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The Cowley family has finally fully exited its Hunter Valley property holdings, selling off The Convent.
It has been bought by the Escarpment Group for just over $5 million
The Convent — one of the Hunter Valley’s best known resorts - dates back to a 1909 Coonamble to house an order of nuns, which was relocated to Pokolbin.
It has 17 luxury rooms. It was sold along with Circa 1876, one of the Hunter Valley’s top fine dining restaurants.
CBRE Hotel’s Rob Cross and Alan Jurd from Jurd’s Real Estate sold the properties for the Cowley family.
The Escarpment Group, run by George Saad and Huong Nguyen, owns a collection of Blue Mountains properties, including the Hydro Majestic Hotel, Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa and Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Cowley's sell The Convent to the Escarpment Group

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GUEST OBSERVER 
Fundamentally I believe that it is too easy to get a real estate agent license in NSW and it is too easy to keep it.
We need to increase barriers to entry to reflect the high value of real estate and associated risks in both buying and selling.
The Certificate of Registration competencies appear to be significantly less than when I got mine through the TAFE system back in 2000.
CPD points are largely viewed as a box ticking exercise and not a way to keep current with best practise. The fact you can get 12 points by attending the REINSW Women in Real Estate Conference shows what a mockery this whole system is.
The fact that licensees in charge are required to supervise their staff would lend itself to having a supervision component of their CPD requirement. I would be in favour of 4 additional points per year, for example.
I support a return to the system where one could not get a license until they had 2 years industry experience.
Key issues for BUYERS AGENTS
Buyers agents have not been treated as a separate occupation, rather as as a subset of selling agents, with a cut­down version of the license.
This is a major problem because the RISKS associated with having an inexperienced/uneducated buyers agent far outweigh those of engaging a sub­standard selling agent.
Buyers agents actually need MORE training than selling agents ­ specifically in the areas of a) identification of property faults, b) assessing strata reports, c) valuation/appraisal, d) investment benchmarks/strategies, e) negotiation skills, f) buying at auction.
Buyers agents who buy investment properties need to advise their clients on what constitutes a good investment. This veers dangerously close to financial advice and yet this is currently not addressed in the licensing requirements.
I believe that more buyers agent licenses are acquired by people without experience than other types of license. It should not be possible for somebody without experience to be able to get their license and then set up a business advising consumers on the purchase of property. It is perceived by many in the industry to be an easy license to obtain.
Poor skill level in a buyers agent can result in potential losses to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars ­ in either short or long term.
The term “buyers agent” is often misused and adopted by many sales agent’s assistants (who are engaged in handling buyer enquiry for the stock listings held by their agency) and also by property spruikers (often peddling developer stock and offering “investment seminars” which are actually sales presentations).
Consumers are often confused by this and a distinction needs to be made.
This could be achieved by improving the qualifications needed to be able to use the term.
1.1 Are there additional risks that should be included in an assessment of training standards? The risks associated with inexperienced buyers agents recommending poor quality property, property that does not actually suit their client’s needs, or (THE BIG ONE) paying too much for the property.
1.2 Are there other issues that should be considered in assessing training standards? If so what are they? Who can actually call themselves a buyers agent ­ consumers need to be confident that a buyers agent actually has the relevant license or certificate of registration and is working under the supervision of a licensed buyers agent.
1.3 What do you think should be the minimum educational standard for each category and why? I believe a licensed buyers agent should hold a diploma ­ there is much more involved in property selection, assessment, due diligence and valuation/appraisal than is reflected in the current license. The certificate of registration should be specific to the requirements of a buyers agent.
2.1 Although it is clearly possible to enter the property services industry without any experience, how often does this occur? I have met many licensed buyers agents who became licensed without prior experience. Many REBAA members entered the industry in this way (I would guess 50 percent).
2.2 What are the practical consequences of the absence of a time based requirement to enter the property services industry? Buyers agents are learning “on the job” at the expense of their clients.
2.3 What does time based experience achieve? Exposure to industry practise (hopefully best practise ­ which is more likely to occur if qualifications are raised). Many buyers agents start out extremely naive, so time based experience would address this issue.
3.1 What needs do the current CPD requirements meet? I’d argue none.
3.2 What are benefits of CPD and what are the costs to business? Benefits are minimal unless the licensee in charge insists on specific courses. The costs can be as low as $99 per staff member and the course can take as little as 4 hours. Some licensees expect their staff to pay for themselves and do the course in their own time (or online).
3.3 What are the problems or issues with the existing CPD regime in NSW? As above. In my experience CPD points are not taken seriously. The RTOs I have had experience with over the years tend to give out the answers to the assessments. Rather than try to impart knowledge and skills, the focus was on being able to quickly complete the open book assessment at the end of the session.
3.4 Are the current requirements relevant? No.
4.1 What are the current problems with the delivery and assessment of training for the property services industry? The expectations of the organisations delivering it.
4.2 What problems have arisen and what are the impacts on the industry? Minimal actual education/skills development results in poor standards across the industry, particularly when people work for small, under resourced firms that provide little or no staff training. The impact is obvious, especially when compounded with the fact it is too easy to get a license in the first place.
4.3 What changes should be made to the delivery and assessment of training for the property services industry? Buyers agents should have their own category, which reflects the risk to consumers from getting advice from inexperienced practitioners. CPD points need to be taken seriously. The expectation of RTOs in terms of assessment of skills and learning outcomes needs to be beefed up.
5.1 What are the key issues in relation to cross border operations of property and achieve?
5.2 What are the current barriers to achieving mutual recognition?
5.3 How might we improve mutual recognition for auctioning of property and livestock? I am not qualified to answer these questions.
Veronica Morgan is principal, Good Deeds, and can be contacted <a href="https://gooddeeds.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>. This was her submission received during the public consultation period for the Review of Property Services Industry Training Standards in NSW.
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It's too easy to get a real estate license in NSW: Veronica Morgan

