<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

<main data-perf-region="main">
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>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

<html><body>
With interiors designed to evoke the feeling of being at a league match – complete with stadium-style seating, goal posts and carpet with football field markings – Rugby League Central, the new home of Rugby League, has been officially opened.
The newly completed building on Driver Avenue, Moore Park, is adjacent to the Sydney Football Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Rugby League Central was designed by HBO+EMTB who did both the building architecture and the interior design. The 3,600-square-metre space comprises three storeys plus a rooftop entertaining terrace and basement parking.
<img src="/images/stories/rugbyleague1.jpg">
HBO+EMTB managing director Kevin Fitzgerald says Rugby League Central has been designed to bring together five separate rugby league organisations: NRL, ARL, NSWRL, NSW Country League and ARL Development.
“The challenge was to successfully bring together five organisations from one code with, nonetheless, differing cultures and histories. The interior layout is designed to facilitate cooperation, interaction and commonality of purpose while recognising and celebrating individual histories and achievements.
<img src="/images/stories/rugbyleague2.jpg">
“At the forefront of our design has been a theme of ‘One Home - One Community’.
“The focal point of the building is a dramatic oval shaped core that forms a three-storey atrium/lobby, symbolising a rugby league football. This core structure rises above the main envelope of the building to enunciate the building’s function,” Fitzgerald says.
“The workspaces are largely open plan but each member organisation has its own regional cluster with graphic cues, including team colours and large-scale images of their respective players in action.
<img src="/images/rugbyleague3.jpg">
“Another unifying design feature is the liberal use of the chevron, the one symbol consistent throughout all bodies in rugby league. It is prominent in the foyer in several timber feature walls, in glazed areas on different floors and on the exterior fin of the building,” he says.
 
<img src="/images/stories/rugbyleague4.jpg">
A special purpose-built judiciary room also doubles as a conference and media room, and the rooftop area features an open terrace with park and city views.
It was opened by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese and NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Graham Annesley.
The event also marked the launch of the Australian Rugby League Commission and was presided over by the commission’s new chairman, John Grant, and ARLC chief executive David Gallop.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Rugby League scores new Sydney headquarters that captures the feel of the game 

<html><body>
Queensland and Western Australian estate agent numbers have slumped as a consequence of a nationwide drop in transaction volumes and property prices.
Last year’s volumes were about 13% lower than volumes in 2010 across Australia, according to RP Data head of research Tim Lawless.
The figure was 26% lower than 2009 and 33% lower than the recent highs of 2007.
“The real estate industry is doing it tough,” Lawless concludes.
David Airey, president of the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia, reports the volume of sales in Perth last year was the worst in two decades and many agencies had laid off staff.
“A typical example is where you had 10 or 11 agents, now you only have five or six,” he says.
“If you didn’t have a rent roll, your agency would be totally dependent on sales and it’s probably been reduced to partners and principals only.
“That seems to be a pattern we’ve seen across Australia,” he told Fairfax Media.
Lawless notes that the price declines have also affected the agency bottom lines.
He says the total value of sales in 2011 was down 18.3% compared with 2010.
Lawless estimates estate agent commissions are likely to be down by about the same amount.
Noting agents are generally paid based on percentage of the sale price, Lawless says the falls in home values had compounded the pain already caused by slow market conditions.
“At the same time, according to the latest IBISWorld Real Estate Industry report, the number of people employed in the industry has fallen by around 1,800 over the past year after rising by 940 employees in 2010-11,” he says.
Click to enlarge
<a href="/images/stories/agentincomelarge.gif" rel="shadowbox" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/agentincome.gif"></a>
“The reduced number of agents suggests the commission pie needs to be cut into fewer slices, which is likely to have eased the income fall on a per agent basis.
“In fact, the IBISWorld report suggests that income per employee in the real estate industry hasn’t changed a great deal over the past four years, remaining around $59,000 since 2008 after generally trending down since 2002.”
Lawless notes areas of the Gold Coast have shown dramatic falls in both value and volumes, although Surfers Paradise remains among the nation’s top 10 suburbs, slipping from the number two position five years ago.
Hope Island, the Gold Coast suburb, has recorded a big drop in sales, along with Southport.
</body></html>

