South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Joel Robinson

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

One of the penthouses at Lily Lane, the latest stage of Carrington Place by Ellipse Property, has set a new local apartment price record.

The four-bedroom residence, purchased by a local downsizer, sold for $5.75 million—around 75 per cent higher than the previous record of $3.3 million.

Over 40 per cent of the first release of apartments at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> have already been snapped up just six weeks since it launched to the market.

&nbsp;

Located at 32 Carrington Road, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> and designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane is directly opposite the Hills Showground Metro station. It offers a total 213 units over two 12-storey towers - a mix of 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments - with a ground-floor retail offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368352]

Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says around 44 per cent of buyers are&nbsp;owner occupiers, with 35 per cent being investors and 21 per cent first homebuyers.

“Developments of this calibre are very rare in the Hills District, and Lily Lane’s sales success demonstrates the depth of demand for over-sized apartments that genuinely compete with freestanding homes," Schulze says.

"We are seeing particular demand from downsizers who want to remain in the area but transition into spacious, high-quality apartment living."

On the penthouse sale, it says it shows buyers&nbsp;are prepared to pay a premium for scale, quality, and direct access to the Metro.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368351]

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $745,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $990,000 with sizes from 75 to 132 square metres. Three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm,, with prices starting at $1,395,000.&nbsp;

The three remaining penthouses, spanning up to 262 sqm, are priced from $2.9 million.

Over 75 per cent of apartments include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries. Apartments are appointed with premium Miele appliances including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers, while larger residences also incorporate integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages, with completion expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 sq, of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Ellipse sets Castle Hill apartment record with $5.75 million Lily Lane penthouse sale

Fresh off completing its Delano Crows Nest development, Lindsay Bennelong has lodged plans for its next project, this time turning its attention back to the beach.

The developer, started 20 years ago by Clarendon Homes founder Peter Campbell, is proposing a 37-apartment scheme at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-25-ashburner-street-manly-nsw-2095">17-25 Ashburner Street</a>, Manly, positioned between the southern end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/manly-nsw-2095">Manly</a> Beach and East Manly Cove.

Lindsay Bennelong called on local architecture firm Platform Architects to design the new building, given their success at Finn, Lindsay Bennelong's current luxury apartment project on North Steyne.&nbsp;

According to the Design Verification Statement by Bridie Gough of Platform Architects, the proposal “relates to the current context but also the desired future character of taller buildings suitable to the new planning controls.”

The site has been identified as a Low to Mid-Rise Housing (LMR) location, given its position within 400 metres of the Manly Town Centre E1 Business Zone. The LMR controls are intended to unlock additional housing supply in well-located areas close to public transport, allowing developers to seek increased height limits to support greater density.

“The proposal seeks to provide this increased level of housing whilst being respectful of some of the smaller scale buildings also nearby,” the statement reads.

Lindsay Bennelong Development Director Leigh Manser said the project has been carefully aligned with the intent of the LMR controls. The proposal will significantly increase housing yield on the site, replacing four houses and 10 apartments, comprising 25 bedrooms, with 37 new apartments delivering a total of 94 bedrooms, whilst remaining compliant with the LMR controls.

“Sydney is in a severe undersupply, and delivering more dwellings and more bedrooms than what currently exists is exactly what the LMR policy is designed to activate,” Manser said, noting that nine of the apartments will be allocated as affordable housing for frontline workers.

“We have already commenced discussions with our community housing provider to determine the rental levels that frontline workers can realistically afford in this location,” he said. “These will need to sit well below the standard affordable housing benchmark of 20 per cent below market rent, and that has been factored into our feasibility and pricing.”

<img alt="Manly" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad03000f-19f9-48b4-b27d-e85ca800a1da" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%208.41.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=a.txHwCZgbCInlQ6QXbIrI.umvW1T.r8" />

The design of the building incorporates a wave-like indentation running through the façade, referencing the nearby coastline and anchoring the building within its local context.

The&nbsp;Design Verification Statement says careful consideration has been given to the articulation of the building, ensuring the bulk is broken down to a more human scale through a defined four-storey podium."

The scheme includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a full-time building manager's office and wellness facilities including a sauna and a gym.

“The design ensures a high level of amenity, with apartments offering generous private open space, many with expansive views, and all with comfortable proportions."

