The Gold Coast has cemented its position as one of Australia's hottest construction markets, with crane numbers reaching a record 67 in Q3 2025, the highest count since tracking began.

The latest Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) Crane Index shows the region at 447 points, also a record, with activity surging 110 per cent over the past three years as population growth and investor confidence drive unprecedented development activity.

Residential construction dominates the skyline almost entirely, accounting for 95.5 per cent of all cranes across the Gold Coast. Of the 67 cranes currently operating, 64 are dedicated to residential and mixed-use apartment projects. 21 new cranes were added in Q3 2025 alone, with major developments spanning Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach and Southport reflecting sustained confidence across the coastal corridor.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=318625]

The construction boom aligns with exceptional apartment market performance. Gold Coast unit prices reached $950,000 in September 2025 according to the latest Ray White Now Monthly, delivering robust 8.6 per cent annual growth and 0.6 per cent monthly appreciation.

This significantly outperforms the national apartment market average of 6.9 per cent and positions the Gold Coast as Australia's most expensive apartment market, trending ahead of Sydney. This highlights the premium investors and owner-occupiers place on the region's lifestyle amenity.

The scale of residential development reflects both build-to-sell apartment projects targeting owner-occupiers and investors, alongside emerging build-to-rent developments as institutional capital increasingly targets the Gold Coast. Population growth continues driving demand, with the region attracting interstate migrants seeking lifestyle amenity and professionals relocating from southern capitals to embrace coastal living while maintaining career opportunities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112941 project_image_fid=216014]

Project activity spans multiple price points and buyer demographics. Premium waterfront developments in Main Beach and Broadbeach command the highest values and attract downsizers alongside investors, while projects in Varsity Lakes and growth suburbs target first home buyers seeking more affordable entry points into the Gold Coast market. The concentration of cranes along established precincts with beach access reflects where buyer demand remains strongest.

Notably absent from the Gold Coast's construction pipeline is commercial office development, with zero commercial cranes currently operating. The only non-residential activity comprises aged care and education. This underscores the Gold Coast's evolution as a residential growth market rather than a CBD destination, with the regional economy built around tourism, construction, lifestyle services and residential property rather than traditional office demand.

The sustained construction pipeline through Q3 2025 suggests apartment completions will remain elevated through 2026, providing necessary supply for the growing population. With development activity at record levels and strong price growth supporting feasibility, the Gold Coast apartment market continues delivering solid returns for developers and investors navigating Australia's shifting property landscape.

Joel Robinson

Gold Coast construction hits record high as apartment market delivers strong returns

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a> is has officially launched its next residential project, the $240 million Symphony in South Brisbane. It marks&nbsp;the group’s entry into the Brisbane market as it expands the Flourish brand to deliver design-forward, fairly priced homes in an undersupplied market.&nbsp;

With 25 out of 138 apartments priced under $1 million, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/symphony-south-brisbane-21-23-cordelia-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Symphony</a> is expected to attract first home buyers, with Sherpa reserving all one-bedroom and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments under $1 million for owner-occupiers and first-home buyers.&nbsp;

Sherpa CEO Christie Leet, said the project is a strategic move to deliver attainable housing in connected, culturally vibrant neighbourhoods, with locals prioritised.&nbsp;

“Our aim with Flourish has always been to help the community,” said Leet.

“That’s why we have chosen to release Symphony to locals first, reserving a portion of apartments for owner-occupiers and first-home buyers to give them a genuine chance to get their foot in the door.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=3770]

Located at 21-23 Cordelia Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/south-brisbane-qld-4101">South Brisbane</a>, Symphony will feature a collection of 138 high-quality apartments, offering spacious one, two and three-bedroom layouts, with prices starting from $655,000.

“It’s no secret that affordability remains a huge issue in today’s market, and many people are simply being priced out,” Leet added.

“We at Sherpa see it as our responsibility to bring well-designed, fairly priced homes to market – that’s what we stand for.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=353548]

Residents will have access to a resident rooftop with offers over 1,400 sqm of premium resort-style amenities across two levels. These include a wellness centre with a steam room, sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, a heated pool, as well as pool deck cabanas, private outdoor barbecues, a private dining room, a fully equipped gym, and a yoga room, all with views of the Brisbane skyline and Mt Coot-tha.

Sherpa has also hired a full-time concierge service to assist buyers with the off the plan process, from construction updates, hard hat tours, to showing and helping residents use their appliances once they have moved in.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7574 project_image_fid=5155]

“Every amenity at Flourish has been designed to help foster a sense of community,” said Danial Clarke, Development and Financial Manager of Sherpa Group.&nbsp;

“The rooftop will be a sanctuary from the city, a place where residents can connect, relax, and ultimately flourish.”

