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]

Joel Robinson

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

IN BRIEF

<ul>
	<li>
	Just three double-storey Sky Homes sit at the top of The Waterline, each with its own private marina berth and rooftop terrace.
	</li>
	<li>
	Construction on The Waterline is complete, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.
	</li>
	<li>
	Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and are priced from $3.65 million.
	</li>
</ul>

<hr />
Lewis Land has opened the first completed sky home for inspection at Harbour Shores, giving buyers their first opportunity to step inside one of just three double-storey residences crowning The Waterline.

Each sky home comes with its own private marina berth, rooftop terrace and Broadwater views, combining the scale of a larger home with direct access to the boating lifestyle that underpins the wider <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366708]

Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the inclusion of a berth with every Sky Home had become increasingly valuable as marina access across the Gold Coast tightened.

“Marina berths are becoming increasingly difficult to secure across the Gold Coast, so including one with every Sky Home makes this a genuinely rare offering,” Long said.

“The private 70-berth marina will accommodate boats up to 12 metres in length and is positioned just 2.5 kilometres from the Broadwater, placing the open ocean only 15 minutes away.

“Being able to step out of your home onto your boat is a rare luxury, and it’s something residents here can look forward to when it opens later this year.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113271 project_image_fid=366709]

The display opening comes as construction completes on The Waterline, with the first residents expected to move in from mid-October.

The three Sky Homes range from 282 sqm to 367 sqm and each feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive kitchens with butler's pantries and large balconies taking in the Broadwater outlook.

Each residence also has three secure basement car spaces and additional storage.

“This is the first opportunity the Gold Coast has had to step into Harbour Shores and see, touch and feel what we’re bringing to life here,” Long said.

“There are only three Sky Homes within The Waterline, ranging in size from 282sqm to 367sqm, with each residence featuring three large bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living zones, expansive custom-built kitchens with butler’s pantry, and large balconies capturing Broadwater views.”

<img alt="Harbour Shores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bab65e10-4fab-45e1-92d8-fc56e2ab98ff" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%202.00.16%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=XT8q76LsPkw3cYTsvN3JfFDaPLud90PN" />

Residents of The Waterline will have access to a private pool, along with Harbour Shores' wider collection of amenity including a lagoon pool, social clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga facilities and sauna.

Lewis Land partnered with Studio Collective to furnish the completed display, with the interiors designed to demonstrate how the residences could function as permanent homes rather than simply as show apartments.

Studio Collective Director Melissa Park said the surrounding waterways informed the interiors, but in a more restrained way than a traditional coastal scheme.

“We drew inspiration from the canals and coastal surrounds, but our approach was to interpret that subtly through layered materials and a grounded palette of earthy tones, rather than literal coastal references,” Park said.

“We introduced hero moments of green and teal to reference the surrounding waterways, while mirrored elements help reflect natural light.

“The result is a residence that feels elevated yet comfortable, somewhere buyers can genuinely imagine themselves living, entertaining and unwinding.”

Sky Homes are priced from $3.65 million.

Lewis Land is also offering private marina berths with The Residences, its limited collection of three and four-bedroom villas positioned directly along the Harbour Shores waterfront boardwalk.

Three-bedroom villas are priced from $2.99 million, while four-bedroom residences start from $3.19 million.

Harbour Shores is being marketed by Colliers International.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land opens sky home display as The Waterline completes at Harbour Shores

St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia has filed plans for a major mixed-use housing precinct on the southern edge of the North Sydney CBD, adding another significant proposal to a pocket around North Sydn​ey Station that is quickly becoming one of the LGA's busiest development zones.

The State Significant Development Application covers a 5,990 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1-19-mackenzie-street-lavender-bay-nsw-2060">1-19 MacKenzie Street and 211 Blues Point Road in Lavender Bay</a>, immediately south of Nor​th Sydney Station and between the commercial core and the lower-rise Lavender Bay Heritage Conservation Area.

Designed by Wardle, the proposal would deliver a new residential tower comprising 88 build-to-sell apartments and 19 affordable apartments, alongside a separate co-living building with 57 rooms and a building manager's studio.

It would also see the significant restoration and upgrade of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the adaptive reuse of the former school building, new parish facilities, retail, a new public square and around 1,000 sqm of publicly accessible open space.

