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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Momentum is continuing to build in the Queensland market with sales activity and house prices strengthening. The REIQ June quarter median house price report, found the numbers of sales have increased significantly compared to the previous quarter and compared to last year.
The preliminary numbers of house sales across Queensland increased 22% in the June quarter compared to the March quarter and the improvement in the market is even more pronounced when you contrast it to the same period last year with sales numbers up some 40% compared to the June quarter in 2012.
It is the fourth consecutive quarter of positive news. The September quarter last year was a particularly strong one for the Queensland market and that momentum has been sustained throughout the following three quarters of sales activity.
The June quarter historically yields the lowest numbers of residential sales activity during the year but this data shows house sales are notably much higher compared to the same three months in 2012.
The September quarter and the upcoming spring selling season is typically a great period for the Queensland real estate market and with such good price and sales results for the June quarter, as well as historically low interest rates, it’s shaping up to be another strong period as our market continues to build momentum.
Over the June quarter, REIQ data shows the median house price in Brisbane increased 1.6% to $527,250 and increased 3% over the year ending June. The numbers of house sales in Brisbane also increased significantly compared to the previous quarter and last year – up 32% and 44% respectively. The median house prices in Logan City, Moreton Bay and Redland City all also increased over the June quarter.
Quarterly median house prices can fluctuate depending on the types of properties that are selling over that three-month period and this latest REIQ data does show some median price variations.
Over the year ending June, however, the majority of regions posted positive median results which provide a better benchmark for price movements than quarterly data-sets.
Toowoomba posted yearly median house price growth of 4.5%, the Gold Coast increased by 3.1%, and the Sunshine Coast median price grew by 2.3%. No doubt the influence of historically low interest rates and increased perceptions of housing affordability have seen more people move off the sidelines and back into the property market of late.
REIQ estimates of Queensland investor activity also shows that the numbers of investment dwellings financed is tracking at about the historical average. No doubt, investors have recognised the strong rental market, including low vacancy rates, and are taking the plunge while first home buyers remain relatively absent.
The numbers of first home buyers in Queensland remain well below historical averages at just 11% of dwellings financed in June – a decrease of 35% compared to June last year.


<hr>
Anton Kardash is CEO of the <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reiq.com/">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>.
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Queensland property market momentum builds: Anton Kardash

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Within a matter of the weeks, a new legislative landscape for Queensland real estate will hopefully be unveiled by the State Government.
The announcement of the draft new legislation, the Property Occupations Bill and the Agents Financial Administration Bill 2013, has been a long time coming with the REIQ lobbying for many years to have the laborious and overly-complex legislative real estate environment addressed.
The REIQ was extensively consulted by the State Government during this legislative review process and we look forward to again working closely with the government as this new much-improved legislation takes shape.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie, for the open and collaborative nature in which he and his department have so far handled the review.
It is also very pleasing to note that the State Government shares the REIQ’s long-held view that professionalism must remain the number one tenet for our sector.
The REIQ sent a detailed submission into the split and review of the current Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (PAMD Act) and made recommendations towards increasing the professionalism of the industry, reducing regulatory and administrative burden, and simplifying processes associated with real estate transactions.
Our recommendations included the proposed amendment to abolish the PAMD 30c warning statement to eliminate the administrative burden and risks associated with this document.
Multiple appointment PAMD appointment forms (regardless of the nature of the services to be performed) should also be abolished and replaced with a single simplified appointment form containing only key legislative criteria.
Also, appointment processes and procedures should be simplified. The current provisions about appointments are unreasonably onerous and put agents at risk of not being remunerated on the basis of technical and minor omissions.
The REIQ also recommended that a seller and landlord disclosure regime be implemented to establish required disclosures related to the sale and rental of property in Queensland. At minimum, we recommended the existing information and disclosure requirements relating to property sale contracts be incorporated into one single document.
Existing legislative provisions which apply to price representations and guides in relation to auction properties and properties to be sold without a price should be clarified in the new legislation. The REIQ expressed the view that no price guides or price representations should be permissible when marketing and/or promoting residential property that is to be sold by auction or with no price.
The Institute also recommended that the maximum 60 day statutory limit relating to sole and exclusive agency appointments be extended to 90 days.  The current limit is too short and reappointments are regularly required. This causes inconvenience for both the agent and consumer.  An extension of the limit to 90 days better reflects current market conditions.
 
<hr>
 Anton Kardash is CEO of the <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reiq.com/">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>.
 
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The REIQ's recommendations for the state's new real estate legislation: Anton Kardash

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The Gold Coast looks to be on the verge of a recovery, according to Australian Property Monitors' latest housing market report.
"The Gold Coast market is showing positive signs of reactivation, following a lengthy period of subdued buyer activity," the report says.
"Although the median house price fell marginally by 0.3% over the June quarter, house prices have risen by 2.1% over the first half of 2013, and are up by 3.2% over the full year ending June."
 
