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Gold Coast’s off-the-plan property market is booming with numerous projects achieving record sales amid COVID-19.
There remains a very strong market awareness and interest in the finite supply of waterfront land on the Gold Coast, said Keylin executive Louis Cheung.
The sale of Serenity 4212, a joint venture from development groups <a href="/developers/keylin-group?utm_source=PropertyObserver%20" target="_blank">Keylin</a> and Kinstone and the last waterfront land project on the northern Gold Coast, "defied" the market as the city’s best-selling land estate.
The $650 million waterfront project revealed $55 million in land sales during the pandemic, with 75 of Serenity Waters’ 110 blocks sold to local and interstate buyers.
The sales result, which includes first home buyers taking advantage of up to $40,000 in government incentives, comes as Serenity accelerates its construction program.
A number of luxury, off-the-plan apartment projects across the Gold Coast have achieved high interest.
Such projects include the $74 million <a href="/buildings/flow-residences-rainbow-bay-1-petrie-street-rainbow-bay">Flow Residences at Rainbow Bay</a> by S&amp;S Projects and Spyre Group’s $77 million <a href="/buildings/natura-burleigh-heads-112-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads">Nature project at Burleigh Heads</a>.
Serenity Green received over 350 enquiries in just three weeks and deposits for a third of the townhomes on offer.
The Serenity Green, a collection of 60 four-bedroom, two-bathroom, were priced from just $489,000.
Kinstone’s James Chou said Serenity 4212 will become an exciting multi-year, multi-staged master-planned project which will include retirement living, additional townhomes and a mini marina precinct.
“We’re proud of the success of Serenity Waters and Serenity Green and look forward to continuing to develop this emerging community over the coming years,” said Chou.
First settlements of the land release in Serenity is set to occur towards the end of this year.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Gold Coast's off the plan property market activity booms amid COVID

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Investor activity has certainly reduced on the Northern Beaches as many local suburbs have a strong reliance on the Tourism and Retail sectors, according to a recent Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The report notes the unit markets in Manly, Fairlight and Balgowlah have seen the biggest reduction in activity, having the largest drop in weekly rents and higher vacancy rates. 
It noted SQM Research indicated weekly asking rents for units in Fairlight have been slashed from $895 in February 2020 to $690 as of July 2020. 
"Capital values have not declined at similar levels thus reducing potential yields," the valuation firm said. 
A recent example of this reduction would be <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-fairlight-120102621" target="_blank">1/40 Rosedale Avenue, Fairlight</a> (pictured above), the report noted. 
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit was recently leased for $600 to $620 per week after being previously leased for $745 per week in 2019.
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Investors range from local, out of towners and international buyers.
 Australia has performed quite admirably against COVID-19, particularly when benchmarking against other countries.
"A number of agents have noted stronger activity, particularly for housing, from international buyers and expats," the valuation firm said. 
 As the uncertainty in the global markets make the Australian property market a relatively safer investment, and many expats are looking to re- enter the market as an investment that they can turn into their family home should they need to return home.
A recent example of this would be <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-balgowlah-133811254" target="_blank">139 Woodland Street, Balgowlah </a>(pictured below) sold for $2.88 million in July through Cunninghams Real Estate with an original asking guide of $2.75 million, the report noted. 
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The report suggests investors have traditionally been attracted to new units as their investment vehicle thanks to their lower entry price point than houses, location to essential services and low maintenance compared to a detached house in the suburbs. 
However investors must proceed with caution with many cases of settlement valuations not meeting the original price paid off the plan. This can occur years after the initial purchase has been agreed upon.
"If you have concerns, our advice is to engage an independent valuer to provide a valuation on the property," the valuation firm said. 
An example from Sydney’s central west is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-lidcombe-133603762" target="_blank">114/9 Paddock Street, Lidcombe</a> (pictured below), a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom unit which sold off the plan in March 2017 for $810,000 however has now relisted with an asking price of $700,000 to $750,000.
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Given the amount of proposed units to be built in the local area and the current market conditions this trend will no doubt continue in the short term, the report noted. 
In comparing rental returns of one and two-bedroom units, one-bedroom units in Parramatta have shown a higher annual return than their two-bedroom counterparts, as shown in the table below.
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In the south, units in Mortdale and Oatley are still providing reasonable rental returns whilst vacancy rates in these suburbs have remained reasonably low compared to neighbouring suburbs along the railway line, which have had a greater supply of new units into the market. 
According to SQM Research, the vacancy rate in June for the Mortdale/Oatley postcode was 1.7 per cent, compared to 4.9 per cent in the Penshurst postcode and 4.7 per cent in the Hurstville postcode.
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom, unit with one-car garage, recently sold in Rosa Street, Oatley for $700,000.
 The 1960’s ground floor unit, with a dated but well maintained fit out, positioned within short walking distance to Oatley village shopping, cafes and railway station. 
The unit was leased to a long term tenant for $520 per week, providing a rental yield of 3.9%.
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Investor activity shrinks on the Sydney Northern Beaches: HTW residential 

