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Residential property developer Sunland Group has reported a strong rise in interim profits for the half-year to December 31 driven by the sale of the Palazzo Versace hotel on the Gold Coast for $68.5 million at the end of 2012.
This was up from $185,000 in the previous corresponding period.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/as-palazzo-versace-sells-check-out-15-global-flashy-fashion-branded-hotels/2012121656738">The fashion-branded hotel </a>was reportedly sold to unnamed Chinese buyers with the deal requiring Foreign Investment Review Board approval.
Sunland declared a 2¢ fully franked special dividend to shareholders on the back of the sale.
Despite the improved result, Sunland continued to warn of “challenging and subdued” market conditions.
Sunland managing director Sahba Abedian said the group would continue to focus on its core market of residential land and housing.
But in contrast to the recent write-downs for residential land banks and apartment projects from listed developers Stockland and Mirvac, Sunland said it would continue to hunt for acquisitions following $37.8 million of them in the first half of the year.
Sunland managed 111 contracted sales over the six month period totalling $59 million with 204 settlements generating $77.4 million – well down from $132 million worth of settlements in the second half of fiscal 2012.
Settlements occurred at Glades, Gardene and Royal Pines on the Gold Coast and Kellyville in Sydney.
In addition, Sunland has 330 pre-sales contracts on hand totalling $183 million.
Sunland reported that sales had “slowed over the period”.
The developer has a land bank pipeline of 3,110 allotments with a potential end value of $1.3 billion, but it could be years before any of these projects come to fruition.
Despite the tough market conditions, Sunland plans to go ahead with off the plan marketing of its Brisbane CBD high rise apartment project previously named Carrington in the second half of 2013 financial year.
During the six month period Sunland acquired residential development sits at <a target="_blank" href="/news">North Kellyville</a> in Sydney’s west and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Point Cook</a> on the Melbourne fringe.
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Palazzo Versace hotel sale helps lift Sunland interim profits as residential sales slow

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Retailers selling products that can be bought cheaply online were among the worst-performing tenants of shopping centre landlord GPT in 2012.
Annual results for the year to December include a breakdown of how various retail categories performed in GPT shopping centres.
They show that the leisure category was a very poor performer in 2012, with sales down 7.5%. This includes sellers of books, CDs and games, all of which are cheaper to buy over the internet.
The other poor-performing category was department stores, including most notably David Jones and Myer, whose recent struggles in retailing have been well-documented.
In contrast, the top-performing tenants were those offering retail services such as banks, health fund stores, repairers with sales up 7.2% in 2012.
Second best performing, other retail and mobile phone sellers, which both recorded a 6.1% rise in sales and food catering, which rose 5.9%.
Other retailing includes travel agents, lotto, automotive accessories, cinemas, and other entertainment providers.
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GPT has a retail portfolio comprising 17 shopping including the recently expanded Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribynong, Melbourne covering 123,000 square metres of retail space and Erina Fair on the Central Coast.
GPT put its 50% share in Erina Fair up for sale with a price tag of around $400 million.
Carmel Hourigan, head of investment management at GPT, says structural changes in retail spending have seen the leisure category continue to be impacted “in particular books, music and games”.
“On the positive, ‘other retail’ which includes cinemas and travel, has had another strong year at 6.1% moving average turnover growth."
To respond to the structural changes in retailing, Hourigan says GPT is changing the mix of tenants in its shopping centres by down-weighting apparel which represents a significant proportion of speciality gross lettable area and up-weighting to retail services, food Catering and other retail.
“We continue to see a number of key themes including, new concept stores, the introduction of additional international retailers, further focus on operational efficiencies as well as increased control over brand and distribution strategies by retailers.
GPT also implemented a number of digital initiatives in 2012 including launching mobile applications for both Highpoint and Melbourne Central, recording over 5,000 mobile app downloads in the first two months.
“Mobile applications for Charlestown, Rouse Hill and Wollongong Central will be rolled out during the first quarter of this year,” says Hourigan,
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Cinemas trump books and CDs: GPT highlights top-performing retail tenants and changes retail mix

