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Melbourne had the nation's top auction sale when $6.3 million was paid in South Yarra.
The home at <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/property/104-caroline-street-south-yarra-835386/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">104 Caroline Street</a> (pictured top) saw bidding commence with the Marshall White auctioneer Justin Long placing a $5 million vendor bid.
At $5.45 million it was declared on the market.
The fourth bidder only come in at $5.9 million, and fended off the opening bidder in the final straight. 
The initial price guidance had been $5 million to $5.5 million for the 1920s Georgian-style home that was marketed as "retaining its original charm."
There was higher bidding at a Kew offering, with city skyline views, which was passed in at $6.6 million on a vendor bid.
The <a href="https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/property/7-wrixon-street-kew-832451/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">7 Wrixon Street</a> offering (below) is now for sale at $6,895,000 through Marshall White who had offered an initial $6.8 million to $7.2 million auction price guide.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/21/7%20Wrixon%20Street%20Kew.jpg" alt="">
It was a five bedroom contemporary home of a deep 1565 sqm block with tennis court and pool.
Melbourne also had the cheapest sale around the capital cities too.
It was when the ground floor one bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.nelsonalexander.com.au/property/834591/2-4-prince-street/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">2/4 Prince Street, Essendon North</a> (below) sold for $215,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/21/24%20Prince%20Street%20Essendon%20North.jpg" alt="">
The Nelson Alexander price guidance had been $225,000 to $240,000. 
It sold at $72,500 in 1997.
There were 912 Melbourne homes taken to auction this week, according to CoreLogic, with a 75 per cent success rate, similar to the prior weekend's final auction clearance last week when volumes were slightly higher at 974 offerings.
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One year ago, 45 per cent of the 1,087 Melbourne homes taken to auction found buyers under the hammer.
Melbourne’s auction market was starting to moderate, the AMP chief economist Shane Oliver told Domain.
“Melbourne’s results look to have peaked in mid-September,” Dr Oliver said.
“More sales volumes could have weighed on them.”
Sydney returned a preliminary auction clearance rate of 84 per cent across a similar volume of auctions week-on-week.
There were 724 Sydney homes taken to auction.
The top sale was a pre-auction result in <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/northern-suburbs/hunters-hill/420391" target="_blank">Hunters Hil</a><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house/nsw/northern-suburbs/hunters-hill/420391" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">l at $4,408,000</a> through McGrath to an inner west family.
The Toocooya Road home, TreMon (below) last sold at $2.2 million in 2005, but had been listed twice last year without success.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/21/TreMon%20Hunters%20Hill.jpg" alt="">
There was no bid when a lavish whole-floor apartment in the Harry Siedler-designed Horizon building went to private auction.
There was only a vendor bid of $16 million for the five-bedroom 40th-floor residence which was listed with a revised price guide of $16.5 million, after being listed at $20 million earlier this year.
It comes with $565 sqm of internal space, but 710 sqm with balconies and garaging.
It is credited as the largest single level apartment in its Knight Frank marketing.
Sydney's prior week’s figures saw 76.9 per cent clear as at final figures.
Last year, a lower 675 Sydney homes were auctioned returning a 44 per cent success rate.
Canberra was the best performing of the smaller auction markets, with a preliminary auction clearance rate this week of 64 per cent, Adelaide followed closely with 63 per cent of homes selling at auction.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/21/OCT%2021%20Auction%20Stats.JPG" alt="">
The South Australia auctioneer John Morris noted the 30 Ray White auctions clearance rate was sitting at 78 per cent.
"Stock is still quite low and this is resulting in large turnouts and lots of registered and active bidders at auction," Morris said.
The agency sold <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/sa/fulham-gardens/2172992/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">14 Leisure Court, Fulham</a> for $1,035,000.
“The highest offer we had previously was below the figure it sold for under the hammer,” selling agent Leon Yuan said.
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CoreLogic tallied just under 2,000 capital city homes taken to auction, steady week-on-week although the 75.6 per cent clearance rate came in lower than the previous week’s preliminary figure of 77.3 per cent, which revised down to 73.5 per cent at final figures. 
"It’s expected that this week’s final figure will come in below that given the lower preliminary figure," Corelogic auction analyst Kevin Brogan said.
Last year, 2,139 homes were taken to auction over the same week, however only 46 per cent of these sold.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Melbourne’s auction results peaked in mid-September: Shane Oliver

