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Melbourne was host to 894 auctions over the past week, overtaking Sydney as the busiest capital city for auctions.
The previous week saw 646 auctions held across Melbourne, while this time last year a higher 1,533 homes were taken to auction, according to CoreLogic.
Of the 756 results collected so far, 71.7 per cent were successful, down from last week’s preliminary clearance rate of 77.1 per cent, which revised down to 70 per cent at final figures. One year ago, 74.8 per cent of reported auctions were successful.
Melbourne had the nation’s cheapest weekend auction result when $195,000 was paid for the dated two bedroom townhouse at Melton South.
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<div>The Brad Teal Real Estate price guide had been $180,000 to $200,000 for 4/63-65 Staughton St, Melton South.</div>
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<div>The last sale in the complex of eight was $170,000 in 2016.</div>
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<div>There were 2,155 homes scheduled for auction across the nation's capital cities last weekend of spring, up from 1,803 over the previous week.</div>
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<div>Of the 1,763 results collected so far, 73.9 per cent have reported a successful result, slightly higher than last week’s preliminary auction clearance rate of 73.6 per cent, which revised down to 69.1 per cent at final figures.</div>
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<div>Over the same week last year, 3,206 homes were taken to auction and 73.6 per cent of reported results were successful.</div>
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In Sydney, 887 homes were taken to auction, compared to 805 over the previous week and 1,221 this time last year.
 The preliminary clearance rate came in at 76.9 per cent this week, increasing from the previous week’s preliminary clearance rate of 76.2 per cent, which revised down to 71.6 per cent at final figures. This time last year, 78.1 per cent of reported auctions were successful.
Across the smaller cities, Canberra recorded the highest preliminary clearance rate at 78.4 per cent, followed by Adelaide at 75 per cent.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Melbourne regains crown as busiest auction capital

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Auction volumes will surge to above 2,000 for the first time since April.
CoreLogic calculate 2,201 capital city homes scheduled to go under the hammer this week.
Last week, final results saw 1,803 properties taken to auction across the combined capital cities and one year ago a significantly higher 3,206 auctions were held.
Melbourne is expected to see a considerable rise in activity this week, with 899 homesscheduled for auction. 
This week’s scheduled volumes are set to surpass last week’s 646 auctions, as the busiest week the city has seen since April. 
However, volumes remain lower than one year ago, with 1,533 held over the same week in 2019.
In Sydney, 929 homes are scheduled for auction over the week with the city also expecting its busiest week since April, increasing on the 805 auctions held last week, although lower than the 1,221 held one year ago.
Across the smaller auction markets, scheduled volumes are higher over the week in Adelaide; after a brief lockdown period last week resulting in a number of withdrawn auctions. 
Canberra and Perth have fewer scheduled auctions over the week.
One of the big auctions include <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-carrara-134769582" target="_blank">5001 Emerald Island Drive, Carrara</a>, a French chateau style home that boasts over 39 metres of water frontage on the Gold Coast.
Double-height formal rooms and imposing touches like the foyer’s dramatic dome skylight have grandeur, according to Ray White agent Matt Micallef.
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Last week, the combined capital city final auction clearance rate fell as volumes rose. 
There were 1,803 homes taken to auction over the week, recording a final auction clearance rate of 69.1%. 
The previous week saw a lower 1,728 auctions held with a higher 70.6% final clearance rate. One year ago, a higher 2,612 homes were taken to auction when 68.5% cleared.
In Melbourne, 646 homes were scheduled for auction last week, the busiest week the city has seen since April. 
The higher volumes returned a final auction clearance rate of 70%, higher than the 69.7% success rate over the week prior when a lower 604 auctions took place. One year ago, 1,221 Melbourne homes were auctioned with 70.1% successful.
In Sydney, the final auction clearance rate remained relatively steady as volumes fell slightly. 
There were 805 homes taken to auction, returning a final auction clearance rate of 71.6%. The week prior saw 840 auctions take place and a final clearance rate of 71.3%. One year ago, 940 Sydney homes were auctioned with a higher final clearance rate (76%).
Canberra, a consistent best performer of the smaller capital cities returned the highest clearance rate of 79.3% last week.
Brisbane followed with 57.6% of homes selling, overtaking the usual second highest performing region for auctions Adelaide as the city entered a 3 day lockdown last week. 
As a result, the city returned a lower final clearance rate of 48.9% over the week with a withdrawal rate of 41%.
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Spring auction surge in late November

