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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Southern Highlands resident Jennifer Pyle has added her voice to those of the growing numbers of residents who sense the “steamrollering of their rights as citizens and residents when it comes to coal seam gas exploration.”
“My husband and I had yearned to retire to the Southern Highlands for many years so after moving to the area a couple of years ago, we have now purchased a block of land in Exeter, just to complete our dream of building and living there in our retirement,” she told the Parliamentary inquiry.
“That now will end if Hume Coal is allowed to continue its current agenda.
“Our land is now unsellable, and worth less already and building would be pointless, with the mining ramifications of subsidence etc. if the government does not halt this potential disaster,” Pyle says.
“The damage and pollution of ground water, aquifers, rivers and dams, and the disposal of large volumes of contaminated water from coal seam gas would be catastrophic.
“Not to mention the water catchment area for Sydney that would be compromised.
“The environmental risks to our farmland, bushland and communities would be destructive. We must preserve our agricultural land.
“One huge concern is our inability to deny land access to a miner under the current NSW law is a violation of our democratic rights.
“The rights of mining companies, overseas or local have become a mountain that will crush all that we hold dear as Australians and all will be irrevocably lost if you, on this committee and the NSW government, fail to act in these urgent matters regarding mining.”
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/coal-protesters-await-nicole-kidman-and-keith-urban-joining-their-fight/2011111652388">Property owners fighting coal seam gas mining exploration around precious aquifers of the Southern Highlands have been hoping – to no avail so far – that local rural estate owners Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban will soon join their battle.</a>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/wingecarribee-council-voices-opposition-to-coal-seam-gas-mining/2011111752417">Wingecarribee Shire Council also opposes the potential expansion of coal seam gas and new coal mining in the shire.</a>
 
 
 
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Southern Highlands residents speak out against coal seam gas mining

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Wingecarribee Shire Council manager of environment and sustainability Barry Arthur has confirmed the council opposes the potential expansion of coal seam gas and new coal mining in the shire.
The council has unanimously formed a position of strong opposition to these activities given the area consists of a large portion of the Sydney's drinking water catchment and is blessed with productive farming land, generous rainfall, aquifer resources, significant biodiversity, 40% of protected bushland and forms a significant link in the Great Eastern Ranges conservation corridor.
“The threat of coal seam gas activities looms as a potential threat that could devastate to the shire’s natural assets, the community’s visions, livelihoods, and public health,” Arthur says.
“There are a number of environmental risks associated with coal seam gas mining – contamination of surface and groundwater, impacts on water availability (both surface and groundwater), waste issues, aquifer interference, air quality, environmental health concerns, and interference to natural ecology and land use.
“The concerns raised in this submission stem from the lack of credible and conclusive scientific evidence to provide the assurance that such activities will not have a long term and irreparable impact upon the environment, including groundwater reserves within the shire or upon Sydney's drinking water catchment.”
The submission notes the NSW government has committed to strategic regional land-use policy plans.
“Council supports this process and eagerly awaits progress in this area, particularly given the regional significance of the shire in reference to the Sydney drinking water catchment, productive agricultural land, and the Sydney-to-Canberra growth corridor,” Arthur says.
“Council asks that the NSW government to bring forward this process, and prevent coal seam gas activities from occurring until it is rigorously assessed in the regional significance context, and let regional priorities guide decision making processes regarding coal seam gas activities, and not the other way around.
“Wingecarribee Shire Council has been assured that we will be included in both the strategic land use planning process and the aquifer interference policy by Minister [Chris] Hartcher and also the NSW Office of Water.”
The council has asked that there be no advancement in approving coal seam gas activities in the region until the strategic framework is completed.
“The precautionary principle should be invoked at this time as it is not possible to guarantee that there would be no negative impacts from coal seam gas activities.
“Adherence to the precautionary principle becomes even more important (and logical) when you consider the regional significance of the Southern Highlands, and the role it plays in Sydney's drinking water catchment
“These assets must not be put at risk.
“While there are alternative energy options for the future of the state, there are few alternative options with respect to Sydney's drinking water security, or productive land security.”
The submission notes the public opposition to these activities in the shire is significant and can be seen most dramatically in support received so far to the work of the Southern Highlands Coal Action Group (SHCAG).
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/coal-protesters-await-nicole-kidman-and-keith-urban-joining-their-fight/2011111652388">Property owners fighting coal seam gas mining exploration around precious aquifers of the Southern Highlands have been hoping – to no avail so far – that local rural estate owners Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban will soon join their battle. </a>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/alan-jones-and-michael-ball-get-behind-southern-highlands-cockatoo-coal-fight-but-still-no-sign-of-nicole-kidman/2011111752419?source=flicker2" target="_blank">However, Alan Jones and Michael Ball have gotten behind the campaign</a>, as have many <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/southern-highlands-residents-speak-out-against-coal-seam-gas-mining/2011111752418">residents in the area.</a>
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Wingecarribee Council voices opposition to coal seam gas mining

