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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/december9mosman]}
A three-bedroom Mosman home designed and owned by architect Stan Symonds has been on the market since October 2008 and recently withstood two legal attacks on its leafy garden.
The Oswald Street home has two bathrooms, a large family room and a two-car garage. It has an open-plan lounge and dining area opening onto a terrace garden.
The house sits on a 601-square-metre block of land overlooking Reid Park and Mosman Bay.
The garden surrounding the architect’s home is the showcase of the house. Thick vegetation surrounds the home and keeps it hidden from the street. Kaffir Plum, Jacaranda and Hackberry trees frame the view from the living room.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/residential/two-more-mosmanites-fail-to-lop-their-neighbour-s-trees/2011112452521">Last month neighbours attempted legal action against Symonds contending that his trees blocked their views of the harbour and might damage their property</a>. The trees remain safe with the court dismissing both cases.
The home even features a rooftop garden with fish pond and cabana.
David Smeallie from Belle Property Mosman has the listing, with current a current price hopes of more than $1.5 million, down from $1.69 million in October and $2 million in 2009.
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awalsh-7Ub9EypybQ

Organic Mosman apartment on the market

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Melbourne’s industrial rents topped quarterly growth in the Asia Pacific region, according to the latest report by CBRE.
Melbourne’s warehouse rents grew 1.4% in quarter three, to $83.2 per square metre per annum.
This isn’t close to Sydney’s industrial rents, which are at $125.8 per square metre despite a year-on-year decrease of 0.9%. They increased 0.3% in quarter three.
Rental growth in Melbourne was driven by rent rises in the west and inner suburban market, with Melbourne’s overall industrial prime rental now averaging $84.50 per square metre, the report found.
“While leasing activity has remained relatively subdued there is a lack of available, quality stock in prime locations and this has been driving rental growth,” says CBRE regional director of industrial and logistics services Joshua Charles.
“Demand is being driven by logistics and distribution groups and is focused on the west, where cheaper land values are helping to facilitate design build projects and pre-leasing activity.”
The report found that rental growth has accelerated through the wider Asia Pacific Region, with CBRE’s Logistics Rental Index growing by 2% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter, following 1.4% growth in quarter two.
“This growth was largely due to the strong performance of key Greater China markets, where retailers have been competing to secure quality logistics space in prime areas in anticipation of the peak retail sales period during the lunar new year in January,” the report found.
In Sydney the west sub-region continues to attract occupiers with cheaper land that is close to major transport links.
Sydney’s prime industrial rents remained stable in quarter three with a decline in demand from manufacturing groups offset by increased demand from distribution-related occupier.
“Secondary locations and properties which do not suit modern logistics operators will struggle going forward,” says Charles.
Brisbane experienced increased demand for new and larger units, particularly in well-located areas around the Gateway precincts, and this led to a slight growth in prime rents.
Resource-focused or distribution companies’ preference for modern facilities led to a fall in demand for secondary stock. Speculative development has remained on hold, with financial institutions still requiring a pre-commitment level of up to 80%, according to the report.
In Perth prime industrial rents remained steady as demand from resource-linked occupiers began to outweigh the decline in demand from manufacturing tenants.
Supply remained limited, particularly in the eastern sub-region for properties over 3,000 square metres.
“Given the tight supply pipeline, schemes targeting larger occupier requirements such as Jandakot City and Stockland Industrial Estate are reaping the rewards and land values could increase over the coming months, especially in light of a reported easing in financing restrictions,” Charles says.
Cautious occupiers in Adelaide led to limited demand for industrial accommodation but demand remained strong for well-located buildings close to the airport and in the north-west district. Buildings in secondary locations remained difficult to lease.
“Development finance and the lack of land available for sale remains the hurdles for Adelaide’s supply pipeline,” the report found.
In Canberra prime industrial rents remained stable but leasing activity was subdued. Capital values fell due to the softening of yields in Hume and Mitchell in particular, according to the report.
“Development is presently restricted to refurbishment projects, with very limited new development in the immediate pipeline,” the report found.
In the wider Asia Pacific area, rental growth accelerated in quarter three and capital values increased at a slower pace.
There were slight increases in land values in most Australian markets, with Melbourne recording the strongest growth.
 
 
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Melbourne industrial rental growth leads Asia Pacific: CBRE

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Greater Dandenong is the feeling the most housing stress in Melbourne as renters and home purchasers struggle with high housing costs across the region, according to the latest Australians for Affordable Housing report.
In Greater Dandenong 21% of households experienced housing stress, as did 19% of residents in Hume and Melbourne local government areas.
In Greater Dandenong 31% of mortgagees and 38% of those in private rentals experienced housing stress.
Residents in the municipalities Bayside and Nilumbik experienced the least amount of housing stress, at only 9%.
“Housing is the single biggest cost of living pressure in Australia. When low-income households spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs they are officially in housing stress. This means they have very little left over to cover other costs like food, transport, bills or money for emergencies,” says AAH spokesman Sarah Toohey.
The report found renters tended to have a harder time than mortgagees with renters experiencing greater stress that mortgagees in every area surveyed.
Click to enlarge
<img src="/images/stories/stress.gif">
Toohey used the report to call for a government focus on cheaper housing.
“Urgent action is needed by both the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, with a proper housing strategy that includes more than releasing land on the city fringe,” she says.
“Premier Ballieu needs to invest in more affordable housing options close to jobs and services to reduce the squeeze on weekly budgets.”
 
