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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<div>
Everton Park – eight kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD - experienced the highest median price growth in 2012 for units and townhouses, according to the latest Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) data.
The median unit and townhouse price for Everton Park for the 12 months up until December is $430,000 – a 22.9% increase on the median price of $349,813 in 2011.
However suggesting some volatility in the suburb, it experienced a December quarterly fall of 16.1% to $390,000.
A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-qld-everton+park-112899555">three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse </a>is currently listed and under offer on Lackeen Street for $449,000 plus.
The tri-level townhouse boasts high ceilings, timber floors and a modern kitchen.
It is currently tenanted for $490 a week on a periodic tenancy and last sold in February 2007 for $365,000.
It has been listed by Fiona McVilly from Urban Property Agents Paddington.
A new two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit sold in Ashmore Street in Everton Park in November last year for $420,000.
In the same month, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit on Sizer Street sold for $425,000.
Local estate agents were not convinced about the growth figures for the suburb.
Pauline Downie from First National Everton Park says it was not a genuine price growth, but mostly new townhouses and units being sold, rather than resales.
Judy Latham from Judy Latham Real Estate says 2012 was a quiet year, with not as much turnover but 2013 is proving to be strong with sales above the asking price.
Sherwood – 9 kilometres south west of the CBD - comes in second place, experiencing an 18.0% annual growth from $372,500 to $439,500.
Chermside was the weakest performing suburb in the Brisbane city, falling 15.8% annually from $431,000 in December 2011 to $363,000 in December 2012.
<table width="463" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
Region
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
Median sale 12 months December 2012
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
Median Sale 12 months December 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
One year change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">Everton Park</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$430,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$349,813
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
22.9%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">Sherwood</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$439,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$372,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
18.0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">Stafford</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$407,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$360,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
13.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">St Lucia</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$479,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$425,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
12.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">Hamilton</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$477,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$427,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
11.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">Taringa</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$434,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$390,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
11.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">Teneriffe</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$555,938
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$512,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
8.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">West End</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$523,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$483,550
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
8.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">Balmoral</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$465,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$431,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
7.8%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="116">
<a href="/news">Bulimba</a>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$549,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
$510,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="116">
7.7%
<div></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
 
</body></html>

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Everton Park, the top performing Brisbane suburb for apartments over 2012

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Regional towns servicing the northern Queensland mining region are likely to benefit from the announcement that freight company Aurizon will invest in the development of rail and port infrastructure servicing the coal-rich Galilee Basin.
Aurizon, formerly state-owned QR National, has agreed to acquire a majority (51%) interest in Hancock Coal Infrastructure Pty Ltd (HCI), which owns GVK Hancock's rail and port projects.
The investment will facilitate the building of multi-billion-dollar port and rail infrastructure linking the remote Galilee Basin to the Abbot Point coal terminal, 495 kilometres to the north, allowing coal to exported offshore.
The Galilee Basin is 200 kilometres west of the existing coalfields in the Bowen Basin and has been labelled "Australia's next coal precinct".
The development of a number of Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting joint venture coal mining projects with India-based GVK require the building of the rail line and port in order to proceed.
The Galilee Basin covers around 250,000 square kilometres and contains vast quantities of thermal coal, which is used to generate electricity.
Writing in The Conversation last year, Sonya Duus from the Australian National University, said while the average-sized coal mine in Queensland currently produces around 5 million tonnes (Mt) of coal every year, one of the GVK Hancock proposed mines - The Alpha Coal project would produce 30 Mt per annum, and would still not be the largest in the new basin.
GVK Hancock is hoping to export up to 60 million tonnes of coal a year.
The development of the $6 billion rail link has the potential to create thousands of jobs in the construction phase of the railway and port as well as mining jobs when the mines are operational.
This could increase demand for accommodation in regional towns to house fly-in-fly-out workers.
Property values in remote towns situated close to the proposed Galilee Basin mines including Alpha, Jericho, Hughenden, Charleville, Winton and Middleton could all rise once the mines are operational.
In a recent webinar, <a href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au" target="_blank">hotspotting.com.au</a>'s Terry Ryder picked Mackay as a potential “next Gladstone”  due to its proximity to the Bowen Basin and export port facilities.
"This is one of the most significant deals in Queensland’s coal history. The development of the rail and port infrastructure will unlock the Galilee Basin and see the development of Alpha, Kevin’s Corner and Alpha West, creating one of the largest integrated coal development projects globally," said Dr G V Krishna Reddy, chairman of GVK.
"The proposed relationship with Aurizon would allow us to jointly develop the most cost and time efficient rail and port solution for the Galilee Basin.
"At full capacity, the proposed arrangement is intended to provide sufficient equity and debt funding for the projects to reach financial close. The parties jointly will leverage the work already completed by GVK, the significant potential for ECA financing and Aurizon’s experience and capacity to undertake major projects and capability in heavy haul rail and infrastructure."
GVK Hancock received the primary state and commonwealth environmental approvals for its greenfield rail project in May and August 2012 respectively. GVK Hancock’s port project received Commonwealth environmental approval in October 2012.
Collectively the proposed development of the rail and port infrastructure – which is expected to deliver export capacity of 60 mtpa – could represent an investment for Queensland in the order of $6 billion.
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

