Blogs

STRONG PRICE GROWTH PREDICTED

I have always had faith in our Sunshine Coast property market. History has shown it has the capacity to hold strong when other markets around the country correct themselves. I describe our Sunshine Coast market as consistent and giving. Click here to read more.

It’s all happening on the Sunshine Coast

You would have to be living under a rock to not notice what is happening on the Sunshine Coast at the moment. Tourist numbers are up, interstate migration is up, and Qantas has added more business flights to Sydney mid-week to cope with the demand they are experiencing for more flights. Click here to read more

Why allowing pets in units is a good thing

I love animals and could not imagine my life without the dogs that Leisa and I own. And as a developer it has always been important to me to ensure my developments are pet friendly (within reason). Click here to read more

The Rise of the Rooftop Bar

Maybe it’s because I am Italian and just love al fresco dining, or maybe it’s because I love a classy bar where the ambiance is great, and the vibe is smooth, but I find rooftop bars (when done well) incredibly appealing. Click here to read more

BIG PLANS FOR THE BIG PINEAPPLE !

I have been on the Sunshine Coast for 30 years. Over that time I have seen a lot of change - and have, in fact, been responsible for some of it.

An icon famous to this region is the Big Pineapple. Click here to read more

BRINGING THE BUZZ BACK TO MAROOCHYDORE

There is a lot of great stuff happening all over the Sunshine Coast at the moment. At last count we had 16 cranes in the air, which for me as a developer, is a sign that confidence in the region remains high. Click here to read more.

The Sunshine Coast leads the way in the property market


I have always said it had to happen one day.While we struggled through the economic crisis a mere eight years ago, the Sunshine Coast was quietly going about its business, setting the scene for the day we would knock the Gold Coast off it’s perch and rightly take the title of the best annual performer in the property market.And according to the latest Real Estate Institute Queensland (REIQ) report that’s just what we have done. Click here to read more.

Your Vibe attracts your tribe

I am learning something new everyday from the millennials I am delighted to have in my life.Having said that, I am pretty certain they are sometimes saying the same thing as me – its just been packaged up with new language to make it sound cool….. or is it rad? Click here to read more.

The rise of the Baby Boomer

Over the many years I have been building and developing I have learnt a lot about what people are looking for. Perhaps the demographic that has undergone the most change is the baby boomers who are now becoming empty nesters. They are the people whose children have all left home and now it’s time to find something that suits their newly found freedom. Click here to read more.

What millennials want


I am a long way off from being a millennial – however, my two children fit squarely into this category. Over lunch recently we were discussing the differences between building and designing to suit the needs of a baby boomer as compared to a millennial and here is what I learnt. Click here to read more.

Why ‘walkability’ is important

The term ‘walkability’ is getting used more and more these days and is becoming increasingly important to millennials when making their decision on where they choose to live and play. So, what is ‘walkability’ and what makes an area tick all the boxes to earn the right to call itself ‘walkable’? Click here to read more.

MORE UNITS NEEDED AS VACANCY RATES REMAIN LOW ON THE SUNSHINE COAST


Confirming what many of us already know, there simply are not enough properties to meet the rental demand on the Sunshine Coast at this moment in time.

The expected growth of the airport, new CBD and better highway access will mean more people want to live and play here which is great news – BUT they have to live somewhere. Click here to read more.

ROOM WITH A VIEW


As a developer, finding the right location on which I will build a development is critical. I don’t just build anywhere and always have my eye out for the next location that might be just right.

Generally speaking, I always search for land that will give my units a view and also be close to amenities. Click here to read more.

INSTAGRAM – THE KEY TO A HOTELS SUCCESS?


Developers, designers and architects all want their work to be appreciated, critiqued, reviewed and applauded. We do this by entering awards and sharing our projects on social media.

I have heard many people question the power of social media for creating brand awareness and influencing consumer choice, but I am a firm believer that if you are not keeping up with the trends and influencers you could be missing out. Click here to read more.

Cranes confirm economy is growing

A buoyant economy is often linked to the number of cranes you see in the sky and, generally speaking, the more cranes there are the greater the commercial confidence.

According to the latest Crane Index report from Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) there are currently 10 cranes operating on the Sunshine Coast. Click here to read more.

Why Investing in the Sunshine Coast is a good idea


It’s pretty obvious that the Sunshine Coast is growing rapidly. You can see the physical changes almost daily as you drive around the region and the stats are backing up what we are seeing.

The latest passenger numbers through the Sunshine Coast Airport have just been released and it has recorded its highest ever passenger numbers with over 310,000 passengers flying in and out of the airport in the three months ended February 2018 – an incredible 15% increase on the previous year.Click here to read more.

Short term pain for long term gain

Being a developer, I know that when construction on a project is underway there can be road closures, diversions and reduced parking for the public. The number of projects we have happening in and around our region are long overdue and are needed for us to progress and grow. Click here to read more.

Events are good for Investment!

The Sunshine Coast is soon to unveil its Major Events Strategy 2018-2027. As a long-term resident, developer and business person on the Sunshine Coast I am really looking forward to what the strategy has in store for us. Click to read more.

Qld, Sun, Sea & Smart Investing – we have it all!

It seems the secret is out and people are flocking here in droves and securing property like never before. We have always had affordable housing on the Sunshine Coast but now, given the investment in infrastructure, we are forging ahead and attracting new talent who are all looking for a place to call home. Click to read more.

New airport to bring more people but where will they stay?


We are achieving great things here on the Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast Airport is certainly leading the way as it gears up to deliver an expanded airport and new runway in 2020. Click to read more.

The changing face of retail spaces

When I first built Cilento, the commercial spaces downstairs were occupied by clothing and surf stores. Over time, we have seen a number of tenants come and go and without a doubt the ones who have endured are those who have offered an experience in terms of food and drink. This of course includes the fit out of the space which creates the mood for the whole dining experience. Click to read more.

Sunshine Coast Stadium – our new shining Diamond

With recent news that we have attracted our first international music act, all eyes are on the newly updated Sunshine Coast Stadium. To be able to attract a world class talent like Neil Diamond is no easy feat and I have no doubt there were many, many months of hard work done by a lot of people to make that happen. Click to read more.

Be brave when using statement pieces

Whether you are decorating your home, designing a building or deciding what to wear, a statement piece is often the key to pulling the whole look together. While not everyone may like your “out there” leopard print shoes – if you love them that is all that matters and the same goes when deciding on what statement piece to use in your own home. Click to read more.

Design Icons – why they endurE

Good design is not only functional – it also ensures the test of time. This is particularly so when it comes to furniture and lighting. Some of my favourite designs were created decades ago yet still have the function and appeal as if they were created today. Click to read more.

Building Development – anticipating needs

If Bernard Salt is right and our population is set to increase by another 200,000 by the year 2040 then we have a lot of work to do in terms of designing and constructing beautiful spaces for people to live in. Click to read more.