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GUEST OBSERVER
The UK has long been a destination for Asian real estate investors, with the attraction of the strong liquidity, stable governance, transparency and clear title, meaning that investors from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand have all invested in bricks-and-mortar in the country.
With the decision to exit the European Union, for existing Asian property owners, the fall in the pound will impact the repatriation of any income returns, as well as the gains on any disposal.
Although there is likely to be more volatility in the market, ultimately most investors are looking to the long term – so will continue to hold their assets, in the hope that any short-term instability will eventually subside when more clarity of the UK’s role in Europe is determined.
The decision, however, could also present a buying opportunity, as the significant drop in the value of the pound, as in 2009, could lead to an uptick of interest by Asian investors, who, over the last few months have adopted a wait-and-see approach to the referendum – and will now see their buying power increase significantly.
Chinese, Singaporean and Hong Kong investors especially, looking at both residential and commercial properties – most likely in London – will be monitoring the market carefully and looking for opportunities to potentially increase their exposure over the coming weeks and months.
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Nicholas Holt is head of research for Asia Pacific, Knight Frank and can be contacted <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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London lure for Asian real estate investors: Knight Frank's Nicholas Holt

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<div class="column">GUEST OBSERVER</div>
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<div class="column">The China tourist boom continues to pay dividends.</div>
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<div class="column">The number of tourists to Australia from China and Hong Kong combined is now heading towards 1.4 million in the past year – and the gap is widening on the visitors from New Zealand.</div>
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<div class="column">In fact 52,000 more tourists visited our shores from Greater China than compared with NZ over the past year. A remarkable change when you consider that even up to three months prior annual tourists from NZ exceeded Greater China by almost 7,000. And with China and Hong Kong tourist numbers continuing to grow at a 21 percent plus annual rate, there are more landmark results likely to be recorded over the next year. It is even more astonishing when you consider that just over four years ago Chinese tourist numbers were around half those of New Zealand.</div>
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 Clearly our number one tourist group is has shifted and the new winners from the China boom are tourist operators and retailers rather than mining companies that benefitted in the first stage of the China boom.</div>
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 Tourists from mainland China is fast closing in on 1.1 million in the past year, up 23 percent over the past year. While some may fret about the slowdown in the Chinese industrial sector, the more forward-thinking analysts are focussing on the boost to Australian retailers from increased spending by Chinese consumers and the growing number of Chinese tourists.</div>
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<div class="column">The rebalancing continues to be taking place across the economy. No doubt the weaker Aussie dollar is helping to alleviate some of the pressures for the weaker investment story. And from the Reserve Bank’s standpoint, policymakers will continue to monitor the transition, and debate if further stimulus is necessary to support growth.</div>
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<div class="column"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-06%20at%205.00.06%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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 What do the figures show?</div>
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 Overseas arrivals &amp; departures</div>
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<div class="column">Tourist arrivals rose by 0.2 percent in May. And departures rose by 1.5 percent. Arrivals are up 11.7 percent on the year with departures up 4.5 percent.</div>
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<div class="column">In May, tourists from greater China (China and Hong Kong) totalled 120,700 (mainland China 100,800, Hong Kong, 19,900), ahead of New Zealand (109,900). Greater China passed NZ for the first time in September 2015.</div>
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 Over the past year a record 1,133,700 tourists came to Australia from China, up 22.7 per cent over the year. Tourists from China and Hong Kong rose to a record 1,366,500 over the past year, up 21 percent over the year. Tourists from New Zealand totalled 1,314,300 visitors over the past year, but were up just 3.9 percent.  Over the past year, net permanent and long-term arrivals to Australia totalled 263,920 – the lowest level in nine years (March 2007).
What is the importance of the economic data?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics releases data on overseas arrivals and departures is produced monthly and is an indicator of the health of the tourism sector. The figures are also useful in understanding spending trends and tracking migrant numbers – an indicator with widespread implications for employment, housing and spending.
What are the implications for interest rates and investors?</div>
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<div class="column"><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-06%20at%205.01.10%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div class="column">Looking forward, not only will the weaker Aussie dollar should drive further tourism inflows, but it should provide an additional degree of support to the domestic tourism sector. Over time, the cheaper currency should make it more attractive to travel within Australia rather than overseas. Tourism has potential to join housing as a key driver of the Australian economy over the coming year, especially if the Aussie dollar falls further.</div>
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<div class="column">In-bound migration is holding at the lowest levels in nine years, meaning that there is greater scope for unemployment to fall in the short-term before businesses have to start looking abroad for suitable staff. The Reserve Bank is likely to debate the merits of another rate cut at the August Board meeting.
 Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a>
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Migration at 9-year lows; Chinese tourism boom: Commsec's Savanth Sebastian

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GUEST OBSERVER
Recently, tax residency has become a contentious and difficult issue. Tax partner Fletch Heinemann from Cooper Grace Ward explains below. 
Q1 – 0:15 – Am I a tax resident of Australia?
Q2 – 1:05 – What does it mean to ‘reside in Australia’?
Q3 – 2:19 – What is a ‘permanent place of abode overseas’?
Q4 – 3:35 – What if I still have a property in Australia?
Q5 – 4:40 – What about if I pay tax outside of Australia?
Click below to watch 
<h1> </h1>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMiZ5ks3u2M" target="_blank"><img src="/images/2016/07/06/Screen%20Shot%202016-07-06%20at%201.11.25%20PM.png" alt=""></a> 
For more information, <a href="https://www.cgw.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Property 101: Fast facts on residency for tax purposes

