Melbourne-based property developer ALTA Property has this week achieved planning approval for the adaptive re-use of a former commercial tower into a $200 million, 169-apartment project at 10 Queens Road, one of the last developable sites along the Albert Park Lake-fronting boulevard.&nbsp;

Set within one of Melbourne’s most sought-after precincts and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fraser-partners-0">Fraser and Partners</a>, the illustrious building will offer unparalleled views across Albert Park Lake, Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne CBD.&nbsp;

The mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom residences will be complemented by a ground-floor amenity featuring private dining, a lounge bar, gym and wellness spaces, co-working, outdoor communal gardens, and retail.&nbsp;

The 17-storey building is a masterclass in adaptive re-use, with the existing commercial building’s façade, shell and internal structure to be retained, before high-end residences are built from the ground up in a newly built Albert Park facing addition to the building.&nbsp;

Sitting atop the building will be two 320+sqm penthouses with private rooftop terraces, which are expected to be priced between $9 - $11 million.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa11211b-5581-43f9-940c-fc84d30a0e61" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/C_04.png?VersionId=Yhf5p_1EgGDu_zOIMFgvA8Ug8j3sTFQs" />

Architecturally, the building will feature a curved, geometric façade that celebrates and elevates the existing structure, with warm, muted tones which were selected to extend the materiality of the existing building rather than contrast it.&nbsp;

Interiors will bring together three metre high ceilings with waffle concrete in some spaces, natural timber, granite and Australian materials, culminating in crafted, generous and considered spaces that are defined by authenticity.&nbsp;

The adaptive re-use means that the Queens Road project will be a sustainability led, high-quality finished product, with a 62% saving in carbon emissions by re-using the existing structure rather than knocking it down and rebuilding.&nbsp;

ALTA Property was launched by Nigel Givoni in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in multi level residential delivery.&nbsp;

Melbourne’s property market growth is currently led by apartments. According to RPM VIC Apartments &amp; Townhomes Market Report (April 2026), units are outpacing houses, especially in the middle ring suburbs where median prices hit $757,500 – a four-year high that represents 2.9 percent growth quarter-on-quarter.&nbsp;

<img alt="ALTA Property achieves permit approval for $200 million Queens Road tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="647e13d7-b4bc-433a-9bc9-fe3c3dd4f2ec" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/V_06.png?VersionId=ou4NUCWUgA3NAy.6CQJlEdKX50j3dOk6" />

For ALTA Property Founder Nigel Givoni, this performance speaks to the confidence he has in the Melbourne market.&nbsp;

“Queens Road represents a rare opportunity to continue to shape our presence in the Melbourne market.,"&nbsp;Givoni says.

"With a considered project team and a premier site along one of the city’s most sought-after boulevards, we look forward to contributing to the fabric of this established address.

“Other Australian markets are getting a lot of attention, but I believe the depth of value in Melbourne is being overlooked. The fundamentals are strong, population growth is steady and, based on our preliminary conversations with a leading builder, construction costs are beginning to normalise, creating further opportunity."

Givoni says the project is a&nbsp;highly considered example of adaptive re-use, delivering quality, high-end residences, premium hotel-inspired amenities and an architecturally striking façade, all achieved without the need to remove the existing structure.

"We are really looking forward to the market’s response,” he said.&nbsp;

Joel Robinson

ALTA Property to deliver $200 million Queens Road apartment tower

Construction is set to begin at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/orchard-mews-glen-iris-18-scott-grove-glen-iris-vic-3146">Orchard Mews</a> in Glen Iris, with&nbsp;PC Whitehall &amp; Sons&nbsp;now appointed as the townhome development moves into its next phase.

The development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/montcoeur">MontCoeur</a>,&nbsp;located at 18 Scott Grove, is now around 30 per cent sold, with completion targeted for late-2027.

Orchard Mews comprises a curated collection of three- and four-bedroom customisable townhomes, positioned within one of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/glen-iris-vic-3146">Glen Iris</a>’ more tightly held residential streets. The low-density project has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, with landscape architecture by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/jack-merlo">Jack Merlo</a>, bringing together a team known for high-end residential projects across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366285]

The development is defined by its focus on flexible living and long-term usability. Each residence includes multiple living zones and a customisable multipurpose room, allowing buyers to tailor spaces to suit changing needs, whether as a home office, additional bedroom, wellness area or entertainment space.

Architecturally, the townhomes emphasise natural light and spatial volume, with dual-aspect layouts and double-height living areas incorporated into the design. Interiors feature natural stone benchtops, premium appliances, and a neutral material palette intended to support everyday functionality rather than statement-driven finishes.

All residences are all-electric and include private lifts and secure double garages, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainability and future-focused housing in Melbourne’s established suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150128 project_image_fid=366277]

Outdoor connections are also central to the offering, with a mix of private courtyards and terraces extending internal living spaces and integrating with the landscaped surrounds.

The Scott Grove address places Orchard Mews within close proximity to some of Melbourne’s key lifestyle and education amenities, including Scotch College, Sacré Cœur, Cabrini Hospital and the retail hub of Chadstone. Public transport access is also nearby, with trams and Gardiner Station providing connectivity to the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150128]

Construction to commence at luxury Glen Iris townhome project, Orchard Mews

A rare new apartment development has been proposed on the fringe of St Ives Village.

Developer Newquest Property has lodged plans for a low-rise apartment project designed by well-regarded architecture firm Warren &amp; Mahoney, which is best known for its work in the multi-residential sector in Melbourne.

The building, proposed for a 1,916 sqm site on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/st-ives-residences-3-5-memorial-avenue-nsw-2075">Memorial Avenue</a> opposite St Ives Village Green, has been designed to blend into the surrounding natural environment.

<img alt="St Ives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c1c7437-2fba-4345-a6d7-05321714ad3e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-04%20at%201.28.46%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=KrYyMaJvNqR7vbx0xbB3Ef8sJ6FuHpmn" />

“Drawing inspiration from the pale trunks and flowering canopies of the scribbly gums and blue gums prevalent in the area, a considered material palette was developed,” the architectural design report states.

“This palette references the established materiality of the suburb while elevating it through refined finishes to achieve a more luxurious architectural expression.”

Of the 33 apartments proposed, 21 will be three-bedroom residences. The remaining mix includes nine two-bedroom apartments, one one-bedroom apartment and two four-bedroom residences. The development will be supported by 62 car parking spaces and 33 secure bicycle spaces.

The proposal would replace two single-storey brick buildings currently on the site.

<img alt="St Ives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21422eaf-09a9-4439-9278-b9bd9daf22a1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-04%20at%201.38.10%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=v.fXSgcUcEscvOZzqcjG5nk3gVqk_Amt" />

St Ives remains a relatively untapped market for new apartment development. North Shore developer WINIM has a number of projects in the area, while INCA is nearing completion of Ellis Residences.

More recently, Traders In Purple has lodged plans for one of the denser projects proposed in the suburb, a 75-apartment development on a 5,900 sqm site on Cowan Road.

NewQuest, a construction, design and development firm, has delivered over 24 projects across commercial, residential, industrial, and lad markets.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First look: NewQuest Property proposes new St Ives apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/centa-property-group">Centa Property Group</a> has achieved two major milestones at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bilinga-house-107-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">Bilinga House</a> apartment development in the sought-after southern Gold Coast.

They've almost sold 50 per cent of the Golden Four Drive building, while at the same time announcing the commencement of construction through reputable builder Greyburn Construction.

The boutique 10-storey building, with 47 two- and three-bedroom apartments, now has a mid-to-late 2028 completion date.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5333]

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed project is positioned just 200 metres from Bilinga Beach and brings a relatively rare apartment offering to a market that has seen limited new supply in recent years.

Residences have been designed to maximise natural light and ventilation, with open-plan interiors, generous glazing, and material palettes that reflect the surrounding coastal landscape.

Interiors incorporate engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, and custom joinery, with layouts designed to adapt to both permanent living and lock-and-leave use.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5336]

Rothelowman Senior Project Leader Matthew Tencate said the design approach centres on liveability and community.

“Providing curated on-site amenities and communal spaces for residents that facilitate a sense of community, liveability, and wellness,” Tencate said.

Residents will have access to a suite of private amenities including a pool, gym, sauna, and communal alfresco areas, alongside practical features such as surfboard storage and bicycle facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5336]

Centa Property Group Director Jason Yuen said the project has been designed to appeal to a range of buyers seeking flexibility in how they use their property.

“Bilinga House is designed for those who want the best of both worlds – a modern beachside escape with the flexibility to generate income when you're not there,” Yuen said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150037 project_image_fid=5338]

Bilinga remains one of the quieter pockets of the Gold Coast, sitting between the more established hubs of Coolangatta and Palm Beach. Its appeal has strengthened in recent years, supported by proximity to the Gold Coast Airport and the Oceanway coastal path.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150037]

Bilinga House apartments snapped up as Greyburn commences construction

Breaking into the Sydney property market has long felt out of reach for many first home buyers, particularly as median house prices sit above $1.6 million and unit prices push beyond $900,000.

