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?

Talk of the mining boom effect petering out in perennial property hotspot favourites Gladstone and Moranbah in northern Queensland appears premature with both bucking the trend of property markets that soar one year only to fizz out the next.

Property Observer analysis of the 15 best performing detaching housing markets across five house price brackets published last May&nbsp;by Smart Property Investment magazine now one year on, shows that nine markets went from boom to bust in the space of a year, two tread water and three grew strongly, albeit at slower rates in the prior year.

The biggest boom to bust occurred in Quindalup, a small town in the South West region of Western Australia in the shire Busselton and about 250 kilometres west of Perth, most famous as the hub of a thriving timber industry from the mid to late 1800s.

Just a few original buildings remain, including Harwoods Cottage, now a local tourist attraction.

Based on annual sales data, RP Data figures show that Quindalup median house prices rose 47% to Feb 2012 but then fell 38% in the twelve months to February 2013.

Double-digit corrections also occurred in Netherby, a suburb of Adelaide, Sydney&rsquo;s prestige McMahons Point on the lower north shore (though from a small number of prestige sales), Dicky Beach, a suburb on the Sunshine Coast, East Launceston in Tasmania, Alton Downs near Rockhampton and Shorewell Park on the north coast of Tasmania near Burnie.

However, Gladstone City median house prices (the greater Gladstone area) have risen 24% over the 12 months to February 2013 following a rise of 32% in the previous months to a median of $600,000, albeit off just 17 recorded sales, according to RP Data.

And in Moranbah, house prices rose 17% over the 12 months to February 2013 following a 33% in the previous 12 months to rise to $740,000 from 159 sales.

The third location to register two consecutive years of strong price growth was Millthorpe in NSW, a tiny hamlet between Orange and Blayney with 1,100 people, with price gains of 31% in 2012 and 13%.

While listed as the top performers, the locations below were not necessarily recommended by RP Data or SPI Magazine as property investment hotspots for 2013.

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 470px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			State
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Suburb
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			Annual sales to Feb 13
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			Median price Feb 2012
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			Median price Feb 2013
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			Median 12mth growth to Feb 2012
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			Median 12mth growth to Feb 2013
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="7" valign="top" width="616">
			BEST PERFORMING SUBURBS $700,001 plus
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			WA
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Quindalup
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			12
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$970,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$565,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			47%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-38%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			SA
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Netherby
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			19
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$970,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$800,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			39%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-18%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			NSW
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			McMahons Point
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			16
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$1.92m
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$1.6m
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			33%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-17%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="7" valign="top" width="616">
			BEST PERFORMING SUBURBS $500,001 - $700,000
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			WA
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Derby
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			42
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$555,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$542,500
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			40%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			0%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			QLD
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Moranbah
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			159
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$610,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$740,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			33%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			+17%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			QLD
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Dicky Beach
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			20
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$660,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$562,500
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			28%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-15%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="7" valign="top" width="616">
			BEST PERFORMING SUBURBS $400,001 - $500,000
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			QLD
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Alton Downs
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			13
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$480,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$430,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			38%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-10%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			TAS
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			East Launceston
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			44
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$478,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$385,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			33%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-19%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			QLD
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Gladstone City
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			17
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$482,500
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$600,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			32%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			+24%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="7" valign="top" width="616">
			BEST PERFORMING SUBURBS $300,001 - $400,000
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			SA
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Munno Para
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			92
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$322,827
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$307,500
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			42%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			+1%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			NSW
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Millthorpe
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			12
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$330,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$372,500
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			31%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			+13%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			NSW
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Wyee Point
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			17
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$380,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$377,500
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			31%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-1%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="7" valign="top" width="616">
			BEST PERFORMING SUBURBS UNDER $300,000
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			TAS
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Shorewell Park
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			18
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$246,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$207,500
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			47%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-21%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			NSW
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Boggabri
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			21
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$157,500
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$153,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			45
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-6%
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="82">
			TAS
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="114">
			Trevallyn
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="66">
			98
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="78">
			$290,000
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="95">
			$279,500
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			26%
			</td>
			<td valign="top" width="90">
			-7%
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Source: RP Data/Smart Property Investment magazine&nbsp;

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Gladstone defies doomsayers with 24% gain in annual median house prices with Moranbah also strong

