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

Joel Robinson

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

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

Fortis continues eastern suburbs push with 55 William launch

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

Arada plots $2 billion Broadbeach towers in major Queensland move

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

From downsizing to right-sizing: What Sydney buyers want from their next home

Family-owned builder and developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/omaya">Omaya</a> is bringing its 27-storey The Maybelle development to market, with the 229-apartment tower rising alongside Ismay Reserve near North Strathfield.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-maybelle-21-parramatta-road-homebush-nsw-2140">The Maybelle</a> will comprise one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with its height providing elevated outlooks towards the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge, while other residences will look across neighbouring Ismay Reserve.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/squillace-architects">Squillace Architects</a>, the tower combines its parkside setting with proximity to the established retail, dining and transport amenity around North Strathfield.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376196]

Residences will feature open-plan living spaces and a choice of two interior schemes, while communal amenity is spread across two elevated levels of the building.

Level 8 will be home to the Garden Pavilion, a full-floor resident space incorporating communal entertaining and breakout areas, seating and recreation spaces. Further up the tower, a landscaped Sky Terrace on Level 14 will provide another communal area with panoramic views towards the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

At ground level, the development sits directly alongside Ismay Reserve, where lawns, walking paths, children's play areas, picnic spaces and recreational facilities extend the green space available immediately around the project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376194]

The Maybelle is also within walking distance of North Strathfield and the Bakehouse Quarter, which provides a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and everyday services.

Existing rail and bus services provide connections across Sydney, while the future North Strathfield Metro and access to the M4 will add to the transport options available around the precinct. Walking and cycling routes also extend via Powells Creek towards Sydney Olympic Park and its sporting, entertainment and parkland precincts.

Families are also well positioned for access to a broad selection of established schools and education options across Strathfield and the surrounding Inner West.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134873 project_image_fid=376181]

Omaya has operated in Sydney for more than 35 years, managing projects from acquisition and design through to construction and delivery. The family-owned company is both developer and builder of The Maybelle.

Apartments start from $560,000, with the development protected by 10-year Latent Defects Insurance.

Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and move-in anticipated from Q1 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134873]

The Maybelle brings 27-storey parkside tower to market near North Strathfield

Gold Coast

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A new skyscraper in Gold Coast's <a href="/new-apartments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> is expecting 61 apartments within a sleek 41 storey form.

Developer <a href="/developers/bassar-group">Bassar Group</a> is backing the high end, low density residential project at 22 George Avenue and 33 Surf Parade. Dubbed Infinity Tower, the development will in time be pitted against a host of similarly placed apartment projects in the area that are chasing luxury buyers.

A sample of Broadbeach projects from the Apartments.com.au Project Database reflects the low density configurations of a number of apartment towers that are exclusively chasing well heeled purchasers.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image2_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Slotting in to the Broadbeach scene. Image: BDA Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="351" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image2_17.jpg?itok=pYMDj1rb" title="Slotting in to the Broadbeach scene. Image: BDA Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Slotting in to the Broadbeach scene. Image: BDA Architecture</figcaption></figure>Projects under construction such as <a href="/buildings/vue-broadbeach-10-12-first-avenue-broadbeach">Vue Broadbeach</a> and <a href="/buildings/elysian-185-old-burleigh-road-broadbeach">Elysian</a> maintain on average no more than two apartments per floor. Earlier this year an application for 2 Charles Avenue emerged which seeks to push the envelope for luxury living in Broadbeach.

Christened <a href="/new-apartments/luxe-broadbeach-2-charles-avenue-broadbeach">Class Broadbeach</a> the Charles Avenue location is slated for a 54 storey tower holding only 46 apartments, including 34 full floor three bedroom apartments, five two storey sky homes and a three storey penthouse.

Conversely Infinity Tower is expecting a mix of two, three, four and six bedroom dwellings.

Bassar Group took the application to planning in recent days, hoping to convert the 1,012 square metre corner site into a skyscraper of distinction. Currently the property includes two villas and three units.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image3_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Street level perspective. Image: BDA Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="961" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image3_14.jpg?itok=U159iZp4" title="Street level perspective. Image: BDA Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Street level perspective. Image: BDA Architecture</figcaption></figure>The building's form has led to the moniker Infinity Tower, with BDA Architecture employing a curvilinear form above a podium and describing it as an "exciting fluid tower that will be an iconic defining development to energise this precinct of Broadbeach.

