Is Smaller Really Smarter?
What Premium Buyers Need to Know About Gold Coast Apartments
“Smaller is smarter” is a phrase often thrown around in property circles, especially when advising buyers on apartment living. And in many cases, it holds true. But for premium buyers considering a move to the Gold Coast, the reality is more nuanced.
As a full-time independent Gold Coast buyers’ agent specialising in premium property, I work with clients relocating from interstate, New Zealand and further afield. Many are weighing up houses versus apartments, or boutique buildings versus larger complexes. So, is smaller really smarter?
Let’s unpack it.
Why “Smaller” Often Makes Sense
Boutique developments—think low-rise blocks with fewer than 12 apartments—are typically:
Quieter, with fewer neighbours and lower turnover
Cheaper to maintain, thanks to lower body corporate levies
Easier to manage, especially when mostly owner-occupied
More private, with less short-term letting activity
Architecturally unique, with layouts designed for liveability rather than investor yield
For buyers seeking peace, quality, and long-term capital growth, smaller often ticks more boxes.
But Bigger Can Be Brilliant Too
Here’s where blanket advice falls short. Not all high-rises are created equal.
Take my own apartment as an example. I live in the Circle on Cavill apartments in Surfers Paradise. It’s a well-known complex in the heart of the action, yet my experience is anything but chaotic.
I live in a skyhome, with just three apartments on our level
Two out of three of us are owner-occupiers
The apartment itself is 230 square metres, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms (including two ensuites), a large balcony, and two secure carparks
It’s on the riverside, so we’re not overlooked and enjoy full privacy, light and river and broadwater views
Despite the tower’s size, it’s incredibly quiet, private and spacious
This kind of floor plan and layout is rarely found in newer developments, especially those targeting the investor market.
So What Should Premium Buyers Look For?
Rather than focusing solely on building size, focus on:
Density per floor - A tower with 200 apartments might still offer a boutique feel if your floor has just two or three units.
Owner-occupier ratio - Fewer short-term stays typically mean better care, quieter common areas, and more stable community dynamics.
Layout and liveability - Look for house-like proportions, natural light, cross-ventilation, and outdoor space—especially in high-rise apartments.
Orientation and aspect - Avoid buildings crammed onto tight blocks. Prioritise privacy, views, and protection from future developments.
Location - Premium buyers want proximity to lifestyle hubs, but not at the cost of constant noise or crowds. Know the street, not just the suburb.
From Experience: What I Looked for in My Own Move
When I relocated to the Gold Coast, I was in a similar position to many of my clients. My husband and I were moving from a large house with a teenage son, and I knew I didn’t want to sacrifice space or lifestyle. These were my non-negotiables:
Privacy - I didn’t want to feel like I was living in a fishbowl.
Water views - River or ocean outlooks were important
Scale - I didn’t want to feel cramped after moving from a large home
Storage - So many apartments are designed for short stays, not real life
Location - We wanted to be close to restaurants, the beach, light rail, and shopping
Facilities - A proper gym, indoor and outdoor pools, and usable outdoor areas like BBQ spaces
View security - We wanted to be sure our views couldn’t be built out by future developments
We found all of this in the apartment we now live in—and I help my clients do the same. It takes time, insight, and due diligence, but these kinds of properties absolutely exist.
Final Word
Smaller is often smarter—but only when the focus is on privacy, quality, and lifestyle. In some cases, a well-positioned apartment in a larger complex can offer everything a boutique building does—and more.
If you’re considering a move to the Gold Coast and want the space, serenity and sophistication that suits your lifestyle, I can help you identify the right options. I know what to look for—and what to avoid—across all price points and property types.
Jo Denvir Gold Coast Buyers Agent Trusted advocate for premium buyers relocating from interstate, New Zealand and abroad