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Transport industry veteran Ron Murray of Murray's Coach fame has found the buyer of his long-held Bellevue Hill home in just two days on market.
Murray, who has been executive chairman of Murrays Australia which he began as a retail travel agent in 1966, has owned the Spanish Mission style Fairfax Road home since 1997 when paying $1.95 million.
It sold after having a guide of $6 million.
Entry to the home is through the front yard, past manicured hedges and flower gardens to the colonnaded entrance.
There's a formal living area with a gas fireplace and a home office which opens to the main and side courtyard.
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There's also a formal dining space which connects with the marble kitchen and adjoining sitting area which meets a rear conservatory.
All living spaces open to the private swimming pool courtyard on the 695 sqm block, the focal point of the home.
There are four bedrooms in total, three on the second level including the master suite with its own walk in wardrobe and ensuite. The fourth bedroom is on the ground level.
Sydney Sotheby's agent Michael Pallier had scheduled a December 19 auction.
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Murray's Coaches boss Ron Murray sells longtime Bellevue Hill home

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Victoria's $20,000 first home owner grant has been extended for anyone buying or building a new home in regional Victoria until 30 June 2021.

The state budget confirmed "the extension gives more Victorians the opportunity to live locally and enter the property market for the first time, while also supporting jobs in regional Victoria”.

The government website says if you are buying or building a new home valued up to $750,000, you may be eligible for a <a href="https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/first-home-owner#fhog" target="_blank">First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)</a>. 

"If you are eligible for the FHOG and the home you are buying is in regional Victoria, you will receive $20,000. 

"If the home is not in regional Victoria, the grant is $10,000."

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It was in 2017 when the Labor government doubled the regional FHOG from <a href="https://www.mortgagebusiness.com.au/blog/10955-victorian-first-home-buyers-set-to-win-or-are-they">$10,000 to $20,000</a> to tackle housing affordability.

More than 8,800 regional FHOGs have been provided, which have resulted in savings of $176 million for home buyers over the past three years.

The regional grant is part of the government’s Homes for Victorians package, which also offers a $10,000 FHOG for eligible purchases in metropolitan Melbourne and offers stamp duty exemptions and discounts for new homes up to $750,000.

To be eligible for the grant, the purchaser or purchasers must use the house as the principal place of residence for 12 continuous months following settlement.

 
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$20,000 regional Victorian first home owner grant extended until June 2021

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Some Victorian home buyers will pay less stamp duty until June next year.
The Victorian State Treasurer Tim Pallas announced the cut in stamp duty would apply to home sales under $1 million only.
The duty will be paid at a rate of 50 per cent for new build homes and 25 per cent for existing properties, from Wednesday until the end of June 2021. 
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<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">New residential builds valued under $1 million will receive a 50 per cent waiver on stamp duty up to $27,500.</div>
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Buyers on existing residential properties will secure a 25 per cent saving of up to $13,750.
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The discounted rate is aimed at stimulating Victoria’s housing market after coronavirus pandemic-related restrictions.
“With a waiver on stamp duty, we’ll help more Victorians find their home and get more Victorians back to work,” Treasurer Tim Pallas said.
All purchases of more than $1 million will pay the full stamp duty amount. 
The budget measure was part of the government’s “Big Housing Build”.
The state government forecasts an 11 per cent peak-to-trough fall in house prices, with the lowest point being next in June.
They forecast that prices will only recover to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2022-23.
The budget papers revealed a 25 per cent drop in stamp duty revenue to $4.6 billion in the 2020-21 financial year.
“Land transfer [stamp] duty is expected to recover from 2021-2022 and grow by an average of 15.4 per cent a year, over the forward estimates, but is not expected to reach the 2018-2019 level until 2022-23,” the budget papers stated.
“It’s about equity and putting the support and effort where it can best have effect,” Pallas said.
“The aim is to get as many people in that price bracket [$1 million] and below back into the market.”
 
