Splitting time between <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/sydney-nsw">Sydney</a> and the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/gold-coast-qld">Gold Coast</a> has never been so popular.

While a long-favoured destination for Sydney families seeking a summer getaway, the Gold Coast is growing in popularity among retirees who are making it their second home, and sometimes, their primary residence.

Of course there are also who already have the beachside lifestyle in Sydney, but are looking for something else.

That was the case for David and Antoniette Richards, who have been Mosman locals for several decades. They recently secured a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-townhouses/capri-81-salerno-street-isle-of-capri">villa in Capri</a>, the gated community currently being delivered by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> on the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/isle-of-capri-qld-4217">Isle of Capri</a>, across a bridge from <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Surfers Paradise</a> and all of the connectivity that comes with it.

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The couple had been exploring their options and how they want to downsize. Looking at the local Mosman market, and the $5 million-plus prices that were being commanded for two and three-bedroom apartments, they decided to look north.

“We’ve been holidaying on the Gold Coast for the last four decades, and as we approach retirement, we wanted to spend more time here,” says David, a former journalist and media executive. “The decision to move north was an easy one. The question for us was where.”

For David and Antoniette, it wasn’t necessarily to make a sea change.

“Initially, we looked at places like <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a>, but we didn’t feel the need to be right on the beach,” says David, whose home overlooks Balmoral Beach in Mosman. “What really appealed to us was the size of the properties and the type of community we could become part of.”

When they discovered the Capri development, everything clicked. “When we saw what Monaco Property Group was offering, we knew it was the right fit for us,” David recalls.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=298833]

The Richards secured a three-level, four-bedroom townhouse in the villa community of 48 residences, paying a fraction of what they would have paid for something similar in Sydney. “It’s incredible value for money,” David says. “You couldn’t get anything like this in a desirable Sydney suburb.”

Beyond the financial benefits, the location of Capri was a major draw. The development is nestled near golf clubs, cafes like Via Roma, and is far enough from the Gold Coast’s major tourist zones to offer a more tranquil lifestyle. “It’s the best of both worlds,” David adds. “We’re close to everything, but not caught up in the noise.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=298829]

Antoinette, a seasoned interior designer, was particularly excited about the possibilities the new space presented. The couple has built and designed several homes together in Sydney, and Antoinette knew exactly what to look for when it came to both the layout and finishes of their new home.&nbsp;

“NPA Projects took us through the specifications, and Plus Architecture and BDA designed a floorplan that suited our needs perfectly,” David says. “The multi-generational layouts, private lift, and high-end appliances really sold us on the place.”

The central amenities at Capri were also key to their decision.&nbsp;

“The smaller downsizer buildings in Sydney didn’t offer the level of amenities we wanted. We wanted a real sense of community, where we could interact with neighbours and see familiar faces at the pool, rather than constantly encountering short-term renters and holidaymakers.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=317104]

While the housing type, design, specifications, location and price boxes were all ticked, a purchase wouldn’t have happened without confidence in the team delivering Capri.

“I was impressed with the developer and his passion for the project,” David said.

“We were told he was a local Isle of Capri resident, and that helped in our understanding of what the project meant to him.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139511 project_image_fid=298831]

David said nowadays, you really have to do your research.&nbsp;

“Buildings from the 70s through to the 2000s were built to last, and there wasn’t much to worry about when it came to researching the developers behind them. But now, buyers have to be more diligent. You really need to understand who is behind a project before committing,” he says.

Adding to the confidence of the developer was the build partner, Greyburn, who has delivered a string of projects up and down the Gold Coast for over 20 years.

Greyburn is a solid builder in South East Queensland, and it’s easy to see they deliver what they promise. We feel confident in their ability to complete the project to the highest standard.”

Construction of Capri is set to complete in mid-2025. A handful of villas remain for sale.

David and Antoniette took part in Urban's Buyer Q&amp;A series which focuses on the driving factors behind&nbsp;<a href="https://expert-insights/buying/the-top-eight-considerations-when-buying-off-the-plan" target="">buying off the plan</a>&nbsp;property in Australia.

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Construction of the villa development, Capri, is set to complete in mid-2025

Joel Robinson

From Mosman to Isle of Capri: Why Sydney buyers are heading to the Gold Coast

Southport is about to witness the arrival of some of its most expansive apartments ever, with the launch of Brighton on The Park, a prestigious new development by Sixty Sticks.

