PropertyMash | Winter 2018

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

winter EDITION 2018

A Guide to Downsizing WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME?

Brisbane’s Top 5 Luxury Apartments GET A LOOK INSIDE THE $7 MILLION PENTHOUSE

Gold coast property BOOM OR BUST?

Queensland’s only dedicated new property magazine

WE ARE.

MAKING STATEMENTS LOCALLY NATIONALLY GLOBALLY

For more information please contact: +61 7 5560 8888 | patrick.pancur@qldsir.com www.queenslandsothebysrealty.com

ROBINA • GOLD COAST

3 ION R E T D W UC CE TOSTR EN N MM CO CO

FROM JUST $330,000** 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with parking

EXCLUSIVE INCENTIVES AVAILABLE** FIRST HOME BUYERS

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Developer $20k contribution to match $20k first home buyers grant

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1% reduction for 3 years off the current home loan rate

1% reduction for 3 years off the current home loan rate

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Terms & Conditions - 1% rate reduction off the current home loan rate for 3 years, (ie Purchaser will receive contribution by the developer based on the loan amount up to 80% LVR (ie $400k purchase price, purchaser borrows $360k - developer contribution @ 3% is $10,800). Available until 31 July 2018. This incentive is applicable for direct sales through The Agency. $20,000 will be deducted from the asking price at which time sales advices & contracts will be issued, valid on sales until 30 June 2018. 10 % deposit will be required by the purchaser or 5% now + balance in instalments by 31 October 2018. To qualify for either incentive sales must be non FIRB sales.

Cover story

Contents l Winter 2018

28 BRISBANE’S TOP 5 LUXURY APARTMENTS

24

What does $7 million look like in the Brisbane CBD?

Features

18

16 WHAT’S HAPPENING

What is happening in new property in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

18 PROPERTY REVIEWS: BRISBANE

Three of Brisbane’s newest apartment developments reviewed by PropertyMash journalists.

36 READY NOW

Don’t want to wait for an off-the-plan apartment? Here are 10 properties you can move into today.

44 PROPERTY REVIEWS: GOLD COAST

Read independent reviews on some of the Gold Coast’s new developments.

In this issue 14 GOLD COAST: BOOM OR BUST?

14

What is going on in the Gold Coast market in the aftermath of the Commonwealth Games?

24 FIRST-TIME BUYERS

Getting into the property market is tough, learn from these buyer’s experiences.

40 DOWNSIZING: IS THERE A RIGHT TIME?

It is never an easy decision. Here are five things to think about before making the move.

43 NEW PROPERTY FINANCE

40

What you need to know about getting your off-the-plan home loan.

Advertising deadline for SPRING 2018: 15 September 2018.

Published by Toto & Co 36 Agnes Street, Brisbane 4006 totoandco.com.au

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PUBLISHER’S INDEMNITY: Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to PropertyMash undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above mentioned, these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements. All editorial content is of a general nature only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Editorial content should not be regarded as advice or relied upon by you or any other person and we recommend that you seek professional advice before acting on the content. All content in this publication is copyright. For reproduction or use of PropertyMash.com copyright material written permission must be obtained directly from PropertyMash.com or the relevant copyright owner. All property information, including prices, are accurate to the best of our knowledge but we make no representation as to their correctness. Prices change regularly and errors may have occurred in this publication. You must not rely on these prices and /or information and you must verify this yourself prior to using this information for any reason, including purchasing a property. Stock images used are from Shutterstock.com.

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A note from our founder’s desk Welcome to the first edition of PropertyMash!

PropertyMash is Queensland’s first ever publication dedicated to helping buyers of new and off-the-plan property. It is an exciting time to be a buyer in Queensland and there are a lot of opportunities available. We are here to make sure you have all the information you need when searching for your dream home. In this edition we get a look inside the most luxurious apartments available to buy in Brisbane right now (page 28), we talk to some first-time buyers to get tips on buying your first property (page 24) and we also look at the pros and cons of buying an off-theplan property vs an existing property (page 12).

SUBURB PROFILE: Tweed Coast Page 34

On page 40 we explore downsizing and get advice from a couple who have made the move. Once you have decided to downsize – what next? We have found a selection of Brisbane apartments that are ready to move into today (page 36), broken down the top things to look for when buying off-the-plan on page 22 and taken a closer look at the Gold Coast market in the wake of the Commonwealth Games (page 14). We hope you enjoy our Winter 2018 magazine! If you want to get involved in the new property conversation, join us online at www.PropertyMash.com.

Cameron

Black

The PropertyMash team Founder Cameron Black Editor Sarah Tayler Journalist Inais Black SUBURB PROFILE: West End Page 10

Business Development Manager Dylan Carey

Editorial enquiries editorial@propertymash.com 07 3177 0406

Advertising enquiries alanat@totoandco.com.au +61 432 774 862 dcarey@propertymash.com +61 411 689 184

SUBURB PROFILE: Newstead/Teneriffe Page 38

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Follow us and keep up with the latest in off-the-plan property news! @PropertyMash

LAST UNIQUE LAND RELEASE

BY THE BROADWATER AND LITTLE BEACH ON THE PENINSULA OF PARADISE POINT, GOLD COAST LIMITED LAND SELLING FAST, FROM $ 589,900.

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The Broadwater

CIVIL WORKS HAVE COMMENCED TARGET TITLES TO BE ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER 2018

W O R L D C L A S S L O C AT I O N . A L I F E T I M E O F L U X U R Y. • Land size from 426m2 to 728m2 • Resort style facilities • Sandy beach • Security • Build up to 3 levels plus rooftop entertainment area • 10 minutes to M1 • About 5 minutes to world famous Golf Courses • Private marina with bridge free ocean access (limited moorings available to purchase) SITE LOCATION ADDRESS: SALACIA DRIVE, PARADISE POINT, GOLD COAST ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT BY METACAP DEVELOPMENTS - (07) 5606 8123

SALES OFFICE - 2 Sunset Avenue, Paradise Point Opening Hours 11am - 4pm daily

Ali Mian 0415 521 721 ali.mian@raywhite.com

Tony Sutton - Yeomans 0417 597 747 tony.sutton-yeomans@raywhite.com

Ray White Sovereign Islands | Shop 1, Sovereign Islands Shopping Village | The Sovereign Mile QLD 4216 Whilst all details have been carefully prepared, no warranty given either expressly or implied by the vendors or their agents in respect of the accuracy of the photographs, information and illustrations. Photographs, information and illustrations are indicative only for presentation purposes and are subject to change. They should not be relied upon as an accurate representation of the final product. Specification may change at any time. TOTO42016. Produced by www.totoandco.com.au

PropertyMash.com Introducing PropertyMash Queensland’s first publication dedicated to new apartments, townhouses and land packages in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. A central hub of information making finding off-the-plan property easy.

Not only are we the first to know about each new development, but our journalists have inspected every one of them, so we have the latest news and updates direct from the source. Our review articles cut through the marketing jargon and give you all the details you need to know, both positive and negative. We provide the information that really matters, such as pricing, sales rates, location information, onsite display information, construction updates and we even list similar projects you should visit.

Join the new property conversation #PropertyMash @PropertyMash

BECOME A

PROPERTY

MASH.COM

Don’t miss out! Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to: • G et the latest scoop on Brisbane’s new property developments.

• R eceive tips and advice to save you time and money when buying your off-the-plan property.

• G et exclusive offers and incentives from developers on your new home or investment.

As a Property Mash VIP, you will get regular email updates with all our latest property reviews, suburb profiles, and news about off-the-plan developments in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

PLUS! Sign up before 31 July 2018 and be in with the chance of winning an iPad!* *T’s & C’s available online at www.propertymash.com/VIP

SUBURB PROFILE: West End Median apartment price $535,000 Median rental value $465 per week

West End is an inner-city suburb one kilometre south of Brisbane’s CBD. Alongside the vast array of restaurants and quirky shops, West End is one of Brisbane’s fastest growing areas in terms of new apartment developments.

Transport Bus, ferry and cycle paths Things we love….

• Great community atmosphere, very diverse and accepting.

•

Close to the CBD.

•

Parks and pockets of green space to enjoy.

But remember that…

• It can be noisy with lots of construction going on.

•

•

Some areas are popular with backpackers and rowdy party goers.

West End can be very busy at times, especially on weekends, which means parking is limited.

There are few locations in Brisbane that have had as much new apartment activity as West

End and there is a lot of opportunity for buyers in this suburb. The West End workforce is predicted to double and the population is

expected to increase by 120 percent within

the next 15-20 years, making this fast-moving suburb one to watch.

LOCATION & TRANSPORT Sitting south of the river, it borders the

suburbs of South Brisbane and Highgate Hill.

West End is a densely populated area, with a large proportion of students and young

professionals. According to a 2016 census,

West End had a population of 9,494 people

and a median age of 34 – three years below the Australian median.

It offers a very convenient location for access to the city, with plenty of bus routes and the West End Ferry Terminal. Many residents

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PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

of West End also choose to ride their bikes to work or university. The Brisbane City Metro Plan which, if it goes ahead, will start construction in 2019 and will increase the ease of using public transport around the city. With a Walk Score of 88, West End is well above the overall Brisbane Walk Score of 51.

Photo credit: Georgia Goodchild

Current projects in West End INK 8 Donkin Street, West End

107 one, two and three-bedroom apartments from $399,000.

WEST VILLAGE 97 Boundary Street, West End

Townhouses, heritage lofts and one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments from $454,000.

THE ONE APARTMENTS Montague Road, West End

61 one and two-bedroom apartments.

CITRO APARTMENTS 83 Victoria Street, West End

106 one and two-bedroom apartments from $369,000.

ENCORE 50 Ferry Road, West End

60 two and three-bedroom apartments from $625,000.