<img height="322" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/aug27apm/apm-aug-26-chart-15.gif" alt="apm-aug-26-chart-15">
 
 
<img height="307" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/08/aug27apm/apm-aug-26-chart-16.gif" alt="apm-aug-26-chart-16">
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Gold Coast shows positive signs: APM

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of auction results in Brisbane for the weekend of August 24. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Brisbane.pdf" rel="nofollow" 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>

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APM's Brisbane auction results for August 24 weekend

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The Gold Coast property market has shown signs of sustained improvement, recording the highest number of land sales in the June quarter since September 2011, according to property market research firm Prodap.
The report revealed that vacant land sales jumped 55% from 140 to 214 in the June quarter.
According to the report’s author Bill Morris, this is the first significant increase since June 2009, and is the strongest level of quarterly land sales for two years.
House and land package sales have also increased by 70%, from 56 to 97 sales, in the June quarter. Morris states that this is the strongest level since December 2010.
The report also states that Upper Coomera saw the highest number of land sales at 73, while Hope Island comes in second with 69 sales. Ormeau recorded 22 vacant land sales in the June quarter.
Pimpama recorded 11 vacant land sales, Coomera and Ready Creek recorded 10 sales each, and Willowvale saw 6 vacant land sales.
Developments in Upper Coomera with vacant land lots include: Coomera Retreat.
Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/project-coomera+retreat-qld-upper+coomera-600000087">22 Hans Street</a> in Upper Coomera, Coomera Retreat is a freehold estate in North Gold Coast, close to amenities, schools, and close to public transport. 
Vacant land is priced from $199,900 and House/Land packages start from $355,000.
Developments in Hope Island with vacant land lots include: Cova.
Located 61 kilometres from Brisbane CBD, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/project-cova-qld-hope+island-600002603">Cova</a> has released three precincts: North Quay, Leeside, and Lakeside. North Quay comprises of 12 north-facing land lots fronting the Hope Island Canal, and has recorded 75% of sales thus far.
The remaining absolute canal-front blocks in North Quay range in size from 471sqm to 528sqm and are priced from $495,000.
Developments in Ormeau with vacant land lots include: The Brook.
Located 40 kilmetres from Brisbane CBD and 30 kilometres from Surfers Paradise, <a href="https://www.thebrookestate.com.au/now-selling">The Brook</a> features large homesites up to 945 square metres.
Residential land is priced from $200,000.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for houses in Upper Coomera is $385,000, up 1.9% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house in 11.9%, while private treaty sales average 113 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses is $400 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.4%.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for houses in Ormeau is $410,000, down 2.6% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 9.7%, while private treaty sales average 127 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses is $420, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.3%.
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Gold Coast property market showing signs of recovery: Prodap

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The Hilton development in Surfers Paradise will go down in history as one of the worst loss-making Gold Coast high rises for property investors, with virtually every initial off-the-plan apartment buyer losing money.
Property Observer has found 40 of 41 apartments in the ill-fated development, resold  at big losses. Just one of the original buyers managed to resell an apartment at an increased price – a measly $5000 extra after six years.
Some of the worst losses were at the prestige end. Unit 2205 originally sold in June 2012 for $2.435 million. It then sold six months later for $1.675 million –a loss of $760,000.
Unit 2305 originally sold off the plan in 2006 for $2.465 million. It then resold in May 2012 for $1.725 million – a loss of $740,000.
Unit 23202 originally sold in June 2012 for $1.9 million but resold in February this year for $1.3 million – a loss of $600,000.
And unit 3401 originally sold off the plan for $1.81 million in 2006 and then for $1.3 million in April 2012, a loss of $510,000.
But it’s not just early investor who lost money. Investors who bought as recently as 2012 have lost significant sums of money.
Unit 3603 sold in June 2012 for $1.116 million, and sold four months later for a $121,000 loss.
And unit 3201 sold in July 2012 for $950,000 and resold in April this year at a $35,000 loss.
The only original buyer to sell at a higher price waited six years before selling. They bought the three bedroom apartment at unit 3204 in 2007 for $1.295 million, selling at $1.3 million in February this year – a $5000 return.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/stories/2012/12/hiltonsurfers.jpg" alt="hiltonsurfers" width="470" height="346">
Just one apartment remains unsold in the Boulevard Tower and seven in the Orchid tower with slashed prices attracting a surge of buyers in the past year.
The Boulevard tower has 186 units made up of one, two and three bedroom apartments.
The 57-level Orchid Tower houses the 169-room Hilton Hotel and 224 apartments.
In 2007, off-the-plan apartments were priced from $594,000 for one-bedroom units to $1 million-plus for two-bedroom units with study.
The developers are now selling the last eight remaining apartments. Three Sixty was recently marketing a two bedroom, two bathroom unit on the 25th floor which was being sold for $1.025 million but is now priced at $785,000.
A two bedroom, two bathroom unit on the 10th floor was being sold at $935,000 but is now being sold for $705,000. And a two bedroom, two bathroom unit on the third floor which was being marketed at $799,000 is now being sold for $665,000.
Peter Malady, managing director of 360 Project Marketing - the group marketing the remaining eight units -  says units are being discounted by as much as 36% from their original asking prices.
Buyers from all around the world have been snapping up apartments now - coming from China, South East Asia, New Zealand, domestic and local.
Malady says most of the buyers have been investors but with some owner occupiers.
Construction started on the $700 million project in early 2008 but was halted later that year when it was crippled by debt and funding issues. By September, developers Raptis Group were under the administration of Deloitte who with the backing of ANZ managed to restart construction with the help of Brookfield Multiplex in 2009.
The Boulevard Tower was finished in late-2010 and the whole project officially opened on September 14 after the Orchid tower was completed.
Raptis bought the site, formerly the Dolphin Arcade, for $59.3 million in 2005 from Villa World, which had bought it for $32.7 million in 2002.
Construction of the hotel was triggered by increased tourism from China and India.
In July 2012 it was reported 101 buyers were being sued by ANZ after failing to settle on their apartments.
"Out of the 410 apartments we’d sold about 385 of but at settlement time a number of clients weren't in a position to settle. Valuations had moved not only in the Gold Coast Hilton project but also family homes," Malady told Property Observer.
Malady says there was a recent surge in sales.
"It’s been strong this year, absolutely and reasonably last year. There’s no supply here on the Gold Coast. There’s limited supply left in the three supers towers - Soul, Oracle and Hilton." 
There has been more than $54 million in apartment sales this year.
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Hilton Surfers Paradise resale price collapse for all but one exiting property investor

