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A one-bedroom unit in Murrumbeena was Melbourne’s most affordable auction sale last weekend.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-murrumbeena-115289071" target="_blank">7/14 Ardyne Street</a>, the unit sold for $265,000 through Hocking Stuart Carnegie.
Prior to this sale, it last sold in 2002 for $138,257, according to RP Data records.
Listing agent Chris Janssens told Property Observer the auction saw four bidders. The successful bidder was an investor.
He also noted that the reserve price was set at $260,000. The highest bid was $257,500, but Janssens negotiated an additional $7,500 for the vendors to reach the final price.
Janssens added that most one-bedroom units in the Murrumbeena area were built in the 60s, and average around 37 square metres in size. They are traditionally referred to as “kitchenette flats” or “four squares”.
“When I started (in Murrumbeena) 15 years ago, the prices started at around $90,000. They have gone up considerably by 150%. To get one unrenovated, it would cost around $240,000 to $250,000,” he said.
He also said the Murrumbeena property market is doing “really good” at the moment.
“We’re running at a 90% clearance rate. Out of 70 auctions, we’ve seen nine out of ten sold before or on auction day. Generally, I’d say the inner-Bayside/south-eastern suburbs are performing better than Melbourne at the moment. All the agents here are seeing a higher than average clearance rate,” he said.
The estimated asking rent for this unit is $250 per week. However, Janssens noted that the asking rent for unit 8 is $230, as it is unrenovated.
He explained that this particular unit had a long-term tenant who kept it in “quite a terrible condition”. When the owners wanted to sell the property, they decided to renovate it for the purpose of resale.
“Generally, when a unit is renovated, it can rent for about 10% more,” he said.
According to Hocking Stuart Carnegie’s estimated asking rent, the price reflects a 4.91% yield. 
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median unit price in Murrumbeena is $502,500, down 0.5% on last year. The average discount required to sell a unit is 9.8%, while private treaty sales average 66 days on market.
The median asking rent for units is $300 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 3.1%.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:dleow@propertyobserver.com.au">dleow@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Renovated Murrumbeena cheapie sells for $265,000, Melbourne's most affordable weekend auction sale

