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.

Joel Robinson

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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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

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

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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Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has put a palatial three-bedroom, 428-square-metre Chicago apartment on the rental market for US$15,000 per month.
Winfrey bought the apartment in 2006 for US$5.6 million but never moved into it, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/chi-oprah-renting-east-lake-shore-drive-coop-for-15k-a-month-20111115,0,183477.story?track=rss&amp;utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+chicagotribune%2Frealestate+%28chicagotribune.com+-+Real+Estate+News%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader">The Chicago Tribune</a>.
The Beaux Arts-style building was designed by Benjamin Marshall and built in 1913, and it comprises 13 apartments. Winfrey's rental apartment includes a wine room, library, formal dining room, high ceilings and solarium. 
It is listed by<a target="_blank" href="https://www.coldwellbankeronline.com/property/details/2285629/MLS-07906261/199-East-Lake-Shore-Drive-Chicago-Near-North-Side-IL-60611.aspx"> </a><a href="https://www.bradlippitz.com/property/chicago/07906261.cfm?searchId=a9533805-c8c2-42d0-9f3e-f606e0ef9eae&amp;page=1&amp;pageSize=20&amp;sortType=1" target="_blank">Prudential Rubloff</a> agent Brad Lippitz.
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Oprah puts Chicago unit on the rental market for US$15,000 a month

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Four rural allotments located in the heart of the Joadja wine country in the Southern Highlands of NSW have been listed for November 25 auction under the instruction of receivers and managers PKF Chartered Accountants.
The vacant lots, some 28 kilometres from Bowral and within 1.5 hours’ drive of Sydney, range from 3.6 to 7.9 hectares.
Each lot has a building envelope of 2,500 square metres.
The sites are zoned E3 Environmental Management under the Wingecarribee Local Environmental Plan 2010.
They are listed through Simon Kersten and Amanda Buikstra at Colliers International in conjunction with Phillip Bassingthwaighte at PRD Mossvale.
The subject site is within the historic mining township of Joadja.
It has been 100 years since Joadja Creek village in the Southern Highlands was first sold. The mining town was abandoned in 1904 after shale-oil deposits dwindled, alongside growing competition from imports of cheap kerosene from the US.
The property was sold in 1911 by Raine &amp; Horne of Sydney, for £4,400, as grazing land.
The village had been home to up to 1,300 miners, mostly Scottish, and their families. It was almost self-sufficient: there was a post office; a community hall that was used by Presbyterians and Catholics; a school for up to 140 students; a pharmacist; a school of arts; a cemetery and a hotel. A railway built by the Australian Kerosene, Oil and Mineral Company transported products to Mittagong for shipment to John Fell's refinery near Sandown, on the Parramatta River.
The ghost town sold earlier this year to the Jimenez family under the mortgagees' instructions by receivers Trent Devine and John Lord of PKF.
The main 290-hectare village holding offered with expectations of $1.5 million plus by Colliers International agents Simon Kersten and John McCann fetched $1.71 million.
The village consists mostly of industrial ruins (chimney stacks and retort ovens) and workers' cottages. There is also a manager's homestead dating from the 1870s, which has been restored.
The current blocks on offer are expected to sell for $230,000 plus apiece.
The total holding last sold for $1.4 million in 2002 to a syndicate that built a whiskey distillery there. Before that the property was bought by a South Coast consortium for $1.45 million in 1993, after which most of the 1,000-hectare property was subdivided and sold as hobby farms.
The consortium had bought the estate off an Arkansas farmer, Patricia Lee, who owned the property for three decades after paying grazier Sam Stirling $44,040 in 1966 after a visit to Sydney on a world cruise stopover.
Wingecarribee Shire Council has approved plans for tourism development for the historic village.
Joadja Creek is the southernmost link in a chain of oil-shale mines that stretched along the western margin of the Sydney Basin.
Shale, the precursor of the modern petroleum industry, was pioneered in West Lothian, Scotland, near Edinburgh, in the 1860s, although nothing of the industry remains there today.
Joadja shale was exceptionally rich in oil, yielding about 590 litres per tonne.
"The refining and processing of the oil into kerosene and secondary products such as waxes and candles, and the subsequent distribution for export or local use, means that the Joadja plant is an important example of 19th-century industrial management keying Australia into the world system," NSW Heritage says.
"The isolation and beauty of Joadja Valley, the comprehensiveness of its physical testimony to a great Australian industry, a vigorous Scottish community and a vanished technology make Joadja an extremely important element in the heritage not just of Wingecarribee Shire but of Australia and the world."
 
