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.

Joel Robinson

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]

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</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

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

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october31bolivia]}
Bolivia Station, the historic rural property at Tenterfield in the New England district of northern NSW, has been sold.
It follows tenders closing November 10, when $3 million plus was being sought by Patricia McAlary, 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.
Given the walk-in, walk-out inclusion of the cattle, the Bolivia price was understood to be closer to $4 million.
First taken up in 1840, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/bolivia-station-in-rural-new-england-put-on-the-market-by-mcalary-family/2011103052124">Bolivia Station has been owned by the McAlary family for almost 40 years. </a>It was 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.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bolivia Station in NSW’s New England district sells after 40 years of McAlary family ownership

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What makes an area stand out as a prime location in London? Our research points to four main factors at play: good levels of top-end housing stock, either established or within new developments boasting iconic architecture; a central location; good transport links and finally, excellent retail and leisure facilities.
This combination creates buyer demand and delivers a higher-than-average propensity for growth in capital values.
The elements above are all present in abundance in the established prime locations in central London, including Knightsbridge,
Belgravia, Chelsea and Mayfair. But just as the landscape of London is constantly changing, the markets in distinct areas can also change, in some cases moving up into the prime bracket.
In 2007 we added the South Bank to prime central London as a raft of good quality stock, a lack of which had traditionally hampered this area next to the river, came to the market amid a programme of largescale regeneration.
Over the last few years there have been significant changes in the housing market in two other areas of London. The city and the surrounding areas of the city fringe have undergone fundamental alterations which we believe lift them above the threshold for prime central London.
As such, we are adding these areas to our Prime Central London (PCL) Index. The two locations may neighbour each other, but the housing market in each is quite distinct, with each becoming prime for different reasons, which we examine in this report.
The outlook for the wider prime central London housing market is positive. Prices have risen by 38% since the post-credit-crunch trough in March 2009, and we forecast further cumulative growth of 24% by the end of 2016. Prices have been boosted by activity among overseas buyers, who now account for 55% of purchases of properties worth £2 million or more.
London is, and will continue to be, the leading global city, burnishing its reputation as a safe haven, especially in the midst of the current turmoil in the eurozone and further afield. And while London will lead the UK’s economic recovery, independent forecasts suggest that within the Capital, the city of London, plus Islington and Tower Hamlets – two of the local authorities which the city fringe straddles – will be at the forefront of that economic bounceback. This is a solid underpinning for any local housing market. The city is at the heart of arguably the world’s most important financial district, and as such is always an attractive place to live for city workers. Around a quarter of homes in the city are second homes, used by workers as a base during the working week. But the Barbican, the largest existing residential area to the west of the Square Mile, is also popular with downsizers and younger families. Those with older children also like the area because of the proximity to top schools, including the city of London School and the city of London School for Girls.
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Cass Business School are both within the Square Mile, while city of London University is just a short walk away. Education is a big draw for many overseas buyers and the proximity of these establishments, as well as the rise in the number of new-build top-end apartments coming onto the market in the coming years, is likely to further boost their interest in the city as an area in which to invest.
There is no doubt that demand for homes in the Square Mile far exceeds supply – and recent developments have not dented the shortfall of properties. Over the last four years just 408 private dwellings have been completed. The lack of very top-end property, largely due to the In terms of transport, Crossrail, which is due to open in 2019, will also have a large impact in the city. Those living close to the Barbican will have direct access to three airports, while the station at Liverpool Street will offer services to Bond Street or Canary Wharf in 7 minutes, making it much easier to travel across London from the city. The Eurostar terminal at St Pancras is also just a short trip away, making travel to mainland Europe fast and convenient.
