<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.

&nbsp;

[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.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

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.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

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.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

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

<main data-perf-region="main">
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.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Childcare

<html><body>
A local Asian investor has purchased a 1,106 sqm strata space let to an operating childcare at 1 Network Place, North Ryde NSW from international developer Risland.
It was purchased for $4,650,000.
The property is currently occupied by Kids Planet Childcare under a new 10 + 10 + 10 year lease. The yield achieved was 6.50%.
The deal was negotiated by Nick Lower, Selin Ince &amp; Oliver Ridley of Savills Australia who said despite the perceived concern for the Childcare industry over the past six months, this transaction is a great indicator of the strong investor appetite currently seen in the market for well-located assets with secure income streams.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Savills sell North Ryde childcare centre to local Asian investor

<html><body>
The Agosta family has divested its Footscray Nino Early Learning Adventures Centre for $11.5 million, a move representing Australia’s first childcare centre sale to top $10 million this year. 
Located at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/282-288-geelong-road-west-footscray-vic-3012-2016223248" target="_blank">282-288 Geelong Road</a>, the multi-level state of the art facility is the newest centre under the Nino Early Learning Adventures brand, having been completed in the past month. The property comprises a building area of 2,228 sqm and includes basement car parking for 25 vehicles.
CBRE’s Australian Healthcare &amp; Social Infrastructure team negotiated the sale on behalf the Agosta family via an Expressions of Interest campaign. 
The Geelong Road property is the eleventh Nino Early Learning Adventures centre sold by CBRE over the past three years, with these sales amassing a total transactional value of more than $150 million.  
CBRE’s Josh Twelftree said the sale was the second major childcare investment transacted in 2020 across Australia, with the first having been transacted by the team only two weeks ago in Oakleigh East, Victoria, for $8.08 million with a 5.4 per cent yield. 
“These results are the catalyst for buyers flocking to the sector during these uncertain times, with childcare – an essential service investment – continuing to transact,” Mr Twelftree said.
“Investors have been focusing, and will continue to focus, on properties with sound fundamentals, with the market experiencing a flight to quality where well-located assets with reliable income streams and long leases are keenly sought.”
“Childcare investments with strong underlying land value are on the top of the investors wish list, with higher cost of entry into these areas offering confidence competitors are less likely to open a centre in close vicinity,” 
CBRE’s Jimmy Tat said growing investor interest in childcare centres was being driven by their relative stability as an asset class. 
“When the commercial market was at its weakest earlier this year, investors shifted their focus to stable investment opportunities – such as childcare centres – that were providing essential services and the Federal Government’s support of childcare services further reinforced this,” Mr Tat said.
“Investors typically rate tenancy profile as the top priority after location – primarily to ensure the investment provides a strong income guarantee.
“Nino Early Learning Adventures is a well-known reputable operator with a foothold in sought after investment locations. This is underpinning greater demand and interest in their assets – as evidenced by recent transaction activity.”
 CBRE is the premium childcare sales specialists, having handled all but one of the nine sales over $8,000,000 across Australia in the past 24 months (89 per cent market share). 
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="5" valign="top" width="558">
Recent Nino Child Care Sales Results - CBRE
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
Address
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
Sale Price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
Rental p.a
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Buyer Nat.
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
Yield
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
103-107 Koonung Rd, Blackburn North
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$9,280,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$498,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.36%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
356-358 Warrigal Rd, Ashburton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$10,600,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$603,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.68%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
11-15 Chadstone Rd, Malvern East
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$16,900,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$711,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
4.20%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
31 Nepean Hwy, Elsternwick
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$11,300,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$675,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.97%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
282-288 Geelong Rd, Footscray
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$11,500,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$675,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.80%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
60 Florey Ave, Point Cook
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$10,000,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$511,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.11%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
519 Melbourne Rd, Newport
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$8,100,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$520,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
6.40%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
1-7 Reserve Road, Melton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$7,000,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$392,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.59%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
459 Brookfield Blvd, Mickleham
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$6,350,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$420,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
6.60%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
222 Plenty Rd, Bundoora
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$8,900,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$582,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
International
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
6.50%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
365 Bell Street, Preston
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
$11,000,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
$488,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
4.40%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="227">
International 
Domestic
</td>
<td valign="top" width="95">
6 groups
5 groups
</td>
<td valign="top" width="85">
55%
45%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="94">
Avg Yield
Avg Yield
</td>
<td valign="top" width="57">
5.68%
5.50%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

