<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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Mount Nagle, the landmark 1870 Queenscliff property, has been sold.
It was listed by the Presentation Sisters Victoria. The property sold within two weeks for $1.1 million to a Melbourne buyer wanting to relocate.
Set on an 1,840-square-metre elevated block, it comes with glimpses of Swan Bay.
The Victorian-era building was marketed by Rendina Kensington agent Charles Bongiovanni as offering “unlimited scope for improvement”.
“One of the most significant historical buildings in Queenscliff and used as a summer house by eminent Victorians during the early 20th century, this remarkable property has been superbly maintained for more than a century,” Bongiovanni says.
“Many period features remain and the property comprises of 15 bedrooms, two bathrooms, four living areas, plus kitchen with adjoining dining room and cellar,” Bongiovanni says.
The Queen Street building is currently used as a private guest house retreat, 100 kilometres from Melbourne.
Some $1.75 million plus had been sought when local agents first listed it in 2010.
 
 
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Queenscliff Victorian house Mount Nagle sold by Presentation nuns

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Champion swimmer Geoff Huegill, and his wife Sara, who have named their three-week-old daughter Mila, have only just moved into their new Sydney abode.
It’s a three-level, four-bedroom  Darlinghurst terrace on 133 square metres that cost $1.97 million. They own 60% percent of the terrace, which was bought in partnership with Geoff Huegill’s in-laws.
Winning bronze and silver at the 2000 Olympics, Huegill established himself as one of the world’s best butterfly swimmers. All up he has won 28 international medals and set eight world records.
In 2005 he announced his retirement as he was battling with his weight and failed to qualify for the Australian team. The retirement sent him into depression, but in 2008 he announced his inspirational comeback and having shed 40 kilograms was back in the medals by 2010. He plans to compete at the London Olympics this year.
Sara Huegill, nee Hills, was in the Sweaty Betty PR fashion firm prior to her 2011 marriage, and has her own <a href="https://www.row-a-view.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">fashion blog</a>. Title Tattle seems to recall the couple were previously based in a teeny one-bedder, with harbour views, but filled with her her fashion books, when they appeared last February on the Channel 7 show, Better Home and Gardens. 
Mila has Slavic origins meaning “gracious, dear”.
The terrace sold late last year at an undisclosed price through McGrath agent Chris Chung after failing to sell at its May auction, when $2.05 million was being sought. 
It was sold by Sophia Massey-Green and James Hutton who’d paid $930,000 pre-renovation in early 2009.
In neighbouring Surry Hills another world record holder, Eamon Sullivan, spent $1,265,000 in 2009 for his renovated four-bedroom terrace.
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(Proud parents) Geoff Huegill and Sara Hills dive into Darlinghurst terrace abode with help from his in-laws: Title Tattle

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The inner-western <city>Sydney</city> suburb of Marrickville, described by John McGrath in 2010 as the “new Paddington”, has been picked as one of four <city><place>Sydney</place></city> housing hotspots for 2012 by property group PRDnationwide.
''It feels like Paddington in the 1970s. Buy here and double your money in the next six years,'' McGrath famously said two years ago. The multi-cultural suburb, which has strong ties to the Greek and Vietnamese community, is 7 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD.
It ranked as the ninth most affordable suburb within 10 kilometres of the Sydney CBD, according to RP Data, which recorded 234 sales during 2011 and a median sales price of $751,000. PRDnationwide puts the median house price at $755,000.
“Located in close proximity to the suburbs of Enmore and Newtown, Marrickville has seen a solid increase in the median house price over recent times, with a five-year average growth of 7.2% per annum,” says Oded Reuveni Etzioni, PRDnationwide’s NSW research analyst, who picked this year’s list of top-performing suburbs.
“The expansion of the Marrickville Metro shopping centre, currently under council assessment, is likely to further increase the desirability of the suburb,” he says.
PRDnationwide’s other <city><place>Sydney</place></city> housing hotspots are Redfern, Naremburn and Ryde. 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Location
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Distance from CBD
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Median house price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Marrickville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Inner West
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
7 kilometres
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$755,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Redfern
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Inner South
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
2 kilometres
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$780,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Ryde
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
West
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
12 kilometres
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$843,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="154">
Naremburn
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
<place><placename>Lower</placename><placename>North</placename><placetype>Shore</placetype></place>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
6 kilometres
</td>
<td valign="top" width="154">
$1,275,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source PRD Nationwide
 
