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Two Chinese companies have struck a $68.5 million deal with Sunland Group for the world’s first fashion house-branded hotel, Palazzo Versace.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/palazzo1.jpg">
Property Observer reported three weeks ago that offshore<a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/leisure/chinese-investors-eyeing-up-sunland-s-%2460-million-plus-palazzo-versace-on-gold-coast/2012082956306"> Chinese investors were eyeing up the hote</a>l, with the market tipping $60 million plus.
 The Chinese investors include a construction group and a travel company, but the $68.5 million deal is awaiting approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/palazzo2.jpg">
 The deal comes with a twist, as the Chinese pair will have the ability to turn out more Versace-branded hotels if approved by the Versace powerhouse and the FIRB.


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<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/palazzoversace.jpg">
The Gold Coast offering ranked as the world’s first fashion house-branded hotel in 2000.
Marketing for the hotel began back in April by Sam and Dan McVay of McVay Real Estate, where the hotel was first expected to sell close to $80 million.
<img src="/images/stories/palazzov.jpg">
 Upon approval of the sale, the proceeds will first pay off a debt of $27.4 million on the property.
 The hotel is being sold by property developer Sunland in order to reinvest in other projects.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/palazzo3.jpg">
 “Palazzo Versace was very significant in the history of Sunland,”Sunland Group managing director Sahbah Abedian told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
 “Our strategy has always been threefold, to continue to consolidate our capital management through our share buyback program, to maintain a conservative balance sheet and to organically create our portfolio.”
 “This allows us to have no debt at all on our balance sheet and to look to further acquisitions,” says Abedian.
 The official announcement suggested settlement of the sale was anticipated for November 30.
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Chinese buyers await FIRB approval to secure Palazzo Versace

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Long-established horse riding school Samarai Park in Terrey Hills, NSW, has been listed by LJ Hooker with a $3 million price guide.
Located at 90 Booralie Road Terrey Hills, just 20 minutes from the Sydney CBD, Samarai Park offers expansive northerly bushland views over its two-hectare holding.
The horse riding school opened in 1956 and still offers agistment, lessons, riding camps and children’s birthday parties.
Samarai Park was founded by Thelma Budrodeen.
Her most prized assistant was the white Arab-Crossed horse named Bell Boy who was used to teach children to ride.
Samarai Park was the first registered riding school with the Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA), and Budrodeen received a Medal of the Order Award (OAM) for her charity work with the Riding for Disabled Association.
The property was sold by the Budrodeen family in 1998 for $1.25 million, with it onselling again in 2000 at $1.6 million.
Samarai Park is now owned by the Frawley family, who bought the park in 2007 for $3.28 million.
It still operates as a riding school and offers boarding for horses for $235 per week. Float storage is also available for an extra $15 per week.
Samarai Park is centred close to the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, with direct access to national park riding trails.
The property comprises of an office and shops, staff quarters/self-contained flat, two full-size dressage arenas and a full-size jumping area with lighting.
Samarai Park has 33 stables, 24 day yards, tack, feed and storage rooms, a lunging area, wash bays and three work sheds plus a dam.
The three-bedroom home located on the property consists of a study, two bathrooms and an outdoor swimming pool. The outside parking accommodates for 20-plus vehicles.
Despite the increased residential density in the district, Property Observer looked at six riding schools operating nearby in the mid-1980s and found that four are still operating today.
Boonaroo Riding Club in Terrey Hills has since changed its name to Green Fields Equestrian Centre, but Otford Valley Farm, Palomino Corral Riding School in Belrose and Scenic Hills Riding Ranch in Ingleburn are still operating under their original names.
Jackeroo Ranch in Kenthurst is no longer operating after a bushfire in 2002 ripped through the property and destroyed the ranch. Jackeroo Ranch was a respected tourist facility established in 1961, and the iconic house on the property was used in the pilot for the television series Home and Away. Wayandah Riding School in Ingleside has since closed down.
Many of the districts horse related proeprties participate in The North Shore Horse and Pony Association, which was formed in 1975 to ensure that horses and horse-riding activities continue to form a vital part of the community.
Samarai Park has been listed for sale by Kevin Packham from LJ Hooker Terrey Hills.
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Samarai Park riding school on Sydney's outskirts listed