North Queensland mining towns boosted by investment in Galilee Basin railway line

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Brisbane's median unit price decreased 4% to $389,000 over the December 2012 quarter but posted a mild 0.3% increase over the year, according to the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).
REIQ CEO Anton Kardash said a marked rise in the number of sales of units priced between $250,000 and $350,000 had reduced the overall median price.
“Inner Brisbane suburbs continue to do well with median prices in New Farm and South Brisbane all posting solid price growth,” Kardash said.
“Brisbane’s middle-ring suburbs have also recorded some good results with Mount Gravatt East edging up 6.6% over the quarter and Morningside recording growth of 9.9%.”
The REIQ’s December Queensland Market Monitor (QMM), released last Friday, showed the number of unit and townhouse sales in Brisbane was up 16% when compared to the December 2011 quarter.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Brisbane unit prices dropped 4% in December quarter: REIQ

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If Rockhampton was located somewhere else – like Toowoomba or Cairns or Townsville – it would be blipping on investor radar screens across Australia.
Not that there’s anything fundamentally wrong with Rockhampton’s location. It’s just that it shares its spot in central Queensland with a couple of headline acts in the national property sphere, Gladstone and Mackay.
Gladstone has been the market everyone has wanted to be in lately, although many have discovered its rising market a couple of years too late, as Australia’s No.1 industrial city is heading into a correction phase, as bulk new supply floods into the market.
Mackay is the rising star, nicely located to benefit from activity in the established Bowen Basin mining province and the emerging new boom region of the Galilee Basin. It has significant export facilities, which will be expanded soon, and new rail links are planned from the Galilee Basin west of Emerald.
Mackay’s rents have risen significantly, and so have sales volumes, so price rises appear inevitable.
Meanwhile, Rockhampton is flying under the radar screens of most investors. But its time will come – and soon.
Rocky has greater significance than many realise. It’s larger than Mackay and Gladstone, with a population around 110,000, and is the admin capital of central Queensland (a recent State Government strategic plan nominated Gladstone as the industrial hub and Rockhampton as the government and business capital).
It markets itself as the beef capital of Australia. One or two places around the nation might challenge that, but there’s no doubt that a large chunk of the local economy spins on Rockhampton’s links to the beef cattle industry. In May 2012 Queensland Premier Campbell Newman was one of 20,000 people to attend the opening day of Beef Australia 2012. There are two large abattoirs in Rockhampton.
The Rockhampton district is also supported by horticulture, magnetite mining &amp; magnesia production, salt, silica sand &amp; limestone extraction, explosives manufacture, electricity generation, defence training &amp; logistics, retail trade, education services, health &amp; community services and tourism.
Queensland Rail has a large workforce in the city, which is the meeting point for the main north coast rail line and the line to the major coalfields to the west. Coal trains regularly pass from the west to the coal port of Gladstone to the south.
The coal-fired 1,440mw Stanwell Power Station is 30km west of Rockhampton. The station's electricity generation units were given a $27 million overhaul in mid-2012.
Tourism is a large employer, boosted by the Keppel group of islands off the Capricorn Coast,
A key part of Rockhampton’s appeal is its relative affordability. While typical houses in both Gladstone and Mackay cost in the $400,000s, it’s still fairly easy to find homes in the $200,000s in Rockhampton.
There are some major economic boosts on the Rockhampton horizon. Two new export port facilities in planning, both located halfway between Rocky and Gladstone. Both are billion-dollar projects promising thousands of jobs.
Both have attracted considerable opposition on environmental grounds – but, this is Queensland, where ruling politicians don’t even know how to spell environment much less make a decision on ecological grounds.
There are a number of new property developments happening in Rockhampton, including a new Quest serviced apartments hotel, several medium-sized retail developments and new housing estates. Infrastructure upgrades includes local roads, an electricity substation and local medical facilities.
One note of warning for investors who like Rockhampton’s prospects: the city has been whacked by the weather in recent years and you would be advised to check out which locations are most likely to flood and which are not, as the city sits on the banks of the Fitzroy River.
Terry Ryder is the founder of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hotspotting.com.au/">hotspotting.com.au</a>
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terryryder-YECXbqmri2