2020's largest public childcare facility sale in Australia

<html><body>
A local investor has purchased a childcare centre in Mount Helen in Victoria from a local private for $4,275,000.
Located at 1848 Geelong Road, the centre is currently occupied by tenant Goodstart Early Learning. The yield achieved was 6.40%.
The 120 place child care centre provides fixed annual rental growth of 5% and is situated on a 3,187 sqm landholding with dual frontages. The centre is ideally situated opposite Federation University, IBM and other major organisations within Mount Helen
The deal was negotiated by Mark Stafford, Julian Heatherich and Benson Zhou from Savills Australia.
“Through our extensive database of highly qualified and motivated buyers, Savills was able to implement a strategic and targeted off-market database campaign, and ultimately achieve a premium result for our client’ said Mr Stafford.
Mr Stafford added that “the sale price highlights the ongoing demand we are experiencing for income generating assets, with high quality tenants throughout Victoria”.
</body></html>

Mount Helen childcare centre sold to local investor

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVATION
An Australian family on the average wage typically spends close to A$6,000 out of pocket per year on child care, a new analysis from the Mitchell Institute shows. This is more than the average cost of sending a child to a private primary school.
Unlike the school sector, families don’t have the option to choose a low cost publicly delivered childcare service.
Childcare costs in Australia are among the <a href="https://data.oecd.org/benwage/net-childcare-costs.htm" target="_blank">highest in the OECD</a>, eating up <a href="https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/childcare-costs-are-an-increasing-stress-for-parents-nows-the-time-for-good-policy-making/" target="_blank">around 27%</a> of families’ incomes. Many families are being forced to <a href="https://theconversation.com/not-all-australian-parents-can-access-quality-childcare-and-preschool-they-cant-just-shop-around-130369" target="_blank">choose affordability over quality</a>.
But research shows quality preschool can deliver <a href="https://www.thefrontproject.org.au/images/downloads/Cost-benefit%20analysis_brochure.pdf" target="_blank">$2 of returns to the economy for every $1 invested</a>. Children who receive quality early childhood education and care are also up to <a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Two-Years-are-Better-than-One.pdf" target="_blank">eight months ahead</a> in learning, with the benefit still evident in adolescence.
If quality early learning delivers public benefits for the country as well as private benefits for families, then there’s a strong case for Australian governments to carry a greater share of the cost.
How much are we paying?
Our analysis shows government spending on early childhood education and care has <a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/reports/australian-investment-in-education-early-learning/" target="_blank">escalated over the past ten years by around 140%</a>. This means <a href="https://theconversation.com/both-major-parties-are-finally-talking-about-the-importance-of-preschool-heres-why-it-matters-114974" target="_blank">both sides of politics</a> are recognising early learning is a worthwhile investment. But Australia’s public investment is still <a href="http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/our-work/submissions-statements/state-early-learning-australia-report-2019/" target="_blank">below the OECD average</a> of <a href="https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/education-at-a-glance-2019_f8d7880d-en#page180" target="_blank">0.8% of GDP</a>.
Over the past ten years, families’ investment in early childhood services has grown even faster, by <a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/reports/australian-investment-in-education-early-learning/" target="_blank">about 150%</a>.
Governments contribute a far lower share for early learning than what they contribute to schools. A two-parent, one-child Australian family on an average income of A$85,000 will typically spend around <a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/reports/australian-investment-in-education-early-learning/" target="_blank">A$6,000 a year on childcare fees</a>, with the government contributing about the same amount.
If that child then goes to a public primary school, the government contributes <a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/reports/australian-investment-in-education-early-learning/" target="_blank">close to A$12,000</a>, with minimal costs imposed on the family. Even a private primary school would typically cost the family less than they spend on child care, thanks to <a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/reports/australian-investment-in-education-early-learning/" target="_blank">almost A$10,000</a> per child in government funding.
The early years of life are the <a href="https://www.rch.org.au/ccch/first-thousand-days/" target="_blank">most critical period for brain development</a>. Yet Australian governments are under-investing in early learning, preferring to spend millions remediating gaps once children reach the government-funded school system.
Investing in parental workforce participation
<a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/reports/australian-investment-in-education-early-learning/" target="_blank">About half</a> of the increase in Australia’s investment in early childhood services can be explained by the increase in children attending them. Since the early 1990s, the number of children in childcare <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/1907_cce_early_monitoring_report_citation.pdf" target="_blank">has increased five-fold</a>. <a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/reports/australian-investment-in-education-early-learning/" target="_blank">Our analysis</a> shows since 2008, participation in childcare has increased by around 80%.
Changing family structures have fuelled this rise in demand. In the 1980s, <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6224.0.55.001" target="_blank">most two-parent families</a> had only one adult in the paid workforce. Now, <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6224.0.55.001" target="_blank">more than one in five</a> Australian families with young children have both adults in full-time work.