<img alt="Bennelong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a7f2812-72a1-4959-84b0-997e8cd88aed" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2010.15.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=6iMxU3MkXmHVHAoNhYBjnqgka8CUZNbk" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lindsay-bennelong-developments">Lindsay Bennelong</a>&nbsp;is currently developing Finn Manly, just four full-floor luxury apartments on North Steyne. They recently welcomed residents to its 81-unit Delano Crows Nest development, a&nbsp;carefully scaled infill project designed to bridge&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a>’s lively village centre with its surrounding heritage streets.

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ajc-architects">AJC Architects</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/delano-crows-nest-27-57-falcon-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Delano</a>&nbsp;is arranged across three low-rise buildings, incorporating a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments alongside a limited number of townhomes addressing Hayberry Lane. The architectural approach drew on the area’s Art Deco lineage, reinterpreted through contemporary detailing and framed by landscaped communal gardens.

The developer also has a development site in Maroubra.

First look: Lindsay Bennelong's new Manly apartment development revealed

Fifty-nine residences across 37 levels. No more than two per floor. With 80 per cent now sold, what remains at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/madeline-by-mosaic-broadbeach-22-mary-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">Madeline by Mosaic</a> is a short list.

Madeline was always conceived at a scale that sits outside the normal register of Gold Coast apartment living. The residences are half- and full-floor configurations, with the largest spanning more than 400 sqm, dimensions that place them closer to the penthouse end of the market regardless of where they sit in the building.

That scale is the organising principle of everything else: how the floorplans are laid out, how the materials read, how the connection between inside and outside works.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355941]

The interiors were developed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a>, the architecture practice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a> brought in as design partner for the first time on this project. The palette runs to natural stone, textured timbers, and soft metallics, materials chosen as much for their tactile quality as their appearance.

Light cleverly shifts across surfaces through the day, and the design is explicit about wanting that to be noticed. Full-height glazing runs across the primary living areas, and where the building faces east toward the ocean, those walls of glass are doing real work: framing a view corridor that the site's position directly opposite Broadbeach State School's playing fields keeps permanently open.

That outlook is the site's most consequential asset. In a suburb where new towers continue to rise, a protected view line is genuinely rare, and the Mary Avenue address secures it. Residents at Madeline will look out over open parkland rather than the rear of another building, a distinction that becomes more meaningful with each new development approved nearby.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=355939]

The private outdoor spaces are sized to match the residences themselves. Terraces on the upper levels frame uninterrupted ocean panoramas, and the planning ensures that living areas extend into those outdoor zones rather than treating them as separate attachments. The flow between the two is part of the design intent, not an afterthought.

Inside, the finish specification reflects the same approach. Rich stone benchtops, warm timber joinery, bespoke hardware, each element specified to hold up over time rather than read as a moment in a particular trend cycle.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150135 project_image_fid=3409]

Beyond the residences, the amenity offering extends that register. A lap pool and sun deck anchor the outdoor space, alongside a magnesium pool, cold plunge, steam room, and sauna.

A commercial-grade gymnasium, residents' lounge, library, and boardroom round out a programme that functions more like a private members club than a standard building amenity floor.

Construction has commenced under Mosaic's in-house building arm, with completion scheduled for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150135]

Madeline by Mosaic delivers penthouse-level living across every apartment

Developer Fortezza Group is the latest to take its new apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-belvedere-5-7-church-street-nelson-bay-nsw-2315">The Belvedere in Nelson Bay</a>, to the NSW Government.

Fortezza, predominantly a South East Queensland developer, is the latest to apply for State Significant Development&nbsp; status through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority, a pathway becoming favoured by developers to speed up the approval process.

They are planning 57 two- and three-bedroom apartments across 5-7 Church Street and 42 Donald Street, near d'Albora Nelson Bay Marina. The diverse apartment mix has sizes from just over 80 sqm to the largest three-bedroom penthouses that reach nearly 200 sqm.

<img alt="Fortezza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="090360e1-66d7-43ad-b686-aba81f173bf2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2010.22.40%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=DMqF96eBZolqSAAAcugX0l66ueWng66m" />

Fortezza calls the project a "piece of Istria in Nelson Bay,"&nbsp;referring to the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, shared by Croatia (90%), Slovenia, and Italy, which is known for its Roman history, Venetian-style coastal towns and inland hilltop villages.