The proposed project name is ‘Infinity’ and essentially the tower’s plan shape acknowledges the symbol for infinity – integrating the symbol twice to achieve the tower form. Spatially this curvilinear shape wraps the rectangular apartment structure."

Oversized apartments aside, prospective future residents can expect a full podium level devoted to amenities, as is a section of the skyscraper's roof level.

A point of difference over the tower is an external lighting system that will illuminate the podium and backlight the coloured horizontal fins on the south side of the tower, "ensuring the towers presence in the skyline at night."

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image5_21.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Night podium lighting. Image: BDA Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="368" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image5_21.jpg?itok=_vm3fsfS" title="Night podium lighting. Image: BDA Architecture" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Night podium lighting. Image: BDA Architecture</figcaption></figure>
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silvermb

Bassar Group to test Broadbeach's luxury apartment market depth

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Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate and wife Ruth are selling their vast Gold Coast amalgamation. 
The Tates paid $3.3 million in 2015 for the Sorrento riverfront on 4,425 square metres, shortly before securing the vacant 835 square metre neighbouring block for $1.7 million.
Now they're selling the combined 5,200 square metre estate.
The grand home was built in the late 1970s for former Gold Cost mayor Sir Bruce Small.
It features a gourmet kitchen with butlers pantry, a billiards room, private bar, private home office and a sunken separate lounge with stone fireplace.
There are two separate accommodation wings comprising five bedrooms.
It has been listed through Roland Evans, of Canford Property Group in conjunction with Ray White Surfers Paradise agent Matt Gates who says the home is widely regarded as one of the finest family estates within the city boundary.
The couple were previous based at Paradise Waters before selling for $3.5 million in 2016.
Tate has been the mayor since 2012, having been re-elected in 2016 with over 70% of the votes.
It is a potential eight-lot riverfront residential subdivision.
This article first appeared in The Weekend Australian. 
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate lists riverfront Sorrento estate

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Gold Coast's premium apartment sector will likely welcome another contender as a beachfront application looks to deliver premium oversized apartments to Surfers Paradise.

Only 50 apartments are earmarked within a 31 storey development on the intersection of Garfield Terrace and Thornton Street. Maintaining absolute beach frontage, the tower is set to capped by a tri-level five bedroom penthouse that sets the tone for the overall development.

Three sub penthouse apartments containing four bedrooms and 46 triple bedroom apartments round out the application's living options.

Blight Rayner are responsible for 59 Garfield Terrace's design, taking advantage of the site's high density residential zoning to yield the 98 metre tower across the relatively small 608 square metre site. Entity PM No.1 Pty Ltd is backing the application.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image48_16.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Absolute beach frontage. Image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="755" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image48_16.jpg?itok=uF6pAP6w" title="Absolute beach frontage. Image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Absolute beach frontage. Image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure>Blight Rayner's design draws inspiration from its intended coastal setting:

<blockquote>
The architectural proposition is driven by the site’s natural beauty and coastal environment. Beaches are a natural phenomenon that are formed around rocky outcrops and made up of eroded materials that have been transported from elsewhere.

Our architectural approach to form and materials looks to this natural phenomenon to inform the proposition. To anchor the proposal, dark rocky walls form the base in which the elevated lobby sits.

The rocky outcrops are eroded to house landscape and become escapements for outlook. The tower structure is seen as a charcoal concrete which extrudes from the rocky base.
</blockquote>

These rocky walls frame the tower's communal areas, headlined by a gym and overt swimming pool which is seemingly perched above the beach. Spanning two levels, the podium also includes an elevated lobby that accounts for the main space at ground level.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public//pictures/article-images/image45_11.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ground level activation. Image: Blight Rayner"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="298" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files//styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image45_11.jpg?itok=CvPVzGpV" title="Ground level activation. Image: Blight Rayner" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ground level activation. Image: Blight Rayner</figcaption></figure>Not far from the heart of Surfers Paradise and skyline defining towers such as Soul and Q1, 59 Garfield Terrace is part of an emerging sub precinct of beachfront towers.

Northcliffe Residences is nearby; upon completion it will include 75 apartments over 28 levels in another luxury project for developers Qingjian Group and CNQC. Also surrounding 59 Garfield Terrace are expected towers at 2945 Surfers Paradise Boulevard and 9-11 Thornton Street.