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Some Melbourne home buyers will pay less stamp duty until June next year

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Australian dwelling values have continued to climb higher in the month of November to date, Coolabah Capital director Chris Joye has noted.
 Over the first 21 days of the month, house prices across the five largest capital cities have appreciated 0.4% led by Perth (0.7%), Adelaide (0.6%), Melbourne (0.5%), Brisbane (0.4%) and Sydney (0.2%) according to the latest daily hedonic index data from CoreLogic.
 After prices started drifting lower in late April and May, the Aussie housing rebound commenced in September in six of the eight capital cities.
Joye noted the bounce-back picked up steam in October with all cities except Melbourne realising gains. 
Joye wrote on Livewire that there is no evidence of a real boom yet.
"The recovery thus far has been gradual," he said.
 Coolabah has since March 2020 forecast strong dwelling price appreciation following a modest six-month correction, with total capital gains of at least 10% to 20% expected over the next few years. 
Joye added the locked-down Melbourne market, which unsurprisingly fared worst during this episode, appeared to trough in late October and started generating clear price increases at the end of that month. 
"In the November month-to-date, Melbourne has outpaced Sydney in terms of its capital gains.
"This also reconciles with increasingly robust auction market results," he said.
Joye sees a "sustainable housing boom will emerge over time."
"The boom should really grip once property investors flood back into the market in 2021 to capitalise on the advent of "positive gearing" (i.e., where gross rental yields are above the cost of servicing mortgage debt).
"Since bank credit standards are arguably the toughest they have ever been, we are not concerned about bubbles or financial stability risks at this juncture."
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Melbourne outpaces Sydney in November property gains: Chris Joye

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Canberra was the standout performer for another week with over 80 percent of weekend auctions being successful.
Adelaide’s clearance rate took a hit as the city entered into lockdown during the week, reducing from an 80 percent final clearance rate last week to a 41 percent success rate this week with many auctions withdrawn.
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There were 1,791 homes scheduled for auction across the nation's combined capital cities this week and of the 1,442 results collected so far by CoreLogic, 73 percent have reported a successful result.
This week’s volumes were not only higher than last week’s 1,728 auctions held, but the highest number of auctions held since April.
 Preliminary figures indicate that the clearance rate weakened over the week, after last week’s higher preliminary figure of 75 percent, which later revised down to 70 percent at final figures. 
One year ago, a much higher 2,612 homes were auctioned, when a lower 68 percent cleared.
In Melbourne, volumes increased over the week with 632 properties scheduled to go under the hammer, of the results collected so far a preliminary clearance rate of 77 percent was recorded. 
This was higher than both last week and last year’s clearance rate, however volumes are only half of that seen last year. Last week, 604 Melbourne homes were auctioned recording a final auction clearance rate of 69 percent and last year a 70 percent clearance rate was achieved across 1,221 auctions.
It was the last weekend with Melbourne auctions to be held with only 10 bidders allowed to attend an auction or home inspection.
There has now been an easing of coronavirus-related rules, from midnight Sunday, to allow 20 people at a private inspection as long as social-distancing rules are met. 
Up to 50 people will also be able to attend an auction held outside under the new rules that were introduced.
Melbourne’s top reported weekend sale was $4 million in Malvern (top and below), having come with a $3.9 million to $4.2 million Marshall White price guide.
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The four bedroom contemporary home behind its 1890s facade at 46 McKinley Avenue last traded in 2003 prior to its 2008 Canny Homes rebuild at $1.17 million.
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There were 807 Sydney homes taken to auction over the week, preliminary figures show that 76 percent sold, lower than last week’s preliminary figure of 76 percent when volumes were a higher 840. 
Sydney’s final clearance rate came in at 71 percent last week, "so it’s likely this week’s will be similar," CoreLogic noted.
 One year ago, 940 Sydney homes were auctioned returning a final clearance rate of 76 percent.
Sydney prestige sales included a $16.6 million house in Vaucluse. Wendouree, a Vaucluse house listed through Sotheby's for the first time in eight decades, was the nation’s top sale.
There was also a $11.01 million sale through Sotheby's in Bellevue Hil, which was $1.5 million above the reserve.
The four-bedroom home on 830 sqm, at 29 Kambala Road, Bellevue Hill, attracted six registered bidders. 
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Melbourne continues residential auction rebound

