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Yet again the end of the financial year comes around, and it’s time to do your tax return or better – save on tax payable. Apart from the usual receipts and items claimable, for which I hope you have a more efficient system in place than the old shoe box, there are ways to save on your property investments and mortgages. Here are only a few tips on how and where you may be able to reduce your tax bill. 
1)      With four interest rate cuts since the beginning of the 2011-12 financial year, now may be the right time for you to consider refinancing your home. Do this before the end of the financial year, and the cost and saving could affect the tax payable.
2)      When refinancing consider pooling personal and car loans into your mortgage as well as store cards and credit cards. This could further reduce your monthly outgoings for the year ahead. 
3)      Did you know that the interest paid on an investment loan is tax deductable? Add to this the depreciation of the property and its fittings, any repairs or maintenance you have undertaken, any management fees or rental losses, and it could make a considerable tax deduction. 
4)      Did you know that you can pre-pay your interest on your mortgage and in terms of investment properties? This would present a welcome reduction of tax payable. If you are paying off your business premises, the same strategy may apply. 
5)      Use debt recycling strategies, where as you use existing equity to purchase an investment property with an interest-only loan and pooling the majority of your cashflow through an offset account effectively reducing the interest payable. Such strategy will allow you to claim the investment interest against your tax bill, while also reducing your loan amount. 
Obtaining sound financial, taxation and investment advice is highly recommended in order to implement the above strategies.
Robert Projeski is a leading property finance expert and the founder and managing director of <a href="https://%20www.amo.com.au" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>. He has appeared on radio and TV and written extensively on property and finance matters.
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Five end-of-financial-year tax tips for property investors

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“How can I recycle debt?” you may ask, and what is the difference between “bad debt” and “good debt”? Good question. With 15 million credit cards in circulation in Australia as of 2012, consumers are all too familiar with debt.
Basically, debt that buys assets or produces income is considered “good debt,” while debt that is created by buying life’s niceties or your primary residence is considered “bad debt,” since it does not normally bring in any income.
As such, many people have a fear of debt and aim to pay their mortgages off as soon as possible, although this may not necessarily be the most effective way to use debt. However, debt that creates appreciating assets, or debts that reduce the tax you are paying or that effectively earn income, are commonly referred to as “good debt.”
When consumer confidence diminished it resulted in less borrowing by consumers, leading to recent interest rate cuts – making it an ideal time not only to consolidate debt, pool various loans and credit cards into one loan or mortgage, but also to look for ways of making debt work for you.
This is where debt recycling comes in. Let me provide an illustration:
Let’s say you own a home in Sydney on which you owe a $400,000 mortgage with an offset account attached to it.
Using the equity in your home, you borrow additional money against it for a deposit to buy an investment property. You do this with an interest-only loan.
Each month, all the income from the investment property goes into the original offset account attached to the home loan with any tax refunds generated by the investment costs also going into this account.
The bulk of your wages can also be put to work in this account using your credit card for living expenses, and clearing it at the end of each month. Plus, you can seek a tax variation so you pay less income tax every month, rather than annually, leaving even more cash flow to go into this account.
Money comes out of the offset account to meet the interest payments and other expenses related to the new investment property, but if you have bought well and done your sums, there should be enough left over for the offset balance to gradually build up, effectively reducing the interest you pay and the capital owing on your primary asset being your owner-occupied home.
Once that’s paid off, there's only tax-deductible “good debt”, and the cashflow that's freed up can be applied to either reducing that debt further or for another investment, be it real estate or other.
In preceding illustration, we can start investing earlier than if we waited until the mortgage on our home was paid off and can effectively “recycle” non-productive “bad” debt into tax-reducing and asset creating “good” debt.
However, it can be complex depending on your individual circumstances and finances. I urge you to work closely with an expert, so you don’t end up with more of the “bad” and none of the “good.”
Robert Projeski is a leading property finance expert and the founder and managing director of <a href="https://%20www.amo.com.au" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>. He has appeared on radio and TV and written extensively on property and finance matters.
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How to turn bad debt into good