9-11 Thornton Street has been approval for 81 apartments across 30 storeys.
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A new player seeks its place in the Gold Coast luxury apartment spotlight

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The Gold Coast unit market is becoming more solid and steady, according to Knight Frank.
Chris Litfin, Knight Frank project marketing head, said there had been changes in the market in recent years, including a move towards smaller developments.
This was adding less supply and with buyers taking more time to make decisions had led to more stability.
She says: "previous property cycles were generally centred around major developments with many hundreds of apartments in single buildings – as an example, Soul had around 300, Oracle had around 500 and Circle on Cavill delivered over 600."
"But generally the buildings being built at the moment are a lot smaller than they used to be. Some have a few hundred apartments, but most are around 100 or less."
An example she gave was Broadbeach, in which only two of the seven apartment developments – Qube (pictured below) and Signature - have over 200 apartments, with the remaining Broadbeach projects – Vue, Koko, Ivy95, Elysian and Opus - delivering around 100 apartments or less.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/16/QUBE.jpg" alt="">.
"Now there is less total supply across seven developments in Broadbeach, for instance, than there was across a few developments in the late 2000s, and it’s normal for buyers to take between six weeks and two months to make a decision due to the added choice, rather than the few weeks they took back then."
"They’re comparing these developments carefully, looking at the facilities on offer and the location, and doing thorough research before buying."
Litfin said overall, the Gold Coast residential apartment market was now much more stable, with two of the stabilising factors being the moderation in supply and region’s growth in population, which has resulted in steady long-term demand.
In 1960 the Gold Coast had a population of 50,000 and now it’s more than 600,000. 
"The older population on the Gold Coast is growing significantly, which is only going to add to the demand for apartments," Liftin concluded
The Australian Bureau of Statistics data from the 2016 Census shows the over-65 demographic made up around 16% of the total population, but by 2036 the population is expected to double, accounting for over 20% of the total.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/3_StockBreakouts/gold-coast-breakout-219677864.jpg" alt="">
The latest Knight Frank Australian Residential Development Review 2018 also found apartment stock on the Gold Coast is being built to cater more for owner-occupiers, with a move towards more bedrooms.
It found two-bedroom apartments have been favoured in developments built between 2014 and 2017, making up 43% of total stock, followed by one-bedroom apartments (39%), three-bedroom apartments (15%) and studios (3%).
But it further found that of the buildings under construction there is a trend towards less one-bed apartments being built – making up only 25% of stock - in favour of more two-beds (49%), three-beds (17%) and studios (4%). Four-bedroom apartments are expected to grow to a share of 4% of all new completions in 2018-21.
While the Gold Coast apartment market is seeing strong activity from downsizers, Litfin says, "it's only a matter of time before investors – particularly those from interstate - started becoming more active".
The apartment market had the highest gross rental yield for major cities along Australia’s East Coast of 5.8%, according to figures from Australian Property Monitors, and vacancy rates were the lowest in the country, sitting around 1%, according to REIQ figures.
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Forget boom and bust as Gold Coast apartment market stabilises: Knight Frank

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Two properties in Molendinar on the Gold Coast, known in the automotive industry as ‘The Lion Park’, are for lease as Surfers City Holden is set to relocate to a new showroom.
The properties are positioned on one of the northern Gold Coast’s busiest intersections, on the corner of Southport Nerang Road and Olsen Avenue, across from Ashmore City Shopping Centre.
Both auto-dealership properties come with bespoke showrooms, workshop areas, ample storage facilities, offices and staff amenities including break and training rooms.
The 333 Southport Nerang Road offering is the smaller option of the two offering a gross lettable area of 2,034 square metres with ample onsite parking and car display yard.
The 566 Olsen Avenue property is positioned on the corner with 3,008 square metres of gross lettable area across the showroom, offices and workshop.
Incoming tenants have the option to acquire both properties or split the two for a smaller offering.
Knight Frank’s Tanaka Jabangwe said the properties have been auto-dealership sites for over 30 years.
Offers close October 4.
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Former Holden dealership sites on the Gold Coast up for lease

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The Western Australia property groups, Pindan, is set to make its first foray into the Gold Coast.
It has secured development approval for an apartment tower overlooking Hedges Avenue in Mermaid Beach.
It has been designed for owner occupiers, with leisure and lifestyle top of mind.
Mahala will boast 94 spacious two, three and four bedroom apartments with two car bays, across 25 levels.
A rooftop solar farm system will allow residents to benefit from cheaper energy costs and lower strata fees at the project's Peerless Avenue building.
Pindan has over 40 years' experience.
It has expanded its operations on the East Coast over the past five years with its funds management arm, Pindan Capital, overseeing $1.7 billion of development projects throughout Australia. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/13/Mahala%20Mermaid%20Beach%203.jpg" alt="">
 
