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There's now a tipping website, <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
One of the five Melbourne properties going to auction this week in round five is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-prahran-109791351">14 Airlie Avenue, Prahran</a>, which will be auctioned by Marshall White.
"Finding almost 550 square metres of land in the inner suburbs of Melbourne these days is getting harder," says Mark Armstrong of Property Tycoon. "When it has a beautifully renovated four-bedroom family home sitting on top, well, let's just say that ticks a lot of boxes for many buyers."


He says the property last sold in 2008 for $1.44 million.
"According to Marcus Chiminello from Marshall White, the property has had many inspections, and strong competition is expected," Armstrong says.
"He is quoting $2.3 million to $2.5 million for the property, but comparable sales suggest this kind of property could nudge $3 million."
<img src="/images/stories/airlie.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">Property Tycoon</a>.
 
 
 


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cknowlton-QnEa6ntUYP

Melbourne auction tipping

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<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/the-42-brightest-prospects-for-price-growth-on-smart-investor-s-list-of-top-601-suburb-hotpsots/2012031553876"><img src="/images/stories/42.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/the-42-brightest-prospects-for-price-growth-on-smart-investor-s-list-of-top-601-suburb-hotpsots/2012031553876">number of suburbs out 601 tipped as hotspots by Smart Investor magazine that are expected to show strong capital growth in 2012</a>. Out of the 601 suburbs, only 19 are expected to show price appreciation of more than 5%, with eight each in NSW and Western Australia and three in Queensland. Hotspots in the other states are set for growth of 4% or above.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/bankers-are-supposedly-bailing-but-mosmans-mandolong-house-reputedly-sells-for-bullish-%2418-million/2012031853893"><img src="/images/stories/18m.gif"></a>
The reputed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/bankers-are-supposedly-bailing-but-mosmans-mandolong-house-reputedly-sells-for-bullish-%2418-million/2012031853893">price achieved for Mosman estate Mandolong House</a>, which sold despite a warning that Mosman is in a "huge state of distress". Its reputed buyer is to Markus Kahlbetzer from the polo playing pastoralist family headed by John Dieter Kahlbetzer.
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/jennifer-hawkins-cuts-profit-hopes-to-slimmest-margin-title-tattle/2012031953899" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/2point3m.gif"></a>
The<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/jennifer-hawkins-cuts-profit-hopes-to-slimmest-margin-title-tattle/2012031953899" target="_blank"> new price hopes for Jennifer Hawkins' Coogee pad</a>. It was passed in at December auction on a $2.5 million vendor bid, and Hawkins paid $2.27 million for it in late 2008.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/125m.gif"></a>
The <a target="_blank" href="/news">estimated cost of Australia's first Frank Gehry-designed building</a>. The 12-storey structure was designed for the University of Technology, Sydney and was greenlit this week. Construction is due to start within months.
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/melbourne-comedian-libbi-gorr-returns-home-and-rents-out-north-bondi-title-tattle/2012032053850" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/1300.gif"></a>
The amount per week that <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/melbourne-comedian-libbi-gorr-returns-home-and-rents-out-north-bondi-title-tattle/2012032053850" target="_blank">Melbourne comedian Libbi Gorr is asking for her North Bondi house</a>. Gorr has returned to Melbourne with her partner, freelance film and television producer Stewart Burchmore, and their two children.
 
<hr>
 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/docklands-restaurant-james-squire-sells-with-9.3-yield-as-investor-appetite-for-melbourne-eateries-grows/2012032153940" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/9point3.gif"></a>
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/docklands-restaurant-james-squire-sells-with-9.3-yield-as-investor-appetite-for-melbourne-eateries-grows/2012032153940" target="_blank">gross rental yield a private investor has secured for Docklands premises of James Squire Restaurant and Bar</a>, which sold for $4.3 million. James Squire Restaurant and Bar pays a current net rental of $400,000 per annum with fixed annual 4% rental growth.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/perth-to-lead-growth-in-cbd-office-rents-to-2016-but-melbourne-risks-oversupply-cbre-and-bis-shrapnel/2012032153958"><img src="/images/stories/4point5.gif"></a>
The<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/office/perth-to-lead-growth-in-cbd-office-rents-to-2016-but-melbourne-risks-oversupply-cbre-and-bis-shrapnel/2012032153958"> expected rental growth for Perth CBD offices over the next four years</a>, according to CBRE. Perth is expected to be the strongest-performing office market, but Melbourne risks oversupply. 
 
