From a record-breaking Gold Coast supertower to Olympic-driven regeneration in Brisbane, a new wave of apartment developments is poised to redefine Australia’s residential skyline in 2026.

As population growth, infrastructure spending and urban renewal converge, developers across the country are pressing ahead with ambitious high-rise and waterfront projects despite rising construction costs and tighter financing conditions, according to a feature in RealEstate.com.au.

Queensland is emerging as a standout, buoyed by preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while landmark developments in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth underscore a renewed confidence in city living.

1. One Park Lane, Southport, Gold Coast

Topping the list is One Park Lane at Southport on the Gold Coast. If completed, the 101-storey, 400-metre tower will become Australia’s tallest building. The $700 million residential project sold more than half of its million-dollar-plus apartments within 24 hours of launching off-the-plan in November.

Approved by Gold Coast City Council in a controversial decision, the tower is being developed by a consortium led by businessman Tony Goss. Early buyers were largely local, while offshore purchasers are being targeted for premium apartments, including a penthouse reportedly priced at $45 million.

The development also includes a proposed 60-storey office tower, with early construction discussions held with Besix Watpac, part of the group behind Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Although it will edge past Melbourne’s Australia 108 in height, One Park Lane would rank 43rd globally.

2. Sydney House Residences, Pitt Street, Sydney CBD

In Sydney’s CBD, the former City Tattersalls Club site is being transformed into Sydney House Residences, an $800 million mixed-use tower combining luxury apartments and a high-end hotel.

The 50-storey development is a joint venture between Singapore-based First Sponsor Group and Melbourne developer ICD Property, delivering 241 residences and 135 hotel rooms.

One-bedroom apartments are priced from $1.2 million, while penthouses will offer sweeping views from Hyde Park to Sydney Harbour.

BVN Architecture designed the new tower, while FJC Studio oversaw restoration of the heritage 1891 building. Construction is underway, with completion expected in late 2027.

3. Queens Wharf Residences, Brisbane

Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf Residences has already welcomed residents, marking the first residential tower completed within the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf precinct.

Rising 242 metres across 64 floors, the tower contains 667 apartments and sold out in 2020, generating $650 million in sales. Developed by Destination Brisbane Consortium, the broader project integrates hotels, entertainment, retail and dining and has received multiple industry awards for urban renewal.

With Brisbane accelerating development ahead of the 2032 Olympics, the project is seen as emblematic of the city’s transformation into a global destination.

4. Eighty Eight O’Connell, North Adelaide

In South Australia, Eighty Eight O’Connell has reshaped North Adelaide after opening this year.

Delivered by Tandem Building Group on the long-vacant former Le Cornu furniture site, the development comprises three interconnected apartment towers linked by an elevated SkyPark, along with retail and office space.

Early community concerns over building height have since given way to praise from city leaders, who describe the project as a catalyst for generational change. Most apartments have now been sold, highlighting Adelaide’s growing appeal to downsizers and lifestyle-focused buyers.

5. Somerset Residences, Burswood Point, Perth

Perth’s Somerset Residences forms part of the ambitious Burswood Point masterplanned precinct on the Swan River, close to Optus Stadium and Crown Resort.

The luxury development will deliver 203 residences within a broader “city within a city” vision featuring dining, retail and public spaces. Prices start at $825,000, with penthouses reaching $7 million.

 Completion is expected in late 2027, with strong transport links including a five-minute train commute to the CBD underpinning buyer interest.

6. Sth Bnk by Beulah, Southbank, Melbourne

In Melbourne, Sth Bnk by Beulah remains one of the country’s most high-profile yet uncertain apartment proposals.

Once slated to become Australia’s tallest residential development, the twin-tower project secured close to $1 billion in off-the-plan sales before financial pressures stalled progress.

The developer is now seeking new capital partners following the administration of the project’s managing entity. Industry observers say the outcome will be a key test of confidence in Melbourne’s premium apartment market.

7. 81 Yarranabbe, Darling Point, Sydney

Rounding out the list is 81 Yarranabbe in Darling Point, Sydney.

Set within one of the city’s most exclusive harbour-side enclaves, the boutique project targets the ultra-luxury segment, appealing to downsizers and high-net-worth buyers seeking privacy, architectural refinement and water views rather than sheer scale.

Original reporting by Stephen Nicholls, Property Journalist. This story was selected from the daily feed of property stories from Leftfield Communications. You can get their news service for free, by registering on the LeftField website.