Positioned at the junction of South Bank, West End, and Fish Lane, Symphony offers exceptional walkability to QPAC, galleries, riverside parklands, the CBD, major universities, hospitals, and transport hubs.

Sherpa has already appointed LPS Group to build Symphony. The duo are working together on Sherpa's Palm Beach portfolio.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7574]

Sherpa officially launches Symphony South Brisbane

Bronte Group has received planning approval for Miru, a new 46-townhouse development in Denman Prospect.

Occupying a prominent 6,869 sqm ridgeline site across Holborow Avenue and Goedecke Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/miru-holborow-avenue-denman-prospect-act-2611">Miru</a> will comprise four architecturally unified buildings ranging between two and three storeys. The townhouses are arranged to maximise views of the Molonglo Valley to the east and Stromlo’s bushland to the west, offering residents a rare dual outlook.

There will be 30 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom townhouses, with seven different floorplan layouts.

“The townhouses are carefully arranged to harmonize with the landscape, grouped into four subtly distinct yet cohesive blocks,” the Development Outcomes Report prepared by Planit Strategic notes.

"Each block of townhouses is designed to maximise views… while ensuring access to natural cross-ventilation and daylight”.

<img alt="Bisa secures approval for Miru, a 46-townhouse project atop Denman Prospect ridge" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91d3f5b1-6fbf-4da1-be41-b5aa9596d233" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Miru%20front.png?VersionId=K5Dhr0.4iMvji9swNnBv1Exuj8PKCay7" />

A standout element of the design is the integration of landscaping and open space. All homes will have private courtyards, while residents and visitors will benefit from extensive communal landscaping and dedicated visitor parking. A key pedestrian corridor running east to west will link public open space and enhance site permeability.

&nbsp;

The site is zoned RZ5 and sits within the newly developed Denman Prospect estate. While currently vacant, the area forms part of a broader plan for high-quality residential infill in the Molonglo Valley. The project’s scale and low-rise format ensure a measured transition to the adjacent lower-density housing, with generous setbacks and minimal overshadowing.

&nbsp;

Miru will be the fifth development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bronte-group">Bronte Group</a> in Denman Prospect in recent years. They completed&nbsp;Symmetry, 83 townhouses down the road in 2022, as well as Solai, and Aberconway Rise. They are currently selling Central Park, a mix of apartments and townhouses in the suburb around 15km west of the capital.

Staff Writer

Bronte Group secures approval for Miru, Denman Prospect townhouse development

Burgeoning developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/freecity">Freecity</a>&nbsp;is the latest to take on the booming North Sydney apartment market, one of the most popular suburbs with off the plan buyers.

They are taking a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/153-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">51-storey tower on Walker Street</a> to the NSW Government's&nbsp;Housing Delivery Authority, filing a State Significant Development Application for 300 apartments above a 150-room hotel. It will replace two commercial office buildings.

According to the Scoping Report prepared by Urbis, the development will "support the ongoing evolution of North Sydney by delivering a high-quality, mixed-use tower in close proximity to major public infrastructure."

They also said it “responds to the competing urban demands” of housing, hospitality, and employment.

<img alt="153–157 Walker Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53e44b04-851c-496e-b90c-e4d77aa8f000" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Waler-St-Elevated-View-600x600.jpg?VersionId=fSDYrb1wJR.RVZVWo3wRUaw9n265x1Ka" />

The vertical program places hotel uses on levels one to six, activated by a retail arcade and hotel entry, while the upper levels contain communal amenity and transition spaces. The residential component will be delivered across levels 8 to 47 and includes a mix of one to three-bedroom apartments. Shared facilities include a rooftop lounge, dining space, and landscaped terrace with panoramic views.&nbsp;

The design also accommodates a publicly accessible through-site link connecting Walker and Little Walker Streets.&nbsp;

<img alt="Freecity" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26165ce9-e49d-4efb-9e9c-037392707d9f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_1.png?VersionId=lAet4uJy_uNw3nc2e6hBc6302r9Q1dUB" />

The built form continues to reflect the earlier design vision by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/architectus">Architectus</a>, with a distinctive two-volume massing: hotel podium stepping down to Little Walker Street, and the slender residential tower rising above. The architecture intends to balance North Sydney’s increasing urban density with solar access, view sharing, and a fine-grain public realm interface.

“The form has been sculpted to preserve sky view corridors and reduce visual bulk,” the Design Report by Architectus previously noted, highlighting view preservation and contextual integration.

Importantly, this latest iteration supersedes an earlier SSD pathway explored in late 2024 for a build-to-rent and hotel project. That alternative scheme has since been shelved following Freecity’s successful submission to the HDA’s new streamlined approval stream.