 
 
 
 
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The 7 must-know numbers of the week

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In Sydney 16 Upper Minimbah, Northbridge will be sold for the first time in 25 years this weekend.
There's now a tipping website, <a style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
One of the Sydney properties featuring in round nine of the competition is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-northbridge-110006417" target="_blank">16 Upper Minimbah, Northbridge</a>. 
The property is in a prime location with water views, and agent Denise Woo from Ray White has indicated good buyer interest in excess of $1.7 million.
The top end of the Sydney property market has been relatively soft in 2012, but this property may well buck the trend on Saturday.
The Northbridge asset sits on almost 750 square metres of land, has two bedrooms, three bathrooms and given it is a deceased estate it is likely to sell under the hammer.
<img src="/images/stories/minimbah.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">Property Tycoon</a>.
 
 
 
 
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Sydney auction tipping

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A solid Victorian family home going to auction this weekend is set to test the Melbourne suburb of Elsternwick,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/buyers-sold-on-elsternwick-with-highest-auction-clearance-rate-in-melbourne-in-march-quarter-reiv/2012042554411"> which has the highest auction clearance rate in Melbourne</a>.
There's now a tipping website, <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
One of the Melbourne properties featured in round 10 of the competition this week is<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-elsternwick-110178073"> 21 Hopetoun Street, Elsternwick</a>. 
According to Daniel Ashton from Biggin and Scott there has been strong interest in 21 Hopetoun Street Elsternwick, and a big turnout is expected at the auction on Saturday.
The property is a great example of a renovated solid brick Victorian home with three bedrooms, multiple living zones and two bathrooms.
The property was purchased by its current owner, who has renovated the property, in 1999 for $480,000. They expect to cash in on their investment by achieving a sale price of around $1.5 million.
 
<img src="/images/stories/hopetoun.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Tycoon</a>.
 
 
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9/20 Joyce Street, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450
<img src="/images/stories/joyce.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; max-width: 480px;"> 
The tenants of this two-bedroom Coffs Harbour townhouse are paying $190 per week and are on an expired lease. First National Coffs Harbour agent Caroline Campbell says market rent for the property would be about $240 or $250 per week. It is within easy walking distance of the village shopping strip, schools and sports fields.
Campbell <a href="https://www.fncoffs.com/index.cfm?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=1801184" target="_blank">is marketing the property</a> with price hopes of $150,000 plus, and if it sells at $150,000 that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 6.6% at its current rent, far higher than the indicative gross rental yield for Coffs Harbour houses of 5.2%, according RP Data. If it were rented at $250 per week, that would be a remarkable gross rental yield of 8.7%. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees. Council rates are $1,669 per year, and strata fees are $1,520 per year.
<a target="_blank" href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $6,000 and over five years to be $18,000.
The median house price fell in Coffs Harbour fell by 4.9% in the past year, according to RP Data.
The property will be open for inspection on Saturday, March 17 at 10am and will go to auction on Saturday, March 31 at 10am.
For more about prices and yields in Coffs Harbour, see the RP Data suburb page.
For another investment prospect open for inspection this weekend, see page 2.
 
