<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 928 auctions in Melbourne for the weekend of  October 26. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Melbourne.pdf" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

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APM's Melbourne auction results for October 26 weekend

<html><body>Australian Property Monitors (APM) has released a list of results from 581 auctions in Sydney for the weekend of October 26. The clearance rate was 83.2%. <a href="https://www.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 14px;">Click here</a> for the auction results, and click on each street address to see the property's marketing.</body></html>

APM's Sydney 581 auction results show a 83.2% clearance rate

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Ensure you are set on refinancing before embarking on any applications, as any applications for new credit products, including mortgages, affect your credit rating. Ensure your existing mortgage is healthy with no recent missed repayments that could affect your ability to refinance.
You should also compile a list of credit cards and other debts, such as personal loans, that will affect your borrowing capacity. Remember the hoops you needed to jump through to achieve your initial loan, as you will find yourself undertaking a very similar process. Consider obtaining a copy of your personal credit file, and make sure all taxes and bills have been paid. Tax returns and accounts need to be up to date as well. Find out from your lender which documentation will be required and have it all ready to go.

<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a target="_parent" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Get your affairs in order to make the process as smooth as possible 

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1) In which famous Sydney location was this recent $15 million sale?
<img alt="qs_oct_24" height="314" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/25/qs_oct_24.jpg"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/bondi-beach-knock-down-sydney-school-architecture-mansion-fetches-around-%2415-million/2013101865449"></a>
2) What's the current cash rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia?
3) Which footballer commentator didn't bid on the below converted church property?
<img alt="kew_0011_13.jpg" height="313" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/25/kew_0011_13.jpg.jpg"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/no-bids-from-bt-for-fitzroy-abode-of-sydney-heiress-betty-saunders-klimenko/2013102165829"></a>
4) Can a power line affect your ability to secure a loan for a property?
5) Which state recently had more than 50% of its local councils see planning changes?
6) What were the top two features in both Melbourne and Sydney that buyers noted as most important in a recent realestateVIEW survey?
7) How many suburbs are there now in Sydney with a median price of $1 million plus?
8) Which couple from The Block recently sold their Maidstone cottage (pictured below)?
<img alt="maidstone_0008_9.jpg" height="313" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/10/25/maidstone_0008_9.jpg.jpg">
Click through to the next page to reveal the answers
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak" title="Answers">
Answers
1) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/bondi-beach-knock-down-sydney-school-architecture-mansion-fetches-around-%2415-million/2013101865449">Bondi Beach</a> 
2) <a target="_blank" href="/news">2.50%</a> 
3)  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/no-bids-from-bt-for-fitzroy-abode-of-sydney-heiress-betty-saunders-klimenko/2013102165829">Brian Taylor</a>
4) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/hurdles-to-watch-out-for-when-acquiring-a-bank-loan/2013102265861">Yes it can</a>
5)  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tasmania/new-planning-schemes-for-more-than-50-of-tasmania/2013102365912">Tasmania</a> 
6)  <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/what-buyers-want-in-sydney-versus-melbourne-realestateview/2013102365898">Price and Location, respectively</a>
7) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/sydney-s-million-plus-median-suburbs-pass-the-century-as-michael-slater-cements-avalon-s-place/2013102265828">123</a> 
8) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/north-melbourne-bound-the-block-s-josh-and-jenna-sell-edwardian-maidstone-cottage/2013102265872">Josh and Jenna</a> 
 
{module How many did you get right?}
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Property Trivia: How closely were you watching the news this week?

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Undertake an analysis of the features and extras you are currently using, or not using, with your current mortgage. Also ensure you go through your paperwork and clearly understand all the costs and fees associated. Consider the amount of equity you may also have available by comparing the current value of your property against the current amount owing on your mortgage.
TIP: You can pay for a valuation report, but for a quick gauge on how much your property may be worth, have a look at recent comparable sales in the area.
<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a target="_parent" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Examine the state of your current loan

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Our 15 questions to ask can be helpful in this respect. Sit down and consider your lifestyle and goals. If you’re looking to refinance as a couple, or a group, you will want to discuss your options at this point in time.
<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider" target="_parent">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Undertake an analysis of the reasons you’re looking to refinance