<html><body>
Austin, Aria Property’s 140 apartment project in South Brisbane, which will feature a four-storey commissioned art work, has entirely sold out.
Construction of the project on Grey Street and Fish Lane has recently commenced and will take around 14 months to complete.
One bedroom apartments were priced at around $390,000 with two-bedroom apartments starting from $490,000.
Sitting opposite the Queensland Museum and close to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and art galleries, the project will incorporate a turn of the century four storey exposed brick façade, that was once a Queensland Rail depot.
It will also house a four storey artwork commissioned by the council to tie in with the buildings close proximity to the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery.
When completed it will be the tallest building in the South Brisbane arts and culture enclave, “forming a gateway tower between the CBD and South Brisbane”.
Architect Simon White, principle at Rothe Lowman White, tells Property Observer there is not a lot of residential currently in South Brisbane but it’s been mooted as a high growth area with Austin the catalyst for a master plan to develop the neglected Fish Lane – which runs for about six blocks - with ground floor retail tenancies and a café complimenting the already established cultural precinct.
White says Aria took a “direct decision” to build large units aimed at attracting a higher proportion of owner occupiers, unlike most inner Brisbane apartment projects, which are aimed at the investor market.
Two-bedroom apartments measure between 80 square metres while one bedroom apartments between 52 and 55 square metres.
Generally one-bedroom apartments in Brisbane measure less than 50 square metres, he says.
Other attractions of the development include are a focus on amenities and recreation with a 500-square-metre rooftop terrace designed for “quiet recreation with sunbeds, open air bars, dining areas and rooftop planting” all with city views.
Other Aria projects where Rothe Lowman White have collaborated on include a 56 unit, 8 storey development sitting opposite Musgrave Park currently under construction.
Chris Mitchell, head of residential development at ARIA says that the company is dedicated to the successful development of South Brisbane and West End and has its headquarters on Edmondstone Street, on the boundary of the adjoining neighbourhoods.
<a href="https://www.ariaproperty.com.au/" target="_blank">ARIA Property Group </a>is a family owned and operated property development and investment company founded in 2003 by Tim Forrester.
</body></html>

'Arty' sold-out Austin apartment project to rise to South Brisbane's highest

<html><body>
Beleaguered coal baron Nathan Tinkler, who just dropped off the BRW Rich List, has listed his $5.2 million mega-mansion on a four hectare acreage outside Brisbane. 
Rebecca Tinkler bought the property in 2007 for $5.2 million. It's among several trophy homes owned by the family.
Last year Tinkler came 34th on the BRW Rich 200 with estimated net wealth of $915?million, but this year he fell under the $235?million threshold.
It is being sold by Benjamin Smith and Kel Goesch from BrisbaneRealEstate.com.au.
Fairfax Media reports the house is likely to resell for between $4 million and $5 million at its June 15 auction.
The seven-bedroom, five-bathroom estate comes with a vast array of features to keep any buyer occupied for months. The Pullenvale home in nestled in the hills 15 kilometres west of Brisbane.
It has a resort-style spa and pool with two waterslides and a poolside bar. The pool area leads into the professional gym and sauna room.
Inside the 1600 square metre house there is an 18-seater home cinema which is currently furnished with an arcade style basketball game and a state of the art sound system.
Outside is a floodlit champion size tennis court for night time games of tennis and pictures reveal a private golf green at the front of the four hectare block.
There are also stables and paddocks  for a number of horses if the purchaser is an equine enthusiast.
There is a 3,500 bottle climate controlled cellar seating inside for 12 people. And most of the guests will be able to stay given there is parking for 9 cars and a separate guest quarters two bedrooms and one bathroom.
And to keep the kids entertained there is a children's playground area.
Inside, as well as the exceptionally well appointed kitchen there is a teppanyaki bbq grill with seating for eight people.
There is a pool room which features arcade games and a four-seater bar. Guests enter the house by walking past the waterfall which cascades into a welcoming pond.
Tinkler has spread his collection of sports memorabilia and Hollywood minutia around the timber-floored house.
Tinkler currently retains homes at Merewether in the Newcastle beachside precinct and his $11.5 million oceanfront mansion on Sapphire Beach, Noorinya. 
Noorinya sits at the top of the list of Nathan Tinkler's private property assets, should he seek further funds to get himself out of his current business liquidity situation.
But having paid $11.5 million, it's in a league of its own when it comes to the prestigious second home coastal market.
The mining magnate smashed the mid north coast record in 2008 when he purchased Noorinya, on a Sapphire Beach headland, for $11.5 million from Microsoft pioneer Jaybe Ammons.
Noorinya, with 1.8 hectares of private headland, comes with lap pool and a secluded beach.
The following year Stockland’s David Pitman and ABN Amro’s Simon Perrott purchased oceanfront properties from developer Barry France on the next headland along at Sapphire Beach.
{qtube vid:=BYSuZ5PkBg8&amp;feature=plcp}
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 Ammons and his wife, Shelly, had spent about $2.75 million on the site amalgamation, including a $1.85 million purchase from hospital industry operator Paul Ramsay in 1999. Locals say the family used it regularly during the early years of ownership, but not much recently since the family relocated from their Newcastle base to Singapore.
Last June the Hunter Sports Group boss Troy Palmer was the immediate direct beneficiary of his boss Nathan Tinkler’s decision to quit Newcastle for Singapore.
Palmer bought one of Tinkler’s redundant beachside Merewether properties (pictured below) for $2.8 million – at under the commonly believed market value.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/bermer.jpg">
Tinkler bought the four-bedroom, three-bathroom 2006-built Merewether house for a then bullish record-setting $4.3 million in 2008 from the rugby league legend Andrew Johns.
Palmer’s same-day exchange settlement was in wife Emma’s name last month. The 34% price drop shocked several estate agents. “It turns out Nathan Tinkler's sale was a 'friendly deal', so should be seen as out of line by valuers,” one agent tweeted.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/bermerflicker.jpg">
Prior to working at the Tinkler Group, the Newcastle-born and raised Troy Palmer was the chief financial officer of Bluetongue Brewery, another well-known Newcastle organization.
Palmer was responsible for the acquisition of the Newcastle Knights and Newcastle Jets.
Tinkler retains his other Merewether holding, a two-block 1,587-square-metre amalgamation overlooking Bar and Dixon Park beaches, which cost an $8.8 million total in 2008. Locals reports it’s been in limbo since a development application for a six-bedroom Rosie Stollery-designed compound was approved in June 2011.
Video source LJ Hooker, 2008 marketing campaign
Video prepared by HTM Digital
 
