Developer Siera Group has quickly established itself as one of the busier apartment developers on the Gold Coast in recent years.

Having launched Tapestry on Chevron Island 18 months ago, Siera has since progressed quickly on two more developments, Pipis on the Bilinga beachfront, and a soon to be launched project on <a href="/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise">Enderley Avenue</a>, just off Northcliffe Beach in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a>.

With everything going on at <a href="/developers/siera">Siera Group</a>, we catch up with Siera Group's Founder and Managing Director, Brent Thompson, to talk about what they're up to.

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With everything going on at Siera Group, we catch up with Siera Group's Founder and Managing Director, Brent Thompson, to talk about what they're up to

Michael Bird

Inside Siera Group's three very different Gold Coast apartment developments

ASX-listed developer Lendlease have some of Australia's most impressive projects under their banner.

Their focus is primarily on Australia's largest gateway cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, creating landmark, precinct-style developments that change the skyline of each city.

They recently settled One Sydney Harbour, their luxury Barangaroo apartment tower that had prices range from $1,515,000 to $140 million, while in Melbourne they're continuing to progress with their multi-stage Collins Wharf development.

We recently caught up with Daniel Dugina, Lendlease Executive Director for Victoria, to chat about Lendlease and how they develop.

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We recently caught up with Daniel Dugina, Lendlease Executive Director for Victoria, to chat about Lendlease and how they develop.

Lendlease's focus on Australia's biggest precinct developments: Five minutes with Lendlease Executive Director Daniel Dugina

Resilience Latent Defects Insurance is changing the way people buy off the plan property in Australia.

This insurance, currently only available through Resilience Insurance, provides off the plan apartment buyers with a 10-year warranty on their new apartment and the building it's situated in.

The cover is purchased by the property developer/builder (pre-construction) and is designed to protect owners against any immediate or future problems with the structural components of their new property, from leaks to cracks and everything in between.

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<h2>Boosting Confidence in Off the Plan Apartments</h2>

In this evolving market, developers and project managers have a unique opportunity to enhance buyer confidence and drive sales through LDI. Offering a 10-year warranty on structural components of new apartments, LDI covers issues from leaks to cracks, providing a robust solution that has been a global staple for over seventy years.

<h2>Advantages for Developers and Buyers</h2>

LDI is a game-changer for the off-the-plan market. By incorporating LDI, developers ensure buyers receive comprehensive protection from the moment they take possession. This coverage not only addresses post-completion structural defects but also issues arising during the construction phase. Leading developers like Abadeen, Deicorp, Kanebridge, and Coronation Property have adopted LDI, witnessing increased sales and property value.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112966 project_image_fid=213736]

<h2>Building Market Confidence</h2>

Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance and a pioneer of LDI in Australia, emphasises that LDI enhances the construction process and post-settlement phase. With expert partners involved from the beginning, LDI ensures quality and reliability, alleviating concerns about structural integrity. This proactive approach is crucial in a market where trust in delivery quality is paramount.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272865]

<h2>Economic Impact and Market Leadership</h2>

According to a survey by MatterFact, 60% of potential buyers are willing to pay over 1.5% of the apartment price for LDI coverage, making it a cost-effective investment for developers. Projects with LDI have reported a 4-5% price increase compared to those without, highlighting the financial benefits for developers. NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler supports LDI, viewing it as a pivotal reform aligned with the state's commitment to improving construction standards and reducing litigation.

For property developers and project managers, integrating LDI into their offerings is not just about insurance—it's about positioning themselves as industry leaders dedicated to quality and buyer assurance. LDI boosts buyer confidence, enhances project marketability, and contributes to resolving Australia's housing crisis by making off-the-plan purchases more attractive and secure.

<h2>Read more about Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance</h2>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/dcn-group-to-develop-first-bankstown-apartment-development-with-latent-defects-insurance">DCN Group to develop first Bankstown apartment development with Latent Defects Insurance</a> 
&nbsp;

For property developers and project managers, integrating LDI into their offerings is not just about insurance—it's about positioning themselves as industry leaders dedicated to quality and buyer assurance

Everything an off the plan developer and buyer needs to know about Resilience Latent Defects Insurance

Carly Cottam, Founder and CEO of MOTIV, offers valuable insights for buyers considering off-the-plan properties in South-East Queensland. As a respected leader in the property development community in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Carly’s expertise provides practical advice for making informed decisions in the current market.

<h3>The MOTIV Difference</h3>

MOTIV, established four years ago, has swiftly made a name for itself by bridging the gap between in-house and agency sales teams. Carly explains that this hybrid model provides developers with the control of an in-house team and the broad market perspective of an external agency. For buyers, this translates to working with a team that has comprehensive industry knowledge and a wide view of various projects, ensuring a more informed and balanced perspective.

