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The Blue Wiggle Anthony Field’s <a target="_blank" href="/news">Drummoyne</a> waterfront <a target="_blank" href="https://www.pillinger.com/current-listing/98-6-Drummoyne-DRUMMOYNE">property</a> was withdrawn from its scheduled auction last night. 
Property Observer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/news/blue-wiggle-anthony-field-lists-drummoyne-harbourfront/2013032460051">reported</a> on the listing in late March when the property was tipped to sell in the high $4 millions.
Selling agent Brad Pillinger of Pillinger says they are currently negotiating offers in the high fours but are subject to conditions.
The six-bedroom, five-bathroom home is situated on a 569-square-metre parcel of land on the tip of exclusive Wrights Point. 
It last sold in September 2005 for $3.6 million and in 2004 for $3.35 million
The Federation three-level residence has been renovated, overseen by architect Brad Patterson.
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Blue Wiggle's Drummoyne property withdrawn from auction

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Office space in East Melbourne is in popular demand from boutique consultancies, resulting in the lowest office vacancy rate in Australia of 3%.
East Melbourne offers 183,781 square metres of office space but currently has a direct vacancy rate of 2.2%.
The demand for office space is exceeding the space available; however there has been no increase in supply since the first half of 2009 and no new supply is in the pipeline.
West Perth is the only suburb that comes close to equaling East Melbourne’s current vacancy with a vacancy rate of 4.5%, according to the latest PCA data.
Savills Australia’s senior leasing executive Louise Nicoll says the area has always been popular with a constant stream of enquiry but there was never an overload of enquiry.
“Ironically, the fact that there isn’t any space available, only seems to make it even more desirable and that has intensified the demand,” says Nicoll.
“East Melbourne is not a big market but it has a lot to offer in terms of its location on the doorstep of the CBD.”
Nicholl says the suburb’s architecture and overall character and ambiance is a major draw card.
East Melbourne contains some of Victoria’s oldest homes, parks and gardens.
The most famous office building is the ICI house located at one Nicholson Street, which was completed in 1958.
Melbourne based private investor Brendan Sullivan recently leased a whole floor at his 126 Wellington Parade building opposite the MCG.
“The space had a cool makeover to appeal to the boutique market, but enquiry is always good in this market and in this case was really quite remarkable,” says Sullivan.
Sullivan says the floor received several offers and leased very quickly.
Both domestic and offshore buyers are realizing now is the time to buy investment properties within the metropolitan office market due to tightening vacancy rates, low levels of new supply and steady rental growth.
“Astute investors, particularly cashed-up private investors and syndicates, have begun to take notice of the strong fundamentals that many of these markets have to offers,” says Colliers managing director of capital markets and investment sales John Marasco.
There was more than $2.3 billion worth of investment transactions within the metropolitan office markets in 2012 – the strongest result since 2007, according to Colliers latest Metropolitan Office Research &amp; Forecast report.
“This scenario is likely to continue until developers and financiers gain more confidence to develop and the next supply cycle begins,” says Marasco.
Melbourne remains a domestic buyers market with no foreign purchasers in 2012.
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East Melbourne office space experiences lowest vacancy rate in Australia

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The first two apartment buildings of the Barangaroo development on Sydney’s CBD waterfront have attracted strong preliminary registration interest since the planning applications were submitted in November last year by Lend Lease.
By the time the apartments go on sale later this year, Lend Lease have estimated a 10,000 plus enquiry pool.
Lend Lease has appointed CBRE as the lead selling agent for the residential community which is dubbed the most significant Sydney CBD waterfront residential offerings since the release of apartments at Circular Quay and Woolloomooloo in the 1990s.
"The level of enquiry is above anything we have seen in the last 20 years for new apartments on the harbour from East Circular Quay to Walsh Bay," CBRE’s chairman of residential projects Justin Brown told The Financial Review.
Property Observer first <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/developments/every-apartments-has-harbour-views-as-lend-lease-unveils-two-barangaroo-apartment-blocks/2012112057997">reported</a> on the two apartment buildings in November.
The two apartment buildings will range in height from seven to 11 storeys and comprise of 159 apartments of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
<img height="339" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/barangarooapril10one.jpg" alt="barangarooapril10one">
The 47 one-bedroom apartments will range from about $1 million and the 100 two-bedroom units will be priced from $2 million.
Also on offer will be 11 dual-level luxury loft apartments and one double floor penthouse.
The apartments are the work of Richard Francis-Jones of FJMT and Andrew Andersons of PTW.
<img height="345" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/barangarooapril10two.jpg" alt="barangarooapril10two">
The 10-storey building designed by Francis-Jones includes a striking cloud-shaped design for the apartments and balconies at the north of the 82-apartment building overlooking the new public square and harbour cove.
The 77-apartment, eight-storey building designed by Andrew Andersons includes substantial rooftop gardens and green plantings.
Brown says the Baranagaroo develop is Sydney’s last significant CBD waterfront residential offering.
“These contemporary-designed apartments offer the quintessential Sydney Harbour living experience,” says Wilson.
The apartments are scheduled for release later this year and have an expected completion date of mid-2015.
Interested parties can <a target="_blank" href="https://www.barangaroosouthresidential.com/">register their interest at the Barangaroo website</a>.
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Strong off-the-plan interest for Lend Lease's Barangaroo residential hub

