Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Auctions

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A new survey has revealed that not only are 62% of home buyers heading into an auction without a strategy, and 48% are not as prepared as they could be, but that 51% are experiencing anxiety about the auction process.
The research from St.George Bank points to 48% saying that auctions have a negative impact on their sleep patterns.
The most difficult house hunting and buying processes were noted as being making an offer or bidding at auctions, evaluating which properties provide good value and choosing the suburb in which to buy, with 46%, 44% and 44% respectively noting these options. A total of 57% further said that they would find it easier if property comparisons were simpler.
More than half have missed out on a property they wanted due to the heat of competition.
However, the majority felt confident when knowing what to look for at a property inspection and organising building and strata inspections.
St.George’s general manager retail banking Andy Fell said that they have created a new online hub called HomeHero to assist customers, in conjunction with Bank of Melbourne and BankSA. The resource includes step by step guides and information.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Half of property buyers anxious, losing sleep over auction process

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GUEST OBSERVATION
A home will be sold to the highest bidder, simple as that. But there are ways you can tactically prepare to be at the end with the last bid. 
As a prospective buyer, you will see a lot of places before you find 'The One' but even after you find what may be the perfect place for you, you need to put together a strategy to ensure you are successful on auction day, or at least give yourself the best chance of succeeding.
An auction can be a very nerve racking thing, and not having a strategy can result in you just missing out on your dream home, or even overpaying drastically for a home, that whilst you wanted it, has been sold to you for a price that is way out of your budget. 
To avoid that happening you can put in some very simple strategies to make sure you stick to budget and follow a plan when the emotion kicks in. Here's how. 
<ol>
<li>
Establish what is most essential It's really easy on auction day to get caught up in some things about a property that aren't specifically catered to what you want. Before you go to any auction, have some certainties about how many bedrooms you want, bathrooms, parking spots, etc. Once you have these fundamentals sorted that should match to the figure you want to spend. If the property has some further benefits but starts to go out of your price range, try and pull back. You didn't come to the home because of it's sauna, or jacuzzi, and trying to justify an extra $50,000 or $100,000 for features that you didn't say were essential can cause you to regret your purchase. Make sure you only focus on the essentials and don't spend more for things you don't require.  
</li>
<li>
Practice, Research, Practise, Research When you have decided on a property that may be for you, you will likely have a few weeks before the auction. This can give you time to go and watch similar homes up for sale around the area. Whilst they may not be exactly the same, try and go along and see how your bidding strategy would go on the day in that circumstance. Also notice how other people bid, and both take a note on how you would respond if they acted like that on the day of the auction you want to buy, also try and envisage how your bidding strategy would go on the day. Because you aren't emotionally attached, focus on dropping out when your budget has gone. This will help you on the day to know when to pull the pin if it has gone over budget. 
</li>
<li>
Engage two agents There are two agents you should have on side come auction day. The first is the selling agent, who should know your interest by engaging with them through the campaign. Explain your budget to them and why you are interested, once they understand why you are buying it and the needs you have, they will know how to keep you engaged on the day. Secondly, you should engage an agent that isn't involved in that selling process. Try and find a friend that works in the industry, explain your motivations for buying the home and what you want, also see how they suggest you act. You can also call a competing agent, explain that you are interested and ask them for an honest valuation. They will be likely to help you because they will want to engage active buyers, and if you don't buy that property, you may be interested in one of theirs. 
</li>
<li>
Dress to impress "Dressing to impress can create the impression that you have an endless budget and can intimidate others so they stop bidding earlier," says Frank Valentic, a buyer's agent and director of Advantage Property Consulting. Something as simple as appearance can knock people's confidence right out of the park. Turning up to the auction in a nice suit can make people wonder if you are bidding for yourself, or for someone else. This can play on their mind and sometimes make them relent because they don't feel they stand a chance. People will respect you purely based on your appearance, so it's something to keep in mind.  
</li>
<li>
Bid with supreme confidence Part of an auction is guesswork. How much money does the other person have and should I stop because I don't stand a chance. A lot of people will be keen to keep bidding if they feel you are on your last bid, or every bid is a tough decision to make because you are close to your max. They will want to break you over your budget. On the other hand, if you bid supremely confident up until your max, you may have them second guessing their chance to buy the home, as your pockets will seem much deeper than they really are. If you are bidding for a home valued at $700,000 - $850,000 and you're happy to spend $850,000 when the bidding is at $720,000 go for a bid that gets it to $750,000 - this is really only maybe one or two bids advanced from where the auction is currently at, and the agent will most likely take $10,000 rises, but by placing that bid, you show the competition you are serious and could psyche them out from bidding further. You need to approach this with confidence and determination you will win the home. 
</li>
</ol>
These tips will help you approach your day at auction. By putting this in to place, you give yourself the chance to succeed. And if you don't win the home on the day, don't be despondent.
Be proud of yourself that you stuck to your strategy and really persisted, and have confidence in the fact that the right thing will come up for you soon. 
ROCKY BARTOLOTTO is the national sales director for <a href="https://homely.com.au/" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://homely.com.au/">Homely.com.au</a> and a Sydney auctioneers, with over 4000 auctions performed through his business <a href="https://auctionservices.net.au/" target="_blank">Auction Services</a>.
TODD SCHULBERG handles all things marketing for <a href="https://homely.com.au/" target="_blank">Homely.com.au</a>.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Five tactics that give you the best chance of winning on auction day

