Rainbow Bay is the epitome of the true Gold Coast lifestyle.

It's all about the surf, sand, and relaxed coastal living. Locals have adored the area for generations, but since the pandemic, it has become a popular destination for interstate buyers from both sides of the development boom.

Sydneysiders and Melburnians made up a significant portion of buyers during the pandemic, as the country was shut down, while developers from Melbourne and Brisbane also made their moves to this coastal hotspot. Over time, Rainbow Bay has transitioned from 1960s walk-up apartments to stunning new developments, attracting those looking for a modern, beachside lifestyle.

One of the developers leading this change is Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/chapter-two">Chapter Two Group</a>, which recently began construction on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/holm-rainbow-bay-44-50-eden-avenue-coolangatta">Holm Rainbow Bay</a>, on the dress circle Eden Avenue.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109905 project_image_fid=209082]

Jon Quayle, who heads Chapter Two alongside Oliver Bagheri, said that the desire to develop in Rainbow Bay had been on their radar for quite some time.

“Rainbow Bay is recognized as one of Australia’s premier beach destinations—north-facing like Noosa and Byron Bay but more accessible and attainable, with stunning lifestyle amenities, natural beauty, and some of the coast’s best dining and entertainment," Quayle said.

"Holm has been designed to reflect this unique setting, offering premium living spaces and superb resident amenities that bring together all the elements that people seek in sophisticated coastal living.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109905 project_image_fid=209089]

Holm, situated on a prime near-2000 sqm block on Eden Avenue, will consist of 86 two and three-bedroom apartments, and a handful of townhouses, designed by Plus Architecture.

Crowning the 12-level building will be a residents' club featuring a 25-meter infinity-edge pool, spa, sauna, steam room, gymnasium, yoga deck, outdoor dining area with barbecue facilities, and a fire pit.

Additional features will include a work-from-home area with private office studios, a library, and a function room.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109905 project_image_fid=209084]

The design intentionally embraces Rainbow Bay’s natural beauty, incorporating sweeping views of the ocean, river, and hinterland from the apartments. The rooftop, in particular, will capture all three vistas, along with the iconic Snapper Rocks.

“In all our developments, we love to showcase architecture inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds it,” Quayle explained. “Holm’s flowing curves, lush greenery, natural elements, and light-filled spaces perfectly capture the essence of Rainbow Bay.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109905 project_image_fid=209083]

Groupline has begun demolishing the former 1940s block and will start basement excavation in the coming months. They aim to have a crane on-site and begin vertical construction later this year.

"It's an exciting project, and we can't wait to see it come to life," Quayle added.

Last year, the penthouse at Holm sold for $4.5 million to a Sydney buyer, believed to have set a price-per-square-meter record for a non-beachfront or front-row apartment in the area.

The 246 sqm penthouse, featuring three bedrooms, two decks, and a rooftop terrace with outdoor dining and a spa, sold for $24,590 per square metre.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109905 project_image_fid=209090]

Oliver Bagheri said the record-breaking penthouse sale highlighted the strong demand for blue-chip real estate on the Gold Coast.

“Holm represents a rare opportunity on Rainbow Bay’s peninsula, allowing buyers to make this iconic address either their permanent home or a deluxe holiday destination," Bagheri said.

“Geographically restricted with limited future supply, acquiring the Holm site today and delivering this project at its current pricing would not be feasible, making it an irreplaceable opportunity.

"In recent years, the notion of apartment living has evolved. However, we've noticed that many new Gold Coast developments still fall short of providing residents with a balanced lifestyle, offering health, well-being, and lifestyle amenities all in one place.”

SRQ Projects is selling Holm Rainbow Bay.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=109905]

Holm, situated on a prime near-2000 sqm block on Eden Avenue, will consist of 86 two and three-bedroom apartments, and a handful of townhouses, designed by Plus Architecture.

Joel Robinson

"One of Australia's premier beach destinations": Inside Chapter Two's Holm Rainbow Bay apartments

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> continues to prove to be one of the most popular new apartment markets in the whole of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a>.

What was once a relatively quiet area has rapidly transformed. Its proximity to both Burleigh Heads to the north and Coolangatta to the south has seen it become a hotspot for both investors and owner-occupiers. It was one of the best-performing new apartment markets during the pandemic, with developments selling out in a matter of weeks.

Although the new development market slowed due to supply issues, demand remained strong, with developers fiercely competing to secure sought-after sites.

Now, a new wave of projects is getting underway in 2025. In this editorial, we've highlighted some of the best projects currently available for purchase, as well as those set to launch later this year.

