<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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Woodlands, the 6,130-square-metre Brighton estate with a striking European inspired residence, has returned to the market.
Ian Jackson at Kay &amp; Burton has the South Road listing, which hit the market in both 2009 and 2010.
The six-bedroom residence was designed by local architect Jon Friedrich within Paul Bangay designed gardens. Its foyer has a sweeping wrought-iron staircase with marble flooring.
The estate comes with a guest house, flood-lit mod-grass tennis court and glassed indoor pool and spa.
Woodlands, initially listed with $10 million plus hopes, reputedly sits on the suburb's largest private landholding.
The block cost $1 million in 2002.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Brighton estate Woodlands with Paul Bangay gardens returns to the market on third try: Title Tattle

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Nip/Tuck star Julian McMahon has listed the long-time home of his mother, the late Lady (Sonia) McMahon. The property has been listed for March 24 auction with $6 million-plus hopes by the executors of the estate. Sonia McMahon, the widow of former prime minister Sir William McMahon, bought the building block for $3 million in 1991 and subsequently constructed a French Riviera-inspired residence on its 1252-square-metre holding.
The four-bedroom house has large entertainment areas plus lawn and pool, cabana and a sauna.
It has a northerly aspect and some harbour views from its hillside Victoria Road vantage point.
The house was briefly in the headlines in 1996 after 30 alterations were carried out without council permission.
It’s been listed through Sally Hampshire of Laing+Simmons Double Bay and Victoria Morish of Di Jones Real Estate. Internet advertising for the property was posted this week.
It’s been rented over the past few years.  The house is furnished as Sonia left it.
Sonia McMahon was 77 years old when she died in April 2010. Her husband, who was prime minister between 1971 and the December 1972 election, died in 1988 aged 80. She’d held onto her previous nearby empty 1920s Drumalbyn Road, Bellevue Hill home. Last June <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/nip/tuck-star-julian-mcmahon-sells-childhood-home/2011062450590" target="_blank">Julian and his two sisters secured $9 million from the sale of their late mother’s earlier Sydney residence</a>.
The Australian actor and former fashion model grew up in the Bellevue Hill home, which was bought in 1968, the year of his birth.  Julian has an older sister, Melinda, and a younger sister, Deborah.
No doubt the next eventual listing by the executors will be Lady McMahon’s Palm Beach weekender. It cost $975,000 in 1993.
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Nip/Tuck Julian McMahon lists mother Lady Sonia’s second Bellevue Hill home

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REA boss Greg Ellis has taken the unusual step of commenting on what its closest rival Fairfax Media’s Domain.com.au is doing following the release of interim results yesterday.
Having reported a 32% jump in first half net profits to $41.2 million but a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/rea-hit-by-queensland-real-estate-agency-contraction/2012022153479">second successive drop in paying real estate agencies</a>, Ellis scoffed at Fairfax’s proposed $35 million investment in 50% of MMP Holdings, publisher of real estate listings magazine The Weekly Review.
Under the proposal, the joint venture would roll the Domain brand across the MMP group, with the aim of build a stronger internet and app presence in the real estate industry.
Asked what he thought about the deal at an analyst briefing yesterday, Ellis said: “It’s mind-numbing. It’s not what you’d expect at No.2 who’s declining to do.”
“Outsourcing your media business is a concept that is frankly beyond me.”
Fairfax media CEO of marketplaces Nic Cola hit back at Ellis and said the investment was a “good deal”, which would add to its earnings.
Fairfax’s investment in MMP Holdings is still to be approved by the ACCC.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/fairfax-pays-%2435-million-for-half-of-the-weekly-review/2011122352946">The Weekly Review was set up by former Fairfax property editor and marketing manager Anthony Catalano in 2010</a>, featuring glossy articles and real estate listings and distributed to about 200,000 people from Melbourne's affluent bayside suburbs to middle Camberwell and also – via a separate edition – to the Heidelberg and Ivanhoe "green belt".
REA Group is 61% owned by Fairfax rival News Limited, which yesterday increased its weight on the board with the appointment of advertising man Hamish McLennan executive vice-president, office of the chairman at News Corporation.
 
