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.

Joel Robinson

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.

&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

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Victoria

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Renowned Musk Farm has been listed for sale by May 31 onsite auction through the Pat Rice &amp; Hawkins agency.
Selling agent Matt Childs anticipates the Musk Farm cottage on 1.2 hectares will <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/11-school-road-musk/Property-Details-buy-residential-7025401" target="_blank">fetch $1 million plus</a>.
A 30 hectare farm lot in the acclaimed Daylesford, central Victoria district is also expected to fetch $550,000 plus.
Interior designer Stuart Rattle and cattle farmer Michael O'Neill, partners for 16 years, paid $93,000 in 1998 with a $76,000 mortgage, for what was to become their expanded renovated Musk Farm masterpiece.
The 32 hectare property started as a derelict garden overun with blackberries. 
But taking their inspiration from the English Arts and Crafts movement of Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, the couple set about its restoration starting with the planting of hydrangeas outside the 1880s old school house.
It would end with the garden divided into 14 distinct garden rooms, joined by interconnecting walkways, and separated by large clipped hedges, English Box (Buxus sempervirens) and viburnum (Viburnum spp) and Ligustrum vulgare (Privet). It shone even in winter.
<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/2014/04/17/musk-farm-april-17-eight.jpg" alt="">
Source: Facebook
Title Tattle gleans Stuart Rattle had been reluctant to buy the property when he and good mate, Paul Bangay undertook their first inspection drive-by.
It looked like a municipal park with too much asphalt, but returning at twlight Rattle sensed the opportunity and he was always of the later opinion that the home was best in late afternoons. 
It was a compact cottage after installing lower ceilings and its paintwork created the rich, moody and broody feel that he had once seen at florist Kevin O'Neill's Mount Macedon retreat.  
The English kitchen comes with oak cabinetry made by craftsman Kim Moir.
The cottage had the potential of the nearby pastures acquired for Michael O'Neill's passion, a herd of British White cattle he set about to save when the once common breed shrunk to only 400 breeding cows in Australia.
With their white coats, black noses and long black eyelashes, the cows stood out on the green hill that dominates the expanding holding, which was bought in 2003. The beef was sold to top restaurants, such as the Lake House in Daylesford, and through farmers' markets. Michael came from a long line of vets in Ireland's County Cork. The farm lot comes with pine plantation, a character filled barn, hay shed, cattle yards, chicken coop, small orchid and a terraced vegetable garden. 
Visitors were very welcome at Musk's regular garden open days. Title Tattle recalls Pixie Skase was a devotee. There was the reminder of her in the pair of Hermes ashtrays with Islamic motifs. Susan Bittar, the Arthur Anderson accountant, had Rattle decorate her Georgian home among the many commissions by Melbourne's prominent families.
But before the hydrangeas were at their peak last year, Stuart Rattle was found dead in his burnt-out two storey Malvern Road, South Yarra apartment on December 9, 2013.
It was in his abode at the back of his shop, an infill concrete box with mansard roof which Nerida Piggin once described as a soothing spacious retreat. It had been built by his builder father, Ken with intricate coffered ceiling. Rattle often said he was following in the footsteps of other designers, like Nancy Lancaster from Colefax and Fowler and Coco Chanel who also lived above their shops.  
Within four days police charged his partner, Michael O'Neill, with his murder after a suspicious fire, alleging that he killed him through asphyxiation five days prior at the city apartment.
O'Neill remains remanded in custody due to return to court on June 5 for a committal mention hearing.
Stuart Rattle, who grew up on a farm at Wakool, saw himself as one of Australia’s leading interior designers, the sole designer within his company supported by skilled artisans who transformed inspiration into reality.
But he maintained he was not there to impart his own style – "my focus is always to bring out my clients."
"A home should represent who lives there," he believed. And at Musk the whole house certainly evolved around the Aga stove.
"Interiors are above all sophisticated and highly attuned to each client’s lifestyle and personality."
But for Rattle scale, proportion and elegance transcended the current trends as he endeavoured to construct timeless spaces with an emphasis on comfort and restraint. In July 2012, a custom-designed furniture range was launched by Rattle in collaboration with Mortice &amp; Tenon.
Before his death he'd just finished refurbishing the drawing room at Musk Farm, after the ornate plaster ceiling arrived in four large panels. Then there was the Watts of Westminister birds wallpaper. The antique fire mantel was sourced in London. The Mulberry Floral Bouquet fabric on the sofa and some antique Persian blanket cushions. Brunschwig &amp; Fils 'Argonne Lampas' fabric on the Gainsborough Chair.
<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/2014/04/17/musk-farm-april-17-one.jpg" alt="">
<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/2014/04/17/musk-farm-april-17-five.jpg" alt="">
<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/2014/04/17/musk-farm-april-17-six.jpg" alt="">
<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/2014/04/17/musk-farm-april-17-seven.jpg" alt="">
Source: Facebook
In May last year the Governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov, and Mrs Chernov, on an official visit to Hepburn Shire, popped in to see the farm. (pictured below) Only last November the late interior designer and his partner proudly opened Musk Farm to the public to raise money for further restoration of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens in nearby Daylesford. Stuart had been a very active supporter of the Botanic Gardens, repairing and restoring its rustic cascade, the Victorian Fernery and its irrigation works.
<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/2014/04/17/chernov%20april%2017%20one.jpg" alt="">
 
