The Gold Coast economy has grown by 25 per cent since 2020/21 to surpass $55 billion, but perhaps the more significant story is what sits behind the headline number.

For decades, the Gold Coast has been viewed through the lens of tourism, lifestyle and population growth. The latest State of the City Report suggests that perception is increasingly out of step with reality.

Released by Invest Gold Coast, the report ranks the Gold Coast as Australia's largest non-capital city economy and, perhaps more notably, second nationally behind Sydney for Economic Complexity, a measure that assesses the diversity and sophistication of an economy.

It's a result that places the Gold Coast ahead of Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, highlighting the extent to which the city's economic base has broadened beyond its traditional industries.

Today, the Gold Coast supports more than 350,000 jobs, is home to over 83,000 businesses and generates $19 billion in annual exports. Manufacturing now accounts for 62 per cent of international export growth, while sectors including health, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and professional services are becoming increasingly important contributors to the local economy.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the report confirmed the city's evolution into one of Australia's most significant economies.

"The Gold Coast economy continues to grow at an incredible pace. This is no surprise to those of us who have watched the evolution up close," Mayor Tate said.

"As one of the most entrepreneurial, investment driven and opportunity focused economies in the country our ambition has been realised and possibilities are endless.

"The Gold Coast has built a reputation as the city that says yes. We say yes to investment, yes to opportunity and yes to people who want to build something.

"It's this mindset helping us drive major growth across health, advanced manufacturing, screen production, marine, technology and the knowledge economy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360975]

While population growth has been one of the defining stories of the past decade, the report points to a broader economic transformation taking place.

The city's knowledge economy now contributes $7.9 billion annually and supports around 31,000 jobs, while the health and wellbeing sector contributes $5.2 billion and employs more than 42,000 people. Together, the six priority sectors identified in the report account for almost $24 billion in economic output and more than 145,000 jobs.

One of the strongest examples is the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct at Southport. The 200-hectare precinct now contains more than $5 billion worth of health, education, research and innovation infrastructure and supports over 16,000 jobs.

The report also highlights the growing role of advanced manufacturing, particularly in aerospace, defence and modular construction.

Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies recently became the first Australian commercial company to attempt an orbital launch, while companies including Modscape and ModnPods are helping establish the Yatala-Stapylton corridor as one of Australia's fastest-growing advanced manufacturing hubs.

The city's entrepreneurial culture is also translating into business growth.

Since 2019/20, the number of businesses operating on the Gold Coast has increased by 22 per cent, while firms employing more than 200 people have grown by 80 per cent. The report suggests the next challenge is converting more local start-ups and medium-sized businesses into nationally significant companies.

Development activity remains another key indicator of confidence.

There are currently more than $23 billion worth of major projects underway across the Gold Coast, supported by a record 75 active cranes, a figure that now exceeds Brisbane and represents a 150 per cent increase since 2016.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112024 project_image_fid=343235]

Importantly, the report notes the next phase of investment will need to extend beyond residential development.

While 93 per cent of crane activity is currently tied to housing, Invest Gold Coast argues future investment will increasingly need to focus on cultural, civic, infrastructure and industry-enabling projects that strengthen the city's long-term economic resilience.

Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said the city was now benefiting from years of economic diversification.

"What is happening on the Gold Coast is the result of the city's economic base broadening, fuelled by industries with long-term, high-growth potential," Mr Hodgman said.

"This is no longer a secondary Australian economy, the Gold Coast is becoming a globally connected city with deeper capability across health, knowledge and creative industries, advanced manufacturing, technology and exports."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365786]

Looking ahead, the Gold Coast's population is projected to exceed one million residents by 2046.

For a city that was once largely defined by tourism and lifestyle, the latest figures suggest the Gold Coast is becoming something more significant, one of Australia's most diverse and economically sophisticated urban economies, and increasingly one that national and international investors can no longer afford to overlook.

Joel Robinson

75 cranes, $23 billion pipeline and a $55 billion economy: Inside the Gold Coast economic boom

Ron Bakir's Homecorp has sold more than 75 per cent of the apartments in its wellness-driven Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise following its first weekend release.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">26-storey project on Monte Carlo Avenue</a>, which commenced construction earlier this year, has seen a flurry of buyers secure their slice of the Gold Coast's latest wellbeing-focused offering in one of the nation's most competitive property markets.

