After inspecting the a mixture of new apartment developments in Sydney's thriving north west corridor, Rouse Hill downsizers Lynne and Dale Kennedy were set to buy a two-bedroom apartment in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ellipse-property-group">Ellipse Property</a>’s Carrington Place development, until they saw the penthouse floorplans.

The retired police officer and her builder husband, aged in their mid-60’s, quickly upsized to a three-bedroom penthouse within the Atrium building, the first stage of the Castle Hill masterplan.

Their luxury apartment is one of eight in Atrium’s exclusive Penthouse Collection and features striking interior design. The penthouses offer flexible open-plan layouts with abundant space and tranquillity. With two living spaces, walk-in wardrobes and butlers’ pantries, Atrium’s penthouses feature large balconies with sweeping views to Cattai Creek and the wider Hills District.&nbsp;

“As soon as we saw the floorplan for this penthouse, we knew it was the one for us," Lynne said.

"It is oversized with abundant storage, so we know we are not going to feel cramped, even though we are downsizing from a large, five-bedroom family home. The open-plan design spills out to a large deck, perfect for entertaining and when the grandchildren visit. The finishes are top-quality and I love the butler’s pantry and integrated appliances in the kitchen – with the steam oven, pyrolytic oven and coffee machine all built in.”

High-quality material finishes and premium appliances are used throughout Atrium’s penthouse collection. Miele appliances in the newly-released Pearl Beige finish, Vintec wine fridges, Parisi tapware and fireplaces are set within luxe finishes including pure wool carpets and statement Caesarstone benchtops. Built-in barbecues, and in some cases bars and skylights, are further signature features of the penthouse design.

Dale Kennedy owns Inspect It FIRST, a building inspection company he has operated for over 25 years. With stringent views on design and build integrity, he was quick to recognise the quality behind the architectural design and iCIRT-rated builder, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode Group</a>.

“This penthouse sets a new benchmark in terms of quality and attention to detail. The floorplan is well-considered - special features like the skylight are a stand-out and not typical in new builds. The iCIRT-rated builder adds a further level of comfort buying off-the-plan, and we are confident that the finished apartment will be high-quality with no nasty surprises,” said Dale.

The Kennedy’s are excited at the freedom that apartment living will unlock for them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360287]

“We won’t have to maintain a house, swimming pool and gardens anymore, and are looking forward to having more leisure time," Lynne added.

"The low maintenance apartment lifestyle and security of the building means we can travel more and take extended trips. We can simply ‘lock and leave’, something we can’t do with a big house. We also love the location so close to Showground Metro Station and retail precinct, but without being in the thick of it. Everything is literally on our doorstep, just a few minutes’ walk. It will be so convenient being able to access the city so easily and not having to drive to the shops.”

After 11 years in their home on Morrisey Way, Rouse Hill, the couple will sell it before moving into their new penthouse. The expansive five-bedroom family home features a cinema, swimming pool and six-car garage.

There are just six penthouses left in Atrium’s Penthouse Collection in a mix of three- and four-bedroom configurations, ranging from 160 to 334 sqm in size and priced from $3.025 million to $5.4 million.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360286]

According to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>, exclusive sales agents at Carrington Place, Atrium’s Penthouse Collection is meeting a groundswell of demand from local downsizers – aligned with broader trends in Metro-connected suburbs across Sydney.

“The Penthouse Collection sets a new standard for apartments in Castle Hill,"&nbsp;said Blake Schulze, National Director – Residential at Colliers.

"There is simply nothing else like these penthouses. Downsizers are drawn to their house-like scale and premium finishes. With sought-after views plus access to outstanding new local amenities, the Penthouse Collection unlocks a new lifestyle for buyers.

Schulze says buyers are drawn to Carrington Place’s lifestyle with close proximity to the Showground precinct’s vibrant mix of retail and dining options.

"Being able to walk to the Metro and this rapidly emerging lifestyle hub is of huge appeal to this demographic.”

According to Puja Khanna, Associate Director at Ellipse Property, the carefully curated interiors are proving to be a point of difference.&nbsp;

“Our floorplans have been thoughtfully considered, knowing that many buyers will be downsizing from large homes," Khanna says.

"Smart and abundant storage was an absolute must. And for many of our buyers, entertaining is a priority – with adult children, grandchildren and family visiting and sometimes staying over. We made sure bedrooms are spacious and living spaces are oversized, and kitchens incorporate butler’s pantries alongside the latest appliances."