city fringe
The half-mile fringe surrounding most of the city runs through three separate London boroughs and includes several disparate markets, from Clerkenwell and Farringdon in the west to Shoreditch and Whitechapel in the east.
Within this city fringe there are also spots where the prime tag does not apply, but this is also the case across many of our established prime central London areas.
The city and Shoreditch and the surrounding areas have become more prosperous over the last six years, with a significant uplift in the number of wealthy residents living there. This process of gentrification is usually a pre-cursor to an uplift in property prices as wealthier buyers bid up prices. The market in the eastern fringe is less advanced but we expect the spread of wealth to continue in years to come.
Overseas interest in property in the city fringe is likely to increase, especially in light of the new-build developments recently completed and in the pipeline, but the market will probably be more heavily skewed towards domestic buyers.
The lack of supply of housing in the city has always made the city fringe quite attractive, but traditionally this was manifested more to the West, in Clerkenwell and Farringdon, where buyers were drawn to spacious properties that were more reasonably priced than those in the city. This pushed up values in these areas during the nineties as the surrounding locality caught up, with new shops, bars and even a face-lift for Exmouth market.
Despite being more established markets, Clerkenwell and Farringdon have more room for growth in value. Our ‘hotspots report’ forecast that values for new developments in these areas would rise by around 50% over the next five years – significantly outperforming the forecast 24% uplift expected in prime central London prices over the same time period.
The picture to the east of the city was quite different at the turn of the century. Even five years ago, many city workers would not have considered living in Spitalfields or Shoreditch or further afield, despite the flourishing entrepreneurial hub that had emerged there. But gradually, the opportunities to buy spacious accommodation at prices that were significantly cheaper than the city despite being in very close proximity to the Square Mile, coupled with new retail and leisure facilities, such as the rejuvenated Spitalfields Market, have made the area a more attractive opportunity for wealthier individuals.
The recent completion of the East London line has also made the area more accessible, and the Crossrail station at Whitechapel will allow residents to get across town to Baker Street in just 12 minutes.
Local planners in Tower Hamlets and Hackney are also much more open to new residential developments than the city – and there are plans for some top-end developments, which should help boost the area’s profile, not to mention property values.
The emerging “Silicon Roundabout” on Old Street and along the city road is also creating another market among younger workers in the technology industry. This is expected to be one of the strongest areas of growth for UK PLC in the coming years.
Whereas San Francisco is a ‘dormitory town’ for many Silicon Valley workers in the US who want to live in the centre of a city,  entrepreneurs and tech workers in London can choose to work and live in one of the liveliest areas of the capital.
The area around the Old street roundabout is now host to hundreds of start-up tech companies, and the government has pledged to support this technology boom with the creation of the East London Tech city, which will run from the Old Street roundabout to the Olympic Park in Stratford. Many global companies have already pledged to invest in the technology hub, including Vodafone, Cisco Systems, Intel Corporation and Facebook. Google recently announced that it would provide office space and assistance to new technology companies in Bonhill Street in EC2 from next year.
Sentiment among developers is changing as they look to new ideas to take advantage of these opportunities and the evolving demands of tech occupiers. Developments with flexible uses incorporating offices, space for R&amp;D research and education, social amenities and retail outlets as well as residential units may well become a feature within the next five years.
Since 2001, prices across the whole of the city fringe have risen by 92%, lagging slightly behind the 101% growth seen in the existing prime central areas, but underlining that this is still an evolving market which we believe has more potential for growth.
Grainne Gilmore is head of UK residential research at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.knightfrank.com/">Knight Frank.</a>
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Why London's prime residential market is getting bigger