But entry points still exist in pockets of Greater Western Sydney, where pricing, government incentives, and product mix are aligning to make ownership more attainable.

Understanding where those opportunities sit, and how the numbers actually stack up, is becoming increasingly important for buyers weighing up their next move.

<h2>Work out what you can actually afford</h2>

Sydney is expensive, but it isn’t uniformly expensive. The Greater Parramatta region continues to offer comparatively accessible entry points, particularly for buyers open to alternative configurations like studios.

There's an assumption that a first home needs to be a certain size, that anything smaller than a one-bedder is a concession rather than a choice. That assumption doesn't hold up against what well-designed studios in the right location actually offer: immediate liveability, strong urban amenity, and a price point that makes the deposit target realistic rather than theoretical.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/mason-main-merrylands-249-259-merrylands-road-merrylands-nsw-2160">Mason &amp; Main</a>, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a>'s multi-award winning precinct in Merrylands, studio apartments are unlike the typical studio configuration.

Starting from $498,000, the bedroom is fully enclosed, separated from the living area by a cavity sliding door, creating a genuinely private sleeping space that functions more like a one-bedroom apartment than a traditional open-plan studio.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=359814]

At 42 sqm internally, with an open-plan kitchen, built-in robes, modern bathroom, and separate laundry, the apartments are designed for everyday liveability rather than short-term use.

With a five per cent deposit under the Federal Government's First Home Guarantee, that equates to a deposit of around $24,200, achievable for many first home buyers without the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

<h2>Understand the real cost of renting versus buying</h2>

For buyers weighing up the shift from renting to owning, the numbers are closer than many expect.

Here’s how the numbers stack up for a studio at Mason &amp; Main (based on a $498,000 purchase):

<ul>
	<li>Purchase price: $498,000</li>
	<li>Five per cent deposit (First Home Guarantee): ~$24,900</li>
	<li>Loan amount: ~$473,100</li>
	<li>Estimated mortgage repayment (6.29% variable, 30-year term): ~$675–$695/week*</li>
	<li>Estimated rental return: $590–$620/week*</li>
	<li>Rental yield: 6.16% - 6.47%</li>
</ul>

At this level, the gap between renting and owning is relatively narrow, particularly when factoring in long-term equity, with rental returns also making the apartments a viable option for investors.

The rental range reflects current asking rents for remaining studio stock in the development and, based on prevailing asking prices, equates to an indicative gross rental yield of up to 6.47 per cent.

For buyers seeking more internal space, Mason &amp; Main also offers a range of one-bedroom apartments from $629,000, alongside larger one-bedroom plus multipurpose room configurations priced from $680,000 - all priced under $800,000 and eligible for first home buyer incentives.

<ul>
	<li>Purchase price: $629,000</li>
	<li>20 per cent deposit: ~$125,800 (5% deposit on exchange: $31,450)</li>
	<li>Loan amount 80%: ~$503,200</li>
	<li>Estimated mortgage repayment: ~$720–$740/week*</li>
	<li>Estimated rental return: $650–$680/week*</li>
	<li>Rental yield:&nbsp;5.37% - 5.62%</li>
</ul>

One-bedroom apartments continue to present a balanced option for both owner-occupiers and investors, supported by steady rental demand across Western Sydney.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=359812]

<h2>Make sure you're across the government incentives</h2>

Government incentives continue to play a key role in reducing the upfront cost barrier.

At Mason &amp; Main, studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments are priced under $800,000, allowing eligible buyers to access a full stamp duty exemption under the NSW First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme.

On a $498,000 purchase, that represents a saving of roughly $17,900 that would otherwise need to be paid at settlement.

Combined with the First Home Guarantee, which enables purchases with as little as a five per cent deposit, the total capital required to secure a home is significantly reduced compared to traditional lending pathways.

<h2>No waiting, no uncertainty</h2>

For first home buyers who want to move sooner rather than later, Mason &amp; Main removes one of the more common pain points from the purchase process entirely. The development is already complete and move-in ready, meaning buyers can walk through the apartments, inspect the finishes, and have full certainty about what they're purchasing before signing anything.

Coronation brought in renowned architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> to design the development.&nbsp;

"The project's design drew inspiration from the area's rich heritage, in particular the nearby brickworks and aqueduct, infusing a contemporary perspective to seamlessly integrate historical influences into the design," Woods Bagot Principal Dom Alvaro says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31751 project_image_fid=736]

<h2>Factor in location and lifestyle</h2>

Beyond the apartment itself, the surrounding infrastructure matters, particularly for a first purchase. Merrylands Station sits 350 metres from the development, putting the Parramatta CBD a five-minute drive away and the Sydney CBD roughly 25 minutes via the Western Line. Directly across the road is Stockland <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/merrylands-nsw-2160">Merrylands</a>, one of Greater Western Sydney's major retail centres.

At street level, Mason &amp; Main's own retail and dining precinct has more than 30 tenants trading, including Iftar, Macelleria, Hayat, San Churro, Yuzu, and Fat Jaks. Residents also have access to a resort-style pool, a Technogym-equipped gym, private dining rooms, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views across Parramatta, the Sydney CBD, and the Blue Mountains, all exclusive to the building.

Due to the mix of configurations, including studios which are rarely offered in today's new apartment market, first home buyers and investors have driven Mason &amp; Main to over 90 per cent sold.

Coronation Property Managing Director Joe Nahas says the development is driving a revitalisation of Merrylands, setting a high standard for future developments in the area.

Mason &amp; Main is move-in ready and is the latest in a series of award-winning mixed-use developments by Coronation Property.

Disclaimer: Mortgage repayment figures are estimates only, based on a 6.29 per cent variable rate over a 30-year term (Canstar, April 2026). Pricing and rental estimates are indicative and based on current listings and project information. Gross yield figures are indicative and derived from asking prices and estimated rental ranges. Stamp duty savings are indicative only. Buyers should seek independent financial and legal advice before proceeding.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=31751]

How first home buyers can enter the Sydney property market for under $500k

Sydney’s property market is known for high prices, competitive bidding, and mounting pressure on first home buyers. But change is on the horizon.

From late 2025, eligible first home buyers in New South Wales will have access to a new federal government initiative aimed at addressing affordability: the Help to Buy Scheme.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

The program introduces a shared equity model intended to reduce the upfront cost of entering the property market, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Sydney.

The scheme operates under a shared ownership structure in which the federal government takes an equity stake of up to 40 per cent for new homes, or 30 per cent for existing dwellings. This arrangement allows eligible buyers to significantly reduce their loan size and avoid the added cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Under this model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required. The government’s contribution is not a loan but a co-ownership stake in the property. As such, there is no interest or rent charged on its portion.

Because the government’s equity combined with the buyer’s deposit typically meets or exceeds the 20 per cent threshold, LMI does not apply. The remaining balance, generally between 60 and 70 per cent of the property’s value, is financed through a standard home loan with a participating lender.

The government's equity in the property remains in place until the buyer chooses to repay it voluntarily or until the property is sold. Buyers can buy back the government’s share over time, in increments of at least five per cent, depending on their financial situation.

There is no fixed repayment timeline, but the amount to be repaid will be based on the property's market value at the time of repayment, not the original purchase price.

<h2>How do you qualify for the&nbsp;Help to Buy Scheme?</h2>

To qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

<ul>
	<li>Be an Australian citizen at least 18 years of age.</li>
	<li>Be a first-home buyer who does not currently own property.</li>
	<li>Intend to live in the property as their primary residence.</li>
	<li>Earn less than $100,000 per year for individuals, or $160,000 for couples.</li>
	<li>Purchase a property within the regional price caps, currently $950,000 in Sydney, though this is expected to rise to approximately $1.3 million ahead of the program’s launch.</li>
</ul>

While the Help to Buy Scheme does not solve affordability challenges across the board, it does offer a more accessible pathway for a defined segment of the market, particularly younger buyers with moderate incomes who have been priced out of traditional lending routes.

The scheme is expected to commence in NSW in late 2025, as part of a national rollout.

Under the new model, purchasers can enter the property market with as little as a two per cent deposit, well below the traditional 10 to 20 per cent usually required

Help to Buy Scheme: What first home buyers in NSW need to know

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable architecture and environmentally conscious design, systems and ratings in place can help determine the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia.

Australia has multiple building rating systems that evaluate energy efficiency and sustainability in existing and new building designs.

Some systems assess individual building components, while others provide an overall rating for the entire structure.

A rating system ensures that homes are comfortable and energy-efficient, whether you are buying, renovating, or building.

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) is a common way for new homes to meet energy efficiency requirements.

As new developments continue to shape the urban environment, understanding NatHERS ratings becomes essential for developers and homeowners. This article delves into the concept of NatHERS ratings, their significance, and how they contribute to creating energy-efficient homes.

