Gold Coast developer Drew Group is fast approaching sell-out at its Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon Main Beach.

In the last nine months, Drew Group and sales partner Pezet Matheson have secured 31 sales totalling over $75 million, as the two-tower development advances towards completion under the expert eye of Hutchinson Builders.

“Today's buyers are more discerning than ever," Drew Group Managing Director Jon Drew says.

"It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

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Just over 50 per cent of recent&nbsp;sales have been to local buyers, reflecting the deep trust and connection within the Gold Coast community that Drew Group has developed over the years.

Demand has been particularly robust at the top end, with two of the three exclusive penthouses already sold, alongside five sub-penthouses. Only seven apartments remain in Lagoon's Signature Series — one&nbsp;penthouse and six sub-penthouses.

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Drew Group has also removed the much-maligned sunset clause from all contracts at Lagoon. The sunset clause — although rarely invoked, yet on occasion known to have been — allows developers to take back contracts on apartments should the building not be completed within the timeframe specified in the contract.

Pezet Matheson Co-Director Jayde Pezet says the fact Lagoon is&nbsp;within a year of completion, and has no sunset clause in contracts, provides certainty to buyers.

"This is paramount in the current market," Pezet says.

Drew Group has committed to providing the highest level of security inclusions — none more impressive than the Ubiquity Access Control System, a cutting-edge facial recognition technology that is one of the most state-of-the-art keyless entry systems on the market.

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One of the biggest drawcards to Lagoon has been the size of the apartments.

"It is unlikely that any future new development in Main Beach will be able to offer such spacious living at this price point," Drew says.

"Today's buyers are more discerning than ever, carefully evaluating amenities like gyms, spas, workspaces, and beach lockers, along with quality finishes. It's essential to provide something truly unique that sets a development apart, and we believe Lagoon has achieved just that."

Lagoon is set to complete construction in mid-2026.

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Joel Robinson

Lagoon Main Beach approaches sell-out as local buyers drive $75m in sales

National apartment developer Abadeen has topped out its debut Gold Coast apartment project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach-26-mawarra-street-palm-beach-qld-4221">Villea Palm Beach</a>.

Buyers will move into the $120 million development in early 2026, with builder Emicon now focusing its attention towards the fitout stage of the apartments.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>’s Executive Chairman and Founder, Justin Brown, said topping out at Villea represented an exciting step forward for the company’s national growth and the delivery of a benchmark coastal development.

“Villea Palm Beach represents everything Abadeen stands for — design-led living, premium quality, and the convenience we are bringing for residents to feel part of a perfect beachside community," Brown said.

"It is a particularly special project for us, being our first with spectacular ocean views, just metres from the water and with the addition of ground-floor retail. To reach the top floor is a proud moment, and I am incredibly proud of the Abadeen and Emicon teams for the way they are bringing this project to life for future residents.”

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Pierre Saab, Director of builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/emicon">Emicon</a>, said topping out was an exciting milestone and the team is now focused on interiors and detailing.

“This is a fantastic milestone to reach. With the final roof pour complete, we’ve moved into the fit-out stage where the detailing will truly bring Villea to life,"&nbsp;Saab said.

"Standing on the top floor, the team was struck by the stunning 180-degree views of the ocean and all that <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> has to offer — a daily reminder of the exceptional lifestyle this project will deliver.”

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Nick Clydsdale, Director of SRQ, who is managing sales and marketing for Villea, said the milestone marks the next phase of the sales campaign.

“With construction now at its highest point, we are excited to kick start the next phase of the campaign off the back of strong sales momentum driven by the local market,"&nbsp;Clydsdale said.

"Villea is a prized offering in the popular suburb of Palm Beach— ideally suited to owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking a convenient and beautiful coastal lifestyle. At the same time, with forecasts pointing to further price growth across the Gold Coast in 2025, Villea offers investors the opportunity to enter early in the upswing cycle."

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&nbsp;

Designed by acclaimed architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA</a>, Villea comprises 69 two- and three-bedroom residences with light-filled layouts, premium finishes including timber flooring, Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, and high-performance glazing to maximise comfort.

Many residences capture ocean views, while all benefiting from generous open plan designs and access to shared amenities like a&nbsp;pool, gym, barbecue facilities, and outdoor entertaining spaces, all just 400m from the beach.