VIRTUOSO 51 Ferry Road, West End

77 three, four and five-bedroom apartments from $1.23 million.

LIFESTYLE

DEVELOPMENTS

West End has a huge and diverse selection

West End was badly affected during the 2011

attraction of the area. The suburb has long

the urban revitalisation projects that are now

with large Greek and Italian communities, to

areas along the Brisbane River have been re-

of cafes and restaurants, which is a major

floods which, in part, has driven a great deal of

been the multi-cultural melting pot of Brisbane,

happening. Many of the previous industrial

name just two.

purposed to residential developments which

Around Boundary Street is the main area for

even to the passer-by with the array of cranes

interesting shops, quirky cafes, hip nightlife venues, a rapidly emerging boutique bar

scene, and the weekly markets held every

Friday and Saturday night – these are just a few of the things that make West End a lively and eclectic place to live.

The government has recently put plans in place

has led to a boom in new apartments – evident currently on the skyline. Many of the new

apartment buildings in West End have elevated sites as an extra precaution against any risk of future flooding, with the first levels often being used for car parking.

The large number of new apartments built

in recent years and many more projects in

EDUCATION

investment apartments.

of Technology (QUT) and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre are all close by.

Schools in the area include Brisbane State High School (one of Queensland’s premier

state schools), West End Primary School and Somerville House (a private all-girls school).

24 Bailey Street, West End 34 one, two and three-bedroom apartments from $479,000.

MANHATTAN TERRACES

24 Kurlipa Street, West End Two and three-bedroom terrace homes from $769,900.

SOKO APARTMENTS

ALLURE APARTMENTS

owner-occupiers and investors – from premium

Griffith University, Queensland University

WEST 88 APARTMENTS

waterfront luxury penthouses to one-bedroom

dining options.

including Queensland College of Art,

MASH.COM

excellent variety of opportunities for both

varying stages of construction provides an

South Brisbane’s educational institutions

PROPERTY

21 Duncan Street, West End 120 one, two and three-bedroom apartments from $379,000.

to revitalise the Kurilpa riverfront which will add to the already great transport, shopping and

See impartial reviews and construction updates for each project and get exclusive offers from developers at www.PropertyMash.com

In fact, you can readily identify two markets in West End: the luxury apartment market on or

near the waterfront which is targeted at owneroccupiers – made up of primarily downsizing baby boomers or empty nesters; and the

investment apartment market in the buildings

sitting inland and closer to the hustle and bustle of the shopping and dining strips – generally built for young urban dwellers.

Victoria Street, West End 53 one, two and three-bedroom apartments from $389,000.

BOHEMIA APARTMENTS

73/77 Jane Street, West End 94 one, two and three-bedroom apartments from $415,000.

BREEZE

43 Ferry Road, West End One, two and three-bedroom apartments from $394,000.

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

Page 11

New vs old

Just like buying a new car, there is a wonderful feeling of new when you walk into your off-the-plan property for the first time. In some cases though, putting your stamp on an existing property can be just as rewarding. When it comes to buying property there is no right or wrong and there are pros and cons to buying both new and pre-owned homes.

New PROS

CONS

•

Depending on the development and the stage you get involved, you can have a lot of input over the final design and layout of the property.

•

If you buy in the early stages of the project you may have to wait up to two years for the property to be ready to move into.

•

M aintenance costs are low because everything is brand new.

•

If you are building this may mean paying a mortgage and rent for a while.

•

Buying a new home means you move into a finished property.

No renovation or redecorating needed.

•

W hen building a house the cost is not always fixed – the project could go over budget.

•

U tility bills tend to be lower due to modern construction materials and technology, such as solar panels.

•

If you are one of the first to move in there may still be construction happening in surrounding properties.

•

T here are attractive grants available for first-time buyers.

•

•

You get a tax break from depreciation if it is an investment.

•

S ome developers give you incentives such as guaranteed rent or money towards your deposit.

Similarly, if you are the first to move into a newly built neighbourhood you might have to wait a while for the estate to establish a friendly local atmosphere, mature trees, and amenities such as shops, medical facilities, hairdressers, etc.

•

You only pay stamp duty on the land value, not the house you build – which will save you money.

Old PROS

CONS

•

You can see the finished product you will be getting.

•

•

S ome older homes have a lot of history and character.

You will probably have to compromise on some of the things you want as you are unlikely to find the perfect house.

•

In the Australian market, settlements usually happen very quickly (30-90 days) so you can be in your new home in no time.

•

•

It can be cheaper to buy an existing property.

T he upkeep of an older home could end up being a lot more expensive as you are inheriting second-hand appliances such as ovens, dishwashers and boilers.

•

If it is an investment there may already be a tenant living in it, giving you instant income.

•

You might need to renovate or repair an older property to make it liveable.

•

T hese properties are likely to be found in established suburbs so will have more developed public transport, roads, schools, shops, etc.

Page 12

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

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Gold Coast: boom or bust?

Whether you enjoyed the hype of the

performed very well, with the number of house,

of the events or hid out away from the

post Global Financial Crisis highs,” Paul Broad,

Commonwealth Games and attended some

land, and apartment sales all increasing to

crowds, there is no denying it was an event to

remember. In the wake of the Games, we look back and see if the event followed through on

& Advisory, told PropertyMash.

its promise to elevate the Gold Coast to the

With a population of nearly 577,000 permanent

the flow of people to the Sunshine State’s

city outside of the five mainland state capitals

world stage, which would, in theory, increase

residents, the Gold Coast is Australia’s largest

second city.

and for the past three decades has been one of the fastest growing major regions in Australia.

We caught up with a few of the Gold Coast’s

In the aftermath of the Commonwealth Games, we look at the state of the Gold Coast market and where it might go from here.

Managing Director of Broad Property Research

“In 2017, there were a total of 23,327 settled

property insiders to see what effect, if any, the Games had on the property market.

residential sales on the Gold Coast, the highest

“In the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth

2007. Median sale prices also reached record

number since the 27,588 sales recorded in

Games the Gold Coast’s residential market

highs in the lead-up to the Games. The median Apartments/townhouses

Gold Coast

Detached houses

Total residential sales

Vacant land

30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

0

Broad Property Research & Advisory Pty Ltd Source: Queensland DNRM / RP Data. Settled sales on land sized under 4,000sqm for calendar years.

Does not include off-the-plan sales that are yet to settle.

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Median sale price (RX axis)

4,500

$300.000

3,000

$200.000

1,500

$100.000

0

$0 2017

$400.000

2016

6,000

2015

$500.000

2014

7,500

2013

$600.000

2012

9,000

2011

$700.000

2010

10,500

2009

During the Games, locals complained of the Gold Coast suburbs being empty, but the data doesn’t reflect that now, and currently, the residential vacancy rates are extremely tight on the Gold Coast, at just 1.1 percent as at the March quarter of 2018 (Source: REIQ).

Number of sales (LX axis)

Detached house sales and median sale prices

2008

There were several theories around the high sales prices and volumes. “The Commonwealth Games provided an international voice for the Gold Coast and the visuals sent across the globe made this destination a must-see for many people who were unaware of its beauty,” Kevin Doodney, Founder of the Future Housing Taskforce, told PropertyMash. “The impact of this is probably still to come but having the Games has allowed the Gold Coast to mature beyond its teenage years into a destination for all ages.”

Gold Coast

2007

sale price of houses sold on the Gold Coast reached $636,000 in 2017. The median sale price of apartments also reached a record high of $420,000 in 2017.”

Broad Property Research & Advisory Pty Ltd Source: Queensland DNRM / RP Data. Settled sales on land sized under 4,000sqm for calendar years.

Does not include off-the-plan sales that are yet to settle.

“A vacancy rate under three percent suggests a shortfall of suitable rental product. One of the reasons for this tight vacancy rate is the Gold Coast’s high level of population growth,” reports Paul. “In the year to end June 2017 (the latest figures available) the Gold Coast’s population increased by 15,412 permanent residents.” The Gold Coast is the second fastest-growing Local Government Area in Australia, behind only Brisbane City.

Now that the Games are over will we see a decline in the property market? It is hard to tell. But the consensus is that the growth in the market has more to do with the increasing population of the Gold Coast, rather than the lead up to the event – so as long as there is job

“Over the next five to ten years the Gold Coast will continue to be the tourism capital but its emerging industries in innovation, boating, design, film and so many other fields make it open to becoming a Silicon Valley-style creative industry.” – Kevin.

security – the housing market shouldn’t see any negative effects in the fall out of the Games.

“Overall, the Gold Coast’s property market is buoyant,” said Paul. “With strong demand for both new and established dwellings arising from continued high population growth.”

It seems as though the Gold Coast market would have flourished with or without the Commonwealth Games, but it is difficult to know what the effects will be long term. With South-East Queensland thinking of making a bid for the 2032 Olympics, we can’t help but wonder if that will change things.

“I would expect a similar result in terms of increased residential construction if the Gold Coast bids for the Olympics,” predicted Paul. “Along with rising property prices as was evidenced in the lead-up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

“Any country that makes a bid for the Olympics gets noticed,” said Kevin. “And if you are a tourism-driven economy getting noticed is important. There are many other

factors however that will impact the market as they start to get more innovators and industries on the Gold Coast.”

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

Page 15

What’s happening…

All the new and off-the-plan news and events happening this winter.

Construction updates…

In August 2018, construction is due to finish on levels 42 to 66 of Brisbane’s tallest building – the Skytower – located in the CBD. Residents have already moved into apartments on the lower levels. Mary Lane, also in the Brisbane CBD, is due to be completed in October 2018.

Construction is due to start in September 2018 for the Gold Coast’s new luxury apartment development in Main Beach – Cerulean.

