Gold Coast developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/big-projects">Big Projects</a> has secured approval for its second Mermaid Beach project.

The developer, currently selling <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-frederick-mermaid-beach-2265-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">The Frederick in Nobby Beach</a>, has secured approval for its next project just 1.5 kilomnetres up the road.

The new development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/glenelg-residences-2462-2472-gold-coast-highway-mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Glenelg Residences</a>, has been designed by BDA Architecture and&nbsp;will have just under 100 apartments across an 11-storey building&nbsp;at 2462–2472 Gold Coast Highway, on the corner of Glenelg Avenue just under 300m from the future Mermaid Beach Light Rail stop.

The apartments, a mix of two- and three-bedrooms, will sit above a retail-focused ground plane and under extensive rooftop resident amenities.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.04%20am.png?VersionId=z6NV4izeuvhBSSVlY6vK6TPO1LxrFeaG" />

BDA said in its planning submission that the project is intended to support the area’s transition toward higher-density, mixed-use living. “This project offers the opportunity to generate appropriate higher-intensity development within the future Light Rail corridor of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>,” the submission noted.

At ground level, Glenelg Residences will include eight retail tenancies designed to activate the street frontage, complemented by a basement bar offering an additional hospitality element. Above, residents will have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring an infinity pool, hot and cold plunge spas, day beds, and barbecue facilities.

The architectural approach adopts a restrained material palette of brick, textured concrete, and integrated landscaping, with cantilevered concrete frames and cascading planting intended to soften the built form. BDA described the design as aiming to create “a memorable sculptural mid-rise mixed-use building” that responds to both its coastal setting and urban context.

<img alt="Exclusive: Big Projects plot Mermaid Beach apartment development, Glenelg Residences" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202024-06-11%20at%209.55.45%20am.png?VersionId=cpjIVBqcT_sujmo2UMWkVyLcQ7WGJHaQ" />

The approval comes as the City of Gold Coast continues to plan for significant population growth, with regional targets requiring more than 100,000 new high-density dwellings by 2046.

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Big Projects, led by Matthew and John Barrett, is part of a growing cohort of developers that deliver construction in-house, providing a high level of confidence to prospective purchasers.
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150260]

Joel Robinson

Big Projects secures approval for Glenelg Residences in Mermaid Beach

Sherpa Group is ramping up its investment in the southern Gold Coast by lodging a development application for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, a new $350 million project in Coolangatta.

The move comes after the group’s $27 million acquisition of the 2,029 sqm site on the corner of Griffith and Warner Street, last year.

They will develop 194 apartments across a 26-storey tower, which will become Sherpa’s largest project to date.

Viveré will be the next chapter in the Flourish story, following closely behind Amargo, Oasis, and the Avenues in Palm Beach, as well as Symphony in Brisbane, all designed to deliver affordable housing in lifestyle-rich locations, giving locals a real chance to secure a residence close to the beachfront.

The HAL Architect-designed project will offer a diverse range of residences, from one-, two, and three- bedroom apartments to the premium Canopy range to luxury penthouses.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c85f5a7e-a22f-4745-8def-400adb3c0b35" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.43%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OY.chur3BPExn1exQ2q8clHqWnW_CaBi" />

“The Gold Coast is undergoing a period of immense growth, with more people drawn to the incredible 
lifestyle that’s available, leading to strong growth in property prices,” said Christie Leet, founder of Sherpa 
Group.

“Our goal at Sherpa is to ensure locals are not priced out of the market in prime locations, which is why we 
created the Flourish collection.

“Flourish Vivere will form the next chapter in our portfolio, and we are so excited to be lodging the DA, marking our first project in Coolangatta.”

A signature of the Flourish developments is the communal rooftop. Flourish Vivere will showcase a private resident’s lounge, outdoor dining with barbecues and pizza ovens, heated pool, fully-equipped gym, and a wellness centre with sauna and steam room.