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With underlying inflation figures coming in considerably lower than expected at 0.35% for the quarter and 2.15% for the year, the lowest in 13 years, the Reserve Bank will have little choice but to cut the cash interest rate at their up-coming May meeting.
I have said it back in February, that a further cut should have taken place, followed by another in March and April.
Bringing the interest rate down would have cemented consumer confidence, increase spending and motivated property market activity, I think the RBA got it wrong.
With the consumer price index moving up by just 0.1% for the first three months of 2012 and 1.6% for the year until March, the lowest since the 2009 GFC, the RBA’s decision should not be whether to reduce the rate, but by how much.
While lifting CPI prices on services such as electricity, childcare and water/sewerage, all over 9% increase, place extra pressure on consumers, a considerable interest rate cut would not only ease the situation, but improve consumer confidence, especially in view of the pending introduction of the carbon tax in July.
Since failing to cut the interest rate at recent RBA meetings, I anticipate cuts of up to 1% over the coming few months, which, if passed on by the banks and lenders, would make a considerable difference to existing borrowers and encourage first home buyers into the market.
If the RBA were to reduce the cash rate to 3.25% and banks did pass this fully onto consumers, on a $300,000 mortgage the reduction in repayments would be $250 per month. Surely, this would enhance construction, retail and property sector activity, providing a much-needed boost to our economy.
Robert Projeski is a leading property finance expert and the founder and managing director of <a href="https://%20www.amo.com.au" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>. He has appeared on radio and TV and written extensively on property and finance matters.
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RBA interest rate cut is now a must

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The Real Estate Institute of NSW has proposed several options to the state government in order to encourage first-home buyers into the market. One such scheme would allow first time buyers to pay off their stamp duty over a three-year period, making it less costly for them at the time of purchase, if adopted.

Since the laps of the stamp-duty waver for first-home buyers at the end of last year, many would-be first timers have been stalled in order to save up to meet their stamp duty obligation, resulting in a drop in first home buyer activity since.

Marketing consultant Michael Willcocks, 28, who missed out on the stamp duty relief late last year could envision getting into a property much sooner, should a stamp-duty ‘lay-by’ scheme be put in place. 

“It would cut out several months of saving up the stamp duty and get me into a property sooner,” he says. 

With housing affordability a pressing issue for first-time buyers, such a scheme would reduce the initial cost of getting into a property by spreading this out over 36 months. The adoption of a stamp-duty ‘lay-by’ scheme would surely encourage more first-time buyers to get into the market. 

Currently, there is only the original $7,000 federally-supplied first-home owners’ grant on offer, which applies only to pre-existing properties and therefore does not push for the construction of new dwellings. 

We already have a housing shortage in Australia, which is expected to fall short by over 150,000 dwellings by the year 2020, going by figures released by the Housing Industry Association last year. 

Setting out schemes that drive construction of new homes and encourages new buyers into the market would benefit both the construction and real estate industry.

Other schemes presented to the state government by the REINSW look at concessions for buyers over 65 in an aim to make it easier for them to down-size their homes.

Introducing new legislation that works toward the reduction of our housing shortage, increases affordability and hence home ownership, combined with further interest rate cuts would create an up-swing that would strengthen the property market and our economy.



Robert Projeski is a leading property finance expert and the founder and managing director of <a target="_blank" href="https://%20www.amo.com.au">Australian Mortgage Options</a>. He has appeared on radio and TV and written extensively on property and finance matters.


 
 

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Stamp duty ‘lay-by’ scheme could help first-time buyers get into the market

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Latest figures from the ABS (Australian Bureau of Statistics) show that building approvals fell by 7.8% in February, seasonally adjusted, following a rise of 1.1% in January, further placing pressure on the RBA to cut interest rates at today’s RBA board meeting.
With median property prices on the decline across all states and approvals for private sector housing down by 3.4% in February and a 15.8% drop in approvals for other dwellings, such as units and apartments, we can only hope that the interest rates will receive another cut soon.
Whether at today’s or at the May 1st meeting, the RBA will have to cut the interest rate to reinvigorate the market and make up for the slump we have seen since the last cut. While I can understand the RBA’s caution over the past two months, especially in view of the European financial climate, it has become obvious that further cuts should have taken place.
In order to strengthen the real estate market, boost new dwelling construction to meet the housing shortage and encourage market activity especially from first home buyers, an interest rate cut is a ‘must have’.
If we really wanted to invigorate the real estate market, perhaps, easing of planning costs and delays, an amendment of capital allowance provisions to enable accelerated depreciation of new rental dwellings and a national reduction of stamp duty obligations for first time buyers would be steps worth considering.
Cutting the interest rate, reducing the cost base of new housing, increasing housing supply, and boosting affordability are not only worthy aims, they are essential to a more productive economy. Housing is shelter and a necessity of life, and we should make curbing its shortage a high priority when making budgetary and legislative decisions.
Robert Projeski is a respected property finance expert and the managing director of <a href="https://www.amo.com.au" target="_blank">Australian Mortgage Options</a>, an independent mortgage management firm with over nine industry awards to its name. 
 
