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There are 1,593 auctions scheduled across the nation’s capital cities this week, with Melbourne continuing to dominate with 768 scheduled auctions, according to RP Data.
Sydney has 500 auctions scheduled for the week ending May 5.
There were a revised 1,614 auctions held last week across the nation’s capital cities, an increase from a revised 1,433 the previous week.
The clearance rate is continuing to improve with 66.8% recorded for last week, an increase from the previous week of 63%.
At the same time last year, there were 1,235 auctions recorded.
Melbourne had a big week with a revised 820 auctions and an increased clearance rate of 70.6%.
The previous week Melbourne had slightly less auctions at a revised 743 and a clearance rate of 66.5%.
At the same time last year the clearance rate was much lower at 55.9% and 573 auctions recorded.
Sydney’s clearance rate also improved from 71.1% the previous week to 73.2% last week.
The clearance rate has vastly improved from the same time last year where it was 49.9%.
There were 503 auctions recorded in Sydney last week, up from the previous week of 440.
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Melbourne continues to dominate auction front with 768 forthcoming auctions: RP Data 

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The Old Court House that was once home to Sir Christopher Wren – England’s most famous architect – has been listed for sale for the first time with a price guide of £4.25 million.
Wren is known for designing St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Naval College, as well as the south side of Hampton Court Palace.
Queen Anne granted a 50-year lease for The Old Court House to Wren in 1708 in lieu of arrears of salary for building St Paul’s Cathedral.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/wrenapril30one.jpg" width="470" height="287" alt="wrenapril30one">
Wren was appointed by King Charles II as the Royal Surveyor in 1669 and held his position for 49 years until 1718.
Dating back to 1536, the property received an extensive makeover by Wren who complained of 'great decay'.
Located in Hampton Court, Wren used the dining room as a study and included the same marble fire place he installed in King William III’s dining room in Hampton Court Palace.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/wrenapril30two.jpg" width="470" height="289" alt="wrenapril30two">
The drawing room is situated to the rear of the house with five tall sash windows and the original shutters, boasting views of the garden and to the river.
A pantry leads off this room and features intricate detailing of a Grecian key pattern on the dado rail and door castings.
The master bedroom features views towards the Hampton Court Green and to Hampton Court Palace.
 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
The property comprises of six bedrooms and three bathrooms – one which contains two oddly placed baths side by side, surrounded by green marble.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/wrenapril30three.jpg" width="470" height="290" alt="wrenapril30three">
The large outside garden extends down to the river and features an assortment of fruit trees including fig, walnut, apple, crab apple, cherries, raspberries and herbs, and a garden room, which was once Wren’s tool house.
In Wren’s day, important visitors would arrive by river and walk across the back garden and up the stone steps to the back door.
The property boasts the only English Heritage blue plaque to Wren, which is on display at the front of the property.
Wren passed away in 1723.
In 1749, Wren’s grandson, Stephen Wren, sold the remainder of the lease.
Following occupants included Admiral Sir Alexander Montgomery, the Dowager Lady Clinton and General Sir Henry Wheatley. 
Norman Lamplugh lived at the house from 1908 to 1938.
The 2nd Earl of Ypres and son of First World War field marshal Sir John French followed suit.
A new lease began in 1958 and the remaining lease of 89 years was bought by Toby Jessel.
Toby Jessel was the MP for Twickenham from 1907 to 1997 and is the current resident of The Old Court House.
In 1984, the Crown Estates sold the freeholds to lease holders of home around Hampton Court.
It is the first time The Old Court House has been a freehold and is being sold as such.
“This is an exquisite and historic home,” says listing agent Patrick Glynn-Jones of Savills Richmond UK.
“Houses of this ilk are few and far between – I can see someone getting emotionally engaged by it, with all its fabulous historical features.
"If there was a plaque that one would be impressed by it would for be for arguably the finest British architect that ever lived.
“No one looking to buy will specifically seek out the blue plaque, but it’s a little extra bauble that helps the salability,” says Glynn-Jones.
 
 
 
 
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Sir Christopher Wren's former home in Surrey seeks £4.25 million

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Australian Property Monitors has published its latest information on the average amount of discounting undertaken by vendors around the country.
Gold Coast’s average discount rate for property has increased over April to 13.3% from 10.1% in March.
It is the highest discount rate since June 2012 where it was also 13.3%.
Sydney increased slightly to an average discount of 5.4% in April from 4.9% in March.
Melbourne and Perth both increased by 0.3% however Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra recorded a lower discount rate in April.
Canberra had the lowest discount rate at 3.9%.
<img height="644" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/vendordiscountingapmapril29onethumb.gif" alt="vendordiscountingapmapril29onethumb">
Source: Australian Property Monitors
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Canberra has the nation's lowest vendor discount rate at just 3.9%: APM