<h2>What is NatHERS?</h2>

NatHERS is a national initiative implemented by the Australian government to promote energy efficiency in residential buildings. The scheme aims to provide a standardised method for assessing the thermal performance of homes, considering factors such as insulation, orientation, ventilation, and building materials.&nbsp;

NatHERS ratings are the most common way new homes meet the National Construction Code's (NCC's) minimum energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;

NatHERS assessments provide thermal and whole-home ratings for new homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The rating helps evaluate the energy performance of buildings, guides homeowners and developers to make informed decisions about the energy efficiency of their properties, and encourages the construction of more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective homes.

<h2>How NatHERS Ratings Work</h2>

NatHERS ratings are determined through four accredited software tools (AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, HERO) using a calculation engine CSIRO developed to predict building temperature based on various factors.

The tools can model complex effects of building mass, insulation, window size, and other elements.

The outcome is a star rating that reflects the building's overall thermal efficiency, indicating how well it can maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without excessive reliance on heating or cooling systems.

The star rating scale ranges from 0 to 10, with a 6-star rating being the minimum requirement for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).&nbsp;

Achieving a higher star rating demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, as the building is better equipped to minimise its environmental impact and reduce long-term energy costs.

Anyone can use NatHERS tools, but accredited assessors can provide certified ratings and professional advice.

<h2>Benefits of Higher NatHERS Ratings</h2>

Energy Efficiency: Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings are more energy-efficient, requiring less heating and cooling energy. This reduces the structure's carbon footprint and lowers occupants' energy bills.

Cost Savings: Homes with higher NatHERS ratings are generally more energy-efficient, resulting in reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling. This translates to lower energy bills for homeowners, making sustainable living environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long run.

Environmental Impact: Lower energy consumption directly translates to a reduced environmental impact. Buildings with higher NatHERS ratings contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems.

Improved Comfort: Buildings with high NatHERS ratings offer better thermal comfort to occupants. Proper insulation, well-designed ventilation, and optimal orientation maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature, providing occupants with a more enjoyable and healthier space.

Market Value and Desirability: Higher NatHERS ratings can enhance the market value of a property. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for homebuyers, a well-rated building may attract a premium price and stand out in the real estate market.

Compliance with Building Codes: NatHERS ratings are a vital component of the National Construction Code (NCC), and compliance with these ratings is often a mandatory requirement for new developments. Local councils and planning authorities may set minimum energy efficiency standards that must be met to obtain development approval.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a crucial initiative shaping the future of energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective homes. With its recent upgrades, NatHERS has evolved into a world-leading tool for the building sector, supporting the global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Staff Writer

What is a NatHERS rating in new off the plan apartment developments?

Mixed-use developments have gained significant popularity across Australia in recent years due to their unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

Unlike traditional single-purpose developments, mixed-use projects offer a harmonious integration of various functions within a single locale.

Residential units seamlessly coexist with commercial establishments, retail outlets, dining venues, entertainment hubs, and recreational facilities, with the combination not only enhances convenience but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle and a sense of community.

<h3>Convenience and accessibility</h3>

Mixed-use developments are designed with convenience in mind. They often integrate residential units with commercial spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a self-contained community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114215 project_image_fid=204874]

The proximity allows residents to enjoy the convenience of having essential amenities and services within walking distance. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee, going grocery shopping, or accessing healthcare services, everything is conveniently located, saving residents time and effort.

<h3>Vibrant lifestyle and community</h3>

One of the major advantages of mixed-use developments is the vibrant lifestyle they offer. With a diverse range of amenities and communal spaces, residents have ample opportunities to interact, socialise, and build a sense of community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=214122]

The presence of parks, community centres, and shared spaces fosters a lively atmosphere, encouraging residents to engage in various activities and events. The vibrant lifestyle within these developments creates a unique sense of belonging and camaraderie among the residents.

<h3>Potential for higher rental yields and property value appreciation</h3>

Mixed-use developments tend to attract a broad range of tenants and buyers due to their versatile nature. This high demand can result in higher rental yields for investors and potentially lead to property value appreciation over time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

The integration of commercial and retail spaces attracts businesses, which can provide a stable rental income stream. Additionally, the popularity of mixed-use developments often drives up property values, making them a potentially lucrative investment in the long term.

<h3>Enhanced security and maintenance</h3>

Mixed-use developments typically have comprehensive security measures in place. With controlled access points, CCTV surveillance, and professional security staff, residents can enjoy enhanced safety and peace of mind.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=212658]

Additionally, these developments often have dedicated maintenance teams responsible for the upkeep of common areas, landscaping, and infrastructure. This ensures that the overall appearance and functionality of the development are well-maintained, creating a pleasant living environment for residents.

<h3>Live-work-play balance</h3>

One of the key attractions of mixed-use developments is the ability to achieve a desirable live-work-play balance. The integration of residential and commercial spaces allows residents to live closer to their workplaces, reducing commuting time and improving work-life balance.

The proximity to various amenities and recreational facilities encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Residents can easily access fitness centres, parks, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within the same development, leading to a more fulfilling and convenient way of life.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

The top five reasons to buy in a mixed-use development

When buying a property, everyone needs to be aware of the additional costs that come as part of the buying process.

Often the largest outlay, after the deposit which goes to the bank, is stamp duty.

<h2 style="line-height: 1.38;">What is Stamp Duty?</h2>

Stamp duty is an extra tax to pay the government when you buy land, a property, and other certain assets.

It happens when the legal ownership is transferred. It can also be known as property transfer duty or transfer duty.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C32BWkB5--c" title="YouTube video player" width="660"></iframe>

<h2>Who pays Stamp Duty?</h2>

In some circumstances, you may get an exemption. For some states, you won’t have to pay for stamp duty if you are a first home buyer or a pensioner for houses under a particular price. There are also stamp duty concessions, where you may be entitled to a discount.

<h2>How much does Stamp Duty cost?</h2>

Each state has different rules which affect how much you need to pay. These rules can affect the rate you pay, and the timeframe you will need to pay in. Before you buy land or a property, make sure you check the up-to-date information for your state’s stamp duty.

You can use a free stamp duty calculator online to see approximately how much you’ll need to pay. Find out if you’re eligible for an exemption by enquiring on a project via Urban!

Overall, the stamp duty you need to pay will depend on:

<ul>
	<li aria-level="1">How much your land/property is worth</li>
	<li aria-level="1">Where your land/property is located</li>
	<li aria-level="1">What type of land/property it is</li>
</ul>

Want to find out more? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UrbanAustralia?utm_source=YouTube&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Subscribe&amp;utm_id=Subscribe">Subscribe to our YouTube channel</a> for more property videos.

Ellen Walker

Off-the-plan property explained: What is stamp duty?

The hotly anticipated development of Garfield Terrace is heading in to 2022, with further plans submitted to the Gold Coast City Council for a luxury apartment tower.

Following the submission by the&nbsp;Sydney-based Weiya Holdings, <a href="/news/qld/first-look-weiya-holdings-submit-38-level-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-beachfront-apartments">who plan to develop&nbsp;Aalto</a>, a 64 apartment block&nbsp;at 75-79 Garfield, the fellow Sydney-based developer, Iris Capital, has lodged plans for their next development which sits&nbsp;next door.

The project, 71&nbsp;on Garfield, named after its prime location at 71-73 Garfield Terrace which Iris secured earlier this year, will have 51 apartments across the 38-level tower, as well as&nbsp;a two level beach house.

<a href="/new-apartments/71-garfield-surfers-paradise-71-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">To be the first to be notified when 71 on Garfield is nearing launch, enquire here.</a>

DBI, who handled Iris Capital's recently launched Victoria &amp; Albert in Broadbeach, their first foray in to the Gold Coast apartment market, put together the plans for&nbsp;71 on Garfield.

<a href="/new-apartments/71-garfield-surfers-paradise-71-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="829" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/iris_garfield_2.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
The proposed tower&nbsp;of 71 on Garfield. Image credit: DBI Architecture

"Iris Capital is set to deliver a new breed of building, combining subtropical principles, fashion inspired design and a sky living experience," DBI's design statement read.

"71 on Garfield is designed exclusively for the coastal environment, moving away from smaller unit types and white upstands to embrace the increasing demand for large apartments and a new level of coastal sophistication."

Another aimed at the high end holiday maker or owner-occupier, the smallest apartments on offer will have three bedrooms and span half a floor, oriented to have ocean-facing balconies.

They run over half way up the tower, before hitting the resident&nbsp;facilities on level 24 where there will be a swimming pool and pool deck, a gym with a sauna, and an outdoor barbecue and dining area.

<a href="/new-apartments/71-garfield-surfers-paradise-71-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="971" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/iris_garfield_1.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
The curved tower&nbsp;of 71 on Garfield. Image credit: DBI Architecture

Up to level 33 will be the full-floor, four bedroom apartments, each with a study and private plunge pool on the balcony.

<a href="/new-apartments/71-garfield-surfers-paradise-71-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">To be the first to be notified when 71 on Garfield is nearing launch, enquire here.</a>

The most impressive apartments are right on the top of the tower.

The five-bedroom subpenthouse spans two levels and has a larger plunge pool on the lower level balcony, an upstairs ocean-facing master retreat with a private balcony, study, two walk in wardrobes, and an ensuite. Each&nbsp;of the five bedrooms have walk in robes and ensuites.

