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

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Sydneysiders Paul and Elaine Longmuir have spent $16 million on a seven bedroom Bellevue Hill property.
It last sold at $14.5 million in 2009 to the Indonesian media mogul Eddy Sariaatmadja from the broadcaster Emtek.
The Longmuir's were in the news in 2009 when their bought the Darnley Hall, Elizabeth Bay, penthouse for $8.1 million from the bulky-goods property developer Tony Benjamin.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bellevue+hill-105346571" target="_blank">The 1970s Bellevue Hill property</a> was designed by Stephen Gergely, of Gergely Pinter Architects.
It stands on a large and private 1,620 square metre block of land accessed by a driveway adjacent to Rona.
It had stained-glass panels of bold, modern design making a statement at the entrance to the three-level home when 8a Ginahgulla Road was last offered in 2009.
It was offered this time with approved plans by Geoform Design Architects. 
Eddy Sariaatmadja's private company recent spent $3.15 million on a St Kilda Road, Melbourne apartment.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Indonesian media mogul Eddy Sariaatmadja sells $16 million Bellevue Hill trophy home

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Bob Biddle, founder of Origin Healthcare, and his wife Renee have secured $6.5 million for their Noosa retreat.
They had initial hopes that 25 Witta Circle, Noosa Sound would fetch above $9 million.
It has been bought by New Zealanders in the insulation business.
The Noosa Sound waterfront home is a 600 square metre property, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a 20-metre lap pool.
The neighbours include billionaires Bob Ell, John Van Lieshout and Toll Holdings founder Paul Little.
The Biddles sold their Melburnian penthouse in St Kilda Road, Melbourne for $15.4 million in 2009 having purchased 25 Witta Circle, Noosa for $8.25 million in 2008 from Graeme Cutler.
They spent about $2 million on rebuilding parts of the house.
On its late 2013 offering it was suggested the Biddles’ house would provide a bellwether for 2014.
 
{qtube vid:=smfjeqC4zqg}
Title Tattle recalls the then Mosman stockbroker Graeme Cutler and his wife Suzanne had listed the Noosa riverfront property at $9.75 million in 2008.
The Cutlers had rebuilt the house to a Gustav Donoval design following its purchase in 2003.
The Witta Circle property was previously owned by the Toorak-based Credit Suisse Asset Management executive vice-chairman Keith Ince, who upgraded to another Noosa retreat.  
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New Zealand buyer secures Bob Biddle's Witta Circle, Noosa waterfront

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The Bondi Beach house that the young James Packer built as his first home in the mid-1990s, has sold.
The vendors, the New York-based Lochtenberg family, accepted $7 million for the trophy home. It had been most recently listed through McGrath agent Bethwyn Richards, and was sold by Peter O'Malley of <a href="https://www.harrispartners.com.au/recent-sales/30249/bondi-beach/14-notts-ave/" target="_blank">Harris Partners Real Estate</a>.
When the property went to auction in 2010, the Notts Avenue sellers wanted $8 million-plus, but the buyers stopped their bidding at $7 million.
It was last sold when Packer's former fiancee, Kate Fischer, pocketed $2,825,000 in 2000.
The freestanding house enjoys ocean and coastal views, located in a cul-de-sac opposite the Icebergs, footsteps to sand, surf and famed coastal walk.
The 210 square metre residence at 14 Notts Avenue had been transferred from Packer's development company into Fischer's name in 1998.
James Packer and Kate Fischer had been in a five-year relationship during which the Notts Avenue property was bought for $425,000 in 1995.
Subsequently James Packer moved into a three-level apartment on nearby Campbell Parade, which remains his home. 
Title Tattle has been around long enough to recall James Packer, well actually he was called Jamie back then, began living on the beach strip sharing an $800 a week rental apartment with David Gyngell in the Pacific Terraces complex elsewhere on Notts Avenue.
His late father Kerry Packer had helped finance the Pacific Terraces development by Bill Shipton in 1983.
The Notts Avenue house has been rented out by the Lochtenbergs at about $2,500 a week since their purchase in 2000.
At one stage, the tenants were Oliver Curtis and his then mate, John Hartman.
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James Packer's former Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach home sells for $7 million