Planning ahead…

Head to the Kitchen Planning & Design Seminar in Greenslopes on 28 June 2018 to get some tips on how to design your dream kitchen. Go to www.eventbrite.com.au for your free ticket.

Finance…

On June 30 the tax year ends, and so do a lot of government grants and developer deals for first-time buyers, don’t miss out!

Now ready….

Events…

There are a whole host of projects nearing completion that will be ready to move into this winter. Check out our top picks on page 36!

The 2018 Australian Property Expo is on in Brisbane 23-24 June 2018. Make sure to come and visit us at stall E23!

Go online and sign up as a PropertyMash VIP to get exclusive developer deals!

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PROPERTY MASH.COM

Can’t find information you want about a specific development? Request a PropertyMash review on our website and our journalists will get to it asap!

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www.periscopepalmbeach.com.au Whilst all details have been carefully prepared, no warranty given either expressly or implied by the vendors or their agents in respect of the accuracy of the photographs, information and illustrations. Photographs, information and illustrations are indicative only for presentation purposes and are subject to change. They should not be relied upon as an accurate representation of the final product. Specification may change at any time. TOTO42035. Produced by www.totoandco.com.au

PROPERTY REVIEW: Brisbane Suburb Brisbane CBD Property type Apartments Development size 184 Construction status Under construction Display suite 113 Margaret Street open 11am – 3pm seven days a week Starting price $910,000

Mary Lane 111 Mary Street, Brisbane CBD Sitting atop the brand-new Westin hotel, Mary Lane will have 184 luxury apartments with views of the Brisbane River, Story Bridge, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Due to be completed in October 2018, Mary Lane was originally a 164-apartment project, but such strong interest was received the developer decided to increase the number of apartments in the building. This project will suit buyers who want a luxury home in the city with all the benefits of a five-star hotel.

LOCATION Being in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD everything you need is within walking distance. From schools to hospitals, public transport to shops and cafes – nothing is too far away. Mary Lane is in close proximity to Eagle Street Pier, the Botanic Gardens, Treasury Casino and the up-and-coming Queen Street Pier – offering the very best of Brisbane – right on your doorstep. Central Train Station is 800m away, and Queen Street Bus Station is just 500m away.

COMMUNAL FACILITIES One of the major draw cards, for the right buyer, is access to the services of the Westin hotel on a payper-service basis including valet, concierge, room service, maintenance, housekeeping and treatments at the Westin Heavenly Spa. Residents can also enjoy the 37th floor Rooftop Retreat consisting of a full cardio gym, an infinity pool, large open barbecue and dining area.

Things we love….

APARTMENT DETAILS

•

Central location in Brisbane CBD.

•

Facilities and services of the 5-star Westin hotel.

•

Shops, cafes, restaurants, nightlife and public transport all within walking distance.

Located on floors 17 to 36, this project offers a choice of two different colour schemes, balconies with great views, herringbone timber floors and 100 percent wool carpets, ducted air-conditioning, stone benchtops and Bosch or Siemens appliances. The two-bedroom apartments come with a parking space with storage area, internal laundry, kitchen pantry, walk-in robe in the master bedroom, and bath in the main bathroom. Highlights of the three-bedroom include two side by side car parking spaces with a storage area, dedicated laundry room, and a freestanding bathtub.

But remember that…

•

Mary Lane is a one-way street, can be congested with traffic and has limited parking.

•

The high price point will take this out of a lot of buyer’s budgets.

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PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

DEVELOPER DETAILS Mary Lane is being developed by Mary 111 Pty Ltd and built by WatPac in conjunction with Starwood Hotels & Resorts who own the Westin hotel chain.

To find out more about this project read our full review online including up-to-date construction photos, floor plans and more.

Visit us online at www.PropertyMash.com

PROPERTY MASH.COM

PROPERTY REVIEW: Brisbane Breeze Suburb West End

3 Ferry Road, West End

Property type Apartments

Ideal for work and play – Breeze in West End is in a great location close enough to the city that you can

easily commute to work – but also be part of a suburban riverside community. Only two kilometres from

Development size 110

West End’s Boundary Street with its night markets, eccentric cafes and array of vintage clothes shops.

LOCATION

Construction status Under construction

Breeze in West End is less than three kilometres from the CBD and less than 100 metres from the Brisbane River. Set over 12 floors, the Breeze apartments are one street back from the water, with excellent public transport options nearby including the West End Ferry Terminal which is just 950 metres away. In the catchment area for Brisbane State High School and only a five-minute ferry ride from St Lucia University, Breeze is also within reach of the main hospitals, shopping malls, and nightlife Brisbane has to offer.

Display suite Cnr Montague and Ferry Road open 10am – 4pm Wed – Sat Starting price $399,000

West End is currently a hive of building activity – and Brisbane’s new apartment hotspot. Breeze is

surrounded by similarly new apartment buildings off Montague Road. Part of the master-planned Riverside West End community, which extends over five hectares on the bank of the Brisbane River; full to the brim with green open spaces, shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

COMMUNAL FACILITIES Breeze has an exclusive rooftop Skygarden Terrace with a 20-metre swimming pool and a landscaped entertainment area with views of the Brisbane River. There will be onsite management and each apartment comes with one or two spaces in the secure underground car park.

APARTMENT DETAILS Breeze has one, two and three-bedroom apartments on offer with ten different floor plans and three colour schemes to choose from. The developer of Breeze has delivered 18 projects in West End alone over the past few years and has an excellent reputation for quality finishes, so we expect attention to detail to be above average. The apartments are due to be completed mid-2019.

DEVELOPER DETAILS Breeze is being developed by Pradella who are also going to be building and managing the project.

Things we love….

•

This development has amazing facilities including the rooftop pool and gardens.

•

It is less than 100 metres from the Brisbane River.

•

Within the Brisbane State High School catchment area.

But remember that…

To find out more about this project read our full review online including up-to-date construction photos, floor plans and more.

Visit us online at www.PropertyMash.com

PROPERTY MASH.COM

•

The new apartment market is currently very active in West End so expect some construction nearby.

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PROPERTY REVIEW: Brisbane Suburb Brisbane CBD Property type Apartments Development size 1,138 Construction status Under construction Display suite 222 Margaret Street open 9am – 6pm daily Starting price $446,000

Brisbane Skytower 222 Margaret Street, Brisbane CBD The Skytower is an architecturally striking building – standing almost 300 metres tall it will be the tallest residential building in Brisbane. So tall in fact that you will actually be able to see out to Stradbroke Island from level 50 and above. The Skytower is complete up to level 40 and some residents have already moved into the lower level apartments. Construction of levels 42 – 66 is due to finish in August this year and the whole 90-level building will be finished by early 2019.

LOCATION Ideal for exploring Brisbane on foot, the Skytower is located in the middle of the CBD. Close to the Botanical Gardens, the Brisbane River and the waterfront bars and restaurants of Eagle Street Pier and the famous Southbank. The Treasury Casino and shopping precincts such as Wintergarden and Queen Street Mall are also nearby.

The Skytower is ideal for people who work in and around the city because the public transport links are fantastic in this area of Brisbane. Central Train Station is a ten-minute walk (900 metres) and the Eagle Street Pier Ferry Terminal is just seven minutes on foot (550 metres).

COMMUNAL FACILITIES

Things we love….

There are multiple recreation decks for buyers to enjoy as well as a luxury health club and spa.

The contemporary design of the building even extends to the indoor and outdoor pools, gym and outdoor seating areas. Skytower will have Australia’s highest infinity pool when complete, to add to its impressive list of amenities.

•

Central location in Brisbane’s CBD with great transport links.

APARTMENT DETAILS

•

Taller than all other residential buildings in Brisbane it will have fantastic views from higher floors.

•

Boasts Australia’s highest infinity pool.

The Skytower will have 1,138 one, two and three-bedroom apartments with a broad selection of floor plans. The penthouses, on floors 88 – 90, are due to be released for sale later this year and are tipped to be Brisbane’s most expensive apartments. This building will no doubt become a Brisbane icon and attract a lot of attention from tourists.

But remember that…

•

The Skytower apartments don’t have balconies.

•

It is a very large project with construction ongoing until 2019.

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DEVELOPER DETAILS The Sky Tower is being developed by Billbergia and AMP Capital and built by Hutchinson Builders.

To find out more about this project read our full review online including up-to-date construction photos, floor plans and more.

Visit us online at www.PropertyMash.com

PROPERTY MASH.COM

Top things to look for when buying off-the-plan The information available for an off-the-plan property very much depends on the stage at which you buy. There are pros and cons to each stage: early purchasers could be allowed to make changes to design elements and even the layout, whereas buyers who are late to the game might have the opportunity to see a display home or even a completed apartment before making their decision.

No matter the project you are considering, here are some key things to look for when buying your new home.

SIZE

that there are plug sockets in logical places

When you are looking at a floorplan, some

people find it very difficult to visualise how big a room will actually be. Measure your existing rooms and compare them to the figures

from the plans. That way there won’t be any

surprises when your new apartment or house is ready.

KITCHEN

for your mixer, toaster, coffee machine etc.

Most appliances in new homes are good

quality, but check which brands are included and the length of the warranty periods.

BATHROOMS The best bathroom layouts and position within the property will vary depending on the size

and intended use of the house or apartment.

For people who enjoy cooking and

In an apartment – do you need two bathrooms,

home. If you are a budding chef or love

sufficient to save more space for your living

kitchen island is essential. Some apartments

bathroom to have dual doors making it usable

regularly, look for designs with a larger oven

much storage is there? Do you want a bath?

entertaining, kitchens are the heart of the

or would one bathroom and an extra toilet be

entertaining having a ‘U’ shaped kitchen or a

area? In a house – do you want the ensuite

have a single sink and small oven; if you cook

for other members of the household? How

and two sinks. If you aren’t a cook opt for a

Should you get dual sinks?

bench style kitchen which will maximise your living space.

