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ASIC has succeeded in obtaining court orders to freeze the assets of former Wickham chief executive Garth Robertson and his wife Catherine as well as the assets of three companies connected to Wickham Securities founder Bradley Sherwin and his wife Deborah.
The addition of the five new defendents to existing proceedings and freezing their assets is aimed at preserving these assets for the benefit of investors, largely self-managed superannuation funds. 
ASIC's investigation into the collapse of Wickham Securities - now in liquidation - is continuing.
The new orders bring the number of defendants in the proceedings to 15.
The new defendants are Brothers Financial Services Pty Ltd, NRL Financial Services Pty Ltd, Sunshine Regional Investments Pty Ltd, Garth Peter Robertson and Catherine Louise Robertson. 
Self-funded retirees had invested around $27 million in the mortgage lender through $1 unsecured deposit notes promising returns of 9.25% prior to its collapse in December last year.
Last month, ASIC <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/queensland/wickham-securities-auditor-accepts-asic-life-ban-as-nab-seeks-to-repossess-founder-bradley-sherwins-wooloowin-house/2013062762789" target="_blank">cancelled the registration of Wickham Securities auditor Brian Kingston</a> for undertaking "inferior work" and "failing ins his job" and banned him for life.
In January ASIC commencing proceedings seeking orders in the Federal Court against ten defendants to preserve assets for the benefit of investors whose funds had been applied to Wickham and other corporate entities connected to Bradley Sherwin and against his wife. Those companies were: 
<ul type="disc">
<li>Sherwin Financial Planners Pty Ltd</li>
<li>DIY Superannuation Services Pty Ltd</li>
<li>Reacroft Pty Ltd</li>
<li>Blue Diamond Investments Pty Ltd</li>
<li>SP Property Pty Ltd</li>
<li>Astor Funds Pty Ltd</li>
<li>Sherwin Financial Services Pty Ltd, and</li>
<li>Wickham Capital Pty Ltd.</li>
</ul>
The orders to freeze assets were extended by the Federal Court when the matter was heard on January 23 and remain in place save to the extent of Sherwin Financial Planners, DIY Superannuation Services, Reacroft, Blue Diamond Investments, SP Property, Astor Funds and Wickham Capital.
These companies are now in liquidation with their assets in the control of the appointed liquidators Stefan Dopking, Quentin Olde and Michael Ryan of FTI Consulting. Grant Sparks and David Leigh of PPB Advisory are the liquidators of Wickham Securities.  PPB and FTI are cooperating with ASIC's investigation.
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ASIC freezes assets of former Wickham Securities chief executive

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Nearly $4 billion in investor finance was approved in NSW over May, says Australian Property Monitors (APM) economist Andrew Wilson, quoting ABS housing finance figures.
This rising demand came as part of continued demand for home loans for investment purposes with investor lending up 1.5% in May to $8.4 billion and 23.7% higher than a year ago.
In total NSW made up 40% of the value of all investor loans approved in Australia in May.
The chart (below) prepared by Westpac to April shows the sharp spike in NSW, but also a longer trend of rising investor lending
<img alt="investor_finance" height="325" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/investor_finance.jpg">
Wilson says this is a record for NSW and part of a nationwide trend of rising demand for home loans for investors.
“At the moment nearly 52% of home loan activity in NSW is made up by investors.
“The flight to bricks and mortar is no surprise given low interest rates and a volatile stock market that’s still 25% below its previous peaks,” says Wilson in a video on Fairfax-owned Domain.com.au.
“The number are volatile and do bounce around a bit, but in May loans to residential investors were the highest ever recorded.
There was also a big increase in investor lending in Perth, up 27% on the same time last year.
“All the states have recorded an increase in investors activity over the first five months of this year compared to the first five months of last year,” says Wilson.
Commonwealth Bank economist Diana Mousina notes that the construction component of investor lending has been the stronger part of the story recently, with construction lending surging by 17.2% in May.
“This also bodes well for our residential construction forecasts.  Total construction?related lending is up by 26.5% over the past year,” she says.
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NSW investors flock to property market as investor loans reach record levels: APM

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Confidence in the property market will grow at a more rapid pace after the federal election says McGrath Real Estate Agents chief executive John McGrath.
That’s provided there is a decisive victory for either the Coalition or the Labor Party.
McGrath says he agrees with the views of Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond, who said at the recent Australasian Real Estate Conference on the Gold Coast that “most Australians will feel they have a government that can make decisions in their own right and that will boost confidence”.
McGrath said the business sector would benefit the most following the federal election and a “government that can govern in its own right” as part of blog for Switzer.com.au.
“Although consumer confidence is improving in our markets, business confidence is fluctuating and issues of national governance have a direct impact on this,” says McGrath.
McGrath believes the election will be a “game changer” particularly as it is scheduled at the start of the busiest spring selling season.
He expects the market will continue to improve between now and the election, with the recovery picking up pace once the election is over and the result known.
“There won’t be a huge spike in prices but we’ll probably see a change of pace and heightened urgency among buyers."
{module Do you think any decisive federal election result will contribute to a stronger property market?}
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Do you agree with John McGrath who tips a pick-up in property market confidence after the federal election?