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The mezzanine floor of Moran House, an owner occupied office building in the Sydney CBD owned by the Moran family, is now available for lease
The tenancy at <a href="http://ecomms.raywhite.com/collect/click.aspx?u=jRYOrR8N39QzG/Nyy8oj1MsQ8lDBqOLe5o804VtamUhEA/9ZQVMvzNGgema06ruScwh8KTG/dcOZySCVoUz6QcmdBxtFfWxAjdYwySfTz0uNjem/i2I2Q110NoIn83n0ThrNmqYH1OcLrnCcXIOa7w==&amp;rh=ff00528e887253a2c7f9676eed448bd60cdee792" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable">13-15 Bridge Street</a> is being marketed for lease by Scot Robertson of Robertson and Sons and John Skufris of Ray White Commercial South Sydney.
Robertson said the recently renovated tenancy of about 166 square metres comprised reception, boardroom and an open-plan office area with exposed ceilings.
"This overlooks the Christopher Hanna hair salon situated on the ground floor via full height glazing looking through a spectacular feature mural screen sculpture by Douglas Annand to Bridge Street," Robertson said.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/15/Mezzanine_13-15%20Bridge%20St%20Sydney-57.jpg" alt="">
The building formerly known as Liner House is classified by the National Trust, previously won the Sir John Sulman Medal for architectural excellence.
It is situated within close walking distance to both Wynyard and Circular Quay stations. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/15/Mezzanine_13-15%20Bridge%20St%20Sydney-88.jpg" alt=""> The lift has recently been replaced and the mezzanine level has been refurbished. The asking rent for this property is $725 per square metre per annum gross plus GST, with the tenancy available for immediate occupation, and is ideal for up to 20 staff, Robertson said.
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Sydney CBD Moran House mezzanine floor for lease

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The Illawarra offers a variety of residential property types that can generate cash flow for an investor owner, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at yields across the nation to dissect where to find the best returns in residential markets.
The HTW report notes the region has broad pockets of single houses, older and modern unit developments and villa and townhouse developments.
Sprinkled throughout are specific investment properties such as duplexes, flat buildings, display homes and boarding houses.
In Nowra there is a large supply of defence housing properties.
"We experienced strong capital growth from 2013 through to 2017 and in that time rents also increased, but not anywhere near the same pace. As a result, residential yields compressed," the valuation firm said. 
An example is a sale of an eight unit building at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unitblock-nsw-wollongong-129017178" target="_blank">17 Smith Street, Wollongong</a> (pictured below).
The property sold in November 2018 for $2.23 million with an assessed gross yield of 4.8%.
The same property sold again in August 2018 for $2,675,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/17%20smith%20st.jpg" alt="">
"The rents for the units had increased but this still represented a gross yield of 4.28%, a decline of 11%," the valuation firm added. 
Recent weakening market conditions have changed the tide for low yields. As prices have declined, yields have started to increase.
Small scale and older style multi-unit properties appear to be a favourite of residential investors.
Recent transactions include an April sale of five two bedroom units in West Wollongong for $1.1 million, reflecting a passing gross yield of 6.15%.
A single level block of three units in Bellambi sold in May for $695,000 which reflected an analysed gross yield of 5.42%.
More unique are sales of modern developments in the Illawarra, according to the HTW report. 
The recent sale of 6A Addison Street, Shellharbour (pictured below) is the first one in recent times.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/10/16/shellharbour.jpeg" alt="">
This was a three level, six unit building built in 2016. The sale for $2,565,000 reflects a gross passing yield of 5.55%.
"The most important aspect for a cash flow investor is having their property occupied and the Illawarra caters for a large variety of demand for rental properties," the valuation firm said. 
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Illawarra caters for a large variety of demand for rental properties: HTW residential 

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A Willoughby, South Australia mortgagee cottage listed six times in the past five years has finally sold for $255,000.
The two bedroom, one bathroom cottage is situated on 139 hectares of primary production zoned land.
Paul Gibson of Cliff Hawkins marketed the property.
The earliest indicator of its mortgagee status came in December 2018.
Situated at <a href="https://m.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-antechamber+bay-109768556" target="_blank">2332 Cape Willoughby Road</a>, the holding was most recently listed for $450,000.
The asking price was a $330,000 reduction on what was originally sought back in July 2015 of $780,000.
Featuring two dams, one being spring fed a large working shed/garage and five rain water tanks, the property has views from the cottage with decking on three sides.
The holding last sold for $75,000 in 2002.
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Willoughby, SA mortgagee home sold for $530,000 less than original asking price

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The housing market on Sydney's Northern Beaches is heavily owner-occupier driven given its entry costs and lower than average yields.
They sits at 2.9% for houses according to SQM Research.
The desired yield ultimately comes down to investment strategy, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at yields across the country and dissected where to find the best returns in residential markets. 
The report notes higher yielding properties typically offer lower capital growth prospects.
"If you are not predicting market conditions to improve over the short to medium term, it may be a good opportunity to capitalise on a high yielding property, generate cash flow and achieve a higher annual rate of return over the short to medium term," the valuation firm said. 
"A severe lack of short-term accommodation options has resulted in Airbnb becoming a popular and lucrative investment model on the Northern Beaches, particularly when you consider how popular a destination the area is for weekend getaways, weddings and events." 
According to the HTW report, a popular investment product due to its entry level price point, prime location and strong rental marketability is<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-manly-130920610" target="_blank"> </a>22 Central Avenue, Manly (pictured below).
The complex offers a mixture of studio and one bedroom apartments and gives a great indication of just how much short-term leasing can boost your yield to maximise cash generation. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-manly-130920610" target="_blank">809/22 Central Avenue</a>, Manly sold in August 2019 for $870,000 (pictured below).
The property would lease on an annual basis for $600 per week, equating to a gross yield of 3.58%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/14/manly%202.jpg" alt="">
A near identical unit is currently on Airbnb for $150 per night.
This annualises to a potential fully let gross yield of 6.2%.
"Obviously not entirely realistic, but if we were to annualise the current bookings in the fourth quarter of 2019, the gross yield equates to 4.75%," the valuation firm said.
"Factoring in subsequent bookings through this period, a 5% gross yield is not out of the question and a tidy increase on the traditionally leased 3.58% yield."
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Owner-occupier driven Northern Beaches market sees 2.9% yields for houses: HTW residential 

