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An independent report by KPMG has highlighted the operational resilience, innovation and confidence of customer owned banking in navigating the economic uncertainty of COVID-19.
The <a href="https://customerownedbankingassociation.cmail20.com/t/d-l-chluytk-jlujgjiij-r/" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">KPMG Mutuals Industry Review 2020</a> reports that 70% of surveyed customer owned banking institutions feel confident in their three-year growth prospects, representing a notable increase from 63% in 2019.
“This has been a tough year for all, but our members continue to prioritise the needs of their customers as the economy looks to the recovery phase,” says Michael Lawrence, CEO of the Customer Owned Banking Association.
“Our sector has grown over the year with residential lending increasing by 3.0% and deposits increasing by 7.0%. This market share underlines the fact that customer owned banking institutions continue to be seen as an attractive proposition for customers.
“As noted by the report, our members have maintained a reputation for trust through a period of increased public scrutiny. They have a deep alignment with their customers, and this trust is a cornerstone of their resilience as they move forward together. 
“This is also reflected in their community involvement, which most members view as a key differentiator to their business. 
“While our sector continues to compete on price, we are also at the forefront of technology and innovation, including alliances with fintech companies. For example, <a href="https://customerownedbankingassociation.cmail20.com/t/d-l-chluytk-jlujgjiij-y/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Newcastle Permanent</a> struck a $300 million home loan funding deal with Athena Home Loans, enabling the customer owned banking institution to utilise Athena’s digital home loan platform to attract new borrowers. 
“Headquartered in Armidale, <a href="https://customerownedbankingassociation.cmail20.com/t/d-l-chluytk-jlujgjiij-j/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">Regional Australia Bank</a> is a market leader of Open Banking. As one of only two accredited data recipients, the institution collaborated with fintech ‘Basiq’ to approve a loan application end-to-end in under six minutes. These examples showcase the strength of the customer owned model in using technology to innovate and improve the customer experience.  
“With our members now supporting over 4.5 million customers, it’s important for government and regulators to apply proportionality to upcoming regulations. New rules should be well-targeted, fit for purpose, and not an impediment to growth. A competitive banking market is vital to economic recovery.”
The KPMG Report is based on a survey of 47 customer owned banking institutions.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Customer owned banking sector shows confidence and resilience: COBA

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Ilkey, the Sunshine Coast hinterland trophy home, has been listed for sale by the Channel 7 executive and former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith and his wife Emma.

The couple paid $1.45 million for the home in 2015 which is being marketed as one of the best acreage estates the region had to offer by Ray White Buderim Agent Kathryn Willshire.

She calls Ilkey an "unrivalled residence".

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94623]

The five bedroom, two storey home surrounded by manicured lawn and landscaping sits on a private 35,612 sqm block.

“The view is arguably one of the most breathtaking settings I have ever seen,” said the agent who has lived and worked in the area for more than 15 years.

She said the owners said the home’s very private setting just south of Buderim was perfect for family living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29180]

The Roberts-Smith's extended the 2003-built house when they bought it five years ago, building the infinity pool and fully equipped pool house with BBQ, kitchen and dining setting.

The home would also be perfect as a home office or dual-living space, ideal for extended family or a teenagers retreat, as there’s a separate downstairs space with three bedrooms and its own kitchenette and bathroom, according to the marketing material.

The private gated property goes to auction on-site on December 19.
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Ikley on the Sunshine Coast listed by Ben Roberts-Smith

