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I am always fascinated by people who say now is not the right time to buy property, because a comment like this fails to recognise property is primarily used as shelter. It is a necessity, and as our lives evolve over time the location, size and style of accommodation needs to evolve with us.
Telling a young couple who are living in a one-bedroom apartment with a baby on the way that now is not the right time to make your move is simply not helpful.
What is helpful to these people is to understand how they can strategically make their moves in and out of the property market. They must ensure they secure a roof over their head that provides the accommodation they require but also maximises the investment potential for their future.
There are always opportunities in any market regardless of where we are in the cycle. This spring is no different, as it will present numerous opportunities for buyers who are able to find ways to use it to their advantage.
Although some home buyers need to relocate for work or other reasons, in the main there are two types of home buyers in the market: those who need to upsize and those who need to downsize.
Let’s tackle the upgraders first. Say you own a property currently worth $500,000 and need to spend $800,000 on a new home. Over the last couple of years the market has come off by around 10%, meaning you could have sold for $550,000. However, the $800,000 was also worth 10% more and has come off by $80,000 since the market peaked. By selling and upgrading now you will be up $30,000.
 
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For the home owners who are comfortable for the time being but know they need to move soon, buying the new home now and renting it out for a couple of years is worth considering. Although this will put cashflow under pressure, they will get the benefits of negative gearing and be in a position to sell the old home in a stronger market.
For those moving in the other direction it is a different story. They incur a loss from selling the more valuable property compared with the cheaper one. Downsizers need to be thinking about pouring as much money into a tax sheltered environment such as super to help fund their retirement. Their home is the ace up their sleeve because every extra dollar they sell for is completely tax-free.
Downsizers really have two options, one more aggressive than the other. In a weak market it does not make sense to sell and buy a cheaper property, so it is better to hold your ground for as long as you can.
However, people who have lived in their home for many years usually have little debt and a significant amount of equity at their disposal. For those who have the stomach for it the current market is a great time to buy the retirement property, rent it out for a couple of years and then sell their home when the market picks up. This strategy will allow them to negatively gear the property in the short term and maximise the value of their greatest tax-free asset at a future date.
Mark Armstrong is a director of <a href="https://www.ipropertyplan.com.au/">iProperty Plan</a>, which provides independent analysis and tailored advice to investors and home buyers.
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marmstrong-sd3emVLPPb

Now is always the right time to buy for some home buyers: Mark Armstrong

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A solid 62% clearance rate for both Melbourne and Sydney means so far so good for the spring selling season.
There’s a website, <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess what they think properties will sell for at their weekend auctions in Melbourne and Sydney.
This season <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF" target="_blank">Property Observer readers have their own competition, which you can access here</a><a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF">.</a> The winner of the overall competition will win $1,000.
When Jellis Craig auctioneer Richard Earl commenced proceedings at 31 Molesworth Street, Kew (pictured below), he was greeted by a small crowd of uncommitted buyers. Although there was a buyer lurking in the crowd, no one was not prepared to place a bid and after three vendor bids the property was passed in at $1.64 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/molesworth.jpg">
As is often the case when a property is passed in a buyer declared their interest after the auction. The property was eventually sold just above the agents’ quoted range for $1,705,000.
This result launched Property Observer’s Title Tattle into first place with almost $7 million in property Last season’s winner MC and Cinnamon round out the top three in Melbourne.
Three registered bidders entered the fray for 28 Holland Street, Chatswood (pictured below), but all failed to match the vendors’ expectations. When the bidding stalled a vendor bid of $1.45 million was placed, and this is where the auction came to a close.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/hollandst.jpg">
A reserve of $1,475,000 has been set, and agent Peter Chauncy from McGrath Real Estate is confident a sale will be achieved in the coming days.
In Sydney the leading Tycoon Shannon has secured a portfolio worth more than $5 million. Curiost and Joey K are not far behind.
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Melbourne auction tipping competition property sells after auction but Sydney home still on the market