<h3>Benefits to Buyers</h3>

One of the key advantages of partnering with a company like MOTIV is the unbiased and experienced market feedback they provide. Carly notes that consumers today are more educated and discerning than ever before, often doing extensive research before making any property decisions. This informed approach is supported by MOTIV’s deep industry insights, helping buyers understand how different projects stack up against each other and what factors are most important in their decision-making process.

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<h3>Importance of Due Diligence</h3>

Carly emphasizes the importance of due diligence for anyone considering an off the plan property purchase. Buyers are encouraged to research developers thoroughly and ensure they are partnered with experienced professionals like property lawyers and financial brokers. MOTIV assists buyers in this process, ensuring they have the necessary support and information to make confident decisions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134197 project_image_fid=217320]

<h3>Early Engagement with Developers</h3>

For developers, engaging with project marketers like MOTIV early in the process is crucial. Carly highlights that initial workshops with the developer’s team, including designers and creative agencies, are vital to understanding the project’s context, target demographics, and overall feasibility. This early involvement ensures that the sales and marketing strategies are aligned with the project’s goals and funding requirements, setting the stage for a successful launch.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112276 project_image_fid=211187]

<h3>Navigating Construction Challenges</h3>

Given the current construction climate in Queensland, exacerbated by the upcoming Olympics and significant infrastructure projects, securing a builder can be a challenge. Carly advises buyers to inquire about the developer’s relationships with builders and any existing agreements or intentions. Understanding the developer’s track record and their approach to securing construction services is essential in assessing the viability of a project.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138199 project_image_fid=257204]

Carly emphasizes the importance of due diligence for anyone considering an off the plan property purchase

What off the plan buyers need to ask agents: Carly Cottam, Founder and CEO of MOTIV

Melbourne-based developer ICD Property has created two of Melbourne's tallest residential towers in the last five years.

Their Aspire tower was the fastest-selling project in 2019, selling a significant number of the near 600-apartment project quickly following its launch.

Since then the team has also moved into different markets.

They're currently undertaking a restoration and redevelopment of the <a href="/new-apartments/sydney-house-194-204-pitt-street-sydney">City Tattersall Club</a> in the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> CBD, while in Adelaide they're creating over 230 apartments in a new mixed-use precinct called Market Square.

With everything going on at ICD, we caught up with their Managing Director Matt Khoo to talk about ICD's approach to development.

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Since ICD was founded 15 years ago, they've delivered over 1,500 homes across Melbourne.

"Each one of them we've got the same philosophy: we want to build something that stands the test of time and really deliver value for our purchasers," Khoo says.

Khoo believes you're only as good as your team when it comes to creating a new project.

"We obviously employ the right people internally, but it's about the consultants, it's about the builders. We&nbsp;would only ever trust the build and the build quality, of something like <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/aspire-melbourne-301-king-st-melbourne">Aspire</a> or <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/eq-tower-127-abeckett-street-melbourne">EQ Tower</a>, or our project in Adelaide or Sydney, to tier one builders.

"We're crafting and designing it, they're only the tools, putting the materials in. They're backing themselves to say that it's going to last to the purchaser.

"We invest a lot with having the best consultants and the best builders. With the idea of doing the right thing, we can sleep comfortably at night knowing we have engaged in the absolute best."

To read more about ICD Property, visit their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/icd-property">Urban Profile here</a>.

With everything going on at ICD, we caught up with their Managing Director Matt Khoo to talk about ICD's approach to development

Why an apartment development is only as good as its team: Five minutes with ICD's Matt Khoo

Not many project marketers cover as much of the country as Urban Activation.

The Melbourne-based company is currently marketing projects in Newcastle and Orange in New South Wales, as well as Vista in <a href="/new-apartments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

They've recently sold down all of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> developer Hirsch &amp; Faigen's Gold Coast projects; Hemingway at <a href="/new-apartments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/yves-mermaid-beach-7-9-mermaid-avenue-mermaid-beach">Yves</a> at <a href="/new-apartments/mermaid-beach-qld-4218">Mermaid Beach</a>, and Emerson at Kirra, the latter of which has just the $10 million penthouse remaining.

With everything going on at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/urban-activation">Urban Activation</a>, we caught up with director Matt George to talk about the off the plan apartment market nationally.

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George says the key to successful sales at the moment is confidence in the builder and developer.

Talking about the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a>, George suggest buyers don't want to be sitting on their hands if they're looking.

"Every single project we're working on up there we're doing sales every single day out of each project," George says.

