<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

John Kolenda

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The Agency's non-executive director John Kolenda has resigned from his role, effective immediately.
Kolenda joined the board exactly three years ago after growing the retail brokerage giant Finsure Group, which he founded and is the managing director.
He took an initial eight per cent stake in the company, which has been expanded over the past year.
Kolenda played a key role in the acquisition of the east coast real estate firm Top Level Real Estate.
He says his resignation is due to an increased workload in other areas.
"The Agency has grown significantly over a short period and is clearly on track to become one of the largest real estate businesses in Australia", Kolenda said.
"It has attracted some of the best agents and now we also have the key exectuives in place to continue the growth in driving sustained operation aal and financial growth across the business going forward.
"As a committed shareholder I will continue to follow and support this growth."
The announcement to the ASX comes with a couple of new appointments at the firm, who yesterday announced that they are on target for a record breaking quarter.
Andrew Jensen, The Agency's current interim chairman, has been appointed chief operating officer and Arjan van Ameyde, who has over 25 years experience in senior financial roles in listed companies, as the new chief financial officer.
Jensen will too step down from the board, from February 1 when he begins his new role. He has held The Agency's CFO role and has previously been the CFO at Ray White.
In November The Agency posted a record 128 sales valued at $234 million along with a record 197 listings.
Their cost saving program is beginning to see results also. Expenses are down from $10 million to $8.4 million in the year to date to November FY20.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/12/20/The%20Agency%20Revenue%20Expenses.jpg" alt="">
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The Agency Group’s Managing director Paul Niardone said the monthly results further highlight the continuing success of our model and the quality of agents within the business.
“Our December Quarter results look set to build on the record-breaking results of the September Quarter with the first two months of the current quarter already almost eclipsing last quarter’s GCI," Niardone said.
“Coupled with market improvements in the key markets of Sydney and Melbourne as well as an upturn in Perth in November for the first time in 18 months, 2020 looks set to be a milestone year for our company.” 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

