The Gold Coast is fast becoming the entrepreneurial capital of Australia, with one particular postcode attracting a growing cohort of self-made multi-millionaires.

High-profile fitness trainers and e-commerce creators are snapping up ultra-stylish new builds in the central suburb of Mermaid Waters, where waterfront real estate offers an idyllic backdrop for social media content.

Sweat app co-founder Kayla Itsines secured her Mermaid Waters dream home for $13 million in March, while the same month, Evidence Based Training founder Adam Sullivan traded his $12.1 million Burleigh Heads pad for a $3.1 million property in Mermaid Waters, where a new build is well under way.

In a recent YouTube video, Davie Fogarty, The Oodie creator and Shopify trainer, explained why he spent $5 million to relocate from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.

“Next door I’ve got Tobi Pearce, one of my good friends, who sold his company for $200-plus million. I’ve got Simon Beard just down the road there, who sold his company for like $600 million,” he said.

“The entrepreneurship within the Gold Coast is huge. I’m just trying to surround myself with really good people, absorb all of that energy, but more importantly I’m trying to get away from the freezing cold winters.”

Fitness power couple Tobi Pearce and Rachel Dillon splashed $7.3 million on their Mermaid Waters waterfront home in November 2023. Also inside the 4218 postcode is online fitness and activewear boss Tammy Hembrow, who set down roots with her family in neighbouring Broadbeach Waters.

The area’s growing appeal is well understood by Shane and Corinne Wynhoven, the couple behind HOVEN, who this week launched their fifth Mermaid Waters project to market.

“Mermaid Waters has definitely become a magnet for entrepreneurs wanting to enjoy the best of the Gold Coast from a really well-appointed home base,” said Mr Wynhoven.

“The suburb is attracting buyers seeking out homes that are beautifully designed, extremely well built, and with an aesthetic backdrop that’s also great for business.

“From this location, you get the best of all worlds: you’re facing north to water for boating, you’re a short walk from the beach, and 10 minutes from Burleigh Heads without having to be in the thick of it.”

Set on a prime north-facing waterfront site at 47 Markeri Street, the modern Mediterranean design features signature arches, soft interior curves and a sculptural façade.

Five bedrooms, multiple living areas and a home office unfold over two levels, with a secure five-car garage, heated pool and pontoon with passage to the main river.

A showpiece kitchen with butler’s pantry, a luxurious lounge bar, and a decadent master retreat are among the standout spaces.

“We’ve kept everything tonal and deliberately restrained, so people can walk in and immediately see themselves living here,” said Mrs Wynhoven. “It’s about creating something beautiful, but also adaptable.”

HOVEN was behind the then record-breaking sale of neighbouring 45 Markeri Street, which was snapped up for $4.35 million ahead of auction in 2021. The Wynhovens’ next Mermaid Waters project featured on Channel 9 series A House to Call Home, and the couple will soon share their latest build journey on global series Build Up.

Homeowners will enjoy city views across wide water.Set for auction on 22 May, the marketing campaign for Marèa is led by Kollosche sales agents Taylor Kleinberg and Gypsea Youngsmith, who said the standard of new homes in Mermaid Waters had gone from strength to strength.

“The gentrification of Mermaid Waters has been extraordinary to witness,” Mr Kleinberg said. “Older brick and tile homes are making way for architectural designs of the highest calibre and with it a new generation of families and couples are enjoying what locals have long known.”

PropTrack puts the median house price in Mermaid Waters at $2,104,000, up by 13.7 per cent in the 12 months to March 2026.