<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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A downtown Washington property has sold on eBay for US$18,151.
But the new owner, whose identity is not yet available, will possibly soon realise he or she is also responsible for paying the unpaid US$1.2 million in federal and state tax liens.
The property, at 93-95 N. Main Street and 8-22 W. Chestnut Street, attracted 19 bidders who placed 32 bids on the property.
<img src="/images/stories/ebayauction.jpg">
But four bidders retracted their offers after a story on local website Observer-Reporter.com detailed the tax liens.
<img src="/images/stories/ebayauction2.jpg">
On the eBay auction site, the annual real estate taxes on the properties were said to be $193.
There was no mention of the tax liens, but the selling screed suggested prospective buyers do their own "due diligence" prior to making an offer.
Under the terms of the eBay sale, payment must be made in full, and all sales are final. Transfer of the deed will occur immediately thereafter.
"Once the deed is recorded, the seller has no recourse on the transaction," the site specifies.
The property was sold by Lots of Realty of Pittsburgh.
Repeated calls to Lots of Realty have not been returned to local news reporter Linda Metz.
The new owner will be responsible for more than $1.2 million in federal and state tax liens, according to Debbie Bardella, director of the county's tax revenue office.
"Our sales do not wipe out federal and state tax liens," says Bardella, although back county taxes are forgiven. "Anyone buying the property is then liable for these liens. I think those people bidding on the property should be aware of it."
The agency described the site as a two-storey Art Deco-style building but the 1,100-square-metres structure "needs total rehabilitation" and is being sold in "as-is" condition.
“GREAT FOR LAW, GAS &amp; OIL INDUSTRY OFFICES, RETAIL STORES OR EVEN A PAWN SHOP!
“WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA DOES NOT HAVE A PAWN SHOP AND WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INQUIRIES FOR THIS USE!
“ONE (1) BLOCK FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY COURT HOUSE!”
The property was being sold under the information number 280768485430, under eBay's real estate section.
 
 
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Ebay buyer of US$18,000 Washington property liable for US$1.2 million in tax liens

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ASIC has settled an action brought by Westpoint founder Norm Carey.
In an action that commenced in October 2008, Carey had claimed unspecified damages from ASIC for alleged misfeasance in public office and negligence, arising from ASIC’s decisions in late 2005 to start winding-up proceedings against two Westpoint mezzanine finance companies.
As a result of the settlement, Carey’s action has been dismissed.
Carey has unreservedly withdrawn all allegations made against ASIC and its officers in connection with ASIC’s dealing with the Westpoint Group companies.
Carey and companies associated with him have agreed to pay $75,000 towards ASIC’s legal costs in defending the claim.
Carey continues legal proceedings against the Westpoint legal advisers.
 
 
 
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Westpoint founder Norm Carey withdraws proceedings against ASIC

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december12christucker]}
Comedian and actor Chris Tucker has recently sold two Florida homes below their market value in order to pay off tax debts, according to reports.
The first, pictured above, is in the gated equestrian and golf community Bella Collina. The Rush Hour star reportedly paid $6 million for the property in 2007, according to the <a href="https://realestalker.blogspot.com/2010/07/comedian-chris-tucker-selling-short" target="_blank">Real Estalker blog</a>, but negotiated a short sale for US$2 million before the bank was to foreclose on it last month.
The property has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, a "whimsical pirate-themed home theatre", lavish interiors and a pool, spa and deluxe barbecue area. It was listed by<a href="https://realestatecenter.bankofamerica.com/homes-for-sale/FL/Montverde/34756/16607-AREZO-Ct-54768905/popup" target="_blank"> RE/MAX Central Realty</a>.
According to celebrity gossip website <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2011/12/11/chris-tucker-foreclosure-houses/#.TuUkwbLLzCl" target="_blank">TMZ</a>, Tucker sold another Florida home in October for US$1.05 million, although he listed the property for $1.5 million.
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Chris Tucker reputedly sells at a huge loss

