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Chinese investment in Australian commercial property has surged ahead in 2013, according to figures published by Colliers International in its 2013 Australian Capital Markets report.
Over the first four months of the year, Chinese investment has totalled $201 million compared with $122 million for the whole of 2012 and $137 million in 2011.
“China has been actively investing or seeking to invest in mineral exploration and development sector for some time but more recently real estate has emerged as a major category for investment.
“During the last three years, proposed foreign investment in Australia by China in the real estate sector has grown by almost 75%, while proposed foreign investment in mineral exploration and development has declined by around 14%,” notes the report.
<img alt="chinese_investment" height="261" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/chinese_investment.png">
Source: Colliers International
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Chinese commercial investment in Australia surges in 2013: Chart of the week

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Stockland chief executive Mark Steinert has continued his management shake-up with the appointment of two new executives to the Stockland executive committee, including the key role of residential chief executive.
Andrew Whitson will take up the role of group executive and chief executive of Stockland's residential business on July 1 following the departure of Stockland’s former head of residential, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/australian-capital-territory/stockland-executive-team-shake-up-as-tim-foster-and-mark-hunter-sacked/2013050861155" target="_blank">Mark Hunter in May</a>.
Whitson will take over from Kingsley Andrew, who has been joint interim CEO over the last month.
Whitson has 20 years of experience in residential property development and investment in Australia and overseas. He has led Stockland’s Victorian residential business since 2009 and his role was expanded in 2012 to include New South Wales.
“Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role and a strong track record of achievement during his time as a senior manager at Stockland,” Steinert said. “I welcome him to our executive team and am confident he will be an effective leader for our residential business as we focus on improving returns.”
Stockland has also appointed Stephen Bull, currently general manager development and design (commercial property) as its new group executive and chief executive of retirement living following the resignation of David Pitman.
“On behalf of the board and executive committee I would like to thank David for his outstanding contribution over more than six years on the Stockland executive team,” said Steinert.
Bull joined Stockland in 2007 and since 2009 has led its development and design team, overseeing the retail development pipeline.
Prior to joining Stockland, Bull was at Westfield for eight years where he held various strategy, financial planning and operational asset management roles. Before joining the property sector, Stephen worked in financial services.
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Stockland appoints new heads of its residential and retirement living businesses

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A number of property heavyweights are reportedly bidding for the assets or the management rights of an Australand unlisted property fund.
The Australian Financial Review’s StreetTalk column names Charter Hall, GPT and the asset management arm of investment bank Investec as bidding for a collection of assets worth around $250 million that make up the Australand Wholesale Property Fund No.6 (AWPF6).
The fund is a portfolio of eight commercial and industrial properties located in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
It comes as majority shareholder Singapore-based CapitaLand is still seeking to sell its stake in the listed property trust following <a href="/news">GPT pulling out </a>of a $2.8 billion bid for the non-residential parts of the Australand business.
The column names Charter Hall, already an investors in the unlisted fund as “one of the most aggressive bidders” but its proposal to take over the management rights was reportedly rebuffed by stakeholders.
Australand holds a 28% stake in the fund, which was established in 2007.
The sale of the assets and management rights are being handled by CBRE, says StreetTalk.
The sale will strengthen Australand balance sheet, but according to StreetTalk indicates a “hardening attitude” among institutional investors to the purchase of wholesale real estate managers.
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Charter Hall, GPT among bidders for unlisted Australand property fund: StreetTalk

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The long lead time to the federal election is creating uncertainty in the minds of prospective buyers with more than one in two delaying purchasing decisions until after the September 14 federal election.
Around 56% of the 1,107 people surveyed by QBE LMI for its latest Mortgage Barometer Report said they would delay purchasing until after the election.
Around 30% said they want to see what economy is like post-election while nearly one in five (18%)  wanted to see who would win before buying – this despite only 14% of those surveyed expecting a Labor victory.
Other questions asked around the election, revealed that nearly three in four respondents (72%) believe the election will have no impact on the official cash rate.
However, perhaps signalling expectations around a more conservatively minded Coalition government, of the majority of respondents who think the Liberal National Party (LNP) will win, 21% say rates will rise after the election and only 8% say they’ll drop.
For those who think the Australian Labor Party (ALP) will win, 8% say rates will rise after the election, 20% say they’ll drop.
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More than one in two putting off home purchase decisions until after September 14 election: QBE LMI survey

