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The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has nominated over 50 finalists in their Awards for Excellence, with winners to be named at a gala event on 5 February at Brisbane City Hall.
Winners from the individual and agency categories will advance through to the National Awards for Excellence, to be held in Perth next year.
REIQ CEO, Antonia Mercorella said: “This year’s finalists are drawn from Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Hervey Bay and Townsville, with entries coming from right across the state.”
“They’re being recognised not only for their exceptional achievements but also for their commitment to integrity in the profession.”
Finalists for the 2015 REIQ Auctioneer of the Year and the Best Real Estate Report wil be announced in the coming weeks.
Below is the full list of finalists:
Large Residential Agency of the Year
• Calibre Real Estate, Red Hill, Brisbane
• Place Estate Agents, Brisbane
• Dowling and Neylan, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
• Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
• Amber Werchon Property, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Medium Residential Agency of the Year
• Denovans Real Estate, Mitchelton, Brisbane
• Bowmaker Realty, Northlakes, Brisbane
• Brad Bell Real Estate, Wishart, Brisbane
• Jeff Jones Real Estate, Stones Corner, Brisbane
• Explore Property, Townsville
Small Residential Agency of the Year
• Dixon Family Estate Agents, Toowong, Brisbane
• Urban Property Agents, Paddington, Brisbane
• MTR Property Group, Forest Lake, Brisbane
• Property Pursuit Pty Ltd, Paddington, Brisbane
• Jam Property, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
Commercial Agency of the Year
• Place Projects Pty Ltd
• CBRE
• Century 21 Commercial Hervey Bay
Residential Salesperson of the Year
• Cameron Crouch, Ray White Graceville, Brisbane
• Shannon Harvey, Place Estate Agents, Bulimba, Brisbane
• Brett Andreassen, Doug Disher Real Estate, Toowong, Brisbane
• Daniel Argent, Urban Property Agents, Paddington, Brisbane
• Anne Fidler, Belle Property, Paddington, Brisbane
• Jodie Hedley-Ward, Next Property Group, Buderim, Sunshine Coast
• Mark McGill, Amber Werchon Property, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
• Robbie Neller, Ray White Peregian, Peregian Beach, Sunshine Coast
• Melanie Butcher, Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
• Damien Keyes, Keyes &amp; Co. Property, Townsville
Residential Property Manager of the Year
• Sarah McMillen, Bees Nees City Realty, South Brisbane
• Ranita Patel, Urban Property Agents, Paddington, Brisbane
• Katie Knight, RE/Max Success, Toowoomba
• Loretta Morgan, Jam Property, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
• Maaike Hillegers, Dowling Neylan, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
Business Broker of the Year
• Ian Salter, Benchmark Business &amp; Commercial Sales, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast
• Lincoln Bridge, Benchmark Business &amp; Commercial Sales, Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast
Commercial Salesperson of the Year
• Peter Court, CBRE, Brisbane
Commercial Property Manager of the Year
• Lauren Battams, NAI Harcourts Gold Coast, Hope Island
• Julie Magennis, CBRE, Brisbane
Buyers’ Agent of the Year
• Zoran Solano, Hot Property Specialists Buyers Agency, East Brisbane
• Simon Pressley, Propertyology, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
• Karen Young, Property Zest, Chermside West, Brisbane
• Tony Coughran, VFM Property Advisors, Paradise Point, Gold Coast
Corporate Support Person of the Year
• Melitta McDonald, Propertyology, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
• Amy Wolter, Place Estate Agents, East Brisbane, Brisbane
• Kathy Cuthbert, Place Projects Pty Ltd, East Brisbane
• Greg Tate, Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Brisbane Southside, Rocklea, Brisbane
• Penny Choyce, Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
Rookie of the Year
• Nathaniel Smith, Bees Nees City Realty, South Brisbane
• Susan Brant, Amber Werchon Property, Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
• Andrew Birkett, NAI Harcourts Gold Coast, Hope Island
Community Service Award
• Harcourts Queensland, Eagle Farm, Brisbane
• LJ Hooker Nerang, Gold Coast
• LJ Hooker Ormeau, Gold Coast
• Laguna Real Estate, Noosaville, Sunshine Coast
• Matthew Mandl, Virgo Patterson Realty, Hermit Park, Townsville
Source: REIQ.
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REIQ's Awards for Excellence 2015 finalists announced

