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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While falling short of its desired $10 million, a Gold Coast mansion has been sold for $8.3 million, the highest price this year in Queensland.
The six-month-old Sovereign Islands home with its rare 65 metres of water frontage was sold by estate agent Amir Mian at Ray White Runaway Bay.
The house of 2,000 square metres of luxury sits on a double block of 1,483 square metres.
It was sold by Gold Coast owner/builder Gary Brewster and his wife, Lucy, who managed all the interior designing of the home. It sold to Streeton resident Youhe Wu.
It was marketed by Mian as boasting the widest view of the Broadwater on Sovereign Islands and on the calmer side of the Broadwater, making it better for boat owners.
Its expansive entertaining areas flow seamlessly to alfresco areas featuring teppanyaki bar and grill.
There’s a 25-metre lap pool and a plunge pool with a bar.
A lift services all three levels, including its 20-car basement garage.
“This home is not just an average home, it's a cut above the rest,” Mian notes.
The land cost $3.06 million in 2006-2007.
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Gold Coast island home fetches 2011 record $8.3 million

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A draft tax office ruling allowing self-managed super funds to renovate and upgrade properties should make property an even more attractive asset for DIY funds to hold.
The ruling to be released today will allow renovations to properties held in SMSFs as long as the money comes from within in the fund (it cannot be borrowed) and the renovation does not fundamentally alter the nature of the property.
Previously the ATO has ruled that SMSFs could not borrow money from any sources to improve their properties.
Liz Westover, head of superannuation at the Institute of Chartered Accountants, says the draft ruling provides “much-needed clarity and is a long time coming”.
“It is much more sensible approach,” she says.
She says the ruling on improvements is welcome given that real estate assets are usually held for a long time.
“Over 20 years you will probably want to put in a new kitchen or bathroom. Now you can fund these improvements using other assets in your fund,” she says.
The ICA has been in discussions with the ATO over borrowing clarifications and says the draft ruling provides examples of what constitutes an allowable improvement.
The institute will support the draft ruling.
Westover acknowledged Australia’s love affair with property, but cautioned SMSFs that the potential of the investment is what matters: “You still need to look at the quality of the investment, not simply that you can borrow to acquire real estate.”
The draft ruling also has the support of the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA), with national technical manager Peter Burgess telling the Australian Financial Review: “This change will mean that property is now a more attractive option than it was previously.”
Figures released by the ATO over the March quarter found SMSFs invested an additional $500 million in direct real estate.
This increase coincides with the appeal of DIY super funds continuing to grow, with $3 billion added to SMSFs over this period, taking the total invested to $418 billion held by 7,500 funds.
The tax office has also clarified rules around borrowing to repair property. SMSFs will be able to borrow to undertake repairs as long as it does not change the character of the dwelling.
The draft ruling also provides clarity over the definition of a single acquirable asset that can be acquired under limited recourse borrowing.
“The previous view of the ATO was that one title equates to one asset. In reality this does not always work. For example if you have an apartment with a separate car park, you might have offended the rules. Now holding that type of asset should be OK,” she says.
“You can now have one structure over a number of titles. As an example, previously, banks would not lend on factory over three titles,” she says.
<a target="_blank" title="ATO" href="https://law.ato.gov.au/atolaw/view.htm?rank=find&amp;criteria=AND~SMSFR%202011%2FD1~basic~exact&amp;target=EF&amp;style=java&amp;sdocid=DSF/SMSFR2011D1/NAT/ATO/00001&amp;recStart=1&amp;PiT=99991231235958&amp;Archived=false&amp;recnum=1&amp;tot=1&amp;pn=RDB:::RDB">The ATO will issue the draft ruling at 2pm today.</a>
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SMSF renovation tax ruling makes DIY property investment more alluring