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november8johnolsen]}
The NSW southern highlands home of artist John Olsen and his wife, Katherine, didn't sell at its mid-week auction.
Owlswood, the 13-hectare Glenquarry property had initial $4.25 million hopes, but then the Olsens then lowered their expectations to about $3.5 million.
Since buying the property for $925,000 in 1999, they have added two wings to the original house. They also built a two-storey gallery and a studio designed for John to paint large canvases.
The Sproules Lane setting comes with a homestead and separate cottage, a pool and tennis court on 13 hectares. It comes with groom's quarters, 10 stables, open and covered arenas, given Katherine is a keen horsewoman.
Two former aircraft hangars were converted to stables. The four-hectares gardens that surround the house come with a tennis court, pool and ornamental lake.
The four-bedroom property is eight minutes' drive from Bowral township.
The Olsens are selling it because they're downsizing to Hidden Lake, an eight-hectare Avoca property secured about 18 months ago at $1.4 million from a former Bowral retailer, Mal Kirk. It comes with a Canadian-style fishing lodge that the Olsens have renovated extensively.
Owlswood remains listed through Drew Lindsay at Drew Lindsay Real Estate in conjunction with Michael Maloney at Richardson &amp; Wrench Bowral, who will seek private treaty offers.
 
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Artist John Olsen's Southern Highlands home remains listed

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Realestate.com.au, the international property sales website company, has reported record revenue for six consecutive half-years, with its latest revenue up 23% to $238 million.
REA Group’s portfolio includes 13 property websites, with most ranked number one in their respective markets including Australia.
It ranks as Australia’s fifth largest digital display advertiser by revenue – and the 12th most popular website in Australia, according to Nielsen Online Ratings.
The group achieved 20% revenue growth in Australia in its latest financial year, despite the softening of the property market in the second half.
Shareholders were told the Australian website had 6.5 million unique browsers in September 2011, who made 596 million page impressions compared with domain.com.au, which had 3.5 million unique browsers and 236 million page impressions.
They were also told both the existing unique browsers measure and the new unique audience measure showed that realestate.com.au had maintained a significant lead in terms of both reach and engagement metrics. Nielsen Online Ratings is the new online audience measurement solution to measure the reach and frequency of online audiences.
The unique audience figure was 2.6 million for realestate.com.au and 1.6 million for domain.com.au.
People spent an average 43 minutes a month searching the realestate.com.au site.
In Italy, its site, casa.it, continued to strengthen despite Italy’s economic challenges with revenue up 113% to €12 million. Its Hong Kong online revenues grew 74%.
“As we learnt in Australia during the GFC, difficult economic conditions can deliver gains for online,” the chairman Richard Freudenstein noted in his annual general meeting address.
“According to the latest figures from IAB Australia, the Australian online advertising market is on track to surpass $3 billion in 2012 and REA Group is well positioned to benefit from the market’s continued growth,” he advised.
REA Group was added to the S&amp;P/ASX 300 Index in September 2010 and its market capitalisation has averaged around $1.5 billion since that time.
The REA Group was named in the 2011 Forbes Asia “Top 200 Best Under A Billion” list of high-performing Asia-Pacific companies with revenue under US$1 billion.
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Realestate.com.au continues to dominate the market