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Logan City, situated between Brisbane and Gold Coast, is a region in Southeast Queensland. Traditionally, it has been popular amongst investors – but saw a decline in activity after the global financial crisis.
In recent months, buyer activity has picked up once again in Logan.
Australian Property Monitors' senior economist Dr Andrew Wilson says Logan is an “established market”.
“It is a value market, and appeals to people looking for value-orientated property,” he said.
He believes that as the local Brisbane economy strengthens, Logan will continue picking up as well.
Additionally, Dr Wilson notes that Logan is a “mini-hotspot” for investors, as it nets quite a high yield, and is close to major employment areas such as Brisbane.
However, he warns against investors who rush to purchase properties in Logan. 
“It’s always the ‘curse’ of the hotspot. By saying it’s a hotspot, there could be an overshoot of fundamentals. Gladstone was the flavour of the month, now the direction’s moving to Logan,” he said. 
“Investors should beware of the ‘hotspot’. What goes up quickly comes down quickly as well,” he added.
As Queensland enters the election pipeline next year, Dr Wilson expects to see an increase in infrastructure spending. He added that the Queensland economy is “positive” thanks to the resource and tourist sectors that appeal to the lifestyle market. 
“The Brisbane housing market has the most potential for upside compared to other capital markets through to 2014,” he said.
Ray White Shailer Park principal Keith Nicholson told Property Observer that the property market in Logan is “very strong” at the moment. 
“Although prices have not increased there has been a strong increase in buyer enquiry and transaction numbers have increased. The market is certainly stronger now than it was six to 12 months ago,” he said. 
While some have concerns about overshooting in the Logan property market, Nicholson believes this is not the case at present.
“I think four or five years ago this was a problem. However prices in the area have come back quite a bit since the peak in 2009. At present, prices in the area are still quite low in regards to historical levels, yet rents are quite high. Combine this with low vacancy rates and it is a great time to be investing in the area,” he said.
Nicholson added that activity in Logan has been the “strongest it has been for some time.” He believes it is a great area for investors and first homebuyers alike as there is a great range of properties available. 
He cites great infrastructure as a major pull factor for Logan, with “quality schools, shopping centres and public transport facilities being big positives.”
Its central location, between the Brisbane CBD and Gold Coast, is also a big plus.
Lester Drew, principal of Land and Home Realty Logan Central, agreed that the Logan City property market is doing well.
“Enquiries have picked up substantially one month prior to the Federal election, primarily from local and interstate investors,” he told Property Observer. 
Drew adds he has been seeing a lot of investor activity in Logan.
“Currently the majority of buyers are investors. I have just sold a block of six units that we listed for sale for $1,000,000. A client from Melbourne paid the  sking price – and another investor in Sydney signed a back up contract for the full asking price. The property settled on Thursday to the first buyer,” he said. 
He believes Logan City’s location is ideal as it is host to large areas of industrial land that is attracting companies who need larger premises at affordable rates. 
“They can take advantage of both the M1, Gateway and Logan Motorways to avoid traffic congestion in Brisbane CBD,” he said.
Additionally, Logan is seeing a vacancy rate of below 2%, according to Drew. He notes that this puts upward pressure on rent returns, while most properties still fall under the affordable range.
Drew thinks the next year will be a great time for Logan as the Logan City Council has recently approved a number of locations that are regarded as Transport Nodes for redevelopment.
“These plans are currently with the State Government for Gazettal. This is an exciting development as it will mean that many of the existing Department of Housing homes will be released for sale – creating desperately required land for unit development,” he said. 
As Logan City encompasses a number of suburbs, Drew recommends keeping an eye on Logan Central, Loganlea and Loganholme for two reasons - one is public transport, and the other is the upgrade of facilities by the Council in these areas.
Nicholson also chose Loganholme as an up-and-coming area. He singled out Tanah Merah and Daisy Hill as areas to watch, too.
“You can buy some good quality investment properties that will offer good returns and should see some good capital growth over the next few years,” he said.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median house price in Logan Central is $240,000, down 3.8% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 8.4%, while private treaty sales average 75 days on market.
Median asking rent for houses is $320 per week, while gross rental yield is 6.9%.
The median sale price for units in Logan Central is $163,250, up 5.3% on last year. The average discount required to sell a unit is 8.7%, while private treaty sales average 63 days on market.
The median asking rent for units is $255 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 8.1%.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median house price in Loganlea is $285,780, down 6.3% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 8.9%, while private treaty sales average 88 days on market.
The median asking rent for a house is $330 per week, while gross rental yield is 6%.
The median unit price in Loganlea is $300,804, down 4.3% on last year. The median asking rent is $280 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 4.8%. 
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median house price in Loganholme is $355,500, up 2.7% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 5.9%, while private treaty sales average 88 days on market.
The median asking rent for a house is $360 per week, while gross rental yield is 5.3%.
The median sale price for a unit in Loganholme is $325,000, down 5.2% on last year. The median asking rent for a unit is $340 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.6%.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median sale price for a house in Daisy Hill is $385,500, down .2% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house in Daisy Hill is 6.1%, while private treaty sales average 71 days on market.
The median asking rent for houses in Daisy Hill is $400 per week, while gross rental yield is 5.4%.
The median sale price for units is $270,000, down 6.6% on last year. The median asking rent for units is $350 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 6.7%.
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Suburb spotlight: Logan investor activity surges