Crowning the tower is a three-level penthouse, with the same floorplate as the subpenthouse, but with the addition of the rooftop, where a room, pitched as being suitable as a gym, lounge, or games room (complete with a sauna), opens to the outdoor area where there's a swimming pool and outdoor kitchen.

The beach house starts from the ground level and has four bedrooms and two living areas across its two levels. There's a pool that opens from the ground floor living space.

<a href="/new-apartments/71-garfield-surfers-paradise-71-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217"><img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="695" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/iris_garfield_3.jpg" width="1200" /></a> 
The outdoors of the two-level beach house. Image credit: DBI Architecture

DBI said that narrow&nbsp;sites are challenging, which makes quality urban design principles&nbsp;more important than ever.

"Reclaiming direct visual connection between the street and the beach and enhancing permeability is essential," the team noted.

"The aesthetic reveals the balance between fashion, craft, elegance and luxury. Soft edges and elegant curves help to soften the built form and create a distinctive ‘welcoming’ identity, at a macro scale to the city skyline and a micro scale at the pedestrian level.

"The timeless design and lines of the towers are highlighted by the metallic textured and crafted sculptural spine of the building dialogue with the elegance and simplicity of the glass volume.

"The materiality relates to a ‘decadent’, yet sophisticated, fashion icon and beach lifestyle."

<a href="/new-apartments/71-garfield-surfers-paradise-71-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">To be the first to be notified when 71 on Garfield is nearing launch, enquire here.</a>

There development of Garfield Terrace is expected to continue in to the new year, with the Brisbane-based Siera primed to create a boutique tower. KTQ are also set to reveal what they intend to do with their huge amalgamated beachfront site.&nbsp;

The project, 71 on Garfield, named after its prime location at 71-73 Garfield Terrace which Iris secured earlier this year, will have 51 apartments

First look: Iris Capital lodge Surfers Paradise apartment plans for 71 on Garfield

Longstanding South East Queensland developer, Drew Group, has received the green light from the City of Gold Coast for the Lagoon project - the largest single-site to be developed in the suburb since the 1990s.

Lagoon, which will launch to the market in early 2022,&nbsp;has been designed by Plus Architecture and Form Landscape Architecture and will see 248 apartments created across two towers at 11 Cronin Avenue, a near 4,000 sqm block in the heart of the exclusive suburb.

The towers, 23 and 31 levels, will have&nbsp;189 two-bedroom apartments and 59 three-bedroom apartments, along with a selection of garden terraces, three-bedroom sub-penthouses, and dual-level, four- bedroom penthouses.

Drew Group managing director Jonathan Drew says the beachside development will make a positive contribution to the up-market seaside suburb, offering low body corporate fees without compromising on size, luxury finishes, and high-quality amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=188175]

&ldquo;Lagoon is inspired by the sun-soaked charm of Palm Springs combined with timeless elegance to provide a collection of residences that effortlessly mirror the cosmopolitan coastal lifestyle the suburb of Main Beach provides,&rdquo;&nbsp;Drew says.

&quot;The sister towers have been positioned on the site to maximise the surrounding ocean, hinterland and Broadwater vistas with resident&rsquo;s privy to a collection of high-quality lifestyle amenities that elevates Lagoon to a new level of relaxed, coastal living.

&ldquo;Occupying nearly 4,000sqm Lagoon has been designed to offer beach-side living with a resort-style lifestyle and will provide residents with the same casual comfort and boutique feel Drew Group has become renowned for.&rdquo;

Residents will have access to a host of luxury amenities, including the project&#39;s namesake - a&nbsp; central, heated, lagoon-style pool and spa, complete with integrated cabanas and deck chairs surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=188176]

A fully equipped Wellness Centre, plus barbeque and dining areas complete the podium-level facilities.

Additional recreation space is located on Level 15 of both towers, where a resident&#39;s lounge takes in panoramic ocean and Broadwater. The level will also have&nbsp;work from home hubs, shared lounges, and terraces. In-home therapy rooms, a boardroom, and a picturesque dining room also make up the resident amenities.

Most residences at Lagoon come with two independent car spaces and their own storage space, plus residents can access beach showers and lockers, dog wash facilities, state-of-the-art integrated building management systems and integrated click-and-collect secure delivery systems.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108747]

<h2>About the developer</h2>

The Drew Group has had an established connection with Main Beach living in the area since moving from Sydney in the early 80s&rsquo;s, it recently completed the 17-level, 28 apartment development Cerulean on Pacific Street. The developer&rsquo;s head office is also located in Tedder Avenue, Main Beach.

Since starting in the 1980s, the family-owned developer has been responsible for a host of apartment developments including The Beach Houses, at Kirra Point and their latest project, Village, consisting of 75 apartments and beach houses at Palm Beach with a signature restaurant on the ground floor which was the fastest selling project on the Gold Coast in 2020.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=188180]

Drew Group managing director Jonathan Drew says the beachside development will make a positive contribution to the up-market seaside suburb



Drew Group get sign off for Lagoon, biggest single site Main Beach apartment development since the 1990s

The Sydney developer Weiya Holdings is set to embark on one of its most impressive Gold Coast projects in 2022.

They&#39;ve submitted plans for Aalto, a 38-level luxury high-rise development on their recently acquired&nbsp;$30 million block of land at 75-79 Garfield Terrace, right on Northcliffe Beach.

<img alt="" height="752" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aalto_4.jpg" width="1200" />

Conrad Gargett, who handled Weiya&#39;s first Gold Coast apartment project, DE-LUXE, the apartment redevelopment of the 1930s cinema and&nbsp;Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade&nbsp;in Burleigh Heads, have again been commission to create the project.

They say 75-79 Garfield Terrace offers a unique opportunity to connect with the pristine coastline of Queensland&rsquo;s Gold Coast, through an uncompromising and bespoke place of luxury high-rise living.

<a href="/new-apartments/aalto-75-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise">To be the first to be notified when Aalto is nearing launch, enquire here.</a>

&quot;Situated directly on Northcliffe Beach, the distinctive building form draws from the surrounding Queensland vernacular, with respect to subtropical design, expansive outdoor living and a robust material palette,&quot;&nbsp;Conrad Gargett&#39;s submission to the Gold Coast City Council read.

<img alt="" height="724" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aalto_garfield_wieya_3.jpg" width="1200" />

&quot;The relationship with nature is expressed in the building&rsquo;s unique curvature and a harmony of flowing lines which envelope the tower form. The articulated edges display a natural rhythm comprised of soft corners and long sweeping forms, inspired by the inimitable movement of drifting sands and water along the coastline.&quot;

Aimed at the higher end owner-occupier or holiday maker, 40 of the Aalto&#39;s 64 apartments are three-bedders, with just&nbsp;five two-bedroom apartments on the lower levels.

<a href="/new-apartments/aalto-75-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise">To be the first to be notified when Aalto is nearing launch, enquire here.</a>

As the building rises there are 18 four-bedroom apartments, a number of them full floor. But&nbsp;the crowning jewel is the penthouse, which spans a massive 1,830 sqm, one of the biggest apartments on the Gold Coast. That is set to have five bedrooms&nbsp;its own cinema room, a gym, an indoor and outdoor kitchen, and a 15 metre swimming pool.

Resident amenity is located across two levels from the upper ground floor, which has two&nbsp;resort-style lap pools, one facing the ocean and one facing the building next door, as well as barbecue and communal dining areas.

<img alt="" height="748" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aalto_garfield_wieya_1.jpg" width="1200" />

Above is the fitness centre with a gym, a wellness centre with four outdoor hold and cold baths and a&nbsp;yoga room. There will also be a&nbsp;wine lounge and private dining area, and a library meeting-style space.

Landscape architect Lat27 handled the landscaping, with the focus of the landscape design to create a high quality contemporary landscape that responds to the architecture and creates a variety of opportunities for interaction, activity and gathering, each influenced by the coastal lifestyle of the community and context.

<a href="/new-apartments/aalto-75-79-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise">To be the first to be notified when Aalto is nearing launch, enquire here.</a>

Conrad Gargett wanted the lower levels of the building to connect with the surrounding area.

&quot;The design approach explores humble notions of openness and connectedness with a tower structure that touches the earth lightly,&quot; the architecture firm stated.

&quot;The tower&rsquo;s expansive podium is purposefully unenclosed, providing light-filled outdoor spaces which invite the natural elements of the coast deep within the building footprint.

<img alt="" height="713" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aalto_5.jpg" width="1200" />

&quot;The podium levels are conceived as a series of modestly scaled common spaces, designed to intimately connect with the ocean views and enhance a resort like experience based around, exercise, leisure, outlook and community.&quot;

Patrick Pancur is handling the sales and marketing of the project, with a 2022 launch expected.

Garfield Terrace is set for a wave of luxury high-rise apartments in 2022, with the also Sydney-based Iris Capital set to lodge plans next door to Aalto at 73 Garfield Terrace. They bought the Premiere apartment tower a few months ago.