It’s not feasible to <a href="https://www.childcarecanada.org/sites/default/files/Chap%203.pdf" target="_blank">say this is a private choice</a>, and that the costs of childcare should therefore be borne by the family. For many Australian families, costs of living can only be met by both parents working, and accessing childcare as cheaply as possible.
The impact of childcare costs is greatest for Australia’s most vulnerable children and families. Low-income families are likely to spend a <a href="https://natsem.canberra.edu.au/publications/?publication=ampnatsem-income-and-wealth-report-issue-35-childcare-affordability-in-australia" target="_blank">much bigger proportion</a> of their discretionary income on childcare than high-income families – meaning less is leftover for other family essentials.
Other families combine care for children with part-time work. Australia has the <a href="https://data.oecd.org/emp/part-time-employment-rate.htm" target="_blank">fourth-highest rate of part-time work</a> in the OECD, and <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2017/sep/3" target="_blank">numbers of part-time workers are growing</a>.
The Australian government recognises that helping families balance work and family life is a worthwhile investment. The childcare subsidy is designed to make it easier for families to work, <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/publications/child-care-package-evaluation-early-monitoring-report" target="_blank">especially working parents</a> on lower incomes.
One problem with subsidies to working families is that <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/child-care-subsidy-activity-test" target="_blank">children miss out if either parent is unemployed</a>. These children stand to gain most from quality early childhood services, which <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/321201fc-ca0c-4c20-9582-7c3dc5c9d1b9/19438.pdf.aspx?inline=true" target="_blank">deliver greatest benefits</a> for children from lower-income homes.
More money to families also enables childcare providers to charge more. Education minister Dan Tehan has acknowledged the benefits of the 2018 change to the <a href="http://thespoke.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/whats-story-child-care-costs/" target="_blank">childcare subsidy on costs for families</a> have been <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/childcare-package-all-but-gone-18-months-after-introduction-20200131-p53wlr" target="_blank">swallowed up by fee increases</a>. This suggests Australia needs to invest in early learning more wisely.
Investing in children
A smarter investment in early childhood education and care focuses on the benefits for children’s learning. This kind of investment ensures all children gain access to quality early childhood services, regardless of what their parents can pay.
In 2009, governments committed to <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/national-partnership-agreements" target="_blank">15 hours of preschool for children in the year before school</a>, recognising this would yield strong public benefits in the long-term.
This investment logic is similar to schools: goverments pay, children learn, and the economy and society benefits. Parents can pay extra if they choose, but every child is guaranteed a quality education.
Few people would question this logic for schools, but the Australian government is <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/universal-access-early-childhood-education" target="_blank">still holding back</a> from funding preschool long-term. This instability creates inefficiencies. <a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/UANP-review-submission_Mitchell-Institute_.pdf" target="_blank">Many preschool staff are on short-term contracts</a> and families are unable to plan their investment in their child’s early learning.
Other countries do this better. Australian families might <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/education/looking-to-swedish-model-of-childcare-and-education-20150518-gh48hj" target="_blank">look longingly to Sweden</a>, which provides over 500 hours of free education and care for children aged three to five, and low fees for younger children, matched to families’ income. Sweden is in the <a href="https://www.dca.org.au/sites/default/files/share_the_care_final.pdf" target="_blank">top five countries for working mums</a>, and <a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GCR2018/05FullReport/TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2018.pdf" target="_blank">top ten for economic competitiveness</a>.
A shift from private to public investment is possible even in early childhood systems more similar to Australia. In Canada, a major review of early childhood funding concluded <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-free-preschool-makes-the-most-sense-for-families-94716" target="_blank">free preschool from age 2.5</a> was the fairest solution, above all other options.
The review also found tax deductions (a solution <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/money/tax/plan-for-tax-deductible-childcare-ought-to-be-on-the-table-20200120-p53t2k" target="_blank">proposed in Australia</a>) favoured middle-income families, but <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-an-ontario-tax-credit-for-child-care-is-a-bad-idea-115207" target="_blank">left low-income families behind</a>. This is because they wouldn’t earn enough for tax credits to cover the costs of quality education and care.
Whatever the solution, something has to change. As annual government investment in early childhood <a href="http://www.mitchellinstitute.org.au/reports/australian-investment-in-education-early-learning/" target="_blank">approaches $10 billion</a>, and families still struggle under the burden of costs, the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/opinion/child-care-policies-australia-is-waiting-20040113-gdx3o5" target="_blank">longstanding “barbecue stopper”</a> of childcare costs needs to become an evidence-based debate about smarter investment.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/131748/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jen-jackson-424659" target="_blank">Jen Jackson</a>, Education Policy Lead, Mitchell Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/victoria-university-1175" target="_blank">Victoria University</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/quality-childcare-has-become-a-necessity-for-australian-families-and-for-society-its-time-the-government-paid-up-131748" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Why is childcare so expensive in Australia? Jen Jackson