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Fairfax’s planned Weekly Review deal ‘mind numbing’: REA boss

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The US Masters Residential Property Fund, which invests in residential property in New Jersey across the Hudson River from Manhattan, bought a further eight properties in January, taking its total portfolio to 101 properties worth US$20 million ($18.6 million).
The fund bought six properties in its usual local of Jersey City, but also ventured 10 kilometres south to acquire two properties in Bayonne, a city with a population of 63,000 and large Italian, Irish and Polish communities.
In Bayonne, the fund paid $204,000 for a two-family detached property on 28th Street featuring one four-bedroom apartment and one three-bedroom apartment and $139,000 for a two-family attached property featuring two three-bedroom apartments on 47th Street, both with estimated annual net yields of 8%.
Dixon Advisory managing director and manager of the US fund Alan Dixon tells Property Observer Bayonne is a town the team has really liked from day one.
“Whilst it is still very well connected by mass transit, it is less of a Manhattan commuter town and more of a community of its own.  Most Bayonne residents are very loyal to the town and more likely to have family history there, or have met/married/partnered with someone from Bayonne. Additionally Bayonne has a very strong presence of public servants such as policeman and fireman who reside in the area and make great tenants,” he says.
“The median household income of $53,387 is above the national average of $46,326.  The housing stock in Bayonne is perfect for what we are trying to do.
“In addition to apartment blocks, there is a significant amount of two-family and three-family homes that have fallen that have fallen substantially in price since the peak in 2006, but have remained very popular with renters who want the feel of living in a home rather than a large apartment block,” he says.
Dixon says the housing stock in Bayonne looks very similar to the properties in Jersey City, but Bayonne has a more open feel and is perhaps a little less hectic than Jersey City.
“There are more parks and open spaces and the industrial feel of the city is continuing to transform over time,” he says.
In addition to the two properties the fund has closed in Bayonne and announced to the market, there are another 11 properties under contract that it will be closing during coming months.
“We have commenced a process to increase the areas we are actively reviewing properties within Hudson County.  In particular, we are seeing promising signs in North Bergen, Union City, West New York and Weehawken.  At this stage, however, the large bulk of successful purchases have been in Jersey City and now in Bayonne,” he says.
The remaining six properties purchased in Jersey City in January ranged in price from $143,000 to $243,000 with yields from 8.4% to 10.1%.
The fund also received conditional acceptances on a further eight properties over January.
In January <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/overseas/dixon-advisory-attracts-815-more-aussies-to-take-a-punt-on-us-housing-investment/2011112952603" target="_blank">33 investors took part in the third and final stage of Dixon Advisory’s second capital raising offer</a> to buy shares in the fund. In total $1.27 million was invested in the third stage taking the total equity raised to $31.14 million from 929 investors.
In its first capital raising round ahead of its float on the small cap NSX, the fund raised just under $70 million from 1,500 investors.
The fund’s share is currently trading at $1.55 having listed at $1.70.
It has a market capitalisation of $96 million.
 
 
 
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Dixon Advisory’s US portfolio up to 101 properties as it moves further into New Jersey suburbs

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LJ Hooker Corporate, the property agency franchisor, has formed a partnership with Bond University aimed at expanding research knowledge and sharpening professionalism in the real estate industry.
Group chief executive L. Janusz Hooker says the partnership will help agents better understand market trends and the behaviour of property owners and investors.
It will collaborate with the university's Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture, which works with national and overseas organisations to deliver sustainable development, research and investment.
The institute runs graduate and master degree real estate programs.
"The partnership with Bond University covers a number of components including research collaboration, the exchange of academics and industry experts, and a higher level of professional development programs for agents," Hooker says.
"One of my goals is to improve professionalism in the real estate industry.
"Through the partnership, LJ Hooker will produce degree-qualified agents with invaluable knowledge of the growing importance of sustainability, energy-efficiency and their impact on real estate."
Dr George Earl, director of the institute and the university's professor of real estate, says the partnership will fund investigation into issues relating to the Australian property market, including housing affordability.
LJ Hooker has 690 franchises in Australia and New Zealand.
 