<img alt="Vinnies North Sydney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d5dd7f87-a617-463e-b577-17541e01f0e9" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.13%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4R8TsFN3P_LrrXO2HswTOIrx2blil8lh" />

The project is seeking a concurrent rezoning of the site to R4 High Density Residential and an increase in the maximum building height to allow a tower reaching RL120, or up to 20 storeys. The proposal was progressed through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

The build-to-sell component will be weighted toward larger apartments, with just six one-bedroom apartments compared with 31 two-beds, 43 three-beds and eight four-bedroom residences.

The 19 affordable apartments will comprise two studios, 15 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, taking the total apartment component to 107 residences before the 58 co-living rooms are included.

<img alt="Vnnies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d568ca5-cb90-4e18-96c6-d9795dba0c56" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.10.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GY2R5M9VtQh0EKy1vajaea19PSLOPuRD" />

Wardle's design for the Vinnies site has sought to negotiate that emerging high-rise context while retaining the lower-scale character of MacKenzie Street and the adjoining heritage conservation area.

The main building adopts a three-storey podium and tower arrangement, with the podium aligned to the ridgeline and front setback of St Francis Xavier Church.&nbsp;Wardle has designed the podium with colonnades, seating, recessed entries and active ground-floor frontages, with sandstone-toned precast concrete and face brick referencing the materiality of the existing church.

The tower then steps back eight metres to the south and six metres to the north before rising in a sculpted form comprising four interlocking quadrants. Wardle has also introduced rounded forms and chamfered corners to reduce the tower's perceived bulk and improve view sharing with neighbouring development sites.

Resident facilities and outdoor areas are planned at the separation between the podium and tower at Level 3, oriented toward Sydney Harbour and the CBD skyline.

The tower itself will feature a glass reinforced concrete facade, with recessed balconies and deep reveals used both to provide shading and privacy and frame views toward the harbour and city. The lower levels take a different architectural approach, using brick and sandstone-toned finishes intended to establish a stronger relationship with St Francis Xavier Church. The Church itself will be conserved and upgraded for its continued use, while the former school building will be adaptively reused as part of the co-living component.

<img alt="Lavendar Bay" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d4418ad-90aa-4d49-af93-c80b140aea80" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-26%20at%209.09.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Kv4gzbsACaGvZSRuaqcfGC54jEJRXIDJ" />

&nbsp;

The proposal adds to an increasingly concentrated pipeline of residential development around Blue Street, MacKenzie Street and Lavender Bay.

Just west of the site, Central Element lodged plans earlier this year for one of the most significant residential developments proposed in Lavender Bay in recent years.

Central Element's SJB-designed scheme at 64-66 Lavender Street and 3-7 Middlemiss Street would deliver 163 apartments across two towers rising 23 and 32 storeys, replacing five existing apartment buildings containing 32 homes. The project also forms part of the Housing Delivery Authority pathway.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-central-element-reveals-lavender-bay-apartment-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">First look: Central Element reveals Lavender Bay apartment plans</a>

Immediately around North Sy​dney Station, another two significant proposals have emerged at 5 and 15 Blue Street.

Zurich Australian Insurance Properties is seeking to adaptively reuse its longstanding commercial building at 5 Blue Street, directly above North Sydney Station, rather than demolishing the structure.

Its SSDA proposes converting the building into a 14-storey mixed-use development with 62 apartments and 86 co-living rooms, together with ground-floor retail and a major refurbishment of Blue Street Plaza. The application is currently at the Response to Submissions stage.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-zurich-targets-north-sydney-office-conversion-with-148-unit-proposal-above-metro-station">First look: Zurich targets North Sydney office conversion with 148-unit proposal above Metro station</a>

&nbsp;

First look: Vinnies files for 20-storey Lavender Bay apartment tower as North Sydney housing pocket heats up