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Cedar Woods Properties has unveiled plans for Greville, a new $180 million-plus community in Wooloowin.
It will feature a mix of terrace homes, apartments and heritage residences just five kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.
The urban village will be the first project of its kind for Wooloowin and ultimately feature over 250 homes and apartments, an exclusive residents' recreation zone and pool, and a 4,000sqm community park.
Cedar Woods is taking expressions of interest for the first stage, which will comprise 12 north-facing terrace homes. 
The Greville name is a nod to prominent architect Francis Drummond Greville Stanley who designed the Holy Cross Laundry, which opened in 1889. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/7/Greville%203.JPG" alt="">
Cedar Woods Senior Development Manager Peter Starr said Greville ticked all the boxes for buyers wanting an inner-city location, a modern Queenslander-inspired home and a design with liveability at the core.
"All our terrace homes have an optimal north-south orientation, meaning they are designed to enjoy abundant natural light and breezes, with our first release in an elevated enclave, meaning some also enjoy city skyline views.
"All the homes feature a generous landscaped courtyard, and open plan living that integrates seamlessly with either the courtyard or a balcony, creating light-filled indoor-outdoor living and entertaining." 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/7/Greville%205.JPG" alt="">
Mr Starr said lush landscaping would feature heavily at Greville.
Greville is just a 400 metre stroll from Wooloowin train station and 1km from the Northern Busway at Lutwyche, with the Northern Bikeway extension at the doorstep."
The first terrace homes at Greville are priced from below $800,000. 
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$180 million Greville master-planned community in Wooloowin launched

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<div class="block-content">
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">A $500 million Victorian Homebuyer Fund was announced in the Victorian State Budget to help first homebuyers break into the property market.</div>
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<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">The fund will contribute to the purchase price in exchange for equity interest in the property, reducing the size of the deposit required by the first time buyer.</div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> </div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">The plan will reduce the size of the deposit needed for homes, new and established.</div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> </div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">The decision follows a successful pilot program.</div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> </div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">It will help people who do not have a 20 per cent deposit.</div>
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Victorian Homebuyer Fund to encourage first home buyers

Sunshine Coast had Queensland's top house price growth in Spring: CoreLogic's Q3 Regional Report

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A Blakehurst, NSW trophy house has been listed without a price guide.
The five bedroom, five bathroom abode is known as 'Black Caviar'.
Situated at 139a Stuart Street, the property resembles a boutique hotel, according to the marketing material.
Set on 1,182 sqm it sits along the Cote D’Azur complete with its own boating facilities.
The interiors showcase a glass lift that offers 180-degree views across the Georges River as it services four levels featuring multiple guest suites, an executive office, cinema and gym.
It is finished with a pool plus a multi-tiered party and boating deck over the district’s deepest waters. 
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Blakehurst, NSW trophy home resembling a boutique hotel listed

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The prestige market in Gladstone has been very thinly traded over the course of 2020, according to the November report from Herron Todd White.
In 2019, we saw two sales occur above $1 million. In 2020, the highest sale to date has been a rural residential property in Wurdong Heights for $840,000. This 6.32-hectare property is located on an elevated allotment with 270-degree panoramic views (east to the Boyne River, south to Many Peak Ranges and north overlooking natural bushland).
The dwelling itself was a mid 1990s four-bedroom, two-bathroom residence with extensive outdoor areas to take advantage of the views. Other features include shed space, golf buggy with built in charging station and a concrete cyclone bunker built into the side of a cliff.
Another prestige property in the dress circle location of Parksville Estate in New Auckland that has recently gone under contract. HTW are unable to disclose the purchase price at the time of writing, however can advise that the asking price was $889,000 and the purchase price was very close to the asking price. The property comprises a large, high quality home with all expected features plus sheds, a pool and spa on a 5,422 square metre near level, extensively landscaped lot.
This location is very sought after. Two vacant allotments recently sold for around $300,000 each in this estate.Also located in the estate is 2 Parksville Drive which we mentioned in last year’s prestige issue when it sold for $1.04 million.
There are currently about a dozen properties in the region listed for sale above $1 million. Most are rural residential properties, however a couple are large, modern, inner city dwellings that take advantage of amazing harbour views.
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Gladstone prestige market activity at rock bottom: HTW

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The high end of the residential market in Emerald has performed the strongest, according to the November report from Herron Todd White.
These properties are generally large, good quality homes that come with extensive ancillary improvements.
Demand has been slightly higher than supply so the past 12 months has seen a firming in value.
Leading the way at $1.15 million is a rural residential property on 11.2 hectares with a 2012 four-bedroom, two-bathroom home and living area of 282 square metres, outdoor area of 113 square metres, car parking area of 88 square metres and a 360 square metre detached shed.
The property is a clear timber home with high quality fitting and features.
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Emerald prestige market sees value strengthening: HTW