 
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LJ Hooker partners with Bond University to improve professionalism in real estate

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One of the enduring mantras of real estate is that water is the greatest wealth creator. 
Get your hands on property that fronts water or has a compelling view of it and you’ve bought a ticket to superior capital growth, according to this old cliché. 
There’s only one problem with it: it isn’t true. 
Every time I study a city or region to pinpoint the best growth areas, I find more evidence that the old paradigms about “prime” real estate are little more than myths and misinformation. 
My latest exercise focused on Newcastle and the Hunter region. Contrary to conventional wisdom – but consistent with results I’ve found in other cities and regions – the out-performing locations were the affordable places inland and the worst results were in the water-based areas. 
Once again, hill-change out-performed sea-change. The best capital growth rates were found in locations in the Cessnock and Maitland local government areas, heading west up the Hunter Valley from Newcastle. 
The worst, overwhelmingly, were suburbs in the Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie municipalities – lovely places to live, no doubt, but poor venues for investment. 
This confirmed for me, once again, that industry and infrastructure are the key elements for investors. 
The Hunter region is a great example of it. It’s emerging as one of the powerhouse economies of Australia and one of the strongest property markets, underpinned by current or upcoming projects totaling $28 billion. 
I recently flew over the region in a helicopter owned by local building company Thomas Paul Constructions. It gave me a great perspective on what makes this region tick. 
Multiple power stations, massive aluminium smelters, coal mines in abundance, some of the world’s biggest horse studs, stretches of wine country and new housing estates are all part of the mix driving the Hunter economy. 
From the air I saw a full house of ships in the port of Newcastle loading coal, with more queuing off the coast, as long trains of coal wagons were streaming into the port areas. It was easy to see why there are multibillion-dollar port expansion proposals from three different entities. 
There was also a commanding view of the construction corridor for the $1.5 billion Hunter Expressway, a project that is generating jobs and economic activity and which will revolutionise the appeal of many Hunter towns by improving access. It’s expected to knock half an hour off the drive to Sydney. 
It’s probably not coincidence that the leading areas for capital growth are the ones most influenced by this important infrastructure project – suburbs around Branxton, where the expressway terminates, top the growth list. 
The five best locations for long-term capital growth – the average annual growth in prices over 10 years – are all in the Cessnock municipality, including near neighbours Branxton, East Branxton and Greta. 
The top 20 for the wider region is dominated by locations in the Cessnock and Maitland municipality, where a country lifestyle amid the vineyards is mixed with good amenities and easy access to major jobs nodes. 
The top 20 all have long-term growth averages above 10% a year. 
At the other end of the scale, the bottom 20 list is all about the Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie municipalities. All of them have growth rates below 6% per year, and the worst of them are around 3.5% – close to the worst in the nation. 
I drove through these places and flew over them. I saw a series of lovely, almost idyllic, locations overlooking yachts parked in peaceful bays. 
They’re the sorts of places people like to retire to, and that’s part of the problem. It’s people finding jobs that drives real estate, rather than people quitting them to put their feet up. 
Economies driven by tourism and retirement seldom produce capital growth to excite investors. 
In the Newcastle/Hunter region, as elsewhere, you need to turn your back on the water and drive inland to find the growth. 
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">hotspotting.com.au</a> and can be <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">followed on Twitter</a>.
 