Since the pandemic, the Gold Coast's population has grown by more than 11 per cent, a rate approximately four times faster than Sydney's, driven largely by lifestyle changes and interstate migration. While buyer activity has moderated in some markets nationally, demand for newly built dwellings on the Gold Coast continues to gain momentum as purchasers increasingly prioritise lifestyle, amenity, wellbeing, liveability and long-term investment potential.

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Homecorp CEO Ron Bakir says buyers today are looking for more than just a home.

"What we are seeing is a shift in how people define value in property," Bakir says.

"What attracts residents to new developments is a desire for more than just a residence. They are looking for a place that complements their lifestyle, supports their wellbeing and reflects the way they want to live into the future.

"Lifestyle, longevity, proactive health, wellbeing, connection and a sense of community are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions, particularly on the Gold Coast, where these factors continue to be a major drawcard."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372744]

Bakir says Homecorp is responding to this shift through an approach that places greater emphasis on design, amenity and experience working together to create places that feel considered, connected and enduring in value.

Inspired by Eastern European design, Florence Residences will comprise 120 apartments alongside a private residents-only wellness club featuring a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium, and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.

The development will also feature a residents-only lounge with private dining facilities and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking, and pet-friendly amenities including a heated dog wash.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=372742]

A limited number of apartments remain available, with an exclusive collection of four-bedroom sub-penthouses set to be released in the coming months.

Florence is one of the latest additions to Homecorp's expanding multi-billion-dollar property portfolio, which also includes plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/homecorp-lodges-plans-for-260-million-moroccan-bathhouse-inspired-tower-in-budds-beach">$260 million development in Budds Beach</a> tailored to the growing wellness market.

A development application has been lodged for a 27-storey, 156-residence tower at 8–10 Acacia Avenue and 25–27 Oak Avenue, featuring a residents-only Moroccan spa-inspired sanctuary.

Apartments at Florence Residences are priced from $1,249,000, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Buyers rush to Homecorp's Florence Residences as Gold Coast wellness trend gains momentum

The NSW Government has expanded its $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee program, broadening access for affordable housing providers and smaller residential developments as it seeks to accelerate housing delivery across the state.

The Minns Government says the program has already helped bring forward more than 600 homes across Sydney and regional NSW since launching in September 2025, with similar models now adopted in South Australia and Western Australia.

The latest changes, announced by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, are designed to improve access to finance for projects that have planning approval but are struggling to secure funding.

Among the key changes is an expansion of support for community housing providers. The program will now support up to 100 per cent affordable housing projects valued at up to $30 million when delivered by not-for-profit providers, while support for larger affordable housing developments will increase for projects worth up to $80 million.

The government says the changes will help accelerate the delivery of housing for low-income workers, older people, people living with disability, and those at risk of homelessness, while reducing reliance on direct grants or subsidised loans to bridge funding gaps.

The eligibility criteria for smaller residential developments have also been broadened. The previous $5 million minimum project value threshold has been removed and replaced with a requirement that projects deliver at least four homes.

Support has also increased for projects delivering fewer than 20 homes, with the guarantee now able to cover up to 75 per cent of dwellings in a development, capped at $30 million per project.

The changes are expected to particularly benefit smaller-scale and regional developments, which often face greater challenges meeting pre-sale requirements imposed by lenders.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the scheme demonstrates how government can use its balance sheet to stimulate housing supply without relying solely on taxpayer-funded grants.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee shows how this Government is using its balance sheet to reduce risk and unlock private investment, enabling new homes to move from design to construction faster," Mookhey said.

"This landmark reform allows us to deliver homes for working families at a lower cost to taxpayers, while also maintaining strong financial discipline."

Planning Minister Paul Scully said the program had already proven effective in bringing stalled projects to market.

"The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has already proven it can unlock stalled projects and accelerate housing delivery by giving lenders the confidence they need to back good developments," Scully said.

"These changes will allow more affordable housing and smaller developments to access support so more homes can be built faster where communities need them most."

Housing Minister Rose Jackson said the expansion would help community housing providers overcome financing barriers that often delay projects.

"We know community housing providers are ready to build more homes, too often they're held back by barriers to finance," Jackson said.

"Expanding the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee helps remove those barriers so more affordable homes can get off the ground sooner."

The announcement was welcomed by the Property Council of Australia, which has long advocated for measures aimed at improving project feasibility and access to finance.

Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson described the expansion as a practical intervention that addresses one of the most immediate constraints on housing delivery.

"This is exactly the kind of practical intervention we need right now, focused on getting projects out of the ground, not just approved," Stevenson said.

