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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<img src="/images/stories/harknessinside.jpg">
America’s highest-profile art dealer, Larry Gagosian, has reportedly snapped up New York’s 1910 Harkness Mansion, a 25-room townhouse at 4 E. 75th St., for $US36.5 million. That’s at $16.5 million less than what it fetched in 2006, according to the New York Post, when it was the most expensive residential property ever sold in New York.  The mansion, sold for about $7 million in 1987, stretches 7.3 metres wide and 31 metres deep. The Harkness family made their money from an investment in John D. Rockefeller’s fledgling Standard Oil Company. It is on the EzineMark.com list by Mary Rose of the Top 10 New York City’s Most Expensive Townhouses.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

New York's Harkness mansion sells for $16.5 million less than in 2006

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It was a dose of reality when three of the four houses in the Channel 9 series The Block 2011 failed to sell under the hammer at their weekend auction.
But what was noteworthy was there was no shortage of buyers for the Richmond cottages, even when you take out those who had a bidding paddle intended for a few seconds of camera fame.
The genuine buyers – mostly represented by unemotional buyers’ agents who also saw the marketing opportunities – just wouldn’t budge on price, and Channel 9 prudently didn’t want a sale at any cost.
The reserves all matched their marketing campaigns, so the pre-auction raid by Victorian Consumer Affairs to investigate claims of under-quoting was just another stunt that helped the ratings, which peaked at 3,089,000.
For Polly and Waz – the Steven Bradbury of the renovation world – the $855,000 sale was $15,000 and eight bids above its $840,000 reserve. It was the cheapest offering on The Block.
After some commendable auctioneering by Biggin Scott sales director Russell Cambridge, the house was knocked down to buyers’ agent Frank Valentic from Advantage Property, who was apparently buying for a couple holidaying in Bali. Valentic is chairman of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s buyer’s agent chapter. Cambridge has been with the Biggin &amp; Scott Richmond team since 1993 and has sold well more than 2,000 properties at auction since.
There's little doubt the producers of The Block 2011 paid above market rates to get four houses in a row on Cameron Street – given they are a rarity. And the challenge of four houses selling in one auction session rather than four units was too high a hurdle.
Nine’s decision for reserves that were moderately reflective of current values was vindicated after the first offering – Jenna and Josh’s double-fronted cottage – attracted a post-auction offer reputedly at its $950,000 reserve.
It had been passed in at $901,000 with just the two bids, including a try-on at $750,000.
It seems negotiations continue on the double-fronted cottage through Woodwards Ruth Roberts and Robert Clements, as the estate agents are confident they can get something above reserve for the contestant couple to take home with them after their eight weeks of intense labouring.
Roberts told the auction attendees that it’s possible for the next buyer to extend the house with a second floor, which Channel 9 didn’t wish to do in order to keep the competitive playing field as even as possible.
Josh and Jenna have now set up their own design company, Bickering Designs.
The very disappointed Amie and Katrina – the sisters from rural NSW – had an $822,000 top offer,  and the house sold subsequent to auction at its $860,000 reserve. They will go home empty-handed to the bush after a journey they described as a “bloody waste of time”.
Rod and Tania’s offering got a top offering of $832,000, and it remains listed for sale.
The Block 2011’s Richmond auction results were a poorer showing than last November when for the first time in the four series that one of the four Vaucluse flats didn’t sell under the hammer, and only one fetched an out-of-line bullish result.
Who can ever forget the hoopla at Bondi Beach in 2003 and then at Manly in 2004?
There appeared to be between three and eight bidders (some repeating themselves) on the Cameron Street offerings, which were renovated over an eight-week period by the four contestant couples, who unlike in previous series, worked full time on their renovations.
Unlike the quick-paced auctions put to air, the auctions were painfully long – not assisted by starting an hour late, which prompted at least one buyer on the final offering to head home to his daughter as the babysitter’s time was up.
Additionally every auction was constantly interrupted by the monotonous “Is it at reserve yet?” query.
“Gee, you’re a tough crowd,” Jellis Craig auctioneer Clayton Smith summed it up during the final unsuccessful auction.
For some time now the smart money has been suggesting Sydney was set to enjoy a small property fillip while Melbourne still needed some price adjustment.
Just when and how that will come remains a point of contention, but The Block has assisted in informing the market that property outcomes can sometimes be underwhelming.
The most moving moment of the night had nothing to do with the gavel, but the tide of goodwill towards Josh and Jenna’s engagement.
Even if it too was somewhat contrived for the cameras, with it subsequently being learnt that Women’s Day had been there when he bought the Tiffany ring.
On the all-important television ratings, its seems even Sydney decided to tune in on the last night, virtually equalling Melbourne’s ever-strong hometown audience for the first time during the series.
And Sydneysiders got what they wanted!
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The Block auction a dose of reality, which Sydney finally loved