Source: Facebook
But within three weeks he was dead. His partner Michael O'Neill awaiting trial for his alleged murder. Their assets were subsequently frozen, by Supreme Court of Victoria order, and only able to be sold with the court's approval. Katrina Lewin, one of Rattle's sisters, has been appointed interim administrator of his estimated $4.2 million estate.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/stories/2014/02/21/crop-feb-21.png" alt="crop-feb-21" width="470" height="291">
  School Road at Musk has just the six properties. All up Musk has around 130 properties, once described by The Age as a sleepy blip on the map.
Barcaldine House, at 238 Dairy Flat Road with 15 hectares and a 60-square-metre homestead, was perhaps the most known given its cellar door operations. 
The hamlet's last celebrity sale was in 2006 when the television personality and interior designer Tonia Todman sold the four hectare farm which she bought in 1998 to use as a weekender with partner Michael Dowding. They refurbished in a style that Todman described as "French provincial meets New Hampton via Daylesford". 
Todman's four-bedroom house with Castlemaine stone fireplace was surrounded by a stone-fruit orchard and a small olive grove plus nut trees, a vegetable garden and plantings of herbs, roses, lavender and bulbs on soil classed as chemical-free. The Todman property at 90 Currys Road was listed with Morley Real Estate who were quoting $730,000-plus, and secured $660,000.
 
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Musk Farm, the Stuart Rattle, Michael O'Neill garden estate listed for auction

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From a first home buyer perspective, there is something very wrong with the housing market in Victoria.
In February, the most recent data available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed that the total number of dwellings financed for first home buyers had sunk to a 23 year low.
In February there were 1,402 dwellings financed for first home buyers which  represented a mere 11.76% of the entire number financed. This was lower than in January when first home buyers represented 12.7% of the market and the lowest in raw terms since July 1991 when the population of Victoria was 31% less than it is today.
The reasons behind  this result are debatable. Some will say that the causes are high property prices, but this alone is not borne out by the data. When home values last peaked, in October of 2010, the proportion of first home buyers was 18.2%. In real terms, prices are not significantly different at this point which suggests that the problem is not entirely the price.
Others point to the fact that rents are not rising and suggest that intending first home buyers are preferring to rent.
Another perspective is that the change to financial assistance for first home buyers has caused many to not enter the market. At the same time as the large step down in the proportion of first home buyers occurred in the middle of last year, the $7,000 First Home Buyer Grant for established homes came to an end.  This alone cannot be the only issue as at the same time stamp duty was being progressively lowered for first home buyers.
The reasoning for this change in the market is probably a combination of all  issues mentioned and if the market  remains this way, it will represent a significant structural change in the local housing market.
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rlarocca-zWhvjay44N