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Serviced apartment operator Quest has expanded by 28% in the past two years and is now the fastest growing player globally, according to a new report.
Quest’s expansion comes as the serviced apartment sector continues to expand in Australia and New Zealand with a 14.5% increase in supply since 2011.
“Australian serviced apartments are in high demand and short supply; a trend that shows no sign of slowing,” notes the UK-based Travel Intelligence Network, authors of the Global Serviced Apartments Industry Report 2013/14.
Quest is now second only to Mantra in terms of serviced apartment room numbers.
Mantra offers 13,600 rooms in 150 locations spread across Australia and New Zealand with Quest offering 6,786 rooms across 120 locations.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/larry_uploads/serviced_apartments.jpg" width="470" height="376" alt="serviced_apartments">
The other major operators in what is a very fragmented market are Oak Apartments and Mercure (owned by Accor), which both offer more than 4,000 serviced apartments and Harry Triguboff’s Meriton Group (2,674 apartments), which has plans to expand this side of its business.
The biggest operator globally is the Marriott group through its Residence Inn serviced apartment business, which operates more than 90,000 apartments in the US and Canada.
Quest chairman and founder Paul Constantinou attributes the growth in Australia to the country becoming de-centralised; “former regional towns are now regional cities, and the lack of accommodation in these areas is being addressed by serviced apartments rather than mainstream hotels".
“Although Australia has major international centres, the hotel chains tend to be concentrated in the main cities,” he says.
Constantinou says the sector is being driven by demand from the extended stay market, where demand has grown by 30% due to companies expanding and more consultants finding themselves on the road to service their customers. 
The report also quotes research by Atchison Consultants which forecasts the Australian serviced apartments sector to outperform the hotel sector over the next three years
Atchison Consultants forecasts investor returns of between 13% and 15% per annum compared to 10% and 11% for hotels and also estimates - on the back of a 10% rise in business travellers to Australian in 2011 - that business travellers account for 50% of guests who stay in serviced apartments, attracted by the lower costs compared to hotels.
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 - though JLL warns that serviced apartments will have to show a positive yield for at least three years to tempt back investors.
According to the global 2013 report, this is already happening with the sector is attracting new investors and is benefiting from increasing numbers of business travellers to Australia.
The report says serviced apartment rental rates in Australia and New Zealand are the most  expensive in the Asia Pacific region, ranging from $110 to $200 per night for a studio apartment to $180 to $275 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Quest is currently selling investments in its Quest Rockhampton development offering rental returns of 6.5%, increasing by 4% per annum.
In May, <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/quest-lists-sydney-olympic-park-serviced-apartments-as-appetite-for-australian-hotels-rises/2013051561395" target="_blank">Quest listed its Sydney Olympic Park</a> apartment hotel for sale seeking around $39 million as it looks to free up cash to fund the development of more than a dozen new serviced apartment projects and tap into growing investor demand for Australian hotels and serviced apartments, particurlarly from Asian investors.
Australia’s serviced apartment sector dates back to the 1970s, but the real growth spurt occurred in the build-up to the Sydney Olympics with the number of establishments with 15 rooms or more growing from 479 in 1998 to 973 by March 2011.
It ranked as seventh biggest apartment globally in 2011-12, up from 10 in an earlier survey.
The current report does disclose country rankings.
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Surging Quest leads strongly growing Australian serviced apartment market

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The national median house price rose 1.7% over the three months to April to a median of $554,410, according to Australian Property Monitors (APM).
Over the past 12 months median prices are up 3.3%.
Perth had the strongest quarterly gain (3.2%) followed by Melbourne (3.1%) and  and Canberra (2.5%).
The strongest performing detached housing market over the year to April has been Canberra, with prices up 7.1%.
Despite this strong showing, APM senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson said the Canberra housing market "continues to tread water, weighed down by a faltering local economy and concerns about public sector job shedding, due to a deteriorating federal budget".
"Prices growth is expected to remain subdued as a consequence, with the April unemployment rate at 4.7%, the highest April rate recorded in the ABS series for the city, and well ahead of the 2.9% recorded over April the year before."
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House prices up 1.7% in April quarter led by Perth: APM