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Architecture group Rothelowman are expanding their services across the east coast, opening new offices in Sydney.
The group specialises in highrise developments and are hoping to tap into a new market after the recent multi-residential boom in New South Wales and ACT.
Three years ago they opened offices in Queensland after the state's extended property slump. The Brisbane offices make upwards of 25% of the practice's income.
Last year RotheLowman designed 10,000 apartments in Melbourne. Managing principal Kim Lowman believes Sydney is primed to take on just as much development.
“Sydney is undergoing a development boom similar to the one experienced in Melbourne during the last five to 10 years,” says Lowman. 
Lowman anticipates Sydney offices will produce 30% to 40% of the firm’s revenue in less than three years. He predicts a sharp growth in Sydney’s property development after a recent slow period. Factors such as a prolonged post-Olympics and post-global financial crisis property slump “have led to pent-up demand for multi-residential development in Sydney.”
According to the Housing Industry Association, New South Wales building approvals for units in four plus storey buildings are currently at an historic high, despite a 36% drop in the September 2014 quarter. 
Rothelowman were granted approval of a $30 million dollar mixed-use, multi-residential development in Burwood and expect several other New South Wales projects to be approved in the coming months.
Newly appointed principal of Rothelowman in New South Wales and the ACT Ben Pomroy says the long-term trend of housing construction delivery of 18,000 dwellings per annum in New South Wales is consistently falling short of baseline demand of 22,000 to 25,000 dwellings per annum.
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Rothelowman expand to Sydney

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Proposed changes to NSW's planning system are a step in the right direction, but there is still more to be done, according to the Urban Taskforce.
Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson says: “Far more (improvement) is needed across the whole planning system.”
Johnson believes there are three major changes that can ideally improve the system.
“Firstly we need to have a much simpler planning system.
“Secondly we need to get rid of the street by street battles that are occurring in NSW by having code accessible projects. There is not nearly enough code accessible projects in NSW compared to Victoria and Queensland.
“The third thing is a revision of how approvals are occurring in NSW. There are 43 small councils in Sydney which think in very local ways and therefore are not supportive of change and new development.”
Johnson also said compared to other states, the NSW planning system is falling behind in promoting growth and dwelling approvals may be affected, with fears of the current high ratings declining.
“I detect that the planning systems in Queensland and Victoria are more supportive of growth but in NSW they are somewhat anti growth,” he said.
“While NSW is currently doing well in terms of dwelling approvals, this may not continue unless the planning system is made simpler.”
In the September 2014 quarter NSW approval ratings were down 6.7% on last year, according to ABS Building Approvals.
Pru Goward, NSW Minister of Planning believes these projects currently take too long to process.
“It is unreasonable for communities and industry to wait years for projects to be determined...we expect councils to assess development applications without delay, so we (the government) should hold ourselves to the same standards,” Goward said.
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Three changes that could improve NSW's planning system: Urban Taskforce

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More and more people are turning to Queensland for their next investment opportunity.
National Australia Bank has also suggested that <a href="/expert-insights/investing/brisbane-and-sydney-to-lead-2015-but-growth-to-lag-nab">Brisbane, along with Sydney, is set to lead in 2015, albeit with moderate growth</a>.
Property Observer looked at CoreLogic RP Data’s latest median house price statistics to find out where Queensland’s cheapest homes are.
<h3>Queensland Houses </h3>
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Fairymead</a> - $65,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Monto</a> - $100,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mount Morgan</a> - $106,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Proston</a> - $113,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Eidsvold</a> - $118,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Charleville</a> - $136,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Murgon</a> - $145,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Dysart</a> - $150,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Blackall</a> - $155,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Depot Hill</a> - $158,000</li>
</ol>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data.
Unit figures are on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
According to RP Data, Queensland’s median unit price is $346,000 which is ahead of only Tasmania and South Australia.
The average time on the market for a Queensland unit is 112 days.
Here are CoreLogic RP Data’s 10 suburbs with the cheapest median unit price.
Queensland Units
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Manoora</a> - $143,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Smithfield</a> - $160,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Logan Central</a> - $168,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Holloways Beach</a> - $174,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Beenleigh</a> - $175,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Garbutt</a> - $176,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bellbird Park</a> - $179,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Hermit Park</a> - $180,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Woodridge</a> - $180,000 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Waterford West</a> - $190,000</li>
</ol>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
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Queensland's 10 cheapest suburbs for houses and units