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Former Melbourne AFL champion and now Footy Show host Garry Lyon couldn’t sell his prestige Hawthorn offering at weekend auction.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom period house in Hawthorn Grove – one of the suburb’s premier heritage streets – was passed in on a vendor's bid of $3.6 million.
The auction opened on a $3.5 million vendor bid. Lyon bought it in 2005 for $2.74 million.
Its Jellis Craig Glen Iris listing agent Paul Keane had been quoting $3.5 million-plus.
The contemporary house sits behind a stately tuck-pointed brick façade and return veranda.
It comes with an outdoor entertaining pavilion, heated pool and spa.
The much-extended 1890s Hawthorn residence sits on an 854-square-metre block.
Its modern interiors give it a 493-square-metre floorplan over two levels.
There are four bedrooms plus fitted study.
Bennison MacKinnon sold the adjoining property last month at an undisclosed price. It had previously traded three decades ago. Both homes had been built by the same builder last century.
Hawthorn’s current median house price, according to propertydata.com.au, is $1.37 million, having peaked at $1.62 million in June 2010.
According to RP Data, Hawthorn's median house price is $1.29 million. 
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Garry Lyon fails to sell Hawthorn home at weekend auction

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Expatriate Australian billionaire Michael Hintze has added another NSW property to his rapidly expanding east coast farming portfolio. It's a $7.12 million 1,640-hectare farm at Young in the southwest region of southern NSW.
The London-based hedge fund founder has amassed one of Australia’s fastest-growing farm portfolios, with acquisitions totalling about 47,100 hectares since 2007. His private pension fund, MHPF, has spent about $127 million on the land and water purchases.
Hintze is the founder and senior investment officer of CQS Management, a London-based hedge fund with assets of $US10.5 billion.
His most recent NSW purchase before this one was a $1.4 million 410-hectare farm at Munderoo in the southeast of the NSW Riverina.
The Hintze portfolio has been accumulated and managed by Richard Taylor, a director of Growth Farms Australia. MHPF has been described as "a newly diversified agricultural force taking shape in eastern Australia" by The Land's agricultural writer, Peter Austin. It now has made 15 acquisitions in NSW and <a target="_blank" title="Hintze buys sugar plantations" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/sweet-deal-for-michael-hintze/2011060450346">recently added two sugar cane farms in north Queensland</a>, which marked a shift away from its weighting towards the southern NSW mixed farming of wool, prime lambs, cattle and winter cropping.
The latest Young purchase was from Philip Brown’s Equitas Group.
Hintze’s initial Young district purchase was Glaisnock, the 969-hectare rotational cropping enterprise that had the capacity to operate as a mixed agricultural business.
The purchases have been driven by the view that rural land in Australia now represents good value in light of the strong global demand for “soft commodities”. A key strategy of the group has been to aggregate parcels of land where possible to achieve efficiencies of scale and cross-property synergies.
Hintze's buying spree began when he spent $12.5 million for a Breadalbane property in July 2007. Despite his acquisitions Hintze is not likely to join the Australian Farm Journal's top 10 landholders, since other new players, Macquarie Group and the British private equity company Terra Firma Capital Partners, have between them spent $740 million buying vast chunks of northern Australia. Hintze's biggest purchase was the 7,700-hectare grazing property Warrane, west of Armidale, costing $22 million in late 2007.
Hintze's wealth has been estimated by Forbes magazine at $US1.4 billion in early 20111. Rare with his public pronouncements, Hintze has said he was not just looking for capital gain from the properties. He says he seeks solid returns on production.
''I'm not a farmer, but I do the numbers. It's got to make money,'' the hedge fund chief, who spent 12 years at Goldman Sachs in roles such as head of European emerging markets, told the Australian Financial Review last year. Hintze left Sydney in 1980 for Salomon Brothers in New York.
Trained as an engineer, Hintze served in the Australian army and started his firm, CQS, in 1999. It is short for "Convertible and Quantitative Strategies". He is a well-known philanthropist, with beneficiaries including the University of Sydney.
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Expat billionaire Michael Hintze adds to NSW farming portfolio