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<img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Economist Heather Ridout – who will soon sit on the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia – knows what it’s like to get caught long on property during a recession.
It was back in Australia's distant last recession in the early 1990s. Nothing too serious, but Title Tattle recalls it was boomtime 1988 when she and her solicitor husband, Peter, outlaid $210,000 for a Pearl Beach weekender on the NSW Central Coast, with the mortgage stamped at $220,000.
That was in addition to their Mosman home, which had cost $280,000 in 1983, and a good recessionary acquisition. However the Pearl Beach cottage was offloaded within four years for $202,500 in 1992. Not a huge loss, but certainly some fiscal inconvenience.
Of course she's very comfortable these days – and her Mosman hillside house must be worth $6 million plus. We could almost call it the Reserve Bank of Mosman now, as Ridout's auspicious appointment takes the prestigious harbourfront suburb's representation on the Reserve Bank board to two – along with the economist John Edwards, who owns there.
Ridout's appointment no doubt buoyed the besieged Balmoral bunch, whose tightened financial services industry bonuses are restricting their previous regular property upgrades on the Middle Harbour slopes. It means the plight of the miserable Mosman mortgage holders and the remaining Military Road retailers will feel their voice will be heard at the board's deliberations.
Of course the current governor Glenn Stevens hails from Sylvania Waters in the Sutherland Shire – they have canals not true harbour waterfront – having taken the reins from Mosmanite Ian Macfarlane in September 2006.
The Ridouts have periodically played the Mosman merry-go-round upgrading game, but not for 17 years. They've been in the same house since paying $1,025,000 in early 1994, so they bounced back pretty quickly after the recession we had to have. At the time they were upgrading from their $875,000 Prince Albert Street house, which had gone up a delightful 12% annually over the decade of their ownership.
There's still a mortgage dating back to the 1994 purchase, and it was just $400,000 at the time so plenty of equity then and presumably now. It’s impossible to say what amount the couple still owes on it, if anything.
Of course some 34% of Mosmanites don’t have any borrowings on their home, according to the last Census. That's slightly higher outright ownership rate than the 30% across Sydney in 2006 who have no immediate care for what the Reserve Bank does on the first Tuesday of the month unless they have plenty of cash in the bank. We'll get an update in the 2011 census figures next year.
Recently back from Bahrain where he was briefly advising before his July 31 RBA appointment, Edwards, an economic adviser to former treasurer and prime minister Paul Keating before becoming chief economist for Australia and New Zealand for HSBC Bank for 10 years, is also an adjunct professor at the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy at Curtin University.
He and his wife, Deborah Hope, who was Annita Keating's private secretary, also own property in Paddington.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november10melton]}
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">The Townsville mansion (pictured above) of the founders of failed north Queensland company Storm Financial, Julie and Emmanuel Cassimatis, has been sold for an undisclosed amount. <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/storm-financial-founders-townsville-property-passed-in-at-auction-with-a-half-price-hit-in-the-making/2011112052440" target="_blank">It was passed in at recent auction </a>at $1.35 million. The eight-bedroom home had failed to sell at the family’s asking price of $3.8 million ever since first being listed in 2006. The 900-square-metre property, which sits on an 1,854-square-metre block, features a $75,000 Waterford crystal chandelier, lifts, two swimming pools, four bathrooms and has views over Magnetic Island, Cleveland Bay and the Townsville CBD.
Its selling agent Garry Byrnes from Ferry Property Townsville has had the Melton Terrace listing on and off the market since 2009. It’s been bought by a local businessman.
The Cassimatis couple are facing civil proceedings in the Federal Court by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Their assets have not been frozen, but the sale highlights the demise of the couple, who oversaw the loss of $3 billion of investors’ money in 2009.They have since sold their private jet and a similar property in Brisbane, which went for $2 million this year.