A ground floor retail leasing campaign is also underway, with Abadeen set to handpick a curated mix of tenants to enhance the experience for both residents and the wider community.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106840]

Abadeen tops out Villea Palm Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has officially unveiled its vision for a landmark development in Little Bay.

The vertically integrated developer-builder is set to launch <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE</a>, a collection of low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis Architects</a>, comprising 94 apartments.

Targeted at local downsizers, upgraders, nature lovers, and golf enthusiasts, ESTE offers close proximity to Kamay-Botany Bay National Park, Little Bay Beach, and the renowned St Michael’s Golf Club — widely considered one of New South Wales’ top courses.

Many of the apartments, with interiors by Richard Stanisich, boast uninterrupted ocean views — a rare offering in Sydney.

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Residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private rooftop amenity level featuring a heated infinity pool, a fitness centre equipped with the latest TechnoGym technology, and a sauna.

Urban Property Group has taken a careful and considered approach to the design and planning stages, ensuring ESTE delivers an architecturally appropriate and sensitive addition to a suburb that rarely sees new development.

Plans were first submitted to Randwick City Council in late 2022, following concept approval from the NSW Government earlier that year.

Construction commenced in November 2024, with the project expected to top out in Q4 2025 and reach completion in Q3 2026.&nbsp;

Urban was one of the first developers in New South Wales to adopt the sought-after 10-year <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Latent Defects Insurance policy from Resilience Insurance</a>. The policy — that can only be taken out by developers or builders and not by individual apartment buyers — covers any structural or waterproofing defects for a full 10 years post-completion, providing buyers with the most comprehensive protection available when purchasing off the plan.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

SRM Residential will be launching ESTE in the coming months.

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Urban Property Group unveils ESTE Little Bay apartments

For the first time, prospective off the plan apartment buyers in Sydney's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/homebush-nsw-2140">Homebush</a> can purchase with the confidence of a 10-year defect protection for their new apartment building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bridge-road-residences-homebush-3-5-bridge-road-homebush-nsw-2140">Bridge Road Residences</a>, the latest development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ventus-group">Ventus Group</a>, is the first new apartment complex in the area to offer the highly sought-after 10-year Latent Defects Insurance, provided by Resilience Insurance.

This policy, which applies to all 80 apartments in the new building on Bridge Road, covers homeowners against&nbsp;structural or design defects defects that may arise within the first 10 years after the building's completion. It can only be taken out by the developer or builder of the new development, and not by individual apartment owners.

Half of the apartments in the building have already been quickly snapped up. Buyers have been attracted by the insurance policy, along with the guarantee of a quality build, thanks to the insurance's Technical Inspection Service. This service involves third-party experts visiting the construction site at least once a month to ensure the building is being properly constructed, making defects highly unlikely.

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Located on Bridge Road, the development offers a mix of apartment configurations, from studios to three-bedroom apartments.

Apartments have been designed&nbsp;by MX Architects with liveability in mind, featuring open-plan layouts, engineered timber floors, wool-blend carpet in bedrooms, and either ducted or split-system air conditioning depending on configuration.&nbsp;

Many apartments also include north-facing aspects or oversized balconies, enhancing natural light and outdoor usability.

The development includes landscaped communal gardens with a central lawn, shaded seating, and barbecue areas. A rooftop terrace offers views across the city and Sydney Olympic Park. These amenities are designed to provide outdoor spaces for both relaxation and socialising, without increasing maintenance burden.

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Bridge Road Residences is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Homebush Station and close to major road links including the M4 and M8.&nbsp;

Residents will have immediate access to Rochester Street’s cafes, grocers, and restaurants, as well as retail and dining hubs at North Strathfield’s Bakehouse Quarter, Strathfield Plaza, and DFO Homebush.&nbsp;

The area is also well-served by schools and tertiary institutions, including Homebush Public School and the University of Sydney.

Construction is being led by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/one-way-dc">One Way Development &amp; Construction</a>. They are expecting to complete the build in Q3 2026.

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Bridge Road Residences brings 10-year defects guarantee to Homebush

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/romano-property-group">Romano Property Group</a> has appointed AG Construct to deliver their boutique new Fitzroy apartment development, Napier 235.

Half of the apartment in the architecturally-striking block of 14 have already been snapped up.