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The value of Australian residential property purchased by Chinese-based buyers reached $5.4 billion in the 2013 financial year, according to figures from Chinese property portal Juwai.com.
This is around a 25% increase on US$4 billion ($4 billion to $4.2 billion in local currency) of Australian property purchased by Chinese buyers in 2011.
"Chinese make up the fastest growing buyer group in an otherwise relatively slow Australian real estate market,” says Simon Henry, co-CEO of <a href="https://www.juwai.com/" target="_blank">Juwai.com</a>.
"The properties that will have the most success with Chinese buyers are located in major metropolitan areas or in growing mining areas, are working farms or are new developments.
"Resale properties appeal to Chinese buyers who know Australia already, including those who already have one or more properties here."
Dominic Ong who heads up a new <a target="_blank" href="/news">Knight Frank team targeting high-net worth Chinese investors</a> and those who may qualify for the $5 million significant investor visa, recently told Property Observer that he was regularly showing Asian-based buyers around some of the most expensive waterfront property in Sydney.
Ong says they are looking in the $30 million to $50 million price range.
“They want the best properties on the waterfront with a private jetty, harbour bridge view, swimming pool and many car parks.
“They want homes they can use for private functions and for entertaining,” he says.
Queensland remains a hotspot for Chinese residential investment.
According to the Foreign Ownership of Land Register, Chinese buyers are now the biggest foreign property buying group in the state.
Juwai records that the Chinese bought more than $530 million worth of Queensland property in the past three years and now own more Queensland real estate than buyers from any other foreign country with their rate of acquisition in dollar terms up almost 60% year-on-year.
Juwai.com claims that some Australian luxury properties receiving more views in China on its portal than on Australia’s biggest real estate portal, realestate.com.au.
Examples include a five bedroom property at 29 Norseman Court, Paradise Waters in Southport listed for $2.85 million through Gold Coast prestige property agent Dominique Corbett of Corbett &amp; Co, which had 3,834 views on Juwai.com, nearly eight times more than the 484 views it has had on realestate.com.au.
Despite the interest, the property remains listed for sale and has been on the market since April 2011, according to RP Data. It is listed for auction this weekend through Renee Morgan of Executive Realtors - Broadbeach Water.
Dominique Corbett says her vendors increasingly ask her to list their properties valued at $6 million to $15 million or more on Juwai.com.
Other properties she has listed on Juwai.com have attracted four and five times as many hits on the Chinese portal compared with hits on realestate.com.au.
"Vendors believe the Chinese have the money for these properties right now, while Australians don't," she says.
“We also can act as a bespoke buying agent for private clients."
Corbett’s prestige listings on her website include a small Chinese flag, which links through to listings on Juwai.com. She has also visited China to meet up with potential buyers.
Juwai.com has teamed up with software provider Rex to assist Queensland agents and other listing their prestige offerings on the Chinese property portal.
It also recently signed a partnership in Australia with LJ Hooker, in Canada with the Real Estate Channel and in France with Previsite.
The June quarter NAB Residential Property survey found that the proportion of new houses and apartments being purchased by foreign buyers has doubled in the space of two years.
Foreign buyers now account for between 12% and 13% of all new residential property purchases, according to the views of around 300 property participants surveyed as part of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/property-prices-to-rise-just-24-over-next-two-years-as-sentiment-weakens-nab-survey/2013071163168?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=news">June quarter NAB residential property index.</a>
“Asian investors (mainly Chinese) have been driving this trend according to the latest data from the Foreign Investment Review Board," says NAB chief economist Alan Oster.
“A number of factors are driving Chinese investment into Australian property, including initiatives to curb real estate speculation in China, diversification for Chinese property investors and immigration potential.”
'Beach' image courtesy of australia.com and has been digitally altered.
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Chinese appetite for Australian residential property hits $5.4 billion as demand for luxury property rises