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The McGrath Estate Agents auctioneer Scott Kennedy-Green has over the 16 seasons on The Block auctioned seven properties.
He started at the initial auction in 2003 at Bondi Beach. 
Kennedy-Green (pictured below far right) has now assisted the McGrath vendors receive the top price on four occasions and also seen them win the show three times.
His first time was with John and Neisha in 2010, who pocketed $305,000 as winners for a two bedroom ground floor apartment in Vaucluse.
It was followed by a series win with Hayden and Sara in 2018, who won $645,000 for an apartment in St Kilda.
On the weekend McGrath St Kilda scored a buoyant $4,256,00 for contestant’s Jimmy and Tam renovated property at 360A New Street, Brighton.
It was a staggering $966,000 over reserve and delivered the Brisbanites a series win and as well as a record $1,066,000 in prizemoney, making them the first Block millionaires.
The home was bought by cybersecurity consultant Emese Falk (pictured centre above with McGrath selling agents Josh Stirling left and Michael Townsend right).
Falk moved to Australia from New York a year ago and inspected the house for the first time the day prior to the auction.
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“We’re absolutely delighted to be involved again with The Block which has gone from strength to strength every year since its inception," John McGrath said. 
"And it’s been a pleasure to have represented Jimmy and Tam in winning this year’s auction being the second series’ win for our St Kilda team in just three years. 
"The overall standard of all houses was extraordinary, and we felt Jimmy and Tam produced one of the best renovations in the history of The Block, and were deserved winners.”
The McGrath selling agents were Josh Stirling and Michael Townsend.
The finale peaked at 2.435 million views, Nine have advised.
 
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McGrath auctioneer Scott Kennedy-Green sees another The Block auction triumph 

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Scott Cam reckoned the auctions would be nail biting, but it mostly about how deep were the pockets of Danny Wallis, the energetic bidderman who spent just under $12 million on three purchases at The Block Brighton 2020.

He blitzed the auctions which saw Jimmy and Tam win the day, and take home a total of $1,066,000, making them the first millionaires in the 16 series.

It was a virtual wipeout for the regular buyers agents, and a huge win for the contestants who took home $3,332,002 for their tortured labour.

Wallis bought Sarah and George’s house, Daniel and Jade’s and Harry and Tash, bidding on all five.

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Wallis was the 1992 founder and chief executive of the sharemarket-listed IT company DWS Group, which was sold in September to HCL Technologies for $162 million.

Wallis bought Mitch and Mark’s property last season for $3.374 million.

The bidding at the first auction for WA couple Luke and Jasmin opened at $3.21 million.

Buyers' agent Frank Valentic made the first bid on the 1910 house.

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It ended at $3,856,000, some $506,000 over the $3.35 million reserve for the house known as Summer Hill.

The contestant couple had hoped to pay off their $440,000 mortgage back home.

It sold to an owner occupier bidding by Zoom, outbidding Nicole Jacob's the buyers' agent client, and Danny Wallis, The Block perennial bidder.

The name on the Zoom screen suggested the bidder after 70 plus bids was periodontist Sarah Orme.

The second home that went up for auction was the renovation of Jimmy and Tam.

They had the lowest $3.29 million reserve that went to auction, but the first rush of bids saw it exceeded.

McGrath auctioneer Scott Kennedy-Green heard $3.2 million, but the same time offer from Danny Wallis was $4.2 million.

The bidding soared to $4,256,000, some $966,000 over reserve to an owner occupier who outbid Wallis.

She was cybersecurity consultant Emese Falk, who moved to Australia from New York a year ago, and inspected the house for the first time the day prior to the auction.

Their 1950s house was packed with $120,000 of Gaggenau in its kitchen with Jimmy and Tam having a slightly smaller corner house, hence the lowest reserve.

The NSW couple Sarah and George had the third auction with their 1940s renovation. Bidding opened at $3,310,000, just below its $3,350,000 reserve.

Danny offered $4,000,001 in the second bid of the auction, then after all other bidders handed in their bidding paddles, increased his offer to $4,000,002.

They made $650,000 in prize money.

The fourth auction was SA couple Daniel and Jade's 1930s art deco home.

The bidding opened at $3.3 million. At $3.5 million there was a $300,000 bid from Danny Wallis.

It was knocked down at $3.8 million to Danny Wallis.

The SA couple got $460,000 more than its $3.34 million reserve. 

All estate agents on the five homes quoted $3.2 million to $3.5 million to prospective buyers.

The most viewed house was the renovation of Harry and Tash on the Domain website which was the last home to go to auction.

The bidding on the 1920s home began at $3.3 million and just a few bids later was at $4 million in a bid by Danny Wallis.

The father daughter duo had a $3.35 million reserve.

The finale peaked at 2.435 million views, Nine have advised.

I<a href="/news/danny-wallis-the-energetic-1-01-bidderman-of-the-the-block-2012-has-odd-past-auction-bidding-form-title-tattle">t was 2012</a> when they first saw the rather bizarre auction bidding by entrepreneur Danny Wallis which triggered an extraordinary Twitter backlash after the finale went to air.

Comedian Dave Hughes tweeted in 2012: "Shouldn't have to look hard to find this week's Tool of the Week? ENERGY WATCH #theblock".

