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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The downturn in the construction industry has claimed yet another victim, with New South Wales-based housing firm Cosmopolitan Constructions entering voluntary liquidation. 
The collapse comes as the construction and engineering industries are suffering their worst insolvency figures in years, as low consumer confidence keeps prospective property buyers out of the market.
<a href="https://www.cosmo.com.au/">In a statement on its website</a>, Cosmopolitan said that during the last year it had remained profitable, but recently it has been slammed with “significant margin erosion” in its productions division.
Christopher Darin and Nick Malanos of Worrells were appointed as joint liquidators – both were contacted this morning but neither were available for comment prior to publication.
Cosmopolitan updated its statement over the weekend, informing customers the liquidation will only affect the New South Wales division of the business and that the Queensland division is owned and operated separately.
The NSW Fair Trading Office has been made aware of the situation and <a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/About_us/News_and_events/Whats_new/Cosmopolitan_constructions?DCSext.ref=HomePageClick:Whats_new">has set up a page here</a> in order to inform customers about their rights, especially those who are currently building homes with Cosmopolitan.
In the company’s statement, director Perry Condoleon wrote that staff have been terminated but entitlements will be paid out in due course, and also said that most clients with works in progress should be covered with home warranty insurance.
“The Director is deeply regretful to all suppliers and tradespeople, who have been loyal, hard working and supportive of Cosmopolitan Constructions for many years,” Condoleon said.
The collapse comes as the construction industry suffers due to the ongoing downturn, with many building parts and construction companies either entering receivership or administration.
Although some commentators believe the latest rate hike should give the property market a boost, insolvency figures suggest it may be awhile before any benefits trickle down. So far this year has been the worst for collapses on record<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/construction-and-engineering/20110810-june-the-second-worst-month-for-insolvencies-on-record-as-collapses-jump-21">, with anecdotal evidence suggesting</a> the damage is being felt mainly in construction and building.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/construction-and-engineering/20111107-new-south-wales-builder-cosmopolitan-construction-in-liquidation" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

NSW builder Cosmopolitan Construction in voluntary liquidation

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november7toni]}
Academy Award-nominated actor Toni Collette, the star of the TV series United States of Tara, and her musician husband, David Galafassi, are selling their hillside house at Bronte because the renovation rebuild costings defied property logic.
Their 1885 weatherboard cottage on a 750-square-metre block in Bronte Road cost $4.4 million in mid-2009. They’ve since obtaining rebuilding approval, but have opted not to proceed given the rebuild construction tender quotes are understood to have tallied about $4 million.  The official application with Waverley Council suggested its minimal revamp cost would be $2.5 million.
Set privately above the high side of the street, the four-bedroom house is one of the last remnants of the original Bronte Estate. Given the current top-end market conditions aren’t resplendent with sunshine, its McGrath Estate Agents listing agent Bethwyn Richards has given public estimates she expects the property to sell for about $3.5 million and that Collette and Galafassi are prepared to cop a $900,000 loss.
It’s one of three Bronte Road houses currently listed through McGrath. There are unconfirmed rumours the couple have bought elsewhere in Sydney.
The Bronte house was bought a month before the sale of their Bellevue Hill home for $6.35 million to Adelicia Dawson-Damer and her husband, Nick Harding through McGrath agents Ben Collier and James Dack. The bullish $6.34 million bucked the prestige property market's woes during 2009. The 1928 Spanish Mission-style cul-de-sac house, El Mio, cost $5 million in 2004 when sold by Patricia Power, who had expanded the house since she bought it in late 1998 from one-time Brambles director Emmett Hobbs and his wife, actor Sarah Pierce, for $2.655 million.
Before heading back to Los Angeles, Collette and Galafassi, parents of six-month-old son Arlo and three-year-old daughter Sage, recently stayed in Bronte but rented the redundant house of media tycoon Lachlan Murdoch and his wife, model Sarah, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/lachlan-and-sarah-murdoch-re-list-their-bronte-house/2011092251653">which is currently for sale</a> through Christies International.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Toni Collette set to cop $900,000 loss as Bronte cottage renovation plans shelved 