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Mirvac has sold just over half of the 205 apartments in its Array residential tower in Melbourne's Docklands, its interim results reveal.
Marketing of the 39-storey development commenced six months ago (September 2012), with apartments priced from $520,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to $7 million for a penthouse.
The $218 million development is due to be completed in 2016, with first settlements occurring in mid-2015. Site works on the project have already begun.
Mirvac <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/mirvac-profit-slumps-with-residential-outlook-mixed-but-improving/2013021459345?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news" target="_blank">reported a 69% slump in net profits </a>in the six months to December 31, with the expectation that the Victorian market will underperform relative to other capital city residential markets.
Mirvac is the developer of the Yarra’s Edge portion of <a target="_blank" href="/news">Docklands</a>, a 14-hectare site on the southern banks of the Yarra River that extends out from the <a target="_blank" href="/news">Southbank </a>promenade connected to the city via the new South Wharf precinct.
Mirvac’s vision for Yarra’s Edge is for “an exclusive village-style neighbourhood … offering the ultimate in waterfront living”.
Array is one of five residential towers planned for Yarra’s Edge, alongside a full-service marina, parklands, a day spa and a mix of shops, cafes and restaurants along the promenade.
Mirvac has almost completed construction of another residential tower Yarra Point featuring 201 apartments, of which 170 apartments have been sold with prices ranging from $510,000 to $2.4 million. First settlements are due from next month.
The other residential projects at Yarra’s Edge are the 82 luxury Riverfront homes, which have all been completed and of which just two remain available for purchase and the marina, featuring 149 yachting berths of which 105 have been sold.
Mirvac plans to have built 2,000 residences in Yarra’s Edge by completion of the 18-year project in mid-2017.
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Half of apartments in Mirvac’s Array development in Docklands sold

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Dexus has delivered on its promise of an improvement in its operating performance reporting an 83.3% rise in interim net profits to December 31 of $267 million.
The vastly improved result follows the commercial property developer, owner and manager reporting a 67% slump in full year profit in August last year.
The six month result was in line with guidance given to the market at the end of 2012.
Dexus executive general manager for office and industrial Kevin George described the office market as “tempered”  but says there are “positive signs” in core markets and “solid interest” in "high quality buildings".
In the tough business conditions, George says a number of firms are seeking to modernise and “gain workplace efficiencies which has flowed through to increasing enquiries in our portfolio”.
George added that suburban tenants are looking to relocate to CBD offices due to competitive conditions and a reduced rental price differential.
The $5.5 billion Dexus office portfolio delivered a return of 10.3% over the six month period.
Over the reporting period Dexus disposed of its US industrial property portfolio worth US$561 million at a 13% premium to its book value and made a number of Australian office acquisition to rebalance the group’s portfolio to its target of 80% weighted to Australian offices and 20% to Australian industrial property.
“The US portfolio sale considerably improves the quality of the group’s earnings profile as the proceeds are re-allocated to the Australian market,” said Dexus chief executive Darren Steinberg.
Dexus spent $504 million of the money generated from the US sale to acquire stakes in three Sydney CBD office buildings including a 25% stake in Grosvenor Place at 225 George Street, which will settle at the end of February.
Dexus has a total commercial property portfolio valued of $7.1 billion with offices making up the bulk of this, worth $5.5 billion.
It completed 239,000 square metres of new leasings over the six month period with the occupancy rate across the portfolio increasing from 93.4% to 94.7% Dexus will pay shareholders an interim distribution of 2.89 cents per security, an 8.2 per cent rise on last year.
Steinberg said the company still expected to post full-year earnings of 7.75 cents per security and an annual distribution of 5.8 cents. 
"We are well positioned for growth with a strong and conservative balance sheet, and confident that we can continue to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns for our investors from our quality Australian real estate portfolio," he said.
A thousand square metres of office space will become available at level 17 in the flagship green building, One Bligh Street in the Sydney CBD during the 2013 financial year.
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Dexus profits up 83% as suburban office tenants relocate to the CBD

