<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> has lodged plans for a $750 million, three-tower mixed-use precinct that would complete the long-running redevelopment of Carlton's former Carlton United Breweries site.

The proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/185-195-queensberry-street-carlton-vic-3053">46-78 Bouverie Street and 185-195 Queensberry Street</a> spans a 6,468 sqm site, the last remaining undeveloped parcels within the former brewery's 2007 masterplan.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the development will comprise two purpose-built student accommodation towers and a third build-to-sell apartment tower above a shared commercial podium and basement.

Across the three towers, SP Setia is proposing 606 build-to-sell apartments and 1,499 student accommodation units containing 2,009 beds.

The apartments will sit in the tallest tower, which will rise nearly 200m and 55 storeys. It will become&nbsp;one of the more substantial new build-to-sell apartment projects at the northern edge of Melbourne's CBD.

The apartment mix is weighted toward smaller inner-city product, with 188 studios, 206 one-bedroom apartments, 192 two-bedroom apartments and 20 three-bedroom apartments

<img alt="First look: SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8271bc87-1b0a-41b7-ac73-a425ee375261" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/3_2.png?VersionId=G4lw23o90B1boX4k4dj7rdz2ZEajS9wy" />

Part of the precinct will be a large-scale&nbsp;3,684 sqm supermarket and a further 2,198 sqm of speciality retail, creating close to 5,900 sqm of new commercial space within the precinct.

But one of the biggest components of the proposal is what sits between the buildings.

Around 4,650 sqm, or roughly 72 per cent of the site, will be publicly accessible open space, incorporating plazas, pedestrian connections, landscaped laneways and retail spill-out areas.

The ground plane is intended to finally complete pedestrian connections envisaged when the CUB masterplan was first approved nearly two decades ago, stitching together Victoria Street, Queensberry Street, Bouverie Street and Swanston Street through the former brewery precinct.

Urbis said the development would "complete the CUB precinct", with the public realm providing important north-south and east-west connections through what is currently the final undeveloped portion of the masterplanned site.

SP Setia is also exploring a new linear park within the Bouverie Street road reserve, with the concept to be developed further with the City of Melbourne through the planning process.

The proposal is being pursued through the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program under Clause 53.23 for significant residential development with affordable housing.

The planning report acknowledges the proposed heights exceed those contemplated under the original Comprehensive Development Plan and masterplan, but argues the built-form context has changed considerably over the past two decades.

Urbis said the three towers would instead create a stepped transition between Carlton and the Hoddle Grid, rising progressively from the 94.1-metre Tower One along the Queensberry Street edge to the 199.44-metre Tower Three closer to the established CBD-scale buildings to the south.

<img alt="SP Setia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e885a07a-592c-40fc-bf82-e6dbaf32da54" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.52.24%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7s_ErUkSKAdY1mAWp3GRZgMNCGtwhk5m" />

SP Setia plans to deliver the development across three stages.

Stage One would deliver the basement, podium and retail areas for the entire precinct alongside the first student tower. Tower Two would follow in Stage Two, before the 606-apartment Tower Three is delivered as the final stage.

If approved and delivered, the project would close out a redevelopment process that has been underway since the former brewery masterplan was approved in 2007, adding more than 2,600 student beds and apartments to a precinct already home to Swanston Central, the Barak Building, RMIT Design Hub and several large student accommodation developments.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

SP Setia plans three-tower finale for Carlton’s former CUB precinct

Melbourne developer Lowe Living is seeking to add to its growing bayside apartment pipeline, filing plans for a boutique eight-residence development in tightly held Middle Park.

Lowe Living, which has built much of its development portfolio across Melbourne's affluent bayside and south-east suburbs, is behind the plans for the 730 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/123-125-erskine-street-middle-park-vic-3206">123-125 Erskine Street</a>, just off Armstrong Street and within the Armstrong Street Neighbourhood Activity Centre.

The developer is seeking approval for a five-storey residential building above two basement levels, with just eight large-format apartments and 18 car spaces.

“This is a deliberately very different proposition for us,"&nbsp;Tim Lowe, Co-Founder of Lowe Living, said.

"Eight residences is exceptionally boutique, but that's precisely what this site calls for.

“There is a strong community in Middle Park and the surrounding suburbs who have spent decades building a life here. They no longer want the maintenance of a large period home, but they aren't prepared to compromise on space, quality or location. We think there is a real opportunity to capture that hyper local market. A site like this rarely comes to market.”