Atrium is under construction by award-winning iCIRT-rated builder Decode Group, with completion scheduled for Q3 2026.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151821 project_image_fid=360285]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lily-lane-at-carrington-place-castle-hill-32-carrington-road-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Lily Lane</a>, the second stage&nbsp;of Carrington Place, is set to commence construction later this month on the back of Atrium’s significant sales success, with 85 per cent of all apartments now sold.

Carrington Place will be constructed across multiple stages and deliver more than 800 new homes, with the entire precinct set for completion in 2032. It will feature abundant open space with over 20,000 sqm of outdoor recreational area, including a one-kilometre boardwalk to the nearby Fred Caterson Reserve.&nbsp;

The project is also integrated with the surrounding bushland, with a site boundary that stretches to the edge of Cattai Creek, immersing residents in the beauty of Sydney’s ‘Garden Shire’.

The Hills Showground Metro Station is just a two-minute walk away, offering fast connectivity to Sydney’s CBD, North Sydney, Chatswood, Macquarie Park and Norwest Business Park.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151821]

Joel Robinson

Local downsizers set sights on Carrington Place, Castle Hill penthouses

Lifestyle, residential and wellness developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/lowe-living">Lowe Living</a>, and joint venture development partner lNT.RE (formerly Icon Developments) have announced the popular SOAK Bathhouse brand will anchor the ground floor of their $160m luxury <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/emerald-place-by-lowe-living-200-clarendon-street-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Emerald Place</a> development at 182-200 Clarendon St, South Melbourne, which is set to open in August 2026.&nbsp;

This will be the second Melbourne outpost for the SOAK Bathhouse brand, after its inaugural Victorian location in South Yarra launched in 2025, which has quickly become a staple in Melbourne’s bathing and wellness scene.&nbsp;

SOAK Bathhouse has signed a 10-year partnership to take out the 459sqm prime corner ground-floor tenancy, which will join the other two retail tenancies, high-end commercial space and 38 ultra-luxury residential apartments and penthouses above.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135816 project_image_fid=365847]

SOAK Bathhouse is renowned for its luxurious and socially-focused mineral pools, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, infrared LED therapies, and massage services. Its arrival at Emerald Place, South Melbourne marks a significant milestone for both brands and for South Melbourne.&nbsp;

While the specific inclusions of the venue are still under wraps, SOAK Bathhouse has confirmed the space will be equipped with a signature SOAK Bathhouse mineral pool, cold plunge, saunas and steam room, alongside a lush dedication to verdant greenery and ferns throughout the tranquil bathing spaces.&nbsp;

SOAK Bathhouse will serve both Emerald Place residents and the broader South Melbourne business community, creating a wellness destination that bridges the gap between work and home. For residents, it's a daily ritual on their doorstep. For the surrounding office workers, it's a place to decompress, recharge and transition between professional and personal life.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135816 project_image_fid=365850]

The partnership has underpinned Lowe Living’s commitment to delivering wellness-led amenities that not only embed physical spaces within the projects but integrate established, renowned wellness brands to anchor and operate these spaces.&nbsp;

Through the partnership with SOAK Bathhouse, penthouse buyers will be granted complimentary memberships, while all other residents of the Emerald Place development will benefit from exclusive discounted access. Together, these privileges deliver a compelling lifestyle enhancement and a lasting investment in wellbeing.&nbsp;

Lowe Living has been steadily carving out a niche in the luxury property market as a wellness-led developer, having a partnership with the Sorrento-based Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse to offer a private, residents-only wellness spaces at its upcoming Camberwell and Brighton projects.&nbsp;

These partnerships with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse and now SOAK Bathhouse, reinforce a broader shift across Lowe Living’s portfolio towards a meaningful commitment to health-focused amenity and wellness offerings.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135816 project_image_fid=231195]

Since its inaugural offering in Mermaid Beach, which has since expanded nationally across Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne, SOAK Bathhouse has grown into a leading contemporary bathhouse brand, attracting a dedicated following thanks to its unique social-focused approach to bathing.&nbsp;

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said the Lowe Living team "view our partnerships as an extension of our design philosophy."

"We align with brands that genuinely elevate the everyday experience of our residents and deliver tangible value for our purchasers that enrich their lives.&nbsp;SOAK Bathhouse was a natural fit for Lowe Living and specifically Emerald Place. Their approach to contemporary bathing and social wellness strongly aligns with our vision of creating homes that prioritise long-term health, connection and lifestyle.”&nbsp;

Tim Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said securing Melbourne’s second SOAK Bathhouse for Emerald Place is a significant milestone for Lowe Living, INT.RE and South Melbourne.&nbsp;

“This partnership reflects the continued evolution of luxury residential development," Lowe says.