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We are starting to see small signs that property market is on the turn. This week the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment reported home buying sentiment surged 9.6% in October to its highest level in three years.
There’s a website, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess what they think properties will sell for at their weekend auctions in Melbourne and Sydney. This season <a style="font-size: 14px;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF">Property Observer readers have their own competition, which you can access here</a><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF">.</a> The winner of the overall competition will win $1,000.
The question for Tycoons is how will the turnaround in the property market impact on auction results this weekend?
The location of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-kew-111552355">31 Molesworth Street, Kew</a> (pictured below) must be an enticing feature for home buyers and given that more than 2,700 have viewed the property online, many people agree.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/molesworth.jpg">
The 1930s home sits on 836 square metres of land in one of Kew’s premier tree-lined streets. According to Greg Toogood from Jellis Craig the three-bedroom home has attracted strong interest in the $1.6 million to $1.7 million price range.
In Sydney more than 100 groups have inspected <a target="_blank" href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/NSW/Chatswood/?adid=2010010511">28 Holland Street, Chatswood</a> (pictured below), and agent Peter Chauncy from McGrath real estate anticipates a few of these will put up their hands on Saturday.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/10/hollandst.jpg">
The four-bedroom family home is in comfortable condition now, but the 619-square-metre block of land will allow the new owner to makes some changes down the track.
If you are tipping on this one you will need to tip in excess of $1.5 million to add it to your portfolio.
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Property market could be on the turn as Kew and Chatswood properties go to auction in tipping competition

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It was a cracking start to Property Tycoon this week, with all five properties selling in Melbourne. Some 13 tycoons, including the Property Observer's very own Title Tattle, snared five from five, but the Tycoon of the week and movie tickets go to Dids, with an accuracy of 97.78%.
There’s a website, <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess what they think properties will sell for at their weekend auctions in Melbourne and Sydney.
This season <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF" target="_blank">Property Observer readers have their own competition, which you can access here</a><a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF">.</a> The winner of the overall competition will win $1,000.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/queenspde.jpg">
At 124 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North (pictured above), the scene was set for a competitive auction after the vendor rejected a pre-auction offer of $1.075 million and agent Rick Daniel was forced to lift the price quote. It proved to be the right move when three bidders contested the auction and the property sold under the hammer for $1,152,000.
The market was not so strong in Sydney with only two out of five properties selling, two passed in and one sold prior. The best-preforming tycoon was Shannon, who secured $2.145 million worth of property.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/hereford.jpg">
The auction at 152 Hereford Street, Forest Lodge (pictured above), failed to find a spark, and only one buyer declared an intention to buy the property. Although no sale was achieved on Saturday, agent Mark Tooth from Belle property is confident the property will be sold in the $1.2 million to $1.3 million range early this week.
The stand out result was for the sale of 3/74 Upper Pitt Street, Kirribilli, where four bidders registered pushed the price of the one-bedroom apartment to $686,000. According to RP Data this is the highest price sale of a one-bedder for more than 12 months.
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Auction tipping competition gets cracking start, with all five Melbourne properties sold

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With football season over, Australians can now tip on their second-favourite sport: property auctions.
There’s a website, <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au" target="_blank">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess what they think properties will sell for at their weekend auctions in Melbourne and Sydney.
This season <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF" target="_blank">Property Observer readers have their own competition, which you can access here</a><a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/join-league/S7S123C487R8OOQF">.</a> The winner of the overall competition will win $1,000.
Property Tycoon’s spring season kicks off this Saturday when some cracking properties go under the hammer. Get on board now and put your tips in for round one to put yourself in the running for the $1,000 prize.
The big talk throughout this spring season will be how this week’s interest rate drop – and the more than likely future cuts – will impact on the market. There is no doubt buyers have been holding back in 2012, but these rate cuts could be just the thing that will spark them into action.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/queenspde.jpg">
In Melbourne Rick Daniel from Nelson Alexander Real Estate has had a very good turnout for inspections for the two-bedroom, two-bathroom warehouse conversion at 124 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North (pictured above). He says a couple of parties have shown some very strong interest in the property and expects the top end of the $1 million to $1.1 million range to be cleared on Saturday.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/hereford.jpg">
While in Sydney 730 buyers have viewed 152 Hereford Street, Forest Lodge (pictured above), on the web, and of those 80 have thought the property was worthwhile to inspect.  Mark Tooth from Belle Property says he has been very happy with the interest shown in the property. Five contracts have been handed out to prospective buyers, and Tooth believes the $1.2 million to $1.3 million price quote is an accurate indication of where the property will sell on Saturday.
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Melbourne and Sydney residential auction tipping competition kicks off