Central Equity will soon fully launch Pacific One, at 18 Garfield, while KTQ Group are working out their plans for their massive amalgamated site.

The Brisbane-based Siera Group, who are soon to launch Tapestry on Chevron Island, will be planning something more boutique on the dress circle strip.&nbsp;

They've submitted plans for Aalto, a 38-level luxury high-rise development on their recently acquired $50 million block of land at 75-79 Garfield Terrace, right on Northcliffe Beach

First look: Weiya Holdings submit 38-level Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise beachfront apartments

Big Projects, the local Gold Coast development and construction firm, has lodged plans for a boutique complex on the Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach.

The six-storey development dubbed Cleo, at&nbsp;2265-2269 Gold Coast Highway in the heart of Nobbys thriving village precinct and near the new light rail, has been designed by Plus Architecture.

&quot;Cleo responds to the local context and climate, opening out to views across the coastline,&quot; Plus noted in their submission to the Gold Coast City Council.

&quot;The building form is articulated to soften the aesthetic and improve visual connectivity to the ocean.&quot;

The site complements and supports the Light Rail Stage 3 Business Case by providing a higher density development immediately adjacent the light rail corridor in immediate context to a commercial hub, being Nobby Beach.

<img alt="" height="825" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gc_highway_mermaid_beach_main.jpg" width="1200" />

There will be 35&nbsp;two and three-bedroom apartments, between six to eight apartments per floor.

The resident amenity is located on the rooftop, where there will be a pool with day beds, a private seating terrace, a gym, barbecue, and dining spaces.

It is protected from the Gold Coast highway / western sun through smart design yet engaging to the street. Cleo is an appropriate response to the growing neighborhood and demand to live within this popular location.

Big Projects, led by Matthew Barrett, has previously developed Zinc at Kirra Beach, 73 apartments completed in 2019.&nbsp;

"Cleo responds to the local context and climate, opening out to views across the coastline," Plus noted in their submission to the Gold Coast City Council.

Big Projects plan Cleo, Mermaid Beach apartments

Niña is the latest Chevron Island apartment development to hit the small Gold Coast island inland from Surfers Paradise.

It's the second development on the island by the Sydney-based Macquarie York, who are just a few apartments away from selling out their first Chevron Island project, Allure.

Niña, less than 200 metres from Allure at 8-10 Parnero Street, will home 73 apartments in a 22-level building designed by Plus Architecture.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108640 project_image_fid=186291]

Plus, led locally&nbsp;by Danny Juric, cleverly designed Niña&nbsp;so&nbsp;every apartment can capture views&nbsp;of the ocean. They call Niña's design "coastal sophistication with barefoot luxury," with one of the main design drivers the timeless curves, which will stand the test of time.

The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments with over 80 sqm of internal living space start from $700,000, with the three-bedroom apartments spanning over 116 sqm priced from $950,000.

Levels one to seven will have four apartments per floor, three-bedder&nbsp;at the front of the building, and two-bedders&nbsp;with their own media rooms located at the rear of the building. This is where Plus' clever design comes in. The two-beds will have balconies that extend on the side of the building, allowing for views of the ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108640 project_image_fid=186591]

From level eight, the building will have a four metre set-back. Levels eight to 15 will home four two-bedroom apartments per floor, before hitting level 16 where the large sub-penthouse style apartments kick in.

There will still be two two-bedders at the back, but spanning the width of the building will be a half-floor, three-bedroom apartment, with two balconies, one off the master suite which will have its own walk in wardrobe and ensuite, and one off the open plan kitchen, living and dining room. These apartments will also have a media room.

There are two two-level penthouses from level 21. Downstairs is one of the bedrooms, and the main living, kitchen and dining area. Upstairs is another two bedrooms, and another outdoor terrace with its own plunge pool.

On this level is also an&nbsp;open rooftop will be further amenity, including a wet edge, resort-style pool with day beds, a sunken firepit space with built in seating, and a barbecue terrace, and with seating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108640 project_image_fid=186592]

The town planner, Urban Planning Services,&nbsp;said Plus designed the building based on a local coastal vernacular, playing off the image of surrounding modern developments.

“Niña is beautiful, elegant and feminine, but with an undeniable strength and presence," Plus Architecture director&nbsp;Danny Juric said.

"From the very beginning, we set out to create a building that was truly individual and boldly stepped away from the traditional interpretations of what Gold Coast living embodied."

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=108640]

Plus, led locally by Danny Juric, cleverly designed the project so every apartment can capture views of the ocean

Sales launch at Niña, the newest Chevron Island apartment development

Queensland developers were among some of the most active, and busy,&nbsp;in 2021.

The Gold Coast boomed as much as anywhere in the country, with interstate migration still seeing thousands move from the southern states, while Brisbane picked up an early burst of sentiment with the news they would be hosting the 2032 Summer Olympics.

Some of Queensland&#39;s top developers&nbsp;have been planning for 2022 and&nbsp;acquiring development sites, while also happy to leave any official project launch to near Christmas given the border reopening to prospective New South Wales and Victoria buyers.

We&#39;ve taken a look at who&#39;s been busy in the market, with site acquisitions and project launches, heading in to 2022.

<h2>Cube Developments</h2>

Cube Developments is one of the most well known developers on the Sunshine Coast. They&#39;ve built&nbsp;up their pipeline for 2022, with further site acquisitions&nbsp;in the lakeside suburb of&nbsp;Birtinya.

They recently secured a near&nbsp;9,000 sqm site in Cardinal&nbsp;Place, which will host up to 245 apartments, adding a further $100 million to Cube&#39;s&nbsp;Birtinya&nbsp;portfolio.

Cube, led by director Scott Juniper, recently submitted $75 million plans for Oasis Apartments, just 56 residences across three buildings at Bokarina Beach.

Juniper said that he expected the new sites acquired by Cube would&nbsp;relieve the pressure currently experienced in the Sunshine Coast housing market.

&ldquo;Our commitment to the Sunshine Coast is resolute and has culminated in a site where we can rapidly cater to the strong demand that we&rsquo;re experiencing,&rdquo; Juniper said.

Currently Cube are selling Seasons Birtinya, a two-building development of 146 apartments designed by Cottee Parker Architects.

&quot;The&nbsp;brief was to create a unique and elevated &#39;Work Rest Play&#39; environment in response to the post COVID lifestyle shift, with leading amenity for the Sunshine Coast,&quot; Cottee Parker director Sandra Browne told Urban.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184876]

They also have in market Nature by Cube, a luxury project at Cotton Tree.

<h2>Siera Group</h2>

The Brisbane-based Siera Group will be heading in to 2022 ready to launch their first Gold Coast apartment project.

Dubbed Tapestry, designed by BDA Architecture to&nbsp;pay homage to the Island&#39;s new Home of the Arts precinct,&nbsp;will have 83 apartments across its 17 levels.

Offering two and three-bedroom apartments, Tapestry will be crowned by an exclusive resident rooftop featuring a resort-style&nbsp;swimming pool with day beds, a spa, and a pool deck. A&nbsp;barbecue and alfresco area, will sit in landscaping, as will dining surrounded by an edible garden.

There&#39;s set to be a private dining space with a terrace and fire pit, a gym with sauna and steam room, and a lounging area with a lawn.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108641 project_image_fid=179071]

The Brisbane-based development and construction firm is headed by&nbsp;managing director&nbsp;and founder Brent Thompson, who sits on the board of UDIA QLD and chairs the Brisbane&nbsp;City Council&nbsp;Policy&nbsp;Committee.

Thomson said he wanted to create something that was targeted at a wider net, rather than the multi million dollar apartments that are limited to the fortunate few.

&quot;We want the local owner occupier, who could be living&nbsp;in a medium-size house in the area, to be able to downsize or rightsize, or have others who just want to find a new lifestyle, and have the opportunity to do so without being priced out.&quot;

Siera is committed to the Gold Coast, having also snapped up a further development site, on the dress circle Garfield Terrace where they intend to create an owner-occupier driven boutique collection of apartments.

<h2>Aria Property Group</h2>

The Brisbane-based Aria Property Group recently secured council approval for Urban Forest, a Koichi Takada-designed South Br​isbane apartment development which when proposed last year was dubbed &quot;the world&#39;s greenest residential tower&quot;.

The project, some 194&nbsp;apartments across 18 levels, was slated to have&nbsp;over 1,000 trees and 20,000 plants when it was going to be 392 apartments across 30 levels before the size was reduced. Now there will be 550 trees and 25,000 plants.

A mix of two, three and four-bedroom apartments, Urban Forest will also feature a cafe, 1,450 sqm ground floor park, a rooftop rec deck with pool, gym, dining room, cinema, spa with hot and cold pools, sauna &amp; steam rooms, workspace, wine room, resident&rsquo;s lounge and bar and bbq areas.

<img alt="" height="910" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/aria_south_brisbane.jpg" width="1200" />

Also in the pipeline is a&nbsp;Kangaroo Point apartment development.&nbsp;Dubbed Riviera, the complex between&nbsp;470 and 480 Main Street will have&nbsp;124&nbsp;apartments across 12 levels.

