The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372743]

Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372212]

Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6395]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

Title Tattle

<html><body>
It's Point Piper's fifth prestige sale in the past five months.
And after three years on and off the market, the recruitment queen Julia Ross has secured the sale of her trophy home.
<a href="https://www.kenjacobs.com.au/1716123/" target="_blank">It was relisted in August</a> with continued $40 million hopes. No sale price has been revealed, but the offering had been perfectly timed within the current nice fillip in prestige Point Piper sales activity. 
Property Observer understands the six bedroom non-waterfront home on Wolseley Road could have been sold for close to its bullish price tag of $40 million, possibly $38 million plus especially given the likely interest of Chinese buyers.
Villa del Mare, the much offered hillside Point Piper home famous for its remote-controlled billiard table that sank into the floor, was bought ten years ago for $21.5 million from Nati Stoliar. The vast limestone palazzo stands on 1508 square metre of level land at the corner of Wolseley Road and Wentworth Street. Privately set high above the street, Villa del Mare was designed by Chris Norris. Now wrapped by wisteria-draped verandahs, the three-level mansion has five living and dining areas that flow on to manicured gardens with an infinity swimming pool and iconic views across the harbour to the city skyline, Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
It was redundant for the now London-based founder of Julia Ross Recruitment. It has previously gone very close to sale since first listed in November 2011, with Julia sometimes showing signs of reluctance in actually signing the sales contract.
Julia Ross who founded Julia Ross Recruitment in 1988 sold half for $25 million in 2000 and the other half in 2011 for $27 million.
Villa del Mare was being <a href="https://doublebay.ljhooker.com.au/J7YF93" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">marketed with Bill Malouf of LJ Hooker </a>in conjunction with <a href="https://www.kenjacobs.com.au/1716123/" target="_blank">Ken Jacobs of Christies International</a> who were confident they could set a record 2014 price.
The trophy sale also sets a new record for non-waterfront real estate in Australia, eclipsing the $32.4 million paid in 2008 for the nearby, now demolished mansion Craig-y-Mor, which was quietly bought from the Tilley family by Chinese princeling Zeng Wei and his wife Jiang Mei.
The highest sale this year has been $37 million just across the road on the harbour front, which had likewise been listed in 2011, but with overly ambitious $55 million expectations.
Last week harbourfront <a href="/news/harbourfront-110-wolseley-road-point-piper-listed-with-2014-record-hopes">110 Wolseley Road, Point Piper hit the market</a> with hopes of securing the 2014 house price record.
Listing agent Bart Doff from Laing+Simmons Double Bay advised the property was likely to sell for $37 million plus.
The $37 million was secured next door when the property developer Ron Medich sold his David Katon-designed mansion to the aged-care industry boss Peter Wohl and his wife Jennifer. 
In June the Simon HPM family sold their harbourfront home for $30 million to Global Renewables chief executive David Singh and his wife Belinda.
In August there was the sale of the non-waterfront property on Wentworth Street of rag trading entrepreneur Charles Scarf and his wife Maria which sold for more than $30 million to the Hunters Hill <a href="/news/30-million-professor-leslie-wilkinson-point-piper-trophy-home-sold-under-scarf-of-secrecy">fund manager Nick Langley and his wife, the arts patron Lorraine Tarabay</a>.
Another $30 million plus sale was achieved last week when a Vaucluse family bought the other neighbouring waterfront, the 1970s Point Piper mansion of the late developer and hotelier Salvatore Paino at 106 Wolseley Road sold through Michael Dunn and James Dunn from Richardson &amp; Wrench Double Bay in conjunction with Enza Messina from Enza Messina Real Estate.
The home was listed following Paino's death in September last year with $40 million hopes.
Harbourfront 110 Wolseley is the home of Karyn Zamel, wife of mining engineer Gary Zamel, who are downsizing locally so the the three level Wolseley Road home with its jetty and pool has been listed.
With postcard perfect views of the Harbour Bridge, the Zamels bought the home from Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch in 2005 for $20.6 million.
The Murdochs had paid $12 million for the trophy home in 1999, the year they married, when it was bought from the US-born mining entrepreneur Robert Friedland.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Julia Ross sells Villa del Mare, the Point Piper palazzo trophy home