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Investors in some Quest Serviced apartment developments should expect yields to rise to close to 8% over the next three years.
Using the example of a high-yielding one-bedroom apartment in Quest Launceston, Quest anticipates that gross yields will reach 7.8% by 2015, based on annual rent increases of 4%.
Annual rent increases of 4% are built in to every Quest lease with a market review taking place at the end of each five year term.
<div align="left">
<table style="width: 470px;" summary="&amp;&amp;&amp;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" border="1">
<thead>
<tr>
<td colspan="5">
LAUNCESTON 1BR Apartment $280,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="99">
Year
</td>
<td width="99">
2012
</td>
<td width="99">
2103
</td>
<td width="99">
2014
</td>
<td width="99">
2015
</td>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Annual Rent
</td>
<td>
$19,400
</td>
<td>
$20,176
</td>
<td>
$20,983
</td>
<td>
$21,822
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Rent Increase
</td>
<td>
4%
</td>
<td>
4%
</td>
<td>
4%
</td>
<td>
4%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Gross Yield
</td>
<td>
6.9%
</td>
<td>
7.2%
</td>
<td>
7.5%
</td>
<td>
7.8%
<div></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
The latest Quest serviced apartment stock list shows that yields currently range from just over 6% to 7.3%.
The strongest returns are in the recently refurbished Quest Wagga apartment block, with gross yields of around 7.29%.
Two apartments measuring 88 square metres with two bedrooms remain available for purchase in Quest Wagga for $399,000 returning annual rent of $29,095.
Yields in excess of 7% are also currently on offer for serviced apartments in Quest Darwin (though no apartments are currently available), in Quest Gladstone and in Quest Launceston.
A report by UK-based Travel Intelligence Network identified Quest as the fastest growing player globally in the serviced apartment market with a 28% increase in rooms in its network over the past two years.
Quest is now second only to Mantra in terms of serviced apartment room numbers.
In February, Quest announced plans to build  ten new apartment buildings in NSW by 2014.
According to the same report, the serviced apartment sector continues to expand in Australia and New Zealand with a 14.5% increase in supply since 2011.
A separate report by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Hotels found that of the 3,712 hotel rooms under construction in September 2012, a third were serviced apartments.
Serviced apartments available for purchase in Quest Gladstone start from $294,000 for a 53 square metre one-bedroom apartment and from $280,000 in Launceston for a one bedroom apartment measuring 58 square metres.
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Quest serviced apartment yields rising with Tasmania, Gladstone and Wagga yields near 8%

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Furious buyers of apartments in Pace Development Group’s Evo Apartments in Parkville are bandying together following news that the development is likely to be surrounded by freeways under the Victorian government's East West Link plans.
A website – noroadtunnel.com - has been set up by worried investors, some of whom signed bank guarantees in lieu of deposits just a few weeks ago.
They also took part in a Greens rally against development of the tunnel on Sunday joining residents and business owners who are set to lose their homes and properties from compulsory acquisition as well as Melburnians who fear the loss of pristine parkland.
Evo is due to be completed in November with current plans for the development of the East West Link and tunnel suggesting elevated freeways forming a triangle around the seven level apartment block featuring 175 apartments.
Off the plan investor James Egan, who represents a group of more than 10 buyers, says marketing material sent out about the development made no mention of the possible impact of the East West link.
“There was no mention of it all. They said Evo would be well north of any future development,” he told Property Observer.
Pace's Evo website makes no mention of the East West link.
Egan says he has visited the area along with other investors and has spoken to local residents who have received letters about possible acquisition of their properties from Linking Melbourne Authority, the Victorian government body in charge of the project.
“On the southern side of Evo, it looks to be only about 10 metres away from the proposed ramp," says Egan.
It's also the same side that residents in blocks of units have been issued with letters about the site being acquired for the tunnel.
“We have bombarded Pace with calls and we have are trying to band together as many as possible,” he says.
Another angry investor commented on Property Observer that he could not believe Pace would complete the development and expect owners to settle when it's going to sit “right smack bang in the middle of the East West link”.
Lawyers for Pace met with Linking Melbourne Authority last week, describing the meeting as “productive and informative” but with no details as to what exactly is being discussed.
“At this stage we are keeping those directly involved as up to date as possible, and as developments progress we will be issuing statements as necessary,” said a spokesperson for Pace.
The Greens rally was organised by deputy leader and member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt.
He says the government’s latest release of designs and letters sent to residents foreshadowing the acquisition of their homes is creating fear.
“It’s completely unfair to leave people in limbo by saying it will be another year before any specific property acquisition notices go out,” he says.
“We shouldn’t be wrecking people’s homes and precious parkland for another toll road that’s economically unsustainable and that won’t fix traffic congestion.”
The Greens want investment in public transport to fix congestion on Alexandra Parade and the Eastern Freeway by building a rail line to Doncaster and building Metro Rail. 
Earlier this year Bandt introduced a bill to prioritise the $3 billion committed to Metro Rail over any federal contribution to East West toll road.
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Angry off the plan Evo apartment investors join Greens to protest East West Link Parkville plans