<h2>What: Villea</h2>

<h3>Where: 26 Mawarra Street, Palm Beach QLD 4221</h3>

<h3>Who: Abadeen Group</h3>

Having spent nearly two decades delivering high-end apartments in Sydney’s affluent North Shore, developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen Group</a> Group has expanded its operations to the Gold Coast.

Their first Queensland project, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach">Villea</a>, will offer 69 two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from under $1 million, located on Mawarra Street in the relatively untapped area of Palm Beach, not far from Tallabudgera Creek.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=178475]

Designed by BDA Architecture, the eight-level building will maximize natural light in each apartment. The apartments will feature kitchens with premium stone benchtops, central islands, and integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances. Additionally, each apartment will have balconies off the kitchen, living, and dining areas, offering either ocean or hinterland views.

Villea will also feature a resort-style pool, gym, barbecue area, and a convenient boutique retail strip at street level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=334281]

Currently under construction by Emicon, Villea is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

<h2>What: Flourish on Sixth</h2>

<h3>Where: 6-12 Sixth Avenue, Palm Beach QLD 4221</h3>

<h3>Who: Sherpa Property Group</h3>

Local Gold Coast developer Sherpa Property Group is delivering the first project under its new Flourish brand in Palm Beach, a market they have been active in for several years.

The Flourish brand is designed to provide a more affordable entry point to an otherwise expensive market.

The Palm Beach development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-on-sixth-ave-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach">Flourish on Sixth</a>, launched with rare one-bedroom apartments priced under $600,000—an uncommon find on the southern Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=311566]

The remaining two-bedroom apartments are still competitively priced from $1.09 million, with three-bedroom apartments starting from $1.63 million.

Flourish on Sixth will feature a rooftop amenity level with a heated lap pool, private cabanas, BBQ area, and wellness amenities such as a gym, sauna, steam room, and plunge pools.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=306037]

Additional features include work-from-home facilities, a shared electric vehicle service, and a car wash station.

Builder LPS Group has already started siteworks, with completion expected by early 2027.

<h2>What: Perspective Nexus</h2>

<h3>Where: 949 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach QLD 4221</h3>

<h3>Who: Sherpa Property Group</h3>

Sherpa Property Group is also working on another Palm Beach development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/perspective-nexus">Perspective Nexus</a>, located near Palm Beach Parklands.

Expected to be completed toward the end of 2025, this development is distinct from Flourish with its more upscale offerings, targeting local downsizers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108324 project_image_fid=250147]

The nine-level development will comprise 35 two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, including penthouses and sky homes with private rooftops.

Resident amenities will include a wellness center with a magnesium spa, sauna, steam room, pool, and a private dining area with an outdoor kitchen.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108324 project_image_fid=245951]

The development will also offer electric car charging, a car wash bay, and parcel delivery storage.

Construction by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a> is already underway, with completion expected in Q3 2025.

<h2>What: La Belle</h2>

<h3>Where: 332 The Esplanade, Palm Beach QLD 4221</h3>

<h3>Who: Marquee Developments</h3>

Another prominent Gold Coast developer, Marquee Developments, is making significant progress on their Palm Beach apartment development, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/la-belle-palm-beach-332-the-esplanade-palm-beach">La Belle</a> Palm Beach.

The 75 luxury two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments sold out quickly when launched in early 2024. Within three months, over 70 per cent of the apartments were sold, and construction soon began on the prime site on The Esplanade.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102340 project_image_fid=273590]

Residents of La Belle will have access to two levels of amenities, including a heated outdoor pool and spa, teppanyaki dining bars, a lounge with a billiards table and bar, and a wellness center featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, Nordic and infrared saunas, and hydrotherapy hot and cold plunge baths.

The development will also feature a hotel-style lobby with private office spaces for remote working.

La Belle is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

<h2>Where: 62-64 Jefferson Lane, Palm Beach QLD 4221</h2>

<h3>Who: Gordon Corp</h3>

Tim Gordon's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/gordon-corp">Gordon Corp</a> is gearing up to launch their latest development on the Jefferson Lane dress circle.

Gordon Corp is teaming up again with the billionaire Mathieson family who are also joint venture partners on the luxury Mantaray project in Main Beach.

In the coming months, buyers will have a chance to secure one of the 47 two and three-bedroom apartments near the Pavilions Palm Beach retail precinct.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Gordon Corp team up again with Mathieson family and join booming Palm Beach off the plan apartment market" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202024-09-13%20at%2012.42.07%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=QlRr6YQL0SD1Y8ixXo2QWRRpSyCJDSpL" />

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects" target="">Cottee Parker</a>&nbsp;designed the nine-level atrium with an&nbsp;open-air atrium for natural ventilation and a suite of private amenities including a&nbsp;15m lap pool with daybeds and cabanas, a wellness centre with a cold plunge, hot spa, sauna, steam room, and a state-of-the-art gym.