<html><body>
Harbourfront 110 Wolseley Road, Point Piper has hit the market with hopes of securing the 2014 house price record.
Listing agent Bart Doff from Laing+Simmons Double Bay has advised <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-point+piper-118076627" target="_blank">the property </a>was likely to sell for $37 million plus.
The $37 million was secured next door when the property developer Ron Medich sold his mansion.
Another $30 million plus sale was achieved this week when the other neighbouring waterfront, the 1970s Point Piper mansion of the late developer and hotelier Salvatore Paino at 106 Wolseley Road sold through Michael Dunn and James Dunn from Richardson &amp; Wrench Double Bay in conjunction with Enza Messina from Enza Messina Real Estate.
The home was listed following Paino's death in September last year with $40 million hopes.
The sale marks the fourth prestige house sale above $30 million in Point Piper this year.
110 Wolseley is the home of Karyn Zamel, wife of mining engineer Gary Zamel, who are downsizing locally so the the three level Wolseley Road home with its jetty and pool has been listed.
With postcard perfect views of the Harbour Bridge, the Zamels bought the home from Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch in 2005 for $20.6 million.
The Murdochs had paid $12 million for the trophy home in 1999, the year they married, when it was bought from the US-born mining entrepreneur Robert Friedland.
Title Tattle's memory of the property goes back to 1988 when Villa Ulivi, as it was known, was sold by Florence businessman Carlo Cobianchi to then medico John Bannister for $8.8 million.
Villa Ulivi was the precurser to the current house designed by the late Richard Christian for the US-based mining tycoon Leonard Green and his Australian-born wife, Emese.
The house had been completely rebuilt with Richard Christian-designed plans since it was sold in 1991 by then Macquarie Street orthopaedic surgeon Dr John Bannister for $6.5 million.
Green's major Australian business foray was the 1992 $63 million takeover of the mining company Arimco NL. He realised $79 million on the sale of its shares in 1994.
 
</body></html>

Harbourfront 110 Wolseley Road, Point Piper listed with 2014 record hopes 

<html><body>
Gold Logie award-winning television personality and comedian Denise Drysdale is selling her Neerim North, Gippsland retreat which failed to sell on its 2012 listing. 
Daffodill Hill will go to December auction.
Drysdale will be seeking a sea-change, with her desired nomadic search for warmer weather seeing her head north in her car until she finds the right place to set up her new home. Drysdale previously moved to Merimbula but found it too cold in winter, so she is thinking of Tweed Heads but will research its weather before she decides.
Perched high on a hillside, the <a href="/news">Neerim North</a> property is a four-hectare retreat at with a grand bluestone residence built from the local quarry.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom architecturally designed residence comes with a sunken lounge with open fireplace.
There's a spa room with floor-to-ceiling windows taking in the unspoilt panoramas.
The property comes with a separate bluestone cottage with timber bar and fireplace, which Drysdale had as a billiards room.
<a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/vic/20443-denise-drysdale-lists-neerim-north-gippsland-house-" target="_blank">The property</a> comes with dam and shelter for livestock.
Evan Broadbent at <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/VIC/Neerim-North/?adid=2010215759" target="_blank">Harcourts Warragul</a> had it listed in early 2013.
Her contents are up for sale at the Neerim South Community Hall, in west Gippsland this weekend.
</body></html>

Ding Dong! Denise Drysdale selling Neerim North, Gippsland, acreage

<html><body>
Changing the use of any property can lead to riches.
A former Paddington garage that has been transformed into a two bedroom terrace with parking will possibly prove the adage at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-117964819" target="_blank">its upcoming 18 October Position Realty auction</a>.
"Having experienced a truly remarkable makeover, The Garage has been transformed into a unique three-storey freestanding architectural masterpiece of contemporary design," listing agent Deborah Terley said.
With custom finishes and interiors throughout, the sleek residence comes with Centrepoint Tower views.
The single storey lock-up garage<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-paddington-113013491" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> sold at $822,500</a> in July last year. 
Positioned between adjoining terraces, the then lock up garage occupied its 76 square metre block with a width of 4.6 metres.
It now has 93 square metres of living space plus  23 square metres of courtyard.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds;jsessionid=AD5F9A0E1C4DFC4221F5BDA19ECB4AD6?id=113013491&amp;theme=rea.sold" rel="photos" data-id="113013491"><img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/471c7d6ef95c494be7037f09057f5a8409447d6482edc9286f3754348d813452/main.jpg" alt="19 Hopewell St, Paddington" title="19 Hopewell St, Paddington" data-index="0"></a> It sold through Position Realty agent Deborah Terley with development approval last July.
Previously Laing Real Estate sold it with the property behind for $1.35 million in 2006. The then garage had a de-serviced petrol pit.
More than $1.2 million is now being tipped.
</body></html>