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David Devine's Metro Property Development continues to be the top off-the-plan seller in the inner-Brisbane market, with three of its projects ranking as the three top sellers in the December quarter of 2012.
It was the third successive quarter that Metro has been the top performing developer in inner Brisbane, where more than 40 projects are being marketed or under construction.
Metro's The Plaza at South Brisbane ranked first with 57 unconditional sales over the quarter, followed by Cambridge Towers in Fortitude Valley with 25 sales and Brooklyn on Brookes, tied for third with 23 sales.
The figures are based on a report compiled by market research firm Place Advisory.
Metro now has more than 800 apartments across four different projects under construction throughout inner-city Brisbane.
David Devine told Property Observer in November that Metro’s ability to offer apartments to investors that qualify for the federal government’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/nras-and-smsf-investors-helping-keep-inner-brisbane-off-the-plan-market-afloat-david-devine/2012112858155">national rental affordability scheme (NRAS) </a>and that appeal to investors acquiring property through their self-managed super funds are key reasons for its success to date.
The projects – the three mentioned above a well as Madison Heights at Bowen Hills – have combined end value of more than $400 million.
The success of Metro’s projects comes as new research from by Urbis shows that the apartment market is continuing to grow and now makes up 38% of total residential transactions in the inner Brisbane market.
This is up from just 10.2% of all transactions in 1981 with Urbis forecasting that due to the geographical nature and scarcity of vacant land within the Brisbane LGA this proportion may exceed 50% of all transactions by 2016.
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The 12-level The Plaza (pictured below) has been designed by architects Deicke Richards and is under construction at the corner of Russell and Manning streets on a 2,270-square-metre site and will feature 168 apartments.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/theplaza1.jpg" width="470" height="393" alt="theplaza1">
It is 83% sold out, with recent sales ranging from $413,000 for a one-bedroom apartment measuring 52 square metres to $562,000 for a 72-square-metre two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment, according to the Midwood Report.
The building will also feature a pool, gymnasium, outdoor dining area and garden reading room.
Approval for the project was granted in August last year.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/cambridgetowers.jpg" width="470" height="325" alt="cambridgetowers">
Cambridge Towers (pictured above) is the first building in the six-tower Central Village master planned precinct and includes 163 apartments over 18-storeys.  Apartments range from $275,000 to $550,000 and feature a mix of studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments.
Construction at Cambridge Towers has now commenced after Metro appointed PBS Builders to the project.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/02/brooklynonbrookes.jpg" width="316" height="421" alt="brooklynonbrookes">
The 14-level Brooklyn on Brookes apartment block (pictured above) being built on the corner of Brookes and Ann streets in <a href="/news">Fortitude Valley</a> feature 216 one and two bedroom apartments ranging from $305,000 to $750,000 and is 80% sold out. It adjoins the Emporium shopping complex.
The building was designed by architects Wood Bagot to be a New York-style apartment project.
It is a joint venture project with Indian-based developer Pearls Australasia, which has also collaborated with Metro on the completed and sold out Chelsea in Bowen Hills and the Madison Heights apartment tower, also in Bowen Hills and currently under construction.
Pearls Australasia bought the Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa on the Gold Coast for a reported $60 million in 2009.
Devine says a number of market factors had helped influence the strong sales figures.
“We’ve seen a marked increase in sales over the past few months as interest rates remain low, consumer confidence has risen and the market has stabilised.”
Another strength, he says is finding the right location for the right property including being close to transport, shops, entertainment and parks
“They’re also just a few minutes away from major employment hubs like Brisbane, South Brisbane, Fortitude Valley, Newstead and Teneriffe.
“Combined with communal amenities like rooftop terraces and swimming pools; stylish interiors; and competitive pricing, our apartment projects are in high-demand.”
Devine says the Urbis statistics, combined with Metro’s success over recent years, indicated a fundamental change in the way Australian’s viewed property.
“The great Australian dream is changing… where once everybody wanted quarter-acre block with detached home they are now increasingly looking for a stylish apartment, with great views and amenities,” he says.
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David Devine's Metro remains Brisbane off-the-plan top seller

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Planning Minister Matthew Guy has approved a $190 million office building at 272 Queen Street in the Melbourne CBD.
The 50 storey building, which includes a 11 storey podium with a mix of ground floor retail has been proposed by local private developer Dale Rose.
Guy says the project would create around 580 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs during construction.
“This prominent corner of our central business district will be transformed into a majestic location for a range of businesses, with employment opportunities for up to 2,000 people," says Guy.
“The redevelopment site is located in an evolving area where planning policy encourages development that supports a vibrant and economically competitive central city while making efficient use of existing infrastructure.
“This proposal ticks all the boxes and sets a high benchmark for building design and performance, while increasing competition within the commercial market."
The granting of planning approval for the CBD tower comes as the planning minister comes under fire from Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle for approving a new tower development on Southbank more than 100 metres taller than the council's preferred height for the site.
The 238-metre tower is due to be built at 54 Clarke Street Southbank. 
The Melbourne city council is consider challenging the approval at Victoria's planning tribunal, The Age reported.
The Melbourne CBD is expected to have around 30,000 extra office workers by 2026.
It is estimated that inner Melbourne, including the central business district, will need to accommodate an extra 30,000 people by 2026.
The Victorian government is currently developing a new metropolitan planning strategy to deal with the growth of inner Melbourne.
To have your say on the development of Melbourne’s future go to <a href="https://www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au">www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au</a>
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Matthew Guy approves new 50-storey Melbourne CBD office tower