“Redfern’s location on the fringe of the Sydney CBD allows residents an easy commute to shopping and cultural facilities,” says Reuveni Etzioni.
“Benefiting from urban renewal projects and a location close to main arterial road and rail infrastructure, the suburb exhibits strong long-term growth despite a drop in median price in the 12 months to September 2011,” he says.
Similarly, Ryde is strategically well placed, located on the intersections of Victoria and Lane Cove roads and close to the employment hubs of Meadowbank and <place><placename>Macquarie</placename><placetype>Park</placetype></place>.
“New development in Meadowbank will see more residential apartments being built on old industrial land and the Ryde town centre redevelopment is set to increase the amenity of area,” Reuveni Etzioni says.
Naremburn, where prices increased by 13.5% between December 2009 and 2010 but were softer in 2011, gets the nod because it is “strategically positioned to benefit from the development of the Gore Hill mixed-use business precinct, which upon completion will become a large regional employment hub”.
It will also benefit from the expansion of the <place><placename>Royal</placename><placename>North</placename><placetype>Shore</placetype></place> hospital, which will is likely to bring more medical professionals to the area.
According to Reuveni Etzioni, demand will increase in 2012 for well-located properties in the inner and middle ring of <city><place>Sydney</place></city>. 
“During times of uncertainty buyers return to the fundamentals of dwellings close to the CBD, with locations that are supported by a good public transport infrastructure,” he says. 
Units rather than houses will again be the dwelling of choice in these locations, he says, as more new developments are completed over the next 12 months. 
Other factors that motivated his selection of suburban hotspots include population growth, which drives increasing demand for properties and generally puts upward pressure on property prices; infrastructure and investment “to support current and future population increases and development of amenities”; and “employment opportunities and diversity, which includes proximity to employment nodes or potential job growth”. 
 
 
 
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Marrickville ranks alongside Redfern, Naremburn and Ryde as PRDnationwide’s 2012 housing hotspots

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With twin private marina berths at its back door, Riverdell, in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Glenelg North</a>, is likely to appeal to a well-heeled Adelaide yachtie.
The three-storey house on 850 square metres is one of eight on sought-after Cygnet Court and features five bedrooms and six marble bathrooms. 
The courtyard includes a luxury lap pool with spa seat, in case having the harbour of the Sturt River at the back door is not water enough.
There is an internal lift as well as six balconies, two fireplaces and a discrete home office.
Lew and Anthony Toop of Toop &amp; Toop Real Estate <a href="https://www.toop.com.au/fulldetails.asp?refid=CONFIDGLE0A" target="_blank">are marketing the property</a> with price hopes of $6.9 million. 
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Riverdell looking for an Adelaide yachtie

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The Sarah Lorden Real Estate agency has joined the McGrath Estate Agents group.

McGrath chief executive John McGrath says the expansion into the Balmain Peninsula with the Lorden sisters, Sarah and Kate, is an exciting opportunity.

“Sarah and Kate have worked in the area for 17 years and have created an outstanding brand with a loyal local clientele,” McGrath says.

McGrath predicts continued consolidation within the industry. 

McGrath Balmain will be a satellite to the company-owned Leichhardt office, already a dominant force in Sydney’s inner west, transacting a record $590 million in real estate last financial year. 

The successful local independent agency shared the same philosophies of sales excellence and customer service focus, McGrath says.

McGrath Balmain will have a team of 30, with Kate as licensee in charge and Sarah as associate director of sales, allowing her to continue with sales.

Kate Lorden says she and Sarah are excited about the new partnership and see it as a progression of their own careers. 

“We have long admired McGrath’s approach to marketing, training and technology. For a customer-centric business such as ours, we were attracted to their systems and management which will free us up to concentrate on a closer interaction with our customers. “ 

The McGrath Balmain office opens its doors today at 222 Darling Street.