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Foreign buying expenditure in Queensland soared past the 10-year average with a total of $443.5 million spent on residential property during the last financial year, according to the latest Foreign Investment in Queensland Residential Property report by Colliers International.
This is an expenditure increase of 33% from the previous financial year, with 67% of property bought for investment purposes and the other 33% owner-occupiers.
Gold Coast continues to dominate as the top choice with $237.1 million spent last financial year – an increase of 43% from the previous financial year.
China is the dominant buying country for the third consecutive year, with its buyers spending a total of $184.9 million.
China accounted for 42% of total foreign purchases in Queensland and its buyers increased their spending by 73% from the previous financial year.
The report noted that 72% of Chinese buyers bought for investment purposes while the other 28% bought as owner-occupiers.
The report also noted that Chinese buyers preferred to purchase in the Gold Coast.
Singapore comes in second place with a total expenditure of $29.24 million on residential property in Queensland over the past financial year.
This is an increase of 150% on spending by Singaporean buyers from the previous financial year, but well below their peak in the 2002/2003 financial year of $54 million.
Gold Coast was the top choice for foreign investment by Singapore buyers.
However, the United Kingdom dominates the foreign buyers list for the past ten years, over which time its buyers have spent a total of $687.5 million.
The report notes that foreign purchasers from the United Kingdom prefer to invest in Brisbane.
Brisbane ranks as the second top foreign investment location with a total of $135.9 million spent across 298 residential transactions over the past financial year.
Although buyers from United Kingdom favour Brisbane as a foreign investment location, China dominated spending in Brisbane over the last financial year with $62.6 million spent.
Of the 298 residential property transactions that took place during the last financial year in Brisbane, 51% of purchases were for investment purposes and the remaining 49% were for owner-occupation.
Buyers from the United Kingdom spent $8.6 million over 22 transactions in Brisbane last financial year.
The report says the easing of interest rates and stable economic conditions should see the current level of investment by foreign nationals continue.
It is also noted that China will continue to dominate the Queensland residential property market as the state is seen as a safe haven which offers diversification for property investors from China.
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Gold Coast top choice in Queensland for foreign investors

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Located five kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, Prahran is ripe with period architecture and facilities which are attractive to homeowners and investors, says Richard Wakelin of Wakelin Property Advisory. 
In Wakelin’s latest video on <a target="_blank" href="https://wakelin.com.au/">Wakelin.com.au</a>, he says property values in the area have shot up in the last 20 years as a result of the attractions now offered in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Prahran</a>.
With Chapel Street one of the main attractions, the area has an abundance of cafes and retail shops.
Wakelin says properties in Prahran that are rich with period architecture and are located in a period style streetscape have consistent strong demand due to their scarcity.
However, the underpinning characteristic is the value of the land, he says.
“Improvements are timeless, it’s the land that dictates the value of properties,” says Wakelin.
“Markets like Prahran take a breather, but because of their high scarcity value, they are held down by economic sentiment and the investment cycle.”
“They sit ready, poised, to take off when conditions are right again,” says Wakelin.
Wakelin says we are currently seeing early signs of a turn around in the property market, particularly as a result of easing monetary, which is making interest rates and borrowing particular appealing.
“These sort of properties take off in a significant manner,” says Wakelin.
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom home on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-prahran-112855299" target="_blank">Russell Street</a> (pictured below) is currently listed for sale for $729,000.
<img alt="prahranapril10one" height="353" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/prahranapril10one.jpg">
It was built in 1910 and sits on approximately 162 square metres of land.
It is listed by Lauchlan Waterfield of Hocking Stuart Armadale.
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom property on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-prahran-113350403" target="_blank">Donald Street</a> (pictured below) is listed for sale with a price guide of $700,000 to $770,000.
<img alt="prahranapril10two" height="351" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/prahranapril10two.jpg">
Built in 1930 and sitting on approximately 465 square metres, the property is listed by Fiona Martin of Hocking Stuart Armadale.
The median house price in Prahran is $900,000, according to RP Data.
Wakelin's video can be found <a href="https://wakelin.com.au/blog/view/id:80" target="_blank">here.</a>
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Prahran poised after taking a breather: Richard Wakelin