Positioned on the park-facing Brighton Boulevard, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/brighton-on-the-park-southport-28-brighton-parade-southport">Brighton on the Park</a> offers unparalleled, never-to-be-built-out views over the adjacent parklands, Nerang River, and extensive views toward the Main Beach skyline and Surfers Paradise. The exclusive development will feature just 12 luxurious apartments, with sizes starting from a generous 247 sqm.

The three-bedroom, half-floor residences offer spacious living, with the largest apartments reaching 300 sqm.

Designed with a focus on lifestyle and leisure, Brighton on The Park boasts an array of high-end amenities, including a rooftop pool with sun-drenched day beds, a fully equipped gym, and multiple lounge areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138113 project_image_fid=209672]

Sixty Sticks, led by Andrew Gilbert, has owned the 1,000 sqm-plus site since 2018, well before COVID-19 caused land prices on the Gold Coast to soar to record highs.

Preliminary works are booked in and ready to ensure the project launches by early 2025.

Demolition of the existing house on the property will begin shortly, with construction expected to start in Q1/Q2 2025. The build is anticipated to take around 14 months, as the project will not require excavation for basement parking, which typically adds significant time to the timeline.

With construction on track, buyers can expect to move in by mid-2026.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138113 project_image_fid=209672]

Gilbert explains that the majority of buyer interest so far has come from local suburbs, particularly downsizers looking for spacious apartments that can accommodate visits from kids and grandkids.

"These buyers are drawn to the convenience of apartment living, with all the comforts of a home—like a rooftop pool and an entertainer’s balcony—without the upkeep," Gilbert says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138113 project_image_fid=209308]

Each apartment features a generous balcony with a full outdoor kitchen, offering views over James Overell Park and the Gold Coast skyline.

The heart of each residence is the kitchen, designed to offer the feel of a house with a large butler’s pantry and a floating island that doubles as both a dining and entertaining area.

Each apartment also includes two side-by-side parking spaces, complete with an EV charging station.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138113]

Sixty Sticks, led by Andrew Gilbert, has owned the 1,000 sqm-plus site since 2018, well before COVID-19 caused land prices on the Gold Coast to soar to record highs


Brighton on the Park to offer Southport's largest apartments

Three years after submitting a planning application, and two and a half years since it was approved, Iris Capital has revealed to buyers what it plans to create on its prime Garfield Terrace site.

The development, <a href="71 Garfield">71 Garfield</a>, will feature just 52 apartments, ranging from two-bedroom units with multi-purpose rooms to a $25.5 million penthouse. Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/dbi">DBI</a>, the architecture firm behind Iris Capital’s debut Gold Coast project, V&amp;A Broadbeach, 71 Garfield is set to offer a new level of luxury in the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110713 project_image_fid=317231]

The majority of the apartments, with spacious layouts and premium finishes, are oriented to take advantage of the beachside position. The building will offer direct access to the sand.

There are two, three and four-bedrooms, a three-level penthouse with its own private rooftop terrace on offer, as well as a rare, two-level beachfront house with four bedrooms, two living areas, and a private pool.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110713 project_image_fid=317233]

Residents of 71 Garfield will benefit from several luxury facilities, also oriented to capture the views. The swimming pool and gym looking directly across the water, as does the yoga deck.

On the submission to the Gold Coast City Council, DBI said 71 Garfield is "designed exclusively for the coastal environment, moving away from smaller unit types and white upstands to embrace the increasing demand for large apartments and a new level of coastal sophistication."

"Iris Capital is set to deliver a new breed of building, combining subtropical principles, fashion inspired design and a sky living experience."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110713 project_image_fid=317232]

71 Garfield is one of just a handful of projects active in the market on what is known as the Surfers Paradise Glitter Strip.

Garfield Terrace, on Northcliffe Beach, was mooted to go through a huge transformation several years ago, but several developments haven't gone ahead and have traded hands in recent years.

AALTO, by Weiya Holdings just next door to 71 Garfield, is now in the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-exclusive-winx-breeder-john-camilleri-continues-gold-coast-apartment-development-site-spree">hands of Winx breeder John Camilleri</a>, while prominent developer KTQ also sold its <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/first-look-ktq-sell-garfield-terrace-site-for-56-million-as-demand-soars-for-gold-coast-beachfront-sites">Garfield Terrace site for $56 million</a>.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/iris-capital">Iris Capital</a> is working away on <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/victoria-albert-broadbeach-20-albert-avenue-broadbeach">Victoria &amp; Albert</a>, its two-tower landmark which is replacing the Niecon Plaza in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a>.