"Today’s buyers are looking beyond finishes and floorplans and investing in holistic living environments, not just inside their apartments but in the communal and wider local amenity offerings, too."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135816]

Lowe Living secures SOAK Bathhouse on 10-year lease at Emerald Place, South Melbourne development

While the Gold Coast continues to densify around key transport and lifestyle nodes, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a> has retained its village-like charm even as demand intensifies for walkable beachside living. It’s a suburb that holds firm to its community feel, while sitting within one of Australia’s fastest-growing urban corridors.

Developer DANKAV put the neighbourhood and its residents first when drawing up the plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-alfred-residences-mermaid-beach-2375-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Alfred Residences</a>, which will replace the former Mermaid Beach Shopping Village near Nobby Beach. The project marks a rare example of precinct renewal at a truly local scale.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-alfred-residences-mermaid-beach-2375-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Alfred Residences</a>&nbsp;comprises a wide variety of one- and two-bedroom apartments, set above a new ground plane of curated hospitality and boutique retailers, all framed by generous laneways, shaded plazas, and garden paths designed to enhance pedestrian flow and public interaction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149942 project_image_fid=355148]

The site’s configuration reflects both a respect for the area's established rhythm and a recognition of its future trajectory, particularly with the planned Mermaid Beach South light rail station directly across the road.

Residents will find immediate access to both everyday needs and broader connectivity. A Woolworths Metro and local cafés are already operating nearby, while the beach sits just 100 metres from The Alfred’s front door. Pacific Fair, the region’s flagship retail centre, is also close by, with an extensive mix of dining, fashion and entertainment.&nbsp;

For those commuting or exploring beyond Mermaid Beach, the upcoming light rail link promises seamless movement north through Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and into Southport, expanding access without the need for a car.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149942 project_image_fid=355150]

Neighbouring locales such as Miami and Nobby Beach further enrich the lifestyle offering. These established precincts contribute everything from surf clubs and oceanfront parks to laid-back dining venues and independent retailers, all within a short walk or bike ride.&nbsp;

The Alfred effectively places residents within one of the Gold Coast’s most liveable pockets, where the essentials of daily life converge with long-term infrastructure planning and timeless natural appeal.

Predominantly local buyers jumped at the first release at The Alfred Residences, transacting the majority of the release in a matter of weeks. Demolition of the former shopping village is now underway, and Dankav expects completion of the first collection of residences in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149942]

The Alfred Residences brings village-style living to the heart of Mermaid Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a> is better known for bus interchanges and Westfield than for high-end apartment towers. Kabbalah, on Playfield Street, is a deliberate push against that reputation.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/playfield-developments">Playfield Developments</a>, the building holds 64 apartments, all three and four bedrooms, across its 13 storeys. The apartments are generous by any measure: lower-floor three-bedrooms start at 164 sqm, each with a multi-purpose room and private balcony, while the north-facing penthouse stretches to 382 sqm. Every residence comes with two car spaces.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ana-architects">ANA Architects</a>, the Brisbane firm behind the 25-storey Willahra Tower on Queen Street and the 45-storey Mantra on Mary in the CBD, shaped the building around curved forms drawn from the natural landscape. Balcony gardens run throughout, with planter boxes worked into the private outdoor spaces of each apartment, giving residents greenery at the threshold rather than just at the rooftop.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149578 project_image_fid=354319]

That rooftop carries its own weight: a pool, landscaped gardens, and outdoor entertaining areas sit above the city, designed as much for quiet evenings as for hosting. The wellness offering continues at ground level, where a centre with pool, sauna, and communal lounge zones anchors the building's other end. Together they give the building a rhythm, somewhere to arrive at the top and somewhere to retreat to below.

The site itself is part of the pitch. "One of the last available sites to develop in an established precinct," is how Playfield Developments describes the Playfield Street address, and the surrounding context backs that up. Westfield Chermside, the second largest Westfield in Australia, is within a few minutes on foot, along with its dining precinct and cinema complex.&nbsp;

The Chermside bus interchange connects directly to the Brisbane CBD and across the northern suburbs via more than 20 Translink routes, with the CBD roughly 15 minutes away by road. The Prince Charles Hospital, one of Queensland's major teaching hospitals and the state's leading cardiac centre, is roughly a kilometre up the road on Rode Road.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149578 project_image_fid=354321]

Place Projects is handling sales, bringing a track record across some of Queensland's largest residential developments. Early buyer response has centred on the finishes and scale, "buyers consistently comment on the high-quality finishes throughout the apartments," the sales team notes, pointing to craftsmanship and considered design as the recurring draw.&nbsp;

"They're looking for generously sized apartments that offer both space and functionality, combined with a strong lifestyle offering," Place Projects says.