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Building blocks adjoining historic NSW Southern Highlands shale village at Joadja up for sale

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Nigerian scammers are now using fake ASIC stationery to implement their inheritance frauds.
The letter or email requests up-front payment and copies of personal documents in exchange for access to a substantial overseas inheritance.
ASIC commissioner Peter Kell says there have been a growing number of scams both in Australia and overseas where the operators pretend to be from government agencies as a way of gaining consumer trust.
“We are warning consumers about this fake correspondence, as ASIC never contacts the public requesting up-front payment in such circumstances,” Kell warns.
“Consumers who receive a request to transfer money in exchange for an inheritance, lottery win or other large windfall should treat it as a scam and report it to the ACCC.
“People should never send money or personal information to someone they don’t know,” says Kell.
For more information on Nigerian and other scams see the ACCC’s <a href="https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/MoneyTransferRequests" target="_blank">SCAMwatch webpage</a> about money transfer requests.
 
 
 
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Nigerian scammers using ASIC stationery in inheritance frauds

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The median UK property asking price has fallen £7,528 to £232,144 in November, the largest monthly drop since December 2007, according to the latest report by property website Rightmove.
The 3.1% fall is the third largest monthly percentage fall recorded.
The report says that “economic uncertainty spooks sellers” and the statistics “highlight how the relentless stream of economic uncertainty around the Eurozone crisis has eroded consumer confidence to the extent that it now dominates decisions when it comes to moving home”.
This decrease comes despite UK property listings falling 13% in November to the lowest November level since the collapse of Lehman Brothers, which led to prospective sellers postponing their marketing.
The November levels are up 1.2% from £229,379 in 2010, while the highest median for 2011 was £240,394 in June.
“Markets dislike uncertainty, and so do people who are deciding whether or not to enter the property market,” says director of Rightmove Miles Shipside.
“Agents report that many would-be sellers are postponing their marketing until the new year, influenced by the current wall-to-wall media coverage of the Greeks and Italians attempting to get their own far-flung houses in order.
“It’s no great surprise that those who have braved the stormy conditions have had to accept a substantial ‘haircut’ on their asking prices.”
All the regions included in the report show a monthly drop with the worst performance by Richmond-upon-Thames, which suffered a monthly fall of 5.2%.
However, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/overseas/prime-central-london-residential-market-in-an-upswing-savills/2011112152434">prime central London residential values are 15.6% over their previous peak level.</a>
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UK house prices suffer greatest decline in four years

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While all the attention has been focused on comic Julia Morris, winner of last night’s Celebrity Apprentice, Andrew Morello, winner of the first season of The Apprentice back in 2009, is continuing to ply his trade alongside Mark Bouris at Yellow Brick Road.
As winner of the inaugural show, Morello won a 12-month contract at Yellow Brick Road starting in January 2010, which caused him to relocate from Melbourne to Sydney.
He has now been a part of the financial services group for almost two years, tasked with the key role of growing the franchise network as Yellow Brick Road’s head of business development.
This he has done.
When Morello joined the team in January 2010, there were fewer than 50 franchisees on board. The current count is 79, with Bouris stating his intention of having a network of 125 by mid-2012.
Before his triumph on the reality show, Morello worked as real estate agent and auctioneer, but he has since honed his skills as a financial services expert.
Morello is one of the drawcards at the Home Buyer and Property Investor shows that do the rounds of capital cities, providing attendees with tips on saving money on their home loans as well as promoting the Yellow Brick Road brand.
In a recent interview with small business magazine Anthill.com.au, Morello described working with Bouris as “amazing”.
“His mindset is very impressive. For him it is more about changing the face of competition within the financial industry sector than it is about money. He has all the money in the world.”
During his YBR tenure Morello has developed an affinity for professionally minded LinkedIn social networking site, where he has over 500 business connections.  A search on Twitter for his name was unsuccessful.
Having spent the last two years based in Sydney, Morello reckons there are “some seriously great bargains up for grabs”.
“You don’t have to be an experienced investor to know what’s good value, there are lots of things you can do to help you make an informed decision on your property purchase.”
Among his tips for investors is to explore the market by checking out as many properties as possible: “Don’t rush in and put an offer on something without exploring the market first.”
He also suggests would-be buyers make use of free resources such as newspaper listings and property publications, numerous websites and local real estate agencies.
“Signing up with a few real estate email newsletters is a great way to stay up to date with the latest information on the market, but don’t just sit in front of the computer looking at them, get out there and see them for yourself,” he says.
Lastly, he advises talking to people who can give you “good-quality advice”. 
“Terry the baker may know about baking bread and living in the local area, but he may not be the most informed about a home loan,” Morello says. 
Sage advice from a guy who learnt about a lot about business earning $5 a day working at Morello Motors – his father’s car yard on Buckley Street in Moonee Ponds.
 