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McGrath will open two new offices in Canberra, the latest in a series of interstate expansions.
The company will launch branches in Dickson and Woden after entering the ACT market last year with an office in Gungahlin in north ACT.
The Canberra market is holding up better than any other market, says company owner John McGrath.
“Without doubt, Canberra is one of the most exciting real estate regions in Australia at present, having survived better than any other capital the GFC in terms of median price growth and rental demand and yield,” John McGrath says in a McGrath press release.
“Disposable income is 13% higher than the Australian average, unemployment is lower and the population forecasts suggest a growth rate of around 15%.”
McGrath currently has 42 offices, 12 of them opened since the start of this year.
Established in Sydney, the agency has recently expanded interstate operations. In 2009 it branched in Queensland and last year McGrath entered ACT.
Four years ago it started branching out into regional NSW, opening offices around the state.
The Woden office will open this week and will be run by franchisees Greg Ward and Cameron Whitnall.
The Dickson office will open early next year and will cover Canberra’s upmarket inner-northern and inner-southern suburbs
McGrath sold 5,993 homes in the 2011 financial year, which generated $5.7 billion, up from 5,095 properties generating $5 billion in the previous year.
 
 
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McGrath expands from outer to inner Canberra

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november17curtin]}
The former home of one of Australia's greatest prime ministers, John Curtin, has been listed for sale.
The 1906 Brunswick weatherboard is priced at $600,000 plus.
It was the home Curtin returned to after spending a few days in jail in 1914 for protesting against conscription during World War I.
Curtin lived in the double-fronted Fallon Street from 1912 to 1915, when in his late 20s he was the secretary of the Victorian Timber Workers Union and an organiser for the Australian Workers Union.
He stood unsuccessfully for his first parliamentary election, a state seat, in 1914.
He was elected to Federal Parliament in 1928, became prime minister in 1941 and steered the country through the World War II years until his death in 1945 of a heart attack shortly before peace was declared.
The unrenovated house – which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register – has been owned by the same family since 1921 so many of its original period features remain.
It’s of aesthetic significance given the timber ashlar villa comes with fine detailing including the central pediment to the veranda, intact cast iron lacework and paired elongated double-hung sash windows.
It has a hipped painted corrugated iron roof return and a bullnose veranda.
It has red brick chimneys with rendered caps and plinths and paired brackets under the eave line.
The veranda has turned timber veranda posts.
It was a six-room house during Curtin’s rental.
It sits on a 463-square-metre block.
W.B. Simpson &amp; Son's Tim Maher has it scheduled for November 26 auction.
The Creswick-born politician subsequently moved to Brunswick Road and in 1917 left Victoria for a new home with his wife, Elsie, in Western Australia.
 
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John Curtin's Melbourne home on the market for first time since 1921 

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november17hunt]}
Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt has listed her Upper West Side New York apartment for US$2.75 million.
The 186-square-metre apartment includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms and large entertaining and living spaces. According to the <a href="https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204224604577028240025782280" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a>, Hunt purchased the property in 2006 for US$2.4 million.
The 1915 co-op includes 35 apartments and has a full-time concierge and porter. 
Hunt's apartment is listed through <a href="https://corcoran.com/property/listing.aspx?Region=NYC&amp;listingid=2238281&amp;source=Trulia" target="_blank">Corcoran </a>agent Jon Capobianco. 
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Helen Hunt lists New York apartment