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A petition on Change.org to toughen regulations on foreign investment in Australia has reached 30,000 signatures.
Just over a month ago <a href="/news/petition-to-toughen-firb-regulations-at-almost-6-000-signatures">signatures hit 6,000</a> and since then it has continued to gain popularity, putting further pressure on the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) to tighten their rules.
With supporting information from Today Tonight and The Australian, Simon Hosking, <a href="https://www.change.org/p/the-executive-members-toughen-the-regulations-for-foreign-investment-in-australia" target="_blank">the man who launched the petition</a>, noted that he is unable to purchase property in China, Japan and many emerging economies, yet foreign buyers are able to purchase in Australia.
“Foreigners are laughing at us. Australians and our companies are not able to buy any property in China, as an example. Why foreigners should then be allowed to flout our flimsy FIRB rules in an almost unregulated way, threatening the viability of local buyers by forcing up prices,” Hosking said.
The petition, which will be sent to the executive members of the FIRB, asks for the introduction of more thorough testing of foreign buyers and their purchases, closer scrutiny of each purchase for irregularities and the toughening of regulations surrounding foreign investment in Australian properties.
Hosking says that the issue has been largely ignored by politicians, but noted that media interest and rising house prices have increased pressure on MPs to make a change. 
Comments from those that had signed the petition expressed major concerns.
“I would not just be concerned about these illegal purchases in the cities. Foreign ownership of our arable farming land is increasing at an alarming rate also. Our food source is in danger of being controlled by foreign interests. Only limited and controlled foreign investment is good for Australia,” says Lorraine Apap.
“Only let Australian citizen purchase properties in Australia otherwise our children will never be able to purchase their own home,” writes Marilyn Hansen.
“If it’s impossible to buy property as a foreigner in China or Japan...or any other country, then it should also be the case for that would be foreign buyer. I say that the corruption going on within the real estate industry is an outrage. In china you would be shot for this... on the other hand, the people doing the shooting are probably doing the buying,” says Murray King.
To counter these issues a $1,500 foreign investor fee has been proposed by the Abbott government, leaving local investors even more unhappy.
“This is cruel joke on all Australian families," said Hosking.
"My research indicates clearly, foreign investors are paying sometimes $100, 000 to $400,000 above the reserve price. So a $1,500 application fee is hardly going to stop them from buying; is it?
"Hong Kong foreign investors pay 15% stamp duty. This type of impost implemented here, would provide a valuable revenue source and create a level playing field.
"At the moment foreign investors are getting a free ride and a free entry; at the locals' expense.”
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Online petition to toughen foreign investor rules hits 30,000 signatures

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Sydney’s historic inner suburb, Millers Point, will receive greater protection after proposed amendments to the City of Sydney’s planning controls.
The new Local Environment Plan (LEP) restricts changes to the existing height and floor spaces for Millers Point Heritage Conservation Area properties.
Minor increases to these dimensions will be allowed if the changes are consistent with heritage recommendations.
These changes to the LEP mean historic buildings will be protected as new owners move into the area.
With 293 total potential sales of government-owned and heritage-listed properties in Millers Point, the NSW Heritage Council called for a review of the area’s planning controls.
Lord Mayor Clive Moore says, “We are trying to provide consistency and certainty for future home owners in Millers Point, while protecting the area’s irreplaceable history”.
“This proposal helps protect these buildings as they move into private ownership, and has the strong support of the Central Sydney Planning Committee,” Moore says.
The City will be holding a 28 day public exhibition period if public exhibition is approved by the NSW Minister for Planning, Pru Goward. This will give a chance to the community to voice their opinions on the proposal.
Millers Point was Australia’s first public housing site, developed between 1810 and 1930 for the maritime industry workers, better known as wharfies. Since the 1980’s, the NSW Government has used Millers Point for social housing, and the iconic suburb has been able to keep its character intact throughout the years.
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Renovations restricted for Millers Point heritage sites

