<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

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Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

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Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

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Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Canberra

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The Canberra retail property market has been consistent for a number of years now and appears to be remaining steady, according to the latest report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The March report found that there has been strong retail interest in the CBD and suburban centres, particularly in the City, Kingston foreshore and Braddon.
“Secondary locations and older stock have seen low levels of interest and we expect this to continue. With the Gungahlin to City light rail now complete and a number of mixed-use developments in the works along Northbourne Avenue, there will be an increase in the amount of ground floor retail space available in the region,” the valuation firm continued.  
“We have seen a steady increase in the costs of owning commercial property in Canberra, particularly increases in territory rates.”
To offset these increases, there has been more investors negotiating for net leases and increases in recoverable outgoings.
Canberra’s retail turnover grew by 4.1 percent year on year to December 2019 compared to 2.7 percent year on year nationally.
There has been an increase in the number of restaurants and cafés in the CBD and suburban centres.
The food retailing and café and restaurant industries make up over half the retail turnover in the region and the strong growth in these industries has seen the ACT at the top of the retail trade growth list in December.
“The outlook for 2020 is for the retail property market to remain steady however any increase in interest rates or decrease in market sentiment may have a negative impact on prices in the region,” the report concluded.
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Canberra retail market continues to remain steady: HTW Commercial

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Population growth is over two percent year- on-year, investment in infrastructure including development of the Northbourne Avenue corridor, the Canberra Hospital expansion, a new Canberra Theatre and the successful introduction of Stage 1 of the light rail system (with plans in place for Stages 2 to 4) seem to be attracting more people to the Bush Capital, according to the Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"So what does this mean for the Canberra housing market? Well, let’s look back before we look forward. 2019 brought us the long awaited conclusion to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, record low interest rates as well as a general election and the media frenzy regarding the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets.
"Any one of these events could have significantly affected the Canberra market but what actually happened? Not a lot! Houses still sold and most real estate agents have had a very good year, thank you very much," the valuation firm said. 
In fact, records were broken w ith <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-red+hill-132279254" target="_blank">30 Mugga Way, Red Hill</a> (pictured below), selling for $5.85 million at the tail end of the year.
Sitting on a 5,110sqm allotment, the home comprises five bedrooms, formal lounge and dining, study, and established front garden.
Other highlight include swimming pool, tennis court, wine cellar for 460 bottles and three car garage. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/3/16/red%20hill.jpg" alt=""> 
"So what of 2020? From my Year 7 economics lessons, I recollect the effects of supply and demand on any market and it is no different in the Canberra housing market. There is a predicted rise in population (for the reasons stated above) and these people will all need somewhere to protect them from the Canberra elements (freezing winter conditions and searing summer heat)," the valuation firm stated. 
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"So demand is there but what about supply? Sales of Mr Fluffy blocks have slowed considerably with the general consensus being that you can get better value elsewhere," the valuation firm continued. 
 New land releases in Wright, Coombs, Denman Prospect, Throsby, Taylor and Strathnairn have seen steady sales with additional land releases in Whitlam set for March 2020. 
The report notes these should keep the building contractors in Canberra busy over the coming year and possibly see a rise in already high construction costs.
Supply of units is a slightly different story although it is influenced by locality, according to the HTW report. 
Units in areas such as Gungahlin (approximately 14 kilometres from Civic), have seen values drop slightly due to rapid development, with an influx of units coming onto the market and reduced demand (back to Year 7 economics).
A one bedroom apartment in Gungahlin (pictured below) is currently on the market with $295,000 hopes. 
The apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-gungahlin-133018726" target="_blank">116/1 Anthony Rolfe Avenue</a> comprises living area, designer kitchen and one bedroom.
The complex features 25m swimming pool, gym and barbecue area. 
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"Elsewhere, the value of units is expected to be steady although it will be interesting to see the effect of the recent media attention given to poorly designed or built units in Sydney and Melbourne and whether this will see potential purchasers turning their attention from buying off plan to looking at older more established blocks. 
"However, it’s not all bad news for owners of units as rental income is high and vacancy rates are low and there is no reason to believe this will change over the coming year," the valuation firm said. 
Housing in established suburbs is still expected to be in demand with property selling well, particularly in the popular inner south and inner north.
The report suggests Ainslie and Yarralumla are leading the field with regards to median house prices which are well over $1 million.
At the other end of the scale, areas further away from Civic have a lower median house price such as Belconnen ($375,000), Charnwood ($458,000), Banks ($488,500) and Phillip ($490,000).
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"The introduction of the home buyer concession scheme, which means that first time buyers pay no stamp duty if their income is under a certain threshold, has strengthened the lower end of the market. Unfortunately, this has generally resulted in any savings being absorbed by the rise in sale price due to an increased number of people looking at property in this price bracket.
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"We anticipate a slightly slow start to 2020, which is not uncommon, followed by a steady year with some growth in all sectors except for the unit market which is expected to be fairly stagnant with some fall back in places. However, don’t be surprised if that record sale price is toppled in 2020." 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Canberra to see growth in all sectors except unit market in 2020: HTW residential 