<img src="/images/stories/frantzis.jpg">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">The Tamarama residence of Perth-bound lawyer Amanda Kailis, of the MG Kailis pearling group, and her former husband, George Frazis, the Auckland-based Westpac New Zealand chief executitive, secured $6.45 million last weekend. The seven-bedroom house sold through Simon Exleton from McGrath Estate Agents. It was marketed as the most substantial Tamarama offering since 2008, but seemingly fell narrowly short of hype given there was a $6.8 million sale earlier this year. The four-level architecturally designed house was completed four years ago after a knockback or two at Waverley Council. With ocean and beach views, the Pacific Avenue house came with an 18-metre swimming pool in its north-facing garden. 
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Lady (Janette) Murray, the widow of Sir Brian Murray, a former governor of Victoria and an admiral in the Royal Australian Navy, wants $865,000 for her Darling Point apartment through Alexander Phillips of GoodyerDonnelley, in conjunction with agent Maureen Brett.
It had been listed for weekend auction with more than $800,000 expected for the two-bedroom Mitchell Road apartment, but did not sell. Lady Murray decided to sell the apartment because she lives mostly at her country residence in Molong or in the Loire Valley, France. It last traded at $740,000 in 2006.
<img src="/images/stories/mosmanpark.jpg">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Anuket at Mosman Park (pictured above) in Perth has been listed for sale in a partially gutted state. It last sold in 2008 when property developer Luke Saraceni bought it from mining speculator David Rigoll, the former early-1990s Colonial Resources managing director, through agent William Porteous for $16 million. It had previously also traded at $16 million in 2007 when offloaded by Firepower director Tim Johnston, who had bought it from property developer Warren Anderson. The house was built for the Burswood Casino developer Dallas Dempster to a design by architect Louise St John Kennedy. Its current listing agent, William Porteous from William Porteous Properties International, is marketing it as "one of Perth's most iconic properties". Set on a 1,425-square-metre block, it comes with five bedrooms, six bathrooms and four living areas. The Chidley Way property comes with a huge lap pool overlooking the Swan River. It's not a rushed marketing campaign, as expressions of interest don't fall due until March 2012.
<img src="/images/stories/beretta.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Channel 7 Sunrise sports presenter Mark Beretta has sold his Mosman house (pictured above) at $1.9 million. Beretta and his wife, Rachel have, been at the property since 2005 when they paid $1.47 million. It sold through Piers van Hamburg at McGrath Estate Agents. It’s a charming single-storey house on a 610-square-metre block. The talk is they have spent about $2.8 million quite close by.
<img src="/images/stories/deckchiars.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The arts guru merchant banker Simon Mordant is tipped as the $10 million plus buyer of the garden apartment (pictured above)  in the recently completed Buckhurst block in Point Piper. The ELK development group secured $68 million in sales of the six harbourfront Buckhurst Avenue apartments. Simon and Catriona Mordant have been living in Darling Point for the past 24 years, with almost a decade in a two-storey hillside triplex penthouse developed by Ron Powell to a design by Peddle Thorp and Walker. It cost $5.25 million in 2002. Title Tattle recalls both floors of the 245-square-metre penthouse, with 95 square metres of terraces, were accessible by lift, with a sweeping staircase handcrafted from American oak also connecting the two levels.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october31bolivia]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">