"It builds on a model the Property Council has worked closely with government to develop following calls for such a scheme ahead of last year's NSW Budget, so it's great to see it being expanded."

Stevenson said the reforms would help unlock projects that are ready to proceed but have been delayed by financing challenges. However, she noted that broader feasibility issues remain a significant barrier to increasing housing supply.

"The biggest challenge in NSW housing today is delivery. Too many projects have planning approval but are simply not financially viable to proceed under current settings," she said.

Speaking at the Property Council's NSW Housing Summit, Housing Minister Rose Jackson acknowledged that feasibility and financing pressures continue to constrain housing delivery, while reaffirming the government's commitment to work with industry on solutions.

Stevenson said the government's recognition of those challenges was encouraging ahead of next week's state budget.

"It's positive to see the government clearly recognising that feasibility pressures are now a binding constraint on supply," she said.

"With the Budget just days away, the focus must be on backing delivery, making sure projects stack up, finance can flow, and more homes can move from approval to construction."

The expanded Pre-sale Finance Guarantee forms part of the NSW Government's broader housing agenda, which also includes planning reforms, the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and a series of rezonings intended to increase housing capacity across the state.

NSW expands Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to unlock more affordable and regional housing

Design-led developer-builder Lowe Living has unveiled its latest residential development, Jardin House, marking its first foray into Melbourne's blue-chip City of Boroondara.

Located a short walk from Camberwell Junction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/jardin-house-by-lowe-living-camberwell-335-camberwell-road-camberwell-vic-3124">Jardin House</a> has been designed to appeal to affluent local downsizers and established families seeking a low-maintenance alternative to the large homes that have long defined Camberwell and surrounding suburbs.

The project will comprise a collection of two and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 92 sqm to 280 sqm, alongside a limited number of penthouse residences featuring rooftop terraces spanning more than 100 sqm, with optional private pools.

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Lowe Living Co-Founder and Managing Director Tim Lowe said Camberwell represented a natural next step for the developer as it expands into some of Melbourne's most tightly held residential markets.

"Jardin House is an important project for our team as it marks the next evolution of our portfolio into different well-established blue-chip pockets of Melbourne," Lowe said.

"Camberwell, with its incredible walkability, family-led neighbourhood feel and superb access to education and transport, makes it a natural choice for us."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372227]

Designed by Tristan Wong Architects, with interiors by Hecker Guthrie and landscaping by Acre, the development takes inspiration from the Art Deco architecture that remains a defining feature of many of Camberwell's established streets.

A curved facade, arched openings, textured brickwork and sculpted forms reference the suburb's architectural heritage, while extensive landscaping softens the building's presence and creates a strong connection to the surrounding tree-lined streetscape.

The project will be set behind a secure gated entrance, with residents arriving through landscaped gardens designed to create a transition between the public realm and private residences.

Inside, the residences feature natural stone and timber finishes, full-height glazing, Miele appliances and generous open-plan living areas designed for long-term owner occupation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372225]

While the apartments themselves have been designed to attract discerning owner-occupiers, it is the amenity offering that sets Jardin House apart from many other boutique projects currently launching across Melbourne.

The centrepiece is a 350 sqm private bathhouse curated in partnership with Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse founder Lyndall Mitchell.

The wellness precinct includes mineral pools, hydrotherapy experiences, a Himalayan salt room, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pools and dedicated relaxation spaces, creating what Lowe Living describes as a private wellness retreat exclusively for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146717 project_image_fid=372222]

The collaboration follows Lowe Living's recent partnership with Aurora at Maison Savoy in Brighton, although Jardin House is the first project to incorporate both indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.

Emma Lowe, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lowe Living, said wellness was becoming an increasingly important consideration for apartment buyers.

"Collaborating with Lyndall Mitchell from Aurora Spa &amp; Bathhouse for a second time is an intentional nod to creating residences that are more than just homes, but a way to enrich the lives of our residents through wellness and longevity," Lowe said.

The amenity offering is complemented by a Technogym fitness studio, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and concierge services.

The launch comes as developers increasingly target Melbourne's established eastern suburbs, where rising land values, ageing housing stock and growing downsizer demand are creating opportunities for boutique apartment projects.

Lowe said the company expects significant generational wealth transfer across suburbs such as Camberwell in coming years, creating further demand for luxury apartment living.

"Camberwell is a blue-chip suburb where homes regularly transact for multiple millions of dollars," he said.