Its major competitor is Cobden Hayson.
 
 
 
 


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Balmain's Sarah Lorden Real Estate joins McGrath

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Hairdressing entrepreneur Stefan Ackerie has relisted his remaining Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf unit.
The Brisbane-based hairdresser has used the 51-square-metre one-bedroom east facing apartment – which comes with a 31-square-metre entertainment deck overlooking the navy wharf – as a base for staff.
It’s expected to fetch about $700,000, having cost $642,000 in 2007. There were $700,000 hopes on its 2008 and 2009 listing, Title Tattle recalls.
Ackerie secured $1,645,000 for his other one-bedroom wharf unit in 2009, but that came with a terrace on the northern boardwalk, one car space and a 13-metre marina berth. Stefan had paid $1.65 million in 2008.
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Hairdresser Stefan Ackerie aims for final trim to Woolloomooloo wharf holdings: Title Tattle

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The California-based Jackson Family Wines has acquired South Australia-based Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard in McLaren Vale wine region.
The vineyard comprises 186 hectares of land best known for its production of shiraz, grenache and cabernet sauvignon. About half the Clarendon Vineyard property is planted with vines.
The estate was praised by international wine critic Robert Parker in his book The World’s Greatest Wine Estates as one of the world’s greatest vineyards.
The property, which features a chateau-inspired main house and an earth shelter house, fetched around its $10 million expectations, a heartening price given estimates that 20% of the country’s vineyards are surplus to requirements.
The Onkaparinga River flows through the estate.
“It says something that an iconic American wine company wants to have a stake in Australia and in the Clarendon Hills,” said David Hickinbotham, who managed the family vineyard.
The family put it up for sale after the 2010 death of home builder Alan Hickinbotham, David’s father, who had bought the estate several decades ago.
“We had six offerings and we all agreed that this was the best fit,” David told Wine Spectator.
Grapes from the vineyard have found their way into iconic wines including Penfolds Grange.
Jackson’s property portfolio also includes Yangarra Estate, a 170-hectare wine estate less than tthree kilometres from Clarendon, with 100 hectares under vine, which was purchased in 2000 from Normans Wines.
One of the first vineyards planted at elevation in South Australia, Clarendon Vineyard dates back to 1858. Set between 180 to 240 metres in elevation, it has dry-grown vines, some of which were planted in 1923, along with modern irrigated vineyards.
The estate includes a 740-square-metre stone mansion, designed in 1995 for Alan by the architect Rob Cheesman. David lived in the smaller Earth Shelter House, designed by the German architect Gerhard Schurer in 1981 and built into a hillside.
The Jackson group plans to convert both into hospitality houses for guests.
Although the Hickinbothams also sold their 690-hectare Paringa vineyard in the Murray River region last year for a reputed $8 million, they still own a 160-hectare vineyard in the Currency Creek appellation, about an hour’s drive south of Clarendon.
Katie Jackson, daughter of the company’s late founder Jess Jackson and current chairwoman Barbara R. Banke, will be responsible for the Clarendon property. She worked the harvest last year at Yangarra Park.
“We see more interest in Australia wines, especially at the high-quality end,” Jackson told Wine Spectator.
At the time of its October 2010 listing through Brock Harcourts Victor Harbor, Roman Bratasiuk, the internationally renowned winemaker at nearby Clarendon Hills winery, suggested the sale of Clarendon Winery was "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to join the ranks of Australia’s great vineyard owners".
 
 
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US-based Jackson Family Wines buys SA’s Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard