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I love this image, as it tells us so much about the world and how the wealth has been dispersed. The lights illustrate the dominance of the Unites States and Europe, in addition to the emergence of India and China as future superpowers.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/09/space.jpg">
Source: Google Earth
When we look at Australia the image can also tell us a lot about the local property market and gives us an insight into why it has been reasonably solid compared with some other countries.
Australia is an enormous country with access to significant mineral wealth. However, most of the country is not a palatable place to call home. As a result many Australians decide to live in major cities close to the coast with very few venturing into the middle of the country. 
In Australia over 70% of our population live in our 10 biggest cities. This means we have a very centralised market, with the majority of people competing for scarce land close to major cities where they are more likely to find stable employment. 
Because most of the population wants to live in these defined areas it creates a something of housing shortage. But Australia does not have a housing shortage – it only has a shortage of housing in areas where the majority of people want to live. 
This competition for a finite commodity puts pressure on the value of land and results in a more robust property market.  While the overall market has come back a bit from the highs of 2010 some areas are performing better than others. The property markets that are feeling the effects of a softening market most are the outlying suburbs, where supply of land is not an issue and job stability is less reliable. 
By contrast, the image shows that so much of the United States has been populated. In the US only 13% of Americans live in the 10 largest cities. It obviously has a much larger population than Australia, so people have to spread out across the country. But if we take it a step further we find that only 25% of Americans live in the 50 most populated cities. The American market has a more decentralised population and as a result the pressure on the value of land is less. 
The US has traditionally had very well-established small town communities with schools, transport and entertainment. These small towns often do not have a shortage of land, and while this does create more affordable housing it also increases the risk of price volatility. 
Many of these small towns have been smashed by falling property prices and unemployment. With the vast majority of the population living in these areas, it has had a catastrophic effect of the overall US property market. As a result it will take the US market significantly longer to drag itself out of the doldrums. 
While the property market in Australia has been through a natural softening phase and is not out of the woods yet, the demographic make-up of our population will result in less dramatic falls. As a result some assets will hold their ground and weather the storm and be well-positioned for future growth while others will languish for a few years to come.
Mark Armstrong is a director of <a href="https://www.ipropertyplan.com.au/">iProperty Plan</a>, which provides independent analysis and tailored advice to investors and home buyers.
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Bird's eye view shows Australia's coastal property markets well-positioned for growth: Mark Armstrong

