Kings Beach has long been one of the Sunshine Coast’s most recognisable addresses, but its identity is shifting. Once known more for its 1980s-esque holiday apartments and seasonal visits, the suburb is increasingly attracting permanent residents.
And it’s a transition that has not gone unnoticed by developers, especially Citimax Property Group.
“Citimax has been a part of Kings Beach for five years now and what we’ve learnt is that the suburb is regentrifying from a traditional holiday spot to a place where people are calling home,” says founder Troy Barnes.
The group’s latest development, Solara – meaning ‘sun-like’ or ‘of the sun’ – has been born at a time when Kings Beach is shifting from its reputation as a short-term holiday location towards a more permanent community. The name is fitting for a project grounded in light, openness and the kind of lifestyle that the Coast evokes. The development has been shaped around owner-occupiers seeking longevity, comfort and considered design.
Citimax was established in 2010 by Matthew Bond, Troy Barnes and his brother Trent Barnes, with a focus on delivering quality housing projects across southeast Queensland. At Kings Beach, that experience has translated into a clear understanding of the buyer profile and the kind of residences that really suit the location.
“A mixture of utility and luxury. Kings Beach hasn’t seen many owner-occupier designed apartments up until recently,” Troy explains.
That owner-occupier focus is clear in the scale of the residences. The majority of buyers are local downsizers, many of them ready to move away from large family homes without sacrificing space or the lifestyle they love.
“The downsizer market is most of our buyers and typically locals. People today have busy lifestyles and maintaining a large backyard has become less of a priority. We designed Solara to accommodate this by still maintaining a large pool and barbecue area, coupled with a sizable gym. All apartments are generous in size with three bedrooms minimum.”
The choice to keep every apartment at a minimum of three bedrooms wasn’t accidental. Downsizing no longer means squeezing into something smaller and compromising on space. Many buyers still want a room for grandchildren to stay over, somewhere to set up a desk, or simply the comfort of knowing there’s room to spread out when family visits. The shift is less about reducing footprint and more about removing the work that comes with maintaining a large property.
Architecturally, Solara plays into its coastal setting without overdoing it.
It features light coastal colours, coupled with arches that speak to a modern beachside look. The finishes follow that same line of thinking. There’s no heavy contrast or trend-driven detailing. Instead, the interiors offer soft tones that work well alongside the ocean outlook.
“Soft colours always complement the ocean, something that we were very mindful of when pulling together the finishes,” Troy says. “We find it speaks to the laidback lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast.”
Stone, contemporary tiles and clean-lined cabinetry keep the spaces feeling current.
Open-plan living was approached carefully. For many downsizers, entertaining remains part of everyday life and that influenced how the apartments were configured.
“When downsizing, many buyers have voiced their priority of entertaining friends and family,” Troy says. “We wanted to ensure the open-plan living was designed in a way that the kitchens weren’t the only focal point of the living area. We aimed to incorporate the oversized balconies in every apartment, which we feel we’ve accomplished through zero threshold transfers onto them.”
With the floor continuing uninterrupted from inside to out, the balcony feels more like it’s part of the main living area rather than an add-on. In a climate like this, that connection makes practical sense as much as an aesthetic one.
The shared amenities extend that thinking. The pool, barbecue area and gym are designed to be used, whether that’s morning laps, an afternoon workout or a long lunch with neighbours.
“The combination of a pool, barbecue, entertainment area and a gym ensured that residents could interact with one another and also visitors.
“Finding the balance came naturally through design,” Troy tells salt.
Practical inclusions have also been carefully considered.
“One item of particular importance was having a dog wash at the front door. We find most people have dogs now and we want to ensure they’re cared for too.”
It is a small detail, but it tells you who this project has been designed for. For many buyers, pets are part of the package.
Underpinning the project is a focus on longevity. “Of course, Citimax has aimed to have an enduring reputation on the Sunshine Coast, so we want to make sure our projects stand the test of time,” Troy adds.
Construction has begun with Vantage Building Group, marking a significant milestone for the development. Civil works have started with piling and basement excavation underway.
“We’re most excited about when the crane goes up and we come out of the ground,” Troy says. “We’re expecting completion in the third quarter of 2027, so hopefully we don’t get the rain we’ve seen in previous years.”
For buyers, many who are securing residences well before completion, Solara represents more than an address. It offers the opportunity to call Kings Beach home.
When the doors open, Troy’s goal is clear: “I hope the new residents instantly feel relaxed and at home, enhancing the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.”
citimax.com.au | solarakingsbeach.com.au