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Townsville’s top end eye candy property is a relatively shallow market with the majority of prestige stock falling within the $1 million to $2.5 million price range, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes these swoon-inducing properties typically offer elevated aspects and ocean views with well above average levels of accommodation and fit out.
Improvements include features such as pools, architectural design and good outdoor living areas, along with extensive main living areas.
"To date in 2019 the highest settled residential sale recorded was for a property located on Castle Hill, which transacted for just over $1.5 million," the valuation firm said. 
The architecturally designed property at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-castle+hill-130817450" target="_blank"> 37 Yarrawonga Drive</a> (pictured below) offers sweeping views over Cleveland Bay and comprises five bedrooms, three bathrooms and an inground pool.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/27/castle%20hill%202.jpg" alt="">
There are currently a number of properties listed on the market with asking prices over $1.5 million within the North Ward and Castle Hill areas along with some located on Magnetic Island, the report noted. 
"An exceptionally large architecturally designed house in Annandale comprising six bedrooms and five bathrooms with views over the Ross River is currently on the market with an asking price of $2.4 million negotiable," the valuation firm said. 
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-annandale-131869598" target="_blank">3 Fairlight Crescent</a> (pictured below) is built over three levels with a reported total floor area of over 900 square metre including four-car accommodation, pool, theatre, lift, C-bus electrical system and self- contained living to the lower level.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/27/annandale.jpg" alt="">
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Townsville sees shallow top end property market: HTW residential 

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The residential market in the Gladstone region has stabilised over recent years after a very volatile patch, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The HTW report notes since the beginning of the year there has been limited sales activity of homes on standard residential lots over the $600,000 price point and unit sale prices top out at just over $200,000.
The city of Gladstone is the largest multi- commodity shipping port in Queensland so as a consequence most eye-candy property in the region takes advantage of water views.
"Tannum Sands and Boyne Island are two localities situated on the coast to the south of central Gladstone and seem to have the majority of 2019 residential home sales at the upper end of the market.
"One property worthy of note in this location is<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-tannum+sands-128720926" target="_blank"> 5 Di Street, Tannum Sands </a>(pictured below) which has frontage to the Boyne River and sold in July 2019 for $750,000," the valuation firm said. 
The property offers uninterrupted river views from a two storey, four-bedroom, three- bathroom modern home with an inground pool.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/25/5%20di%20st%202.jpg" alt="">
"When considering eye-candy residential property in Gladstone, it is difficult to go past 2 Parksville Drive, New Auckland," the valuation firm said. 
This modern resort style home won the CQ Master Builders Housing and Construction Awards 2013 for best individual home and swimming pool, outdoor living and landscaping prizes.
Owned by a local builder, the property sold for $1.04 million in May 2019.
Located on a 2,806 square metre block, the architecturally designed home offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms, state of the art kitchen, butler’s pantry, sound proof media room, relaxing urban views over the L-shaped pool and a 165 square metre shed with kitchen, bathroom and mezzanine floor.
The report notes 2019 prestigious unit sales only include a luxurious penthouse apartment in the Aspex complex which sold in April 2019 for $810,000. This is a significant reduction from the previous sale in 2011 at $1.4 million.
The modern apartment offers 302 square metres with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a sky terrace with views of Auckland Creek Inlet and the Gladstone Marina.
The top end price listing has to be 6 Cormorant Close, South Gladstone (pictured below) with a list price of offers over $1.4 million.
The property has been on the market since May 2019 and is significantly discounted from its previous sale price in 2015 of $1.84 million.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/25/6%20cormorant%20close.jpg" alt="">
Having a land area of 1,151 square metres, this architecturally designed home offers six bedrooms and three bathrooms over six different levels and three outside entertaining areas.
An L-shaped pool including 12.5 metre lap pool and waterfall blade is also a feature.
Boasting ocean and bush views the home also offers a custom designed art room with 100-year-old recycled timber flooring, gymnasium, wine cellar and mud room.
Internal size is advertised as 672 square metres.
"You had me at wine cellar!" the valuation firm commented. 
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Most eye-candy properties in Gladstone take advantage of water views: HTW residential 