 
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1/102 David Street, Dandenong, VIC, 3175
<img src="/images/stories/davidst.jpg" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; max-width: 480px;"> 
This two-bedroom unit is currently rented until November this year at $1,227 per month, meaning it could be a good prospect for investors. It has been recently renovated and has hardwood floors and a carport.
McDonald Real Estate agent Trevor Mendis <a href="https://mcdonaldre.co/details/?pid=531205" target="_blank">is markeing the property</a> with price hopes of $240,000 plus. If it sells for $240,000, that would secure an investor a gross rental yield of 6.1%, far higher than the indicative gross rental yield of 4.8% for Dandenong units, according to RP Data. The gross rental yield does not consider the costs of maintaining the property, including council rates and other fees such as water bills and managing agent fees.
<a href="https://calc.washingtonbrown.com.au/wbdcalculator/calculator.aspx?RID=HPCAZOPTTT" target="_blank">Washington Brown</a> estimates the first-year tax depreciation deduction to be $4,000 and over five years to be $8,000.
The median unit price for Dandenong fell by 1.4% in the past year, according to RP Data.
The property will go to auction on Saturday, March 17 at 11am.
For more about prices and yields in Dandenong, see the<a target="_blank" href="/news"> RP Data suburb page</a>.
 
 
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Friday Form Guide: Yields of up to 8.7% in Coffs Harbour

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There's now a tipping website, <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
One of the five Brisbane properties going to auction this week in round five is 38 Grays Road, Hamilton, which is being auctioned by Ray White. 
"After a couple of strong auction weekends the top end of the Brisbane market will be put to the test this weekend when 38 Grays Road, Hamilton goes under the hammer," says Mark Armstrong of Property Tycoon.
"Agent Matt Lancashire from Ray White points out the property has breathtaking views of the city and river. The house sits on almost 800 square metres of land in one of Brisbane's most sought-after areas.
"Comparable sales suggest the auction will finish up in excess of $2 million," Armstrong says.
<img src="/images/stories/graysrd.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">Property Tycoon</a>.
 
 
 
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Brisbane auction tipping

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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/humpty-doo-home-of-the-big-boxing-crocodile-among-eclectic-mix-of-25-post-gfc-hotspot-kings/2012032253977" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/24point8percent.gif"></a>
The average annual growth over the last three years in Humpty Doo, NT. In addition to being home to a giant boxing crocodile, the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/humpty-doo-home-of-the-big-boxing-crocodile-among-eclectic-mix-of-25-post-gfc-hotspot-kings/2012032253977" target="_blank">NT town is on a list of post-GFC hotspot kings</a>.
 
<hr>
 
<img src="/images/stories/1point5mplus.gif">
Simone Callahan's price hopes for her Mornington Peninsula retreat. The former Mrs Shane Warne <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/auctions/simone-callahan-s-mornington-peninsula-retreat-fails-to-sell-for-third-time-title-tattle/2012032654011" target="_blank">failed to sell the property for the third time last weekend</a>. 
 
<hr>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/queenstown-in-tasmania-cheapest-of-601-hotspots/2012032654021" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/89500.gif"></a>
 
The median house price in the Tasmanian town of Queenstown, which is the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/hotspots/queenstown-in-tasmania-cheapest-of-601-hotspots/2012032654021" target="_blank">cheapest locality on Smart Investor magazine's list of 601 hotspots</a>.
 
<hr>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/self-funded-retirees-continue-to-snap-up-nsw-7-elevens-service-stations-drawn-by-high-yields/2012032754031" target="_blank"><img src="/images/stories/10.gif"></a>
The <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/retail/self-funded-retirees-continue-to-snap-up-nsw-7-elevens-service-stations-drawn-by-high-yields/2012032754031" target="_blank">number of 7-Eleven stores in NSW that recently sold at auction</a>. Most of the buyers were self-funded retirees, drawn by yields of as high as 7.7%.
 
<hr>
 
<a target="_blank" href="/news"><img src="/images/stories/2point8m.gif"></a>
The price <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bank of Queensland boss Stuart Grimshaw secured for his Whale Beach weekender</a>. Grimshaw and his wife, Susanne, paid $3.1 million for the property in 2009.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/sydney-18th-most-expensive-housing-market-in-the-world-just-below-manhattan-knight-frank-wealth-report/2012032954066"><img src="/images/stories/18.gif"></a>
Sydney's ranking on the 2012 Knight Frank and Citi Private Bank’s sixth Wealth Report list<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/trends/sydney-18th-most-expensive-housing-market-in-the-world-just-below-manhattan-knight-frank-wealth-report/2012032954066"> of the most expensive cities in which to buy residential property.</a> Australia’s biggest city shot up the global rankings from 34th last year.
 