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The Agency has launched in Canberra with Peter Micalos leading the way, as well as a significant project pipeline.
The Agency Group said they have always seen Canberra as a top priority in their national growth plans.
Matt Lahood (pictured left), The Agency’s CEO explains, “we have been waiting for the right partnership to fulfil The Agency’s Canberra expansion, which we have found in Peter Micalos (pictured right), our new senior partner."
"Peter has been a trailblazer in the Canberra property market for many years as an influential property development and real estate executive.”
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/2/20/The%20agency%20canberra.jpg" alt="">
Peter Micalos holds over 15 years of experience in senior roles with highly successful property developers, and has participated in approximately $5 billion worth of property transactions and been closely involved in Canberra’s most iconic real estate developments.
Previously General Manager - Development at Geocon and now founder of Intellectual Property, a boutique real estate and development management business, Peter Micalos has also been looking for the right national partner, he said,
Along with Peter Micalos’ project pipeline, that is estimated to grow to 2,000 units over 24 months and a total value of $1billion, Peter Micalos will be establishing The Agency’s bricks-and-mortar hub in Canberra and initiating a major recruitment drive.
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The Agency launches in Canberra

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Canberra is set for its strongest growth market in years, following a recent surge in demand in the housing markets across the national capital.
Our latest analysis of sales activity and prices shows that the number of suburbs with rising demand is the highest in the five years we have been conducting our quarterly surveys.
Our two previous reports both found 18 suburbs with rising demand, but this new survey has identified 32 growth suburbs. The previous best was the 26 growth suburbs in the Autumn 2019 survey.
Our research also reveals good price performance, with two-thirds of Canberra suburbs delivering growth in their median house prices in the past 12months. Of the 41 Canberra suburbs with growing house prices, 24 have increased more than 5% in annual terms.
This reinforces a point I regularly make: that the generalised price data published in mainstream media (one figure to describe an entire city market) often fails to tell the full story. In the case of Canberra, most suburbs are achieving price growth well above the generalised figures quoted by research firms (mostly 3-4% for Canberra in the past year).
The overall outcome is a departure from the usual status of the national capital’s real estate market, which is one of steady, consistent performance. The surge in the number of locations where sales activity is rising suggests 2020 will be a year of above-average price performance.
Canberra’s property market continues to be underpinned by a strong ACT economy. The ACT ranked fourth among the states and territories in the State of the States report published by CommSec in January 2020, ahead of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia – and was ranked No.1 on housing finance and employment, and No.2 on equipment investment.
The ACT consistently has the highest average incomes and the lowest unemployment rate in the nation.
Three Canberra precincts stand out for the number of suburbs with rising sales activity: Belconnen (eight growth suburbs), Gungahlin (six) and Tuggeranong (seven). The Inner North precinct also features prominently, with four suburbs with upwardly mobile markets.
With Belconnen, Gungahlin and the Inner North featuring strongly, it reinforces (yet again) that the strongest part of the Canberra market is in the north of the city.
The Belconnen District is a real standout, with eight growth suburbs and 10 others with steady sales performance. Rising markets include Dunlop, Florey, Giralang, Higgins, Holt and Melba.
It also has several of the suburbs where median house prices have grown more than 5% in the past 12 months, including Melba (11%), Macquarie (8%), Macgregor (7%) and Latham (8%).
Leading Gungahlin District suburbs for price growth include Crace (up 10%), while the suburb of Gungahlin is one of the leaders among Canberra’s apartment markets (median unit price up 14%). In the Inner North precinct, the suburb of O’Connor was Canberra’s No.1 suburb for annual price growth (median house price up 20% to $1.26 million).
While many of the top performing precincts are in the northern part of Canberra, the Tuggeranong District in the far south is an emerging market worth tracking.
With seven growth suburbs and seven others with consistent sales activity, it’s close behind the Belconnen District in terms of buyer demand. The rising markets include Banks, Bonython, Conder, Fadden, Kambah, Monash and Theodore.
Numerous suburbs in the Tuggeranong District have had solid price growth in the past 12 months, including Calwell (5%), Chishom (6%), Conder (8%), Fadden (7%), Kambah (7%) and Theodore (7%).
TERRY RYDER is the founder of hotspotting.com.au ryder@hotspotting.com.au twitter.com/hotspotting
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Canberra real estate set for its strongest growth in years: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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On many days Canberra has the worst air quality of any major international city. Even in the best buildings it’s not good.
In early December 2019, a Sheffield Shield cricket match between NSW and Queensland was played in bushfire smoke so thick that the ball was at times <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-10/sydney-smoke-haze-mars-nsw-sheffield-shield-win-over-queensland/11786280" target="_blank">invisible to the spectators</a>.
Since then, the rest of us have become far more aware of the hazards of bushfire smoke, and authorities have become more active in reminding us how dangerous it can be, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2019-11-19/bushfire-smoke-health-managing-risks/11699894" target="_blank">especially during exercise</a>. A standard piece of advice is to “spend more time indoors”.
But does it work?