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Whilst other market segments in Toowoomba have been soft in recent times, the prestige sector has been performing strongly, particularly in East Toowoomba, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes the prestige market for $1 million-plus properties continues to show signs of strong interest and sales results, but is limited in supply.
An analysis of all house sales recorded in the Toowoomba Regional Council area during 2018 reveals only 7.5% made the $1 million plus price point.
"Prestige units exceeding $500,000 are also proving more desirable than previously, with retirees showing a preference for lower maintenance properties in prestige locations," the valuation firm said. 
The report notes suburbs encompassing the prestige sector include Middle Ridge, Rangeville, Redwood, Prince Henry Heights, Mount Lofty and the stand out performer, East Toowoomba.
These suburbs are located on the eastern escarpment of Toowoomba, enjoying large lots and valley views as well as being within many of Toowoomba’s private school catchment areas.
"The typical prestige property comprises open plan, four-plus bedrooms, two to three bathrooms and multiple floor levels on large lots.
"They are generally large, extensively renovated or extended older timber and brick dwellings and modern architectural homes with detailed finishes, quality landscaping and some with escarpment views," the valuation firm added. 
Below are some examples of the higher priced sales in the region in 2019, the HTW report noted. 
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-east+toowoomba-129307970" target="_blank">3 Arthur Street, East Toowoomba </a>(pictured above) sold for $2.35 million in February.
Situated on a 3,338 square metre block, the property comprises Six bedroom, three bathroom, and four-car garage.
It features a tennis court, swimming pool, granny flat and multiple living areas.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/11/27/15%20kara%20view%20court.jpeg" alt="">
The property at 15-17 Kara View Court, Rangeville (pictured above) sold for $2.025 million in March.
The dwelling is situated on a 4,000 square metre lot facing north with valley views.
It comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage.
Other features include a tennis court, swimming pool and multiple living areas.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/27/14%2016%20cottesloe%20st.jpg" alt="">
This unit at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-qld-east+toowoomba-130677022" target="_blank"> 23/14-16 Cottesloe Street, East Toowoomba</a> (pictured above) is situated on the tenth floor of Cottesloe Crest with a north to east aspect and extensive rangeside views.
The unit comprises four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two basement car parks with approximately 178 square metres of living area and 29 square metres of outdoor area.
The unit sold for $900,000 in March 2019.
There are a handful of current listings above $1 million in the Toowoomba region. The higher priced properties are listed below:
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56 Spring Street, Middle Ridge- $1.99 million asking price.
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10 Golf Course Drive, Middle Ridge- $2.25 million asking price.
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12 Mayes Street, East Toowoomba– Interest from $2.75 million (under offer).
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Toowoomba prestige market performing strongly: HTW residential 

