Walker Corporation has received Development Approval for its twin towers in Maroochydore City Centre, bringing 251 new homes to one of the country’s tightest residential real estate markets.

Comprising two 19-storey towers, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/sol-by-walker-maroochydore-first-ave-maroochydore">SOL by Walker</a> will feature a mix of one to four-bedroom apartments, townhouses and penthouses, anchored by ground-floor retail shops, bars and restaurants.

Walker Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Gallant said the approval for SOL by Walker is a major win for housing supply on the Sunshine Coast.

“The Queensland government’s development approval for SOL by Walker unlocks the first of many residential projects we have in the Maroochydore City Centre, which is adding 4,000 homes to the state’s housing target,” Gallant said.

“SOL will set a high benchmark for apartment living in the Maroochydore City Centre, creating exceptional spaces with high ceilings, excellent natural light and high-quality kitchens and bathrooms, all connected to a range of world-class amenities.”

“At ground level, the towers will include retail spaces ideal for a future cafe, bar or restaurant, complemented by new subtropical areas designed for social gatherings.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319846]

SOL will feature a rooftop terrace with bookable function space, a resident library and a dedicated co-working area complemented by a recreational deck with a fully equipped gym, outdoor yoga and stretch zones, BBQ facilities with dining spaces, a communal vegetable garden and a sunset lawn.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said decades of planning had positioned the Maroochydore City Centre as one of the best locations for housing and high-quality inner-city apartment living.

“The State Government’s DA Approval for SOL will accelerate our housing supply on the Sunshine Coast in an area connected to jobs, transport, community services and great amenities, and SOL, alongside other apartments in the city centre, will help our region meet those needs,” Mayor Natoli said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319847]

SunCentral Maroochydore CEO Amanda Yeates said the new city centre is becoming a popular location for apartment living, with more families choosing to call Maroochydore City Centre home.

“SOL will double the number of residents we have here in Maroochydore City Centre, bringing even greater vibrancy to the Sunshine Coast’s CBD. Families can enjoy the best inner-city lifestyle surrounded by cafes, restaurants, jobs and recreation spaces, all just minutes from the beach,” Yeates said.

Each apartment will have a dedicated car parking space with additional spaces for retail, providing a total of 379 parking spaces and 251 bicycle spaces.

RPM Managing Director Peter Neale, who oversees sales for SOL, said the strong interest from local buyers has reflected a growing trend of locals prioritising quality, location and superior amenities for their next home.

“It’s fantastic to see a mix of buyers including First Home Buyers eager to make SOL their first property purchase, with people really excited about Maroochydore City Centre’s ongoing evolution as the Sunshine Coast’s CBD,” Neale said.

“Walker’s proven track record of delivering exceptional developments has been a key drawcard, with SOL’s premium amenities and diverse housing options attracting a wide range of buyers.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319853]

The one-bedroom apartments in SOL have been snapped up. The two-bedroom apartments start from $975,000 and three bedrooms, with a multi-purpose room, are priced from $1.39 million.

Construction is targeted to commence onsite in the second quarter of 2025, with the first residents moving in as early as Q3 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147777 project_image_fid=319851]

Maroochydore City Centre is Australia’s largest greenfield CBD, located next to large job networks including data and technology centres, hospitals, universities, schools and hospitality, and just a short walk from the beach. The project is being delivered as a partnership between Sunshine Coast Council, Walker Corporation and SunCentral Maroochydore.

The South East Queensland Regional Plan estimates that infill developments, including Maroochydore City Centre, will contribute to 70 per cent of the state’s new housing supply, equating to approximately 60,000 dwellings across the region.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147777]

Walker Corp Managing Director and CEO David Gallant said the approval for SOL by Walker is a major win for housing supply on the Sunshine Coast.

Joel Robinson

Walker Corp get sign off for SOL by Walker in Maroochydore

Sunset Boulevard in Surfers Paradise is a surprisingly untapped new development strip in Surfers Paradise. Surprising because it fronts the river and its neighbouring streets also don't have any high-rise apartment buildings of note which allows for unonbstructed views to the west, over the river, and back to the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> skyline.