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It seems when buying property in Victoria, the further you are from Melbourne, the cheaper it gets.
According to RP Data, there are 13 suburbs in Victoria that had median house prices under $100,000 over the last 12 months and they are all in the north and north-west parts of the state.
Victorian House Median Prices
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Sea Lake</a> - $70,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Kaniva</a> - $73,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Minyip </a>- $75,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Rainbow</a> - $77,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Ouyen</a> - $78,000</li>
<li>H<a href="/news">opetoun</a> - $80,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Jeparit</a> - $82,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Nyah West</a> - $85,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Coleraine</a> - $88,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Dimboola </a>- $89,000</li>
</ol>
Similarly, the cheapest units are found 100s of kilometres from Victoria’s major metropolitan areas. But these units aren’t just in small rural towns. According to RP Data, some of Victoria’s cheapest units are found in the large rural hubs of Victoria, in places such as Horsham, Mildura and Moe.
Victorian Unit Median Prices
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Newborough </a>- $133,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Moe</a> - $145,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Morwell </a>- $149,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Mildura</a> - $159,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Alfredton</a> - $180,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Maryborough </a>- $182,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Wodonga </a>- $185,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bairnsdale</a> - $188,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Horsham</a> - $188,000</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Yarrawonga</a> - $193,000</li>
</ol>
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Where can you find the cheapest homes in Victoria?

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A 10 level apartment building is set be developed in Sydney’s inner suburb of Kensington with completion predicted to be in June 2016.
Apartments are on sale now. Prices range from $522,000 for studio apartments to $2,450,000 for three bedroom penthouses.
The building will have 113 units and boast a gym, a pool and a fresh food supermarket. 
<img src="/images/2014/11/20/kensington-nov-20-one.jpg" alt="">
88 Kensington is on ANZAC parade, close to Sydney’s beaches and within 5 kilometres of the CBD. The apartments also have close access to busses and are within walking distance of the University of New South Wales, Sydney Children’s Hospital and Centennial Park. 
It has been designed by the Bureau of Urban Architecture and developed by Luxcon Development Pty.
CPM Realty says that 88 Kensington represents an opportunity for those looking to maintain an inner city lifestyle without the intensity of central Sydney living. 
<img src="/images/2014/11/20/kensington-nov-20-three.jpg" alt="">
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Apartments in 88 Kensington, Sydney now on the market