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The restructure of the Centro Properties Group into a new trading entity has cleared its final hurdle, with former auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) deciding not to appeal a NSW Supreme Court decision in favour of the plan.
The accounting group had opposed the restructure – vital to Centro being able to meet its debt obligation and avoid liquidation – on the basis that it favoured equity holders over contingent creditors, of which it is one.
However, the court ruled that PwC would “emphatically be better off if the schemes proceeded than if they did not, and that there is no unfairness to PwC inherent in the schemes of arrangement”.
PwC’s decision not to appeal follows <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/centro-finds-support-for-restructure-proposal/2011112252478">Centro shareholders, bond holders, hybrid lenders and senior creditors</a> voting in favour of the amalgamating the various Centro businesses into a $3.4 billion listed trust to be called Centro Retail Australia on November 22.
It brings to an end a four year debt crisis that began at the height of the GFC in December 2007 when Centro was forced to negotiate extensions to debt obligations of around $1.3 billion.
The new entity is expected to begin trading on December 14.
As part of the restructure, $2.7 billion owed to Centro’s senior lenders that was due to be paid by December 15 will be cancelled in exchange for substantially all of Centro’s Australian assets and interests being transferred to these lenders.
Centro shareholders and bond holders will be paid 5.03¢ per share, equating to $49 million and $21 million respectively in exchange for redemption of their shares and convertible bonds.
Hybrid lenders will be paid $20 million in return for the cancellation of their debt.
An additional $10 million has been set aside for potential contingent creditors, with any surplus not used is to be returned to senior lenders.
Payments will be made in approximately three weeks.
Centro chairman Paul Cooper described the approved restructure as a “major achievement for Centro and its stakeholders”
“We are extremely pleased that all approvals have now been received for the proposal, which will result in Centro security holders receiving 5.03¢ per Centro security.”
Centro had warned that failure to secure the restructure would have resulted in shareholders receiving nothing.
 
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Centro restructure gets final nod of approval

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<img src="/images/stories/bures1.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">The trend-setting architecturally designed Bures House (pictured above and below) in Dover Heights has been listed for sale. It was designed by architect Michael Bures on the site of the former Dover Heights post office. It’s been listed by family members through Brad Caldwell-Eyles and Cara Atchison of 1st City Hasemer+Caldwell-Eyles. Expectations are for about $2.7 million.
<img src="/images/stories/bures2.jpg">
The four-bedroom house comes with parking and expansive views of the harbour, city skyline and bridge and Opera House. Its bespoke features include a pair of industrial concrete and steel spiral staircases, striking hand-made double-fronted timber doors and a full-enclosing, mosaic ensuite shower capsule. It comes with access from either Blake Street or Military Road.
The site was purchased by Michael Bures in 1967 and building commenced in 1970. Set on a 300-square-metre block, its offers some 452 square metres of internal space. During the construction due to the design and heights of the roof it caused considerable controversy among the locals, who dubbed the building as the “Dover Heights Opera House.” The original design was intended to be an individual statement relating to the local environment and its relationship with the harbour and the city. There was consideration given to environmental matters such as utilising maximum northern light via a continuous skylight, accessing nor-east summer breeze for cooling and ventilation, and varying high vertical spaces internally to create a feeling of openness and continuity of space throughout the house and its external spaces.
<img src="/images/stories/dunne.jpg">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Woolworths chairman James Strong and his wife, Dr Jeanne-Claude Strong, have relisted their luxury harbourfront Woolloomooloo terrace apartment. Set in the Wharf Terraces building, the apartment has four double bedrooms and three bathrooms. The apartment has its own marina berth suitable  for a 15-metre boat. Sandie Dunne and Charles Walter of Dunne Mosman are seeking offers above $3 million. Dunne has the Lincoln Crescent apartment listed with $3 million plus hopes.
<img src="/images/stories/craigymor.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">There’s apparently a new sightseeing attraction for Chinese tourists when they visit Sydney. Not just cuddly koalas and the Opera House – they have added driving along Wolseley Road, Point Piper for a <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/point-piper-on-the-chinese-tourist-route-for-insight-into-the-privileged-lives-of-communist-party-princelings/2011112852568" target="_blank">glimpse of the $32.4 million property owned by a son of a former vice-president of China</a>, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Set high on a hill, above a towering sandstone wall and overlooking Sydney Harbour with picture postcard-perfect views of the bridge, Craig-y-Mor (pictured above), the Point Piper non-waterfront residence, is owned by Zeng Wei and his wife, Jiang Mei. It cost $32.4 million in 2008.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november28fitzpatrick]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick has sold his home (pictured above) in Kew's prestigious Sackville Ward precinct, with the footy player-turned-businessman and his wife Helen Sykes off to South Yarra. After the opening $2.8 million vendor bid, there was just the one bid of $2,825,000 at its weekend auction through Marshall White agent James Tostevin. But it sold soon after at an undisclosed price. There had been $3 million plus hopes. The former Blue, who captained Carlton to premiership victories in 1981 and 1982, spent about $9 million on a South Yarra house earlier this year. Fitzpatrick's two-storey, 1920s Kew house came with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, formal sitting and dining rooms, a study, a separate lounge and a family room that opens to a large deck on its 1,179-square-metre block.
<img src="/images/stories/livingstone.jpg">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Film producer Adriana Nunez and her guitarist partner, Chris Burnham, who performed with Supernaut in the 1970s and the Saints in the 1980s, didn't sell their Marrickville home (pictured above) at auction last weekend. The recently renovated five-bedroom three-bathroom residence remains listed with $1.3 million hopes having last traded for $760,000 in 2009.
 