Construction has been awarded to Clearcon, with completion slated for late 2027. Pricing runs from $1.5 million for a lower-floor three-bedroom up to $3.65 million for the penthouse.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149578]

Playfield Developments brings 64 apartments to Chermside with Kabbalah

More than 3,000 dwellings are currently selling or gearing up to launch across Surfers Paradise, the suburb’s most concentrated apartment pipeline in years. At least eight projects are already in market, with more moving through registration and presale, creating a meaningful wave of new supply.

This isn’t happening in a vacuum. Strong interstate migration into Queensland, particularly the Gold Coast, continues to underpin demand, with the local population expected to push past 800,000 in the early 2030s.

We’re also seeing solid early-stage buyer activity. As usual, the earliest phases tend to offer the best mix of pricing and choice, before the more popular layouts get snapped up.

Comparing Surfers Paradise projects? Browse all listings → <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">View all Surfers Paradise apartments</a>

<hr data-end="1189" data-start="1186" />
<h2 data-end="1218" data-section-id="tdhbfr" data-start="1191">How to Read the Pipeline</h2>

Apartment projects in Surfers Paradise are at various stages of their project lifecycle, from pre-launch, selling now, construction commenced, or construction complete.

Where you buy in that cycle matters.

<ul data-end="1674" data-start="1409">
	<li data-end="1542" data-section-id="d5c11p" data-start="1409">Registration and&nbsp;presale: Typically the lowest price points and best choice, but with longer wait times to completion</li>
	<li data-end="1608" data-section-id="plnjqp" data-start="1543">Under construction: Greater certainty, shorter timelines.</li>
	<li data-end="1674" data-section-id="13k7yl8" data-start="1609">Completed: No construction risk, but pricing reflects that.</li>
</ul>

The projects below are grouped by stage to help buyers understand where they sit in the buying window.

<hr data-end="1942" data-start="1939" />
<h2 data-end="1967" data-section-id="zj5dj7" data-start="1944">Projects Now Selling</h2>

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a> is the newest apartment development to launch in Surfers Paradise.

Exhale, being developed by SIERA, comprises just 54 apartments, a density not often seen in Surfers. It sits on the corner of Enderley Avenue and Garfield Terrace, just off Northcliffe Beach. SIERA Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson spent over a year trying to secure the rare beachside site.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

SIERA engaged BDA Architecture to design the building, with a striking glass curtain wall&nbsp;façade.

Offering two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, Exhale will also offer its residents a two-level wellness podium with a heated magnesium pool, spa, sauna, Nordic&nbsp;cold shower, and biophilic designed landscaped gardens.

There's also a dedicated Pilates and yoga studio, library and reading retreat, cinema lounge, and private dining room with a private bar and wine cellar.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Exhale →</a>

<hr data-end="2500" data-start="2497" />
Paradiso Place is the largest project currently in market in Surfers Paradise. Developer SPG Land recently begun construction on its 845-unit development they are bringing to 103 Ferny Avenue.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106566 project_image_fid=185858]

At this scale, it’s effectively its own sub-market, offering a wide mix of configurations across multiple price points, from entry-level investor stock through to larger owner-occupier product. Amenities include a pool, gym, and outdoor spaces.

With projects of this size, early buyers typically benefit most from the broader selection before key layouts are taken up.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/paradiso-place-surfers-paradise-103-ferny-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Paradiso Place →</a>

<hr data-end="2500" data-start="2497" />
Jewel Residences is the only completed development on this list. The three towers, which drastically altered the Surfers Paradise skyline when they were complete in 2020 from their dress circle position&nbsp;at 36 Old Burleigh Road, home 512 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8843 project_image_fid=264503]

With the six-star The Langham within the middle tower, Jewel offers&nbsp;​​​​​​significant hospitality venues including&nbsp;signature restaurants, a bar, cafe, and a resort pool with a swim-up bar

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/jewel-residences-surfers-paradise-36-old-burleigh-road-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Jewel Residences </a>

<hr data-end="2938" data-start="2935" />
Andrews Projects recently commenced construction at South Beach, just shy of 400 apartments at 3006–3016 Surfers Paradise Boulevard. Prices start from $1.08 million for the one-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8887 project_image_fid=358399]

Central to the South Beach offering is a 5,500m sqm wellness and lifestyle precinct designed around the concept of renewal as a daily ritual.