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Fengshui is the art of balancing various energies (qì), aligning good energies and getting rid of negative ones to achieve the best results for life. Its origins are from China, but has become popular in the western world as well. 
Using various fengshui elements, one can accumulate “good” energy to assure health, good fortune, and meaningful relationships. At the same time, it is possible to channel negative energies elsewhere to create harmony in a space.
An eight-sided map called Bagua represents the eight different elements that are vital for life. These are
<ul>
<li>
Finances
</li>
<li>
Relationships/romance
</li>
<li>
Fame/recognition
</li>
<li>
Career/ambition
</li>
<li>
Rewards
</li>
<li>
Health
</li>
<li>
Travel
</li>
<li>
Creativity
</li>
</ul>
Fengshui <a href="https://www.masterfeng.com/" target="_blank">Master Yu Gui Feng</a> told Property Observer it is important to first determine the “qi” of a property owner before assessing which elements need to be balanced out in their home.
“The house is a reflection of the person’s body energy. We spend more than one-third of our time inside the house. People’s environment will always have an influence on their energy,” he said.
However, there are a few general rules of thumb: 
For a home, it should ideally be built on flat land, or land that is slightly elevated towards the back of the property.
“This is so the surrounding energy is supportive, and positive energy is evenly distributed to all parts of your life,” Master Feng said.
When building a home, Master Feng reiterates the importance of its front entrance for good fengshui. 
“When we divide the eight sections of energy inside the house, it influences the body and life. It starts from the front entrance,” he said.
He advises that homes should be symmetrical in shape.
“Two sides of the house need to be relatively similar. Even if one side is narrower than the other, it should be too much (narrower),” he emphasised.
This is so the energies in the home are not imbalanced. 
Additionally, he advises building staircases away from the front entrance.
“When we open the front door, we cannot walk upstairs straightaway. A staircase near the entry, that’s one of the biggest problems. The stairs need to be stationed at the back part of the house. That is ideal. Otherwise, the health energy, relationship energy, and money energy is easily drained,” he said.
His advice on fengshui-friendly colour schemes: do not use dark colours as a dominant colour for your home.
“If the entire exterior or interior is all black, that will cause some problems. Usually, I put a mixture of different colours – that will be all right,” he said.
He added that while popular fengshui-aligned houses like the famed <a href="https://www.mybhr.com/6-5m-smart-house-thinks-for-itself/#more-3457" target="_blank">“Butterfly” home in Sydney</a> are have only rounded edges, “normal” houses with corners can also have good fengshui once good energies are aligned together.
Master Feng adds that it is important to consult an expert before purchasing a property to avoid making “expensive mistakes”.
“These are generalised guidelines. We need to relate it to specific situations. Just like investment, everyone’s circumstance is different. We need to tailor suggestions to each family’s situation, and their property. We need to look at the building, the person, and the energy patterns,” he said.
<a href="mailto:dleow@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">dleow@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Tips for a fengshui-friendly home

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The SMSF’s Professionals’ Associate of Australia (SPAA) has questioned the cost findings of actuarial firm Rice Warner in its submission to ASIC on Consultation Paper CP 216. 
The <a href="https://www.asic.gov.au/asic/pdflib.nsf/LookupByFileName/cp216-published-16-September-2013.pdf/%24file/cp216-published-16-September-2013.pdf" target="_blank">consultation paper</a> is titled ‘Advice on self-managed superannuation funds: Specific disclosure requirements and SMSF costs’.
In the paper, Rice Warner proposed that financial advisers must “consider and be able to show that they have informed clients of” SMSF cost issues outlined in the table below.
<img width="450" height="401" src="/images/stories/diane/Screen_Shot_2013-11-22_at_1.26.04_PM.png" alt="Screen_Shot_2013-11-22_at_1.26.04_PM">
Source: ASIC
The SPAA’s submission outlined its stance on the disclosure of costs associated with the operation of an SMSF.
It said SPAA “was surprised by the report’s findings on when SMSFs are cost-competitive with retail or industry funds.”
“The report showed higher costs than what we understand to be prevalent in the SMSF administration market,” said SMAA chief executive Andrea Slattery.
Slattery added that higher costs led to higher break-even points for SMSF balances to be cost-competitive, which could mislead trustees.
“Because of this we do not think that these calculated break-even points should be used as being indicative of the costs of running an SMSF.  The most common cost, such as the median or most common cost, could be used as a more useful guide,” Slattery said.
She emphasised that calculated break-even points ignore the “unique” nature of SMSFs, where costs depend on the SMSF’s investments, the trustee’s level of self-administration, and what type of administration platform they utilise.
“Once again, we believe that this issue on costs can be resolved by trustees having access to advisers with better knowledge and understanding of SMSFs so they can have a meaningful discussion on how having an SMSF will fit their individual circumstances,” she said.
<a target="_blank" href="mailto:dleow@proeprtyobserver.com.au">dleow@proeprtyobserver.com.au</a>
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SPAA submission to ASIC takes issue on SMSF costs