 
 
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RBA should cut interest rates today

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Anyone who has ever had to pay off a mortgage will tell you they would love to pay it off before the term, but most people will continue to chip away at their loan on autopilot. A proactive strategy can cut your loan term from 30 years to less than half in some cases.
<ol start="1">
<li>Pay your mortgage as you receive your income, e.g. fortnightly. Doing this cuts down on interest payable and will save you a lot of money over the course of your home loan. If you are super focused, pay your mortgage weekly, which will reduce interest further again.</li>
<li>Set up an automated recurring payment for your mortgage payments. This is usually free of charge and means that you are always on time and can’t overspend on other things, leaving you short to meet your payment obligations.</li>
<li>Park the large lump sum into your mortgage account e.g. if you get $2,000 back from your tax return, receive dividends from other investments or get bonus payments from your job, make a large payment towards your mortgage. These large lump sums can cut years worth of interest off the loan.</li>
<li>List your regular expenses and you will find 1 or 2 items that you can do without. This will make a big difference to either your cash flow, freeing up disposable income to park in your mortgage account.</li>
<li>Make a habit of going only to the ATMs of your bank. The charges (usually $1 to $2.50 per transaction or account enquiry) can easily add up to a nice little amount that can remain in your pocket rather than a banks or ATM provider or go towards your loan. (see #6)</li>
<li>Increase your repayments while rates are stable. You can cut up to two years off the lifespan of your loan by paying an extra $20 to $50 on each payment. This may just mean cutting out an extra cup of coffee here or there or once a week taking lunch to work rather than buying it occasionally.</li>
<li>Have your wages paid directly into your home-loan account - you will need a loan with re-draw or line-of-credit type facility so you can have unlimited access the funds for living expenses etc. This will greatly reduce the interest that you pay as the interest is debited at the end of the month and usually calculated daily.</li>
<li>Offset your loans with a savings account. This is called mortgage offsetting, where as the amount in your savings account (earning interest) is calculated/subtracted against the actual interest charge against the loan amount, then the interest is calculated only on the balance. For example, if your loan is $400 000 and you have $100 000 in savings, this equate to $300 000 on which you actually pay interest. This of course greatly reduces the amount of interest you effectively pay and will save you years on your home loan.</li>
<li>Perform a mortgage health check. Sometimes you just have to admit your loan might not be the best for you anymore. Your loan may have been superseded as a product. Interest rates may have changed drastically, leaving you better off with a variable rate than a fixed one. In that case, look at re-financing whether it is with your existing lender or a different one. Go to a home loan lender or broker to make sure you do get the best deal. Don’t just go to one provider as usually they will only offer you their products. To get a full scope of available options talk to a specialist who has access to various funds and lenders. They are in a competitive market and will try to gain your custom – let them earn it.</li>
<li>When re-financing, consider pooling or consolidating any other loans eg. (car or personal) and credit cards (with a much higher interest rate) into the one loan as the savings often will outweigh the slightly higher loan amount. 
</li>
</ol>
To give your home loan the free ‘home loan heath check-up’ log onto <a href="https://www.amohomeloans.com.au">www.amohomeloans.com.au</a> 
Robert Projeski is the MD of multiple award-winning independent lender <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amo.com.au">Australian Mortgage Options</a>. 
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Ten tips for paying off your mortgage faster

Private equity real estate firm Conquest has entered into a $220 million partnership with Woolworths’ development arm, Fabcot, to deliver its long-awaited Waterloo project on Bourke Street.

The Bourke Street development was first flagged by Fabcot back in 2021 as part of its push into Sydney’s residential market. However, progress has since stalled, with no activity on site amid a number of design revisions in consultation with the City of Sydney.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a>, which is actively planning more than $6 billion worth of new developments, predominantly mixed-use precincts, is now set to move the project forward.

The current plans include between 110 and 120 apartments across two buildings designed by Bates Smart at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/923-935-bourke-street-waterloo-nsw-2017">923 Bourke Street</a>. The scheme will incorporate a portion of apartments reserved for key workers, alongside premium commercial space at ground level, including a full-line Woolworths supermarket.

Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2026.

Michael&nbsp;Akaawi, CEO of Conquest, said the partnership reflects the firm’s commitment to "convenience-led" urban renewal."

"We are preparing to commence construction in the second half of this year," Akaawi says.