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A 354-hectare property in Arcadia in central Victoria has been listed for sale with a price guide of $2 million.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-arcadia-7467307">Mellowood</a> operated as a Poll Hereford cattle property for 25 years, but after the passing of her husband, owner Helen Jennings has decided to sell.
The 1870 Mellowood homestead has recently undergone major renovation – including the replacement of the roof – and features four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The property also features a tennis court, swimming pool and adjoining the historic brick homestead is a barn with stables attached.
Arcadia is located midway between <a target="_blank" href="/news">Nagambie</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/news">Shepparton</a> in Victoria.
The 354-hectare property has three long road frontages and is on three separate titles.
The main point of entrance is off Dawsons Road.
The land is subdivided into 30 main paddocks and recent improvements include steel stockyards, two hay sheds and two machinery sheds.
“Properties of this scale with a classic homestead and valuable farming improvements of quality are a rare enough offer,” says listing agent Bart O’Sullivan of Pat Rice and Hawkins.
The property currently has a 262-megalitre-water entitlement, which the successful purchaser of the property will also have the right to buy.
O’Sullivan is offering the property as private sale and is selling it as a whole, or in two lots.
O’Sullivan says the property has received steady interest.
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Cattle farm in Arcadia with 1870s homestead seeks $2 million

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Victoria's most expensive suburbs experienced a slow market during the school holidays, with only one property securing a spot on RP Data’s top 10 expensive sales list.
In the week ending Sunday April 7, New South Wales accounted for the other nine sales.
Located on the Esplanade in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Mornington</a>, the three-bedroom home sold at auction on April 7 for $1.9 million.
Dean Phillips of McEwing Partners Real Estate secured the sale.
Situated on a 978-square-metre block, the property includes two bathrooms, an upstairs timber kitchen and a balcony that stretches the length of the house.
It last sold in 1999 for $825,000.
The top sale for the week was actress <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/actress-susan-hannaford-s-balgowlah-heights-harbourfront-fetches-%24315-million/2013040860238" target="_blank">Susan Hannaford’s Balgowlah Heights harbourfront property</a>, which sold at auction for $3.15 million.
The five-bedroom home sold at auction on April 6 by Mark Novak of Novak Real Estate.
There were a total of 443 auctions in Victoria last week, with 286 properties selling and 157 being passed in.
“The volume of auctions in the cities most expensive suburbs drops significantly in the school holidays,” says Robert Larocca from Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
“It’s interesting to note that this trend is only present in the inner east and inner south eastern suburbs, as they are the city's most expensive.”
“This causes the overall value of sales to drop.”
“This is not an issue with the market or its health, rather it’s a particular trend in some suburbs and it will correct itself after the holidays,” says Larocca.
The REIV expects around 570 auctions this coming week.
The most expensive sales for the week ending April 7 are as follows.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/30a_beatty_street_balgowlah_heights_nsw_2093/1229317" target="_blank">30A Beatty Street, Balgowlah Heights, NSW, 2093</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Novak Real Estate for $3.15 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/1_thompson_street_tamarama_nsw_2026/6666941" target="_blank">1 Thompson Street, Tamarama, NSW, 2026</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Ray White Double Bay for $2.962 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/16_queens_avenue_mcmahons_point_nsw_2060/4169475" target="_blank">16 Queens Avenue, McMahons Point, NSW, 2060</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by 1st City Hasemer &amp; Caldwell.Eyles Double Bay for $2.1 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/25_loch_street_freshwater_nsw_2096/2365014" target="_blank">25 Loch Street, Freshwater, NSW, 2096</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Parnell Partners Estate Agents for $2.025 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/7_albyn_road_strathfield_nsw_2135/6478297" target="_blank">7 Albyn Road, Strathfield, NSW, 2135</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Devine Real Estate Strathfield for $2 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/36_crows_nest_road_waverton_nsw_2060/7378123" target="_blank">36 Crows Nest Road, Waverton, NSW, 2060</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 6 by Raine &amp; Horne Crows Nest for $1.95 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/16/26_melrose_parade_clovelly_nsw_2031/1863718" target="_blank">16/26 Melrose Parade, Clovelly, NSW, 2031</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold on April 2 by McGrath Edgecliff for $1.95 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/81_grove_street_birchgrove_nsw_2041/1445222" target="_blank">81 Grove Street, Birchgrove, NSW, 2041</a>, three-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on April 6 by Raine &amp; Horne Montano for $1.902 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/835_esplanade_mornington_vic_3931/11969265" target="_blank">835 Esplanade, Mornington, VIC, 3931</a>, three-bedroom house, sold at auction on April 7 by McEwing Partners Real Estate Mornington for $1.9 million
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.myrp.com.au/property/49_robert_street_freshwater_nsw_2096/2366002" target="_blank">49 Robert Street, Freshwater, NSW, 2096</a>, five-bedroom house, sold prior to auction on April 4 by L J Hooker Seaforth for $1.8 million
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Victoria's most expensive suburbs slow during school holidays: RP Data

