The Gold Coast has cemented its position as one of Australia's hottest construction markets, with crane numbers reaching a record 67 in Q3 2025, the highest count since tracking began.

The latest Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) Crane Index shows the region at 447 points, also a record, with activity surging 110 per cent over the past three years as population growth and investor confidence drive unprecedented development activity.

Residential construction dominates the skyline almost entirely, accounting for 95.5 per cent of all cranes across the Gold Coast. Of the 67 cranes currently operating, 64 are dedicated to residential and mixed-use apartment projects. 21 new cranes were added in Q3 2025 alone, with major developments spanning Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach and Southport reflecting sustained confidence across the coastal corridor.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=318625]

The construction boom aligns with exceptional apartment market performance. Gold Coast unit prices reached $950,000 in September 2025 according to the latest Ray White Now Monthly, delivering robust 8.6 per cent annual growth and 0.6 per cent monthly appreciation.

This significantly outperforms the national apartment market average of 6.9 per cent and positions the Gold Coast as Australia's most expensive apartment market, trending ahead of Sydney. This highlights the premium investors and owner-occupiers place on the region's lifestyle amenity.

The scale of residential development reflects both build-to-sell apartment projects targeting owner-occupiers and investors, alongside emerging build-to-rent developments as institutional capital increasingly targets the Gold Coast. Population growth continues driving demand, with the region attracting interstate migrants seeking lifestyle amenity and professionals relocating from southern capitals to embrace coastal living while maintaining career opportunities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112941 project_image_fid=216014]

Project activity spans multiple price points and buyer demographics. Premium waterfront developments in Main Beach and Broadbeach command the highest values and attract downsizers alongside investors, while projects in Varsity Lakes and growth suburbs target first home buyers seeking more affordable entry points into the Gold Coast market. The concentration of cranes along established precincts with beach access reflects where buyer demand remains strongest.

Notably absent from the Gold Coast's construction pipeline is commercial office development, with zero commercial cranes currently operating. The only non-residential activity comprises aged care and education. This underscores the Gold Coast's evolution as a residential growth market rather than a CBD destination, with the regional economy built around tourism, construction, lifestyle services and residential property rather than traditional office demand.

The sustained construction pipeline through Q3 2025 suggests apartment completions will remain elevated through 2026, providing necessary supply for the growing population. With development activity at record levels and strong price growth supporting feasibility, the Gold Coast apartment market continues delivering solid returns for developers and investors navigating Australia's shifting property landscape.

Joel Robinson

Gold Coast construction hits record high as apartment market delivers strong returns

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a> is has officially launched its next residential project, the $240 million Symphony in South Brisbane. It marks&nbsp;the group’s entry into the Brisbane market as it expands the Flourish brand to deliver design-forward, fairly priced homes in an undersupplied market.&nbsp;

With 25 out of 138 apartments priced under $1 million, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/symphony-south-brisbane-21-23-cordelia-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Symphony</a> is expected to attract first home buyers, with Sherpa reserving all one-bedroom and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments under $1 million for owner-occupiers and first-home buyers.&nbsp;

Sherpa CEO Christie Leet, said the project is a strategic move to deliver attainable housing in connected, culturally vibrant neighbourhoods, with locals prioritised.&nbsp;

“Our aim with Flourish has always been to help the community,” said Leet.

“That’s why we have chosen to release Symphony to locals first, reserving a portion of apartments for owner-occupiers and first-home buyers to give them a genuine chance to get their foot in the door.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=3770]

Located at 21-23 Cordelia Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-brisbane-qld-4101">South Brisbane</a>, Symphony will feature a collection of 138 high-quality apartments, offering spacious one, two and three-bedroom layouts, with prices starting from $655,000.

“It’s no secret that affordability remains a huge issue in today’s market, and many people are simply being priced out,” Leet added.

“We at Sherpa see it as our responsibility to bring well-designed, fairly priced homes to market – that’s what we stand for.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=353548]

Residents will have access to a resident rooftop with offers over 1,400 sqm of premium resort-style amenities across two levels. These include a wellness centre with a steam room, sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, a heated pool, as well as pool deck cabanas, private outdoor barbecues, a private dining room, a fully equipped gym, and a yoga room, all with views of the Brisbane skyline and Mt Coot-tha.