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The Terrey Hills-bound rugby league icon Brad Fittler and his partner Marie Liarris will accept $2,295,000 for their redundant Rushcutters Bay apartment which was initially listed with $2.5 million hopes for its recent auction.
The north-facing, four bedroom apartment in the Marina One building had been bought in 2010 for $2.12 million.
It was listed for auction <a href="https://www.rwebay.com.au/1593550/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">through Jason Boon of Richardson &amp; Wrench Elizabeth Bay</a>, and Shane Vincent of Belle Property Randwick.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-rushcutters+bay-117154815" target="_blank">The apartment</a> has 197 square metres space outlooking over Rushcutters Bay park.
They are reputedly moving to an acreage in <a href="/news">Terrey Hills</a>.
<a href="/news/brad-fittler-sells-rose-bay-investment-with-14-annual-gain">They sold a Rose Bay investment semi</a> for $1.925 million earlier this year, a bullish result.
 
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Brad Fittler's Rushcutters Bay apartment remains for sale

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Businessman Charles Scarf and his wife Maria have secured the $30 million plus sale of their prized Professor Leslie Wilkinson designed Point Piper home.
The 1959 Wentworth Street property was the second-last of Wilkinson’s house designs.
The 19-21 Wentworth Street, Point Piper house (pictured above) was said to be loosely modelled on the Erechtheion, an Athens temple.
It last traded when bought from the then low-profile expatriate businessman Richard Wiesener for $8.25 million – which was 1992's highest sale. It included the neighbouring property that had been bought for $6.5 million for its tennis court in 1989, and it took the estate to 2,717 square metres.
The original house reportedly cost $350,000 in the 1970s.
No sale details have been released by the Ray White Double Bay agency so it is not known if it bettered the $32.4 million record hillside Point Piper record which stands with<a href="/news/goodbye-craig-y-mor-the-prof-wilkinson-point-piper-home"> the now demolished, Professor Leslie Wilkinson renovated mansion, Craig-y-Mor</a>, which was purchased by Chinese princeling Zeng Wei and his wife Jiang Mei, in 2008.
The house itself has 677 square metres of internal space.
It has been quietly on and off the market over several years, including during the boom years. 
Offers exceeding $30 million and even reputedly closer to $40 million had been previously made for the large estate.
Title Tattle has not been ever aware of the supposed $50 million rejected offer. 
It was relisted in February 2012.
It has been modernised by architect Michael Suttor.
Its home office in the former garage offers harbour views through to the Manly peninsula. The retired shirt maker-cum-property developer Charles Scarf was recently considering selling off the tennis court block separately, but appears to have decided to sell in one line.
News Ltd reports have subsequently suggested the buyers were Hunters Hill couple, Nick Langley, co-founder of Sydney fund manager Rare Infrastructure, and his partner, the arts patron, Lorraine Tarabay.
<a href="/news/bluestone-or-sandstone-the-bedrock-of-inspiring-homes-he-said-she-said">Their 1858 sandstone waterfront mansion, Windermere remains listed through McGrath agent Tracey Dixon</a>.
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$30 million Professor Leslie Wilkinson Point Piper trophy home sold under scarf of secrecy

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Des Hasler, head coach of the NRL Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, has spent $2.82 million to buy right on Collaroy Beach.

It is the circa 1905 cottage, Moana which sits on 967 square metres. 

The classic Australian beach cottage was last sold at $2.55 million when offloaded by the Minnett family in 2010.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=28070]

During the Minnett era, Moana was often the venue for beach side cricket for the Australian cricket team and visiting English cricket team.

The land was purchased in the 1890s by the Minnett family, of stockbroking fame, and the home was built around 1905 then later extended.

