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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A local investor has acquired an industrial facility at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Molendinar</a>, an industrial suburb on the Gold Coast - for $1.05 million. 
Gold Coast based business TEW purchased the 10 Barnett Place property, which has high site coverage of above 53% with a ground floor area of 932 square metres, an office mezzanine of 130 sqaure metres plus and an additional storage mezzanine. The total floor area is 1,122 square metres, on a 1,741 square metre site.
The selling agent was Pat Cavanagh of Colliers International.
“The previous owners who occupied the property were MP Group,” said Mr Cavanagh. “They sold the property as part of their business consolidation plan and have relocated their business to another building within Molendinar.”
The new owners TEW, offer mechanical and electrical technical services and have been operating on the Gold Coast for 21 years.
news@propertyobserver.com.au
           
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Gold Coast industrial facility sells for $1.05 million

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A local investor has snapped up a prominent retail showroom at <a target="_blank" href="/news">Nerang</a> on the Gold Coast for $1.8 million.
The 84 Spencer Road property, with exposure to the Pacific Motorway, is on a five year lease with an extra five year option to a flagship Bridgestone Select Service and Tyre Centre.
<img alt="nerang_feb_26_one" height="271" width="470" src="/images/stories/2014/02/26/nerang_feb_26_one.jpg">
Ross Salmon of Sun Shop (NSW) Pty Ltd acquired the purpose built 894 square metre building.
The modern tilt panel building is constructed on a 2,000 square metre site and was previously bought by the Nichols family in 1995 for $330,000. The family built the building and operated a tyre centre at the premise for 17 years before leasing the property to Bridgestone Australia Limited in late 2012.
Colliers International associate director of investment services and marketing agent of the property, James Crawford, said that the income was $126,000 per annum excluding land tax and management, reflecting a true net yield of just under 6.5%.
news@propertyobserver.com.au 
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Local investor snaps up Nerang showroom for $1.8 million

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Botanica Residences, in South Brisbane, is set to be developed early this year after a sell out within two weeks of its official launch.
The development, designed by <a target="_blank" href="/companies/rothelowman">ROTHELOWMAN WHITE</a>, developed by ARIA, is certified as a six-leaf rating by the UDIA, and is the largest of its kind to achieve this sustainability rating cementing it as a landmark for <a target="_blank" href="/news">South Brisbane</a>.
Including features in six sustainability categories, with vertical gardens facing Edmondstone Street, solar panels and a Smart Monitoring System to allow residents to track their water and energy use, it looks to help reduce bills and the environmental impact.
It is located on the corner of Edmonstone Street and Boundary Street and is in a former commercial area two kilometres from the CBD. It includes integrated security, intercom access, wi-fi and a ground level café and retail options.
Simon White from ROTHELOWMAN said that the sustainable attributes have been a key part in the demand for the residences.
“Botanica and its green wall will be an authentic residential landmark for the South Brisbane,” said White.
Timber and glass are the main themes, with a recreation terrace on the building with 360 degree views. Landscaping and recreation options will also be included. A barbecue area is provided on the rooftop.
The interiors have 2.7 metre high plasterboard ceilings, with natural light being a focus, said Michael Hurley from ARIA’s residential division.
“When we found out about the UDIA’s Enviro Certification Program, we jumped at the chance to make Botanica more environmentally friendly. It was apparent that with some hard work and smart design changes, we could achieve all 6 levels of certification. We are continually working to further separate our developments from the market, and achieving the UDIA Six Leaf Enviro Certification was a very easy decision for us to make,” said Hurley.
jduke@propertyobserver.com.au
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Landmark South Brisbane 180-apartment tower set to commence after two week sell-out

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Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of auction results in Brisbane for the weekend of February 22. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Brisbane.pdf" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.
   