"Along with Woolworths, we look forward to delivering the first major supermarket to the growing Waterloo community, integrated with premium new apartments and specialty retail shops. Our focus is on creating a seamless lifestyle hub where essential services are at the doorstep, saving residents time and enhancing their quality of life."&nbsp;

<img alt="Conquest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8beee83-ef9b-446b-a3b3-1e2fe596512b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-01%20at%2011.08.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=raYhGepiLUJfx4InLPRRJduA3ftDJ_kS" />

The news comes just a week after Conquest went to the NSW Government to upsize its plans for Castlecrag's Quadrangle Shopping Centre.

Conquest purchased the site for just shy of $70 million last year, with existing plans in place for a mixed-use residential and retail precinct comprising 38 luxury apartments.

Those plans have now been significantly expanded, with the developer lodging a State Significant Development Application with the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority for 150 apartments across two 11-storey buildings. The apartments will sit above a four-storey podium, incorporating specialty retail tenancies and five levels of basement car parking, on the 5,166 sqm site at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/100-edinburgh-road-castlecrag-nsw-2068">100 Edinburgh Road</a>.

Conquest has been increasingly active in the development space in recent years. The group acquired the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/eastlakes-nsw-2018">Eastlakes</a>&nbsp;Shopping Centre redevelopment, where it plans to deliver more than 1,000 apartments above a new retail precinct, and has also lodged a $900 million State Significant Development Application for a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/conquest-unveils-900m-stanmore-village-vision-for-landmark-inner-west-site">mixed-use precinct in Stanmore</a>.

Joel Robinson

Conquest partners with Woolworths to deliver mixed-use Waterloo project

A shift away from Sydney’s industrial past has left parts of the inner south defined by contrast, brick warehouses repurposed into dining precincts, former factory streets softened by landscaping and pedestrian activity.

Rosebery is one of those suburbs. Over the past decade, it has undergone significant gentrification, anchored by The Cannery, which has helped reposition the area as one of the inner city’s most sought-after lifestyle pockets.

What hasn’t kept pace with that transformation is new residential supply, which has remained relatively limited. Builder-developer Deicorp identified that gap early, securing a site in 2019 and delivering what is now one of the suburb’s most architecturally distinctive developments.

To realise the vision, Deicorp engaged Candalepas Associates to design The Rothschild, a project that is immediately recognisable from the street.

Completed in 2025, The Rothschild comprises two buildings across Rothschild and Mentmore Avenues, delivering 176 apartments. The development replaces a former industrial site, retaining a material and structural dialogue with its past while introducing a more resolved residential framework. The scale is deliberate but not monolithic, broken into forms that engage both street frontages, with retail at ground level and two levels of basement parking below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221665]

From the street, the architectural intent is clear. Off-form concrete columns run through the façade, establishing a repeated structural rhythm that gives the building its visual weight. These are paired with deep-set arches and sections of exposed brickwork, creating a layered elevation that reads less like a typical apartment block and more like a reinterpretation of industrial architecture.

The material palette is intentionally restrained, with concrete left exposed and brick used to define mass rather than decoration. The result is a building that stands out through proportion and repetition, rather than height or glazing.

This approach continues internally. A central landscaped courtyard sits between the two buildings, anchored by an olive grove that acts as both a visual and spatial focal point. Rather than functioning as residual space, the courtyard is designed as a shared ground plane, where circulation paths, seating areas and planting come together to create a usable communal environment. Its positioning allows natural light to penetrate deep into the site while maintaining separation between residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106843 project_image_fid=221666]

Within the apartments, the planning follows a clear and functional logic. Entry points lead directly into open-plan living areas, with kitchens positioned as central elements alongside dining and lounge spaces. These zones extend to balconies or external openings, maintaining a visual connection to either the courtyard or the street.

Kitchens prioritise practicality, with generous bench space, ample storage and European appliances configured for everyday use. Bedrooms are typically set back from the main living areas, creating quieter zones within each residence, with separation achieved through layout rather than material change. Bathrooms are compact but efficient, incorporating mirrored cabinetry and integrated storage to maximise space. Across all residences, the emphasis is on clarity of movement and functional planning.

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At ground level, retail and hospitality uses extend the building’s presence beyond its residential function. A café or restaurant space, alongside communal amenities such as a music room and rooftop areas, positions the development as part of a broader urban network rather than a standalone project. These shared spaces reinforce a lifestyle where the building operates as an extension of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Rosebery’s proximity to Green Square, The Cannery and nearby parklands supports this model of living, where much of daily life is within walking distance. The Rothschild sits comfortably within that network, contributing to the streetscape through its distinctive architecture, while internally organising space around light, structure and communal use.