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Sydney’s newest urban master-planned community, Wilton Greens, has secured 105 land sales valued at $30.8 million.
Developed by Risland Australia, the sales occurred within three weeks of the project’s launch, making it one of the fastest selling in New South Wales.
Located within Sydney’s south west growth corridor in the Wollondilly area, the Wilton Greens will comprise 3,600 land parcels spanning 433ha.
The project will be New South Wales’ first major master-planned community, following Risland’s successful launch of Windermere Estate located in Victoria’s Mambourin, two years ago.
Wilton Greens will eventually be home to over 12,000 residents, comprising schools, a shopping precinct, community facilities, transport links and green open spaces.
Prices ranged from $239,999 to $372,500 with land sizes between 275sqm and 540sqm.
“The masterplanned design, affordable price point, range of land parcel types and development approved land drove early results in Wilton Greens”, said Wilton Greens sales manager Damian Hogan.
The community is planned to have eight ‘villages’, each with a green open area at its heart, distinct native landscaping and wide home frontages
It is located at the gateway in the south west with Picton, Campbelltown and Wollongong all within easy reach.
Construction is expected to start in November 2020.
Risland Australia, formerly known as Country Garden, recently developed<a href="/news/watpac-delivers-country-garden-australia-s-first-project"> </a><a href="/buildings/ryde-garden-27-37-delhi-road-north-ryde">Ryde Garden</a> in Sydney’s North Ryde. 
The <a href="/news/watpac-delivers-country-garden-australia-s-first-project">$580m residential development</a> comprises 830 apartments across three high-rise towers.
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Sydney's newest master-planned community Wilton Greens secures $31 million in sales

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Construction has commenced on a $46 million build-to-rent apartment project in Melbourne’s inner north suburb of Brunswick, developed by Pelliocano.
Designed by 6-Degrees Architects, the 70-apartment project, Solarino House, will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, a communal rooftop and ground floor retail.
<a href="/developers/pellicano-group?utm_source=PropertyObserver" target="_blank">Pellicano </a>will offer a mix of short-term, long-term arrangements, with hotel-style services including dry cleaning, apartment cleaning and share cars.
The build-to-rent sector aims to address Australia’s affordable housing crisis by offering flexible leasing options and shared spaces.
Pellicano has also introduced a cloud-based app, Pellicano Connect, to keep its members engaged, informed and connected.
The group, which was founded in 1967 by brothers Frank and Nunzio Pellicano, has an established portfolio of build-to-rent projects including a recent development in Brisbane’s Wynnum West.
The townhouse project, <a href="/buildings/arbor-park-2037-wynnum-road-wynnum-west">Arbor Park</a>, is comprised of 67 dwellings located at 2037 Wynnum Road.
“Build-to-rent is a model we’re committed to as a business off the back of these projects. We want to keep pushing the envelope in terms of the level of service we offer our members”, said director Nando Pellicano.
The family’s wealth is now estimated to sit at $285 million by the BRW Rich List in 2014.
Solarino House will be delivered under Pellicano’s ‘Pellicano Living’ banner.
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Construction starts on Pellicano's build-to-rent Solarino House in Melbourne