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Greater Building Society has become the second lender to offer a one-year fixed-rate of 4.39%.
The comparison rate is 5.47%.
This follows the Newcastle-based lender cutting the interest rate on its one year fixed-rate packaged home loan by 15 basis points.
The rate on its non-packaged one-year fixed rate home loan has been reduced from 4.95% to 4.59%.
The new rates kicks in from July 19.
The other lender to offer a 4.39% one-year fixed rate home loan is fellow Newcastle-based lender the Newcastle Permanent Building Society.
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Greater Building Society cuts one-year fixed-rate to 4.39%

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ASIC has sought orders in the Queensland Supreme Court that liquidators from PricewaterhouseCoopers be appointed to wind up the $326 million LM First Mortgage Income Fund (FMIF).
The fund was one of seven registered investment schemes managed by collapsed Gold Coast fund manager and property developer LM Investment Management.
ASIC made its submission in a court hearing to decide the future of the fund.
The proceedings were started by two investors of the FMIF seeking orders for the appointment of Trilogy Funds Management Limited as responsible entity of the fund.
The current responsible entity, LM Investment Management Limited, opposed this application.
‘ASIC took this action as it believes that the appointment of receivers to the FMIF will allow the winding-up to proceed in the most efficient and cost effective way to provide the best chance of achieving the maximum return for investors,’ says ASIC commissioner Greg Tanzer.
‘As such, ASIC believes that the persons responsible for winding-up the FMIF should be appropriately independent. ‘It is ASIC’s view that the protracted litigation surrounding the FMIF is not in the best interests of investors and wishes to see the matter resolved as soon as possible.’ Before this week’s proceedings <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/lmim-founder-peter-drake-under-pressure-to-repay-%2417-million-loan-as-receivers-appointed-to-%24326-million-mortgage-fund/2013071163189">Deutsche Bank, a secured creditor of the FMIF, appointed McGrathNicol as receiver of the FMIF. </a>
If appointed, ASIC proposes that the incoming receivers work in conjunction with Deutsche Bank's receiver for an orderly realisation of the assets of FMIF. Justice Dalton reserved her decision in the matter.
LM Investment Management (LMIM) collapsed in March this year.
It is the responsible entity of seven registered managed investment schemes including FMIF. It also operates the $350 million LM Managed Performance Fund (LMMPF).
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ASIC seeks orders to wind up $326 million LM mortgage fund and realise assets

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International jewellery brand So Good has leased a vacant shopfront on Swanston Street in the Melbourne CBD, where rents range from $3,500 to $4,000 per metre.
The retailers will open their first Melbourne store at 215 Swanston Street on a long 10-year deal.
The two-level freehold has a ground floor area of 105 square metres and first floor area of 105 square metres.
The leasing deal was negotiated by Fitzroys leasing executive Harry Curtis, who says the new tenants will be paying a 20% increase on the previous tenant’s annual rental, with 4% annual rent increases and a six-month bank guarantee.
So Good has begun moving into the premises and will commence their own fit out shortly.
"The retailer was attracted to the property’s prime location near the corner of Swanston and Little Bourke Streets, within the heart of the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s CBD,” says Curtis
Fitzroys is currently seeking tenants for the ex-Zamels site on the corner of Swanston and Little Collins Streets, which has a wide 28-metre frontage.
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International jewellers take up prime space on Swanston Street