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Bread and butter suburbs were the most profit earning suburbs across Brisbane over the last year. In suburbs like Mount Gravatt all of the house sales over the past year sold for more than their previous sale price, according to RP Data.
Across Brisbane, five out of ten house sales went for more than their previous sale price, according to the REIQ.
There were two suburbs with a 100% profit making run - Mount Gravatt, in the south east and Mount Ommaney in the south west.
The new RP Data information is based a slightly tweaked algorithm using Automated Valuation Models which may slightly differ from numbers in Property Observer's system.
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<td colspan="4" width="458" height="20">Highest proportion of profit making sales</td>
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<td height="20">Suburb</td>
<td>Repeat Sales</td>
<td>% of sales over past year</td>
<td>Median value</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Mount Gravatt</a></td>
<td align="right">31</td>
<td align="right">100%</td>
<td align="right">$491,186</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Mount Ommaney</a></td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">100%</td>
<td align="right">$787,982</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Holland Park</a></td>
<td align="right">86</td>
<td align="right">98%</td>
<td align="right">$524,812</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Taringa</a></td>
<td align="right">43</td>
<td align="right">98%</td>
<td align="right">$754,145</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Everton Park</a></td>
<td align="right">89</td>
<td align="right">97%</td>
<td align="right">$472,513</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Nundah</a></td>
<td align="right">58</td>
<td align="right">97%</td>
<td align="right">$576,279</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Eight Mile Plains</a></td>
<td align="right">85</td>
<td align="right">96%</td>
<td align="right">$576,836</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Woolloongabba</a></td>
<td align="right">28</td>
<td align="right">96%</td>
<td align="right">$618,539</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Kenmore</a></td>
<td align="right">109</td>
<td align="right">96%</td>
<td align="right">$548,286</td>
</tr>
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<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Chelmer</a></td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">96%</td>
<td align="right">$812,458</td>
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<td height="20"><a target="_blank" href="/news">Spring Hill</a></td>
<td align="right">25</td>
<td align="right">96%</td>
<td align="right">$786,271 
</td>
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Source: RP Data
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Mount Gravatt heads top 11 profit making suburbs in Queensland

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In Queensland nine of the 14 dominant regional property markets are at or near the bottom of the market according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly report.
Just Emerald, Gladstone and Gold Coast are in a declining market.
All other regional housing markets in Queensland are between the start of a recovery and a rising market.
The trend applies to units and houses.
In its capital city analysis the Brisbane house and unit markets were at the start of a recovery.
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<td colspan="3" width="622" height="25">Stage of property cycles in regional Queensland</td>
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<td>Houses</td>
<td>Units</td>
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<td height="20">Cairns</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
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<td height="20">Townsville</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
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<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
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<td height="20">Mackay</td>
<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
<td>Bottom of market - rising market</td>
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<td height="20">Rockhampton</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
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<td height="20">Emerald</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
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<td height="20">Gladstone</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
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<td height="20">Bundaberg</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
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<td height="20">Hervey Bay</td>
<td>Start of recovery - bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
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<td height="20">Sunshine Coast</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
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<td height="20">Brisbane</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
<td>Start of recovery</td>
</tr>
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<td height="20">Goldcoast</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
<td>Declining market</td>
</tr>
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<td height="20">Ipswich</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
<td>Bottom of market</td>
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<tr height="20">
<td height="20">Toowoomba</td>
<td>Start of recovery - bottom of market</td>
<td>Rising market</td>
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Source: Herron Todd White
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Queensland regional markets at bottom of property cycle: Herron Todd White

