Kiwi Carpenter Builds Billion-Dollar Gold Coast Towers

New Zealand developer Danny Andrews has launched South Beach, a luxury residential project on Australia’s Gold Coast valued at approximately A$900 million to $1 billion. The development consists of two 37-floor towers containing nearly 400 apartments, situated on a 5,700-square-meter corner site located two blocks from Surfers Paradise Boulevard.

The project is specifically targeting international buyers who are seeking alternatives to the Middle East luxury property market. According to reporting from OneRoof on April 5, 2026, the development is positioning itself to attract investors concerned about the conflict in Iran and broader instability in the Middle East.

Project Specifications and Sales Progress

South Beach enters the market with pricing for units starting at A$1 million. Current sales data indicates that 70 of the 197 available units have already been sold. Construction and project work are expected to reach completion by the end of 2028.

The launch of the project included a presentation to approximately 70 New Zealand property investors. These investors were flown to the Gold Coast by Don Ha, the director of REMAX New Zealand.

Market Positioning and Global Strategy

The strategic direction of the South Beach project is tied to a perceived shift in global luxury real estate trends. Don Ha has characterized the Gold Coast as the new Dubai, suggesting that the region is now a primary destination for buyers who previously focused on the Dubai property boom.

This shift is attributed to the exodus of international buyers from Dubai following the eruption of conflict in the Middle East in March 2026. To capitalize on this trend, REMAX New Zealand is expanding its outreach to target buyers in several international markets.

Don Ha stated that he will be presenting the South Beach project to potential buyers at events in the following regions:

• Vietnam
• Korea
• Taiwan
• New Caledonia

Developer Background

Danny Andrews began his career in the property sector at age 15, starting with the process of building and flipping houses in Waikanae, New Zealand. South Beach represents his largest development to date, marking a significant scale-up from his early origins as a builder.

The project is being managed with the support of Sarah Daniels, who serves as the general manager of Andrews’ firm.