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ANZ are predicting the Reserve Bank (RBA) will cut interest rates at their meeting tomorrow to 2.0%.
"Although data released since the April meeting have been quite solid, we expect that the Board will consider all the data released since the Bank last updated its forecasts in the February Statement on Monetary Policy (SoMP)," ANZ's Australia Market Focus report read.
"In our view, taking all the data together suggests that the Bank is likely to downgrade its forecast trajectory for growth."
<img src="/images/2015/05/04/anz%20may%204%20one.png" alt="">
Source: ANZ Research
ANZ said that the RBA will primarily be influenced by the disappointing CAPEX report that was released in late February.
"The April minutes highlighted the risk that mining investment could be even lower than currently expected given lower commodity prices as well as the likelihood of lower resource export volumes, said the report.
"Post Tuesday, the question for markets will be: are there further cuts on the way?
"We expect that the RBA will maintain its easing bias to at least keep pressure on the currency.
"With the market now pricing a terminal cash rate of 1.8%, if the RBA does reduce the cash rate to 2% next Tuesday, we see potential for the market to move to price at least one full further 25bp cut."
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ANZ predicts rate cut at RBA meeting

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Changes to government grants are leading to first home buyers increasingly targeting new houses, research from QBE reveals.
The amount of first home buyers intending to buy a newly constructed home rose in February 2015 from June 2014 (from 44% to 50%), while the amount intending to purchase an existing house fell (from 60% to 56%), according to QBE’s Barometer Report 2015.
However, the proportion of first home buyers who ended up purchasing a newly constructed house increased to 28% from 18%, while existing home purchases fell from 56% to 41%.
<img src="/images/2015/04/28/trends-april-28-one.jpg" alt="">
The report posited changes to first home owner grants (FHOG) requirements were likely to be an influential factor. NSW, the NT and Queensland have all reported declines in loans to first home buyers, which QBE claims is linked to the loss of incentives to purchase existing homes in these states.
The report also noted that low interest rates “may have encouraged the idea first home buyers have increased borrowing capacity and can afford a new property”.
<img src="/images/2015/04/28/trends-april-28-two.jpg" alt="">
 
The survey covered 701 people intending to buy in the next five years, including 176 first home buyers, as well as an extra 656 mortgagors, of which 95 were first home buyers.
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Changes to FHOGs pushing buyers towards new houses: QBE

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CoreLogic RP Data have released a list of the most affordable capital city suburbs in Australia.
Unsurprisingly, given their respective placings at the bottom of capital city home values, Hobart and Adelaide suburbs make up the entire top 10 list.
Suburbs on the eastern shore of the Derwent River were the most affordable in Hobart, while Adelaide's northern Playford region hosts the city's cheapest suburbs for houses.
Top 10 most affordable capital city suburbs for houses
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Gagebrook</a>, Brighton, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $136,649 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Herdsmans Cove</a>, Brighton, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $139,664 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Clarendon Vale</a>, Clarence, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $158,883 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Bridgewater</a>, Brighton, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $169,691 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Risdon Vale</a>, Clarence, Greater Hobart, TAS Median Value: $173,468 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elizabeth North</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $174,191 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Davoren Park</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $178,657 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Smithfield Plains</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $184,904 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elizabeth Downs</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $193,780 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Elizabeth South</a>, Playford, Adelaide, SA Median Value: $196,362
</li>
</ol>
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
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No surprise: Australia's cheapest capital city suburbs

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Foreign investors were behind 32% of Australian office property purchases in the 12 months to December 2014, according to a new report.
<img src="/images/2015/02/11/chart-feb-11-one.png" alt="">
Savills' World Office Yield Spectrum report detailed who was behind Australian office property purchases in 2014.
The report also noted the return of institutional investors to the market.
"Having been sidelined for several years due to issues surrounding their balance sheet and their units trading at a discount to NTA, the A-REITS are back and buying again," the report stated.
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Foreign investors behind a third of 2014 Australian office purchases: Savills

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JLL have released a new report containing their outlook for Brisbane's near city market for the next 12 months in a chart (see below).
2014 was a challenging year for the Brisbane near city office market after a wave of subleasing flooded the market, according to JLL.
Due to further possible mining contractions, demand is likely to be subdued, the report states.
The most substantial addition will be Lend Lease's Kings Gate development, which currently has 40% commitment for its total 16,300 square metres of office space.
 <img src="/images/2015/02/04/jll-feb-4-two.jpg" alt="">
Source: JLL
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Brisbane's near city office market outlook for 2015: JLL