<img alt="Lowe " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="875fe572-0f14-4d90-9e11-55b28dd07731" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.42.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=GDNQRv9BfpR9r1zkZ5UDyUM4ZvpIksut" />

The low-density proposal has been designed by Cera Stribley and is being progressed through the Victorian Government's Great Design Fast Track pathway, having already secured eligibility from the Minister for Planning.

The Office of the Victorian Government Architect supported its eligibility after finding the proposal demonstrated consistency with the program's seven design principles, while the project's financial feasibility has also been independently confirmed by Invest Victoria.

The project is targeting the downsizer market, with the planning documents describing the homes as larger-format residences and noting the two penthouses could otherwise have been configured as four separate apartments.

<img alt="Lowe 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60ab0987-2da6-4175-adac-315dcf6053c6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.15%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=bOCPH0B2MFwlmaRW.TTCF9TzyifgVoQI" />

The site has dual frontage to Erskine Street and Canterbury Place and currently comprises a collection of commercial buildings used as offices, including a former heritage bakehouse, a former stable, a later gabled addition and a central courtyard.

It sits within the Commercial 1 Zone and the Armstrong Street Commercial Precinct heritage overlay, with the existing property classified as a contributory heritage place.

Heritage has subsequently played a significant role in Cera Stribley's design.

The front section of the former bakehouse facing Erskine Street will be retained, including its return walls, street-facing hipped roof and chimneys, while the Erskine Street façade and part of the western return wall of the former stable will also be incorporated into the new development.

Levels four and five will be set back five metres from the retained stable façade, while bricks removed through demolition are proposed to be salvaged and reused within the new building where possible.

<img alt="Lowe 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e97927a9-a2de-4a0f-83b6-65451238abfa" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-21%20at%208.43.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=VR44AChLrX9q1XPB9GvVQV.ALXXbe4gC" />

Rather than presenting as a single five-storey building to Erskine Street, Cera Stribley has broken the development into a series of distinct forms.

A three-storey infill element will sit between the retained bakehouse and stable façades, with the upper levels recessed behind the heritage fabric. Canterbury Place will similarly feature two three-storey podium forms, separated by a central pedestrian accessway, before the upper two levels step back from the street.

A pedestrian through-link will run through the centre of the project between Erskine Street and Canterbury Place, creating entrances from both sides of the site and introducing landscaping and communal areas through the ground plane.

Landscape architect Acre has designed planting across the ground level, private terraces and upper levels, including a feature canopy tree at level three and integrated planting and arbours across the level four terraces. Five existing Erskine Street trees are proposed to be retained.

Sustainability is also a significant component of the Great Design Fast Track application. The apartments are targeting an average eight-star NatHERS rating, with no residence below 6.5 stars, while the project has achieved a 75 per cent BESS score. Seven of the eight apartments are designed for cross-ventilation, with the remaining residence using mechanically assisted natural ventilation.

The plans also incorporate an 8kWp rooftop solar system, a 5,000-litre rainwater tank and infrastructure allowing future electric vehicle charging for every residence.

Lowe has a strong portfolio across Melbourne's blue-chip suburbs. They recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House by Lowe Living</a> in Camberwell, their first development in the Stonnington LGA.

Lowe Living unveils Middle Park apartment development

Article summary

<ul data-end="888" data-start="289">
	<li data-end="442" data-section-id="8tsh6o" data-start="289">DVB Projects is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway at 137 Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach.</li>
	<li data-end="573" data-section-id="1nyxl3e" data-start="443">The 34-level tower will comprise just 49 ultra-luxury residences, including half-floor, full-floor and penthouse apartments.</li>
	<li data-end="717" data-section-id="oiyimj" data-start="574">The launch follows strong demand at DVB's nearby Sea Glass project, which is more than 50 per cent sold and currently under construction.</li>
	<li data-end="888" data-section-id="epk9o9" data-start="718">The development adds to the transformation of Old Burleigh Road, with premium beachfront apartment projects continuing to reshape the tightly held Broadbeach strip.</li>
</ul>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/dvb-projects">DVB Projects</a> is preparing to launch its second Gold Coast apartment development, with demolition now underway on the Broadbeach site as the Sydney developer moves closer to bringing the ultra-luxury project to market.

The 34-level tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/137-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach-qld-4218">137 Old Burleigh Road</a> will comprise just 49 residences, ranging from half-floor apartments through to full-floor homes and a penthouse. The launch follows the strong sales performance of DVB's nearby Sea Glass development. More than half of the apartments at Sea Glass, on the other side of Broadbeach, have been snapped up, well ahead of its late 2027 completion

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2944b4be-c84e-4b54-8dc1-c712e76704c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E02_Exterior_Street%20Level%20Entrance.jpg?VersionId=YoNig7pRdrE3HCue7sUj78LzJteeQf3H" />

The start of demolition at 137 Old Burleigh Road signals DVB Projects’ underlying confidence in the Gold Coast’s luxury beachside apartment sector.

