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A Brisbane property manager has been given a suspended jail sentence for his role in the trust account breaches of Capalaba-based Rylco property management agency.
The Cleveland Magistrate Court sentenced George Cowin to four months in jail, suspended for 12 months and permanently cancelled his license, according to Fair Trading Queensland.
He was convicted of 68 counts of failing, as an executive officer, to ensure Rylco Pty Ltd complied with the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act.
Rylco failed to pass on $15,000 of rent money to landlords and was convicted of 32 counts of failing to disburse trust money, 32 counts of not accounting to clients, one of not supplying documentation when requested, one of not supplying information about an offence, one of failing to appoint an auditor to the trust account and one of not having the trust account audited.
Rylco Pty Ltd also had its licence cancelled and was permanently disqualified from holding a licence.
Last year the firm was fined $20,000 and ordered to pay $8581.80 in restitution to customers and Cowin was fined $12,000.
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Brisbane property manager avoids jail for trust account breaches

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Government welfare and tax policies benefit wealthy homeowners leaving young renters and first home buyers disadvantaged, according to a Grattan Institute report.
Policies such as exemptions for the family home from land and capital gains taxes and the eligibility test for the aged pension benefit homeowners to the tune of $36 billion a year, or $6,100 for each homeowner household, according to the Renovating Housing Policy report.
<img alt="grattan" height="363" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/21/grattan.jpg">
It found negative gearing rules and the capital gains discount provide residential property investors with nearly $7 billion a year, or $4,500 on average for each property investor.
It found help for first home buyers just pushed up prices and only benefitted sellers.
Author of the report Jane-Frances Kelly calls for the elimination of stamp duty and the introduction of a broad-based annual property tax. She says there should be reforms to tax arrangements that favour property investment.
And there should be an inquiry into the rental industry with possible reforms including extending the minimum duration of leases and increasing tenants’ freedom to make minor modifications and own pets.
The gap between those who own homes is increasingly generational and income based.
“Housing policy exacerbates, and could entrench, inequality between home owners and property investors, on the one hand, and households that don’t own, on the other,” the report says.
It found home owners have benefited from a significant largely untaxed increase in wealth due to the house price boom from the mid-1990s, particularly in the inner and middle ring suburbs.
Home owners captured most of that wealth for themselves due to the capital gains and land tax exemptions on the family home.
“But, on the whole, these households did very little to create this wealth – the value of improvements, including buildings and landscaping, determine a relatively small proportion of a  property’s price,” the report says.
“Rather, the wealth gain is largely determined by other factors like shops and parks, employment opportunities and government funded infrastructure investments and schools.
“While home owners benefit from increased house prices associated with these improvements, renters pay them through higher rents.”
<img alt="poll-results-oct-22" height="110" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/22/poll-results-oct-22.gif">
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Government policies favour wealthy property owners

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Townsville has welcomed in a new wharf and port facilities which will be used by tourist and military visitors.
The $85 million overhaul could be just the start of a redevelopment with the recent announcement of the draft Queensland Ports strategy which identified five Queensland ports which would be up for redevelopment.
The 400 crew of the American guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin were the first scheduled visitors to the site today.
The overhaul will improve visitor experiences as well as increase the port’s cargo capability.
“The port is one of Queensland’s most important, handling everything from stock and agricultural produce to retail and industrial cargo as well as meeting a host of defence needs,” transport minister Scott Emerson says.
“The Newman Government is investing in infrastructure for the port because we realise just how important it is, not just to the people of Townsville but communities right through northern and western Queensland.”
Ports in Brisbane, Mackay/Hay Point, Gladstone, Townsville and Abbot Point would be declared Priority Port Development Areas where development will be concentrated and encouraged, under the draft policy released on Thursday.
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Townsville Port's $85m overhaul open for business

