The Southern Gold Coast continues to attract buyers seeking sun and surf, especially downsizers and lifestyle-driven investors shifting away from traditional beachfront palaces toward more approachable, flexible apartment living.&nbsp;

In Market Insights EP 97, Urban.com.au CEO Mike Bird sits down with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/srq-projects">SRQ</a>’s Nicholas Clydsdale to unpack this transformation, why demand is soaring in places like Rainbow Bay, and how developers are navigating a more measured but still highly competitive market.

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Clydsdale says the post-COVID real estate wave reshaped both buyer behaviour and developer strategies in Southeast Queensland.

“What we saw was that the prime beachfront market was very well serviced,” he explains. “A lot of developers from the south, along with a lot of interstate migrants, decided to bring forward their retirement plan or alter their lifestyle. They wanted to live on the beach in the Gold Coast.”

But now, the focus has shifted toward “A-minus” product—still beach-adjacent but more accessible in price.

“We’re seeing a real resurgence in the A-minus market,” Clydsdale says. These are typically two or three-bedroom residences, ideal for buyers who want flexibility.

“It’s a lock and leave holiday home, but they might also want to let it out in a holiday-let style business.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109905 project_image_fid=209094]

SRQ’s work with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/chapter-two">Chapter Two</a> on the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/holm-rainbow-bay-44-50-eden-avenue-coolangatta">Holm Rainbow Bay</a> project illustrates how developers are responding to the market’s evolving preferences.

The project was launched around two and a half years ago, at a time there were no builders.

"The market was quite chaotic," Clydsdale recalls.

Instead of pushing ahead under pressure, Chapter Two and SRQ paused the release, reframed the project, and later re-entered the market. Six months after starting construction, the project is now over 80 per cent sold.

Holm consists of 87 two and three-bedroom apartments and a handful of four-bedroom townhouses, designed by Plus Architecture.

Crowning the 12-level building will be a residents' club featuring a 25-metre rooftop pool, spa, sauna, steam room, yoga deck, outdoor dining area with barbecue facilities, and a fire pit.

Additional features will include a gymnasium, a work-from-home area, a library, and a function room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109905 project_image_fid=209099]

Another emerging trend, Clydsdale says, is longer-term planning from buyers. Rather than making immediate moves, many are purchasing apartments off-the-plan with two to three-year completion horizons.

“What we've seen is a specific trend in the last six months is buyers - whether they're in Brisbane, Sydney, or Victoria - come up and do two or three holidays and hone in on the area. Rather than going the whole hog and selling the house, they'll buy a two-bedroom or a smaller three-bedroom apartment and look forward to take delivery in two or three years."

These buyers often retain their existing homes while gradually preparing for a future relocation to Southeast Queensland. For some, the timeline from purchase to full relocation may stretch to a decade.

Clydsdale highlights southern coastal areas such as Burleigh, Palm Beach, Coolangatta, and Rainbow Bay, as well as northern New South Wales towns like Kingscliff and Cabarita, as current areas of strong buyer interest.

He adds that projects in the range of 20 to 150 apartments are striking the right balance.

“From a buyer’s point of view, it's not just investment stock. They’re more livable. But also from a delivery point of view and a risk point of view for a buyer, there are a lot more builders out there in that project size. There's a lot more certainty of delivery and of quality.”

SRQ's next project to launch is The Frederick at Nobbys Beach&nbsp;by Big Projects.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=109905]

“What we've seen is a specific trend in the last six months is buyers - whether they're in Brisbane, Sydney, or Victoria - come up and do two or three holidays and hone in on the area," Clydsdale says

Michael Bird

Gold Coast buyers starting to think longer-term: Five minutes with SRQ Projects Director Nick Clydsdale

There arguably hasn’t been as much national—or even international—fanfare for a Gold Coast apartment development as there has been for the recent launch of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/pescado-palm-beach-228-230-jefferson-lane-palm-beach-qld-4221">Pescado</a> in Palm Beach.

The project is being undertaken by international DJ Paul Fisher and his wife Chloe. The couple, who have just launched YLB Property Development, intend to make the two-level penthouse their base when they’re back in Australia.

The remaining six levels will each comprise a full-floor apartment, set behind a striking curved facade by locals BDA Architecture.

Beyond the fanfare of the launch, genuine interest in the apartments has been strong, according to <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Managing Director Jayde Pezet.

"Buyers may have been alerted to the project because of the broader-than-usual media coverage it received at launch, but genuine buyers look beyond that and recognise the level of finish and detail," Pezet says.