Aria, who recently won two awards at the 2021&nbsp;QLD Master Builders Award for its West End apartment development, Tree House,&nbsp;just sold out Trellis, their most sustainable project to date.

Aria has been led by its managing director, Tim Forrester, since he founded the company in 2003.

<h2>FORME</h2>

The local developer FORME has just launched its second Koichi Takada-designed&nbsp;apartment project on the Gold Coast.

Sea, at 96 The Esplanade in Burleigh Heads, has just 30 apartments across its 17 curved levels.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=99968]

&quot;Since the scaffold dropped at Norfolk, the building has quickly become an icon&quot; FORME managing director David Calvisi said, with the architecture flooding social media.

Even the popular beach photographer&nbsp;Aquabumps have prints available of the iconic facade.

&quot;Norfolk has been a great success and it was important we carried the key elements of its success, mainly via the architecture, through the design at 96 The Esplanade&quot;, Calvisi added.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=99968 project_image_fid=159159]

Sea will have 23 half-floor apartments of around 220 sqm, as well as three full-floor residences with around 440 sqm of space.

Calvisi&#39;s eye next year will be on Brisbane, where he has a striking commercial development on James St, and recently secured a site on Doggett Street which will home around 30 apartments.

<h2>MOSAIC PROPERTY</h2>

After constant sell outs in 2021, Mosaic are certainly one to watch in 2022. They will be launching seven apartment projects all up next year.

Their most recently announced will be their first in Bilinga, just north of Coolangatta, where SJB Architects has designed a seven-level, 13-apartment building at 1 Surf Street.

<img alt="" height="729" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/surf_st_bilinga_mosaic_0.jpg" width="1200" />

They have Florence, on Burleigh Heads The Esplanade, and a project in Brisbane&#39;s Toowong.

One of the most impressive is likely to be Florence by Mosaic, nine full-floor apartments across nine levels, also in Burleigh Heads.

Last year was one of Mosaic&#39;s biggest since it was founded by its managing director Brook Monahan. They sold&nbsp;out L&#39;Orient on the Sunshine Coast, The Witton in Brisbane&#39;s Indooroopilly, and Kensington in Toowong, all to database buyers.

<h2>ANIKO GROUP</h2>

Responsible for transforming a large section of Hope Island, Aniko will be continuing their development on the Gold Coast island&nbsp;in 2022.

Next year, pending approval, the George Mastrocostas-led Aniko will launch their latest project at 10 Sickle Avenue, a further 185 apartments spread across two buildings.

They&#39;ve&nbsp;had their go-to architecture firm, the local Archidiom, create&nbsp;plans for the two mid-rise buildings, focused around a central recreation area feature a pool, gym, theatre, residents lounge and outdoor seating and lawns.

It will join their recently approved Athena Residences, at 6-8 Sickle Avenue.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95317 project_image_fid=171840]

Also launching next year will be their $52 million gated townhouse project at&nbsp;31-35 Grant Avenue.

The development, dubbed No.35 Grant Avenue, will see 48 townhouses developed, as well as 10 waterfront duplex villas,&nbsp;designed to reflect upmarket city-inspired living. The project will centre around an expansive park precinct with walkways and gardens.

Aniko&nbsp;is also preparing to submit an application for marina berths which will be available for sale.

<h2>HABITAT DEVELOPMENT GROUP</h2>

The local Sunshine Coast developer, Habitat Development Group, will be launching two projects to the market in 2022.

In August Habitat&nbsp;lodged plans for St Clair Apartments, some 200 apartments on Lake Kawana in&nbsp;Birtinya.

There will be 100 apartments in each eight-level building, made up of 46 two-beds, 119 three-bedroom apartments, making up 60 per cent of the development, and 35 four-bedroom and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="" height="664" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/st_clair_habitat_main.jpg" width="1200" />

Habitat Development Group managing director Cleighton Clark said they are excited about the project and look forward to Habitat playing its part in the growth and evolution of the&nbsp;Birtinya&nbsp;lakeside precinct.

&quot;There&rsquo;s already been some exciting momentum created by&nbsp;Stockland&nbsp;and other strong local developers,&quot; Clark said, adding that the&nbsp;Birtinya&nbsp;precinct was awarded the 2020 National UDIA Award for Master-planned Development.

Their other project will be The Corso, their second&nbsp;from Economic Development Queensland (EDQ)&nbsp;in the new&nbsp;Maroochydore&nbsp;CBD, having sold out their $83 million Market Lane project.

The new $94 million development, will include two towers, one 15-storey tower offering 116 apartments, including five penthouses, and an eight-storey tower, comprising 42 apartments and 715sqm of retail space.

Designed by Sunshine Coast-based K Architecture, the project will include a large resort pool on the ground floor and a communal rooftop terrace on level four connecting the two towers.

<h2>SHERPA PROPERTY GROUP</h2>

Sherpa were another developer with a stellar 2021.

Their Perspective range, including Perspective Two Sea and the neighbouring Perspective Nexus in Palm Beach were&nbsp;immensely popular, selling out within weeks of each other earlier this year.&nbsp;

Perspective Two Sea hadn&#39;t even officially launched, with buyers between $3.5 million to $4.75 million coming forward from their&nbsp;database.

Actively looking for further development sites, Sherpa recently secured a Mermaid Beach block at&nbsp;72-74 Albatross Avenue, one of the suburb&#39;s premier streets, just off Hedges Avenue.

<img alt="" height="816" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/sherpa_albatross.jpg" width="1200" />

That will see Perspective Albatross constructed, just eight beachfront apartments. There will be six three-bedroom apartments and two whole-floor penthouses designed by Cottee Parker.

Also expected to launch in 2022 is Perspective Broadwater, just six apartments&nbsp;in Biggera Waters, and Perspective Nexus, 34 three-bedroom apartments across 14 levels.

The Gold Coast boomed as much as anywhere in the country, with interstate immigration still seeing thousands move from the southern states

Top 8 Queensland developers to look out for in 2022

Established in Brisbane in 1989 by Geoff Parker and Rob Cottee, Cottee Parker has evolved into a national practice with studios operating in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

The firm, which combines “intellect and creativity with a skilful, sensitive approach to design”, has garnered recognition for their design outcomes.

“We design considering culture, environment and the human condition to produce responsive and sustainable solutions. We use our experience, skills and knowledge to create designs that work for clients and the community”, the multi-disciplinary practice said.

Past projects include Queens Wh​arf in Brisbane, one of Australia's most ambitious cons​truction projects, and West Si​de Place in Melbourne.

“I wanted to create a strong legacy to leave behind, and I am extremely confident that I have done exactly that,” Cottee said.

Over 50 projects designed by the firm are currently listed on Urban. Below are four of our favourites that homebuyers can secure via Urban today.

1. Mirador, Chevron Island 
Developer: Citimark Properties

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=183047]

A unique blend of built form and nature, Mirador has been designed by Cottee Parker as part of the coastal identity of Chevron Island.

The 71 luxury residences respond to ocean views while reinforcing a coastal through a refined material palette including its white façade, bronze metal features and natural stone elements.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107520 project_image_fid=183048]

Two, three and four-bedroom apartments are generously sized with butlers’ pantries, island benches, wrap-around balconies and walk-in robes.

Extensive landscaping is also a key design feature, with cascading greenery softening the built form whilst providing a lush subtropical backdrop to the residential recreational spaces including the pool, gym, wellness and barbeque areas.

2. Seasons, Birtinya 
Developer: Cube Developments

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184863]

Cottee Parker has been engaged on a new residential project by Cube Developments that is certain to attract young property buyers.

Situated in the growing coastal suburb, Birtinya, Seasons is a trendy $102 million apartment development with almost 150 units in two, three and four-bedroom configurations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106957 project_image_fid=184873]

Architect Sandra Brown said an emphasis on aesthetics, generously sized apartments and a number of amenities was expected to impress young buyers.

“We have focused on a range of materials to achieve a sleek, urban feel [with] timber, aluminium, plenty of greenery, as well as getting a lot of the off-form concrete into the design,” she said.

3. Nature by Cube, Cotton Tree 
Developer: Cube Developments

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89721 project_image_fid=172109]

Nature, located in the small waterfront suburb of Cotton Tree, will deliver 12 luxury residences.

Designed by&nbsp;<a href="/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the development sits high above the Maroochy River, surrounded by green parkland and ever-shifting tidal sand bars.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89721 project_image_fid=172111]

“The brief that Cube gave us [was] we want the best the Sunshine Coast has ever seen”, Sandra Browne said.

The sculptural project features a glass façade and hosts a number of amenities, including a 25-metre lap pool, gym, steam room and spa, yoga lawn and sun lounging areas.

4. Lowanna Beach Resort, Buddina 
Developer: WOW Group

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101206 project_image_fid=162030]

Lowanna, an Aboriginal word that is often used to describe exquisite beauty, is the namesake of the newest development to hit Buddina.

Three buildings make up the new Lowanna Beach Resort offering, each presenting a different perspective of the surrounds, and connected by centralised resort facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101206 project_image_fid=162024]

All residents can enjoy the luxurious landscaped gardens, light-filled, tropical open communal areas and pool and barbeque facilities.