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"All these computers and digital gadgets are no good. They just fill your head with numbers and that can't be good for you," said the artist formerly and once again known as Prince.<a href="https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/p/prince" title="view author" style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </a>
And while the 'Purple One' sure knows how to play funky guitar, his estimation of numerical knowledge by digital distribution is questionable.
Here are but a few of the numbers rumbling through property investor zeitgeist this week.
<ul>
<li>28%</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/qld/miles-queensland-the-limping-surat-basin-hotspot"><img src="/images/2014/11/13/miles-nov-13-breakout.jpg" alt="Miles, Queensland: The limping Surat Basin hotspot"></a>
Photo of Miles main street courtesy of <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Mattinbgn" title="User:Mattinbgn">Mattinbgn</a>/<a class="mw-mmv-license cc-license" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>.
Miles, in the Surat Basin Western Downs area of Queensland, is the state's highest yielding suburb, according to RP Data.
But does the <a href="/news/qld/miles-queensland-the-limping-surat-basin-hotspot">11.17% yield figure really stack up?</a>
Over the past year, Miles' median price movement has dropped 8.16%. But that's not the scary figure for anyone considering investing in the regional mining town.
Miles has a vacancy rate of 28%, according to SQM Research. Enough to deter any investor thinking it could represent a sure-fire cash flow hit.
 
<ul>
<li>$450 million</li>
</ul>
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/sydney-hilton-for-sale-with-price-expectations-in-excess-of-450-million"><img src="/images/2014/11/12/hilton-nov-12-breakout.jpg" alt="Sydney Hilton for sale with price expectations in excess of $450 million"></a>
The newly refurbished <a href="/expert-insights/investing/sydney-hilton-for-sale-with-price-expectations-in-excess-of-450-million">Sydney Hilton Hotel is set to hit the market</a>. With offshore investors circling, price expectations for the 579-room hotel are well over $450 million.
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/sydney-hilton-for-sale-with-price-expectations-in-excess-of-450-million"> </a>
<ul>
<li>10.35%</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/qld/can-you-really-get-a-double-digit-rental-return-in-queenslands-mount-morgan"><img src="/images/2014/11/12/mouhnt-morgan-nov-12-breakout.jpg" alt="Can you really get a double-digit rental return in Queensland's Mount Morgan?"></a>
With a yield of 10.35%, according to RP Data, Queensland's Mount Morgan appears to offer be an attractive target for investors. 
But is this yield really achievable? 
Property Observer crunched the numbers and found that in this small town, <a href="https://propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/qld/37719-can-you-really-get-a-double-digit-rental-return-in-queensland-s-mount-morgan" target="_blank">not everything is quite as it appears...</a>
 
<ul>
<li>14%</li>
</ul>
<a href="/expert-insights/add-14-to-sydney-spring-auction-price-guidance-intelligent-property-services"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/housing-always-up-july-4.jpg" alt="Add 14% to Sydney spring auction price guidance: Intelligent Property Services"></a>
Like the strange smell at the back of my fridge, the issue of underquoting just doesn't seem to go away.
Intelligent Property Services' Ramon Mitchell browsed a selection of Sydney auction results throughout the month of October to find that the selling price is, on average, <a href="/expert-insights/add-14-to-sydney-spring-auction-price-guidance-intelligent-property-services">14% higher than the initial price guidance</a>.
One Newtown property sold for nearly a quarter more than its guidance, while a Homebush house fetched $950,000 more than its guide.
 
<ul>
<li>17</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/firb-issued-just-17-divestment-orders-to-foreign-buyers-over-past-decade"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/china-keys1-breakout-new.jpg" alt="FIRB issued just 17 divestment orders to foreign buyers over past decade"></a>
According to evidence presented to The House of Representatives economics committee’s inquiry into foreign investment in residential real estate, since 2003, the Foriegn Investment Review Board has issued <a href="/news/firb-issued-just-17-divestment-orders-to-foreign-buyers-over-past-decade">just 17 divestment orders to foreign buyers</a>.
In this time period they have also failed to prosecute a single matter for illegally acquiring property in Australia.
The inquiry heard evidence that the current laws are routinely flouted, with foreigners happy to take the risk of not being caught.
 
<ul>
<li>$136 million</li>
</ul>
<h3><a href="/expert-insights/investing/victorian-politicians-136-million-of-property-what-hope-is-there-of-housing-policy-reform"><img src="/images/2014/11/10/melbourne-aerial-nov-10-breakout.jpg" alt="Victorian politicians' $136 million of property: What hope is there of housing policy reform?"></a></h3>
In the leadup to the Victorian state election there are few issues that unite the jostling parties. But it appears property investment may be one of them.
With Victoria's pollies owning an <a href="https://propertyobserver.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=24bd0766a834290948593f5aa&amp;id=a919f349b0&amp;e=035e81ff9a" target="_blank">estimated $136 million of property between them</a>, three academics asked the question: What hope does Victoria have of meaningful housing policy reform?
 
