<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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Australian engineering firm UGL has paid ?77.5 million for the trading operations of global real estate company DTZ Holdings in a distressed sale, a move some analysts say is a poor decision.
DTZ Holdings was placed into administration in the UK immediately prior to the transaction, as part of the deal.
The acquisition will bring the property component of UGL up to 40% from 30% and push property revenue to nearly $2 billion, according to managing director and chief executive of UGL Richard Leupen.
“It brings a very strong presence in Europe that goes back over 200 years,” Leupen told CNBC.
“We will pick up a big presence in the UK and a very significant valuation and research capability that didn’t previously exist.”
The company will also pick up a large presence in China and Singapore, an important move for the company according to Leupen.
The sale will put the company at the “number one-position in China, with nearly 2,000 people in 18 offices across China,” he says.
“Here in Australia we continue to be driven by China.”
But Morgan Stanley analyst Nicholas Robinson says the move might not pay off.
“We believe UGL is buying what is largely a distressed European real estate broker at a time when the European growth outlook is deteriorating,” he says.
“DTZ lacks a real facilities management offering in contrast to UGL’s North American model, suggesting European facilities management capabilities may still need to be developed post acquisition to deliver on global ambitions,” he adds.
However, Robinson concedes UGL has a successful history of integrating acquisitions including US property businesses Equis and Unicco.
Leupen hinted at future acquisitions in English speaking countries, adding it might take some time.
“We’ve got a bit of digestion here before we buy anything else.”
The sale was 100% debt funded, but Leupen is confident that the company retains a strong debt to equity ratio.
“I can tell you from our perspective that the markets are quite a lot healthier today than it was six to 12 months ago,” Leupen says.
“This investment is at the bottom of the [property] cycle, we hope”.
DTZ, founded in the UK in 1784, was ranked top for valuations in China, and in the top three in the UK and European markets.
UGL is a multinational engineering group that provides infrastructure, rail, resources and services. The company has a market capitalisation of over $3.3 billion and annual revenue approaching $4 billion.
 
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Aussie engineering firm UGL buys distressed centuries-old real estate company DTZ

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december7pymble]}
The 1902 Pymble residence sometimes known as Abia and also Coromandel has been listed for December 14 auction, sitting among the last wave of pre-Christmas auctions.
The Church Street house, which comes with five double bedrooms – three with handy fireplaces – is tipped by its McGrath agents to fetch more than $4.25 million.
Its main bedroom leads to a veranda, study/library (with marble fireplace) and a return veranda with views. The large in-ground pool has sandstone surrounds and a gazebo, and the property is set in landscaped gardens (by Gordon Sykes) on about 1,566 square metres with a northerly aspect. The Federation house on a quiet street catches views of the city skyline and Lane Cove valley.
It is also within easy access to a number of schools including PLC, Knox, Barker, Abbotsleigh and Pymble Public School.
It last traded at $3 million in 2002.
Its listing agents are Carole McCrea and Philip Waller from McGrath in conjunction with McConnell Bourn agent Matthew Bourn.
There have been about 90 house sales this year in Pymble at a $1.4 million average price, according to RP Data.
The suburb's highest disclosed sale price was $2.88 million on Taunton Street in February this year although a Bobbin Head Road house sold for about $4.1 million in April, on which RP Data yet to record its sale price.
The sales history
1975    $116,000
1986    $540,000
1988    $1.1 million
1996    $1.1 million
1998    $1,805,000
2002    $3 million
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Pymble listing aims for year high as auctions continue well into December 