Transformed Paddington garage - now with residence atop

<html><body>
A crumbling 1850s Victorian-era cottage in Balmain fetched $2.68 million at auction this morning. There were five bidders for the uninhabitable offering.
The much-publicised two-bedroom, 452-square metre offering at 3 James Lane, Balmain East boasts harbour views through the backyard jungle.
It last sold for $33,500 in 1973, according to research by Property Observer, when bought by the late noted gay lecturer Alexander (Lex) Watson. The price reflected 11% annual growth over the 41 years.
<img class="loading" src="https://bllpbmn.com.au/lt-100-100P4226-2114486844-rsc.jpg" alt="loading">
It sold today to a local family though <a href="https://www.belleproperty.com/41P0963" target="_blank">listing agent Lynsey Kemp, of Belle Property Balmain</a>.
Marketed as an exciting proposition, the 1854 house is positioned in a no-through lane with an expansive rear yard providing direct access to the waterfront via Thornton Park.
Bidding began at $1.8 million. There were 18 contracts issued before the onsite auction.
<img class="loading" src="https://bllpbmn.com.au/lt-100-100P4226-2114497229-rsc.jpg" alt="loading">
Balmain East's average house price is $2 million <a href="/news">according to RP Data</a>. The property was marketed as "an incredible location with water and harbour bridge views, large land size, potential to re-build."
It is listed as being locally significant under the council heritage plan. 
<img class="loading" src="https://bllpbmn.com.au/lt-100-100P4226-2114486080-rsc.jpg" alt="loading">
Lex Watson was born in Perth in 1943, educated at Perth Modern School, and began an arts degree at the University of Western Australia, before transferring to the University of Sydney to complete his honours year in 1963. 
His early subjects included philosophy, which introduced him to the writings of Stuart Mill. 
Lex remained at the University of Sydney all his working life, tutoring and teaching Australian politics. 
He had a long involvement in the Pride History Group, Sydney’s gay and lesbian history group, and was president when he died in May this year. 
Another weekend Belle sale on the Balmain peninsula was when 10 Reynolds St, Balmain sold for $1,363,000. It was $113,000 over reserve, according to the auctioneer Rocky Bartolotto, from Auction Services. The bidding opened at $1,150,000 with four parties taking part in the bidding before an investor secured the property through Lynsey Kemp. 
</body></html>

