<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/draycon">Draycon Building</a> is nearing completion of Boutique Chevron Island, a 42-apartment development on the northern end of Chevron Island at 17–19 Parneno Street, with a limited-time offer of fully furnished apartments available.

Now more than 90 per cent complete, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/boutique-chevron-island-17-19-parneno-chevron-island-qld-4217">Boutique</a> has been shaped by one of the Gold Coast’s most tightly held island addresses, where riverfront outlooks and walkable access to Surfers Paradise converge.

For Draycon Building Managing Director Howard Dabit, the appeal of the site was immediate.

“I knew it was a good site as soon as I saw it,” Dabit said.

“The position and location on the north end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chevron-island-qld-4217">Chevron Island</a>, the way the river swirls around the site basically from the north to the east, it feels like the site is surrounded by the water. The height that we’ve got and the aspect looking north is beautiful. Eighty per cent of the apartments are looking north so they get that drenching sunlight coming in.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360922]

That northern orientation places the development within a stretch of Chevron Island defined by open river aspects and skyline views, while remaining embedded in the suburb’s established village setting.

Chevron Island has increasingly drawn owner-occupiers seeking centrality without the intensity of high-rise beachfront living. Positioned at the geographical centre of the Gold Coast, the island offers direct access to both the beach and key cultural infrastructure while retaining a neighbourhood-scale character.

Connected by bridge to Surfers Paradise, Chevron Island offers walkable access to beaches, riverfront parklands and a revitalised foreshore boulevard animated by walkers and cyclists throughout the day. The Pacific Ocean is only minutes away, reinforcing the suburb’s dual river-and-surf identity.

At the same time, Thomas Drive forms the spine of the island’s village life, delivering cafés, wine bars, casual dining and everyday services within easy reach. Independent grocers, wellness operators and neighbourhood retailers contribute to a community atmosphere that remains distinct from the vertical scale of the beachfront.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89709 project_image_fid=360915]

In the opposite direction, the Green Bridge links directly to HOTA – Home of the Arts – placing galleries, performance venues and parklands within walking distance. Weekly markets and major exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, while residents return to a quieter residential pocket at day’s end.

Public transport, including nearby bus routes and the G:link light rail corridor along the coastal spine, strengthens connectivity north and south. Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital precinct and established private schools such as The Southport School are all within a short drive.

Ongoing investment across Surfers Paradise, HOTA and the broader Southport corridor has elevated amenity while preserving Chevron Island’s comparatively low-rise residential character. It is this balance, walkable village atmosphere paired with metropolitan-scale infrastructure, that continues to differentiate the suburb from higher-density beachfront precincts.

Boutique comprises just 42 residences, designed to maximise river and skyline outlooks within this tightly held island setting.

Boutique Chevron Island is slated for completion in April 2026, with prices starting from $1,220,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89709]

Joel Robinson

Draycon Building’s Boutique Chevron Island places 42 residences at the heart of the Gold Coast

Sydney developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a> has secured planning approval for a $300 million residential development in Lindfield, marking the company’s second project on Sydney’s North Shore and its first on the Upper North Shore.

Located on Beaconsfield Parade and designed by DKO Architecture, the state significant development comprises three buildings of up to 10 storeys and will include 399 residences, including 59 affordable homes and 40 adaptable homes.

Residences will range in size from one, two and three bedrooms, with two-bedroom apartments accounting for over 60 per cent of the product make-up. Residents will have access to a broad suite of amenities, including a wellness area, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, a pool, a gym, a community room and a golf simulator.

In line with Deicorp’s long-standing focus on creating transit-oriented communities, the project is located just 260 metres from the Lindfield Train Station, reinforcing its role in delivering well-connected housing close to established infrastructure, retail and local services.

The inclusion of affordable and adaptable housing supports greater diversity within the local market, while the mix of apartment types responds to demand from downsizers, young professionals and families seeking access to the Upper North Shore.

Deicorp Founder Fouad Deiri OAM said the approval represents an important milestone for both the company and the suburb

“This approval allows us to deliver well-designed homes in a location that is already supported by strong transport and community infrastructure," Deiri said.