They say the The Belvedere is strategically positioned at the apex of Nelson Bay, offering unrivalled views of the ocean, the bay and captivating topography of the area.

"Our commitment to maintaining the integrity of every view and sight line has been relentless," Fortezza Group says.

"Through extensive modelling and analysis, we ensure that each apartment enjoys the natural beauty of Nelson Bay, regardless of future developments. Each design element is carefully curated to harmonise with our European heritage, drawing profound inspiration from the Roman architectural marvels in Istria. The arches, the cascades of greenery and the stonework that define our project pay homage to the structures that once exemplified Roman grandeur."

Residents will have access to a pool, communal green spaces, an office and a coffee shop.

First look: Fortezza Group takes The Belvedere, Nelson Bay apartment development, to NSW Government

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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With yields dropping across Sydney and Melbourne due to the recent rise in prices, it comes as little surprise that those who chase strong cash flow may be considering other areas.
In fact, RP Data recently suggested that investors look to the “smaller” capital cities for future growth and sustainable yields as well, meaning that investors may just be right to look interstate.
Property Observer looked at RP Data’s latest statistics to find suburbs across Queensland with strong gross yields – considering anything at 7% and above. This returned 28 suburbs, from a flat 7% to 10.99%.
Some of the areas are mining oriented, while some are small regional towns and many come with a substantial degree of risk (Moranbah, for instance, is an area that <a href="/expert-insights/buying/busted-suburb-again-labeled-hotspot-the-moranbah-debate">regularly gets labelled a hotspot but has suffered a huge downturn</a>). Gladstone also makes the list, and has been under <a href="/news/qld/the-worst-is-yet-to-come-for-gladstone">Terry Ryder's microscope in August, where he said the worst is yet to come</a>.
Investors are encouraged to do their due diligence. We have listed the high yielding suburbs below, with their median prices.
Suburbs in and around Brisbane:
 <img src="/images/2014/09/04/brisbane%20sept%204%20one.jpg" alt="">
Source: Google Maps 2014
Suburbs in and around Cairns:
 <img src="/images/2014/09/04/cairns-sept-4-two.jpg" alt="">
Source: Google Maps 2014
Here are the top yielding suburbs: 
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Booval</a></li>
</ul>
7%
$186,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Coral Cove</a></li>
</ul>
7%
$260,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Molendinar</a></li>
</ul>
7.08%
$272,000
<ul>
<li>Gladstone City</li>
</ul>
7.11%
$307,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Jacobs Well</a></li>
</ul>
7.12%
$475,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Edmonton</a></li>
</ul>
7.15%
$160,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">North Mackay</a></li>
</ul>
7.15%
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Mooroobool</a></li>
</ul>
7.17%
$181,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Brookwater</a></li>
</ul>
7.28%
$375,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Chinchilla</a></li>
</ul>
7.28%
$357,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Edens Landing</a></li>
</ul>
7.28%
$200,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Edge Hill</a></li>
</ul>
7.29%
$164,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Hermit Park</a></li>
</ul>
7.29%
$189,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Mackay Harbour</a></li>
</ul>
7.42%
$498,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Cairns North</a></li>
</ul>
7.5%
$215,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Holloways Beach</a></li>
</ul>
7.56%
$172,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Manunda</a></li>
</ul>
7.66%
$146,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Slacks Creek</a></li>
</ul>
7.75%
$191,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Beenleigh</a></li>
</ul>
7.87%
$175,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Kingston</a></li>
</ul>
8.11%
$212,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Hillcrest</a></li>
</ul>
8.12%
$218,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Logan Central</a></li>
</ul>
8.14%
$166,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Manoora</a></li>
</ul>
8.31%
$144,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Garbutt</a></li>
</ul>
8.46%
$185,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Bungalow</a></li>
</ul>
8.71%
$131,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Moranbah</a></li>
</ul>
9.53%
$255,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Peregian Springs</a></li>
</ul>
10.78%
$240,000
<ul>
<li><a href="/news">Smithfield</a></li>
</ul>
10.99%
$144,000
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Queensland’s highest yielding apartment suburbs

