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?

Nearly a year after purchasing the former Leo's Fine Food &amp; Wine supermarket in Kew for a reported $52 million, Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/orchard-piper">Orchard Piper</a>, in a consortium with billionaire James Packer, has filed development plans for the site.

The proposal includes just under 200 apartments on the 6,835 sqm block, which spans <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/26-36-princess-street-kew-vic-3101">26-36 Princess Street and 11-15 Brougham Street</a>. Approval is being sought through the Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) Development Facilitation Program (DFP).

The buildings, designed by Wardle, will vary in scale and rise up to 18 storeys. One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments will be offered, along with townhouses. Ten per cent of the total dwellings will be allocated to key worker housing.

The development will also include 19 new retail premises, comprising a mix of shops, restaurants and cafés, including a dedicated space for a high-quality produce offering similar to Leo’s.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67cc85a5-a9d8-4eaa-95ae-fd93762d3297" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.07%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=_p57VJNE2w16xNXB4ISvu3mnVHDDk86R" />

Orchard Piper noted the development is "designed to revitalise the Junction with high-quality housing and retail, while also improving the public realm."

"Assembling an expert team, we've been working with leading architects Wardle and landscape architects Oculus on a site-sensitive design. Wardle is one of Australia's pre-eminent architectural practices, and its founder, John Wardle, is a former long-term Kew resident with an intimate knowledge of the area.

"After close to a year refining the plans, our current opposition embodies Kew's unique character and meets the community's needs, including detailed consideration of the surrounding building design, streetscape conditions and broader planning context."

On top of the extensive retail component, the opportunity to deliver offsite public realm works, involving the council owned land to the south, would include a comprehensive new landscaped laneway strategy that connects Athenaeum Place into the site, a new public park, and the relocation of the public parking currently on the site to the adjoining council land.

<img alt="Kew" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02da73ff-e9d9-4e6a-8b6c-75c6f4cb3b01" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%208.15.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NXlzip8H0suSqc.X2H6nLKZr6LB1joJ." />

Orchard Piper, led by Luke Mckie and Rick Gronow, is currently delivering The Carter building on St Kilda Road and One Toorak Place in Toorak village.

Kew has been a popular suburb for new development in recent years. The likes of Piccolo, ANGLE, and Carpe are delivering projects in the area.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: Orchard Piper, James Packer's Kew development revealed

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october31samnewman]}

The infamous ultra-modern “Pamela Anderson” house in St Kilda West that football commentator Sam Newman built has been listed with $1.5 million hopes.

Dividing locals on its merits, the large glass mural façade on noisy Canterbury Road has been a source of controversy since it was unveiled a decade ago.

The three-storey, three-bedroom house comes with a gourmet kitchen, a north-facing terrace with lap pool, a private courtyard with pond and a two-car garage.

James Scarff of Marshall White has listed the property with expressions of interest due November 15 on behalf of Ned Gestos and Nuria  Ruiperez.

“The architect-designed residence is as well known for its spacious and thoughtful floorplan as it is for its internationally renowned façade,” Scarff says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=23328]

Designed by architect Cassandra Fahey in 2000, it won a Royal Australian Institute of Architects award, making news around the world given the Baywatch beauty’s appearance on the facade.

Fahey’s idea was initially rejected when she sought permission from Port Phillip Council given the good design guide suggested windows in the front, but with the help of the council's progressive town planning head, Jim Holdsworth, she eventually secured approval for the design.

At the time Fahey suggested: "I like to think of it as for the public, it's turning a little bit of Sam's house inside out and showing them a part of it."

The former Geelong footballer Newman built the house at the height of his playboy notoriety, but never lived in before he sold for $1.1 million in mid-2002 to financial adviser Sean Patrick Taylor through a company called Canterbury Park Pty Ltd. 