"Our focus is on creating places that integrate into their surroundings and provide long-term value for residents, and the broader Lindfield community. Being within walking distance of the station ensures this project supports sustainable growth in the right locations."

Across its portfolio, Deicorp currently has 4,703 apartments under construction, playing a leading role in shaping connected, liveable communities across Sydney.

Its expanding portfolio of Metro-linked developments includes Tallawong Village, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kings-bay-village-five-dock-53-75-queens-road-five-dock-nsw-2046">Kings Bay Village</a> in Five Dock, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/hyde-metropolitan-sydney-133-141-liverpool-street-sydney-nsw-2000">Hyde Metropolitan</a> in Sydney CBD, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/falcon-alexander-crows-nest-8-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Falcon &amp; Alexander</a> in Crows Nest and Showground Village, Castle Hill.

Deicorp purchased the Beaconsfield Paradise site last year. Construction is scheduled to commence in Q2 of 2026 and will be completed in 2029.

Deicorp expands portfolio to nearly 5,000 apartments with Lindfield project

In a joint venture with The Trump Organization, Australia developer Altus Property Group has announced plans to bring a Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower to the Gold Coast, marking the first Trump-branded project in Australia.

"Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia and reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in iconic locations around the world," Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said.

"This development exemplifies the Trump brand’s dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community."

The 91-storey building, which will become the tallest in Australia at 335 metres, will feature a&nbsp;285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo. It will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3,400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.

“Trump International Hotel &amp; Tower, Gold Coast will be a truly unique offering in the Australian market, bringing the prestige and allure of a world-class luxury brand,"&nbsp;Altus founder and chief executive David Young said.

"Altus Property Group is proud of its track record in delivering landmark developments across Australia, and our expertise ensures this project will be an outstanding success."

Trump Hotel heads for the Gold Coast to become Australia's tallest building

More than a century after the Corrimal Coke Works first opened in 1912, the industrial landmark that helped shape the suburb is being reinterpreted as a walkable residential neighbourhood, with Stage One of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-works-stage-one-27-railway-street-corrimal-nsw-2518">The Works</a> now underway at 27 Railway Street.

For 102 years, the site was central to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/corrimal-nsw-2518">Corrimal</a>’s economic and social identity before operations ceased in 2014. Rather than erasing that legacy, developer Legacy Property has embedded it into the masterplan, retaining and reinterpreting elements such as the iconic 1912 brick chimney and sections of the original C1 Coke Oven Battery, alongside the adaptive reuse of the former powerhouse building.

Stage One will introduce 181 apartments across low-rise buildings, offering predominantly two and three-bedroom residences with completion targeted for mid-2027. The scale and configuration reflect a deliberate focus on owner-occupiers, targeting those seeking a lower-maintenance home in a prime location within the northern suburbs of Wollongong.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359833]

Apartments have been designed to maximise natural light and cross-ventilation, with floor-to-ceiling glazing extending living areas onto generous balconies. Engineered timber flooring, induction cooktops and 900mm ovens in larger residences support everyday functionality, while two interior palettes allow buyers to tailor finishes to their preferences. The material selection draws on a restrained coastal language, intended to connect homes to their surroundings rather than compete with them.

The Works forms part of a broader 18-hectare masterplan that will ultimately deliver around 550 dwellings, new parks, and a heritage precinct celebrating the site’s past. More than seven hectares are dedicated to open space, including Southern Park and a Village Green with community gardens and recreation areas. The creek corridor is being rehabilitated with 150,000 native plantings, restoring biodiversity to the site and softening landscape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359841]

Positioned adjacent to Corrimal Station and within walking distance of Corrimal Town Centre, the precinct places daily essentials, rail connections and local retail within easy reach. Wollongong CBD, including the hospital, university and entertainment venues, sits approximately 6.5 kilometres to the south.

For buyers more familiar with North Wollongong, Corrimal offers a different proposition: a well-established coastal suburb framed by beaches to the east and the escarpment to the west, with a strong sense of local identity shaped in part by the former Coke Works. The Works seeks to reinforce that identity by creating a connected, walkable neighbourhood between coast and escarpment, rather than a standalone apartment complex.