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The struggling hotel and leisure markets of the Gold Coast and tropical north Queensland appear to be reviving driven by rising domestic and Chinese visitors as the mining capitals of Perth and Brisbane retreat in the wake of fewer business travellers.
Melbourne's hotel market has lifted strongly due to a rise in domestic visitors and the closure of a major hotel while Sydney occupancy rates remained at high levels with room rates rising, according to the latest Deloitte Access Economics Tourism and Outlook report.
The recovery on the Gold Coast is being driven by a pick-up in domestic holidaymakers while in tropical north Queensland a preference among Chinese holidaymakers for smaller cities and regional destinations is driving a pick-up in overseas visitors.
Deloitte reports that since 2008, the Chinse share of visitor nights in Sydney and Melbourne has fallen from 73.1% to 62.8%, with the share of visitor nights in Brisbane, other capital cities and other regional destinations growing by 4.8%, 2.5% and 3.1%, respectively.
Occupancy rates on the Gold Coast have grown strongly over the past 18 months, “reflecting a surge in domestic holiday visitors” says Deloitte Access Economics’ Lachlan Smirl.
Gold Coast occupancy rates for the year to March 2013 reached 71%, a 4% increase to March 2012.
<img alt="deloitte_gold_coast" height="411" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/deloitte_gold_coast.jpg">
“Demand for accommodation is highly seasonal on the Gold Coast and while occupancy rates fell in April and May they were broadly on par with last year, averaging 71.1% over the year to May,” Smirl.
Deloitte projects that occupancy rates will continue to grow through 2013 and then stabilise at around 72% by the end of 2015.
“In contrast to occupancy rates, and reflecting the significant capacity that remains in the market, room rates on the Gold Coast have grown relatively slowly over the past two years.
“Consistent with recent trends, room rate growth is projected to average 3.5% per annum over the three years to December 2015, while continued growth in occupancies is forecast to see revenue per available room (RevPAR) grow at an average rate of 4.5% p.a. over the same period,” he says.
International visitor nights on the tropical north Queensland market (places like Cairns and Port Douglas) grew by over 20% over the year to March with the occupancy rate reaching 61.2% in the year to March.
“As with the Gold Coast, occupancy rates in tropical north Queensland are highly seasonal but fell slightly in April and May relative to last year, with occupancy rates averaging 60.9% over the year to May 2013," says Smirl.
Deloitte forecasts continued growth in occupancy rates in tropical north Queensland, with average occupancies projected to increase to 65.6% by the year to December 2015, reflecting the expected growth in international visitor nights – Asian leisure travellers in particular – over the next three years.
“Room rates have been relatively steady over the past two years – with, like Gold Coast, a significant amount of capacity remaining in the market.
“Looking forward, however, room rates are forecast trend upwards, growing at an average annual rate of 4.2% per annum.
“The strong growth in occupancy rate and room rates mean that RevPAR is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 7% over the three years to December 2015,” says Smirl.
<img alt="deloitee_FNQ" height="398" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/deloitee_FNQ.jpg">
Nationally, the accommodation market remained broadly on par with its 2012 performance, with occupancy rates averaging 66.0% for the year to May and room rates growing 2.6% per annum.
“While the national picture is a relatively stable one, there has been a significant divergence in performance across the country’s accommodation markets, with notable declines in Brisbane and Perth," says Smirl.
Both suffered from falling demand from domestic business visitors.
“The decline in visitor nights by corporate travellers over the last year has seen occupancy rates soften in the Brisbane market,” says Smirl.
“After sustaining an average rate of 81% over the year to March 2012, average occupancies eased to 79.3% over the year to March 2013 and have softened marginally further since, edging below 79% over the year to May.
“As a result of the forecast increase in supply over the next two years and the recent softening in business travel, occupancy rates for Brisbane are expected to remain relatively stable over the next two years, reaching 80.1% in the year to December 2015.
“This outlook is a downward revision on our first quarter release, reflecting the weakening corporate travel and a strengthening supply outlook.
In Perth, occupancy rates for the year to March 2013 fall to 83.8%, the lowest level since the year to June 2011.
“As the resource-related construction boom in Western Australia peaks, the demand for business travel to Perth will continue to soften,” says Smirl.
“Domestic business travel accounts for 30.6% of total visitor nights in paid accommodation in Perth, with international and domestic business travel combined accounting for 43.6% of visitor nights.”
Occupancy rates picked in Melbourne from 81% in the year to December 2012 to 81.9% over the year to May 2013 attributed in part to a strong increase in holiday visitor nights over the year to March as well as the closing of the Sebel Melbourne in February.
Deloitte forecasts Melbourne hotel occupancy rates to climb steadily to 84.1% by the end of December 2015 resulting in relatively healthy growth in room rates and yields.
The Sydney hotel market remains healthy with a steady outlook.
Deloitte reports that demand for accommodation in Sydney picked up marginally in the first five months of 2013, resulting in occupancy rates improving slightly to 84.8% over the year to May 2013 from the 84.7% recorded over the year to December 2012.
While occupancy rates in Sydney have been relatively flat, room rates have continued to grow steadily, improving 3.5% to $196 over the year to May 2013, while RevPAR grew 3.1% to $167 over the year to May.
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Domestic and Chinese visitors drive improvement in Gold Coast and Far North Queensland hotel markets as mining capitals slip: Deloitte

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.

Joel Robinson

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

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

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

Larry Schlesinger

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