Situated at the meeting of the Nerang River and the Little Tallebudgera Creek, Broadbeach Waters is a coveted Queensland postcode for Aussies seeking a harmonious blend of natural splendour and urban convenience.
This waterfront enclave is home to 8164 locals, many of whom prefer to swap surfing for serenity. They enjoy relaxing among their waterfront residences, strolling along sun-kissed beaches, and exploring peaceful canals by kayak or boat.
Good as gold
House prices for the suburb have increased by 17.5 per cent over the past 12 months, contributing to the 76.3 per cent jump in the past five years, according to Domain’s latest House Price Report. These figures underscore the desirability and investment potential of the area.
“The riverfront thoroughfare of Monaco Street is one of the best on the Gold Coast, and we anticipate that supply levels here will remain extremely tight,” says Michael Kollosche managing director at Kollosche. “This street forms part of the golden triangle, a cluster of 10 highly sought-after streets due to their wide canals and larger-than-average block sizes.”
Kollosche says one of Broadbeach Waters’ defining features is the spectacular views, adding extra sparkle to the already beautiful suburb.
“Most properties capture amazing Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach skyline views, which makes it so special,” he says. “People find it difficult to leave the area once they’ve discovered such views – just one of the many reasons it’s such a tightly held market.”
Quiet on the canal front
Amid the bustling energy of the Gold Coast, Broadbeach Waters stands apart with its unique sense of solitude and an affluent suburban vibe. Even those who work here, like Khianna Chapman at Breathe Holistic Health, appreciate the stark contrast that defines the suburb.
“Even though some big-name facilities like Pacific Fair and the Star Casino are conveniently close by, this area nevertheless remains quieter,” says Chapman. “It’s the antithesis of the hustle and bustle often seen throughout the coast.”
Chapman feels connected to the suburb’s residents through her work, describing them as a friendly community that values leading happy and healthy lifestyles.
“Locals love to spend a lot of time outdoors, enjoying the canals, walking their dogs around the parks, and socialising at their favourite cafe,” adds Chapman. “So, it’s no surprise that everyone I meet is warm and eager to strike up a chat.”
With 31 metres of water frontage, this exquisite residence of three levels of luxury beckons to be indulged, whether hosting within the living and entertaining spaces, swimming in the resort-style pool, or revelling in the rooftop terrace’s spectacular skyline panoramas.
An ecotourism proposal featuring guided tours and new cabins promises to offer a “unique experience” in one of the region’s most stunning natural settings.
The Cooloola Great Walk Ecotourism Project is set to establish tours along the central and northern sections of the existing Cooloola Great Walk, a 102km track linking Noosa to Rainbow Beach.
The tours would be supported by five accommodation sites along the trail, with each site to provide light-footprint cabins and amenities including kitchens, toilets and shower facilities.
A spokesperson for the Department of Environment and Science told Sunshine Coast News there had been comprehensive talks between stakeholders since the state government announced that CABN, an Australian company specialising in eco-friendly accommodation, was the preferred tender to deliver the infrastructure along the walk.
“The locations for the proposed accommodation sites were identified through an extensive consultation process with ecological and cultural heritage experts, local Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff, CABN and representatives of the Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owners,” the spokesperson said.
“Site selection included ecological impacts, cultural heritage impacts, safety impacts and tourism potential.”
But there is work to be done before the proposal gets the all-clear.
“The project still requires several key environmental approvals to be grantedand local government development approvals by Noosa Shire Council and Gympie Regional Council,” the spokesperson said.
“Final details of the accommodation sites have yet to be determined and must form part of CABN’s final detailed proposal.
“The design, construction and operational aspects of the proposed accommodation must meet the (eco-tourism) requirements of DES.
“DES will require the final proposal to identify, avoid and mitigate potential risks to the ecological, cultural heritage and recreational values across the national park.”
[TAG0]Another artist’s impression of the cabins. Picture: CABN
That includes: minimising clearing of vegetation for accommodation sites and avoiding clearing of ecologically and culturally significant large trees; structure design and construction must reduce impacts on threatened species, unique ecosystems, wetlands and aesthetic values; incorporation of appropriate, nil-impact waste and wastewater management systems; ensuring long-term use of the area does not increase pest, weed and fire risks; and incorporating aspects of local cultural heritage into design and commercial operations, in consultation and cooperation with Traditional Owners.
Costs associated with the design, construction and operation of the project would be borne by CABN.
The department said there were several opportunities for members of the community to have their say on the proposal.
Online community consultation in mid-2019 generated 44 submissions.
There was also consultation at Rainbow Beach and Noosa in mid-2021, when DES invited more than 130 conservation groups, tourism industry bodies, local businesses and local and state government representatives to have their say.
Public submissions about the proposal have been open since mid-2021 and the department said it was considering all submissions.
DES has also met with concerned members of the public, conservation groups and local and state government representatives to provide further information.
The department has made some changes to the project plans, due to community concerns.
“Following feedback about two proposed walker accommodation sites near Poona Lake and another on the Noosa River, DES recommended relocation of these sites to less ecologically sensitive areas,” the spokesperson said.
[TAG1]The proposed locations of the sites for cabins.
The department has also been in key talks with the Traditional Owners of the land.
“The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring the proposed project benefits the Kabi Kabi First Nations People and their aspirations for management of their Traditional Country,” the spokesperson said.
“DES and DTIS (Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport) have been proactively consulting with the Kabi Kabi First Nations Traditional Owners on the proposed project since 2018.
“Input from the Kabi Kabi First Nations Traditional Owners has been, and will continue to be, instrumental in the approval process.
“The Queensland Government understands that a Kabi Kabi applicant has conducted substantial consultation with the broader Kabi Kabi community to ensure that their engagement with the state is consistent with the views and interests of that community.”
Engagement with the Kabi Kabi First Nations People culminated in an Indigenous Land Use Agreement authorisation meeting held in November, when voting overwhelmingly supported the ILUA for the proposed project.
“The ILUA is currently undergoing a three-month community public notification period, ending May 15, prior to final registration,” the department spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, a CABN spokesperson said the project would bolster eco-tourism in the region.
“The walking experience will offer guests a unique opportunity to engage and immerse themselves in the iconic Cooloola region, learning about the Indigenous, cultural significance of the land through guided walking tours,” they said.
“The low-footprint, low-impact project has numerous benefits for the Great Sandy National Park, including contributing to the park’s long-term environmental, cultural and financial wellbeing.
“This project will have a positive effect on the local economy by attracting new tourists, in a managed way, who may not otherwise visit this part of the Great Sandy National Park.
“It will increase sustainable tourism in the region and connect domestic and international visitors with the Cooloola Great Walk.”
[TAG2]A section of the Cooloola Great Walk. Picture: Shutterstock
The CABN representative said Traditional Owners would have significant influence on the project.
“The Kabi Kabi will have complete oversight and development of the cultural and historical education throughout the Cooloola project, from artwork and storytelling in the accommodation through to the guided walks and other guest experiences that connect travellers with country,” they said.
It’s expected locals will benefit from jobs relative to the project.
“A critical aim of this project is for the accommodation and guided walks to provide the Kabi Kabi people with opportunities for training and long-term, secure employment,” the CABN spokesperson said.
They said the proposed concepts for the accommodation were intended to be as eco-friendly as possible.
“The eco-camps will be carefully designed to be as low-impact and sustainable as possible, following detailed environmental assessments on the ecology and biodiversity of the region,” they said.
The DES’ Parks and Forests website said construction of the eco-camps could be completed early next year, depending on final approvals being granted.
Kokoda Property has filed plans for a fluid-form residential tower shrouded in a mesh-screen facade with cascading greenery rising 22 storeys at Milton in Brisbane’s inner-west.
The Melbourne-based developer’s latest $160-million play in the Queensland capital is earmarked for a 1640sq m site at 12-18 Crombie Street.
It put its foot on the holding—currently occupied by a diesel engine workshop—spanning four lots in a deal worth about $11 million earlier this year.
The development application lodged with the Brisbane City Council comprises 145 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 16 tower levels sitting above a six-level podium including the lower ground level, ground level facilities and four storeys of mixed communal recreation space, residential apartments and car parking.
Under the plans, the tower would be capped with a rooftop communal recreation deck, including a lap pool, hot spa, deck areas, private bar and dining room, barbecue areas and lounges, gym, infrared sauna and plunge pool, many of which will be available for private bookings through a building management system.