Roy Skaf's&nbsp;Macquarie York were the first to identify the riverfront street as a prime spot for a new apartment tower. In April last year they secured approval for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/sunset-residence-50-sunset-boulevarde-surfers-paradise">Sunset Residences</a>, 43 apartments across a 17-level tower&nbsp;50 Sunset Boulevard.

Then in November, Sydney-based developer YHY Group filed plans a few doors down for a tower which <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-the-gold-coasts-largest-penthouse-pitched-for-new-surfers-paradise-tower">proposes the Gold Coast's largest ever penthouse</a>.&nbsp;

Now there are more plans for new apartments on the busy street. A private developer has submitted plans for a 17-level tower with 30 two, three and four-bedroom apartments at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/15-sunset-boulevard-surfers-paradise">15 Sunset Boulevard</a>, just two apartments per floor,&nbsp;

<img alt="15 Sunrise Boulevard Surfers Paradise" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50fd8506-b39a-43fc-a29f-31583e8eaec4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/15%20Sunrise%20Boulevard%20side.png?VersionId=eVAW8ThKWtASfC.pJB60XTxDhv0rVbIS" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, the apartments incorporate large balconies intended to function as outdoor living areas, maximising natural ventilation and light.&nbsp;

BDA noted in their submission to the Gold Coast City Council that the&nbsp;project offers the opportunity to design an innovative architectural building and provide a higher residential density development to this central pocket of Surfers Paradise.

"The 17-storey residential apartment building is a modern take on the surrounding apartment buildings of the 70’s. With a refined façade and architectural language this building provides a welcome addition to this emerging pocket of Surfers Paradise."

Two recreational areas have been proposed: one on the rooftop of the 60-metre building and one on level 16. Level 16 will feature a gym, while the rooftop will offer a pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a fire pit, and seating areas.

<img alt="15 Sunrise Boulevard Surfers Paradise rooftop" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0aecd442-128f-4ce0-b659-4069198b7329" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/15%20Sunrise%20Boulevard%20rooftop.png?VersionId=8qmlXmdrbsZnKVL1wmuPsT6uRHbt76Oa" />

The 688 sqm site is located along a canal, providing waterfront views towards the HOTA precinct and the Surfers Paradise skyline.&nbsp;

It is zoned for high-density residential development with no height limit, aligning with the area's ongoing urban renewal.&nbsp;

First look: Surfers Paradise riverfront set for more new apartments

When the opportunity arose to secure a parkside development site in Carlingford on the outskirts of Parramatta, developer Mark Bainey jumped at the chance.

Bainey, who runs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/capio-property-group">Capio Property Group</a>, had been looking around Carlingford for the best part of a decade but hadn't found the right site. That was until a 5,000 sqm block fronting both Moseley and Donald Streets on Harold West Reserve came up for sale.

“<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/carlingford-nsw-2118">Carlingford</a> boasts a prime central location that provides exceptional amenities,” Bainey says.

“Residents can enjoy top-tier education, a diverse shopping experience, and seamless transport connections, all just steps away from their front door.”

Capio is now selling apartments in the new project, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/blossom-carlingford-25-31-donald-street-carlingford">Blossom</a>, the only new development in Carlingford backed by the 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy by Resilience Insurance, the most comprehensive insurance apartment buyers can ask for, and not have to pay for.

The policy covers buyers from any structural,&nbsp;waterproofing, or weatherproofing issues, as well as any problems with MEPS (mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems).

“LDI provides future residents with the confidence to purchase, knowing their investment is protected—not only by our rigorous construction standards, but by an industry-leading and well-recognised insurance policy,” Bainey says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148093 project_image_fid=319996]

There are just 46 one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments in Blossom, designed exclusively for the owner-occupier by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a>.

The apartments have been crafted to maximise natural light, featuring north-facing orientations, open-plan living areas, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to private balconies.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148093 project_image_fid=319997]

The apartments have been a popular choice with local families, with a 1,500 sqm private park as part of the development, as well as an onsite childcare on the ground level. Blossom will also feature a&nbsp;dedicated dog park with a wash station, and both indoor and outdoor gyms with wellness areas - all reflecting Capio’s vision of a liveable, community-focused environment.