The wellness facilities include sunrise and sunset pools, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, plunge baths, a Hammam, traditional and infrared saunas, red-light therapy and dedicated treatment rooms. A Technogym gym,&nbsp;cinema, co-working lounge and a range of indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining spaces, including BBQ terraces, complete the amenity.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/south-beach-surfers-paradise-3006-3016-surfers-paradise-boulevard-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about South Beach →</a>

<hr data-end="3316" data-start="3313" />
Another new entry to the market is Palmera Residences, developed by Central Equity at 18 Garfield Terrace. That majority of the 347 residences are large three-bedroom apartments, priced from just shy of $3 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=361247]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>&nbsp;is being constructed in the prestigious Northcliffe residential neighbourhood on an expansive 3,239 sqm site. It is located at 18 Garfield Terrace near the Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club and the patrolled Northcliffe surf beach, situated between&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a>.

Residents will have private access to extensive, state-of-the-art amenities, featuring two large pools including a generously scaled, family-friendly pool with safe shallow zones, and a 25-metre lap pool facing the western side, ensuring maximum sunlight all day.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-surfers-paradise-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Palmera Residences →</a>

<hr data-end="3711" data-start="3708" />
26 Vista has benefitted from the boom in Surfers Paradise over the last few years. Over 70 per cent of the 280 apartments have sold, with the remaining priced from $1.86 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112730 project_image_fid=365605]

26 Vista, being developed by MRCB, is scheduled to complete in late 2030 and has attracted strong interest from locals and interstate buyers, Matt George, from project marketer Urban Activation, says.

“The diverse mix of buyers we’ve seen investing in this development stands as a testament to the superior product that is being offered. 26 Vista is truly the gold standard for coastal living, with its thoughtfully considered design and its commitment to providing residents with five-star luxury in sub-tropical surrounds.”

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-surfers-paradise-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about 26 Vista →</a>

<hr data-end="3711" data-start="3708" />
Away from the beach and closer to the Budds Beach area of Surfers Paradise is Homecorp's new tower, Florence Residences.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=357950]

The Monte Carlo building has 116 apartments amid a suite of wellness spaces including&nbsp;a private residents’ only wellness club including a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217" style="text-decoration:none">Enquire about Florence Residences →</a>

<hr data-end="4321" data-start="4318" />
<h2 data-end="4364" data-section-id="1bj0450" data-start="4323">The Broader Pipeline</h2>

There's a lot more to come in Surfers Paradise in the coming years. The most interest is likely the two-tower beachfront project proposed by Winx billionaire John Camilleri. The two towers, which will comprise 275 apartments, are to be connected by a 45-storey skybridge.

On the more boutique end, Cavella, by SEYAH, will have <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-seyah-to-launch-cavella-in-emerging-sunrise-boulevard-surfers-paradise-pocket-following-density-rethink">just 18 residences</a> across a more modestly-sized 12-level building, also nearer the river than the beach.

For a broader view, see our breakdown of the top 10 new apartment projects launching on the Gold Coast in 2026, covering key opportunities suburb by suburb.

<hr data-end="5185" data-start="5182" />
<h2 data-end="5234" data-section-id="1kp72fk" data-start="5187">What Buyers Should Weigh Up Before Enquiring</h2>

Where a project sits in the development cycle matters just as much, if not more than, the price.

An off-the-plan apartment at registration stage may offer the lowest entry point, but it typically comes with a 24–36 month settlement timeline.

Later-stage projects trade some of that upside for greater certainty, so the right choice ultimately depends on your timeframe, risk appetite, and what you’re prioritising: price, selection, or delivery.