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Shareholders of the ASX-listed Cheviot Kirribilly Vineyard Property Group have approved the sale of four of the six vineyards the indebted group put up for sale in July this year.
Subject to various other conditions being met, the two Langhorne Creek vineyards in South Australia –Birchmores Vineyard (293 hectares) and Woodstock Road Vineyard (67 hectares) – will be sold in late December for around $6.2 million.
The sale of the two Angas Creek Vineyards in the Adelaide Hills (78 and 65 hectares) is expected to be completed in January 2012 for around $2.6 million, taking the total $8.8 million.
Two vineyards in the Clare Valley – Kirribilly Estate Stage 1 (251 hectares) and Tullymore Vineyard (200 hectares) – continue to be marketed through Colliers agents Tim Altschwager and Nick Dean, with the group hoping to sell them by April 2012.
The vineyards continue to be maintained to ensure they are productive, with tentative agreements reached to sell the fruit to various wineries, the group says.
Subject to the Clare Valley wineries being sold and the group having the support of its financier, NAB, the Cheviot Kirribilly Vineyard Property Trust will be wound up by early May 2012
The Cheviot Kirribilly Group’s lending facilities are due to expire at the end of December
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/sa-vineyards-up-for-sale-as-downturn-puts-the-squeeze-on-wineries/2011071850831" target="_blank">Cheviot Kirribilly was forced to put its 953-hectare vineyard portfolio up for sale by its financiers</a>, though the group has praised NAB for its “forbearance”, which has allowed it to continue operating.
During an address to shareholders yesterday, chairman Sean Edwards said problems for the group began in 2010 when the group had to invest in capital equipment such as frost fans and desalination equipment at a time when there was a “significant weakening in district average weighted price at the end of the 2009 vintage”.
Between 2008 and 2011, the price per tonne earned for its grapes fell by 43%, resulting in a 59% decline in revenue.
This required the group to draw on additional working capital to farm the 2010 vintage resulting in an excessive build-up of debt.
A further headwind faced in 2010 was due to climate conditions which resulted in below average yields requiring further assistance from its bankers.
Cheviot was one of several vineyard owners forced to sell this year due to the deteriorating market conditions.
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Shareholders approve Cheviot Kirribilly vineyard sales

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december7gunter]}
The former New York home of German playboy and billionaire Gunter Sachs is on the market for US$38.5 million.
The Paul Rudolph-designed home was built in 1966 and has been occupied by designer Roy Halston Frowick, head of Fiat Gianni Agnelli and Gunter Sachs.
Sachs, who committed suicide in a Swiss chalet earlier this year, bought the 930-square-metre home with Agnelli in 1990 and later bought Agnelli out.
The East 63rd Street home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms spread over four levels. It is listed by <a href="https://www.corcoran.com/property/listing.aspx?Region=NYC&amp;listingid=2259675" target="_blank">Corcoran </a>agents Noble Black, Carmen Marques Perez and Bonnie Pfeifer Evans.
Behind the imposing facade of steel and glass is a slate entry hall that leads into the vast expanse of a living room with 9.5-metre ceilings and skylights.
During Halston’s occupancy the home was the home of parties in New York and played host to Liza Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Truman Capote and Bianca Jagger.
The townhouse has three living rooms, one dining room, a study, two kitchens, a terrace and a solarium.
The architect described the home as being “a world of its own, inward looking and secretive … created in a relatively small volume of space in the middle of New York City.”
“Varying intensities of light are juxtaposed and related to structures within structures. Simple materials (plaster, paint) are used, but the feeling is of great luxuriousness because of the space. The one exposed façade reveals the interior arrangement of volumes by offsetting each floor and room in plan and section.”
A nearby house on East 75th Street sold for US$36,500,000 in August this year.
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Playboy Gunter Sachs' former New York home on the market

