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Brisbane dwelling prices bounced back 1.5% over the month of August, according to RP Data.
The median dwelling price in Brisbane is currently at $429,000 – up 1.7% for the quarter and 2.5% for the year.
RP Data’s Tim Lawless says the jump is the most significant turnaround in market conditions.
<img height="195" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/09/02/rp-data-sept-2-chart-1.gif" alt="rp-data-sept-2-chart-1">
“Brisbane’s housing market has been underperforming since the onset of the GFC with home values still almost 10% lower than their previous peak which was back in November 2009,” Lawless says.
“The strong result for August was evident across both the detached housing and unit markets and may potentially mark a positive turning point for Brisbane’s housing market.”
Brisbane prices are 3.2% ahead of their previous trough.
<img height="433" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/09/02/rp-data-sept-2-chart-2.gif" alt="rp-data-sept-2-chart-2">
RP Data’s Cameron Kusher recently said <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/are-brisbane-and-adelaide-ripe-to-pick-up-an-investment-opportunity-cameron-kusher/2013082164434">he expects  a focus on Brisbane in coming months</a> as Melbourne and Sydney increase at a greater pace leaving Brisbane more affordable.
A recent HIA report found <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/brisbane-s-housing-affordability-improves-in-june-quarter-for-hard-strapped-buyers-hia/2013082864614">housing affordability has increased 10.4%</a> over the June quarter in Brisbane.
Across the eight capital cities dwelling prices increased 0.5% which Lawless says is a welcome sign after the strong growth conditions of previous months fuelled renewed debate around the sustainability of Australia dwelling values.
“The half a per cent gain over the month of August is a much more sustainable rate of growth and will be a welcome turn of events for policy makers,” he says.
“While the recent surge in dwelling values has caused some renewed debate about an Australian housing bubble, it is important to remember that the average annual capital gain over the past decade has been just 4.3% across the combined capital cities. In Sydney the annual rate of growth has seen a much lower decline of 2.4% which is well below current inflation.”
He predicts there will be strong housing market conditions this spring.
“Housing market conditions are looking set to provide what could be described as a near-to perfect spring season with the number of homes currently available for sale around 15% lower than a year ago.
 
 
 
 
 
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Brisbane leads August recovery as Melbourne and Perth record weakest mainland monthly change in dwelling values 

Melbourne landlords are the poorest yielding investors of the country, according to RP Data. And&nbsp;with Sydney and&nbsp;Canberra house values&nbsp;back at record high levels, investors with an open mind might&nbsp;cast an eye on the yields available in other capital cities.

Here&#39;s the latest list for houses.

The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for houses in Melbourne based on a median house price of $548,000, according to RP Data. The median gross rental yield across Australia&#39;s eight capital cities was 4.1% for the month ending August 31 2013.

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The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for houses in Sydney based on a median house price of $669,900, according to RP Data. The median gross rental yield across Australia&#39;s eight capital cities was 4.1% for the month ending August 31 2013.

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The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for houses in Canberra based on a median house price of $545,000, according to RP Data. The median gross rental yield across Australia&#39;s eight capital cities was 4.1% for the month ending August 31 2013.

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The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for houses in Perth based on a median house price of $510,000, according to RP Data. The median gross rental yield across Australia&#39;s eight capital cities was 4.1% for the month ending August 31 2013.

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The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for houses in Adelaide based on a median house price of $394,000, according to RP Data. The median gross rental yield across Australia&#39;s eight capital cities was 4.1% for the month ending August 31 2013.

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The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for houses in Brisbane based on a median house price of $453,000, according to RP Data. The median gross rental yield across Australia&#39;s eight capital cities was 4.1% for the month ending August 31 2013.

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The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for houses in Hobart based on a median house price of $300,000, according to RP Data. The median gross rental yield across Australia&#39;s eight capital cities was 4.1% for the month ending August 31 2013.

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The median gross rental yield landlords are securing for houses in Darwin based on a median house price of $516,500, according to RP Data. The median gross rental yield across Australia&#39;s eight capital cities was 4.1% for the month ending August 31 2013.