It changed hands again at $1.5 million in November 2007 after a $1.4 million opening vendor's bid at its October 2007 auction. Newman paid $150,000 in 1995 for the 175-square-metre holding.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

'Pamela Anderson house' built for Sam Newman on the market

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<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-brighton-108024461" target="_blank">54 Hanby Street, Brighton, VIC, 3186</a>
Not a home that grabs everyone from the street, but a home that does it for me in 2011.
The flow works from the start – e.g. in from a good-sized garage through a drop-off-stuff room and wet area to wash up in. Or in through the front door and turn right into your office and if you have a business associate the toilet is nearby without intruding into the home.
When into the main living areas they unfold one after another but all have views to the outside – it's nicely stepped back in design. Out the back the garden is a great size  not sure about what the northerly neighbour is doing and that is an issue that needs investigation but overall the outsides are good.
Upstairs works and the kids are “winged off’ around a central bathroom and the master to the rear is substantial.
Price is the key to this home – it's definitely a $3 million-plus home with the land, but I’m not sure what the second numeral in the dollar equation will end up being.
James Buyer Advocates gives this property a rating of 779 out of 1,000, which puts it in the above-average category. 
The property was passed in on a vendor bid of $3.35 million, with the reserve undisclosed.
Mal James is principal of<a target="_blank" title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/"> James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. Mal writes weekly auction reports, advice and in-depth market analysis on James' website.
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maljames-vHwm28JUAa

A good flow in Brighton should secure more than $3 million

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<img src="/images/stories/barringtonavenue.jpg">
7 Barrington Avenue, <a href="/news">Kew</a>, Vic 3101
Great street, great façade, good land size but the floorplan needs some work as I don't think the sleeping rooms work for modern requirements. That said, don't give up on it as there are some real positives - lovely powerful feel as you enter. Slate roof and tuck pointing. Love the wallpapers. Dual access. Private backyard. Botanical garden.
But back to the floorplan - the sitting and dining rooms are great but the master for me should be where the sitting room is - the rooms are little on the north side and rear living area is also a little small with a bedroom in the way. I think going up is the best answer if you are a multiple-child family, with the staircase in one of the smaller northern rooms - that way you have the space to rework the majesty of downstairs. An atmospheric home that needs a smart renovator.
A stately, single-level Queen Anne  home thathas a series of wonderful formal rooms. Other key pluses for me were the ornate period detailing, private front yard, expansive entry and dual car access. Given the land size some buyers may like to see a bigger backyard area or even a larger rear informal area. Going up seems the logical idea, yet that may not be that easy. Although this property enjoys a western rear orientation (which is quite good for afternoon sun) the house does turns its back on the north, which is not ideal and therefore results in dark feel internally.
James Buyer Advocates gives the property a rating of 666 out of 1,000, which is in the category of a good average home. The property sold before auction at an undisclosed price above $3 million.
Adam Woledge is a registered architect and principal buyer advocate of <a target="_blank" title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.james.net.au/">James Buyer Advocates.</a> 
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Sold Kew property has a lovely feel, but the floorplan needs work

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october17sammitchell]}
The West Hawthorn home of former Hawthorn AFL premiership captain Sam Mitchell was passed in at its weekend auction.
The onsite Jellis Craig auction opened with a $1.05 million vendor bid.
There was then a $1.1 million vendor bid.
It concluded with a $1.15 vendor bid.
”Three or four of you have been through three or four times,” said the auctioneer Steve Abbott as he tried to get a bid.
The renovated, single-fronted, three-bedroom house features open fireplaces, baltic pine floorboards, a CaesarStone bathroom, north-facing courtyard and rear off-street parking.
Jellis Craig agent Peter Vigano had been quoting $1.1 million plus. The house is now advertised as for sale for $1.25 million.
Mitchell paid $920,000 in early 2007 a year before his engagement to long-time girlfriend Lyndall Degenhardt. The couple now have three children.
Mitchell did not attend the auction.
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Former Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell's house passed in at auction