 
 
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Head for the hills, not the sea, for good NSW investment prospects: Terry Ryder

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REA Group has reported a 4% drop in paying real estate offices on its listings websites <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/buy">realestate.com.au</a> and <a href="https://www.property.com.au/buy">property.com.au</a>, the second consecutive six-month period that numbers have fallen.
The company shed more than 200 real estate offices 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).
Paying agent office numbers are down more than 300 from 9,688 recorded for the corresponding six-month period in 2010.
REA Group attributed this slight decrease “mainly due to the contraction in Queensland agency numbers”.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland started including property listings from its own members from September 2011 on its own website, reiq.com. On its launch the REIQ said about 80% of real estate agencies across Queensland were accredited with the institute.
REA paying agent numbers
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="308">
Six month period to end of:
</td>
<td valign="top" width="308">
Paying agent numbers
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="308">
December 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="308">
9,324
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="308">
June 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="308">
9,536
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="308">
December  2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="308">
9,688
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="308">
June 2010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="308">
9,612
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="308">
December 2009
</td>
<td valign="top" width="308">
9,329
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
A graph released with its full-year results to the end of July 2011 showed that paying agent numbers had started to plateau from around June 2008 after steep growth in the preceding seven years.
<img src="/images/stories/rea.gif">
Unique web browser numbers per month contracted by 3% from 7.1 million to 6.9 million for the six-month period year-on-year. In June 2010, REA Group had 6.56 million unique monthly browsers.
Residential agent revenues earned by realestate.com.au and its affiliates increased by 11% to $74 million for half-year to December 31, according to interim results posted by publisher of the site REA Group.
Income earned from residential listings remains the bread and butter of the REA business, accounting for 62% of the $119.8 million earned over the six-month period, an increase of 16% on the $103 million earned in the corresponding period in 2010.
However, it still remains far ahead of its nearest competitor, Domain.com.au, which has 3.7 million unique browsers, and other rivals on all key metrics.
According to February Google Ad Planner figures <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/realestate.com.au-miles-ahead-of-online-property-portal-rivals/2012021653422">Realestate.com.au had 3.8 million unique visitors and 300 million page views for January</a>. This was followed by Domain, Real Estate View and Home Hound at the top of the list.
According to Nielsen Online Ratings released in October last year, realestate.com.au ranked 12th in a list of top online brands – there were no other real estate listings websites in the top 15.
Aside from realestate.com.au, the REA Group also publishes listings and rentals on property.com.au and provides property information via homeguru.com.au and ozhomevalue.com.au.
REA Media, its display media advertising segment which sells ads across all its websites, achieved revenue of $32.7 million up 33% compared to the same period in 2010.
Its commercial listing website, realcommercial.com.au earned $12.7 million, accounting for 11% of revenue while
Overall, the website posted a 17% rise in earnings to $58.4 million. 
According to February Google Ad Planner figures <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/realestate.com.au-miles-ahead-of-online-property-portal-rivals/2012021653422">Realestate.com.au had 3.8 million unique visitors and 300 million page views for January</a>. This was followed by Domain, Real Estate View and Home Hound at the top of the list.
According to Nielsen Online Ratings released in October last year, realestate.com.au ranked 12th in a list of top online brands – there were no other real estate listings websites in the top 15.
Aside from realestate.com.au, the REA Group also publishes listings and rentals on property.com.au and provides property information via homeguru.com.au and ozhomevalue.com.au.
REA Media, its display media advertising segment which sells ads across all its websites, achieved revenue of $32.7 million up 33% compared to the same period in 2010.
Its commercial listing website, realcommercial.com.au earned $12.7 million, accounting for 11% of revenue while
Overall, the website posted a 17% rise in earnings to $58.4 million.
REA Group also announced the appointment of advertising man Hamish McLennan as a non-executive director and board member. He is the former chairman and CEO of advertising agency Young &amp; Rubicam and was recently named executive vice president, office of the chairman at News Corporation, with responsibility for enhancing News Corporation’s global brand partnerships across traditional and digital media platforms.
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REA hit by Queensland estate agency contraction 