Bolivia Station (pictured above), the historic rural property at Tenterfield in the New England district of northern NSW, has sold following tenders closing when $3 million plus was being sought by Patricia McAlary. She's the widow of the late Sydney barrister Frank McAlary, QC, the "dancing man" caught on film while twirling his hat in the air down a Sydney street on VP Day in 1945 at the end of World War II. First taken up in 1840, Bolivia Station has been owned by the McAlary family for almost 40 years. It is offered with about 500 station-bred cows and about 240 heifers. More than 30 parties inspected the 2,946-hectare property, widely regarded as one of the best in the Northern Tablelands district. Bolivia Station includes a 243-megalitre unregulated irrigation licence, two sets of cattle yards and an original homestead in need of repair. It was listed through Ray White Rural Tenterfield agent Bruce Birch, in conjunction with Jim Ritchie of Landmark Harcourts Glen Innes who expected the cattle might add another $1 million to the price.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december5rosebay]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">An architecturally significant Rose Bay duplex apartment (pictured above) has been sold for about $5 million. It’s atop the landmark 1961 building at the corner of New South Head and Beresford roads. The-700-square-metre penthouse of Peter Kotzias and wife Kathryn has been sold through McGrath agents Paul Ephron and Steven Chen. The apartment occupies the two top floors of a building designed by Ken Willoughby for the Auswild car dealer family. Newly updated by Weir Phillips Architects with interiors by Pyke Designs, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment has 370 square metres internal space plus a 328-square-metre terrace opposite the harbour. At street level it comes with a private lobby with a lift connected directly to both levels of the penthouse. It last sold at $3.63 million in 2007.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Title Tattle aims to tell you as soon as we know – often before it happens – and we keep hearing whispers that one of the Lewis Land scions has bought at Palm Beach in Sydney's northern beaches.
<img src="/images/stories/88residence.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">
And don't say that Title Tattle told you, but the sale of the penthouse of The Residence has become akin to pulling a rabbit out of a hat. There was an initial premature Australian Financial Reveiw September sale report suggested a very bullish $25 million, then this week's updated sales advisory had it at $20 million plus. But intriguingly Title Tattle has periodically heard suggestions that no official exchange has actually occurred.
But if the larger of the two penthouses in The Residence on College Street, Sydney has been sold, Title Tattle would envisage the sale price as more likely to be somewhere around $18 million. That would still rank as a Sydney penthouse record – bettering the Moran family's $16.8 million Bennelong purchase in 2008.
 The soon-to-be-complete 810-square-metre two-level penthouse – known as apartment 88 at 18 College Street – could possibly soon be full of the art that one would view at the White Rabbit Gallery, the Neilson family's significant collection of contemporary Chinese art.
There's denials, although some worksite wags have suggested Judith Neilson could be placing her serene Alice in Wonderland world-style art pieces around the apartment and pool now that's its intended Neil Bradford display suite decor is not getting installed in the main penthouse.
Last year The Australian described the founder of the White Rabbit Gallery in Sydney's Chippendale as Australia's second-richest woman courtesy of her stake in South African-born financier husband Kerr's billion-dollar company Platinum Asset Management. Perhaps the confusing speculation stems from the suggestions the mooted deal was done direct between the buyer and AMP Capital Investors, with with Galileo Group and Cbus Property is the joint partner of the $350 million CBD fringe residential conversion. CBRE agent Ben Stewart has been the lead selling agent on the project of late, but the mid-week AFR story strangely failed to make any mention of the lucky selling agent of apartment 88. There were initial $25 million expectations when the penthouse was marketed to offshore Chinese buyers hoping they'd pay a premium for the lucky number. But it seems that's didnt happen.
The Hyde Park precinct, on the green fringe of the central business district, now ranks among Sydney's priciest addresses.
The 24-level Scott Carver designed building – the gutted former NSW Police headquarters – has 87 five-star apartments with views across Hyde Park, the Opera House, St Mary’s Cathedral and Sydney Harbour. The facilities include a gymnasium, all-weather lap pool, sauna, spa and steam room, a residents’ lounge with a fully equipped kitchen and barbecue area and a 24-hour concierge service.The development also features a lockable, humidity-controlled wine room that can store a 100-bottle wine cellar for each resident.
The $350 million CBD tower is being developed by Parmada in a venture with AMP Capital Investors, Galileo Group and Cbus Property. 
 