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The Rockhampton region has been spoilt for choice with a number of quality homes selling throughout the year, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
"This isn’t always the case for our local markets so it has been a very exciting year!" the valuation firm said. 
"Rockhampton itself has seen our long-standing price ceiling of $1.5 million smashed this year with the sale of <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-the+range-130497642" target="_blank">50 Agnes Street, The Range</a> (pictured above)."
This property was set to go to auction back in March however sold prior to, with a number of serious offers received prior to the day.
The eventual sale price was just shy of $1.8 million.
This property is positioned on the top of The Range, a highly desirable residential locality among families and investors alike.
It is a modern home of grand proportions with top quality fitout, on a larger than average 2,462 square metre well landscaped allotment with pool, pool house and tennis court just some of the stand out features.
"The Capricorn Coast has also had some premium sales throughout the year, albeit less volume than 2018," the valuation firm said. 
A rural residential property on two hectares with elevation high above Mulambin Beach is currently under contract for well in excess of $1 million.
This property attracted multiple offers over a relatively short marketing period, highlighting that there is still demand for well- established property with quality views at the upper price points.
"To a lesser extent, our rural residential markets also provided some interesting sales throughout the year with a current contract of a modern home on an acre allotment on the northern fringe of Rockhampton reaching $900,000," the valuation firm said. 
This property has a generously proportioned modern home with pool and large shed.
"Regionally, there is typically very little by way of premium rental properties or units with most executive rentals topping out at around $550 to $600 per week," the valuation firm continued. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/27/27%20island%20view%20crescent.jpg" alt="">
"If one were chasing a sea change, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-barlows+hill-130681486" target="_blank">27 Island View Crescent at Barlows Hill</a> (pictured above) has on offer, for $1.95 million, an architect designed, multi-level home of a reported 1,000 square metres of living area!" 
Expansive ocean views are on offer, together with six bedrooms, opulent master suite, soundproof media room, C-Bus lighting system, wet edge pool, library and dumbwaiter.
"North Rockhampton has a select few areas which spark the curiosity of the marketplace," the valuation firm stated. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/27/29%20murlay%20avenue.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-frenchville-131985306" target="_blank">29 Murlay Avenue</a> (pictured above) has recently been listed for sale at $985,000. Once again, this is a spacious, multi- level home, with the main feature here being the quality views back over the city of Rockhampton and the Fitzroy River.
"The property has a unique appeal to the entertainers out there," the valuation firm commented. 
Back over to The Range and just over the road from the record-breaking sale at 50 Agnes Street, number 51 Agnes Street is a listing to watch.
Having recently undergone a complete transformation after being purchased for $460,000 just over 12 months ago, it is now offered to the market at $945,000 with high quality fitout and immaculate presentation and styling.
"One of our more unique listings of late has been a seven hectare absolute river front property on the fringe of suburban North Rockhampton at 352 Lakes Creek Road, Koongal.
"The property is unique not only for its river frontage, but also due to its combination of improvements including a residence, a set of four flats, stables and large shed." 
This one of a kind property was taken to auction in May, before being priced to sell at $1.25 million.
The site is partly flood affected and has been zoned Waterfront and Marine Industry.
"This property has no recent sales history and is without comparison, so it will be an interesting property to analyse once sold." 
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Rockhampton sees a number of quality home sales: HTW residential 

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The past year has been a relatively quiet one for high priced properties in a region that has its fair share of prestige properties given the extensive coastlines and magnificent ocean views, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes the region in the past five years regularly achieved residential sales upwards of $3 million, however 2019 has been a quiet one.
"It’s probably a good indicator of the subdued state of the top end of the market that there have been so few sales," the valuation firm said. 
A couple of sales which were notable in the past 12 months are:
The report at 2/28 Ella Gladstone Drive, Eagle Bay (pictured below) was sold for $2.8 million in June. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/27/28%20ella%20galdstone%20drive.jpg" alt="">
This is a circa 2011, two storey, four bedroom, two bathroom, architect designed dwelling which has been finished to a very high standard and includes quality fitout and a below ground pool.
The property is located at the end of a cul-de-sac on a 916 square metre elevated site and has very good ocean views.
"Eagle Bay is a salubrious locality and comprises many high quality homes many of which have views of the ocean and bay. This property ticks all the right boxes," the valuation firm commented. 
The property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-naturaliste-130138482" target="_blank">15 Duckworth Place, Naturaliste </a>(pictured below) was sold for $2.3 million in January. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/27/15%20duckworth%20place.jpg" alt="">
This property comprises a circa 2000, single level, four bedroom, two bathroom, architect designed dwelling with rammed earth and timber walls.
The property has many features including a 14 metre high ceiling and has been finished to a very high standard with a top quality fitout.
It is located on Mount Duckworth which is situated between Dunsborough and Yallingup on a moderately sloping elevated rural residential lot which has a land area of 4.3 hectares.
The elevated location of the house gives it excellent panoramic views of the coastal plain and distant ocean views of Geographe Bay.
Listings
In terms of listings, it would be hard to go past the property at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-wa-eagle+bay-132010658" target="_blank">7 Picquet Close, Eagle Bay</a> (pictured below).
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/27/7%20picquet%20close.jpg" alt="">
It is a 2003 built two-storey limestone dwelling with three bedrooms and two bathrooms and is situated on a 2,243 square metre elevated site and has absolute beach front to Eagle Bay.
"The very private house has been finished to a high standard however it is the fact that is has ocean views from almost every window and that you could stand on the back deck and almost reach out and touch the whales as they pass by that makes this property stand out.
"Be prepared to put your hand in your pocket though - it doesn’t currently have an asking price and is asking for offers," the valuation firm said.
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A quiet year for South West WA prestige market: HTW residential 