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Troubled businessman Nathan Tinkler has lost his chance to secure an $80 million purchase of Peabody Energy’s Wilkie Creek mine in Queensland, after he missed several payment deadlines.
<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/41939-tinkler-back-in-the-game-after-queensland-coal-mine-purchase">Touted as his comeback</a> into the coal game, Tinkler had paid a $5 million non-refundable payment on the mine through his company Bentley Resources.
The former billionaire, who is now based in Singapore, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/42732-fears-over-tinkler-s-coal-comeback-as-a-key-payment-goes-up-in-smoke">missed a payment deadline in June</a> and a closing payment deadline of 31 July, which was further extended by Peabody.
But the energy giant is now fed up and moving on, releasing a statement last week saying it has terminated the sale and purchase agreement with Bentley Resources and is now looking at alternatives for the sale of the mine.
The Wilkie Creek mine closed last year, axing 120 jobs. Peabody blamed the carbon tax and other cost increases for making it unprofitable as coal prices fell last year.
Tinkler had originally said the sale was worth $150 million, but that is understood to have included the funds necessary to bring the mine back into operation.
Peabody revealed the transaction was worth $70 million, with the addition of about $10 million for a rail contract debt.
Tinkler, who had made and lost his fortune through speculative plays in the coal industry, previously told The Australian the Wilkie Creek deal would be funded via his own equity and with support from investment bank Jefferies and its associated private equity firm Leucadia.
The move is the latest twist in Tinkler’s run of bad luck, after retail magnate <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/43396-gerry-harvey-calls-in-the-farm-on-nathan-tinkler" target="_blank">Gerry Harvey called in his debt</a> on Tinkler’s beloved thoroughbred horse farm, <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/wealth-management/42041-tinkler-finally-forced-to-sell-his-horse-racing-empire" target="_blank">Patinack Farm</a>.
The former Hunter Valley electrician confirmed in <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/wealth-management/42041-tinkler-finally-forced-to-sell-his-horse-racing-empire" target="_blank">May he would let go of the farm</a>, announcing to the media he would sell the asset to a consortium of local and overseas parties from the Middle East on a “walk in, walk out” basis for an undisclosed sum.
However, in June, Harvey Norman’s top boss revealed to Fairfax Tinkler had borrowed money from him to establish his presence in the racing industry and thus he had a caveat over the sale.
Tinkler had suggested the sale of Patinack Farm would fund the acquisition of Wilkie Creek.
Tinkler declined to comment when contacted by SmartCompany.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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krobb-aCrRNnPq6D

Time’s up for Tinkler as Peabody pulls comeback mine deal after missed payments

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Vendor discounting, or the amount that a seller reduces their asking price by, is an interesting gauge of what is occurring in the markets across the country.
Property Observer casts our gaze at the latest Real Estate Institute of Queensland statistics, for the June 2014 quarter, and compared them to the June 2013 quarter to see which areas are worse off than 12 months ago.
Note: all figures represent a discount (that is, a negative percentage).
<ul>
<li>Brisbane SD</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 5.7% June 2013: 9.9% Decrease in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Brisbane</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 5.6% June 2013: 8.9% Decrease in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Gold Coast</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 6.1% June 2013: 12.9% Decrease in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Sunshine Coast (including Noosa)</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 6% June 2013: 13% Decrease in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Gladstone</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 9.8% June 2013: 9.1% Increase in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Fraser Coast</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 7.5% June 2013: 12.8% Decrease in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Cairns</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 6% June 2013: 11.6% Decrease in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Toowoomba</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 4.6% June 2013: 7.3% Decrease in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Mackay</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 8.5% June 2013: 7.5% Increase in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Bundaberg</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 7% June 2013: 9.7% Decrease in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Rockhampton</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 7.7% June 2013: 9.8% Decrease in discounting on last year
<ul>
<li>Townsville</li>
</ul>
June 2014: 7.4% June 2013: 9.7% Decrease in discounting on last year
Source: REIQ 
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Queensland’s vendor discounting: Which areas are worse than last year?