Sherpa has also hired a full-time concierge service to assist buyers with the off the plan process, from construction updates, hard hat tours, to showing and helping residents use their appliances once they have moved in.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=5155]

“Every amenity at Flourish has been designed to help foster a sense of community,” said Danial Clarke, Development and Financial Manager of Sherpa Group.&nbsp;

“The rooftop will be a sanctuary from the city, a place where residents can connect, relax, and ultimately flourish.”

Positioned at the junction of South Bank, West End, and Fish Lane, Symphony offers exceptional walkability to QPAC, galleries, riverside parklands, the CBD, major universities, hospitals, and transport hubs.

Sherpa has already appointed LPS Group to build Symphony. The duo are working together on Sherpa's Palm Beach portfolio.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7574]

Sherpa officially launches Symphony South Brisbane

Bronte Group has received planning approval for Miru, a new 46-townhouse development in Denman Prospect.

Occupying a prominent 6,869 sqm ridgeline site across Holborow Avenue and Goedecke Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/miru-holborow-avenue-denman-prospect-act-2611">Miru</a> will comprise four architecturally unified buildings ranging between two and three storeys. The townhouses are arranged to maximise views of the Molonglo Valley to the east and Stromlo’s bushland to the west, offering residents a rare dual outlook.

There will be 30 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom townhouses, with seven different floorplan layouts.

“The townhouses are carefully arranged to harmonize with the landscape, grouped into four subtly distinct yet cohesive blocks,” the Development Outcomes Report prepared by Planit Strategic notes.

"Each block of townhouses is designed to maximise views… while ensuring access to natural cross-ventilation and daylight”.

<img alt="Bisa secures approval for Miru, a 46-townhouse project atop Denman Prospect ridge" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91d3f5b1-6fbf-4da1-be41-b5aa9596d233" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Miru%20front.png?VersionId=K5Dhr0.4iMvji9swNnBv1Exuj8PKCay7" />

A standout element of the design is the integration of landscaping and open space. All homes will have private courtyards, while residents and visitors will benefit from extensive communal landscaping and dedicated visitor parking. A key pedestrian corridor running east to west will link public open space and enhance site permeability.

&nbsp;

The site is zoned RZ5 and sits within the newly developed Denman Prospect estate. While currently vacant, the area forms part of a broader plan for high-quality residential infill in the Molonglo Valley. The project’s scale and low-rise format ensure a measured transition to the adjacent lower-density housing, with generous setbacks and minimal overshadowing.

&nbsp;

Miru will be the fifth development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bronte-group">Bronte Group</a> in Denman Prospect in recent years. They completed&nbsp;Symmetry, 83 townhouses down the road in 2022, as well as Solai, and Aberconway Rise. They are currently selling Central Park, a mix of apartments and townhouses in the suburb around 15km west of the capital.

Staff Writer

Bronte Group secures approval for Miru, Denman Prospect townhouse development

Burgeoning developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a>&nbsp;is the latest to take on the booming North Sydney apartment market, one of the most popular suburbs with off the plan buyers.

They are taking a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">51-storey tower on Walker Street</a> to the NSW Government's&nbsp;Housing Delivery Authority, filing a State Significant Development Application for 300 apartments above a 150-room hotel. It will replace two commercial office buildings.

According to the Scoping Report prepared by Urbis, the development will "support the ongoing evolution of North Sydney by delivering a high-quality, mixed-use tower in close proximity to major public infrastructure."

They also said it “responds to the competing urban demands” of housing, hospitality, and employment.

