Malaysian developer MRCB International has begun construction on its $200 million Maris residential project in Southport after selling more than 90 per cent of apartments since launch, with every buyer a local purchaser.
The 20-level tower will deliver 192 residences and marks the Malaysian-backed developer's second Gold Coast project, with NSW-based builder Binah appointed to carry out construction.
MRCB International's first Gold Coast development, the $600 million 26 Vista tower in Surfers Paradise, began construction last year with more than 70 per cent of residences sold, giving the company two of the best-selling apartment projects on the Gold Coast.
The developer's Australian and New Zealand pipeline now exceeds $1.6 billion in gross development value.
MRCB International CEO Ravi Krishnan says the progression to construction of Maris reflects both sustained demand and tightening conditions across the apartment sector, as well as MRCB's continued confidence in the Gold Coast market.
"Commencing construction at Maris is a significant step and reflects the depth of demand for quality apartments in well-connected urban locations," he says.
"Across South-East Queensland, new apartment supply remains constrained, particularly in established precincts with infrastructure and amenity already in place.
"Projects like Maris are increasingly critical in meeting that demand, especially on the Gold Coast and in the city's CBD precinct."
The sales result comes amid an ongoing constrained supply environment on the Gold Coast, where just 2,431 new apartments and townhouses were registered in 2025, a 6.3 per cent decline from the prior year.
Research from Urbis has found that 60 per cent of apartments due for completion between 2028 and 2029 face a moderate or high risk of delay or withdrawal, with residential construction cost escalation running at 6.4 per cent.
Maris is being developed on the former Sundale Motel site in Southport, positioned next to the Broadwater and directly opposite the Broadwater Parklands light rail station.
MRCB acquired the 1,743sqm Queen Street site for $7.25 million in 2024.
Khalil Hafza, the managing director of Sydney-headquartered Binah, says the Maris project represents the builder's first partnership with MRCB International.
"Partnering with MRCB on Maris is a significant moment for Binah," he says.
"MRCB's financial strength and a track record that speaks for itself give this project a solid foundation, and this marks the beginning of what will be a long and successful relationship.
"With the right people, systems and partnerships behind it, Maris is set to become a significant addition to the Gold Coast's premium residential market."
Krishnan says Southport's transformation, supported by infrastructure investment and long-term planning, is underpinning buyer confidence in the Gold Coast's official CBD.
"We're seeing a clear shift back towards well-located urban centres where infrastructure, connectivity and amenity are already established," says Krishnan.
"Southport is evolving into a more mature CBD environment, and that is being reflected in buyer behaviour."
Construction of Maris will run in tandem with MRCB's debut Gold Coast project, 26 Vista, n Surfers Paradise.
MRCB International originally purchased the Vista Street site in Surfers Paradise for $17 million in September 2021 and submitted plans for a tower then known as the Northcliffe Residential Tower.
The project has since been rebranded as 26 Vista and scaled up to a 51-storey development valued at $600 million.
While the Maris development had scope for higher density within Gold Coast planning guidelines, MRCB is reported to have decided to cap the Maris development at 20 storeys due to the challenges of securing the right builder in the current environment.
MRCB is targeting a 2029 completion for Maris.
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