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The top end of the market in the Illawarra has seen usual market activity throughout 2019, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes whilst there has been lower demand than during the peak period in previous years, the top end hasn’t been quite as dramatic as the sub-$1 million properties.
High end sales include dwellings for $4.1 million in Wombarra, $3.2 million and $3.8 million in Bulli and a rural residential property just out of Berry for $5.4 million.
A Wollongong unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-wollongong-128254826" target="_blank">2/68 Cliff Road</a> (pictured below) sold for $3,225,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/wollongong%201.jpg" alt="" style="font-size: 12.16px;">
"One of the more extraordinary sales in 2019 was a $2.7 million property in Dapto," the valuation firm noted. 
The house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-dapto-130584238" target="_blank">46-48 Carlyle Close </a>(pictured below) was built in 2018 and is approximately 475 square metres in size, featuring six bedrooms and three bathrooms all on 2,974 square metres of land.
The home site is elevated and has district and escarpment views and the grounds are extensively landscaped and retained with self-irrigating gardens, a wet-edge pool with spa and garaging for six cars.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/18/dapto.jpg" alt="">
"By far a record price in Dapto, it is not expected that there would be any more expensive properties in this area let alone any that have hit the market recently," the valuation firm commented. 
Top-end properties vary depending on their type however most have a high quality level of fitout, substantial size and a significant view.
Vast ancillary improvements need to complement the dwelling itself. These highlights show that there has been decent trading in the upper bracket.
Buyers have still been willing to pay a decent price if they are getting something unique and special.
A search of realestate.com.au for properties in the region currently for sale over $4 million lists a number of development sites along with a penthouse with rooftop pool and private lift in Gerringong, an ocean front house on a double block in Bulli and two rural residential properties in Kangaroo Valley.
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Illawarra prestige market remains stable: HTW residential 

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A Sydney real estate agent is being questioned by police in China after allegedly fleeing the city with his two sons before his wife was found dead in a freezer.
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<div class="s">It is understood the 36-year-old Haoling Luo had been living in Australia since 2010 before moving to Pymble with his wife and sons in 2016.</div>
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<div class="s">He paid $906,000 for the two bedroom apartment in the 2008 built Arboria complex (top).</div>
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<div class="s">Luo received his real estate licence in mid-2018 and was selling houses in the Upper North Shore.</div>
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<div class="s">Neighbours said on Sunday night they heard an argument in which furniture was being thrown, the ABC reported.</div>
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<div class="s">The body was found on Wednesday, the day after Luo fled to China with the couple's two kids.</div>
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Sydney real estate agent questioned by police in China after wife found dead in a freezer