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Two adjoining Fremantle properties are being sold for the first time in their 100 year histories.
The former Princess Theatre, built in 1912, and the Princess Chambers, built in 1899, have been listed for sale.
Frank Biddles was a pioneering pearler who built up a massive property portfolio in WA until his death in 1932.
When he died his executors sold his portfolio which included several Kimberley pastoral stations, 32 properties in Fremantle, 17 in Broome and others spread throughout the metropolitan area from Rivervale to Nedlands.
But this property was left aside for his unborn grandchildren.
These two Fremantle buildings are being sold by his ancestors for the first time.
Biddles built the Princess Chambers to the design of architect Edwin Summerhayes – also responsible for The Rechabite Hall in William Street and Ancient Order of Foresters in Francis Street.
The heritage listed property, at 21-27 Market St Fremantle, is said to be a fine example of a Federation Free Classical style building, with elaborate stucco decoration above the ground floor level, that makes a significant contribution to the streetscape.
It is a three storey painted brick building with bracketed and balustraded parapet and a zero setback from the pavement.
It has has four bays divided by engaged pilasters extending through the parapet.
Only the façade is heritage listed.
The Princess Theatre, at 29-33 Market Street, was built by Biddles to the design of John McNeece and Son.
The building facade creates the impression of being a separate building but it is actually just an extension of the Princess Chambers.
According to heritage documents, the 1,850 seater theatre cost £7,000 to build.
It opened on 21 December 1912 with a screening of The French Spy and vaudeville performances by Elsie McGuire, according to newspapers at the time.
The building operated as a movie theatre until 1969. It was then converted to commercial property with retail lots on the ground floor and offices above.
It was also home to one of the earliest incarnations of the Returned and Services League of Australia, then known as RSA, when Biddles made the basement of the Princess Theatre available to provide amenities for army and naval personnel.
The building was extensively rebuilt in 1941
It is a two storey highly decorative, rendered and truncated corner building with a zero setback from the pavement, according to heritage documents.
<img alt="fremantle_oct_18_two" height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/18/fremantle_oct_18_two.jpg">
It has a bracketed and balustrade parapet, with decorative engaged low pilasters.
The 660 square metres of land on one title is <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-wa-fremantle-500921975">being sold by Knight Frank.</a>
Director Tony Delich says the building is the last piece of Biddles’ legacy and is one of Fremantle’s landmark buildings
“It has never been sold before and still belongs to his grand children who weren’t even born when he died or when the buildings were built,” Delich says.
It has 1,146 square metres of lettable area and most of the tenancies were long established, including the popular Kakulus Sister grocer.
It currently earns $278,000 per year and is being sold by an offers to purchase campaign closing on November 13.
There is opportunity for further refurbishment of unused office areas on the upper levels plus the basement area which is currently vacant.
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Heritage Fremantle theatre building listed for first time in 100 years

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Queensland’s five leading ports would be declared priority development areas under a proposed strategy released last Thursday.
Ports in Brisbane, Mackay/Hay Point, Gladstone, Townsville and Abbot Point would be declared Priority Port Development Areas where development will be concentrated and encouraged.
The ports handle 87% of Queensland’s $54.5 billion of exports and 98% of the state’s imports.
The recognition will provide those ports with a “licence to grow”, planning minister Jeff Seeney said in the draft Queensland Ports Strategy.
“The growth of these ports will be driven by greater efficiencies within these port areas and through supply chain connections that will flow from more transparent planning and approval processes ,” he wrote.
The plan aims to improve supply chain infrastructure partly through investment in transport corridors.
The plan prohibits capital dredging outside of the five recognised areas.
It will identify bottlenecks in the infrastructure networks and resource industry supply chains and aims to clearly state where any new infrastructure should be located and how the government will support the private sector in delivering strategic infrastructure.
The government would respond to industry demand for new infrastructure to open new resource regions.
The report also acknowledges that there is a push within government to facilitate private investment in infrastructure rather than government.
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Five Queensland ports earmarked for investment and development