Investor watch: Melbourne house yields at 3.6% and Sydney next at 4.1%

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Mawson Lakes is Adelaide’s fifth most searched suburb by buyers, but with a median house price of $244,971 it’s out of reach for many. But Dry Creek, just six kilometres away, has a median house price that is 43% cheaper.
Westpac has compiled a list of ten Adelaide suburbs where it’s cheaper to buy than in their more popular but pricey neighbouring suburbs.
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The hidden gem suburbs are close to the popular suburb but have a lower cost median house or unit price. The most popular suburbs were determined by the most searched for suburbs on realestate.com.au.
“Buyers who want to truly own their home sooner can find real value by simply considering a suburb which is just a stone’s throw away from their first preference,” says Westpac’s Gai McGrath.
With a median house price of $733,636 Norwood is out of reach for many buyers but nearby Stepney is 28.3% cheaper. For units Trinity Gardens is a better alternative to Norwood with a median price 24.2% less.
If you wanted to buy a unit in Golden Grove, Adelaide’s eighth most popular suburb, you could consider travelling eight kilometres to Salisbury East where the average unit price is 28% cheaper.
You could own your home 16 years and one month sooner and save $80,960 in purchase price and $87,988 in interest repayments over time, according to Westpac.
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Mawson Lakes too expensive? Try Dry Creek, one of Adelaide's hidden gem suburbs

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Property developer Lang Walker sees no sign of a property bubble in the east coast capitals and says predictions of a bubble are incorrect and annoying.
"I don't think any of those markets are ever going to get to be a bubble for varying reasons," Walker told The Weekend Australian.
"Infrastructure costs in Brisbane, in Sydney the planning (restrictions) and pent-up demand and Melbourne probably has gone through the worst of what might have been a drastic situation before, but that seems to be working through the pipeline.
"I certainly don't see a bubble."
He said those predicting a bubble risk prompting the Reserve Bank of Australia into action.
"The Reserve Bank might say 'Oh my god, we better put up interest rates'," Walker says.
"The only reason that a lot of these sales are coming through now is the state governments have put incentives in place with stamp duty, breaks for first-home buyers."
He says growth in the market will come from bargain one-bedroom plus study, or two-bedroom, apartments.
"The three-bedroom and expensive stock in all those cities is very, very slow," Walker says. "It's not the luxury end that's really going, it's just the budget end, the affordable end."
The president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, Peter Bushby, said last week recent house price <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/market-in-recovery-not-bubble-reia/2013082564525?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news">rises are not indicative of an Australia-wide price bubble.</a>
The Walker Corporation, of which Walker is the executive chairman, has 12 office towers in some phase of development, 25,000 lots of land and four industrial estates.
The company will begin construction of the 277-unit Westmark residential towers in Brisbane’s Milton next year.
It is currently developing the $400 million Main Drive Kew development on the former Kew Cottages site in Melbourne.
It is selling sites at its 53 hectare Appin Valley development in Appin NSW, its 400 lot Wallis Creek development in Gillieston Heights NSW, its 625 lot Bluestone Mt Barker development in South Australia, its 918 lot Forest Springs development Gladstone , its 3000 lot Banksia Grove development in Perth, its 500+ lot North Sapphire Beach development in NSW, its Reflections Barlings Beach development in NSW, and its Buckland Park Development in Adelaide.
Its commercial projects include Melbourne’s Collins Square commercial development, Brisbane’s 150 Charlotte Street, Sydney’s 12 O’Connell Street, Sydney’s 66 Hunter Street, Melbourne Axis development at South Morang and Canberra’s Northbourne Square.
It also has industrial estates in Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide and Gladstone.
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"I certainly don't see a bubble": property veteran Lang Walker