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High-profile property development industry advocate Aaron Gadiel will step down as chief executive of the Urban Taskforce next month to take a posting at the law firm Gadens.
He will be a director in the planning environment and government team at the law firm.
Gadiel’s media-savvy skills elevated the Urban Taskforce to the national stage with prompt and regular commentary on property issues. Gadiel, an environmental and planning lawyer, joined the Urban Taskforce as its chief executive in 2007.
Before joining the Taskforce, Gadiel was a ministerial chief of staff from 1999 to 2007 serving as the NSW government’s senior political advisor in the roads, housing, energy, regional development and mineral resources portfolios.
The Urban Taskforce Australia was formed in 1999 with the former NSW premier Neville Wran as its patron.  When Wran stepped down another former NSW premier, Nick Greiner, became its patron, until his appointment as Chairman of Infrastructure NSW by the NSW government.
The Urban Taskforce currently operates without a formal patron.
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Urban Taskforce CEO Aaron Gadiel off to Gadens

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Tennis great Pete Sampras has listed his 1,503-square-metre house in the tony LA suburb of Thousand Oaks for sale with price hopes of US$19.95 million. The "King of Swing" and his wife, Bridgitte Wilson-Sampras, have reportedly bought a smaller house in LA's Brentwood area.
The house, on eight hectares, has unobstructed 360-degree views, a home theatre, a poker room and, naturally, a tennis court. It also includes a 111-square-metre fully contained guest house. 
JoAnn Levine of <a target="_blank" title="Levine" href="https://www.joann4homes.com/show.aspx?url=http%3a%2f%2fidx123.realtytech.com%2f%3fuser%3djlevine">Bob and JoAnn Levine</a> real estate is marketing the property, whose marketing describes it as "celebrity-owned". 
The 14-time Grand Slam winner listed the house in March 2010 with price hopes of $25 million. For that price, it would have to be real estate love.
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Pete Sampras serves up US$20 million offering

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Property owners living abroad who are concerned about the current spate of fraudulent property sales or attempted sales are urged to lodge a caveat over their properties to reduce the risk of being targeted by scammers.
The recommended anti-fraud measure prevents the registration of any change of ownership or mortgage.
Caveats typically require attendance in person at the various state title offices by completing a 100-point identity check.
The safeguards have been recommended in Western Australia after authorities began investigating <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/western-australia/absentee-investor-alert-nigerian-scammers-sell-%24410000-house-they-didnt-own/2011081751195">two successful Nigerian scammers</a> who sold Perth properties without the owners' knowledge in the past year.
In WA under a range of increased security measures, all transfers of land executed overseas will now require a 100-point identity check, signatures to be witnessed by an Australian Consular officer, and the sales will need to be independently checked by at least two senior Landgate officers.
Identity checks by real estate agents and the conveyancer are not mandatory.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/nigerian-property-scammers-move-to-sydney-after-succeeding-in-perth/2011090851484">Rather than the transfer of land not owned by the scammer</a>, NSW has in the past years experienced mortgage fraud, where unencumbered titles are borrowed against without the owner’s knowledge.
But new regulations will come into force on November 1 that require a witness to a land dealing or caveat to have known the person signing the dealing or caveat for more than 12 months.
If the witness has not known the person for that length of time, he or she must take reasonable steps to confirm the identity of that person.
A person who is asked to witness a signature to a land dealing must sight an original primary identification document containing a photograph of the person (such as a driver’s licence or passport), or originals of two non-photographic identification documents (such as a birth certificate and Medicare card) that confirm the identity of the person signing the land dealing.
“The requirement to verify identity is an essential safeguard against fraud in conveyancing transactions,” Des Mooney, general manager of NSW Land and Property Information, says.
“The regulatory changes outlined above are intended to balance the need for an efficient conveyancing and financing industry with the need to manage the risk of fraud or improper dealings in transactions with land.”
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New laws to help protect property owners from Nigerian scammers