Sustainability underpins the development approach. The Works is targeting Wollongong’s first 5-Star Green Star-rated community, with water-sensitive urban design, recycled materials and energy-efficient buildings integrated across the masterplan. For residents, these measures provide not only environmental benefits but also reduced operational costs and future resilience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=143415 project_image_fid=359842]

With construction commenced and display materials available to view, prospective buyers can now engage more directly with the project’s vision, reviewing floorplans, material selections and the broader masterplan in detail. For many local homeowners weighing a move, the opportunity to experience how heritage, landscape and contemporary design intersect may help bridge the gap between familiarity and the next chapter.

As Stage One progresses toward its mid-2027 completion, The Works represents a significant chapter in Corrimal’s evolution, transforming a site that once powered local industry into a walkable residential precinct designed for its next generation of residents.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143415]

Legacy Property’s The Works reimagines Corrimal’s century-old Coke Works

When it comes to developing in Melb​ourne's Bayside region, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a> knows exactly what buyers want.

With a longstanding presence in the area and a string of sell-out projects, Lowe Living consistently delivers developments that are as sought-after as their predecessors.

Their latest instalment is in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/hampton-east-vic-3188">&nbsp;East,</a> the same postcode where they have previously delivered Hampton Hill and Oceano. The developer-builder recently commenced construction on its newest project,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marella-hampton-31-35-alicia-street-hampton-east-vic-3188">Marella</a>, a collection of 32 apartments just five minutes from the beach.

Site acquisition is paramount to success. Lowe Living rarely brings a building to market that isn’t within walking distance of essential amenities, whether it be the beach, a prominent retail strip, or a train station. Marella is no exception, located at its Alicia Street address, less than a kilometre from the retail heart of Hampton Street and Hampton Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358495]

Equally important to Lowe Living is the architecture.

For Marella, they appointed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a>, who explains that the architectural vision was to create a contemporary reinterpretation of the Californian bungalow, a style that’s iconic to Hampton’s heritage.

"By borrowing, abstracting, and reinterpreting elements of this quintessential style, such as strong datum lines, articulated columns, exposed structures, and roof tiles, our design strikes a balance between modernity and familiarity," says Cera Stribley.

"This approach ensures that the development is not only visually appealing but also contextually sensitive, resonating with Hampton's existing architectural landscape."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358499]

The building features terracotta brick, soft cream masonry, and exposed metal detailing, giving it a tactile presence that is intended to weather gently over time.

Internally, the focus on lasting quality continues, with two and three-bedroom residences anchored by sculptural stone kitchen islands, natural light, and clearly defined transitions between living, dining, and outdoor spaces.

The layouts have been carefully designed. Open-plan zones extend to private balconies, with light-filled interiors and generous kitchen proportions, supported by Miele wall ovens, induction cooktops, and integrated fridge-freezers. These are not small apartments rebranded as luxury; they have been designed at scale, with ample storage, hotel-style entry access, and secure basement parking provided as standard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358492]

At the uppermost level, Marella’s Signature Collection penthouses offer city or bay views, large entertaining terraces (some with outdoor spas), and elevated finishes, including fully wrapped stone kitchen benches and a Liebherr wine fridge.

Flexible room arrangements allow for a fourth bedroom or secondary living space, sought-after by both empty nesters who want the space when family visits and families with older children.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146197 project_image_fid=358498]

A residents’ lounge on the ground floor reinforces the project’s small-community feel. With a fireplace, private dining area, and adjoining terrace, it’s one of several shared spaces that balance amenity with privacy and scale.