These are all important questions to ask

yourself. In terms of floor plans, using the

Make sure the plans have practical and

bathrooms as a way to separate the bedrooms

cupboards and deep drawers. Also make sure

side by side.

efficient storage such as pantries, big

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is a great design feature if the bedrooms sit

LOUNGE ROOM Whether you have an open plan kitchen/ lounge room or they are two separate rooms, the design can truly make or break the space.

It is important, particularly in Queensland, to integrate the living area with outdoor decks or balconies. Pay attention to details, such as how wide the doors to the balcony open and what the flooring will be like both inside and outside. Some properties have seamless integration between the two so that when the sliding doors are open it feels like one space.

Inside the living space, it is important to have TV antenna ports, internet ports and power points in the right spot so that you don’t have cables running all over the room.

There are two things that make a living space enjoyable: the first is plenty of natural light and the second is ceiling height.

BEDROOMS First look at the bedroom sizes – will the dimensions, position of the built-in robes, and location of the power points allow you to use the room as intended? Make sure there will be enough built-in storage, this will save first-time buyers money on furniture and save apartment buyers space. What is this property for? For rental properties, ideal floor plans will have the bedrooms at either end of the house/apartment. For families, you want your bedrooms grouped together and separated from the rest of the property so that your children can go to bed and you can still use the living area. Have a look at the position of the doors and windows – what view will you wake up to? Is there any natural light? What size bed can you comfortably fit in there?

PARKING

OUTDOOR AREAS

Look at the number of spaces you will get with your apartment or the size of the garage and driveway for houses. Is there any visitor parking? What is the street parking situation?

How busy is the road? Will it be easy to get in and out? For both apartments and houses check if the spaces are side by side or one behind the other; side by side is obviously much more functional for two people using two cars, but if you have a boat or caravan one behind the other will be preferable. Is your carpark or driveway secured with a gate? The ability to add a storage cage in your apartment carpark whilst keeping it functional is also highly desirable.

Outdoor living is a key part of Queensland life.

As such, it is important for property design to accommodate this. Are there power points and a gas outlet in the plans? This makes outdoor entertaining much easier – whether you have a one-bedroom apartment or a four-bedroom house. How big is the area? Is it protected from the sun or rain? A great design feature on some new builds is a balcony or deck that can be closed off to essentially become another indoor space.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY Apartment buildings have to have solid security as this as a major benefit of apartment living.

Security features to look out for are key fob entry and security cameras in common areas. Privacy screens are also important to have, particularly for inner-city apartments in close proximity to other buildings. Moveable screens are best so that you can position them according to how you set up your balcony space. For houses – what is the fencing like?

Will there be security lighting, security cameras or burglar alarms?

LAUNDRY Laundries may be out of sight but they form an essential function in every household. A laundry must above all else be functional – what size washing machine and dryer can you fit in there? Will there be space to hang clothes? Can the ironing board stay out?

If security is a big concern for you, opt for a building with an onsite manager.

CLIMATE CONTROL Brisbane is a warm and humid place so climate control is important. Which way does the property face – will the sun come in through the windows in the morning? Will the positioning of the doors and windows allow for adequate cross-breeze and ventilation?

With the ever-increasing electricity costs, a design that facilitates good natural airflow is important. Are there ceiling fans and/or air-conditioning? Is the air-conditioning split system or ducted? For split systems have a look at where they plan to put the condenser unit – some developers put them on your balcony which can take up space, make a lot of noise, and be unsightly.

NOISE City living is going to come with some noise, that is unavoidable. Noise reduction is achieved through building insulation, thicker windows, and good architectural design which funnels acoustics through the building. The noise reduction builders have to include by law is minimal so make sure you check the plans for your property before buying; especially if you are close to roads, train lines or buying an apartment on a lower level.

LOOK AND FEEL The design options, colour palettes, tiles, flooring, taps, and light fittings are all styling elements you should ask about. Look and feel doesn’t just apply to inside your apartment either – what will the outside of the building, the communal areas, entranceway, hallway and lift look like? Once you have moved in you will be stuck with it, so make sure you know what you are getting.

Go online and download our full checklist at www.PropertyMash.com

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Page 23

Getting into the property market: advice from first-time buyers

When thinking about buying your first home there are a lot of things to consider. First is what do you want, and the second is can you afford it? From a finance point of view there are a lot of different schemes from the government to help you, such as no stamp duty for firsttime buyers if the property is under $500,000, and a reduced stamp duty up to $550,000.

There is also a grant specifically for first-time buyers purchasing new property. It is being reduced in the 2018-19 financial year, but it is still worth having and can make the difference to buyers being able to afford the deposit or not being able to afford it. Plus, developers will often help out too with offers and deals.

“Buyers looking to get into the market should make sure they have their finance preapproved,” Hamish Bowman from Ray White in New Farm told PropertyMash. “That way, when they see something they like they can act quickly.”

“One thing I didn’t know is that the first-time buyer’s grant is actually something you have to apply for separately. It is a lot of paperwork, but you can apply for it after you have already moved in.” – Bella.

“I chose this building in the end because I We caught up with Bella Macfarlane, a recent graduate from QUT who bought her first

home in Brisbane last year: a two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment in Arthur Street,

Fortitude Valley. She had been working hard

and saving since before university, living with her parents in South Brisbane and has lots

of great tips for people wanting to buy their first home.

“Saving is such a big part of it, plus having

a good agent and finance team,” explained

“The market in Brisbane represents good buying in the property clock cycle. It’s at about 6pm so a great time for firsttime buyers. There are currently exceptional buying opportunities in the inner-city apartment market.” – Hamish.

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Bella. “As a first-time buyer, you need someone who will take the time to explain everything to you. I worked four days a week while

studying, my parents have property so I

was always really focused and I knew what I was saving for.”

really wanted something new and I was happy that I could have some influence over the design and I really liked the overall look of the building.”

As well as choosing the building carefully, Bella cautions to pay attention to the details such as the quality of the finishes.

“I am really happy with the finish of the apartment, but you have to be careful because some developers try to save money on that aspect. The renders I was shown were really helpful to understand what it was going to look like, and the finished product is very similar to the artist’s impressions,” Bella told PropertyMash.

“If you are coming from your family home and

If Bella could give tips to other first-time buyers

moving into an apartment, plants can make a

you might use the property for in the future –

Also, some developers offer furniture packages

extra income or accommodating children.

heap of time looking for things.”

it would be to think ahead and consider what

huge difference to make it feel more homely.

for instance having a roommate to get some

which are really good value and save you a

Building a house for the first time can be

intimidating, especially if you are also a first

home owner. Manuel and Di Figota moved to

“The construction manager was really on top of it, he made a huge effort to make sure we could spend Christmas in the new place,” said Manuel.

Queensland from Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake with their two children aged 11

and 21. After renting for five years they made

the decision to buy a home in Collingwood Park in Brisbane’s south-west. They searched for

almost a year and finally found a house and land deal in Six Mile Creek Estate for $470,000.

“The plot was flat and had good soil quality

which can save you up to $10,000 in building

costs compared to a lot with poor soil,” Manuel told PropertyMash. When house-hunting they decided on building over buying an existing property because it offered great value for

“I wouldn’t change anything about our new home, it is exactly what we wanted. If I could give other first-time buyers advice it would be to get a good consultant that you trust who has your interests at heart and is transparent about all the costs.” – Manuel.

money, and as first-time buyers they were

eligible for a grant from the government for

building new. When giving tips to other first-time buyers Manuel said finding good consultants

who are down to earth and really listen to what you want is really important.

“Our consultant used their experience to make

suggestions and gave us tips such as recessing

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The process wasn’t always easy though, and the sale almost fell through when Manuel and Di struggled to get the right finance package.

“The broker we were using wanted us to take a second loan to make our deposit bigger,

the shower base so you don’t have to step over

and that just wasn’t an option for us,” Manuel

make a big difference once you are living in the

recommended to us and that really made all

a ledge to get in, and other small details that

told PropertyMash. “We had another broker

property,” explained Manuel.

the difference.”

The Figotas bought the property in April 2017,

The Figotas have only moved ten minutes down

to finish in April 2018. But they were delighted

Lake and are enjoying the new suburb. The only

months early.

the suburb is still very new.

construction started in August 2017 and was due

the road from their rental property in Forest

when their new home was finished almost four

drawback is the waiting list on school places as

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

Page 25

Properties for first-time buyers If you want to buy your own home there are a lot of new apartments and properties available in Brisbane for under the $500,000 stamp duty cut-off – perfect for first-time buyers.

SKYTOWER 222 Margaret Street, CBD

One, two and three-bedroom apartments from $492,000.

EVOLVE Thomas Street, Chermside

One, two, and three-bedroom apartments from $375,000.

Visit us online at www.PropertyMash.com for impartial reviews of each property by our experienced journalists

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PROPERTY MASH.COM

LUME Shafston Ave, Kangaroo Point

One, two, three and four-bedroom apartments from $450,000.

GEMSTONE 26 Gladys Sreet, Greenslopes

One, two and three-bedroom apartments from $395,000.

ART HOUSE South Brisbane

One, two and three-bedroom apartments from $435,000.

VANTAGE 623 Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche Two-bedroom apartments from $439,000.

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

Page 27

Brisbane’s top 5 luxury apartments Over the past few years the River City has come into its own. Getting bigger and better all the time, with more restaurants, bars, entertainment and activities than you could hope to fit into even the most action-packed of weekends! With this growth comes new apartments, houses and land developments to accommodate the growing population of Brisbanites. With each project, developers are raising the stakes to make their apartments the most sort-after luxury new builds in the city. We have searched high and low to bring you a definitive list of the top five luxury new apartments in Brisbane that you can buy today, and we think you will agree, these are the crème de la crème when it comes to city living.

