<html><body>
I last wrote about the prospect of lower growth rates, lower demand for higher-value properties and higher demand for lower-value properties in the residential sector in the next decade relative to the previous decade.
I also spoke about the need for more cost-conscious specification, smaller size and higher density housing for Australia’s growing population.
In this more competitive and potentially lower growth environment, how will residential property investors and developers prosper?
All of the usual rules about location, proper due diligence, efficient procurement and risk mitigation hold true, however one aspect of residential property that has often been neglected in previous decades, and which will become increasingly important in the coming decade is ‘good design’.
In this article I discuss how Charter Keck Cramer views the value of good design and why it’s important to consider when making an investment and undertaking development in the residential sector.
Let’s start with the question, what is good design?
In general terms, good design provides for outcomes that function, that feel right, that are striking, that last the test of time and are cost-effective to use and maintain.
In specific terms, good design includes high ceilings, flexible spaces, high-quality fixtures and fittings, good natural light access, cross-flow ventilation, double glazing, low-energy lighting, a high level of insulation, a high level of sound separation, non-toxic building materials and robust and low-maintenance surface materials.
There are many more aspects to good design, and too many to list here, however in summary good design is as much about what you cannot see, as it is about what you can see.
In saying this, what I also mean by good design, is that it must be accompanied with good construction in order to be effective.
So why are we not as critical about the design of our homes as we are about the design of our cars?
In cars we look for safety, fuel efficiency, reliability, acceleration, serviceability and looks – all measured through ratings and reviews that everyday consumers can access through reputable sources.
Surely we should know at least as much, if not more, about the home in which we live? While we might not know as much about the design of our homes as our cars, occupiers are becoming more sophisticated in their understanding of design and investors and developers will therefore need to respond in order to prosper in this increasingly competitive residential sector.
So, what is the value of good design for investors?In the next decade, investors will no longer be able to rely on riding the wave of strong returns that we saw in the residential sector in previous decades. Capital growth will still be available, however it will be harder to achieve.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
Along with selecting a location with good fundamentals, the design of residential property will be a key factor in determining return prospects for the following reasons.
1. Increasing sophistication of demand: As has been the case for many other industries, such as fashion, hospitality, cars and technology, the demand for residential property is becoming increasingly sophisticated. As the population continues to grow, the preference for inner city living persists and the affordability of detached dwellings in the inner city decreases, occupiers will be increasingly looking for apartments and townhouses that are well designed and can address their functional and lifestyle needs in a smaller footprint.
2. Large supply of homogenous product: Despite the increasing sophistication in demand, the supply of new residential property has been largely homogenous. In the off the plan (OTP) apartment sector, the homogeneity of the product is largely a result of a combination of two reasons. Firstly, the composition of demand has been roughly 70 per cent investors over the history of the market. Secondly, the relative strength of the residential property market over this period, has allowed investors to enjoy strong returns, without needing to invest in better quality product. A consequence of this has been developers have not had the incentive to supply better quality product and they have therefore, in the majority, followed a similar formula to deliver investor-grade product project after project.
3. Growing awareness of maintenance and running costs: Investors are becoming more aware of the higher maintenance costs associated with poorly designed residential property. For example, delaminating cupboard doors, replacement of cheap fittings and fixtures, faulty appliances and repair of building façades are common and expensive maintenance items in poorly designed apartment buildings that can be avoided if an investment in good design is made from the outset. Similarly, occupiers are becoming more aware of the higher costs of running poorly design apartments.
For example, an instantaneous electrical hot water system is cheaper to install than a gas hot water system, however is significantly more expensive to run. Another common example is poorly insulated walls which result in higher heating costs during winter. Logically, as awareness of these issues grows, occupiers will be prepared to pay higher rents for residential property with lower running costs relative to those with higher running costs. This will particularly be the case in a market with higher vacancy.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
4. Changing market dynamics: If there continues to be investor fatigue as we approach the end of the current cycle in the OTP apartment sector, could owner-occupiers comprise a higher proportion of demand in the next cycle? If this happens to be the case, consider the next question. While you might be an investor in today’s market, who will buy your property when you decide to sell? Will it be another investor or an owner-occupier?