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The listing volumes of homes for sale remained subdued, which restricted the potential for any big lift in earnings at the publicly listed McGrath estate agency.
And its chief executive Geoff Lucas cautioned that the recent major capital city price jump was likely not sustainable on an annualised basis.
While the three months to October saw property prices in the Sydney and Melbourne metropolitan markets increase by 5 per cent and 5.5 per cent respectively, Lucas advised he did "not expect this rate of growth to continue.”
He told shareholders the business was recovering.
“While recent above reserve prices, increased auction clearance rates and buyer engagement levels have all improved sentiment, all of which might improve listing levels, we do not see evidence yet of any sustainable improvement,” he said.
McGrath has been busy buying rent rolls.
The company’s rent roll is conservatively valued at $49.4 million, and its Oxygen trailing commission at $2.6 million, while the company has only recognised $11.1m on its balance sheet.
The Australian reported funds managers at the meeting pointed to the value in the company’s rent rolls and the potential for it to grow in future.
Lucas told shareholders at yesterday's annual general meeting that October new listings in Sydney and Melbourne were respectively 6.6 per cent and 15.8 per cent lower than prior year numbers.
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"It is volumes however that are contributing to most of the challenges in the industry and whilst we have seen some recent improvements, new listings for the industry are still down on the prior year," Mr Lucas said.
"While recent above reserve prices, increased auction clearance rates and buyer engagement levels have all improved sentiment, all of which might improve listing levels, we do not see evidence yet of any sustainable improvement."
The company said it expected to post earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of between $1 to $1.5 million in the first half of the year, a lift from a $10.1 million EBITDA loss for the whole of 2019.
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Lucas would not be drawn into offering any forecast statutory net profit, which has been in the red over the past two years. 
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The company was confident however it could maintain an upward momentum but cautioned the recovery would not be swift.
"We’re pleased to advise that there are some promising signs starting to come through in the market," chief executive Geoff Lucas said.
The Chinese developer Aqualand lifted its investment in the ASX listed McGrath estate agency from 15 per cent to 18.5 per cent last month.
The increase in its stake followed Aqualand’s acquisition of an <a href="/news/mcgrath-secure-10-7-million-strategic-investment-from-aqualand">initial 15 per cent in McGrath last year</a>. 
Aqualand will remain McGrath’s second largest shareholder, behind John McGrath's own 22 percent stake.
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The annual general meeting came amid sex harassment allegations that came to light last week in the Daily Telegraph.
Shareholders fear it could impede the company's road to recovery, as it involves its head of sales, Adrian Bo who denies any misdoing.
Mr Lucas said investigations were still ongoing.
John McGrath has been drafted in as the temporary head of the McGrath sales team in the leave of absence being taken Adrian Bo.
The role of company sales team leader was shared by Mr Bo and Mr McGrath following <a href="/news/kon-stathopoulos-departs-mcgrath-estate-agents">the departure in June of Kon Stathopoulos</a>.
The company's share price closed at 30¢ on Thursday, up 1¢ from Wednesday.
Its debut IPO price in 2016 was $2.10, and it <a href="/news/mcgrath-estate-agents-trading-at-all-time-low-of-19-5-cents">traded at an all time low in June</a>.
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Cautious McGrath see emerging prospect of recovery in earnings

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While Emerald is still bouncing off the bottom and in a slow rising mode, there is little eye candy around unless the property ticks all the boxes and has multiple buyers looking, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes a big sale for Emerald is over the $1 million mark.
"This year we have seen two properties sell in this top range with the first being <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-emerald-107106154" target="_blank">8 Campbell Ford Drive</a> (pictured below), situated on 4,061 square metres with nine bedrooms, five bathrooms, a four-car garage, over 750 square metres under roof, a 19 metre pool and a 400 square metre shed," the valuation firm said. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/25/emerald%20.jpg" alt="">
This is a one of a kind for Emerald, hence the price tag of over $1.1 million.
The second home selling at just over $1 million was at 22 Slack Drive.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/11/25/emerald%20.jpeg" alt="">
The property is 1.03 hectares of river frontage with manicured landscaping, an outdoor area, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, about 480 square metres under roof, a 300 square metre shed and an inground pool.
"Both of these properties lacked nothing for quality accommodation in Emerald," the valuation firm said. 
Rents top out at $450 to $500 per week with six listings currently. Rents have seen the highest growth in 2019 and this should start driving house prices upward.
"There are currently four genuine listings of residential properties in Emerald over $850,000. Each is unique with architect designed homes, pools, granny flats, large sheds, acreage, extra- large homes and high quality accommodation," the valuation firm noted. 
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Emerald sees two $1 million plus sales in 2019: HTW residential 

