BUYERS SEEK CERTAINTY AS ANIKO RECORDS $60M JANUARY SALES AT THE LANDMARK
Gold Coast developer Aniko Group has started the year strongly, recording more than $60 million in sales in January across stage two of its $2.5 billion Landmark development at Mermaid Beach.
The result comes as buyers increasingly gravitate toward projects already under construction, amid a more selective property market nationally.
The Landmark - currently the largest mixed-use development under construction in Queensland - has emerged as one of the few large-scale projects progressing at full scale in the current cycle.
Aniko Group founder and managing director George Mastrocostas said the January performance reflected a shift in buyer priorities.
“Delivery capability is increasingly separating projects that proceed from those that stall,” Mr Mastrocostas said.
“In this market, buyers are looking for certainty. They want to see cranes in the sky and construction well advanced before committing.”
January sales were spread across a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments, with prices ranging from the mid-$1 million for two-bedroom residences to circa $3 million for larger three-bedroom offerings.
The sales were largely driven by investors and owner-occupiers, with over half of buyers made up of investors, and 40% owner-occupiers. Meanwhile, approximately 10% are purchasers intending to use the apartments as lock-and-leave holiday residences for their own private use, particularly among Brisbane-based buyers.
Importantly, the strongest demand came from the local market, with approximately 60% of buyers originating from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. A further 30% of purchasers were evenly split between Sydney and Melbourne, with the remaining 10% coming from other parts of Australia as well as international markets.
“We’re seeing very discerning buyers,” Mr Mastrocostas said.
“Local buyers know this market better than anyone - and when they move first, it’s a strong signal. Downsizers want quality, location and ease. Investors are looking at supply constraints and long-term fundamentals.”
More than 25% of stage two inventory is now sold, with limited premium three-bedroom residences remaining.
“Larger floorplans have been particularly sought after,” he said.
“Buyers want space, liveability and permanence. That’s a noticeable shift from prior cycles.”
Unlike many projects nationally that remain in planning or pre-construction phases, The Landmark is already under construction, supported by Aniko’s integrated building arm, Aniko Constructions.
“In a volatile cost environment, buyers understandably want confidence that what they purchase will be delivered as promised,” Mr Mastrocostas said.
“Being under construction removes a significant layer of uncertainty.”
Over the past four years, Aniko has settled more than 600 apartments across its portfolio without invoking sunset clauses or renegotiating agreed purchase prices.
“We take a conservative approach to structuring projects,” he said.
“Contract integrity matters. Buyers remember that.”
The Landmark forms part of the Gold Coast’s broader urban evolution as South East Queensland moves toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With significant infrastructure investment already underway and international attention building, Mr Mastrocostas said many buyers see the current period as a strategic entry point.
“Apartment values on the Gold Coast have continued to strengthen, and buyers recognise the long-term trajectory of the city,” he said.
“They see both lifestyle upside and capital growth potential over the next decade.”
While broader national conditions remain constrained by construction costs and financing pressures, January’s performance suggests demand remains strong for well-capitalised, advanced projects.
“This is a more disciplined market,” Mr Mastrocostas said.
“But disciplined markets reward disciplined developers.”