Up until this year, with bushfire smoke lasting only a few days, it was good advice, especially for buildings that rely on recirculated and filtered mechanical ventilation complying with Australian Standard <a href="https://infostore.saiglobal.com/en-au/Standards/AS-1668-2-2012-120207_SAIG_AS_AS_251941/" target="_blank">1668 Part 2</a>.
These buildings include shopping malls, cinemas, hospitals, larger offices and some of the buildings in some universities.
<h2>It’s fine in cinemas, for a while…</h2>
Unfortunately, if smoke is particularly thick or goes on for more than a few days, these systems get overwhelmed, which is why smoke detectors in many commercial and institutional buildings have been setting off fire alarms and why the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra was <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/galleries-grapple-with-climate-change-and-unprecedented-closures-20200106-p53p7r" target="_blank">closed</a> on Sunday and Monday.
Most houses or apartments are designed to be “naturally ventilated” under the <a href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/ncc-online/NCC" target="_blank">National Construction Code</a>, which means every habitable room has an openable window or a vent.
Closing the windows, vents and doors will reduce the “air change rate”, which is the number of times an hour the air in the room is replaced by outside air.
<h2>Less fine in homes</h2>
Regrettably, unless there is no wind, CSIRO research suggests most Australian houses are <a href="https://research.csiro.au/energyrating/wp-content/uploads/sites/74/2016/05/House-Energy-Efficiency-Inspect-Proj.pdf" target="_blank">quite leaky</a> by international standards, mainly because of leaky windows and doors.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/308916/original/file-20200107-107209-1vwrjkj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Wall ventilator. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me256Tb1zq8" target="_blank">Source: GIYGreenItYourself</a>
Houses and apartments built before 1970 are the worst. Many have fixed ventilators just below the ceiling level, a hangover from regulations designed to ensure gas lighting did not cause asphyxiation.
These ventilators are now unnecessary and can be safely blocked off.
In normal times some leakage is not a bad thing, as it offers protection against internal air pollution from volatile organic compounds in furniture and building materials and cooking, smoking and heating.
But these are not normal times.
The length and severity of bushfire smoke appears to be <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/health-impacts-of-bushfires-won-t-be-known-for-years-experts-say-20200106-p53p87" target="_blank">unprecedented</a>.
With bushfire smoke persisting for days or weeks, the standard advice to be “indoors” is less effective. While houses and apartments might be useful for keeping smoke out for a few days or so, they become less effective over time, depending on how leaky they are.
<h2>Take care</h2>
Before embarking on a campaign to seal leaks with draft stripping and duct tape, please ensure your that your range hood is vented directly to outside (preferably with an automatic flap) that if you smoke you do it outside, and that your furniture and fabrics are low in <a href="https://soe.environment.gov.au/theme/ambient-air-quality/topic/2016/volatile-organic-compounds" target="_blank">volatile organic compounds</a>, which arechemicals that release vapor at room temperature.
If your house is sealed up, do not use a gas cooker without an externally vented range hood or use an unflued gas heater at any time.
Ensure your vacuum cleaner has a <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/laundry-and-cleaning/vacuum-cleaners/articles/hepa-and-asthma" target="_blank">HEPA</a> (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
Remember duct tape or masking tape is likely to be very difficult to remove if you leave it on for more than a few days and may damage painted surfaces.
<h2>Air conditioners aren’t much help</h2>
Even if your house is well sealed, it’s likely the air in it will become similar in quality to the air outside over a period of several days. While the air change rate in your house might be low, it will not be zero.
A recirculating air conditioner, such as a split system, will make you cooler but most domestic air conditioning filters are not capable of removing the very small particles in bushfire smoke – the ones that most make it dangerous.
Evaporative air conditioners or window mounted air conditioners that draw air in from outside will actually make indoor conditions worse.
Some recirculating air purifier systems will remove bushfire smoke, but they can be expensive to buy and run.
<h2>Air purifiers can help, but they’re expensive</h2>
To be effective against bushfire smoke, the air purifier needs to be fitted with a HEPA filter.
The performance of many purifiers is less than stellar, but a <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/cooling/air-purifiers/review-and-compare/air-purifiers" target="_blank">CHOICE survey</a> published just before Christmas is a useful starting point.
CHOICE is preparing a bigger test of more models which it will publish in March 2020.
It brought forward the test of six of them because of the fires.
All six remove bushfire smoke particles with various degrees of efficiency, but their coverage area is limited. The <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/products/home-and-living/cooling/air-purifiers/blueair-205-air-purifier" target="_blank">Blueair 205</a> performed the best.
For people in an at-risk group, the use of an air purifier in a sealed-up house or apartment should help.
The only certain solution for someone suffering from smoke or concerned about its long-term impacts is to go to a building that has a recirculating HEPA filtered air conditioning system or move to a location where the air quality is better.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/129367/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/geoff-hanmer-90647" target="_blank">Geoff Hanmer</a>, Adjunct Lecturer in Architecture, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414" target="_blank">UNSW</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-buildings-arent-made-to-keep-out-bushfire-smoke-heres-what-you-can-do-129367" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Our buildings aren't made to keep out bushfire smoke. Here's what you can do