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<div class="author">GUEST OBSERVER </div>
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<div class="author">In a recent matter, the partition of land before it was subdivided, and the timing of registering strata lots, resulted in a decision where the owner of the land was not considered to be a developer under the Home Building Act (the Act).</div>
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<div class="author">As such, the owner bears no liabilities regarding statutory warranties in the Act. So what happened, and what are the lessons to be learnt?</div>
What are statutory warranties?
Statutory warranties are warranties that a person is entitled to under the contract with a builder/tradesperson. Even if the warranties aren’t written into the contract, under the law they still apply to the work being done on a home. Statutory warranties are in effect for six years for major defects and two years for all other defects, commencing from the date of completion.
The Act states that anyone who is the immediate successor in title to an owner-builder, a holder of a contractor licence, a former holder or a developer who has done residential building work on land is entitled to the benefit of the statutory warranties as if these parties were required to hold a contractor licence and had done the work under contract with that successor in title.
What happened in this instance?
In 2007, Trilogy Capital (Cremorne Developments) Pty Ltd (TD) and Trilogy Capital Services Pty Ltd (TC) bought land in Cremorne as tenants in common.
Development consent was obtained to build a mix of commercial and residential buildings. TD contracted with a building and construction company, Southern Cross Constructions, to undertake the work.
After the Occupation Certificate for the residential work was issued in October, TD and TC applied to North Sydney Council for two strata subdivisions, dividing Lot 1 into 7 commercial lots and Lot 2 into 17 residential lots. Around the same time TD and TC transferred their respective holdings to each other at the bargain basement price of $1.00 so TC became the full owner of Lot 1 and TD owned all of Lot 2. The strata subdivision was registered at the end of November.
In December strata plans were registered - 79706 for TC’s commercial lots, and 79707 for the residential lots owned by TD.
Work proceeded but things went pear-shaped in 2013 and the Owners Corporation of the residential lots commenced proceedings in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal against the builder. Southern Cross was placed into liquidation so the Owners Corporation pursued TD as the developer. Unfortunately for the Owners Corporation, TD was also in trouble and it too went into liquidation. With only one horse left in the race, the Owners Corporation went after TC in an attempt to rectify the defective works.
So who is a “developer”?
According to the Act; an individual, partnership or corporation is a developer if residential work is undertaken on land they own – even if they haven’t physically been involved in the development. They are also classified as a developer if the work is done on behalf of another person - for example, on behalf of a party to a joint venture agreement with the owner for the development of the land. The person on whose behalf the work is actually done is also a developer.
It’s important to note that the work undertaken must be done in connection with an existing or proposed dwelling in a building or residential development where at least four of the dwellings are or will be owned by the individual, partnership or corporation.
In this matter, the tribunal had to determine whether TC was a 'developer' within the meaning of the Act and as such liable for a breach of the statutory warranties. It also has to establish whether the Owners Corporation was the 'immediate successor" in title.
The outcome
The Owners Corporation argued that the residential dwellings existed by 29 November, 2007 – at which point in time, TC was still a 25% owner of both lots as tenant in common and as such, owned four or more of the residential lots.
TC didn’t dispute the previous ownership however, said that by the time the Owners Corporation became successor in title to whomever owned the residential lots in December, TD was the only owner.
The tribunal member agreed with TC, ruling that statutory warranties weren’t applicable. The Owners Corporation was unsuccessful in appealing the decision to the Appeal Panel which reaffirmed the opinion of the tribunal that TC was in fact, not a developer. The Appeal Panel cited the fact that the strata home units couldn’t be owned until after the strata plan had been registered and TC was never intended to have any ownership after this registration had taken place. 
Whilst the decision is in no way definitive it may allow 'developers' to argue that they are not bound by the statutory warranties where there has been a partition of land or a transfer prior to the registration of the strata plan.
Nick Kallipolitis is principal, Coleman Greig Lawyers and can be contacted <a href="https://www.colemangreig.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
 
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Property 101: Tribunal finds Cremorne landowner not liable for building defects