John Kolenda departs The Agency board

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McGrath Limited today announced its FY19 first half results, with its revenue down 18 percent to $42.5 million.
The ASX listed company noted that trading to the end of January 2019 had been in line with the guidance provided last October.
However, trading over the first two weeks of February 2019 has been below those expectations, with generally lower listing volumes and lower average sale prices than expected.
The company post a statutory net loss after tax (NLAT) of $9.6 million.
McGrath company owned offices
1,367 sales $1.9 billion in 1H F19 
1,712 sales $2.6 billion in 1H FY18 
2,544 sales $3.5 billion in 1H FY17.
McGrath franchise offices
3,495 sales $3.1 billion in 1H FY19.
4,324 sales $3.9 billion in 1H FY18
4,222 sales $3.8 billion in 1H FY17. 
Total McGrath offices combined
4862 sales $5 billion 1H FY19
6036 sales $6.5 billion 1H FY18
6776 sales $7.3 billion 1H FY17
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As at 31 December 2018 the network comprised 27 company owned offices and 68 franchise offices with 552 agents operating within those offices. 
The total number of offices has remained consistent with June 2018 with 2 openings and 2 closures with 1 transfer from franchise services to company owned sales.
Total agents marginally decreased to 552 from June 18 (558) with reductions in the project marketing and franchise businesses offset by gains in the residential company owned sales segment. 
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Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/2/18/McGrath2.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/2/18/McGrath2.jpg" alt="">
"While March is a seasonally higher listings month, the upcoming elections, together with the late timing of Easter and general market uncertainty reduces the current visibility into the third and fourth quarters.
"Should the balance of the second half continue to be impacted, the Company will update the market in accordance with its continuous disclosure obligations," the board advised shareholders adding ongoing difficult trading conditions were expected given external factors such as the NSW and Federal elections, potentially further impacting performance of the property market and McGrath.
The estate agency advised the continuing subdued property market conditions had impacted McGrath’s performance in the first six months of the 2019 financial year, resulting in an underlying EBITDA loss for the first half of $2.5 million.
This result comprises the previously reported first quarter loss of $1.9 million and a reduced second quarter loss of $600,000, although in line with guidance provided to the market last October.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/2/18/McGrath3.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge</a>.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/2/18/McGrath3.jpg" alt="">
“Market conditions are expected to remain soft during 2019, however there have been some signs of optimism with buyers, especially owner-occupiers who are increasingly more active as prices return to more affordable levels in many areas," Geoff Lucas, CEO of McGrath, said.
“Economic factors are contributing to a significant reduction in transaction volumes," McGrath reported citing industry-wide settled sales for the real estate sector down nationally by 13.2%, and across the eastern Seaboard with Sydney down 20.3%, Melbourne down 22.3% and Brisbane down 11.3% on the 12 months to January 2019.
"Prices continue to weaken with national dwelling values to January 2019 down 5.6%, with Sydney down 9.7%, Melbourne down 8.3% and Brisbane in line with last year.”
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It noted a deterioration of higher value property prices in the market, and McGrath’s exposure to this segment, had adversely impacted its NSW result where there was a falling market sale share held by McGrath.
Its strongest growth in market. share was in Queensland.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/2/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
In February 2018 McGrath reported revenue for the six months to December 31, 2017 was $51.6 million, which was down 23 percent on the same period a year earlier.
McGrath reported a strong balance sheet at 31 December 2018 with no debt and $36.7 million in net assets with $16.5 million in cash.
The company noted that an additional $38 million in rent roll assets is not reflected on the balance sheet.
Its board remains focused on conserving cash for business reinvestment and will not pay an interim FY19 dividend.
McGrath’s dividend policy will be reinstated as soon as it is deemed prudent.
It reported its 27 company owned offices with 180 agents secured 1,367 property sales with a $1.9 billion value, over the six months to December 31, 2018.
The 68 franchise offices with 372 agents saw 3,495 property sales with a $3.1 billion value over the six months to December 31, 2018.
It compares with <a href="/news/mcgrath-estate-agents-get-850-000-additional-commission-windfall-to-stop-defections">the prior similar period </a>when company owned sales generating $2.6 billion in sales value from 1,712 sales for 1H FY18 and $3.5 billion and 2,544 sales in 1H FY17.
Its franchise services offices exchanged 4,324 sales during 1H FY18 with a sales value of $3.9 billion compared to 4,222 sales with a sales value of $3.8 billion in 1H FY17. 
With no trade this morning, the shares sit at 26 cents, a record low, with the company capitalised at $43 million.
It was in late 2015 when McGrath Holding Co Ltd (MEA ASX) filed a prospectus to sell a 53.7 per cent stake, or 72.1 million shares, for $2.10 each, giving it an envisaged market <a href="/news/real-estate-services-company-mcgrath-float-hits-asx-bourse-at-1-94-and-rising">capitalisation of $281 million</a>.
Some two decades in the making, the real estate services company commenced trading at $1.94, slightly below the public offering price at $2.10.
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

McGrath Estate Agents reports a weak start to 2019 sales

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While there has been talk around when interest rates will rise again, it appears that, for now at least, low interest rates might just be the new normal for investors.
After the Reserve Bank kept the interest rate on hold on Tuesday, surprising no one, 1300HomeLoan’s managing director John Kolenda has suggested that, despite continual suggestions of where the future rate may be heading, we’re likely to stick with lows for the foreseeable future. This, he noted, would make low rates the “new normal”.
“Prior to the global financial crisis the norm for the RBA's official rate was around the 5% mark,” he said.
“The historical rates over the last 30 years have been much higher than for the previous few years. Consumer confidence is playing a bigger role in determining rate movements.”
Potential increases over the next six to 12 months will still be low compared to historical rates, he noted.
“Based on the sensitivity of consumers to rate rises, we are likely to see medium term rates at historical lows and smaller variances in movement,” he said.
He claimed that anyone trying to predict a rise is “a brave person” until there’s more positive data broadly, rather than just rising house prices that the Reserve Bank has expressed concerns about.
 “In the current economic climate, the RBA has no choice but to keep rates on hold and likely to tread carefully if they raise sometime later this year,” he said, pointing to weak retail results, a slowdown in the resources sector and unemployment growth as counter balances to a strong housing market.
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John Kolenda

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