Uninhabitable crumbling 1850s Balmain East cottage secures $2.68 million price

<html><body>
The Balmoral harbourfront trophy home of the recruitment industry pioneer Geoff Morgan and his wife, Roslyn, has been sold.
Kicking off the 2014 spring season prestige sales yesterday for reputedly at around $16 million, it was a bullish price given the Mosman market place is only just emerging from its post global financial crisis slumber.
Although the prized 8 Burran Avenue mansion had actually been listed last September when it came with for $17 million plus private treaty hopes. The sale came as Mosman topped the weekend's most expensive auction sale in Sydney when $4,941,000 was paid on Glencarron Avenue, Mosman.
The Morgan house had been substantially renovated, while still retaining its 1930s Mediterranean-style. There are views of Grotto Point, Castle Rock Beach, Clontarf and the rest of the Middle Harbour beauty points along with national park headlands.The co-founder of recruitment giant Morgan &amp; Banks bought his north-facing, cliff-top, 1,100 square metre property in May 2004 for $5.25 million.
The five-bedroom, six bathroom house with a gym and pool was sold through <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-mosman-nsw-2088/237869/?searchID=42846204" target="_blank">McGrath agent Michael Coombs</a>.
The official price has not been revealed, although Property Observer is confident that $15 million plus was achieved. 
The suburb's highest sale this year has been $15.6 million when a Carrington Avenue waterfront sold to Brehn Nominees Pty. It had been initially listed in mid-2011.
There is no clue as to the latest buyer.
Mosman's record price was set in 2007 at $22.5 million for a half-renovated mansion a few doors away on Hopetoun Avenue, which resold to neighbour Ros Oatley in 2011 for $19 million.
The non-waterfront record sits at $18 million when Marcus Kahlbetzer bought on Mandolong Road.
Veteran Mosman agent Robert Simeon issued a report this week on the dynamics of the Mosman market.
Simeon went back through <a href="https://www.rwm.com.au/2014/09/19/cold-facts-needed-for-red-hot-property/" target="_blank">Mosman house sales</a> to show the level of activity in the 4,800 home Mosman market.
Year    No of Sales  Total Volume Sold  Average House Price . 
2003              371                  $842,768,432                  $2,271,613
2004              307                  $653,170,490                  $2,127,591
2005              304                 $714,776,000                $2,351,237
2006              394                 $965,744,130                $2,451,127
2007              408                 $1,170,279,387             $2,868,333
GFC
2008              217                 $731,805,612                $2,700,390
2009              306                 $778,113,751                $2,542,855
2010              340                 $932,342,149                $2,742,183
End of GFC
2011              285               $814,681,792                  $2,868,598
2012              384               $1,064,397,721               $2,771,869
2013              373               $1,033,783,221               $2,771,537
2014*             196               $616,615,916                  $3,146,000
*Denotes two thirds of the way through the selling year and stock levels are well down on previous years.
</body></html>

Geoff Morgan secures $16 million Mosman trophy home sale

<html><body>
Macquarie banker Mal Cameron has sold his 1920s Kew home, though falling slightly short of its $6 million-plus expectations.
Cameron, executive director at the Macquarie Group, and his wife Carolynn recently accepted $5.98 million from buyers Guozhen Xiong and Ning Zhu.
The couple had extensively renovated the<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kew-116315331" target="_blank"> 10 Marshall Avenue property</a> since buying it for $2.88 million in 2006.
It sits on an impressive 1865 square metres, although the court was right up against the six-bedroom home that comes with an indoor swimming pool and spa. 
Scott Patterson and Ross Savas at Kay &amp; Burton were the listing agents.
The Cameron's have downsized to newly built $3.6 million Balwyn home on 594 square metres. The 70 square new home had come onto the market earlier this year with $4.2 million hopes.
</body></html>

Balwyn-bound Macquarie banker Mal Cameron sells Kew trophy mansion

<html><body>
It's a bit of like son, like father.
Michael Cannon-Brookes has bought on Palm Beach's Snapperman Beach, just two doors away from his son, Mike Cannon-Brookes, the co-founder and CEO of Atlassian Software Systems who last year <a href="/news/mike-cannon-brookes-the-co-founder-of-atlassian-spends-8-7-million-in-soft-palm-beach-trophy-home-market">spent $8.7 million to buy on Pittwater at Palm Beach</a>.
The Australian Citibank founder Michael Cannon-Brookes and his wife Helen, the grandparents of seven, have paid $4.05 million for the top-floor apartment of The Boatshed, buying from Joan Johns, widow of the late property developer and yachtsman Warren Johns.
<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/2014/09/19/palm-beach-sept-19-two.jpg" alt="">
The Johns paid $4.25 million for the upstairs unit in 2007, then spent another $5.25 million a month later for the ground floor at the Snapperman Beach site which had served for about five decades as a marine engineering business. 
The Boatshed was initially <a href="https://svc048.wic019v.server-web.com/project001.asp" target="_blank">the David family's award winning Palm Beach residential triplex</a>. 
Both Cannon-Brookes' homes are on Snapperman Beach, and both Wally Barda designed. Roderic David oversaw the development of the Iluka Road property with curved roof lines that hint at the bow of a ship. 
The units, which won the villa development of the year gong at the Housing Industry Association's national awards, had ambitious prices when first listed in 2005, with the ground-floor unit having $8 million-plus expectations and the top-floor unit came with $7 million expectations. 
Joan Johns has also recently sold the ground floor apartment for $4.6 million to the McDowell family.
<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/2014/09/19/palm-beach-sept-19-three.jpg" alt="">
Michael Cannon-Brookes retired from IBM in 2012 after 15 years with the company, including eight years in Shanghai.    
Before IBM he was the managing director of law firm, Freehills, based in Sydney.  
Prior to that he spent 25 years as a banker, the majority of which between 1969 and 1991 was with Citibank, where he established the bank in Australia.
He was appointed to the Board of Advance Australia in 2013.
</body></html>