<img alt="Vivere" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c09372cc-aae6-4458-af2e-f291bd19a5e5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-04-15%20at%209.53.49%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Sc_RLXl5jiff.tnadogXjQJ_WIpDjf3p" />

The project is strategically located to offer a walkable lifestyle, with the Strand shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, shops and the beach, all just a short stroll away.

“We have meticulously planned Vivere to build on the Flourish legacy, creating a truly special project,”&nbsp;Leet added.

“Wellness, lifestyle and community are at the forefront of every decision we make, and that has not 
changed for Vivere.”

With the DA now lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, Sherpa has moved quickly to secure LPS Group as the builder, offering buyers a level of certainty that is rarely seen in today’s market.

Sherpa has delivered 16 residential projects over the past seven years with a pipeline of $1 billion, with more under construction.

Sherpa takes Flourish brand to Coolangatta, lays plans for Flourish Vivere 

S&amp;S Projects is boosting its investment at Rainbow Bay to more than $1 billion after the prolific Gold Coast developer acquired a new site for $20.25 million and immediately laid plans for a new luxury apartment project in the sought-after precinct.

The site, which is the company’s fifth acquisition at Rainbow Bay in the past four years, will be home to the company’s largest project to date after delivering 3 sold-out projects and construction progresses on Radia worth a combined $215m. 
S&amp;S Projects is currently finalising plans for its latest strategic acquisition, a 1,518 sqm site located 209-213 Boundary Street in Coolangatta, with a development application expected to be lodged within weeks.

The luxury residential development will build on the company’s highly successful projects at Rainbow Bay, comprising Flow, Awaken, Esprit and Radia, with Radia currently under construction by Hutchinson Builders.

“We have been unflinching in our commitment to Rainbow Bay and the transformation we have helped drive in this incredible part of the Gold Coast, which is among the city’s most desirable residential locations,” said S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun.

“Our fifth project will reflect the best of what we have done so far to create a lifestyle precinct that is second to none.”

The latest development, which has yet to be named, is proposed to accommodate 88 luxury apartments in a design that will immerse residents in a unique wellness lifestyle that expands on the legacy of S&amp;S Project’s earlier developments at Rainbow Bay.

The development will feature an expansive rooftop garden and wellness centre with a resort- style pool, among a host of lifestyle amenities planned for residents.

“Rainbow Bay, with its beautiful, protected beach and alongside one of the world’s best surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, is the natural wellness heartland of the Gold Coast,” said Gedoun.

“We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden.”

The latest acquisition comes as S&amp;S Projects is at the completion of Esprit and construction continues on Radia, which are part of their significant portfolio undertaken by the company at Rainbow Bay since 2022.

The $215 million Radia, which comprises 38 apartments, is currently the flagship development by S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay which is expected to be completed in 2027.

Jayde Pezet, of Pezet Matheson, which has managed sales and marketing for S&amp;S Projects across their Gold Coast portfolio, emphasised the developer’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.

“S&amp;S Projects continue to elevate the benchmark of luxury with each development," Pezet said.

“We have worked with S&amp;amp;S on their 4 other projects in Rainbow Bay and their approach reflects a team that is constantly learning, refining, and pushing the standard higher.

“Their hyper-local knowledge and deep expertise within the luxury property sector are what truly set them apart, allowing them to deliver projects that feel both globally sophisticated and authentically connected to their coastal environment”

S&amp;S Projects plans to officially launch its latest project at Rainbow Bay in the second half of this year.

“As we embark on our largest project yet, we have pulled out all stops to create another landmark development that truly reflects the relaxed southern Gold Coast lifestyle,” Gedoun added.

S&S buys $20m Rainbow Bay site for fifth beachside apartment project

Japandi, an emerging design trend that combines Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism, remains relatively untested in Australia’s residential development market.