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Mike Morgan Loans, the fraudulent loan company which was the subject of an ASIC warning on Friday, appears to have stolen the website design and contents from a well-known Perth-based firm.
Mike Morgan Loans directly copied the website, including names, photos and details of employees and executives, to fraudulently obtain people’s data.
It is not clear if it was an identity theft scam or an attempt to fraudulently take people’s money.
“We found out about three to four months ago, it was quite a huge shock to us,” a spokesperson for the affected company said.
“It’s unbelievable. They’ve been able to copy everything.”
They then informed ASIC about the website who investigated and determined it was fraudulent and was not linked to the company.
“They must have quite liked our website, we’re quite flattered,” they said.
The company worked out the website would have been copied some time last year but when they spoke to their website hosts they said it does happen quite regularly.
“They’re trying to fraudulently get money from people which absolutely disgusting. We’ve got absolutely no connection to them”
“I don’t believe it will affect our customers. People know who we are.”
It appears whomever has deployed the latest attack may have targeted the same firm previously. Property Observer is aware of at least one other site which uses the same photos and information.
New Season Financial Company, based in the US, has the same stolen information, but in a different layout as Mike Morgan Loans.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/asic-warns-of-dodgy-south-african-loan-offering/2013083064684">ASIC found unsolicited emails have been sent from Mike Morgan Loans</a> to consumers offering loans ranging from $10,000 to $20 million with a low interest rate of 3%.
ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer says consumers need to be cautious when approached with unsolicited offers of financial products.
“I would also urge consumers seeking loans or other credit products to avoid dealing with people or companies who are not licensed by ASIC,” Tanzer says.
“Australian credit licensees are subjected to stringent requirements under the national consumer credit legislation which are designed to protect consumers.
“This way you can be confident you are dealing with a legitimate credit service provider and avoid potentially significant financial losses.”
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Fraudulent loan operator stole Perth company's website design

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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has released a warning about a South African-based loan operator.
Mike Morgan Loans, operating through the website <a href="https://www.mmloans.com">www.mmloans.com</a> falsely claims that Mike Morgan Loans is a licensed credit provider and that a licensed Australian company is trading as Mike Morgan Loans.
Mike Morgan Loans is not the registered business name of any Australian company or Australian credit licence holder, according to ASIC.
Unsolicited emails have been sent from Mike Morgan Loans to consumers offering loans ranging from $10,000 to $20 million with a low interest rate of 3%.
ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer says consumers need to be cautious when approached with unsolicited offers of financial products.
“I would also urge consumers seeking loans or other credit products to avoid dealing with people or companies who are not licensed by ASIC,” Tanzer says.
“Australian credit licensees are subjected to stringent requirements under the national consumer credit legislation which are designed to protect consumers.
“This way you can be confident you are dealing with a legitimate credit service provider and avoid potentially significant financial losses.”
Property Observer can reveal Mike Morgan Loans<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/fraudulent-loan-operator-stole-perth-company-s-website-design/2013083064689?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news"> stole the website design of a prominent Perth company.</a>
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ASIC warns of South African loan offering

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HSBC expects the Reserve Bank of Australia will keep interest rates on next week.
“We expect the RBA to hold the cash rate steady next week at 2.50%,” says chief economist Paul Bloxham.
“We expect confidence to improve after the federal election, on 7 September, though clearly there is considerable uncertainty regarding this outlook.
“The RBA’s next move is somewhat reliant on the AUD: a lower AUD would make further rate cuts less likely. In our view, the RBA would be more comfortable with the AUD closer to USD0.85.”
He says low rates are supporting the housing market but a broader rebalancing of growth is still yet to be seen.
He finds house prices are up 6.5% from their May 2012 trough and mortgage rates are at their highest levels in three years but it’s not quite enough.
“Outside of housing, there are, as yet, few signs of growth rebalancing,” he says.
He finds consumer sentiment has ticked up a little in recent months but remains around its long-run average.
And retail sales have weakened in recent months after showing some improvement earlier in the year. Business conditions and confidence also remain weak.
“Despite low interest rates and a declining AUD, businesses are unhappy. Part of this story seems to reflect political uncertainty, and concerns about the tax and regulatory environment,” Bloxham says.
“As a result, businesses remain generally unwilling to commit to large investment and hiring decisions.
“It may take time before the impact of the lower AUD flows through to firms’ willingness to make investment decisions. We do, however, expect that a broader rebalancing of growth will occur in time.”
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Expect rates to remain on hold at September RBA meeting: HSBC

