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>

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Ellen Walker

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

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Receivers have moved on the personal assets of Gold Coast developer Jim Raptis, placing a vacant block, one of his residential holdings at Paradise Waters, for December 8 auction through Michael Willems of Ray White Prestige Gold Coast.
The waterfront Commodore Drive property was seized by receivers after Raptis failed to find a buyer earlier this year. The waterfront site, which comprises three separate lots over 3,369 square metres, is the largest undeveloped residential lot in the upmarket waterfront enclave and features 141 metres of river frontage.
<img src="/images/stories/raptisauction.jpg">
Raptis told the Gold Coast Bulletin that the move was "part of the wash-up" of the Raptis Group's woes triggered by the receivership of Southport Central three years ago.
It is one of two held by the Raptis Group boss at Paradise Waters. He sold another Commodore Drive for $5.2 million in October 2008.
The December 8 auction property, which dates back to a 1999 purchase by Amaranthus Pty Ltd in 1999 for $1,112,500, has a site value of $6.8 million.
The charge over the company is held by Gibraltar-based Sevinhand Company Ltd, which is understood to have appointed receivers Graham Killer and Michael McCann, of Grant Thornton, to recover the debt.
Receivers were appointed in August this year.
 
 
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Jim Raptis' Paradise Waters vacant block listed for receivership auction

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Six Melbourne artists have hung 36 paintings that portray six homeless teenagers painted progressively over the past three years, during which time the bonding has encouraged some of the subjects to find their way off the streets.
The exhibition is now a fundraising effort for Melbourne Citymission, which is raising money for a new education academy.
<img src="/images/stories/toseeasmile.jpg">
To See a Smile from Someone, by Joseph Attard
Dubbed Fusion6, the collective of six artists worked with the clients of Melbourne Citymission’s Frontyard program, which addresses the physical, emotional and social needs of homeless young people.
All the artists have children or grandchildren and had been meaning to do a project on teenage identity for a long time when artist Helen Edwards met the CEO of Melbourne Citymission by chance and the project was born.
“The synergy between the two people was amazing,” says Ivor Edwards, Helen’s husband and project spokesman.
<img src="/images/stories/melissa-by-terrianne.jpg">
Melissa, by Terrianne Murray
Over the three years some of the six subjects have found their feet and have achieved independence.
“The exhibition shows that despite the terrors and the darkness there can be a positive outcome,” Ivor Edwards says.
“It’s about the humanity that exists in all of us.”
<img src="/images/stories/cristel-by-terrianne.jpg">
Cristal by Terianne Murray
The subjects stayed with project for the full three years, initially volunteering out of a desire to return something to Melbourne Citymission.
“They were incredibly brave. Given the nature of their problems, to be able to talk to the artist about their lives took a lot of courage. And to stick with it for that amount of time was amazing,” says Citymission spokesperson Joni Tooth.
The six artists involved in the exhibition are Joseph Attard, Helen Edwards, Regina Hona, Lyn Mellady, Terrianne Murray and Raelene Sharp.
<img src="/images/stories/a-heavy-load--raelene_sharp1.jpg">
A Heavy Load by Raelene Sharp
Each artist painted one portrait of each subject, resulting in 36 paintings.
All of the paintings are up for sale with prices ranging from $4,200 to $15,000, and 80% of each sale goes to Melbourne Citymission.
Ivor Edwards says many of the paintings would look great in a boardroom or a corporate lobby.
Detour: Portraits from a Hard Road runs until December 3 at Gallery 15 on 15 William Street. 
Donations can be made at <a href="https://www.melbournecitymission.org.au">www.melbournecitymission.org.au</a>
 
 
 
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Artists capture the lives of young homeless