As well, four basement levels would provide 183 car parking spaces.
“The development has been designed to encapsulate high quality architectural design with a sculpted façade form that is integrated with landscaped elements to create recesses and protrusions along the building plane, resulting in a highly articulated and visually interesting tower,” the planning documents said.
The overarching maximum building height for the area’s core residential precinct is 20 storeys but because the site size is less than 2000sq m the prescribed height limit is reduced to 15 storeys.
“The site is in close proximity to the mixed use residential precinct within the neighbourhood plan, in which maximum building heights of up to 30 storeys are permitted adjacent to the railway corridor,” the DA noted. “Accordingly, there is an expectation that buildings up to 30 storeys in height will be developed in the Milton area.”
As well, it said the proposal would “deliver much needed infill home supply, which responds to the recent land supply and growth challenges experienced in Brisbane and wider south-east Queensland” and was aligned with the national target of delivering one million homes by 2029.
[TAG0]▲ A render of the proposed Crombie Street tower.
“The proposed development facilitates an increased residential population … in a part of Milton that is in close walking distance to the Milton Railway Station and the Park Road retail and dining precinct,” the DA said.
The scheme’s sculpted and slender tower has been designed by Cottee Parker with its “fluid built form and perforated mesh screen facade representing the notion of ‘voile’,” a submitted design statement said. Voile is a soft, sheer fabric usually made of 99 per cent cotton.
“The idea derived from cotton production by a prominent business developer in Milton, Ambrose Elridge,” it said.
Eldridge was a Queen Street chemist in the 1800s who established Milton Farm after purchasing a 12ha allotment where he experimented with cotton growing.
The mesh screen facade would be balanced by the integration of green climbers and cascading planter beds.
Despite the flooding constraints associated with the site, the residential-led mixed-use design also incorporates an activated street edge with an entry vestibule, shopfront, outdoor dining and tiered planter beds connecting it to the public realm.
Kokoda’s Crombie Street proposal follows the success of its adjoining McDougall Street development, The Ambrose—a $165 million, 19-storey tower with 181 apartments.
Global real estate conglomerate City Developments is bursting onto Australia’s burgeoning build-to-rent sector with a bang, promising construction start to projects in both Brisbane and Melbourne “within the next few months”.
CDL Australia Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore-listed City Developments Limited, has announced more than 500 build-to-rent apartments across the two locations.
It will be the company’s first build-to-rent projects in Australia.
“The group is very positive about the future of the build-to-rent sector in Australia,” CDL’s head of development Cameron Laird said in a statement.
The projects are at Toowong in Brisbane’s inner west for an anticipated 320 apartments, and Melbourne’s growing Fishermans Bend precinct with about 240 apartments.
CDL first entered the Australian market about eight years ago with apartment and townhouse projects.
“We are extremely pleased with the strong foothold we have gained since our re-entry into the Australian property sector with our Ivy and Eve project in Brisbane in 2015 and the opportunity to leverage the rising demand for rental accommodation with build-to-rent projects in Brisbane and Melbourne,” Laird said.
[TAG0]▲ Work on CDL’s projects in Fishermans Bend, Melbourne, and Toowong, in Brisbane’s inner west (main picture) are expected to get under way this year.
That foothold includes the company’s Brickworks Park community in Brisbane’s inner north. Construction has already begun on the first stage of the 215-apartment project at the historic brickworks site in Alderley, Brisbane.
Construction is also under way on a joint venture with Metro Property Development for 96 townhouses in Brisbane’s western suburbs. The first phase of the project—Treetops at Kenmore—is fully sold, according to CDL, while about 60 per cent of the second phase is sold with a third phase yet to be released.
Last year CDL finished construction on another joint venture—The Marker in West Melbourne—comprising 198 apartments, some retail including an Aldi supermarket, and food and beverage outlets.
The developer said it is also planning construction on a joint-venture in Fitzroy, in Melbourne’s inner north, which will include 56 apartments and five terrace homes, again with ground-floor commercial and retail leases.
The global real estate company has offices in 28 countries.
A boutique six-storey office building proposal has been filed for an infill site within the mixed-use zone of inner-city Brisbane’s popular James Street precinct.
It has been lodged with the Brisbane City Council by an entity linked to Lion Property Group co-founders Garry Pesochinsky and John Sader.
Earmarked for a 562sq m parcel at 43 Commercial Road, Newstead, the proposal would comprise a gross floor area of 2034sq m across five levels of office space, including a communal wellness floor, and a ground-level shop tenancy as well as a pocket park.
It would also incorporate a partially covered rooftop garden terrace designed as a breakout area for tenants with views of the CBD and Brisbane River.
The proposed commercial building would replace a block of four two-bedroom units that now occupies the site. Under the plans, however, some of the bricks from its demolition would be reclaimed and utilised as part of the development on the ground floor.
A submitted planning report noted the proposal exceeds the four-storey acceptable height outcome for the site under the Fortitude Valley Neighbourhood Plan within the James Street precinct.
But it deemed that a six-storey building would “not feel or appear out of place” and the plans aligned with community expectations as the James Street precinct “supports a range of building heights, depending on the zoning and location of a site”.
[TAG0]
▲ A render of the proposed boutique office building at Newstead.
“The proposal delivers a building that is of a height and proportion that responds to other emerging developments in the locality,” the report said.
“While it is acknowledged that the acceptable outcome for height is exceeded, a lesser height would not result in a superior built form or amenity outcome, particularly at the streetscape level.
“To this end the development has put greater emphasis on creating a superior ‘human scale’ and ‘activated frontage’ which is commensurate with a building of this scale.”
[TAG1]▲ A render of the interior of the proposed office building on James Street.
The scheme designed by architecture studio Bayley Ward also includes car and bicycle parking spaces at ground level.
“The site benefits from being a part of an evolving suburb that showcases architectural excellence and is currently undergoing significant transformation and growth,” a design statement said.
“The subject site proposal upholds the ambitions of the mixed-use zoning, delivering a premium commercial workplace … [and] reinforces the varied and diverse architecture and urban form that distinguishes Fortitude Valley from the CBD and other parts of Brisbane, through innovative building construction, architecture and urban design that reflects its creative and heritage values.”
A move-in-ready off-grid Great Barrier Reef island with beach house, pool and caretaker’s cottage has aroused the interest of about 50 buyers, with three weeks to go for sales offers.
The 3.14 hectare Victor Island – located 1km off the coast of Mackay with coral reefs, sandy beaches and a fully furnished four bedroom, two bathroom beach house – was listed for sale via an expressions of interest campaign by Colliers and PRD Real Estate Mackay.
[TAG0]The island is 10 minutes from the mainland by boat and 12 minutes from Mackay Airport by helicopter.
Colliers Queensland managing director in Cairns Stacey Quaid said “this is a very rare opportunity to secure an exclusive private island in the Whitsunday’s under a recently commenced 25 year Queensland Government lease”.
She said “there has been significant interest in the island with about 50 enquiries to date, and more each day”.
“The interest has varied from locals looking to live there to interstate lifestyle buyers looking for a stunning holiday location in the Whitsunday’s.”
“The key attributes for potential buyers is the proximity to the coast, being only a 10 minute boat trip and the unspoilt nature of the island, with the opportunity to either leave it as is, or upgrade down the track.”
[TAG1]The four bedroom beachhouse is move-in-ready and fully furnished.
PRD Real Estate Mackay managing director Greg Chappell said the island also has a sparkling pool, caretakers cottage and work shed, and is accessible by boat or helicopter.
“The house offers postcard views over the landscaped gardens and Coral Sea,” he said.
“The residence offers spacious open plan living, dining and kitchen area overlooking the expansive outdoor entertaining space.”
“Recently refurbished, the layout of the home has been thoughtfully designed to offer a sense of space for its guests while still being able to embrace the stunning blue water views and surrounds of the island”.
The island is 10 minutes by boat from Hay Point Marina on the mainland and about 12 minutes by helicopter from Mackay Airport.
Mr Chappell said the island was a “perfect balance” between seclusion and accessibility.
“The island has the capacity to be predominantly self-sufficient with the ability to harvest rain water and solar power systems to supply electricity.”
“The quaint, private island is nestled within the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is part of the 74 islands that make up the iconic Whitsundays.”