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There were three bidders when 37/89-91 Hughes Street, Cabramatta went to weekend auction.
The first floor recently renovated 61 square metre two bedroom apartment fetched $351,000.
The 1974 built apartment was marketed as an entry level perfect home for first home buyers or an ideal investment with potential rent of $320 per week.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/apartment-unit-flat/nsw/cabramatta/?adid=2011571207" target="_blank">Peter Ly of Raine &amp; Horne Cabramatta</a> told Property Observer it sold to an investor. 
It last sold in 1998 at $66,000, reflecting 10% annual growth over the 16 years.
 <img src="/images/2014/12/02/cabramatta-dec-2-two.jpg" alt="">
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

10% annual growth as Cabramatta unit sells as $351,000 weekend cheapie

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A preliminary weighted average clearance rate of 66.6% was recorded this week across capital cities compared to 65.7% last week and 66.9% this time last year.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Capital-City.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4065]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4066" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Capital-City-580x429.jpg" alt="CoreLogic RP Data auction comments | Capital City" width="580" height="429"></a>
Conditions for buyers at auction are improving as we get closer to Christmas with volumes remaining at historical highs and demand easing, particularly in Melbourne.
In Sydney auction volumes are very high and the number of active buyers seem to be rising in line with supply. A preliminary clearance rate of 75.2% recorded compared to 71.8% last week and 72.7% last year.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Sydney.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4065]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4067" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Sydney-580x393.jpg" alt="CoreLogic RP Data auction comments | Sydney" width="580" height="393"></a>
In Melbourne a preliminary clearance rate of 63.7% was recorded compared to 66.1% last week and 67.9% this time last year. The state election has had no impact on results that are on trend with the mild easing in demand seen over November.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Melbourne.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4065]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4068" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Melbourne-580x381.jpg" alt="CoreLogic RP Data auction comments | Melbourne" width="580" height="381"></a>
In Brisbane a preliminary clearance rate of 45.9% was recorded compared to 43.3% last week.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Brisbane.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4065]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4069" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Brisbane-580x391.jpg" alt="CoreLogic RP Data auction comments | Brisbane" width="580" height="391"></a>
Adelaide recorded an above trend clearance rate of 66.7% compared to 61.2% last week.
<a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Adelaide.jpg" rel="wp-prettyPhoto[g4065]"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4070" src="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141201-Adelaide-580x382.jpg" alt="CoreLogic RP Data auction comments | Adelaide" width="580" height="382"></a>
In Canberra a clearance rate of 63.3% was recorded.
In Perth a clearance rate of 21.7% was recorded.
In Tasmania 8 auction sales were recorded and no homes were passed in.
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rlarocca-zWhvjay44N