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Banyan Tree Residences Price $6.95 million Unique luxury features • Private rooftop pool and garden terrace overlooking the Brisbane River •

Free accommodation and spa treatments at Banyan Tree Resorts worldwide

•

Curved interior walls

•

24-hour concierge

Kangaroo Point Penthouse 01 at Banyan Tree Residences on the Kangaroo Point Cliffs stands out on this list because not only is it the largest apartment (625 metres-square in total), but it is the only one that has its own private rooftop with a swimming pool and barbecue area.

Inside the tenth-storey apartment, there are four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a powder room, two separate living areas and two large balconies with a huge combined frontage of 25 metres overlooking the Brisbane River.

The interior design is quite different – using curved walls to really open up the space.

Although many new developments claim ‘resort style living’ in their advertising, Banyan Tree Residences is one of the few projects in Brisbane that actually does. There is a 24-hour

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concierge offering a range of services, some of which are included in body corporate fees and others that are available for a fee. On the ground floor of the building there is a function room, gym, restaurant, and the Banyan Tree Spa. All residents get one free treatment at this spa each month for two years, which is a special offering that you won’t find anywhere else in Brisbane. On top of this, all owners will gain access to the Banyan Tree Sanctuary Club providing them with discounts and privileges at Banyan Tree resorts worldwide, as well as one week of free accommodation each year for five years in selected Banyan Tree Resorts from around the world. Construction on the project hasn’t started yet and move in dates for this property are likely to be late 2020.

Barca Bulimba

Price $4.3 million

The penthouse at Barca has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a powder room, a multi-media room, study, an open-plan living area and a 12 metre-long north facing balcony that looks out over the river. On the second floor of the building, the penthouse has 3.2 metre ceilings, American oak timber floors and has been designed by Arkhefield. Slightly different to other penthouses on the list, this apartment isn’t up high boasting panoramic views, but it is right on the bank of the Brisbane River with access to the footpaths and water sports opportunities that the river offers.

Unique luxury features • Double four-car lock-up garage •

North-facing balcony

•

Direct Brisbane River frontage

Mary Lane Brisbane CBD

Price $3.7 million Unique luxury features • Ability to utilise services of the 5-star Westin hotel below •

Master suite occupies whole top level of apartment

•

Excellent views from the 36th floor of the CBD building

There are two mirrored penthouses on the top level of the new Mary Lane Residences in Brisbane’s CBD. The penthouses are fourbedroom, four-bathroom apartments with three car spaces and an extra storage unit that is located on the same floor as the apartment. This development is located on Mary Street, right in the heart of the city, so it’s going to feel like a prestige cosmopolitan location.

Adding to this feeling is the fact that the owner of this apartment will be living on the top floor of

a building above Brisbane’s brand-new 5-star Westin hotel. Residents at Mary Lane will have access to all of the hotel facilities such as valet, concierge, and room service on the lower levels of the building; as well as the private facilities for residents that are on the upper floor including the amazing rooftop pool, gym and dining area.

The views from these 36th-floor penthouses will be fantastic – looking over the city, the Eagle Street Pier Towers, the Brisbane River and the iconic Story Bridge.

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Banc Toowong Price $3.18 million Unique luxury features • Customise your penthouse at no extra cost •

4.5-metre high ceilings in some areas

•

Penhouse on 15th floor with entry directly from lift

Unlike many of the other apartments on this list, the owner of this penthouse will have the opportunity to customise the property at no extra cost. The two 231-metre-square Sky Mansions take up the entire top floor and there is a ‘concept design’ that features views over the Brisbane River, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and guest powder room, two living areas, a study, and three car spaces.

Upon entering the Sky Mansions, residents are greeted by a large private lobby with space to store bikes and paddle boards to make the

most of the river and network of parks on the doorstep. Although situated on a main arterial road, the double glazed glass exteriors isolate from the noise and the building embraces its location by opening its grand lobby straight onto Coronation Drive. The location is great for access to Brisbane’s CBD – less than ten minutes away by car, 20 minutes by bike and 15 minutes by CityCat. Banc is certainly up there as one of the most opulent apartments in Brisbane offering residents of the building access to a private wine cellar.

The Coterie Fortitude Valley Inside this three-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse, you will find open plan living spaces with stone and hardwood finishes and plenty of natural light through the floorto-ceiling glass doors, leading to the balcony which stretches the whole length of the apartment. The minimalist penthouses have been designed to allow the high-end materials and finishes to really shine through.

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Price $2.29 million The kitchens will have Miele appliances, marble bench tops and a kitchen island to make entertaining easy. The spa-inspired bathrooms will have marble and timber finishes with black tapware and a free-standing bath in the master ensuite. The Coterie offers views over the CBD from the communal rooftop retreat with sundecks, landscaped gardens, outdoor dining areas and a pool.

Unique luxury features • Oversized balcony •

Luxury finishes

•

Minimalist design

Decoding off-theplan jargon While the phrases you hear may at first seem like learning a whole new language, decoding the industry jargon isn’t as difficult as you think. It won’t be long before you are throwing around acronyms with the best of them.

Here is our guide to get you started.

COMMUNITY TITLE

INCLUSIONS

This is most common in large apartment developments with multiple buildings and shared facilities like grounds, roadways, basements, barbecues, pools, etc. The strata plan owners each contribute to the community plan to help pay for the upkeep of these areas.

These are the items to be included in a property purchase. Standard inclusions are often items such as blinds, built-in wardrobes, curtains, etc.

Whilst some of these may seem obvious, it should always be specified in the contract.

CONSIDERATION In a real estate purchase contract, the consideration is usually the price paid by the purchaser in exchange for the property.

CONVEYANCE

SERVICE FACILITIES Areas that contain utilities, pipes and conduits, and all other associated mechanical and other services to keep the building operational.

SETTLEMENT PERIOD

The process of transferring the ownership of property from the developer or sales agent to the buyer’s name.

Also known as the completion time. This is the point at which the transaction for a property purchase is completed and the new owner takes possession.

COOLING-OFF PERIOD

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

In Queensland, the cooling-off period starts the day you are handed a copy of the signed contract. To cancel a sale, you must give the developer/agent written notice by 5pm on the fifth day.

Conditions added to the standard sales contract. Many of these are so common now that they are called ‘standard special conditions’.

DEPOSIT The standard deposit on residential property transactions in Australia is ten percent of the purchase price. This is paid as part of the exchange of contracts and is usually held in a solicitor’s trust account until you settle on your new property.

STAMP DUTY Stamp duty is a land transfer tax that is charged on every property purchase in Australia. The amount will vary depending on which state you buy in, the price of the property, and if you are a first-time buyer.

STRATA PLAN When a piece of land is approved for a block of units the land is divided up between them. This is called a strata plan.

BODY CORPORATE Also known as an owners’ corporation, this is the group that runs the strata plan. All owners are therefore entitled to nominate as and elect members to an executive committee.

This committee makes decisions about the management of the strata plan.

STRATA TITLE Strata title refers to the individual ownership of part of a property (eg. apartment or townhouse), combined with shared ownership in the common property through the body corporate.

BODY CORPORATE FEES

SUNSET CLAUSE

Also known as levies or strata fees. These are fees that owners in a strata plan must pay to the owners’ corporation for the management and upkeep of the building and common property.

A sunset clause sets into the contract a maximum time that the developer has to finish the project. The sunset clause is complicated but is essentially designed to protect both the developer and the buyer’s deposit.

CERTIFICATE OF TITLE

VACANCY RATE

A document identifying the ownership of the land. It shows the location, volume, folio numbers, easements, mortgages, or other thirdparty interests in the land.

COMMON AREAS These areas can be used by all owners and residents. Examples of common areas are the foyer, stairs, lifts, hallways, pool, gym and rooftop.

IMPROVEMENTS Any building on the land is considered an ‘improvement’ on the land.

The vacancy rate is the number of vacant rental properties that a real estate agency has available, divided by the number of rental properties they have in total, expressed as a percentage. Knowing the vacancy rate can indicate whether an area has a high rental demand or is currently oversupplied with investment properties.

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Page 33

Ok, we know, they aren’t quite in Queensland.

But the Tweed Coast’s northern suburbs, just

over the border in New South Wales, are going through some serious changes and offer some great opportunities for Queensland buyers.

The Tweed Shire Council estimates that the population of the area will increase by 38

percent in the next two decades and have a total population of 126,000 by 2036. Attracting young couples and families, the suburbs are slowly

filling with quirky cafes, fine dining restaurants and high-end boutique shops. The area is

SUBURB PROFILE: Tweed Coast

ideal for people who love the ocean and want

a beach lifestyle while still being close enough

to a city to commute to work. Less built up than their northern Gold Coast counterparts, each

suburb is developing its own personality as the population pushes out from Queensland.

LOCATION & TRANSPORT One of the benefits of this location is being less than 20 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport.

Already the sixth busiest airport in Australia, the

Once thought of as a retirement destination, the Tweed Coast’s northern suburbs are getting a revamp with new apartment projects, townhouses and attractive house and land packages. The oceanfront suburbs of Casuarina, Kingscliff and Tweed Heads join up with the southern end of the Gold Coast and offer a coastal lifestyle while still being within reach of Brisbane.

government predict that by 2037 there will be an extra ten million people per year travelling through the Gold Coast; bringing the total to

over 16 million passengers per year. With talk of South-East Queensland making a bid for

the 2032 Olympics, the area could see some

serious infrastructure investment in the lead up to the event.