As developers look to differentiate their projects and offer something distinct to buyers, Brisbane-based developer Lantona has embraced the hybrid style for its recently launched Toowong apartment project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/koya-residences-6-josling-street-toowong-qld-4066">Koya Residences</a>, with early response to the design proving positive.

Lantona entrusted Red Door Architecture and interiors practice Luma Design Co with delivering the Japandi brief. The approach blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, emphasising warm, restrained interiors, natural materials and clean lines. Drawing on the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and the Scandinavian principle of hygge (comfort and cosiness), it creates serene, uncluttered and sustainable living environments.

These design principles are expressed throughout the Josling Street development, both in its exterior form and across the 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences within.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366229]

Koya reflects a deliberately scaled approach, with the five-storey form designed to align with the surrounding residential streetscape rather than dominate it.

“Koya is conceived as a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings. Every decision, from material selection to spatial planning, has been guided by long-term liveability and enduring relevance,” the developer said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366243]

Positioned within an established inner-west neighbourhood, the development sits near riverfront parklands and the Bicentennial Bikeway, while remaining within walking distance of Toowong Village and multiple public transport options connecting to the CBD, St Lucia and West End.

Lantona said the location was central to the project’s conception, pointing to Toowong’s balance of green space, transport access and proximity to major education institutions.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> combines river access, walkability, immediate CBD connection and a strong educational presence. That balance made it the obvious setting for Koya.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150787 project_image_fid=366230]

Communal amenity is concentrated on the rooftop, where a shared retreat will include a pool, dining areas and outdoor spaces oriented towards neighbourhood and city views. The design allows for both private use and small gatherings, extending the living environment beyond individual apartments.

Koya enters the market at a time when smaller-scale developments are becoming less common in established suburbs, with many recent projects in the suburb shooting for the sky.

In a nod of confidence,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/brisbane-builders">Brisbane Builders</a>&nbsp;has already commenced construction on the building, which is slated for completion in early 2027. Keenan &amp; Byrne is marketing Koya.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150787]

Japandi-inspired Koya Residences launch in Toowong

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A completed Castle Hill apartment development is returning to market with an uncommon level of financial backing, positioning it as one of the more secure options for buyers in Sydney’s north-west.

Skyview in Castle Hill, originally developed by Top Place and now overseen by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, is being relaunched following a full remediation process. Central to its repositioning is a substantial financial reserve designed to provide ongoing protection and reduce uncertainty for incoming purchasers.

At the core of this offering is an $11 million bond secured during the project’s remediation phase, negotiated by former NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler. With less than $4 million required to complete the works, approximately $7.2 million remains in reserve, with around 15 years left on the term.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359134]

Rather than a typical insurance-backed structure, the remaining funds are held as cash, creating a readily accessible financial buffer should any future building issues arise. The structure is intended to provide buyers with an added layer of certainty, differentiating the development from more conventional apartment offerings.

Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure provides a level of security not typically seen in apartment developments.

“The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers,” Huxley said.

“Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359135]

The remediation process has now been completed in full, with no active rectification orders or outstanding directives linked to the project on NSW Government registers. This outcome reflects the broader tightening of building oversight across the state, while also highlighting the project’s transition into a completed, compliant asset.

In a market where many buyers remain cautious about apartment quality, initiatives like this are designed to restore confidence, giving purchasers greater certainty and a stronger sense of security in their investment.

Equitifund has since acquired the remaining apartments and is managing their reintroduction to the market. With the works finalised and a significant financial reserve in place, the project now presents with a markedly different risk profile compared to its initial release.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359137]

Beyond the added security, the development is positioned in one of Castle Hill’s more established pockets. The Gay Street address places it within close proximity to Castle Towers, one of the country’s largest retail centres, as well as Castle Hill Metro Station, which now connects directly to the broader Sydney Metro network.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said buyer demand in the area continues to be driven by access to transport and amenity.

“Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre,” Hamblett said.