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Recently, a mid-20th century home <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/?pagecall=property&amp;propertyID=2070561">at 64 Rosedale Road, Glen Iris</a>, was quoted at $1 million to $1.1 million. It sold for $1,226,000. 
Soon afterwards in Sydney, a period-style property at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/10-koorinda-avenue-kensington/Property-Details-rent-residential-4372933">10 Korrinda, Avenue Kensington</a>, was quoted at around $1.4 million. It sold for $1.63 million. 
Both properties needed renovating to bring them up to their best – yet both auctions generated fierce competition from multiple buyers. 
Significantly, neither home has a previous sales record. Each one was tightly held for decades before changing hands and achieving a strong result for the vendor. 
What’s going on? Why did these properties bring such good results for vendors in a market that has otherwise been caught in a holding pattern throughout 2012? 
Bucking the trend 
This year, I’ve been fascinated to observe a consistent trend in the characteristics of properties achieving good sale prices in Melbourne and Sydney alike. These are mid-priced properties in the $1 million to $2 million price bracket, bordering the inner and middle-ring suburbs such as Blackburn, Box Hill and Glen Iris in Melbourne; and Kensington, Haberfield and Artarmon in Sydney. 
In each case, these properties need some cosmetic work, but are otherwise solid and liveable. They may not be oil paintings, but they are being fiercely contested at auction, with multiple genuine bidders and dozens of interested onlookers. 
In Melbourne and Sydney alike, this sector of the market is consistently bucking the trend in 2012. 
These properties highlight one of the great unsung truths about the property market. Even when the overall picture is one of subdued activity and restrained price growth, some property styles and locations will always outperform the rest. 
Why is this the case? 
Low debt = few forced sales 
The first factor lies on the supply side. Vendors of these homes moved in 30 or 40 years ago to raise their young families. With plenty of time to pay down their mortgage, they have little or no debt on their home. 
Because debt is not an issue, they can sell when the time is right for them, not when they’re under financial pressure. This keeps supply levels relatively low and makes these markets harder to get into. 
Fulfilling the home buyer ‘wish list’ 
Secondly, demand for these properties is being fuelled almost entirely by 30- and 40-something home buyers. This sector falls into what is now the mid-range of the market in Melbourne and Sydney: too expensive for first-home buyers, and away from investor-dominated markets like entry-level properties in the inner suburbs where most tenants want to live. 
These properties have most or all of the characteristics that home buyers (particularly those with young families) look for when they’re upsizing from their first home: a good-sized block of land; proximity to well-established schools and public transport routes; nearby parklands, sporting and healthcare facilities, shopping centres and so on. 
Effectively, these buyers are looking to step in and take over where the vendors are leaving off. They’re perpetuating the popularity of these areas for a new generation. 
In short, these star-performing properties and locations are characterised by long-term scarcity of supply and consistent levels of demand. That’s always a recipe for solid capital growth. 
The rise of the ‘home investor’ 
What’s more, home buyers seeking to enter this sector of the market understand that their family home should serve as an investment. Yes, they want a secure roof over their heads. Yes, they want a property and location that satisfies their lifestyle criteria. 
But they also know that in 20 or 30 years – when the time comes to move on and hand over the mantle to a new generation of home buyers – they will want that home to achieve a similarly strong level of capital growth as it did for the person who sold it to them. They know that when they do eventually move on, the equity from that home must serve as a springboard for moving on to a different phase of their life. 
In other words, the psychology of home buyers in these areas is changing. Thanks to the information age, and the volume of information available about the property market, these home buyers are becoming more educated about the true dynamics of the market and are using this information to their advantage. They are becoming what I call “home investors”. 
The combination of limited supply and strong demand means that buying into these areas is no easy task. From what I’ve observed, those who succeed come to the table with a fair amount of equity from the sale of their first homes (probably one- or two-bedroom apartment or single-fronted terrace in a sought-after inner suburban area). 
These people will always make good money when they sell, because they have always viewed their home as an investment. 
Pragmatism over idealism wins the day 
Interestingly, home investors don’t necessarily need to “fall in love” with a property to see its potential. They don’t mind if the kitchen isn’t renovated. They can do without a four-car garage and a media room. They just want a property that fulfils their lifestyle and investment basics: good-sized block, established location, good amenities. 
These pragmatists are the driving force what I believe has been the strongest sector of the property market in 2012. There is very little softness in this sector. It's the market sector that is bucking the trend – and will continue to do so as a new generation of home investors takes up the mantle.  
Mark Armstrong is a director of <a href="https://www.ipropertyplan.com.au/">iProperty Plan</a>, which provides independent analysis and tailored advice to investors and home buyers.
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A new breed of upgrading ‘home investors’ injects buoyancy into the subdued suburban property market