 
 
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Heather Ridout – now on the Reserve Bank of Mosman – has ridden out recessionary downturns: Title Tattle

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december9mordant]}
Arts guru merchant banker Simon Mordant is the reputed $11 million buyer of the garden apartment in the recently completed Buckhurst block in Point Piper.
The ELK development group secured $68 million in sales of the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/luxury-buckhurst-point-piper-block-sells-out/2011112552548" target="_blank">six harbourfront Buckhurst Avenue apartments</a>. The whole-floor units were designed by architect Alex Popov, with interiors by Ruth Levine Designs, following two years of construction.
Simon and Catriona Mordant have been living in Darling Point for the past 24 years, with almost a decade in a two-storey hillside triplex penthouse developed by Ron Powell to a design by Peddle Thorp and Walker.
Their current abode, which cost $5.25 million in 2002, had 245 square metres of space plus 95 square metres of terraces.
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Art aficionado merchant banker Simon Mordant reputedly buys in Point Piper

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As we look to what's ahead for 2012, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of 2011.
 
Former head of Macquarie Group’s real estate and banking Bill Moss has bought Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Lodge with a group of investors, amid a struggling tourism sector.
Moss Capital bought the property for $25 million through CBRE. It previously traded for $21 million in 2009.
Moss advocates investing in the tourism sector, which is struggling due to high Australian dollar, low patronage and cheap flights.
“If we become interested we like to think we can increase the future value,” Moss says.
“You will hear about us buying more tourism assets.”
<img src="/images/stories/cradlemountain3.jpg">
The lodge was developed 25 years ago. The property borders the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park.
Tasmania had 450,000 holiday arrivals in 2007-08 but this has dropped to fewer than 375,000 visitors according to Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin.
“There’s been a real softening. We are no different to any other tourism destination in the country, which is a reflection of the high Australian dollar, unprecedented low international airfares and the enormous incentives for Australians to travel overseas,” he told The Financial Review.
Across Australia occupancy rates and average room rate have improved slightly over the last two years, with revenue per available room expected to grow 6% this year, according to Deloitte research.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/dunk-island-in-fnq-rumoured-to-have-sold-to-linc-energy-boss-peter-bond/2011120252645">The purchase comes as Linc Energy founder Peter Bond spent $10 million on Queensland’s Dunk Island last week as a private getaway.</a>
Moss says he will continue to buy hotels and resorts.
“[I have] private families interested in buying iconic assets.”
The previous owners purchased the lodge in July 2009 for $21 million.
The lodge was opened in 1971 by four Tasmanians after they bought 324 hectares of property on the border of the national park.
In 1984 the lodge was bought by Simon and Anne Currant, who refurbished the property. P&amp;O bought the property in 1988 and did further works before passing it on to Voyages Hotels and Resorts, which sold it on in 2009.
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Former Macquarie Group executive director Bill Moss heads Cradle Mountain Lodge buying syndicate

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Billionaire investor Warren Buffett’s decision to invest more than $10 billion this year in IBM is more about having a stake in the modernisation of national infrastructure than have a foothold in the high-tech sector, according to Washington Post.
The Oracle of Omaha now holds 5% of IBM, making him one of the biggest investors in the computer giant – having previously shunned investing in high-tech companies.
IBM is currently investing heavily and expanding in its Smarter Planet initiative, which aims to use digital technology and digital data to improve systems and processes to modernise national infrastructure such as roads, waterways and urban areas.
In the area of office design, IBM is looking to develop greener building that run more efficiently and, “more importantly, communicate with and about their various systems”.
One of IBM’s own projects involves a 306,520-square-metre manufacturing site in its Rochester, Minnesota location, which had more than 250,000 sensor points with the potential to report information.
To help solve the problem of what to do with all of this data, IBM implemented its Intelligent Building Management solution in partnership with Johnson Controls, which helped achieve incremental, year-on-year energy savings of about 8%.
In another project, IBM helped the Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital in Taiwan increase revenue by 5% each month and increase bed utilisation from 70% to 92% by implementing two systems – Executive Information System (EIS) and a Quality Indicator System (QIS), which gave insights into performance in real time.
The use of such smart systems was recently called “the next big thing” by The Economist magazine.
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/post/warren-buffett-and-why-ibm-is-just-like-a-railroad/2010/12/20/gIQAyfsZiN_blog" target="_blank">The Washington Post </a>has likened his investment in IBM to his decision in 2009 to invest $34 billion in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad.
“Railroads just a few years ago were viewed as a stodgy, less-than-glamorous area in which to invest. Yet, Buffett held true to his investment vision, choosing to view railroads as a play on the nation’s infrastructure and as a proxy for US economic growth,” the newspaper said.
“If you want to invest in the future of America, then invest in railroads. In real life, as in the board game Monopoly, railroads are valuable properties.”
IBM’s decision to develop smart infrastructure technologies is expected to put it in demand from countries like China, where national infrastructure is struggling to cope with massive growth in urbanisation efforts.
Should IBM be able to tap into markets like China, the earnings potential would be significant, something Buffet clearly knows.
Buffett’s MidAmerican Energy Holdings, the utility arm of investment giant Berkshire Hathaway empire,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/warren-buffetts-%242-billion-solar-acquisition-tipped-to-spur-solar-industry/2011120852755"> has also nabbed Topaz Solar Farm</a> in the biggest acquisition of a single photovoltaic project anywhere.
 