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Rene Rivkin’s former Wiseman’s Ferry log cabin on the Hawkesbury River has been sold.
It’s been bought for $1.45 million by Bob and Wendy Lapointe, who own the picturesque Muskoka Farm property on the Hawkesbury down the road from Wiseman's Ferry. Bob Lapointe, who has owned in the district since 1969, is the man who altered the eating habits of Australians forever, introducing fast food into Australia, initially with Kentucky Fried Chicken, then Pizza Hut and later Sizzler. He was a Canadian student when he met "The Colonel" Harlan Sanders while working out his 1962 holidays in a restaurant chain in western Canada.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/rivkin1.jpg" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/rivkin1thumb.jpg"></a>
High-profile stockbroker Rene Rivkin, who died in 2005, bought the 3.8-hectare land in 1997 for $330,000. The massive handcrafted custom-designed cabin was completed in late 1998 using 350 cypress trees found at an Inverell mill.
Bruce Litchfield, an interior decorator, secured help from Dr Tracey Wakefield to oversee the design of the project. It's a three-bedrooom home with extensive verandas and a competition-style billiard room.
It was proudly built by Appalachian Log Homes, <a href="https://www.appalachianloghomes.com.au/rivpro" target="_blank">whose website has photos </a>taken by Eric Sierins of Max Dupain and Associates Pty Ltd. The riverfront facilities were big enough to moor Rivkin's 33-metre cruising yacht, Dajoshadita.
It’s been owned and sold by family members who’ve made little use of the property for several years.
Set in a secluded riverside location on the edge of national park, the property was Rivkin’s occasional getaway from the hustle and bustle of his hectic city life.
It’s about an hour’s drive to Hornsby via the F3.
There’s a nearby 16-hectare holding with road and river frontage listed at $430,000.
Wisemans Ferry Realty has 1252-square-metre hillside vacant blocks with water views listed at $80,000 plus.
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The late Rene Rivkin's log cabin on the Hawkesbury River sells: Title Tattle

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The transportation and shopping hub of Chatswood on the Sydney lower north shore registered 450 house and unit sales worth a combined $382 million in 2011, with its ranking on the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/mosman-heads-top-100-list-with-kew-paddington-and-castle-hill-climbing-the-ranks-and-hope-island-and-vaucluse-tumbling/2012021453376" target="_blank">RP Data Top 100 list of house and unit aggregate sales</a> soaring from 34th to 17th in the space of a year.
The year was dominated by unit sales, with 308 apartments sold during the year at a median price of $605,000. Off-the-plan sales, including the sell-out of Mirvac’s 42-storey Era tower, were not included.
There were 142 house sales over the year at almost double the unit median at $1.2 million.
RP Data research shows that <a target="_blank" href="/news">Chatswood</a> unit prices increased by 4.2% with a yield of 4.4% over the past year while house prices managed growth of 0.6%.
Chatswood has a predominantly Asian population and is well known for its Asian eateries and vibrant shopping culture centred along Victoria Avenue. Shopping centres include the Westfield Chatswood and Chatswood Chase Sydney.
It continues to attract Asian buyers and investors, both locally and offshore, according to local estate agents.
McGrath agent Jon Dundas-Smith notched up three big sales in Chatswood to Chinese buyers last year, telling the Sydney Morning Herald a lot of money was coming in from China.
The area has also benefited from the parents of Asian students picking up properties and putting them in their children’s names – the downside is they have to be sold when they leave the country.
The suburb is also the focus of a commercial property revival, with demand for office space picking up as Chatswood’s status as a sought-after fringe business location rises.
According to the most recent Property Council of Australia Office Report the vacancy rate in Chatswood offices decreased from 17% to 10.7% over the six-month period to December 2011.
Investment group FKP is currently developing a new alfresco restaurant, café and shopping hub as part of its refurbishment of 15-storey office building.
The Avenues will be developed outside 465 Victoria Avenue in the western precinct of Chatswood bordering Railway Street, Brown Street and Victoria Avenue and is due for completion in mid-2012.
According to property managers RUN Property, Chatswood experienced above inflation growth in rents from January 2011 to January 2012, with weekly rents increasing from $570 a week to $600 over this period.
<img src="/images/stories/chatswood1.jpg">
Daryl Katz from Shead Property Chatswood is currently selling a 65-square-metre two-bedroom renovated apartment (pictured above) on Hampden Road  in neighbouring Artarmon with offers sought in excess of $460,000.
It last sold in December 2005 for $352,500.
The property is currently rented at $450 per week, representing a yield of just over 5% at the listing price.
Katz describes the property as an “outstanding entry point for first-time investors, or to complement an existing investment portfolio”.
<img src="/images/stories/chatswood2.jpg">
Saesar Liu from Great Fortune Investment Chippendale is selling a one-bedroom apartment on Help Street that includes use of a cross-shaped swimming pool (pictured above), complete with palm trees. The apartment is up for sale in the mid- $400,000s.
It last sold in July 2006 for $305,000
It is currently rented at $450 per week. At a sales price of $450,000, this equates to an estimated yield of 5.2%.
Main photograph by Christopher Chan
 
