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The $100 million Somerset Park development in Andergrove Mackay has unveiled the estate’s first display home, ‘Stratum’ home – one of nine architecturally designed homes available to build.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/01/10/F1.jpg" width="400" height="242" alt="F1">
The new display home will showcase just one of the house and land package designs available in the new master planned residential estate.
The home has been constructed by Bloomer Constructions and styled by local Mackay interior design business L’Amour Home Furnitute and Homewares.
The ‘Stratum’ design comprises of four bedrooms and two living areas and comes with a 3-bedroom option.
“We are thrilled to be unveiling our first ever display home for Somerset Park, which showcases one of our premier designs in a four bedroom configuration,” says TOTAL Property Group managing director and Somerset marketing manager Adrian Parsons.
<img src="/images/stories/2014/01/10/F2.jpg" width="400" height="266" alt="F2">
“The display home opening is ideally timed with the release of the development’s stage two. This is so prospective buyers can visually experience and get a feel for the type of housing available at the estate.
“The spaciousness, layout and quality of the display home is sure to attract major interest, especially for prospective buyers looking to purchase a three, four or five bedroom house and land package in stage two.
“We have also chosen the Stratum design, as it is ideal for families, but still showcases the high level of quality and contemporary design carried throughout all housing options,” says Parsons.
Stage two launched last month, following the sell out of stage one.
“The development really is appealing to the likes of owner occupiers and investors, for its ideal positioning, quality product and great value.
“Stage one has sold out and stage two is now selling as a result of the development meeting market demand. We expect that the added benefit of being able to explore the housing options first hand, will only further this interest and uptake,” says Parsons.
The display home is located on lot 104.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au">ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Somerset Park estate unveils first architecturally designed display home

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Residential building approvals were down 1.5% during the month of November, but recovery it still underway, according to the Housing Institute of Australia.
The number of detached house approvals in November increased by 5.7%, - the highest level since during the stimulus mid-2010 – but multi unit approvals fell 8.8%.
South Australia led the way as the strongest state, with building approvals up 23.2%, followed by New South Wales up 14.5% and Queensland up 8.3%.
“Overall, the level of building approvals is high and the latest update indicates that activity in the market continues along a rising trend,” says HIA Senior Economist Shane Garrett.
Victoria recorded the largest drop, declining 17.5% during November, followed by Tasmania down 10.4% and the Australian Capital Territory down 9.0%.
A slight increase of 0.5% was recorded in Northern Territory.
“The persistence of strong regional disparities means that the recovery cannot yet be seen as broad- based.
“Despite strong increases in New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland, a sharp decline occurred in Victoria during November and the Tasmanian market continues to be plagued by declining activity.
“It is vital that strong levels of home building continue so as to ensure that housing needs are met across all regions. This is all the more important in the context of the chronic housing underbuild over the past decade,” says Garrett.
Garrett says policy reform in the areas of residential land availability and building regulation must continue as a matter of urgency.
“Strong levels of home building will be very supportive to wider economic growth, something particularly pertinent at this time,” says Garrett.
Total dwelling approvals totaled almost 174,000 over the past year.
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Building approvals down but recovery still happening: HIA

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Two office buildings have come down in West End Brisbane to make way for Pointcorp’s $105 million Vida riverfront development, with construction to commence in the coming weeks.
The development is currently 97% sold and has recorded $94 million in sales since launching to the public mid-2013.
"This is the first step in the construction process and means the project will soon become a reality," says Pointcorp director Chris Vitale.
"We are excited to be preparing to get out of the ground, just six months after Vida was launched to the market.
"The response to the project has just been phenomenal, with more than 74 per cent of the apartments sold within a fortnight of its release,” says Vitale.
A selection of apartments remain priced from $800,000, including two- and three-bedroom apartments and a five-bedroom, four-bathroom penthouse priced from $3 million.
Property Observer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/brisbane-west-end-vida-development-95-sold-including-89-million-in-penthouse-sales/2013110466039">reported</a> in November that three penthouses had sold off-the-plan, totaling $8.9 million.
“We identified the demand, and lack of supply, for apartments close to the city centre that were designed for the owner-occupier market and released Vida to fill this void.
"The apartments are larger than the average on offer in Brisbane and include top shelf fittings and finishes.
“The final apartments are all in fantastic locations within the development, with either absolute Brisbane River views or suburban vistas,” says Vitale.
Vida will feature 144 apartments across two 12 level buildings and a ground floor retail precinct with four tenancies.
Designed by Cottee Parker, Vida’s exterior will feature a four-metre high green wall and fig leaf screen and residents will have access to a rooftop pool and gymnasium.
Apartments will feature exposed concrete ceilings, track lighting and American oak timber flooring.
A call was put out almost immediately for tenders to build the project, following strong buyer demand.
The development will take around 18 months to complete with purchasers expected to move in mid-2015.
The median apartment price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">West End</a> is $213,750, a 21.1% decline since last year.
news@propertyobserver.com.au
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Office buildings come down to make way for West End Vida development