While enquiries have come from both local and interstate buyers, it's locals who are showing the most interest.

"Everyone on the Gold Coast loves Palm Beach, and Jefferson Lane is the best street in the suburb," Pezet says.

I recently caught up with Jayde to discuss the project in more detail.

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“With this project being so important to Paul and Chloe, and being what they refer to as their forever home, they’ve looked at it and gone, ‘We are going to make this project within code.’”

The result is a low-density, high-amenity development that emphasises lifestyle and spatial quality rather than volume.

Each of the six full-floor residences spans around 325 sqm and have three bedrooms, an MPR, ocean-facing balconies, and interiors inspired by the Fishers' global travels.

All residences have access to a suite of wellness-focused communal spaces, including a pool, gym, and cold plunge facilities - features reflective of the Fishers’ personal lifestyle, which Pezet describes as “heavily wellness-oriented.”

“They're both incredibly into wellness - they eat super clean, they exercise, they ice bath - and you'll see that as a reflection in the project's amenity but also in the way they live their life,” he said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149651 project_image_fid=342046]

With prices ranging from $5.25 million to $7.1 million, Pescado is targeting a narrow but clearly defined buyer pool.

"We've still had an incredible amount of interest from baby boomers, but there have been younger people that have been inquiring also," said Pezet.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149651]

Each of the six full-floor residences spans around 325 sqm and have three bedrooms, an MPR, ocean-facing balconies, and interiors inspired by the Fishers' global travels

A "passion project" not to be repeated: Inside DJ Fisher's Pescado Palm Beach with Jayde Pezet

South East Queensland builder-developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gardner-vaughan-group">Gardner Vaughan Group</a> (GVG) is creating a new mixed-use village in its native Nundah, a suburb they’ve called home for decades.

Close to their heart, GVG called on community feedback during the planning and design phase of what will not only be a rare opportunity to live in a brand new apartment with doorstep retail and hospitality venues, but also their future home, as they plan to relocate their current Union Street office into the development.

The new project, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/danby-lane-nundah-village-5-danby-lane-nundah-qld-4012">Danby Lane</a>, named after its location just across from Nundah Village shopping mall, will bring 84 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments to the heart of Nundah.

To find out more about Danby Lane, I caught up with GVG Director Sam Gardner to chat about the project.

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From the outset, Gardner made it clear that Danby Lane was about more than bricks and mortar — it was about trust.

“Nundah’s probably got one of the strongest communities we've ever encountered,” Gardner said. “They like to be included or brought along on the journey of things like this.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112531 project_image_fid=320117]

Gardner described a three-year process of community engagement prior to construction, including face-to-face consultations and on-site information stalls.

“There is and remains a negative connotation behind development,” Gardner said. “There is this sense that the developer is bullying their way in, taking a piece of land and making a huge amount of profit on it. We really wanted to change that perception in Nundah.”

It’s a strategy that appears to have worked. While Nundah residents have previously voiced strong opposition to new developments in the area, Danby Lane progressed with community support.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112531 project_image_fid=340186]

&nbsp;

“We're quite proud that we've become the builder-developer of choice in Nundah,” Gardner said. “Our headquarters is currently in another building we developed 10 years ago.”

At street level, Danby Lane will include six retail and commercial tenancies. GVG is actively working to attract operators that will complement the existing neighbourhood offer.

“One of the main things we target in these sites is the walkability score, the convenience,” Gardner said. “We are doing a lot of work in the design of the retail space at the bottom of Danby to get some more slow-down restaurants included.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112531 project_image_fid=320114]

This aligns with broader trends in suburban intensification, where residential density is paired with retail amenity and improved public interface.

With 84 residential apartments atop two levels of commercial and retail space, Danby Lane is designed with a mix of buyers in mind.

GVG reports interest from a range of buyer groups, particularly downsizers and local residents seeking to remain in the area without the upkeep of a standalone home.

“We're looking at people who don't necessarily want to move out of the area that they love,” Gardner said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112531 project_image_fid=340133]

The location is also attracting buyers who travel frequently.

“Being in between the Brisbane CBD and the airport really has a good opportunity there to target people who travel a lot. We have received a number of leads and people interested in buying for that reason,” he noted.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112531 project_image_fid=340194]

Danby Lane marks the latest in a series of developments by Gardner Vaughan Group across South East Queensland.

Construction of Danby Lane is now underway, with completion anticipated in 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112531]

From the outset, GVG Director Sam Gardner made it clear that Danby Lane was about more than bricks and mortar — it was about trust.

