<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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The regional Victorian town of Warrnambool is one of only three locations to receive multiple votes in Smart Property Investment magazine’s 2012 list of 50 suburbs or towns with the most capital growth potential.
Out of the three towns that received multiple votes – the others being perennial hotspot list favourite Gladstone and nearby Rockhampton City, both in north Queensland – Warnambool is the only one not reliant on the resources boom for its high rating.
Multiple vote towns in the SPI Fast 50
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="102" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="94" valign="top">
Number of expert picks
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
Distance from nearest major city
</td>
<td width="102" valign="top">
Population
</td>
<td width="82" valign="top">
Median house price
</td>
<td width="83" valign="top">
Median unit price
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
Gross yields
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="102" valign="top">
Gladstone, Qld
</td>
<td width="94" valign="top">
3
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
550 kms to Brisbane
</td>
<td width="102" valign="top">
29,000
</td>
<td width="82" valign="top">
$437,000
</td>
<td width="83" valign="top">
$350,000
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
5%/7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="102" valign="top">
Rockhampton City, Qld
</td>
<td width="94" valign="top">
2
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
600 kms to Brisbane
</td>
<td width="102" valign="top">
76,000
</td>
<td width="82" valign="top">
$217,000
</td>
<td width="83" valign="top">
$447,500
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
6%/5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="102" valign="top">
Warrnambool, Vic
</td>
<td width="94" valign="top">
2
</td>
<td width="90" valign="top">
265 kms from Melbourne
</td>
<td width="102" valign="top">
33,000
</td>
<td width="82" valign="top">
$316,000
</td>
<td width="83" valign="top">
$255,000
</td>
<td width="64" valign="top">
6%/5%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: SPI Fast 50
Situated on the Princes Highway, about 265 kilometres from Melbourne and near the western end of the Great Ocean Road, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Warrnambool </a>is one of only four Victorian locations to be included on this year’s list.
The town, which dates back to the gold rush in the 1840s, has strong ties to agriculture and the dairy industry, as well as tourism and construction. It has been picked by hotspotting.com.au director Terry Ryder and Todd Hunter, a former Aussie mortgage broker and director of research firm Wheregroup.
It has a median price of $316,000 for houses with gross rental yields of 6% and a $255,000 median price for units with gross rental yields of 5% – both well above the state median (according to Rismark-RP Data) of 3.7% for houses and 4.3% for units.
Ryder describes Warrnambool as “the leading centre of Victoria’s south west” and says it is “growing so fast that the local council has had to rezone hundreds of hectares of farming land for new industrial and residential estates”.
According to Ryder, Warrnambool’s strengths are “tourism, construction, education and medical services”.
“Retail is rapidly expanding and there is a plethora of new power generation facilities, including gas-fired power stations and major wind farms,” he says.
The town has a resident population of just under 34,000 but attracts more than 700,000 visitors each year who come to lie on its beaches in summer and to view southern right whales in the winter months.
Rockhampton, where the median house prices is still a very affordable $217,000 (units are far more expensive at $447,500), was selected by author and founder of Destiny Financial Solutions Margaret Lomas and Luke Berry from hotspot research firm NextHotSpot.
Lomas calls <a target="_blank" href="/news">Rockhampton City </a>a place to “buy now and wait for three to five years for some action” and highlights the current affordability of houses and yields of up to 7.5%.
“I see this area benefiting from the flow-on effect of Gladstone without the high risk that mining areas traditionally bring,” she says.
Berry notes that although the scale of investment in Rockhampton is smaller than in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Gladstone</a>, it is still significant, with the town containing several cheap areas such as <a target="_blank" href="/news">Berserker </a>(a median house price of around $240,000) that are “set to boom”.
Gladstone, which has appeared on just about every hotspot list in the past 12 months, is the only location to be selected by three of the seven experts on the SPI panel, picked by SQM research director Louis Christopher, Terry Ryder and Helen Collier-Kogtevs, managing director of property investment group Real Wealth Australia.
The town, which is at the epicentre of $75 billion worth of energy, rail and port projects, is expected to undergo significant growth over the next five years, according to Collier-Kogtevs.
“It is strategically important to the national economy, has average historical performance and great projected performance, low vacancy rates, higher per capita income levels and a shortage of and high demand for housing,” she says.
Overall NSW has the highest number of growth hotspots in the top 50 with 18, followed by Queensland with 11, Western Australia with 10 and South Australia with six.
Reflecting the declining fortunes of their respective markets, Victoria has just four suburbs in the top 50 and the ACT just one – the capital Canberra.
Other areas to shine in the survey include western Sydney, which received a high level of recommendations for suburbs including <a target="_blank" href="/news">Blacktown</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Goulburn</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Liverpool</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Seven Hills </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Penrith</a>.
The City of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Onkaparinga</a>, south of the Adelaide CBD, comprised three out of the six predicted hotspots for South Australia with <a target="_blank" href="/news">Hackham</a>, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Aldinga Beach </a>and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Seaford </a>all selected.
Suburbs were picked based on population growth, demand for housing, income levels, employment, vacancy rates, previous capital growth and current gross rental yields.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Warrnambool emerges, but Queensland's Gladstone still darling of top 50 investment list