“We see the Gold Coast as one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in Australia, particularly at the premium end where demand continues to deepen,” said Dean Brown, Managing Director of DVB.&nbsp;

“This project has been carefully designed to respond to that demand - delivering large-format residences with a level of quality, privacy and amenity that is still relatively rare in the apartment market on the beachside."

Brown says the site itself is "exceptional."

"Old Burleigh Road is one of the most tightly held beachfront strips, and opportunities to deliver a project of this scale and calibre in this location are extremely limited.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f377a-c037-455e-9250-0c5e0d84c35b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/I12_FF%20Balcony.jpg?VersionId=NwOiRWGMubR1c8wthuEfggklcja7al9." />

The project will comprise 40 half-floor residences of approximately 260 sqm, alongside eight full-floor residences spanning around 524 sqm.

A single penthouse will crown the building, featuring a private pool, barbecue area, indoor gym and dedicated entertaining spaces.

Residents will have access to a resort-style suite of amenities, including a 20-metre pool with daybeds, a gymnasium, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, and private residents’ lounge and dining facilities.

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1642bb0-9a66-4427-a022-dfc0988c6287" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A02_Pool%20to%20View.jpg?VersionId=c0IXPyn_Gp_Kn3XCwzMrqIVkAdCEwVXP" />

Sales agent Todd Matheson, of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a>, which is marketing both 137 Old Burleigh Road and Sea Glass, said 137 Old Burleigh Road would address a clear gap in the market for genuine luxury products.

“There are very few opportunities on the Gold Coast where buyers can secure a residence of this size and quality in a new building,” Matheson said.

“What we’re seeing is a growing cohort of downsizers and interstate buyers who still want space - they’re not willing to compromise on living area, entertaining or finishes.

“This project has been designed with that buyer in mind. It offers the scale of a home, combined with the convenience and security of apartment living, in one of the coast’s most desirable positions.”

<img alt="DVB Projects to commence demolition on $320m Broadbeach luxury tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59aae0ca-5639-4320-8aca-d0bf60f48e43" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/E01_Exterior%20Hero.jpg?VersionId=DS8Zfy2WtgUEtdfe0TEUuf1W1GfcZq8S" />

Located on a 1,156 sqm site one block from the beachfront, the development will replace an ageing walk-up building and is expected to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Old Burleigh Road strip into one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious residential corridors.

With the development moving into the delivery phase, 137 Old Burleigh Road is slated to hit the market later this year.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145141]

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

<a data-end="327" data-is-only-node="" data-start="250" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/norus-projects" rel="noopener" target="_new">Norus Developments</a> has lodged plans for a new apartment development in Clayton that would add further momentum to the suburb's emerging Green Street corridor.

Plans have been lodged for the consolidated site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/1359-1365-centre-road-clayton-vic-3168">1359-1365 Centre Road</a>, where Norus is seeking approval for 218 apartments across a 12-storey apartment building designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/life-architecture-and-urban-design">Life Architecture</a>.

The proposal sits within the Clayton Major Activity Centre at the threshold of the planned Green Street corridor, a landscaped pedestrian connection intended to improve links through the precinct towards Clayton Railway Station.

The development would replace the site's existing collection of low-scale residential and commercial buildings with a single consolidated building, introducing significantly greater housing density to this part of Centre Road.

A retail tenancy is proposed at ground level to activate the Centre Road frontage, accompanied by transparent street interfaces and landscaping intended to create a more pedestrian-focused edge to the development.

<img alt="First look: Norus Developments plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a5a763a-d9e9-4253-af2f-88008de27ebf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Clayton%20a.png?VersionId=S2WJJbat1XVkZwB9SnYtygirXgWHiklX" />

The building has been designed with stepped massing and upper-level setbacks to manage its transition towards surrounding residential properties. The planning report describes the approach as one that integrates the building into the landscape rather than treating landscaping as a secondary element.

"A strong landscape and public realm strategy underpins the proposal," Urbis states in the planning report.

"Public benefits include an affordable housing contribution, a new pocket park, generous landscaped setbacks, deep soil planting and integrated Water Sensitive Urban Design."

The report adds that these elements are intended to create "a permeable, pedestrian-focused ground plane that enhances walkability, supports urban cooling and reinforces the emerging Green Street character."

Biophilic and passive design principles extend through the residential levels, with planting, daylight, natural ventilation and views towards landscaped areas forming part of the amenity strategy.