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Iconic fashion label Dolce &amp; Gabbana will occupy the space at the front of the heritage-listed Mayfair Building, which is currently undergoing a $280 million redevelopment by Charter Hall and Cbus Property at the Paris end of Collins Street.
D&amp;G will lease around 350 square metres of space across the ground and first floor of the 171 Collins Street building in a deal negotiated  through leasing agent Fitzroys.
Rents at the 'Paris end' of <a target="_blank" href="?option=com_googlesearch_cse&amp;q=Collins%20Street">Collins Street</a> are around $4,000 per square metre.
The Mayfair Building was previously the Mayfair Theatre but ran its last curtain call in 1982.
It has since be restored and offers seven floors of boutique offices, each with a space of approximately 250 square metres.
The redevelopment of 171 Collins Street includes a 20-floor office tower which will rise behind the restored Mayfair Building.
The tower will boast a nine-storey atrium in the centre for natural light.
The design is a combination of historical elegance with a contemporary facade, designed by architects <a target="_blank" href="companies/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a>.
"The faceted crystalline facade reflects the right urban fabric and historic elegant of Collins Street like a finely crafted jewel," says chairman of Bates Smart, Roger Pool.
The office tower at 171 will be the future headquarters of BHP Billiton and will offer end-of-trip facilities, such as showers, change rooms, lockers and bicycle air-fill stations.
Around 2,000 square metres of the 30,000-square-metre development will be dedicated to retail, however Dolce &amp; Gabbana will be the only apparel store with food and beverage accounting for the rest of the space.
Collins Street is currently home to luxury brands Chanel, Prada, Hermes, Cartier and Gucci.
Dolce &amp; Gabbana’s flagship store is expected to open mid-2013 with 171 Collins Street scheduled for completion in June 2013.
BHP Billiton will not move in until September 2013.
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Dolce & Gabbana set to open at 171 Collins Street

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Jutting out like a ship's prow, a four-bedroom home on The Strand in Williamstown has been listed for sale with price expectations over $5 million.
The home was built in 2008 by local architect firm George Bourakis and Associates.
The building and design company began in 1981.
Situated on a 321-square-metre block, the ground floor features three bedrooms, including the master bedroom.
A Miele-equipped imported Italian Bontempi kitchen is located on the upstairs level with a living/dining area and a fourth bedroom.
The living area opens up to an outdoor terrace offering views over the bay.
The basement boasts a home cinema, a billiards room with a bar and wine cellar and polished concrete floors throughout.
It is the first time the home has been offered for sale.
<a href="https://greghockingrealestate.com.au/real-estate/property/635516/for-sale/house/vic/williamstown-3016/48-the-strand/" target="_blank">The property is listed by Leigh Melbourne and Wayne Elly from Greg Hocking Elly Partners.</a>
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Striking Williamstown home with cinema asks $5 million-plus