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People in their 30s and 40s are more likely to be under financial stress and therefore should be given the choice to opt out of increased super levels, an academic says.
Bruce Bradbury, senior research fellow in the Social Policy Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, says it makes more sense to allow people to pour money into super when they aren't paying off their house or raising children.
With the Government late last year passing laws for a gradual increase in the superannuation guarantee to 12% by 2020, Bradbury says allowing workers in their 30s and 40s to forgo the increase would better reflect how people live their lives.
"Super is all about moving income. In some stages, you have higher expenditure requirements," Bradbury told SmartCompany this morning.
"And to a certain extent, we should be letting people make their own decisions."
According to Bradbury's analysis of official data, households in their 30s and 40s are more financially stressed than those in their 50s and 60s, as evidenced by the late payment of utility bills and the gap between income and expenditure.
"People in their 30s and 40s are saving the least, whereas people in their 50s and 60s are saving the most, and people in their 20s are also saving a bit," he says.
In his report entitled, Saving the young from superannuation, Bradbury argues that superannuation contributions "impose large burdens on young adults at a time when they can least afford them".
"Even though the superannuation guarantee is paid by employers, it is generally agreed by analysts that the cost of the employer contribution ultimately falls on wage earners via reductions in wage increases."
"This means that, while superannuation saving addresses one important issue of lifecycle resource transfer (low incomes in retirement), it exacerbates another.
"Uniform rates of contribution increase the financial stresses faced by families during the household formation stage of life."
Bradbury adds that if workers needed to fill in the paperwork to retain the extra super, many wouldn't bother.
Other options for relieving the financial burdens of those in their 30s and 40s are allowing access to super for life-related expenditures such as childcare fees or to supplement paid parental leave. "Finally, one could simply allow super funds to pay out some funds to people under certain ages," he suggests.
The comments come as Roy Morgan research into superannuation and wealth management in Australia shows that women retire with 40% lower super than men.
This is due to women:
<ul>
<li>Taking time off to have children.</li>
<li>Being less likely to work full-time.</li>
<li>Getting lower pay across all age groups.</li>
<li>Being less likely to make voluntary contributions, and likely making smaller contributions when they do.</li>
<li>Retiring earlier or not returning to work.</li>
</ul>
The research, released last month, notes that just 61% of females have super, against 69% of males, and the median balance for women in $27,919 against $51,210 for men.
The average balance in super is $91,840 for women and $153,560 for men.
This article was originally published on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php">SmartCompany.</a>
 
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mheffernan-qwBN6uAwZN

People in their 30s and 40s should be able to defer 3% super increase: Expert

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The NSW mid-north coast beachfront retreat of the quintessential Australian actor Jack Thompson – 10.6 hectares at Woolgoolga, some 20 minutes north of Coffs Harbour – has been listed for sale.
It comes with about 100 metres of beach frontage.
The private holding, which also comes with lake and creek frontage, has been listed with $2 million plus hopes.
The four-bedroom, 20-year-old house sit on land with the potential to be subdivided into eight blocks, subject to council approval.
<img src="/images/stories/thompson2.jpg">
Thompson purchased the property in 1995 for $390,000, according to RP Data.
The actor is retaining another property in the hinterland behind Woolgoolga, where he had his much-publicised 15-year ménage-a-trois relationship until the mid-1980s.
The then 440-hectare cattle farm was bought in 1969 – when he was just out of the army – for $8500. Over one 10-year period he planted 23,000 trees – blackbutt, tallowwood and hoop pine.
He also has a long-owned Woollahra terrace.
His family’s Blue Mountains pub, the Hotel Gearin in Katoomba sold last year for $1.925 million.
The Woolgoolga property been listed by <a href="https://www.nicolecardow.com.au/properties.php?id=5462412" target="_blank">Nicole Cardow Real from Nicole Cardow Real Estate</a>, in conjunction with Bill Bridges of Ballard Property Woollahra.
Actor Russell Crowe maintains a 420-hectare plus farm near the village of Nana Glen, which has cost $3 million plus between 1999 and 2008 as further land has been consolidated.
Crowe began his acting career as a six-year-old with Thompson in 1970 on the Spyforce series, and then more famously in The Sum of Us, the 1994 film.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Actor Jack Thompson selling Coffs Harbour beachfront retreat but keeping hinterland getaway: Title Tattle