“There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359145]

The apartments also enter the market at a relatively accessible price point for the area, with two-bedroom configurations starting from $995,000 and rental demand for similar stock reaching around $900 per week. This combination of pricing, connectivity, and completed status is expected to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors seeking lower-risk entry into the Hills District apartment market.

For eligible buyers, a limited 3.50 per cent p.a. two-year fixed interest rate is currently available through Equitifund’s lending partners, providing an additional layer of affordability.

EquitiCredit Pty Ltd ACN 676 363 769 holds ACL 559289 and provides credit assistance. Finance is arranged through EquitiCredit and funded by its lending partners. Interest rates are subject to change and eligibility criteria apply. Terms, conditions, fees and charges may apply. This is not financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. Prospective buyers should seek independent financial advice.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]
</section>

Castle Hill apartments offering unmatched buyer protection through dedicated fund

Studio

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A studio in Melbourne has been listed by mortgagees at $240,000., down on its recent $260,000 asking price.
It started on the market last last year at $295,000.
It last sold at $180,000 in 2009 and initially at $228,000 in 2004.
Located in the heart of the CBD, the studio apartment in the Oaks on Collins building is only 500 metres from Southern Cross Station and tram stops.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-vic-melbourne-127153462" target="_blank">The 907/480 Collins Street</a> studio comes with the open-plan bedroom and living with views, kitchen with breakfast bar and a sleek bathroom.
Other features include reverse cycle split-system air-conditioner and built in robes.
It has been a $400 a week rental offering.
The median unit price sits on $469,000 according to CoreLogic.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

$240,000 Melbourne CBD studio listed by mortgagee

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Ipswich, the urban district south west of Brisbane, provided the nation's cheapest weekend buying opportunity.
It <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-north+booval-127367070" target="_blank">was a $155,000 sale</a> of a three bedroom house on 1047 sqm (above).
But it was only for the brave renovator or buyer prepared to start from scratch after its demolition.
Buyers who could "look past first impressions" and "know value when they see it" were encouraged to inspect, LJH agent Nick Ryan suggested.
The sale price represented a loss as it had last traded at $172,500 in 2006.
Its price was just above its $139,000 official land value. 
Meanwhile the national auction clearance rate edged up to 69.1 per cent across the capital cities as auction activity ramped up this week.
CoreLogic calculated some 1,963 homes were taken to auction, increasing from the 1,490 auctions held the prior week when 63.7 per cent of offerings found buyers under the hammer.
"Volumes are increasing at a slower pace," CoreLogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan said, noting on the same weekend last February there had been 2,291 offerings.
Sydney’s success rate soared back into the 70s with a 74.3 per cent clearance rate. 
"It was well above the trend over the final quarter of 2017 where auction clearance rates were tracking in the low 50 per cent range," Brogan said.
But it was on subdued volume as the 718 offerings was down on the 856 at the same time last year.
Sydney had the nation's top sale when $5,390,000 was paid in Strathfield for <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-strathfield-127278270" target="_blank">12 Elwin Street</a>. Devine selling agent Greg Emerton said it had been in the same family for 48 years. It was a solid two storey double five bedroom brick home on 1347 sqm.
A six-bedroom Hunters Hill home of health cookbook author Martyna Angell and her husband Matthew Candrick was another pricey Sydney sale (below).
<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/2018/2/19/hunters.jpg" alt="">
It fetched $3.685 million after the architect-designed<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-hunters+hill-127359002" target="_blank"> Park Road</a> home was called on the market at $3.65 million.
Redesigned by Mark Armstrong in 2008, the home had previously traded at $2.22 million in 2013.
Sydney's cheapest result was an eastern suburbs studio apartment, for the second consecutive week.
The 28 square metre studio apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-studio-nsw-centennial+park-127301106" target="_blank">7E/105 Cook Rd, Centennial Park</a> fetched $390,000 pre-auction (below).
<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/2018/2/19/cent.jpg" alt="">
"It was an undercapitalised property easily accessible to Bondi Junction and the CBD," selling agent Felice Cotroneo said. 
There had been a $506,000 at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-studio-nsw-paddington-127322498" target="_blank">11/339 Oxford Street</a> on the prior weekend for a 21 square metre offering.
Melbourne's cheapest sale was also a studio apartment which sold at $230,000.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-vic-elwood-127378518" target="_blank">22/131 Glen Huntly Rd, Elwood</a> offering had been tipped to fetch between $220,000 to $240,000.
Melbourne, where 923 properties went to auction, up from 619 on the prior weekend, recorded a steady 70.7 per cent preliminary clearance rate. 
"This was the first week in some time where Sydney has outperformed Melbourne," Kevin Brogan noted.
Melbourne's top sale was a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-toorak-127385682" target="_blank">32A St Georges Road, Toorak</a> that sold for its reserve price of $3.2 million.
It had been marketed as having a $2.9 million to $3.19 million price guidance.
There were two bidders with an Australian investor living offshore securing the offering against bidding from a locally based Chinese family, Domain advised.
It was a 1930s Geoffrey Sommers designed residence with more recent renovations by Nicholas Day.
A knockdown four bedroom weatherboard home on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-south+yarra-127393726" target="_blank">a 436 sqm block in South Yarra</a> fetched $3.03 million.
It had been tipped to fetch between $2.4 million and $2.6 million.
Adelaide recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 67.3 per cent. Prices ranged from $265,000 in Morphett Vale to $1,316,999 at Rose Park.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-rose+park-127469594" target="_blank">The 16 Grant Av, Rose Park result</a> was well above the $1.1 million expectations for the four bedroom 1900 sandstone offering.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Studio apartments and knockdowns popular at weekend auctions