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Whilst some market segments have been a bit erratic throughout 2019, there are still a number of high-end properties that have transacted this year in Gold Coast, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes Sovereign Islands is a prestige residential locality at the northern end of the Gold Coast.
The collection of man-made islands is home to some of the largest and most prestigious dwellings on the coast.
"20 Parklane Terrace, Sovereign Islands, Paradise Point (pictured above) is no exception and sold in March 2019 for $6.3 million," the valuation firm said. 
Constructed on the property is an ultra-modern five-bedroom, four-bathroom dwelling with an eight car basement garage.
The house is situated on a rare 1,497 square metre, north-west canal facing, double wide allotment boasting a 27-metre water frontage.
The dwelling leverages its expansive water frontage to produce canal views.
Other improvements include a grand entrance with imported white marble staircase, home theatre room, bar room with fireplace, large lap style pool with water feature and spa and 24 metre pontoon jetty.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/20/22%20parkland%20tce.jpg" alt=""> 
Located in a prime main river front location, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-southport-112738511" target="_blank">1A Yacht Street, Southport </a>(pictured below) sold in June 2019 for $7 million.
The property features a south-east facing, two storey Hamptons style, five-bedroom, four- bathroom dwelling with three-car built-in garage, having a gross floor area of 825 square metre.
The dwelling appreciates expansive views of the Surfers Paradise skyline and the Nerang River.
The property is located within the prestigious TSS (The Southport School) precinct within Southport with a number of tightly held multi-million dollar homes.
Paradise Waters continues to set the benchmark for waterfront housing on the Gold Coast.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/20/1a%20yacht%20st.jpg" alt=""> 
The report notes one of the highest sales in the area this year was 22 Admiralty Drive (pictured below) which transacted in January for $7,975,000.
Whilst built in 1990, the home was renovated in 2007 and 2008 and comprises a substantial, 665 square metre, modern, five- bedroom, five-bathroom, prestige dwelling with garage area for six cars.
Having a land area of 1,351 square metres and 37 metres of frontage to the Nerang River along the south-eastern boundary, it is afforded good local, wide water and city skyline views.
Other improvements to the property include an indoor lap pool, high quality landscaping, water features, 24-metre pontoon jetty, two timber decks over the river and a boat shed with wet bar.
"This house benefits from an ever-changing view across the water to the Surfers Paradise skyline," the valuation firm commented. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/20/24%20admiralty%20drive.jpg" alt=""> 
A north facing, 4,000 square metre Nerang River front allotment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-carrara-131569930" target="_blank">18 Maryland Avenue, Carrara </a>(pictured below) is under contract for $6.3 million.
It has a Hamptons inspired, modern dwelling with four-bedroom, four- bathroom and six-car accommodation built over two levels with a gross floor area of 863 square metres and a 31-metre frontage to the Nerang River.
The property is located in a sought-after enclave with several multi million dollar homes on similar small acreage riverfront and dry allotments.
"The property is in the process of changing hands and was placed under contract after a very short marketing campaign of just six days!" the valuation firm said. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/20/carrara.jpg" alt="">
For Sale
"Hedges Avenue, also known as millionaire’s row is one of the most exclusive residential beach front localities on the Gold Coast with numerous multi- million dollar beachside residences," the valuation firm said. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-mermaid+beach-132157742" target="_blank">17 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach </a>(pictured below) is currently listed for sale for $12.5 million.
Situated on a prime, corner block, the six-bedroom, eight-bathroom dwelling spans three storeys with floor to ceiling stack sliding doors to each floor, maximizing its views of the white sandy beaches of the Coast.
"The property offers a rare slice of paradise, being only one of four properties currently listed for sale along millionaire’s row," the valuation firm added. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/20/17%20hedges%20avenue%20mermaid%20beach.jpg" alt=""> 
Te Moana at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-broadbeach+waters-131893742" target="_blank">255 Monaco Street, Broadbeach Waters </a>(pictured below) is listed for sale for $13.75 million and occupies a 3,296 square metre north-west facing Nerang River front allotment with 43 metres of prime river frontage.
The house is a classically designed, two level, palatial home of approximately 1,300 square metres with five bedrooms, six bathrooms and six-car garaging.
Monaco Street is one of the premier streets of the Gold Coast with a number of large prestige homes situated within close proximity to the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach business precinct, Surfers Paradise CBD and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Aiming to break all Gold Coast property records, 26 Knightsbridge Parade East on Sovereign Islands has been listed for sale at USD $30 million (or about AUD $44.2 million depending on the exchange rate).
This property is located across five absolute broadwater front lots, with over 4,000 square metres of land area and a true north facing aspect and also has a staggering 106 metres of broadwater frontage.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/20/255%20monaco%20st.jpg" alt="">
Containing one of the Gold Coast’s largest residences, the dwelling has a total floor area of over 2,700 square metres built in the Tuscan style of architecture and designed by Bayden Goddard (one of the Gold Coast’s sought after architects).
Features to the property include seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, eight metre ceiling heights, timber parquetry flooring, Turkish travertine feature columns, Turkish bathhouse, 30 metre north facing pool, high quality landscaping and 12 car basement.
"Watch this space as hopefully next year we will be reporting on these properties as record breaking sales," the valuation firm said. 
</body></html>