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Greater Dandenong tops list of Melbourne suburbs with most housing stress

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<table width="285" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
Median house price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5081
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">MEDINDIE</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$1,505,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5061
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">UNLEY PARK</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$1,457,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5067
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">ROSE PARK</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$1,192,750
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5065
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">TOORAK GARDENS</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$1,128,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5068
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">LEABROOK</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$1,072,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5006
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">NORTH ADELAIDE</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$1,045,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5022
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">TENNYSON</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$1,045,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5065
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">TUSMORE</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$1,030,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5070
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">JOSLIN</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$980,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="69">
5061
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="123">
<a href="/news">MALVERN</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$970,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: RP Data
 
 
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Top 10 most expensive suburbs in SA for house prices: RP Data

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As we look to what's ahead for 2012, Property Observer is republishing some of our most noteworthy stories of 2011.
 
Former head of Macquarie Group’s real estate and banking Bill Moss has bought Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Lodge with a group of investors, amid a struggling tourism sector.
Moss Capital bought the property for $25 million through CBRE. It previously traded for $21 million in 2009.
Moss advocates investing in the tourism sector, which is struggling due to high Australian dollar, low patronage and cheap flights.
“If we become interested we like to think we can increase the future value,” Moss says.
“You will hear about us buying more tourism assets.”
<img src="/images/stories/cradlemountain3.jpg">
The lodge was developed 25 years ago. The property borders the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park.
Tasmania had 450,000 holiday arrivals in 2007-08 but this has dropped to fewer than 375,000 visitors according to Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin.
“There’s been a real softening. We are no different to any other tourism destination in the country, which is a reflection of the high Australian dollar, unprecedented low international airfares and the enormous incentives for Australians to travel overseas,” he told The Financial Review.
Across Australia occupancy rates and average room rate have improved slightly over the last two years, with revenue per available room expected to grow 6% this year, according to Deloitte research.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/dunk-island-in-fnq-rumoured-to-have-sold-to-linc-energy-boss-peter-bond/2011120252645">The purchase comes as Linc Energy founder Peter Bond spent $10 million on Queensland’s Dunk Island last week as a private getaway.</a>
Moss says he will continue to buy hotels and resorts.
“[I have] private families interested in buying iconic assets.”
The previous owners purchased the lodge in July 2009 for $21 million.
The lodge was opened in 1971 by four Tasmanians after they bought 324 hectares of property on the border of the national park.
In 1984 the lodge was bought by Simon and Anne Currant, who refurbished the property. P&amp;O bought the property in 1988 and did further works before passing it on to Voyages Hotels and Resorts, which sold it on in 2009.
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Former Macquarie Group executive director Bill Moss heads Cradle Mountain Lodge buying syndicate

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Construction has begun on the first of 800 planned homes that make up developer Peet Limited’s new Victorian project Quarters.
Peet has commissioned construction companies Burbank, Carlisle, Metricon and Simonds to build the Cranbourne West homes.
Land prices start at $164,000 for a 294-square-metre block and from $210,000 for a 516-square-metre block. These will increase $15,000 on December 23 when Peet’s discounting period stops.
Quarters was officially launched in February 2011. To date 119 have been released, of which 93 have sold.
The next land release will be in March 2012.
The development is on Evans Road, three kilometres from Cranbourne’s town centre.
Some homes have their frames and roofs built, whiles others are still just foundations in the dirt.
“Quarters offers affordable housing in a high-growth area so, not surprisingly, the community is proving a popular choice amongst first-time buyers and young families,” says Peet Limited managing director and CEO Brendan Gore.
“Peet is offering a variety of lot sizes well-suited to a wide range of home designs that suit different buyers and families.”
The City of Casey is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Australia, with development concentrated Berwick, Cranbourne, Narre Warren South and Lyndhurst, according to June research by Oliver Hume.
The municipality's population grew by 3.3% over the last 12 months to June 2011 according to state government’s Department of Planning and Community Development.
The median price for houses in Cranbourne West is $318,000.
For advice on buying house-and-land packages, <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-10-tips-for-buying-house-and-land-packages-what-investors-need-to-know" target="_blank">download our free eBook.</a>
 
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Construction begins on Peet’s Cranbourne development Quarters