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The Bendel family have listed their bold and bright 1950s Potts Point studio apartment investment. 
Its colour scheme was inspired by Mighty Mouse, the animated super hero.
It was the work of industrial designer Nicholas Gurney at 22/147 Brougham Street for which he got a shortlisted commendation at the Australian Interior Design Awards in 2013.
The top floor 27 sqm space comes with views of the city skyline and the Harbour Bridge.
Last traded $406,000 in June 2013, it goes to May 23 auction through Richardson &amp; Wrench.
The highest recorded studio apartment price in Potts Point over the past year sits at $635,000 on nearby Victoria Street.
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The brightest 27 sqm studio in Potts Point 

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Quest Apartment Hotels has opened the first of its three new New South Wales properties planned for 2016 – the Quest St Leonards at 10 Atchison Street in the lower North Shore suburb of Sydney.
One of Sydney’s suburban skyscraper clusters, St Leonards has 79 studio apartments, gymnasium, swimming pool and a car park.
The building is five kilometres from the CBD. 
Quest CEO Zed Sanjana emphasised the importance of the Sydney market in the company’s growth strategy. 
“According to STR Global data from the September quarter 2015, occupancy in Greater Sydney increased to almost 86% – positioning the city as the top performer in Australia’s hotel market. This demand is simply not being met by supply – an issue we are addressing with the three properties scheduled to open this year,” he said. 
“Quest St Leonards is located within a triangle of prominent commercial centres of Sydney – the CBD, North Sydney, and Chatswood – with a growing number of national and international companies choosing to base themselves in these areas.
“I am looking forward to considerably growing Quest’s presence in Sydney, expanding our offering in 2016 to include St Leonards, Bella Vista and Macquarie Park,” he said.
Bella Vista will follow in June and Macquarie Park in December
St Leonards’ own commercial centre continues to expand, providing one of the largest office markets in metropolitan Sydney.
Quest has a strong pipeline of property openings this year, opening in 11 new locations. In addition to St Leonards, this includes: West Perth, Mounts Bay Road, East Perth and Fremantle (WA); Newcastle West, Bella Vista and Macquarie Park (NSW); Port Adelaide (SA); Dandenong Central (VIC); and Petone (New Zealand). 
 
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