The property is listed for sale via expressions of interest through Michael Kollosche of his self-titled agency.
Considered one of southeast Queensland’s finest homes, the Southport estate, named ‘Alston’, features a six-bedrooms seven-bathroom estate set amid landscaped grounds on a 3,442sq m waterfront allotment.
It’s the latest in a string of high-profile sales pitches for the palatial three-storey home, which has been on and off the market since August 2022 with several different agents.
The owner’s identity has remained suppressed since their purchase, which was the highest recorded residential transaction in Queensland at the time.
But it’s not just riverfront mansions that are attracting interest.
[TAG1]Dahlia Estate at 53 Gibsonville St, Tallebudgera Valley.
Dahlia Estate — a sprawling house built into the side of a hill in the Gold Coast Hinterland — was the second most viewed house in Queensland and sixth across the country.
The property, at 53 Gibsonville St, Tallebudgera Valley comes with a long list of luxury features from a helipad and outdoor gym to a resort-style pool and tennis court.
Ross and Ashley Hankin are the brains behind the property, which was built over the Covid pandemic.
“Our initial concept for Dahlia was simple — to do justice to this incredible property,” Ms Hankin said.
“It is the most unique site we have ever come across, so we knew whatever we were going to build had to take advantage of the uninterrupted views and natural landscape of the land.”
The end result is a jaw-dropping mix of exposed concrete, wood and stone paired perfectly with louvres, glass and skylights to create a warm and inviting space.
The curve of the house sets the scene while the standout feature is without a doubt the mountain views.
Dahlia Estate is on the market through Harcourts Coastal’s Ed Cherry and PRD Burleigh Heads’ John Fischer via is expressions of interest.
On the auction front, the most viewed property going to auction this weekend in Queensland is Allambi House at 54 Allambi St, Broadbeach Waters.
Vendors Perri and Eddie Beith are behind the new build which pushes design boundaries with its mid-century modern vibe.
The design, with its flamboyant finishes and retro charm, takes you on a journey through the ages to a time when architecture was celebrated as art. One of the couple’s favourite features is the sunken lounge with banquet-style seating, plush shag pile carpet and stacked stone feature wall.
On the beachside and a modern waterfront villa at 2/20 Marlin Court, Palm Beach came in second while Doasis, a mid-century inspired showstopper at 29 Parnki Pde, Palm Beach rounded out the top three.
All three properties go under the hammer this weekend.
Third time’s the charm for a Gold Coast developer twice knocked back during a line-in-the-sand legal stoush over the refusal of changes to an approved beachfront tower.
The Gold Coast City Council has given the green light to the latest revised design for the controversial Main Beach tower proposal.
Its go-ahead ends a three-year battle by Upan Company Pty Ltd—an entity linked to developer Brian Heran—over its plans for a 1261sq m site on the corner of Main Beach Parade and Woodroffe Avenue.
Under the approved changes, the tower to be known as Ovation will maintain the previously approved 20 storeys—including 18 residential levels—but its height has been increased from 63 metres to 70.2 metres.
According to a submitted planning report, this is to enable greater ceiling heights “to respond to market demand” and the subtropical climate of the Gold Coast.
“Providing higher ceilings assists with ventilation and cooling of a dwelling,” it said. “Given the site location, being beachfront to Main Beach, this aspect of the design is fundamental.”
The report said the changes sought to “improve the quality of expressive and architectural form in accordance with public expectation and the planning scheme intent for Main Beach.
“The fundamental aspects of the [previously approved] development remain unchanged,” it said. “As part of the proposed change, significant consideration has been given to softening the built form and better reflecting the character of Main Beach.”
Overall, however, the number of apartments has been reduced from 55 to 31, with 26 mostly three and four-bedroom apartments occupying levels 2 to 14 and five full-floor, five-bedroom penthouses across levels 15 to 19.
Among the other major changes, communal recreational areas have been relocated and upsized from a total of 465sq m to 762square metres. Both the ground level and rooftop amenities are oriented towards the beachfront. They will feature facilities such as large pools and pool decks, beach lounges, a cinema, gym, sauna, yoga space and barbecue areas.
Reflecting the reduced number of apartments, the amount of both car and bicycle parking spaces across three basement have been decreased.
An approval to build a 20-storey tower on the site at 3547 Main Beach Parade was initially granted in 2018, a year after the council rejected a 50-storey proposal with 143 apartments and a mixed-use podium.
In 2020, a new tower design—with an increased overall height, reduced setbacks and number of apartments as well as revised external design—was submitted but refused by the council.
An appeal by Upan to the Planning and Environment Court was dismissed in 2021 with the second design deemed non-compliant with the City Plan as it would “crowd” the surrounding area.
It then took the fight to the Supreme Court but the council’s decision to refuse approval again was upheld.
Subsequently, the developer went back to the drawing board with architecture firm Jackson Teece engaged to undertake a third and final redesign.
“In response to the character of the surrounding area, the building’s design is ‘of the beach’ establishing a close relationship to the local natural context and further reinforcing the local identity of the suburb Main Beach,” a design statement said.
“The articulated form of the tower depicts a series of overlapping organic facade elements enveloping the apartment interiors, mimicking a sea shell’s role in protecting its resident sea creature.
“The interplay of these facade elements provides contrasting shadowing, light and movement at varying scales which will result in an expressive and activated architectural form.
“Emulating the ribbed texture of the common sea clam shells found on the local beaches, the building offers a rich palette of ‘sand coloured’ off-white battens, fluted and flat off-white pre-cast panels.”
In a bid for homeowners to pay their overdue rates and charges, Sunshine Coast Council is threatening to sell their land if fees remain unpaid.
The agenda item dominated Thursday’s ordinary meeting, where councillors unanimously voted to enact the sale of land procedure.
The move allows ratepayers’ land to be sold if some or all of their rates or charges have been overdue for at least three years as of December 31, 2022.
The recommendation is in accordance with the Local Government Regulation 2012.
Rates notices were issued on January 24 and were due for payment by February 24.
A council spokesperson said on average 85 per cent of ratepayers paid their rates notices by the due date.
The majority of owner-occupiers pay the minimum general rate of $1332.50 per annum.
Under the regulation, interest applies to rates that are overdue. The current interest rate is 8.17 per cent per annum. Council offers interest-free payment arrangements.
On January 24, a council report showed 67 properties had rates and charges overdue for at least three years and fell within the scope of the sale of land process.
As of April 14, there were 45 properties on the list, with overdue rates and charges totaling $494,676.47.
[TAG0]A breakdown of rates. Photo: Sunshine Coast Council
But in a presentation at the meeting, chief financial officer Michael Costello said that number had since dropped to 35 as of Wednesday.
This equated to $360,913 of rates and charges that had remained unpaid for at least three years.
Mr Costello said the list number would have most likely dropped again since Wednesday.
“We have a responsibility to collect rates and charges in a timely manner so that we can have the cash to carry out essential services and manage our cash,” he said.
From here, a first statutory notice will be issued to the ratepayers in June; the second statutory notice will be issued in September; and the sale of land auction, if required, will occur in October.
The most recent sale of land process was executed in 2022. Over the past four years, only one property has been auctioned through the process. That property was not occupied.
A council spokesperson said that as the process progressed, the number of properties with overdue rates and charges continued to reduce as landowners took action to pay their rates.
Last year all properties included in the process paid before the auction.
“A sale of land process is used only as a last resort, after all other avenues to collect unpaid rates have been exhausted,” the spokesperson said.
“Sale of land procedures ensure that the community is not required to bear the financial burden of long-term rate debts.”
A council report revealed landowners may prevent the sale of the property by paying all overdue rates and charges, and all expenses that council has incurred in attempting to sell the land.
The report showed “intention to sell land for arrears of rates” letters were issued in March to the landowners of the properties remaining on the list.
“This letter is not required as part of the sale of land procedures detailed in the Local Government Regulation 2012; however, this communication was issued to ensure landowners are aware of the options available to them, including entering into an approved rate payment plan,” the report stated.
Sunshine Coast Division 7 Councillor Ted Hungerford spoke to the motion, reiterating council was proactive in recovering outstanding rates and charges but made an effort to minimise the number of properties with rates outstanding for a three-year period.
“That effort is made to negotiate successful outcomes for landholders and council,” he said.