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Horse breeder Tania Carmichael has listed Ourmundi, set on 20 hectares in the Noosa hinterland.
The six-bedroom home was designed by Stephen Kidd for the original owners, Wolfgang Groh and wife Nicola Smith, who founded Nice Cream in Sydney in 1993.
Groh and his wife bought the 20-hectare block of land in 2002 for $400,000.
In 2007, the house and property were sold to Queensland entrepreneur Dean Shannon for $2.4 million, $600,000 less than its then ambitious $3 million asking price.
Carmichael bought the property in April 2008 for $3,075,000.
Featured in the 2006 book <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.thamesandhudson.com/9780500512913">Tropical Minimal</a>, the house located at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/37-venning-road-doonan/Property-Details-buy-residential-4306833">37 Venning Road, Doonan</a>, comes with expansive polished concrete floors, soaring ceilings and huge expanses of bi-fold glass doors. The modern kitchen is installed with marble benchtops and commercial appliances such as a teppanyaki plate, deep fryer and a large cold room.  After selling their Nice Cream business, the Grohs settled in Noosa and continued their interest in food, setting up Mrs Quick, which supplies sausage rolls to supermarkets.
The master bedroom has a private spa on the deck and a five-star ensuite.
Located on the property is a self-contained guest wing, a 20-metre pool, which is linked to the main home via a timber terrace, a barbecue and pizza oven as well as an outdoor fire pit. There is also a chicken shed and run and vegetable garden beds. It comes with spring fed dam stocked with 300 plants and 500 fish.
Since purchasing the property in 2008, Tania Carmichael has renovated the interiors and developed the equine facilities. The property comprises of four stables with tack rooms and feed shed and four horse paddocks, corrals and a Mary River sand area. She also had 4,500 cabinet timber trees planted.
Ourmundi has direct access into Verrierdale forest with dedicated riding trails to Yandina and beyond. The property is fully fenced and is only 10 minutes to schools and supermarkets, and less than 10 minutes to the Eumundi markets and 20 minutes to Hastings Street.
Ourmundi is listed for auction by Graham Smith at Richardson &amp; Wrench Noosa on October 5 and is expected to sell for over $3 million. 
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Ourmundi, the tropical minimalist Noosa hinterland listing

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The Carlton at Vaucluse, a new 14-apartment boutique development alongside Rosa Gully and Diamond Bay Reserve, has secured seven sales.
Developed by RDA Property Group and built by HSN Construction, the apartment complex was designed by architects MPR Design Group, which was the winner of the Waverley Council public space contribution award this year for its project The Beach House in Bondi Beach. The site was bought for $2.1 million in a late 2010 delayed settlement acquisition. 
In a coveted oceanside pocket in Vaucluse, the pet-friendly apartments range from one-bedroom to a three-bedroom penthouse. 
“The concept that flows through all the apartments is the consistent theme of a smooth flow from indoors to outdoors,” says Brian Meyerson from MPR Design group.
“The most important aspect was to take advantage of the exceptional views.
“Keeping with today’s contemporary needs, means the kitchen area flows straight out into the integrated spaces of the living areas and dining spaces, which then flow seamlessly out to the balconies and outdoor living spaces,” Meyerson says. 
One-bedroom apartments are available from $795,000, two-bedroom apartments are available from $1,090,000 and the three-bedroom penthouse has a price tag of $2,395,000. Initial pricing was from $595,000. Two of the one-bedroom units remain for sale.
All 14 apartments have private balconies and terraces, and three of the apartments have private gardens.
The apartments have European oak floors, a stone gas kitchen with European appliances and travertine bathrooms.
Located at 19 Young Street, the seven remaining apartments are being sold by Ric Serrao and Jake Carter from Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay Real Estate. They have a scheduled late 2013 completion date.
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The Carlton at Vaucluse at halfway sales mark