 
 
</body></html>

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Nathan Tinkler lists indulgent Brisbane acreage mansion 

<html><body>
The regional Queensland town Bundaberg has been recording lower vacancy rates thanks to its proximity to Gina Rinehart's mining activities.
According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bundaberg</a> experienced a significant drop in vacancy rates, down to 0.8% from 2.4% last December and from 3.3% in March last year.
The shift was partly due to the floods caused by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald back in January 2013, although it's expected Bundaberg’s vacancy rates could be further impacted after a recently discovered coking coal deposit measuring 28.5 million tonnes was found earlier this year in Avalon, 25 kilometres northwest of Bundaberg. 

REIQ’s March residential rental vacancy rate survey showed the influence resource companies can have on regional rental markets.
“Mackay and Gladstone both recorded significant increases in vacancy rates as at the end of March due to less demand for rental properties from mining companies, and an element of increases in the supply of rental stock,” REIQ CEO Anton Kardash said.
With vacancy rates at 3% considered the general median for supply and demand, Queensland had four regional towns including Bundaberg that fell well below the average.
The rental market saw mixed results across Queensland for the first quarter of 2013.
The survey indicated Hervey Bay was down to 1.6% after a drastic drop from 4.3% and Gympie Regional saw a drop from 2.7% to 1.8% while the Toowoomba region retained its mantle as one of the tightest rental markets in the state at 0.8% down from 1.0% at the end of 2012.
A sample of the Bundaberg rental market from REIQ.com shows several affordable and family friendly houses including an 809-square-metre property on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiq.com/House/for-rent/bundaberg/2487465.aspx">Barolin Street</a> with four bedrooms and one bathroom for $340 per week.
Also on the market is a 799-square-metre property at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiq.com/House/for-rent/bundaberg/2475412.aspx">Griffith Street</a> with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and two car bays for $360 per week.
</body></html>

gdwyer-vyxhMDDW5L

Mining activity sees vacancy rate drop in Bundaberg

<html><body>
A three-bedroom condominium in the world's first Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast is up for grabs with a price guide above $1.5 million.
Gold Coast couple Rob and Gaye Williams are selling their three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo, which was only used occasionally for holidays.
The property features inlaid marble floors, timber parquetry and Italian art and mosaics adorn the walls.
The property also boasts hand painted finishes by decorating company Artisans, including a gold leaf ceiling.
A lounge – filled with European furniture of rich velvet and silk fabrics – opens up to a terrace with views over the hotel's pool.
The potential buyer will have use of the six star hotel facilities including restaurants, bars and recreational facilities.
Condominium 60 is <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/qld/main-beach/958706/#.UYxWjeBAt6o" target="_blank">listed</a> through Sam Guo and Julia Kuo of Ray White Broadbeach, with EOI closing May 27.
</body></html>

ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

Gold leaf ceiling comes with Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast condo with $1.5 million hopes

<html><body>
The Brisbane residential rental market swung further in favour of landlords in the March quarter with the vacancy rate tightening from 2.2% to 2.1%.
A balanced rental market is said to be at a vacancy rate of 3% with anything below that benchmark suggesting landlords have the upper hand in rental negotiations due to a shortage of available rental accommodation.
The vacancy rate remained tightest in the inner city – suburbs within 5 kilometres of the CBD – but unchanged at 2%.
A year ago the vacancy rate in the inner city was 1.4% reflecting perhaps the completion of a number of apartment projects in the inner ring.
“The addition of new apartments and a slight increase in investor activity should hopefully see vacancy rates ease over the coming year,” said REIQ chair Pamela Bennett.
“Recent data from the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) shows that median rental prices increased between December and March, with three bedroom houses up $10 to $410 per week and two bedroom units up $5 to $395 per week. The median rent for a four bedroom house increased by $20, now at $500 per week,” she added.
Of the 10 rental markets surrounding Brisbane, seven remain “tight” with only Caboolture, Redcliffe and Bay Islands considered “healthy” rental markets.
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="431"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap>
AS AT END OF:
</td>
<td width="51">
Mar-13
</td>
<td width="51">
Dec-12
</td>
<td width="51">
Mar-12
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap></td>
<td width="63" nowrap>
Current market condition
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
 
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
 
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
 
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Brisbane SD
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.1%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.2%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.2%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Brisbane City
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.1%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.0%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
1.7%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Brisbane Inner (0-5km)
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.0%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.0%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
1.4%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Brisbane Remainder
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.2%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.0%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
1.9%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Brisbane Surrounds
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.1%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.3%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.6%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Ipswich City
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.1%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.1%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.8%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Logan City
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.3%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.5%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.3%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Moreton Bay Regional
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.4%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.5%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
3.0%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Caboolture
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.5%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.6%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
3.4%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
healthy
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Pine Rivers
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.2%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
1.2%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.2%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Redcliffe
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.9%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
3.4%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
3.9%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
healthy
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Redland City
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
1.2%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
1.8%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.2%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Mainland
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
0.9%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
1.7%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
1.6%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
tight
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="192" nowrap valign="bottom">
Bay Islands
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
3.9%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
2.2%
</td>
<td width="51" nowrap valign="bottom">
8.8%
</td>
<td width="24" nowrap valign="bottom"></td>
<td width="63" nowrap valign="bottom">
healthy
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: REIQ
 “Ipswich City was the only region not to record any movement in its vacancy rate, unchanged at 2.1% as at the end of March and consistent with agents commenting on strong demand,” said Bennett.
“Logan City’s vacancy rate dipped slightly 2.3%, down from 2.5% recorded for the end of December.
According to agents, people are moving to the region from other parts of Queensland and interstate.
“The vacancy rate for the Moreton Bay region remained steady, recording a vacancy rate of 2.4% as at the end of March. RTA median rental data showed median rents rose by $5 for both three and four bedroom house, now at $330 and $380 respectively.
“Vacancy levels decreased in the Redland City region overall, now at 1.2% as at the end of March. On the mainland, vacancy rates fell to 0.9%, as REIQ accredited agents have found that demand has been higher than normal, and new tenants were being approved even before the previous tenant had vacated.
Only one market – the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, incorporating Russell, Karragarra, Lamb and Macleay Islands – has a vacancy rate of 3.9%. This is up from 2.2% in December 2012 reflecting seasonal demand for holiday rentals. The March vacancy rate is well down on the 8.8% vacancy rate a year ago.
The REIQ notes that the bay islands area saw some holiday rentals being marketed instead as residential rental properties,” partially influencing an increase in the area’s vacancy rate to 3.9%.
While the rental market remains constrained, some REIQ accredited agents have noted lower demand within specific areas now that the academic intake period has ceased.
“Even though the academic calendar is in full swing, the Brisbane rental market remains competitive with about two to five applications per rental listing,” said REIA chief execurive Anton Kardash.
“Part of the reason why the market is certainly a case of more demand than supply is that first home buyers are largely remaining on the sidelines of the sales market following the removal of the First Home Owners Grant last year.”
</body></html>

