Plans lodged for 832-home over-50s community at Coolum Beach

What's happening

Halpin Property Group has lodged plans for a masterplanned over-50s land lease community of 832 homes at 150–164 South Coolum Road, Coolum Beach. The 43-hectare site sits between existing housing and the Sunshine Motorway.

The developer says the project is designed for older residents who want to downsize without leaving the area, which could also free up larger family homes for other buyers. Director Darren Halpin said South East Queensland faces significant housing pressure.

The key details

The planning report, prepared by Urbis, splits the project into two stages and includes three community hubs with extensive shared facilities.

• Stage 1: 415 single-storey homes
• Stage 2: 417 two- and three-bedroom homes of up to 280 m²
• Main hub with library, cinema, bar, gym, yoga studio and swimming pool; smaller north and south hubs
• Wetland corridor, nature trails, tennis court and bowling green
• 832 resident garages, 104 visitor spaces and 54 caravan or RV bays

Timeline and next steps

The application is with Sunshine Coast Council for assessment and has not been approved. No construction start or completion dates have been announced, and the developer says community engagement will continue during assessment.

The planning report says the Sunshine Coast needs 84,800 new homes by 2046. It notes detached lot production has averaged about 409 a year since 2020, against a need of around 1,750 to 1,800 a year. Attached housing has averaged about 254 lots a year against a need of 1,600 to 1,700. The report projects a shortfall of about 2,700 seniors living homes by 2041 without new projects of this kind.

What it means for Gold Coast property owners and developers

Land lease communities are becoming a major part of how South East Queensland is housing its growing over-50s population, and an 832-home proposal is a large addition to the Sunshine Coast pipeline. Similar demand exists on the Gold Coast, where downsizers are a key buyer group for both apartments and lifestyle villages.

If approved, the project would add supply for older buyers and could release established family homes back to the market over time. Large applications can change through assessment, so the final number of homes may differ. This is general information, not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the proposed Coolum Beach community?

At 150–164 South Coolum Road, Coolum Beach, between existing housing and the Sunshine Motorway.

How many homes are proposed?

832 homes across two stages: 415 in Stage 1 and 417 in Stage 2.

Has the project been approved?

No. Halpin Property Group has lodged plans with Sunshine Coast Council, which will assess the application.

Source: The Urban Developer, published 13 October 2026. This article is an independent summary and commentary by GC Prestige based on the original report — read the source for full details.