The Rothschild is now complete and ready to move in, with limited residences remaining.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106843]

The Rothschild reinterprets Rosebery’s industrial DNA into residential form

KTQ has unveiled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/casilia-16-marine-parade-coolangatta-qld-4225">Casilia</a>, the final residential release within the Kirra Point precinct which really kicked off the boom in the area back in 2019.

The final stage comprises&nbsp;87 residences and marks the culmination of a long-term, family-led vision for Kirra Point, as the precinct moves toward completion in tandem with the development.

Around $100 million in sales have been achieved already, close to 35 per cent of the residences secured ahead of launch. There have been a significant number of buyers returning from the first stage of the development, Miles Residences, securing another property within Kirra Point.

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Selling agent Tim Keenan from Keenan Byrne said the response reflects both the scarcity of the offering and Kirra’s growing reputation as a premium coastal market.

“This is effectively Kirra’s final act, the last release within what has become one of the Southern Gold Coast’s most tightly held beachfront precincts,” Keenan said.

“We’ve seen exceptionally strong pre-sale interest, from VIP waitlists through to off-market enquiry, which speaks to both the quality of the product and the confidence buyers have in the precinct. What’s particularly compelling is the number of buyers returning from Miles, either upgrading or investing again, which is a strong signal of how the precinct has been received."

Keenan adds that at the same time, north-facing beachfront remains exceptionally rare in Australia, limited to places like Noosa, Byron and Kirra, which is underpinning long-term value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368415]

Positioned along one of Australia’s few true north-facing beaches, Casilia offers a mix of two and three-bedroom residences with pricing ranging from $1.87 million to $7.15 million and two exclusive penthouses. Residences are oriented to capture varying outlooks, from uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views across Kirra Beach to hinterland vistas, with upper levels and shared amenity taking in sweeping perspectives along the Gold Coast coastline.

At rooftop level, a north-facing pool deck captures expansive, uninterrupted views over Kirra Beach and north towards Surface Paradise. The space incorporates a heated resort-style pool, mineral spa, sun lounges and a covered BBQ cantina.

Buyer profiles are broad, typically aged between 40 and 70, with a strong skew toward second-home ownership, drawn by a combination of lifestyle, relative value, proximity to Gold Coast Airport and lower congestion compared to more established markets such as Byron Bay and Noosa.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368414]

The project is being delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ktq-group">KTQ Group</a>, a family-owned Australian property group with a diverse portfolio spanning residential, hospitality and commercial developments. The group has delivered a number of notable projects across sectors, including the award-winning Elements of Byron resort, demonstrating its depth of experience across both hospitality and residential development.

Known for its long-term approach to place-making, KTQ Group retains a vested interest in its projects, often holding assets within its portfolio, which has also helped build trust among buyers and reinforced confidence in both the vision and delivery certainty of the precinct.

“Casilia represents the final opportunity to secure a residence within Kirra Point and brings to market the last release within our long-term vision for the precinct," KTQ Group's Jeremy Holmes said.

"Kirra Point has been more than a decade in the making, and that timeframe reflects the care behind each decision, it takes listening, balance and vision to arrive at something that feels right for the location.

“Our approach has always been to deliver Kirra Point as a destination in its own right, a connected coastal neighbourhood integrating residential, hospitality and wellness, rather than a standalone project. It’s a vision that respects place, pace and permanence, and contributes to a sense of community that feels authentic to Kirra.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152295 project_image_fid=368411]

Once complete, the Kirra Point masterplan will incorporate a mix of dining establishments, bars and cafés, alongside the Kirra Point Health Club and a future 91-room independent resort hotel, creating a walkable, integrated lifestyle precinct.

Architecutue and interiors at Casilia have been designed by the experienced design houses of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/little-boat-projects">Little Boat Projects</a> and O’Neil Architecture &amp; Interior Design, The design moves beyond the conventional coastal apartments, instead taking cues &nbsp;from the surrounding landscape - layering natural materials, soft curves and warm textures to create spaces that respond to light, airflow and the rhythms of coastal living.