Iris, led by billionaire Sam Arnaout, is now a fully integrated developer, having <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/iris-capital-create-construction-arm-to-build-victoria-albert-broadbeach-apartments">brought construction inhouse last year</a> when they established <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/iris-built">Iris Built</a>.

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71 Garfield is one of just a handful of projects active in the market on what is known as the Surfers Paradise Glitter Strip.

Iris Capital reveals 71 Garfield, Surfers Paradise beachfront apartments

In the construction and property industries, insurance is vital to protecting stakeholders from financial risks. However, not all insurance policies are created equal, and the differences between them can sometimes lead to confusion.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance</a> (LDI) is one policy often misunderstood, particularly when compared to strata insurance, construction insurance, professional indemnity (PI) insurance, as well as many others.

A common misconception is that Resilience LDI offers duplicate coverage to other policies, particularly strata insurance. This misunderstanding can leave property owners, builders, and developers underprepared for the unique risks that only Resilience LDI addresses. In this article, we’ll explore how Resilience LDI differs from these other insurances, clarifying why it’s an essential safeguard for construction projects.

<h1>What is Resilience LDI?</h1>

Resilience LDI is a first-resort strict liability policy that covers physical loss or damage to new buildings caused by hidden structural and waterproofing defects. These defects, which may arise from flaws in design, materials, or workmanship, often become apparent years after construction is complete. LDI typically provides coverage for up to 10 years from the date of practical completion.

Unlike other types of insurance, Resilience LDI:

Covers defects: It doesn’t require a determination of fault, allowing for swift resolution 
Protects property owners directly: Coverage applies regardless of whether the original builder or developer is still operating. 
Focuses on structural elements: Its scope includes foundations, load-bearing walls, and waterproofing, among other critical components.

<h1>How Resilience LDI differs from other insurances</h1>

1. Strata Insurance 
 
Strata insurance is often mistakenly thought to provide the same coverage as Resilience LDI. However, the two serve entirely different purposes.

Strata Insurance: Protects common property in a strata scheme, such as roofs, lobbies and shared amenities, against risks like fire, flood and accidental damage. It does not cover structural waterproofing defects. 
 
Resilience LDI: Covers hidden defects in the building’s structure and waterproofing, ensuring that property owners are protected from significant repair costs years after construction. 
 
Key Difference: Strata insurance manages external risks and day-to-day maintenance, while Resilience LDI addresses hidden construction flaws.

2. Construction Insurance 
 
Construction insurance, also known as contract works insurance, protects against risks during the building phase. 
 
Construction Insurance: Covers damage to the site, materials, and equipment during construction due to events like theft, fire, or weather. It also protects against delays caused by these incidents.

Resilience LDI: Comes into effect after the project is complete, protecting against unforeseen structural and waterproofing issues. 
Key Difference: Construction insurance is limited to risks and patent defects discovered during the building phase, while Resilience LDI provides post-completion protection and coverage for latent defects.

3. Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance 
 
PI insurance covers professionals, such as architects, engineers, and consultants, against claims of negligence or errors in their work. 
 
PI Insurance: Focuses on liability, compensating for financial losses caused by professional mistakes.

Resilience LDI: Addresses physical defects and their repair, without requiring proof of professional negligence. 
 
Key Difference: PI insurance is liability-based, while Resilience LDI is a no-fault policy ensuring immediate action on defects.

4. Liability Insurance

Liability insurance protects builders, developers, and contractors against claims for bodily injury or property damage caused during construction. 
 
Liability Insurance: Covers legal and compensation costs if someone is injured on-site or if the work causes damage to neighbouring properties. 
 
Resilience LDI: Covers structural and waterproofing issues that arise years later, with no need for a liability claim. 
Key Difference: Liability insurance handles claims during or immediately after construction; Resilience LDI focuses on the building’s structural longevity.

5. Landlord Insurance 
 
Landlord insurance covers risks associated with leasing a property.

Landlord Insurance: Protects landlords from tenant-related risks, including damage to the property, loss of rent, or liability claims from tenants.

Resilience LDI: Covers the structural integrity of the building, not tenancy-related issues. 
 
Key Difference: Landlord insurance is tenancy-focused, while Resilience LDI protects the physical structure itself as well as waterproofing failures.

<h2>Why LDI is not “doubling up”</h2>

Many property owners mistakenly believe that having strata or construction insurance means they don’t need Resilience LDI. This misconception can leave them exposed to significant financial risks.

Strata insurance does not cover defects: If a structural flaw in the building or waterproofing issue causes damage to common property, the cost of repair typically falls back on the owners’ corporation. Resilience LDI steps in to cover these costs. 
 