Read more at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-gordon-corp-team-up-again-with-mathieson-family-and-join-booming-palm-beach-off-the-plan-apartment-market">First look exclusive: Gordon Corp team up again with Mathieson family and join booming Palm Beach off the plan apartment market</a>

<h2>What: Cirrus</h2>

<h3>Where: 1101 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach QLD 4221</h3>

<h3>Who: Macquarie York</h3>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/macquarie-york">Macquarie York</a> is working toward a 2025 launch of Cirrus, which received approval from the Gold Coast City Council late last year.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/cirrus-palm-beach-1101-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach">Cirrus</a>, which will meet Jefferson Lane near the Palm Beach Surf Club, will comprise just 10 full-floor apartments and a two-level penthouse.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22108 project_image_fid=312173]

Cirrus will also feature a level one recreation deck with a swimming pool and lounge area overlooking the ocean.

Macquarie York had <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/plus-architecture">Plus Architecture</a> take the architectural lead for the development.

<h2>Where: 402-404 The Esplanade, Palm Beach</h2>

<h3>Who: Chanine Developments</h3>

Sydney-based developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/chanine-developments">Chanine Developments</a> is too looking toward the luxury end of the market.

They're making their Gold Coast debut on The Esplanade with 15 half-floor apartments and a five-bedroom penthouse with a private rooftop pool.

Chanine is led by Marwan Chanine, who says he wants to bring&nbsp;the luxury of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs to Palm Beach through high-end finishes and design.&nbsp;

<img alt="Two new luxury apartment developments coming to Palm Beach in early 2025" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screen%20Shot%202024-04-22%20at%204.39.02%20pm.png?VersionId=sFn95mI3.TXZg5_hH7Srgj0vhyPRP.4o" />

The prime beachfront location is expected to attract downsizers and owner-occupiers looking for a coastal lifestyle.&nbsp;

The project is set to hit the market in early 2025.

Read more at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/two-new-luxury-apartment-developments-coming-to-palm-beach-in-early-2025">Two new luxury apartment developments coming to Palm Beach in early 2025</a>

We've highlighted some of the best projects currently available for purchase, as well as those set to launch later this year

Where to buy in Palm Beach in 2025

Developer David Devine's luxury Burly Residences in North Burleigh Heads is one step closer to being realised.

Construction firm Gowdie Management Group has started the build phase of the $535 million apartment development on a prime beachfront site at The Esplanade.

The 25-level apartment development will have just over 100 high-end apartments, serviced by a full suite of facilities unseen in the exclusive pocket of North Burleigh.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134791 project_image_fid=328210]

GMG, responsible&nbsp;for delivering a whole range of developments over the past 20 years nationally, expects to complete the build in 2027.

GMG is headed by John Gowdie who has more than 30 years experience in the Australian construction industry. Gowdie’s early years were spent working for some of Australia’s major construction companies, including Lend Lease and Walter Corporation, before establishing GMG in 2004.

DD Living CEO David Devine said it was exciting to see GMG on site bringing Burly Residences to life.

“Much has happened since we formally launched <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/burly-residences-north-burleigh-264-268-the-esplanade-burleigh-heads">Burly Residences</a> to the market, and I am very proud of the progress we have made to date and I am proud to announce our selection of Gowdie Management Group as the builder for the project,” Devine said.

“We are pleased to be working with a construction company of such high calibre for the delivery of Burly Residences to the elite standard we designed."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134791 project_image_fid=328213]

Burly Residences will comprise two, three and four-bedroom apartments with two full levels of facilities including several swimming pools, a gym with Peloton room, steam room, sauna, yoga and Pilates lounge, a private cinema, barbecue area, casual and formal dining, kitchen, teppanyaki bar, private office, executive lounge and a bar.

Legendary Japanese architect Koichi Takada designed Burly Residences, and the interiors were handled by the equally regarded interior practice, MIM Design, led by design doyenne Miriam Fanning.

The two-bedroom apartments start from 116 sqm and the four-bedrooms reach 743 sqm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134791 project_image_fid=328218]

Adrian Parsons of TOTAL Property Group says&nbsp;Burly is completely unique and beyond anything else currently available on the market in North Burleigh.

“Large prestigious apartments enjoy 40 metres of beach frontage overlooking North Burleigh Beach and two whole levels of six-star resort and lifestyle amenities that are on par with the world’s most luxurious resort hotels," Parsons says.

"These facets and the exceptional location within walking distance of Burleigh Heads place Burly as a unique opportunity for large home-sized apartments right on the beach with six-star luxury and amenity.”

Prices start from just over $2.4 million.