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october11isabella]}
Friesia, the 1888-built Italian Renaissance-designed Hawthorn house and one of Melbourne’s most captivating residences, has been listed for sale. The single-storey mansion was designed for German consul William Brahe by architect John August Bernard Koch, who later designed Labassa in North Caulfield.
The Hawthorn<a target="_blank" href="/news"> </a>house was last traded in 1970 for $49,000 totally derelict – with no electricity, no hot water, no internal toilet, and the sky could be seen through most rooms.
It’s been listed by Kay &amp; Burton agent Scott Patterson, with offers due by November 15. Patterson hopes to secure $6.5 million plus for the property.
Decorated in a way befitting a man of Brahe's standing, there are three dwellings set within established gardens covering approximately half an acre.
The residence, with its unique single-storeyed arcaded loggia (veranda) and internal octagonal domed vestibule, was inspired by the works of Filippo Brunelleschi, father of Italian Renaissance architecture in Florence.
From its Corinthian-arcaded entrance, Friesia exhibits the grandeur, glory and grace of Melbourne's magnificent boom period during the 1880s
It’s been listed by Warwick Forge and his wife, Sue, who have been running the biennial Australian Landscape Conference for 10 years in a bid to bring together creative landscape designers from overseas and Australia.
They camped at Friesia on the first night with candles.
Set in the small Isabella Grove enclave near a bend of the Yarra a pocket of German high culture was formerly centred on Friesia.
The flow of German immigrants began within 10 years of Melbourne being established in 1835, with vignerons laying the foundations of the Victorian wine industry in the Lilydale and Geelong districts during the 1840s, and many were attracted by gold discoveries in the 1850s.
The marketing material says it was a much-loved cultural meeting place for educated Europeans during the 1880s – a golden age for Australian art and architecture.
“However, during the First World War, the German eagles on the parapet, German flags and German generals painted on the octagonal hall ceiling were all removed owing to anti-German sentiment,” says the house’s marketing material.
William Brahe was a founding partner of the 1856 law firm Garland Hawthorn Brahe. Brahe was appointed consul for Prussia in 1868 and consul for the North German Confederation in 1869. On the re-establishment of the German Empire in 1870 he was appointed consul for the German Empire, a position he held for 25 years.
In 1924, “Vally” Cole, son of E W Cole – famous for Cole's Book Arcade in Bourke Street – purchased Friesia for £6,000 pounds.
Vally's daughters, Nancy and Evangeline, lived on until 1970 when it was sold to the Forge family.
Friesia has been described as the most beautiful house in Melbourne by Dr George Tibbits, senior lecturer in the faculty of architecture at the University of Melbourne.
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Hawthorn house built for 19th-century German consul on the market

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october10neville]}
Fashion designer Arabella Ramsay secured a bullish $1,805,000 when her Albert Park warehouse conversion went to weekend auction.
Initial reported price estimates to buyers had been a very cautious $1.25 million plus for the freestanding Neville Street warehouse. But when Marshall White agent Oliver Bruce asked for opening bids, the auction kicked off at $1.5 million. That was still slightly below Ramsay’s $1.55 million purchase price in May of last year.
It represents annualised capital growth since the last sale of 11%.
“This compares to growth for Melbourne over the same time frame of 3.8%,” Mark Armstrong from propertytycoon.com.au notes.
It was knocked down to buyer's advocate Mal James who had to fend off three other parties during the 20-minute contestant. Bidding narrowed down to three after the two-bedroom property was declared on the market at $1,555,000.
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Bullish result for designer's Albert Park warehouse conversion

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/october6westin]}
Melbourne bookmaker Mark Read and wife Shari have snappily sold their sub-penthouse in the Westin hotel in Melbourne.
It had been listed with a $7 million asking price through Dingle Partners agent Anton Wongtrakun, who says he is unable to provide any sale details.
It was marketed as among the finest apartments in Melbourne's CBD, set on a north-eastern corner in the Grocon-built complex above Melbourne's five-star Westin hotel.
The 420-square-metre 11th floor apartment comes with a double-height lobby, five bedrooms, five limestone bathroom and a study.
The formal and informal living areas enjoy a city skyline backdrop.
<img src="/images/stories/markread.jpg">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/title-tattle-packers-shuffle-the-paperwork-john-hewson-a-major-property-player/2011082651311">Read has yet to sell </a>his Queensland acreage at Cooroy Mountain (pictured above).</body></html>

Bookie Mark Read's Westin Melbourne apartment races to quick sale

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As we look to what's ahead for 2012, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of 2011.
 