He said when the outcome was not achieved, credit management officers would advise landholders of alternative avenues to seek financial assistance.
“Officers take the time to counsel them … to discuss their other options that may be available: their mortgage, regarding refinancing; apply to the state government for mortgage relief loans; and apply to the taxation office for early release of superannuation,” he said.
“We make every effort to assist these people.
“We want to help people get there. We want to help every one of those who are in difficult circumstances.”
He said this was proven with council only auctioning off one house in four years.
“That’s an outstanding result and shows that we have care and compassion for our community as well,” he said.
“But we’ve got to be responsible to the rest of the ratepayers and collect those monies so we can effectively run our operations.
“This is not something we do lightly.
“I hope our team can get through this year, so we don’t have any (auctions) again this year.”
The council spokesperson said the organisation understood some landholders had difficulty paying their rates and remained committed to assisting those who can’t pay in full by the due date.
“Council encourages ratepayers who are experiencing financial difficulties to contact us prior to the due date for rates to discuss a payment arrangement,” the spokesperson said.
A number of rates payment options are also available via council’s website, including options to pay rates by installments.
Change to local law
Another item on the meeting agenda was a change to a local law involving off-leash dogs at the Maleny Showgrounds.
After community consultation, of the 141 public submissions made about changes to the nine local laws listed, 105 related to the proposal to prohibit dogs from certain areas within the showgrounds and adding a new dog off-leash area within the precinct.
Feedback on complaints received centered around dog waste issues and dog attacks on children participating in activities on the sports fields.
A community petition calling for the dog off-leash area at the showgrounds was also tabled by Sunshine Coast Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli.
Councillors unanimously agreed to add a new small dog off-leash area in the equestrian zone of the showgrounds, to be used when equestrian events are not being held.
The rest of the showgrounds is now an on-leash or dogs prohibited area.
Councillors also agreed to incorporate the changes to the other local laws listed.
THE developer behind one of the last parcels of land at Burleigh Heads is releasing 32 new residential lots.
Villawood Properties has released the new lots at its Gold Coast community The Arbour — they range in size from 400 sqm to 975 sqm.
Set on a 20.75ha site at Cowell Drive, Burleigh Heads, The Arbour will comprise 101 residential lots.
[TAG0]Gold Coast community The Arbour, by Villawood Properties.
Villawood Properties QLD general manager Michael Williams said more than 90 per cent of lots released had already sold and the new stage, Suncove Edition, will be brought to market to satisfy demand.
“It’s no secret that residential land, especially large lots suitable to accommodate a family home, has become a scarcity on the Gold Coast, particularly land within proximity to quality infrastructure on the southern end of the city,” he said.
“The new homesites provide more opportunity for buyers to secure some of the last developable land in Burleigh Heads and the chance to build their dream home within a quality boutique community in one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after suburbs.”
Data collated by Oliver Hume highlighted a shortage of land supply across the Gold Coast with significantly limited supply in Burleigh Heads.
Just 79 available blocks were recorded across six active land projects across the city in March 2023 with 24 of these available blocks being on the southern end of the Gold Coast.
Research also showed only 90 lots have sold in Burleigh Heads over the past 10 years, not including The Arbour.
“All homesites in the Suncove Edition offer flat building envelopes which will appeal to buyers given the ease of construction and lower associated building costs,” Mr Williams said.
“Registration is anticipated prior to the end of 2023 so buyers can plan to start building their new homes prior to Christmas.”
Drew Group’s Main Beach apartment development, Lagoon, is creating quite a buzz among buyers with its incredible value proposition.
The project has released its final collection of one-bedroom apartments, and they are proving to be a hit due to their spacious layouts and attractive price point.
The one-bedders span 93 sqm in total, making them some of the most spacious one-bedroom apartments on the Gold Coast market. They are priced from $745,000, which equates to $8,000 per sqm.
The lack of one-bedders currently available in the market is also driving strong buyer interest to Lagoon, with the one-beds also coming with one car space.
Pezet Matheson are marketing Lagoon, with Managing Director Jayde Pezet saying new one-bedroom apartments are increasingly scarce across the Gold Coast, primarily due to lack of space for car parking in basements and development sites becoming smaller.
“Lagoon offers purchasers an opportunity to secure a rarely available new one-bedroom apartment at an exceptional rate per sqm, so not only are people purchasing a unique property, but they are also realising incredible value in todays market,” Pezet said.
[TAG0]Lagoon, Main Beach 11 Cronin Avenue, Main Beach QLD 4217
Crafted by Plus Architecture, there’s only a limited collection of one-bed plus multi-purpose room apartments remaining in Lagoon, with each boasting northerly aspects.
The apartments benefit from adjoining balconies, which drench each residence with natural light, while also creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
The kitchens are home to suite of Smeg appliances, including an oven, dishwasher, and microwave, coupled with brushed nickel tapware, an abundance of storage space and an engineered stone island bench.
The homes also include separate laundry space with storage included, in addition to built-in robes to the bedrooms.
[TAG1]Lagoon, Main Beach 11 Cronin Avenue, Main Beach QLD 4217
Positioned as the largest Main Beach apartment development in three decades, the $390 million twin-tower project was fast-tracked to the market in response to the overwhelming interest it has generated.
Apart from spacious apartments, Lagoon boasts an array of high-end amenities designed to complement the coastal way of life.
Residents will have access to a pool oasis complete with private cabanas, inviting indoor and outdoor lounges, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a serene yoga deck, surfboard storage, a business hub, and a heated spa.
Construction is well underway, with Hutchinson Builders handling the build. The completion of Lagoon is expected in the third quarter of 2025.
Plans have been filed for a medium-rise residential development comprising 60 apartments opposite a railway station in Brisbane’s suburban north-west.
The six-storey proposal is earmarked for an amalgamated 2198sq m site at 3 McConaghy Street, Mitchelton, within a major centre zone.
It has been lodged with the Brisbane City Council by Carbone Developments with a view to being a “complementary project for future centre activity development of adjoining lands”.
The proposed development would sit opposite the Mitchelton railway station with a waterway corridor and open space to the rear of the site.
“The McConaghy Street south precinct is intended for medium-density, multiple dwellings and also for shops and office activity at ground level where fronting Mitchelton railway station,” a submitted planning report said.
“The proposal will support the creation of a walkable centre which is in proximity to high-frequency public transport, employment, entertainment and community facilities.
“The site currently enjoys proximity to all these services and facilities and the proposal provides for a higher density of residential land use to support these surrounding centre uses and nearby public transport services.”
The report noted the proposed development was one storey over the acceptable height outcome for the site.
“However, there is unlikely to be any adverse impact upon residential amenity as the building will be well setback from the street frontage and to existing residences to the east and has open space to the rear,” it said.
“The building will contribute towards the character of the centre and create a sense of place currently lacking.
“Thus, as the process of transition towards the ultimate major centre development form occurs across this locality, the proposal offers the opportunity to utilise the land for a higher order use which is compatible with future major centre use.”
[TAG0]▲ A render of the proposed six-storey Mitchelton apartment development.
The scheme designed by Red Door Architecture includes a mix of 19 one and 41 two-bedroom apartments and would replace an existing house and associated outbuildings.
Ground-floor communal recreation space would be provided with a gym which leads out to a terrace and pool deck at the rear of the building, partially suspended above the waterway corridor and with direct access to the adjoining parkland.
“The building is designed to maximise the number of units with orientation to the north and east to maximise internal climate comfort and to maximise access to the outlook towards the parkland,” the documents said.
The proposal also includes two levels of basement parking for 102 cars and 15 visitor spaces as well as 76 bicycle parking spaces.
A dilapidated house perched on top of Moffat Headland has been bulldozed to make way for high-end, multimillion-dollar apartments designed for a prize home lottery.
RSL Queensland has plans before Sunshine Coast Council to redevelop the McIlwraith Street site, on the tightly held Moffat Headland, into a new multimillion-dollar property.
The aged timber home that stood on the site was sold last year by agent Dave Millar for $6 million – effectively just for the (542sqm) of land. The sale broke records at the time.
If approved, the luxurious redevelopment will be raffled off in a prize home lottery for RSL Queensland through the RSL Art Union, which is Australia’s biggest prize home lottery.