Conditions for buyers at auction improving: National weekend auction wrap

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Queensland’s new real estate laws are now in place, despite much pushback from property industry members across the country.
The Queensland Property Occupations Act, passed through Parliament in May, will bring many changes to the property scene in Queensland. Most notably, price guides for properties going to auction are now outlawed.
Not only were the <a href="https://www.pertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/nsw/29164-reis-go-head-to-head-over-queensland-auction-price-guide-debate" target="_blank">Real Estate Institutes head-to-head over the issue</a>, but estate agent <a href="/news/qld/dark-ages-descending-on-queensland-as-auction-price-guide-ban-defies-common-sense-john-mcgrath">John McGrath called it “dark days” for the industry</a>.
Harcourts Queensland chief auctioneer Mitch Peereboom doesn’t expect any great changes to his role.
“The price guide obviously is the biggest issue, but ultimately in my role the impact of the price guide will be minimal because auction’s about having no price and the buyers determining the market place,” said Peereboom.
“The seller gets the transparency and determination from the buyers and the buyers get transparency as they are able to come forth with their best offer of what they believe the property is worth without any inhibiting from the seller in terms of what they are looking for.”
In fact, he notes that more buyers will inspect because there is no market price.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s CEO Antonia Mercorella said that the rules are about cutting red tape, simplifying transactions and increasing transparency. The REIQ has been supportive of the laws.
“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s been worth the wait for these new laws,” Mercorella said.
“They’re specifically tailored to the realities of the modern real estate profession and will make life much easier for agents and consumers. The laws eliminate a lot of costly paperwork that’s been hampering agents and they feature practical reforms which will simplify real estate transactions in Queensland.”
She pointed to other key changes including the replacement of seven separate agent appointment forms with one, removing requirement for the agents to disclose to a buyer the commission they are receiving from the seller, extending the statutory limit on lengths of appointments for a sole exclusive agency from 60 days to 90 days, deregulating maximum commissions for sales and property management, and losing the requirement for a separate Form 30 Warning Statement.
<a href="/news/bid-for-homes-online-on-new-property-listings-website">Online auctioning platform ExchangeHouse</a> has also called the new laws beneficial for the industry, with director Mark Jamieson saying that the government "clearly" wants to limit subjective and opinionated price guides and information that could mislead.
"It is possible for real estate agents to provide objective, meaningful and accurate information to buyers, within the new act’s guidelines. It is all about the auction process and framework," said Jamieson.
“Our innovative online auction methodology requires the vendor to set a reserve price for their property upfront. The reserve is never disclosed to the market and is used to determine where bidding will start which is a first for the industry. Agents no longer need to provide a price guide under the ExchangeHouse method. Buyers can confidently inspect properties knowing where bidding is due to start well before bidding opens," he said.
“This method will bring greater transparency and efficiency around the property transaction process for agents, sellers and buyers. We believe it works within the new legislation and achieves the government’s goals of reducing red tape and misguided information.”
Other industry experts notably speaking out against the ban include News Corp commentator <a href="/news/qld/queenslands-auction-price-guidance-ban-legislation-is-madness-andrew-winter">Andrew Winter (who has called it 'madness’)</a>, the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/coercion-will-be-rife-under-new-queensland-price-guide-laws-rebaa">Real Estate Buyer's Association of Australia</a> and <a href="/expert-insights/investing/reinsws-malcolm-gunning-supports-early-publishing-of-reserve-prices">REINSW' Malcolm Gunning</a>.
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Price guide ban now in place for Queensland auctions

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The terrace house at 53 Wells Street, Redfern - double-fronted terrace on 200 square metres - sold at weekend auction for $1.18 million.
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The deceased estate sold through <a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-redfern-nsw-2016/235841/?searchID=45087408" target="_blank">Ben Forsyth of McGrath Edgecliff</a> who had issued 13 contracts.
It was formerly an artist’s home, but left empty for five years. 
The two bedroom home was bought by a young couple.
Redfern house prices have jumped by 16.2%, according to CoreLogic RP Data. Forsyth was quoting $850,000 plus.
At <a href="https://redir.aspx?C=79zFc25QqEGnZ6JTcfBKWf6KkeEd4NEIyAHetFn24ibN4isqe1s859cfUt3vGLzH9VNGxccgBAY.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.realestate.com.au%2fproperty-house-nsw-ashfield-118348847" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">12 John St Ashfield</a> about 100 spectators saw two bidders go all the way at each other from start to end when offered through Domenic Bucciarelli of LJ Hooker Ashfield. 
The auctioneer Rob Trovato of Auction Services secured $1,122,000 which was $142,000 over reserve for the house which was a heritage listed, in need of repair, and offered with the potential of building a granny flat.
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Empty Redfern renovator's delight sells for $1.18 million