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Compared to its city and coastal cousins, Tamworth is not necessarily known for its prestige property, but there are options for buyers seeking a luxurious place to call home, according to the November report from Herron Todd White.
Unlike large city and many large coastal communities, the price tag on Tamworth’s prestige market is largely considered to be anything over $1 million in close proximity to the CBD, namely located in East Tamworth, or high value smaller rural lifestyle holdings on the city’s fringes.
The prestige property in Tamworth is relatively thinly traded and subject to a degree of short volatility, however given Tamworth’s growing population and importance as a major economic centre in northern New South Wales, we view these assets as being a sound long term investment and the option for a growing family.
Many of Tamworth’s prestige properties feature large renovated double block homes in leafy East Tamworth where shopping and schools are within a five-minute drive. A recent example was the sale of 56 White Street, East Tamworth also known as Kimeree (pictured) which sold on 18 December 2019 for $1.229 million. This is not far above the average Sydney house price!
There have been a number of East Tamworth prestige sales in recent years over the $1 million price point in close proximity to Tamworth’s CBD. More recently there have been fewer high value properties listed on the market and selling periods have increased throughout the COVID pandemic. However regional economies have been very resilient throughout this period and anecdotal evidence is showing a rejuvenation of major regional hubs.
Many areas are experiencing outstanding seasonal conditions for farmers and rural economies continue to help drive Australia out of recession. Interest from city buyers has increased according to many agents across the region with regional prestige property providing value for money and an appealing proposition for those seeking a lifestyle change.
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Tamworth prestige market remains resilient and affordable: HTW

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Despite the pandemic, the prestige market in the Illawarra has performed well throughout 2020, according to the November report from Herron Todd White.
As property prices have risen over the years, so has the prestige price point. When we talk about beachside homes, the Illawarra appears to have a price ceiling of around $4 million, however this price point has recently been breached with a sale in Woodland Avenue, Thirroul for $4.125 million, the house having been listed for sale for over a year and finally finding the right buyer, indicating the strength of this market in our region at the moment.
We have seen the following number of sales of coastal properties over $3 million in 2020: Stanwell Park – 1; Clifton – 1; Thirroul – 2; Minnamurra – 1; Kiama – 2; Gerroa – 1. For those looking for a bit more land, the rural residential prestige market has also been active in 2020.
The year kicked off with a $3.84 million sale in Russell Vale of a four-bedroom, three-bathroom homestead on 8.9 hectares with great district and distant ocean views. The $4 million mark was breached for a 20-hectare Calderwood property comprising three houses and significant ancillary improvements including stables, which sold in April for $4.6 million.
The Kiama and Berry and Kangaroo Valley regions traditionally provide the greatest number of prestige rural residential sales and 2020 has been no different with a 75-hectare property in Kangaroo Valley comprising three dwellings fetching $5,362,500 and Rose Valley recording two separate sales of $5.665 million and $6.05 million.
Agents are reporting a shortage of stock across the board and the prestige market is no different. Despite recent activity and buyer interest, there are a very limited number of prestige properties currently on the market with no current beachside
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Illawarra prestige market performed strongly despite pandemic: HTW

Longstanding Gold Coast and Canberra developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/morris-property-group">Morris Property Group</a> is continuing to roll on with its Glitter Strip apartment pipeline, seeking to return to Mermaid Beach with a new 68-apartment development.

Morris, founded by Barry Morris in 1978 and one of the Gold Coast’s most prolific apartment developers over the past two decades, has filed plans for a 12-storey mixed-use building at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/36-seabeach-avenue-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">34-36 Seabeach Avenue</a>, on the prized eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway.

The 1,227 sqm site occupies a prominent corner position at Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway, opposite the Mermaid Plaza retail and office precinct and around 140 metres walking distance from the future Mermaid Beach South light rail station.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser &amp; Partners</a> has designed the project, which will comprise 68 apartments across a mix of 48 two-bedroom and 20 three-bedroom residences.

The building will rise 12 storeys, reaching a maximum height of 36 metres, with the apartments accounting for a total of 156 bedrooms. The development application also seeks approval for short-term accommodation across the 68 apartments, while two office tenancies are proposed at ground level.