Residences boast generous floorplans, large balconies, plenty of storage and high-quality finishes.

“I wanted to create a strong legacy to leave behind, and I am extremely confident that I have done exactly that,” Cottee said. 

max.kwok_55688

Cottee Parker Architects' four best Queensland projects currently selling on Urban

A local developer&nbsp;buyer&nbsp;has snapped up&nbsp;one of the two&nbsp;exclusive&nbsp;three-level penthouses crowning The AU - the new luxury Surfers Paradise apartment tower on the dress circle Esplanade.

The buyer has paid just south of $9 million for the 477&nbsp;sqm space, which he intends on further customising for&nbsp;his family&#39;s&nbsp;entertainment and lifestyle needs.

There&#39;s scope, particularly with the third level of the&nbsp;penthouse, which can&nbsp;be crafted into&nbsp;something truly unique, ASF Group Marketing Director Daniel&nbsp;Fang&nbsp;said.

&quot;The purchaser of the final penthouse could add another ocean view master suite, but there&#39;s already plenty of bedrooms. Thus, the options for a yoga or meditation room with full-width views of the beach, a cinema room, or even a personal gym are certainly available to them,&quot;&nbsp;Fang&nbsp;suggested.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6762 project_image_fid=185945]

The penthouse starts from level 17 and has a&nbsp;separate&nbsp;private lift within to access the higher levels.&nbsp;Offering 16m frontage directly facing the ocean,&nbsp;the penthouses feature four bedrooms with the second level having the option of including a lap pool.

&quot;It&#39;s always a good sign when someone in the same industry sees the&nbsp;outstanding value proposition and quality of what you&#39;re delivering&nbsp;and subsequently&nbsp;buys into the project,&quot; Fang added.

&quot;They&nbsp;truly&nbsp;do their due diligence, and the fact they&#39;re happy with what they see, with the quality of the process and the track record of the development company, is a great&nbsp;vote of confidence for The AU.&quot;

There&#39;s been&nbsp;significant&nbsp;interest from discerning local buyers for the&nbsp;lower level apartments.&nbsp;The price per square metre&nbsp;matched with the unrivalled beach and ocean&nbsp;views in such a central&nbsp;location in Surfers Paradise is&nbsp;incomparable to any other development on the market currently.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6762 project_image_fid=185946]

It&#39;s been local and interstate business owners who have made up the majority of the enquiry so far. 
 
&quot;The AU will be&nbsp;an exclusive&nbsp;community - a true boutique offering&nbsp;where you can get to know your neighbours. Of course, the residences also provide an elevated degree of privacy given that&nbsp;a typical 255 sqm residence will span an entire floor with its own private&nbsp;lift lobby.&quot; 
 
Each full-floor apartment with a starting price of $3.45 million offers three bedrooms and a multi-purpose room, or four bedrooms, each with stone kitchens and an open plan living and dining area. Furthermore, each residence boasts a 16m frontage directly facing the Pacific Ocean and beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6762 project_image_fid=184130]

The resident amenity is located on&nbsp;the&nbsp;podium level, with a gym and residents&#39; lounge space, which sit beside the infinity pool that looks out across the sand and ocean.

The podium level also features a barbecue and dining facilities, along with a sauna, ideal for unwinding after a few laps in the pool. 
 
The display suite is up and ready for viewing for prospective buyers, with the interiors created in the style of the actual residences. That&#39;s located in the Soul Boardwalk&nbsp;shopping precinct, just a few minutes&#39;&nbsp;walk&nbsp;from the actual site of The AU.

[smartcode_project_cta: project_id=6762]

The AU's two only penthouses span across three storeys - each featuring four bedrooms, an option for a lap pool and an additional master bedroom or meditation suite on the top floor.


Tri-level penthouse in The AU in Surfers Paradise snapped up for almost $9 million by local buyer

Everyone has wanted a piece of the Gold Coast in 2021, both developers and buyers, interstate and local.

GV Property Group&nbsp;agent Luke&nbsp;Reaby, who sells amalgamated sites to developers across the whole of the Gold Coast,&nbsp;says the number of interstate developers interested in apartment sites went through a noticeable shift in 2021.

&quot;Around half of our sales over the year went to interstate developers,&quot;&nbsp;Reaby&nbsp;said.

&quot;Most, if not all of the developers we&#39;ve spoken to who secured a site in 2021 have already secured a second or even third site, or are otherwise still on the hunt for another given the pent up demand for new apartments. However, given the lack of sites availble in desired locations such as Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach and Coolangatta, most are struggling to find prime land.

&quot;Their belief is that the Gold Coast apartment market will thrive for years to come which is partly due to the interstate migration, affordability, proximity to the beach and of course the lifestyle.&quot;

We&#39;ve taken a look at the Sydney and Melbourne-based developers who have made their mark on the Gold Coast.

<h2>Hirsch &amp; Faigen</h2>

It was a stellar debut 2021 on the Gold Coast for the Melbourne-based developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen.

Their first project, Hemingway at Palm Beach, sold out all of its 78 apartments in a matter of months earlier this year.

They&#39;ve sold over 60 per cent of their luxury Kirra Beach apartment development, Emerson, a collection of just 27 apartments on Musgrave Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106646 project_image_fid=184785]

Now the team, led by Daniel Faigen and Richard Hirsch, has launched Yves, a rare development in the sleepy Mermaid Beach.

Yves, again designed by Rothelowman, who has handled each of Hirsch &amp; Faigen&#39;s Gold Coast developments,&nbsp;will comprise three&nbsp;25-level towers. They will home a total of&nbsp;145 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186080]

The building&#39;s are crowned with outdoor rooftop seating, with the residential amenity located in the shared lobby, which&nbsp;Rothelowman&nbsp;designed as a greenhouse to create a suburban feel.

There will be a north-facing swimming pool as the centrepiece, as well as a pool and yoga deck, a&nbsp;gym, sauna, recreation lounge and barbecue seating.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102451 project_image_fid=186084]

The design is also a nod to the history of coastal masonry walk ups.

Faigen said Mermaid is still the&nbsp;best suburb on the Gold Coast, with the millionaire&#39;s row Hedges Avenue fronting&nbsp;the beach. He said the&nbsp;apartment&nbsp;towers of this size fit the location better than the sites of their previous two developments.

<h2>Macquarie York</h2>

The Sydney-based developer Macquarie York aren&#39;t new to the Gold Coast, but have really put their stamp in 2021.

Having nearly sold out their first Gold Coast project, Allure on Chevron Island, Macquarie York, led by managing director Roy Skaf, has two projects currently in market which they&#39;ll be selling in to 2022.

One is another on Chevron Island.&nbsp;Ni&ntilde;a, less than 200 metres from Allure, will home 73 apartments in a 22-level building designed by&nbsp;Plus Architecture.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108640 project_image_fid=186291]

Plus Architecture,&nbsp;led locally&nbsp;by Danny Juric, cleverly designed Ni&ntilde;a&nbsp;so&nbsp;every apartment can capture views&nbsp;of the ocean.

They call Ni&ntilde;a&#39;s design &quot;coastal sophistication with barefoot luxury,&quot; with one of the main design drivers the timeless curves, which will stand the test of time.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108640 project_image_fid=186592]

Macquarie York also have Ocean House, a luxury collection of&nbsp;apartments at Palm Beach, each with three bedrooms, a multi-purpose room, and&nbsp;200 sqm of living area.

The development has been designed by the local architecture firm&nbsp;BDA Architects, who say the striking building is&nbsp;sculpted&nbsp;from inspiration from the surrounding natural environment of the movement of water and sand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22108 project_image_fid=179620]

<h2>Little Projects</h2>

The Melbourne-based Little Projects branched out to Queensland a few years ago with their first project, Signature at Broadbeach, but really kicked in to life in 2021.

Following the sell-out of Signature, some 245 apartments, Little Projects tailored their next project to the high demand for luxury owner-occupier apartments. Their latest Broadbeach development, Aperture, has been a huge hit with buyers locally and interstate.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181282]

Aperture has just 29 apartments across the 35 levels, with 26 full-floor apartments with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and three parking spaces.

They start from $2.1 million, with every level of the 120 metre building offering uninterrupted ocean views from the balcony off the living area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108327 project_image_fid=181282]

Speaking to Urban, Pyke says the team have a firm belief in the longevity of the Gold Coast apartment market, and are working towards securing more development sites heading in to 2022.

<h2>Iris Capital</h2>

Iris Capital were another making their move on the hot Gold Coast market in 2021. They recently launched their $800 million apartment project Victoria &amp; Albert.

V&amp;A will have over 400 apartments across its two towers, which share a subtropical recreational podium, two levels of premium offices and commercial facilities and a fresh food and dining retail on the street level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=184934]

Iris, who are behind the $350 million redevelopment&nbsp;of the iconic Bourbon and Beefsteak Hotel in to 48 luxury apartments at home in Sydney, are heading in to 2022 with another local site secured, on the dress circle Garfield Terrace.