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The $330 million Albion Mill Village in Brisbane’s inner north still remains on track following the fire in late November, which destroyed the heritage listed brick flour mill.
Developed by FKP Property Group, the first stage of the development – The Hudson – has recorded $38 million in sales and is currently 50% sold.
The Hudson comprises of 140 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments plus skyhomes.
The development was in partnership with Jan Powers Farmers Market, with the farmers market to be held on the heritage site on the second and fourth Sunday of every month, but following the fire, the market has had to relocate.
“The fire was a major shock to us; the heritage listed nature of the building and the history of the site is one we as developers hold very close to the essence of the masterplan,” says Aveo Group’s Gary Kordic, executive general manager developments Queensland.
“It is a history we have worked to celebrate in the masterplan, and this will continue.
“The demolition of the Albion Flour Mill is not something that we wanted to see, however, due to the damaged occurred as a result of the heat generated from the fire, the building lost its structural integrity,” says Kordic.
Kordic says stage one remains on track, with construction due to commence this year.
“The Albion Mill development appeals to discerning buyers – it is a once-in-a-lifetime development, paying homage to the history of the site and transforming it through innovative design into one of the city’s most contemporary multi-use urban developments, a flagship for modern living with stunning fitout and penthouse level finishes,” says Kordic.
A limited number of three-bedroom apartments were released following buyer demand, priced from $389,000.
In <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/albion-mill-village-development-secures-%2422-million-sky-home-sale/2013082063382">August last year</a>, the development secured a $2.2 million sky home sale on the 12th floor.
Remaining apartments are priced from $399,000 for a one-bedder and $455,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
<a href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Brisbane's Albion Mill Village remains on track following flour mill fire

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The Australian Industry Group/Housing Industry Association dropped 4.2 points in the month of December to 50.8 but is still indicating growth and is ahead of the average for the year of 43.9
According to the Australian Performance of Construction Index, house building remained the strongest performer at 63.5 and apartment building increased to 56.
“The Australian PCI effectively ‘paused for breath’ in December, easing its rate of growth after a strong march forward over the previous several months,” says Housing Industry Association chief economist Harley Dale.
“The key is that the index remained in expansionary territory,” says Dale.
Dale says detached housing still accounts for over 60% of new home building and has a substantial reach into Australia’s manufacturing sector.
“The on-going strength in apartment and house building sub-indices is pleasing to observe,” says Dale.
New orders, activity and deliveries from suppliers were all lower in December, recording 54.3, 50.7 and 48.3 respectively.
“In line with the easing of the mining investment boom, engineering construction was weaker in December and with further falls in store; the time is ripe for a much more decisive focus on building new and upgrading existing transport infrastructure,” says Australian Industry Group director public policy Peter Burn..
“Commercial construction, while only just in positive territory in December, is showing signs that the extended recession in this sector may be drawing to a close,” says Burn.
Employment tightened in the sector after two consecutive month of growth to 48.1.
“Low interest rates are clearly having their long-awaited impact and the continued growth of new orders means that builders – and the manufacturing and service industries that are linked to the commercial and residential construction sectors - can look forward to 2014 with a greater degree of confidence than prevailed only a few months ago,” says Burn.
The main constraints on house building activity continue to be tight credit conditions and a lack of public sector building activity.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au">ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Construction slowing down but still ahead of yearly average: Australia PCI

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The first significant apartment development to be built on the Capricorn Coast in five years is nearing completion, with finishing touches to wrap up by the end of the month.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2014/01/09/oshen]}
The $35 million Oshen development in Yeppoon will feature 61 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments across five levels, including penthouses.
Developed by Concept Living Properties, Oshen is the first project to deliver one-bedroom apartments on the Capricorn Coast.
“The construction team has done a great job in overcoming the problems of wet weather to deliver this project on time,” says CLP director Sandy Murdoch
“It means buyers can look forward to taking ownership of their apartments in January,” says Murdoch.
Sales have totaled more than $27 million with 10 one- and two-bedroom apartments remaining priced from $339,000 and ranging in size from 55 square metres to 234 square metres.
Oshen will feature conference facilities, a swimming pool and a barbeque area.
“These new facilities position the Capricorn Coast well to tap into the corporate market as well as the leisure market,” says Capricorn Enterprise chief executive Mary Carroll.
“It will go some way in meeting the needs of our growing population and heralds the addition of a sophisticated new accommodation option for both leisure and business travellers,” says Capricorn Enterprise chairman Graham Scott.
Scott says the development is crucial for the Capricorn Coast tourism industry and it will be a catalyst for further tourism-oriented development in the area.
The median unit price in <a href="/news">Yeppoon</a> is $290,000, a 5.7% decrease in the past year, according to RP Data.
<a href="mailto:ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">ntrotman@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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First Capricorn Coast development in five years nearing completion