Rockhampton's time will come soon: Terry Ryder

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The former Surfers Rowers Hotel at Bundall has been listed for sale under instructions from receivers and managers. 
The restaurant and function centre on the Nerang River stopped trading last month after receivers were appointed to property owner, Brisbane-based Alfanian Pty Ltd. 
According to RP Data records, the hotel was acquired by Alfanian for $2.88 million in July 2006. 
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that business owner Mario Sherri had looked into buying the property in August last year until a valuation found that it was worth half of the agreed price.
The sales campaign is being steered by Glenn Price and Joel Fisher, of CBRE Hotels. 
The 150 Bundall Road property stands of 3,145 square metres of riverfront land across two titles and is two kilometres from the Surfers Paradise CBD. 
“The campaign is expected to generate significant interest from both owner operators and investors,” says Price. 
“The large site area means it could also be a land bank play for a developer who could potentially look to lease the site while pursuing planning approvals.” 
Situated on the corner of Bundall Road and Holden Place, the site currently comprises a two level building overlooking the Nerang River. The property has approval for 40 gaming machines, although no operating approvals are included in the sale. 
There is a split level public bar, a covered alfresco deck area, a formal restaurant,  a first floor function room and two large commercial kitchens. 
Adjoining the property are two additional parcels of land which are currently used for car parking. 
The properties are available to be purchased in one line or separately. 
Expressions of interest close at 4pm on April 4.
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Receivers put Surfers Rowers Hotel on Gold Coast up for sale

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Its been billed as Brisbane's slowest moving housing market by Louis Christopher at SQM, and possibly Australia's slowest selling postcode. 
"It clearly stands out from the rest when measuring properties that have spent the most time on the market," Christopher told Property Observer.
The top 10 ranked properties from postcode 4184 – which takes in Russell Island, Macleay Island and Lamb Island just off the coast of Brisbane – have each spent more than 3½ years on the market.
Some of these properties were already on the market when SQM Research began to monitor this back in 2009.
SQM Research attributes the long listings to the fact that postcode 4184 is a holiday region or retirement destination.
"Properties in the area are often used as second homes or investments," Louis Christoper said.
SQM Research says during an economic recession, the first assets to be liquidated are investment properties or holiday homes, and this appears to have been the case with the homes from postcode 4184.
Agents told SQM Research that there was also a great deal of vacant land for sale in the postcode, where individuals may have bought cheaply in the hope of later building - perhaps for retirement or leisure - but as a result of financial hardship have since attempted to sell off.
 