The plans show 108 car spaces across the development, with parking accommodated at ground level and within a three-level basement accessed from Seabeach Avenue.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2175c99-12fd-4a3c-9be1-89bbf258a90d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.41%E2%80%AFPM_0.png?VersionId=iNLzWcE6gaAE76rafhEXfHve.4g4Se0p" />

Resident amenity will be concentrated on level two, where Fraser &amp; Partners has designed a recreation deck with a swimming pool, 90 sqm pool terrace, outdoor barbecue area and gym.

The broader communal offering will also incorporate landscaped spaces, with the planning documents noting the amenity has been designed to provide areas for recreation, social interaction and outdoor living.

The proposal would continue the transformation of the Gold Coast Highway corridor through Mermaid Beach ahead of the arrival of the light rail.

The site is zoned Neighbourhood Centre and sits within the Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach Light Rail Corridor neighbourhood plan. While the prescribed building height is 24 metres, the site is identified within an Urban Neighbourhood context providing for a 50 per cent height uplift to 36 metres.

Planning documents describe the stretch of the Gold Coast Highway between Broadbeach and Nobby Beach as increasingly characterised by medium and high-rise development, with the proposed Morris tower joining projects including Ventura, The Alfred, Oceans and Otto.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="911f193f-e381-4a55-be08-58be87fcf978" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%202.59.48%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=oxVvLJaY.SOXEdXrIcogfyEXDfvCmmpM" />

The development would mark Morris Property Group's latest investment in Mermaid Beach, where it has already delivered two apartment projects.

Otto, at 1 Bondi Avenue on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway, comprises 70 apartments across nine storeys. The project was completed in 2019 and includes a residents' gym, recreation deck and swimming pool.

Morris also developed Oceans at 46 Ocean Street, a nine-storey, 70-apartment build-to-rent development completed in 2019. Oceans was the group's first build-to-rent project and incorporates commercial space at ground level.

The two existing Morris projects sit further north along the same Gold Coast Highway corridor as the proposed Seabeach Avenue development. Fraser &amp; Partners' planning analysis specifically identifies both Otto and Oceans among the established built-form precedents surrounding the site.

<img alt="Seabeach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14925119-7b71-4812-8149-340317512c7c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-20%20at%203.00.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aEJqYuw_nTCjcin17BSD0piB1EFotTlj" />

Mermaid Beach represents only part of Morris' considerable Gold Coast footprint.

The family-owned developer has been particularly active in neighbouring Broadbeach, delivering projects including Sierra Grand, Eclipse, Synergy, Qube, Koko, Opus and Malo, while its current pipeline includes Maison and the two-tower Crest development.

Further south, Morris has also developed a string of projects in Burleigh Heads, including Element, Boardwalk and Sandbar, while Essentia expanded its footprint north into Surfers Paradise.

The Seabeach Avenue application has been lodged by PMM Broadbeach Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation and office uses. Zone Planning Group prepared the planning application, with Fraser &amp; Partners commissioned as architect.

The project comes as the developer continues to expand its Gold Coast pipeline while retaining a significant presence in Canberra. Morris now has more than $2.5 billion of development in its national pipeline and has delivered more than 7,000 homes during its near five-decade history

Joel Robinson

First look: Morris Property Group returns to Mermaid Beach with new Seabeach Avenue apartment development

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hvFB2uWTRfEyEcpTSnnK9" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis" target="_blank">Fortis</a>&nbsp;is continuing its stronghold on Sydn​ey’s eastern suburbs apartment market, launching&nbsp;in September&nbsp;its latest boutique&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0GI5S9-wNeiLUnM-d1uYkw" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">Double Bay</a>&nbsp;development,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787272340808000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YNouJQcFjiTTgVHbgDLA-" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/55-william-double-bay-55-william-street-double-bay-nsw-2028" target="_blank">55 William</a>.

55 William presents&nbsp;just eight north-facing&nbsp;two-bedroom, three-bedroom and full-floor&nbsp;residences to the market, priced from $4.5 million.

The upcoming launch comes just weeks after Fortis secured approval for the $80 million development, its third eastern suburbs approval in two months. Construction is already underway, with completion targeted for 2028.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376250]

55 William adds to a growing concentration of Fortis projects in and around Double Bay, a market the developer has become increasingly active in over recent years.