With direct access to the M1 these suburbs

are a one-hour-and-twenty-minute drive from

Brisbane, a forty-minute drive from Southport, and only thirty minutes from Varsity Lakes.

Median apartment price Tweed Heads $442,000 Kingscliff $500,000 Casuarina $470,000 Median house price Tweed Heads $696,000 Kingscliff $865,000 Casuarina $970,000 Median apartment rental value Tweed Heads $380 per week Kingscliff $440 per week Casuarina $450 per week Median house rental value house Tweed Heads $495 per week Kingscliff $650 per week Casuarina $760 per week

Transport Gold Coast International Airport, access to M1 motorway and local bus routes Things we love….

• Affordable land and property close to the ocean.

•

Beach lifestyle with some of Australia’s best surf.

•

Peaceful, wide-open spaces.

Public transport on the Tweed Coast is currently limited to local buses. However, the bus line

from Tweed runs all the way up to Broadbeach to connect with the Gold Coast’s Light Rail

network. There has been talk for a while now of extending the railway to the Gold Coast

Airport, and with all the development happening there, it can only be a matter of time before

the project gets approval. The train line would ease congestion and make it much easier for

residents on the Tweed Coast to commute to work on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.

But remember that…

• Infrastructure is less developed so public transport options are limited.

LIFESTYLE

•

than large developments in nearby Coolangatta,

There are less eating and drinking options compared to more built-up Gold Coast suburbs.

These suburbs appeal to people looking for

houses and small apartment complexes rather Palm Beach and Burleigh Heads. Once known only for the Twin Towns RSL and its ageing population of retirees, Tweed Heads is

reinventing itself and is definitely a suburb on

PROPERTYMASH.COM Page 34 PROPERTYMASH.COM thethe place place to search to search for for newnew property property

our watch list. With the Gold Coast expanding rapidly and young families searching for more space, the average age of the population is

decreasing. Currently, the Tweed Heads median age is 56, Kingscliff is 46, and Casuarina is 36.

Kingscliff has a small town vibe with

restaurants, cafes and boutique shops along

the main street which looks out onto the beach – if it is ocean views you want an apartment in Kingscliff is your best bet. Cudgen Creek

at the end of the beach road is known for its excellent surfing conditions to the left of the headland and is popular with kayakers and paddleboarders in the summer.

Casuarina, a brand new suburb, is not as developed as Kingscliff and doesn’t quite

have the same central street and village feel to it. There are quite a few plots of land still

for sale so it is safe to say that once the suburb has had time to grow we should expect great

things. In the meantime, Kingscliff and Cabarita Beach are just a short cycle, drive or bus ride away.

Tweed Heads is much more developed

than its southerly neighbours. It has a large

industrial area and Tweed City Shopping Mall in the southern end of the suburb as well as the smaller Tweed Mall located right next to

the Queensland border. A large part of Tweed

Public School, Kingscliff High School, and a selection of independent and Catholic schools as well. In terms of higher education, the Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus and the Coolangatta Tafe are both nearby.

DEVELOPMENTS The success of land developments in Casuarina and Cabarita has meant the government has approved plans for new projects in Kings Forest, Cobaki Lakes and Fraser Cove. The Fraser Cove development in Tweed Heads South is already underway, while the Kings Forest Development is approved for 4,500 dwellings and the Cobaki Lakes Development has approval for 5,500 dwellings which includes houses, townhouses and apartments.

The suburbs are growing all the time with new apartment complexes being approved and replacing older style Queenslanders and lowset homes on the Tweed Heads peninsular.

With next door neighbour Coolangatta’s large multistorey developments, it is thought that the Tweed Shire council will start to allow larger apartment complexes in Tweed Heads as well.

The Tweed Heads hospital is a major employer in this area, which will only increase with the plan to expand and relocate the Tweed Heads Hospital to Kingscliff in a $534 million project.

River and Terranora Creek running through it.

Brisbane

you have easy access to some of Queensland’s best surfing beaches, plus the cafes,

North Stradbroke Island

restaurants and nightlife of Coolangatta.

Most properties on offer in these suburbs

are houses with only 22 percent apartments in Kingscliff, 17 percent in Casuarina and 39 percent in Tweed Heads.

EDUCATION There are lots of schools to choose from on the

Tamborine Mountain

Gold Coast Surfers Paradise Burleigh Heads

Tweed Coast; including Tweed Heads Public School, Tweed River Highschool, Kingscliff

KINGSCLIFF FIVE – 0 APARTMENTS 48-50 Kingscliff Street, Kingscliff 14 two and three-bedroom apartments from $585,000.

DUNE APARTMENTS

98 Marine Parade, Kingscliff 16 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

See impartial reviews and construction updates for each project and get exclusive offers from developers at www.PropertyMash.com

PROPERTY MASH.COM

THE DUNES SUBDIVISION

Kingscliff 49 plots of land 450m2 and 850m2.

AYANA

24 McGregor Crescent, Tweed Heads 13 two-bedroom apartments from $550,000.

EVOLVE ON ENID

36-40 Enid Street, Tweed Heads 52 one and two-bedroom apartments from $340,000.

Heads offers waterside living with the Tweed

If you are in the northern end of Tweed Heads

Current projects on the Tweed Coast

Coolangatta Kingscliff & Cabarita

Tweed Heads

FRASER COVE

Tweed Heads South 83 plots of land 450m2 – 1,238m2 and 45 two and three-bedroom villas from $385,000.

ALTITUDE ASPIRE SUBDIVISION

Terranora 250 plots of land 511m2 – 1017m2 from $340,000.

CASUARINA BEACH

Casuarina House and land packages available from $998,999.

PROPERTYMASH.COM Page 35 the place to search for new property

New apartments you can move into today There are many benefits of buying a new build: you get the latest in design and technology, a lower cost of maintenance, and tax deductions from depreciation, to name just a few.

However, one of the drawbacks of a new development is the waiting. Depending on how early on you get involved, it could be 18-months to two years before your new property is ready. For the impatient among Brisbane buyers, PropertyMash brings you a selection of new homes you can move into today!

THE JOHNSON APARTMENTS 477 Boundary Street, Spring Hill

One, two and three-bedroom apartments from $450,500.

MUSE Tondara Lane, West End

One and two-bedroom apartments from $390,000.

WESTSIDE INDOOROOPILLY Station Road, Indooroopilly

One, two and three-bedroom apartments from $416,000.

THE LINK 47 Nundah Street, Nundah

83 one, two and three-bedroom apartments from $364,000.

Page 36

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

CITRO APARTMENTS 83 Victoria Street, West End

106 one and two-bedroom apartments from $382,000.

JADE 35 Burdett Street, Albion

369 one, two and three-bedroom apartments

POA.

WATERS EDGE

405 Montague Road, West End

Two and three-bedroom apartments from $699,000.

ARBOR Duncan Street, West End

One and two-bedroom apartments from $424,000.

PARC 6 Exford Street, West End

One, two and three-bedroom apartments from $409,000.

LIGHT + CO 321 Montague Road, West End

Two and three-bedroom apartments from $515,000.

Visit us online at www.PropertyMash.com for impartial reviews of each property by our experienced journalists

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Page 37

SUBURB PROFILE: Newstead/Teneriffe Photo credit: Georgia Goodchild

Median apartment price Newstead $590,000 Teneriffe $540,000 Median rental value Newstead $440 per week Teneriffe $500 per week Transport Ferry, train and bus Things we love….

• Close to the CBD with great transport options.

•

Great social atmosphere.

•

Inner-city suburb which has retained its connection to the river and its industrial past.

But remember that…

• They are sometimes a victim of their own success – the popularity of these suburbs means cycle paths are busy, cafes have long lines and it can be hard to find a parking space.

•

In danger of becoming a concrete jungle with lots of new developments on the way.

•

Construction also means roads are sometimes closed in the area causing congestion.

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Located only three kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, the suburbs of Newstead and Teneriffe are enjoying a renewed interest. This is due to the major infrastructure improvements, increasing apartment developments, and hip, laidback atmosphere.

Despite the fact that Teneriffe has only been a suburb since 2010, it is already well-loved and sought-after, in part due to the similarities with the suburb it was formerly a part of: Newstead.

Both suburbs are high on buyer’s wish lists, not only because they are a short distance to the CBD, but also because of the growing foodie and nightlife scene coupled with the industrialchic vibe the former warehouse districts exude.

LOCATION & TRANSPORT The Newstead/Teneriffe area is great for commuters – it is a 20-minute drive to the airport and less than ten to the city. Breakfast Creek Road runs through most of Newstead and Teneriffe is accessed via the two major roads that come off Breakfast Creek Road – Commercial Road and Skyring Terrace – which both eventually become Macquarie Street. There is a robust bus system set up throughout the two suburbs, and both have easy access to the ferry. Both have a lot of parking, but fighting off the general population when they roll in for their Saturday morning coffee might make it difficult for you to get a park if you don’t have one secured!

The Newstead/Teneriffe area is also known for being easily accessible by foot. With a Walk Score of 79, Newstead is classified as ‘very walkable’. Teneriffe does even better,

with a Walk Score of 88. This means that these suburbs are great for anyone who wants to walk to restaurants, parks and public transport.

This is particularly important to renters. Given how close the two suburbs are to Fortitude Valley, the high Walk Score is a great extra bonus for residents.

LIFESTYLE Over 67 percent of households are made up of couples without children and another 20 percent are single-person households.

This means that the Newstead/Teneriffe area has a rather modern streak running through its revitalisation which makes it attractive to first-home buyers. Most people live in apartments – in fact, 82 percent of dwellings in the area are apartments – with 51.9 percent of people renting, making this suburb perfect for investors (and social butterflies). The suburb is known for its trendy cafes, restaurants and breweries, upmarket studio apartments, and renovated older homes with well-established gardens.