Zone Planning Group’s redevelopment proposal consists of a multimillion-dollar apartment complex made up of two two-bedroom units, a three-bedroom unit and a four-bedroom penthouse.
It also includes a split-level rooftop terrace overlooking Moffat Beach.
The lower ground-floor level will contain a two-bedroom unit, partially sunken into the natural ground, with a private pool and outdoor courtyards, as well as an accessible bathroom, plus services.
The ground level will have at-grade car parking, lobby and vehicle access and services, and a two-bedroom unit.
Level one will comprise a three-bedroom unit with a study, while level two will contain the four-bedroom penthouse and have a private access to a rooftop entertainment space.
The development will also have primary private open space areas on the northern side of the building to provide uninterrupted ocean views.
[TAG0]From the house before it was knocked-down, looking north-west. Picture: Zone Planning Group
The large, tiered terrace area will have landscaping and an open pergola on the western side of the building.
RSL Art Union lotteries general manager Deborah Pescott confirmed the acquired land will be used for a prize home planned at a future date.
“The building will consist of four apartments including rooftop terrace that will be raffled off in a single large draw,” Ms Pescott said.
“The total prize value is yet to be confirmed at this stage and all funds raised will go towards helping veterans and their families.
“Not only does the art union provide critical support to veterans, but it also changes the lives of everyday people who purchase tickets in the prize home draws. Each draw day sees a valued supporter’s multimillion-dollar dream come true.”
An RSL spokesperson said the proposed complex had been designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding properties on the Queen of Colonies walkway.
“Some gorgeous inclusions for the lucky winner include an outdoor shower, pedestrian access to Queen of Colonies walkway down to Moffat Beach and a sauna for the complex,” the spokesperson said.
“There is also plans for an internal dog-washing facility for any sandy pooches.
“The lower ground-level apartment will have a dedicated outdoor living space with incredible views of the ocean – including the Moffat Beach surf carnival when it runs – or watch the surfers riding the waves on most mornings.
“The property includes plenty of off-street parking and a dedicated bike storage.”
The eventual prize would be worth well over $6 million by the time the luxurious apartments are built, but that’s not unusual for the lottery group.
Some of the prize packages previously raffled on the Gold Coast have been valued at $12.5 million and $10.6 million.
When Brisbane couple Rosie Dodgson and Matthew Scott were looking for an affordable house to buy before starting a family, the Capricorn Coast seemed like the perfect option.
“We would never be able to purchase our first home [in Brisbane] considering the cost of it, and also the competition,” Ms Dodgson said.
The couple is now settled in the central Queensland town of Yeppoon and “couldn’t be happier”.
“It’s a good size for us, it’s not really busy but it’s not a ghost town,” Ms Dodgson said.
They are part of a growing population looking for a sea change in a place where they can also afford to get on the property ladder, according to demographer Elin Charles-Edwards from the University of Queensland.
Dr Charles-Edwards said coastal regions across Queensland were seeing a “spillover effect” of people locked out of markets on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.
[TAG0]The town of Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast is growing rapidly.(Supplied: Madelyn Holmes)
“During COVID we saw a lot of people stay in the regions and also increasingly people attracted to the regional lifestyle, either looking for more space, cheaper housing, and in part facilitated by working from home,” she said.
‘Still in the boom’
Ms Dodgson said the Capricorn Coast was “perfect” for their young family, with a property market where they could afford a three-bedroom house with a large garden.
But it seemed others had the same idea. It took more than a year of the pair putting in offers before they snapped up their home in late 2021.
“There was pretty fierce competition up here,” Ms Dodgson said.
Yeppoon real estate agent Lindsay Lodwick, who has been selling houses on the coast for more than 20 years, was confident the town was “still in the boom cycle”.
And while Ms Dodgson and Mr Smith drove for more than eight hours for open homes during their search, Mr Lodwick said he had lost count of the number of properties he had sold sight unseen or with virtual viewings in the past three years.
“From 2001 to 2020, I had sold two houses sight unseen,” Mr Lodwick said.
“People’s willingness to … make an offer without even looking at the property — that kind of behaviour has become the new norm, which really does blow me away.”
The Livingstone Shire, which includes Yeppoon, had one of the biggest growths in property values in the state for the year to April, according to data from property analyst company CoreLogic.
The area’s median house price jumped 7.3 per cent in the 12 months — to $632,830.
In comparison, the Sunshine Coast dropped 12.2 per cent to a median house price of $942,000 while Cairns was down 1.8 per cent to $557,797, and the Gold Coast dropped 9.3 per cent $975,000.
[TAG1]The Capricorn Coast includes Emu Park, about 20km from Yeppoon.(Supplied: Nathan White Images)
While previous population influxes in central Queensland had been mainly tied to the resources sector, Dr Charles-Edwards said there had been a shift in this recent wave.
She said it was particularly noticeable between Wide Bay and the Capricorn Coast, where migration was being driven more by lifestyle change.
Growth creates challenges
Though population growth is positive, it is putting pressure on the local shire council.
The region experienced 4.3 per cent growth from 2020 to 2022, according to Bureau of Statistics figures, with a population of 40,952 as of June 2022.
For the same period, regional Queensland’s population growth was an average of 2.8 per cent.
Mayor Andy Ireland expected population growth to keep surpassing projections, forcing the council to “rethink a lot of our short, medium, and longer-term plans”.
“We’re looking at bringing forward a number of the water and sewerage projects,” he said.
“We’ve also looked at our future strategic road network … so that we can start mapping now where the demand for future access is going to be.”
In a bid to increase social housing, the council also recently agreed to gift two lots of land to Anglicare, one in Yeppoon and one in Emu Park, so the organisation can build affordable family accommodation.
Rising against a rainforest canopy in all its creamy, curvy glory is Casa Campana.
Marcus and Olivia Smith’s lives took a surreal turn when they purchased the dream home, built in 2019 by stylist Sophie Bell, of Peppa Hart, with the Three Birds Renovation team.
The Mediterranean-inspired estate has hosted fashion types, screen productions, and celebrities.
Highlights this month included the lavish week-long wedding celebrations for Aussie singer, George Sheppard, with new bride, Kathleen Seagar, and an upcoming reality TV series.
The Smiths paid $3.3 million for the 1.31ha Tweed Valley retreat in June 2022, and held it not only as a holiday and events destination, but also a cherished family home.
They relocated from Sydney’s northern beaches with their three children, Jess, 14, Ollie, 12, and Felix, 6.
“We bought it as a business, but the more time we spent up here, we slowly fell in love,” said marketing professional Mr Smith.
The couple had ten years’ experience managing short-term rental properties but did not anticipate their emotional pull to the area.
“It’s just such a beautiful space – it’s so tranquil, and the people around here are amazing,” Mr Smith said.
“The calmness and the peace here is so different to what we’ve come from in Sydney, and being able to work from home and have more time with the family has been great.”
Now, with an overseas work opportunity beckoning, new owners are invited to experience the magic of Casa Campana.
The property at 61 Garden Ave, Nunderi is marketed via an expressions of interest campaign with Amir Prestige agent, Justin Haynes.
A sloping driveway from the unassuming street entrance reveals a rendered white-on-white facade set against a wide canvas of tropical foliage to the rear of the triangle-shaped block.
The two-storey floorplan includes three bedrooms, a media room and open-plan living and dining space on the lower level adorned with Peppa Hart’s signature sun silhouettes. A central concrete island bench and butler’s pantry complete the kitchen.
Mrs Smith said: “It’s a great family home. With three kids, they’ve all got their own space. It just works, it flows well.”
Upstairs is a large home office and showstopping master suite with built-in king bed, lavish ensuite, and sweeping balcony.
“The beautiful views waking up in a forest were probably my favourite part of living here,” said Mrs Smith, who managed bookings for the property.
The Smiths weren’t familiar with the Peppa Hart brand, but the home’s European beach bar inspiration resonated with their own recent travels to Greece.
Covered terraces wrap around the home, while the glamorous pool area has a pavilion with woodfired pizza oven, bar and day bed.
[TAG3]Outdoor entertaining pavilion with pizza oven, bar, and built-in daybed
At the front of the home, a custom kids’ cubby with rooftop slide is positioned next to an equally whimsical grown-ups’ play space with margarita bar and day bed.
Mr Haynes said the property offered a lifestyle upgrade as well as a potential income stream.