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

APM's Brisbane auction results for February 22 weekend

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We have a lot of investors in Cairns, particularly in the unit market.  Many have wanted to get out for the past seven years, but just haven't been able to achieve the price they want so they have held on.  The ones that have sold have either lost a lot of money, gone bankrupt and the bank has sold it out from under them, or they bought a while ago and although they didn't make a profit they didn't lose money.
To explain where I am trying to go I will use the two bedroom market.  Right now you can buy a reasonable two bedroom unit for under $140,000.  As these are being sold the cheapies are not being replaced.  The people that have been hanging on waiting for the market to get to $140,000 consistently are now listing.  This is a long way from where they were going from and it may take a while for these to sell.
When the ones at $140,000 sell the people that have been hanging on until the market gets to $160,000 will start to think it is time to sell and get out.  These will list and again, although they may not sell immediately, as the cheaper stock gets sold they will start to look like the cheapest available and they too will sell.
To prove a point I will tell you about a townhouse at Tropic Gardens.  It had been listed for a long time at about $150,000.  It would have been at least 12 months and no real activity.  In December this was sold for just under $150,000.  A few weeks later an identical unit in the complex was listed for $199,000 and the agent tells me that the owners knocked back an offer of $175,000.
I am hoping that this leap-frogging of prices will bring the market back to 2007 prices relatively quickly. A lot is out of our control - investor confidence, the world economy, Aquis approval, tourism and the Cairns economy in general.
Here goes my predictions - these are based on if the Aquis project is given the green light and is to start in 2015 and not in 2014.
By this time next year we will see sale prices nearing the peak of 2007 prices.  I actually think they will be higher but I am being conservative.  By this time next year will we see rents go up by 10 - 20%.
Bedsit units are currently $175 per week - I believe they will go to $200 per week
One Bedroom units are currently $170 - 200 per week - I believe they will go to $200 - 230 per week
Two Bedroom units are currently $200 - $240 per week - I believe they will go to $230 - 270 per week
Two Bedroom duplexes are currently $220 - 250 per week - I believe they will go to $260 - 290 per week.
Houses will increase by at least the same rate, and may be even more as there are so few houses to rent currently.  It is incredible some of the prices we are achieving for house rentals, and as the market tightens up it is allowing us to choose better quality tenants and achieve higher rents.
Linda Tuck is director of <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.plrealty.com.au/index" target="_blank">Cairns Property Ladder Realty</a>,  an independent real estate agency in specialising in property management, investment and sales expertise in the tropical Cairns region.
         
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ltuck-LoPRMkTfus

Cairns market tightening up with leap-frogging listing prices

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<div>
Estate agent John McGrath took whole page ads in weekend Queensland newspapers to step up the campaign against legislation that bans agents from volunteering price guides on residential auction properties.
</div>
The Property Occupations Bill and the Agents Financial Administration Bill 2013 is before the Queensland Parliament.
John McGrath, chief executive of McGrath Estate Agents which operates seven Queensland agencies including in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, says banning price guides would damage the state’s residential auction market.
"Every buyer I have ever met in 32 years wants price guides," a passionate John McGrath recently told the Queensland P0arliamentary Committee reviewing the extraordinary regressive proposal.
"We are now in the age of information where the internet has broken down barriers between business and the consumer.
"Common sense already tells us...buyers want information to help them evaluate their options," he wrote in a critic of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland proposal.
The legislation comes despite no known REIQ formal industry or consumer survey.
John McGrath strongly challenges the REIQ view that the majority of the industry are for the ban.
"The feedback from buyers and sellers following our open letter last Saturday has been tremendous in large supporting our view," he said.
It is understood the committee has recommendation is that price guides should be banned in Queensland despite the submissions by relevant parties including REA, McGrath and News Ltd.
John McGrath outlined what the proposed legislation will mean for consumers including:
* No auction property will ever be able to be advertised with a price indication nor can the agent representing the property make any comment on price whatsoever.
* Buyers will no longer be able to search for auction properties by price on the internet. There will be no price filter on any Queensland auction searches.
*Property editorials in newspapers will never be able to mention a price expectation.
*Price estimates provided by data companies that can assist buyers in determining the likely price range will also be banned under this proposal.
*As a seller you will no longer have the right to sell by auction with a price guide. As a buyer you will no longer be able to discuss price with an agent selling at auction.
"It does the people of Queensland a great disservice, in my opinion, to deny them such a fundamental right when it comes to the most important financial asset that any of us will ever own.
"The banning of price guides will be a barrier to business for this great state. We should be open for business. Making it easy for others to research our property and invest in Queensland," he said.
"There is no other jurisdiction in the world that bans such information being provided like price guides on properties."
He encouraged emails to lacsc@parliament.qld.gov.au.
"We only have a few days as Parliament is due to determine this proposal early next week," he said in an open letter published in two Queensland newspapers, The Courier-Mail and The Gold Coast Bulletin.
Click to enlarge
<a rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2014/02/25/mcgrath-feb-25-three.gif" title="Click to enlarge"><img src="/images/stories/2014/02/25/mcgrath-feb-25-two.gif"></a>
John McGrath is also a director of REA Group, which owns online portal realestate.com.au.
"I am very passionate. I am very frustrated. I am very concerned that this could take us back 50 years, and for what purpose? It benefits no-one. In fact, it is detrimental to all parties involved, in my opinion," <a target="_blank" href="/news">John McGrath told the committee</a>.
news@propertyobserver.com.au
   