"The generational change of wealth in these locations expected in the coming years is significant, so we see an opportunity to create exclusive residences that appeal to older families and downsizers in order to meet this demand."

Apartments at Jardin house start from $1,195,000. The project forms part of Lowe Living's near-$1 billion portfolio of new developments across Melbourne.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=146717]

Lowe Living launches Jardin House in Camberwell

As <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> continues its transition from a commercial centre into a more layered residential and lifestyle precinct, a new generation of apartment developments is reshaping expectations around scale, amenity, and long-term liveability.

Improved transport connections through the Victoria Cross Metro, continued investment in dining and public spaces, and a constrained supply of new luxury apartments have sharpened demand for homes that combine proximity to the CBD with the privacy and outlook traditionally associated with harbourside houses.

At 177 Walker Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a>’s new apartment development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> enters the market with a distinctly residential approach to high-rise living. The 30-level tower will deliver 161 residences, ranging from one-bedroom apartments through to sub-penthouses and a full-floor penthouse, all oriented to capture uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and out toward the Pacific Ocean.

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Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the project takes advantage of the site’s natural topography and elevated position above the harbour. Rather than relying on density alone, the architecture focuses on outlook, orientation, and spatial flow, with every apartment occupying a corner position to maximise natural light and cross ventilation.

Rothelowman says the site itself shaped much of the architectural response.

“The site has a long history in terms of its inevitable transformation and when we came in, we took inspiration from the idea of reestablishing a sense of the site’s natural terrain and fall. Our scheme aims to integrate with the terrain and the landscape, using the undulating site to slowly reveal glimpses and views of the harbour. The rotation of the tower off grid means every apartment has a view and is naturally cross ventilated. The building's colour palette is quintessentially Sydney, with bronze and sandstone and a luminescent green colour in the glass, making it very earthy and grounded in its location.”

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Inside the residences, the emphasis moves toward larger-format living typically associated with standalone homes. Kitchens sit at the centre of the apartments, connecting directly to open-plan dining and living areas before extending outward into expansive winter gardens and balconies. Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, integrated appliances, and custom metal detailing are used throughout, while three distinct interior palettes, Terrace, Opera, and Harbour, allow buyers to personalise the spaces without compromising the architectural consistency of the project.

The larger residences place particular attention on separation between entertaining and private zones. In many apartments, master suites occupy the outer corners of the floorplates, allowing bedrooms to benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing and harbour outlooks independent of the living spaces. Dressing rooms and ensuites continue the material palette through fluted detailing, freestanding baths, and layered stone finishes.

Rothelowman says the design intent centred on creating homes that feel enduring rather than transient.

“Our philosophy is all about the way people live in these spaces, and we wanted to create homes that reflect the quality of life in this unique Sydney location. The apartments showcase expansive living spaces that are generous, sophisticated, and bold, with the ability to connect with views throughout each apartment.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=353235]

A separate four-storey amenity building known as The Pavilion expands the residential offering beyond the apartments themselves. Positioned alongside the tower, the building consolidates wellness, recreation, and social spaces into a dedicated resident retreat. Facilities include a 20-metre rooftop pool and sundeck, sauna, spa, ice bath, wellness studio, gymnasium, concierge service, wine cellar, residents’ lounge, private dining spaces, and dedicated co-working areas with meeting rooms and boardroom facilities.

The amenity mix reflects the buyer profile emerging in North Sydney, where owner-occupiers and downsizers are increasingly prioritising convenience, apartment scale, and long-term usability over purely investment-driven decisions.

The Walden also represents a significant milestone for ALAND, marking the company’s first major move into Sydney’s inner-city luxury apartment market after more than two decades delivering large-scale residential communities across Greater Sydney. Founder Andrew Hrsto says the Walker Street site stood apart because of both its positioning and its rarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6390]

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic.”

At launch, The Walden recorded more than $103 million in sales, with buyers drawn to the project’s harbour positioning, apartment scale, and proximity to the Metro, which now connects North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five.