First home buyers in Victoria lowest in 23 years

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Have a reno planned for this Easter weekend coming (or some home improvement), then play it safe is the message from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
It might not be glam, but it is falls that are on their radar, with eighty-two people passing away in Victoria between 2000 and 2011, in particular the elderly.
Eighty-two people died after falling from ladders in Victoria, between 2000 and 2011, with most of these people being aged over 65.
However, there are a number of safety issues for all Australians looking to give renovating an attempt.
LADDER TIPS Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria
<ul>
<li>Before getting on the ladder:</li>
<li>Check that your ladder is in good condition</li>
<li>Place it on dry, firm and level ground</li>
<li>Check all safety locks and braces are in place.</li>
</ul>
Other things to check:
<ul>
<li>Ensure the ladder has non-slip safety feet</li>
<li>Read safety warnings and follow the manufacturer's advice</li>
<li>Wear non-slip footwear</li>
<li>Keep people and vehicles away from the ladder while you are working</li>
<li>Work within your arm’s reach and avoid leaning out</li>
<li>Only climb as far as the second step from the top of a step-ladder or the third step from the top of a straight ladder</li>
<li>Never put the ladder on top of other objects to gain extra height.</li>
</ul>
ASBESTOS TIPS
Another common area of safety scares are when it comes to asbestos. We have written a number of articles about preparing for this eventuality.
With renovations becoming increasingly popular, and <a href="/news/asbestos-found-in-one-in-four-pre-purchase-inspections">asbestos reportedly found in one in four building inspections</a>, it makes sense to be careful around this deadly material. Apparently, <a href="/news/nsw/how-is-asbestos-affecting-you-61-of-renovators-exposed">61% of renovators are exposed</a>.
Don't let this <a href="/expert-insights/investing/asbestos-is-a-silent-killer-and-our-ignorance-is-putting-people-in-danger">silent killer lurk in your home</a>.
<a href="/news/how-to-choose-a-building-and-pest-inspector">Choose a good building and pest inspector</a> when you purchase, or before any extreme renovations, so you know what you're up against.
This will quickly alert you to the asbestos that you should call the professionals in for. Don't DIY asbestos removal and disposal. Keep your mouth and nose covered when around the substance.
GENERAL TIPS
Unless you have been trained in certain areas, we recommend bringing in the professionals.
Electricity - get an electrician in to do the difficult jobs around power. It just isn't worth the potential danger.
Balcony fixing or installation - <a href="/expert-insights/investing/before-the-fall-balcony-safety-regulations-are-still-falling-short">Too many deaths have happened</a> to make this an excusable area for a dodgy reno. 
Swimming pools - Once again, this is a high risk area. Bring in the experts and ensure you're compliant.
When undertaking a renovation, ensure to have protective measures for all those on site - face masks, goggles, gloves and appropriate clothing. Be orderly and organised, and have required medical supplies with you at all time.
Ensure your Easter renovation works out as successfully as you had hoped!
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Easter weekend renovators: Tips from Consumer Affairs Victoria

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A Melbourne-based accountant has been sentenced to three years in prison for <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/legal/32929-accountant-who-blamed--2-4-million-tax-fraud-on-autism-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail" target="_blank">fraud</a> after dodging almost $8 million in tax in 2005.
Stephen Lynne Wharton has been found guilty by the Supreme Court of Western Australia of filing three false tax returns to the Australian Tax Office in 2005, while he was in prison for other fraud-related offences.
The fraud was uncovered by the Australian Crime Commission during an investigation of tax schemes used by wealthy businessman and entertainment figures, according to<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/toorak-accountant-stephen-lynne-wharton-jailed-for-tax-fraud-20140413-36let" target="_blank">The Age</a>.
The incorrect tax returns understated income earnt by Wharton’s trust accounts between 2002 and 2004.
The investigation by the ACC was part of Operation Haycastle, which saw tax schemer Gregory Dunn sentenced in February to seven years in prison.
Wharton is said to have operated as the middle man in the scheme, concealing money on behalf of Dunn in different trust accounts. Dunn then paid Wharton an 8% commission in return.
Dunn had passed Wharton more than $12 million from two of his clients in the 2002 tax year.
Warfield and Associates chief executive Brett Warfield told SmartCompany creating fraudulent tax returns is a reasonably common tax scheme.
“This has happened numerous times before where tax accountants have submitted false returns without the knowledge of their clients and then gained the profits, although this one seems to have occurred with the knowledge of the clients,” he says.
“There are two ways false returns can work, either misrepresenting the income of a trust or it would overstate the expenses. Either way, you don’t pay as much to the ATO.”
Warfield says these schemes are usually created out of greed.
“The majority of these schemes I’ve seen have been conducted by individuals, but the biggest schemes can’t be done on an individual basis, so always require collusion,” he says.
“This is a guy who has been in trouble, gone to jail and continued to be involved in schemes while in jail. He’s certainly not someone who has learnt his lessons”.
In July 2004 Wharton was jailed for five years, with a conditional release after 18 months, for attempting tax fraud of $26 million in conjunction with Perth-based accountants Walter Tieleman and Sean Pearce.
The men had promoted a tax minimisation scheme in 1998 which offered large tax deductions to miners with high incomes.
At the time Judge John McKechnie described Wharton as “a man of straw” and a “financial rogue”.
Warfield says the ATO doesn’t generally “go digging” into the activities of a specific accountant, unless it receives a tip off or discover inaccuracies as part of a broader investigation.
“In order to commence a large scale investigation they tend to need to uncover a goldmine of information,” he says.
“The ATO rely on the honesty and integrity of both lawyers and accountants, and when this is breached it can have a significant impact on the country’s financial system.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Melbourne accountant jailed for three years after orchestrating $8 million tax fraud from prison