<img src="/images/stories/lockyeroutside.jpg">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">Title Tattle aims to tell readers of sale deals as soon as they happen – if not sooner – so the word is that Darren Lockyer, the 36-time Queensland State of Origin team hero, has finally sold his Brisbane house (pictured above). It was for listed for August 6 auction, and sold while he was overseas playing for the Kangaroos last month. The contemporary Paddington property cost Lockyer $1.49 million in 2004. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom place might have been expected to fetch around $2 million based on the standard growth (and then decline) experienced in Brisbane over the past seven years and a nearby $2.15 million would have given Lockyer some initial comfort.
But things got tough in Brisbane as spring went on. No public price estimate has been given by its listing agents Tim Douglas and Gail Miller at Place Estate Agents. Naturally it comes with barbecue facilities that befit any Queenslander sportsman.
<img src="/images/stories/rupertswood.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;">
<img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;" src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg">And don't say that Title Tattle told you, but the word from Bellevue Hill is the family of the late tycoon Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat has decided to quietly offload a Bellevue Hill investment mansion (pictured above). It has been listed through Laing + Simmons Double Bay agent Bart Doff, who has$4.5 million plus hopes for the Rupertswood Avenue house. It has also been listed for rent at $3,650 a week. It was bought in 1982 for $900,000. The colourful entrepreneur Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat made several hundred million dollars from his purchase and resale of the Southern Pacific Hotel chain. After purchasing the chain for $110 million in 1981 he disposed of a large number of regional and lesser suburban properties at top prices and then in 1988, as the hotel market peaked, Tan Sri unloaded the group into the Hong Kong publicly listed company, William Hunt Holdings, for $540 million. Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat was once considered Australia's richest man and later he was ranked as the 108th richest person in the world by Forbes magazine in 2004.
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Michael Bures’ 1970s ‘Dover Heights Opera House’ on the market: Title Tattle

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/devember2bangay]}
Acclaimed landscape designer Paul Bangay is selling his city pad, and hopefully throwing in an orchid or two.
It’s a Castle Towers, South Yarra penthouse set above the residential precinct between Fawkner Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment comes with an impressive open plan living/dining area with feature marble gas fire place and dramatic city views.
Although it’s within the complex designed by prominent architect Arthur Plaisted in the 1940s, it’s all very modern There's a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with modern European appliances and hand-selected stone benchtops. Both bedrooms have built-in wardrobes, and the master comes with ensuite.
Offers are due December 13 with Castran Gilbert South Yarra agent Lachlan Castran.
Bangay now splits his time between Melbourne and Sydney, given his impressive client list. He also maintains a Stonefields at Denver off the Daylesford-Malmsbury Road, which is regarded as one of Australia's most beautiful country gardens. Every year he opens his garden to the public to raise money for the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, and last month the visitors were parked kilometres away in order to get a glimpse.
Marne Street's last sale was last weekend <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/weekend-auction-tipping-result/2011112752553">when an older-style apartment in the 1934 block Moore Abbey fetched $1.9 million</a>. The unit that had not been sold in 30 years and attracted five bidders, mainly retirees looking to downsize in a blue-chip location.
Although the bidding stopped at $1.825 million, the vendors dug their heels in and waited for an offer from the highest bidder that matched the last comparable sale in the block of $1.9 million. The first-floor apartment with three bedrooms plus study comprises of 21.5 squares in the tightly held Robert Hamilton-designed building.
The Bangay apartment has had a clever renovation that maximizes the already generous proportions that were the norm during the Art Deco era.
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Landscape designer Paul Bangay selling South Yarra penthouse