1
<div><a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=d9a6b72f35&amp;e=0aab96dc54">55 Bangalow, Russell Island, 4184</a></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div>
Days on the market: 1,418</div>
<div>
Initial asking price: $485,000 Current asking price: $450,000 Reduction: 7%</div>
 
2
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-macleay+island-105093554">47 Coondooroopa Drive, Macleay Island, 4184</a>
Days on the market: 1418 Initial asking price: $680,000 Current asking price: $629,000 Reduction: 8%
 
3
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=c3b661bc15&amp;e=0aab96dc54">59 Coondooroopa Drive, Macleay Island, 4184</a>
Days on the market: 1418 Initial asking price: $1,200,000 Current asking price: $989,000 Reduction: 18%
 
4
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=4df0d79eeb&amp;e=0aab96dc54">4 Shelly Cres, Lamb Island, 4184</a>
Days on the market: 1418 Initial asking price: $280,000 Current asking price: $245,000 Reduction: 13%
 
5
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=b5f1924eac&amp;e=0aab96dc54">162 High Central, Macleay Island, 4184</a>
Days on market: 1418 Initial asking price: $298,500 Current asking price: $298,500 Reduction: 0%
 
6
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=20e2218f59&amp;e=0aab96dc54">1 Wilga, Russell Island, 4184</a>
Days on the market: 1418 Initial asking price: $239,000 Current asking price: $207,000 Reduction: 13%
 
7
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=a1fba8cf51&amp;e=0aab96dc54">25 Benowa Road, Macleay Island, 4184</a>
Days on the market: 1418 Initial asking price: $640,000 Current asking price: $590,000 Reduction: 8%
 
8
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=8bdda6c426&amp;e=0aab96dc54">11-13 Pacific Street, Lamb Island, 4184</a>
Days on the market: 1411 Initial asking price: $965,000 Current asking price: $785,000 Reduction: 19%
 
9
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=9e445e7660&amp;e=0aab96dc54">55 Laurel, Russell Island, 4184</a>
Days on the market: 1371 Initial asking price: $298,000 Current asking price: $298,000 Reduction: 0%
 
10
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=9badbd870addb4af72206c2eb&amp;id=e3a25ea377&amp;e=0aab96dc54">61 Francis St, Macleay Island, 4184</a>
Days on market: 1318 Initial asking price: $235,000 Current asking price: $215,000 Reduction: 9%
 
SQM Research also offers a list of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/top100bargains.php" title="SQM Research">Top 100 Biggest Bargains in Australia </a>for sale.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Postcode 4184 dominates Brisbane's days on market standings: SQM

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There was a 14% rise in new apartment sales on the Gold Coast over the December quarter led by 31 unconditional sales recorded at the Sirocco apartment project being developed by the Emandar Group.
Colliers Internatial records 160 sales across 37 projects over the December quarter of last year compared with 140 sales across 40 projects in the previous quarter.
Despite the improvement sales remain at historically low levels - the long-term average for apartment sales on the Gold Coast is around 300 unconditional sales per quarter.
The December quarter result continued a trend of rising sales and declining projects being marketed off-the-plan with Mistral at Harbour Quays, Kirra Wave at Bilinga and Surf 120 at Broadbeach all selling out over the quarter. 
Sirocco at Harbour Quays was the only new project launched over the quarter. 
Sirocco is being developed at Harbour Quays near Biggera Waters, about 15 minutes north of Surfers Paradise. 
The project features 40 apartments, half of which are two-bedroom apartments as well as one and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom villas. 
Project numbers on the Gold Coast have declined for eight consecutive quarters from just over 60 in December 2010 to just 37 in the December 2012 quarter. 
The current number of projects is the lowest number of projects being marketed at buyers in 12 years. 
There are around 1,000 apartments available for sale at the moment, which represents a 20 month supply pipeline at the current sales rate, and the lowest since figures were first recorded 30 years ago. 
However, given that sales numbers are trending up and only two new projects expected to be added over the first quarter of 2013, the supply pipeline should begin to shorten. 
The two new projects coming on board are – the third stage of Harbour Quays in Biggera Waters and Synergy at Broadbeach.
Gold Coast apartment market – sales over 2012
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
QUARTER - 2012
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
NO. OF SALES
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
NO. OF PROJECTS
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
March
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
113
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
47
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
June
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
133
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
42
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
September
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
140
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
40
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
December
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
160
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
37
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Tony Holland, Colliers International Residential Director of Project Marketing says buyers of new apartments on the Gold Coast or Tweed Coast have much more limited options than they have in the past.” 
Holland says there is more confidence in the Gold Coast as a whole now and this year had started off exceptionally well.
“We can report anecdotally that both enquiry and more importantly sales have been strong this year, not only in the apartment market, but also in the land sales market,” he said.
“It’s still at low levels but we think that is ­probably being held back because of the lack of choice in the market," Holland told the Australian Financial Review.
According to Holland , buyers are perceiving that the new price levels represent good value.
A regional report released by RP Data this week reported that Gold Coast unit values are still down 19.5% from their peak with the only the fast north Queensland coast a worst performing market, with unit prices down 22% from its peak.
The only one major off-the-plan project launched over the December quarter was Amalgamated Property Group’s Synergy at Broadbeach with 130 apartments.
The Melbourne-based Pellicano Group also recently gained master planning approval for a 1650-dwelling proposal at the Zagame family’s Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast.
According to Lynda Campbell, Colliers International research manager, the best performing precinct across the Gold and Tweed Coasts in the new apartment market for the December quarter was the North Shore, which had 84 sales across nine projects. 
The Colliers International figures contrast starkly with November quarter figures reported by the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/heavily-discounted-hilton-surfers-paradise-the-only-notable-gold-coast-high-rise-seller-in-november-quarter-midwood/2012121958540" target="_blank">Midwood Report,</a> which recorded just 19 unconditional high-rise apartment sales over the November quarter, a 70% plunge from sales figure a year ago.
There are currently 247 apartments in the medium-rise sector available for sale and 758 in the high-rise sector, according to Colliers International.
Niecon's two-tower Oracle project on Broadbeach, currently in receivership, managed over 100 sales in 2012.
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Gold Coast new apartment sales rise 14% in December quarter as project numbers decline