Brisbane rental market tightens to 2.1% vacancy rate in March quarter with rents rising

<html><body>
Mermaid Beach, the Gold Coast suburb made famous by the dramatic plunge in beachfront property values along Hedges Avenue following the GFC, is Australia's worst-performing suburb since 2009.
Median prices of two-bedroom houses in Mermaid Beach have fallen nearly 66% in the last four years while the four-bedroom house prices have fallen nearly 57%, according to a new report compiled by property investment group Real Estate Investar using Australian Property Monitors data.
The top ten worst total four year median price performance suburbs
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
Suburb
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
State
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
Dwelling type
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
Median price
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
One year median price growth
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
Four year median price growth
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
1. Mermaid Beach
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
2 bedroom house
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$413,000
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-22.74%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-65.56%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
2. Burleigh Heads
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
2 bedroom house
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$206,000
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-51.25%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-60.62%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
3 Mermaid Beach
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
4 bedroom houses
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$972,000
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-24.8%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-56.80%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
4. Bilinga
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
3 bedroom house
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$449,500
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-37.14%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-55.05%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
5. Sunshine Beach
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
4 bedroom
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$1.295m
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-26%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-52.91%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
6. Mandurah
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
WA
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
Studios  &amp; 1 bedroom units
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$190,000
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
+40.74%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-51.90%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
7. Bonny Hills
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
NSW
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
2 bedroom house
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$169,500
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
+25.55%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-51.85%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
8. Bilinga
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
QLD
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
3 bedroom unit
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$820,000
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
+8.25%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-50.31%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
9. Safety Beach
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
VIC
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
3 bedroom unit
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$399,000
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-3.86%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-49.82%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="103" valign="top">
10. Ultimo
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
NSW
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
Studios  &amp; 1 bedroom units
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
$185,000
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
+3.35%
</td>
<td width="103" valign="top">
-49.8%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Real Estate Investar
The median price for two-bedroom houses on Mermaid Beach has fallen to just $413,000 while four-bedroom houses now sell for around $972,000.
And the decline on Mermaid Beach has not been arrested in the last year, despite some improvement in the Gold Coast market with the most recent Prodap Report recording a 7.4% rise in average Gold Coast house prices over the first three months of the year.
Two-bedroom Mermaid beach house prices are down 23% over the past 12 months while four-bedroom houses are down 25%.
The collapse in real estate prices on Mermaid Beach has led to accusations by real estate agent Rod Lambert that investors were duped into buying multimillion-dollar properties as part of an elaborate price-fixing scam.
A legal battle between <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/legal/rod-lambert-s-%24175-million-gold-coast-claim-and-other-courtroom-conflicts-to-consider-in-2013/2013012458976">Lambert and ex-Ray White Estate agent Michael Kollosche</a> and other parties is currently underway over the sale of a property site to Lambert and his wife for $10.6 million in 2007.
Recent sales on Mermaid Beach include a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homehound.com.au/30+arthur+street+mermaid+beach+qld+4218/">four-bedroom house on Arthur Street</a> just a block from the beachfront, which sold for $800,000 in January 2013.
It previously sold for $1 million in July 2005, a 20% drop in value.
In November 2011, Property Observer compiled a list of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/the-8-biggest-losses-on-mermaid-beach-s-millionaire-s-row-show-no-post-gfc-recovery-in-sight/2011113052610">eight biggest losses on Mermaid Beach</a>, led by 199 Hedges Avenue, sold in 2011 for $7,700,000, last sold for $17.5 million in 2007, a loss of 56%.
Queensland coastal suburbs occupy the top five positions on the list of worst-performing locations with two-bedroom houses in Burleigh Heads second with a 61% decline over the past four years.
Bilinga, a southern beachfront suburb on the Gold Coast ranked fourth with three-bedroom house prices down 55% followed by prestige Sunshine Beach market on the Sunshine Coast, where prices have fallen 53% with a 26% decline recorded over the past 12 months.
The worst performing unit market is Mandurah, the regional city south of Perth where studio and one-bedroom apartments are down 52%, though values have recovered in the past 12 months, up 40.7% to a median of $190,000.
Investors may be surprised to see Ultimo, the inner Sydney suburb amongst the top 10 with studio and one-bedroom apartment prices down nearly 50% over the past four years with a median price of $185,000.
</body></html>