<img alt="153–157 Walker Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f70e4ee4-4599-411b-9fc1-802c4292819e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Littile-Walker_Elevated-800x600.jpg?VersionId=zhfw3NMg_jchSSWuUHJJg8.m.qhqZgYM" />

The site sits within the Victoria Cross Station State Significant Precinct and is expected to integrate with broader public domain upgrades around the Metro station, including new pedestrian links and plaza connections between Berry and Walker Streets.

&nbsp;

North Sydney has been one of the most indemand suburbs in Sydney, however it has struggled with supply. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/aura-by-aqualand-north-sydney-168-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">AURA by Aqualand</a> was one of the only developments in market for several years, until the recent launches of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a>, which sold over $100m of sales in three hours, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-mclaren-north-sydney-45-mclaren-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The McLaren</a> by CASA.

&nbsp;

Freecity joins booming North Sydney apartment market with 51-storey tower proposal near Victoria Cross

Prolific Sydney developer Landmark Group is continuing to expand its growing development portfolio.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/landmark-group">Landmark Group</a>, which is progressing with a new Edgecliff project alongside current developments in Macquarie Park and Caringbah, is set to deliver rare new apartment supply in Lindfield, the affluent suburb on Sydney’s Upper North Shore. The projects form part of the NSW Government’s broader push to increase housing density around key transport hubs.

The developer currently has two proposals under assessment through the NSW Government’s Housing Delivery Authority. Together, they comprise nearly 400 apartments, 220 across a large 6,672 sqm amalgamated site spanning Trafalgar Avenue and Valley Road, and a further 173 apartments just 300 metres away on Middle Harbour Road.

The Trafalgar Avenue project, dubbed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lindfield-house-5-7-middle-harbour-road-lindfield-nsw-2070">Lindfield House</a>, is located around 500 metres from Lindfield train station. It will feature 220 apartments across three buildings. Architecture firm DKO, which designed the scheme, said in its submission that the façade strategy is guided by design principles promoting refined architectural expression, contextual sensitivity, and a human-scaled urban response.

“Central to this approach is a layered and sculptural composition, where massing, materiality, and depth are strategically modulated to create a dynamic and visually legible built form. The architecture is defined by a clear hierarchical organisation: a robust, grounded podium provides a strong interface with the public realm, while lighter upper tiers recede into the skyline,” DKO said.

<img alt="Landmark" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d934b639-becc-4778-9756-979a2d6ef514" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-22%20at%2010.41.27%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Ss4AdKdVpjArekAiir2213cjcWrAgBJz" /> 
The open courtyard between the buildings

DKO also designed the Middle Harbour Road project, which is closer to the station. The nine-storey building is "structured to respect the surrounding context and provide a clear urban transition."

“The design aims to respond to both the low-scale residential development of the heritage overlay precinct and the highway development immediately to the south in the North Sydney CBD”.

The mix of units is intended to serve both general market demand and key worker housing, with affordable housing apartments integrated at the lower levels. The proposed building steps from six to nine storeys as it ascends from the rear to the street front, creating a layered form that mediates between the different scales of surrounding built form.

&nbsp;

<img alt="Lindfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e051aae5-0174-48b4-a033-823eb2a0e333" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-22%20at%2010.30.12%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OqU2XRPU9vr6id0hddHlfHXODOI7s99z" /> 
The Middle Harbour Road site

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/landmark-group">Landmark Group</a> has&nbsp;delivered more than 4,000 homes across Australia, with a future pipeline worth $5 billion. Among their pipeline of projects is a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-landmark-group-tries-again-with-edgecliff-tower-plans">new mixed-use development near Edgecliff Station</a>.&nbsp;

They are also have live projects in Macquarie Park, Caringbah, and Dee Why.

First look: Landmark Group to bring new apartments to Lindfield

Upper North Shore

Construction on Lindfield’s latest destination by developers Third.i, in conjunction with joint venture partner Phoenix Property Investors, has officially kick-started works this week, following a full project sell-out as demand for larger living spaces continues to grow.&nbsp;

Demolition crews have moved in on the $180 million Balfour Place site, set to bring 59 apartments to Sydney’s Upper North Shore, which will be grounded by an urban oasis comprising over 7,091 sqm of retail and hospitality spaces.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112016 project_image_fid=207651]

The project has been met with a swarm of eager buyers looking to secure their slice of Lindfield, acquiring over $100 million in sales since its launch to market earlier this year. The project, which is set to be built on the existing Coles supermarket site, is estimated to fast-track the development timeline, with construction expected to be completed by November 2024.&nbsp;

Australian builder Conquest has been appointed as the project builders, set to bring Balfour Place to life, adding to an impressive project portfolio of over 2,000 properties, including the Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood, The Greens Strathfield, La Luna Burwood and Soho Burwood.