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Brisbane house prices have remained relatively steady over 2012, according to the latest quarterly median house price data released by the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).
Median house prices are up 0.4% in the December 2012 quarter to $510,000.
This is the second consecutive quarterly increase for Brisbane house prices.
REIQ chief executive Anton Kardash says the latest quarterly result demonstrates that the second half of 2012 was one of improvement.
“This is the second consecutive quarter where the market has exceeded expectations,” he says.
“Historically the December quarter is quieter than the September quarter - and we did have a very strong September quarter last year – but what these figures are showing us is that buyers continue to be more active than the year before.”
The volume of houses sold in Queensland is up 8%, year-on-year.
“There is no doubt that the Queensland market is improving due to the low interest rate environment, increasing confidence levels, an element of pent-up demand, as well as a more settled economic outlook here and overseas,” Kardash says.
“Upgrader suburbs in Brisbane did particularly well over the period, with many buyers taking advantage of low interest rates to make their move,” he says.
“Unfortunately, however, the numbers of first-home buyers active in the Queensland market continues to trend down following the removal of the first-home owners’ grant in October last year.”
One of the better-performing Brisbane suburbs over the quarter was Ashgrove, where median house prices jumped 11.9% in the quarter to end the year 3.2% up on 2011 at $755,000.
Bracken Ridge also finished the year strong, with median house prices up 13.9% for the quarter and 2.7% for the year to $428,750.
The median house price in the suburb of Nundah is $631,250 in December, up 9.8% for the December quarter and 9% for the year.
The median Brisbane house price fell 0.4% over 2012 from $512,000 in the December quarter 2011.
In the December quarter of 2011 the median Brisbane house price fell 0.2% to $499,000.
Photo by bertknot, courtesy of Flickr
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equinn-i7Kmo9afeu