<a href="/news/comedian-dave-hughes-inspects-block-2020-brighton-houses-on-auction-eve">Hughes looked</a> at the 2020 homes.

Wallis was then accompanied by his Energy Watch T-shirt-wearing brigade having recently bought the company from the administrators, in an ambush marketing stunt.

Old-timers recalled the ambush marketing euphoria that fuelled the auction crescendo of the first Bondi series in 2003, with over-the-top bidding by mobile phone retailer Crazy John’s among those seeking to piggy-back the successful debut of the television series.

Crazy John's Roscoe Street bidding was done by a 2.1-metre-tall Crazy John’s mascot that lent an air of a circus to pavement proceedings.

Wallis bought one Dorcas Street terrace when buying Mike and Andrew's house in the last auction for $1,400,001.01.

He resold the four-bedroom property in 2016 for $1.73 million.

It’s actually not a new practice for Wallis to bid in odd auction figures.

In 2001 at Albert Park he secured his investment for $444,300.

And his own Albert Park house cost $626,400 in 1999.

Wallis, who bought the property for his private investment, has indicated to the pedestrian.tv he is planning to set up the house to be available to parents of sick children staying in Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital.

 

 
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Danny Wallis, the perennial Block bidder, pumps energy into 2020 Brighton auctions

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Domain senior research analyst Nicola Powell says House 5 at the Blighton Block 2020 auction could have what it takes to win – given it has the largest depreciation schedule of all the houses.
“I think House 5, while it may polarise buyers because of its strong design influence from the ’50s, I think it could be the dark horse because it’s got the biggest tax depreciation schedule for any astute investor,” Dr Powell told Domain.
It was the decorating prize wins that Jimmy and Tam racked which saw them have the most money to spend on items including furniture and appliances.
Their big win was the high-end Gaggenau kitchen.
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Powell says their decor which maybe a bit polarising – the fuzzy peach wall and the stark front garden – could easily be changed by buyers with different tastes.
BMT Tax Depreciation work with The Block each year to estimate depreciation deductions for the properties. 
"Like the ones that came before, this season of The Block produced millions in deductions," Bradley Beer advised.
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"BMT found more than a whopping $14 million dollars in estimated depreciation deductions from this year’s Block properties. 
"The average total depreciation claim for each property is estimated to be almost $2.9 million."
Serial challenge winners, Jimmy and Tam, renovated the 1950’s property at 360A New Street, with BMT having estimated that the maximum total depreciation deductions available from this property would be over $3.2 million.
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"In the first year alone, it is estimated that an investor could claim a maximum deduction of more than $146,000."
Fan favourites, George and Sarah, came in close second with their property fetching an estimated maximum total depreciation deduction of $3.19 million.  
The major selling point for investors is that they can take advantage of the millions of dollars in depreciation deductions for forty years.
PREVIOUS BLOCK WINNERS 2003 - BONDI – Adam &amp; Fiona, $256,000 2004 - MANLY – Jamie &amp; Andrew, $178,000 2010 - VAUCLUSE – John &amp; Neisha, $305,000 2011 - RICHMOND – Polly &amp; Waz, $115,000 2012 - SOUTH MELBOURNE – Brad &amp; Lara, $606,000 2013 - ALL STARS (BONDI) – Phil &amp; Amity, $395,000 2013 - SKY HIGH (SOUTH MELBOURNE) – Alisa &amp; Lysandra, $395,000 2014 - FANS v FAVES (ALBERT PARK) – Steve &amp; Chantelle, $736,000 2014 - GLASSHOUSE (PRAHRAN) – Shannon &amp; Simon, $435,000 2015 - TRIPLE THREAT (SOUTH YARRA) – Darren &amp; Deanne, $935,000 2015 - THE BLOCKTAGON (SOUTH YARRA) – Dean &amp; Shay, $755,000 2016 - THE BLOCK 2016 (PORT MELBOURNE) – Will &amp; Karlie, $815,000 2017 - THE BLOCK 2017 (ELSTERNWICK) – Josh &amp; Elyse, $547,000 2018 - THE BLOCK GATWICK (ST KILDA) – Hayden &amp; Sara, $645,000 2019 - THE BLOCK OSLO (ST KILDA) – Tess &amp; Luke, $730,000
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Jimmy and Tam's Brighton Block house comes with largest depreciation schedule windfall for investors

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

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

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

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

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

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

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

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

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

Jonathan Chancellor

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