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Secret Hills, the 87-hectare Beaudesert thorougbred breeding farm, has been listed for October 5 auction under instructions of Ernst &amp; Young.
It last sold in 2009 for $4.6 million to breeders John Doherty and Janette Gilchrist, who expanded their breeding interests with the acquisition of the then known Palmaday Stud.
The inaugural stallion to stand at Secret Hill Farms was Exceedingly Good.
In June this year it was reported by The Warwick Daily News that John Doherty was being pursued by a finance company over funds used to buy thoroughbred racehorses.
Documents lodged in the Supreme Court of Queensland showed Westlawn Finance Limited lodged a claim against Doherty and his partner, Janette Gilchrist, after financing Secret Hill Thoroughbreds.
The statement of claim sought $511,124.79 from the couple, including $510,302.03 in outstanding loan payments, and more than $70,000 in interest accrued since June 30 last year, plus costs.
The property which has been listed through Ray White Rural agents Bruce Douglas, Des Cuffe and Andrew Thomson, includes a 1400-metre sand and grass training track, 40 stables, breeding barn and horse hospital.
There's also a three bedroom main homestead and four staff/guest dwellings.
It is located 78 kilometres from the Gold Coast and 77 kms from Brisbane's CBD.
Another property owned by Secret Hill Farms Pty Ltd on Cryna Road is listed for auction on October 5 under instruction from Ernst &amp; Young receivers Justin Walsh and Philip Campbell-Wilson. Located at 423 Cryna Road, the 22 hectare property sold for $1.05 million in July 2009.
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Secret Hills, Beaudesert, thoroughbred horse breeding stud for receivership sale

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Privately owned valuations groups WBP Property Group and MVS National Valuers have formed a new nationwide alliance called Austwide Valuations.
Austwide Valuations aims to set a new benchmark for valuations standards and provide greater service and coverage for each group’s clients.
MVS national spokesman Jeff Keane says Austwide is a national initiative to improve the standard of residential real estate valuation services in Australia.
“Austwide ensures valuation products and services are compliant with lawful and regulatory guidelines, reliable and accurate and of a high professional standard,” says Keane.
Chief executive of WBP Property Group Greville Pabst says the Australian valuation industry is rapidly evolving and many smaller regional and rural valuation firms are struggling to meet current compliance standards.
Austwide Valuations membership is open to all Australian valuation firms, with the aim of reducing insurance risk and improving reporting standards.
“Austwide Valuations has developed a quality assurance certification standard known as AustwideQA. The certification standard is designed to monitor and manage quality control, risk compliance and performance under a strict code of conduct for Austwide members,” says Keane.
WBP Property Group and MVS National Valuers will continue to operate independently.
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WBP and MVS valuation firms form Austwide Valuations in hopes of setting industry benchmark

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Italian luxury fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna Group is joining the prestige leasing uptake on Brisbane's Edward Street.
Known  for specialising in men’s clothing, the 380-square-metre store will be split over two levels on its early 2013 opening.
The store owned by Aria Property Group was leased in a deal through CBRE agent Michael Hanscomb, who introduced the two parties.
Zegna has signed an eight-year lease for the store, which will include a 12-metre high façade onto Edward Street.
“We are very excited to bring another of the world’s premium brands to Brisbane,” says Aria Property Group general manager Michael Zaicek, as reported in the Australian Financial Review.
The Brisbane store will be the third Australian store for Zegna, with a two-story flagship store in Sydney’s Westfield shopping complex on Castlereagh Street and a boutique located on the Paris end of Collins Street in Melbourne.
The high-end retail strip Edward Street plays host to an array of luxury brands, and according to research by Cushman &amp; Wakefield, Edward Street rental levels are sitting at approximately $4,500 per square metre for super-prime level.
The new Zegna store will be located at 155 Edward Street and will be within metres of luxury stores Hermes, Montblanc and Hugo Boss.
“When the luxury brands start to cluster, it really brings momentum to the area,” says Zaicek.
Zegna has more than 560 stores in 87 countries.
Fashion label Montblanc was the most recent luxury brand to take space at the Paris-inspired Edward Street locality, having signed an eight-year lease in the Aria building.
Montblanc was previously located in Queens Plaza on Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall, but has now relocated next door to French fashion house Hermes at 171 Edward Street.
Famous for its luxury writing instruments, watches, jewelry, leathers goods, fragrance and eyewear, Montblanc is feeling comfortably at home in the competitive Edward Street.
“The Brisbane boutique is the newest up-to-date international Montblanc concept boutique, which promises to take customers on a luxurious journey, allowing them to become immersed in the heart and soul of the Montblanc brand,” says managing director Leon Mervis.
Montblanc received an extensive fit-out of the 127-square-metre Edward street location, which is nearly double the size of its previous boutique in Queens Plaza.
According to research by Cushman &amp; Wakefield, Edward Street rental levels are sitting at approximately $4,500 per square metre for super-prime level. This pricing is on par with Bourke Street in Melbourne.
The luxury Edward Street does not compare with that of Pitt Street Mall in Sydney, though, where retailers are paying $9,910 per square metre.
Montblanc currently has four luxury boutiques in Australia, two in Sydney, one in Melbourne and one in Brisbane.
Terry Lay, Colliers International retail leasing manager, negotiated the Montblanc deal for the ARIA Property Group.
“Being in such high demand it is not often that space becomes available for lease on the street, so Montblanc was lucky to secure this spot,” says Lay.
Lay says big-name brands have come to realise tenancies closer to Elizabeth Street offered more desirable foot traffic.
“Montblanc saw the benefit of being positioned amongst all the luxury brands such as Hermes and Gucci on the Edward Street strip,” says Lay.
Edward Street also plays host to Gucci, Georg Jenson and Watches of Switzerland.
Lay explains that retailers from the Gold Coast are choosing to relocate to the Brisbane CBD, as it is seen as an untapped market.
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Ermenegildo Zegna to open Brisbane store as luxury brands head to Edward Street