Keep in mind that there are fewer incentives for investors to buy established apartments and indeed most foreign investors are prohibited from doing so. For these reasons, owning a property that appeals to owner occupiers is a sound approach, particularly in the current climate.As a consequence of these four trends, we expect to see lower vacancy rates, higher rents, better capital growth and, therefore, better returns, for well- designed residential property relative to lesser designed residential property.
Accordingly, this is why we think there is value in good design for investors in the residential sector. And, what is the value of good design for developers? In a market where investors are increasingly seeing the value in good design, and where owner-occupiers are likely to comprise a higher proportion of demand than they have previously, we think it will make sense for developers to supply well-designed product to the market for the following reasons
1. Higher prices and/or faster sales: Selecting the right design team that can deliver good design which is differentiated and caters to the needs of occupiers will benefit developers through either higher pricing or faster sales when compared to homogenous product. These benefits justify the additional investment in the right design team and the right design process upfront. More than just higher prices and/or faster sales, and particularly in the current OTP apartment market, where there are concerns about oversupply and fatigue in investor demand, good design can in fact be the difference between a project succeeding or failing, and there are many recent examples of this.
2. Better planning outcomes: Councils and the broader public are becoming more design literate, and as a result, the quality of design is increasingly an important factor in the planning process. When one proposes a design that is larger than the preferred site outcome set by council, the justification for increased yield shifts to the quality of design, environmentally sustainable design outcomes and the contribution the development proposal makes to the urban context. Clever design can result in improved yield by shifting the debate away from height to articulation and material design. Evidence of the increasing importance of design to councils, can be seen in the issuing of ‘conditional permits’ that require developers to retain the architect for the life of the project. The intention of these conditional permits is to mitigate the risk, which often eventuates, of the built outcome being inferior to the design specified in the original planning permit.
3. Cost-effective design solutions: There is a common misconception that good design always equates to more expensive construction costs. While this can be the case, it does not need to be. A high quality design team can deliver creative solutions throughout the design, documentation and construction phases, resulting in a building which meets the highest design standards, while also being cost effective. Poor results often arise when default and generic solutions and materials are introduced to reduce costs, rather than exploring solutions that work with the design while also being cost effective.
4. Mitigating construction risk: High quality and detailed documentation prior to tender is the best way to assess the scope of works for a project and manage the expectations and competing interests of the client and the contractor. The alternative, of going to tender with only design development or partially documented drawings, often results in either expensive variations or dilution of quality, depending on how well the construction contract is structured and drafted. More often than not, this results in the client ending up with a building that costs more than what was budgeted and/or a building of lower quality than was expected.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
5. Focusing the design team: A high quality outcome does not necessarily constitute good design if it is not aligned to market demand and project feasibility drivers. The design team needs to be well briefed about what to design. Then the process needs to be managed and constantly focused on designing the product to fit the specifics of the relevant market segment. With good property advice and information about the target market, along with constant management and review of the design against project feasibility and value drivers, the design process will be most efficient and the outcome optimised.
In summary, we would like to share with you a quote from Paul King, Chief Executive of the Green Building Council UK that articulates the value of good design and summarises our perspective on the matter: “A green building is simply a better quality building. All too often we get hung up on what is green and what is sustainable, but actually, if you think of it as a better quality building, a more efficient building, a better day-lit building, better ventilated, a healthier, nicer place to live, to work or to play – it’s not difficult to make the link between that and a building being worth more to people.
Across Charter’s Development Management team, we have executives qualified as architects. By the nature of Charter’s business, we also work very closely with and are exposed to the ideas and design of a variety of architects and consultants, and place a high priority on ensuring that our clients have the benefit of our experience and understand both the importance and therefore consequence of good design.
Our daily professional challenge involves the review of many development proposals for suitability, market acceptance and ultimate viability and we recognise good design as a fundamental that equally, as much as any other influence, determines the degree of success that any particular project will enjoy.
It is of course preferable to have the right design team involved from the outset, but it is never too late for review and if necessary the introduction of alternative consultants.
Scott Keck is executive chairman at <a href="https://www.charterkc.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charter Keck Cramer</a>
 