"[In the Gold Coast] you're dealing on a national basis, so there's a lot of competition from people who are investing, downsizing, or upsizing."

George says there's regular price increases due to the amount of demand that's coming through.

"We find that buyers really take a backward step when they come back three or four months later and realise that due to the cost of construction and the sales volume that's come through, the price has increased. I can assure you, up there at the moment, the initial offering of pricing is very very competitive and it will keep going north."

George suggests buyers need to understand the broad range of products in the Gold Coast and find out what their needs are, what their budget is, and move very quickly.

He says the demand is equally strong in Newcastle, however that's a more insular market.

"Of course you get interest from Sydney, but there's not the same interstate investment like on the Gold Coast. It's a local market, it's a lot of upsizers and upgraders from what they've previously purchased."

Talking about the Gold Coast, George suggest buyers don't want to be sitting on their hands if they're looking

How the Newcastle and Gold Coast off the plan apartment markets are performing: Five minutes with Urban Activation's Matt George

In late 2023, developer Wickton quietly announced themselves to the Bayside market, launching two apartment projects in Hampton.

First they launched <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/linacre-rise-hampton-8-10-linacre-road-hampton">Linacre Rise</a>, a collection of 27 apartments on Linacre Road, and then a week later followed up with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/58-beach-hampton-58-beach-road-hampton">58 Beach</a>, just six apartments around 750 metres away.

Wickton is founded and run by architect Will Leaf and project manager Blanco Norton, who have brought their expertise together to create a development company that they believe brings the two most important parts of project delivery together in-house.

With everything going on at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/wickton">Wickton</a>, we went down to the Beach Road display suite to catch up with the two founders to talk a little bit more about their approach to property development.

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Norton says the interesting&nbsp;part about the collaboration is that it allows them to bring the best of both worlds together,&nbsp;both Will being able to draw on his experience from VCAT and planning and himself handling the early feasibility modelling having done so previously with a range of other developers.

Leaf, who grew up in <a href="/new-apartments/hampton-vic-3188">Hampton</a>, is also a founder of architecture firm <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>. He's designed around&nbsp;50 projects in Bayside, from townhouses and single homes to apartment projects.

"We have&nbsp;a strong relationship with council and we see these buyers that are like us and that have family like us, and we've been tailoring the product to that demographic for a long time," Leaf says.

Leaf believes his and Norton's skillset bring the two most important disciplines in the project, being the architect and project manager.

"We really see this as providing assurances to buyers, in the sense that they're not being outsourced these two roles and it's about us being at the coal face and being responsible for the product."

To find out more about Wickton, visit their Urban profile <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/wickton">here</a>.

How Wickton brings confidence to the off the plan apartment market with an in-house team: Five minutes with Blanco Norton and Will Leaf

Gardner Vaughan Group have been at the forefront of apartment development in South East Queensland since it was founded in 1989.

In the last 35 years, the company has grown from a building and design company to a fully-fledged builder-developer.

They're currently selling four projects across both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, while they have future projects coming up in Redcliffe&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/nundah-qld-4012">Nundah</a>.

With everything going on at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan</a> at the moment, we recently caught up with Gardner Vaughan Director Sam Gardner to talk about what they're up to.

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Gardner Vaughan has moved from around 20 to 50 apartments per development to around 90 to 120 per stage.

"A lot of that comes down to the control of having input into every single facet of development," Gardner says, adding that they brought development in house about a decade ago.

"We know that being a builder developer in Queensland at the moment gives us an advantage. It's an interesting environment that we find ourselves in, but it's an environment conducive to builder developers."

Gardner says it's important to build a level of trust with buyers in the off the plan market.

"One of the biggest hesitations of our buyers buying off the plan is that trust, and one of the ways you can improve this trust is by showing a track record and your experience, but it's really taking the buyers and everyone else involved through the process of showing them what we're thinking, showing them how these developments have been designed, showing them how we've had the end user in mind."&nbsp;

Gardner Vaughan has recently released the final stage of their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>&nbsp;apartment development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/estilo-on-the-park-chermside-81-kittyhawk-drive-chermside">Estilo on the Park</a>, on the doorstep of Seventh Brigade Park. They're also parkside in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/stones-corner-qld-4120">Stones Corner</a> where they are developing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/stonebrook-stones-corner-10-flora-street-stones-corner">Stonebrook</a>, 90 apartments on Hanlon Park, voted Australia's best park in 2023.

A further two of GVG's current projects are up on the Sunshine Coast. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/bokarina-beach-homes-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina">Zinc</a> in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/bokarina-qld-4575">Bokarina</a> has almost completed construction and has just one apartment left to sell, while <a href="/new-apartments/bask-bokarina-38-bokarina-boulevard-bokarina">Bask</a>, a few doors down, will start construction once Zinc has completed.