Located just 150 metres from Brunswick Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/napier-235-235-napier-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">Napier 235</a> will bring a mix of two and three-bedroom residences to the tightly held inner-city neighbourhood, including a full-floor penthouse and one townhouse.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a> with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/florian-wild">Florian Wild</a>, Napier 235 presents a sculptural, low-rise form that aligns with Fitzroy’s heritage character while introducing contemporary detailing.&nbsp;

Residences are all north-facing and feature large private terraces, with living areas that connect to the outdoors via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass.

Inside, kitchens are anchored by 3.5-metre stone island benches and include walk-in pantries, Miele and Gaggenau appliances, and built-in bars with wine fridges in most apartments.&nbsp;

Customisable floor plans allow buyers to tailor internal layouts to suit their needs.

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Sustainability has been prioritised from the outset. Napier 235 ranks in the top five per cent of Victorian developments under current planning policy benchmarks, reflecting efficient energy use and environmentally responsible design.

Napier 235 places residents within walking distance of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/fitzroy-vic-3065">Fitzroy</a>’s food and retail precincts, including Marion, Morning Market, and Bentwood Café. Fitzroy Gardens, Carlton Gardens, and tram connections to the CBD are also nearby. Despite its proximity to major amenity, the development sits within a quieter residential pocket.

Pricing for two-bedroom apartments at Napier 235 starts at $1,225,000.

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Construction to commence at Napier 235 in Fitzroy as Romano appoints builder

Architect Q&A

Due North is the latest development by the respected Melbourne developer Caydon Property, located in the hive of Melbourne&#39;s lively Preston precinct.

Inspired by the industrial past of Preston, the&nbsp;fa&ccedil;ade of the 12-level High Street building features raw brickwork, exposed concrete, custom metalwork and glass.

Caydon aren&#39;t like most developers, whose standard practice is to outsource the architecture and design to an independent firm.

Urban recently sat down with&nbsp;Giuditta De Santis, Caydon&#39;s&nbsp;director of architecture and design, to discuss the Melbourne development.

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MK: Due North was managed and delivered by Caydon&rsquo;s in-house team. Why do you think this adds value to the project?

GDS: Working in-house allows us to take full ownership of the project, and helps simplify decision making.

Our team is very experienced and resourceful, and working in-house helps us maintain control of the overall design and ensure material consistency.

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MK: What was the design brief for the Architecture &amp; Design Team?

GDS: We wanted to ensure that the interiors reflected the modern yet eclectic vibe of the suburb.

So when looking at finishes and fixtures, we created a contemporary palette of stone, marble, timber flooring and a choice of grey or charcoal colour palettes.

MK: What spoke to you about Due North in particular?

GDS: Due North has a fantastic location, right in the hive of High St. Preston is a very vibrant suburb and has a great amount of local amenities.

We wanted the size of the project to reflect the area, so it&rsquo;s a more boutique-style development. &nbsp;

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MK: Due North boasts a number of communal amenities. What are some of the amenities and benefits that residents can expect to enjoy?

GDS: Many of Due North&rsquo;s amenities are located on the rooftop, giving you stunning views of the city - which is quite unusual in this area. There&rsquo;s also a rooftop pool, yoga lawn, outdoor gym, and private entertaining booths with BBQs.

I think this space will be hugely popular with residents, as it allows them to form new connections in a safe and peaceful environment.

Shared spaces create a feeling of community in the building, especially in times where many of us value our immediate community, including our neighbours.

Working from home has also cemented itself in our 9-5 culture, so there are a variety of coworking spaces in the lobby. Each space is equipped with everything you&rsquo;d need to set up your laptop and work from home.&nbsp;

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MK: What design features have you included that the average homebuyer may not notice straight away?

GDS: We really wanted Due North to reflect the current needs of our homebuyers, which is why we have focused on creating ample storage, working from home spaces, and pet-friendly living.

For example, we ensure that there are additional areas for storage when we design a floorplan - such as linen cupboards and fully fitted robes.

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In terms of working from home, many of our apartments have a flexi-space that you can turn into a home office, plus there&rsquo;s a coworking area downstairs that is available for all residents to use.

When choosing materials and finishes, we look at what is easiest to clean and can withstand playtime with our furry friends, such as engineered timber flooring and reconstituted stone benchtops.

Plus, all of our apartments have balconies and shared outdoor spaces that both you and your pets can also enjoy.