Parking would be concentrated away from the public realm, with 145 car spaces proposed from the rear laneway rather than dominating the Centre Road frontage.

The proposal follows an extensive pre-application process with the City of Monash. Three formal meetings were held between the project team and Council from December 2025 to March 2026, with the scheme evolving through several concept iterations before the current design was lodged.

The project arrives as Clayton prepares for substantial change around its established activity centre and the wider Suburban Rail Loop precinct. Its position on Centre Road places the development within an existing concentration of shops, services and public transport, while the Green Street connection is intended to strengthen pedestrian access towards Clayton Railway Station.

First look: Norus plans landscape-led apartment project for Clayton’s emerging Green Street

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> has officially commenced construction on Bronze on Chevron, celebrating the sod turning of its first-ever Gold Coast development and marking a significant milestone in the company's continued expansion across South East Queensland.&nbsp;

Following the successful delivery of premium residential developments throughout Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-chevron-island-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> represents Gardner Vaughan Group's entry into the Gold Coast market. Bronze will deliver 119 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments above two ground-level retail tenancies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367193]

The recent sod turning ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, President of the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, Cassandra Sedgman, project consultants, purchasers, project partners and invited guests to celebrate the commencement of construction.&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge said Bronze on Chevron represented an exciting new chapter for the business.&nbsp;

"We've spent almost four decades building homes that respond to the way people want to live, and we're excited to bring that experience to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>," Betteridge said.

"Bronze on Chevron is particularly significant because it marks Gardner Vaughan Group's first development on the Gold Coast following many successful projects across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367183]

Betteridge said the ground breaking is a proud moment for the&nbsp;team and their purchasers, who can now see their future homes beginning to take shape.&nbsp;

"As both developer and builder, we're able to oversee every aspect of the project from design through to construction, ensuring the quality and attention to detail Gardner Vaughan Group has become renowned for."&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architectural practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, Bronze on Chevron has been thoughtfully designed to complement Chevron Island's evolving streetscape while embracing its relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

The development will offer generous residences with refined interiors, premium finishes and resort-style amenities, with completion anticipated in early 2029

Gardner Vaughan Group breaks ground on first Gold Coast development, Bronze on Chevron

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?

<html><body>
The Gold Coast home of international footballer Craig Moore has been sold for $1.9 million.
It's the property he built on Hope Island. The 1,006-square-metre property, which has direct access to the broadwater, has a pontoon for a large boat.
It also features a games room with a built-in bar, an outdoor kitchen and 12-metre pool with a spa. The house was sold to a Gold Coast couple who have lived in the Hope Island area previously and wanted to move back there from The Sovereign Islands.
Moore captained Australia’s Olympic soccer team in 2004 and played with the Socceroos in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
His five-bedroom waterfront home had been tipped by its <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-hope-island-qld-4212/171809/?searchID=25664384" target="_blank">McGrath listing agent Philip Chillemi </a>to sell for between $1.6 to $2 million.
Chillemi said there was wide interest in the house, with potential buyers from both interstate and overseas. After about 50 people went through the house during open for inspections, there were four bidders at the auction. The house was sold to a Gold Coast couple, who have previously lived in the Hope Island area previously and wanted to move back there from The Sovereign Islands.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Ex-Socceroo Craig Moore sells Gold Coast home