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In the final round of <a href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Tycoon</a> winter season there were strong auctions in both Melbourne and Sydney.
At 4 Queen Street, Kew (pictured below), a crowd of buyers, neighbours and gawkers totalling more than 100 looked on as six bidders vied for the right to call the property home.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/kew.jpg">
No half-time break was required for auctioneer Steven Abbot from Jellis Craig as competitive bidding resulted in the magical words “we are on the market” being whispered in his ear as the auction was in full flight. When the dust settled the new owner had a $2.865 million contract to honour.
After being quoted at $2.4 million plus, this was a huge result as the Kew home buyer market flexed its muscle and shrugged off any negative market sentiment. For the record, fewer than 2% of tippers won this tip.
MC has taken out the title of Property Tycoon and the $1,000 price in Melbourne with a portfolio value of $28,645,499. Monkeygirl39 was in second place just $150,000 behind.
It was another big turn-out for the auction of 9 Weedon Avenue, Artarmon (pictured below), as a crowd of more than 60 greeted the auctioneer. More importantly was that five of these people had registered their intention to bid.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/artamon.jpg">
After quoting the property at $1.4 million plus, the vendor was determined to sell the property on the day and the reserve was set at $1.4 million.
With the property firmly on the open market it was left to three of the five registered bidders to determine its value, and when the bidding stopped that price was $1,575,000.
The result at Weedon Avenue sent shock waves through the Property Tycoon leader board. It pushed the round 11 leader MC5777 down to fourth and propelled MelissaM, with a portfolio value of $23,433,989, into the lead and the title of Property Tycoon.
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Strong results for Melbourne and Sydney auction tipping competition properties in last round of winter competition

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This Saturday marks the 12th and final round of Property Tycoon winter season, and the competition at the top of the leader board is still wide open. With more than $7 million up for grabs in both Melbourne and Sydney the top 10 Tycoons in both cities are still in the hunt to take out the title and the $1,000 prize.
For those who want to have a harmless punt, there's now a tipping website, <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank" style="font-size: 14px;">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
When looking for real estate that will make you money potential is an important ingredient. The property at 9 Weedon Road, Artarmon, one of five Sydney properties going to auction this weekend in round 12 of the competition, is not everything it could be just yet. However, the option to renovate it into a great family home 10K kilometres from the CBD on almost 700 square metres of land is the potential you should be looking for.
The three-bedroom, single-bathroom solid brick home has been cosmetically renovated and would make a comfortable home initially.  It is located a short walk from shops, parks, public transport and is the Artarmon public school catchment area.
Agent John McManus says there has been strong interest during the marketing campaign, with most buyers talking in excess of $1.4 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/artamon.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" target="_blank">Property Tycoon</a>.
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Sydney auction tipping: Plenty of potential in Artamon

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This Saturday marks the 12th and final round of Property Tycoon winter season, and the competition at the top of the leader board is still wide open. With more than $7 million up for grabs in both Melbourne and Sydney the top 10 Tycoons in both cities are still in the hunt to take out the title and the $1,000 prize.
For those who want to have a harmless punt, there's now a tipping website, <a style="font-size: 14px;" target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" rel="nofollow">www.propertytycoon.com.au</a>, where punters can guess auction five results in Melbourne and Sydney, with no outlay. It's mostly about testing your market knowledge with a small cash prize as a sweetener.
Since it was purchased in 2007 for $1.49 million the owners have gone to town on 4 Queen Street, Kew, and renovated it to the highest quality. There is a clear line of demarcation between the old and the new with this timber Edwardian. The front retains its amazing façade complete with return veranda before transforming into an ultra-modern haven at the rear.
Absolutely nothing needs to be done to this four-bedroom home other than live and enjoy it. Agent Greg Toogood from Jellis Craig has indicated buyer interest above $2.4 million.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/kew.jpg">
If you think you know what it will sell for place a tip at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertytycoon.com.au/" rel="nofollow">Property Tycoon</a>.
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Melbourne auction tipping: Kew home renovated to the highest quality

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Mark Armstrong

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