Fortis previously completed the nine-residence Marmont on New South Head Road, while it is currently developing a mixed-use residential and retail project at 12 Cross Street. Its wider Double Bay footprint also extends into commercial and retail development.

The developer's broader Sydney residential pipeline is particularly concentrated across the eastern suburbs, with projects spanning Doub​le Bay, Ro​se Bay, Wo​ollahra, Dar​ling Point, Poi​nt Piper and Eli​zabeth Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376253]

At 55 William, Fortis has again turned to MHN Design Union, the architecture practice behind several of its eastern suburbs projects, while London-based 1508 London has been appointed to handle the interiors and Wyer &amp; Co the landscaping.

The six-level building will comprise a combination of two and three-bedroom apartments, including a garden residence, full-floor apartments, a sub-penthouse and penthouse. Each residence will have secure basement parking and private outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace for all residents, along with select apartments, enjoys views across Double Bay Harbour and toward the Sydney skyline.

Ceiling heights will reach up to three metres&nbsp;in select residences, while the kitchens will feature natural stone and integrated Gaggenau appliances.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The boutique nature of the project reflects the type of stock Fortis has increasingly targeted across Sydney's eastern suburbs, where larger apartments and smaller buildings are being pitched primarily toward local owner-occupiers and downsizers.

Fortis Group General Manager Ed Eve said the developer continues to see demand from buyers wanting to remain in the eastern suburbs but move into newer, lower-maintenance housing.

“We're seeing continued demand from local owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for high-quality homes that allow them to remain in the eastern suburbs, close to the lifestyle and community they know,” Eve said.

55 William is also one of the early projects to respond directly to the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms. Fortis had previously secured approval for just two townhouses on the 599 sqm site before revising the scheme to eight apartments following the planning changes.

Situated one street back from Double Bay's water's edge, the project enjoys an enviable harbourside setting within walking distance of Double Bay Village and the ferry wharf.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152579 project_image_fid=376252]

Fortis has increasingly made the eastern suburbs a major focus of its Sydney pipeline. Beyond Double Bay, it recently completed the 14-residence Piper in Point Piper and has projects underway or planned across Rose Bay, Woollahra and Darling Point.

The developer recently secured approval for Verano in Rose Bay, a six-level development comprising 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments, also designed by MHNDU.

55 William&nbsp;is soon to be release to the market with VIP appointments commencing early September,&nbsp;with residences priced from $4.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152579]

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

UAE-based developer Arada has unveiled plans for a $2 billion twin-tower apartment development in Broadbeach, marking its first move into Queensland as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia.

Arada will develop 952 apartments across two towers on a prominent site opposite the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the project targeted for completion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The project represents Arada's largest commitment to the Australian market since arriving in the country in 2024 and significantly expands a local pipeline that has now grown to eight projects and more than 5,000 homes.

It will also be the first major Queensland project delivered by Roberts Co since the tier-one contractor was acquired by Arada Group in 2025.

Plus Studio has designed the Broadbeach development, which will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two towers connected by a landscaped podium.

A significant resident amenity offering will include lagoon and lap pools, a gym, sauna and steam room, alongside a mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities. Communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, residents' lounge and work-from-home spaces are also planned. Around 1,200 sqm of retail and hospitality space will occupy the ground floor.

The site puts Arada in one of the Gold Coast's most active apartment markets, directly opposite the convention centre and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, The Star Gold Coast and Broadbeach's dining and retail precinct.

It also has immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and sits just a few blocks from the beach.

Arada Group Chief Executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said Broadbeach represented an opportunity for the developer to expand beyond its initial NSW pipeline.

“Broadbeach is a world-class address that gives us the canvas to create a community of exceptional design and lifestyle quality that genuinely enriches the daily lives of the people who call it home,” Alkhoshaibi said.

“This is our first development outside New South Wales, and it reflects our growing ambition to grow in key urban markets around the country.”

Alkhoshaibi said bringing Roberts Co into the project would give Arada greater control over the development and construction process.