One of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs, Newstead has retained many historic buildings and has a lot of character. The well-loved older homes have integrated remarkably well with the revitalisation of the area, lending the suburb some of their ‘old world charms’.

The redevelopment of Gasworks is but one example of this. Given the proximal location of the two suburbs to Fortitude Valley and the Brisbane CBD, both are great locations for work.

Current projects in Newstead/ Teneriffe

Getting into the city – either by driving or taking public transport – is incredibly easy, which is why these suburbs are favoured by the 20-39 years age group. The median weekly income is roughly $1552.80, across the two suburbs, which is above the Brisbane average. Newstead is generally a little lower than Teneriffe.

27 Commercial Road, Newstead One, two and three-bedroom apartments from $403,000.

LA VIDA

NEWSTEAD SERIES

Evelyn & Austin Streets, Newstead Two-bedroom apartments from $625,000 Photo credit: Georgia Goodchild

EDUCATION The Newstead/Teneriffe area has some of Brisbane’s best schools in surrounding suburbs. There are several state schools that include Newstead and Teneriffe in their catchment area. This includes the primary schools Fortitude Valley State School, New Farm State School, and for Teneriffe only, Bulimba State School.

there are several options. This includes St

There are no high schools which include the Newstead/Teneriffe suburbs as part of their catchment zones, so you will have to enquire with the school directly to determine whether they will take your child(ren). Some that are nearby are the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI) and Balmoral State High School.

and Anglican Church Grammar School

As for independent schools, from Newstead and Teneriffe you can take your pick of the best in Brisbane! For primary schools, the options are Holy Spirit School, St. Joesph’s Primary School, and St. Peter and St. Paul’s School. As for high schools (Year 7 – Year 12),

James’ College, St Joseph’s College (known

as Terrace), Brisbane Girls Grammar School,

FABRIC

2 Florence Street, Teneriffe One, two and three-bedroom apartments from $426,000.

OBSIDIAN APARTMENTS

Brisbane Grammar School, All Hallows’ School and Lourdes Hill College.

14 Helen Street, Teneriffe Three and four-bedroom apartments from $1,000,000.

There are an incredible number of Prep –

COMO TENERIFFE

Year 12 schools in the surrounding areas

including St. Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, (known as Churchie).

DEVELOPMENTS There are a number of developments either selling, starting construction or finishing

53-55 Wyandra Street, Teneriffe One, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Y43

43 Wyandra Street, Teneriffe 52 one and two-bedroom apartments.

LUCENT AND LUMINARE

20 Festival Place, Newstead One, two and three-bedroom apartments.

construction across the Newstead and

Teneriffe areas. The median apartment price

for Newstead sits around the $590,000 mark.

Prices have been growing slightly over the last year, but they have definitely cooled a little.

The story is similar in Teneriffe, where

apartment prices are a little lower at an

See impartial reviews and construction updates for each project and get exclusive offers from developers at www.PropertyMash.com

average $540,000 for an apartment.

PROPERTY MASH.COM

WATERFRONT NEWSTEAD

12 Festival Place, Newstead One, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

AUSTIN & MAUD

24-32 Austin Street and 25 Maud Street, Newstead 60 apartments - release coming 2018.

THE JAMES

38 Helen Street, Teneriffe 123 one two and three-bedroom apartments.

LE BAIN

16-20 Wyandra Street, Teneriffe 128 one two, and three-bedroom apartments from $450,000.

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

Page 39

How do you know when it is time to downsize?

Moving from the home you raised your children in – or one similar to it – is often difficult for people to get their heads around. With so much history attached to a house, it is hard to know when to move on.

Downsizing, and how and when you should

do it is a complicated beast. There are a lot of things to consider: finances, your health,

location, lifestyle, family and friends. Many don’t

this, most people do reach a stage where they

spending time in the house with their five

to an apartment. This was certainly the case

strong connection to the home they had built.

and they find the process daunting. Despite all

raising three children and now enjoying

feel the need to move to a smaller house – or

grandchildren, the Birminghams felt a very

Vantage Gold Coast Development in Carrara just over a year ago.

the place to search for new property

maintain both the house and the garden.”

Having been married for almost 50 years,

the house they built in Gilston to move to the

PROPERTYMASH.COM

as we got older it was getting harder for us to

know when to start thinking about downsizing

for Dianne and Jack Birmingham who sold

Page 40

gave it a real tropical feel – we loved it – but

“One of the most difficult things was looking around at the furniture and belongings we had accumulated over the years and deciding what to let go,” said Dianne. “You don’t realise

“It was a very difficult decision for us,” Dianne

you have such a sentimental attachment to

Queenslander set on one acre. It had vaulted

years in the same spot, but then when you are

told PropertyMash. “We had a four-bedroom

furniture. You are tired of looking at it after ten

ceilings and sliding doors to the garden which

without it, you miss it a little bit.”

but the only thing about the Dusk building that we live in is that it has black carpets and a black solid entry door. This is probably reassuring for people concerned about security, but we haven’t ever been worried, and would have preferred a more welcoming entrance way with lighter finish and maybe glass in the door for natural light.”

The major drawcard for the Birminghams, and in the end the deciding factor in the downsize, was the location of the property they found.

Jack grew up on the family farm on Carrara Hill, just alongside what is now Birmingham Road, and the new apartment looks out over the old farmland.

“Adjusting to the downsize is just a bit of a mindset, you have to get used to it. As you get older you just have to sort out your priorities for the next 10-20 years. It really depends what is motivating you to move. It can be a bit sad, but you have to move forward and look at the bright side.”

Overall, Dianne says they are glad they

downsized when they did because it was a big job to move and if they had left it longer, or if something went wrong with their health in a

serious fashion, they might not have been able Dianne and Jack chose a two-bedroom

and whipper snippering – and even just walking

apartment, but if they could give other

up and down in a big house,” said Dianne.

downsizers any advice, it would be to

With Dianne nearing 70 and Jack nearing 80,

choose a slightly bigger property.

the yard work was a big drain on their energy.

“Two bedrooms is too small,” said Dianne.

the new apartment, whereas we had to drive

“If you are used to a bigger house with a yard, and you can afford it, definitely get three

“We can also walk to a lot of places from everywhere when we lived on acreage.”

bedrooms. It just gives you a bit more space.”

One thing Dianne says she would give more

Having lived in the new apartment for just

the interior design of the apartments and the

over a year the Birminghams are adjusting to apartment living and said they have already started to notice the health benefits

thought to if they were to do it again would be

organisation and energy it takes.

“It is hard to know if you have made the right choice. It is very hard when you are used to being house proud and having a well-

maintained garden to move to somewhere

smaller with less space. But, we have made

a lot of friends, and the people we’ve met have come off acreage themselves, so we are not alone in that, and we have a lot in common

with them,” said Dianne. “They are lovely people

final look and feel of the building.

and we socialise with them a lot. When you

“I don’t quite feel at home here yet,” Dianne

makes you feel entirely different, it is just like

of downsizing.

told PropertyMash. “When you are country

“We are not as tired anymore – Jack has bad

definitely consider the entryway to make sure

knees and it was a lot of work with the mowing

to manage the big clear out and amount of

people moving to an apartment you should it is welcoming. Style is such a personal thing,

are in touch with other people from acreage it catching up with an old friend. It helps you

settle in. We are only one year in and hopefully

by next year it will come around to feeling more and more like home.”

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

Page 41

So, how do you know when the time is right for you? Here are five things to ask yourself when considering downsizing…

DO I STILL NEED THE SPACE? Having children, starting your own business, owning pets – they all take space. They are all rewarding and exciting, but they aren’t the most compact of adventures. There will come a point where you no longer need that space.

You don’t need the spare room, because your last child just moved out. Now you’ve got two spare rooms, and they’re just filling with clutter. A large house and garden can be time-consuming and expensive to maintain and with one or two people in the house, maybe a smaller space would be more rewarding.

DO I NEED THE EXTRA MONEY? After slogging away to pay off that mortgage for the last few decades, maybe it is time to cash in. By downsizing you could free up some money tied up in your family home for other things like travelling and new hobbies.

DO I STILL WANT TO LIVE HERE? With the family grown up and moved on, maybe it is time for a change of scenery. Some people dream of retiring to the ocean, the convenience of inner-city living, or conversly moving out to a more rural suburb. Whether you want views of the Pacific Ocean or to be within walking distance of your favourite country village, one of the benefits of downsizing is that you can choose a new location.

Page 42

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WHAT DO I WANT FROM MY RETIREMENT? Ah yes, retiring. Although the goal may seem like it’s getting further and further away for the next generation, for you, it’s right around the corner. When you get ready to retire, you’re looking at your finances and lifestyle, including your home and where you want to be living.

Living in a house may no longer be the best option. However, downsizing doesn’t have to mean losing out on your current lifestyle and could even improve it. With all the property options available on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, there is a property to suit everyone.

AM I READY? This is a question only you can answer.

Yes, moving from your family home to a townhouse or apartment will require some adjustment, but at some point, the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks and that is when you know it is the right time to move on.

See impartial reviews and construction updates for each project and get exclusive offers from developers at www.PropertyMash.com

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Nova Oppusunggu, Loan Market

Finance for building a house: what do you need to know?

Sarah Tayler talks to Nova Oppusunggu from Loan Market to find out what the differences are between finance for existing houses and new builds.

Q: What advice would you give people wanting to get a loan for building a house?

Q: Are there any tips you can give people to get approved quickly?

Unlike regular home loans where you typically receive a lump sum of the loan amount at settlement, construction loans are paid out in periodic progress payments from the lender at different stages of construction.