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Real estate agencies got behind Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, baking thousands of cupcakes, hosting fundraising events and raising awareness.
Agencies including Jellis Craig, Laing + Simmons, LJ Hooker, The Professionals and Sarah Lorden Real Estate organised events and marketing campaigns to raise money and awareness for multiple breast cancer charities in October and throughout the year.
“Every second person has had some reasonably direct experience with the disease, whether it’s a sister or a mother or a business partner,” says Andrew Krulis, co-director of Laing + Simmons Bondi Junction.
Krulis’ former business partner, Mary Parbury, died from breast cancer in 2009, and her daughter Brianna founded the Black Tie for Breast Cancer charity event to raise money for the Cancer Centre at the Prince of Wales Hospital.
Laing + Simmons Bondi Junction is a major sponsor of the event, which this year raised $145,000 at its black-tie gala event in April.
“It’s a nice way to keep her memory alive in one way and also to do something that’s very practical in helping these guys who do a wonderful job in trying to treat and prevent people from getting breast cancer,” Krulis says.
Laing + Simmons Woollahra also has a personal connection with the breast cancer cause, as property consultant Evan J. Williams’ mother, in remission from breast cancer for the past five years, is a spokeswoman for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
<img src="/images/stories/nettie.jpg">
The office organised an event for her and National Breast Cancer Foundation marketing manager Nettie Burke (pictured above, with Williams) to come speak with staff and local business owners, and Williams says the event was successful in raising both money and awareness.
“It was very successful and it’s only going to get bigger from here,” Williams says.
<img src="/images/stories/jcbreast.jpg">
Fans of The Block will recall the Pink Lady silhouettes outside 43 Cameron Street, Richmond, Rod and Tania’s house (pictured above), and the agency donated $25,000 from the sale of the house to Breast Cancer Network Australia.
<img src="/images/stories/pinklady.jpg">
Following on from that success, Jellis Craig displayed the Pink Lady silhouettes at its October auctions (pictured above) to raise awareness for the breast cancer cause. The agency has raised $80,000 for breast cancer charities in the past year and around $300,000 from its annual Pink Lady Cup since 2005.
”With more women being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, currently an average of 38 every day, Jellis Craig is committed to helping BCNA make a difference to those in the community affected by with breast cancer,” Jellis Craig CEO Nick Dowling says.
<img src="/images/stories/slorden.jpg">
Sarah Lorden Real Estate has used its October auctions to raise money for fighting breast cancer, donating $500 from every October listing and holding Saturday charity marquees (pictured above) to raise money for the McGrath Foundation, which funds breast cancer nurses.
The agency has raised more than $13,150 for the McGrath Foundation so far this year, and it also sponsors the charity event A Day on the Green, a celebrity cricket match, in November.
“We have raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years and it is a cause we are really passionate about supporting,” says director Sarah Lorden.
<img src="/images/stories/cupcakes.jpg">
LJ Hooker Wingham agents rolled up their sleeves for Pink Ribbon Day, baking, decorating and selling 1,326 cupcakes (pictured above) to raise money to fight breast cancer. The office raised $2,188.40 on the day for the Cancer Council, twice the amount it raised last year. The office pans to become involved again next year.
The Professionals are also heavily involved in the breast cancer cause, as the agency is a diamond partner of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Australia-wide, its offices have raised more than $1.7 million for the charity, with a percentage of the commission from every sale going to NBCF. 
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Agents think pink for breast cancer charities

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november7kirribilli]}
Thoroughbred horse owner Tony Huang has listed his Greencliffe, Kirribilli, apartment, some 16 years after being introduced to the waterfront block by the horse trainer Gai Waterhouse.
With iconic views of the Opera House, it’s positioned on the Kirribilli foreshore comprising 262 square metres with a spacious free-flowing design. The living, dining and casual sitting/breakfast room open to the entertaining terrace.
It has level entry from Kirribilli Avenue and lift access to its double garaging.
All three bedrooms have en suites.
Greencliffe, a tightly held building at the Harbour Bridge end of Kirribilli Avenue, comes with common garden areas, a resort style indoor pool, gym and sauna.
Ben Stewart of CBRE is seeking offers over $5.5 million for the fifth-floor apartment with offers due by November 24.
Huang, who raced Magic of Sydney, paid $2.3 million off the plan in 1995. At the time, Huang, formerly an importer-exporter from Hong Kong, had about 25 horses with Waterhouse.
The first horse he co-owned in Australia was All Our Mob, who was sold to Huang and Waterhouse's late father, Tommy Smith, after his Stradbroke Handicap win in 1994.
The Waterhouse family still maintain ownership within the complex. The Waterhouse waterfront links stretch back to the First Fleet, with their forefathers operating the Milsons Point-to-Hornsby bus, the Kirribilli-to-Circular Quay ferry, then the nearby Imperial Hotel. In 1994 the racing family netted about $8.2 million after the sale of two properties, Craiglea and Greencliffe. The family simultaneously secured four of the 39 apartments constructed by Dr Stanley Quek’s Greencliffe Developments.
RP Data doesn’t show a sale on the block since 2007, when $8.25 million was paid for a 349-square-metre eighth-floor penthouse.
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Thoroughbred owner Tony Huang lists pedigree Kirribilli apartment that celebrates the Magic of Sydney

