<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

Western Australia

<html><body>
The stamp duty exemption threshold for West Australian first home buyers has been cut from $500,000 to $430,000 in the state’s 2014 budget.
From July 1, those purchasing established properties priced under $430,000 will receive a full stamp duty exemption. Concessions will phase out progressively for purchases between $430,000 and $530,000. Previously, first home buyers still received some stamp duty concession for properties priced up to $600,000.
No changes have been made to stamp duty concessions for first home buyers of new house and land packages. If the vacant land is valued under $300,000, the first home buyer will not be required to pay any stamp duty. Purchasers of land priced up to $400,000 will be eligible for some form of stamp duty concession.
The Barnett government’s 2014 budget papers claim that stamp duty concessions for West Australian first home buyers are still relatively generous, with only Queensland first home buyers paying less duty on the purchase of a $450,000 established home.
The government has also announced a 10% increase in land tax across the board.
The lowered stamp duty concessions are forecast to save the government $222 million in the four years to 2017-18.
In last year’s budget, the West Australian government cut the First Home Owners Grant for established properties from $7000 to $3000. The grant has remained unchanged in this year’s budget. First home buyers of properties valued up to $750,000 are eligible for the $3000 grant for established properties and $10,000 grant for new properties. The $750,000 threshold is pushed up to $1,000,000 for those purchasing properties above the 26th parallel (around Shark Bay).
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Western Australia’s 2014 budget: First home buyer stamp duty concessions cut

<html><body>
The Barnett government has increased land tax by 10% across the board amidst slowing revenue growth.
As the state’s property market softens along with its labour market, the government has turned to land tax to offset the state’s declining revenues. The increase in land taxes is forecast to raise an additional $72 million in 2014-15 and $334 million over the four years to 2017-18. Land tax is expected to bring in a total of $752 million for the state this year, and is estimated to bring $1.01 billion in revenue in 2017-18.
In West Australia, land tax is payable on properties with unimproved land values over $300,000. According to the government, the majority of West Australian property owners will be unaffected by the land tax changes due to a range of exemptions. Approximately 80% of those affected, who hold land with an unimproved value of up to $1 million, will experience a tax increase of up to $70 per year.
After the tax increase, West Australian property owners who are ineligible for exemptions will pay annual land tax ranging from $110 for properties with an unimproved land value of $400,000 to $263,000 for unimproved land value of $15 million. Land tax increased by 12.5% in the 2013 budget.
The 2014 budget saw a big infrastructure spend in Perth's north, with $3 billion to go towards the area. Treasurer Mike Nahan, who said the region was one of Perth's fastest growing areas, committed $641.3 million in public transport and road infrastructure spending to the region.
Over four years, $320 million will be spent on extending the Mitchell Freeway from Burns Beach Road to Hester Avenue. The extension is intended to relieve traffic from Clarkson, Butler and Jindalee, which are cited by the government as growth areas. With residential developments planned for the northern region, a further $32.9 million over the next two years will go towards extending the northern suburbs rail line to Butler. A section of the Reid Highway will be turned into dual carriageways, costing $43 million.
</body></html>

Western Australia’s 2014 budget: 10% land tax hike

<html><body>
Only a few days ago <a href="/news/western-australia-building-company-to-pay-10-000-penalty-after-misleading-city-of-geraldton">Property Observer reported about a builder misleading the City of Geraldton</a>, copping a total of $10,000 in fines. This time, it's the City of Stirling who claim to have been misled.
The West Perth builder John Joseph Dryka will pay $10,000 in fines and $2,000 of costs for misleading conduct under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011, according to the State Administrative Tribunal.
The proceedings, initiated by the Building Services Board, were finalised at the end of March. Essentially, the builder was found to have misled the council, as well as an insurer, as to the estimated value of a Scarborough property's building work, that would involve constructing a three-storey dwelling.
The building licence and home indemnity insurance, that he applied for in December 2007 and November 2007 respectively, were to the value of $850,000. The contract he entered into, however, was $1,799,996.
He then failed to update the local government and insurers of the true value.
Building Commissioner Peter Gow said that being a registered builder is a statement that you have qualifications and experience enough to provide an acceptable service. It also means that the builder is accountable for compliance with building laws and standards.
“Providing building services is an important job – if it’s not done correctly it can put public safety, consumers’ wellbeing and the reputation of the building industry at risk," said Gow.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Another WA builder fined for misleading council