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If you could put together a fantastic investment opportunity, what would it entail? Would you make every effort to find an opportunity that has all of the signs of a quality investment such as low supply and high demand, fantastic amenities and a strong, diversified employment base? Would you select a location that is close to all necessary amenities and some that are perhaps unnecessary but highly appealing just the same? Would you search for a location that professionals forecast as a strong growth area for years to come, providing you with massive capital growth and cash flow opportunities? Of course you would. So what would you do if I told you that Newcastle enjoys all of these qualities? You'd take a look for yourself, that's what you'd do!
Low Supply/High Demand
According to the 2010 Lower Hunter State of the Land Report, the region is experiencing a dearth of houses – it is undersupplied by more than 3,000 per year. The area has not been zoned for more residential development, adding to the squeeze on supply already being felt from a growing population. Per <a href="https://realestate.com.au">realestate.com.au</a>'s data, postcodes 2300 and 2302 clearly show that demand is surpassing supply in Newcastle, and has been since October 2009. As the chart below indicates, the rental market for the Newcastle area is quite strong – a little more than half of the population is renting.
<img src="/images/stories/saggers2.gif">
Population is growing as a result of infrastructure spending and employer growth. The largest share of the population growth has been centred in the areas of Lake Macquarie, the Port Stephens council area, the Great Lakes Council area and of course the City of Newcastle. As the data indicates, population has outstripped supply in the Lower Hunter region, and if the population continues to grow as predicted, housing will continue to be in high demand. Infrastructure improvements and jobs outlook for the region has contributed to predictions by The Hunter Valley Research foundation of an increase in the population to 730,000 by 2026.
<img src="/images/stories/saggers3.gif">
Amenities The old real estate dictum “location, location, location” still holds as true today as ever. If your investment property is in an area of low supply and high demand, yet its location lacks many of the amenities desired by today's demographic, then your return on investment will be lacking. Newcastle offers both residents and visitors a distinctive combination of pristine beaches, prosperous wharves and an animated city landscape, offering individuals a wide variety of fun and entertaining things to see and do. Walkers get the chance to take in a bit of natural beauty on Bathers Way, which is a well-known five-kilometre walk along the coastline between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach, and shoppers can find the perfect gift among a number of unusual and interesting shops at Cooks Hill's Darby Street. Antique buffs can take a trip back in time among the antique stores in Mayfield and Islington. For a walk on the “wild” side, Blackbutt Reserve is a mere 10 minute drive from the city. Visitors enjoy the chance to connect with Australia's wildlife, while wine enthusiasts can soak in the beauty and enjoy tours courtesy of many Hunter Valley wineries just minutes from downtown Newcastle. Employment ABS reported in June of 2010 that unemployment rates in the Hunter region were at 4.3%  – lower than the state average of 5.2%. Financial services, education and health sectors as well as massive natural resource exploration and extraction is contributing to the Newcastle economy. As China's need for coal continues to grow, so too does Newcastle's export of this highly desired resource. Newcastle's port is the highest exporter of coal in the world, moving a massive 97 metric tonnes during years 2009-2010 with plans to increase that output to 180 metric tonnes by the year 2013. To accomplish this amazing feat, expansions to mining facilities and subsequent employment growth will further strengthen Newcastle's economy.
<img src="/images/stories/saggers.gif">
Market timing In 2010, Newcastle was labelled as the only current “hotspot” in New South Wales by <a href="https://hotspotting.com.au">hotspotting.com.au</a>'s Terry Ryder, and corroborated by Australian Property Investor magazine that same year. These views were in no small part derived from the massive billion dollar infrastructure improvements both planned and currently in progress that are driving factors in the Newcastle and Hunter region economies. Timing, as they say, is everything, and current market indicators suggest that right now represents a perfect time for investors to jump into this market, as Australia’s sixth largest city, Newcastle appears to be on the cusp of recovery. Right now prices are still low for this populous city location, putting investors in a very good position to get in at an affordable price, at the perfect time of the market and realise strong capital gains.
Sam Saggers is CEO of<a href="https://www.positiverealestate.com.au/ME2/Sites/Default.asp?SiteID=697F1E57F8A54C7F9582C3C49417EEC4" target="_blank"> Positive Real Estate.</a>
 