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A 1922 San Francisco mansion has sold for US$29.5 million, after being initially listed with price hopes of US$39 million. The price hopes for the six-bedroom, five-bathroom home were recently revised down to US$33.9 million.
Patrick Barber, head of the San Francisco office of listing agents <a href="https://www.pacunion.com/homes/CA/SAN_FRANCISCO/94123/2950_BROADWAY/ENH5974/" target="_blank">Pacific Union International</a>, says the reduction in price was necessary to secure the sale in the difficult US market. 
"Homes now are priced realistically, and they're selling," Barber told the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/02/BUFQ1LPL09.DTL">San Francisco Chronicle</a>.
The luxury end of the market in San Francisco and nearby Silicon Valley has held up better than most other market segments, with investors and employees from local technology companies keeping the market buoyant. 
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San Francisco mansion sells for US$29.5 million

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Potentially opening up the world to the Geelong region, Avalon airport has launched a bid to have its status as an international airport fast-tracked.
Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings has met with key federal government figures this week to put Avalon's case.
The federal government has offered its support for an international terminal once an international carrier has agreed to use it.
But trying to sell the idea to a carrier before getting the necessary approvals has left the plan grounded on the tarmac.
”I just think it's a no-brainer," Giddings told The Geelong Advertiser.
To commence international services, Avalon will need to build a new terminal as well as customs and other facilities.
Giddings anticipates Avalon could make good use of the New Zealand market but would also seek to fly into Asia and even the United States.
The plan for Avalon to become Victoria's second international terminal has been touted for at least four years, especially after Linfox unveiled plans to build a $30 million facility in 2008, only to be knocked back by the federal government.
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Avalon airport tries to get Geelong economic benefits of international airport status