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There are 1,160 auction scheduled across Australia this weekend, up from just over 700 during last weeks long weekend, according to SQM Research data.
They found auction volumes in Sydney are set to reach 739, with the busiest suburbs being Mosman, St Ives, Surry Hills (11), Paddington (12) and Wahroonga (14).
Melbourne's auction numbers remain strikingly low at just 64 this weekend. This is lower than some of the generally 'smaller' auction markets with Brisbane reaching 85 and Canberra barely squeezing out ahead at 68 scheduled auctions.
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Across the other auction markets Adelaide is host to 45 auctions this weekend while Darwin has just one and Hobart zero.
Darwin is the only capital city with more auctions scheduled for the rest of the week than for Saturday, according to SQM which noted that they have 4 properties set for the hammer later next week.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/10/8/SQM%20OCT%208%20AUCTION%20GRAPHIC.PNG" alt="">
One property set for auction in this weekend's busiest suburb is 49 Grosvenor Street, Wahroonga, (pictured in title).
The six bedroom, five bathroom abode sits on a 1,900 sqm block of land.
This custom-designed tri-level residence is described as the "epitome of a luxury lifestyle".
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/10/8/Wahroonga%202.PNG" alt="">
Another example of the spread of properties set for auction in Wahroonga is 515/2C Munderah Street (pictured above).
The two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is located on the first floor of the Lexington.
It comes with a $775,000 price guide.
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October auction volumes rebound from long weekend property hiatus

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The NSW Government’s planning system acceleration program has fast-tracked approval on a $64 million construction project in Redfern.
Located in the heart of the suburb, the new 18-storey building will be home to more than 400 students and create 240 construction jobs, said Minister for planning and public spaces Rob Stokes.
The building will include Aboriginal artwork and creative open public spaces.
“This is another example of a major shovel ready project being given fast-tracked approval to keep the NSW economy ticking throughout the pandemic,” Stokes said.
The Redfern development is one of 11 projects in the sixth tranche of the NSW Government’s acceleration program.
To date, the program has created more than 50,000 direct job opportunities.
As the NSW Government steers to make affordable student accommodation a priority, many projects are popping up in the <a href="/developments/redfern-nsw-2016">Redfern area</a>.
In June, Singapore-based developer <a href="/developers/wee-hur-holdings-ltd?utm_source=PropertyObserver" target="_blank">Wee Hur Holdings</a> announced plans to create its second student accommodation facility in Redfern. 
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NSW Government fast-tracks student accommodation in Sydney's Redfern

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Singapore-based developer Wee Hur Holdings Ltd has announced the launch of Y Suites, the brand of their Australian purpose build student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio.
Y Suites’ portfolio will include 5,609 beds across their seven projects in various stages of development in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane.
The first property to be launched, <a href="/news/adelaide-primed-for-two-telling-new-developments?utm_source=PropertyObserver" target="_blank">124 Waymouth Street</a>, which was purchased for $9.275 million, will be Wee Hur’s second PBSA in Adelaide.
Operational from January 2021, the residence will include 811 rooms.
<a href="/developers/wee-hur-holdings-ltd?utm_source=PropertyObserver" target="_blank">Wee Hur Holdings’</a> focused PBSA portfolio includes two operational residences run by student accommodation operator UniLodge.
Y Suites will partner with UniLodge under a white-label arrangement, which will see it as the strategic brand driver for marketing, sales and reservations.
The two operational PBSAS, Unilodge Park Central at Brisbane and Unilodge City Gardens in Adelaide, are currently operating under UniLodge branding.
Both buildings will operate under Y Suites in 2021 with UniLodge continuing with property management.
The remaining four PBSAs in the Wee Hur portfolio are scheduled to be operational between 2022 and 2023.
One of which includes the under-construction <a href="/news/profiling-the-next-wave-of-melbourne-student-accommodation-builds?utm_source=PropertyObserver" target="_blank">Y Suites on A’Beckett in Melbourne</a>, which will have 888 rooms upon completion.
Executive chairman Goh Yeow Lian said he was happy to see the birth of Y Suites after it was conceptualised one year ago.
“We have built up a sizable PBSA portfolio in Australia since we embarked on this business 5 year ago, and developing our own brand was a logical next step for us,” Lian said.
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Wee Hur launches new student accommodation brand Y Suites in Adelaide