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“Stalled”, “subdued”, “dreadful”, “a year to forget” is how valuers from Herron Todd White have described the performance of Australia regional retail property markets in 2012.
Herron Todd White’s team of valuers cast their eye across markets from NSW’s Southern Highlands to the Gold Coast to south-western WA and found very few bright spots as regional centres took a hit from an overall drop in consumer confidence and a “flight to safety” mentality among buyers seeking primarily blue-chip investments.
In the NSW Southern Highlands, the market remained “subdued throughout 2011 with most retailers feeling the pinch from weak economic conditions”.
“Although relatively stable, the market has not fully recovered since the GFC,” the December report says.
“Current conditions are reflected in the vacant shops now evident along prime strips such as Bong Bong Street in Bowral.”
Despite the poor year, the outlook appears bright, with Coles buying the 4,936-square-metre Oxley Mall in Bowral for $14.75 million in May with plans for renovation and expansion.
In June, the Charter Hall Retail REIT acquired 50% of the Highlands Marketplace, in Mittagong, for $23.6 million from Woolworths, at an initial yield of 8.1%. The sub-regional shopping centre comprises 8,241 square metres and 790 car spaces and is anchored by Woolworths and big W with 36 speciality retail shops.
East of the Southern Highlands, the Wollongong retail market was dominated by the “on again, off again, on again drama” surrounding the GPT West Keira development.
The West Keira development is a $200 million project to expand the Wollongong Central shopping centre by 18,000 square metres adding 80 specialty stores.
“While latest reports suggest GPT has committed to moving forward with the project, many are still sceptical,” says HTW.
“This mirrors in personality of the current economy with 2011, which will be remembered for its high level of volatility, primarily in the global financial markets. There is no doubt economic uncertainty and volatility have had an impact on the local retail market.”
Projects that did proceed include the commencement of Stockland’s Shell Harbour shopping mall expansion.
There Wollongong City Council is also examining plans to revamp Crown Street Mall, which is in need of an upgrade. However, the proposal remains stalled with vehicle access ruled out.
In nearby Newcastle, HTW reports that the retail market “appears to have stalled under the weight of stock on the market with the GPT owned Hunter  Street  mall sites, failing to sell to local developers Buildev and now been marketed as eight separate blocks
Moving across into regional Victoria, local small retailers have advised HTW that 2011 is a year they would rather forget with the refurbishment of the Langtree Mall, the town’s retail hub taking most of the year to complete and having had a “detrimental impact on shopping patterns in the city heart to the advantage of Mildura’s Centro regional shopping centre”.
In Echuca on the Victoria/NSW border, the commercial market experienced difficulties but the year was punctuated by sales of several landmark properties including the Old Flour Mill and a number of other CBD shops at yields around 7%.
Giving an indication of the state of the retail market, the Campaspe shire has received an offer of $2.38million for a site it previously acquired in May 2006 for $3.06million.
On the Gold Coast, the 2011 sales market was dominated by sales under instruction by receivers and managers, as more and more owners have been pushed to their financial limit.
“This has resulted in a greater number of sales during 2011 as vendors are forced to meet the market rather than hold out for better days,” says HTW.
There were some signs of better things to come in 2012 with investors started to come back into the market towards the latter part of the year “with a shift in focus to service type locations, such as the old fashioned local convenience centres”.
“We noted a sale of the Mount Coolum Shopping Centre, anchored by an IGA, which achieved a sale price of $6.1 million with an analysed yield of 9% and a weighted average lease of 2.1 years.  Agents reported that interest in this type of asset had improved during the year.”
In South Western WA, the overall the retail property market was subdued during 2011 with very few sales occurring.
“Most retail properties are tightly held and the limited supply has helped to balance the weak demand,” according to HTW.
“Like many areas around the country, business performances in the small retail sector have been poor.
“As a consequence, rental rates and demand for retail space has fallen, with most retail markets in the towns of the south-west having experienced increased vacancies during the year. This is particularly evident in the Bunbury CBD where currently there are a higher number of vacancies than experienced for quite some time.”
At present, prime street front shops in Bunbury’s CBD can be rented for $250 per square metre net per annum.
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Regional retail property had a 'year to forget' in 2011: HTW

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It’s been a busy year or so for Brighton’s bathing boxes, with the past 10 sales netting about $2 million. Set on one of the most photographed locales in Australia, Bayside Council sold four for a $900,000 total, while six others have been sold at about $200,000 each.
Last month three of the 85 colourful icons changed hands to other Brighton ratepayers.
There are three now up for sale and the council will auction another two newly built infill boxes in early 2012.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/box26.jpg">
Box 26 (pictured above) currently has a $210,000 asking price through J P Dixon Real Estate.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/box16.jpg">
Box 16 (pictured above) is for sale at $180,000-plus through Hodges.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/box72.jpg">
Box 72 (pictured above) is listed without an asking price through Hodges.
Brighton Bathing Box Association treasurer Bill Meares told The Bayside Leader newspaper he's never known such a spurt. “It is fair to say the infill boxes the council have sold have created extra interest,” Meares suggests.
“Normally bathing box sales mirror the property market, but not this year, they have created their own market and demand.”
Nick Johnstone Real Estate has sold three boxes over the past two months, including box 71 and 73, which were listed through estate agent Chris Carrington.
Estate agent Nick Johnstone says they were very much "a social asset".
“People are seeing them as an alternative to a holiday home,” Johnstone says.
“They are a good family [asset]; everyone knows each other and they hold barbecues and social occasions, and this starts a chain reaction of people wanting one.”
The current average market value of a bathing box has been about $200,000.
Box 40 was been snapped up before its scheduled August auction for $210,000. It had last sold at $170,000 two years ago. It sold through Katie Reid at Nick Johnstone Real Estate.
Bathing boxes existed in Brighton as far back as 1862. The record price for a newly built bathing box was set in June at $260,000.
 