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A new childcare centre in North Coogee has sold off-market, to a syndicate arranged by the Perdaman Group, for $7.1 million.
Located at 53 Orsino Boulevard, the centre was developed by investment and development firm RG Property, and pre-sold prior to completion of construction.
The building is located in the centre of Port Coogee, and sits adjacent to the town’s Village Shopping Centre.
Spread across two levels, it includes seven separate activity rooms, external play areas on both the ground and first levels, and places for 125 children.
Savills Australia agent, Barney Dear, negotiated the sale, which represents a yield of 6.25%.
“To date, this is the highest value childcare sale we have seen in the Perth market, and it further demonstrates the strengthening demand for this sector,” said Mr Dear.
Perdaman purchased the centre upon the signing of a 15-year lease by new tenant Insight Early Learning, who have two 10-year options to renew.
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North Coogee childcare centre sold to Perdaman for record price

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Tom Shelton’s Bridport Property, a child-centre located in the Melbourne suburb of Kensington, has sold for $8,250,000 at auction.
The former office building-turned-childcare centre has a land area of 824 square metres and a building area of 1,451 square metres. 
It has a passing income of $450,800 and is zoned Mixed Use – allowing for development of up to eight-storeys.
The landmark site at 64-66 Stubbs Street is well-known for its red brick finish, the only one in the area, and benefits from dual street frontages. 
The centre’s building is classified by the state government as historically significant for demonstrating the historical and social development of the area (Kensington), making it of important aesthetic or scientific contribution. 
Located in the state government’s Arden Urban Renewal Precinct, an area slated to become a global knowledge hub and central city destination, Kensington has significant growth potential – the area is expected to act as a base for 34,000 jobs by 2051. 
The precinct has been rezoned to cater for population growth and will create a sustainable living and working environment, featuring cycle paths, green spaces and a newly constructed train station, Arden Central.  
 