- Construction insurance is temporary: Once the project is complete, construction insurance no longer applies, leaving a gap in coverage that Resilience LDI fills. 
 
- No reliance on liability claims: Unlike PI or liability insurance, Resilience LDI ensures immediate repair coverage, avoiding delays caused by fault-finding or disputes.

<h2>Who benefits from Resilience LDI?</h2>

For property owners

Resilience LDI provides peace of mind, ensuring they are not burdened with repair or litigation costs for hidden defects years after buying their property.

For Builders and Developers

By including Resilience LDI in their projects, builders and developers can differentiate themselves in the market, demonstrating a commitment to quality and accountability. It also helps protect their balance sheets, offering financial security in the face of potential latent defect claims. Moreover, Resilience LDI-backed projects often experience improved sales velocity and command higher prices, providing a clear competitive edge.

For Financiers

Resilience LDI-backed projects are seen as lower-risk investments, enhancing their attractiveness to financiers.

For OC Managers

Resilience LDI ensures higher building quality through rigorous inspections, provides financial protection with a 10 year warranty for structural and waterproofing defects and simplifies defect resolution by allowing direct claims without the need to prove fault, enhancing the reputation and effectiveness of OC managers

The future of LDI in Australia

As construction standards and buyer expectations continue to rise, Resilience LDI is becoming a crucial part of the insurance landscape. Builders, developers, and property owners need to recognise its unique role in safeguarding against long-term risks. It is not a replacement for other insurances but a necessary addition that fills critical gaps in coverage.

The misconception that Resilience LDI overlaps with strata or other insurances must be dispelled. By understanding the distinct protections Resilience LDI offers, all stakeholders can make informed decisions to secure their investments and protect their reputations.

Resilience LDI isn’t just an option—it’s an essential safeguard for a secure future in construction and property ownership.

Not all construction and property insurances are created equal. Discover why Resilience LDI is a game-changer for builders, developers, property owners, financiers and OC managers - and how it goes beyond strata, construction, PI and landlord insurance.

How Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) stands apart from other construction and property insurances

Broadbeach has been dethroned as the most popular suburb on the Gold Coast.

Data from MatterFact, the data partner of Urban.com.au, revealed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> was the most enquired-on suburb in November, overtaking <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a>, which had held the top spot every month in 2024—except for May, when Palm Beach last claimed the title.

Interest in the Gold Coast tends to surge in November, December, and January, particularly from people based in southern states and Brisbane who are planning to holiday in the region.

Palm Beach has been the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/qld/palm-beach-the-most-indemand-off-the-plan-apartment-market-on-the-gold-coast">most searched suburb on the Gold Coast</a> for the past four quarters on Urban.com.au, but the scarcity of new projects had left much of that demand unmet.

The last project to come to market in Palm Beach was La Belle&nbsp;Marquee Development Partners, 74 premium beachfront apartments.

The newest development in Palm Beach, just the second to launch in 2024, is tapping into that unmet demand, a segment of the market which has been overlooked in recent years.

Developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has created a new brand, Flourish, to cater to the likes of first home buyers and rightsizers, not just affluent downsizers or holidaymakers.

The brand's debut project,&nbsp;Flourish on Sixth, offers a range of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with one-bedroom units starting from under $600,000. These apartments have been quickly snapped up, and while many of the two-bedroom units are also sold, there are still some available around the $1 million mark—an unprecedented price in today’s Gold Coast apartment market.

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With amenities including an 800 sqm rooftop featuring a heated lap pool, private cabanas, and a wellness centre, the project delivers high-end communal spaces while maintaining affordability.&nbsp;

The inclusion of shared electric vehicle services and other sustainable features adds further appeal for buyers seeking modern, environmentally conscious living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=306037]

Demand is set to continue into 2025. Next year the local market will welcome back <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach">Villea Palm Beach</a>, by Sydney and Melbourne developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>.

Gordon Corp is teaming up again with the Mathieson family to launch their Jefferson Lane project which will bring another&nbsp;47 two and three-bedroom apartments to the undersupplied market.

Sydney-based Chanine Developments and local developer Macquarie York are focussing on half and full-floor apartments.

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Palm Beach has been the most searched suburb on the Gold Coast for the past four quarters on Urban.com.au, but the scarcity of new projects had left much of that demand unmet

Weekly Podcast: Episode 10 - Rowville light rail and Melbourne Airport Rail Link

Alastair Taylor

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