Aussie’s make a splash in Queenstown at $2 billion Lakeview Te Taumata apartment project
2 min
A surge in Australian buyers following the recent Federal Budget has driven NZ$37 million in luxury apartment sales in just the past month at Queenstown’s landmark Lakeview Te Taumata development, with investors increasingly looking across the Tasman for premium property opportunities.
Five residences worth a combined NZ$37 million have sold in the past four weeks alone, including four apartments at approximately NZ$8 million each and another at NZ$5 million. The buyers came from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Victoria, underscoring growing demand from affluent Australians seeking to diversify their property holdings.
The latest sales have pushed total pre-sales at the project towards NZ$200 million ahead of construction commencing on the first stage of the NZ$2 billion-plus development, which is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Australian enquiries have increased by 50 per cent since the Federal Budget, while Australian purchasers now account for approximately 80 per cent of all recent sales, reflecting growing demand from investors reassessing their property portfolios.
The renewed momentum comes as Australian investors respond to changes announced in the recent Federal Budget and increasingly look to New Zealand’s luxury property market, attracted by its premium lifestyle offering and tax settings, including the absence of a broad-based capital gains tax in New Zealand.
Urban Activation Director of Sales Matt George said buyer behaviour had shifted noticeably in recent weeks.
“In the past month alone we’ve secured NZ$37 million in sales to Australian buyers These are sophisticated buyers who are actively looking to diversify their investments while securing exceptional lifestyle assets in internationally recognised destinations.
“Queenstown has always appealed to Australian buyers, but we’re seeing a new level of urgency. The combination of a tightly held luxury market, New Zealand’s tax settings and Queenstown’s global reputation is proving to be a compelling proposition.
“Approaching NZ$200 million in pre-sales before construction commences is a significant milestone. It demonstrates the depth of demand for premium product and provides tremendous confidence as we move into the construction phase.”
Construction of Stage One has commenced with CMP Construction appointed to deliver Building A, comprising a 77 room Alpine Lodge, together with Buildings B and C, delivering 94 luxury apartments. Completion is anticipated in 2028.
Current pricing includes:
- Two-bedroom apartments from NZ$2 million
- Dual-key residences (one-bedroom plus studio) from NZ$2.55 million
- Three-bedroom apartments from NZ$6 million
- Four-bedroom apartments from NZ$9 million
- Six-bedroom penthouse from NZ$25.5 million
Designed around wellness, luxury hospitality and world-class alpine living, Lakeview Te Taumata will ultimately comprise luxury residences, internationally branded hotels, restaurants, retail, wellness facilities and public spaces, creating a vibrant extension of the Queenstown town centre.
The NZ$2 billion-plus masterplanned precinct is being delivered by Melbourne-based 94 Feet and is expected to become one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier lifestyle destinations.
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At the northern tip of Point Piper, hidden from the street and positioned directly on Sydney Harbour, “Radford” combines cinematic views, rare waterfront access and a fascinating connection to one of Australia’s most storied estates.
The five-bedroom residence occupies land once belonging to Paradis Sur Mer, the celebrated three-block waterfront estate that made Australian property history in 1982. The original mansion became the country’s first home reported to have sold for more than $5 million—and may also have inspired one of its fastest and most profitable resales.
Property developer and yachtsman Bernard Lewis purchased the estate at auction for $5.25 million, only to sell it within hours to English betting magnate and thoroughbred breeder Robert Sangster. Lewis reportedly made a $500,000 profit in the process.
Sangster renamed the property Toison D’Or—French for “Golden Fleece” and the name of one of his racehorses—and established it as a Sydney base with his then-wife, Susan. The estate subsequently changed hands and identities again, becoming Paradis Sur Mer, or “Paradise on the Sea”, during Susan’s marriage to financier Sir Frank Renouf.
After another headline-making sale near the peak of Sydney’s late-1980s property boom, the original mansion was eventually demolished and the waterfront holding subdivided. “Radford” now stands on one of those prized parcels, carrying a thread of that extraordinary history into the present day.
Harbour views take centre stage
Designed by award-winning architect Victor Berk and constructed in the early 1990s, the three-level modernist residence has been planned around its exceptional position.
Panoramic views stretch from the Sydney Harbour Bridge across Shark Island and Rose Bay to Manly. A prized northerly aspect fills the home with natural light, while bedrooms and living spaces open to decks, balconies and terraces overlooking the water.
The main living areas flow to a broad alfresco entertaining terrace, sunny swimming pool and level harbourfront lawn. Beyond the garden, a private jetty completes the quintessential Sydney waterfront lifestyle.
Inside, generous proportions make the home equally suited to private family life and large-scale entertaining. The formal dining area can accommodate up to 14 guests, while a Gaggenau-appointed kitchen incorporates an island, walk-in pantry and casual breakfast area opening to the poolside deck.
A fireplace anchors the principal living space, complemented by high ceilings, travertine floors and expansive glazing that keeps the harbour present throughout the home.
A private sanctuary on every level
The main bedroom is accompanied by two walk-in wardrobes, a sitting area and an ensuite featuring a spa bath, separate shower and twin basins. Three further bedrooms each have an ensuite, while a gym with its own kitchenette, built-in storage and bathroom can serve as a fifth bedroom or private guest retreat.
Additional spaces include a fitted home office, an upper-level family area, sauna, two powder rooms and a substantial laundry. A lift connects all three levels, and the central staircase sits beneath an atrium-style glass roof fitted with an electric retractable blind.
Ducted and zoned air-conditioning, extensive storage and a security alarm add everyday practicality. Internal access leads to an oversized secure double garage, with additional driveway parking.
Set in an elite cul-de-sac on one of Australia’s most prestigious waterfront streets, “Radford” is close to Lady Martins Beach, Prince Edward Yacht Club, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Rose Bay’s marinas and leading schools. Double Bay’s restaurants, boutiques and village amenities are only minutes away.
It is an exceptional harbourfront residence in its own right—but its connection to the record-breaking Paradis Sur Mer estate gives it a place within the wider story of Sydney real estate.
Property details
Address: Wolseley Road, Point Piper, NSW
Bedrooms: Five, including a flexible gym or guest suite
Bathrooms: Five, plus two powder rooms
Parking: Oversized double garage and additional driveway space
Key features: Northerly aspect, panoramic harbour views, private jetty, swimming pool, level waterfront lawn, lift, sauna, home office and Gaggenau kitchen
Architect: Victor Berk
Agents: Michael Pallier, Sydney Sotheby’s & Brad Pillinger, Pillinger
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