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Sydney’s weekend auction market concluded the spring selling season with a 74.6% success rate, virtually steady.
Last weekend’s 73.5% preliminary result was the lowest recorded for four months.
Last weekend's result was adjusted down to 68.4% after late auction results.
Just over 1,000 auctions were listed in Sydney today which ranked as the highest ever number of homes to go under the hammer on a spring Saturday. There are some 350 results yet to be tallied, which will see the preliminary result come back a bit.
The record Saturday stands with 1,100 plus offering during the 2014 Easter leadup.
The upper north shore hosted the most number of auctions this weekend with 146 closely followed by the inner west with 123, the south 134, the city and east 124, the lower north 107, the west 88, Canterbury Bankstown 81 and the northern beaches with 66 auctions scheduled.
The 1884 Roseville residence, Corona House, the late Victorian Italianate style home (pictured below) was passed in at $4.5 million through McConnell Bourn.
<img src="/images/2014/12/01/roseville%20nov%2030%20one.jpg" alt="">
The highest recorded sale was when 52 Lucretia Avenue, Longueville was sold for $3,605,000 through McGrath Estate Agents.
The Woods-McFadden house at Double Bay was passed in <a href="/news/boyarsky-family-in-12-6-million-double-bay-beachfront-buy">on a $14 million vendor bid</a>.
The most popular suburb for auctions this weekend was Hunters Hill on the lower north shore with 15, followed by Mosman also on the lower north shore, St Ives on the upper north shore, Blacktown in the west, and Castle Hill in the north west each with 12 and Strathfield in the inner west and Epping on the upper north shore each with 11 auctions scheduled at the weekend.
Sydney commenced the spring selling season this year with nine consecutive clearance rates above 80%, according to Australian Property Monitors.
"The market has clearly lost that early energy with 5 out of the last seven weekends below the 80% benchmark," APM senior economist Andrew Wilson said.
Before the Saturday results, the four-weekend average clearance rate had fallen to 76.4% which is now well down on the 80.6% average recorded over the previous four-weekend period.
Pre-auction sales had been tracking around 30% in last three months, but jumped up to 40% of sales during November.
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Sydney's Super Saturday auction success rate ends spring steady