It is important to provide correct and accurate documentation to the lender you are applying to. Delays often occur when a single document or signature is missing. However, there are other factors that determine how quickly you get approved including the lender, the complexity of your situation and how quickly you return your mortgage documents.

As construction starts on your property the bank will make progress payments to the builder and your mortgage repayments will go up each time a progress repayment is made.

In most cases there are 4-6 progress stages in the construction of property before it is completed. These stages normally consist of: Deposit, Base Stage, Frame Stage, Enclosed Stage, Fixing Stage (roof), Practical Completion (lock up).

During this time, you will also be making repayments for your land loan. Once your property is completed you will be making loan repayments on the full amount of your construction costs and land.

Here are some of the most common documents you’ll need to have handy when you apply for a pre-approved home loan: • • • • • •

Proof of identification Proof of employment and income Proof of savings Proof of current debts Proof of assets A completed application form

Q: What do you think is the most common problem people come across when applying for a loan?

The most common problem people come across when applying for a loan is trying to work out which lender or product is suitable for their current and future needs. There are a lot of options out there with new products that are constantly being introduced in the market, tighter lending restrictions and lender policies constantly changing.

Q: Is there any specific terminology for home loans when it comes to off-the-plan or house and land package properties?

Drawdown/Construction Progress Payment Is the process of asking your lender to pay your builder for part of the work that has been completed, throughout the stages of construction.

Turnkey With a turnkey property, the complete cost of the land and build is set out in a standard sale and purchase agreement between you and the builder.

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Page 43

PROPERTY REVIEW: Gold Coast Suburb Biggera Waters, Gold Coast Property type Apartments Development size Six building development Construction status Under construction Display suite Open daily 10am – 5pm onsite Starting price $349,000

WaterPoint Residences 5 Harbour Side Court, Biggera Waters The WaterPoint Residences are made up of six luxury waterfront buildings and 3.5 acres of landscaped grounds – when complete it will be one one of the Gold Coast’s largest apartment complexes. This development is perfect for downsizers and first-time home buyers due to the low starting price. It’s pet-friendly, has 360 metres of private canal waterfront, a private marina and direct ocean access through Biggera Creek. No wonder 73 percent of buyers are owner-occupiers!

One of the special features of WaterPoint is the option to purchase your own marina berth. At $75,000 they are affordable and make the dream of a large three-bedroom apartment and marina berth (maybe not the boat!) for under $1 million achievable. If you are moving from Sydney or Melbourne, you will definitely have plenty of dollars left over to buy that 50ft boat to suit! Whilst we’re on the topic of boats, WaterPoint Residents have access to the Broadwater Cruiser, a 12-seater pontoon boat with a built-in barbecue.

LOCATION Biggera Waters is a lesser-known suburb just south of Labrador. If you haven’t been to this area for a while, it is worth a visit as it has changed quite a bit. The WaterPoint Residences is within walking distance to Harbour Town Shopping Centre (an outlet mall with over 240 shops) and local bus stops.

It is a short drive to the beach, local schools, hospitals, Helensvale Train Station, and Gold Coast CBD.

Things we love….

•

Five-minute drive to the beach.

•

Located on the canal with option to buy private berth.

•

Secure estate with onsite management and underground parking.

But remember that…

•

There are six buildings in the development so you will be part of a large community.

•

It is a pet-friendly complex – great if you have a dog – not so great if your neighbour has a noisy one.

Page 44

PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

COMMUNAL FACILITIES The communal facilities at WaterPoint are excellent with an indoor heated pool, outdoor infinity pool, steam room, sauna, gym, Pilates room, lounge, 16-seat theatre and a library with a pool table.

APARTMENT DETAILS WaterPoint Four is due to finish construction by August 2018. Buyers can choose from 11 floor plans in a range of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Apartments include ducted air conditioning, an open plan layout, tiled floors in the living areas and a nice size balcony with stackable floor-to-ceiling doors. The kitchens have stone bench tops and European appliances.

DEVELOPER DETAILS WaterPoint Residences is being developed by Gold Coast-based company, Raptis.

To find out more about this project read our full review online including up-to-date construction photos, floor plans and more. Visit us online at www.PropertyMash.com

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PROPERTY REVIEW: Gold Coast

The Broadwater

Sovereign Shores Land size 425 – 728 square metres

Salacia Drive, Paradise Point, Gold Coast

Suburb Paradise Point, Gold Coast

Surrounded almost entirely by water, this exclusive land release offers privacy and seclusion at the end of Paradise Point peninsular with no through traffic or busy roads. Ideal for people wanting to live the coastal dream – with direct access to Little Beach and berths available to purchase in the private marina. The subdivision and landscaping are due to be completed in July 2018 and buyers can start building in September 2018.

Property type New land release Development size 58 lots

From the Sovereign Shores development, you can walk to the coffee shops and restaurants within the complex as well as the nearby Paradise Point shops and cafes. These plots would be great for downsizers coming from acreage and families who want a bit more space and a waterfront lifestyle.

Construction status Construction underway

LOCATION The Paradise Point peninsula looks out over Ephraim Island and Sovereign Island on the northern end of the Gold Coast. Only 55 minutes from Brisbane, this development is also within easy reach of the Gold Coast CBD, M1 motorway, shopping malls, theme parks and white sandy beaches the Gold Coast is known for. In terms of public transport, the 719 bus runs every 15 minutes down to Southport.

Starting price $589,000

COMMUNAL FACILITIES Owners will have access to Salacia Waters Residents’ Club with a 12-seat theatre, library, gym, sauna, barbecue area, and 25m heated outdoor pool and spa. This development offers a marina rather the than the option of private jetty outside your home – which a lot of nearby waterside suburbs have.

This arrangement will suit people that aren’t interested in having a boat or who don’t want to maintain a jetty.

Things we love….

LAND DETAILS

•

Secluded waterfront plots.

Sovereign Shores is offering 58 plots of varying size, some on the waterfront or with water views. One benefit of this project is that you can choose your own contractor and are not tied to a specific style of home. The plots are already approved for three storeys, a basement, and a rooftop entertainment area. Three-storey unit buildings with one unit per floor are also approved.

•

Option to purchase a berth in the private marina.

•

Resort-style facilities at the Salacia Waters Residents’ Club.

DEVELOPER DETAILS

But remember that…

Sovereign Shores is being developed by Metacap Developments.

•

There are limited design covenants.

•

The access to the M1 (10kms) and train station (12kms) is not as easy as some other suburbs.

To find out more about this project read our full review online including up-to-date construction photos, floor plans and more. Visit us online at www.PropertyMash.com

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Page 45

PROPERTY REVIEW: Gold Coast Suburb Main Beach, Gold Coast Property type Apartments Development size 27 Construction status Starting September 2018 Display suite 18 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach Starting price $1.215 million

Cerulean 5 Pacific Street, Main Beach, Gold Coast The beachside Cerulean development is perfect for owner-occupiers who enjoy the finer things in life. North facing, these apartments have been cleverly designed to make the most of the prevailing breeze and also take in the views of the ocean to the east and river to the west. The views should be protected as the lot to the north has another building’s tennis courts on it and the river on the other side. There are two apartments per floor over 15 levels – giving it a small and friendly vibe – perfect for owner-occupiers. These luxury apartments are very affordable (in luxury apartment terms!), and according to the developer are the lowest price per square metre of any new apartments available in Main Beach. Plus, the body corp is very reasonable at $96 per week.

LOCATION Cerulean is just a few hundred metres from the white sandy beaches of Main Beach itself and a short walk to the Tedder Avenue precinct with its shops, cafes, restaurants, salons and doctors’ surgeries.

Further afield, the adjacent suburbs of Southport and Surfers Paradise offer endless options in terms of dining, employment, medical care, activities, entertainment and nightlife.

COMMUNAL FACILITIES

Things we love….

•

Boutique apartment building with only 27 properties – great for getting to know your neighbours.

•

Views of the Nerang River, Pacific Ocean and Gold Coast Hinterland.

•

Located on a quiet street, just a few hundred metres to the beach.

Cerulean has a deck on level two with an outdoor lounge, barbecue facilities, an outdoor gym, and an outdoor pool. Each apartment comes with two side-by-side parking spaces and two cubic metres of storage space. In terms of security, there will be an onside caretaker, each apartment will have video intercom, and the parking garage will have key fob entry.

APARTMENT DETAILS The luxury three-bedroom, three bathroom properties come with customisable floor plans, 2.7metre high ceilings, two master suites with walk-in robes, spacious laundry, a butler’s pantry, marble bench tops, timber floors, and over-sized balconies with plumbed in gas. One very cool feature of the Cerulean designs is the sensor activated kitchen bench top lighting – all you have to do if you get up in the night is wave your hand and the LED lights come on.

But remember that…

DEVELOPER DETAILS

•

No onsite management so not suited to holiday rentals.

Cerulean is being developed by Cityvest, a Queensland based company.

•

Main Beach is more laid back and quieter than surrounding Gold Coast suburbs.

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PROPERTYMASH.COM the place to search for new property

To find out more about this project read our full review online including up-to-date construction photos, floor plans and more. Visit us online at www.PropertyMash.com

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Coming up in the next edition…

In our Spring 2018 edition we focus on new land developments happening on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, we talk to the people behind robotic houses and hunt down the Gold Coast’s most luxurious apartments.

NEW LAND: where to find plots in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

ROBOT-BUILT HOUSES: could this be the future of property?

GOLD COAST’S TOP 5 LUXURY APARTMENTS: get a look inside.

Can’t wait that long? Visit us online at PropertyMash to see the latest news and construction updates for all new build properties in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

And don’t forget to sign up to become a PropertyMash VIP and be in with the chance of winning an iPad! Competition closes 31 July 2018, T’s & C’s apply @PropertyMash

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