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Onthehouse Holdings Limited announced today that it has entered into a scheme implementation deed with a consortium of investors comprising PIQ1 Pty Ltd and Macquarie Corporate Holdings Pty Limited (both whollyowned subsidiaries of Macquarie Group Limited) and 77 Victoria Street Trust and Sandrift Pte Limited (entities of which Michael Dempsey and Daniel Dempsey are each affiliated) (Consortium).
The Scheme Implementation Deed provides for the acquisition by the Consortium of all of the equity in Onthehouse not already owned by members of the Consortium through a scheme of arrangement (Scheme) for cash consideration of $0.85 per Onthehouse share.
This consideration represents a premium of: 54 percent over the 90 day volume-weighted average price of $0.552 to 22nd December 2015 (two days before the Consortium’s initial proposal was announced by Onthehouse on 24 December 2015 and one day after the release of the Notices of initial substantial holder by each of Corelogic Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and the Macquarie Group Entities); 50 percent over the 30 day volume-weighted average price to 22nd December 2015 of $0.567; 47 percent over the closing price of $0.580 on 22nd December 2015; 11 percent over the 30 day volume-weighted average price of $0.765 to Tuesday 5 July 2016; and 13 percent over the Consortium’s initial proposal of $0.755 per Onthehouse share announced by Onthehouse on 24 December. Unanimous Recommendation of the Independent Board Committee.
As advised to the market on 11 March 2016, Onthehouse formed an independent board committee (IBC) which excluded Michael Dempsey and Daniel Dempsey, to consider the Consortium’s proposal.
Following its consideration of the proposal and negotiations with the Consortium, the IBC now unanimously recommends, in the absence of a superior proposal and subject to an independent expert concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of Onthehouse shareholders, that shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme.
Subject to those same qualifications, each independent director of the IBC intends to vote all Onthehouse shares controlled or held by, or on behalf of, that director in favour of the Scheme.
The chairman of Onthehouse and of the IBC, Tony Scotton, said he was pleased to have agreed to recommend a transaction that offers a significant premium to shareholders of Onthehouse.
"The Consortium’s proposal, if implemented, provides shareholders with an immediate and significant increase in value without the risks inherent in transitioning our Console platform to become a cloud, software-as-a-service offering – something that we believe is critical for the platform to retain its strong position in the market.
"The IBC has, therefore, unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of shareholders to enter into the Scheme Implementation Deed.”
Onthehouse has appointed Lonergan Edwards as the independent expert to opine on whether the Scheme is in the best interests of shareholders and to provide the independent expert’s report.
Implementation of the Scheme remains subject to customary conditions, including, in summary:
 the Court ordering that a meeting of Onthehouse shareholders be convened;
Onthehouse shareholders approving the Scheme by the requisite majorities – being: - a majority in number of shareholders who are eligible to vote, present and voting (either in person or by proxy); and - at least 75 percent of the total shares voted, noting that the members of the Consortium and their affiliates (who have a relevant interest in 19.23 percent of Onthehouse shares) are not eligible to vote;
Court approval of the Scheme at the second court hearing (Second Court Hearing); no material adverse change and no prescribed occurrence occurring before date of the Second Court Hearing; and no material legal restraint or prohibition, preventing or delaying the completion of the proposed transaction is in effect 2 hours before the Second Court Hearing, in each case, as set out in the Scheme Implementation Deed.