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december1lofty]}
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-camberwell-108821016" target="_blank">13 Lofty Avenue, Camberwell, VIC, 3124</a>
A sensibly renovated period home that packs in a good amount of accommodation and would suit a modern family well.
Main pluses here are the northern rear aspect, floor plan (it is a very flexible one) and the general room arrangement/separation.
Some may have reservations about the facade and the smallish land size, given the overall offering. That all said, this will tick the boxes and for many people  the seamless transition from rear open-plan area to the rear deck is very good and the key selling point.
Position is quite good – close to local schools, Middle Camberwell shops, a myriad local parks and public transport.
Adam Woledge is a registered architect and principal buyer advocate at <a href="https://www.james.net.au/rating/13-Lofty-Avenue-CAMBERWELL" target="_blank">James Buyer Advocates</a>.
Jellis Craig agent Peter Vigano is marketing the property with price hopes of $1.7 million. James Buyer Advocates has rated the property 733 out of 1,000, which is in the above-average category. It will go to auction on December 3 at 3pm. 
 
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Sensibly renovated period home in Camberwell

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Meriton boss Harry Triguboff has lamented the current state of the Surfers Paradise market, calling on the government to base more of its institutions near Main Beach to help revive the area.
Speaking at a property lunch in Sydney this week, he said Surfers remained a very attractive place, but could not survive just as a residential location.
“It needs to be a place for work,” Triguboff says. “It cannot just be a place for building apartments; it cannot survive on just one industry.”
“Once we overcome that, it will shoot up like crazy. It’s terrific.”
In his attempts to help revive the ailing Gold Coat market, Triguboff says he has been trying to convince Chinese buyers that Surfers Paradise is part of Brisbane.
However, he says he has not been helped in his efforts by the state local governments, which don’t respect what he is doing.
“Just recently I had a development approved on the Gold Coast. They only approved it because they needed the money, not because they wanted to. That is unfortunate because we should really learn to work together,” he says.
For the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise to succeed, they will need to emulate the success of somewhere like Parramatta, a satellite city to Sydney, Triguboff says.
Triguboff says Parramatta is succeeding because it has been able to attract some big-government tenants such as the Water Board and Commonwealth Bank.
Surfers Paradise, he says, needs the big government organisations moving in to help the market develop.
Overall though, Chinese buyers remain the key to Meriton’s success, not just on the Gold Coast.
Triguboff says that most of his buyers are now Chinese, so much so that Meriton has including lots of photos of Asian people in its advertising and promotional material as well as employing more Asians in marketing new projects.
“We went them to feel at home,” he says.
Asked by Ross Greenwood, host of Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce (AICC) discussion,  if he has had to make any changes to the types of apartments he is building to satisfy Chinese buyers, Triguboff says this has not been necessary.
“They are happy with the way Meriton builds its apartments. That is the way they think it is supposed to be,” he says.
According to Triguboff the high costs associated with purchasing property and high interest rates are making it very hard for Australian to buy into Meriton developments.
“That is why we have to depend so much on the Chinese, but I hope it will change. I hope costs will be brought down and that interest rates will come down because demand is at record levels.”
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Gold Coast must turn to business, not just tourism, to survive: Harry Triguboff