Pindan commissioned Cottee Parker Architects on Mahala.
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Perth-based Pindan enters Gold Coast market with luxury Mahala, Mermaid Beach apartment tower

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Although not abundantly obvious at first thought, there has been a massive amount of investment in retail development and refurbishment across the Gold Coast over the past few years, according to the latest report from Herron Todd White (HTW).
The financial valuation firm noted that there has been development activity across all sectors of the retail market.
Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre are the two largest shopping centres on the Gold Coast and have collectively spent almost $800 million dollars in refurbishment works over the past five years.
The report suggested that "class leading design and unparalleled tenancy mixes will cement these centres as the Gold Coast’s premier shopping destinations for years to come, with their biggest competition or threat realistically being each other (and online shopping of course)".
In response to these redevelopments, other major centres such as The Strand and Tweed City on the southern Gold Coast and Tweed Coast, together with Oasis and Australia Fair in the central Gold Coast have undertaken major extension or renovation works in an attempt to maintain local patronage.
In order to achieve this, according to the report owners have been forced to undertake full scale renovations to totally change the face of these centres rather than just adding a lick of paint and re-tiling the common areas as was the case in the preceding fifteen year period.
The real growth however has been in the neighbourhood centre category, in particular within the growth corridor north of Helensvale and south of Beenleigh, this report suggests.
The valuers stated, "in a classic case of chicken before the egg, Coles and Woolworths have been aggressively securing sites within the region to ensure they can capture a piece of the market share over the coming decades as population growth booms in the region".
Of particular mention is made of Coles Pacific Pines which was developed as a standalone supermarket (no speciality stores) and was presented to the market for sale with a brand new 15 year triple net lease in place.
The property achieved one of the lowest initial yields seen on the Gold Coast for an asset of this size at 4.63%.
A mention must also go out to Westfield, who after decades of planning hurdles have finally commenced work on their highly anticipated Coomera Town Centre.
The $470 million centre is slated to open late 2018 with 140 new stores, including Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Target and Event Cinemas. 
The report notes there is still a large sector of the market that will avoid major shopping centres, particularly when it comes to food and dining options and many investors who own standalone retail buildings have been capitalising on this in recent years.
"Of particular note is Palm Beach which has witnessed a massive boom in the number of restaurants, cafes and bars over the past few years - in 2018 alone, there have been 12 new town planning applications for cafes within the suburb," said the valuers.
Numerous venues in Burleigh Heads (Justin Lane), Nobby’s Beach (Hellenika), Broadbeach (The Oasis), Surfers Paradise (The Island) and Southport (Mr P.P.’s Deli) have been "re-inventing" themselves, extending floor areas and adding value to their respective properties in response to growth in the retail sector.
From a valuation perspective the biggest risk HTW can foresee moving forward is rent sustainability.
With such an influx of retail accommodation across the Gold Coast and only so many consumer dollars on offer, there will unfortunately be some retailers that will not see it through.
The HTW valuers forecast that the supply and demand metric at any given time will ultimately dictate the strength or otherwise of the retail leasing market, however their projection is that rental growth in most areas will be stagnant at best.
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Billions of dollars in retail development on the Gold Coast: HTW Retail

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House prices on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have generally moved in tandem with Brisbane.
The same drivers of population growth present in the capital are present in these regions, primarily net interstate migration inflows and, to a lesser extent, overseas migration, according to the latest report from BIS Oxford Economics.
However, both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have experienced significantly stronger price growth than Brisbane since 2012.
The economists noted that, "These markets experienced a larger post-mining boom downturn", this caused a slump in new dwelling construction in these markets creating significant under-supply, with vacancy rates of 1.1 per cent and 1.0 per cent recorded in each of these markets respectively in March quarter 2018.
However, after average median house price growth of 6.3 per cent per annum in the five years to June 2017 in Brisbane, price growth has now slowed to an estimated two per cent in 2017/18 based on economic data.
In contrast on the Sunshine Coast, median house price growth has averaged 5.4 per cent per annum, although the upturn has continued with an estimated seven per cent rise in 2017/18.
"The local economies are also relatively strong, driven by a growing tourism sector, and several large construction projects," noted the report.
"However, a number of projects on the Gold Coast are now complete after a push to have them finished by the Commonwealth Games."
Similarly, the next round of projects on the Sunshine Coast are not as large as recent work, such as the expansion of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
The economists suggested that, in addition to these other factors supply has been rising in both markets and this will alleviate some of the price pressures in place.
The strong recent price growth relative to Brisbane will also make it less attractive for Brisbane seachangers to move north or south.
The report forecasts that, these factors are expected to slow price growth to a total six per cent in both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast over the three years to June 2021.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21".
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Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast housing market's price growth outstripping Brisbane's: BIS Oxford Economics