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Property Observer recently spoke to Feng shui master Yu Gui Feng for tips on making your home feng shui-friendly. He told us that the feng shui elements for commercial properties are quite different.
There are certain elements associated with feng shui – wood, fire, earth metal, and water. Each of them carries a different energy that could be beneficial or harmful, depending on the surrounding energy of the property and its owners.
“For residential properties, you want to built it on flat ground or on the higher side of the road. But for commercial property, we don’t like it to be on top of a hill. We like it to be somewhere on the lower side of the road, or near the bottom of the landscape, because that’s where it can accumulate a lot of money energy,” he said.
He went on to explain that feng shui, literally translated, means “wind” and “water” in Mandarin. Water symbolises prosperity.
“Human bodies are made up of 70% water. A commercial property needs customers. Water energy flows downhill. That’s why a shop or a commercial building should be on the lower side of a road,” he said.
For shops, he advises that there is no “ideal” orientation. However, certain elements need to be closely aligned with the product.
“For example, if you are in the food industry, the prime energy is earth energy. A good colour for earth energy is a yellowish colour. Look at the world’s largest restaurant chain, McDonald’s. Its dominant colour is yellow, and resonate’s with the industry’s energy,” he said.
“For a commercial property, we also need to look at the logo, the business name, how many letters, the logo’s colours, and signage. Of course the internal layout and design matters too,” he added. 
Good layouts for shops include rectangular and square shapes. Ideally, the front entrance should be narrower than the back, like a bottle. 
“This is to accumulate money energy. Money energy goes in every busy shop, in one way or another,” he said.
He also noted that commercial property owners should avoid purchasing properties where the front and back doors directly face each other.
“It is very hard to make a sound investment with this type of property,” Master Feng said.
Additionally, a commercial building’s surroundings is very important. If there are any buildings in its vicinity that have sharp corners and reflect light, that could cause problems for your business.
Similar to a residential property, the front entrance of a commercial building is important.
“It can influence the entire building’s money return. You need to look at the landscape and surrounding buildings to create an appropriate entrance. Once you walk into the entrance of a commercial property, the entrance or lobby area needs to have two conditions: One is light. One is space,” he said.
He added that buildings with a reception area should place the reception as close to the front entrance as possible.
As for colour schemes, he suggests avoiding the colour black. Exceptions to the rule include nightclubs, bottle shops, and adult shops.
Lastly, Master Feng said that feng shui is only one-third of the overall plan to turn a business around.
“It’s about the right time, right person, right place,” he said. “These include opportunities, your personal effort, the product and the services. The energy of the place, that has got to do with feng shui.”
<a href="mailto:dleow@propertyobserver.com.au" target="_blank">dleow@propertyobserver.com.au</a>
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Feng shui tips for your commercial property