<html><body>
In 2007, as the WA's extraordinary property boom reached its peak, then Treasurer Eric Ripper lifted the stamp duty threshold for first home buyers to $500,000.
As the median house price jumped, housing affordability became more difficult and the entry costs to first home buyers in particular became a real impediment. Chief among those costs was several thousand dollars in stamp duty, given that first time buyers were then typically purchasing dwellings at around $300,000.
That policy move by the Carpenter government to effectively abolish stamp duty for the majority of first home buyers has proved over intervening years to be a tremendous success. They have flourished in WA, helped along by low interest rates, the first home buyers grant, plenty of jobs and a robust state economy. In recent years first time buyers often reached more than 30% of the overall market, dwarfing the experience on the east coast.
First home buyer activity in particular has been very strong but is now trending downwards at a worrying rate. Changing policy settings at this time would be very unhelpful and a false economy.
Governments tend to underestimate the importance of first home buyers to the property market and economy in general. Not only do first home buyers take stock out of the market, they facilitate the property seller to trade-up, generating additional revenue from stamp duty as well as other business activity.
The new-home building markets also benefit as economic activity is increased through growth in supply chain business. WA ought not make the same mistake as NSW, which axed the first home buyer duty concession, or Victoria where first home buyer grants were greatly reduced. The clear evidence from these states is that first home buyer activity subsequently collapsed and has not recovered.
While REIWA understands the need for government to fund services and supply infrastructure, my concern is for the overall health and sustainability of the WA housing market at a precarious time. Current REIWA data supported by Landgate figures indicates a market downturn is likely for the second half of 2014.
Evidence from the March quarter shows a drop in sales numbers of around 6% compared to the same quarter in 2013. Listings for sale have risen to the highest level since December 2012 and rental listings are at a seven year high, with the vacancy rate now over 4% for the first time since 2010. Investors are scarce and first home buyers are dropping away. It’s time to recognise that stamp duty on property as a means to raise revenue is clumsy, inefficient and outdated.
Typical stamp duty on a median priced home in Perth is now $20,000. Bracket creep alone has pushed this up by $4,280 over the last five years.
REIWA calls on the government to have a serious look at broadening the land tax base to all property owners with the view to abolishing stamp duty altogether.
The benefit to government is steady, predictable revenue income based on land ownership, rather than unpredictable and volatile revenue income based on sales activity. The benefit to property owners is the simplicity of a modest, annual land tax as opposed to ‘bill shock’, when hit with a huge stamp duty tax in the tens of thousands when they transact.
In some cases stamp duty is so prohibitive to potential buyers that they stay put, jamming the market and not allowing established homes to flow into the first home buyer pool. A broad-based land tax was proposed by the Henry Tax Review and has merit. It has since been adopted by the ACT, which will phase it in over 20 years so it does not disrupt the market and will effectively be revenue neutral.
It’s time for a mature discussion around this proposal with the aim of creating a long-term plan for a better system of property taxes. One that’s not at the mercy of an anxious treasurer every financial year.
</body></html>

dairey-MVZf5ZguQC

Land tax for all should replace stamp duty for some

<html><body>
A new state government initiative, and an Australian-first, will see a Heritage Revolving Fund rejuvenate heritage properties that are currently “languishing”.
The $4 million fund will reactivate disused buildings, including the 1850s Fremantle Warders’ Cottages, which have been given priority status as the first to receive funding. When the Fremantle Prison was closed in 1991, these properties were used by the Department of Housing for public housing tenancies. In 2011, they were deemed unsuitable for tenants.
The properties, on Henderson Street, cover 3,544 square metres of ground, and consist of three sets of terrace housing.
Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said that this first major project would receive $2 million of the fund.
“The row of 18 cottages is a priority because it presents a unique challenge to conserve, modernise and return them to active use in central Fremantle,” he said.
Proceeds from the sale or lease of reactivated properties are then fuelled into future projects.
The state government currently owns a third of the properties listed on the State Heritage Register.
To be allocated in the 2014/2015 state budget, the funds will be provided over two years under the program and used in consultation with the State Heritage Office, Premier Colin Barnett explained in a pre-budget announcement.
Barnett noted that this is based on a model widely practised overseas, and that it would be a first in the country.
“The fund will allow disused state and local government-owned heritage properties to be prepared for sale or lease in a way that optimises the heritage, financial and community benefits,” he said. Fremantle CBD is said to have one of the most important concentrations of heritage of properties in Western Australia.
</body></html>