<hr>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/toorak-behemoths-battle-for-record-price-crown-as-3-towers-road-relisted/2012032954067"><img src="/images/stories/30m.gif"></a>
The price hopes for 3 Towers Road, Toorak when it was last listed for sale last year. It was withdrawn from the market shortly after its owner knocked back offers of $25 million, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/victoria/toorak-behemoths-battle-for-record-price-crown-as-3-towers-road-relisted/2012032954067">it has just been relisted</a>. No price indication has been given this time around.
 
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There's now a tipping website, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
One of the five Sydney properties going to auction this week as part of round six is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bronte-109746411">21 Gibson Street, Bronte</a>, which is being marketed by McGrath and is within strolling distance of the beach.
"In Sydney 21 Gibson Street, Bronte has had buyer interest in the range of $1.9 million to$2.1 million, and comparable sale data suggests the property should sell in that range on Saturday," says Mark Armstrong of Property Tycoon.


"The property was purchased in 1997 for $685,000 and since then has been renovated and extended. The property has four bedrooms and two bathrooms and is well located just a short stroll to the beach."
However, he warns: "The lack of off-street parking may turn off some buyers."
<img src="/images/stories/gibsonst.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Tycoon</a>.
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In Sydney McGrath Real Estate will auction one of Drummoyne's finest Victorian homes this weekend.
There's now a tipping website, <a style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
One of the five Sydney properties in this round of the competition is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-drummoyne-110014197" target="_blank">57 Thompson Street, Drummoyne</a>, which has not been on the market for more than 40 years and has been fully restored.
The family home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms and sits on around 450 square metres of land. Agents expect the property to sell in excess of $1.75 million, but this home, given its uniqueness, is a tricky one to value accurately.
If two buyers fall in love with it and have deep pockets it could be a very competitive auction.
<img src="/images/stories/thompsonst1.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">Property Tycoon</a>.
 
 
 
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A five-bedroom Strathfield house fetched this week's highest price of $2,545,000.
New South Wales properties accounted for seven of the top 10 sales of the week, according to RP Data, with a five-bedroom ACT house appearing at number four. There were just two Victorian properties on the list this week. 
1. 5 CAMERON STREET, STRATHFIELD, NSW, 2135, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 3 by LJ Hooker Stratfield for $2,545,000
2. 79 YARRBAT AVENUE, BALWYN, VIC, 3103, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 3 by RT Edgar Toorak for $2.51 million
3. 45 TUCABIA STREET, SOUTH COOGEE, NSW, 2034, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 3 by Ray White Bondi Junction/Clovelly/Coogee for $2.44 million
4. 13 LOCKYER STREET, GRIFFITH, ACT, 2603, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 3 by  Luton Properties Woden for $2,246,000
5. 3/96 BEACH ST COOGEE, NSW, 2034, three-bedroom unit, sold March 2 by  NG Farah Randwick for $2.2 million
6. 34 THE CRESCENT, MANLY, NSW, 2095 four-bedroom house, sold before auction on March 3 by Clarke &amp; Humel Property for $2.15 million
7. 27 MADELINE STREET, HUNTERS HILL, NSW, 2110, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 3 by Sarah Lorden Real Estate for $2.01 million
8. 20 GLADSTONE PARADE, ELSTERNWICK, VIC, 3185, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 3 by Biggin &amp; Scott Elsternwick for $2 million
9. 8B/5 THORNTON STREET, DARLING POINT, NSW, 2027, three-bedroom unit, sold at auction on March 1 by Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay for  $1.95 million
10. 33 WATER RESERVE ROAD, NORTH, BALGOWLAH, NSW, 2093, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on March 3 by McGrath Estate Agents for $1,825,000
 
 
 
 
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Top 10 sales of the week: RP Data

<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;

Cassidy Knowlton

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