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Quest Abbotsford serviced apartments is set to open this month, one of eight new Quest properties to launch this year.
Part of Salta Properties’ $1.5 billion Victoria Gardens Precinct, Quest Abbotsford is a joint venture between Quest Serviced Apartments and the privately owned Salta Properties.
Situated next to the Terminus Hotel at 611 Victoria Street, Quest Abbotsford will comprise 93 new studio, one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments. Prices begin at $169 per night for a studio apartment.
According to Quest chairman Paul Constantinou, the upcoming opening of Quest Abbotsford marks the beginning of a growth period for the company.
<blockquote>
The upcoming opening of Quest Abbotsford apparently marks the beginning of a growth period for the company
</blockquote>
“Demand for extended stay accommodation is exceeding supply in Australia, which is why we are opening seven new properties across a range of CBD, suburban and regional locations in 2014. Quest Abbotsford will kick off this period of major growth for Quest as we continue to respond to the needs of business travellers,” said Constantinou.
The franchise has been accepting bookings and is set to open on April 28. Quest Abbotsford is one of eight new Quest properties set to open this year, along with projects at King William South in Adelaide’s CBD, Berrimah in the Northern Territory, Woolloongabba in Queensland, Wellington and Whangarei in New Zealand, Newcastle West in New South Wales and Melbourne Airport.
Despite the suggestion that it marks the beginning of a period of growth, it appears this may have already started.
Quest looked to <a href="/expert-insights/investing/quest-lists-sydney-olympic-park-serviced-apartments-as-appetite-for-australian-hotels-rises">sell their Sydney Olympic Park offering, after listing it in May last year</a>, seeking $39 million, to beef up funds for more than a dozen new projects. In June last year they <a href="/expert-insights/investing/surging-quest-leads-strongly-growing-australian-serviced-apartment-market">recorded 28% growth over two years</a>, leading the strongly growing serviced apartment market.
In September, they also opened a <a href="/news/quest-opens-second-serviced-apartment-hotel-in-mackay-following-positive-business-conditions">serviced apartment offering in Mackay</a>, their second in the area. There have also been <a href="/expert-insights/investing/quest-to-build-tullamarine-melbourne-airport-serviced-apartments">reports of plans to build in Melbourne's Tullamarine</a>.
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Quest Abbottsford serviced apartments to open this month