<html><body>
People are doing more than just looking for whales at Hervey Bay, they’re buying houses as well.
Sales picked up for the third consecutive six month period to September 2012 in the Fraser Coast coastal town, about three hours north of Brisbane,  according to a new research report from PRDnationwide.
Activity is expected to rise again in 2013 although house prices won’t start to rise until excess apartment stock priced under $300,000 is sold.
PRDnationwide researcher, Rob Matta, says a price point analysis undertaken for the Hervey Bay house market indicates 49% of sales recorded for the September 2012 period were below $300,000, compared to 29% in September 2010 period.
“Increased activity in the sub $250,000 price range substantiates a notable change in buyer preferences, with many owner occupiers and investors exploiting opportunities to buy well and add value to somewhat tired properties,” says Matta.
“Houses within this price range have traditionally been overlooked by buyers, resulting in lengthy stints on the market. Current on-the-market evidence confirms that these properties have become the fastest to move throughout 2012, as buyers respond to diminishing stock levels at the lower end.”
According to Matta, the absorption of limited stock under $250,000 will eventually stabilise the median house price from further softening in 2013, as buyers shift back to higher price brackets and mortgagee sales become less prevalent.
“The increase in sales activity and firming of median price for the suburb of Pialba over the September 2012 period is further evidence of buyer’s increased appetite for affordable housing in what has become a competitive market.”
The heavily tourism-dependent town has, like other Queensland coastal markets suffered from the effects of the post-GFC fallout including the high-Australian dollar which has seen more Australians take overseas trips than travel domestically in the last five years.
Matta says the Hervey Bay Area unit market continues to demonstrate a sound level of sales, having recorded 97 settled transactions during the September 2012 period, a marginal difference from the previous March period.
“With the current oversupply of apartment stock in the market, it is expected that prices may experience further corrections throughout 2013, with sales volumes likely to maintain resilience at best,” he said.
“With that being said, there has been a greater level of interest for duplexes and smaller unit complexes which could experience modest growth over the year and compensate for weaker apartment sales.”
However, demand for more expensive apartments remains weak with “notably less enquiry for units in the higher end of the market compared to two years ago”.
Matta says the availability of stock on the market providing would-be buyers with many options and enhanced bargaining power.
A similar assessment of the Hervey Bay market is made by Herron Todd White (HTW) in its February month-in-review report.
HTW expects that over the next twelve months the Fraser Coast residential property market is “expected to experience a stabilisation period where prices will remain steady, however further retraction may still take place for higher end stock (above $450,000).
“Demand for property below $350,000 will continue to provide a large percentage of sales with affordability being a key factor in this price range.
“It is anticipated that the unit market will continue to flounder over the next year, with only minimal demand in this sector.
“Rental accommodation is expected to remain tight, with low vacancy levels particularly for dwellings close to schools and the beach," says HTW.
The regional market is also benefiting from infrastructure investment with the commencement of construction of the new $87.5 million private hospital in Urraween, which HTW says will generate around 300 construction jobs and a similar number of healthcare positions.
The $28 million Splash Bay water park has recently been approved by the local council and is due to be completed by Christmas 2013.
Hervey Bay, principal of PRDnationwide Hervey Bay, Jim McKay, Hervey Bay says higher rents are enticing investors back as well while owner-occupiers are attracted by the affordable prices and lifestyle.
“Our lifestyle here is casual and just great. The locals are friendly and come from all over the place, so there’s a great mix of backgrounds. Look out across the Esplanade at the beach and the crystal clear water and that’s the reason people just don’t want to leave,” he said.
For more hot spot opportunities, sign up for tomorrow’s free Property Observer webinar with hotspotting.com.au’s Terry Ryder, as he examines the next Gladstone-like property investment hotspots. <a target="_blank" href="https://propertyobserver.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=24bd0766a834290948593f5aa&amp;id=173a01f3bf&amp;e=add64da266">Sign up here for Terry's free webinar on Tuesday, February 12 at 12.30</a>
</body></html>

lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Prospects pick up for Hervey Bay as properties under $300,000 begin to sell and rental vacancies tighten

<html><body>
News Limited  is to sell the headquarters of its publication Brisbane News.
The managing director of News Queensland, Jason Scott, sent an email to staff on the group's decision to sell 39 Mayne Street, Bowen Hills.
Ray White special projects agents Mark Creevey and Tony Williams inconjucntion with John Dwyer of Ray White Commercial have been instructed to sell the property.
There are reported $10 million plus expectations.
At one stage News considered listing its main Bowen Hills headquarters which has since been refurbished.
</body></html>

News Limited list secondary Brisbane property with $10 million plus expectations

<html><body>
The luxury architecturally designed Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach home of troubled Gold Coast developer Bruce Tilley sold for $5 million at the Ray White Surfers Paradise Group’s annual prestige auctions.
Property Observer <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/no-expenses-spared-mermaid-beach-property-hits-the-market/2012052254803" target="_blank">reported the listing in May last year</a>.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/may23mermaid]} 
Tilley held the house (pictured above) through Hedges Avenue Pty Ltd, and receivers Andrew Fielding and David Whyte were appointed to take control of the company in October last year.
The house was built two years ago after Tilley paid $1.4 million for the 405-square-metre landholding in 2000.
The replacement cost of the property, which has just two bedrooms and a study, has been estimated to be as high as $10 million.
The 20th annual prestige auction event over the week experienced an 80% clearance rate and more than $32 million in sales.
“The sales under the hammer of such high quality properties and the strength of bidding (84 bidders) shows that people have identified that now is the time to make their move on blue chip properties on the Gold Coast,” says RWSP Group’s chief Andrew Bell.
“Bidding was very robust and the prices achieved on most of the properties were a very positive sign. “
“Most of the sales surpassed vendor expectations,” says Bell.
However it was not a happy ending for all, with the Bellagio La Villa – a sprawling estate at Tallebudgera – passed in at $5 million.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/01/jan18bellagio]}
Bellageio La Villa (pictured above) is home to horse racing enthusiast and property developer Paul Sweeney and his wife, Viki Farrar.
The Sweeneys' luxury home features 10 ensuited bedrooms, plus multiple living areas, a library, media and music rooms, a gym, and indoor pool and spa.
Bell said negotiations would continue with a number of parties interest in the properties.
</body></html>