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A recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report has noted most Canberra suburbs have maintained median price points for standard dwellings while medium density and unit stock have seen some small declines.
Active sections of the market include standard housing at the entry level price points in some of Canberra’s fringe and outer suburban locations.
"Generally purchases are looking for large blocks within established suburbs that provide access to good education and employment services," the valuation firm said. 
Entry level price points for this style of housing range between $550,000 and $650,000. 
"Most homes within this section of the market provide three- and four-bedroom accommodation, generally 30 to 60 years old and, in many cases, the dwellings are ready for some renovation and upgrading," the valuation firm added. 
A recent sale was a three bedroom house in Fraser which presents opportunity to update or to extend. 
Set on more than 1,100sqm, the house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-fraser-132268290" target="_blank">19 Carrodus Street</a> (pictured below) comprises three bedrooms, open plan living and modern bathroom.
It's just a short distance to Fraser Primary. 
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Inner suburban locations in Canberra’s north and south set a higher price point, generally $1 million-plus.
The report notes this section of the market is also relatively stable with families looking to move on the property ladder with their second or third acquisition.
Again block size, location and proximity to schools and other services are the main drivers.
This section of the market ranges from $1 million up to around $3 million.
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"Market activity for property in the $3 million plus price point is slower, with buyers generally more discerning. 
"Location, block size, build quality and level of inclusions are major factors influencing this section of the market," the valuation firm said. 
A one level five bedroom residence in Griffith has recently been sold for $3.3 million. 
Designed by Paul Tilse and built by Classic Constructions, the home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-griffith-132269770" target="_blank">12 Bremer Street </a>(pictured below) offers 366sqm of living space with 99sqm garage.
It features five bedrooms, living and dining room with high ceilings, cinema, gourmet kitchen, rumpus room and alfresco entertaining area.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/12/4/griffth.jpg" alt="">
Price points in the medium density unit market range from $200,000 to $275,00 for a one- bedroom unit recently constructed in a fringe Town Centre location, to $400,000 to $500,000 for a centrally located unit in Canberra’s inner north or inner south.
"Both investors and owner- occupiers are active, however strong supply within the medium density market has had an impact on activity.
"Being in close proximity to or directly in Town Centres including Tuggeranong, Woden, Canberra City, Belconnen or Gungahlin is important for rental return, low vacancy and potential future growth." 
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Canberra sees strong supply within medium density market: HTW residential 

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The Canberra auction price record has been set by a home in Red Hill which sold under the hammer for $5.85 million.