Australia's first revolving heritage fund announced in WA

<html><body>
A recent announcement from planning minister John Day has noted that new building standards are going to be put on homes being built in bushfire areas, under new construction standards.
The Building Code of Australia and the Australian Standards AS3959 will identify mandatory provisions for properties being built in bushfire-prone areas under new planning schemes across Western Australia.
The new guidelines are open for public comment, however the plan is for the standards to apply from May 2015, and will apply to all properties in areas mapped by the government as bushfire-prone or within 100 metres of one hectare or more of bushland.
“If land intended for development is located on a bushfire map or close to a large area of bushland a bushfire hazard assessment will be required,” Day announced.
“The assessment will identify the bushfire risk level and the Australian Standards to be applied when the new home is constructed.  These standards are used in many jurisdictions across Australia and include requirements such as the placement of ember screens over evaporative air-conditioner units, window screens and appropriate construction methods."
The measures look to reduce the severity of the effect of a fire on a home.
Part of this will be the introduction of uniform state-wide maps, explained Emergency Services Minister Joe Francies, led by the Fire and Emergency Services commissioner, based on the Keelty Report into the Perth Hills bushfires.
These will be available to the public.
The WA Planning Commission, at the same time, released the State Planning Policy and Planning Guidelines on Bushfire Risk Management. These are all available for public comment, and look to provide both government and developers guidance when planning developments in these areas.
This may cause an extra hoop for developers to jump through, with the current draft suggesting that some developers will be required to supply a Bushfire Management Plan prepared by a fire consultant, jointly endorsed by a local government and authority responsible for emergency services.
It also notes that: "Any planning proposal or development application that will result in the introduction, or intensification, of development in an area that has an extreme bushfire hazard level and/or requires construction standards of BAL-40 or BAL-FZ shall only be supported if it is unavoidable development."
New developments will be required to provide the highest achievable protection, and where earlier strategic planning has not been seen to address bushfire risk, "assessing greenfield or infill development will require the exercising of statutory planning discretions."
It notes that this may include situations where new risks are identified, requiring planning measures to be taken where they have previously been unexpected.
Subdivisions may also be implicated.
The public consultation period on the State Planning Policy closes on 4 July, while the guidelines' commenting period closes on 1 August.
</body></html>

New construction requirements coming for houses in WA bushfire areas

<html><body>
A Western Australia building company in Geraldton, Will-Construct Pty Ltd, and director Peter William Willoughby, of Wandina, have been ordered to pay $5,000 each to the Building Commissioner by the Building Services Board for misleading conduct in relation to commercial buildings.
The small company of general contractors worked only on non-residential buildings, not including industrial buildings and warehouses.
The company admitted that they misled the City of Geraldton as to the identity of the builder on the building licence applications, in relation to commercial sheds on three sites. This was from 8 February 2012 to 19 November 2012.
Building Commissioner Peter Gow said that all the information requested on an application for a building licence is required for “good reason”, and that providing misleading or incorrect details can have serious consequences. Gow said that this was the case even if the incorrect information was inadvertently provided.
“It is particularly crucial that the builder’s true details are known because, at the end of the day, they are responsible for the work carried out,” he said.
“Consumers also have a right to know who the person they have engaged to carry out building work is and should be able to check the person has the necessary skills, qualifications and registration, if required, to perform work to a sufficient standard.”
</body></html>

Western Australia building company to pay $10,000 penalty after misleading City of Geraldton

<html><body>
A continuining drop in first home buyer numbers has chief executive of the Real Estate Instute of Western Australia (REIWA), Neville Pozzi, warning the government not to introduced any stamp duty increases for first timers.
He said that this drop should come as a budget warning to the state government.
“Given that first home buyers are dropping in numbers, it’s critical that the Treasurer doesn’t bring back stamp duty for this segment of the market,” Pozzi said.
Currently, first home buyers in Western Australia are exempt from stamp duty payments for homes under $500,000.
“It’s very concerning, however, that Premier Barnett has indicated that the current tax break for first home buyers is under review and might be changed,” he said.
“The housing market is very susceptible to cost pressures and making first homes more expensive would be a terrible blow to the market just as it’s starting to stabilise,” he said.
FHOG applications for the March quarter, as recorded by the Office of State Revenue, recorded a 9% drop. This is 21% below the June 2013 peak.
This drop is across both the established and new-build sectors, with established homes dropping by 14%.
“This means that grants being paid out have now fallen below the average since the FHOG was first introduced 14 years ago,” he said.
He noted that the "last thing" the market needs at present is any added cost pressure on first time buyers.
The median purchase by first home buyers in March was $470,000 in Perth, and $350,000 in regional Western Australia.
</body></html>