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There was a 3.1% increase in total dwelling approvals nationwide for the 2014 September quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The rise in residential building approvals has now lasted over two years, although the peak in monthly approvals appears to have been reached earlier in the year, first in July 2014 with 195,565 approvals and then again in August 2014 with 197,887 approvals. After these peaks, national levels of dwelling approvals are beginning to show signs of moderating.
A ‘changing of the guard’ is currently taking place. NSW and WA used to lead the course but it is now Victoria, Queensland and South Australia (on a smaller scale) who are emerging as the key drivers of national approval growth grates. However, this may not mean national rates will rise again.
Detached house approvals
<ul>
<li>There was a 60.2% of total approvals compared with the decade average of 64.7%</li>
<li>Approvals are now tracking sideways</li>
<li>Victoria, NSW and Queensland are the main drivers of growth in this area of approvals</li>
<li>Shown the strongest potential for growth but it is unclear whether this will be able to occur within the current cycle</li>
</ul>
 Semi-detached and townhouse approvals
<ul>
<li>13.0% rate compared with the decade average of 13.7%</li>
<li>Victoria and NSW account for just over half of Australia’s semi-detached and townhouse approvals, the annual increase in these states during the September quarter were 10% and 28.8%, respectively. These were not strong enough to counter the decrease that other states experienced. This drop was particularly evident in Queensland, where this category of approvals decreased by 27.7%.</li>
</ul>
Approvals for units in one or two storey buildings
<ul>
<li>3.3% share, compared with the decade average of 3.0%</li>
<li>Had sharp declines but there has been a turnaround</li>
<li>The only declines were seen in South Australia and the Northern Territory</li>
</ul>
Approvals for units in three storey building
<ul>
<li>3.6% share, compared with the decade average of 2.7%</li>
<li>After rates stagnated in late 2013 and early 2014 there is now signs strong growth</li>
<li>Levels historically elevated in WA and Victoria</li>
</ul>
Approvals for units in four plus storey buildings
<ul>
<li>19.9% share compared with decade average of 15.9%</li>
<li>Approvals began to drop after they had been at their highest rate ever recorded. </li>
<li>Previous signs of decline still evident, but overall levels still historically elevated</li>
<li>Declines driven by NSW and Victoria</li>
</ul>
<h3>NSW</h3>
During September 2014 quarter NSW was down 6.7% on total approvals compared to this time last year. It was the only major driver of approval rates to experience a decline.
Three storey dwellings and four plus storey dwellings dropped 39.1% and 36% respectively. Annual detached house approvals were up 21%.
<h3>VIC</h3>
Victoria had an 8.3% rise in total approvals for the September 2014 quarter compared to the 2013 quarter. Annual detached house approvals were up 12.7% whilst one or two storey dwelling approvals were up 67% on last year. Three storey units had an increase of 88%.  
<h3>WA</h3>
In the September 2014 quarter WA experienced an increase in approvals by 13%. This was an unusual result for WA.
One to two storey dwelling approvals were up 37.8% on last year.
Three storey units saw a rise from 18 in the September 2013 quarter to 241 in the 2014 quarter. Outside of WA the key drivers of the annual rise in September 2014 quarter was Queensland where these approvals more than doubled.
<h3>SA</h3>
South Australia only experienced rises in detached housing and four plus storey approvals yet there was still a 6.7% increase in total approvals for the September 2014 quarter.  
One or two storey approvals declined from 62 in September 2013 quarter to 45 in September 2014 quarter.
<h3>QLD</h3>
There was a 6.4% increase in approvals for the September 2014 quarter.
Annual detached house approvals were up 12.5%.
For one to two storey buildings Queensland recorded the strongest annual growth (91%) however this reflects a weak base. Deeper inspection shows current levels in Queensland are just shy of historical norms.
<h3>ACT</h3>
The ACT experienced a decrease in approvals of 31.5%.
One or two storey buildings declined from 24 in 2013 September quarter to 21 in the 2014 quarter.
Three storey unit approvals rose 79% this quarter.
<h3>NT</h3>
Northern Territory had a decrease in approvals of 12.5%
The NT was the only state to have a decline in detached dwellings in the September quarter with a 12.5% decrease. These approvals fell from a historically high level during mid-2013.
<h3>TAS</h3>
In the September 2014 quarter Tasmania had an annual increase of 15.5%.
While the size of the Tasmanian market is not large enough to be a major driver of the total situation, annual growth for detached housing was still very strong during the quarter, up by 19.4%.
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Dwelling approvals up 3.1% in September: State by state round-up

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The Development Assessment Commission has given approval for a $105 million apartment building to go up in Adelaide’s West End.
The building, developed by Star Fish Developments, will feature exterior hanging gardens made up of over 3,000 plants. A 22 metre vertical garden will also be planted as a major design element of the building.
Bohem will consist of 220 apartments ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms. There will also be a podium level rooftop garden with a pool, gym and barbeque area. Apartments are expected to be on the market by March 2015.
Apartment floor plans and pricing structures won’t be finalised until early next year. The current median unit price for Adelaide is $383,750.
Bohem has been designed by architects Woods Bagot, led by Principal Gavin Kain and South Australian architect Enzo Caroscio.
Star Fish Developments Managing Director, Damon Nagel says,”Adelaide’s West End is a fusion of cultures and styles and this is reflected in Bohem’s deign which brings together various design elements, scaled heights and setbacks, and exterior finishes and materials”.  
Approval for the building came after Star Fish Developments joint venture with Asian Pacific Group on the Vue apartments. Star Fish Developments now have $370 million worth of projects in progress across South Australia and Western Australia. 
<img src="/images/2014/11/20/WB_WRIGHT_view%201_FINAL_v6-lr.jpg" alt="">
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$105 million Adelaide development approved

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Joel Robinson

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

The long-planned transformation of Brisbane's historic Shafston Estate has taken another major step, with Capella Hotel Group announced as the luxury hospitality partner behind what will become Brisbane's first branded residences.