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Entreprenuer Sir Richard Branson faces hurdles in making it cheaper to stay on Makepeace Island, his Australian resort retreat on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. 
"Council has concerns that a hotel use involving a liquor licence may not be appropriate in this location," was the recent message back from Sunshine Coast Council.
"The noise limits applied in the licence may not offer an acceptable amenity due to the close proximity of residential areas," the council report advised.
The council also has concerns about the adequacy of the existing effluent disposal system to cater for the proposed use of the 20 guests. The application didn't face any local opposition, and there is an expectation the issues raised by the council can been readily overcome. 
The island, which is marketed as accommodating up to 22 castaways, has received a promotional boost by being featured in the latest X Factor series on Channel 7.
Most guests have only been able to stay on Makepeace Island if they book out the whole island.
Pricing began  at $8000 plus a night and at $16,500 peak season and is now at $3250 for the whole island, plus $550 per guest per night.
Futher plans were announced earlier this year with the hope of a re-launch of the island as a boutique hotel towards the end of the year allowing the opportunity to stay without hiring the whole island.
The anticipated introductory pricing will start from <a target="_blank" href="https://makepeaceisland.com/rates/">an all-inclusive $850 per person </a>subject to council approval.
Branson opened his private retreat to the luxury holiday market in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/sir-richard-bransons-noosa-getaway-for-hire-%E2%80%93-for-%2417000-a-night/2011071150769">early 2011</a> for well-heeled travellers, but now maintains "given the unique nature of the proposed use there is likely to be a strong need for this type of tourist facility, given that it is not provided for elsewhere within the Sunshine Coast region."
Branson, along with Virgin Blue executives Brett Godfrey and former colleague Rob Sherrard, had bought the heart-shaped island for $2.86 million in 2007.
Guests travel to and from the island by riverboat, and it contains a host of facilities, such as an outdoor cinema and a full-sized tennis court, to keep them occupied.
There is a main house, three two-bedroom villas and a four-bedroom guest house. It has a boathouse, lagoon pool and a 15-person spa.
The syndicate has spent more than $7 million on the property, giving it "the look and feel of a Balinese resort."
Under the $850 a person per night plan the price will include meals and transfers, but alcohol will be extra.
"Makepeace Island is my home when I come to Australia,'' Branson told News Ltd's national travel reporter, Angela Saurine.
"Love Noosa, love that part of Australia,' he said.
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Sir Richard Branson's Makepeace Island $850 a night hotel plans hit Sunshine Coast hurdles

A $1500 a night holiday home on Hamilton Island has been listed for sale at more than $4.5 million.

The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/countdown-to-summer-round-house-on-hamilton-island/2012121158401" target="_blank">Round House</a>, designed by architect Peter Conley and built in the late 1980s is a four bedroom home, all with en-suites, a media room, a curved staircase and a salt water solar heated infinity pool that wraps itself around the exterior.

At <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-hamilton+island-114332235" target="_blank">31 Melaleuca Drive</a> the 4112 square metre luxury getaway can sleep 14 people.

It includes a one-bedroom cottage with a private driveway at the bottom of the property.

The property has been recently renovated at a cost of $1 million and is now wheelchair friendly with access ramps and an elevator.

It perches on the eastern side of One Tree Hill and has 180 degree ocean views over Catseye Beach and the Hamilton Island Resort.

The design of the house offers 12 hours of tropical sunshine all around the house.

It is being sold by Wayne Singleton of Hamilton Island Real Estate.

The vendor of the house is reportedly the O&rsquo;Brien family, based in Melbourne.

Sales on the island have reportedly been slow with more than 100 homes on the market.

Agent Mark Beale of Ray White Whitsunday told The Australian Financial Review there are three to four sales in a month on the island meaning the market is well oversupplied.

Prices have been reduced on the island but the rents are still strong.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve sold houses for $700,000 that generate $40,000 a year in rental income, they pay for themselves,&rdquo; Beale said.

&ldquo;Occupancy rates have been anywhere from 50% to 100% better on the island than on the mainland.&rdquo;

Ownership of land in the area operates under a 99-year leasehold system.&nbsp;

Winemaker Robert Oatley paid $200 million for the island in 2003.&nbsp;

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