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Westpac is the standout big four bank, having increased its branch coverage across Australia over the past 12 years.
According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), Westpac has 1,270 branches nationwide, making it the largest bank network in the nation.
Despite other banks extending their branch networks, ANZ has closed 16 branches in the past year, dropping from 827 branches to 794. Queensland and Victoria were the two states to feel the loss, with Victoria losing 13 branches and Queensland losing 10.
Property Observer has looked at the big four banks' 12-year history and provided a summary of branch changes and trends across Australian states.
Here is a breakdown of the big four banks over a 12 year period, starting with Westpac:
 
ACT    NSW     NT     QLD     SA   TAS    VIC   WA    TOTAL
2012         22        471      14        203    169     22       251    118     1,270
2011         22        473      14        205      170   22       233     118     1,257
2010         21        471       14     203     170    22    228      115     1,009
2009        10        280      10      166       51      22     193      104      863
2008        10         277        9       163      51     22      190      104      826
2007        11        278        9       162       49     22      188       102      821
2006        10       277        9        161       48     22      187      103      817
2005       10       278         9        158       48       22      187     102     814
2004       10      279        9          158       48       21      189      102      816
2003       10       279       9          159        48       21       192     102     820
2002       10       280      9           159       48        21      192         101     820
2001       10       276      9            155        48       21     187         100     806
 
Commonwealth Bank:
ACT – NSW – NT- QLD –SA – TAS – VIC – WA – TOTAL
2012        16         358        6        174      60      40       293       79       1,026
2011        16         357        6         170      60     40       293       77       1,019
2010        16         356       5          164      60     40      292      76       1,244
2009        17         359       5         157       60      40      292       77      1,007
2008       17        365         5          150        60    42       293      77       1,009
2007    17           366         5          150       60       43     293       76       1,010
2006    17            365         5        147       60       43      293         75       1,005
2005    17             367        5        146        61      43      293         74        1,006
2004    16             366         5         145         60      43     294         74     1,003
2003   16              368         5         144          60       43      294       74      1,004
2002   16              70           5         145           60       44       294      74      1,008
2001    18             387         6          151            61       44       307     79       1,053
 
 
 
ANZ Bank:
ACT – NSW – NT-  QLD –   SA –   TAS – VIC –   WA – TOTAL
2012         9            223        10      159        78         25        206        84        794
2011        17          222         10     169        79         26        219        85         827
2010        9            229         10     160        79         25          220     84       816
2009       9            227         10      160       79         24          218       85       812
2008      9            230        10        160       81          24           217      85       816
2007      8            218       10          156       80          23          212       81       788
2006       7           210      10            149       77         24        206         74        757
2005       7            204       10           146       75          23       201          68        734
2004       7             202        10            144       75       23         201       68       730
2003       7             203        10           143      75         23        201       67       729
2002      7            201           10          144      75         23         201     67        728
2001      7           207           8            151      77          24         209     72         755
 