The project, to be known as Capella Residences Brisbane, is being delivered by Verso Projects at the landmark Kangaroo Point riverfront estate, with completion targeted for 2029.

The announcement follows a series of planning changes to the project over recent years. The site was originally approved in 2023 for a 15-level, 37-apartment development designed by Rothelowman for Burgundy Group before Verso Projects took over the 10,070 sqm riverfront holding and lodged revised plans with Kerry Hill Architects to increase the development to a 25-level tower with 51 apartments.

The latest announcement confirms Capella Hotel Group will bring its branded residential offering to the project, marking just the second Capella Residences development globally after Seoul, and the group's first branded residential project in Australia.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/23-castlebar-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Castlebar Street development</a> will centre around the restoration of the heritage-listed Shafston House, one of Brisbane's oldest residences, originally constructed in 1851 by Reverend Robert Creyke as a single-storey cottage known as Ravenscott.

<img alt="Capella" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b9f4ce5-638f-4d6b-8082-3ca7e4b75fca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-09%20at%207.20.41%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=f7aeqsW_DzOJI4FymWb3lD8NptSfsP7q" />

Capella said the project aligns with its focus on heritage-led developments, with the Brisbane estate combining the restored historic residence with a new luxury apartment tower and hospitality-inspired resident amenities.

Residents will have access to the Capella Living Room, a concierge-led communal space inspired by the group's luxury hotels, alongside landscaped gardens, six swimming pools, wellness and recreation facilities.

The broader estate will also include two riverfront homes, a six-berth private marina, porte cochère arrival experience, secure basement parking and a new section of public riverwalk along the Brisbane River frontage.

The heritage Postal Depot Building will also be retained and repurposed as a guest house, in line with the revised development plans.

The project represents another evolution for the site, which Kerry Hill Architects previously described as a rare opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's most significant heritage estates while creating a new benchmark for apartment living.

"The Shafston Estate provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore one of Brisbane's finest heritage precincts and to reinstate residential use as a unique site perched on the edge of Kangaroo Point," Kerry Hill Architects said in its Urban Context Report accompanying the planning submission.

"The project will celebrate excellence in sub-tropical residential design, setting a new benchmark for vertical living in Brisbane."

Verso Projects, which now has an $8.5 billion development pipeline spanning more than 6,000 dwellings across apartments, townhouses, retail and commercial projects, said the partnership with Capella would elevate the development beyond a traditional residential project.

"We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence underpinned by Capella's distinctive service ethos and design philosophy, and making it a standout landmark in Brisbane," Verso Projects CEO Steve Laffey said.

"By partnering with Capella, globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context, we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination."

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane's emergence as a global city made it the right location for the company's Australian residential debut.

"Brisbane is a city on the cusp of something remarkable, and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story," Fasel said.

"The Capella residential experience is more than luxury. It is about a sense of belonging to a place with deep meaning."

Private appointments have now opened for the project, with a display suite expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Capella to launch Brisbane's first branded residences at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point

Lewis Land's latest apartment release within its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harbour-shores-biggera-waters-564-oxley-drive-biggera-waters-qld-4216">Harbour Shores</a> masterplan is targeting one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing buyer groups, with almost a third of apartments at Solis priced below $1 million.

The seven-storey building at Biggera Waters will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 one-bedroom residences starting from $778,000, a price point Lewis Land says is aimed squarely at first home buyers struggling to enter the Gold Coast market.

<img alt="Harbour Shires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7486e37-22f6-4c92-b212-9b0622070b8f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=W8MJwJUCf6HkIyl_EVSksnd.QI6MZryY" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lewis-land-group">Lewis Land</a> Head of Development Michael Long said the developer deliberately allocated a significant proportion of the project to more affordable apartment types.

"First home buyers have been priced out of many parts of the Gold Coast, and we saw a clear opportunity to address this and play our part in a longer-term housing solution," Long said.

"That's why 24 of the 91 apartments being delivered at Solis have been designed and priced for the city's next generation of homeowners, quality one-bedroom apartments, half of which include an additional multipurpose room to maximise space and flexibility.