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<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">One of Sydney Harbour’s longest property owners, Sir William Tyree, the founder of a 1940s electrical transformer manufacturing company, has listed his $40 million plus Darling Point harbourfront residence.  Sir William - who briefly dabbled in fm radio licences in the late 1970s - gave his address as Darling Point when he was knighted in 1971 for philanthropic services. In the early 1990s Sir William successfully resisted attempts by Woollahra Council to turn his foreshore land, which has unrivalled boating facilities, into a harbourfront open space linking to nearby McKell Park. Sir William has engaged three agents Bill Bridges of Ballard Property, Ken Jacobs of Christies International and Michael Dunn from Richardson &amp; Wrench to find its buyer.
The imminent marketing follows his recent $7 million apartment purchase in the Rose Bay harbourfront Wintergarden complex through Richardson &amp; Wrench Double Bay agents Michael Dunn and Jane Ashton.  The Wintergarden purchase is the apartment designed in the late 1980s for its developer Sid Londish with the size and scale of a house.
<img src="/images/stories/rockman.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Seek co-founder Matthew Rockman has listed his four-bedroom Toorak home (pictured above and below) with $3 million hopes through Kay &amp; Burton’s Gerald Delany and Nicole Gleeson. The contemporary house was designed by SJB Architects. It comes with formal sitting room, vast open-plan living and dining zone, adjoining alfresco deck and pool area. It has four bedrooms plus study. The house has four-car accommodation. The Rockmans are building nearby, hence the listing.
<img src="/images/stories/rockman3.jpg">
Rockman co-founded Seek with brothers Andrew and Paul Bassat in 1997 and managed to survive the tech wreck of 2001, with a 2003 decision by Kerry Packer's PBL to buy a 25% stake in the firm increasing the collective’s net wealth by $40 million.
<img src="/images/stories/millerspoint.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">The Millers Point, Sydney apartment (pictured above) of cattlewoman and heiress to the UBD directory fortune Leonie Lawson was withdrawn from its mid-week auction through Ballard Property agents Clint Ballard and Bill Bridges with price hopes of more than $3.5 million. Occupying the entire 10th level of The Georgia, a prestigious building in Kent Street, it has 230 square metres of space with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and formal living and dining areas opening to a terrace with views to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay.
Standing on the site of the circa 1907 Dumbarton Castle Hotel, which was demolished in late 1996, The Georgia is a 28-storey building designed by acclaimed architect Ercole Palazzetti, built by Multiplex and completed in 1998. Lawson, who owns an extensive rural holding at Oberon, has listed her apartment because she wants to upgrade her city pad.
This week came news as reported by veteran SMH reporter Malcolm Brown that the “glovebox Gregory's”, which has guided Sydneysiders on roads for 75 years, has been published for the last time before being swallowed up by its big brother, the UBD Street Directory. It seems Navman, Google Maps and Whereis.com on iPhones has spelt the end of the print directory, which was started by a Bathurst journalist, Cecil Albert Gregory, in 1934 after he came to Sydney to work and had trouble finding his way about. The directory eventually peaked at sales of 150,000 a year.
 