<ul>
<li>64,000</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="timeline-header"><a href="/news/vic/over-64-000-melbourne-properties-sit-vacant-prosper-australia"><img src="/images/2014/11/13/docklands-nov-13-breakout.jpg" alt="Over 64,000 Melbourne properties sit vacant: Propser Australia"></a></h3>
According to a new report from Prosper Australia, authored by Property Observer's regular columnist Catherine Cashmore,<a href="/news/vic/over-64-000-melbourne-properties-sit-vacant-prosper-australia"> there are over 64,000 vacant properties throughout Melbourne</a>.
According to the report, the Docklands area has the highest proportion of properties that are likely to be vacant based on water consumption.
 
<ul>
<li>$1 million plus</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/nsw/sydney-s-median-asking-price-tips-over-1-million-mark-sqm-research"><img src="/images/3_StockBreakouts/sydney-aeiral-sept-10-breakout.jpg" alt="Sydney’s median asking price tips over $1 million mark: SQM Research"></a>
Earlier this week, <a href="https://propertyobserver.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=24bd0766a834290948593f5aa&amp;id=7b7e17db65&amp;e=035e81ff9a" target="_blank">Sydney’s median asking price tipped over the $1 million mark</a>, according to SQM Research.
The research house said that it is impossible to purchase a freestanding house in Sydney’s inner ring for less than seven figures.
 
<ul>
<li>$25,000</li>
</ul>
<a href="/news/wa/busselton-the-market-leader-in-regional-western-australia"><img src="/images/2014/11/11/busselton-nov-11-breakout.jpg" alt="Busselton the market leader in regional Western Australia"></a>
Picture courtesy of  <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Gobeirne" target="_blank" title="User:Gobeirne">Greg O'Beirne</a>/<a class="mw-mmv-license cc-license" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5" target="_blank">CC BY 2.5</a>.
<a href="/news/wa/busselton-the-market-leader-in-regional-western-australia">Busselton was Western Australia's top performing regional market</a> over the past 12 months, according to REIWA.
Over this time period, 500 house sales lifted the area's median house price $25,000 to $450,000.
Earlier this week, Terry Ryder explained why he had tipped the town to take off in 2014 and which of the western state's markets to approach more cautiously. 
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The top property investment numbers of the week

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A view of the Harbour Bridge is a valuable commodity. Its worth has been confirmed in the latest set of data revealing Australia's top 10 most expensive suburbs for units.
Dawes Point, situated in the westerly shadow of the coathanger, has taken top place on RP Data's list of suburbs for unit median prices.
Clocking in with a median of $2,415,280, more than half a million more than its closest competitor Point Piper, the residents of Dawes Point can no doubt justify the substantial outlay with the grandest of elevated views of the famous landmark.
It’s no surprise the list is dominated by Sydney's prestige harbourside suburbs, with only Tennyson, Queensland managing to crack the monopoly.
Tennyson, located 7 kilometres along the Brisbane River from the CDB, has a median unit price of $1,024,147.
The prestige Sydney apartment market is seeing some heat at the moment. Just last week the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/manar-potts-point-apartment-sets-new-record-price">Potts Point apartment Manar</a> (pictured below) was the most expensive sale, according to RP Data, fetching $3.75 million pre-auction.
<img src="/images/2014/10/21/pots%20point_0003_image4.jpg.jpg" alt="Manar, Potts Point apartment sets new record price">
Earlier this year, Property Observer's contrarian commentators Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok rounded up <a href="/news/its-still-crowded-atop-sydneys-penthouse-market-offerings">the top penthouse apartments gracing the market at the time</a>.
Chief among them was the trophy penthouse listing at 1 Macquarie Street (pictured below), overlooking Circular Quay.
<img src="/images/2014/03/21/sydney%20march%2021%20one.jpg">
AUSTRALIA'S TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE SUBURBS FOR UNIT MEDIAN PRICE:
<ol>
<li>
<a href="/news">Dawes Point</a>, NSW - $2,415,280 
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Point Piper</a>, NSW - $1,895,370
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Darling Point</a>, NSW - $1,421,921
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Millers Point,</a> NSW - $1,226,920
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cabarita</a>, NSW - $1,191,102
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Milsons Point</a>, NSW - $1,128,607
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">The Rocks</a>, NSW - $1,079,725
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Cremorne Point</a>, NSW - $1,029,538
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Tennyson</a>, QLD - $1,024,147
</li>
<li>
<a href="/news">Huntleys Cove</a>, NSW - $1,013,153
</li>
</ol>
Source: RP Data (click on the suburb name to view more suburb data).
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Australia’s 10 most expensive unit suburbs