Three of the Minnett men were top cricketers, with Roy playing for Australia just after Federation and Les and Rupert representing New South Wales.

Hasler played in 309 matches in a first-grade career spanning 16 seasons, mostly spent with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles with whom he won two premierships, 1987 and 1996 before finishing his playing career with the Western Suburbs Magpies. 

Hasler, who coached Manly from 2004 to 2011 winning premierships in 2008 and 2011, retains a hillside Collaroy house that cost $2.5 million in 2011 having sold elsewhere in the northern beaches suburb at $3.5 million.
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Bulldogs coach Des Hasler buys on Collaroy Beach

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World-renowned classical ballerina Darcey Bussell surprised many when she and her family left London's Kensington to live in Sydney in 2008. 
But now the prima ballerina Darcey Bussell - who in 2012 started on the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/15jTyy0sGpP51n186NtxClj/darcey-bussell" target="_blank">BBC </a><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/15jTyy0sGpP51n186NtxClj/darcey-bussell" target="_blank">Strictly Come Dancing</a> judging panel - and her Australian fund manager husband Angus Forbes are back in London so their Vaucluse home has been listed for McGrath auction.
The Federation Arts and Crafts property was bought in 2005 for $4.15 million, 18 months before Darcey retired as principal ballerina with the Royal Ballet.
The five bedroom, three bathroom home <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-vaucluse-nsw-2030/225396/?searchID=41540890" target="_blank">is scheduled for 30 August auction with $4 million-plus expectations</a> through Ben Collier, who acknowledges that the views of the harbour from the house have been diminished since its purchase. It only has harbour views from upstairs.
Bussell had family connections in Australia. She is married to an Australian investment banker, Angus Forbes, with whom she has two young daughters. Her father, the late John Crittle, was an Australian.
But they retained a residence Chateau Soulac in Bordeaux and have now bought near Wimbledon in London.
Bussell, now the President of the Royal Academy of Dance, says Strictly has got the nation up on their feet.
Earlier this year she told The Telegraph in the UK that despite loving her new, laid-back life in Sydney, it wasn’t long before she became depressed. She tried writing children's books, including co-authoring of the <a href="https://marketingassets.harpercollins.co.uk/magicballerina/index" target="_blank">Magic Ballerina</a> series.
<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/dance/10752772/Darcey-Bussell-interview-Ive-had-my-time.-They-dont-need-me-back" target="_blank">“I missed dancing big time</a>.
“I left thinking I’d never have to step into a studio again. I thought I could live one of those normal lives. There were lots of reasons for stopping: I had two kids and the discipline of working six days a week was hard to fit with being a mother.
"It took me a good year to realise that I needed dance.”
<a href="https://www.darceybusselldirect.com" target="_blank">She also sells dance wear</a>.
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Staying back in London, so Darcey Bussell lists Vaucluse home

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The Barlow property development family have sold another Darling Point apartment.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-darling+point-117102035" target="_blank">It sold at $6.4 million</a>, the third to sell in the complex.
It is set in the four apartment complex, The Bower, designed by architects JPRA and interior designers Collins Vergnaud.
The whole floor three bedroom abode comes with 326 square metres on title, and 232 square metres internal, reflecting $27,500 a square metre.
It is on the first floor of a new five-storey luxury building, developed by property developer Scott Barlow's Strada Group.
Last year it was for sale by expressions of interest with price hopes of more than $7.5 million closing 5 April through Julian Hasemer, a principal of 1st City Hasemer + Caldwell.Eyles, and LJ Hooker Double Bay's Bill Malouf. 
Scott Barlow is the son-in-law of Sydney FC's billionaire owner, David Traktovenko who it's suggested intends keeping the fourth apartment. 
The two level penthouse sold for $8 million.
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Scott Barlow secures another Darling Point apartment sale