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Despite mounting speculation about the possibility of another cut, the RBA announced that it will hold the cash rate at 0.25% at its October meeting.
In this month's Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey™, 40 experts and economists weighed in on future cash rate moves and other issues related to the state of the Australian economy.
The decision coincided with the unveiling of the federal budget for 2020-2021, in which the government has detailed how it intends to steer the nation out of its first recession in 30 years.
Despite the October rate hold, 22% of experts (9/40) predict that a cut could still be on the cards in November.
Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder, said that a standalone cut of 15 basis points is unlikely to have much of an impact on Australia’s economy.
“The cash rate has fallen by 125 basis points over the last year and a half– 15 more is unlikely to make much of a difference beyond making the RBA feel like they are at least doing something.
“The decision to hold the rate for now also suggests that the RBA wants to assess the budget in detail before making a decision about further moves,” he said.
Susan Mitchell, CEO at Mortgage Choice, agrees, stating that while the RBA has hinted at a rate cut, it would be unlikely to do so today.
“Although a case could be made for a cut this month, I think the RBA will keep the cash rate unchanged at its October monetary policy meeting.
“Board members will wait to digest the Federal Budget announcement before making their next move," Mitchell said.
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RBA held but November rate cut expected: Finder

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The Federal Court has ordered iSelect to pay $8.5 million in penalties for misleading consumers comparing energy plans.
Between November 2016 and December 2018, iSelect misled consumers by representing on its website that it would compare all electricity plans offered by its partners and recommend the most suitable or competitive plan.
However, its commercial arrangements with partner electricity retailers restricted the number of electricity plans those retailers could upload.
The recommended plans were therefore not necessarily the most suitable or competitive.
The ACCC instituted proceedings against iSelect in April 2019 as a result of this conduct.
“iSelect was not upfront with consumers that it wasn’t comparing all plans offered by its partner retailers”, ACCC chair Rod Sims said.
“In fact, about 38 per cent of people who compared electricity plans with iSelect at that time may have found a cheaper plan if they had shopped around”, he said.
The comparison service also admitted that, due to an error in its website and call centre code, some of the plans it recommended to almost 5,000 customers was underestimated by up to $140 per quarter.
According to the Court, iSelect, who received commissions from the retailers when those consumers selected a plan via iSelect, was responsible for ensuring that their algorithms were correct.
“This is particularly so when they generate significant revenue in commissions from those recommendations,” Sims said.
iSelect admitted liability and made joint submissions with the ACCC to the Federal Court consenting to the orders sought, including penalties.
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iSelect cops $8.5 million fine for misleading energy rates

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TOGA has announced the construction completion of The Hunter, its luxury five level residential development in Sydney’s Double Bay.
With 100 per cent of settlements completed, the first residents at the development have moved into their new homes, across a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
And its first resale has hit the market.
It's the three bedroom sub-penthouse which was bought for $4.75 million off the plan in 2016.
The sale fell within the $4.7 million - $5 million price expectation of Laing + Simmons agent Steven Zoellner.
Spanning 180 sqm, the apartment on the fourth floor north east corner has been listed to go under the hammer October 19.
Domain puts Double Bay's three bedroom apartment median price at $3.088 million, a tad higher than realestate's $2.96 million median.
A first floor two bedroom apartment in the block, which traded for $2.9 million in May, recently sought tenants at $1,650 a week. 
Designed by Sydney-based architects Cottee Parker JPRA, the $50 million Cross Street complex has 13 apartments with an as yet unoccupied retail offering on the ground floor.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/10/8/toga.png" alt="">
The development sold within two weeks of being put to the market<a href="/expert-insights/buying/toga-sells-out-the-hunter-at-double-bay"> in late 2016</a>. Construction had been scheduled to commence in mid-2017 with completion initially set for early 2019.
Fabrizio Perilli, chief executive of TOGA, said the residences are an example of modern luxury living.
“We’ve had a very positive response from resident’s moving in who love their new homes and have already seen an increase in the value of their property since their purchase”, Perilli said.
“Delivering The Hunter to the highest standards, within the context of COVID-19 is a testament to our team and our integrated property capability.”
TOGA paid just over $11.2 million for 16 and 18 Cross Street site consolidation in early 2015.
Construction of TOGA’s newest mixed-use communities, <a href="/buildings/surry-hills-village-redfern-6-14-baptist-street-redfern-nsw-2016">Surry Hills Village</a> and <a href="/buildings/wicks-place-marrickville-186-victoria-road-marrickville-nsw-2204">Wicks Place Marrickville</a>, are set to start in the first half of 2021.
TOGA was founded by Ervin Vidor in 1963.
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TOGA's The Hunter in Sydney's Double Bay now complete

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376181]

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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Staff reporter

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