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More business bodies have called for a deferral of harmonised occupational health and safety laws, with the Housing Industry Association and Master Builders Australia arguing for a further six months to prepare, and calling for more information on their cost to the housing industry.
HIA general manager Graham Wolfe says the January 1, 2012 deadline is unlikely to be met, with Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania yet to pass the relevant legislation.
"It's been a long journey, and I just don't think that now we're at the 11th hour we should rush in the application."
"The real issue here is: are the states ready to adopt it in due course, and if they do, what period of time do the sectors need to adapt?"
Wolfe argues there should be a moratorium until the regulation is subject to a cost-benefit analysis.
Master Builders Australia chief executive Wilhelm Harnisch says the MBA isn't seeking to thwart the legislation, because it supports harmonisation, but more time is needed.
Harnisch says with 21 codes still to be tabled and finalised, of which seven deal with the building and construction industry, the MBA is concerned there won't be enough time to digest the big changes.
Second, Harnisch says the January 2012 deadline comes at a difficult time for the building and construction sector, which typically shuts down two weeks before Christmas and throughout January.
"It's not a hidden agenda, it's about a phasing in," Harnisch says.
And assuming a deferral isn't granted, Harnisch predicts a "mad scramble" by the industry to try to adapt, "with all the attendant risks of a poor implementation."
But Jessica Fletcher, senior associate at Hall &amp; Wilcox, says the law firm has been advising its clients to prepare for the 2012 deadline, irrespective of comments by Western Australia that it will not take on all elements of the nationalised laws. Victoria, led by Liberal Premier Ted Baillieu, has also indicated it is seeking more time.
Fletcher says the delays raised by the housing bodies seem to have fed into concern about the changes.
But Fletcher points out that legislation enacted in New South Wales and Queensland matches elements of the harmonised OH&amp;S files, that many companies support nationalised laws because they operate across the country, and the new laws simply meet best practice.
"They put into the spotlight, do we have appropriate contractor management systems in place? And appropriate structures to ensure managers can manage safety risks?" Fletcher says.
"We're all trying to achieve safe work places and putting the right systems in place, there's no downside."
Independent Contractors Australia has also argued the laws should be put on hold until key issues are addressed.
The ICA argues the harmonised laws will mean employers will unfairly assume responsibility for the behaviour of their employers, rather than leaving individuals responsible for their own conduct. It has also raised alarm over the stripping of employers of their right to silence, and the ability of OH&amp;S authorities to seize businesses and their property without court oversight.
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/economy/20110913-housing-industry-bodies-throw-weight-behind-deferral-of-harmonised-oh-s-laws" title="SmartCompany" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Housing industry bodies throw weight behind deferral of harmonised OH&S laws

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The challenging trading conditions facing real estate firms in Australia have been highlighted in a new global business failures report by Dun &amp; Bradstreet. 
Real estate firm failures in Australia constitute a far higher proportion of total business failures than the global average, according to the research group. 
The Australian finance, insurance and real estate sector accounted for 16.5% of business failures in the second quarter of 2011, higher than services (14.8%), construction (8.9%) and manufacturing (4.9%). 
The finance, insurance and real estate sector registered a 16.6% increase in failures over the quarter compared with 12 months ago. 
R estate, finance and insurance business failures in advanced countries as a whole accounted for just 5.5% of total failures (made up 3.2% real estate failures, 2.3% finance and insurance failures). 
Globally, real estate failures dropped 14% compared with the same quarter last year. 
In the depressed UK housing market, finance, insurance and real estate failures accounted for only 6.3% of business failures (down 3.2% for the quarter), while in the US the real estate sector contributed just 4.5% of business failures, a quarterly drop of 13.3% 
The increase in Australian failures goes against the global grain, with the D&amp;B report noting a strong decrease in real estate failures globally. 
Overall the number of Australian business failures rose 12.1% year-on-year in the second quarter, up from a 4.1% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2011. 
D&amp;B says the rise in insolvencies may reflect “knock-on, lagged effects of the 2008-09 global financial crisis, declines in business credit and higher interest rates”. 
“Outside the mining sector, sentiment is generally still poor and the strong currency is straining profits,” says D&amp;B. 
According to Dun &amp; Bradstreet CEO Christine Christian, insolvency activity in Australia is up across almost all sectors, “with a significant deterioration in retail and service sector failures, reflecting subdued confidence”. 
“There is an increasing risk that the global economic slowdown will intensify the upward trend in insolvency levels. The global economic recovery is running out of steam. Downside risks to growth, including debt crises in Europe and the United States and volatility in financial markets, remain high,” she adds.
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Australian real estate sector struggling: Dun & Bradstreet