Construction has commenced, with completion expected in early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146197]

Lowe Living continues Bayside legacy as Marella rises in Hampton

Commission

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Dane Crawford, a former Colliers International real estate agent, has lodged a claim in the Federal Court seeking more than $743,000 in allegedly unpaid commissions.
Crawford resigned last year from their Newcastle office having headed the sales of its residential apartments division.
His statement of claim says he handed in his resignation based on representations that Colliers International made about his outstanding commissions.
He alleges the discussion before resigning concluded with an entitlement to half of the 50 per cent of gross commission on contracts that had been exchanged but not yet settled.
He said he went ahead with the resignation on this understanding, Nine Enertainment has reported.
The claim was lodged last month in the Fair Work division.
According to the claim, following Mr Crawford's resignation, Colliers advised him he was owed $297,500 in commissions.
Crawford claims this was an alleged breach of his contract which entitled him to a base salary and 50 per cent commission on revenue earned above $180,000 and 10 per cent on revenue below that amount.
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His lawyer Mia Pantechis from Maurice Blackburn said Crawford was "a top performer who generated substantial revenue for Colliers."
"Crawford remains very disappointed in the way he was treated by Colliers,” she said.
</div>
<div>Crawford was now seeking to be paid his commission entitlements as well as damages and penalties.</div>
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"As the matter is the subject of legal proceedings, the company will not be making any comments," a Colliers spokesman said.
It is being represented by Lander &amp; Rogers Lawyers.
Crawford was at Colliers after joining the agency in April 2015 having been at McGrath previously.
It was just as the residential apartment boom took off in Newcastle.
By mid-2018 10 cranes dotted the skyline around Newcastle, the highest number of cranes ever observed.
The then Colliers director of residential property marketing said the city was in “history-making mode.”
Along the way the agency secured press reports including one on the reported penthouse sale in the East End development for $6 million, smashing Newcastle’s previous apartment price record by more than $1.5 million.
He now is at Commercial Collective where he works with leading super funds, private developers and managed property funds with a speciality in high-density residential development marketing and advisory roles on CBD and city fringe projects. 
"Dane has lent his considerable expertise to more than $2.5 billion of projects including multi-stage developments, large masterplanned developments, mixed use projects and boutique projects," his website advises.
"Dane previously held the position of Director of Residential Project Marketing at a global real estate agency, with almost 1,000 transactions completed over his last three years."
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Colliers Newcastle faces $743,000 commission claim in Federal Court from Dane Crawford

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Jim's Group, best known for mowing lawns, has revealed they will soon be selling houses at low commission.
Jamie Byard, with colleague Trish Mewett, started the new division earlier this month in Victoria.
Byard, a 15-year veteran of the franchising group founded by Jim Penman in 1982 and Ms Mewett, a former sales director of fixed-fee real estate service Hello Real Estate, aim to have 30 franchisees in Victoria within a year.
 It's an another unexpected disruption to a traditional real estate industry.
Some people may not have expected the next wave of disruption from a man who made his millions from mowing lawns, but it was a logical move, Mr Penman said.
"Real estate is a good one for us," Mr Penman told The Australian Financial Review.
"It intersects with so many of our services, particularly in terms of property maintenance. When people don't know who to go to, we do very well. We get a lot of people ringing up for services we don't even offer."
Jim's Group, long known for mowing lawns, fixing the plumbing and cleaning pools, then kitchens, electrical work, computer repairs and conveyancing, will welcome franchisees in the new real estate business.
They will pay a fixed franchise fee of about $1800 a month and pay no commission to a parent company on sales they make.
They will reportedly also invite clients to make an offer on the commission they will pay for the sale of their house typically between about 1 per cent and 3 per cent.
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Jim's Group aims at mowing down high estate agent commissions