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After earlier this week sharing his<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/landlords/simon-buckingham-s-top-10-things-to-look-for-in-an-investment-property/2013102265855?utm_source=po&amp;utm_medium=aida&amp;utm_campaign=observations" target="_blank"> top 10 things which he looks for in an investment property</a>, director and RESULTS coach of <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.resultsmentoring.com/">RESULTS Mentoring</a>, Simon Buckingham, followed up with his 10 investor pitfalls. 
 1. Believing the myth that property always goes up in value.
Many property spruikers still promote the idea that that property doubles in value every seven-10 years. But any historical study of actual median price movements demonstrates that this isn’t the case. Prices tend to go up in short bursts, and only about 30% of the time.
In fact there can be long periods when property prices in any given suburb are flat or even fall. Research into local market dynamics is essential to avoid picking an area where prices are more likely to trend sideways or fall in the near term, and to have the best likelihood to buying in areas that are going to increase in value.
2. Believing what you’re told by someone with a vested interest in selling you a property.
If someone is recommending that you buy a particular property, ask yourself: What’s in it for them? Do they really have your best interest at heart, or are the more focussed on the money they’ll make if you buy one of their properties? Remember, a real estate agent, developer or buyer’s agent will make money whether or not the property you buy through them actually meets your personal financial needs.
3. Buying on emotion, instead of research and due diligence.
This is especially a danger at auctions, because the entire auction process is designed to play on the emotions of the buyer by creating a competition where the highest bidder is the “winner” (Congratulations! You’ve just paid too much for your property!)
Always carry out due diligence before committing to any property purchase. This means examining recent comparable sales, crunching the numbers to understand the potential for profit in the deal, working out your maximum purchase price, and checking out the risks.
4. Buying a property because “it’s a bargain!”
A property that appears cheap, may be cheap for a good reason. There could be expensive structural issues, high-tension power lines overhead, an old mine under the backyard, or the “neighbours from hell” next door. Always carry out due diligence to check whether a “bargain” property really is the deal of a lifetime, or is actually a disaster waiting to happen.
5. Investing in property primarily to “save tax”
It’s not really hard to save tax… all you need to do is make a loss, and then claim that loss as a tax deduction! If your main reason for buying a property is to get a tax saving (for example, through negative gearing), then you’ve missed the whole point of investing… which is surely to make money rather than lose it! A tax saving doesn’t turn a bad deal into a good investment. Treat any tax savings as a bonus – not the sole reason to buy a property. 
 6. Failing to properly research the area in which you plan to purchase.
Invest in the wrong area and you may find that you’ve just bought into a suburb that is going to go nowhere, or worse, decline in value. Why would you want to buy and hold a property in a suburb where values were going backwards? 
Find out about local population trends, housing supply and vacancy rates. A falling population will undermine property values as people (and money) leave the area, and vacancy rates increase. Prices tend to rise slower in areas where plenty of new houses or units are being built, especially if the supply of new housing outstrips the rate at which the population is increasing. This is a common issue with large new housing estates and areas with many high-density apartments.
7. Entering into an unconditional contract to buy a property, without first obtaining finance approval. 
If your contract to purchase a piece of real estate is ‘unconditional’ and you can’t complete settlement because you’re unable to get a loan, then you’ll probably lose your deposit (and possibly more).
8. Omitting to undertake a building and pest inspection on a property before buying.
Unless you are a builder, you could easily miss costly problems with the physical dwelling, like a leaky roof, damaged foundations, a termite infestation or worse!  What sounded like a “bargain” at the time could rapidly become a far more expensive money-pit because you didn’t get it properly checked out by professional building and pest inspectors.
9. Buying a property after a 15 minute inspection, or worse, site-unseen.
It’s scary to think that most investors spend more time deliberating over a new pair of shoes for $100 than they do on evaluating an investment property for $500,000! If you’re going to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in a property, do more than just looking at photos on the internet or attending a 15 minute open-for-inspection.
Invest a little time and money to properly check out both the property and the neighbourhood. Otherwise you might find you’ve just bought the best property on the worst street, right next door to the local “crack house”! And remember, photos often lie. 
 10. Listening to the opinions of people with little or no actual property investing experience.
Only ever take property investing advice from those who can demonstrate they have experience in the kind of property investing strategies you’re interested in, and who have a track record of success. Do not listen to the opinions of those who have never invested in property before, or are not investing in the current market.
 
<hr>
 Simon Buckingham is director and RESULTS coach of <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.resultsmentoring.com/" target="_blank">RESULTS Mentoring</a> as well as the author of The Real Deal: Property Invest Your Way To Financial Freedom.
 