ntrotman-Et3xWpamVh

RWSP Group secures $32 million in sales topped by $5 million on Hedges Avenue

<html><body>
Many home owners in flood-affected or flood-at-risk regions of Queensland and northern NSW have not taken out insurance against natural disasters, despite claims to the contrary by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).
The high cost of insurance premiums and social influences have been blamed as factors for the poor take-up.
To date, more than 3,000 properties have been affected by flood waters in Brisbane (Ipswich home below, courtesy of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>), with 9,800 insurance claims submitted in Queensland totalling $116 million and around 2,000 in NSW totalling $10 million, according to a report in the Australian Financial Review.
<img alt="insurance" height="294" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/01/insurance.jpg"> 
According to Allianz figures, as a result of the unaffordable cost of flood cover, 98% of NSW customers with a risk of flood of up to 1 in 49 years have opted out of cover, while the equivalent figure for Queensland is 95%.
The average flood insurance premium offered by Allianz in Queensland is $8,200 but can be as high as $19,000 based on the on the average home and contents sum insured of $385,000 in Queensland.
In NSW, the average annual premium $4,704 but can be as high as $24,000 based on the average home and contents sum insured of $388,500.
These figures are for flood cover only.
They dwarf total insurance premiums (excluding flood cover) of $860 in NSW and $1,250 in Queensland.
In September the Insurance Council of Australia released data showing nearly four in five Australian household insurance policies contain flood insurance.
However, this is predominantly standard flood cover, with just 21,000 out of 2 million policies included in ICA data opting for optional flood cover – presumably of the type offered by Allianz and other insurers covering home owners in high-risk areas.
Allianz spokesman Nicholas Scofield says the key barrier to providing Australians living in flood prone areas with insurance protection “has and always will be the affordability of flood insurance”.
“The main reason is that the insurance model is not best suited for events that have a certainty of happening, rather than just a chance of happening.
“For a house on a flood plain, it is a matter of when not if it will be flooded, so the flood premium starts with a simple formula that begins with the expected value of the loss divided by the anticipated frequency of loss.
“As result, premiums for flood cover for properties vulnerable to flood can be prohibitively expensive,” he says.
In its submission to the federal government's Natural Disaster Insurance Review, commissioned following the 2011 Queensland floods, Allianz proposed a reinsurance-style pool as mechanism to make flood insurance affordable.
“The review picked up Allianz's proposal in its recommendations, however, the government is yet to respond to this aspect of the review,” says Schofield.
The federal government review did not recommend mandatory purchase of flood insurance, leaving it up to home owners in flood-at-risk regions to decide whether they wish to bear the risk.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
 
A research project carried out by Griffith University found that of 500 residents of south-east Queensland surveyed in 2012 (via telephone), more than 40% of respondents did not have flood insurance, or did not have home insurance at all.
The survey found that those respondents who know their homes were at high risk of flooding or who had experienced property damage in the 2011 were more likely to have flood cover on current policies, but did not find a strong positive relationship.
“Statistically, it is not conclusive to suggest that perceived risk and damage experience explain the tendency for non-insurance,” says Alex Lo, lecturer at the Griffith School of Environment at Griffith University, who carried out the research in The Conversation.
It also found that those who could afford the higher flood insurance premiums tended to insure against this disaster, but again there was no strong statistical relationship.
“Household income and affordability are not a good explanation either. The standard assumption does not always hold,” he says.
Lo says the motive to emerge from the study for taking out flood insurance was social influences
“The findings suggest that if the respondents believe that their family or friends would want them to insure, they tend to do so. Also if they believe that other people like them would buy flood cover, they tend to follow suit. The decision is predominantly socially motivated,” he says.
"Interestingly, such social factors are precisely what the Productivity Commission has identified but recommended not to deal with through government policy.
"Certainly there is something the market cannot do, for which the government should at least facilitate. Although it might not be appropriate for them to mobilise social influence directly, they should try to make sure the community has the capacity to spread the message. There is no excuse for the government to avoid addressing behavioural drivers. Governments have been using all sort of measures to encourage good behaviours and punish the bad ones.
"Local community organisations may help increase the voluntary adoption of flood insurance through word-of-mouth. Governments and the industry should support (financially) their efforts and harness the social forces they help to create," says Lo.
Submissions on exposure draft legislation aimed at making it easier for consumers to understand the terms of their insurance policies closed on December 12, led by financial services minister Bill Shorten.
Since the 2011 floods, the government has also introduced a standard definition of flood and a one page key facts sheet for all home and contents policies to help Australian consumers understand what they are covered for as well as launched the National Flood Risk Information Portal – an online “one-stop-shop for flood risk information”.
 