Brisbane house prices steady in 2012: REIQ

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House prices on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast declined relatively modestly over 2012 and showed signs of recovering in the final quarter of the year, according to new figures released by the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ).
The figures suggest these tourism-dependent, retiree-friendly coastal markets averted the “catastrophe” suggested by Sunrise presenter and finance guru David Koch and his wife Libby a year ago.
House prices on the Gold Coast declined by 3.1% over the year with the median price declining from $480,000 to $465,000 on an annualised basis.
This compares with a steeper decline of 4.8% recorded over the 2011 calendar year.
Over the final three months of the year, Gold Coast house prices lifted by 1.1% - a better result than the Brisbane city market, where house prices gained just 0.4% over the final quarter of the year.
On the Sunshine Coast, house prices fell 2.9% over the year with the median price declining from $445,000 to $432,050 on an annualised basis.
In 2011, Sunshine Coast house prices fell 5.3%, according to the REIQ.
There are indications that house price declines may be slowing down with the Sunshine coast recording just a 0.2% decline over the final three months of 2012.
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Region
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Median sale price Dec 2012
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
Qrtly change
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Median sale price for 12 months to Dec 2012
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
Median sale price for 12 months to Dec 2011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
1yr change 2012
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">1yr change 2011</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Gold Coast
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$465,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
+1.1%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$465,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
$480,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
-3.1%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">-4.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Sunshine Coast
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$429,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
-0.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$432,050
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
$445,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
-2.9%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">-5.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="111">
Brisbane City
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
$510,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="76">
+0.4%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$510,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
$512,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">
-0.4%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="104">-5.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: REIQ
REIQ CEO Anton Kardash said the latest quarterly result demonstrated that the second half of 2012 was one of improvement.
“This is the second consecutive quarter where the market has exceeded expectations,” he said.“Historically the December quarter is quieter than the September quarter- and we did have a very strong September quarter last year - but what these figures are showing us is that buyers continue to be more active than the year before.
The REIQ also reported increased buyer activity in Queensland’s tourism centres with the numbers of house sales up 27% on the Sunshine Coast and 19% on the Gold Coast compared to the December 2011 quarter.
“Buyers are once again looking at our beautiful tourism regions, perhaps attracted by the lower price-points that are now available in some of these areas,” says Kardash.
REIQ Gold Coast zone chair John Newlands said the positive results show signs that the housing market on the Gold Coast is now in a period of stabilisation.
“Recovery appears to be on its way with both the lower end and prestige markets performing well over the quarter,” he said.
Commenting on the Sunshine Coast, zone chair Lloyd Edwards said market conditions generally are faring well, with a very upbeat and positive sentiment in the marketplace.
"We are seeing more completed sales, most likely due to buyers being frustrated by the tight rental market conditions in the region," he said.
“The month of December saw uncharacteristically high activity despite the dramatic decrease in properties coming onto the market as interest rates reduced their holding costs.
"The beach community of Buddina appears to be back in favour with buyers with its median house price increasing by 14.9% over the year ending December, possibly attributed to the varying number of waterfront properties sold.
A year ago <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/sunshine-coast-mayor-slams-kochie-for-catastrophic-warning-to-property-investors/2012012353114" target="_blank">Sunrise presenter and finance guru David Koch and his wife Libby</a> outraged Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast estate agents and developers by describing the two South East Queensland coast markets as “catastrophes” He said an oversupply of apartments on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast was “nothing short of devastating” and that it would be years before there would be any sort of recovery.
Coastal Queensland estate agents took to the parochial local newspapers to vent their anger at Kochie.
But he remained unfazed, responding with a <a href="https://kochie.com.au/20120129527/why-gold-coast-real-estate-agents-are-the-worlds-supreme-optimists-or-loose-with-the-truth">barrage of real estate data</a>, including quoting figures from RP Data showing that Gold Coast house prices had fallen 15.1% from their peak in March 2010, with units were down 15% from December 2011 quarter.
On the Sunshine Coast, he said, house prices were down 13.9 % from their peak in December 2009 with units falling even further, down 16% from their peak in March 2010.
The figures out today from the REIQ suggest the worst may has passed for these two markets, though early indications about the Gold Coat unit market suggest falls will be greater than those experienced in the detached housing market.
Figures released in the December quarter Prodap report, which looks at new housing,says Gold Coast house prices fell by 4.5% over 2012 with units down 7.3%.
Bill Morris, author of the Prodap Report, said he had not seen such a grim picture of the new housing production market since the 1981-82 recession.
The problem for the Gold Coast land market, said Morris, was that “established houses are cheaper and in many cases better located than new houses”.
“In other words, replacement costs are higher than the price of older homes,” he said.
REIQ figures till the end of September 2012, record a 5.5% decline in the median price of Sunshine Coast units to $325,000, with Gold Coast City units down 2.8% to a median of $330,000
Residex provides a collective Gold Coast unit figure in its regional property update.
It records that Gold Coast unit prices fell 4.34% for the year to October to a median value of $325,000.
As a point of comparison, country Queensland unit values fell by less than half of that - down only 1.95% over the same period to a median of $278,500.
However the Gold Coast unit price correction in 2012 was less than half the 8.74% fall recorded over the previous 12 month period to October 2011, suggesting the market may be close to bottoming out.
RP Data has Surfers Paradise unit prices down 2.8% over 2012, but Broadbeach units up 2.3%.
These suggest modest price corrections over 2012.
Telling though, sales volumes continued to fall steeply, indicating the market remains severely depressed in terms of sales activity.
This most likely reflects a disconnected market with vendors unwilling to set realist price expectations (and take a loss on their investments) combined with buyers in search of an expecting to secure big discounts off the previous selling price.
RP Data records 728 unit sales in Surfers Paradise in 2012, a 12% decline compared with the already low figure of 831 sales recorded in 2011.
Putting this in context, RP Data recorded 2,359 sales on Surfers Paradise in 2007 – that’s more than three times as many as there were last year.
Sales picked up a little on Broadbeach – rising from 295 in 2011 to 317 in 2012 – but this is less than half the 714 sales recorded in 2007 before the GFC began to bite.
Certainly new and off the plan apartment sales on the Gold Coast remain very weak.
The November quarter Midwood Report reported on a deeply troubled Gold Coast apartment market with developers reporting only 19 high-rise apartment sales over the November quarter, a 70% plunge from sales figure a year ago, according to the latest Midwood Report.
Quarterly sales figures were more than double the paltry eight sales recorded in the August quarter, but just a fraction of the 73 sales recorded in November quarter of 2011.
In total there are 705 high-rise apartments available for purchase on the Gold Coast, which at current sales rates would take close to a decade to clear.
The Midwood report classifies high-rise sales as those developments of 40 storeys and higher.
All but three of the sales over the quarter were in the Brookfield Multiplex-constructed $700 million Hilton Surfers Paradise (pictured below), following prices being reduced by up to a third.
There were no sales reported in the two other major high-rise apartments – Niecon’s Oracle and Juniper’s Soul, both of which are in the hands of receivers.
Midwood records 47 unit sales on the Sunshine coast over the November quarter with 40 of these sales occurring at Saltwater, being developed by RGD Property group in Birtinya with prices starting from $360,00 for a one bedroom apartment. 38 units remain up for sale.
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David Koch “catastrophe” comments revisited: Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast house prices record modest declines in 2012