 
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Apprentice no longer, Andrew Morello further along the Yellow Brick Road

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"The Buehler House", designed by iconic American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, has been listed for sale with price hopes of US$4,995,000. 
It was built in 1948 for Maynard and Katie Buehler and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home includes Wright's distinctive sloping ceilings and angular walls. Japanese garden-inspired grounds were designed by Henry Matsutani.
There is also a Japanese tea house, gazebo and guest house on the property, which is in Orinda, California.
It is being marketed by Todd and Gretchen Scheid of <a href="https://www.franklloydwrightthebuehlerhouse.com/" target="_blank">Alain Pinel Realtors</a>.
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Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house listed for sale

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A former milk factory has been listed in the Jamberoo Valley in the NSW south coast with price hopes of $1.45 million.
The 1928 factory was converted into a three-bedroom home by two artists, the current owners, 13 years ago.
The Factory Lane home includes a roller door entry into a foyer used as a studio.
They kept the original cast-iron staircase and an imposing wall of control panels used by the former factory.
The house also features a casual dining area, an eat-in kitchen, a casual living area, a formal living and dining area, a gallery space, a guest wing and a large storage area. Upstairs is another living space and a separate studio.
Painter and photographer Bill Zimpel and ceramics artist Judit are moving to Perth to be closer to their grandchildren.
The Zimpels bought the property for $220,000 in 1997.
The property is currently listed with Adam Guthrie Lifestyle Property.
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Former Jamberoo milk factory cream of NSW south coast offerings

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Prime central London residential values are 15.6% over their previous peak level, with price growth expected to top 13% this year and rise by 22.7% over the next five years, according to Savills residential research.
Growth in the prime central London market is expected to slow down in 2012 with a late downwards blip in quarter four, then stalling in 2013. However, Savills says residential values in prime central London will shoot up in the years after, supported by London’s strong global city fundamentals and an improving domestic economy.
“The price growth seen this year in prime central London does not make sense in the context of the UK economy, but must be viewed in a global context,” says Yolande Barnes, director of Savills residential research.
“Central London’s residential real estate is increasingly behaving as an asset class, more closely linked to global wealth generation than any domestic indicators.”
Things aren’t so bright for UK’s prime regional market though, which is sitting on an average of 16.6% below peak and falling. These regions are dependent on domestic wealth generation and relocation from London, which has been weak during the recent recovery. They are expected to slowly resume growth in 2013.
Scotland’s prime residential prices are currently 17.8% below peak values and by 2016 will be just 7% above current peak.
“Over the next five years prime central London residential real estate is expected to outperform many commodities markets and perform in line with West End offices and UK gilts, with additional rental growth (forecast at +27.6% from 2012-2016) on top,” says Barnes.
However,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/overseas/uk-house-prices-suffer-greatest-decline-in-four-years/2011112252473"> the median UK property asking price has fallen £7,528 to £232,144 in November, the largest monthly drop since December 2007.</a>
 
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Prime central London residential market in an upswing: Savills

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Two-time Australian Monopoly champion Leon Hechtman is the latest recruit for real estate company Savills.
He will join Savills as a project manager in the project management division, which plans and oversees projects and developments.
Hechtman will initially be involved with inner-Melbourne projects.
In 2009 he defended his position as then reigning champion in a tense game at the Eureka Skydeck, and his success secured him a spot at the world championships in Las Vegas.
He has also represented Australia in Tokyo.
He recommends avoiding Mayfair and Park Lane and instead focussing on Bow Street and neighbouring properties.
"They're the ones that the good players try and get their hands on," he told The Age in 2009.
Hechtman previously worked with Ubertas Properties, where he worked on large-scale residential projects including Rhapsody on St Kilda Road and 505 St Kilda Road.
Savills project management’s divisional director and state general manager Stuart Verrier was enthusiastic about Hechtman’s Monopoly talent.
“It takes a special sort of person and quite a deal of commitment to reach the top in any field of endeavour,” he says.
“Leon’s extensive project management experience makes him an outstanding fit for Savills project management team both for our immediate and long term requirements,” he says.
 
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Monopoly champion leaves behind plastic property for real as he joins Savills 

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Rising property prices in China are abating as a result of government measures.
"The turning point of China's home prices has come," Shen Jian-guang, an economist at Mizuho Securities, told Bloomberg.
"Prices not only fell for new homes and in major cities, but also in secondary cities and in the existing home market."
House prices fell in 33 of 70 cities monitored by the government, almost double the September results, which recorded falls in 17 cities.
In 2009 China introduced a battery of measures to cool the real estate market. It increased the mandatory down payment for mortgages, which restricting the number of homes people could buy and at the same time reduced financing to real estate developers.
Wall Street Journal calculations based on data released Friday by China's National Bureau of Statistics showed prices of newly built homes in the 70 cities fell 0.13% on average in October from the previous month, compared with a 0.01% increase in both September and August.
The bureau doesn't release a single average figure for the country.
 
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