Gold Coast's Hedges Avenue sees numerous multi-million dollar transactions: HTW residential 

The residential transformation of St Kilda Road is set to continue into with more new apartment plans for the sought-after boulevard.

Wing Tai Asia has lodged plans for a major residential tower at 464-466 St Kilda Road, replacing the former VACC House with an 18-storey mixed-use development designed around a retained heritage podium and a sculpted contemporary tower.

The proposal, prepared under Victoria’s Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway, would deliver 325 apartments and ground-floor retail across the prominent 4,653 sqm boulevard site in Melbourne’s St Kilda Road North Precinct.

The project centres on the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage-listed VACC Building, an eight-storey office designed by Bernard Evans that has occupied the address for decades. Planning documents state the development would involve “carefully dismantling and conserving off-site the original metal fabric of the podium visible from St Kilda Road,” before reinstating it as the defining frontage of the new scheme.

Above the restored podium, Wing Tai is proposing a curvilinear residential tower. The scheme includes 172 one-bedroom apartments, 63 two-bedroom apartments, 66 three-bedroom apartments, and 24 four-bedroom apartments, alongside two ground-floor food and beverage tenancies fronting St Kilda Road.

The tower has been designed with substantial articulation and variable setbacks to minimise perceived bulk and maintain view corridors along the boulevard. Urbis, which prepared the planning report, said the design “has been significantly articulated through a curvilinear design” with “an interplay with materials, façade expression and depth” to create visual separation and visual interest.

The proposal also includes 254 basement car spaces, landscaped pedestrian links connecting St Kilda Road and Queens Lane, and a biophilic landscape strategy featuring canopy trees, raised planters, cascading greenery and a glass oculus pool overlooking the eastern frontage.

Planning documents confirm the $270.1 million development will contribute 3 per cent of project costs to the Social Housing Growth Fund as part of the application process.

Wing Tai acquired the St Kilda Road property in 2018 alongside Abacus Property Group for $95.38 million, before later consolidating ownership of the site. The property previously served as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce headquarters for around 60 years.

The transformation of the St Kilda Rd boulevard is already beginning to materialise, with a number of high-profile projects recently completed, launched, or approaching launch as developers continue to back the long-term appeal of the precinct.

Among the most notable recent completions is Louise by Samuel Property Group, just off the strip on Queens Lane, the same pocket Hirsch &amp; Faigen recently launched The Queensbury. Mirvac is too on the same street with The Albertine, which is approaching completion.

Dexus recently secured approval for its slice of St Kilda Road, while Gurner also has approved plans for the precinct.

Joel Robinson

Wing Tai unveils 325-apartment St Kilda Road tower on former VACC House site

Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
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</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

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