Third.i. Co-Founder, Luke Berry said Balfour Place has struck a chord with the Lindfield community and surrounding areas, with the project accommodating the growing need for spacious living.&nbsp;

“Our project provides larger living spaces in an idyllic location with lifestyle amenities at your doorstep,” Berry said.

“We’re proud to announce a project sell-out and that we’ve fast-tracked construction to help meet market demands. Conquest, who are well renowned for delivering buildings of exceptional quality, have been bought on board to deliver Balfour Place.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112016 project_image_fid=194987]

“It truly will be a legacy destination for the area and we couldn’t be more thrilled to commence construction,” concluded Berry.&nbsp;

The latest offering will comprise a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments with private courtyards and a shared rooftop garden space to be built on top of a brand new large format Coles supermarket.

The Coles grocery hub will be double the size of the existing store and will include a Liqourland and heritage commercial space fronting the Pacific Highway, overlooking the Blue Mountains. Over 237 car parking spaces will also be available spanning across two levels.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112016]

Australian builder Conquest has been appointed as the project builders, set to bring Balfour Place to life, adding to an impressive project portfolio of over 2,000 properties, including the Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood, The Greens Strathfield, La Luna Burwood and Soho Burwood.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

$180 million Lindfield residences, Balfour Place commences construction amid project sell-out

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Jason Roach is joining The Agency spearheading the brand’s presence on the Upper North Shore of Sydney.
Jason Roach (pictured left) has 20 years of banking experience, including senior roles at Macquarie Bank and as National Head of Real Estate Services with the Westpac Banking Corporation. 
While managing real estate services at Westpac, Jason Roach worked with The Agency’s CEO Matt Lahood in a financial capacity. 
“I've known <a href="https://theagency.com.au/team/matt-lahood" target="_blank">Matt Lahood</a> for more than 15 years and the team he has assembled was very appealing to be a part of,” Jason Roach says.
“The Agency’s unique model offers operational and network opportunities that are unhindered by the traditional franchise model. Both my banking and real estate backgrounds helped me identify this model was the way forward.” The Agency’s expansion to the Upper North Shore of Sydney will further expand the brand’s extensive referral system across its existing metro-based agents.
Jason Roach has built a successful real estate business over the last six years.
In the first three years of his operation he was placed in the top two per cent of his former brand’s global network of more than 100,000 agents. And in the last three years, he was placed in the top one per cent globally and awarded both Centurion and Double Centurion status with Century 21.
“I have known Jason Roach for many years, both as a banking professional and a real estate professional, he is an outstanding business person and agent, and operates to the highest standards. I am honoured Jason will be representing and spearheading our operation on the Upper North Shore of Sydney,” Matt Lahood (pictured right), The Agency’s CEO says.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Former Macquarie banker Jason Roach heads up The Agency Upper North Shore of Sydney

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The prestige market on the Upper North Shore is seeing plenty of renovation activity, although this is not uncommon for this area of course, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm suggests that in locations across the nation, the downtime delivered by isolation has spurned on owners looking to improve their assets through maintenance and upgrade. This month's HTW residential report highlights where renovations are on the rise and the price points and outcomes those markets can expect.
"It can traditionally be very hard to find a property that ticks all of your boxes at this higher end of the market, so usually buyers or owners are willing to renovate as needed and are more likely to have the funds to do so.
"This has become even more pronounced with the dramatic drop in the amount of stock coming onto the market during this COVID-19 period," the valuation firm said. 
Home-owners who were looking to potentially upgrade prior to March this year may now be nervous due to the current uncertainty in the market and decide to renovate instead. 
The report notes these same owners may now have slightly more time on their hands too, allowing them to investigate the renovation and associated DA process.
Renovations on the Upper North Shore, assuming undertaken to a quality standard, traditionally provide the added value of the completed work at a minimum.
"Of course there is always the odd property where over-capitilisation has occurred, but it is hard to go wrong in this sector of the market if owners follow the basic renovation rules," the valuation firm said. 
An example of a recent purchase and renovation job re-sold in March this year for a substantially higher price.
The period property At 36 Powell Street, Killara (pictured below) sold in May 2015 for $2.75 million and was in dated condition throughout.
<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/2020/6/10/killara%20before.jpg" alt="">
After some small extension work, floor plan re-configuration and a full internal renovation, the property re-sold in March this year for $6.1 million (pictured 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/2020/6/10/killara%20after%202.jpg" alt="">
"Of course there has been some market growth over this period too, but it is still a good example of the added value of quality renovation works.
"Situated on a good sized block with a highly desirable north-to-rear aspect and located in a well-regarded street, this was always going to see a substantial increase in value," the valuation firm said. 
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