</body></html>

Most home owners can't afford $8,200 flood insurance premiums as claims rise

<html><body>
One of Brisbane’s most prominent heritage riverfront homes has sold.
Listed in April 2011, <a href="https://cbmb.com.au/selling/QLD/Brisbane-City/NEW-FARM/House/2P0793" target="_blank">The Moorings </a>– a Tudor-style mansion at <a target="_parent" href="/news">New Farm</a> – has been sold for around an unconfirmed $4.5 million.
Its vendors paid $575,000 in 1993 and it had sold at $35,550, in 1973.
Its most recent official land value was $3 million for the 524-square-metre holding.
The five-bedroom home boasts timber finishes, including red mahogany floors and cast iron features.
Its grassed terraces fronting the river have protected the home during the past great floods in 1974 and 2011.
Legend has it the house was built by an English doctor whose wife cherished a dinner plate embossed with a picture of a grand Tudor house.
The house was built in the image of the picture.
It had been listed most recently through Gold Coast agent Carol Carter of Coldwell Banker.
</body></html>

Brisbane’s The Moorings, a Tudor-style New Farm mansion, sold 

<html><body>
The Gold Coast home of international footballer Craig Moore has been listed for onsite February 3 auction. 
The Hope Island house was built after the block cost $665,000 in 2003.
It's been listed through McGrath Property agent Philip Chillemi <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-hope-island-qld-4212/171809/?searchID=25664384" target="_blank">with $1.6 million to $2 million expectations</a>.
'It's one of Hope Island’s most prestigious and beautifully built homes," Philip Chillemi's marketing says.
"Architecturally designed, it offers the ultimate waterfront lifestyle with the privacy of a celebrity home," it says.
Craig Moore captained Australia’s Olympic soccer team in 2004 and played with the Socceroos in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
The five-bedroom waterfront home should sell for $1.6 to $2 million at auction on February 3.
It's been on and off the market since June 2011. Late last year Moore was seeking $2.35 million for the property, which is set on a 1,006-square-metre block.
</body></html>

flim-64GFPAozQb

Retired Socceroo Craig Moore lists on Gold Coast with reduced hopes

<html><body>
An oceanfront estate with more than 250 metres of direct beachfront has been listed for sale in Rocky Point, Queensland, with offers in excess of $2.9 million being sought.  
Set on 1.15 hectares of land, the two large residences on separate titles were designed by local architect Gary Hunt for veteran developer John Morris.
The L-shaped single-level main residence means all living areas and bedrooms face over water features.
The main residence boats four bedrooms, four bathrooms, shell stone tiled floors throughout and bi-fold doors that fold away to open onto the freshwater pool. 
The newly renovated guest residence includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms. There's bamboo flooring.
The location offers one of the best deep-water frontages from Cairns to Cooktown, allowing the mooring of sizable vessels less than 100 metres from their home.
The estate has been listed by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbbr.com.au/buying/QLD/Cairns-and-Region/PORT-DOUGLAS/House/16P0236">Josh Mezger from Coldwell Banker Barrier Reef Cairns City</a>.
Located on Mossman-Daintree Road <a href="/news">Rocky Point</a>, the property was last traded when bought in 2009 for $2.2 million from the Morris family.
Eric and Conny Visser have decided to move back to The Netherlands to be closer to family.
</body></html>