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Mark Bouris’ Yellow Brick Road has posted a $6.6 million loss in its half year results, slightly less than last year.
The company put the loss down to an increase in commissions, consultancy fees and other expenses.
The loss comes despite a 68.4% increase in operating revenue to $25 million. The total expenditure for the company is up 17%.
“Our management team has managed to keep overheads flat when you consider the growth that we have experienced,” Bouris says.
The group has doubled its mortgage book to $1,794 million.
“We completed the financial year with a very strong balance sheet. Our focus for 2014 is to continue to grow out footprint but will see us shift our focus away from product development, manufacturing and promotion to holding our cost structure and materially increasing our revenue,” Bouris says.
“This year will see a closing of the gap between the revenue line and expense line.”
Branch network revenue is up 127%, mortgage revenue is up 118%, wealth management revenue is up 217%, and general insurance revenue is up 29%.
So far this year the company has focused on attempts to branch out from just providing mortgages. It has provided “road to retiring right” training at 75 branches. And they’ve taken advantage of the June high season for super contributions through its celebrity apprentice campaign.
That means there are now 115% more people able to provide actual financial advice, letting the company experience a 138% increase in non-mortgage transactions.
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Yellow Brick Road broadens its horizons and maintains $6m loss

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A Sydney real estate agent who stole a $15,000 deposit has been fined and been banned from practising until 2018 but has avoided a jail sentence.
The Downing Centre Court found Enfield agent John Photi fraudulently misappropriated a deposit on a house he did not have the authority to sell.
Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said the agent, also known as John Nicolas Photis and John Nicholas Fotis was lucky to avoid a two year jail sentence.
“Although Mr Photi’s actions were egregious, his status as a disabled pensioner has been taken into account and he has undertaken to pay his victims $2,000 compensation, in addition to the $15,000 they have already received,” Stowe said.
A couple from Brisbane had approached Photi about a property in Bexley North in April 2009.
Although the listing was actually controlled by another agent Photi told the couple the vendors had accepted their pre-auction offer and that he had arranged finance for the purchase.
He requested and received a $15,000 bank cheque as a holding deposit.
Photi then transferred that money out of his company’s trust account and used it for his own purposes.
“As a result of this matter, Fair Trading took disciplinary action against Mr Photi and on 30 November 2011 he was disqualified from holding a Real Estate Agent Licence for seven years,” Stowe said.
“In addition Mr Photi is banned from being involved in the direction, management and conduct of the business of a licensee for seven years.”
Photi has been ordered to pay $14,262 in fines, costs and compensation.
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Sydney agent fined for $15K fraud

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Brisbane’s popular suburb of Carindale is out of reach for many buyers but buying a house in Tingalpa, just seven kilometres away, is 33% cheaper, according to Westpac.
Westpac has compiled a list of ten Brisbane suburbs where it’s cheaper to buy than in their more popular neighbouring suburbs.
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The hidden gem suburbs are close to the popular suburb but have a lower cost median house or unit price. The most popular suburbs were determined by the most searched for suburbs on realestate.com.au.
“Buyers who want to truly own their home sooner can find real value by simply considering a suburb which is just a stone’s throw away from their first preference,” says Westpac’s Gai McGrath.
With a median house price of $1.02 million New Farm is out of reach for many buyers but nearby Kangaroo Point is 38% cheaper. For units Fortitude Valley is a better alternative to New Farm with median prices 16.5% less.
If you wanted to buy a unit in the seventh most popular suburb in Brisbane, Redcliffe, you could consider travelling just four kilometres down the road to Kippa-Ring where the average unit price is 21% cheaper.
You could own your home 13 years and one month sooner and save $66,436 in purchase price and $91,535 in interest repayments over time, according to Westpac.
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Image courtsey of <a id="yui_3_7_3_3_1377754463409_929" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bertknot/">Bert Knot</a>/ flickr.
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Brisbane's most popular suburbs too expensive? Try the 10 hidden gem suburbs

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

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[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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