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Lane Cove is proving to be a development hotspot with $388 million worth of construction underway and more than $37 million yet to come.
Located 10 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Lane Cove</a> currently has 19 sites in the works, 1601 units under construction and 182 pending areas.
Lane Cove was rezoned in 2010 in preparation for housing a 30% rise in population over the next 25 years.
A major drawcard for the area is the $1.1 billion Lane Cove tunnel, which connects the M2 motorway with the Gore Hill Freeway.
“Before the rezoning it was an undiscovered gem,” director of developer HYECORP Stephen Abolakian told Fairfax Media.
Lane Cove received little development in over 30 years.
It has now been separated into three distinct locations including the village location, which is the area immediately surrounding the Lane Cove Village area – comprising more than 200 shops, services and dining options.
Walsh says Lane Cove has been undervalued for some time and the unique features of the village offer a relaxed and boutique feel.
Property Observer recently <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/new-south-wales/botanic-lane-cove-one-bedders-priced-from-%24500000/2013031859765">reported on Botanic</a>, a $60 million project located in the village.
The 79-apartment project (pictured below) is a joint venture between White Private, Icon Construction and the Greenbush Group.
{yoogallery src=[images/stories/2013/04/april8lanecove]}
Botanic offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as seven penthouses.
 
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Also located in the village is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.auroralanecove.com.au/design_architecture">Aurora</a>, which offers 56 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments over five levels.
Located on Finlayson Street, Aurora (pictured below) is designed by Candalepas Architects and developed by MV Projects.
<img height="244" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/lanecoveapril8one.jpg" alt="lanecoveapril8one">
Eddie Mansour of Ray White Lane Cove told Fairfax Media he expects Aurora to do extremely well due to its location in the heart of the village.
The second location is adjacent to Mowbray Road in Lane Cove North and was recently rezoned for higher density apartment living.
Peter Walsh of Greenbush Group says many developers have taken advantage of these changes to the zoning laws and are producing a well-priced product aimed at the investor market.
This location currently has Northwoods, Serene, Eleeza and Acacia under development.
The third location is located off Burns Bay Road in Lane Cove West, and includes projects such as Delve and Emerant Lane.
Delve is a six level complex by JSN Hannah offering 38 single and double-storey apartments.
One-bedroom apartments start from $479,000, two-bedroom apartments start from $619,000 and three-bedroom apartments start from $750,000.
“I find the suburb has multiple personalities, in a good way,” says general manager of JSN Hannah Edward Hannah.
“Bushland and river activities, coupled with some great little restaurants, a quaint shopping village yet only minutes from <a target="_blank" href="/news">Chatswood</a>, Nth Sydney, <a target="_blank" href="/news">Ryde</a> and not too far from <a target="_blank" href="/news">Parramatta</a> and the CBD.”
 
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<a target="_blank" href="https://emerantlane.com.au/apartments/">Emerant Lane</a> (pictured below) is due for completion mid 2013 and is developed by SAKKARA with designs by dKO Architects.
<img height="302" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/lanecoveapril8two.jpg" alt="lanecoveapril8two">
It will boast 85 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
To date, the development is 94% sold.
Two-bedroom apartments are still available and range in price from $680,000 to $813,000.
<img height="228" width="470" src="/images/stories/2013/04/lanecoveapril8three.jpg" alt="lanecoveapril8three">
Curtis Field from Colliers International says they anticipate the remaining apartments will be sold by completion in July this year.
Walsh says this precinct has been well supported by the investor market due to its good proximity to Lane Cove River.
“The council has been smart about opening up the three distinct locations and therefore not overdeveloping any one of the areas so as to maintain the area's character.”
“This will ensure the future values continue to rise in the future and the suburb does not become overdone,” says Walsh.
The median sale price for a house in Lane Cove is $1,125,000 and the median price for a unit is $522,500 – offering a rental yield of 3.9%.
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Sydney's Lane Cove proves an apartment construction hotspot

<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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