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The new project from Salta Properties, Essence, in South Yarra will be launched to the public this weekend.
The site at 35 Wilson Street, South Yarra is located close to the famous Chapel Street retail strip. It will include a public thoroughfare parallel to the private lobby that will connect Wilson Street and Garden Lane.
<img src="/images/2014/09/04/south-yarra-sept-4-one.jpg" alt="">
Designed by <a href="https://www.rothelowman.com.au/" target="_blank">Rothelowman</a>, the development will contain a total 92 one and two bedroom apartments across eight floors. Prices start from $379,000, with construction set to begin later this year.
Sam Tarascio, managing director of Salta Properties, said that the company was focussed on providing a sustainable contribution to the area which captured the style of the area.
<img src="/images/2014/09/04/south-yarra-sept-4-two.jpg" alt="">
“As developers, it is important to create urban buildings that can strengthen and enrich people’s lives. Essence is a timeless and unique addition to the neighbourhood,” said Tarascio.
Speaking at a launch gala last night, Tarascio said that design features, such as moving the study into the bedroom and a floating kitchen bench, were designed to maximise space inside the units, while other building utilities will be hidden inside the walls.
<img src="/images/2014/09/04/south-yarra-sept-4-three.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.essencesouthyarra.com.au/" target="_blank">Essence</a> will also include a rooftop terrace for communal entertaining and vertical gardens.
The display suite on Chapel Street (pictured in the gallery above) will be open to the public from Saturday.
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Salta Properties' Essence, South Yarra to be launched this weekend

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It’s fair to say that the name Baz Luhrmann is not exactly synonymous with restraint.
The Australian director best known for pulling off meticulous and extravagant displays of debauchery in films such as The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet, brought his trademark touch to the grand opening of Melbourne’s Emporium shopping centre last night.
The $1.2 billion centre in the shell of the former Lonsdale Street Myer building was looking suitably glamourous for the event's 1,500 attendees.
The opening came at a great time for the centre’s owners, CFS Retail Property Group, who just announced a $400 million net profit for the 2014 financial year.
International retailers Top Shop and Uniqlo are among the tenants who have been welcoming customers for a few months preceding the launch. Though a few of centre's tenants are still waiting to open, the 225 retail spaces at Emporium are fully leased.
Luhrmann's vision for the opening was a "reimagined" Melbourne. While the opening event's giant tennis ball, beneath a cavorting acrobat, was a nod to the Australian Open, and a pink and purple horse sculpture a tip of the fascinator towards the spring racing carnival, other features of the launch had more tenuous links to the city.
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/26.jpeg" alt="">
Choreographed dancers wearing soldier and nurse costumes? A stretch.
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/3.jpeg" alt="">
A slick band seemingly swimming amongst a sea of gladioli? Not so sure…
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/2.jpeg" alt="">
Roller skating waiters eager to top up your glass of champers? I’ll roll with it.
The efforts certainly impressed attendees, including swimmer Michael Klim, singer Natalie Bassingthwaite and pyjama designer Peter Alexander. Property Observer also noted the attendance of The Block Glasshouse’s Darren and Dee.
However, Luhrmann was undoubtedly the star of the show. On a tour of the party, the director was mobbed by attendees, who had no doubt forgotten the nearly three hour ordeal that was Australia.
<img src="/images/2014/08/21/10625049_10152411629248640_3586282144434533793_n.jpg" alt="">
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Baz Luhrmann opens Melbourne's Emporium in a riotous glitzy affair

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Super Retail Group, owner of brands including Rebel Sport and Supercheap Auto, has reported a 5.6% jump in profits for 2014.
The retail group’s net profit after tax rose to $108.4 million, while revenue lifted by 4.6% to $2.11 billion.
Super Retail Group managing director and chief executive Peter Birtles said in a statement the result, while in-line with forecasts, reflected mixed performance across the group.
Birtles said the auto retailing division was an outstanding performer with around 10% growth, but the company’s leisure and sports retailing arms had lagged.
“In the leisure retailing division, the BCF business was impacted by a slowdown in sales in stores that had previously benefited from investment in the mining industry,” said Birtles.
“The sports retailing division had a solid start to the year but performance was impacted by inventory supply challenges resulting from the implementation of new merchandise and supply management systems in October and from a slowdown in customer demand following the federal budget and a warmer start to winter.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Super Retail Group reports 5.6% jump in profits

<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;

Jacob Robinson

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