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Buying a home became a little bit easier in the September quarter in most capitals for the third consecutive time, according to the latest HIA housing affordability report.
Dwellings became 1.2% more affordable over the quarter, 5.2% more affordable than the same time in 2010.
“Continued earnings growth and a small decrease in the mortgage lending rates worked to further improve housing affordability… These factors more than offset a modest increase in the median house price,” says HIA senior economist Andrew Harvey.
“Affordability looks to now be trending in the right direction, and with interest rate cuts in November and December we will hopefully see this trend continue. However, potential home buyers should be aware that these underlying factors could see housing return to sustained price growth at some stage in 2012.”
<img src="/images/stories/hiadec81.gif">
Housing affordability increased in all Australian capitals, with the exception of Hobart.
Sydney improved 1.9%, Melbourne 0.8%, Brisbane 0.7%, Adelaide 4.5%, Perth 0.4% and Canberra 1.8%. Hobart went down 0.5%.
Affordability improved in all non-metropolitan areas. New South Wales improved 1.2%, Victoria 1.6%, Queensland 0.3%, Western Australia 1.3%, South Australia 6.6% and Tasmania 0.1%.
 
 
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Housing affordability improving slowly in all mainland capitals: HIA

<html><body>
<div>
<table width="292" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
Median house price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4213
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">SPRINGBROOK</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$350,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4211
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">NERANG</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$370,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4209
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">PIMPAMA</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$380,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4209
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">COOMERA</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$384,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4216
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">COOMBABAH</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$395,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4209
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">UPPER COOMERA</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$405,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4211
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">LOWER BEECHMONT</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$405,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4215
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">LABRADOR</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$405,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4226
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">MERRIMAC</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$408,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="64">
4208
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="135">
<a href="/news">JACOBS WELL</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="93">
$415,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div></div>
<div>Source: RP Data</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
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Top 10 cheapest suburbs on the Gold Coast for house prices: RP Data

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London’s iconic Admiralty Arch is being sold by the UK government through Savills with reported hopes of more than £75 million.
Plans to sell the long leasehold interest in the building were announced in November as part of a bid to levy funds from the government’s property portfolio, saying the building was no longer suitable for modern office working practices.
The building lies on the south-west corner of Trafalgar Square and acts as the entrance to The Mall, which leads to Buckingham Palace.
The 13,685-square-metre building was most recently home to the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet Office.
“This is a world-famous historic property in a prime central London location and will be of substantial interest to a wide range of organisations and investors,” says Savills director of Savills Robert Seabrook.
The building was originally commissioned by King Edward VII as a tribute to his mother and was completed in 1912 after his death.
The arch was designed by the architect Sir Aston Webb and built by John Mowlem and Co, now owned by construction giants Carillion.
The government says its objective is to protect the building’s heritage and enable public access, meaning it might not go to the highest cash bidder.
The move is part of austerity measures in the UK where civil servants have exited 36 property holdings in central London since last year’s election, reportedly saving more than £90 million.
 
 
 
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Admiralty Arch, a piece of London's history, up for sale

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Australian engineering firm UGL has paid ?77.5 million for the trading operations of global real estate company DTZ Holdings in a distressed sale, a move some analysts say is a poor decision.
DTZ Holdings was placed into administration in the UK immediately prior to the transaction, as part of the deal.
The acquisition will bring the property component of UGL up to 40% from 30% and push property revenue to nearly $2 billion, according to managing director and chief executive of UGL Richard Leupen.
“It brings a very strong presence in Europe that goes back over 200 years,” Leupen told CNBC.
“We will pick up a big presence in the UK and a very significant valuation and research capability that didn’t previously exist.”
The company will also pick up a large presence in China and Singapore, an important move for the company according to Leupen.
The sale will put the company at the “number one-position in China, with nearly 2,000 people in 18 offices across China,” he says.
“Here in Australia we continue to be driven by China.”
But Morgan Stanley analyst Nicholas Robinson says the move might not pay off.
“We believe UGL is buying what is largely a distressed European real estate broker at a time when the European growth outlook is deteriorating,” he says.
“DTZ lacks a real facilities management offering in contrast to UGL’s North American model, suggesting European facilities management capabilities may still need to be developed post acquisition to deliver on global ambitions,” he adds.
However, Robinson concedes UGL has a successful history of integrating acquisitions including US property businesses Equis and Unicco.
Leupen hinted at future acquisitions in English speaking countries, adding it might take some time.
“We’ve got a bit of digestion here before we buy anything else.”
The sale was 100% debt funded, but Leupen is confident that the company retains a strong debt to equity ratio.
“I can tell you from our perspective that the markets are quite a lot healthier today than it was six to 12 months ago,” Leupen says.
“This investment is at the bottom of the [property] cycle, we hope”.
DTZ, founded in the UK in 1784, was ranked top for valuations in China, and in the top three in the UK and European markets.
UGL is a multinational engineering group that provides infrastructure, rail, resources and services. The company has a market capitalisation of over $3.3 billion and annual revenue approaching $4 billion.
 
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Aussie engineering firm UGL buys distressed centuries-old real estate company DTZ

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Alistair Walsh

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