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The Gold Coast has dropped from its recent high of 239 average days on the market in March to 225 days in April, in the latest Australian Property Monitors table of time on market.
Property Observer has found some recent sales that experienced a lengthy time on the market and a typically big drop on their original asking prices.
A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit on West Burleigh Road Burleigh Heads sat on the market for 226 days before selling on March 25.
The unit sold for $314,000 although it had a listing price of $319,000.
The property (picture below) sold in March last year for $379,000 after only sitting on the market for 60 days.
<img alt="goldcoastapril30one" src="/images/stories/2013/04/goldcoastapril30one.jpg" width="470" height="297">
A unit on Gold Coast Highway in Burleigh Heads sold on March 13 for $320,000 after 162 days on the market.
The two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit (picutred below) was originally listed for $335,000 in September last year, after being purchased in May 2010 for $341,000.
Prd Nationwide Burleigh Heads closed both these sales.
<img alt="goldcoastapril30two" src="/images/stories/2013/04/goldcoastapril30two.jpg" width="470" height="297">
A three-bedroom, two-bathroom property (pictured below) on Vatakoula Parade in Mermaid Waters sold at auction on April 21 for $626,000 after 238 days on the market.
Mycheal Carter of Professionals Broadbeach Mike Carter Real Estate closed the sale.
It was originally listed for normal sale in August last year with an asking price of $750,000.
The price was revaluated in February to $695,000 however sold at auction for much lower than this.
<img alt="goldcoastapril30three" src="/images/stories/2013/04/goldcoastapril30three.jpg" width="470" height="298">
Canberra currently has the shortest average time on market at 70 days.
<img alt="daysonmarketapmapril29onethumb" src="/images/stories/2013/04/daysonmarketapmapril29onethumb.gif" width="470" height="642">
Source: Australian Property Monitors
Gold Coast’s average discount rate for property has increased over April to 13.3% from 10.1% in March.
It is the highest discount rate since June 2012 where it was also 13.3%.
Sydney increased slightly to an average discount of 5.4% in April from 4.9% in March.
Melbourne and Perth both increased by 0.3% however Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra recorded a lower discount rate in April.
Canberra had the lowest discount rate at 3.9%.
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Gold Coast time on market drops slightly to 225 days: APM

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Architect Andrew Piotrowski and his interior designer wife Marika Brand have put their five-bedroom Beaumaris home on the market with price expectations of above $4 million.
Located on Tramway Parade, the 900-square-metre property boasts 180 degree bay views through four-metre high atrium windows and features rooftop terraces.
The property features a self-contained apartment, home theatre and games room, an indoor pool, a wine cellar and a lift.
The self-contained apartment includes a bedroom and ensuites with a bluestone-surrounded wood fire and its own garden and entrance.
Real estate agent Marshall White says the bayside home is one of the most expensive properties to be offered in the suburb.
The property at 1 Point Avenue holds the crown for the suburb's most expensive, having sold in 2009 for $4,010,000.
It features four bedrooms and four bathrooms and is situated on a 746-square-metre block.
<a href="https://7tramwayparadebeaumaris.com/gallery" target="_blank">The current Tramway Parade home is listed</a> by Rae Tomlinson and Rob Strickland of Marshall white with EOI closing May 7.
The high-end Beaumaris auction scene has been quiet in recent years but back in 2009 there was also 20-22 Balcombe Park Lane that sold for $1,880,000 and 74 Tramway Parade at $1.72 million in 2008.
In 2006 a large modern house at 9 Point Avenue with a reserve of $2.275 million, was passed in at $2.1 million.
In 2005 the cliff-top home at 1 Point Avenue was passed in on a vendor bid of $2.7 million, with a reserve of $2.99 million.
The median house price in Beaumaris according to RP Data is $970,000.
Beaumaris currently has a clearance rate of 50% for 2013, with only 13 properties selling out of a total of 26 auctions, according to <a href="https://www.reiv.com.au/Property-Research/Auction-Map/Clearance-rates" target="_blank">Real Estate Insitute of Victoria.</a>
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Beaumaris home one of most expensive offered in the suburb at $4 million

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As potential homebuyers are swamped for choice, property developers and builders are looking for new ways to encourage buyers through a range of incentives.
Incentives include furniture packages, rental guarantee, stamp duty savings, a marina berth and even a free boat ride.
The newest offering commenced on April 1 and includes a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.studioninerichmond.com.au/StudioNine_HermonandHermon_Terms_Conditions.pdf">complimentary $40,000 Hermon &amp; Hermon furniture package with the purchase of a Studio Nine penthouse apartment</a> in Melbourne’s Richmond.
Buyers will receive a gift voucher, which will then be redeemable at Hermon &amp; Hermon store that entitles them to $40,000 worth of Hermon &amp; Hermon furniture and a free personalised styling consultation. The offer expires May 31 and the voucher must be redeemed within 12 months of settlement.
Here’s a look at other incentives currently being offered:
Bonus Marina Berth at Mirvac’s Yarra Point
 