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A recent report from Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) company Genworth revealed that 45% of mortgage brokers surveyed believe helping Australians overcome the lack of access to affordable housing will be one of the mortgage industry’s biggest challenges over the next five years.
The 2013 Home Grown Report, drew upon findings from quantitative surveys, interviews, and workshop discussions held between August and October this year.
It also revealed that 43% of lenders lenders expect the market to be potentially impacted by a weak domestic economy, while 37% of lenders think housing affordability and regulatory impacts will adversely affect the market.
“The recent resurgence of growth in property prices has likely led to a situation where mortgage industry participants are concerned about how housing affordability will affect certain segments of their customer base,” Genworth Australia’s chief commercial officer Bridget Sakr said.
“Around one in two brokers surveyed wrote fewer loans to first homebuyers over the previous 12 months when compared with the preceding 12 month period.”
“This suggests that prospective first homebuyers continue to experience difficulty in entering the property market and this issue is negatively affecting the amount of business brokers are writing for this group,” Sakr said.
Over 40% of lenders agreed that removing or reducing stamp duties that would benefit the mortgaged market. In addition, 30% of brokers agreed with this assertion.
“However, many participants also argued that removing or reducing stamp duties would only drive up prices and impact housing affordability further,” said Sakr. 
“The sector is clearly very concerned about the issue of housing affordability and how it is going to affect the mortgage market moving forward,” Sakr added.
Both lenders and brokers believe borrowers will increasingly use technology to apply for mortgages. A majority of lenders (90%) and brokers (65%) expect an increase in mortgages sold through online channels in the next five years.
Additionally, 74% of lenders surveyed and 50% of brokers expect to see more borrowers purchasing mortgages using their mobile devices.
However, industry experts interviewed for the study agreed that “the automatic online loan is a long way away” as mortgages are “too complicated for digital channels.”
“The online arena provides a platform for innovation and differentiation in a competitive market,” said Sakr.
“The ongoing digitalisation of the sector is likely to continue,” she added.
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Access to affordable housing key for brokers and lenders: Genworth

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A recent report from buyer’s agent Secret Agent revealed that while Melbourne’s housing and apartment market is expensive, it still provides good value compared to the top end of New York real estate.
New York saw a new precedent sale last year of $88 million for a penthouse in the <a href="https://www.15cpw.com/" target="_blank">15 Central Park West development</a>, making it worth $140,000 per square metre.
In Melbourne, Secret Agent states that stock from the top end of the market trades at around $20,000 per square metre.
Secret Agent found that the New York properties were quite large. Four or five bedroom properties are common. The bedrooms also often have a separate ensuite and a good-sized walk in wardrobe.
Natural light and eternal windows are key features in all plans. Some of the largest results are in older buildings with very convoluted floor plans – contrary to contemporary living spaces which emphasise open plans.
Generous terraces make up for the “cut up” floor plans, and the best ones face south to take advantage of the New York summer sun.
Older apartment buildings in New York like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/740_Park_Avenue">740 Park Avenue</a>, built 1930, have shown longevity in success over the years. The popularity of newer apartments with floor to ceiling glazing and a contemporary feel remains to be seen.
To date, Melbourne’s top apartment sales have occurred around East Melbourne and St Kilda Road.
The floor plan from one of the largest sales in the Royal Domain building (price undisclosed) is pictured below.
<img width="372" height="268" src="/images/stories/diane/Screen_Shot_2013-11-19_at_4.34.38_PM.png" alt="Screen_Shot_2013-11-19_at_4.34.38_PM">
Image courtesy of Secret Agent
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Melbourne's top end provides better value compared to New York: Secret Agent

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An unfinished four-bedroom, two-storey home in New South Wales’ Bullaburra was the most affordable auction sale last weekend.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-bullaburra-115133903" target="_blank">373 Great Western Highway</a>, the house sold for $191,000 through First National Real Estate – Mid Mountains.
Prior to this sale, the house last sold in 2007 for $240,000, according to RP Data records.
Listing agent Gary Brown told Property Observer the auction was “very good”, with 10 registered bidders present.
The successful bidder was an investor.
“He’s a builder – he’s not going to live in it, probably going to keep it as a rental, or flip it,” Brown said.
He added that the vendor was a builder who had lost motivation and enthusiasm in finishing the project.
While the property is located on the highway, it is 400 metres from the station with a bus service out the front. Its back also faces a park, which is ideal for families.
Brown also noted that Bullaburra’s property market is easily affected by the Sydney property market, as most buyers are from Sydney.
“When Sydney goes good, we go good; when Sydney goes bad, we go bad,” he said.
Hence, the property market in Bullaburra is going well at the moment.
“In the last six months, we’ve had a $35,000 increase per property. But mind you, we’ve had nine years of very slow growth,” he said.
He added that investor activity is very strong in the area at the moment, while first homebuyers have lost interest in the area.
“We’re seeing a lot of mum and dad investors, builders, and a lot of self-managed super funds,” he said.
According to First National Mid Mountain’s estimated asking rent of $380 per week once the property is done up, the price reflects a 10.35% yield.
According to the <a href="/news">latest RP Data report</a>, the median house price in Bullaburra is $327,500, down 3.1% on last year. The average discount required to sell a house is 7.9%, while private treaty sales average 135 days on market.
The median asking rent for a house is $363 per week, while gross rental yield currently stands at 5.8%.
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Unfinished home in NSW's Bullaburra fetches $191,000, reflects 10.35% yield