"This approach places 30 per cent of apartments in Solis under $1 million, and with close proximity to Harbour Town's future light rail extension connecting residents to the city's major employment and knowledge hubs, it's a win for buyers looking to secure their first property."

<img alt="Sores" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="550526d3-73ba-4710-9739-c5f4294a30ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-08%20at%209.09.29%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=cQQdXHt9wS0UXwZEm5Py5bH_3kAmzyhu" />

Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with residences ranging up to 232 sqm. Apartments feature generous balconies and contemporary finishes, while residents will have access to Harbour Shores' lagoon pool, clubhouse, tennis court, gym, yoga studio and sauna.

The focus on first home buyers resonated with purchaser Holly Humphreys, who said she and her boyfriend spent more than a year searching for their first property before shifting their attention from houses to apartments.

"We fell in love with the first house we bid on and got our hopes up, but after repeated knockbacks we learned not to get too attached," Humphreys said.

"We offered at the high end of price guides, but sales kept going even higher. That's where we really struggled and we needed to re-evaluate our budget and our expectations. Standalone houses were off the table, and we pivoted to apartments and townhouses."

Humphreys said it was encouraging to see developers recognising the growing demand from first home buyers.

"There's a growing number of young buyers looking to enter the market earlier because they understand that getting in now can make a real difference as prices continue to rise," she said.

"It's fantastic to see a developer recognise this and then actively take measures to deliver an apartment with us in mind."

Solis is the first development planned within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, with early works expected to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113271]

Lewis Land targets first home buyers at latest Harbour Shores release, Solis

Luxury apartment developer Abadeen has recorded $19.25 million in apartment sales across two of its Lower North Shore developments in the lead-up to the end of the financial year, headlined by the sale of a $6.75 million penthouse at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-5-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO in Crows Nest.</a>

The transactions also included the sale of a newly completed three-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences in Cremorne</a> for $6.35 million, with the residence selling shortly after the project's first public inspections following completion.

The sales come as completed, owner-occupier-focused apartments continue to attract strong demand across Sydney's Lower North Shore, particularly from buyers looking for certainty and immediate occupancy.

The penthouse at KOYO spans 491 sqm across a single level and was designed by architect Koichi Takada. The development is one of Abadeen's flagship boutique projects in Crows Nest.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=370093]

Abadeen Executive Chairman and Founder Justin Brown said buyer activity lifted noticeably in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.

"We saw a clear increase in enquiry levels, inspection numbers and buyer engagement across our completed projects leading into the end of the financial year," Brown said.

"Buyers have become far more decisive over the past six months. The combination of improving confidence, limited supply and the ability to physically inspect completed residences is creating strong competition for premium apartments in the best locations."

Brown says the&nbsp;response to Park Residences following completion has been particularly strong.

"Buyers want certainty and are responding positively to the opportunity to walk through a finished product, inspect the quality firsthand and move in immediately," Brown suggested.

"Projects such as Park Residences and KOYO demonstrate that when the product is exceptional and the location is irreplaceable, buyers are prepared to act quickly."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=370116]

Abadeen CEO Joe Tack said quality continued to differentiate projects in the current market.

"Today's buyers are incredibly discerning," Tack said.

"They are seeking larger floorplans, premium finishes, walkability, lifestyle amenity and confidence in the developer delivering the project. Well-designed boutique developments continue to outperform because they offer something genuinely difficult to replace.

"The enquiry we are seeing across our completed and recently completed Lower North Shore portfolio is very encouraging, and we expect this momentum to continue into spring."

The sales follow increased enquiry across Abadeen's Lower North Shore portfolio which also includes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective in Naremburn</a> which also completed recently.