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Home builder Peet Limited says trading conditions have continued to prove challenging.
“Consumer sentiment continues to be challenged by ongoing domestic and global economic uncertainty, and has deteriorated over the past couple of months,” the company says.
“While the underlying fundamentals for the residential market and Peet’s business remain sound, and the level of buyer enquiry remains relatively consistent with prior periods, Peet in common with the broad market is experiencing reluctance by consumers to make significant financial commitments in the current environment.”
Peet’s key projects include Craigieburn and Greenvale in Victoria and Gladstone in Queensland.
“We have temporarily cut back the development spend on certain projects until suitable levels of pre-sales are secured,” Peet chief executive officer Brendan Gore has told shareholders.
“This has the effect of delaying settlement revenue to future periods,” he notes.
Sales from Peet’s projects in Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland were below expectations with a total of 327 net contracted sales for the four months to October 31, compared with 668 in the previous corresponding period.
Sales contracts on hand as at October 31 totalled 1,090 for a value of $279 million, compared with 1,125 contracts on hand with a value of $289 million as at 30 June 2011.
“Consumer interest in our residential projects continues to be solid with consistent sales traffic and registrations of interest though there has been a slower rate of conversion into sales.”
Gore says that while the recent interest rate cut was a welcome first step, it had not been enough to return confidence to the residential property market.
The Perth headquartered Peet was established in 1895 and has been in the land development business for 116 years.
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Peet temporarily pauses development spend as it awaits pre-sales

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Having first had to convince buyers to return to lower Manhattan following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, real estate agents have had a new problem to surmount, Occupy Wall Street protesters, who have been evicted after two months.
According to the New York Metro newspaper, potential buyers were being put off by the income inequality protestors, who set up a tent city complete with porta-loos in Zuccotti Park, near Wall Street, on September 17 and remained until they were evicted by the New York Police Department Tuesday morning.
“The clients are definitely turned off by the idea of walking through a protest to look at apartments,” Bethany Walsh, managing director of the Prime New York, told Metro.
Walsh has learnt to slip past the protest to reach properties she is showing.
“It is a concern for a lot of clients. They ask when is the best time to go down there, how long will it be there,” she added.
“I think my neighbors and I are very thankful that the mayor acted,” neighbour Marybeth Carragher told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/nyregion/police-begin-clearing-zuccotti-park-of-protesters?pagewanted=2&amp;_r=1&amp;hp" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>, “but we remain completely outraged for having to endure this for nine weeks.”
Businesses operating in the financial district have reported losses and lay-offs because of the continuing protests, which resulted in barricades being erected around Wall Street. The barricades were only removed last week.
Four weeks ago the Brookfield Properties, which owns the 3,100-square-metre park, backed away from a confrontation with protestors while New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was loath to evict them for several months until changing his stance yesterday.
“New York City is the city where you can come and express yourself,” the mayor said. “What was happening in Zuccotti Park was not that.”
According to the OccupyWallStreet.org website, the protest movement, which has spread to 100 US cities and actions in over 1,500 cities globally including Melbourne and Sydney, “aims to expose how the richest 1% of people are writing the rules of an unfair global economy that is foreclosing on our future”.
 
 
 
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Occupy Wall Street protest hurting New York real estate 

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Actor and tiger blood connoisseur Charlie Sheen has sold his LA house to Big Bang Theory star Simon Helberg and Helberg's partner, Jocelyn Towne, for US$2.9 million.
Sheen listed the  388-square-metre house for US$3,697,000 in 2009 but was unable to sell it. He continued to drop the asking price throughout 2010, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://realestalker.blogspot.com/">RealEstalker </a>blog, and Helberg and Towne purchased it in late October of this year. Property records show that Sheen paid US$2,575,000 for the property in 2007.
The 1927 home includes four bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus a sizeable back yard with de rigeur pool and waterfall. It is not the home where Sheen recenlty holed up with his "goddesses", as Sheen has not lived in the property for some time.
Sotheby's International Realty <a target="_blank" href="https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2549-N-Catalina-St-Los-Angeles-CA-90027/20808790_zpid/">listed the property. </a>
Sheen appeared in multiple blockbuster movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s, such as Platoon, Wall Street, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Young Guns before landing starring roles on sitcoms Spin City and Two and a Half Men. Sheen was fired from the latter for his increasingly bizarre antics earlier this year. 
Helberg stars in the CBS comedy The Big Bang Theory. 
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Charlie Sheen sells LA house to Big Bang Theory star