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Here's a confident prediction: Hundreds (probably thousands) of Australian investors are going to lose millions of dollars in the American property market.
Right now, it seems to be all the rage, the latest fad. Buy real estate in the United States. It's easy. Prices for American homes are so low and our dollar is so high that an investment in “the home of the brave and the land of the free” seems like a really good idea.
Unfortunately, it's not a good idea. For the average mum-and-dad Australian investor, buying real estate in America is a very bad idea. Never mind what the Aussie spruikers tell you, never mind how good it sounds, it really is too good to be true.
These days, a number of Australian spruikers have set up companies and are selling real estate in America to Aussies. Some of the men behind these companies are the same villains who were once ripping off investors with over-priced property deals in Australia. As any police officer will tell you, once a crook, always a crook.
Yes, I know it sounds wonderful. The numbers are enticing. You'll be told that you can buy a house for as little as $50,000 and rent it out for about $200 a week. That's a 20% return. It seems like a no-brainer. In reality, it's an investment for people who don't have the brains to spot a scam. And while I don't mean to be rude, I do mean to protect you from getting stung.
If you really want to check out the American real estate market, do it properly. Buy a ticket to the United States and check out the market for yourself. Under no circumstances should you buy property on the advice of an Australian company alone. Do the real research.
If you do the research, guess what you'll find. The American real estate market is not as good as it appears from a distance. Up close, it's an entirely different market to the Australian market. There are some places in America where homes cannot be sold at any price. That's right, they can't even give them away!
A lot of smart people – those with plenty of experience in property dealing – have checked out the American property market. They have come back with a simple message – don't touch it. In one case, a lawyer was flown to the United States by one of his clients. He was required to give his opinion on a large number of condominiums in Texas. "We are going to be rich," said his client. "We can buy these properties for as little as $2,000 each." The wise lawyer checked out the properties, checked out the local market and gave his judgement. Don't touch them.
Ask yourself an obvious question. If these American properties are such a good deal, how come the locals aren't buying them?
Right now, interest rates on home loans in America are very low (around 4% for 30 year fixed-rate mortgages). That means an American family can borrow $50,000 and pay just $2,000 in interest each year! Why, then, would that same family pay rent of $200 per week when they can buy the property for a far lower payment? Something just doesn't seem right, does it?
I can introduce you to Australians who have bought houses in the United States for $50,000 and cannot re-sell those houses for $25,000.
Here's a question you must always ask yourself before you buy any property in any strange area, especially a foreign country: What price are the locals paying for similar properties? If the locals are not buying the properties, then you shouldn't touch them either.
If you don't believe me, go to the United States for yourself. You'll see that some areas are ghettoes that resemble war zones. As one American agent reportedly said, "You need an armoured Humvee and a bullet-proof vest to collect the rent in this area." Well, in some areas there is no rent because the properties are abandoned. They are left vacant. And that's how they remain until some Aussie spruikers come along and realise that they can sell these properties to Aussie investors.
Well, be warned. America is now full of groups of people who are known as “flippers”. These are wheeler-dealers who buy properties at cheap prices and immediately on-sell them to unsuspecting out-of-towners at high prices which seem like low prices.
Yes, I agree – $50,000 sounds like a cheap price for a home. But there are very good reasons why so many of these American homes are so cheap. They are the white elephants. They aren't worth anything.
So, be warned Aussie investors. The latest rip-off is American real estate. In the years ahead, we will look back on the last few years and realise that this was when we got ripped off by buying American real estate.
Don't be one of them.
Neil Jenman is a property commentator, consumer advocate and investigative writer. This article first appeared on his website, <a href="https://www.jenman.com.au">www.jenman.com.au</a>
 
 
 
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Aussies will lose millions of dollars on US residential investment: Neil Jenman