Residences are designed with an array of floorplates, generous proportions and intuitive flow, while at ground level Casilia connects into the broader precinct, where future laneways, retail and hospitality offerings will contribute to a neighbourhood defined as much by how people live day-to-day as its beachfront position.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152295]

The final residential release within the Kirra Point masterplan is set to launch, as strong pre-sales signal sustained demand for the Southern Gold Coast

A decade in the making: KTQ launches Casilia at Kirra Point

South East Queensland developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a>’s entry into the Gold Coast apartment market has progressed from pipeline to market, with its Chevron Island project Bronze on Chevron now formally available to purchase ahead of a planned 2029 completion.

The 119-apartment development on Mawarra Street marks the Brisbane-headquartered builder-developer’s first residential play in the Gold Coast, following its expansion south from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bronze-on-chevron-8-mawarra-street-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Bronze on Chevron</a> comprises a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom residences, with pricing starting from just over $1.5 million. The project is being delivered under Gardner Vaughan’s fully integrated model, with the group acting as both developer and builder, a structure it has consistently applied across its South East Queensland portfolio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367182]

Architecture has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jeremy-ferrier-landscape-design">Jeremy Ferrier</a>. The building presents as a single-tower scheme, with a focus on maximising outlook across both the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.

Apartments have been planned with open-plan living zones extending to generous balconies, a response to the site’s dual-aspect positioning between river and ocean. Interiors follow a restrained coastal palette, with two colour schemes offered, and an emphasis on natural light and cross-ventilation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367181]

Resident amenity is concentrated across more than 1,250 sqm and includes a resort-style pool, gym, yoga lawn and rooftop entertaining areas. A function space with catering facilities forms part of the upper-level offering, alongside north- and south-facing outdoor areas.

Ground level will incorporate two retail tenancies, intended to extend the existing village character of the surrounding streets.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=367200]

The project sits within walking distance of Thomas Drive’s established dining strip, while maintaining proximity to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> beach and broader Gold Coast amenity. The location, positioned on Chevron Island between the river and coastline, has increasingly attracted mid- to high-density development in recent years as the precinct evolves beyond its low-rise origins.

Gardner Vaughan’s move into the Gold Coast was first signalled in 2025, with the group identifying the region as a natural extension of its operations. Chief Executive Officer Simon Betteridge described the expansion as both “strategic and natural”, citing demand for well-designed apartments in lifestyle-driven markets.

Construction is expected to complete in early 2029.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107520]

Gardner Vaughan brings Bronze on Chevron to market as Gold Coast debut

One of the penthouses at Lily Lane, the latest stage of Carrington Place by Ellipse Property, has set a new local apartment price record.

The four-bedroom residence, purchased by a local downsizer, sold for $5.75 million—around 75 per cent higher than the previous record of $3.3 million.

Over 40 per cent of the first release of apartments at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a> have already been snapped up just six weeks since it launched to the market.

&nbsp;

Located at 32 Carrington Road, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a> and designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ptw">PTW</a>, Lily Lane is directly opposite the Hills Showground Metro station. It offers a total 213 units over two 12-storey towers - a mix of 67 one-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom and 46 three-bedroom apartments - with a ground-floor retail offering.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368352]

Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, says around 44 per cent of buyers are&nbsp;owner occupiers, with 35 per cent being investors and 21 per cent first homebuyers.

“Developments of this calibre are very rare in the Hills District, and Lily Lane’s sales success demonstrates the depth of demand for over-sized apartments that genuinely compete with freestanding homes," Schulze says.

"We are seeing particular demand from downsizers who want to remain in the area but transition into spacious, high-quality apartment living."

On the penthouse sale, it says it shows buyers&nbsp;are prepared to pay a premium for scale, quality, and direct access to the Metro.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=368351]

One-bedroom apartments are sized from 50-72 sqm with prices starting at $745,000, while two-bedrooms are priced from $990,000 with sizes from 75 to 132 square metres. Three-bedroom floorplans are sized between 97 and 182 sqm,, with prices starting at $1,395,000.&nbsp;

The three remaining penthouses, spanning up to 262 sqm, are priced from $2.9 million.

Over 75 per cent of apartments include dedicated studies, multipurpose rooms or family rooms, with select layouts offering walk-in pantries and laundries. Apartments are appointed with premium Miele appliances including ovens, washing machines, dryers, gas cooktops and dishwashers, while larger residences also incorporate integrated Miele microwaves, Fisher &amp; Paykel integrated refrigerators and five-burner Miele cooktops.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

Lily Lane will be constructed by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>, with construction to commence in mid-2026 and expected to complete early 2029.

Carrington Place comprises more than 800 apartments and is being delivered across multiple stages, with completion expected in 2032. Integrated with neighbouring bushland, the project will feature over 20,000 sq, of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Robert Projeski

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