The 3,000 apartments to reshape Surfers Paradise skyline

Shana Miller

<html><body>
CoreLogic RP Data is currently tracking 2,871 auctions across Australia this week and 2,295 of these are in the capital cities. At the same time last year, auction volumes were lower at 2,053.
Last weekend marked the final weekend for auctions in April and while the number of auctions was low, the combined capital city clearance rate remained strong, showing that the demand for the homes that did make it to auction did not waver. The final auction clearance rate for last week was 82.3% across 604 auctions. While last week’s clearance rate is the strongest result on record, given Anzac Day, auction volumes were around 70% lower than the average number of auctions that has been held each week so far this year.
Last week’s result brings the April clearance rate for the combined capitals to 78.8%, well above the same time last year when the clearance rate over the month was 66.4% and higher than the 76.6% recorded in March.
Currently, there are 1,033 auctions scheduled in Melbourne for this week, compared to 891 at the same time last year. Last week, the clearance rate across the 183 auctions held was 86.6%, a strong result, despite the low volume. Last week’s result brings the clearance rate for April to 79.7%.
In Sydney, the auction clearance rate for last week was 89.7% across 285 auctions. The result was the strongest on record for the city; however, given the low number of auctions, it could be argued that it was not as significant as the 87.0% recorded across 988 auctions the previous week. This week, Sydney is expecting 815 residential auctions. Over the past four weeks, April proved to be a strong month for Sydney, with the auction clearance rate above 83% each week.
There are 172 auctions expected across Brisbane this week, compared to 41 last week and 142 at the same time last year. The final auction clearance rate was recorded at 61.5% for Brisbane last week, a strong result for the city.
This week, Adelaide is expecting 156 auctions, up from 59 last week and 97 at the same time last year. Last week Adelaide’s clearance rate was 59.2%.
Canberra’s auction clearance rate from last week was 71.4% with just 23 homes taken to auction. This week, CoreLogic RP Data is expecting 55 auctions which are relatively similar to the 47 homes taken to auction one year ago.
There will be 43 Perth homes taken to auction this week, up from 12 last week and 41 at the same time last year.
The highest volume of auctions for any one individual suburb this week is outside of the main capital city auction markets in Armidale, New South Wales. Currently, CoreLogic RP Data is tracking 21 Armidale homes that are set for auction this week. The number of auctions scheduled in the Victorian suburbs of South Yarra (18) and Reservoir (17) is also high.
</body></html>

smiller-vwPjRHTkST

Residential auction markets set to become busy again: Shana Miller

<html><body>
After two subdued weeks for auctions, the number of auctions held across the combined capital cities increased this week, with 2,033 capital city properties taken to auction, compared to just 881 over the previous week. 
The preliminary clearance rate for last week was recorded at 66.3%, having increased from 64.6% the previous week. After an unseasonably strong start to the year, auction clearance rates are showing signs of softening, albeit only by a very small amount.
One year ago, there were 1,749 capital city properties taken to auction and the auction clearance rate was recorded at 67.7%. This is the first time so far this year where the current clearance rate has underperformed when compared to the same time one year ago.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Capital-city.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3192" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Capital-city.jpg" alt="20140504 Capital city" width="1003" height="734"></a>
In Sydney last week, 817 auctions were scheduled and the preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 75.7%, up from 71.3% over the previous week when the auction market was much quieter, with 361 Sydney properties taken to auction.
So far this year, Sydney has been the strongest performing auction market in terms of clearance rates and has continuously been stronger when compared to the same week last year, however, this gap is beginning to close, with the current clearance rate more reflective of the clearance rates seen across the city at the same time last year when the market was beginning to strengthen.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3197" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Sydney.jpg" alt="20140504 Sydney" width="996" height="651"></a>
A preliminary clearance rate of 63.7% was recorded last week in Melbourne from 691 auction results with a total of 878 auctions scheduled across the city.  At the same time last year, a clearance rate of 70.4% was recorded from 822 auctions. The total number of auction results will rise to exceed the total from last year but the clearance rate will not.
Auction demand for last week matched last month when a clearance rate of 62.3% was recorded. Overall results for April were lower than the 69.4% recorded in March.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3196" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Melbourne.jpg" alt="20140504 Melbourne" width="991" height="655"></a>
Much like Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane recorded an increase in auction volumes last week, with 141 properties taken to auction across the city. The preliminary auction clearance rate for these properties was recorded at 42.5%, down from 49.2% the previous week across just 66 auctions. At the same time last year the Brisbane clearance rate was recorded at 45.1% with 153 properties auctioned over the week.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3195" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Brisbane.jpg" alt="20140504 Brisbane" width="995" height="649"></a>
Last week, 98 Adelaide properties were taken to auction, up from 51 over the previous week. Similar to auction volumes, the auction clearance rate increased over the week from 64.4% to 65.6%. At the same time last year, conditions across the auction market were weaker with 92 auctions and a 56.4% clearance rate.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Adelaide.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3194" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140504-Adelaide.jpg" alt="20140504 Adelaide" width="998" height="662"></a>
If we take a quick look around Australia’s other capital cities and regions performance was varied, much like it is most weeks.
In Canberra there were 45 auctions with a clearance rate of 60%, in Perth 40 properties were auctioned and the clearance rate was recorded at 50%, while across the Northern Territory, 11 residential properties were taken to auction and the preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 37.5%.
Across Tasmania 14 properties were taken to auction over the week, but at this point RP Data has only collected five results, with no successful sales.
Currently, RP Data is tracking 1,376 capital city auctions over the coming week.
Melbourne auction commentary provided by Robert Larocca, RP Data’s Victorian housing market specialist.
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Clearance rates softening: RP Data's national auction market wrap