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<img src="/images/stories/winterst1.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Art collectors Dr David Rosenthal and Professor Doreen Rosenthal have a $2.95 million post-auction asking price on their Malvern home (pictured above), which has doubled as their private gallery for more than 40 years. The classic four-bedroom Victorian on Winter Street has period features including ornate ceilings, marble fireplaces, a double-arched hall and a hand-painted stained-glass entrance. At the back of the corner block is a north-facing garden, a heated swimming pool and a workshop-studio. It was 45 years ago when the Rosenthals moved into the property that had been a family-run boarding house. Its Marshall White agent, Dean Gilbert, had been quoting $2.4 million-plus pre-auction.
<img src="/images/stories/surfclovelly.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Channel Seven Sydney sports presenter Tony Squires and his wife, Kate Pascoe, are selling their house at Clovelly (pictured above). The large three-bedroom Federation semi has open-plan living and dining areas overlooking the ocean. More than $1.7 million is expected for the Surfside Avenue property set for August 27 auction through Debbie Donnelley at goodyerDonnelley Real Estate. Squires and Pascoe are upgrading to a larger $2.6 million house as they want more space for their young son. It was the three-level residence at Bondi Junction sold by the art gallery owner Richard Martin through Ben Collier at McGrath Eastern Suburbs.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Title Tattle aims to tell you as soon as we know – often before it happens –so the word is that Byron Rose will be stepping down as president of the Real Estate Buyer’s Agents Association of Australia after two years in the job. Warwick Brookes is tipped as its next president. Brookes is from the Melbourne-based Domain Property Advocates and a licensed agent with more than 12 years’ experience in real estate. He joined the REBAA Executive in 2009 when he was elected vice-president. There are about 75 to 100 firms around Australia acting exclusively as buyer’s agents, nearly half of those are in New South Wales, compared with just two 10 years ago.
Rose has been around the Sydney scene since 1990 and as a buyers’ agent at Rose &amp; Jones since 1998, and his most high-profile representation was at The Block auction in 2003 at Bondi when he represented the Fairfax Media Group’s purchase of the top-floor French provincial-style property of Phil Rankine and Amity Dry for $655,000 for a Sun Herald marketing promotion.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">And don’t say that Title Tattle told you, but it was the Paul and Sandra Salteri  who bought the Quay apartment overlooking Circular Quay in Sydney from racing enthusiast Geoff White and his wife, Beryl. They paid $9.85 million for the whole-floor, 414-square-metre apartment, which had been the Whites’ Sydney home since 1991, when they paid a record $3.75 million in the 29-storey Concrete Constructions-built 1984 residential block.
With an estimated $975 million net worth, Paul Salteri chairs Tenix, an industrial services company. The bulk of the philanthropic family's wealth comes from the sale of its defense businesses in 2008 to BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin. The family patriarch, Carlo Salteri, an Italian immigrant who cofounded the business in 1956, died aged 90 in October 2010.
The sale was through City Living agent Bruce Fallshaw, who was under instructions not to reveal its final sale price. The initial hopes were $20 million last year, which were revised down to $11.5 million in March this year. The sale price of the 27th-floor four-bedroom, six-balcony apartment reflected $23,800 per square metres. The unit had been purpose-built by the developer in 1985 with two separate entrances off its own lobby.
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Sir William Tyree lists $40 million mansion in Darling Point: Title Tattle

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More than 50,000 fans have flocked to Cameron Street in Richmond to inspect the interiors of the four homes renovated for the Channel 9 hit television series The Block during its busy open for inspections.
But only a few have asked to check the depreciation reports for the four homes.
It’s the goldmine for investors seeking to maximise the returns on their likely $800,000 plus outlay when the four newly renovated fully furnished houses go to weekend auction.
All four listing agents have used the reports in their challenge to convince investors to be among the buyers.
The depreciation reports have been prepared by BMT Tax Depreciation Quantity Surveyors, which have inspected the older properties – now renovated – and estimated what a buyer could claim in deductions in his or her tax returns.
It is estimated the renovated house at 43 Cameron Street, renovated by Rod and Tania, could have an initial maximum $29,000 claimable depreciation in its first financial year. Its depreciation would peak in its second financial year at $31,500.
The house renovated by Polly and Waz at 39 Cameron Street could have an initial maximum $27,000 claimable depreciation in its first financial year. Its depreciation would peak in its second financial year at $29,700.
The house at 37 Cameron Street, which Jenna and Josh renovated, has an initial $25,000 claimable depreciation.
The house renovated by Katrina and Amie at 41 Cameron Street could have an initial maximum $28,000 claimable depreciation in its first financial year. Its depreciation would peak in its second financial year at $30,000.
Even though the buyers will not have carried out the work themselves, the  ATO allows property investors to claim a deduction related to the building and plant and equipment items contained within it. It can be claimed by any owner of an income-producing property.
The four houses would need to fetch close to $1 million to break even, given the $3.6 million initial purchase, plus other costs, but the television series is content to make its money from big advertising revenues.
This season of Channel 9’s The Block has rated well, with up to 1.9 million nightly viewers underpinned by about a third of its audience from Melbourne.
The next series of The Block seems set for South Melbourne, with the television show production company spending some $3,025,000 on four unrenovated terraces.
For possible rental yields of The Block cottages, see our <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/friday-form-guide-yields-of-up-to-7.5-on-the-block/2011081851199?source=flicker1" title="Friday Form Guide" target="_blank">Friday Form Guide.</a>
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Investors tipped to appreciate The Block's depreciation