“Delivering this project through Roberts Co, our own tier-one construction business, means we can bring the quality, pace and accountability that our buyers expect.”

The move into Broadbeach comes as Arada accelerates its Australian expansion following its entry into the market two years ago. The developer has assembled a pipeline of eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, while the acquisition of Roberts Co last year gave the group its own Australian construction capability.

Globally, Arada has a development portfolio valued at $50 billion comprising more than 55,000 homes across the UAE, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gold Coast is emerging as the next major market for the developer, with strong population growth and infrastructure spending ahead of the 2032 Games continuing to underpin significant apartment development across the coastal strip.

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

Sydney’s downsizer market is changing, with a growing cohort of buyers prioritising the right home over simply finding a smaller one.

Coronation Property Head of Sales Cam Porter says the traditional idea of downsizing does not necessarily reflect what many buyers are now looking for, particularly those moving from established family homes across Sydney.

Instead, he says they are increasingly becoming “right-sizers”, seeking lower-maintenance homes without sacrificing the space, amenity or quality they have become accustomed to.

“We are increasingly seeing buyers who are not motivated by the idea of simply moving into a smaller property,” Porter says.

“They are right-sizers. They want a home that is easier to manage and better connected, but they still expect generosity, quality and a floorplan that supports the way they live.”

It is a subtle but important distinction in a market where apartment developers are increasingly targeting established owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377495]

For many of these buyers, moving from a house to an apartment is not driven by a desire to dramatically reduce their living space. Instead, the appeal is in removing some of the maintenance associated with a larger home while retaining generous living areas, storage and enough flexibility to accommodate family and friends.

Coronation’s sales team is seeing buyers place particular importance on natural light, practical storage and additional rooms that can be used as guest bedrooms, home offices or secondary living spaces.

Kitchens and dining areas are also playing an increasingly important role, particularly for buyers who regularly entertain or have children and grandchildren visit.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377494]

“These buyers still want their home to feel generous,” Porter says.

“They may want less maintenance, but they are not looking for less life.”

The challenge for the broader housing market is providing enough of the right stock to encourage that move.

While much of the discussion around Sydney’s housing shortage has centred on the number of homes being delivered, Porter says the diversity of those homes is equally important.

Older homeowners can remain in large family houses for longer when they cannot find an appropriate alternative in the neighbourhoods where they have built their lives.

“The decision is rarely as simple as wanting fewer bedrooms,” Porter says.

“People are weighing up their connection to a neighbourhood, the space they need for family, the quality of the home and whether it will continue to work for them over the long term.”

It also has implications beyond the downsizer market. Providing suitable apartments for smaller households can free up established houses for families who need the additional bedrooms and land, creating greater movement through the housing market.

<h2>Lillian targets the next stage of apartment buyer</h2>

It is a buyer Coronation is targeting at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lillian-erskineville-9-metters-street-erskineville-nsw-2043">Lillian</a>, its new collection of apartments, terraces and penthouses at Erskineville Village.

Designed by Silvester Fuller, Lillian has been shaped around larger living spaces, natural light and flexible floorplans, alongside landscaped areas, wellness amenity and communal spaces for residents.

The development will form part of Coronation’s broader Erskineville Village precinct, which will combine new homes with green space, retail, hospitality and new pedestrian connections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377688]

McPherson Park will sit at the centre of the precinct, creating a significant new green space alongside the project’s retail and hospitality offering.

For Porter, the opportunity is to give buyers another housing option without forcing them to leave the part of Sydney they already know.

“People should be able to change the type of home they live in without having to change their entire life,” he says.

“For many buyers, Lillian offers the opportunity to remain connected to the Inner West and the city, while gaining access to a more convenient, walkable and considered way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135149 project_image_fid=377687]

Coronation will explore the changing <a href="https://lillianresidences.com.au/news/lillian-x-space-x-downsizers-event-27-august/">right-sizer market at an event on August 27</a>, bringing together experts across property, design and lifestyle.

Held in partnership with SPACE, Poliform and Downsizer.com.au, the event will include a property market outlook from economist Michael Blythe alongside discussion around the considerations facing buyers planning their next move.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about the residences and amenity planned at Lillian Erskineville.

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From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

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Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

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The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

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Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

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