 
</body></html>

skeck-irsd56phZ9

Property investors increasingly seeing the value in good design: Scott Keck

<html><body>
Five years on from the GFC, its effects are still being felt, particularly, so far as real estate investment and development is concerned, in the critical areas of finance availability and consumer confidence.
The current swirl of economic changes include global de-leveraging, tighter finance, subdued consumerism, lower interest rates, locally a high Australian dollar and mounting concerns about the return on mining investment and global trade patterns. These all come at a challenging time for baby boomers – where do they put their money?
Whilst shares and equities are affected more by global influences, real estate is much more affected by the domestic outlook. In Australia, the fundamentals – given population growth and economic resilience – are strong, although this does not prevent cyclical excesses from time to time such as many believe is now being experienced in the <a href="?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=Melbourne%20apartment%20market" target="_blank">Melbourne apartment market</a>.
The prospects for real estate growth are determined by a property's "use", measured either by competing demand in the non-rental market such as family homes, or by rental value in the commercial sense such as with retail shops, commercial offices or industrial warehouses and factories. Therefore, the key to successful investment, looking forward, is to fully understand the tenant's business, have a view about the security of its business and understand its capacity to reliably pay rent. Is it a growth business, is it a stable business, or is it a declining business? These are the key criteria.
In relative terms it could be said that the industrial revolution of the 19th Century took us only from the candle to the lightbulb but the electronic or IT revolution of the last 30 years will be far more significant. Over the last 25 - 30 years the business community has been going through an apprenticeship getting used to the new electronic age, but we now have for the first time young executives running major corporations who have electronics and IT in their DNA. Business is now therefore on the verge of being transformed and the speed of the online revolution will be astounding. This has definite implications for real estate in all its commercial forms: retail, office and industrial.
One potential and perhaps unexpected consequence of the electronics revolution is that many companies seeking to maintain profitability by reducing costs through the induction of sophisticated IT may well do it badly and at excessive cost thus damaging their model. Another risk is that they may "de-personalise" a business model which had successfully operated through a high level of "personal client contact" – companies and their share value may be challenged.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
There is the serious prospect that the Australian middle class lifestyle is under pressure and that disposable income in real terms is likely to slow or even decline over the next decade. The impact of globalism, the effectiveness of outsourcing through IT into other countries with cheaper remuneration regimes, international competitiveness generally and workplace efficiencies leading to higher unemployment are, to my thinking, ominous signs.
These changes, if they are to occur, must flow through to lower growth rates in real estate, lower demand for higher value properties and higher demand for lower value properties. More cost conscious specification, smaller size, higher density and an overall lower cost approach to housing Australia's growing population will be required.
Australia needs to attract as much investment capital from overseas as possible and rather than just waiting for it to arrive like driftwood on our shores we should be making efforts to garner every possible investment dollar and flicker of interest that the increasingly wealthy overseas investors may be prepared to entertain in this country.
It is amazing that Australians generally are unaware of the socio-economic change that is occurring. The population of the "once lucky country", is firmly on track over the next decade to become the new "white trash" of the rich and more economically powerful broader Asian region headed by China and India. Can't they see it coming?
In contrast to a widely-held belief, I have a concern that the near locality of Australia to the Chinese and Indian markets is not itself a guarantee for those export markets to remain strong customers of Australia.
As both of those huge nations prosper with their growing urban economies, much of their domestic demand will be self-satisfied from within and to the extent that they still need to import, Australia must compete with other South-East Asian countries such as Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar, as well as with South America and Africa, and all of which nations are globally very competitive with much lower cost labour regimes than in Australia.
For Australia therefore, things may not be as rosy as so many people are anticipating, and equities may be more volatile than real estate over the next decade.
Scott Keck is executive chairman at <a href="https://www.charterkc.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charter Keck Cramer</a>
Images courtesy of Flickr.
 
 
 
</body></html>

Online revolution is astounding but poses risks for real estate businesses: Scott Keck

<html><body>
At the time of any crisis there is an almost inevitable reaction that overshoots the need for caution. Without doubt, times are now tough – and investment decisions difficult – but importantly such difficulty is not unprecedented given historic cyclicality of property markets. 
Commercial real estate markets in Australia are still highly influenced by domestic factors. The strength of fundamentals has been undermined by global events, but they remain more favourable than in almost all other developed countries with characteristics of low inflation, declining interest rates, robust population growth and modest unemployment. 
Most importantly to property markets, commercial accommodation is in shortage given the limited new supply that has been delivered since the late 2000s due to the initial round of impacts following the 2008 GFC. 
Carefully selected retail, commercial and industrial properties provide regular compounding rental growth and capital return to the combined effect of internal rates of return within the range of 8% to 12% per annum. This overall return does not anticipate strong capital growth in the short term given the constraints imposed by the prevailing economic circumstances, which highlights the need for a longer-term property investment strategy. 
Scott Keck is executive chairman at<a target="_blank" href="https://www.charterkc.com.au/"> Charter Keck Cramer</a>
For more advice on<a target="_blank" href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/investing-in-property-in-times-of-turmoil-free-ebook"> investing in property following times of turmoil, download our free eBook.</a>
</body></html>