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november15barambah]}
The 150-year-old Barambah homestead – one of the oldest stations in Queensland – has been sold at a bullish $4.83 million by Brisbane stockbroker Steve Wilson and his wife, Jane. It’s been the Wilsons’ country abode for 11 years.
More than $4 million was being sought through Ray White Rural agents Lex Heinemann and Danny Bukowski. It’s been sold to a local family, the Mercers, who beat off five other bidders.
Established in 1843, Barambah Station was 66,368 hectares (164,000 acres) in the 1800s. After squatters Barambah, the traditional land of the Wakka Wakka, was held by the Sydney merchant Richard “China” Jones in 1850. His son, Thomas Jones, was joined for a few years in the 1870s by George Clapperton, and after them from 1876 Barambah was held by the Moore family for nearly a century.
By then the Barambah Hereford Stud was famous, as were the racehorses. After three generations the Moores sold to an English pastoral family, the Vesteys in 1967, then Val Crowe took over in 1973, keen to move his stock up as the new Wivenhoe Dam engulfed his historic Bellevue.
The neighbourhood – within a 90-minute drive inland from Noosa in the heart of the South Burnett region – now has other entrepreneurs, notably McCullough Robertson chief Brett Heading and mining magnate Nick Mather.
Barambah Station’s renovation was awarded the inaugural 2009 Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year, with the judges viewing it as an exemplar of how issues of heritage and sustainability align. It retains many of the original features including four-metre ceilings and ornate fretwork and a spectacular hexagon shaped turreted rotunda.
There is a restored Cobb and Co coach house and cattle yards.
Steve, until recently the head of the 115-year-old family stockbroking group Wilson HTM, will maintain their nearby award-winning vineyard.
 
 
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Barambah cattle station, inland from Sunshine Coast, gets bullish $4.83 million auction result

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november15osborne]}
Exiting Parramatta Eels chief executive Paul Osborne has officially listed his Byron Bay property investment.
It cost $1.9 million in January 2011.
He now claims to have been the victim of a Byron Bay property deal that went sour.
Osborne's financial situation was made public by SMH investigative reporter Kate McClymont after leaks that Osborne had borrowed money from the Parramatta chairman Roy Spagnolo.
The Massinger Street, Byron Bay property has been listed for December 3 auction through Ray White Byron Bay agents Brett Connable and Stuart Aitken.
"It's a great house but I can't afford it. It's up for sale,” he told Fairfax press recently.
"Clearly it's placed pressure on us (Osborne and wife, Sally) financially.
“I bought the property in Byron Bay when undertakings were taken on rent and other things that weren't met.”
It’s being marketed as “Owner MUST SELL - Make An Offer Today.”
“The vendor is very motivated to sell prior to auction, so all offers will be considered,” says the marketing.
Set opposite the Top Shop Cafe in Massinger Street, it comes with ocean views to the North over Byron Bay. It has three upstairs bedrooms plus downstairs is a one bedroom guest quarter.
It previously sold at $1,475,000 in 2007
An investigation has cleared him of misconduct, and Osborne is set to step down at Christmas.
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Cash-strapped exiting Parramatta Eels CEO Paul Osborne lists in Byron Bay

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{yoogallery src=[images//stories/november15flea]}
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has sold his newly built three-bedroom, three bathroom Malibu house for US$3.15 million. The two-storey contemporary had come on the market in June at $4,795,000.
Designed by Marmol Radziner, the indoor-outdoor home sits on 5,504 square metres with a pool and an outdoor fireplace.
The LA Times reports he bought the previous house on the site in 2002 for $2.55 million, but it burned in the 2007 Malibu fires. The musician owns another house in Malibu that cost US$9.98 million in 2006.
The Grammy-winning band’s 10th album, I'm With You" was recently released.
Sandro Dazzan and Irene Dazzan-Palmer of Coldwell Banker's Malibu Colony office were the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.redfin.com/CA/Malibu/6228-Sycamore-Meadows-Dr-90265/home/6855381" target="_blank">listing agents</a>. Jill Reeder of Levin Group represented the buyer.
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Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea sells in Malibu