Declining sales and prices have agents clambering for the exits

<html><body>
No gimmicky Kingswood cars or even dead flies appear in its marketing, but the actor Ross Higgins has listed his Greenwich home for sale.
Best known for his role as Ted Bulpitt in the television series Kingswood Country, Higgins is selling the four-bedroom house as he downsizes into an apartment nearby on Sydney’s lower North Shore.
The octogenarian actor expects more than $1.55 million for the Carlotta Street residence at its February 25 auction through McGrath Lane Cove agents Beth and Michael Ferguson.
The two-storey brick residence cost $295,000 in 1987.
Higgins began his career in the 1940s as a cadet at 2GB radio then made the move to television in the late 1950s. His earliest character voice was Louie the Fly, featured in Mortein fly-spray commercials for five decades between 1958 and 2008.
 
</body></html>

Veteran actor Ross Higgins’ Greenwich home for sale, and not a Kingswood in sight: Title Tattle

<html><body>
The Darling Point home of the late Roddy Meagher, who was perhaps the most loquacious of latter-day judges, has been listed for sale with price hopes of $3 million plus.
It was his home for 40 years, starting some 10 years after he’d married his late wife, Penny.
The three-level Darling Point Road terrace with overgrown facade sits on a 322-square-metre block. His art collection was cleared out several years ago. It’s been listed by LJ Hooker Double Bay agents Alain Waitsman and Emma Barbour.
Meagher, was called to the bar in 1960, was renowned for his many forthright pronouncements, which his obituaries noted turned into occasions of public outrage or amusement.
He certainly didn’t let up in private, as Title Tattle can attest, dining with Meagher – who dominated the conversation at his mate Charles Lloyd Jones’s place.
Roderick Pitt "Roddy" Meagher, AO QC – named one of Sydney's most adroit QCs on intellectual property matters in 1988 – served as a justice of the NSW Supreme Court and Court of Appeal from 1989 until 2004.
He died aged 79 last July.
He was a cousin of Patrick White and his family owned country stores, which provided the wealth to fund of his Jesuit education, and then his University of Sydney law degree.
Meagher’s art collection of 2,000 paintings and drawings, dozens of sculptures, ceramics and antiquities was bequeathed to Sydney University two years ago.
As well as his house in Darling Point, he had a farm in Bowral. He left most of his estate to his only daughter, Amy.
A $3.75 million sale was recorded two doors away last year.
 
</body></html>

Darling Point terrace of the late forthright judge Roddy Meagher on the market: Title Tattle

<html><body>
Cargill, the United States rural conglomerate, has reportedly bought Billabong Station near Wagga Wagga through its hedge fund subsidiary, Black River Asset Management.
Cargill’s most recent acquisition was buying the Packer family’s investment in meat processor Teys Bros last year. In 2011 Cargill Australia, which was established in 1967 in the Australian grain export industry, also acquired the AWB trading and origination arm.
<img src="/images/stories/billabong1.jpg">
Its most recent NSW farm purchase was 2,100 hectares in the Bland shire for $4.7 million in 2010 through its entity BFB Pty Ltd.
<img src="/images/stories/billabong2.jpg">
BFB, an unlisted farming company, according to accounts filed with the corporate regulator, made a $5.4 million profit in the year ending December 2010 after a $200,000 loss the year before.
The accounts show the group has more than $83 million in property and infrastructure and collects about $20 million in revenue per year.
Founded in 1865, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cargill.com/wcm/groups/public/@ccom/documents/document/na3048712.pdf">Cargill</a> is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. In fiscal year 2011, Cargill had $US119.5 billion in sales and other revenues. Earnings from continuing operations were $US2.69 billion.
The Billabong purchase has not been registered with the NSW land titles office.
<img src="/images/stories/billabong3.jpg">
The company’s purchase of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/billabong-station-passed-in-at-auction/2011101651946">Billabong Station</a> was believed to be worth between $9 million and $10 million.
The 1,875-hectare grazing and dry land cropping property was sold by David Baffsky.
<img src="/images/stories/billabong4.jpg">
The Australian Financial Review reported the sale did not include any sheep or cattle but did include 560 hectares of wheat, canola and triticale.
The marketing agents Landmark Harcourts and Meares and Associates noted the crop return for the first year could exceed 10%.
 