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<img src="/images/stories/thompsonst.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Financial adviser Paul Clitheroe, the Ipac Securities director, and wife Vicki have relisted their impressive 1902 Clifton Gardens residence, Torrington (pictured above). The six-bedroom house, with harbour views, sits on a 1,730-square-metre block with tennis court and 15-metre pool. There's a full-size billiard room, wine cellar with tasting room and self-contained guest accommodation. More than $10 million had been tipped for the Thompson Street house by its LJ Hooker Mosman listing agents Geoff Smith and Richard Harding in March last year when it was withdrawn from auction. The listing duo are now suggesting $8 million plus given there have only been the 12 sales above $10 million since the September 2008 Lehmann Brothers collapse that accompanied the global financial crisis. In the three years prior there had been 20 sales above $10 million. Keen sailing enthusiast Paul Clitheroe, who is chairman of the Australian Government Financial Literacy Board, and his wife have moved to their lower north shore harbourfront property following extensive renovations. The couple paid $3.6 million for Torrington in 1997.
<img src="/images/stories/pendles.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Collingwood’s 2011 Best and Fairest winner, Scott Pendlebury, is on the move. But not north to GWS in Sydney as some pundits speculated. Pendles is shifting house, listing his quaint Newport cottage (pictured above) through Barry Plant Yarraville agent Niels Geraerts. Apparently he’s upgrading the renovated Victorian house for something more luxurious in the posher bayside suburbs. The two-bedroom Douglas Parade property is just a stroll to Williamstown’s shops and cafes. It features a stone kitchen and open-plan entertaining area that opens onto a deep rear garden, perfect for entertaining, or kicking the football. The property will be auctioned on Saturday November 26 at 1.30pm and is expected to sell for more than $780,000. The early 2011 speculation faded but Pendlebury still looms on GWS radar for 2013 after signing just a one-year extension with the Magpies.
<img src="/images/stories/edwardst.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Retired respected journalist Peter Luck, who hosted current affairs program Today Tonight in the late 1990s, and his wife, Penny Jane, have sold their Balmain terrace (pictured above) for $2,715,000 through Cobden and Hayson agent Danny Cobden. Best known for programs on our past, Luck presented Where Are They Now? and the 1970s ground-breaking 37-part series This Fabulous Century. Over the decades he also presented and produced most of Australia's other major current affairs programs, including This Day Tonight, Sunday, Four Corners and Inside Edition. Luck first came to Sydney in 1974 and wanting proximity to the harbour, he settled in the welcoming Balmain village before it got terribly trendy, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to afford it. Luck, who had a 358-square-metre holding, maintained Balmain was also the first real suburb in Australia, the first real subdivision.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october31samnewman]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The infamous ultra-modern “Pamela Anderson” house in St Kilda West (pictured above) that football commentator Sam Newman built has been listed with $1.5 million hopes. Its large glass mural façade on Canterbury Road has been a source of controversy since it was unveiled a decade ago. The three-storey, three-bedroom house comes with a gourmet kitchen, a north-facing terrace with lap pool, a private courtyard with pond and a two-car garage. James Scarff of Marshall White has listed the property with expressions of interest due November 15 on behalf of Ned Gestos and Nuria Ruiperez. Designed by architect Cassandra Fahey in 2000, it won a Royal Australian Institute of Architects award, making news around the world given the Baywatch beauty’s appearance on the facade.
The former Geelong footballer Newman built the house at the height of his playboy notoriety, but never lived in it before he sold for $1.1 million in mid-2002 to financial adviser Sean Patrick Taylor through a company called Canterbury Park Pty Ltd. It changed hands again at $1.5 million in November 2007 after a $1.4 million opening vendor's bid at its October 2007 auction. Newman paid $150,000 in 1995 for the 175-square-metre holding.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
<img src="/images/stories/walkerville.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">It’s an amazing piece of Victoria's pristine coastline with absolute beach frontage and views across Waratah Bay to Wilsons Promontory, surrounded by coastal reserve and farmland (pictured above). The four contemporary two-bedroom cottages, plus manager’s barn residence, are set on 1.5 hectares at Walkerville South. It’s been listed – as an income-producing package – by vendors Gary and Jill Butterfield, who bought the vacant lot with foreshore access in 1999. They quickly opened Bear Gully Coastal Cottages, which takes its name from nearby Bear Creek, in Easter 2000. They soon expanded to the current four cottages – Gull, Shearwater, Cuttlebone and Nautilus – within another seven months. The property has been a finalist in the 2002 and 2005 Victoria Tourism Awards, the 2003 winner of the Phillip Island and Gippsland Regional Tourism Awards, and 2011 finalist in the Bendigo Bank Business tourism awards. Its listing agent Scott Hughes of LJ Hooker Inverloch has it listed at $2 million. The couple have extensive travel plans.
<img src="/images/stories/macleayst.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">The Potts Point apartment (pictured above) owned by music industry manager Pete Lusty and his wife Georgia Day has been sold for $505,000 through Ray White Elizabeth Bay agent Nick Harrington. Set on the first floor of The Rex building on Macleay Street, the one-bedder had been tipped to sell for $450,000 plus. It last traded two years ago for $405,000. Lusty, who is a partner of Ivy League Records, which manages bands such as The Vines, Youth Group and Bridezilla, and his wife are upgrading to a $2,325,000 four-bedroom apartment in nearby Rockwall Crescent. There will be plenty of space to hang the rock memorabilia.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october31vizard]}
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Melbourne radio broadcaster and businessman Steve Vizard and wife Sarah have listed their St Kilda mansion, Clendore (pictured above), with $8 million-plus hopes. The three-storey Italianate Victorian terrace, with an infinity pool on the roof, was bought for $3.96 million in 2004 by Vizard's company, Fitzroy Holdings. There is a rooftop Paul Bangay-designed garden above the grand colonnaded building. Kay and Burton listing agent Alex Schiavo will take offers until November 24. It has seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. There is a 15-person Schindler commercial double-door lift that connects all four floors. One of the original three adjoining terraces was the home of Sir Graham Berry, the distinguished radical politician, for several years. The Vizard family sold their Orrong Road, Toorak, mansion for about $17.75 million in 2007 to The Good Guys boss Andrew Muir.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">Title Tattle aims to tell you as soon as we know – often before it happens – so the word from the Gold Coast is that there's been another Hedges Avenue Mermaid Beach price shocker. The bargain hunter apparently comes from Caulfield North.
 