 
 
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Hotspots: Brisk unit sales and commercial property revival in Chatswood  

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The directors and part-owners of Burpengary-based real estate agency Lovers of Property are to face court after allegedly paying a salesman just $100 for five months’ work.
It is alleged the salesman was entitled to have been paid wages and annual entitlements of $12,440 for the five months of work he performed. The alleged underpayment has not been rectified.
<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/fraser.jpg">
Company directors and part-owners William Nicholas Fraser and Diana Sylvia Cartwright (pictured at left), both of Morayfield, will face court for alleged sham contracting in a matter being prosecuted by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
A directions hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 23.
Also facing court will be ICS Real Estate Pty Ltd, a national company involved in contracting sales and marketing workers on behalf of real estate agencies. Lovers of Property allegedly used the services of ICS Real Estate in 2010 to engage a salesman who was in his late 50s and who had no prior experience in the real estate industry.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/propertylovers.jpg" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/propertyloversthumb.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;"></a>

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges ICS Real Estate, Fraser and Cartwright were involved in three breaches of workplace laws committed by Lovers of Property, which trades as the Burpengary-based agency Property Lovers.
The maximum potential penalty per breach is $33,000 each for the companies and $6600 each for Fraser and Cartwright.
Lovers of Property allegedly classified the salesman as an independent contractor and paid him on a commission-only basis.
The salesman allegedly performed five months work for just $100, which he received in recognition of his assistance in concluding a sale.
However the Fair Work Ombudsman will allege the salesman’s correct classification was as an employee.
“It is alleged the salesman’s assigned tasks included letterbox drops, door knocking, answering phone calls and offering free property appraisals and that his usual rostered hours were  8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday,” says the Fair Work Ombudsman.
“It is alleged the salesman was not required to obtain an Australian Business Number or register his own business and that he believed he was an employee.
“The salesman was allegedly also told he could not work for any other company.
“The salesman was allegedly required to provide his own work laptop, mobile phone and a car of a make and model approved by Lovers of Property as projecting an acceptable image and standard of professionalism.
“It is alleged that after the salesman left work early one day to attend a job interview with another agency and then resigned after securing the job, Fraser told him: ‘That’s fine, I was going to fire you anyway for leaving work without approval’.”
Fair Work inspectors discovered the alleged breaches when they investigated a complaint the salesman lodged after he resigned.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/ics.jpg" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/icsthumb.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;"></a>
 
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says a decision to prosecute was made because of the significant amount involved and the seriousness of the alleged breaches.
“Where we suspect sham contracting is occurring, we look behind the often carefully drafted legal documents to determine what the correct classification for workers is under workplace laws,” Wilson says.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking a court order for Lovers of Property to rectify the alleged underpayment of the salesman.
Among the material posted on the Lovers of Property website includes the offer that “the total cost to sell any home anywhere in QLD from $3,999.00 inc GST”.
It also promises: “We don't just provide cheap commissions we will give you a real estate experience you will remember for the rest of your life.”
 
 
 
 
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