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Paper-based property transactions, including bank cheques, title transfer and mortgage-related documentation, are set to become a thing of the past, with a single national electronic conveyancing system now scheduled for late 2012.
The first property e-conveyancing transactions are set from early 2013. Legislation will need to be passed by each state government before the e-conveyancing platform can be implemented, along with a reliable and trusted structure for digital signatures.
It follows a decision to abandon Victoria's stand-alone pioneering e-conveyancing system, Electronic Conveyancing Victoria, which was announced earlier this week as part of a series of deals leading to the rollout of PEXA or Property Exchange Australia. Despite a decade of endeavours there had been no agreement on a single national system with instead parallel work has been going on in a number of states.
Set to cut the cost of buying a home by between $120 and $130, the national system is expected to begin operating late next year.
It is intended to deliver annual efficiency gains of $240 million.
National E-Conveyancing Development Ltd (NECDL), a company backed by most states and the big banks, will own the national network. NECDL has signed a master agreement with Accenture to design and build the national e-conveyancing platform for Australia.
In return for giving up the intellectual property in ECV, Victoria is understood to have emerged with a dominant 33.7% stake in NECDL.
The delivery of a national e-conveyancing platform forms part of the Council of Australian Governments’ micro-economic reform agenda and is one of the deregulation priorities under the National Partnership Agreement to Deliver a Seamless National Economy.
Australian Bankers’ Association chief executive Steven Münchenberg says a national e-conveyancing system will mean major efficiency gains for the banking sector.
“The ABA has supported this initiative because on delivery there will be many benefits such as faster and more efficient processes, elimination of bank cheques for property transactions, easier co-ordination of settlements and greater certainty for all involved.”
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Conveyancing to become paperless late next year

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The property advertising website operator REA Group posted a 33% rise in net profit to $67.5 million for the year to June 30, saying the result is due to growth in core areas of operations.
Its revenue was up 23% at $238 million compared with the previous corresponding 12 months, with $213 million being drawn from its Australian realestate.com.au clients. Its net profit from continuing operations went up 37% to $67 million.
It noted that its market share of Australia remained flat, with 9,536 paying estate agents.
However, REA’s monthly average revenue per agent was up 15% from $1,267 in June 2010 to $1,456 in June 2011  due to take-up of its new range of depth products.
The web traffic across all Australian sites increased to 9.2 million unique browsers in May 2011, up from 6.7 million in May 2010, based on Nielsen data.
The company operates 13 websites in countries including Italy, France and Hong Kong.
REA Group shares were up 13¢ to $11.77 yesterday.
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Realestate.com.au's REA profits up 33%

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august19canterbury]}
30 Mangarra Road, Canterbury, VIC, 3126
No question markers over locale – fringe Canterbury Golden Mile. I find these type of homes a trifle soulless, but that is a personal thing - however as things go this is one of the better versions of the modern reproduction home.
Good proportions and well positioned, with formal to front and casual living areas to rear. I like the fact you can enter the home from the garage place to drop off junk, or it could serve as a home office. Garage tight at six metres without being small.
For the size of the home no backyard may be an issue, but the courtyard it does have is well positioned to the kitchen and both entertaining areas – ideal for parties and as well brings in light. Of course you also don't need to mow.
Parquetry flooring at the rear seems as solid as I have seen and works well – the kitchen is high quality but uninspiring and the laundry to the side works well for a modern multitasking home husband or wife. Upstairs via a sweeping quality staircase leads you to a master and ensuite not lacking in size and three other good-sized bedrooms, one with ensuite and the other two sharing the third bathroom plus a good-sized nook for children to gather in. No negatives here on this level.
Overall this home is a lot better than the first impressions I got from the street for what it is – it's an above-average home built to be loved.
– Mal James
Quite a good builder-spec home thathas a functional floor plan and will be fine for those who do not need a large, lawned backyard space and/or a bedroom downstairs.
Mangarra can carry cut-through traffic around school pick-up times (from Canterbury Girls, Camberwell Grammar) and being a little on the narrow side and near the bend is not ideal – that said, this is special part of Canterbury. The quality of the build here is good and this home has been quite well maintained – the outlook/privacy from the ensuite is special and north-facing glass plentiful.
– Adam Woledge
James Buyer Advocates gives this property a rating of 735 out of 1,000, which puts it in the Well Above Average category. It will be auctioned by <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/index.cfm?pageCall=property&amp;propertyID=1808229&amp;rssLink=true" title="Marshall White" target="_blank">Marshall White</a> agent James Tostevin on Saturday, August 20 at 12.30pm. Tostevin has price hopes of $2.8 million plus for the property.
Adam Woledge is a registered architect and principal buyer advocate at <a target="_blank" title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.james.net.au/">James Buyer Advocates</a>. Mal James is principal buyer advocate at James Buyer Advocates, which includes home ratings, market news and buying advice on its website.
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maljames-vHwm28JUAa