Not content with being home to the premier football team in Australia, Geelong is also developing into an investment hotspot, with its more affordable house prices luring Melburnians willing to make the commute.
Geelong, which a population of about 180,000 people, is an hour’s drive or train ride from the Melbourne CBD but has median house prices significantly below those of its big-city neighbour.
The regional city has been picked as a hotspot by hotspotting.com.au’s Terry Ryder and is ranked 74th on Your Investment Property magazine’s Top 100 suburbs survey earlier this year.
Ryder tells Property Observer Geelong is a good long-term prospect for investors, and will get stronger.
“It has quite a lot to offer, and is viable alternative to Melbourne,” Ryder says.
“It is considerably cheaper. As a general rule of thumb, a house in Geelong is $100,000 cheaper than Melbourne. Land is also cheaper to buy.”
A ring road currently under construction will improve links to Melbourne, as will a $4 billion rail connection, also under way.
“There are also plans to upgrade Avalon to a second international airport and extends rail links from Melbourne to the airport,”Ryder says.
Currently, a peak express train from Railway Terrace, Geelong to Melbourne’s Southern Cross takes 53 minutes.
Other factors in its favour, according to Ryder, are its water-based lifestyle centred around the bay and surf beaches and strong job prospects.
Ryder says plans to relocate car import and export trade from the Port of Melbourne to the Port of Geelong will bring up to 1,500 jobs to the region.
And he says the success of footy team should also not be underestimated in terms of attracting people to the region.
“Having a team that wins does make a difference. It generates confidence in the community and has economic benefits, too,” he says.
Building activity appears to be picking up, with a total of 249 domestic new building permits issued in the City of Greater Geelong in June 2011, an increase of 35.3% on the previous month, according to the latest economic report for the region. 
House and unit prices in Geelong have performed well over the last 12 months, exceeding price growth in the Melbourne unit market and not far behind house price growth, according to Real Estate Institute of Australia’s June quarter figures. 
During the three-month period to June, 438 houses were sold, with a median price of $370,000. Cheaper houses are priced just above $300,000 while more expensive properties sell around the $480,000 mark
House prices are down 3.7% over the June quarter but for the year are up a 7.2%.
Over the same period, 69 units changed hands at a median price of $317,000.
Unit prices are up 8.7% over the June quarter and up 13.2% for the year to June.
How Geelong stacks up against Melbourne and other regional cities 
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="width: 470px;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
Distance to Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Median house price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
Change over 12 months
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
Median unit price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
Change over 12 months
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
Geelong
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
80 kms
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
$370,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
7.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
$317,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
13.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
Ballarat
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
120 kms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
$289,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
24.4%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
$230,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
26%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
Bendigo
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
160 kms
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
$288,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
7.4%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
$200,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
-21.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="93">
Melbourne
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
 
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
$590,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="71">
9.3%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="87">
$475,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="69">
8.1%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: REIA market facts
According to the Victoria’s Department of Human services, the median rent on a one-bedroom flat in Geelong is $178 per week, compared with $155 a year ago, and a two-bedroom flat rents for a median of $260 (compared with $257 a year ago).
The REIA puts the median rent on a three-bedroom house at $300 per month, down 3.2% over the June quarter but up 7% for the year.
Four-bedroom houses rent for a median $380 a week, up 5.6% compared with the same quarter last year.
According to RP Data, median rental yields in Greater Geelong are just under 4%. In Geelong West, yields are around 4.4% (median sales price of $386,000) and in North Geelong yields are around 4.6% (median sales price of $314,000).
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lschlesinger-FZcF9M3vE6

Hotspot: Geelong's on the ball with rising yields 

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SQM Research’s top 10 discounted properties list this week focuses solely on Victoria. It's headed by a Hoppers Crossing property that has been on the market since April 2011.   Melbourne properties don't usually make it onto the most discounted national list, save for two Southbank apartments, 195/38 Kavanagh Street and 2506/83 Queensbridge Street, whichhave made appearances for several months.

The price hopes for the Kavanagh Street property were $1.1 million in mid-August, but now the vendors are hoping for $1.18 million. This is still a 25% discount on the $1.56 million the vendors wanted for the property when they listed it in September 2010.