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Tom Shelton’s Kensington childcare centre sold at auction

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Recruitment boss Phil Kerry and his wife, 1984 Olympic Games gymnast Anne-Maree, have reputedly secured their next eastern suburbs home renovation project.
It is the 1880s Victorian Regency trophy mansion, Larissa in Woollahra, which Sam Towndrow and Mark Lowe at Ballard Property sold for the Benevolent Society after 40 years of ownership.
The $8.5 million Nelson St offering was listed last spring when the heritage-listed building was in use as a childcare centre. It was a tough one to sell as the front facade of the seven-bedroom house faces away from the street.
The Kerrys recently sold Darling Point’s Greenoaks Cottage for $18 million-plus also after a year on the market. It was built in 1850 for industrialist Thomas Mort.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph. 
 
 
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Woollahra trophy home Larissa sells to recruitment boss Phil Kerry

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A childcare centre in Bellmere, just north of Brisbane has been sold for $4.68 million transaction.
The purpose-built property is occupied on a 15-year lease with option by the UK-based childcare group, Busy Bees, a global childcare organisation backed by a Canadian pension fund with approximately 600 centres around the world including and 40 (and growing) in Australia.
The Bellmere facility has 120 childcare places on its approximately 3,482 sqm site.
Deepen Khagram of RE/MAX U said, "the buyer was initially wanting a service station to add as an asset to his self-managed superannuation fund but he saw this site offered an excellent opportunity and a solid investment asset."
“He transacted the deal while travelling overseas on holidays,” Mr Khagram said.
The sale price reflected the yield of 6.15 percent.
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Bellmere child care facility sold for $4.7 million

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A childcare centre in Melbourne’s west is set to be auctioned this month.
The centre at 2 Fogarty Street, Williams Landing is leased and operated by Explorers Early Learning.
The 1086 square metre facility occupies a 2900 square metre corner site.
<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/2019/10/14/WilliamsLandingChildcareCentre21.jpg" alt="">
It is directly across the road from the forthcoming seven-stage Addison residential development.
Immediately to the east is a proposed $340 million mixed-use commercial development.
The two-stage Williams Landing Shopping Centre, which is currently under construction, is just down the road.
Explorers Early Learning has a new 15-year net lease over the property, with options through to 2064 and fixed 3% annual rent increases. It is licensed for 168 long day care places.
The centre currently draws an annual net rental income of $493,785 (plus GST).
The auction will be held October 30.
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Williams Landing, Melbourne childcare centre comes onto the market

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A childcare operator has secured two adjoining bayside allotments for redevelopment in a transaction worth $2.2 million.  
The Wynnum properties located at 238 and 242 Bay Terrace were sold by Robert Dunne and Tim Packman of Savills.  
It was offered to the market via an Expressions of Interest campaign.
With a combined site area of 1,918 sqm, the properties are improved with a single level church hall and an 180 sqm vacant four bedroom house. 
“There was a lot of interest on the offering from childcare operators as the improvements on site could be easily repurposed for this type of use,” Savills Director of Commercial Sales, Robert Dunne said.  
The buyer, Building Futures, are a multigenerational family owned business providing Early Childhood Education services. 
“Wynnum piqued our interest, as we felt that it was a good location and suitable for our development processes. I particularly loved the view from the Manse and the architecture of the church hall,” CEO of Building Futures, Vicki McKinnon said. 
Subject to design considerations, Building Futures plan to have 120 placements at their new Wynnum location, and anticipate the centre to be open in 2022.
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