Arnaout said Iris Capital has been looking to expanding its operations outside of NSW for some time, initially exploring a move into Victoria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=184934]

&ldquo;However, the way the market is heading and how buyers have responded to south-east Queensland has definitely driven our decision to expand further north as opposed to Victoria,&rdquo;&nbsp;Arnaout said.

&ldquo;The onslaught of investment and migration into south-east Queensland, the prospect of the Olympics in 2032 and regional growth over the next decade have certainly changed our strategic focus. For us, it&rsquo;s a no brainer.&rdquo;

<h2>Gurner</h2>

Tim Gurner swooped on the Gold Coast in 2021, securing the Ferny Ave block owned by the collapsed Ralan, who had planned for two&nbsp;towers on the sprawling Budds Beach site.

In early 2022 GurnerTM will be launching the first stage of the $1.25 billion. Dubbed La Pelago, the&nbsp;11,000 plus sqm space will now have four towers with nearly 1,000 apartments, around a quarter dedicated to a hotel.

<img alt="" height="697" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/gurner_main_3.jpg" width="1200" />

La Pelago, likely named after the small commune in Italy,&nbsp;centralises on a private island theme, where&nbsp;each building is surrounded by over 9,000 sqm of amenity, lush tropical landscaping by SWA and pool-side water retreats, creating four private islands.

Gurner has appointed ICON to build the first 68-level tower.&nbsp;The build price is estimated to be over $350 million, and will take just over three years to complete.

<h2>Abadeen</h2>

Sydney&#39;s&nbsp;Abadeen Group launched their first project to the Gold Coast in 2021, starting in Palm Beach where they are developing Villea.

The 69-apartment tower at 26 Mawarra Street was a hit with local owner-occupiers and first home buyers, given its more affordable entry price compared to other projects in the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=172253]

Justin Brown, the CBRE chairman&nbsp;who founded Abadeen over two decades ago, said the company&nbsp;was delighted to have purchased such a strategic site to enter the Gold Coast market.

&ldquo;We are extremely excited with the purchase in what we believe is one of Australia&rsquo;s premier beachfront locations,&rdquo;&nbsp;Brown said when Villea launched earlier this year.

&ldquo;We know the market is running very strongly on the southern Gold Coast, in Palm Beach particularly, and&nbsp;believe the market is primed for this project.&quot;

<h2>Macquarie Developments</h2>

The Sydney-based Macquarie Developments Group made a big&nbsp;move on the Gold Coast,&nbsp;having secured approval to develop the tallest tower in&nbsp;Broadbeach.

The Gold Coast City Council gave the development the green light, after Macquarie&nbsp;amended the approved application after they bought the site in October through GV Property Group.

Macquarie Developments Group has altered the development approval that they inherited back in 2016, which was for a 42-level tower.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7511 project_image_fid=185979]

Assana will now rise a further 11 levels, but will have considerably less&nbsp;apartments, down from 186 to 146, a move which sees the developer&nbsp;cater to growing trend of bigger apartments for the owner-occupier.

The slender, 52-level Assana,&nbsp;at 15 Rosewood Avenue, will be the tallest tower in Broadbeach, topping the nearby The Oracle Beach Tower, which peaks at 50 storeys.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7511 project_image_fid=184691]

Head of Development and Construction Peter Galvin said his team worked closely with Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast-based Urban Planning Services, and award-winning architects SJB, to achieve a successful outcome.

&ldquo;We wanted to improve on the existing DA because we felt we could deliver a better outcome for everyone &ndash; for us, the community, and future residents,&rdquo;&nbsp;Galvin said.

<h2>Pask</h2>

The Melbourne property developer Pask has been in Brisbane for a while, developing greenfield sites around the capital for a number of years.

But they announced themselves on to the Gold Coast in 2021 when they launched Esplanade,&nbsp;its luxury Palm Beach apartment development on the sought-after The Esplanade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107137 project_image_fid=182224]

Strong demand from buyers has seen half of the 16 residences snapped up prior to the project&rsquo;s retail sales launch.

NPA Projects Director Andrew Erwin saying he&#39;s seen interest from Gold Coast locals, as well as from Brisbane, and Melbourne.&nbsp;

&quot;Great design and quality craftsmanship are what Pask are well-known for in Melbourne,&quot;&nbsp;Erwin says, highlighting their work at the Millswyn, a collection of eight luxury apartments, two penthouses and a restored heritage residence in South Yarra&rsquo;s exclusive Domain precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107137 project_image_fid=182226]

<h2>Weiya Holdings</h2>

The Sydney developer Weiya Holdings has nearly sold out its first Gold Coast apartment development, DE-LUXE, the apartment redevelopment of the 1930s cinema and&nbsp;Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade&nbsp;in Burleigh Heads.

The ground level and arcade will be retained and restored, and will see 13 levels of luxury apartments built above the space.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102645 project_image_fid=178414]

Just a few apartments remain in the Goodwin Terrace development, which could home Queensland&#39;s most expensive penthouse if the lavish spread fetches the $23 million asking price.

Their next project in the GC is&nbsp;Aalto, a 38-level luxury high-rise development on their recently acquired&nbsp;$50 million block of land at 75-79 Garfield Terrace, right on Northcliffe Beach.

<h2>Sammut</h2>

The Sammut Group has been operating in the luxury residential apartment space in Sydney&#39;s Sutherland Shire region for the best part of three decades.

They made a name for themselves on the Gold Coast in 2021 with their near sell-out of their first project in Queensland, Coast, on the sought-after Garfield Terrace in Surfers Paradise.

Within weeks of lodging its development application earlier this year, it sold more than half of the 43 beachfront apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=101672 project_image_fid=185691]

&quot;The kind of swift sale is unlike anything I have experienced in my 35 years in the industry,&quot; Sammut Group CEO and co-founder Allen Sammut said.

There were sight unseen, full-floor apartment purchasers from Sydney and Melbourne in recent weeks. The project is set for completion in late 2023.

Everyone has wanted a piece of the Gold Coast in 2021, both developers and buyers, interstate and local

The interstate developers lighting up the Gold Coast apartment market

Following on from its successful sell-out of Maison, the high-quality Brisbane home and apartment builder,&nbsp;GRAYA, is set to deliver another luxury&nbsp;apartment block in New Farm.

Graya, who recently branched out in to luxury apartment market after successfully creating a number of well documented transformations of contemporary&nbsp;Queenslanders and ultra high-end new builds across Brisbane, has lodged development plans for York, just five full-floor apartments at 299 Bowen Terrace.

The five-level building will be crowned by a rooftop terrace with a wet edge pool and day beds, a fire pit area,&nbsp;lounge and dining spaces, and a bar.

<a href="/new-apartments/york-new-farm-299-bowen-terrace-new-farm-qld-4005">To be the first to know when York hits the market, enquire here.</a>

<img alt="" height="1051" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/york_new_farm_2.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The boutique complex of just five apartments. Image credit: bureau^proberts

Each of the apartments, spanning nearly 250 sqm of internal space and over 20 sqm of balconies, will have three bedrooms,&nbsp;each with an ensuite, a second living area, and a study.

&quot;York brings something both familiar and new to the historic quarter of New Farm, contributing respectfully to an enclave known for its characteristic Art Deco Residences,&quot; architecture firm bureau^proberts wrote in their design statement submitted to the Gold Coast City Council.

<a href="/new-apartments/york-new-farm-299-bowen-terrace-new-farm-qld-4005">To be the first to know when York hits the market, enquire here.</a>

&quot;Drawing on the details of the Art Deco period, the architecture creates rich embellishments in glass, metal and concrete, architectural elements give character to what is ultimately a place the sophistication of New York City translated into the context of a vibrant subtropical city.

&quot;Toward the street, strong vertical elements are reinforced by corbelled concrete rising to create a corner landmark.&quot;

<img alt="" height="606" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/york_graya.jpg" width="1200" />

Led by founders, brothers Rob and Andrew Gray, Graya secured a sell-out of its maiden apartment development, Maison in New Farm, and&nbsp;is preparing to launch their second apartment development, Canvas, a mix of 21 two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

Speaking to Urban, Andrew Gray said the team at GRAYA are really&nbsp;focussed on delivering a quality product in a premium location.

&quot;York will be five&nbsp;full floor apartments in one of New Farm&rsquo;s best pockets.&nbsp;The level of detail and quality of finish will be a step up from Maison so we&rsquo;re really exited to see how the market responds,&quot; Gray said.

Gray says in 2021 the&nbsp;high-end unit market went from strength to strength,&nbsp;with all quality developments selling out well before construction was completed.

<a href="/new-apartments/york-new-farm-299-bowen-terrace-new-farm-qld-4005">To be the first to know when York hits the market, enquire here.</a>

The five-level building will be crowned by a rooftop terrace with a wet edge pool and day beds, a fire pit area, lounge and dining spaces, and a bar

Latest Queensland Property News

Bilinga House apartments snapped up as Greyburn commences construction

Editor's Picks

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Latest Queensland Property News

Bilinga House apartments snapped up as Greyburn commences construction

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News