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On the back of low auction volumes, the preliminary auction clearance rate fell to the lowest reading so far this year.
Because of the ANZAC day long weekend, for the second week in a row, auction volumes across the combined capital cities were low. A total of 859 auctions were held across the capital cities, compared to 642 the previous week and the preliminary auction clearance rate fell from 65.5%t the previous week to 64.0% last week.
This is the lowest clearance rate seen so far this year and the lowest clearance rate since June last year. Volumes are expected to ramp up again over the coming week, with RP Data expecting 1,927 auctions to be held across the capital cities.
Much like last week, because auction volumes were much lower than usual, we will just provide some key stats to give a wrap up of the auction markets over the week:
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3161" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140427-Capital-city.jpg" alt="20140427 Capital city" width="983" height="364">
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3164" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140427-City-by-city-table1.jpg" alt="20140427 City-by-city table" width="845" height="249">
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Anzac Day weekend slowest of the year so far: RP Data's national auction market wrap

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Auction volumes were high across the capital cities, with Sydney breaking all time record.
There were a total of 3,491 capital city auctions held across Australia last week, up from 2,692 over the previous week. With auction volumes at the highest levels seen so far this year, clearance rates increased from 66.2% over the previous week to 68.9% last week with Sydney driving the strong clearance rate.
As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, we had expected auction volumes to peak before the Easter break as the next couple of weeks are likely to be pretty quiet on the auction front.
At the same time last year, the final auction clearance rate was recorded at 61.8% with 1,410 capital city properties having been taken to auction.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Capital-city.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3108" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Capital-city.jpg" alt="20140413 Capital city" width="990" height="722"></a>
There were 1,471 auctions held across Sydney last week, which means auction volumes have risen by nearly 30% when compared to the previous week when there were 1,137 Sydney auctions.
Despite this jump in auction volumes, the total number of auctions in Sydney was slightly less than in Melbourne over the week; however it was a record high for the city. Sydney’s preliminary clearance rate was resilient last week, despite the increased volumes, recorded at a sturdy 78.5%, compared to 73.2% over the previous week and just 67.2% at the same time last year, when there were 529 auctions held across the city.
At this stage, we expect just 392 Sydney auctions to be held over the coming week, with most of these occurring prior to Friday.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3110" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Sydney.jpg" alt="20140413 Sydney" width="1004" height="659"></a>
A preliminary clearance rate of 64.2% was recorded last week in Melbourne from 1,143 auction results compared to 63.6% recorded the previous week and 66.5% at the same time last year.
This weekend brings to a close the busiest first quarter for auctions in the city’s history. Compared to this time last year there have been 58% more auctions held. For the next two weeks the market will see significantly reduced volumes with Easter and Anzac Day causing many vendors to have already had their auctions or wait.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3109" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Melbourne.jpg" alt="20140413 Melbourne" width="1002" height="656"></a>
In terms of an increase in auction volumes over the week, Brisbane was the stand out last week, with auction volumes almost doubling. There were 236 residential properties taken to auction in Brisbane last week and the preliminary auction clearance rate was recorded at 45.7%, compared to a final auction clearance rate of 52.8% over the previous week when there were 123 Brisbane auctions. At the same time last year, just fewer than 100 auctions were held across the city and the clearance rate for the week was recorded at a 36.4%.
Last week was the second week so far this year where there have been more than 230 Brisbane auctions over the week. To put that into perspective, the average number of weekly auctions held over 2013 was 137, while so far this year, there has been an average of just under 150 auctions per week.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3107" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Brisbane.jpg" alt="20140413 Brisbane" width="994" height="649"></a>
Adelaide’s preliminary clearance rate for last week was recorded at a strong 73.8%, up from 62.1% over the previous week. Much like most of the other concentrated auction markets, Adelaide saw volumes increase over the week from 98 to 144. At the same time last year, Adelaide’s clearance rate was a lower 47.4% across the 63 properties that were taken to auction.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Adelaide.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3106" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140413-Adelaide.jpg" alt="20140413 Adelaide" width="990" height="649"></a>
Despite the overall increase in auction volumes over the week, there were three cities (Canberra, Darwin and Hobart) where the number of properties taken to auction last week was actually lower than the preceding week.
Taking a quick look around the cities, Perth’s clearance rate was almost unchanged last week at 33.3% across 55 auctions, Hobart saw a clearance rate of 50.0% with 16 auctions held across the city, Canberra had 50 auctions and a preliminary clearance rate of 65.5% and so far, one Darwin property has been reported as having successfully sold at auction.
RP Data is tracking just 590 auctions over the coming week with many of these auctions (just over 500) scheduled prior to the Easter weekend.
Melbourne auction commentary provided by Robert Larocca, RP Data’s Victorian housing market specialist.
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Sydney's strength lifts clearance rates: RP Data's national auction market wrap