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The 1892 Northcote trophy home, built for the Northcote's second mayor, has been listed for 23 August auction through Marek Olech from Nelson Alexander.
Around $2 million is expected by the Otway-bound Roderick Poole, founder of performing troupe Strange Fruit and his partner, opera and theatre director Suzanne Chaundy.
Grand View was once owned by veteran cook Stephanie Alexander with veggie patch of course outback.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-northcote-117573539" target="_blank">28 Mitchell Street</a> home is located on a corner block on Ruckers Hill with views of the Dandenongs.
The two-storey five bedroom home has period detailing. There is as a studio/workshop.
Northcote's second mayor was the Glasgow-born butcher William Smith.
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Grand View, Northcote listed by Strange Fruit's Roderick Poole

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Veteran adman media buyer Harold Mitchell has listed his Sydney bolt hole, a $3.5 million plus apartment in The Astor.
<a href="https://davidnewgroshre.com.au/?property=apartment-903-904-the-astor-123-125-macquarie-st-sydney" target="_blank">The ninth floor Macquarie Street offering has been listed through David Newgrosh of David Newgrosh Real Estate</a> at $4 million.
Title Tattle recalls Mitchell gutted the then four bedroom apartment on its purchase around 14 years ago from Pamela Palmer of the Palmer stockbroking family.
The refurbishment into a much-draped two bedroom, three bathroom apartment took around a year.
It has harbour views.
The Astor is the 12-storey, 1920s company title block that once dominated not only the city skyline but Sydney society when Circular Quay was quaintly industrial and the Harbour Bridge yet to be built.
All of the apartments featured Jarrah timber flooring, high ceilings, large windows along with Queensland maple interiors by the controversial Francis de Groot.
<img src="/images/2014/08/01/the-astor-aug-1-two.jpg" alt=""> 
Despite being the city's oldest apartment complex - and facing serious competition from many nearby new developments – it continues to attract buyers, especially when a modernised Astor apartment comes with parking nearby.
Over the years the block of apartments has been home to a who's who of Sydney society including Lisa Rochfort, who was the managing director of Australian couture jewellers Fairfax &amp; Roberts, broadcaster John Laws and artist Portia Geach.
Completed in 1923, the Astor was the idea of entrepreneurs John and Cicely O'Brien.
The building was designed by architects Stuart Mould and Donald Esplin with a rooftop garden and basement restaurant.
Back then there were butlers and maids provided by the house manager.
<a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=sTCTxDCKN9UC&amp;pg=PA46&amp;lpg=PA46&amp;dq=francis+de+groot+the+astor&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=xnYiPcY7en&amp;sig=kVX95dfC17MaBiXtx_mgklYZt2A&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=ZxjaU788lrvyBZ6UgMgM&amp;ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&amp;q=francis%20de%20groot%20the%20astor&amp;f=false" target="_blank">Heiress Dame Eadith Walker, then Australia's wealthiest woman</a>, was one of original buyers.
"It was there for the landed gentry…of which I am not one," Mitchell told<a href="https://www.2gb.com/audioplayer/56091#.U9oXsFZK7u0" target="_blank"> 2GB's Money News host Ross Greenwood</a>.
Being company title, Mitchell was required to provide written referees before the building's board of directors accepted his shareholder application.
He told Ross Greenwood that his referees included Leo Schofield, Adrian Collette and Lachlan Murdoch. Quintessential Sydney, Title Tattle would suggest.
No connection to the current listing of the apartment for sale, but Mitchell fears being dragged before the board because last weekend he breached the no pets policy that the board oversees.
Heading off to the nearby Opera House for the evening's brilliant Don Giovanni, his barking two dogs were left behind in the apartment. 
"They never like it...they don't like Don Giovanni…so I left them home at The Astor. I didn't know, it's a no pets allowed building. I ran afoul. And I'm up before the committee."
"Oh the humiliation," he jested during his regular Thursday night conversation with 2GB's Greenwood.
Not quite as dramatic as the earth opening up and taking Don Giovanni to hell.
"I can't even go back to Sydney," the Melbourne-based showman suggested.
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