KOYO penthouse headlines Abadeen's $19.25 million EOFY sales flurry

The City of Sydney has approved plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia Group</a> and Metrics Credit Partners’ $3.5 billion Castlereagh Place project in the heart of the Sydney CBD

The towers will be among the tallest in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw-2000">Sydney</a>'s CBD, with more floors than any other residential tower in the city.&nbsp;

The 6,000 sqm site was acquired by the joint venture partners in 2024. It is the largest amalgamated land parcel in the Sydney CBD and comprises eight individual sites fronting Castlereagh, Pitt and Liverpool Streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castlereagh-place-sydney-324-348-pitt-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Castlereagh Place</a> will transform an underutilised city block into a landmark mixed-use destination, anchored by two 82-storey towers comprising 607 luxury residences above an 8-level podium housing a 209-room luxury hotel. A 1,000 square metre civic park on ground level features a curated mix of food, beverage and retail.

The plans have been refined over the past year to rebalance the residential and hotel offering, and reconfigure the retail footprint to create a stronger, more dynamic dining experience.

A three-level flagship building on the prominent corner of Pitt and Liverpool Streets will be the gateway to the Castlereagh Place lifestyle precinct. Set to become a Sydney icon, the building is capable of housing multiple hospitality venues.

“Castlereagh Place is designed to be the City's next great urban oasis - an energetic mixed-use precinct that pulses with life, day and night,"&nbsp;said Joseph Kinsella, Group Director of Billbergia.

"It will bring the vibrancy of places like Barangaroo and Darling Quarter into a more accessible, central destination at the very heart of Sydney."

Kinsella said the project will build on&nbsp;Sydney’s growing laneway culture with the City’s largest network of new activated lanes - an expanded, next-generation take on precincts like Angel Place, Palings Lane and Ash Street in Wynyard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374401]

Castlereagh Place has been designed by architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fjc-studio">fjcstudio</a> in collaboration with Trias Studio, Aileen Sage and Polly Harbison Design, joint winners of an international design competition in 2018.&nbsp;

Signature design elements from the original scheme remain unchanged, while the public domain has been significantly enhanced, delivering 60 per cent more open-to-sky space.

Pedestrian access will also be enhanced through new laneways linking Pitt, Liverpool and Castlereagh Streets, drawing people into a new civic park with outdoor seating, landscaping and integrated public art.

With activated laneways supported by strong hospitality offerings, Castlereagh Place is tipped to become a vibrant new dining destination in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

It marks the largest undertaking to date for the Billbergia and Metrics Credit Partners partnership. Together they are developing other underutilised Sydney sites into mixed-use precincts, including the $2.2 billion Concord Central and the $1.3 billion Chatswood Grand Residences.

Metrics Managing Partner and Group CEO Andrew Lockhart said Castlereagh Place is a landmark project that will redefine Sydney’s skyline.

"As the tallest residential high-rise development, the revitalised site will offer panoramic views across the CBD and surrounds. We are excited to partner with Billbergia to reinvigorate an underutilised site and create a sophisticated and contemporary mixed-use offering situated in the heart of Sydney.”

Total apartments within the towers have increased to 607 dwellings, with a focus on larger floorplans. Aligned to growing market demand, Castlereagh Place now comprises 299 three-plus-bedroom apartments, 198 two-bedroom units and 110 one-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134477 project_image_fid=374402]

Resident amenities will include an exclusive residents club containing a gym, rooftop pool, dining rooms, co-working spaces, library, golf simulator, games room, cinema room, and access to an exclusive concierge service. There will be around 500 basement car spaces below the towers.

The development will also include a state-of-the-art wellness centre, set to feature a bathhouse with magnesium pools, hot/cold plunge pools and premium amenities.

&nbsp;

According to fjcstudio, the towers will feature distinctive yet elegant architectural design reflecting Sydney’s geometry and urban character, with a network of through-site links and intimate public spaces activating the streetscape.

"Castlereagh Place is a city-making project of significant scale and ambition," said Richard Francis-Jones, Design Director at fjcstudio.

"It will create a rich urban complex of public open spaces, landscaped gardens, and vibrant laneways. Defining these new public spaces and the important streetscape of Castlereagh Street is a sequence of fine-grained, diverse retail and hotel architecture designed in collaboration with Aileen Sage, Polly Harbison Design and Trias.

“Rising above the tree-lined, human-scale streetscape are two slender residential towers that will transform the city skyline and look towards the Harbour, Hyde Park, and the Royal Botanic Garden.”

Demolition and early construction works have commenced onsite at Castlereagh Place.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134477]

Oliver Wisniewski

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