Consider investing in select commercial real estate assets over the long term

<html><body>
<div>
It was hoped by many investors that economic and investment fundamentals would settle down, stabilise, and provide an environment in which logical, sound, long-term, low-risk decisions could be made for future medium- to long-term investment.
Unfortunately, this has not been so, and economic turmoil persists typified by the American economic downturn, the European debt crisis and the consequent global share market volatility.
During this drawn-out and extended period of investment challenge, cash has been favoured, as is usually the scenario when other markets become less reliable.
This is particularly so in Australia, where the interest rates in global terms are relatively high, and the banks and capital guarantee institutions well governed and strong, in contrast to many alternatives overseas.
For this reason Australians have been saving more than ever and cash investment into Australia by overseas parties has also strengthened, one of the main causes for the Australian dollar maintaining above parity with the US for so many months. Amidst the turmoil and uncertainly, we have noticed at Charter Keck Cramer that beginning approximately eight months ago, there was a gradual turn to commercial property by shrewd investors, a trend that has now strengthened significantly.
So strong is this return in favour of property that our services to provide due diligence to prospective purchasers is in greater demand than in any period for many years, as I have noted in the forthcoming edition of The Asian Executive. Acting for both local and overseas investors, the focus is on the Australian east coast, Sydney and especially Melbourne.
</div>
<ol>
<li>Australia, especially the east coast, and particularly Melbourne, is assured of sustained long-term population growth.  This foreshadows excellent economic prospects, as strong population growth is the energy and primary growth factor of an expanding economy, and in a society such as Australia, creates strong demand for real estate in all classes.</li>
<li>Over the past four years as a result of the GFC, the Australian markets, which usually depend on “speculative” accommodation, built without commitment, have been inactive.  Consequently the vacancy rates in all property classes – not just residential but also retail, commercial and industrial – are very low, as a result of which rental values are likely to increase dramatically over the next six to seven years, enhancing yield returns and capital growth. 
</li>
<li>Melbourne is the fastest-growing city in Australia. 
</li>
<li>Australia has an outstanding geo-political location, in close proximity to the expanding economies of India and China. 
</li>
<li>The Australian population and economy are relatively small, nimble and quick to respond in a proactive fashion to global challenges. 
</li>
<li>Australia’s sovereign risk is extremely low to the point of being non-existent. 
</li>
<li>Australian politics is not polarised, but rather broadly balanced, and between both political parties, responsive to the private sector. 
</li>
<li>Australia has a high and enviable level of corporate governance, particularly within its banking industry.  The four major banks in Australia are well governed, have strong balance sheets, and remain supportive of the property sector. 
</li>
<li>In Melbourne and Sydney, Australia’s two leading capitals, the private sector is responsible for 93% of all building construction and development.  Accordingly, as population growth creates demand, the opportunities for the private sector are excellent. 
</li>
<li>The Australian property markets are well educated, mature and in general terms, managed by world-class executives operating at levels of best practice. 
</li>
<li>Australia’s long-term economic stability is well underwritten by its natural resources and export markets to the growing economies of India and China. 
</li>
<li>The Australian economy is generally well managed. 
</li>
<li>Over recent years there has been a dramatic increase in interest by Asian and European investors in Australian property, and this is likely to continue.  Asian investors are keen to shift money out of their own countries, and European investors grow more fearful of an EU economic slowdown.  By comparison, Australia offers low sovereign risk, a transparent market, ease of transaction, and strong growth prospects.</li>
</ol>
Scott Keck is executive chairman of <a href="https://www.charterkc.com.au/" target="_blank">Charter Keck Cramer</a>
 
 
 
</body></html>

Thirteen reasons why Melbourne is the best city in the world to invest in property: Scott Keck

Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/red-co">Red &amp; Co Developments</a> has officially launched its $250million COMO apartment development in Varsity Lakes, while simultaneously commencing construction.&nbsp;

Building work is now underway at COMO following the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/5point-projects">5Point Projects</a> as contractor to deliver the boutique development which will rise on a 2857 sqm site overlooking Lake Orr at 22 Lake Street.