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One of the largest retail/residential properties on Redfern Street, Redfern has been sold for $2.25 million through Ben Forsyth at McGrath Estate Agents.
It’s a whole building on 436 square metres of land. It comes with 100 square metres of space on the lower level, plus about 200 square metres parking for 10 cars. It’s described as a creative space ideal for a company headquarters or a live/work opportunity, given the second floor has two one-bedroom apartments. The property was sold with vacant possession, having been priced at $2.5 million.
It’s expected the property will use its commercial kitchen, with the ground floor becoming a café.
The upper floor studio spaces will be for lease.
The December sale followed fewer than a handful on the Redfern strip, which included the former post office commercial premises at <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/redfern-proving-magnetic-for-coal-execs/2011062250564" target="_blank">113-119 Redfern Street sold by spruiker Max Markson</a> through McGrath agent Paul Ephron at $2,125,000 in May.
In January 2011 the 209-square-metre holding at 74 Pitt Street sold at $2.05 million, having been listed through Ben Forsyth. It was the 1880s Quirks Grocery Building, a mixed-use premises offering with a total annual income of about $133,000 from two independent residences, a café and separate office. It was architect-redesigned 12 years ago.
Forsyth says the latest sale underpins his views that Redfern is going through a renaissance.
He says The Block being demolished, the new indigenous arts college and the Sydney City upgrade have all lead to major changes in the inner-city suburb.
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Cafe lifestyle descends on Redfern as corporate home office sells for $2.25 million

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The prestigious Chateau Grande in Kurrajong, NSW, offers a level of luxury more commonly found hemmed in the Hills districts. But Chateau Grande sits on an expansive seven hectares in the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
The eight-bedroom, nine-bathroom house includes garaging for 20 cars and has pretty views. The seven-hectare grounds include a self-contained cottage and a lakehouse overlooking the lake.
McGrath agent Shane Lindo is marketing the property with price hopes of $4.2 million plus. The house comes with a home theatre, lift, gyma and sauna.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-kurrajong-nsw-2758/145726">The property </a>will go to auction on February 18 at 3pm. 
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Chateau Grande offers prestige living in Blue Mountains

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US house prices fell by almost the same amount as Australian house prices did in 2011 mainly due to distressed sales, according to new figures by US research firm CoreLogic. 
The CoreLogic December Home Price Index shows that US house prices (including distressed sales) fell 4.7% in December 2011 compared with December 2010. 
Excluding distressed sales home prices decreased by 0.9% in 2011 in the US, giving an indication of the impact of distressed sales on home prices in 2011. 
Including distressed sales, the five states with the highest house price appreciation in 2011 were:  Montana (+4.4%), Vermont (+4%), South Dakota (+3.1%), Nebraska (+2.5%) and New York (+1.7%). 
The five worst-performing state housing markets in 2011 were Illinois (-11.3%), Nevada (-10.6%), Georgia (-8.3%), Ohio (-7.7%), and Minnesota (-7.5%). 
Figures put out by the ABS earlier this week show a 4.8% drop in capital city house prices over the course of 2011. 
However, while the CoreLogic US house price index has now fallen for the fifth straight year, Australian capital city house prices have only declined twice over the same five-year period (the other declining year being in December 2008 following the GFC), with moderate to strong gains in the other years (up 9.7% in 2006, 14% in 2007, 13.9% in 2009 and 4.6% in 2010). 
US house prices fell 4% in 2010, 3% in 2009, 17% in 2008 and 9% in 2007, CoreLogic data shows. 
According to the CoreLogic report, national home prices including distressed sales decreased 1.4% on a month-on-month basis in December, the fifth consecutive monthly decline. 
Excluding distressed sales, house prices increased 0.2%, the first month-on-month gain since July 2011. 
Commenting on the figures, CoreLogic chief economist Mark Fleming says while overall prices declined by almost 5% in 2011, non-distressed prices showed only a small decrease. 
“Until distressed sales in the market recede, we will see continued downward pressure on prices,” he says.  
 
 
December HPI for the Country’s Largest CBSAs by Population: 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="272">
 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" colspan="2" width="227">
December 2011 12-Month HPI
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="272">
CBSA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" colspan="2" width="227">
 Change by CBSA
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="272">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
Single Family 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="113">
Single Family  Excluding Distressed
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-11.8%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-2.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-9.0%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-3.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-6.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
0.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-5.9%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-4.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-3.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
2.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, AZ
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-2.6%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-4.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
Philadelphia, PA
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-1.5%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
-0.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
0.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
2.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
0.3%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
2.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="272">
New York-White Plains-Wayne, NY-NJ
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
0.4%
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="113">
1.4%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: CoreLogic
 
 
 
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