“This luxury residence feels a world away from the urban hustle, yet is actually only 15 minutes from Cabarita Beach, 25min to Coolangatta International Airport and only 40 minutes to Byron Bay,” Mr Haynes said.
“It is truly a unique opportunity to live your best life, with the benefit of an established brand as a coveted lifestyle destination, should the new buyers wish to pursue that avenue.
“We’ve had an incredible response since listing, as this particular property is already excitedly familiar to many, with a high level of early inquiry from interstate buyers and others interested in the design pedigree of this one-of-a-kind estate,” he said.
PropTrack data shows house prices in Nunderi were down 14.2 per cent over the past 12 months, to a median of $1.135m.
Food is expensive. Petrol is expensive. Rent is expensive. Everything is expensive.
There is no getting around the current financial pressures facing Australians in 2023 but even amid a cost of living crisis, there are people still looking to buy homes.
If you’re one of those people, any location where you can get in cheaper than everywhere else, but which is also within walking distance of the city centre, is one worth checking out.
Not surprisingly, the bigger the city, the fewer the options when it comes to finding something within two kilometres of the CBD for $750,000 or less – but there are options, even in a city like Sydney, where the median house price recently rose (for the first time in 12 months) to $1,459,856.
Brisbane and Melbourne’s city-fringe unit markets are more affordable, with options starting as low as $405,000 just 1.7 kilometres from the city centre.
Everyone’s borrowing capacity has fallen over the past year, so finding a property on a budget is more important than ever. If you’re hoping to get on the property ladder for less than $750,000 – and in a location where you can walk to the CBD – here are some options worth looking at.
SYDNEY
SYDNEY’S 2KM SUBURBS FOR LESS THAN $750,000
Suburb
Region
Property
Median
Annual change
Distance to CBD
Rushcutters Bay
City and East
Unit
$681,500
-29.2%
1.8km
Chippendale
City and East
Unit
$712,500
-14.4%
2km
Source: Domain House Price Report, March 2023.
The unit market in Rushcutters Bay, a harbourside inner-east beauty, has had some significant price falls over the past year, with its median price now sitting at $681,500. The Chippendale apartment market has also dropped in value, by 14.4 per cent, and the median is now $712,500.
Both of these suburbs sit within a two-kilometre radius of the city, and both offer opportunities to young buyers who may not even be aware they can get in at these prices, says Andrew Gray at Traversgray Real Estate.
“Rushcutters Bay, even Rose Bay, Double Bay – young buyers can think they’re out of their price range,” he says. “They’d be surprised at some of the unit prices.”
Other options nearby, like Haymarket, Ultimo, Glebe and Paddington, all have median unit prices around the $800,000 mark.
Nick Gill of BresicWhitney Inner East says buyers looking to get their foot in the door of areas like Rushcutters Bay would need to look at one-bedroom options.
“For under $750,000, the one-bedder or studio apartments are really popular with investors or first-home buyers wanting to get on the ladder,” he says.
“You’re going to be compromised on size but there’s the convenience of living in a location like this. That appeal is always there, and Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay [and] Rushcutters Bay have always had a good supply of one-bed apartments.”
A beautiful one-bedroom unit in a character building a short stroll from the harbour and Rushcutters Bay Park recently sold at auction for $651,000, and Gill says these one-bedders are a great place to start.
“Those buying two and three-bed apartments … there’s a smaller supply of those and they are typically more expensive,” he says. “Often [sold] to people upgrading from the local one-bedder that they started with, they stay in the area and upgrade to get more space.”
He says open-home numbers are strong, adding: “There are still people wanting to buy. As long as a property for sale demonstrates value and is priced correctly, there are plenty of buyers every time.”
MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE’S 2KM SUBURBS FOR LESS THAN $750,000
Suburb
Region
Property
Median
Annual change
Distance to CBD
Melbourne City
Inner Urban
Unit
$475,000
0.4%
0
Southbank
Inner Urban
Unit
$579,000
0.5%
08.km
South Melbourne
Inner Urban
Unit
$633,500
-5.0%
1.5km
South Yarra
Inner Urban
Unit
$575,000
-7.3%
2km
Source: Domain House Price Report, March 2023.
A clutch of city-fringe Melbourne suburbs come in well below the $750,000 mark, with South Melbourne’s unit median price of $633,500 being the highest.
Only 800 metres from the CBD, the relative affordability of South Melbourne’s unit market may come as surprising to some, especially given the median price for a house there is $1.792 million – that’s a $1,158,500 price gap.
Marcus Varrasso of Jellis Craig Port Phillip recently sold a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a courtyard to an “ecstatic” first-home buyer for $600,000.
Around 100 groups came through the unit during its four-week auction campaign, a figure Varrasso describes as “astronomical” for a unit listing.
“It’s unusual to take an apartment to auction in this area.” he says. “The vendor wanted $600,000 – which was a high price for the building – but the interest was there. We decided to maximise the numbers with a short campaign and the interest was huge, most of them either investors or first-home buyers.
“It would’ve rented out very well as the rental return on that was estimated [to be] anywhere from $600 to $700 a week, or $3000 a month. In the end, it sold to a first-home buyer who was beyond happy, and the owner was very happy too. A great result for everyone.”
Varrasso says the pool of buyers searching for a home has grown, reflecting the resilience of Melbourne’s inner-city market.
“For this buyer, they’re never going to lose on a property on that – who knows what it’s worth in 10 years? Buyers can see the value,” he says.
“That’s why these areas like South Melbourne, when the broader market does take a hit … are worth a look at.
“If it makes sense price-wise, regardless of the location or even whether it’s renovated or not, they will bid, they will buy.”
BRISBANE
BRISBANE’S 2KM SUBURBS FOR LESS THAN $750,000
Suburb
Region
Property
Median
Annual change
Distance to CBD
South Brisbane
Brisbane West
Unit
$530,000
-1.9%
1km
Spring Hill
Brisbane North
Unit
$451,250
8.5%
1.1km
Spring Hill
Brisbane North
House
$624,500
-34.1%
1.1km
Kangaroo Point
Brisbane East
Unit
$575,000
-3.5%
1.2km
Fortitude Valley
Brisbane North
Unit
$405,000
-10.0%
1.7km
Milton
Brisbane West
Unit
$595,000
26.2%
1.9km
New Farm
Brisbane North
Unit
$750,000
5.6%
2km
Highgate Hill
Brisbane West
Unit
$745,000
-17.7%
2km
Source: Domain House Price Report, March 2023.
The list of postcodes within walking distance of Brisbane’s CBD for $750,000 or less is longer, and it’s not without some surprises.
The median price for a house in Spring Hill has fallen to $624,500 this year, putting it well below Brisbane’s overall median house price of $805,818, and other vibrant city-fringe favourites like Fortitude Valley come in just above $400,000 for a median-priced unit.
[TAG0]26/92 Robertson Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
In New Farm, one of Brisbane’s most sought-after – not to mention expensive – suburbs, the median price for a unit is $750,000. Compared to the median house price of $2.355 million, that’s a price gap of $1.605 million, which presents a massive opportunity for buyers, says Ray White New Farm agent Claudia Marchand.
“That is a huge price gap between houses and units in the one suburb. Phenomenal,” she says.
“People have to be open-minded; young people need to step onto the ladder. Yes, it might be small, or it might not have a car [space]. But if you understand location is 99 per cent of your future value, then you can buy, live in it for a year, then rent it out and move on.”
Marchand recently sold a one-bedroom unit in Moray Street, a highly revered location fronting the Brisbane River and overlooking the CBD and Story Bridge, for $475,000.
She says it ended up selling at auction to an investor from Sydney.
“At that price, as I say, it really is a no-brainer. You can’t go wrong with that,” she says.
“Rent is about $550 a week, the complex has an amazing pool and it’s walking distance to the city, Howard Smith Wharves – everything that New Farm offers. If it had a car space the buyer would have needed to spend $600,000 to $650,000.”
Other Brisbane inner-city favourites that are slightly more than two kilometres out but are still affordable, are East Brisbane, with a median unit price of $535,000, and Newstead, with a median unit price of $640,000.
A large parcel of riverside land with development approval for 286 sites is for sale, via an expression of interest campaign.
A receiver’s sale is underway for what has been dubbed a land lease and tourist park development site at Diddillibah.
It’s approved for 143 residential land-lease community sites and 143 short-term sites, plus facilities, amenities and associated infrastructure.