A scheme booklet is expected to be sent to Onthehouse shareholders in September 2016.
It is anticipated that Onthehouse shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on the proposal at a meeting to be held in October 2016.
Onthehouse is being advised by TMT Partners and Allier Capital as joint financial advisers and Gilbert + Tobin as legal adviser.
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Onthehouse deal moves towards Macquarie Group October decision date

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Australian property development and investment company, Aqualand is the new principal sponsor of the world’s largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi. 
Aqualand’s three year sponsorship is the most significant in the exhibition’s history and will support the continued growth of the acclaimed Bondi event.
The annual Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi draws over 500,000 visitors to the Bondi coastal walk across the 18 day exhibition period each spring. 
The 2016 exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the exhibition - founded by David Handley (pictured above with Aqualand's Jim Lin) which will this year showcase its 2,000th sculpture and over 100 new artworks from local and international artists.
Jin Lin, Aqualand's managing director said it’s very exciting "and a great privilege."
“Our aim at Aqualand is to inspire life; we think with our hearts to create better, smarter and more beautiful living environments and firmly believe that accessible public art is a key element of vibrant and engaged communities.
"It really is our great pleasure therefore to be associated with an innovative, iconic event that pushes creative boundaries and brings outstanding public art each year from countries all around the world to the people of Sydney, and its visitors,” Jin said.
Aqualand's projects have included Payce in Melrose Park and Lindfield Village.
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Aqualand to sponsor Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi

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GUEST OBSERVER
Undeterred by the pending election result and Britain’s shock exit from the EU, the RBA has announced that the cash rate will be kept on hold for another month:
<img src="/images/2016/07/05/thumbnail_56.jpg.png" alt="" width="466" height="236">
This is how many lenders have slashed three year fixed rates since May’s rate cut making a good case for home borrowers who want to lock in a competitive interest rate. The lowest three year fixed rate is now 3.67 percent from loans.com.au.
<img src="/images/2016/07/06/3.59.png" alt="">
This is the lowest variable rate on the market right now from online lender Reduce Home Loans. With experts predicting another rate cut in August, it may be possible that we’ll start to see the most competitive home loans in the 2% territory.
<img src="/images/2016/07/06/55.png" alt="">
Fifty-five lenders have made cuts to investor rates since the start of the year in a bid to scale up investor lending again.
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This is the percentage difference between the average Big 4 ongoing savings account rate and the best savings account rate on the market, despite 3 of the 4 majors actually increasing headline rates last month.  
<img src="/images/2016/07/06/12.99.png" alt="">
While most credit cardholders missed out on the May rate cut, four providers are now rewarding customers with cash back offers on purchases. The most competitive offer is from Bankwest that has a 12.99 percent purchase rate and 5 percent cashback on purchases (up to $300) for the first three months. 
Kirsty Lamont is marketing director of <a href="https://mozo.com.au/">Mozo</a>.
 
