Gold Coast Momentum

Pezet Matheson’s Todd Matheson on Market Shifts, Technology and the Undersupplied Two-Bedroom Market

The Gold Coast continues to defy expectations. Once seen as a holiday destination, the region has evolved into one of Australia’s most dynamic apartment markets, driven by migration, lifestyle appeal and major infrastructure investment.

In Episode 114 of Market Insights, Apartments.com.au CEO Mike Bird sits down with Todd Matheson, Director of Pezet Matheson, to explore what is driving the city’s ongoing growth, the role of technology in sales, and where the next opportunities lie.

A Market That Keeps Strengthening

For Matheson, a lifelong Gold Coast local, the transformation has been remarkable.

“The Gold Coast just keeps going from strength to strength,” he says. “We have been fortunate to work on some incredible projects, and we have around 600 to 700 settlements coming up in the next ten months.”

It is a major pipeline for a city that was once dominated by small, seasonal activity. Today, the Gold Coast apartment market is maturing quickly, supported by strong population inflows, consistent buyer demand and tightening supply.

While the past year has delivered steady growth, Matheson believes the next stage will depend on developers focusing on the right product type and location rather than relying on blanket demand.

The Undersupplied Two-Bedroom Segment

High-end luxury towers have defined much of the recent cycle, particularly across Broadbeach, Palm Beach and Main Beach. That focus, however, has created a significant gap in the mid-market.

“We have really pushed that high-end luxury product,” Matheson explains. “There is still demand there, but there is also a huge undersupply of well-priced two-bedroom apartments. If someone can deliver that product at the right price point, they will have a great project.”

He identifies opportunities emerging in suburbs just beyond the beachfront, such as Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Waters and Robina, where planning rules now allow for greater building height.

“If you can find a site in one of those fringe suburbs and deliver strong-value two-bedroom apartments, that is where demand will be,” he says.

For developers, the message is clear. Focus on lifestyle-adjacent precincts that offer strong amenity, transport links and achievable feasibility.

From Display Suites to Digital Immersion

Pezet Matheson is also transforming how projects are marketed and sold. After a decade based in Oracle, the team has moved into a new digital presentation space that features a fully immersive 3D walkthrough studio.

“We realised that with new technology, we can showcase multiple projects efficiently from one location,” says Matheson. “Buyers want to experience the project, and now we can deliver that without relying on a traditional display suite.”

Partnering with proptech company Boundary, Pezet Matheson has implemented advanced visualisation tools across several projects. The results include higher buyer engagement and lower marketing costs.

“I asked my team whether they would prefer a full display suite or a 3D walkthrough. Every single one of them chose the 3D walkthrough,” Matheson recalls. “That was a turning point for us.”

This change offers new options for developers managing tight budgets. Smaller or boutique projects can allocate funds away from physical displays and into digital marketing and immersive technology, achieving stronger engagement and better value.

What Developers Should Watch Next

Despite strong demand, Matheson cautions that construction costs and delivery capacity remain key constraints.

“There are still challenges on the building side. Developers have to stay conscious of those realities,” he says.

Even with these pressures, the Gold Coast’s evolution into a genuine metropolitan market continues. Improved infrastructure, education access and lifestyle amenities are driving long-term demand from both local and interstate buyers.

“We are not the sleepy coastal town people remember,” Matheson says. “The city now has real depth in product, demand and infrastructure.”

Key Takeaways for the Industry

• Two-bedroom apartments at accessible price points are the biggest opportunity in the market.
• Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Waters and Robina offer strong potential for mid-rise, mid-market projects.
• Immersive 3D technology is replacing traditional display suites, providing both cost efficiency and better engagement.
• Construction constraints will continue to limit supply, supporting ongoing price stability.

As Mike Bird concludes, Pezet Matheson’s approach reflects the broader direction of the market.

“Innovative marketing, data-led design and the right product mix are the keys to success in today’s apartment environment.”