More young professionals and empty nesters are making the move to Robina, drawn by its mix of lifestyle amenity and established road, rail, retail, health and education infrastructure, according to a report released this month.
Leading property analyst Urbis completed the research, which found the combination of walkability and connectivity in Robina, along with strong employment growth, had made it an increasingly popular choice for Gen Y and Baby Boomers.
The report found the 20 to 24 year old age group, part of Gen Y, was the standout demographic in terms of growth, with the total Gen Y population accounting for 21.4 per cent of residents. Baby Boomers make up 25.6 per cent of residents with the 65-plus age bracket at 17 per cent.
According to Urbis, Robina’s appeal with these demographics contributed to rising apartment sales since the beginning of 2011, with volumes increasing by 19.8 per cent every six month period through to the end of 2013.
Urbis senior consultant Lynda Campbell said the diverse demographic makeup of Robina was underpinning the rental market and, therefore, demand for apartments.
“Gen Y residents seek out areas that provide a wealth of job and education opportunities within walking distance, as well as connectivity to other key destinations ,” she said.
“Similarly, Baby Boomers and beyond look to live close to lifestyle rich amenities such as shopping, dining and major entertainment facilities and key services, such as transport, hospitals, business precinct, schools, university and health care.
“Robina ticks the boxes on all fronts, which is appealing to these demographics and is underlying the demand for two and three bedroom apartments in particular.”
Ms Campbell said Robina was likely to continue attracting more Gen Y residents, with employment expected to grow well ahead of the Gold Coast average.
“Long term employment within Robina is projected to increase by almost 74 per cent, significantly higher than the Gold Coast City figure of 46.7 per cent,” she said.
“Job opportunities are available across diverse fields, with business services, retail/hospitality, professional health and community being the largest employers in the region.
“Major infrastructure has been injected into Robina in recent years, including upgrades to the motorway and Robina Town Centre, with further projects on the horizon, such as the rail extension to Coolangatta.
“All these factors will see the precinct continue to appeal to the young professional market, looking to live and work in the same area with access to transport options.”
As a result of the high demand for apartment living in the region, Robina Group recently launched the $30 million boutique Bohème Apartments at its sought-after $200 million CityVillage masterplanned community.
Gen Y and first home buyer Tim Kim, a health professional, was one of the first to secure an apartment off-the-plan at Bohème.
He will move from Varsity Lakes to his new apartment upon its completion, and said its position was a key part of its appeal.
“Bohème impressed me with its quality and location, which will make it a good investment for the future,” he said.
“It is within an easy walk of Robina Town Centre, with many restaurants nearby, and also the M1 Motorway. The design, particularly the timber flooring and modern kitchen, added to the appeal.
“I had been looking to buy a new apartment, because I wanted a low maintenance property, and Bohème ticked all the boxes.
“With the current $15,000 government grant for first home buyers also available, it made sense to buy now.”
Bohème will feature 52 two and three bedroom apartments over seven levels, with striking contemporary architecture and interior design, including an exclusive resident oasis with saltwater pool and lush tropical gardens.
Terrace homes in CityVillage have also been in high demand, with the first four stages – totalling 130 homes – sold out, and a new stage of 22 terrace homes recently released.
Gen Y purchaser and pharmacist Roshni Perera, 25, bought a two bedroom terrace home in CityVillage in September last year.
She moved from Burleigh Waters to her new home and said the proximity to local facilities was a major drawcard.
“Robina is such a wonderful area, I have easy access to Robina Town Centre, public transport, and even Robina Hospital,” she said.
“The location in Robina at the heart of the Gold Coast means I have everything I need right on my doorstep.”
Robina Group director Tony Tippett said CityVillage had been designed to meet continued demand for low maintenance, high quality living in the heart of Robina.
“CityVillage boasts a diverse mix of living options in addition to Bohème, including the sold out two level terrace homes and the stage six tri level terrace homes, which boast three bedrooms and a third recreational lounge level and are available from $639,000,” he said.
“Bohème has added a new dimension to the highly successful community, and is appealing to a mix of first home buyers and those wanting to downsize.”
Mr Tippett said property in Robina was tightly held.
“Some apartment buildings in Robina still retain 90 per cent of the original owner- occupier buyers, ten years on from completion, so there is a very loyal resident base in Robina,” he said.
“Those who do decide to sell typically upgrade to a new property within Robina.
“These buyers recognise Robina is one of the most amenity, service and infrastructure-rich regions in Gold Coast City, with strong health, education, transport, commercial, retail and sporting facilities, as well as four golf courses and Cbus Super Stadium, which make it an appealing place to live.”
Robina celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, with the suburb evolving largely in line with the original master plan that was released in the early 1980s.