For contracts signed between April 1 to April 30, Mirvac is offering buyers in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.yarrapoint.com/mirvac">Yarra Point development in City River Park Docklands a bonus Marina Berth</a> if the purchased apartment is over $1 million. There are only 12 berths available at Marina YE and are on a leasehold expiring December 1 2030. Million dollar residences include three bedrooms, two bathrooms and three car spaces.
5% rental guarantee
 
The 5% rental guarantee is not a new offer on the table but still remains popular with property developers. CBRE is offering buyers of its You and I development in Collingwood a 5% rental guarantee or up to $14,000 first home owner grant boost. You and I offers one-bedroom apartments starting from $359,000 and two-bedroom apartments starting from $512,000.
CBRE is also offering a 5% rental guarantee in April on its Lucia development in South Yarra. The incentive is only valid for contracts settled in April. Lucia offers two-bedroom apartments from $460,000 and a residents gym, swimming pool and a rooftop resident’s lounge.
Stamp duty savings
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbreresidentialprojects.com.au/NewProjects/Emporia/491.aspx?PRegion=57">CBRE is offering stamp duty savings of up to $45,000 in their Empora development in Prahran</a> if purchases are made before construction commences. Located on Commercial Road, one-bedroom apartments start from $370,000 and two-bedroom apartments start from $530,000. However buyers better get in quick, as demolition is now completed to pave the way for construction.
Meanwhile, Spec Property developers are offering to pay the stamp duty for apartments purchased off the plan in their Madison development in Doncaster. One-bedroom apartments start from $419,000, two-bedroom apartments start from $549,000 and three-bedroom apartments start from $745,000.
Hampton’s free boat ride 
 
It may not be a luxury furniture package of a marina moor but<a target="_blank" href="https://www.havenontheriver.com.au/cms-news/index.phps"> property developer Hampton offered a free boat ride</a> on the weekend for potential buyers to “experience the riverfront lifestyle for yourself”. The free boat rides were offered for three hours for those looking at purchasing in Abbotsford Haven neighbourhood. Haven offers a range of apartments and terrace homes priced from $950,000.
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Melbourne apartment buyer enticements include rental guarantees, marina berths and even a boat ride, as market ripe with new offerings

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Unrenovated properties are proving to be the star performers at recent Sydney auctions with buyers purchasing for location rather than investment, according to Cooley Auctions.
The trend comes as an <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-vaucluse-113349631" target="_blank">original fisherman’s cottage</a> on Davies Avenue in Vaucluse sold at auction for $1.21 million after a bidding dual between 15 bidders.
It was the first time the three-bedroom property was offered in 54 years and it sold for 34% - $310,000 – over its reserve price.
Martin Maskin of Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay listed the cottage.
A free standing <a href="https://www.hartestateagents.com.au/762959/" target="_blank">federation cottage</a> on Campbell Street in Waverley sold at auction for 28% over its reserve, securing a $1.41 million price tag.
The three-bedroom property includes period features of high patterned ceilings, timber floors and a period fireplace.
It was the first time the property was offered in 40 years and was listed through Alex Hart of Hart Estate Agents.
Meanwhile in Surry Hills, a <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/Property/For-Sale/House/NSW/Surry-Hills/?adid=2010321857&amp;topspot=1" target="_blank">circa 1865 terrace</a> sold at auction for $1,355,000.
The war between seven bidders saw the property tip 28% over its reserve of $295,000.
Charles Touma of Belle Property Surry Hills listed the property.
Damien Cooley of Cooley Auctions says these un-renovated properties are not being bought for investment purposes but more for their locality and the long term.
The trend is expected to continue for a <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-erskineville-113445419" target="_blank">three-bedroom home on John Street in Erskinville</a> as it goes under the hammer on April 27 with a price guide of $600,000.
The 180-square-metre property offers a 6.05-metre frontage and a large rear yard.
It last sold in 1989 for $165,000 and is currently listed by Braden Walters of True Property.
Walters has given out 62 contracts to date for the Saturday auction and had over 190 groups through in the four weeks its been on the market.
"The opportunity value is what makes it so attractive to buyers, the fact that people can just completely redo something withought having to keep anything," says Walters.
Walters says the Erskinville property has been empty for eight years and has tree roots pushing the floorboards up.
"The sale will absolutely smash the reserve," says Walters.
Walters says a minimum of $100,000 will need to be spent on doing a basic renovation.
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Unrenovated properties a popular trend in Sydney Autumn auctions