It was <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-act-red+hill-132279254" target="_blank">set on the pricey Mugga Way</a> which is the home to some of Canberra's most expensive residences.

The property was bought by a local ACT family who first saw the home at the premarket VIP viewing.

The mid 1930s-built English manor-style home with dormer windows, high ceilings and French doors is surrounded by landscaped gardens. It has five bedrooms and four bathrooms. 

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There's a banquet size dining room with an original open fireplace, a formal lounge with open fire and stained-glass feature windows and a family room with cedar ceiling.

A three car garage with 460 bottle wine cellar sits separately from the main residence. Upstairs there's a games room and a self-contained one bedroom apartment. 

In the vast 5,110 sqm grounds is a 16 metre swimming pool with a conservatory like pool house and a full size tennis court.

Peter Blackshaw agents Mario Sanfrancesco and Andrew Chamberlain secured the sale.

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“A strategic four-week marketing campaign included a mix of print media, digital, social and local radio advertising, lead to interest by several well- positioned parties”, Sanfrancesco said.

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The property was trading for the first time in over three decades.

“The home presented a rare opportunity to buyers – it’s not often that a home of this calibre, set on a large 5,110sqm block comes to market – nonetheless, backing onto Red Hill Nature Reserve”, Sanfrancesco added.

“Buyers looking for this calibre of property are quite particular in their requirements.

When they find a property that meets those requirements, they are willing to act quickly - so marketing campaigns at this level need to create both impact and urgency.”

Sanfrancesco said the number of purchasers at the top end of the market is increasing.

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"We expect to see more movement at this end of the market over the coming months.

Recently Hotspotting's Terry Ryder said Canberra is undoubtedly <a href="/expert-insights/investing/canberra-undoubtedly-one-of-the-steadiest-property-markets-in-australia-hotspottings-terry-ryder">one of the steadiest markets in Australia</a>

"The national capital is undoubtedly one of the steadiest markets in the nation – underpinned by the strongest real estate economy in capital city Australia," Ryder suggests. 

The sale broke the previous record which was set two years ago when Luton Properties sold a home on Deakin's Hotham Crescent for $5.75 million.

<h2>Recently listed properties selling now:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=27728]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22803]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29358]

 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Canberra's auction record broken with $5.85 million Red Hill sale

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The Canberra retail market has continued to display stable sales and leasing activity throughout 2019 with early indications of market strengthening taking place, underpinned by the recent interest rate reduction by the Reserve Bank, low unemployment, vacancy levels below the ten year average and continued population growth, according to the latest retail report from Herron Todd White.
The property valuation firm found retail sale statistics issued in August by the ABS indicated a growth rate of 1.9 per cent (above the national average) in seasonally adjusted terms for the nation’s capital.
It should be noted that while many aspects of the retail market appear positive, a continued divergence between new and old offerings has led to an increased disparity in both demand and rental results.
Non-centrally located and dated stock, often in older local shopping precincts, has seen a spike in vacancies and a softening of rental expectations.
Increases to municipal and council rates continue to be a major concern in the Canberra property sector with these increases often outweighing CPI rental increases.
HTW valuers said, "the market has responded, with local agents indicating that more net leases and increases to recoverable outgoings are being negotiated."
"The outlook for the Canberra retail market is for slow to medium take-up levels to continue over the next 12 months, with a need for incentives to continue," they concluded.
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Canberra retail market appears positive: HTW Retail