To find out more information about Gardner Vaughan, visit their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Urban Profile</a>.

Gardner Vaughan has moved from around 20 to 50 apartments per development to around 90 to 120 per stage as a builder developer

How Gardner Vaughan is creating trust as a builder developer in South East Queensland: Five minutes with Gardner Vaughan Group Director Sam Gardner

Over the last two decades, Mosaic Property Group has grown from a construction firm focussing on large suburban blocks around 10 kilometres outside of Brisbane, to become one of, if not the most sought-after and trustworthy brand for buyers across the whole of South East Queensland.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic</a> Founder Brook Monahan started the company in 2004 and it steadily progressed from suburban blocks to high-end homes and then into smaller unit complexes. They even partnered with the Queensland Government on some affordable housing projects their business was that diverse.

It was 2012 when the company rebranded with the intention of reaching a cross-section of the market that&nbsp;t was based on understanding what the consumer wanted and then being able to consistently deliver that across a long period of time.

Since then the company has delivered over $2 billion worth of apartments across the booming South East Queensland region, with a further $1 billion currently under construction.

We recently caught up with Brook to talk about Mosaic and how they've grown into one of the largest builder developers in the area.

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Monahan says that while the company has become known as a luxury brand in the marketplace, that's not what they set out to do.

"We set out to design and deliver product that the market responded well to, and that form and function was just as important as architecture and beauty, but most importantly that people knew we did things for the right reasons over the long term, and that the buyer that bought off us today would be another buyer in the future, and if it wasn't them it would be one of their family members or friends," Monahan said.

Monahan says they've always said they'll be a developer that responded to a larger cross-section of the market.

"We'll deliver projects now that are mostly suited to wealthy downsizers in luxury apartment markets, particularly on the coast, where apartment prices ranges might be between $5 million to $12 million which we couldn't have dreamt of 20 years ago, but then we've also got a diversity of product that will enable people to come and buy a two-bedroom, or two-bedroom plus MPR product in any of one of our markets that suits a different buyer demographic."

As for advice for off the plan buyers, Monahan says do your homework.

"If you don't understand the track record of the organisation, and I'd encourage that track record to relate to whatever it is the project they're now taking to the consumer.

"If you've got a developer, even if they've got a track record, is that track record reflective of the type of product that you're looking to buy off that developer, and if not, I would say proceed with caution in the current market.

For more information on Mosaic Property and what projects they're currently working on, visit their <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Urban Profile here</a>.

Monahan says that while the company has become known as a luxury brand in the marketplace, that's not what they set out to do

How Mosaic became one of the most trusted developers in South East Queensland: Five minutes with Brook Monahan

Milieu&nbsp;has been one of the most forward-thinking developers in the last decade in Melbourne's off the plan apartment space.

Milieu, who has been developing in Melbourne's coolest inner-northern suburbs since 2010, recently branched outside of its comfort zone, launching its first project in Melbourne's south-east.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/plant-street-by-milieu-malvern-1-plant-street-malvern">Plant Street by Milieu</a> in Malvern, in partnership with Penfolds, will comprise just 21 apartments designed by RITZ&amp;GHOUGASSIAN.&nbsp;

Milieu has several projects that they're working towards, the first being <a href="/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens by Milieu</a> on a sprawling 11,740 sqm, the site of the former ABC Studios.

They also have a project coming up, likely later this year, in Brunswick East next to the iconic Brunswick Baths building.

With everything going on, we caught up with Michael McCormack, the co-founder at Milieu, to talk about how they as a development company have matured with the apartment market.

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McCormack says when the company was founded, a number of the team were working for a developer who had turned to creating larger projects, recalling that at the time the type of product being developed was more investor grade stock.

"There just seemed to be a gap in the market which was developing that kind of attainable townhouse or apartment in a location that we wanted to live," McCormack says.

Their first project in Fitzroy was just five townhouses, each selling to owner-occupiers. Four of the five buyers still live there today.

"We did that successfully over a number of projects before five townhouses grew to 15 townhouses, to 30 apartments, and so on."

McCormack says the intention of the company stems from the name. Milieu is a French word which&nbsp;means the environment or context in which one lives and is influenced.

"That's kind of at the core of whenever we're looking for a project it's response to place that's how we kind of start so we think about really the local area and how we can contribute to and improve that with our project."

To find out more about Milieu, visit their Urban.com.au Developer Profile <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/milieu-property">here</a>.

With everything going on, we caught up with Michael McCormack, the co-founder at Milieu, to talk about how they as a development company have matured with the apartment market

Mike Bird

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