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A striking 1957 two-level Toowong brick house – designed by immigrant architect Vitaly Gzell – has been sold.
Exuding 1950s style, the refurbished house retains its original solid structure.
It has had a contemporary renovation of the kitchen and bathrooms.
Set on 658 square metres, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-toowong-qld-4066/174775" target="_blank">it was sold by McGrath agent Gabrielle Trickey for $1,135,000</a>.
"It was spacious, quiet and generous," she said.
Listed in October last year with $1,265,000 hopes, the Herbert Street house had last sold at $1.1 million in 2010.
It had previously sold in 2000 at $320,000 and $235,000 in 1993.
The marketing says the house appeared in the 1959 book, Buildings of Queensland, published by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Queensland chapter.
It doesn't, however, appear with the collection of papers relating to <a href="https://www.library.uq.edu.au/fryer/ms/uqfl227.pdf" target="_blank">47 projects </a>by Vitaly Gzell held by the University of Queensland.
Writer David Malouf once wrote that "Gzell was largely unknown on the world stage but contributed many distinguished buildings."
"Working within an honest everyday modernism which was both appropriate to the terrain but also nudged architecture forward here, within a very conservative climate," <a href="https://www.cityofsound.com/blog/2007/08/hear-that-rain" target="_blank">he blogged</a>.
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