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Melbourne was the strongest performing capital city unit market over the three months to April with median prices rising 4.1% to $405,224, according to Australian Property Monitors (APM).
Overall the national unit market gained just 0.9% over this period.
The other notable rise was on the Gold Coast with unit values up 2.9% to a median of $370,000 though prices are still down 5.4% over the past 12 months.
"Melbourne’s housing market has risen since the Easter holiday period, with auction clearance rates on the rise over April and May," notes Dr Andrew Wilson, who prepared its latest housing market report.
"Auction listing numbers also rose over this period, with more than 700 extra properties offered for auction compared to the same period a year ago. This indicates that seller-confidence is on the rise in a market that continues to perform at three-year highs."
Wilson said the Gold Coast remained "on track for a modest revival in buyer activity, following a prolonged period of subdued activity, similar to other major housing markets in South-East Queensland that tend to move in sync".
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Melbourne leads modest 0.9% gain in unit prices in April quarter: APM

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<img alt="allensjune25bannerone" height="94" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/06/allensjune25bannerone.jpg">
Allens partner Alister Fitzgerald has been involved in a wide range of transactions since joining Allens, with recent career highlights including advising Woolworths Limited on the real estate aspects of the establishment of the $1.5 billion Shopping Centres Australasia Property Group; and advising the Government Investment Corporation of Singapore on the sale of 215 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, for $135 million.
He says a good understanding of the market and client need are key to success in the industry.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/06/alisterfitzgerald.png" width="200" height="200" alt="alisterfitzgerald" style="margin: 5px; float: left;">Agent: Alister Fitzgerald Position: Partner Company: Allens Office location: Brisbane
How long have you been in the industry?
Over 13 years now, working in Brisbane, Sydney, Hong Kong and Auckland, and then back to Brisbane.  This has included time in-house with Goodman Group and in private practice, with the last 3 years at Allens in Brisbane - a great final destination.  I've had the opportunity to see the highs and lows of the property cycle.
What’s happening in the area you specialise in?
There are some interesting market dynamics at play.  Demand for institutional grade assets is very strong, yet tenant demand is not as strong as it has been.  I am also seeing some established players start to look for growth in peripheral asset classes and locations.  These factors all present an interesting challenge for the clients I advise.
Describe the most interesting property deal you have been involved in?
The most interesting deals for me are those that have many moving parts and where client engagement is strong.  Last year, I was part of the Allens team advising Woolworths on the spin-off of $1.5b in shopping centre assets into the newly formed Shopping Centres Australasia Property Group.  A huge challenge, but with a very focused and determined client and broader consultant support team, and working with a large and dedicated team at Allens across many jurisdictions and practice areas.  The transaction was successfully executed and it was for me, personally, a very rewarding experience.
What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?
A good understanding of the market and client need.  A strong work ethic, an ability to manage teams and an ability to think laterally.  And perhaps most importantly, a pretty good sense of humour that you share with those around you - helps put things in perspective and to think calmly when you need to the most.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy a well-executed transaction - efficient, with a sensible managing of risks, and a positive commercial outcome for the client.  I also enjoy engaging with and learning from others - including clients, other consultants, my team members and my fellow partners.  I have a genuine interest in the real estate industry and like to have a working understanding the non-legal aspects of it.  This helps me do what I do more effectively.
Where would invest a spare $750,000?
The mortgage would need to go first, but after that I would be looking at (probably jointly with other investors) commercial assets in city fringe locations in Brisbane, in the recognised in-fill corridors, with a strong tenant covenant and solid holding income for the medium term.
Which football team do you support?
Broncos and Reds, but to be honest I'd get a bigger buzz seeing Cadel Evans do well in this year's Tour.
What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?
I use my iPad a lot, and find on work trips and in meetings it is very useful, and I get the Financial Review on it which keeps me up to date.  My favourite app is probably Strava on my iPhone, which tells me just how slowly I ride up the large hill near my home, compared to the average punter.
How do you use social media?
I do enjoy direct personal interaction so have never found social media as a viable substitute for that.  That said, I get a reasonable amount of benefit from LinkedIn from a networking perspective.  I use Twitter now and again, but if I am being honest I haven't got to the point of properly understanding its full potential - that's on the to-do list.  Facebook has never appealed greatly to me - I do have an account, but most things personal to me I only want to share with a small number of people, not including Mr Zuckerberg.
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In profile: Allens real estate partner Alister Fitzgerald