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National property group CFMG Capital will launch a new residential community in the Brisbane to Gold Coast growth corridor after buying a land parcel in Ormeau Hills. 
The 5.4 hectare piece of land will be home to ‘Elevate’, CFMG Capital’s latest lifestyle endeavour which will provide 100 residential allotments for home buyers and investors seeking entry into the highly-contested region. 
The site was bought for $7.6 million through Colliers International. 
CFMG Capital general manager Andrew Thomson said there was intense competition for quality sites in Brisbane’s southern growth corridor. 
Strategically positioned approximately 25 kilometres north of the Gold Coast CBD and 45 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD, he said the project site ticked all the boxes CFMG Capital used to assess project opportunities. 
“As the future community ‘Elevate’, this new acquisition at Ormeau Hills will be developed among an abundance of already established lifestyle amenity, health and education facilities, outdoor living, public transport and major road networks. 
“The project site currently has the benefits of an existing approval for a 96 lot residential community and is situated within a kilometre of the Ormeau Town Centre and the ‘future’ North Ormeau town centre, which includes Woolworths, Coles and IGA supermarkets, petrol stations, cafes and specialty shops,” he said. 
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CFMG Capital have already seen the proof of the corridor’s residential market strength through the recent completion of their existing Ormeau-based project called ‘The Brook’, which launched 251 residential lots and grew to a gross realisation of $52.2 million. 
Market data from realesate.com.au revealed that demand for the area had led to a 24.4% increase in median house sales prices, equating to a compound annual growth rate of 4.5% compared to the same period five years ago. 
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“Land remains relatively tight in this corridor with several large scale subdivisions recently completed or nearing completion within this area,” Mr Thomson said. 
Prospective investors will be offered the opportunity to invest into the project through the CFMG Land and Opportunity Fund, which offers the potential to invest at a fixed rate of return of 12 per cent per annum for a fixed investment term. 
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CFMG Capital plans new master community in Brisbane to Gold Coast growth corridor

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Purchasing inquiry levels are up on the Gold Coast residential market following a slowdown during the Commonwealth Games.
Most agents have reported that buyer enquiry across the central areas of the Gold Coast has now improved to a steady level, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
Despite the volume of sales activity dropping over the past twelve months in most areas, it has been reported that some suburbs are still performing quite well, particularly within the Varsity Lakes and Mermaid Waters areas.
The report attributes, the positive levels of buyer enquiry in these suburbs to a shortage of good quality stock in central areas and asking prices being more affordable in comparison to neighboring suburbs.
Agents who specialise in the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach areas have noted that they are still receiving steady levels of enquiry for listed stock, particularly up to $500,000.
"A good slice of their enquiries are buyers from south of the border (New South Wales and Victoria) which demonstrates that interstate investors still see good value for money opportunities in this market segment", the report noted. 
"However, it is becoming more apparent that agents are finding it tougher to get a quick sale for unit stock priced between $500,000 and $1.5 million."
There are many new medium to high rise developments under construction between Mermaid Beach and Surfers Paradise currently.
This may create a huge oversupply in the near future.
The report notes that, there has been mixed feedback in relation to how the waterfront home market has performed in the past month.
Broadbeach Waters, which has been one of the more sought after suburbs in recent years, still appears to be one of the better performing locations.
Entry level waterfront property (priced between $800,000 and $1.1 million) is still moving rather quickly.
"Selling waterfront properties priced above $1.5 million is becoming far more challenging for some agents", stated the valuers at HTW
"More recently we have noticed a significant decrease in sales volumes and market activity, particularly in Clear Island Waters and Benowa in this segment of the market."
The valuers forecast the second half of 2018 will remain stable, with sales volumes not expected to increase any time soon, steady levels of demand and a lack of listed stock will likely continue in most central suburbs.
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