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

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

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The Charter Hall group will continue to manage the Charter Hall Office A-REIT following unit holders voting overwhelmingly against a resolution for a management takeover by a consortium of hedge funds.
A tally of both proxy and in-person votes at an extraordinary meeting in Sydney show 68% (270 million votes) against the resolution and 32% (128 million votes) in favour.
The meeting was held at the Grand Ballroom, Sheraton on the Park on Elizabeth Street.
Mark Wist, senior asset consultant at Atchison Consultants, says the vote could be seen as a “barometer for sentiment in the A-REIT space” indicating little appetite for change.
Given the strong majority vote achieved in support of Charter Hall management, it may discourage other organisations from undertaking something similar.
Wist says it is his understanding that there are other hedge funds on A-REIT registers with the firepower to repeat the failed process undertaken by Orange Capital.
Hedge fund Orange Capital had proposing a resolution that Moss Capital Funds Management replace the existing Charter Hall management team as the responsible entity of the listed trust.
Orange leads a consortium of hedge funds that collectively hold 20% of shares in the A-REIT.
Before the meeting Charter Hall board had written to its unit holders urging them to vote against the resolution.
It rejected an assertion by Orange Capital that the board of Charter Hall Office management has an inherent conflict of interest and is incentivised to favour the interests of Charter Hall and not make decisions that are in the best interests of unit holders.
The hedge funds are seeking a management takeover so they can sell off the assets held by the fund and cash in on their investment.
In a letter to unit holders, Roger Davis, chairman of Charter Hall Office REIT, says the current management strategy is to “drive earnings growth and reduce the discount between the trusts stated net tangible asset backing and the trading price of its units”.
A vote against the resolution is unlikely to deter the hedge funds, with the AFR reporting that they may shop out their 20% stake to a hostile investor.
Orange Capital has been calling for a management change since the start of the year.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Charter Hall defeats management takeover challenge

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The simmering five-year war of words between property analyst Louis Christopher and Real Estate Institute of Victoria boss Enzo Raimondo has flared again. The dispute centres on the reliability of home sales data and who controls their publication.
And The Age newspaper sits in the middle of the barney yet again.
"What is happening to real estate information in Victoria is a disgrace,” Christopher says in his latest SQM newsletter.
“The Melbourne auction clearance rates that are currently being published by the REIV are inaccurate and misleading.
“These clearance rates are providing a deceptive representation that auctions are a successful way for vendors to sell real estate. The reality is they are not nearly as successful as what is purported.”
He was responding to Raimondo who noted on the institute’s website on July 21 that for the previous two Sundays, The Age had published articles questioning the REIV’s collection and reporting of auction and private sales results.
Raimondo noted that “to support one article, Sydney-based researcher Louis Christopher was quoted as saying the clearance rate is inaccurate and misleading. Mr Christopher is a past employee of the Fairfax-owned data company Australian Property Monitors (APM) who left that company’s employ under a cloud and has a history of disputing REIV research.”
That history dates back to 2006, when Christopher accused the REIV and “some of its inner circle of crooked agents” of “grossly unethical behaviour” when it came to auction result coverage.
Christopher accused the REIV of reducing the “level of bad news in the marketplace by controlling the information provided to the media” and making “a profit out of the data by reselling it back to real estate agents.”
An article written by Crikey in 2006, “<a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2006/09/11/has-fairfax-kicked-out-a-fearless-commentator-for-doing-his-job" title="Has Fairfax kicked out a fearless commentator?" target="_blank">Has Fairfax kicked out a fearless commentator for doing his job</a>?”, gives the details of the dispute.
Christopher, who was not to return to his Fairfax job after the attack, now owns and runs SQM, an independent property advisory and forecasting research company.
He now suggests that in 2006 senior Fairfax executives chose to ignore the mounting evidence against the REIV.
“I believe the reason why they did this was for the protection of The Age's real estate advertising revenues – by ensuring certain organisations such as the REIV that could threaten those revenues by wielding their influence over real estate agents were kept on the side.
“But that's just my insider's opinion,” he says.
Christopher notes that The Age is now allowing the poor auction results allegation to be repeatedly reported over recent weeks.
“I am not sure, other than I suspect that the REIV, through its portal realestateview.com, are increasingly seen as being on an opposing team to The Age,” he says.
“Importantly though, it should be noted that [Age journalist] Chris Vedelago is thankfully doing his job, and I also know that Chris is seriously and personally interested in exposing these serious issues surrounding auction reporting.
“I'd say this is also the case with his editor, and perhaps that is all there is to it.
“And whatever the motives may be right now, The Age should be commended for bringing this to the attention of the wider public.”
Christopher’s spray ended by debunking the suggestion that non-disclosure of real estate pricing was a right of the vendor due to privacy.
“This must be the most devious reason given for not forcibly retrieving results from the industry,” Christopher says.
“You see, auctions are a public event. That means that what has transpired at the auction is entirely open for the whole world to see. Not just those who attended the auction.
“The public are entitled to all market pricing information including sales prices.
“To not provide them with this information enables crooks to deceive both buyers and sellers on what is considered fair market value for a property,” he says.
“Unfortunately what Enzo Raimondo and his institute seem not to be able to comprehend is that if we have a transparent housing market with reliable information that is easily available to the public, that will actually breed confidence into the market.
“Both buyers and sellers will be more active in the market because transparent un-manipulated information is good for the whole industry.
“As opposed to now where hardly anyone knows what is going on in Victoria, opening up the channels for those with ulterior motives to take complete advantage of the information black out.
“I suspect that is what this battle that Chris Vedelago <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/victoria/agents-plot-to-seize-control-of-home-sales-data-20110723-1hub9" title="The Age" target="_blank">wrote about last week</a> is all about.
“The battle is for information- who controls it and at what price.
“Sadly, for the Victorian public and indeed real estate agents, the battle has been all but won by the REIV and it this has been the case for a while now."
REIV communications manager Robert Larocca says in response the institute has used the same transparent methodology to calculate the clearance rate for about seven years.
“Every home we report sold is indeed sold,” Larocca says.
“The clearance rate is an indication of the market and should be viewed by people in conjunction with the attendance at relevant local auctions to form a view of the market in the suburbs they are buying or selling in.
“Consumers and media can see that the REIV's auction statistics are the most comprehensive and timely available, for example, last weekend The Age reported that the REIV provided 421 auction results (now up to 486) whilst APM only had 227.
“The system provides a very clear indication of the state of the market as evidenced by the fact that over the past year or so the REIV has reported clearance rates in the 80s, 70s, 60s and now 50s,” Larocca notes.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Weakened auction results coverage becomes a war of words: SQM vs REIV