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Some 30 waterfront lots have been released in the Sovereign Point precinct in the Martha Cove marina development on Safety Beach.
Sovereign Point offers the only waterfront blocks available in the development, with lots ranging in size from 697 square metres to 920 square metres and boast a harbour frontage of up to 22.5 metres with a berth title.
Lots are priced from $499,000, with house and land packages ranging from $899,000 up to $1.45 million for a three-, four- or five-bedroom home.
Nine out of the 30 lots have sold since the November release.
“Sovereign Point gives people a rare opportunity to build their dream architecturally designed home in a masterplanned waterfront community with parks, cycle paths and walkways,” says chairman of partners at PPB Advisory Ian Carson.
Martha Cove is the only site on the peninsula where boats don’t have to leave the water to refuel, and offers 24-hour onsite security with patrols on land and water.
The 94-hectare residential marina development offers house and land packages and will consist of around 1,100 residential dwellings upon completion.
Martha Cove will also include 750 marina berths, a commercial precinct and aged care facility.
A new approach was taken for the $650 million development back in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/alliance-forms-for-mornington-peninsula-s-%24650m-martha-cove-development/2013100265429">October</a>, with an alliance forming between three stakeholders – development company Three Pillars and receivers and managers KordaMentha and PPB Advisory.
Broken into three precincts, PPB Advisory will develop Sovereign Point, KordaMentha will look after Hidden Harbour and Three Pillars will develop Harbourside.
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Waterfront blocks released in Martha Cove development

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The first eight rental dwellings under the Country Liberals Governments Real Housing for Growth head-lease initiative are now ready for rent in Tennant Creek.
The properties will be available for $231 per week, 30% below market rent rates.
The government will lease privately owned dwellings for a 10-year period and the owner/investor is guaranteed 52 weeks market rent per year.
The government will then rent the dwelling to eligible key workers at 30% below market rate.
“This project is an excellent example of how the Country Liberals Government is working with the private sector to increase the supply of affordable housing with an aim to deliver 2000 new homes across the Territory over the next four years,” says Minister for Housing Matt Conlan.
“Labor took their eye off the ball when it came to land release and as a result housing prices all over the Territory sky rocketed.
“The Country Liberals are acting quickly to ensure Territory workers aren’t squeezed out by the high cost of rents caused by the former Labor government’s failed policies.
“We want workers and their families to be able to stay in towns like Tennant Creek and enjoy our unique lifestyle,” says Conlan.
“That’s why we’ve committed $3.8 million in 2013-14 to support the initiatives under Real Housing for Growth plan, including the head-lease initiative which will help keep key workers such as mechanics, shop workers, hairdressers, health workers, hospitality workers and apprentices in the NT.
Conlan says the rent saving will make a real difference in the lives of Tennant Creek residents and young families struggling with the cost of rent.
Head-Lease Agreements have already been issued for three sites, including one development at Coolalinga and two developments in Tennant Creek and negotiations are being finalised with other shortlisted developers to build up to 500 homes on privately owned sites and on government land by early 2015.
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First affordable rental dwellings in Tennant Creek now available

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The First Home Owners Construction Grant in Queenlsand isn’t black and white, with first home owners looking to substantially renovate a property - as opposed to building one from scratch - still eligible.
“Many young people don’t understand that a ‘new home’ doesn’t necessarily mean something that has just recently been built or is in the process of being built; substantial renovations are also eligible for the FHOCG,” says Lachlan Walker of Place Advisory.
The FHOCG is a $15,000 grant provided by the Government to Australian citizens purchasing their first home, which must be valued at under $750,000.
The terms indicate that the place of residence must be a new property and must not have previously been occupied or sold as a place of residence.
Walker says substantial renovations are when all or most of the structural and/or non structural components of a building are removed or replaced.
According to the Queensland Government website, a substantial renovation involves any structure building work such as replacing or altering foundations, floors, supporting walls, brick and roofs.
Non structural building work includes repairing electrical wiring, replacing or altering non supporting walls and plumbing and plastering or rendering walls.
“I believe that substantial renovation gives people many more options,” says Walker.
“They can buy into an area that they like far more easily, and have the option of a self-renovation job, or they can purchase a property that has recently been substantially renovated, just as long as it has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence,” says Walker.
Cosmetic work, such as painting or sanding floors, does not count as substantial renovation.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:news@propertyobserver.com.au">news@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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First Home Owner Construction Grant not black and white

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Demand for fixed rate home loans were strong in December - soaring to 33.06% - a similar level achieved back in March 2008, according to Mortgage Choice.
Fixed rate loans were significantly higher last month than the 30.56% recorded in November.
"Despite the fact that we saw several lenders raise the interest on their fixed rate products over the past few months, this type of product remains very popular with borrowers," says Jessica Darnbrough of Mortgage Choice.
"Borrowers are increasingly flocking to the safety of fixed rate home loans as they seek to provide themselves with certainty around their mortgage repayments.
"In the current economic environment and with the Reserve Bank keeping its cards close to its chest, it is not surprising to see so many borrowers opting for the safety and security of a fixed rate home loan,” says Darnbrough.
Fixed rate loans increased in every state except New South Wales, which recorded a 0.58% drop.
Queensland recorded the biggest increase, with fixed rate loans accounting for more than 44% of all home loans in December.
However, variable rate home loans are still the most popular amongst borrowers, accounting for 66.94% of all loans in December.
<a target="_blank" href="https://mce_host/news@propertyobserver.com.au">news@propertyobserver.com.au </a>
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Fixed rate loans increase as more buyers seek certainty: Mortage Choice

<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.

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Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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