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The Debunking Economics website launched by economist and housing market analyst Steve Keen is set to close in August. 
Keen told Property Observer <a target="_blank" href="https://debunkingeconomics.com/">the site</a> had not succeeded as a commercial venture. 
Debunkingeconomics.com launched in August last year quickly attracted 130 subscribers under an introductory offer of $25 per month or $250 for the year. 
The prices increased to $40 a month or $400 for a 12 month membership in September. 
Most of the subscribers were US-based. 
Hosted by Las Vegas-based Echo Chamber Media, it offered hour-long economics videos, weekly video interviews on topical issues, chart packs, fortnightly interactive seminars and blog posts with the aim of monetising some of Keen's views published on his long-running Debtwatch blog (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.debtdeflation.com/blogs/">www.debtdeflation.com/blogs/</a>). 
Keen says he plans to pare things back to writing his Business Spectator column and Debtwatch so that he has some time to do "fundamental research". 
“I have a target that if I haven't begun my next book by the end of 2013 then I'm going to be somewhat of a hermit in 2014: far less travel and fewer conferences. 
“2013 has been overkill on that front,” he says.
In June, Keen spoke at a Harvard Law School specialist seminar on money in Boston, followed by a keynote address to the Malaysian Central Bank's annual conference and further engagements in London, Paris, Frankfurt and Bordeaux.
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Property bear Steve Keen to close subscription site Debunking Economics

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With mortgage repayments taking up substantial part of household income, being mortgage-free is an ambition for many homeowners.
There are simple strategies that borrowers can implement to help them pay of their home loan faster from bringing your own sandwiches into work to seeking out discounted mortgage offerings to paying fortnightly instead of monthly.
Here a 10 tips from mortgage brokers <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/">Mortgage Choice </a>and lender <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rams.com.au/">RAMS</a>:
1. Shop around, from beginning to end of the loan term - Why would someone research only one lending institution before applying for a mortgage – one of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make? The same goes for throughout the loan term. Why would you stay with one lender for 25 years when Australia has a competitive mortgage market that changes frequently? Existing mortgage holders should do a home loan health check with their mortgage broker at least once every two years, especially if their income or other circumstances has changed. 
2. Don’t adjust repayments after an interest rate drop - If interest rates drop, borrowers should continue making the same regular repayment. They will potentially help the borrower save on total interest paid over the loan term. Maintaining regular repayments in the instance of a rate cut means the borrower doesn’t have to sacrifice a dollar to make significant gains on their mortgage.
3. Ignore the honeymoon rate - Many people make the mistake of not looking past their honeymoon period, when the mortgage interest rate is lower than it will be for the rest of the loan term. If the post-honeymoon period has not been budgeted and prepared for then obviously the borrower will be in for quite a shock. A clever move is to make mortgage repayments as if the honeymoon period doesn’t exist, so they are well prepared for its completion and already ahead on payments. They will also be unaffected by a rate rise if it occurs. 
4. Make fortnightly instead of monthly loan repayments - Over just twelve months, this equates to one extra month of additional repayments. This could cut four and a half years off a 25 year term loan and save about $69,000 interest on the average $300,000 home loan.
5. Save loose change and take your lunch with you sometimes - Saving money in small ways and making extra lump sum repayments can help to pay off your loan faster. An extra $25 a week to repayments will reduce the average $300,000 home loan over 25 years by six years and five months, saving over $97,000 in interest.
6. Consider an offset account - If all your salary is deposited into an offset account, any funds you leave in the account work harder for you because your savings are offset against your home loan to reduce the interest you pay.
7. Look out for promotional offers – If you’re applying for a new home loan, considering refinancing or at the end of fixed-term home loan, a home loan has no application fees, could save hundreds of dollars off the application process for your new home loan.
8. Pay extra each repayment period - The more additional dollars that are contributed more often, the better off the borrower will be. 
9. Make lump sum payments - Contributions of bonuses, tax returns and other financial windfalls can make a big difference to the interest owed over the life of the loan and the length of the loan term. 
10. Consider loan features carefully - Before deciding on a loan, the borrower needs to consider what loan features they really need, and how much each of those either contribute to the loan from the start (i.e. higher interest rate for more features) or how much they are going to cost down the track (e.g. $25 per redraw, a minimum $250 withdrawal, etc). With an ‘all-frills’ loan, the borrower most likely is paying a higher interest rate. If they don’t use all the facilities offered on the loan, it makes sense to refinance and switch to a more basic product offering a lower interest rate – their repayments will be lower, and they can afford to pay off the property more quickly if that is part of their strategy. Of course, switching costs need to be taken into account. Those who are looking at taking out a mortgage may also investigate their eligibility for a professional package, where they can receive benefits such as a reduced interest rate, no application or other fees, Gold credit cards and home insurance discounts.
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10 tips to paying off your home loan quicker

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

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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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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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