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There were 2,669 auctions held across the combined capital cities last week, having fallen from 3,039 over the previous week.
While volumes were down when compared to the previous week, it is expected that this coming week will change that with auction volumes set to rise by 23%. Last week the preliminary auction clearance rate was recorded at 67.3% across the capital cities, compared to a final auction clearance rate of 67.7% the previous week.
At the same time last year, there were 1,308 capital city auctions and the final auction clearance rate was recorded at 61.7%.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Capital-city.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3082" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Capital-city.jpg" alt="20140406 Capital city" width="1003" height="729"></a>
In similar fashion to previous weeks, Sydney has recorded the strongest capital city auction clearance rate at 75.4% based on preliminary collection. There were 1,124 auctions held across the city last week, compared to 1,163 the previous week when the final auction clearance rate was recorded at 75.9%.
It is probably a good time to make mention of the fact that we have noticed over the past few weeks that we are seeing some downward revision each week when Sydney’s final results are being calculated. This is more than likely due to the reporting culture of auctions, where agents hold off on reporting their successful auction until they can confirm that no after auction result has been obtained. Over the same week last year, there were 528 Sydney properties taken to auction with 66.4% of these recording a successful result.
While Sydney’s auction market showed significant strength over the first quarter of 2014, it is interesting to see that this aligned with overall market performance. According to the RP Data-Rismark Daily Home Value Index, Sydney dwelling values increased by 4.4% over the March 2014 quarter. Based on the most recent weekly update, across the private treaty market, Sydney homes are currently selling at the fastest rate of any capital city.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Sydney.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3084" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Sydney.jpg" alt="20140406 Sydney" width="1000" height="654"></a>
For Melbourne there were 1,204 auctions across the city last week with a preliminary clearance rate of 63.4% recorded from 960 auction results compared to 66.9% recorded last weekend and 63.2% this weekend last year. Over March 2014 the clearance rate was 69.9% from 5,322 auctions.
House and unit values are definitely rising but the high auction volumes are continuing to provide buyers with increased opportunity which is also likely contributing to a lower clearance rates as buyers have a greater number of auction properties to choose from.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Melbourne.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3083" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Melbourne.jpg" alt="20140406 Melbourne" width="1002" height="651"></a>
Last week across the Brisbane auction market we saw conditions improve with the preliminary auction clearance rate recorded at 57.9%, with 122 Brisbane auctions held over the week.
Despite the strengthening clearance rate, last week was a sharp fall in Brisbane auction volumes after the busy week prior when there were 238 auctions held and a clearance rate of 47.1%, however, over the coming week volumes are set to ramp up again, with 218 Brisbane auction scheduled so far.
When we look at the Brisbane auction market at the same time last year, there were significantly less auctions (92) while the clearance rate was recorded at 49.3%, which is generally on par with the current market performance.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Brisbane.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3081" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Brisbane.jpg" alt="20140406 Brisbane" width="996" height="653"></a>
There were 98 Adelaide properties taken to auction last week, with the preliminary clearance rate coming in at 67.3%, compared to the previous week when the final clearance rate was recorded at 55.6% across 107 auctions.
At the same time last year, there were 54 Adelaide properties auctioned over the week, with half of the properties recording a successful result at the time of reporting.
<a href="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Adelaide.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3080" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/20140406-Adelaide.jpg" alt="20140406 Adelaide" width="989" height="652"></a>
Once again, auction activity across the other capital cities was much more subdued and again, results were mixed.
There were 33 auctions held in Perth last week and the preliminary clearance rate was recorded at 26.7%. Across Hobart, 22 properties went to auction with a clearance rate of 50.0% and a 43.8% clearance rate in Canberra across 66 auctions.
There were 8 auctions held in Darwin last week and so far RP Data has captured a result for 5 of these auctions. At this point, no successful results have been recorded.
There are currently 3,271 auctions being tracked by RP Data over the coming week, in what is set to be a busy week leading up to Easter.
*Melbourne auction commentary provided by Robert Larocca, RP Data’s Victorian housing market specialist
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Shana Miller

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