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A five bedroom bay view house in Sydney’s Northbridge sold prior to auction for $3.95 million – the most expensive sale of the week, according to RP Data.
The north-facing house on 809 square metres at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-northbridge-114814091" target="_blank">69 Kameruka Road</a> comes with three bathrooms, a home theatre room and a blue mosaic tiled wet edge gas heated pool.
The house is spread over three floors. Entry is via the ground floor veranda, past the media room and two bedrooms into a large open plan kitchen, dining and living area with spotted gum flooring.
The kitchen includes Corian benchtops and Miele appliances including a steam oven, an island breakfast bar and a large walk-in pantry.
The open plan living area leads onto a north facing undercover terrace with views over the bay. It has a remote motorized sunshade, electroplated stainless steel balustrades and Himalayan sandstone pavers.
Stairs off the living room lead down to the lower ground floor with two bedrooms and rumpus room which leads onto a Himalayan sandstone paved terrace and lawn.
The top floor consists of the master bedroom with a walk in robe and an ensuite. It has a private balcony with views.
There is a double lock-up garage as well as a single lock-up garage with approved plans to build a double.
According to RP Data it last sold for $1.825 million in 2004.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/08/PO_Strap_new.jpg" width="470" height="60" alt="PO_Strap_new">
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Northbridge house with bay views the weekend's most expensive sale: RP Data

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The Reserve Bank of Australia has toned down concerns about borrowing conditions in the minutes for its rate hold on October 1.
It says the effects of its latest rut cut in August still has further to run.
“House prices and turnover had increased and leading indicators pointed to a pick-up in dwelling investment over the period ahead,” the minutes say.
“While credit growth remained moderate, there were signs of an increased appetite for borrowing, most notably among investors.”
The Bank says policy stimulus had had sufficient influence on the economy though it wouldn’t rule out another rate cut.
“Members agreed that the Bank should again neither close off the possibility of reducing rates further nor signal an imminent intention to reduce them,” it says.
“The Board would continue to examine the data over the months ahead to assess whether monetary policy was appropriately configured.”
The Bank says household interest payments continued to decline over the June quarter and conditions in the established housing market had strengthened over 2013.
“House prices increased by around 2.5% over the September quarter and by 5.5% over the year. However, the value of the dwelling stock relative to household income remained below the levels that had prevailed for most of the past decade,” the Bank says.
“Auction clearance rates remained well above average and turnover had picked up over recent months. Loan approvals for established dwellings for both owner-occupiers and investors had increased strongly over the past year. While the growth of housing credit remained moderate, it was edging higher, with stronger growth in investor credit.
“Dwelling investment had declined a little in the June quarter following a soft patch in building approvals earlier in the year, but dwelling construction remained higher than a year earlier and forward-looking indicators pointed to a further recovery in the second half of 2013.”
In September the Bank made note banks should maintain prudent lending standards.
Commonwealth Bank analyst Gareth Aird says the bank is maintaining an easing bias.
"The comment, 'that the Bank should again neither close off the possibility of reducing rates further nor signal an imminent intention to reduce them' was identical to the August and September Board minutes.  To us, these comments suggest that further changes to the cash rate are data and AUD dependent.  And they indicate that the Bank retains a mild easing bias," Aird says.
He predicts the there will be a rate hold in November depending on further job information.
"In our view, the things that the RBA will most closely be monitoring for future policy direction are (i) labour market conditions; (ii) inflation; and (iii) the AUD," he says.
"Last week’s labour force data showed that conditions in the jobs market remain soft.  The headline unemployment rate fell, but only because of a drop in the participation rate.  We expect softness to continue over the near?term, as does the RBA. 
"On the inflation front, the QIII CPI prints next week.  Another weak reading may see the probability of a November rate cut increase.  At this stage the market expects rates to stay on hold in November.  And we agree that the cash rate will be left unchanged on Melbourne Cup day.  The near?term path of the AUD will be impacted by what happens in the US and in particular with regards to the US debt ceiling issue and Fed asset purchases.
"We continue to think that the current 2.5% cash rate is the low point for this cycle."
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RBA open to rate cuts over coming months