When completed, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/como-varsity-lakes-22-lake-street-varsity-lakes-qld-4227">COMO</a> will comprise 156 apartments across 16 levels located in the heart of Varsity Lakes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363515]

The project, which will sit alongside Bond University, will deliver a diverse array of apartment designs comprising one-, two- and three-bedroom residences that have already attracted interest from local and interstate investors as well as an array of owner occupiers looking to gain a foothold in the precinct.

Red &amp; Co, which has largely focused on the Brisbane market in recent years where it has delivered more than 500 apartments and townhouses across 26 projects, has designed COMO to combine tranquil, lakeside living with the vibrant urban convenience of the vibrant Varsity Lakes village.

“We’re thrilled to announce a start to construction of COMO in conjunction with the official launch of the project, our first for the Gold Coast,” said Red &amp; Co Director and Co-Founder David Laverty.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363509]

“COMO is superbly positioned to capture the essence of the Varsity Lakes village lifestyle and its thriving café and dining precinct, while delivering a much-needed diverse supply of premium residences for the local market.

“Pre-launch inquiries have been strong among both local and interstate investors and owner-occupiers, including downsizers and upgraders who appreciate the value proposition that COMO represents.”

Prices at COMO start from $1,000,050.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363511]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the COMO development incorporates an extensive range of amenities for residents including a 25-metre rooftop lap pool, sundeck, barbecue and dining areas, as well as multiple rooftop pickleball and paddleball courts, a wellness and activity centre, gym, sauna, plunge baths and landscaped gardens.

“COMO presents a rare opportunity to secure a stylish, lifestyle-focused home in one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after neighbourhoods,” added Laverty.

“The rooftop will be the epicentre of fun for residents with an array of amenities for residents that are quite unique for a boutique project such as this, all while offering spectacular vistas across the Gold Coast as far north as Southport and south to Burleigh.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135546 project_image_fid=363514]

&nbsp;

Red &amp; Co has chosen the Varsity Lakes site for its proximity to top-tier schools, major shopping hubs, such as Robina Town Centre and its CBD offering, as well as key Gold Coast transport links, including Varsity Lakes Train Station.

COMO will be located just a short walk to shops, cafes and restaurants in Varsity Lakes and just a 10-minute drive to the Burleigh Heads beachfront.

With construction currently underway, Red &amp; Co anticipates COMO will be completed in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135546]

Joel Robinson

Red & Co to launch debut Gold Coast development Como Varsity Lakes as construction commences

Longstanding Gold Coast developer Raptis has acquired a prime development site on Surf Parade for its next Broadbeach apartment project.

Progressing towards completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-sterling-broadbeach-6-8-george-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Sterling Broadbeach</a>, 90 apartments on nearby George Avenue, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a>, led by second-generation family man Evan Raptis, has picked up a block on the corner of Surf Parade and First Avenue.

The site had been earmarked for a luxury apartment project with 33 full-floor apartments across a 37-storey tower. Raptis will go back to the drawing board and create a building more appropriate for the site. The development application will be lodged later this month.

Evan Raptis told Apartments.com.au the site ticks all the boxes.

"Broadbeach is a suburb we've developed several buildings over the years. Surf Parade ticks all the boxes for the type of apartment development we want to deliver."

Raptis had several pre-lodgement meetings with council to ensure they are aligned in the development.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0d58573-07a4-47a8-9f5e-fbf35fb03dc3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-03-05%20at%204.58.23%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=iczZEd_4_o4UL0PHMPJGfy_q3tv96J5i" />

Surf Parade has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular streets in Broadbeach for development.

South East Queensland developer Mosaic Property Group kicked it off with Marella by Mosaic. Bassar Group sold out Infinity on the street, while for its&nbsp;first Gold Coast development, Polycell grabbed a Surf Parade site for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-rochester-broadbeach-143-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Rochester</a>, which is nearly sold out.

Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched its fourth Gold Coast project on the exclusive strip. The Eveleigh Broadbeach will have 100 apartments across a 31-storey building designed by Rothelowman.

GV Property Group site development specialists Antonio Mercuri and Luke Reaby, who both amalgamate sites and sell shovel-ready sites to developers up and down the Gold Coast, sold Surf Parade to Raptis.

Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development

Less than two years after breaking ground, Gardner Vaughan Group is celebrating the topping out of Bask, its second development in the exclusive coastal enclave of Bokarina on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.&nbsp;

Located only minutes from the beachfront, the two seven-storey luxury apartment towers, known individually as Mydas and Caretta, offer a selection of one-to-four-bedroom residences with views of Lake Kawana, the Glasshouse Mountains, and Bokarina Beach.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333359]

Gardner Vaughan Group Commercial Director Sam Gardner said the milestone marks the home stretch for construction, with first residents expected to be able to move in from Spring 2026.&nbsp;

“This is a significant milestone in bringing this development to life and represents our confidence in this region’s long-term growth and appeal,” Gardner said.&nbsp;

“With 85 per cent of apartments already sold, buyers are joining an established, coastal village that offers the very best of the Sunshine Coast – seasonally patrolled surf beaches, renowned restaurants, and links to established health and retail.&nbsp;

“The final collection of three- and four- bedroom apartments range in size from 127sqm to 300sqm, each with two or three secure car parks and storage, and with construction fast approaching completion we don’t expect the last few apartments to remain on the market for long.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=333362]

Local restaurateur Luke Stringer, who co-owns and manages the award-winning Bocca Italian and Playa Mexican restaurants in Bokarina, has lived in the beachside suburb for 18 months and worked there for more than three years, and said the beachside suburb was thriving.&nbsp;

“It’s fair to say Bokarina is finally stepping into the sun and there’s a lot to love about the place,"&nbsp;Stringer said.

"It’s such a great community, where you see the same smiling faces every morning and everything’s within easy reach – it’s the perfect hub in the middle of the Sunshine Coast.

“When we first opened Bocca Italian, we were the lone restaurant, but it’s been amazing to see how the area has grown. The more venues that open, the busier it gets for everyone. When Playa Mexican opened its first Saturday night, Bocca had a record night and Playa was packed too, which blew us away how everyone is thriving.&nbsp;

“There’s a great energy around the place now, and people are really embracing Bokarina as a food and lifestyle destination.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=363368]

Stringer joined other buyers at Bask Bokarina and the Gardner Vaughan Group team to celebrate the topping out at a special event in February.&nbsp;

Located in Kawana Waters, midway between Caloundra and Maroochydore, Bokarina locals enjoy scenic walking paths around Lake Kawana, playgrounds, beachfront boardwalk and parklands, alongside all the convenience of a masterplanned beachside community.&nbsp;

“You see people jogging or swimming in the morning, then grabbing coffee at the cafes, people are really embracing the area and all this growth is bringing more people to Bokarina,” Stringer added.&nbsp;

To take advantage of the vistas, each of the 135 apartments at Bask is designed with full size windows and high ceilings that provide an abundance of natural light.&nbsp;

Prices for the remaining three-bedroom apartments start at $1,599,000 and four-bedroom apartments start at $3,149,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141609 project_image_fid=363369]

The mixed-use development also features ground-level retail space for cafés, dining options and boutiques, including the soon-to-be-opened ‘Corner Shop’, by the team behind Noosa’s well known ‘Organika’.

Sam Gardner said Gardner Vaughan Group’s 37-year history building and developing across South East Queensland has contributed to the success of its second development in Bokarina, which follows the recently completed Zinc Apartments.&nbsp;

“We care how people live and this is reflected in the way we approach the design and delivery of every development,” he said. “Furthermore, as a builder-developer we have full control over the construction program and our 100 per cent completion rate is something people can draw confidence from.”&nbsp;

Founded by civil engineers Guy Gardner and Darryl Vaughan in 1989, the family-owned business has evolved from a consultancy firm to an award-winning builder-developer, with projects across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=141609]

Gardner Vaughan Group tops out Bask Bokarina apartments

Prolific Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> has launched its fourth new Gold Coast development in as many years.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a>, led by Daniel Faigen and backed by Eddie Hirsch, co-founder of United Petroleum, has unveiled The Eveleigh, on a prime 1,100 sqm site at 7-9 Surf Parade in the heart of Broadbeach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a> will deliver 100 apartments across 31 levels, making it the company’s largest Gold Coast project to date. It builds on the success of its three earlier developments, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/hemingway-1267-1273-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">The Hemingway in Palm Beach</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/emerson-kirra-100-musgrave-street-coolangatta">The Emerson at Kirra</a>, both completed, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yves-mermaid-beach-7-9-mermaid-avenue-mermaid-beach">Yves Mermaid Beach</a>, which is nearing completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

The announcement of The Eveleigh affirms the company’s sustained confidence in the Gold Coast market which continues to remain undersupplied. It also increases the value of Hirsch &amp; Fa​igen’s Gold Coast development portfolio to more than $700 million since the company first entered the market in 2021 with Hemingway.