"These features have been intentionally integrated to enhance the living experience for buyers who appreciate quality and convenience," Bainey says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148093 project_image_fid=319988]

On top of the rare prospect of living on a park, residents will also be just 600 metres from the new&nbsp;Carlingford rail stop, on the newly constructed Parramatta light rail network.

Construction of Blossom is already underway, with completion expected by mid-2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=148093]

On top of the rare prospect of living on a park, residents will also be just 800 metres from the new Carlingford rail stop, on the newly constructed Parramatta light rail network.

Capio to bring family-friendly, parkside living to Carlingford

With interest rate cuts set to drive the market in 2025, certain <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> suburbs are poised to outperform others across the city.

Research by property data analytics firm, CoreLogic, shows that higher-priced markets, particularly those with a high concentration of investors, tend to be the most responsive to cash rate reductions.

Their research shows units in the Glen Eira area will see the most price growth in units, over 12 per cent, should the RBA cut the official cash rate by one per cent (four 25 basis point cuts).

The forecasted price growth bodes for those suburbs in and around Cauflield.

Those looking at purchasing an apartment in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/eva-elsternwick-village-apartments-241-glen-huntly-road-elsternwick">EVA Elsternwick</a>, in the heart of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick</a> village and one of very few new apartment developments in recent years in the area, could see significant price growth in the short to medium term.

EVA, on Glen Huntly Road a short walk to all of Elsternwick's cafes and the train station, offers two and three-bedroom apartments starting from $845,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=93073 project_image_fid=218013]

&nbsp;

Following Glen Eira, Whitehorse-West is expected to see a 10.6 per cent increase, while Manningham-East is projected to rise by 9.8 per cent.

Hobsons Bay has also been identified as a growth area, with unit values forecast to climb by 8.3 per cent.

On the fringe of the Hobsons Bay local government area is Yarraville, where Bradmill Yarraville has been one of&nbsp;the most popular new developments in the surrouning area.

Families in particular have shown strong interest to the townhouses on offer in the small masterplanned community currently&nbsp;being developed by Frasers Property.

The first two stages at Bradmill, Pioneer and Monfort Townhomes, have been designed by renowned architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>. They have several different configurations, offering either three or four bedrooms across two or three levels.

The homes are designed for family living, with open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas flowing onto private gardens, courtyards, or balconies. Single or double garages also offer convenient access to the indoors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134727 project_image_fid=317877]

The neighbourhood of Bradmill will be one of the most connected in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>'s inner west. Future Bradmill residents will have exclusive access to Bradmill Social, a hub for exercising, co-working, and group events.

Linear Park will run through Bradmilll,&nbsp;connecting residents directly to the vast green spaces and sports grounds of adjacent McIvor Reserve, and a stroll to Bradmill Quarter’s 8,000 sqm retail precinct and the vibrant dining and community spaces of The Arbory.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134727 project_image_fid=311275]

&nbsp;

Other suburbs expected to benefit from rate cuts include Maroondah (9.1 per cent), Bayside (8.5 per cent), Cardinia (8.4 per cent), Casey-North (8.3 per cent), Dandenong (7.8 per cent), and Kingston (7.4 per cent).

CoreLogic's Head of Research, Eliza Owen, says certain markets will see a bigger boost from rate reductions than others, and it may be because of market characteristics like price point, location and investor interest.

"CoreLogic estimates based on previous periods of rate reductions that national dwelling values would increase an average of 6.1 per cent for each one percentage point decline in the cash rate," Owen says.

"Relatively expensive markets have historically shown stronger responses to reduced cash rate settings. A reduction in the cash rate could spur a recovery trend in the high end of the Sydney and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic" target="">Melbourne</a>&nbsp;housing market, which tend to be the bellwether for broader market recoveries in those cities."