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Coles has sold their neighbourhood shopping centre, Coles Amaroo Village in Canberra.
Located in the northern suburbs of Canberra, the property was sold for $29.5 million on a net yield of 6.25 per cent (fully leased).
80% of the gross floor area in the centre is secured to Coles and Liquorland on a brand-new long-term lease. 
There are also eight specialty shops including a pharmacy, real estate agency, barber, Indian Grocer and various food offerings. 
The 4,594 sqm GLA centre was sold by Steven Lerche and Nic Purdue of Savills Australia and Philip Gartland of Stonebridge.
Savills Australia National Director of Retail Investments, Steven Lerche said “Amaroo Village is an outstanding convenience and non-discretionary retail hub, ideally located within the town centre. Collectively, we received over 230 enquiries and multiple bids, with the successful buyer being interstate." 
“The yield of 6.25% is consistent with other similar strata transactions around the country, confirming that the market for well leased convenience based retail property remains firmly on the investor radar” he said.   
“With interest rates continuing to drop, commercial property investment in Australia will remain attractive to both local and off shore capital. Investor demand will remain strong and property prices will hold firm” he said.
Savills Australia will be managing the shopping centre.
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Coles sells Amaroo Village Shopping in ACT for $29.5 million

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The Canberra property market has been in a stable market position from the end of 2018 to early 2019, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the nation. 
The HTW report notes most Canberra suburbs have maintained median price points for standard dwellings while medium density and unit stock have seen some small declines.
Active sections of the market include standard housing at the entry level price point in some of Canberra’s fringe and outer suburban locations.
Generally purchases are looking for large blocks within established suburbs that provide access to good education and employment services.
Entry level price points for this style of housing range between $550,000 and $650,000.
"Most homes within this section of the market provide three and four-bedroom accommodation, generally 30 to 60 years old and in many cases the dwellings are ready for some renovation and upgrading," the valuation firm said. 
Inner suburban locations in Canberra’s north and south set a higher price point, generally $1 million-plus.
This section of the market is also relatively stable with families looking to move up the property ladder with their second or third acquisition.
"Again block size, location and proximity to schools and other services are the main drivers," the valuation firm stated.
This section of the market ranges from $1 million to around $3 million.
The report notes market activity for property in the $3 million-plus price point is slower, with buyers generally more discerning.
Location, block size, build quality and level of inclusions are major factors influencing this section of the market.
Price points in the medium density unit market range from $200,000 to $275,00 for a one- bedroom unit recently constructed in a fringe town centre location to $400,000 to $500,000 for a centrally located unit in Canberra’s inner north or inner south.
"Both investors and owner-occupiers are active, however strong supply in the medium density market has had an impact on activity," the valuation firm commented. 
Being in close proximity to or directly in town centres including Tuggeranong, Woden, Canberra City, Belconnen or Gungahlin is important for rental return, low vacancy and potential future growth.
"The Canberra residential market has always been attractive to investors seeking high yielding properties.
"The traditionally strong rental market is driven by a low vacancy rate, strong demand for rental accommodation, above average income levels and a transient population comprising professionals, government workers and staffers, students, embassy occupants and defence personnel," the valuation firm said. 
High yields in the range between 5% and 6% gross can be achieved.
Lower yields in properties suited to achieving capital gains range between 3% and 4% gross.
High yields can be achieved in the unit market where professionals, students and government workers are looking for modern accommodation, centrally located in proximity to both work and amenities.
A one-bedroom modern unit at $450,000 can achieve $500 per week equating to 5.7% return gross.
The weekly rental can be increased by including furnishings. Suburbs that provide this style of accommodation include Barton, Kingston and Forrest, the report noted. 
Families seeking rental accommodation can also provide a high yielding option.
A suburban family home in an outer suburb in close proximity to schools and amenities at $700,000 can achieve $700 per week equating to 5.2% return gross.
"Unique to Canberra is the prestige Embassy market. Traditionally, prestige properties have a rental income ceiling and as values increase gross returns diminish," the valuation firm said. 
An exception is the Embassy market where above market rents will be paid on long term leases to obtain and occupy large executive style dwellings.
The Canberra embassy precincts include O’Malley and Yarralumla where high rents can be achieved providing returns in the range of 5% to 6% gross.
It should be noted that gross rental returns need to be adjusted with residential properties in the ACT subject to land tax.
"A long term government strategy is to abolish stamp duty and as a result, land tax and rates have increased, eating into investor returns.
"Another unique factor of the ACT investor market is the ability to claim stamp duty as a tax deduction when purchasing a residential property to lease." 
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