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Property owners fighting coal seam gas mining exploration around precious aquifers of the Southern Highlands have been hoping – to no avail so far – that local rural estate owners Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban will soon join their battle.
<img src="/images/stories/kidman.jpg">
Kidman and Urban <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/coal-mine-anxiety-for-nicole-kidman-s-sutton-forest-property/2011062150555" target="_blank">own the historic Bunya Hill homestead at Sutton Forest</a> (pictured), which is now in the heart of prime exploration country. Hume Coal, which headlines the syndicate made up of Korean Steelmaker POSCO and junior partner Cockatoo Coal, has recently completed aerial survey work in the highlands to plan its exploration activities. The aerial gradiometry, magnetics and digital terrain model survey will help Hume Coal focus its future exploration drilling activities on key areas of its extensive lease.
The industry is on Kidman and Urban’s doorstep, with a nearby 425-hectare Sutton Forest farm sold to the coal company.
"We have a protest group and have delivered plenty of flyers and information to landowners but we've never heard a word from Nicole or Keith," a local source told the Sydney press recently.
"We don't even know if they're aware how big the issue is, but next time they're here they'll see the exploration plant over their fence."
Alan Lindsay and Gordon Windeyer of the Southern Highlands Coal Action Group appeared before the Senate Enquiry into Coal Seam Gas in Canberra in September.
“We believe that the Southern Highlands should be ‘ring fenced’ from these types of developments due to the unique character of the area, its dependence on groundwater resources and its location in the heart of the Sydney Water Catchment Area.
“Mining is also incompatible with the development planned by local government and desired by the community,” they say.
The Southern Highlands is set 100 to 135 kilometres south of Sydney, a vital part of the Sydney Water Catchment.
The highlands are known for its many historic hamlets, towns and villages, physical beauty and the relatively untouched nature of its environment.
The area has a flourishing tourism industry.
The highlands sits in an area denoted the Southern Coalfields.
Coal seams run under almost the entire area in close proximity to extensive above- and below-ground water systems.
For the first half of the 20th century, mining played a key role in the area’s economy.
Apart from Boral’s small coal mining operation near Berrima, no extensive mining operations now exist in the highlands.
“However, given the extraordinary rise in coal prices and the demand for natural gas as an alternative to coal for power generation, the area is now under threat from both coal mining and coal seam gas exploitation,” SHCAG says.
 
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Coal protesters await Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban joining their fight

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<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="415"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
Postcode
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
Indicative gross rental yield for houses
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4106
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
ROCKLEA
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
6.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4110
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
ACACIA RIDGE
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
5.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4077
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
INALA
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
5.4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4017
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
BRACKEN RIDGE
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
5.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4074
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
JAMBOREE HEIGHTS
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
5.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4036
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
BALD HILLS
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
5.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4077
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
DURACK
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
5.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4078
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
FOREST LAKE
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4018
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
FITZGIBBON
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="85" nowrap valign="bottom">
4174
</td>
<td width="163" nowrap valign="bottom">
HEMMANT
</td>
<td width="167" valign="bottom">
5%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
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Brisbane's top 10 suburbs for house rental yields

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Widden Stud, a 3,000-hectare Widden Valley property in the western region of the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, is the oldest continually owned horse stud in the world.
Ranked among the leader in the Australian thoroughbred industry, Widden Stud has been owned by the Thompson family since 1867 after John Thompson first acquired land in 1855.
Widden Stud is now owned by Antony Thompson, who is the seventh generation member of the family to own the property.
Anthony Thompson fears the encroach of coal seam gas mining.
“The impact of CSG mining on the farm would destroy our tradition, heritage and image of our business,” he says.
“We find it very difficult to understand the concept that the Thompson family have owned the land at Widden Stud for nearly 150 years and now the New South Wales government allows a gas exploration company to come onto our land.
“They have permission to build roads, sheds, use water from the underground reserves and leave leaky gas wells and pollution yet the landholders do not have the authority to refuse entry,” he says.
“This is not a democratic process.
“We are not in favour of coal mining in this region but at least the coal companies purchase the land for more than market value whereas the CSG mining uses the land, makes a mess and leaves the farmer with an asset that not only has greatly depreciated through no fault of his own but potentially causing the loss of valuable agricultural land.
“The small compensation the CSG companies propose to pay has no bearing on the harm, inconvenience to the business and change of lifestyle for the property owners.
“Land values in Chinchilla have fallen dramatically since CSG mining has commenced,” he noted in his submission to the NSW Parliament Inquiry into Coal Seam Gas.
He advised Widden Stud was located in the northern area of the Wollemi National Park and was surrounded by steep sandstone mountains and rugged gorges.
“In summer we are prone to thunderstorms and in particular, lightning strikes which inevitably strike the higher mountain peaks in the area.
“The combination of the rugged mountains, lightning strikes, inaccessibility and dry conditions make it an explosive situation with the eucalypt forests.
“Combine these attributes with CSG mining and it has the potential for a devastating event.
“Methane gas is an odourless, colourless, asphyxiant gas that is extremely flammable.
“The process of drilling and extracting gas involves heavy machinery and people and there is also the possibility of fires starting on site.
“We are amazed that CSG gining is exempt from fire regulations.”
 
 
 
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