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Freiberg House, the iconic early 1960s Kew residence, has been listed for sale for the first time since its design by Chancellor and Patrick.
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kew-116460747" target="_blank">26 Yarravale Road</a> was completed between 1958 and 1960 for Freda and Martin Freiberg set within the first entirely native garden designed by Edna Walling.
Hamish Tostevin of Marshall White, expects $2 million plus at its April 12 auction.
The Freiberg's chose the architects after finding their work to be suitably in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright for their steep 960 square metre block close to the Yarra River's Studley Park.
The three-level five bedroom home features exposed timber and brickwork, with expansive areas of glass providing a leafy outlook.
It appeared on the cover of Best Australian Houses (1961), edited by Neil Clerehan given its status as significant for its use of traditional Australian forms and materials, along with its avant-garde planning.
{qtube vid:=J__d58EdYe8}
The Melbourne based architecture firm, formed in 1953, was headed by David Chancellor (no relation) and William Patrick and became known for notable institutional buildings as well as private residential projects. 
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Freiberg House, 1960s Kew residence designed by Chancellor and Patrick listed

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An old dairy farm in Victoria's Doreen is set to be transformed into a boutique community with more than 360 homes upon completion.
The AVJennings development will include parklands and landscaped gardens for the homes on lots from 294 square metres to more than 700 square metres, from $155,000.
The development, on Bridge Inn Road, is named <a href="https://www.hazelcroft.com.au%20" target="_blank">Hazelcroft</a>, and is a masterplanned community that spent every weekend in March inviting buyers to come and join in with the launch.
Upon completion, more than 16 hectares of reserves and open space, including a central reserve and a green pathway that crosses through the community, will be present, including a central playground due for completion this year.
The site is near to Laurimar shopping centre, Plenty Valley Westfield, Doreen Primary School, Ivanhoe Grammar and two train stations - South Morang and Hurstbridge.
The first release is located at the gateway to the community and is currently available for purchase - either for land or house and land packages for which builders of their choice can be selected.
Peter Vlitas, the Victoria state manager for AVJennings, said that Doreen is already a growing community.
“Doreen is already a great place to live, with all the convenience of existing amenities and the added excitement of our latest residential offering,” Vlitas said.
The March events included face painting, balloon artistry, a gelato van, prize giveaways and a cup cake event - much of these were held with local businesses.
For those purchasing prior to the end of May, a $5,000 'rebate' is being offered for lots in stage one (109, 112, 113, 116, 137 and 138), while those that refer friends are being offered a $1,000 gift card.
In the first premiere release, 30 sites are being offered from 294 square metres to 483 square metres, ranging in price from $155,000 to $195,000 along Windermere Parade, Killarney Street and Wicybush Street. NBN is available to all the properties and the lot depths are up to 34 metres.
Of these, it appears seven have been purchased.
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From dairy farm to boutique 360 home AVJennings development

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A warning has been issued by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria about scam emails advising about court and tribunal appearances and proceedings.
The email may advise you to report to court on a specific day/time and to bring documents and witnesses.
The email instructs the recipient to open and read an attached ‘court notice’. They’re warning that this contains a virus and that you should not open the attachment and that you should delete the email.
“If you are not involved in a proceeding, a court or tribunal will not communicate with you by email. Unsolicited emails or requests for personal information are not sent by courts or tribunals,” VCAT is advising.
 
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Been called to Tribunal recently? It may be a scam