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Melbourne’s weekend auction market finished the spring selling season on a 67.2% clearance rate.
It was a similar result to last weekend which recorded the lowest clearance rate for spring, and for the year so far, with an initial 67.1% which was revised to 66.8% after late results.
A surge in late spring auctions numbers was impacting market activity with buyers increasingly spoiled for choice, according to Australian Property Monitors (APM).
Auctions numbers rose strongly this weekend with over 1,300 homes listed offered under the hammer in the metro area. 
"This is well ahead of last weekend’s 1,154 results and just below the 1,341 auctions conducted over the same weekend last year," APM's Andrew Wilson said.
There are around 400 of the 1,326 results yet to be advised.
The top sale was Sandy Cove, the Brighton beachfront at 38 Dawson Avenue, which (pictured below) sold for $8,525,000 through hockingstuart. Boasting 46 metres of absolute west-facing beach frontage, the 1989-built Jon Friedrich house sits on a 771 square metre block. It last sold in 2007 for $6.1 million.
<img src="/images/2014/12/01/brighton%20dec%201%20one.jpg" alt="">
Pre-auction sales were prevalent, with the REIV reporting 170 pre-sales from its larger sample of 1181 auction results.
The REIV listed the top sales amid its 65% success rate:
TOP 5 HOUSES 1. 38 Dawson Avenue, Brighton $8,525,000 2. 37 Elizabeth Street, Brighton East $4,345,000 3. 6 Chilcote Avenue, Malvern $3,760,000 4. 2 Barnsbury Court, Deepdene $3,700,000 5. 129 Richardson Street, Albert Park $3,510,000
TOP 5 BARGAIN HOUSES 1. 83 Seventh Avenue, Rosebud $240,000 2. 11 Romsey Crescent, Dallas $270,000 3. 72 Songlark Crescent, Werribee $270,000 4. 36 Chelsworth Loop, Craigieburn $330,000 5. 15 Freda Street, Broadmeadows $330,000 
TOP 5 APARTMENTS 1. 2/8 Glenview Avenue, Malvern $1,920,000 2. 4 Bosisto Street, Richmond $1,530,000 3. 105 Ormond Esplanade, Elwood $1,500,000 4. 3 Edward Street, Toorak $1,250,000 5. 1B Wordsworth Street, St Kilda $1,036,000
TOP 5 BARGAIN APARTMENTS 1. 1/44 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy $133,000 2. 9/10 Derby Street, Fawkner $228,000 3. 36 Elinda Place, Reservoir $253,000 4. 5/216 Sladen Street, Cranbourne $255,000 5. 710/551 Flinders Lane, Melbourne $295,000
Source: Australian Property Monitors.
Melbourne’s inner city hosted the most number of auctions on the weekend with 220 closely followed by the inner south with 209, the inner east with 188, the west  185, the north east 165, the outer east 160, the north 109 and the south east  49.
The most popular suburb for auction listings on the weekend in metro Melbourne was Richmond in the outer east with 24 followed by Glen Waverley in the outer east and Reservoir in the north east each with 22, Port Melbourne in the inner city with 21, St Kilda also in the inner city with 19, Mount Waverley in the inner east and Melbourne CBD each with 18 and Doncaster in the inner east and Brighton in the inner south each with 17 auctions scheduled this weekend.
Last weekend’s auction clearance rate of 67.1% was well below the previous weekend’s 72.1% with the local market clearly tracking backwards since the Melbourne Cup weekend holiday. "Record numbers of auctions will continue to test a fading market through December to the Christmas break," Wilson said.
Before Saturday's result Melbourne’s four weekend average clearance rate had fallen to 72.7% well down on the previous four weekend average result of 75.4%.  
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Melbourne's weekend auctions end spring on weakened 67% clearance rate

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NSW Fair Trading says property auctions should be conducted in English, but current laws do not prevent an auction being translated into a different language. 
The issued flared after a recent A Current Affair report on Melbourne auctions.
Auctioneer Robert Ding at Marshall White Boroondara was profiled on a report entitled 'Chinese buyers taking over the housing market', which focused on his dual-language talents during a house auction.
Ding thought the report was one sided.
“The auction footage had me talking in Mandarin but I was also translating it to English and vice-versa,” he told Real Estate Business.
David Scholes, founder and principal of auctionWORKS, does not have a problem with dual language auctioneers conducting auctions in another language in areas where offshore buyers predominate.
“As long as the auction is conducted primarily in English, and when I say primarily I mean completely in English with parts such as prices and relevant topics regarding terms and conditions being translated into other languages, then I don’t see why anyone would have a problem with it,” Scholes said.
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English language property auctions required in NSW

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There are 1,426 auctions scheduled this week in Melbourne compared to 1,598 for the same time last year.
The highest volume of auctions will be in <a href="/news">Reservoir </a>and <a href="/news">Richmond</a>, each are expecting 23 auctions.
The state election may be on this Saturday but it does not have a significant affect on the market, buyers are able to vote and bid with ease as polling places are open from 8am to 6pm.
With only four weeks to go for auctions this year one of the features of the year – more auctions – is clearly apparent. So far this year there have been more homes sold at auction, 26,402, than there was over the whole of 2013. In 2013 there were 25,350 home sold at auction.
On a citywide basis, the time on market results for houses sold at private sale was stable at a very low 31 days over the last week and vendor discounting eased slightly to -4.8%.
Key data
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<li>Clearance rate week ending 23 November: 66.1%</li>
<li>Melbourne auctions expected week ending 30 November: 1,426</li>
<li>Melbourne private sales time on market week ending 23 November: 31 days (houses)</li>
<li>Melbourne vendor discounting market week ending 23 November: -4.8% (houses)</li>
<li>Listings being prepared for market are 3.5% higher in month ending 23 November (seasonally adjusted)</li>
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Source: CoreLogic RP Data.
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