 
 
 
NAB Bank:
ACT – NSW – NT- QLD –SA – TAS – VIC – WA – TOTAL
2012        9           238        5       160      47      10        203       76        748
2011       11          235        5       160      47      10        203       75         746
2010      10         232        5        161      48        9         202        74         741
2009      11         243        5        162      48      10         215        73        767
2008      11        241         5        167      49      10         218        73        774
2007      12       249        6        170       48      11         222        72        790
2006      11        248       6        170       47      11         222        72        787
2005      11         249      6        169       47      11         221         72       786
2004     11          250     6        169       47       11         221         72       787
2003     11          253     6        169      47        11         222         74       793
2002    11           267    6         174      52        10        248          73       841
2001     10          290    7        185      55         11        256          82       896
Source: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
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Westpac bank rollout beats others in big four, with 1,270 branches nationwide

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David Jones is set to open a small “village store” in Malvern Central Shopping Centre, as part of a strategic direction plan.
The 7,522-square-metre site is about half the size of a full-line DJs outlet, and the village format store is expected to exclude categories such as electronics and furniture. It will be the third "village format" DJs store.
“The village format is geared towards our core customer, particularly women, although it will have a full menswear offer as well,” says David Jones head of retail services Tony Karp.
“Rather than having a watered-down version of our full offer, we’re focusing on our core competencies.”
The announcement comes after the successful trial of village format stores in Western Australia and Queensland.
“Our village format stores are a natural extension of our core business and enable us to leverage our existing merchandise, operating and service capabilities as well as the David Jones brand in attractive demographics, which do not have major shopping centres located within the area,” says David Jones chief executive Paul Zahra.
As part of the deal, owner of Malvern Central Shopping Centre UniSuper has agreed to an extensive renovation of the centre, which will be undertaken early next year.
“David Jones is a contemporary branded department store, and their decision to open a village format store in Malvern Central is a significant boost for both local residents and other retailers at the centre,” says centre manager Anthony Saunders.
DJs will take over a retail space currently occupied by Target.
The village stores contribute $2 million to earnings before interest and tax, compared with $5 million for each of the full-sized David Jones stores.
The Malvern Central village format DJs store is set to open mid-2013.
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David Jones to open smaller 'village' store in Malvern Central

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The number of branches across Australia has increased for the 11th consecutive year, recently hitting 5,783 branches nationwide.
Despite the abundance of smartphone banking apps on offer and the ability to access online banking anytime, The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reported 212 more branches opened this year.
In the past eight years there has been a steady growth of bank branches, with 4,888 in 2004, compared with 5,783 in 2012.
This eight-year growth period is a stark contrast to the eight years prior to 2000, with the closure of 2,044 branches – 794 rural and regional branches and 1,250 metropolitan branches, according to Financial Sector Union data.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/08/banks1.gif">
Source: Australian Bankers Association
The recent 1.2% growth in branches is the strongest growth in three years, according to APRA.
The financial institutions branch tally includes banks that were previously operating as credit unions and building societies.
The Defence Force Credit Union and Victoria Teachers Credit Union have been converted to separate banks, and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited has acquired the Bank of Cyprus Australia.
The APRA reported Victoria as having the largest increase in new branches, followed by the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Australia Capital Territory.
Australia Bankers Association chief executive Steven Münchenberg says banks have continued to open branches over the past five years, despite the global financial crisis.
“The trend in recent years has been to open bank branches in areas with growing populations and business activity.”
Westpac is currently the largest branch network in Australia with 1,270 outlets, since adding 13 more outlets to its name in the past year.
Commonwealth Bank comes in second with 1,168 outlets, after opening seven new branches past year.
ANZ has closed 16 branches in the past year.
“While the number of branches has decreased slightly, 75% of those that we’ve closed have merged with a branch within 10 kilometres or within the same suburb,” ANZ told Fairfax Media.
The increase in bank branches is just one of the many ways that banks are offering their products and services to customers.
Münchenberg notes the high use of ATMS, telephone, internet banking and mobile banking apps.
“Your ability to access and manage your personal finances makes banking one of the most convenient and accessible services provided in Australia.” 
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Number of bank branches grows for 11th straight year

<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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