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Simon Buckingham's top 10 investor pitfalls

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Ensuring your knowledge is up to date on the process, by reading eBooks similar to this and asking your lender for help, will put you in the best possible situation to understand what you’re undertaking and your reasoning behind it.


<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a target="_parent" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Understand how refinancing works

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Director and RESULTS coach of <a href="https://www.resultsmentoring.com/" target="_blank">RESULTS Mentoring</a>, Simon Buckingham, shared with Property Observer the top 10 things which he looks for in an investment property.
1. A property that is aligned with your financial goals.
First and foremost, you need to know what financial outcome you’re seeking from your property investment – i.e. how much profit, by when, and what form is that profit going to take (capital growth, cash flow, a lump sum cash gain from adding value, etc)? It’s only with a clear financial goal in mind that you’ll be able to assess whether a property is actually the right one for you!
2. Established (not brand new) house in a growth area.
New houses depreciate, which can provide some tax advantages, but you’ll pay a premium for ‘new’ and may not see any greater rate of growth than you would with a less expensive established house in the same area.
3. Priced lower than comparable properties in the area.
Becoming familiar with values in and area by researching recent comparable sales can help you identify properties where the price represents good value – subject to checking out whether there is some kind of major issue with the property. Remember though that many problems can be fixed cost-effectively, and it may be that the seller simply needs a quick sale and is quite negotiable on price.
4. A house on a larger block in a zone that would allow higher density development.
This may make your property more desirable to developers, helping it to outperform on price growth even if you have no intention to develop it yourself.
5. Other ‘scarcity’ aspects.
Look for something that will make your property rare (but not weird) and therefore more desirable than others in the area, so that it outperforms on price growth and/or rental returns, rather than getting more-or-less the same as any other property. Examples of ‘scarcity’ aspects might include a larger block in a high density area, water views, proximity to amenities (like beaches, parks, sports grounds), being close to public transport or easy freeway access (but not right on the railway line or right next to the freeway), etc.
6. Opportunities to cost-effectively add value or increase rent.
The more options you have for making money from an investment property, the better. If you can add value to the property, then you become less reliant on market-driven growth for you profits. Look for properties with potential to increase the value or achieve a significant improvement in rental return through cost-effective improvements. Here, ‘cost-effective’ means that you’d spend less on the improvements than the resulting increase in the property’s value, or would be paid back the cost of the improvements within a short timeframe from the increased rent. 
7. More than one dwelling on the same title.
A property with more than one house or unit on the same title may deliver a higher rental return from multiple tenancies, or provide an opportunity to actively increase the value of the property through a potential subdivision.
8. Located in an area with favourable ‘market dynamics’.
Not all suburbs are equal, and they won’t all experience growth at the same time. Look in areas where the leading indicators of growth are positive. For instance, a suburb where there’s limited housing supply and properties are being sold at a rate faster than the rate at which new listings are being added, the average-time-to-sell is falling, may indicate great potential for short-term price growth.
9. Located in area with low rental vacancy rates.
If you’re planning to hold the property for rental income and price growth, then picking a property in an area with strong rental demand will be important. Low vacancy rates will support both rents and prices, and help reduce the risk of having to carry the property empty (with no income) for extended periods between tenants.
10. Broad target market appeal.
Ensure the property will appeal to your 'target market'. If you’re planning to rent out the property, then it needs to be a property that tenants will actually want to live in. If your plan is to on-sell the property down the track (perhaps after renovation or redevelopment) then look for locations and properties that will have broad appeal to the majority of home buyers and investors in the area.
 
<hr>
 Simon Buckingham is director and RESULTS coach of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.resultsmentoring.com/">RESULTS Mentoring</a> as well as the author of  The Real Deal: Property Invest Your Way To Financial Freedom.
 
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Simon Buckingham's top 10 things to look for in an investment property

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Investors who know that refinancing may be an opportunity down the track, should consider this before entering into a loan arrangement. Have a good look at the closing costs, understand your obligations and the purpose of the property in the first place, and ensure you’re making the choice for future gain rather than for a quick fix solution.
Ensure you know how long it will take you to recoup any of the costs associated with refinancing so you can factor this into the equation. If you’re planning to, or may be likely to need to sell the property soon then refinancing may not be the answer.
<hr>
This article is from Property Observer's free ebook <a target="_parent" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-mastering-the-art-of-refinancing-12-tips-for-success-and-key-things-to-consider">Mastering the Art of Refinancing: 12 tips for success and key things to consider</a>.
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Planning ahead

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>.

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