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The homestead block on the Lindsay Park property outside of Adelaide at Angaston, which was established as a Barossa Valley breeding farm by horse trainer Colin Hayes in 1965, has been withdrawn from sale.
But two farm or lifestyle lots have been listed for September 2 auction through Colliers International.
The 510-hectare property has now been divided into parcels, after it didn’t sell as a whole with an asking price of $14.5 million in late 2010.
When initially listed, it was suggested that given its international reputation, the property could attract racing players from Asia, the Middle East or the UK.
The main homestead, which will sit on about 200 hectares after the two neighbouring sales, has been estimated to be worth about $9 million.
David Hayes Racing general manager David Saegenschnitter says feedback during the expressions of interest campaign prompted the decision to split the property and put the pieces to September auction.
Colliers International agents Phil Schell and Jesse Manuel have the listing.
Lindsay Park was listed to allow Colin Hayes’s son David the opportunity to develop his Euroa, Victoria property and restructure his organisation.
The pared-down stud operation now known as Cornerstone Stud remains with Colin's grandson Sam Hayes, in the Barossa Valley neighbourhood.
Colin Hayes commenced his training career in 1947 in Adelaide and won his first Adelaide Trainers' Premiership in 1955-56 from his Surefoot Lodge stables at Semaphore in South Australia.
In 1965 the move to take horses away from the traditional training circuit of the city track was seen as visionary. In a 43-year career he trained 5,333 winners, including 524 Group or Listed winners.
His wins included two Melbourne Cups, four VRC Derbies, three Cox Plates, three Australian Cups, three Blue Diamonds, four Newmarket Handicaps, one Caulfield Cup, one Sydney Cup and the Golden Slipper Stakes.
Colin, who retired from training in 1990, died in 1999.
The Hayes family motto is :The future belongs to those who plan for it”.
"This is an opportunity for horse enthusiasts, lifestyle seekers, graziers and astute purchasers to own a piece of one of Australia's most prestigious country estates," Schell says.
Lindsay Park West with its renovated stone homestead is an 111-hectare holding with equine improvements. Lindsay Park East is an 161-hectare parcel of land with a cottage.
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Colin Hayes' SA equestrian property subdivided after failing to get past the post