<img alt="153–157 Walker Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53e44b04-851c-496e-b90c-e4d77aa8f000" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waler-St-Elevated-View-600x600.jpg?VersionId=fSDYrb1wJR.RVZVWo3wRUaw9n265x1Ka" />

The vertical program places hotel uses on levels one to six, activated by a retail arcade and hotel entry, while the upper levels contain communal amenity and transition spaces. The residential component will be delivered across levels 8 to 47 and includes a mix of one to three-bedroom apartments. Shared facilities include a rooftop lounge, dining space, and landscaped terrace with panoramic views.&nbsp;

The design also accommodates a publicly accessible through-site link connecting Walker and Little Walker Streets.&nbsp;

<img alt="Freecity" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26165ce9-e49d-4efb-9e9c-037392707d9f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_1.png?VersionId=lAet4uJy_uNw3nc2e6hBc6302r9Q1dUB" />

The built form continues to reflect the earlier design vision by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>, with a distinctive two-volume massing: hotel podium stepping down to Little Walker Street, and the slender residential tower rising above. The architecture intends to balance North Sydney’s increasing urban density with solar access, view sharing, and a fine-grain public realm interface.

“The form has been sculpted to preserve sky view corridors and reduce visual bulk,” the Design Report by Architectus previously noted, highlighting view preservation and contextual integration.

Importantly, this latest iteration supersedes an earlier SSD pathway explored in late 2024 for a build-to-rent and hotel project. That alternative scheme has since been shelved following Freecity’s successful submission to the HDA’s new streamlined approval stream.

<img alt="153–157 Walker Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f70e4ee4-4599-411b-9fc1-802c4292819e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Littile-Walker_Elevated-800x600.jpg?VersionId=zhfw3NMg_jchSSWuUHJJg8.m.qhqZgYM" />

The site sits within the Victoria Cross Station State Significant Precinct and is expected to integrate with broader public domain upgrades around the Metro station, including new pedestrian links and plaza connections between Berry and Walker Streets.

&nbsp;

North Sydney has been one of the most indemand suburbs in Sydney, however it has struggled with supply. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a> was one of the only developments in market for several years, until the recent launches of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a>, which sold over $100m of sales in three hours, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a> by CASA.

&nbsp;

Freecity joins booming North Sydney apartment market with 51-storey tower proposal near Victoria Cross

Prolific Sydney developer Landmark Group is continuing to expand its growing development portfolio.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/landmark-group">Landmark Group</a>, which is progressing with a new Edgecliff project alongside current developments in Macquarie Park and Caringbah, is set to deliver rare new apartment supply in Lindfield, the affluent suburb on Sydney’s Upper North Shore. The projects form part of the NSW Government’s broader push to increase housing density around key transport hubs.

The developer currently has two proposals under assessment through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority. Together, they comprise nearly 400 apartments, 220 across a large 6,672 sqm amalgamated site spanning Trafalgar Avenue and Valley Road, and a further 173 apartments just 300 metres away on Middle Harbour Road.

The Trafalgar Avenue project, dubbed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lindfield-house-5-7-middle-harbour-road-lindfield-nsw-2070">Lindfield House</a>, is located around 500 metres from Lindfield train station. It will feature 220 apartments across three buildings. Architecture firm DKO, which designed the scheme, said in its submission that the façade strategy is guided by design principles promoting refined architectural expression, contextual sensitivity, and a human-scaled urban response.

“Central to this approach is a layered and sculptural composition, where massing, materiality, and depth are strategically modulated to create a dynamic and visually legible built form. The architecture is defined by a clear hierarchical organisation: a robust, grounded podium provides a strong interface with the public realm, while lighter upper tiers recede into the skyline,” DKO said.

<img alt="Landmark" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d934b639-becc-4778-9756-979a2d6ef514" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-22%20at%2010.41.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Ss4AdKdVpjArekAiir2213cjcWrAgBJz" /> 
The open courtyard between the buildings

DKO also designed the Middle Harbour Road project, which is closer to the station. The nine-storey building is "structured to respect the surrounding context and provide a clear urban transition."

“The design aims to respond to both the low-scale residential development of the heritage overlay precinct and the highway development immediately to the south in the North Sydney CBD”.