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Fewer first home buyers were recorded this spring as a result of rising prices, dominant investors, and a shortage of properties, according to Raine &amp; Horne executive chairman and chief executive Angus Raine.
“However we shouldn’t underestimate the impact the GFC-driven tax breaks a few years back had in flushing out many first home buyers earlier than normal,” he says.
Matthew Brown, NSW state manager for Your Broker, Raine &amp; Horne’s financial services division, notes that while investors have an added advantage, strategic planning could help first time home buyers compete with investors for entry-level in today’s buoyant property market.
“Investors do have an advantage as many have the experience and the financial capacity to push through a fast contract exchange in a few days, where it often takes first time buyers eight to 12 days to get to the point of exchanging contracts,” says Brown,
He adds that Your Broker guarantees loan approvals in five days, if the borrower provides all required documentation.
“To compete, first home buyers need to be confident that they can make an offer for a home as soon as possible to compete with investors, and this is where a fast approval process, facilitated by a mortgage broker, can be helpful.”
Brown advises that the basis of a fast approval is a pre-approved home loan.
“To obtain a pre-approval, buyers are asked to submit loan documentation such as employment history, wages and salary information, assets, and liabilities such as credit card debts, while a lender will also usually do some credit checking,” says Mr Brown.
“A pre-approval gives you some confidence about how much a lender is willing to lend, which is useful information to have when making an offer on a home.”
While a pre-approval does not guarantee a successful or quick approval, Brown says it demonstrates to real estate agents that a first time buyer is committed and serious.
Secondly, a clean credit history can help fast-track the mortgage approval process for first home buyers.
Brown adds that part of Your Broker’s services includes a financial health check that evaluates a first time borrower’s credit history and risk.
Thirdly, a larger deposit could help speed up the approval process by up to five days.
“Where a borrower fronts up to a lender with a deposit that is less than 20 percent of the value of the property, they will be forced to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which covers the lender in the situation where they default,” says Brown.
“Having a bigger deposit reduces the lender’s risk but also speeds up the approval process, as LMI approval is not required – LMI approval can add up to five days to the overall mortgage approval process,” he says.
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First home buyers, here's how to compete with investors: Raine & Horne

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From November 25, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia will change aspects of its lending policy.
The new policies outline that rental income from a residential property used for servicing cannot exceed 8% of the owners estimated value or contract of sale amount. 
This means the CBA will only accept a maximum gross rental yield of 8% for servicing.
Additionally, a new rental income referral rule will apply for applications in categories 3, 4, and 5, where the rental income is more than 50% of the total income used or servicing.
CBA spokesperson Steve Batten told Property Observer, “The rationale behind this change is that high rental yields in some areas of the country, particularly in mining towns, are not sustainable.
While this only will impact a very small number of customers, we would like to ensure we continue to lend responsibly. As such home loan/investment home loans and lines of credit reliant on rental income from a residential security for servicing will not be able to exceed the 8% rental yield.
On average the rental yield around Australia is approximately 4.5%.”
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CBA to change lending policy from November 25

Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Diane Leow

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