 
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Brighton bathing box market buoyant

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Auckland property prices rose sharply in November, according to Barfoot and Thompson sales figures, in their largest monthly growth since March and the second largest monthly growth the agency has recorded.
The average sale price increased $13,724 or 2.5%  from October’s values, reaching $567,489, according to the agency. This is up from $553,743 at the same time last year.
The March increase was $59,303.
The agency had 894 sales in November, up 23% from October and up one third from November last year.
"For the past four months the Auckland market has been ticking over quietly, but with the coming of summer, the end of the international rugby tournament and a degree of certainty as to the outcome of the general election, buyers and sellers felt the time was right to act," says Peter Thompson, managing director of Barfoot and Thompson.
High-value properties did particularly well, according to Thompson.
"The top end of the market was once again extremely active and in November we sold 75 homes for $1 million or more," he says.
Thompson says the prices are close to their 2007 peak values and the growth looks likely to continue with December listings.
"Given the number of properties we have listed for auction in December and new listings in the pipeline, we anticipate that the strong sales pattern of November will continue right up to the Christmas break.”
“We’re experiencing a December with three full weeks of real estate selling, whereas traditionally it stops at the end of the second week, we’re doing auctions right up to the 21st and 22nd. We are expecting to see figures for December substantially more than previously,” he told The National Business Review.
West Auckland did well, with the number of listings increasing almost 80% from November 2010 numbers.
The agency’s November average property prices in central Auckland decreased from $307,294 in November 2010 to $236,989.
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Auckland property prices spike up in November: Barfoot and Thompson

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Utah home builder Bangerter Homes recreated the home that Carl and Ellie Fredrickson lived in in the 2009 Pixar movie Up, and now it has found a buyer. 
<img src="/images/stories/up2.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/up1.jpg">
Using the movie as a guide, Bangerter created a two-storey, colourful house with details including a mural over the fireplace and the painted mailbox. However, unlike the original, the Utah house has a basement (which would have been impractical for flying in the film).
<img src="/images/stories/up3.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/up4.jpg">
"There weren't blueprints out there for the Up house it's an animated movie. So we scaled it out using our experience as custom homebuilders," Adam Bangerter, who received permission from Disney for the project, said at the time. 
"It really shows you don't have to have a palatial mansion. A home is a place where you create memories."
<img src="/images/stories/up6.jpg">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" src="/images/stories/up5.jpg">
Movie fans Clinton and Lynette Hamblin have bought the four-bedroom house for $400,000 and intend to move from their current home in California to live in it.
"We just love the message of the movie — adventure is out there," Lynette told <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53012557-78/hamblin-lynette-disney-herriman.csp" target="_blank">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>.
The home has been attracting 1,000 Disney fans a day, and it will remain open to the public until the Hamblins take possession in early January.
"There’s Disney magic all through it," Lynette says. "We’re so glad so many people have had a chance to see it."
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Disney fan snaps up replica house from Pixar's Up

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The investors in the collapsed Storm Financial may have to wait another year for compensation even though the Australian Securities and Investments Commission won an initial court victory against banks over their alleged involvement with Storm.
Federal Court judge Lindsay Foster rejected challenges last week by Macquarie Bank, Bank of Queensland and Senrac, the operator of a BoQ branch, against ASIC’s representative action on behalf of two former Storm investors.
Despite this procedural win, Mark Weir, co-chairman of the Storm Investors Consumer Action Group, told the Australian Financial Review the wait for compensation would be prolonged.
“We need to be patient to have it done properly. But it has been extremely tough,” Weir says.
Storm collapsed three years ago after its highly leveraged investments were hit by market volatility in December 2008.
Legal actions are under way against BoQ, Commonwealth Bank and Macquarie Bank because of their alleged involvement with Storm.
 
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Storm Financial investors face a long wait for compensation

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december5rosebay]}
An architecturally significant Rose Bay duplex apartment 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.
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