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Insurers will be required to use a “common sense” definition of “flood” in home and contents insurance cover to prevent a repeat of what happened following the 2010 and 2011 summer floods, when some home owners received no compensation.
A standard definition, which will be included among draft regulations to be released for consultation by the government by the end of the year, sets out that:
“Flood means the covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of: A. any lake, or any river, creek or other natural watercourse, whether or not altered or modified; or B. any reservoir, canal, or dam.”
“The Gillard government will introduce a standard definition of ‘flood’ to ensure we don't have a repeat of what happened after last summer's floods, where people with insurance policies with one definition of ‘flood’ received compensation while people living next door, with a different policy and different definition, received nothing at all,” announced Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten in partnership with Attorney-General Robert McClelland.
“Many families and individuals affected by the 2010 and 2011 floods were not even aware their insurance did not cover flood. All policies that offer flood insurance will be required to contain the standard definition and this will end the confusion.”
The standard definition proposal is part of the government's response to the 47 recommendations in the final Natural Disaster Insurance Review report commissioned to examine insurance for flood and other natural disasters following the 2010 and 2011 summer floods.
The review made a range of recommendations encompassing flood risk management, insurers’ claims handling and dispute resolution processes, and the provision of flood insurance.
Shorten called the review’s recommendations “a good place to start in mitigating the risk of disasters and making sure everyone has the appropriate insurance arrangements to set them on the path towards recovery after disaster strikes”.
In addition to requiring insurers to use a mandatory definition, the government is also consulting on a proposal that all insurers must offer flood cover as part of home building and home contents insurance policies, while giving consumers the opportunity to opt out of that cover.
The Insurance Council of Australia, which represents the nation’s biggest insurance companies, has rejected the proposal estimating it will <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/premiums-to-soar-if-flood-cover-becomes-mandatory-insurers/2011071550814">cost $5,000 to $7,000 in additional premiums to cover each of these homes against the risk of flooding</a>.
Other recommendations to come out of the NDIR review that the government will act on include:
<ul>
<li>It will invest $12 million over the next four years to establish a flood risk information portal after the review highlighted the need to improve availability and consistency of flood risk information. 
</li>
<li>Implementation of a requirement for insurers to provide their customers with a key facts sheet for all home and contents policies clearly setting out all key information about the features of the policy in addition to the existing product disclosure statement. Further consultation on the content of the key facts sheet will take place early next year. <ul>
<li>To work with lenders to develop a scheme whereby they remind borrowers annually of their obligation to maintain insurance and of the risks of under-insurance. 
</li>
<li>The government and insurance industry have already agreed to remove the provision that the General Insurance Code of Practice doesn't apply during natural disasters </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
A process of consultation will be undertaken with relevant stakeholders with an issues paper to be released in 2012 following completion of the consultation process on the mandatory opt-out proposal.
 
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Government proposes standard flood definition for insurers

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november14hawkins]}
It was late September when model Jennifer Hawkins vacated her Coogee pad. But its sales marketing campaign only kicked off today. The décor stylists took just a little longer than planned given the model has such high standards when it comes to her presentation.
The model and her fiancé, Jake Wall, are building on Sydney’s northern beaches, and apparently are spending a little time staying at the Star casino precinct while they finish the Windy Dropdown gated estate project.
The 2003-built Coogee property has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It cost $2.27 million in late 2008.
Its December 10 auction is through McGrath listing agent Adrian Bo, who says the house is defined by bespoke luxury finishes and designer fittings. The property is expected to fetch $2.5 million plus. 
“This breathtaking contemporary home boasts a four-level layout and multiple alfresco living areas,” Bo says.
It also has a leafy outdoor oasis with pool and wide entertainer’s terrace. The main bedroom comes with ensuite, dressing room and terrace. One of its ultra-modern bathrooms has a Japanese agape spoon bath. Its third bedroom could be a home theatre or home office.
There’s a private rooftop terrace with ocean views as well as a cellar – all a stroll to Gordon’s Bay and Coogee and minutes to shops, cafes and transport.
Much of the house, including a feature wall of Florence Broadhurst-style wallpaper, pre-dates her 2008 purchase.
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