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The owners of the Giant Koala, out the edge of the Grampians, have stepped up a marketing campaign for the massive beast, listing it on eBay.
Rob and Julie-Anne McPherson have been trying to sell the Giant Koala for more than eight months now, but potential buyers have had trouble securing finance.
“We just had a couple from Melbourne who were keen and wanted it but couldn’t get the money. Because it’s rural the bank want a 50% deposit. Finding someone with $250,000 is a bit scarce,” Rob McPherson told Property Observer.
The initial price for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/The-Giant-Koala-Tourist-Complex-/161122818437?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Businesses_for_Sale&amp;hash=item2583ab1985&amp;_uhb=1">eBay auction</a> starts at $450,000 plus stock. There have been no bids so far but there have been around 1000 views on the listing.
McPherson says he put in eBay more as an advertising technique than a legitimate aim to sell through the website.
“I just said to the missus have a look on eBay and see what business and there were a few and we said we’ll put the koala on it and advertise.”
The koala was built in 1988 by Dutch sculptor Ben Van Zetten for Beryl Cowling.
The McPhersons are selling the property to focus on their catering business and a V8 super car simulator business which they have recently sold.
They took over the Giant Koala five years ago and it now earns nearly $300,000 per year.
It includes the giant koala sculpture, a café/restaurant, a mini-zoo, a gift-shop, tourist information centre, a Koala Educational centre inside the koala and a two bedroom residence, with an 8-person spa.
The koala, at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ballaratrealestate.com.au/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2197635&amp;realestate=5829_Western_Hwy_DADSWELLS_BRIDGE_VIC_3385">5829 Western Highway, Dadswells Bridge </a> is being marketed by Colin McIntosh from Ballarat Real Estate.
He has it listed with a business buyers guide of $150,000 + SAV and a freehold buyers guide of $400,000.
McIntosh says they have revised price expectations since listing.
“We’ve had a massive amount of interest. Rob has virtually had people from all over the country speaking to him,” McIntosh told Property Observer.
“He had so many interviews with radio and television and newspaper all over the country, it’s a unique operation and they’re very good operators.”
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The Giant Koala Grampians tourist attraction let loose on eBay

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Don’t trash your holiday apartments or you’ll get in trouble – that’s the message Strata Community Australia is telling schoolies.
Year 12 school leavers face criminal charges if they damage apartments rented out for their notoriously boozy post-exam holidays.
SCA President for NSW, David Ferguson says he feels compelled to issue the warning and that his counterpart in Queensland had done the same thing.
“Not only is the destruction of someone else’s holiday apartment wrong it can result in the owner asking the police to lay charges for criminal damage. Having a criminal record before you even begin to live in the real world is not a great start,” Mr Ferguson said.
“It will make it hard to get a job and may even make it difficult to travel overseas as some countries will not issue visas to people with a criminal record.”
He says apartment owners who do let out their apartments for schoolies rentals should reinforce with their short-term tenants that any damage must be paid for and that charges may be laid depending on the extent of the destruction.
“Owners also need to be aware that they can themselves face penalties if their tenants create a nuisance of themselves through noise and anti-social behaviour,” Ferguson says.
Schoolies runs from November 16 in Queensland and November 23 for New South Wales and Victoria.
Are you an investor who’s had their place trashed by schoolies? Email us <a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Schoolies warned not to trash apartments

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First home buyer lending has dropped to its lowest point since April 2004, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The proportion of first home buyers being lent money has dropped to 13.7% of borrowers for August, down from 14.7% in July.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/10/14/abslending.jpg" width="470" height="172" alt="abslending">
The Real Estate Institute of Australia says this is far lower than the long-run average proportion of 20.1% despite eight interest rate cuts since November 2011.
“In large part, this drop can be attributed to State Governments withdrawing previous levels of support for first home owners buying established dwellings and it is established dwellings that 80 per cent of first home buyers prefer,” REIA President Peter Bushby says.
“With the proportion of first home buyers remaining consistently below the long term average, despite the latest figures incorporating all the interest rate cuts, this and a review of inefficient state taxes such as stamp duty, need to be a high priority issue for the new Government.”
In trend terms the number of owner-occupied finance commitments rose by 0.6%, the lowest monthly increase, since January.
There were increases in trend terms in all states except Western Australia with the largest increase in the Northern Territory, up 2.3%.
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First home buyer lending drops to lowest point since 2004

<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.

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[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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