Rocky Point oceanfront estate listed with $2.9 million-plus hopes

<html><body>
The grandest of current listings across Australia is unquestionably the Tallebudgera estate Bellagio La Villa, the home of the horse racing enthusiast and property developer Paul Sweeney and his wife, Viki Farrar.
It is listed for January 31  Ray White auction as a court-ordered separation sale.
No price guide has been given for the 17-hectare estate, set some seven minutes' drive from <a href="/news">Burleigh Heads</a> in the Gold Coast hinterland.
The land holding was bought in 2006 for $7 million.
They reputedly spent a further $8 million constructing their dream residence over the next two years.
Not suprisingly, American reportage of the mansion's auction listing has stressed it's a 27,415-square-foot (2,546-square-metre) mansion of amazing proportions. 
The Sweeneys founded Coral Homes in 1990 after moving from Mayfield West, near Maitland in New South Wales, with the company rapidly expanding to become one of the largest residential developers in Queensland. In its first year of operation, the company sold 25 homes. The business doubled sales each year from 25 to 50 to 100 to 200 and then 400 homes in its fifth year.
Like the market, from that point sales were up and down, but Coral Homes was still able to achieve an average of 20% growth a year to 1,200 homes by around 2008.
The Sweeneys' luxury home features 10 ensuited bedrooms, plus multiple living areas, a library, media and music rooms, a gym, and indoor pool and spa.
There is also a five-car garage-cum-ballroom.
The marketing describes it as the most gracious and elegant horse estates in the region. And there is some evidence to back up that claim as Southern Lord, a Group 1-winning thoroughbred, as born and raised there.
Despite the downturn in the Gold Coast's property market, sales have included a record $12 million for a Sanctuary Cove property and $9.5 million for a house on the Nerang River at Southport. 
</body></html>

Bellagio La Villa listed as Tallebudgera owners cash in their glorious Gold Coast hinterland chips

<html><body>
The Gold Coast summer auction seasons is kicking off this weekend. If sold, the properties will total tens of millions of dollars.  
Much of the activity is at the strip's northern end, but Hedges Avenue gets its look-in, too.
Of course most agents are anticipating, or more likely hoping, the Gold Coast property market could be in a state of recovery.
But the last five years has been typically tough for property, with many halving in value.
“Apart from Cairns, no market was affected more than here,” Ray White Surfers Paradise CEO Andrew Bell recently suggested.
While prices are still bouncing off the bottom, sales inquiry and activity has been climbing back.
Bell's numbers indicated a 32% rise in sales volume in November 2012 compared with November 2011.
“In our residential resale markets in just the fortnight since Christmas, we have recorded over 2,300 people through our open homes and inquiries,” says Bell.
“That is up over 41.5% on the corresponding period last year,” he told Fairfax Media.
Bell has sold 14 properties since Boxing Day, with a list of forthcoming auction dates coming up.
“There is no doubt in my mind anyone buying a property in 12 months' time will be paying more than they would at this point in time,” says Bell.
Ray White Surfers Paradise is preparing for its 20th annual summer auction, dubbed The Event – which is now spread over three days, January 27, 30 and 31.
As one of Australia’s largest auctions, The Event will bring more than 100 residential, prestige, industrial and commercial properties as well as land sites and even boats go to auction.
Included in the auctions will be a luxury architectally designed Hedges Avenue home of troubled Gold Coast developer Bruce Tilley. The Gold Coast Bulletin says searches show the Bank of Queensland is owed $7.843 million on the beachfront house, which will be offered on January 31. Property Observer<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/no-expenses-spared-mermaid-beach-property-hits-the-market/2012052254803" target="_blank"> reported the listing in May last year. </a> Tilley held the house through Hedges Avenue Pty Ltd, and receivers Andrew Fielding and David Whyte were appointed to take control of the company in October last year.
The house was built two years ago after Tilley paid $1.4 million for the 405-square-metre landholding in 2000. The replacement cost of the property, which has just two bedrooms and a study, has been estimated to be as high as $10 million. “In two decades The Event has grown to unrivalled heights and is now seen as a litmus test for the regional and national markets for the year ahead,” says Bell.
“The Event acts to spur the market into action, as a result we often see substantial sales activity in the weeks following the auctions.”
Bell says there has been a huge boost in sales to the international market this year, particularly Asian buyers.
He added that growing activity in the prestige sector and the record sale of a $12 million Sanctuary Cove mansion is helping drive buyer confidence.
““It gives the rest of us confidence when Australia’s highest wealth citizens back their intuition that now is the time to get into the market, and as a result we’ve seen steady activity across the residential market following the string of high-priced sales,” says Bell.
The selling season kicks off on January 20 with Lucy Cole Prestige Properties.
Following are Professionals Broadbeach, Ray White Broadbeach and Professionals Paradise Point, with auctions on January 24.
The Event by Ray White kicks off on January 27 as well as another auction by Southern Ray White offices.
Ray White Runway Bay Group and Harcourts Gold Coast Central will have hammers in their hands on January 29 and Ray White Robina/Varsity on January 30.
Three auctions will take place on January 31 by Ray White Surfers Paradise Group Prestige, Professionals Surfers Paradise and LJ Hooker Labrador.
Harcourts Broadbeach-Mermaid Waters and PRDnationwide Surfer Paradise will both have auctions on February 2.
</body></html>

Latest Queensland Property News

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Queensland Property News

DVB Projects to launch second Broadbeach apartment tower as demolition commences

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News