Gurner Group: Redefining Luxury Living and the Global Wellness Economy
In the competitive world of high-end real estate, few names evoke as much conversation—or controversy—as Gurner Group. Founded in 2013 by Melbourne developer Tim Gurner, the company has evolved from a boutique residential developer into a multi-billion-dollar lifestyle and funds management powerhouse. Today, Gurner is not just building apartments; it is attempting to engineer a new way of living that blends ultra-luxury real estate with cutting-edge preventative health and "reverse-aging" science.
 |
| Gurner Group |
The Evolution of the Gurner Brand
Tim Gurner’s rise in the Australian property market was meteoric. Starting with a humble gym business and a single development project that yielded a modest profit, he rapidly scaled his vision to target the "ultra-luxe" demographic.
The Gurner brand is defined by uncompromising design. By collaborating with world-renowned architects and interior designers, the group has successfully delivered thousands of dwellings across Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Their projects often feature:
6-Star Amenities: Private pools, valet services, and concierge-led lifestyles.
Architectural Statements: Buildings like Saint Moritz in St Kilda have set price records (including a $30 million penthouse sale) and redefined the coastal skyline.
Diversification: The group has expanded into Build-to-Rent (BTR), hotels, and retail, managing a portfolio currently valued at over $14.6 billion.
The Wellness Utopia: Saint Haven and Elysium Fields
Perhaps the most significant shift in the Gurner strategy is its pivot toward the global wellness economy, a sector projected to reach nearly $1 trillion by 2029. Tim Gurner has positioned himself as a "bio-hacker," integrating his personal obsession with longevity into his business model.
Saint Haven
The crown jewel of this lifestyle pivot is Saint Haven, an ultra-exclusive private members' club. With annual memberships costing upwards of $23,000, these clubs offer a sanctuary of high-performance health.
Services: Hyperbaric oxygen chambers, cryotherapy, IV infusions, and "ancient baths" with magnesium-enriched water.
Expansion: Following the success of the Melbourne locations, Gurner is taking Saint Haven global, with plans for 20-30 sites across Dubai and the United States by 2030.
Elysium Fields
In late 2024 and 2025, Gurner received approval for its most ambitious project yet: Elysium Fields in Melbourne's Docklands. Described as a "wellness utopia," this $1.7 billion precinct is designed as a futuristic biosphere.
Circadian Lighting: Residences feature lighting and air purifiers that sync with the human biological clock.
Anti-Aging Infrastructure: The precinct includes dedicated longevity clinics and a "path of life" for outdoor meditation and training.
Business Strategy and Market Impact
Gurner Group’s success is underpinned by a sophisticated funds management arm. By partnering with institutional giants like Qualitas, Gurner has secured massive capital raises (over $3 billion for BTR pipelines) to fuel its rapid expansion. This allows the group to maintain a steady pipeline of projects even during periods of economic volatility.
| Key Project | Location | Estimated Value | Status |
| Jam Factory Redevelopment | Melbourne | $2.75 Billion | Demolition/Construction |
| Elysium Fields | Melbourne | $1.7 Billion | Approved / Sales Launch 2025 |
| 189 Kent Street | Sydney | $800 Million | Approved (Sydney Debut) |
| Saint Moritz | St Kilda | $550 Million | Completed |
A Figure of Controversy
It is impossible to discuss the Gurner Group without mentioning its founder's public profile. Tim Gurner became a global talking point in 2017 after his famous "smashed avocado" comment, suggesting that young people couldn't afford homes because of their spending on luxury breakfasts.
More recently, in late 2023, he faced international backlash for comments suggesting that unemployment should rise to "kill the arrogance" in the labor market. While these statements have drawn criticism from figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and various labor unions, they have not slowed the group's commercial momentum. Gurner eventually apologized, emphasizing that his focus remains on productivity and the long-term health of the Australian economy.
Conclusion: The Future of Urban Living
Gurner Group is betting that the future of luxury is not just about a beautiful view or a marble countertop—it is about health and longevity. By turning homes into health-optimizing environments and expanding its footprint into global hubs like Dubai, the group is transitioning from a property developer into a comprehensive lifestyle brand.