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Gav and Waz, one of the competing couples in the first series of Channel Nine’s The Block back in 2003, are coming back to the city from the Byron Bay hinterland.
Title Tattle gleans they have spent about $2.25 million on a poolside Potts Point apartment.
It had to be ground floor garden given their dog, Charlie is a priority. The Richardson and Wrench agent Jason Boon showed them the ground-floor apartment in Rockwall Gardens, which was then sold by the architect Deece Giles.The Jack Russell had apparently been in residence round the corner at the Diamant Hotel since they all left the 23 hectare farm.
The Designer Boys <a href="/news/nsw/designer-boys-gav-and-waz-list-charltons-their-byron-bay-hinterland-retreat-at-3-1-million-plus">recently sold Charltons</a>, through Nicolette van Wijngaarden at Unique Estates for $3 million to the Garnham family of Watsons Bay. It was a 120 year old farmhouse on a hillside block (pictured above), which they bought in 2007 for $610,000.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" alt="flagtitletat" width="25" height="34" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;">
Meanwhile Dan Reilly and Dani Wales have secured $429,500 for their one-bedroom Ark, Richmond apartment which they moved into while debuting on The Block in 2012 renovating terraces in South Melbourne.
The reality TV celebrity couple - with the twitter handle <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniandDan" target="_blank">@DaniandDan</a> - had it listed through <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-richmond-115965119" target="_blank">Justine Harris of Hocking Stuart</a> with a $439,000 asking price.
They paid $420,000 off the plan in late 2010, settling in late 2011, just before they moved into the derelict Cameron Street, Richmond Block set.
Melbourne unit prices have recently come in at a $448,000 median, according to the latest RP Data-Rismark index with prices up 8.9% across Melbourne just in the past year. The RP Data median unit price in 2011 was around $424,000.
Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, the 114/253 Bridge Road apartment has open-plan living and dining along with an outdoor entertaining area.
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/richmond%20april%203%20one.jpg" alt="">
The current <a href="/news">Richmond</a> median unit price is around $522,500, up 3% over the past year. <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/14.3.174.1/scripts/premium/UrlBlockedError.aspx" target="_blank">There was a $525,000 median peak in 2011</a>.
Dani Wales runs the online magazine <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/14.3.174.1/scripts/premium/redir.aspx?C=Zypvoq-Ft0-Zo--uD2WkVVUBMIcZI9EIgvcF3B5QsaRmMoZQ3xffbBvdZwi7mrZ-nA6Kk5sm-Ps.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fthehome-journal.com%2f" target="_blank">The Home Journal</a>.
Dan Reilly works as a carpenter while studying to be a builder.
They bought a 114-year-old property in Seddon <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/14.3.174.1/scripts/premium/UrlBlockedError.aspx" target="_blank" title="UrlBlockedError.aspx
Cmd+Click to follow link">in May last year</a> which needs renovating. It was secured for around $460,000 which was less than its previous $480,000 purchase in 2009.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" alt="flagtitletat" width="25" height="34">The filming of the next Block series in <a href="/news">Prahran</a> has begun. Title Tattle gleans there's a mystery former professional sports star among the contestants who are installing apartments in <a href="/news/the-block-shifting-to-high-street-prahran-after-objectors-fail-to-lodge-vcat-appeal">a former High Street office complex</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" alt="flagtitletat" width="25" height="34">An apartment that took second place in the 2004 series of The Block goes to auction this month in <a href="/news">Manly</a>. It is the second time the two-bedroom pad in Manly has traded since it sold for $872,000 in front of the cameras on behalf of renovators Jason and Kirsten Johnson. Title Tattle recalls all four of the Whistler Street units sold after renovation for silly prices.
This apartment last sold at $882,000 in 2008, so it went up $10,000 in the first four years following its renovation. 
It's now a decade later and Chris Boys, director of strategy and solutions at Dun and Bradstreet, has hopes of more than $1 million. That's around 2% growth over the past six years. 
The Whistler Street block of four was the location for the second series of the popular TV show, won by Andrew Rochford and Jamie Nicholson. Now coming with updated finishes, the garden apartment goes to auction on April 12 through Jason Pantzer, of Philips Pantzer Donnelley.
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Gav and Waz from the Block spend $2.25 million on Potts Point apartment

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An independent depreciation assessment of the four apartments up for auction next week has identified significant potential deductions for The Block’s buyers.
BMT Tax Depreciation has undertaken a depreciation assessment on each of the <a href="/news">Albert Park</a> apartments completed on this season of The Block and found that each offers major deduction opportunities, with potential first year deductions of about $50,000.
According to BMT Tax Depreciation managing director Bradley Beer, the renovated properties could be underlying goldmines for buyers. 
"An investor purchaser could claim a minimum of $46,281 and a maximum of $53,995 as an average first year depreciation deduction for one of the four properties," said Beer.
Beer says that despite legislation allowing all owners of income producing property to claim depreciation deductions for the wear and tear of their property and its contained assets, 80% of property investors fail to take full advantage of their depreciation deduction entitlements.
"Investors who don't claim depreciation are missing out on thousands of dollars in their pockets," said Beer.
BMT Tax Depreciation also prepared depreciation reports for the 2012 and 2013 Block properties.
The four apartments on O’Grady Street in Albert Park will be auctioned on Tuesday April 8, with the results airing on Channel 9 on Wednesday April 9.
 
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