 
 
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Warren Buffett’s IBM play about ‘smart’ infrastructure, not high-tech stock

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It’s been dubbed the “coming of age” for solar power – the world’s best-known investor, Warren Buffett, has paid big bucks to snap up a Californian solar farm.
Buffett’s MidAmerican Energy Holdings, the utility arm of investment giant Berkshire Hathaway empire, has nabbed Topaz Solar Farm in the biggest acquisition of a single photovoltaic project anywhere.
The project, valued at $US2 billion, is the world’s second-largest photovoltaic plant under construction.
It is expected to produce about half the power of a nuclear reactor – or power about 160,000 homes - when it starts in 2015. The project had just been rejected for a US government loan guarantee.
John Grimes, chief executive of the industry body Australian Solar Energy Society, says the investment guru "clearly sees where solar is headed."
"Major players see the opportunity to control what will be the world's dominant energy generation technology in the coming decades," Grimes says.
"The Chinese government has given strategic support to over 300 solar manufacturers in China, and today produce over half of all solar panels globally.
"In a few short years, we estimate that they will control over 80% of global production."
Greg Abel, MidAmerican chief executive, is quoted saying overnight the project “demonstrates that solar energy is a commercially viable technology without the support of governmental loan guarantees.” 
Although the price has not been disclosed, analysts expect it was sold for between $US1.65 billion and $US1.95 billion, Reuters reports.
The deal is viewed as characteristically opportunistic for Buffett, with US tax credits for solar set to expire in 2015, two years after tax credits for wind finish.
Bloomberg also reports that the 550-megawatt project will still quality for a federal incentive because it began construction last month – just as the incentive program for up to 30% of development costs winds up.
It will also sell power under a long-term contract that was signed off before prices for solar panels dived 44%, the newswire says. It has signed a 25-year agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
“The smart guys are getting into these early projects because they have very attractive power-purchase agreements,” Mizuho Securities analyst Paul Clegg told Bloomberg
“Financing won’t be as easy at the rates being signed for the latest ones.”
Another analyst, Sanjay Shrestha of Lazard Capital Markets, said the investment showed that “solar has come of age” and that large-scale solar plants remained attractive despite the end of the grant program. Buffett picked up a stake in China’s BYD Co Ltd during the global financial crisis, which has a solar panel business alongside its battery making and electric cars. 
Australian Solar Energy Society's John Grimes urges the Australian government to "take a more strategic approach to solar". 
"If we do not, we risk losing our position as a centre for solar research and innovation," he says.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php">SmartCompany.</a>
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Warren Buffett’s $2 billion solar farm acquisition tipped to spur solar industry

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Anuket at Mosman Park in Perth has been listed for sale in a partially gutted state.
It last sold in 2008 when property developer Luke Saraceni bought it from mining speculator David Rigoll, the former early-1990s Colonial Resources managing director, through agent William Porteous for $16 million.
It had previously also traded at $16 million in 2007 when offloaded by Firepower director Tim Johnston, who had bought it from property developer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/warren-anderson-homeless-and-bankrupt/2011112552549">Warren Anderson</a>.
The house was built for the Burswood Casino developer Dallas Dempster to a design by architect Louise St John Kennedy.
Its latest listing agent, William Porteous from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.porteous.com.au/property.aspx?pid=263778">William Porteous Properties International</a>, is marketing it as "one of Perth's most iconic properties". The house is gutted and ready to be finished to one's own standard, Porteous has advised potential inspectees.
It's partially renovated and partially gutted, Porteous says.
Set on a 1,425-square-metre block, it comes with five bedrooms, six bathrooms and four living areas. The Chidley Way property comes with a huge lap pool overlooking the Swan River.
It's not a rushed marketing campaign, as expressions of interest don't fall due until March 2012.
Porteous says the vendors will meet the market.
 
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Perth developer Luke Saraceni's partially gutted Mosman Park residence listed for sale 

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december8horror]}
The house featured in the hit 2011 show American Horror Story is for sale for US$4.5 million. 
The six-bedroom, five-bathroom house was designed by architect Alfred Rosenheim as his own home when he moved to Los Angeles in 1903. It includes a three-storey main house and a detached ballroom, which is now used as a recording studio. Tiffany stained and plain glass features throughout. 
<img src="/images/stories/horror2.jpg">
It was first listed in January 2009 for US$7.5 million, was removed from the market in April 2010 and was relisted in January 2011 at its current asking price, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://luxe.truliablog.com/2011/12/american-horror-story-home-hits-the-market/">Trulia Luxe blog</a>.
The Harmon family moves into the house in the American FX show American Horror Story, unaware that it is haunted by ghosts from a murder-suicide. The show's pilot was shot on location, with further episodes shot on a sound stage designed to replicated the Rosenheim house exactly. 
It has been listed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.1120westchesterplace.com/">Joe Babajian</a>.
 
 
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