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Currently Brisbane ranks as Australia’s third largest city with a population of 2,143,121.
Over the next five years the city is expected to grow by 11.2%, attracting some 215,000 new residents. By comparison Sydney is expected to grow by 8.1% and Melbourne 10.4%, while Perth is looking to out perform all its rivals with a growth rate of 16.5%.
Brisbane has a close association with the Gold Coast/Tweed and in combination this adds a further 605,134 to the population base of almost 2.8 million in the south-east region. The area is also expecting to grow at a rate of 11.2% over the next five years, which adds to the economic muscle and growth potential of the region.
However regardless of the continued rivalry between our capital cities, Brisbane appears to have all of the settings in place for a period of sustained expansion and that growth is going to change the character of the local real estate market, in particular the apartment market.
To look more closely, let’s first establish a general appreciation of the market in order to gain an understanding of the appeal of new developments in Brisbane. A brief summary of the immediate past and the big picture planning for the future will help take a fuller account of how Brisbane is now being propelled into the future and why it’s an emerging and appealing apartment market.
After 1982 and 1988 There’s Been No Looking Back
The 1970s Queensland, and particularly Brisbane had a somewhat dual character much of which was influenced by the Joh Bjelke-Petersen era. To some Brisbane was seen as a quaint place, where people ate their tea at 5.30pm, post cards featured jacarandas and poinsettias lining the streets, there were charity raffles and pesky paper-boys at the main city intersections and lots of bingo halls.
The city’s underworld of the 1970s and the 1980s was as active as anywhere else in Australia, but the Whiskey Au Go Go inferno of 1973 marked a turning-point of history. Then after hosting the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and The World Expo in 1988 Brisbane never looked back, the theme of Expo 88 was “Leisure in the Age of Technology” and it does appear that today some 26 years after Expo, that slogan appears to be a great combination of ideas for a city like Brisbane to prosper under.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Future Vision
Brisbane’s ascendancy is also being directly strengthened by events such as the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders Summit, on the 15th and 16th of November, the summit is Brisbane’s biggest event since the 1982 Commonwealth Games and Expo 1988. The Queensland government has also announced a four pillars policy to foster economic development and employment across tourism, agriculture, resources and construction.
The state government is also putting it’s efforts into the delivery of critical infrastructure, and has commenced work to ensure local councils have the power they need to better plan for the future growth of local communities. Policy settings will also include plans to create simplified, single state planning arrangements. Already the state government will transfer responsibility for South Bank to the Brisbane City Council along with management of the Roma Street Parklands.
While the CBD continues to evolve as an apartment market, the inner north (<a href="/news">Bowen Hills</a>, <a href="/news">Fortitude Valley</a>, <a href="/news">Hamilton</a>, <a href="/news">Kelvin Grove</a>, <a href="/news">Newstead</a>, <a href="/news">New Farm</a> and <a href="/news">Teneriffe</a>) and inner south (<a href="/news">Dutton Park</a>, <a href="/news">South Brisbane</a>, <a href="/news">West End</a> and <a href="/news">Woolloongabba</a>), inner east (<a href="/news">Bulimba </a>and <a href="/news">Kangaroo Point</a>) and the inner west (<a href="/news">Milton</a> and <a href="/news">Toowong</a>) are all popular developments and very diverse suburbs with a good variety of lifestyle and product options, which are of key importance for a flourishing apartment marketplace.
Price Indicators and Beyond
In the March quarter 2014 the value of the average Australian home was $546,000, the average weighted growth between the March quarter 2013 – and the March quarter 2014 was 10.9%, Sydney’s growth was 15.7%, Melbourne’s 10.9% and Brisbane 6.1%.
While in the June quarter 2014, the average Sydney apartment price was $650,000, in Melbourne $502,000 and in Brisbane $476,000 – and while Brisbane has seen a somewhat lower growth rate, it’s been consistent for eight consecutive quarters. However, average prices are to a degree an all-purpose measure and like all other capital city markets Brisbane has measured price variations across different areas.
We also appreciate that prices are just one measure, these figures are only part of the story, because clearly buyers and developers also need to be sure that other aspects of the market like lifestyle, infrastructure (both hard and soft or cultural), affordability (growth and employment) and new stock are all aligned.
Looking at Brisbane we see a number of dynamics coming into play. The variety of product being developed is now diverse, different locations are also responding with varied product and that diversity is welcome with appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors, the vacancy rate is tightening, approvals are growing and the population is growing while new projects are showing strong sales results, and it is generally agreed that in combination all of the indicators are positive.
As we start to see the state government’s vision for tourism, agriculture, resources and construction take shape the appeal of the Brisbane market, in particular the apartment market, is positive. 
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pchittenden-eLqUUC8TWW

Brisbane's growth will fundamentally change its residential market

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Terry Ryder's top 10 Queensland hotspots