The mix of units is intended to serve both general market demand and key worker housing, with affordable housing apartments integrated at the lower levels. The proposed building steps from six to nine storeys as it ascends from the rear to the street front, creating a layered form that mediates between the different scales of surrounding built form.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Lindfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e051aae5-0174-48b4-a033-823eb2a0e333" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-22%20at%2010.30.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OqU2XRPU9vr6id0hddHlfHXODOI7s99z" /> 
The Middle Harbour Road site

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/landmark-group">Landmark Group</a> has&nbsp;delivered more than 4,000 homes across Australia, with a future pipeline worth $5 billion. Among their pipeline of projects is a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-landmark-group-tries-again-with-edgecliff-tower-plans">new mixed-use development near Edgecliff Station</a>.&nbsp;

They are also have live projects in Macquarie Park, Caringbah, and Dee Why.

First look: Landmark Group to bring new apartments to Lindfield

Cheapest Sale

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48 Mulligan St, Boulia, in Queensland is one of the cheapest homes currently for sale across Australia.
The vendors want $60,000 for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-boulia-134284078" target="_blank">the three bedroom, one bathroom cottage</a> on a sparse 1010 sqm block of land.
The agent is John Tully at City &amp; Country Realty.
It is one of two properties for sale in the 4829 postcode.
There was a $60,000 sale last October at 83 Herbert St.
Boulia is an outback town and locality in the Shire of Boulia, Queensland.
In the 2016 census, Boulia had a population of 301 people.
Boulia is the administrative centre of the Boulia Shire, population approximately 600, which covers an area of 61,176 square kilometres.
The outback Queensland town is known for the mysterious case of the Min Min Light.
It is also home to the Boulia Camel Races.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Where to find the cheapest houses for under $100,000? Boulia

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Sydney cheapest weekend offering was a shop-top residence at Birrong, not far from the railway station.
The $425,000 property came with a retail premises plus a two-bedroom space above.
Julie Grigg at Response Real Estate Riverstone marketed the Hudson Pde property as an ”opportunity for savvy investors or one with a keen eye for development”.
The abandoned shop on the 186 sqm block last sold in 1976 for $24,000.
Sydney’s top weekend result was at Cremorne where $7.32 million was paid for a four-bedroom contemporary home just above Primrose Park.
Vendors Cate and Torod Holst had commissioned Goran Stojanovic of X.PACE Design Group to design the 2013 home with filtered views of Willoughby Bay.
It sold through Di Jones Lower North Shore, who had a $6 million guide when it was the Mosman Daily’s House of the Week last month.
Sydney’s weekend’s median auction price was about $1.5 million.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph.
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Birrong home ranked as Sydney's cheapest weekend sale at $425,000

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Last weekend's Ipswich offering of 38 Bassett Lane, Rosewood was the nation's cheapest capital city result.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-rosewood-127285694" target="_blank">38 Bassett Lane</a> five bedroom house on 1320 sqm sold for $200,000.
It had traded at $315,000 in pre-gfc 2008.
Vacant land nearby sold at $160,000 recently, just $100 more than its $159,900 in 2010 for the 850 sqm 48 Upper John Street offering.
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Nations cheapest auction sale goes backwards in price

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A two bedroom Blacktown apartment has sold for $411,000, making it Sydney’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-blacktown-126407666" target="_blank">22/16 Oxford Street</a>, the property occupies a corner position within ‘The Marc’.
Built in 2005, it last sold in 2015 for $420,000. It was offered with a price guidance of $400,000 to $420,000.
It sold at $305,000 in 2005 on its completion.
It features an open plan living area with fresh interior updates and leads to a balcony. It has 67 square metres of internal space.
The kitchen has stone features and stainless steel, while the two bedrooms have built-in mirrored robes and the master an ensuite as well.
Other features includes car space in garage and visitor parking.
Public transport, shops and restaurants are a short walk away.
The property was offered through John Kastellorios of Laing + Simmons.
It had been offered as a $390 a week rental in early 2017, having been a $350 a week rental in 2014.
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Sydney's cheapest weekend auction saw price fall at Blacktown to $411,000