Why Danby Lane in Nundah is more than just a project for Gardner Vaughan Group: Five minutes with Sam Gardner

Brisbane’s James Street is set to welcome a transformative new addition with the arrival of James Place - a landmark mixed-use development from leading Queensland developer, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/forme?referrer=Forme">Forme</a>.

Acclaimed architects Richards &amp; Spence have designed the new commercial and retail precinct set for 75-85 James Street, where construction recently kicked off through Graya.

James Place will home&nbsp;over 8,700 sqm of premium boutique retail, hospitality, wellness, commercial office space, and an elevated rooftop venue with sweeping city views.

The six-level architectural statement will house flagship fashion labels, celebrated restaurants, and next-generation workplace environments, anchored by a lush, light-filled central plaza designed to foster community and connection.

<img alt="James Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fbbf9903-e6e6-42a0-9322-606cef3892b3" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-06-05%20at%205.17.01%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FvGjD8UFQWyOp.e4nw.lEMd7_rGiC89D" />

“James Place is a considered evolution of James Street - crafted to enhance the precinct’s unique rhythm and character,” said David Calvisi, Managing Director of Forme.

“We are redefining design excellence - creating a space that is both timeless and innovative. Our vision is to extend the iconic aesthetic of James Street, with every detail reflecting our commitment to quality and our reputation for delivering exceptional projects.”

<img alt="James Place" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46727ede-fb10-4754-9dd2-9a076c3cd700" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-06-05%20at%205.17.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=OLdbO6OUgfJAhrlJTut2rUw27cPLl8_o" />

With dual street frontages, landscaped laneways, and an integrated streetscape, James Place invites discovery at every turn. Forme will retain an ongoing curatorial role in the precinct’s operation, ensuring its tenant mix remains best-in-class and continues to reflect the culture and sophistication of the James Street community.

The precinct is already&nbsp;attracting national interest from leading retail and commercial tenants.&nbsp;James Place is now under construction, with completion expected by late 2026.

Forme is well known for creating two of Burleigh Heads' landmark apartment developments. Both <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/luna-50-goodwin-terrace-burleigh-heads">Luna</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/norfolk-burleigh-heads-46-goodwin-terrace-burleigh-heads">Norfolk</a>, on the dress circle Goodwin Terrace, were among some of the first Gold Coast buildings designed by legendary Japanese architect Koichi Takada, and have each won a string of awards.

They also have an upcoming mixed-use project on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/31-doggett-street-teneriffe">Teneriffe's Doggett Street</a>, just 18 apartments in a six-level building with retail and office space.

The precinct is already attracting national interest from leading retail and commercial tenants

Joel Robinson

James Place to bring new life to Fortitude Valley’s James Street precinct

Developer Tian An has quickly sold around a quarter of the apartments on offer at its recently launched North Village apartment development, the second stage of its successful Auburn Square precinct.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/north-village-auburn-square-35-northumberland-road-auburn-nsw-2144">North Village</a>, located opposite the first completed and sold-out stage of Auburn Square and just a short walk to the centre of Auburn, will deliver 264 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from $525,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324853]

It is the only new development in Auburn to offer the sought-after Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance. This insurance provides buyers with up to 10 years of coverage for any structural or waterproofing issues—not just in the building and common areas, but also within their individual apartments. It’s the most rigorous insurance available to developers, giving buyers genuine peace of mind when purchasing off the plan.

Ray White WS Projects Managing Director Mark Bernberg says buyers have been waiting for the opportunity to purchase a brand new apartment ever since the first stage sold out.

"We are just two minutes from the train station and 20 minutes to the CBD. With Auburn Central offering a range of retailers—and Coles taking the entire ground floor of North Village—now is one of the best times for those looking for a brand new apartment in Auburn to enter the market," Bernberg says.

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Bernberg has sold apartments to all types of buyers; however, the main demographics have been first home buyers and young professionals.

Designed by renowned architecture firm <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/rothelowman" target="">Rothelowman</a>, North Village marks only their second residential project in the area, following the first stage of Auburn Square. Rothelowman is nationally recognised for designing some of Australia’s most iconic apartment buildings.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149184 project_image_fid=324852]

Gold Star, iCIRT-rated builder Binah has already cleared the site and is preparing to break ground, with targeted completion set for Q4 2027.

North Village will feature smart home technology-enabled apartments and shared resident amenities, including a gym, cinema, and landscaped rooftop garden.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149184]

Gold Star, iCIRT-rated builder Binah has already cleared the site and is preparing to break ground, with targeted completion set for Q4 2027

Personal finances top of potential property investment concerns: CoreLogic RP Data

Michael Crawford

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