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Investment in Australian commercial real estate fell in the final quarter of 2012 but the outlook remains bright for 2013 as global investor confidence rises.
Over the December 2012 quarter, Australian investors – both offshore and local – invested $3.9 billion in commercial property, compared with US$4.2 billion in the September quarter – a decline of 6%, according the latest global real estate report from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).
For the calendar year, investment in Australian commercial real estate was up 6% to US$16.5 billion compared with US$15.5 billion in 2011.
Sydney ranked 14th biggest capital city commercial property investment market, attracting around US$6 billion from investors, with London ranking first (around US$30 billion) and New York second (US$25 billion).
The report notes that Australia was boosted by a number of record sales in the hotel sector including the largest ever single asset sale (Shangri-La Sydney) and hotel portfolio sale (Marriott portfolio).
“Capital was primarily sourced offshore, accounting for nearly 80% of the overall dollars invested. 2012 will provide a good barometer for the Australian hotel investment landscape in 2013,”says JLL.
JLL is anticipating that global real estate investment volumes will grow in 2013 by a further 10 % to 15% on 2012 levels, with Australia continuing to be the destination of preference for many institutional investors.
Australia was a solid performer in the Asia Pacific region over the year – substantially better than China (a 26% decline in investment), Singapore (-8%) and Hong Kong (+2%), on a par with Japan but below the standout regional market, South Korea, where investment increased by 14% to US$11.3 billion.
The USA was the top global commercial property investment destination with US$163.7 worth of assets changing hands in 2012, an increase of 11% on 2011.
JLL’s head of investments in Australia, John Talbot, said that globally, and in Australia, the final quarters of 2012 were marked by subdued leasing markets but high levels of investment activity.
“Evidently, global investors are willing to look through a temporary slowdown in rental growth and take a longer-term perspective on real estate returns.
“Within the Asia-Pacific region, Australia continues to be the destination of preference for many institutional investors.
“As we move into 2013 there is no evidence that the attractions of Australian assets are weakening.
“Through 2013, we expect to see continued pressure on yields at the upper end of the market as domestic investors return, challenging offshore investors for ownership of premium grade assets across all real estate sectors,” he says.
Cross-border purchases totalled nearly US$20 billion in 2012, equivalent to 21% of all acquisitions. Australia, Japan, China and Hong Kong accounted for 80% of the region’s cross-border acquisitions, while Singapore was the source of one-third of all cross-border capital in the region.
“Opportunities continue to exist for private debt funds to fill the void left from the exodus of European lenders in Asia Pacific, and senior lenders remain very competitive, with lending margins tightening over the past year,” says JLL.
“Meanwhile, banks are still cautious around the impact that Basel III regulatory changes may have on their commercial real estate portfolios.”
Globally, commercial real estate investment volumes totalled $436 billion in 2012, according to JLL preliminary numbers, a slight increase over 2011’s $435 billion and a 36% increase over 2010.
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Australia’s status as commercial property investment hotspot brightens: Jones Lang LaSalle