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A 1900 Alberton house has sold for $339,000 making it Adelaide’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-alberton-126433910" target="_blank">60 Prince Street</a>, the 152 square metre property is positioned on a low maintenance corner allotment.
Built in 1900, it last sold for $260,000 in 2015.
It features an open living area with an updated kitchen and a master bedroom, plus another area that can be converted into either a study, home office or second bedroom.
There is also a modern bathroom available while outside is a garden and an undercover entertainment area with timber decking and ceiling fan.
Other features includes a cellar and wood combustion heater.
Shops, public transport and cafes are a short distance away from the property.
The property was offered through Nino Micic of Harcourts Plus.
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1900 Alberton house sold for $339,000

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A three bedroom Kaleen apartment has sold pre-auction for $385,000 making it Canberra’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
It had $359,000 plus hopes.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-kaleen-126408446" target="_blank">3/112 Baldwin Drive</a>, the property is marketed as “designed to maximize space and comfort”.
Built in 1995, it last sold in 2008. It had been offered as a $410 a week rental this time last year.
It features two separate open plan living areas along with a kitchen that leads to another area, plenty of cupboard space and a dishwasher.
A balcony overlooks the country and has plenty of room, while the main bedroom is situated at the front of the house and features a walk-through robe as well as an ensuite with a spa bath.
There are also two bedrooms available, while the complex has its own swimming pool and gym.
Other features includes two car spaces including a lockup garage.
All amenities are in close proximity of the property.
The property was offered through Sharon Schnyder of LJ Hooker.
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Three bedroom Kaleen house sold for $385,000

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A three bedroom Aldinga Beach house has sold for $261,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-aldinga+beach-126282106" target="_blank">26 Stirling Street</a>, the 670 square metre property has potential to either be renovated or redeveloped.
Built in 1978, it last sold in 2002 for $129,950.
It features three bedrooms as well as a large front lounge and open plan kitchen/dining area with electric cooktop and large pantry.
An undercover entertainment area is available outdoors and overlooks the backyard which also has two sheds and a single carport.
The property is within walking distance to the beach.
The property was offered through Southgate Real Estate agent Derek Sobkowiak.
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Three bedroom Aldinga Beach house sold for $261,000

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A two-bedroom Lakemba unit has sold for $450,000, making it Sydney’s cheapest long weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unit-nsw-lakemba-126292778" target="_blank">8/13 Quigg Street North</a>, the 102 sqm property is within walking distance to most amenities and public transport.
Built in 1970 the property last sold in 2007 for $220,000.
It features two large bedrooms with the main having its own built-in robe while the updated kitchen has an eat-in dining area.
There is also a spacious lounge room and driveway facing balcony.
Other feature includes a 20 sqm lock-up garage.
The property was offered through Ray White agent John Yatman.
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Two bedroom Lakemba unit sold for $450,000

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A three bedroom house at Kingston has sold for $360,000 making it Brisbane’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-kingston-126302898" target="_blank">13 Wilde Street</a>, the 1022 square metre property was marketed as suitable for investors.
It last sold for $280,000 in 2013.
It features two front and rear patios for relaxation, as well as side access to the backyard.
A swimming pool and two garden sheds are also available on the property.
There are three bedrooms available along with a kitchen.
Other features includes a single lock up carport and lockup garage.
Shops, cafes and public transport are all within close proximity of the property.
The property was offered through Elders Real Estate agents Ramin Bay and Jacob Cantlin.
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Three bedroom Kingston house sold for $360,000

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A three bedroom Calwell house has sold for $434,000 making it Canberra’s cheapest weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-act-calwell-126362274" target="_blank">42 Mountain Circuit</a>, the 636 square metre property was marketed as ideal as a first home or investment.
It last sold in 2003 for $324,000.
It features a traditional layout with a L-shaped lounge and dining area.
The kitchen has ample cupboard storage and bench space, while the bedrooms enjoy plenty of natural light.
There is also a front deck with views while the enclosed backyard features its own courtyard.
Other features includes gardens, carport and storage shed.
Parks, public transport and shops are within close proximity of the property.
The property was offered through Luton Properties agent Christine Bassingthwaighte.
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