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I’m seeing a rising tide of media talk that the Gladstone market has bottomed and now might be a wonderful time to buy there in readiness for the next up cycle.
This is very bad advice from people who will earn money if investors act on it and buy Gladstone real estate.
The worst is yet to come for Gladstone. The bottom won’t be reached until the three big gas projects finish construction and around 8,000 workers leave town. Only then will we see the how deep the Gladstone downturn can go.
The current situation is a vacancy rate of 6%, according to SQM Research. This is a lot better than the 10% vacancies at the start of the year and this, together with some mildly encouraging price statistics in a June Quarter report from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, is seen by some as a sign that the market has turned the corner.
“Market stabilises in Gladstone,” said one newspaper headline, with market professionals quoted in the article claiming that Gladstone was “on track to bounce back amid growing confidence”.
Somewhat more realistic is the assessment from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, which has forecast a “jobs crisis” in Gladstone. It says there is already a “massive contraction in jobs in Gladstone industry” and it will get worse because of the “soon-to-happen mass exodus of 8,000 workers on the Curtis Island projects”.
The Curtis Island projects are the three processing plants which will convert coal seam gas to Liquefied natural gas. They represent investment totalling about $60 billion and are all well advanced in their construction phases.
You’d think the Gladstone property market would be pumping with all that economic stimulus, wouldn’t you? I had an email recently from someone who had bought there a couple of years ago and was “not happy” because the porperty had lost $50,000 off its market value. “What happened to Gladstone?” was the plaintive cry.
I’ll tell you what happened to Gladstone. Idiot developers happened to Gladstone. The visited a construction blitzkrieg on the central Queensland city, without too much regard to what their competition was doing.
They build far too much new dwelling stock, even for the current construction phase of the major projects, without considering what would happen to market demand when the construction ended and all those thousands of building workers left town in search of the next boom.
So those who own Gladstone investment properties, and are feeling uncomfortable right now, have more pain to come.
But you don’t buy real estate in resources towns unless you have the temperament and financial resources to ride the peaks and troughs. Gladstone has had previous booms, and those booms were followed by busts. Such is life in mining towns and regional centres reliant on the resources sector. If you’re not willing to tolerate that volatility, you shouldn’t buy in these places.
Even with the decline in values in resources locations in the past 12-18 months, the fact remains that the highest capital growth rates in Australia – by far – are in mining towns and resources regional centres. The capital growth rates (average annual rise in median house prices over the past 10 years) in places like <a href="/news">Port Hedland</a> and <a href="/news">Newman </a>in Western Australia have dropped markedly in the past couple of years - but they remain the highest capital growth rates in the nation.
If you buy in these places (and I personally would not) you have to be patience, resilient and able to accept the volatility of markets in high-risk locations.
Gladstone has a huge future. I see it as Australia’s leading industrial city. Those who own property there will get growth in coming years. But before we get to that point, there will be more pain.
So, no, now is not the time to buy there. The market will fall further. Nor is it a good time to buy in places like Port Hedland or <a href="/news">Karratha</a>, because those markets are declining also and have not yet touched bottom.
You can contact Terry via <a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">email</a> or on <a href="https://www.twitter.com/hotspotting" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. 
Picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. 
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

The worst is yet to come for Gladstone

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Renting can be an expensive business, depending on where you choose.
Looking at RP Data’s latest weekly median advertised rent for apartment suburbs across Queensland, we have compiled the top 10 most expensive places you can choose to rent in across Queensland, as well as their gross rental yields.
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Tennyson </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $778 Gross rental yield: 4.39% The most expensive rental in Tennyson is a $1,500 per week three-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment with four car spaces. It’s a 10th floor penthouse in the Lushington complex. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-qld-tennyson-413612499" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">At 227/205 King Arthur Terrace</a> (pictured above), the property includes a private reading deck, balcony, butlers preparation area in the kitchen, walk-in pantry and a media room. 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Jacobs Well </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $723 Gross rental yield:  7.91% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mackay Harbour </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $720 Gross rental yield: 7.53% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Hollywell </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $650 Gross rental yield:  5.50% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Brisbane City </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $610 Gross rental yield: 6.47% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Hendra </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $570 Gross rental yield: 5.96% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bulimba </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $560 Gross rental yield: 5.09% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Newstead </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $560 Gross rental yield: 3.82% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Rockhampton City </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $553 Gross rental yield:  6.54% 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Windaroo </a>Weekly median advertised rent: $535 Gross rental yield: 4.92%
</li>
</ol>
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Queensland’s 10 most expensive suburbs to rent an apartment

