A new residential development on Australia’s Gold Coast is set to improve access to home ownership for first-home buyers, with apartments starting from AUD 778,000 in a market where affordability has become an increasing challenge.
Developer Lewis Land has unveiled Solis, the latest residential release within its landmark Harbour Shores masterplanned community at Biggera Waters, introducing a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments designed to cater to both owner-occupiers and investors. The project has been strategically positioned to address growing demand from first-home buyers, with approximately 30 percent of the apartments priced below AUD 1 million.
The launch comes as property values across the Gold Coast continue to climb. According to recent PropTrack market data, the median apartment price on the Gold Coast has reached approximately AUD 905,000, while the median house price has risen to around AUD 1.396 million, making entry into the market increasingly difficult for many aspiring homeowners.
Recognising these affordability pressures, Lewis Land has incorporated a dedicated range of entry-level apartments within Solis to provide younger buyers with an opportunity to secure property in one of Australia’s fastest-growing coastal markets.
The seven-storey development will comprise 91 apartments, including 24 homes specifically designed to appeal to first-home buyers. One-bedroom apartments will be available from AUD 778,000, with around half of these residences incorporating an additional multipurpose room to maximise flexibility for residents working from home, growing families or changing lifestyle requirements.
Lewis Land Head of Development Michael Long said the project reflects the company’s commitment to contributing to long-term housing solutions while maintaining high-quality residential standards.
He noted that many first-home buyers have gradually been priced out of several Gold Coast suburbs, creating an opportunity for developers to deliver homes that better align with the financial realities facing younger purchasers. By allocating nearly one-third of Solis apartments below the AUD 1 million price point, the development aims to improve accessibility without compromising design, location or lifestyle.
Long also highlighted the strategic location of Harbour Shores, pointing to the planned future light rail extension near Harbour Town, which is expected to improve connectivity between Biggera Waters and the Gold Coast’s major employment, education and commercial precincts. Improved transport infrastructure is expected to further strengthen the long-term appeal of the community for both homeowners and investors.
Although the project has been designed with first-home buyers in mind, apartments will be offered on the open market, meaning owner-occupiers and investors will all be eligible to purchase. Lewis Land has indicated it intends to prioritise genuine first-home buyers during the initial sales release where possible, while encouraging interested purchasers to register early given anticipated demand.
The affordability initiative has been welcomed by prospective buyers navigating the increasingly competitive Gold Coast housing market.
First-home buyer Holly Humphreys said purchasing a home over the past year had proven both stressful and discouraging after repeatedly missing out on properties despite offering at the upper end of advertised price expectations.
Like many young buyers, she and her partner initially focused on detached houses before adjusting their expectations as prices continued to rise. Their search eventually shifted towards apartments and townhouses, reflecting a broader trend among first-home buyers adapting to current market conditions.
Humphreys said it was encouraging to see a developer intentionally designing apartments for younger buyers who recognise the importance of entering the property market sooner rather than later.
She noted that many first-home buyers understand that purchasing today may provide long-term financial benefits as property values continue to appreciate, making initiatives such as Solis particularly significant.
Designed by BDA Architecture, Solis will deliver a diverse collection of residences ranging from compact one-bedroom layouts through to spacious three-bedroom apartments. Some residences will extend to approximately 232 square metres, complemented by expansive balconies, contemporary interiors and premium finishes.
Residents will also have access to an extensive range of lifestyle amenities planned throughout the Harbour Shores community. These include a lagoon-style swimming pool, social clubhouse, fully equipped gymnasium, tennis court, yoga facilities, sauna and landscaped recreational spaces designed to promote health, wellbeing and community interaction.
Solis represents the first residential project within the second stage of the Harbour Shores masterplan, marking another milestone in the long-term transformation of the Biggera Waters waterfront precinct.
The official project launch is scheduled for 11 July, with construction expected to commence in September 2026.
As affordability remains one of the defining challenges across Australia’s residential property market, developments such as Solis demonstrate how developers are increasingly adapting product offerings to meet changing buyer demographics. By combining comparatively accessible pricing with quality design, integrated lifestyle amenities and future transport connectivity, the project seeks to create new pathways into home ownership while supporting the continued evolution of the Gold Coast residential market.