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Italian-based pizza operator Konopizza will open its first Australian outlet in the newly revamped Jam Factory in Melbourne.
The pizza chain, famous for its cone shaped pizzas, will rent a 60 square metre shop in the iconic entertainment centre on Chappell Street in South Yarra.
The rent Konopizza will pay was not disclosed.
Average passing rents in the centre are $553 per square metre.
The Jam Factory is the retail jewel in the crown of Challenger Diversified Property Trust.
Last week the trust reported a 10.6% lift in interim net profits to $20.8 million on the back of the strong performance of the recently refurbished cinema and retail complex.
Challenger spent $20 million refurbishing the Jam Factory and secured a new 12 year lease with Village cinemas, with the centre returning an income yield on refurbishment costs of 8.8%.
The other noteworthy tenant is UK fashion retailer TopShop, which has a 10 year lease over 1,600 square metres in the complex and occupies the prominent corner site once leased by Borders bookstore.
The trust fund manager Trevor Hardie said higher rents at the Jam Factory had boosted the first-half results.
The lease to Konopizza was negotiated by the CBRE Retail Services team of Max Cookes and Zelman Ainsworth.
CBRE is the exclusive retail leasing agent for the centre.
“Topshop selecting the Jam Factory to be their first retail location certainly illustrated the strength of the centre and the prime nature of this retail location within South Yarra,” says Cookes.
“Over the last 18 months our team has worked closely with the Challenger to achieve their desired results on the retail component of the asset which has been repositioned as a destination shopping precinct that has attracted not just Topshop but a number of other major international and national hospitality, entertainment and fashion retailers.”
Other food retailers in the centre include Nashi, Salsas, Nandos, Shuji Sushi, Boost Juice and Romanos café.
Village Cinemas has been the anchor tenant at the Jam Factory since 1995.
Challenger acquired its 60% interest in the Jam Factory in October 2006.
The Jam Factory was first established in 1858 as the Victoria Brewery.
In 1876 the Victoria Brewery closed down. The building and land were then sold for 5,350 pounds to Robert Wright and Robert Payne. No longer a Brewery, the new company was named the Victoria Preserving Company.
In 1895, Mr William Peacock bought the premises and turned it into the ‘OK’ Jam Co.
It is currently valued at $77.4 million.
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Challenger secures Italian pizza tenant Konopizza for refurbished Jam Factory 

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It was a much strong month for commercial lending than mortgage lending in December, according to ABS figures.
The value of total commercial finance commitments rose 8.6% in December 2012 after a fall of 7.7% in November 2012 to just under $32 billion worth of loans,  the ABS reported.
By comparison, the value of owner occupied housing commitments excluding alterations and additions fell 2.7% on a seasonally-adjusted basis over December.
The 2012 calendar year was still a weak one for commercial lending, with commitments down around 5% from $386 billion to $366 billion.
Fixed commercial lending commitments rose 8.6% in December, after a fall of 10.5% in the previous month. Revolving credit commitments rose 8.8%, after a fall of 0.2% in the previous month.
The value of  commercial finance commitments for the purchase of dwellings by individuals for rent or resale reached $6.25 billion in December 2012, a decline of 0.3% on a seasonally-adjusted basis.
The value of total lease finance commitments fell 15.3%, after a fall of 0.9% in November. 
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Commercial lending up 8.6% in December: ABS

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Consumer sentiment lifted to its highest level in more than two years in February despite the Reserve Bank leaving the cash rate unchanged at 3% on February 5.
The latest Westpac- Melbourne Institute reading of consumer sentiment rose 7.7% in February from 100.6 in January to 108.3 in February.
This was the biggest monthly gain since September 2011.
Westpac chief economist Bill Evans says the jump in sentiment in February “follows an extended period in which sentiment has disappointed, posting at best ‘neutral’ readings despite a substantial 175 basis point reduction in interest rates since October 2011”.
“The more positive February reading suggests lower interest rates may finally be starting to gain more traction with the consumer.
“That said, confidence is still well below the levels recorded during the last easing cycle in 2008-09 which saw sustained readings of around 120,” he says.
There was a slight easing in the “time to buy a dwelling” sub-index which was 3.3% lower in February but “coming from a very high starting point”.
The February reading was 135.4 compared with a long-term average of 122.7.
Evans says the housing markets continues to show "signs of recovery although not a particularly vigorous one”.
Looking ahead to the March 5 RBA monetary policy meeting, Evans said the consumer sentiment report is “welcome news" but warns the improvement will need to be "sustained and flow through to actual spending and activity to ensure non-mining sectors of the economy are strengthening enough to counteract the downturn in mining investment that will begin in the second half of this year".
“At this stage, the picture on actual activity is still not convincing.
“Housing finance and retail sales figures point to significantly weaker momentum in these sectors late last year.
“Meanwhile the non-mining business sector also looks an unconvincing prospect to help offset the mining slowdown with higher investment
“We continue to see the case for lower rates as strong and expect the RBA to cut rates by another 25 basis points at its March meeting,” he says.
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Consumer confidence at highest level in more than two years but March rate cut still on the cards: Westpac

<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.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Larry Schlesinger

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