</body></html>

Foreign investment bush buy up accelerates with Billabong Station sold to US hedge fund giant Cargill

<html><body>
Chris O’Donnell, the most successful Australian property executive in Dubai until his dramatic 2011 departure, has won $US3.25 million ($3 million) from Nakheel, the property giant he headed for five years.
The Dubai World Tribunal found in favour of the former Nakheel chief executive after he took action to recover his contractual entitlements, mainly relating to bonuses.
O’Donnell told the Arabian Business website he had been “entirely vindicated” by the tribunal.
"I am very pleased to have had the matter resolved and my claim upheld," O'Donnell advised.
“Whilst I have been entirely vindicated by the Dubai World Tribunal, I am naturally disappointed that, despite my best efforts at compromise the matter was not able to be resolved amicably without the need to take costly legal proceedings that vented Nakheel’s internal business in a public forum,” he added to Arabian Business.
He said the tribunal decision illustrated the quality of the process and the personnel of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) courts.
Working in Dubai after quitting Investa Property Group, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/departed-dubai-boss-seeks-air-ticket-home/2011071350784" target="_blank">he took action</a> when Nakheel did not make the payments after he left the company last June.
Nakheel expanded dramatically in the Middle East and globally but was left exposed by the global financial crisis.
Last September it was reported that Nakheel had told creditors it had written down its real estate by about $US21 billion after property values in Dubai dropped by more than half.
Nakheel received a $US8.6 billion bailout from Dubai’s government, helping it avoid default, and it stopped work on many projects such as Dubai’s man-made “World” islands. One of the islands, Lebanon, is soon set to open as a beach club.
A Nakheel spokesman said: “We respect [the] court ruling. However, we firmly believe we have a strong case and if we had the right to appeal we would have done so.”
It’s been reported O’Donnell was exploring a number of opportunities to consult in Asia on real estate and company restructuring, including talks with companies looking to capitalise on China’s emergence as a sophisticated real estate player.
 
 
</body></html>

Dubai property giant Nakheel ordered to pay former boss Chris O’Donnell $3 million in entitlements

<html><body>
Century 21 Australia chairman and owner Charles Tarbey is set to buy Century 21 New Zealand.
Tarbey has reached a heads of agreement to acquire the business from owners Bill Sinclair and Murray Cleland for an undisclosed sum.
The New Zealand business comprises 50 offices and 120 staff.
Two months ago Tarbey acquired the rent rolls of ASX-listed property management group Wentworth Holdings for $18.7 million, making Century 21 the biggest privately owned real estate group in the property management space. 
Tarbey is believed to be eying up further acquisitions.
Century 21 New Zealand will share the technology, education programs and events rolled out by the Australian business.
“This purchase, and closer partnership with Century 21 Australia, will deliver a number of efficiencies and value ­additions to both businesses,” says Tarbey.
Tarbey set up the Australian-owned arm of the worldwide network in July 1994.
It currently has more than 300 franchised offices in Australia.
Century 21 operates one of the largest real estate networks in the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 3,000 offices.
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Century 21 Australia boss Charles Tarbey to buy Century 21 New Zealand