 
 
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ssaggers-cYw3HLcXnJ

Newcastle housing market set to shine

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Just 33 investors took part in the third and final stage of Dixon Advisory’s second capital raising offer to buy shares in its US Masters Residential Property Fund, which acquires and rents out property in Jersey City, New Jersey. 
In total $1.27 million was invested in the third stage, which closed on January 9, taking the total equity raised to $31.14 million from 929 investors since <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/overseas/dixon-advisory-attracts-815-more-aussies-to-take-a-punt-on-us-housing-investment/2011112952603">the second round of capital raising</a> kicked off on October 24, 2011. 
US Masters Residential Property Fund capital raising 
<table style="width: 470px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="149" valign="top">
Stage
</td>
<td width="155" valign="top">
Offer expiry
</td>
<td width="166" valign="top">
No of investors
</td>
<td width="146" valign="top">
Money raised
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="149" valign="top">
1
</td>
<td width="155" valign="top">
November 22, 2011
</td>
<td width="166" valign="top">
815
</td>
<td width="146" valign="top">
$26.85 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="149" valign="top">
2
</td>
<td width="155" valign="top">
December 13, 2011
</td>
<td width="166" valign="top">
81
</td>
<td width="146" valign="top">
$3.02 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="149" valign="top">
3
</td>
<td width="155" valign="top">
January 9, 2012
</td>
<td width="166" valign="top">
33
</td>
<td width="146" valign="top">
$1.27 million
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="149" valign="top">
Total
</td>
<td width="155" valign="top">
 
</td>
<td width="166" valign="top">
929
</td>
<td width="146" valign="top">
$31.14 million
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: US Masters Residential Property Fund 
The $31 million raised equates to less than a quarter of the maximum $140 million that was sought from investors, suggesting appetite for the fund has diminished <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/overseas/australian-investment-fund-snaps-up-19-properties-in-us-state-of-new-jersey/2011070150672">since it listed in June</a> last year. 
Dixon Advisory managing director Alan Dixon tells Property Observer he is “overall relatively pleased with the size and amount of capital raised”. 
“The vast bulk of the funds came from Dixon Advisory clients (approximately 90% of the amount raised), with the balance coming from the general public.  No other dealer groups or advisory firms participated in a material way,” he says. 
“We actually got slightly more than we expected from Dixon Advisory clients, but we were hopeful of getting interest from other advisory groups and hence why we had the three different offer periods.  However, despite some good discussions, we didn’t receive that outside support so it wasn’t surprising that raisings two and three were so small. 
“Overall we were extremely happy with the support from Dixon Advisory clients and the general public who came in without an advisor.” 
Dixon says the fund is still keen to try and involve some other advisory groups at some point, “hopefully in the next 12 to 24 months”. 
“We have unitholder approval to raise further funds in place for another 9 months or so, after that we would have to seek approval again.  We definitely hope to raise some more funds in this time, but don’t have an exact timetable. 
“In the meantime, a $100 million fund leaves us very well placed to implement our strategy, and there is still a plentiful supply of attractive properties available to us.  There were a few slower weeks around Christmas, but the market is already getting more active and traditionally after Martin Luther King Day (this year January 16) the market is fully active again.” 
The US Masters Fund brought in $69.5 million from over 1,500 investors ahead of its listings on the small cap National Stock Exchange in June 2011, with strong demand from Australian investors and, in particular, self-managed superannuation funds. 
Just before Christmas, the fund revealed it had purchased 75 properties worth $14.9 million and had received conditional acceptances on a further 99 properties $18.5 million. 
All properties have been acquired in Jersey City with yields ranging between 8% and 11.3% 
In December, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/overseas/dixon-advisory-pays-more-than-double-recent-sales-prices-for-some-high-yielding-us-property-after-quick-refurb/2011121352826">Property Observer reported</a> that the fund had paid more than double the most recent sales prices for one of its properties with 19 acquisitions among the 34 identified in the US Masters Fund prospectus where the latest purchase price sits substantially above the last sale price. 
Dixon says he is confident of the buying process and that there is “plenty of upside” in these purchases. 
The fund is currently trading at $1.67 valuing it at $102.8 million. It listed at $1.61.
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Investors dry up as Dixon Advisory raises $31 million for US property fund in second capital raising 

Australian expats hope for highway of continued serendipitous Sri Lankan property success: Title Tattle

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The sale of the resort-like Mona Vale beachfront residence of veteran property developer Max Delmege has been settled at $3.5 million, which was its reputed selling price.