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december1teddyroosevelt]}
The former home of the late Theodore Roosevelt, who was president of the United States from 1901-1909, is set for a major renovation.
Roosevelt was a prolific big-game hunter, and his Long Island house is filled with his trophies. Animal-skin rugs grace the floors in many rooms of the 15-bedroom Queen Anne-style house, and mounted taxidermied heads line the walls.
The US National Parks Service, which manages the property, will remove all of the animal detritus, as well as more than 8,000 books, in order to upgrade the electrical, heating and security systems.
The US$6.2 million renovation is set to take three years, and Roosevelt's precious mementos will be in storage until it is complete.
Teddy Roosevelt was vice-president with President William McKinley was assassinated, and Roosevelt became the youngest president up until that point at the age of 42. He was officially elected to the office in 1904 but declined to run for re-election in 1908. After leaving office Roosevelt went on an extended African safari, and he and his companions trapped or killed 11,397 animals, many of which ended up in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington. 
He lived in the Long Island house for the last years of his life.
 
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US president Teddy Roosevelt's former house to get makeover

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As we look back on 2011, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of the year.
 
More than 800 investors put almost $27 million into the US Masters Residential Property Fund, which invests in houses in the New York Metropolitan area, at its most recent capital raising this month.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/overseas/dixon-advisory-attracts-815-more-aussies-to-take-a-punt-on-us-housing-investment/2011112952603" target="_blank">In October the fund added 22 rental properties to its portfolio</a> at a cost of just under $4.66 million, taking its total holdings to 55 properties worth $11.18 million.
The new investments, all of which are sub-divided houses in Jersey City – just across from Manhattan – range in price from $120,000 to $354,000, with estimated yields ranging from 7.4% to 12%
With two more rounds of capital raisings still to come in mid-January (and opportunities for investors to get involved), here’s a rundown of the 10 highest-yielding properties in Jersey City added to the portfolio in October:
<img src="/images/stories/vreeland6.jpg">
12%
The estimated annual net yield on the two-family detached property at 6 Vreeland Terrace (pictured above) bought by the fund for $140,000 with both three-bedroom apartments returning monthly rent of $1,200 each
<img src="/images/stories/myrtle213.jpg">
11.9% 
The estimated annual net yield on the two-family detached property at 213 Myrtle Avenue (pictured above) bought by the fund for $120,000, with the three-bedroom apartments returning monthly rent of $1,050 and $900
<img src="/images/stories/orient.jpg">
11.6% 
The estimated annual net yield on the two-family detached property at 130 Orient Avenue bought by the fund for $155,000, with the three-bedroom apartments returning monthly rents of $1,150 and $1,200
<img src="/images/stories/vannostrand.jpg">
Continued on next page
 
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11.3%
The estimated annual net yield on the two-family detached property at 31 Van Nostrand Avenue (pictured above) bought by the fund for $175,000, with the two apartments returning monthly rents of $1,300 and $1,200
<img src="/images/stories/dwight.jpg">
10.1%
The estimated annual net yield on the two-family detached property at 150 Myrtle Avenue (pictured above) bought by the fund for $180,000, with the two apartments returning monthly rents of $750 and $2,000
<img src="/images/stories/bidwell.jpg">
10%
The estimated annual net yield on the three-family detached property at 9 Bidwell Avenue (pictured above) bought by the fund for $200,000, with the three apartments returning monthly rents of $690, $940 and $1,040
<img src="/images/stories/dwight60.jpg">
10%
The estimated annual net yield on the two-family detached property at 60 Dwight Street (pictured above) bought by the fund for $241,000, with the two apartments returning monthly rents of $750 and $2,000
<img src="/images/stories/forrest.jpg">
The estimated annual net yield on the four-family detached property at 366 Forrest Street (pictured above) bought by the fund for $222,000, with the two apartments returning monthly rents of $850, $900, $700 and $900
<img src="/images/stories/clintonave.jpg">
The estimated annual net yield on the four-family detached property at 167 Clinton Avenue (pictured above) bought by the fund for $241,000, with the two apartments returning monthly rents of $750 and $2,000
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