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Australia’s ACproperty.com.au will be presenting opportunities in the Australian property market at the upcoming annual Shanghai Overseas Property and Investment Immigration Show.
Now in its eighth year, the major annual expo held in China promotes overseas properties and investments and attracts 10,000 visitors.
The expo will be held between April 29 and May 2 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center in the Jing’an District.
ACproperty.com.au’s primary role at the expo will be to pass on information about the Australian property market such as buying processes.
Property Observer’s ebook <a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment" target="_blank">Au</a><a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/ebooks/free-ebook-australias-allure-for-asian-residential-property-investment" target="_blank">stralia’s allure for Asian residential property investment</a> will be distributed during the show.
ACproperty.com.au will also focus on maintaining confidence in the Australia property market, having made a commitment to the visitors that all the properties listed on their portal are Australia registered agents and developers.
“Although buying overseas property is a huge trend and very common now in China, Chinese investors are still very careful when it comes to actually buying it,” says director of ACproperty.com.au, Esther Yong.
“Chinese investors are still very careful when it comes to actually buying it.
“Our customer service line receives calls so often from these investors checking the credentials of our agents and developer.”
Yong says most Chinese investors prefer to buy products that are of low to moderate risk.
“The key reason for them to invest in overseas properties is to diversify risks rather than expecting a higher investment return,” says Yong.
Models of AXF’s <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/imperial-doncaster-offers-ipad-and-sound-technology-for-apartment-owners/2013040160029" target="_blank">Imperial Doncaster</a> - which is endorsed by ACproperty.com.au – will be present in ACproperty.com.au’s booth.
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ACproperty.com.au representing the Australian market in China

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The Melbourne housing market is predicted to record a modest high price recovery of between 2-5% in 2013, according to SQM Research’s Melbourne’s Housing Boom and Bust report.
Managing director of SQM and property analyst Louis Christopher offers his assessment in the report and sticks to his forecasts outlined in the September 2012 issue of the same report.
“The best returns out of Melbourne for this year will likely come from houses in the inner city excluding Docklands and Southbank,” says Christopher.
Christopher says vendors have become more confident since the start of the year in areas such as Albert Park, Carlton, Port Melbourne and Toorak.
Christopher predicts vendor confidence will extend to other parts of inner and middle Melbourne
The report warns against the market in Docklands and Southbank due to the elevated vacancies in those areas and the fact that more developments are in the pipeline.
“However we hasten to add there is still a lot of stock on the market, particularly in some outer ring areas that we cautioned on last year,” says Christopher.
The supply of stock coupled with Victoria’s rising unemployment rate of 6.1% is also inhibiting price growth.
Christopher suggests resurgence in the service sectors may provide a much-needed stimulus to Victoria’s economy.
The median house price for Melbourne is currently $561,500, a 5.1% increase from the December quarter of $534,000.
The SQM Research Melbourne’s Housing Boom and Bust report will be available via the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/">SQM Research website</a> for $59.95.
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SQM forecasts Melbourne house price recovery between 2% to 5%

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As tenants keenly line up, the $575 million Colonial First State development Emporium Melbourne nears its scheduled December completion date.
It will be the first Melbourne site for Japanese retailer Uniqlo, joining the likes of British retailer Topshop who will open their second Melbourne store in Emporium Melbourne.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/emporiumapril24two.jpg" alt="emporiumapril24two" width="470" height="277">
The quarterly update released this week by CFS confirms recent retail leasing deals with lululemon, Marcs, Saba and M.J. Bale.
Previously announced stores include Coach, Carla Zampatti, Mulberry, Scanlan &amp; Theodore among many others.
Uniqlo will lease 3,000 square metres of retail space over four floors – a larger store than the 2,600 square metre Topshop store over three levels.
Emporium Melbourne will replace the former Myer Lonsdale Street store and will offer over 225 stores of premium retail space over eight levels.
The gross leasable area of the complex is 48,000 square metres with Myer accounting for 7,000 square metres of retail space.
<img src="/images/stories/2013/04/emporiumapril24one.jpg" alt="emporiumapril24one" width="470" height="402">
Designed by Buchan Group and WonderWall from Japan, the heritage listed facades on both Lonsdale Street and Lt Bourke Street will be restored.
The complex will also link with department stores Myer and David Jones via Pedestrian Bridges and tunnels.
Emporium Melbourne is being built by Grocon and was at the heart of the dispute last year between Grocon and CFMEU.
The project commenced in February 2011 and retail trading is set to commence later this year.
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Names, names names.....Uniqlo, Marcs, Saba and M.J. Bale set for Emporium Melbourne

<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;

Nicola Trotman

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