The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/max-delmege-s-sydney-northern-beaches-property-finally-gets-over-the-line/2011102652087">two-level Surfview Road house</a> sits on an 870-square-metre block.

Its repeated marketing over two years was accompanied by reduced price estimates until finally sold at an undisclosed price last October.

It was settled just before Christmas.

In November a not-quite-knockdown <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/land-prices-find-their-footing-on-mona-vale-beachfront/2011110852255">five-bedroom Mona Vale beachfront house</a> sold for $3.28 million, giving an indication of Mona Vale beachfront pricing.

For many years Delmege was the financial saviour of his beloved Sea Eagles, pumping millions into the club he co-owned.

He’s lived on the northern beaches since 1965, starting his own real estate office in Avalon in 1967.
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Max Delmege's Mona Vale beachfront house settles for $3.5 million: Title Tattle

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John McGrath will remain on the board of the REA Group, which owns Australia's largest property website, realestate.com.au.
As chief executive of McGrath Estate Agents he is now the only board member directly connected to the real estate industry, following Sam White’s decision to step down earlier this week to focus on the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/industry-news/sam-white-quits-rea-board-to-focus-on-the-family-business/2012010952996">Ray White family’s real estate and mortgage broking businesses.</a>
White, deputy chairman of the Ray White Group and executive chairman of Loan Market, quit the board on January 9 without notice after nearly nine years as a non-executive independent director and member of its HR committee, fuelling industry speculation that Ray White might throw its support behind a rival website.
Following White’s departure, McGrath is now one of only three independent directors on the board, the others being Roger Amos, director at Austar, and Kathleen Conlon, a non-executive director at CSR Limited.
The other board members are chairman Richard Freudenstein (CEO of Foxtel); REA Group managing director Greg Ellis, News Ltd executives Diana Eilert, John Pittard and Stephen Rue; and Rebecca Liatis, the company secretary.
The board of REA Group will consider the appointment of a new independent non-executive director to replace White early this year.
McGrath is the longest-serving board member, having joined in September 1999.
He is also a member of the HR committee and attended all nine board meeting in the 2011 financial year.
McGrath estate agents specialise in high-end property sales and rentals in Sydney and NSW with smaller operations in Queensland and the ACT.
There are currently about 800 properties listed on the McGrath website.
The company also provides mortgage broking services through its Oxygen Home Loans division.
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John McGrath to retain seat on REA Group board after Sam White's departure

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Frank Picone, the apartment management industry veteran, has listed his Mermaid Beach apartment.
It’s a spacious beachfront villa on Hedges Avenue. It has four bedrooms, four bathrooms plus five-car garaging. It’s got 802 square metres of space.  It’s been listed through Michael Kollosche at Ray White Broadbeach for January 22 auction.
It last traded in 2006 for $7.32 million when bought from Melbourne investor Tony Khoury. The other duplex is owned by Lisa Perrin who paid $9 million in 2006.
In 2008 Picone set the year's top price for Queensland when his imposing Mermaid Beach house fetched $17.5 million through Michael Kollosche when it sold it to the landfill operator Maxwell Twigg.
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Apartment management veteran Frank Picone lists on Mermaid Beach: Title Tattle

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Little Joe fashion salon owners Gail Elliott and Joe Coffey have snappily sold their huge apartment overlooking Bondi Beach.
They are understood to have secured a respectable $7.2 million plus for the property, having paid $6.75 million for the 486-square-metre The Bondi apartment off the plan in 2006. They wanted more, but while the Bondi Beach prestige market is not a wipeout, it is proving patchy, and the off-the-plan prices in 2006 captured a big wave at the time.
Indeed the prices were called as bullish back then after deposits totalling $80 million were taken for 20 of the 30 Campbell Parade apartments at its invitation-only first opening weekend through Colliers International, Metro Commercial and McGrath.
The apartment is in the conversion of the 1968 Bondi Beachside Inn, the former $120-a-night hotel that was sold for $32.3 million in 2003 by rag trader John Hilton to a development syndicate including Allen Linz's Rebel Property Group, estate agent Eduard Litver and the Tanevski family.
The Coffey/Elliott apartment came with 246-square-metre interiors that flow onto a 245-square-metre deck.
It had been listed through McGrath agent Steven Chen and Elizabeth Brunton in conjunction with Barry Goldman of Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay.
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