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The Golden Grape Estate winery and restaurant at Pokolbin in the lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales has been bought by Chinese interests.
The winery, with history dating back to 1866, has been sold for $2.8 million to businessman Genghua Lin.
It is among the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/rural/chinese-investors-buy-another-hunter-valley-winery/2011083051347" target="_blank">increasing number of prominent Hunter wine tourism properties sold recently to Chinese interests.</a>
Golden Grape Estate boasts a wine museum that features the oldest wine press on the continent.
The 42-hectare Golden Grape holding sold through Jurds estate agent Cain Beckett, who says the Golden Grape price was ‘‘very strong,’’ at a time when there was ‘‘no domestic market for vineyards’’.
The vineyard is made up of classic Hunter Valley varietals including shiraz, chardonnay, verdelho, muscat and merlot and is watered by three dams and a 10 megalitre PID allocation.
Sign photo by Charlie Brewer
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Hunter Valley vineyard a golden opportunity for Chinese buyers

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The house at 20 Jutland Parade, Dalkeith is one of the trophy homes of Perth even though its riverfront block has been long subdivided off.
Its listing agent William Porteous of William Porteous Properties International says the imposing Palladian Villa is a world-class residence created with exquisite style in a magnificent riverside setting. It has price hopes around $20 million. 
It was built by the late Bond Corp lieutenant Peter Beckwith. When last sold in 2006 for $12.25 million, the price put the six-bedroom, nine-bathroom Dalkeith palazzo equal second on Perth's prestige sales list with a $15 million cliff-top Claremont riverfront property holding top spot.
Of course since then the Angela Bennett compound sold in 2009 for $57.5 million and there’s been the recent $39 million sale of the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/western-australia/mining-magnate-buys-perth-s-second-most-expensive-house/2011080751060" target="_blank">former Alan Bond house in Dalkeith</a>.
The Beckwith mansion was built over four years in the late 1980s, reportedly at a cost of $9 million. Entry to the home is through a marbled entrance hall crowned by a domed cupola framing an antique French chandelier sourced from a Russian palace. The mansion has been completely refurbished in recent years. 
The former Bond Corp chief lived in it for only a short time before he died from a brain tumour in July 1990. The Jutland Parade house was first sold in 1996 for a record $8.5 million by Beckwith's widow, Valerie, after she struck a deed of settlement with his bankruptcy administrators
The buyer, the shopping centre developer Jack Bendat, sold it for $9.15 million in 1999 to Michael Boyd, who built his fortune through Sonic Healthcare. Boyd hived off the riverfront croquet garden for $5.6 million in 2004 and then the house for $7 million in 2005.
Offers are due October 7 with William Porteous.
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Boomtime '80s Beckwith mansion tops Perth's spring listings

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Oscar-nominated actor Mark Wahlberg has listed his Beverly Hills, CA home for sale with price hopes of US$13,995,000. The seven-bedroom, 10-bathroom property includes a boxing gym, where Wahlberg reportedly trained for his role as Micky Ward in the 2010 Oscar-nominated film The Fighter.
Wahlberg listed the property in 2008 with price hopes of US$15.9 million but withdrew it from the market after the birth of his fourth child with girlfriend Rhea Durham.
The Former New Kid On the Block and Funky Bunch member bought the house for $4.95 million in 2001 through Marley Realty Trust, accorting to blockshopper.com. The property has a full tennis court and dramatic canyon views, and it includes extras befitting a Hollywood star, including a 35mm home theatre. It is within a gated estate, a private enclave of the rich and famous. 
The property is  listed through <a target="_blank" title="Hilton &amp; Hyland" href="https://www.hiltonhyland.com/property/2227/9694-Oak-Pass-Road">Hilton &amp; Hyland </a>agent Felix Pena.
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