ALAND has commenced construction, and is expecting a completion date in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

The Walden pairs house-scale living with North Sydney connectivity

Toowomba

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The Toowoomba and surrounding residential property market remains steady at present, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White, with low sales volumes widespread across all sectors. 
Being one of the more affordable regional locations in Australia, Toowoomba offers an opportunity for first home buyers in the sub $450,000 segment.
"Toowoomba and surrounding suburbs offer an opportunity for many different types of home owners, with various industry and job opportunities, a central hub location, a diverse property market and varying segments.
HTW noted while lending has tightened and property ownership has become more difficult, there are still good opportunities in the Toowoomba region.
"Strategies such as joint ownership can also bring affordability to young people getting their foot in the ownership door and out of the rental market," their recent report noted.
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The typical product attractive to first home buyers tends to be in the sub $450,000 segment, being new 2- and 3-bedroom units as well as 3- and 4-bedroom houses located in active investor areas in the western suburbs of Toowoomba and satellite suburbs such as Cambooya and Wyreema. 
"The other trending option is to buy older housing in more established areas."
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-newtown-125333342" target="_blank">2a McDowall Street</a> (above) in Toowoomba’s Newtown suburb sold for $412,500 recently. The selling agent was Darren Bliesner of Professionals.
A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-harristown-124937858" target="_blank">24 Friend Street</a> in Harristown (Toowoomba) changed hands for $420,000. The selling agent was Craig Horncy of Century 21.
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Noting families generally seek slightly different properties to first home buyers, with a focus on more space (i.e. 4-bedroom houses), bigger back yards and close proximity to schools, HTW noted this type of housing was found throughout Toowoomba, Highfields and Westbrook in the sub $600,000 segment.
Empty nesters seem to stay put in the family home or down-size to unit or villa living and seem to fill the higher priced property segment.
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"Attached housing and detached housing on small lots are tending to grow in popularity throughout the Toowoomba area, particularly in the older areas close to the CBD. 
"The dream of having a big back yard appears to be changing. 
"Many infill blocks have been sub-divided into smaller lots or have had unit complexes built on them. 
"This type of product may be attractive to empty nesters looking to downsize for maintenance and convenience reasons."
It noted attached housing is also becoming more appealing to first home buyers for affordability. 
"This product is often more suited to home buyers than investors due to costs for the location and resulting returns on capital."
HTW advised the sector most active is upgraders looking toget into a bigger house or a more desirable location. 
Properties in areas such as Rangeville, Middle Ridge, East Toowoomba and Mount Lofty seem to be what is sought after by this sector. 
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Toowomba's affordability sees sub-$450,000 FHB buying

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Toowoomba continues to offer affordable options for first time buyers with a large supply of product on the market, steady investor interest and land developments benefiting affordability, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 
The valuation firm says land development in the western suburbs, including Glenvale and satellite suburbs such as Wyreema and Cambooya, have offered affordable land or house and land packages for first time buyers.
“Some new developments in the western suburbs have introduced small lots, which may be attractive to first time buyers because of their lower price points than traditional sized lots,” the report says.
“This has been enhanced by the current low interest rates, developer land rebate offerings and $20,000 first home owner grant available until 30 June 2017.”
An oversupply in some areas has resulted in price reductions across older established properties in the sub $400,000 market, significantly reduced asking rents and increased vacancy rates up to around 4%.
“First time buyers should consider all avenues such as an existing property in an older established area,” HTW says.
“An older, possibly smaller property in need of some [care] could present an opportunity for a first time buyer to get a foot in the door of the property market at a much lower price than a brand new larger house in a newly developed area.
“Many of these properties are located in suburbs close to the CBD.
“The first time buyer could potentially build capital with future improvements.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-north+toowoomba-124983914" target="_blank">149 Jellicoe Street</a>, North Toowoomba (above) has been listed for $239,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-north+toowoomba-124373914" target="_blank">10 Raff Street</a>, North Toowoomba (below) has been listed for over $319,000.
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Oversupply increasing affordability for Toowoomba first home buyers: HTW

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A fully leased retail centre in Queensland’s largest inland city, Toowoomba, has sold for more than $14 million on a robust yield of 7 percent. 
Wyalla Plaza at 236A-238A Taylor Street, Newtown returns a net rental income of more than $1 million per annum and offers opportunity for further growth, according to its description. 
Tenants include Puma, Domino’s Pizza, Downs Rural Medical and Malouf Pharmacy among others. 
The property was sold through agents Stephen Kidd and Peter Marks of Ray White Commercial to a Melbourne-based investor. 
Kidd said the marketing campaign for Wyalla Plaza attracted strong local, interstate and international interest.
“Wyalla Plaza is 100 per cent leased and includes a service station, medical centre and a total of 25 tenants,” he said.
The property has a land area of 14,028 sqm and a gross floor area of 3,995 sqm. 
Marks said there is currently a strong appetite for investment in Toowoomba with the city of nearly 163,000 people enjoying a bright economic future underwritten by primary industry, natural resources, education and tourism sectors.
“Toowoomba is currently experiencing an influx of major infrastructure developments totalling more than $10 billion,” he said.
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Toowoomba shopping centre sells for more than $14 million on a strong yield