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Mozo's five need to know numbers after the July RBA decision

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GUEST OBSERVER
The election result has sent a clear message to all political parties – keep changing superannuation policy at your electoral peril.
Although it was the Coalition Government that felt a backlash from voters in the wake of the Budget measures around superannuation that caused so much public angst, the reality is both the major parties were culpable as Labor included these savings in its fiscal estimates. 
What the electorate has rightly discerned is that superannuation is increasingly being seen by all the political parties as a cash cow that can be milked for fiscal reasons. 
However, what we have seen in the election is that many of the people have said ‘enough is enough’, and that there will be an electoral cost if you continue to change the policy settings by which people plan their retirement income strategies. 
It has to be remembered why compulsory superannuation was introduced in the first place – to give people the opportunity to be self-sufficient after leaving the workforce. 
In the SMSF space, in particular, trustees assume the responsibility to be financially independent in retirement, and all they ask of their elected representatives is to determine the policy settings and then leave the system alone. 
Right now it is a difficult time for trustees with volatile investment markets around the globe the order of the day and interest rates at historical lows. 
To compound these market-related issues they have to continually second guess what the government of the day will do with superannuation policy, especially as it relates to its tax treatment. But after last Saturday, it seems doing so might come at a high political cost.
Olivia Long is chief executive officer of SMSF administrators Xpress Super and SuperGuardian and can be contacted <a href="https://www.xpresssuper.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Election result sends message to politicians – keep your hands off super

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<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/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Joel Robinson

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

&nbsp;

Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

First look: ‘Far more than replacing a shopping centre’ as Conquest unveils 736-home Eastlakes redevelopment

Abadeen has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for one of Mosman's largest apartment developments in recent years, seeking approval to transform the former Honeysuckle Garden and Midas site on Military Road into a 100-apartment mixed-use development.

The SSDA, lodged with investment partner Phoenix Property Investors, proposes around $230 million worth of new housing on the prominent <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/494-516-military-road-mosman-nsw-2088">494-516 Military Road</a> site.

The proposal comes as Mosman Council continues to progress its recently endorsed Masterplan, which identifies the precinct for increased housing density while maintaining the suburb's established character.

Designed by DKO Architecture, the development would comprise 100 apartments above ground-floor retail, with a rooftop wellness precinct including a gym, sauna, entertaining areas and landscaped communal spaces.

Rather than pushing to the full 12-storey height identified in Council's Masterplan, the proposal ranges between five and nine storeys, stepping down towards Hale Road. A tenth level would accommodate resident amenities rather than additional apartments.

The project has been designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and young professionals through to families and local downsizers looking to remain on the Lower North Shore.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dada03f-5b4c-43ba-ba62-2868add31440" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.57.55%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=7LBy0B.Jo8_iWAFJsClcV7Q3UnXrv49r" />

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock.

"The apartments have been designed as genuine long-term homes, with efficient floorplans that maximise usable living areas, generous storage, natural light and strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces," Brown says."

"We've focused on creating homes for a broad range of buyers, from first home buyers and growing families through to downsizers who want to remain in Mosman."

The rooftop wellness offering forms a key part of the proposal, with residents set to have access to a gym, sauna, outdoor entertaining spaces, communal dining areas, landscaped gardens and a multi-use recreation court overlooking Sydney Harbour.

<img alt="Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d37c2d6b-583a-4a0f-b7a9-9f46b893d2f4" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-27%20at%209.58.06%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=FPoa5FCm2RtzjhAh2w5FTWJbV6GHfY8D" />

DKO drew heavily on the site's natural and cultural history, undertaking a Connecting with Country process with local Aboriginal Elders to inform the architectural and landscape design.