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The second-night ratings of The Renovators won its time slot last night on Channel Ten with 978,000 viewers, picking up 100,000-plus viewers on its Sunday night debut.
It’s good news for Lachlan Murdoch, Ten's interim chief executive and his sister Elisabeth's production company Shine Limited – which is now owned  by Rupert Murdoch's News Limited – as anything too far below 1 million in the ratings would have been deemed a failure. The winner of Monday night was MasterChef with 1.67 million, followed by The Block on Channel 9 with a 1.48 million audience.
The Renovators is being produced by Shine Australia, which is also are responsible for the lucrative MasterChef franchise.
The genesis for The Renovators was a barbecue 18 months ago at the home of Ten's chief programming officer, David Mott, who was hosting Shine executives to toast the success of MasterChef. The idea was to cross MasterChef and Grand Designs. Channel Ten's six-nights-a-week reality show, is hosted by landscape architect Brendan Moar,<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/title-tattle-sussan-ceo-naomi-milgrom-spends-%246.2-million-to-buy-her-byron-bay-neighbour/2011070150674" title="Title Tattle" target="_blank"> who recently showed off his own style with an inner-city terrace sale</a>.
The judges include Peter Ho from Phooey Architects, who has appeared as a judge on The New Inventors, the builder Barry Du Bois, and Robyn Holt, who was the editor of Vogue Living for about a decade.
When applications closed last year about 12,000 had applied. The final 26 comprise real estate agents, interior designers, builders and tradesmen, and all need to have completed renovations to be considered.
The contestants will renovate six properties over the next three months.
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The Renovators rates better on second night, but The Block still has audience numbers nailed down

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/july25camelot]}
40 Martin Road, Centennial Park, NSW, 2021
Built in 1968 and designed by architect Nicholas Munster, this home shows off the Modernist design principles of a light-filled interior and cross-flow ventilation. At the time it was considered revolutionary, with curved walls and ceiling features, marble and terrazzo floors and an indoor tiled fish pond. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom house, called Camelot, is in one of Sydney's most tightly held areas, Centennial Park.  It includes a sauna and landscaped gardens and is being sold through <a href="https://www.kenjacobs.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Ken Jacobs">Ken Jacobs Christies</a> agent Ken Jacobs, with price hopes of $5.4 million. In October 2010 the property came on the market with price hopes of $6.5 million. 
 
 
{module 238}
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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Welcome to the '60s in Centennial Park

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A Chinese investor has spent about $2.7 million on the Hunter Valley vineyard Windsor’s Edge. The 48-hectare property sold through Cain Beckett at Jurd’s Real Estate. The buyers were keen to shore up supplies of wine for bottle shop or liquor distribution in China.
Windsor's Edge is a small family-operated resort with cellar door at Pokolbin in the centre of the Hunter Valley vineyards.
Windsor's Edge vineyard was planted in 1995 by Tim and Jessie Windsor with five acres of shiraz. It was followed by five acres of semillon and five acres of chardonnay in 1997.
Since then more plantings of shiraz and the rarer varieties of tinta cao and tempranillo have been planted.
The first grapes were produced in 1999. Tim Windsor, a graduate of Charles Sturt, and Jessie, an industrial chemist, recently won gold and silver medals for their Solera fortified wine.
The land is adjacent to the Vintage Resort golf development, on the corner of a major tourist route.
It has the main homestead and three cottages for hire.
Agents note the trend of Chinese vineyard buying has continued in recent times despite the currency exchange rate between the two countries not necessarily favouring the investment.
But the acquistions are typically at a 20% discount on their boom-time asking price.
China is Australia's largest export market for wine over $10 a litre.
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Hunter Valley vineyard bought by Chinese investor

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/july24sandybay]}
354 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay, Tasmania, 7005
With 1900s charm and an absolute waterfront location, this house is in one of Hobart's most prestigious suburbs. With four bedrooms and two bathrooms, there is plenty of space to spread out, and the harbour is right on the doorstep. It is being sold by<a target="_blank" title="Corkhill and Associates" href="https://www.corkhill.com.au/pol/property/search.asp?f_PropertyID=1646815&amp;xsl=4737&amp;f_st=1"> Corkhill and Associates</a> agent Pam Corkhill with price expectations of $2.25 million plus. 
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On the waterfront in Sandy Bay

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/july21dampier]}
9 Dampier Crescent, Forrest, ACT, 2603
A builder's own home, this four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is cleverly designed and has top-of-the-range fittings and fixtures. It includes a wine cellar and a heated indoor swimming pool with retractable roof. Two separate self-contained guest quarters comprise one bedroom and living area each. The property is within reach of Canberra's prestigious schools, and the Parliamentary Triangle is nearby. It is being sold by <a href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/HJWFMF" title="LJ Hooker Manuka" target="_blank">LJ Hooker Manuka</a> agent Stephen Thompson with price hopes of $2.95 million. 
 