More Cannon-Brookes buy at Palm Beach

<html><body>
A Palm Beach beachfront retreat recently sold off market for $5.6 million to the Gazal family.
Title Tattle notes it last sold four year ago at $5.75 million, so premium prices are still patchy despite all the suggestions that the prestige market was making a comeback.
Imagine what it might have fetched before the global financial crisis. Indeed the then owners actually tried for $8 million plus back then in early 2008, though failed.
Once a modest cottage, the house was renovated and extended 25 years ago with plans designed by architectural firm Allen Jack + Cottier. It has title to the high-water mark.
Set at the sought-after northern end of Iluka Road, it has six bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living areas, sensational Pittwater views and a west-north-westerly aspect. 
Just around the corner, and still on the sand, the retired financier and bookmaker Bob Blann has recently listed Snapperman House, his six bedroom, four bathroom beachfront retreat (pictured above) with ambitious $14 million-plus expectations <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-palm+beach-117920499" target="_blank">through Amethyst McKee and David Edwards at LJ Hooker</a>. 
The 1940s-era house set on a double 1,400-square-metre block at 1129 Barrenjoey Road last traded when bought from Latina pasta co-founder Fraser Hopkins for $11,975,000 in 2009.
Macquarie banker Matthew Banks and his wife Melissa are the latest Palm Beach buyers after buying from Australia's former consul-general in New York, Phillip Scanlan and his wife Julie for $5 million.
The Geoff Watson-designed property on Florida Road was sold through David Edwards. 
The Florida Road property was bought for $610,000 in 1993.
</body></html>

Prestige Palm Beach prices patchy, but still being tested

<html><body>
The Brisbane pub baron Andrew Griffiths has sold his Ascot residence for $10.2 million through estate agent Gail Havig.
It is the highest residential property sale in Brisbane in seven years.
Windermere sits on 4,700 square metres on Sutherland Avenue.
It last traded at $3.5 million in 2001 when bought by Griffiths and his wife, Helen.
It has been sold to Chris Miers and his wife, Linda.  
This Ascot street gets its name from James Sutherland, a pastoralist who in 1855 acquired a substantial land holding in the area.
Built around the mid-1880s, the past residents read like a Who's Who of Brisbane's well-to-do residing behind its ornate gates, <a href="https://www.yourbrisbanepastandpresent.com/2013/02/windermere-ascot" target="_blank">according to the yourbrisbane website</a>.   
<div><a href="https://www.thefotofanatic.com/Photography/Forums/Your-Brisbane-Past-and-Present/7601433_JN5dHp#%21i=2339084805&amp;k=8bSc9sB&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title="Photo &amp; Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://www.thefotofanatic.com/Photography/Forums/Your-Brisbane-Past-and-Present/i-8bSc9sB/0/M/windermere_google-M.jpg" alt="Photo &amp; Video Sharing by SmugMug" title="Photo &amp; Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a></div>
Photo: Google 
<div><a href="https://www.thefotofanatic.com/Photography/Forums/Your-Brisbane-Past/9988217_m9WrNq#!i=2339069476&amp;k=TDL8jNM&amp;lb=1&amp;s=A" title="Photo &amp; Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="https://www.thefotofanatic.com/Photography/Forums/Your-Brisbane-Past/i-TDL8jNM/0/M/windermere001-M.jpg" alt="Photo &amp; Video Sharing by SmugMug" title="Photo &amp; Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a></div>
Photo: J Hogan &amp; R Stringer. Source: © 1979 National Trust of Queensland The house was originally built for Ruth Appel, the wife of JG Appel, the lawyer, pastoralist, politician, and daughter of pastoralist James Sutherland.
It is believed that Richard Gailey was the architect. 
John George Appel was a descendent of a Huguenot family that came to Australia.
Other Queensland notables who have lived in this house include the TJ Cottee family (beef cattle); Robert Bentley (accountant and long-term chairman of Racing Queensland) and the late Peter Maloney (Ariadne Corp).
</body></html>

Title Tattle

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Title Tattle

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News