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MK: Were there any challenges during the development or design process that you had to overcome?

GDS: Melbourne&rsquo;s lockdown would be the key challenge we have had to overcome. It&rsquo;s quite hard to collaborate with our suppliers online, plus sourcing materials and samples of finishes was very difficult during this time.

However, in the end, the team really pulled together, and we were able to overcome these issues.

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Caydon director of architecture and design, Giuditta De Santis, discusses the Melbourne development

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"The interiors created to reflect the modern yet eclectic vibe of the suburb" - The design details behind Due North, Preston apartments

Ryrie Home, the latest development from Franz&eacute; Developments, is set to deliver Geelong&rsquo;s first major hotel and apartment project in 20 years.

The development will deliver a landmark Holiday Inn tower, 16 luxury apartments at&nbsp;Ryrie Residences, and a separate 11-storey tower,&nbsp;Ryrie Home.

Ryrie&nbsp;Home encapsulates timeless style, giving you the perfect canvas to make your new home your own in Geelong.

We recently spoke with the&nbsp;principal architect Oliver Mayger at&nbsp;Architectus to discuss the luxury development.

MK: How many residential projects have Architectus done in Victoria?

OM: Nationally we have completed approximately 25.&nbsp;The residential sector in Victoria is relatively new, with focused growth over the past six years.&nbsp;

In Victoria, we have completed three, currently have three&nbsp;under construction, and 18 in the&nbsp;design&nbsp;stage.

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MK: What spoke to you about Ryrie Home in particular?

OM: Primarily the opportunity to propose a higher density living typology outside of the City of Melbourne, and to create a new mixed-use precinct, and public realm, which keyed into and capitalised on Geelong&rsquo;s Cultural Precinct.

MK: What was the brief from Franz&eacute; Developments for the mixed-use development?

OM: A contemporary Architectural response, providing diverse living typology&rsquo;s from one to four-bedroom apartments and a new hotel, all capitalising on the stunning views across Corio Bay and the Botanical Gardens

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MK: Where did you take your inspiration from?&nbsp;

OM: Geelong is a city with a rich heritage of prominent buildings that mark the corner of intersections and are recognisable meeting points. These buildings define the structure of the central city grid and are typically characterised with increased height, a chamfered corner to the building mass and a canopy at street level.

The repurposing of this site is another example of Geelong&rsquo;s transition from a primarily agricultural and manufacturing base to a centre for services and innovation. The site&rsquo;s vision is to embrace and support this new direction whilst celebrating what Geelong was built on.

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The material choices and fa&ccedil;ade articulation are a nod to the strength and robustness that define Geelong&rsquo;s character and its legacy of craftsmanship and quality.

Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design. &nbsp;

Automotive production underpinned Geelong&rsquo;s economy for almost 90 years, with the first Model T rolling out of an improvised wool storage warehouse in 1925. That history has left a legacy of metal manufacturing and craftsmanship that is reflected in the upper levels of the proposal.

MK: How important is the choice of materials in a project such as this?

OM: Critical, our work is always aspiring to be contextual and of its place.&nbsp; The study of materials and textures and neighbourhood scale within the precinct and the city of Geelong informed a material palette and strategy for addressing all components of the building.

An authoritative and restrained grid is articulated on every fa&ccedil;ade in various but consistent compositional forms. This element assists in referencing the central Geelong building street wall presence.&nbsp;

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The formal motive and materiality of the street wall creates a composition that is considerate of a human experience of its scale. The hand-laid brick element also binds the different programs together and creates a notion of material consistency in the proposed building.

MK: Which part of the project are you most looking forward to seeing when completed?

OM: We have created a new public connection through our site from Ryrie Street to Cuzens Place, driving our built form response and allowing us to activate these resulting laneways and edges with commercial retail and F&amp;B spaces aswell as the hotel and residential lobbies. &nbsp;

This new lane connects visually with the existing connections through to Johnstone Park and reinforces the pedestrian connectivity through to the foreshore.&nbsp;

We are keen to see these spaces activated and hope they enable additional pedestrian connections from our site to the south through to Fenwick Place and Little Ryrie Street

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"Ryrie Home has drawn upon the history of Geelong and its architectural vernacular. The robust materiality and strong compositional order of the brick woolstore are defining markers of the city character and are considered through our podium scale and design"

Architect Q&A

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