{module 238}
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Resort-style living in Forrest

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<img src="/images/stories/janetabronte.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">John O'Sullivan, the head of investment banking at Credit Suisse, and his estranged wife, the Australian newspaper columnist Janet Albrechtsen, have spent $5,125,000 on a four-bedroom Bronte semi (pictured above). It was bought several days after its recent auction through the Shabat development group, which had Brian Meyerson undertake the design. With panoramic ocean and beach views, it comes with rear pool. It had been initially listed in May 2010, but without success.
<img src="/images/stories/garage1.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">The new neighbouring semi remains listed at $5 million plus after its June auction through Elliott Placks and Michael Krimotat at Ray White Double Bay, in conjunction with Barry and Mark Goldman at Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay. The former power couple have lived at Bronte – slightly lower on the hill closer to the retail strip – since paying $207,500 in 1985. They’ve watched some 1,200 of their 1,500 neighbours come and go over the ensuing 26 years. No sign yet of any listing of the matrimonial house, and O'Sullivan's abode, which Title Tattle presumes won't be listed, and certainly not before the graffiti removalists are sighted repainting the garage (pictured at left).
<img src="/images/stories/keposstredfern2.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Peter Everett, who was the ebullient host of Ready Steady Cook, the Channel Ten afternoon cooking show, has listed his East Redfern residence (pictured above). The Kepos Street terrace comes with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. More than $1.6 million is tipped, given the house underwent a substantial renovation in 2008.
It has been listed for forthcoming auction through Pauline Goodyer and Brighid Fitzsimons at GoodyerDonnelley. The stately Victorian terrace retains its original façade, but the interior of the house has been completely rebuilt by a master builder. Everett has been responsible for its interior décor (pictured below).
<img src="/images/stories/keposstredfern.jpg">
The house is set on a deep dual access block with rear off-street parking. The three-level residence is perfect for entertaining and family living with a double living room and open-plan kitchen that flows into a large dining zone with french doors opening to a courtyard garden.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">Offers close today on the East Circular Quay penthouse being sold by the founder and owner of BB Retail Capital Brett Blundy and his wife, Vanessa. Its McGrath agent Hamish Robertson has been seeking more than $13 million. The Blundys have lived in the two-level Bennelong apartment since buying it in July 2007 for $12 million from businessman Warren Johns and his wife, Joan, who now live at Pyrmont in a Sydney Wharf apartment.
The interiors of the Blundy apartment were refurbished by designers Hare + Klein in 2008. It comes with more than 600 square metres of entertainment areas with views of Circular Quay, the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Botanic Gardens. The Blundys are off to Vaucluse, where they have spent about $25 million consolidating two adjacent properties, one with a frontage to Kutti beach. It’s a Ken Woolley-designed house built for the media entrepreneur Michael Willesee in the early 1990s.
The adjoining non-harbourfront property was bought for $7.95 million from the entrepreneur Howard Woolcott. It was first listed in 2008 at $12 million. The five-bedroom Ergo Achitecture-designed house was built after the block was bought for $4 million in 2003 by Woolcott and his wife, Susan. Woolcott is known for his work at the property spruiking firm Property Fox, and before that he was with the merchant bank Ansbacher &amp; Co in London.
<img src="/images/stories/coralcrescentbrettblundy.jpg">
Blundy, the bulky-goods entrepreneur, is still trying to sell his redundant Pearl Beach weekender (pictured above). The NSW central coast beachfront has now been advertised through Stuart Gan of PRDnationwide Ettalong Beach with $3 million hopes. The Coral Crescent house last sold for $3.8 million in 2007. It is redundant to the Blundys’ needs, as they spent $5.8 million to upgrade to another beachfront property six doors away.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
<img src="/images/stories/victoriast.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">New Zealanders Tim Wood and his wife, Sasha, have yet to sell Dalrye (pictured above), their Victorian mansion in Waverley, NSW, after it was withdrawn from auction last weekend through McGrath agent Bethwyn Richards. It was only last year that the couple were living in France when they spotted the Victoria Street property on the internet. The grand 1890 Italianate residence was bought sight unseen for $4.76 million after bidding by telephone from France. Since the couple bought the 679-square-metre property, they have renovated the residence, but recently decided to move to Udaipur in Rajasthan, northern India, where they intend to build a lakeside eco-resort.
Tim and his brother, Nick Wood, are co-founders of the pioneering internet service provider ihug, which was New Zealand's third-largest internet service provider before the company was bought and then absorbed by Vodafone New Zealand. The sons of an Air New Zealand pilot and a real estate agent, the Wood brothers started ihug with an $8000 loan from their father.
The underbidders at Dalrye’s 2010 auction have since bought on Tipper Avenue, Bronte for $4,925,000, so they weren’t around this time. Dalyre had previously sold in 1991 for $900,000, after its renovation by merchant banker Mark Burrows. The record Waverley record subsequently hit $6.3 million last September when the architect Michael Suttor and his wife, Georgie, sold their 1890s abode through Bradfield &amp; Prichard Double Bay agent Georgia Cleary to the Thompson family. It had previously traded as a derelict boarding house for $500,000 in 1987.
<img src="/images/stories/crownroad.jpg">
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">It hasn’t taken long for the latest raft of real estate reality television show contestants to cash in on their fleeting fame. The Pymble mother of three Jodie Bursill – a contestant on the new Jamie Durie renovation show Top Design – and husband Andrew have listed their Pymble, NSW, residence (pictured above) for sale. The Bursill family’s five-bedroom renovated 1950s Crown Road property is on the market with $2 million hopes through McGrath agent Carol McCrea. It cost $475,000 in 1998.
The former neo-natal nurse moved to the North Shore with Andrew when she was pregnant with their first child, Maddie, now 12. She launched her business, ColourMore Interiors, five years ago. Out of 3,500 applicants, Bursill was whittled down to one of 10 contestants on the Channel 9 show, where the contestants are given rooms to make liveable from shipping containers to caravans.
<img src="/images/stories/dalkeithblock.jpg">
<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 that rumoured $7.85 million Dalkeith, WA, riverfront block (pictured above) has now been registered. It did sell to a neighbour – none other than mining billionaire Gina Rinehart. It last sold at $4.5 million in 2006 and $3.5 million in 2004. It takes her holding from 9,350 square metres to 10,950 square metres. Given the price she paid per square metre, it takes the land value of her compound to $53 million. That's almost the same as the $57.5 million price that Angela Bennett, that other mining heiress, got in 2009 for her compound at Mosman Park when Willie Porteous of William Porteous Properties International smashed the Australian sales record for the 7,567-square-metre Swan River estate.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 5px;">And don’t say that Title Tattle told you, but that Gold Coast real estate agency that used a sexy stripping model to market a prestigious property last year is back seeking viral headlines using a gangster.
The latest video ad from Neo Property Surfers Paradise shows the Gold Coast as a gangster's paradise. A mob boss character with busty women draped across his arm is shown around a Paradise Point luxury home by a dwarf. Little wonder the ads haven't gone down well with the REIQ or other agents. And more to the point, the initial marketing ploy hasn't paid, off as the 600,000 You Tube viewings haven’t elicited a single buyer. And for the Gold Coast to be depicted as a gangster's paradise won't do much for the latest listing. It's a little too close to reality.
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Australian columnist Janet Albrechtsen downsizes to $5 million Bronte semi: Title Tattle 