The land is behind the Waterfront Hotel, Maroochy River Resort and Maroochy Waterfront Camp and Conference Centre.
An information memorandum for the property, from real estate agencies HTL Property and CBRE Sunshine Coast, said the 32.68ha site was on flat terrain and close to shopping, medical and recreational facilities.
It said it was approved for 286 dwelling units, including 123 two-bedroom units, 10 two-bedroom long-term duplex units (20 units in total), 92 one-bedroom short-term cabins and 51 short-term glamping tents.
The information memorandum said the land was a unique offering to prospective buyers.
“The site presents an opportunity for a purchaser to capitalise on resurging tourism, a buoyant investment market, booming housing prices and strong demand for affordable housing and potential development profits,” it said.
“There simply isn’t a site of this scale, with such proximity to key infrastructure and amenities, available anywhere on the Sunshine Coast.”
The memorandum indicated that there was a trend, nationwide, towards accommodation sites that offered holiday and permanent home options.
“(The residential land-lease community industry) has transformed from a primarily holiday accommodation caravan park setting to an increasingly diversified mix of affordable permanent housing. The Sunshine Coast is a particularly attractive RLLC location,” it said.
“Active, mobile retirees have for many years chosen the region as a place to settle.”
[TAG1]The land has potential for 143 residential sites and 143 short-term sites.
The development approval was originally approved in 2014, with several modifications made to the application conditions and plans since then.
The land was bought by Newport Lifestyle Resorts in 2017 and the owner last year engaged a contractor to start bulk earthworks, worth almost $14m, which are due to be finished within months.
But it’s now on offer as a receivership sale.
The site could be worth anywhere between $7.5m to $25m, according to the price search guide via Commercial Real Estate.
“We are probably going to be in a more innovative period, on a number of different levels, than ever—and it’s out of necessity,”
Urbis’ director Paul Riga is talking about the Brisbane residential market and his belief that the time is right for innovation.
The market has had more than its fair share of woes in recent years—the pandemic sparked labour shortages, floods, supply chain issues, rising construction and material costs, all leading to an increasing number of construction insolvencies.
It has left many developers wondering how they can survive, let alone thrive.
But Riga believes there is hope for residential developers.
“There will be innovative ways of getting people getting started,” Riga said.
He believes innovation will be necessary to make projects more financially feasible for developers, especially as demand for houses and apartments changes on the back of price, supply and affordability movement.
“And for people to keep doing the jobs that we do, doing the projects that we do, there’s going to have to be a level of innovation for these projects to be feasible,” Riga said.
Riga will be speaking about the state of the market and how he see the future at The Urban Developer’s Brisbane Residential Summit on June 8.
[TAG0]▲ Modular and prefab housing has been mooted as part of achieving Queensland’s million-home promise.
What these innovations will look like may vary but Riga says it will have to encompass several different parts of the process, from how planning is tackled to design, sales and construction.
“There’s going to be more collaboration and more innovation in this space in the next two years, and my view is that there’s going to be more innovative solutions then we would have probably ever seen,” Riga said, “innovative building solutions, innovative cost management solutions, design solutions and so on.”
But alongside this will come some hard truths around competing with government projects for much-needed construction labour, how to provide enough housing for people and how we think about living.
“The industry is going to be very innovative over the next few years because we’re forced into it,” Riga said.
“But as residents, our mindsets and our ideals will have to shift as well.”
Plans have been filed for a 25-storey apartment tower to replace a low-rise 1980s-era holiday resort at the northern end of the Gold Coast.
The proposal would comprise 85 mostly two and three-bedroom apartments crowned by a whole-floor, five-bedroom penthouse plus a communal recreation rooftop terrace.
It is earmarked for a 1546sq m site at 210 Marine Parade, Labrador, currently occupied by the three-storey Golden Shores Holiday Club Resort, which would be demolished.
The development application has been lodged with the Gold Coast City Council by Golden Shores Holiday Club Limited, the ownership entity of the holding fronting the Southport Broadwater.
Under the plans, levels 2 to 22 would provide five units per floor on the lower levels, four units per floor on the mid levels and three units per floor on the upper levels.
“The tower’s form when viewed from Marine Parade is slender, with a series of horizontal and vertical elements,” the planning documents said. “This enables the building to fan out towards the rear, to allow all units to view glimpses towards the Broadwater.”
Communal recreation facilities on the 597sq m rooftop terrace would include outdoor barbecue and dining areas, residents’ lounge, pool and elevated deck, gym, sauna and an “intimate areas for lounging”.
Parking for 136 cars would be provided across two levels of basement, at ground level and the first level of the podium.
Overall, the proposed development would reach a height of 79.5m, exceeding the site’s designated 53m building height, but a 50 per cent uplift would be sought under the city’s strategic framework.
Although a short-term accommodation component is included as part of the DA, it noted the proposed development would operate as a traditional apartment building not a hotel or tourist accommodation.
“The short-term accommodation component has been included in the application to provide future unit owners with the flexibility to rent their respective apartments out for shorter periods—up to three months,” it said.
The tower scheme has been designed by BDA Architecture to provide “an iconic architectural building” as well as contribute to the residential supply within the future growth corridor and “enhance the emerging Broadwater precinct”.
“The overall tower form is cohesive and an elegant addition to the Labrador skyline … [and] a positive outcome to the Labrador foreshore precinct,” a design statement said.
While not capturing the limelight to the same degree as the southern Gold Coast, developer interest in the northern end of the city remains solid.
Earlier this month, plans were filed for a 2-to-3-storey residential development for 79-81 Musgrave Avenue by a Loganholme-based entity linked to Peter Smith. It would comprise 11 three-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments.
Two luxury penthouses in Sanctuary Cove have been released to the market as thousands of visitors flock to the Gold Coast hotspot for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Developer Mulpha is behind the two sky homes in Harbour One, a waterfront apartment project under construction at 1 Masthead Way.
[TAG0]The two Harbour One waterfront penthouses have been designed to exude luxury coastal living and set a new benchmark for quality on the Gold Coast.
The release of the penthouses coincides with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, which kicks off today.
The event was expected to attract 15,000 to 20,000 people from interstate and overseas with an expected turn out of over 50,000 people over the course of the four days.
Each penthouse, on the market from $8.5 million, features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, media rooms, indoor and outdoor living spaces, a private elevator, and parking for three vehicles.
They are set to feature quality materials, fittings and fixtures including Gaggenau appliances, Liebherr fridges, and a temperature-controlled wine room.
Mulpha engaged luxury residential architects Archer Design to take a curated approach to the penthouses.
Director Richard Archer said the penthouses set a new standard for luxury living on the Gold Coast.
“Sanctuary Cove is a location like no other, and the penthouses have been designed for that very discerning market,” Mr Archer said.
“The sheer level of detailing and the quality of finishes is quite extraordinary.
“From the moment you exit the elevator directly into the penthouse you get a sense of the sheer scope of the space – the breadth and the height.
“The ceilings soar up to 5m, there is a seamless flow between indoors and out, and while the apartments are expansive, the space has been zoned into specific areas, so it is warm and inviting.
“Every detail and finish has been carefully crafted with purpose and consideration. Marble, timber, limestone, textural wall coverings, parquetry floors and fine edge detailing … no expense has been spared to create these world-class penthouses.”
Harbour One connects to Sanctuary Cove’s world-class marina and retail village and is a short buggy ride to the renowned golf courses, country club, pools, tennis courts and wellness facilities.
John Hughes, general manager of sales at Sanctuary Cove, said the Harbour One penthouses had an international appeal.
“The entire Harbour One development is a rare offering,” said Mr Hughes.
Construction is expected to be complete by March, 2024.
Brisbane-based architect-developer Joe Adsett has broken ground on his latest venture, Lagune on the Sunshine Coast.
Luxury builder Archend put shovel to dirt this week on the five-storey, five full-floor apartment project at Moffat Beach.
The apartment project on the headlands of Moffat Beach will comprise two pools, direct lift access, wraparound balconies and expansive ocean views from Moffat Beach to Point Cartwright in what will be some of the biggest apartments under construction on the coast.
“Lagune Moffat Beach showcases a huge milestone for the Joe Adsett team, as we continue to design and deliver house-sized sky homes to north-facing beachfront living,” Adsett said.