Senior Associate Matthew Ritchard said the design sought to create a building that responded to both the site's landscape and its cultural significance.

"The architectural language of the project is a deep expression of Connecting with Country, where the materiality and colour palette serve as a bridge between the site's geological history and its future as a residential sanctuary."

The proposal also retains the site's established blue gum tree as the centrepiece of the communal landscaped gardens, while introducing activated retail fronting Military Road to strengthen the connection between Mosman and Cremorne villages.

If approved, the project would deliver 100 new homes within walking distance of shops, public transport, schools and local amenities, adding to the limited pipeline of new apartments on the Lower North Shore.

<h2>Project Snapshot</h2>

Project: Honeysuckle Garden Redevelopment

Address: 494-516 Military Road, Mosman

Developer: Abadeen and Phoenix Property Investors

Architect: DKO Architecture

Lead Architect: Matthew Ritchard

Value: $230 million

Residences: 100 apartments

Key features:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ground-floor retail
	</li>
	<li>
	Rooftop wellness precinct
	</li>
	<li>
	Gym and sauna
	</li>
	<li>
	Outdoor entertaining and BBQ areas
	</li>
	<li>
	Landscaped communal gardens
	</li>
	<li>
	Multi-use recreation court
	</li>
	<li>
	Retained mature blue gum tree
	</li>
	<li>
	Connecting with Country design process
	</li>
	<li>
	Harbour, CBD and Balmoral views from upper-level apartments
	</li>
</ul>

Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown said the apartments had been designed as genuine long-term homes rather than investor-focused stock

First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman

The wave of apartment proposals sweeping through Mosman shows no signs of slowing, with another major residential development lodged through the NSW Government's State Significant Development pathway.

Developer First Quadrant Properties, which recently completed Willoughby Grounds and has several projects in planning across the North Shore, has unveiled plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cove-on-ourimbah-40-56-ourimbah-road-mosman-nsw-2088">Cove on Ourimbah</a>, a 63-apartment development on Ourimbah Road, adding to the growing pipeline of projects reshaping one of Sydney's most tightly held harbour suburbs.

The proposal would consolidate nine properties at 40-56 Ourimbah Road into a part eight, part nine-storey apartment building, continuing the momentum created by the NSW Government's accelerated planning pathways that have seen several significant developments emerge across Mosman over the past 12 months.

Designed by Doroch Architects, the project would deliver 63 apartments, resident wellness facilities including a gym, pool and sauna, landscaped communal spaces and basement parking, while using recessed upper levels, generous setbacks and extensive planting to reduce the perceived scale of the building.

<img alt="First look: First Quadrant Properties eyes nine-storey Mosman apartment project under State Significant pathway" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32ee68e4-141e-4a10-8f83-48e961a5e71e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Ourimbah%20Road%2C%20Mosman%20a.png?VersionId=CUeILFc6APlwXPc.iplElbxHvREKwjig" />

Doroch Architects said the building had been designed to reinforce Mosman's established character.

"The building's aesthetic is grounded in the existing residential character of Ourimbah Road and the broader Mosman context," the architect noted in the planning documents submitted to the NSW Government.

The design adopts a contemporary material palette of natural stone, textured concrete and brown concave metal cladding, complemented by integrated planters and deep balconies. The podium incorporates softened curved concrete forms, while increased setbacks have been provided adjacent to the heritage-listed property at 60 Ourimbah Road to create a more sympathetic transition.

The site sits around 330 metres from Mosman Town Centre, placing it within the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy area, where increased residential density is being encouraged close to shops, transport and services.

The proposal follows a string of major apartment projects lodged or declared State Significant in Mosman in recent months, including Abadeen's 100-apartment Honeysuckle Garden redevelopment on Military Road and several other developments across Awaba Street, Redan Street and Muston Street from the likes of Time &amp; Place, HELM and Prosker Property.

&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/time-place-to-take-on-mosman-apartment-market">Time &amp; Place to take on Mosman apartment market</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-abadeen-plans-100-apartments-on-former-honeysuckle-garden-site-in-mosman">First look: Abadeen plans 100 apartments on former Honeysuckle Garden site in Mosman</a>

&nbsp;

Jonathan Chancellor

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