REIWA chief executive warns against FHB stamp duty introduction

<html><body>
There is a lot of pressure on the Barnett government to cut costs and raise revenue in the state budget this May.
Those of us who work in the property sector are particularly concerned that property taxes might again be targeted. In last year’s budget the government increased land tax by 12.5%.
This year it might be very tempting for the Treasurer to cast his net more widely by increasing stamp duty across the board for all buyers as well as scrapping the stamp duty exemption for first home buyers.
The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia has cautioned the state Treasurer against considering such moves. The property market in WA is only just stabilizing after several volatile years and current REIWA data indicates a market downturn for the second half of this year.
It’s critical that current policy settings remain in place and property taxes are not increased, distorting a fragile market.
Typical stamp duty on a median priced home in Perth is now $20,000. Bracket creep alone has pushed this up by $4,280 over the last five years.
The stamp duty exemption for first home buyers was raised to homes under $500,000 by the Labor government in 2007 and along with the first home owners grant has been extraordinary successful at nurturing the market.
Cost of living and housing affordability is much tougher in WA than other states, but removing the stamp duty impost from first home buyers saves most of them around $14,000 and helps them into a home of their own.
<blockquote>
It’s critical that current policy settings remain in place and property taxes are not increased, distorting a fragile market.
</blockquote>
In combination with low interest rates, first home buyers have flourished in WA but the signs are that they are now trending downwards and it would be devastating if they soon get hit with stamp duty.
Getting rid of first home buyer relief or increasing stamp duty across the board would also hit the housing construction sector through the increased cost of land.
The clear evidence from NSW, which recently scrapped its tax concessions for first home buyers, is that first home buyer activity collapsed and hasn’t recovered.
It has been a similar experience in Victoria where other concessions for first home buyers were removed or diminished.
First home buyers are critical to the overall health of the property market because they help nurture construction and facilitate the trade-up market.
Data from the Office of State Revenue show activity by first home buyers has been falling for several months, slipping from 1,974 applications in July last year to 1,540 in March.
For a sustainable, affordable housing market, it’s terribly important there is no rise in stamp duty for all buyers or that tax relief for first time buyers is abolished.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://reiwa.com/" target="_blank">reiwa.com</a>.
</body></html>

The WA budget's threat to first home buyers

<html><body>
A West Australian building company, Kalamunda’s Heritage Homes (WA) Pty Ltd (registration number 9081) and company director Paul Vincent Monkhouse, have been ordered by the Building Services Board to pay $3,500 for negligent conduct.
Heritage Homes was found to have failed to reduce to writing a total of 41 variations to home building contract working, according to an ASIC release. This is an action required under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991.
These offences were recorded as occurring between April 2009 and June 2011. They were in relation to a contract, that had been entered in to in April 2009, for a Nedlands house. The house was to have renovations and extensions, and it was valued at $458,700.
Routine checks were carried out by the Building Commission. Building Commissioner Peter Gow explained that the Home Building Contracts Act sets out the minimum requirements for contracts. It applies to home building, and associated work, costing between $7,500 and $500,000.
As a result of non-compliance, the company was fined $2,500. Monkhouse, as director and nominated supervisor, copped a $1,000 fine.
“The act is in place for a good reason; it protects both the home owner and persons undertaking home building and associated work,” said Gow.
“One of the requirements of the act is that any variation to the contract must be reduced to writing and signed by both the builder and the owner.”
This is a requirement that ensures property owners are given to accept or reject any variation to a contract before it occurs, and are not hit by additional fees at the end of the building process that they were not aware they had consented to.
“The Building Commission will continue to name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the building industry at risk,” Gow concluded.
</body></html>

Western Australia

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Western Australia

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News