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The expansion and redevelopment of Grand Central Shopping Centre in Toowoomba continues with stage one now complete and the balance of the project expected to be completed in early 2017, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest report.
The property advisory firm says that centre management has been aggressive in leasing the new specialty shops, concentrating mostly on national quality retailers.
The majority of recent leasing activity within the Toowoomba CBD has been to cafés, bars and restaurants.
The majority of these operators are new to Toowoomba, resulting in a strong influx of new options for local diners.
Retail rents in general have remained relatively static although market leading rents are often achieved for new developments.
The historically low interest rates have resulted in strong demand from investors for retail properties, however the lack of supply of quality, fully leased properties has limited the number of investment sales and has resulted in a firming of net yields over the past two years.
Recent retail investment sales in Toowoomba include:
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<li>3/879 Ruthven Street, Kearneys Spring – Modern retail building with two tenancies leased to an Indian restaurant and a convenience store. Weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 3.15 years. Sale reflected a passing net yield of 7.28% and analysed net yield of 8.25%. Sale price of $580,000. 
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<li>283 Ruthven Street, Harlaxton - Semi-modern retail centre leased to Red Rooster and a Foodworks supermarket. WALE of 2.83 years. Sale reflected a net yield of 7.8%. Sale price of $1.575 million. 
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<li>330 Stenner Street, Kearneys Spring – Restaurant leased to local Pizza Hut franchisee. WALE of 8.56 years. Sale reflected a net yield of 5.82%. Sale price of $1.85 million.</li>
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The retail market in Gladstone has continued at a similar pace to most of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, with increasing vacancies in secondary locations, and reductions in rental levels.
Well anchored centres with good location, access and exposure appear to be maintaining occupancies, however centres in secondary locations or with no significant anchor tenant appear to be bearing the brunt of current market conditions.
"Sales activity has been low, with no known notable retail sales during 2016," HTW noted.
The market is currently dominated by owner-occupiers who are taking advantage of the weaker market conditions and low interest rates.
The development site on the corner of Boles and Breslin Streets generated a fair amount of talk and media when it was purchased by Aldi Foods Pty Ltd in January.
Construction is now well underway and the completion date is speculated to be toward the end of 2016.
The development of a multi-million dollar Coles anchored shopping centre, opposite the existing Woolworths centre on Dixon Drive, continues to remain at the forefront of discussion as Coles continues to challenge the decisions made by Gladstone Regional Council.
"The latest reported update is that the fourth development approval to be submitted (subdividing the site into four lots) has been approved, yet with many conditions that Coles is reportedly set to challenge," it noted.
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New options for Toowoomba local diners while retail market in Gladstone remains steady: HTW

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Queensland’s Toowoomba sits on the list of most-searched suburbs list for 2015 by rent.com.au.
The median rent for all rental properties advertised in Toowoomba earlier this year was $267 per week, a fall of 5.31 percent from the last previous quarter. 
Toowoomba’s median price was also well below the median of $290 per week for surrounding suburbs which include East Toowoomba, Harristown, Newtown, North Toowoomba and South Toowoomba. 
The average days on market for all rental properties advertised in Toowoomba within the last 90 days improved by 15 days to 27 from the last quarter. Toowoomba also did better than the 40 days on market for surrounding suburbs.
Out of a total of 10 rental properties advertised in Toowoomba within the 30 days, six were houses and four were apartments. 
The price range of advertised properties was from $180 for a two-bedroom dwelling to $380 for four bedrooms.
As an illustration, Property Observer came across a couple of dwellings up for rent around the median price on <a href="https://rent.com.au/" target="_blank">rent.com.au</a>:
<img src="/images/2016/04/29/rent_1apartment.jpg" alt="" width="475" height="356"> A two-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-apartment-toowoomba-4350-1711428" target="_blank">1/115 South Street, </a><a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-apartment-toowoomba-4350-1711428" target="_blank">Toowoomba</a>, is up for rent at $270 per week. 
<img src="/images/2016/04/29/700_woomba2.jpg" alt="" width="532" height="326">
A three-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.rent.com.au/property-house-toowoomba-4350-1759878" target="_blank">8 Hamwood Street</a>, is up for rent at $300 per week.
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