<html><body>
One of the Riverina’s original sheep stations, Thelangerin, has hit the market 140 years after its last sale.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin1.jpg">
Held by the McFarland family since 1872, Thelangerin is a 21,095-hectare holding near Hay.
The property started with the issue of a land grant of 640 acres (259 hectares) for lot one in the parish of Thellangering to Scottish pastoralist John Peter in 1867.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin2.jpg">
Thelangerin passed briefly to the McVean family before being acquired by Captain Andrew McFarland and his brother, Robert, in 1872.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin3.jpg">
The run as a whole originally comprised 47,000 acres (19,020 hectares).
Its original homestead dates from the 1860s and was added to in 1875 and again in 1888 during the great 1880s wool and land boom.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin4.jpg">
The house’s separate kitchen quarters and dairy cellar are the oldest buildings, with the main homestead built after the First World War.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin5.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin6.jpg">
Thelangerin, which fronts about 50 kilometres of the Lachlan River, is rated to carry 11,700 dry sheep equivalents.
The station’s grazing lands are largely pristine and support abundant native bird and wildlife, wetlands habitat and biodiversity.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin7.jpg">
Thelangerin has a history of rice crops and cereals including oats, barley and wheat, as well as winter pasture.
Thelangerin is positioned on the river adjoining three newly created National Parks. It was briefly listed in mid-2010 with $220-plus hopes per hectare.
<img src="/images/stories/thelangerin8.jpg">
Its Ray White Rural Deniliquin agent Jeff Shand has it listed for February 24 auction.
</body></html>

Riverina sheep station Thelangerin looking for new owners after 140 years

<html><body>
The Big Issue has launched its 400th edition today, 15 years after first hitting streets to support homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people.
To mark the occasion, 30 Ray White estate auctioneers and agents will team up with Big Issue vendors across the country today to sell copies of the magazine.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/bigissue.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">
The Big Issue CEO Steven Persson says the coordinated sales effort on city streets would help raise awareness of the fortnightly magazine, which is sold by people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, disability and long-term unemployment.
“The magazine provides some of Australia’s most disadvantaged people with the opportunity to earn an income – it empowers them by giving them a hand up, not a hand out,” Persson says.
“Our 400th edition is a major milestone and, with the help of some of Australia’s leading auctioneers, we want to create some noise on the streets to spread the word about who we are and what we do.”
Ray White chairman Brian White says his staff are looking forward the opportunity.
“We’re in the business of selling homes and are delighted to support an initiative that gives homeless people the opportunity to earn an income and put a roof over their heads,” White says.
Vendors buy copies of The Big Issue magazine for $2.50 and sell them on the streets for $5, keeping the difference. Since the magazine’s launch in 1996, more than 6 million magazines have been sold, generating more than $13 million in income for vendors.
</body></html>

Ray White agents hit the streets to sell 400th edition of The Big Issue

<html><body>
The 102-year-old construction company Kell &amp; Rigby has stopped work at its sites across the eastern seaboard and is reportedly scrambling for a solution to stave off collapse, after losses from apartment projects weighed on the family-run business.
The board's decision to stop work across New South Wales, Canberra and Queensland follows the collapse of talks with a potential partner about a company restructure and refinance.
Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union NSW state secretary Brian Parker is quoted saying that a Chinese investors and property company FKP were the parties that walked away.
<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/kellandrigby.jpg">
James Kell, the managing director whose great-grandfather founded the business, says that two apartment projects – one ahead of the Sydney Olympics, and another in Sydney's Rushcutters Bay – had damaged the company. "The traditional builder contract model for apartments does not work," the Australian Financial Review quoted him saying.
Kell <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/kell-rigby-one-of-australia-s-oldest-most-respected-building-companies-set-for-voluntary-administration/2012020853012" target="_blank">also told Macquarie Radio yesterday</a> that the company is "still talking about a way out of this, about a solution".
But the news puts hundreds of jobs at risk, with the CFMEU's Brian Parker tipping contractors and more than 50 businesses will also be hit by a collapse.
Brian Seidler, of the Master Builders Association in NSW, says it's a "sad day for the building community in NSW".
"These companies played a substantial role in what the city [Sydney] looks like, and there's not many left."
He says that the building industry in the state is not good at the moment, but companies need to take steps to ensure they were not taking work that costs them money.
"The environment is it's a client's market."
According to the Australian Financial Review, the company had annual turnover of $150 million, and says the CFMEU and its lender, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, had been fair to the company.
Although there were predictions the company would enter collapse today, there were no listed changes for the company on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website this morning.
The company's website was not online this morning. Kell and Parker were contacted for comment.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php">SmartCompany.</a>
 
 
 
</body></html>

Latest Property News

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

Guides

Editor's Picks

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Property News

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

Guides

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Guides

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News