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Victorian police are investigating a former estate agent Tim McCurdy who is a shadow cabinet member in Victoria.
It was for alleged 2009 fraud as a result of complaints that he wrongly claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales commissions while working as a real estate agent.
McCurdy, 54, lower house MP for Ovens Valley, is alleged to have falsified documents to secure sales commissions worth about $375,000 while working as a real estate agent in 2009.
The Nationals MP is accused of forging the letterhead of another Cobram real estate agent to earn commissions from the sale of two northern Victorian farms to a Chinese buyer in 2009.
Police questioned Mr McCurdy and searched his Cobram home and office in May as part of the investigation, the Herald Sun reported.
“Police executed two warrants in Cobram on 30 May,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
“The warrants relate to an investigation into an alleged fraud from 2009. A 54-year-old Cobram man was also interviewed and was released pending further inquiries.”
The allegations centre on the sale of a 581-hectare dairy farm in Boosey, known as Malmo, for $7.8 million with a $245,850 commission in July 2009 to Xing Long International.
The other farm in Katamatite, called Pinegrove, sold for $3.9 million with a $129,891 commission in December 2009 to the same buyer.
In 2014, the company that initially brokered the property deals lodged a County Court writ accusing Mr McCurdy of engaging in “misleading and deceptive” conduct in breach of the Fair Trading Act.
Mr McCurdy worked for PGG Wrightson between June 2008 and February 2009, when real estate agent Andrew Gilmour bought the Cobram branch of the business.
Mr McCurdy said he reached a confidential legal agreement with his former employer after mediation in 2014.
“As far as I was concerned, the matter was finalised,” he said.
“Police contacted me around two months ago to say they had been told they needed to make further routine inquiries.
"Two officers visited my office and home that day, but took nothing. I have not heard anything further since.”
McCurdy became an MP in 2010 and is the shadow minister for veterans, sport and gaming and liquor regulation.
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Fraud investigation in rural Victoria real estate commission dispute 

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PRDnationwide has released research claiming customers got a better result when they pay the full real estate commission rates.
The PRDnationwide research compared the median sales prices achieved by Purplebricks and online DIY sites like buyMyPlace.com.au and forsalebyowner.au against those achieved by traditional agents in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane dating back to 2014.
On average PRDnationwide found that Sydney traditional agents achieved 19.7 percent higher house prices and 3.8 percent higher unit prices,
It found Brisbane traditional agents achieved 8.3 percent higher house prices and 4.2 percent higher unit prices.
Melbourne traditional agents achieved 10 percent higher house and unit prices.
"Overall traditional real estate is achieving higher median prices than disruptors," claimed Diaswati Mardiasmo, national research manager at PRDnationwide.
"Based on this data, it's appropriate to coin the term 'when you pay peanuts - you get monkeys'.
"Although vendors might be paying higher commissions it would appear they are getting much better results under the traditional model and the accountability that it creates," she told The Australian Financial Review.
Ryan Dinsdale, Purplebricks Australia CEO, dismissed the research carried out by its competitors.
"The opinion of our customers is what we focus on as a business. We launched Purplebricks because up until now, Australians haven't had a choice in how they sell their home and we saw a growing demand for a fairer, more transparent offering," Mr Dinsdale told the Australian Financial Review.
"Since we launched in September 2016, we have saved our customers over $5 million in fees and our experts have achieved sales prices our customers are clearly delighted with as they have rated their Purplebricks experience 9.4/10 'Excellent' on independent review site Trustpilot.com.au."
Purplebricks, which does not have real estate offices but does use estate agents, charges a flat fee of $4500-$5500 including marketing and advertising costs. It also provides customers with 24/7 access to their own listing via an online platform that also allows them to engage with potential buyers.
They've recently been attacked by the First National CEO, however Property Observer did notice a recent success in Melbourne when a studio apartment sold for $187,500, the most affordable across the city that weekend.
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Traditional agents secure higher prices than the disruptors

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Businessman Dr Gary Weiss has been appointed to the Board of the Australian Rugby League Commission. 
ARL Chairman John Grant said Dr Weiss brought an impressive mix of business and sporting experience to the Commission. 
He said Dr Weiss who was educated in New Zealand and the US is well known and highly regarded in the corporate sector both in Australia and overseas. He is currently Chairman of Ridley Corporation and Secure Parking and is Executive Director of Ariadne Australia. 
He has served on the Boards of some of Australia’s leading companies including Westfield Group, Tower Australia, ClearView Wealth and Tyndall Australia. 
Dr Weiss also has a strong background and interest in rugby league. 
He was a director of Brisbane Broncos Ltd (formerly Pacific Sports Entertainment Ltd), an ASX-listed company which owns the Brisbane Broncos and was a member of the Roosters Chairman’s Club for more than two years. 
"He is his own man and will bring his intellect and experience to what is a robust but collaborative commission.
"He has a wealth of business experience and has indicated he has the time to devote to one of his keen interests in life, rugby league." 
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