Mermaid Beach still poorly performing, with Mandurah and Ultimo bouncing back from their GFC lows

<html><body>
Brisbane house prices are to remain flat or record modest price rises for 2013 and 2014, according to the latest SQM Research report.
In SQM’s September 2012 Housing Boom and Bust report, Brisbane was predicted to rise 3% to 7% for 2013 - this has now been revised to 2% to 5% capital growth for houses and 3% to 6% for units.
The report says the latest interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to affect dwelling prices in Brisbane and may see prices rise towards 6% over the year and toward 2014.
Managing director of SQM and property analyst Louis Christopher says Brisbane housing prices are no longer falling but there is unlikely to be a property boom.
“We see no emerging property boom because there is simply too much real estate on offer for buyers right now and local economic conditions do not provide any stimulus for such a rapid rally.
“Nevertheless a modest to moderate rise in dwelling prices makes for a more sustainable and enduring recovery which is what is going to be the most likely outcome for the local market,” says Christopher.
The Brisbane CBD is forecasted to be the top performer over the next two years, with a forecasted 4% to 8% increase in dwelling prices.
East Brisbane is forecasted to experience similar growth and inner Brisbane is forecasted to experience a 2% to 6% growth in prices.
Meanwhile, West Brisbane is forecasted to record an insignificant increase of 0% to 4% due to a current abundance of supply.
The median house price for Brisbane is currently $681,000.
The SQM Research Brisbane Housing Boom and Bust Report will be available via the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/">SQM Research website</a> for $59.95.
</body></html>

Brisbane house prices no longer falling but property boom is unlikely: SQM

<html><body>
The Bank of Queensland has cut its standard variable home loan rate by 0.25% to 6.26% per annum, effective May 24.
“Regional banks have not benefited from easing funding costs to anywhere near the same extent as the major banks due to a range of factors, particularly different wholesale funding mixes,” says chief executive Stuart Grimshaw.
“At BOQ we rely heavily on the retail market for funding and competition for consumer deposits remains.
“This makes it a great time for savers and we’re proud to continue offering very competitive deposit rates.”
</body></html>

Bank of Queensland cuts standard variable home loan rate by 0.25% 

<html><body>
Quest Serviced Apartments will target the growing number of extended-stay business travellers in Queensland, with five new properties across the state to open in the next 12 months.
Quest plans to build more than 1,300 apartments in Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, Woolloongabba and Upper Mount Gravatt for business travellers – boosting their room supply by more than 90%.
The announcement comes as Quest opened their newest property at Breakfast Creek (pictured below).
<img alt="questmay8one" height="312" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/05/questmay8one.jpg">
“A general shortage of quality accommodation for business travellers has prompted us to fast-track our plans to open more properties in the next 12 months, with further expansion plans in the pipeline,” says chairman of Quest Serviced Apartments Paul Constantinou.
“Queensland’s four pillar economy is going from strength to strength and we’re starting to see some really encouraging results from the investments we are making in agriculture, tourism, resources and construction,” says Queensland Premier Campbell Newman.
Property Observer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/commercial/quest-to-build-10-new-serviced-apartments-buildings-in-nsw-over-next-two-years/2013020659191">reported</a> on Quest’s announcement in February to build ten new apartment buildings in New South Wales by 2014.
These are in addition to new properties opening in outer Melbourne, regional Victoria and the Adelaide CBD.
Quest currently has 21 properties in NSW, providing accommodation to approximately 120,000 extended stay business travellers.
On completion of these projects, Quest aims to have a total of 2,365 rooms in NSW hosting around 200,000 travellers annually.
Quest also recently opened 86 serviced apartments in the redeveloped <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/frankston-eyesore-reborn-as-peninsula-on-the-bay-holiday-apartments/2013032559596">10-storey Neapean Highway Complex</a> in Frankston. 
Quest currently has over 150 properties across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
</body></html>

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