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Construction commences at Devine's luxury Burleigh tower, Burly Residences

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) is a government initiative designed to help eligible first-time home buyers by offering financial assistance towards the purchase or construction of a new home.

While the FHOG is a nationwide program, it is administered separately by each state and territory, meaning the eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and property requirements can vary depending on your location. This means that the amount available and the conditions attached to the grant will differ, so it is important to check the specific guidelines for your state or territory.

It’s important to note that the FHOG is just one of several incentives available to first home buyers. In most states and territories, the grant is not linked to stamp duty exemptions or concessions, with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The FHOG is typically a one-off payment, reducing the overall cost of purchasing or building a new home before any stamp duty concessions are applied.

Below, we provide a breakdown of the First Home Owner Grants available across Australia, outlining the specific details for each state and territory.

<h2>New South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $600,000. For land purchases and owner-builders, the threshold extends to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Provides full stamp duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, with concessions available for properties up to $1 million.

<h2>Victoria South Wales First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides a $10,000 grant for first-home buyers purchasing or building new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Benefits: Offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000.

<h2>Queensland First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. The FHOG applies to new homes valued up to $750,000.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Provides additional concessions for properties valued up to $800,000.

<h2>Western Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

&nbsp;

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes valued up to $750,000 in the southern regions and up to $1 million in the northern regions.

Stamp Duty Concessions: Available for homes valued up to $600,000 for transactions entered into on or after 9 May 2024.

<h2>Australian Capital Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Replaced by the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, offering full stamp duty concessions for eligible buyers.

<h2>South Australia First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Provides up to $15,000 for new homes, including houses, apartments, and townhouses. As of 6 June 2024, there is no property value cap for eligibility.

Stamp Duty Relief: Available for new homes and vacant land purchases.

<h2>Tasmania First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: Offers a $10,000 grant for new homes and off the plan purchases.

Stamp Duty Exemption: Between 18 February 2024 and 30 June 2026, first home buyers of established homes valued up to $750,000 receive a full exemption on property transfer duty.

<h2>Northern Territory First Home Owner Grant</h2>

First Home Owner Grant: The Northern Territory provides a $10,000 grant for new homes only. Additional government grants and concessions are available for first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Exemption: The only stamp duty exemption available to property buyers is the House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE).

Eligibility criteria and application processes differ across states. Prospective buyers should refer to their respective state revenue offices for full details on grant availability, conditions, and additional concessions.

Every First Home Owner Grant for new property by state

Sales have launched at Hali Dromana, the rare beachside townhouse development by Samuel Property on the Mornington Peninsula.

Samuel Property, led by Illan Samuel, once again partnered with the architectural excellence of Cera Stribley, one of Melbourne's most sought-after architecture firms, to design the 70 three and four-bedroom townhouses. The two worked together on Louise, Samuel's other development just off St Kilda Road.

Samuel says <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/hali-dromana-105-111-point-nepean-road-dromana-vic-3936">Hali Dromana</a> is a homage to the beloved 1960s holiday home where Australian summers were defined.

"Hali will give <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/dromana-vic-3936">Dromana</a> a fresh identity that will stand the test of time," Samuel says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147112 project_image_fid=330350]

There have been three distinct buyer groups since the project launched, according to Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair.

The most active group has been those who already live on the Mornington Peninsula and are looking for lower-maintenance living, closer to the beach.

"These buyers have been locals for years, whether from Rosebud, Safety Beach, or Red Hill," Blair says.

"They want to rid themselves of maintaining a 1,000-plus sqm block and downsize to something brand new, closer to the beach. They're approaching retirement and want a more connected, lock-up-and-leave lifestyle—they don't want to get in their car and drive to the beach anymore."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147112 project_image_fid=330358]

There's also been interest from those living in Melbourne's affluent eastern suburbs, who are planning for both a weekender and, potentially, a future beachside retirement home.

"These buyers will likely rent the home in the short to medium term and use it as their weekender throughout the year, but they're buying for a future permanent bolthole on the Mornington Peninsula."

What’s notable is that most of those who have shown interest have a significant connection to Dromana, Blair says.

"They either holidayed or grew up in Dromana as children, and they have historic ties to the area. Hali gives them the opportunity to buy something of this quality, which was previously unavailable anywhere on the Mornington Peninsula."

Samuel recently secured the permit for the near two-hectare block that was formerly the Kangerong Holiday Park. The few buildings that were on the prime site have started to be demolished, and civil works on the land will begin in the coming months. Completion of Hali is slated for mid-2027.

Buyers are already walking through the display suite at 9 Pier Street, 700m from Hali.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147112]

Buyers are already walking through the display suite at 9 Pier Street, 700m from Hali

NZ agents help Ray White to $2.6 billion October sales tally: Tweet of the day

Larry Schlesinger

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