The company has enlisted its preferred architecture firm Rothelowman to design The Eveleigh, which will offer a thoughtfully curated lifestyle, including a substantial wellness precinct, communal recreation areas, children’s play spaces, work-from-home facilities, and shared lounge and dining areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

Designed for the prime market demographic of downsizers and interstate lifestyle investors in mind, The Eveleigh has been crafted to offer an increasingly rare blend of affordable luxury in a tightly held market. Uniquely positioned in the heart of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after lifestyle suburb of Broadbeach, the project will also boast uninterrupted beach and hinterland views.

The Surf Parade site is just a short walk to the bustling Broadbeach dining and retail precinct, Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and convention centre, and an easy stroll to Kurrawa Beach and the recreational amenity of Pratten Park on the Broadbeach foreshore.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

“We’re excited to be proceeding with our fourth project on the Gold Coast in what is certain to become the new luxury precinct in Broadbeach,” says Anthony Bueti, the CFO of Hirsch &amp;a​mp; Faigen and a shareholder of the group.

“With the likes of Mosa​ic and Abedian &amp;a​mp; Co also launching quality projects in the area, the transformation will cement Broadbeach as the premier lifestyle and amenity suburb on the Gold Coast.

"After four years in the Gold Coast market, and with three successful projects completed, The Eveleigh is the product of everything we have learned to love about the Gold Coast and it will be an incredible addition to our growing portfolio in one of the most vibrant property markets in the country. We continue to remain very confident in the high-end Gold Coast property market.”

Urban Activation Director Matt George is handling sales for The Eveleigh, having sold out The Emerson, The Hemingway, and Yves, all before construction was completed.

Melbourne builder MAXCON has already commenced construction on The Eveleigh. They are forecasting a mid-2028 completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Hirsch & Faigen unveils The Eveleigh in Broadbeach

Two years after securing development approval for the final stage of its award-winning Thornton Precinct on the doorstep of Penrith Station, Urban Property Group is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/mayfair-on-penrith-172-lord-sheffield-circuit-penrith-nsw-2750">Mayfair on Penrith</a>, around 400 apartments designed to reflect two of Sydney’s most iconic structures.

The builder-developer has continued refining the design plans for the two-building development on a significant 8,280 sqm site on Sheffield Circuit, recognising the importance of the prime parcel as one of the closest developable sites to the station.

UPG enlisted architecture firm SJB to design the project. The team said they drew inspiration from both the General Post Office in Martin Place and East Circular Quay to help shape the design. The two-level colonnade, in particular, reflects the famous GPO building, which dates back to the 1860s.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362014]

There will be one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments on offer, with interiors by Cox Architecture. Residences will sit above a retail podium featuring hospitality and lifestyle operators such as One Playground and Volcano’s Steakhouse, contributing to an activated ground plane within the broader Thornton precinct.

A communal rooftop with a pool and views towards the Blue Mountains will provide shared open space for residents. The development is positioned between Ron Mulock Oval and Westfield Penrith, with the Nepean River and Great River Walk also nearby, placing daily amenity and green space within walking distance.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362015]

Mayfair is being delivered by Urban Property Group, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly 40 years’ experience across Sydney. The project will be the first in Penrith to be offered with Resilience Insurance’s 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, which Urban Property Group has adopted across a number of its recent developments. The developer also has a 4.5-star iCIRT rating, one of the best ratings in market providing further confidence to buyers.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said providing additional assurance to off-the-plan buyers has become increasingly important.

“Anything we can do to give confidence in our product is a plus,” Elias told Apartments.com.au.

“Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. They’re making their single large investment, which is their home, and providing confidence is something that we feel is paramount.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136726 project_image_fid=362020]

The LDI policy provides a 10-year warranty covering structural defects, with independent inspections carried out during construction and protection for owners if defects arise post-completion.

Mayfair represents Urban Property Group’s sixth and final development within Thornton, consolidating the masterplanned precinct immediately east of the station.

The developer, which builds its own projects, has already commenced construction. SRM Residential is handling the sales campaign.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136726]

Scott Keck

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News