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Dark ages descending on Queensland as auction price guide ban defies common sense: John McGrath

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The return of local buyers to Brisbane’s apartment market is behind this year’s upswing in new apartment sales, according to new data from Colliers International. Colliers International is forecasting 2,500 apartment sales in Brisbane for 2014, up 10% from last year.
Director of residential at Colliers International Andrew Roubicek says that local buyers are acknowledging current the affordability of apartments in Brisbane, while the low vacancy rates and attractive yields on offer in the city are attracting interstate investors.
“Local investors are well and truly back in the Brisbane market with December and January, historically a quiet period for this group, recording very strong sales results,” said Roubicek.
“Locals want to take advantage of the market now as it represents very good value compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
“With more buyers in the inner Brisbane market than has been experienced for some time, the pent up demand is putting pressure on available stock, particularly in the CBD, which currently has the biggest supply shortage,” he said.
As a result, Colliers International is expecting that apartment prices will rise by about 7% across the city in the coming year, while vacancy rates are likely to stay around 1%. 
According to Roubicek, after investors, local owner occupiers were the second most active group in the city’s apartment market, many of whom are first home buyers or couples who were downsizing. He also pointed out that Toowoong, Cannon Hill and the Brisbane CBD were all hotspots for buyers, saying that Toowong was “one of Brisbane’s most tightly held suburbs”, due to its close proximity to the CBD and access to major infrastructure, along with Toowong Village retail precinct, which is soon to undergo a $50 million refurbishment.
“The University of Queensland is also a major driver for investment in Toowong,” Roubicek said. “The number of students at the St Lucia campus is now in the order of 33,000, of which 9,200 (28%) are full fee paying international students, a potential target market for apartment developers.
“There are very limited development sites in Toowong with an exception of the 1.5ha former ABC site purchased by Sunland Group in September 2013 with plans for an apartment development.”
Roubicek said that Colliers International was anticipating a strong year, currently marketing six projects with a combined value of about $800 million, with another five projects launching in the next six months.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au">jrichardson@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Brisbane apartment market on the rise: Colliers

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A local investor has purchased a retail shop in the popular tourist destination of Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast for $1.575 million.
The 5/62 Hastings Street transaction reflected a net yield of about 7.4%.
The 61 square metre shop is leased to local business owner Poeta Herford on a five year lease.
Paul Forrest and Tracey Ryan of Ray White Commercial Noosa negotiated the sale.
“With the completion of this sale, supply of investment property in Hastings St has become extremely limited,” said Mr Forrest.
Ms Ryan noted that recent leasing activity in Hastings St had also seen vacancy rates tighten.
“Current projections will see a retail vacancy level in Hastings St of less than two% by Easter,” she said.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
 
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Noosa Heads retail shop sells to local investor for $1.575 million