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Bids to buy Australia's biggest irrigator, the sprawling Cubbie Station, reportedly closed this week.
The bidders have been tipped to include PrimeAg, which reportedly wants to take advantage of weak prices for more than $1 billion of irrigated cotton properties currently on the market.
The Australian Financial Review has reported these include Cubbie Station near Dirranbandi, Queensland, although disruptions to PrimeAg's capital raising may have upset its bid plans.
The potential foreign buyers are likely to include Hong Kong-linked Eastern Australia Agriculture, which has already snapped up a string of properties in the cotton-growing district of St George, on the Queensland-NSW border.
The Cayman Islands-based company is backed by Hong Kong-based Pacific Alliance Group, as well as British investors.
Chinese interest including the ­textile producer Shandong YuYi Huagong and private equity firm Olympus Capital Holdings Asia have been looking at large-scale mixed farming assets in Australia.
Hedge funds based in Hong Kong are also among the mooted interested parties.
The Australian newspaper has speculated the vast Cubbie cotton station in southwest Queensland is being eyed by Middle Eastern buyers.
Foreign purchases of more than $231 million will require FIRB approval.
McGrath Nicol are the receivers of Cubbie Station, which went into voluntary administration during the 2009 drought with debts of more than $320 million.
A McGrath Nicol spokesperson would not confirm that bidding had been closed, only saying that receivers had hopes for a sale this year.
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