The Queensbridge Street unit made its debut on SQM's list in mid-June with a price reduction of 30%, from $2.15 million to $1.5 million. The vendors are now hoping to secure $1.65 million, a discount of 23% from its original October 2010 price hopes. 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">1</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="1/9 Albert Place" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107436109">1/9 Albert Place, Hoppers Crossing, VIC, 3029</a>
On the market since: May 28, 2011
Initial asking price: $535,000
Current asking price: $400,000
Reduction: 25%
Days on market: 112
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;"></h2>
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">2</h2>
<a href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D7287832" title="1365 Ballan Road" target="_blank">1365 Ballan Road, Wyndham Vale, VIC, 3024</a>
On the market since: May 22, 2010
Initial asking price: $2.4 million
Current asking price: $1.8 million
Reduction: 25%
Days on market: 483
 
3
<a target="_blank" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107562063">14/62 Herbert Street, Dandenong, VIC, 3175</a>
On the market since: July 23, 2011
Initial asking price: $279,000
Current asking price: $210,000
Reduction: 25%
Days on market: 56
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">4</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="195/38 Kavanagh Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106820916">195/38 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006</a>
On the market since: September 11, 2010
Initial asking price: $1.56 million
Current asking price: $1.18 million
Reduction: 25%
Days on market: 371
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">5</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="5/12 Aenone Avenue" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107540061">5/12 Aenone Avenue, Noble Park, VIC, 3174</a>
On the market since: July 16, 2011
Initial asking price: $315,000
Current asking price: $240,000
Reduction: 24%
Days on market: 63
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">6</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="2506/83 Queensbridge Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domain.com.au%2FPublic%2FPropertyDetails.aspx%3Fadid%3D2008659274">2506/83 Queensbridge Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006</a>
On the market since: October 31, 2010
Initial asking price: $2.15 million
Current asking price: $1.65 million
Reduction: 23%
Days on market: 322
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">7</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="1 Elizabeth Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107498576">1 Elizabeth Street, Doncaster East, VIC, 3109</a>
On the market since: June 25, 2011
Initial asking price: $1.05 million
Current asking price: $826,000
Reduction: 21%
Days on market: 84
 
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">8</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="167 Ormond Road" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107135182">2/167 Ormond Road, Hampton Park, VIC, 3976</a>
On the market since: January 29, 2011
Initial asking price: $330,000
Current asking price: $260,000
Reduction: 21%
Days on market: 231
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">9</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="2 Ladd Square" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D107236596">2 Ladd Sqaure, Emerald, VIC, 3782</a>
On the market since: March 12, 2011
Initial asking price: $690,000
Current asking price: $550,000
Reduction: 20%
Days on market: 189
 
<h2 style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21px;">10</h2>
<a target="_blank" title="713/488 Swanston Street" href="https://sqmresearch.com.au/homediscounts/redir.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.realestate.com.au%2Fcgi-bin%2Frsearch%3Fa%3Do%26id%3D106980336">713/488 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053</a>
On the market since: November 13, 2010
Initial asking price: $350,000
Current asking price: $280,000
Reduction: 20%
Days on market: 308
 
SQM Research also offers a list of the <a target="_blank" title="SQM Research" href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/top100bargains.php">Top 100 Biggest Bargains in Australia </a>for sale.
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louischristopher-TWpYcZDLBK

Southbank properties raise price expectations but still feature on SQM's Victorian discount list

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324 Beaconsfield Parade, <a target="_blank" title="St Kilda West" href="/news">St Kilda West</a>, VIC, 3182
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/september23beaconsfield]} 
What attracted me in the first place was the very unusual façade of 324 and even though it has a block of flats next door overlooking at front and back, which may affect the amenity and the feel in the backyard, I still went inside thinking I could like this - and I did.
Basically it's a three-level house (but it has a lift) with multiple zones on each level. Level one does have a high-quality kitchen and kids' bedrooms and full-length doors. Dining room in a funny place but it sort of works. The second level works well bedrooms and billiard room and then the third level - wow, great views and the lift goes up to it. You would use this.
Two car parks, while without garaging, are good for this area. Its is a question of price. About $4 million was gettable on the forefront last on similar blocks, but with weaker homes, so is more than $5 million with a better home gettable this year? Time will tell if Hocking Stuart agent Andrew Stuart can deliver - history shows says he can - will today's market follow history?
This property, which has price hopes of $5 million plus, went to auction on Saturday, September 24 at 12.30pm. It was passed in on a vendor's bid of $5 million.
Mal James is principal of<a target="_blank" title="James Buyer Advocates" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/"> James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. Mal writes weekly auction reports, advice and in-depth market analysis on James' website.
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