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Police are conducting controlled explosions at a Brisbane property after a real estate agent discovered a "chemical stockpile" during an inspection.
The recently vacant <a href="/news">Pullenvale</a> property was being inspected by a real estate agent on Wednesday.
In a detached shed on the property, it is understood the agent discovered drug paraphernalia and contacted the police.
Neighbours of the Red Cedar Road property were forcibly kept away as police assessed a the chemicals.
Acting Inspector Mark Bradford told the Courier Mail that there is a concern when chemicals were kept together, but said the ones on the property were widely available.
Here are <a href="/expert-insights/investing/seven-ways-to-detect-if-your-investment-property-is-being-used-as-a-drug-lab">seven ways to detect whether your property is being used as a drug lab</a>.
</body></html>

Brisbane real estate agent discovers "chemical stockpile" during inspection

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Construction in Brisbane is on the increase, with the Rider Levett Bucknall crane index reporting 48 cranes on sites around the city.
Meanwhile, Teneriffe, <a href="/news">Newstead</a> and <a href="/news">Fortitude Valley</a> had more than a dozen cranes within four square kilometres.
Master Builders’ executive director Grant Galvin pointed to building approvals as a sign of the growing confidence.
“The industry’s confidence is reflected in total building approvals which had also risen around 25% over the past 12 months to June,” Galvin said.
“It’s interesting to note that 42.5% of approvals in the last 12 months are for multi-unit dwellings, mainly in Brisbane and the Gold Coast,” he said.
The 40,000 dwelling commencements forecast for 2014/2015 is expected to be exceeded, with current 2013/2014 financial year approvals at 37,000.
Premier Campbell Newman said that the construction sector’s strength is good for Queensland’s overall economy.
“Around 223,000 Queenslanders are employed in the construction industry, many more than two years ago and if these trends continue, we’re confident that we’ll see many more jobs created,” he said.
He pointed to the reforming of the planning and development approval systems, and the $15,000 Great Start Grant incentive, as other drivers behind the construction sector.
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Brisbane construction increases, 42.5% of approvals for multi-unit dwellings

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While Queensland’s rental markets are stabilising on the whole, five out of six of the regional markets in the state are still under stress and considered ‘weak’ markets, even with improving vacancy rates in four.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) Residential Rental Survey, taken out across the REIQ-accredited agencies in June 2014, has painted a subdued picture for the six regional markets, and in particular notes high vacancy rates in Gladstone and Mackay.
REIQ acting CEO Antonia Mercorella said that rents had been softening in some of the regional centres, particularly mining areas where fly in, fly out (FIFO) has become the trend.
<blockquote>
"Gladstone’s rental market remains in oversupply, however the level of tenant and investor activity has returned to normal."
</blockquote>
“Median rents from the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority) continue to soften in Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mackay,” she said.
“Gladstone’s rental market remains in oversupply, however according to local agents the level of tenant and investor activity has returned to ‘normal’ rental market conditions.”
Looking at 12 months ago, Gladstone’s median weekly rents in comparison have dropped significantly. For three bedroom houses, attainable rent is now $150 less, and two bedroom apartments are down by $140.
She noted that a similar situation is being seen in Mackay and Rockhampton.
Townsville is now recording the highest vacancy the region has ever recorded in the history of the survey and local agents have noted that below market rents are putting downward pressure on other rentals. Toowoomba is the only regional area with a positive story, having kept a tight vacancy rate of 1.5%, up marginally from the end of March. It has not been above 2% since December 2011. Here are the figures to know:
Bundaberg Down Weak March 2014: 4.5% June 2014: 4.0% Gladstone Down Weak March 2014: 6.4% June 2014: 5.6% Mackay Down Weak March 2014: 7.5% June 2014: 6.8% Rockhampton Down Weak March 2014: 5.6% June 2014: 4.8% Toowoomba Steady Tight March 2014: 1.4% June 2014: 1.5% Townsville/Thuringowa Up Weak March 2014: 4.7% June 2014: 5.4%
Source: REIQ
For a market to be considered ‘weak’, a vacancy rate of over 3.5% is recorded. For healthy, 2.5% to 3.5% is expected, and for tight anything under 2.5% applies.
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