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of auction results in Brisbane for the weekend of February 15. <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Brisbane.pdf" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Brisbane auction results for February 15 weekend

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The Clifton, a townhouse project in Queensland’s Toowoomba expecting significant investor interest, has seen the first concrete slab put down at one of its three sites.
In total, there will be 43 townhouses delivered <a href="https://cliftontoowoomba.com.au" target="_blank">within The Clifton development</a>, with this first site, Clifton on Blake, delivering eight. The other two sites are called Clifton on Anzac and Clifton on Vacy, and they will all be started and completed at separate times. However, these final two are expected follow the completion of the Blake site very quickly, in an estimated six to eight weeks.
The builder for the sites is Arden Vale Homes, who are located in <a href="/news">Toowoomba</a>. 
The next stage will be site drainage, after which the frames and roof trusses will be installed as the sewer line is replaced. This is expected to take five weeks.
This week, units one to four will see work beginning on replacing the sewer lines.
The Clifton on Blake is located at 5 Blake Street, <a href="/news">Wilsonton</a>, and has four three-bedroom townhouses and four two-bedroom townhouses. Special mention is given that it is located outside of a flood area.
Clifton on Vacy is located at 81 Vacy Street, <a href="/news">Newtown</a>, and includes six three-bedroom townhouses and 20 two-bedroom townhouses.
Clifton on Anzac sits on 86 Anzac Street, Newtown, and offers three three-bedroom townhouses and six two-bedroom townhouses.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/02/17/toowoomba-feb-17-breakout.jpg" width="470" height="264" alt="toowoomba-feb-17-breakout">
Photo: Clifton on Blake
They include stainless steel appliances and open plan designs split over two-levels, starting from $299,500 and 117.5 square metres. They vary in prices up to $355,500, however most seem to sit around the $320,000 mark.
The median sales price in Newtown, Queensland for a house is $268,250 with $300 per week in rent, while the median units sits at $236,500, with $268 in rent, according to RP Data.
Meanwhile, in Wilsonton, Queensland, the median price for a house is recorded at $274,000, with $290 per week in rent, with unit median prices sitting at $235,000, achieving $265 per week in rent.
They are being developed by Thirdi Property Group, who said that they identified an undersupply of quality medium density dwellings in this area, that may underpin strong demand for these homes. Thirdi focuses on providing investor stock, so it would be fitting that these properties may see a large number of investor purchasers.
Rental estimates from Colliers International place achievable weekly rent at $320 to $330 per week on a two-bedroom townhouse, and $370 to $380 per week on a three-bedroom townhouse (estimates for Clifton on Blake). You can <a href="https://cliftontoowoomba.com.au/development-overview/" target="_blank">see the rental appraisals online here</a>. Similar rents are achievable at the other two townhouse stages.
This comes to an estimated 5% to 6% yield unfurnished - however, promotional material suggests that adding a furniture package could boost this higher. The vacancy rate in the area, according to SQM Research, has been slowly on the incline for some months, yet it does still sit at a low 2%.
They have also, in conjunction with BMT, produced depreciation reports for the properties. The <a href="https://cliftontoowoomba.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BMT-Tax-Depreciation-Estimate-Clifton-On-Blake-low-res.pdf" target="_blank">Clifton on Blake depreciation report</a> explains that the total depreciation estimate for year one of ownership for the two-bedroom townhouses is from a minimum of $8,207 to a maximum of $10,030, decreasing gradually through the years held. This amount is slightly higher on a three-bedroom townhouse.
NextHotSpot, who are connected with Thirdi, produced the following video of the area, showing developments that they believe will “turn Toowoomba into a logistics hub”.
{qtube vid:=boo4ojCcpts}
Toowoomba has also seen itself secure a place on a number of magazines' lists as a hot suburb; some multiple years in a row.
Clifton on Blake is expected to be completed in July/August this year, while Anzac and Vacy have August/September 2014 and September/October 2014 completion expectations respectively. Each is located near arterial roads and key shopping centre hubs.
<a href="mailto:jduke@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">jduke@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
 
 
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