Home to be loved in Canterbury's Golden Mile

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This week's Friday Form Guide looks at the four Richmond cottages featured on Channel 9 hit The Block and what they might net for investors. 
37 Cameron Street, <a target="_blank" title="Richmond" href="/news">Richmond</a>, VIC, 3121
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/august19block37]}
The only double-fronted cottage on The Block, the property at 37 Cameron Street has higher price hopes - and higher expected rents - than the other three. Like the other three properties, Josh and Jenna's offering has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and listing agent Ruth Roberts of <a target="_blank" title="Woodards" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/cgi-bin/view.pl?OID=2961137&amp;s=510577217&amp;Sub=RICHMOND&amp;BeL=0&amp;BeH=9999&amp;PrL=0&amp;PrH=999999&amp;Surr=&amp;IKW=&amp;PT=hou&amp;PT=uni&amp;PT=stu&amp;PT=lan&amp;PT=dev&amp;PT=tow&amp;PT=inv&amp;PT=sem&amp;PT=pen&amp;PT=vil&amp;PTr=&amp;CS=&amp;OrderBy=listed&amp;OrderStr=&amp;Con=S&amp;SearchPage=&amp;Bkmk=_&amp;OFI=&amp;OFIDays=&amp;ListedDays=&amp;BS=10&amp;Thu=&amp;Qui=n&amp;tp=2sale">Woodards</a> says the property could be expected to fetch between $1,200 and $1,300 per week in rent and has price hopes of $900,000 to $990,000. If the property sells at $900,000 and is rented at $1,300 per week, that would net an investor yiels of 7.5%, far higher than the<a target="_blank" title="Richmond" href="/news"> indicative gross rental yield for Richmond of 3.5%</a>, according to RP Data.  All four properties go to auction on Saturday, August 20 at Fitzroy Town Hall. For the depreciation of The Block cottages, click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/renovating/investors-tipped-to-appreciate-the-block-s-depreciation/2011081951226" title="The Block depreciation" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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39 Cameron Street, <a target="_blank" title="Richmond" href="/news">Richmond</a>, VIC, 3121
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Listing agent Russell Cambridge of <a target="_blank" title="Biggin Scott" href="https://www.bigginscott.com.au/property.cfm?propertyID=1806170">Biggin Scott</a> says 39 Cameron Street has the lowest reserve price out of the four properties on The Block and thus will be the best bet for investors. He is quoting $800,000 to $880,000 (and says the reserve is within that range) for the property, renovated by Polly and Waz, which he expects to fetch rents of between $700 and $750 a week. If it sells for $800,000 and rents for $750 a week, that would net the landlord yields of 4.9%. Cambridge says he expects it to go for the lowest price, but it is comparable to the other three. Although some buyers have been put off by perceived interest in the reality show property, Cambridge says he has had serious interest from only two or three potential buyers.   
 
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41 Cameron Street, <a target="_blank" title="Richmond" href="/news">Richmond</a>, VIC, 3121
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<a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/" title="Hocking Stuart" target="_blank">Hocking Stuart</a> listing agent Jodie McCarthy is the only one of the four agents Property Observer spoke with who quoted an estimated rent for an unfurnished property. McCarthy estimates that the property at 41 Cameron Street, renovated by Katrina and Amie, would garner between $660 and $700 a week in rent.McCarthy says she has price hopes of between $800,000 and $900,000. If it sells for $800,000 and is rented out at $700 per week that would net an investor a yield of 4.6%, far higher than the Richmond average rental yield for a house of 3.3%.
 
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43 Cameron Street, Richmond, VIC, 3121
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Clayton Smith of <a href="https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/property/RICHMOND-43-Cameron-Street/2954363/" title="Jellis Craig" target="_blank">Jellis Craig </a>has the highest rental estimate of the single-fronted cottages, at $750 to $800 per week. His price hopes for the property are $800,000 to $900,000, but Smith says he is feeling that Rod and Tania's property will fetch a price "at the upper end of that range". If the property sells for $800,000 and rents at $800 per week, that would equate to a yield of 5.2%. If it sells at $900,000 and rents for $750, that would net an investor a yield of 4.23%, higher than the gross indicative yield for Richmond of 3.3%, according to RP Data. 
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