of a new residential community known as the Bushlark Grove. The project will provide 160 new homes for around 400 people over the next six months at a cost of $20?million, targeted at the more affordable end of the market.
"Bushlark Grove will provide more affordable housing through the improved supply of residential land and a greater range of housing types to cater for the needs of the Moranbah community," says Urban Land Development Authority director of residential development Peter Smith.
However, the creation of new residential communities around Moranbah appears limited.
Following the recently released Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Plan 2012-2031, aimed at easing the housing squeeze and dependence on fly-in, fly-out workers, Queensland Local Government Minister Paul Lucas says Moranbah's urban footprint could not be expanded because it is surrounded by mining leases.
In December, Moranbah’s status as a coal exporting hub was enhanced with the opening of the new $1.1 billion rail link Goonyella to Abbot Point rail link north of the town.
The rail link will increase the capacity of coal exports by a further 50 million tonnes each year.
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