“The sweeping wave-form arcs of the facade embrace the residences, boldly framing the views of the coastline and tastefully linking the building to its natural surroundings.”
[TAG0]Paying homage to the location, the design features wave-inspired curves in the facade and throughout the interior.
Each apartment in the Queen of Colonies Parade project will include four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two car spaces and range in size from 294 square metres.
Three of the five apartments have already been sold off the plan.
“The uniqueness of the location is all to do with the natural beauty that’s afforded by a north-facing beach where you get these rocky outcrops, beautiful headlands and great surfing breaks,” Adsett says.
House prices at Moffatt Beach have soared 45.7 per cent, while the median apartment price had leapt 36 per cent in the 12 months to the end of 2022.
Lagune has secured funding through GPS Development Finance and prices start at $5.1 million.
Adsett also broke ground on Rockpool Rainbow Bay on the Gold Coast this year.
The $100-million 13-floor oceanfront development would feature 21 homes with ocean views at 154-156 Marine Parade, near Snapper Rocks beaches, the project team said.
Tomkins Commercial is the builder and the completion date is yet to be confirmed.
The tower’s three full-floor penthouses feature five bedrooms and 5 bathrooms over 520 square metres.
Leading Sunshine Coast developer Cube Developments has achieved a near $75 million sell-out across its Bokarina Beach project Oasis.
Positioned with ocean views on the last remaining beachfront location on Bokarina Beach, Oasis makes up a collection of 56 apartments with amenities including a lap pool, open air resident dining, a gym, an outdoor beach shower and lush gardens.
The boutique project sold 70 per cent of residences prior to officially hitting the market, totalling close to $50 million within a week of its soft launch.
Just four apartments remain, including two penthouses that range from 191 sqm to 242 sqm, boasting secluded rooftop terraces and private plunge pools, starting from $3.5 million.
[TAG0]Oasis Bokarina Beach Corner of Riptide Street and Longboard Parade, Bokarina QLD 4575
Cube Developments Director Scott Juniper pointed out the region’s notably high demand for prestigious properties, which is evident in the palpable desire among buyers. However, the limited supply of such properties is struggling to keep up with the demand.
“In a market where there is high demand for prestigious coastal homes, buyers are taking quick action to avoid missing out on the limited supply,” Juniper said.
“Our sales team had 40 appointments booked on the first day of Oasis’ soft launch, 25 of which sold that very same day. There’s a strong sense of urgency among potential buyers, and we’ve observed a significant level of enthusiasm from people who want to secure a prime piece.
“We’re delivering an exceptional project on one of the last remaining beachfront blocks on Bokarina Beach to offer an unparalleled lifestyle, and buyers responded well to this vision.”
The majority of buyers being local residents and individuals from wider South East Queensland can be attributed to the area’s beauty and rarity of properties like this one. This is due to the combination of its premium yet simplistic design and the incredible oceanfront location on Longboard Parade, which provides a unique vantage point.
Set across six levels, Oasis’ configuration maximises access to almost 180 degree ocean views stretching North from Point Cartwright all the way down to the Caloundra Headland.
Oasis is now over 92 per cent sold. Remaining apartments start from $1,650,000.
New data has revealed the top seven countries vying for Australia’s affluent property market, with international homeowners from one continent unexpectedly taking out the top spot.
When it comes to foreign buyers investing in the private real estate sector Down Under, commonly Chinese, Indian and Singaporean investors come to mind.
In fact, several polls conducted in the past highlight that Australians believe the Government is “allowing too much investment from China”, and buyers with an Asian background are driving up property prices.
However, research collated by global property insight platform Knight Frank has revealed that while investors from China and Singapore form part of Australia’s foreign buyers market, the country with the largest number of homebuyers purchasing Australian properties priced over $US2 million ($A3 million) is in a different continent altogether.
According to The Wealth Report 2023, the UK has the highest number of residents who own a multimillion dollar property in Australia, followed by the US.
While the report doesn’t specify the exact number of residents who have invested in the Australian property market from these two countries, market data from realestate.com.au shows search interest for Australian properties on its site has increased by 30 per cent collectively.
Nadine Goldfoot, managing partner at immigration legal group Fragomen in the UK, told Knight Frank the Covid-19 pandemic was a leading factor for Europeans who decided to relocate to Australia.
“The number of people who were suddenly able to do their existing work in a new country expanded rapidly,” she said.
“The ‘digital nomad’ boom has brought many more people into the ambit of global mobility – and countries have responded by finding new ways to attract them.”
Knight Frank’s Alasdair Pritchard also said that volatility and unpredictability in the UK and Europe’s property market drove people there to invest overseas.
“Wealthy individuals living in unstable regions have always sought a ‘Plan B’ – homes in the US, Australia or Europe that can enable the transition to a new life if needed,” he said.
“But rising geopolitical turmoil has drawn more buyers off the fence, and we expect that to continue through 2023.”
According to PropTrack’s 2022 Overseas Search Report wrap up, Melbourne was the most sought after spot for UK buyers, followed by Sydney, Perth and the Gold Coast.
There was also particular interest in Queensland’s greater Brisbane region, which consists of the entire coastal plain and includes the local government areas of Brisbane City, Ipswich, Logan City, Moreton Bay and Redland City.
While not all these are multimillion-dollar properties, it shows less wealthy Europeans are considering relocating to Australia.
The results are almost identical for investors coming to Australia from the US, with Sydney taking out the top spot followed by Melbourne, Gold Coast, greater Brisbane and Perth.
The PropTrack data also revealed a large interest in the rental market from Europeans, with searches for rental properties incurring a year-on-year increase of 34.2 per cent.
Across the globe, a large portion of foreign buyers purchasing properties valued over $US2 million ($A3 million) in the Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy and South Africa markets were from the UK.
Meanwhile Australia’s foreign buyer market is also composed of residents from Spain, Canada and Hong Kong, with these three nations rounding out the Knight Frank’s buying patterns list for Australia.
Looking back at foreign buyer patterns in Australia, third and fourth places in Knight Frank’s analysis went to Singapore and the Chinese mainland respectively.
Senior director and head of residential and private office at Knight Frank in Singapore, Nicholas Keong, said Australia’s proximity to Singapore and Asian nations makes it appealing to foreign buyers living in such countries.
“Outbound capital has always been very UK-centric, and that will continue to be the case through 2023,” he said.
“[But] the US and Australia are also significant draws – Perth is just five hours away, Melbourne and Sydney around eight. They all have the education, weather and lifestyle to attract more investment.”
Chinese property-seekers are largely interested in purchasing a home in Melbourne, according to PropTrack data, followed by Sydney, Adelaide, Box Hill (Victoria) and Brisbane.
However looking into the future, Knight Frank’s Attitudes Survey reveals 86 per cent of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) – someone with a net worth of $US30 million ($A45 million) – from Malaysia are looking to purchase a home in Australia soon.
This is followed by 36 per cent of UHNWI’s from Singapore and 34 per cent from the Chinese mainland.
[TAG0]The number of Australian properties purchased by foreign investors jumped by 2.7 per cent. Picture David Clark
“Investors across Asia were initially slow to return to Australia’s prestige residential market since the borders reopened, but inquiry from these buyers has intensified in the second quarter of 2023,” Knight Frank Asia-Pacific head of residential Victoria Garrett told news.com.au.
“Value matters and understanding global property ownership is key to anticipating future investment trends. Many are now doing their research and due diligence in preparation for the holidays they have planned in the Australian spring and summer months.”
The survey results come as 25 per cent of Chinese mainland UHNWI’s revealed they plan to apply for a second citizenship or passport, suggesting they’re looking to migrate to where they’re buying.
An additional 22 per cent of UHNWI’s from Hong Kong also plan to apply for a second passport or citizenship along with 18 per cent of wealthy Indians.
“In more affordable markets domestic buyers tend to dominate, while in more expensive markets the importance of international investment rises. Property pricing is key in terms of the international mix,” Ms Garrett said.
Knight Frank’s analysis comes just a month after National Australian Bank (NAB) released its results for its first residential property survey for 2023.
The nation’s housing market has experienced a 2.7 per cent jump in the number of new properties being purchased by international buyers in the first quarter of this year.
Consequently, the market share for this category now sits at 7.9 per cent despite a two-year low of 4 per cent in Victoria.
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