The Gold Coast is entering a new era of vertical living. Luxury apartment developments are rising across the coastline and the way buyers approach these projects needs to evolve.

In this episode of Buying Gold Coast, I am joined by Carly Cottam from Motiv to unpack the Gold Coast vertical living boom and what buyers need to understand in 2026.

We break down how developers plan and stage new projects, how pricing and release strategies work, what drives demand in high-rise living, and the key risks and opportunities buyers should consider before committing to off-the-plan or apartment developments in today’s market.

In this episode, we cover:

-The Gold Coast vertical living boom and why it is accelerating

-How developers structure, stage, and price new projects

-The psychology behind staged releases and off-the-plan marketing

-The risks buyers overlook when purchasing off the plan

-How to assess whether a development truly stacks up before committing

Connect with me!

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/matt_srama/?hl=en

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_srama

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-srama-b8647b1ba/?originalSubdomain=au

BGC Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZTdnNdku9iVdkBEFrND8V

Connect with Carly & Motiv

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/carlycottam_motiv/?hl=en

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-cottam-8466082a/?originalSubdomain=au

Motiv Website → https://motivgroup.com.au/

Motiv Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/motiv_projectmarketing/

Subscribe to Buying Gold Coast for weekly insights into Gold Coast property, buyer strategy, prestige real estate, and real-world guidance for navigating the Gold Coast high end real estate market.

Most buyers don’t lose property on the Gold Coast because of price. They lose because they negotiate the wrong way.

In this episode of Buying Gold Coast, I break down the three negotiation secrets that actually decide who wins in a competitive market, from buyer behaviour and first impressions to offer structure and strategy.

Drawing on experience from both sides of the table, including time spent as a selling agent and now running a high-performing buyers agency, this episode explains why buyer behaviour, tone, and structure matter more than aggressive tactics. We unpack how negotiations really unfold, why first impressions count, and how small strategic shifts can dramatically change outcomes.

In this episode I cover:

-What most buyers get wrong in property negotiations

-Why buyer behaviour and first impressions matter more than price

-The biggest buyer mistakes that cost deals on the Gold Coast

-How to negotiate property price without burning the agent or vendor

-Why a formal contract is stronger than a letter of offer

-How using a formal contract helps isolate competition

-Real estate negotiation strategies professionals use to gain leverage

-How to ask better questions and uncover key anchor points

-Why terms can be just as important as price in property negotiation

-How to build confidence when negotiating in the Gold Coast property market

If you are trying to buy on the Gold Coast, want to understand real estate negotiation beyond surface-level tips, or need a practical buyers guide to winning property negotiations, this episode will give you clarity.

Connect with me!

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/matt_srama/?hl=en

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_srama

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-srama-b8647b1ba/?originalSubdomain=au

BGC Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZTdnNdku9iVdkBEFrND8V

Subscribe to Buying Gold Coast for weekly insights into Gold Coast property, buyer strategy, negotiation tips, and real-world guidance for navigating the Gold Coast real estate market.

Some renovations feel timeless, calm, and valuable. Others look expensive and miss the mark.

In this episode, Luli Farrell, Co-Founder of ABI Interiors, breaks down what actually makes Gold Coast homes feel luxurious and why great renovation outcomes are rarely about budget alone.

We unpack the real story behind ABI Interiors, from a family side project to a global brand, and explore how design decisions, pairing materials, and understanding buyer psychology can dramatically impact how a home looks, feels, and performs in the market.

If you are renovating, building, or buying on the Gold Coast, this episode will change how you think about luxury, value, and design.

Connect with me!

IG → https://www.instagram.com/buying_goldcoast

Matt’s IG → https://www.instagram.com/matt_srama

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_srama

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-srama-b8647b1ba/?originalSubdomain=au

BGC Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZTdnNdku9iVdkBEFrND8V

Connect with Luli Farrell & ABI Interiors:

IG → https://www.instagram.com/abiinteriors/

Website → https://www.abiinteriors.com.au/

In this episode, we cover:

-What actually makes a Gold Coast renovation feel luxurious, not just expensive

-The real story behind ABI Interiors and how it scaled from a family business to a global brand

- Why luxury renovations are more about decision-making than budget

- Interior design trends shaping modern Gold Coast homes

- How to achieve high-end renovation outcomes on a realistic budget

- The importance of pairing fixtures, finishes, and materials correctly

-Common renovation mistakes that quietly hurt property value

- How buyers emotionally respond to well-designed homes

- Designing modern coastal homes for lifestyle, longevity, and resale appeal

- Where opportunity is emerging across the Gold Coast and Tweed region

If this episode gave you value, follow the show. It helps us reach more people who want real conversations about development, strategy and the Gold Coast property market.