A reduction in the cash rate could spur a recovery trend in the high end of the Sydney and Melbourne housing market, which tend to be the bellwether for broader market recoveries in those cities

The Melbourne suburbs that will see the biggest uplift in apartment values after interest rate cuts

With interest rate cuts on the horizon, certain Sydney suburbs are poised for the strongest gains in property values.

Research by property data analytics firm, CoreLogic, shows that higher-priced markets, particularly those with a high concentration of investors, tend to be the most responsive to cash rate reductions.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/lane-cove-nsw-2066">Lane Cove</a> are projected to see a significant uplift of over 16 per cent if the RBA cuts the official cash rate by one percentage point (or four 25 basis point cuts).

The forecasted price growth bodes for those soon to settle at Sterling in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/lane-cove-north-nsw-2066">Lane Cove North</a> by builder-developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/scion">Scion</a>.

Approaching completion, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/sterling-lane-cove-north-2-merinda-street-lane-cove-north-nsw-2066">Sterling</a> comprises just 50 one, two and three-bedroom apartments set amid nature but within close proximity to key commercial retail hubs like Chatswood and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136108 project_image_fid=303417]

In Chatswood, another suburb that is benefitting from the extended Sydney Metro, Melbourne-based developer Goldfields is into construction at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-bryson-of-chatswood-871-877-pacific-highway-chatswood">The Bryson</a>, one of the first developments approved under the new&nbsp;Chatswood&nbsp;CBD Planning and Urban Design Strategy.

The 70 one, two and three-bedroom apartments spread across a 26-level Make Architects-designed building just 550 metres from the Chatswood Metro Station.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=21170 project_image_fid=210274]

The Eastern Suburbs, one of Sydney’s most prestigious residential areas, is expected to see strong growth of nearly 13 per cent if rates drop by one per cent.

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> is well placed in Sydney's east with their recently completed <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/surry-hills-village-redfern-6-14-baptist-street-redfern-nsw-2016">Surry Hills Village</a>, their landmark mixed-use development they recently completed.

There are just a handful of apartments and townhouses left in the building at the end of Crown Street. Surry Hills Village also is home to Wunderlich Lane, the newest go-to hospitality precinct in Sydney.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9302 project_image_fid=306333]

Just up Cleveland Street on Anzac Parade, TOGA is developing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-kensington-147-151-anzac-parade-kensington">The Kensington</a>, strategically located not only opposite a light rail stop giving future residents easy access into the city, but a short walk to the burgeoninig Randwick health precinct, as well as the main campus for UNSW.

TOGA says The Kensington, 142 one, two and three-bedroom apartments above a retail strip, is one of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/nsw/among-the-most-well-connected-apartment-developments-toga-has-produced-inside-the-kensington">most connected developments they've ever produced</a>.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110959 project_image_fid=307651]

Beyond Sydney’s premium inner suburbs, areas outside of Sydney are also expected to boom from rate cuts.

CoreLogic says units in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/dural-nsw-2158">Dural</a>&nbsp;to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/wisemans-ferry-nsw-2775">Wisemans Ferry</a>&nbsp;will be the best performing, with increases of up to 18 per cent, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/campbelltown-nsw-2560">Campbelltown</a>&nbsp;units could rise by 16 per cent.

"Certain markets will see a bigger boost from rate reductions than others, and it may be because of market characteristics like price point, location and investor interest," CoreLogic's Head of Research, Eliza Owen, says.

"CoreLogic estimates based on previous periods of rate reductions that national dwelling values would increase an average of 6.1 per cent for each one percentage point decline in the cash rate.

"Relatively expensive markets have historically shown stronger responses to reduced cash rate settings. A reduction in the cash rate could spur a recovery trend in the high end of the Sydney and Melbourne housing market, which tend to be the bellwether for broader market recoveries in those cities."

A reduction in the cash rate could spur a recovery trend in the high end of the Sydney and Melbourne housing market, which tend to be the bellwether for broader market recoveries in those cities

Melbourne house values recovering: RP Data's Tim Lawless gives an update on the Australian housing market

Tim Lawless

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