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; float: left; margin: 5px;">And don’t say that Title Tattle told you, but there's an interesting Toorak listing. It’s a newly built House and Garden magazine-featured home. But it’s being market by quite cocooned means. Of course inspections are strictly by appointment at pre-arranged times. Then the triple-storey house goes under the hammer at a private auction by invitation only by prior registration. Title Tattle sees that buyers’ agent Gina Kantzas from James Buyer Advocates has broken through the access barrier giving the Glyndebourne Avenue house a 734 rating out of 1,000 after her appraisal. However when it came to the all-important price guide, none had been forthcoming from the Marshall White agent.
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Magpie Scott Pendlebury on the move, but not to Greater Western Sydney: Title Tattle

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Refund Real Estate and Refund Financial Planning have been placed in the hands of administrators two weeks after parent business Refund Home Loans collapsed.
ASIC documents reveal that the two businesses were placed into voluntary administration on October 28.
Refund Real Estate is the newest company that formed the Refund group, having been launched in September 2010.
The venture was officially launched by deputy opposition leader Julie Bishop in July this year.
Refund Financial Planning commenced operations in February 2010 in an alliance with financial advice business Professional Investment Services.
It is understood that both general managers of these businesses have moved on.
Refund Home Loans entered into voluntary administration on October 14 due to $2.5 million in debt.
Refund Home Loans was started by Wayne Ormond in 2004.

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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Wayne Ormond's Refund Real Estate and Refund Financial Planning in voluntary administration

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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-hawthorn-108065231" target="_blank">58 Kooyongkoot Road, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122</a>
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/november4kooyongkoot]}
A ready-made post-modern style home which is well suited to an older family (probably a Scotch College one), offering good lifestyle options. If you like the house style, there is plenty to like about this offering - numbers of bedrooms and their separation (master away from secondary rooms) is spot on and the floor plan flows well.
Land size is good at just under 1,000 square metres, and with western rear orientation afternoon sun is optimised into the backyard and informal living areas. This house has been well maintained yet some may like to cosmetically alter utility areas - importantly these areas are a good size and logically positioned.
For a large family the rear open-plan area may be a little small - particularly around the meals area.  Master bedroom is a great size and perhaps the highlight. For a busy executive family this will tick many boxes - it is a big family home to enjoy yet will be relatively easy to maintain (a lot of hard paving - less expansive lawns).
James Buyer Advocates gives this home a rating of 741 out of 1,000, which puts it in the above-average category. It was passed in at auction on November 5 on a vendor's bid of $3.4 million. The reserve is $3.65 million.
Adam Woledge is a registered architect and principal buyer advocate of <a target="_blank" title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.james.net.au/">James Buyer Advocates.</a>
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maljames-vHwm28JUAa

A post-modern Hawthorn home for an older family passed in

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ASIC has obtained interim orders in the Supreme Court of Queensland against Equititrust Limited, the responsible entity of two managed investment schemes.
The two schemes are Equititrust Income Fund (EIF) and Equititrust Priority Class Income Fund (EPCIF).
The orders were obtained by consent for the purpose of preserving the status quo of the schemes prior to a hearing by ASIC to consider the suspension of Equititrust’s Australian financial services (AFS) licence and following resolutions made by Equititrust’s board of directors on October 12 that the purposes of EIF could not be accomplished and to take steps to wind up EIF.
The orders obtained by ASIC restrain Equititrust from undertaking various acts regarding its operation of the schemes until December 12, 2011 or earlier by order of the court.
Among other things, in relation to EIF, the orders restrain Equititrust from: modifying or replacing the scheme’s constitution; issuing new interests in the scheme; redeeming, cancelling or modifying existing members’ interests in the scheme; dealing with property held or controlled by Equititrust in its capacity as the responsible entity of the scheme or in its own right, other than in the ordinary course of business; and entering into contracts, deeds or agreements regarding any property held or controlled by Equititrust with any person that is a related party or related entity.
The orders in relation to EPCIF restrain Equititrust from issuing new interests in the scheme without first providing written notice to ASIC.
ASIC has expressed concern that Equititrust is in breach of a condition of its AFS licence requiring that it hold a minimum amount of net tangible assets and has breached provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 requiring that it lodge audited financial reports for EIF and EPCIF and audited reports of its compliance with the compliance plans for both EIF and EPCIF. ASIC has issued a notice to Equititrust giving it an opportunity to appear at a hearing before ASIC in relation to whether to suspend its AFS licence.
Separately in late October 2011, Equititrust issued a notice to the members of EIF informing them that the board had resolved that the purposes of EIF could not be accomplished and that steps be taken to wind up the scheme.
Members have 28 days after being given the notice to call a meeting of members to consider the proposed winding up of the scheme and to vote on any extraordinary resolution members propose about the winding up of the scheme.
ASIC obtained orders to preserve members’ interests in the schemes until these issues are resolved.
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