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An Emerald, Queensland mortgagee home has been sold for $230,000.
The house last sold for $405,000 in 2012.
Jason Campbell of Emerald Real Estate marketed the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-emerald-130506626" target="_blank">3 Buchholz Place</a>, the abode is host to three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Set on 842 square metres, the property was built in 1997.
The house features an inground swimming pool constructed in 2009 through a DA valued at $30,500.
The home was last listed as a rental in 2016 seeking $260 per week, notably lower than the 2014 rental price of $360 per week.
It was originally listed for $320,000 in February 2019 but was reduced to $260,000 over the course of the 250 day campaign.
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The median sale price for an apartment in <a href="/developments/emerald-qld-4720">Emerald, Queensland</a> is $311,000, according to the latest CoreLogic data.
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Emerald, Queensland mortgagee home sold for $175,000 loss

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A Port Lincoln, South Australia mortgagee home has been sold for $97,000.
The three bedroom, one bathroom house last sold for $173,000 in October 2004.
Shane Merchant of Kemp Real Estate marketed the listing.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-sa-port+lincoln-131005814" target="_blank">30 Matilda Street</a>, the home was built in 1925.
Set on 1,012 square metres, the listing notes that the home would be ideal for those "looking for a project".
Originally listed for $129,000 in April 2019, after 130 days on market the asking price was down to $109,500.
In January 2004, the home sold for $150,000, also more than the latest sale.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/port-lincoln-sa-5606">Port Lincoln</a> is $296,500 according to CoreLogic.
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Port Lincoln, SA mortgagee home sold for $75,000 loss

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Brisbane market on the whole has always offered an extraordinarily good balance of property options for those building a diversified investment portfolio, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 
The valuation firm took a look at rental yields across the country. 
"There are opportunities for capital-gain motivated buyers looking to park their dough in an asset with excellent value upside potential," the valuation firm said. 
"Conversely, if you’re seeking to ramp up returns, we have plenty to offer across our landscape that would put other larger cities in the shade in relation to rental return.
"And of course, our offerings are relatively affordable too."
Given some of the good news on the horizon around infrastructure investment and increasing interstate migration, there’s every chance Brisbane will be one of the country’s best performing capital city markets over the next three to five years.
"First up, we aren’t seeing investors flock to yields in the same way they might in Sydney or Melbourne," the valuation firm stated. 
The run to yields is often on the back of markets that have undergone major fluctuations – for example, when prices are running too hot and investors are seeking options where a comparatively higher rental return will help service the debt.
In this instance, high yields are hard to find and hotly contested.
Conversely, when values are at the bottom of the cycle, cash flow investors might look for a high return so they can purchase a holding with good long (or even very long) term growth prospects at an attractive yield.
The new landlord can then use that relatively attractive rent to service the debt while playing the waiting game.
"This is all to say that in Brisbane, our steady market movements suggest the attraction to high-yielding investment is no greater in 2019 than it has been in previous years. That’s not to say it’s bad, it’s just to say that demand has been consistent," the valuation firm said. 
"Certainly, the ongoing low interest rate environment has been attractive for investors, and this means net returns look healthy.
"Any investor operating in our markets will be factoring in yields in their buying decision, but low yield is rarely a deal-breaker in this sector." 
Brisbane has seen a recovery in its rental market, the report noted. 
Average rents are rising, albeit modestly, with vacancy rates tightening. This has something to do with the uptake of inner-city apartment oversupply. While there is still plenty of stock to be absorbed by the rental market, the numbers are better now than they were a few years back.
"So, who are the buyers seeking high yields in Brisbane?
"Well, analyse the retail-level investor pool operating in our market and keen to secure above-average yields and you’ll discover a broad church. They range from typical individual or mum-and-dad investors through to self-funded superannuants chasing a cash flow strategy rather than capital gains," the valuation firm added. 
These buyers seek properties such as units around the university nodes and multiple-occupancy style accommodation such as flats buildings, boarding houses, student accommodation or dual occupancy dwellings.
"As to whether high yield makes for a good investment option in Brisbane the answer is – not necessarily!
"There are plenty of high yield options available such as serviced apartments in the inner city and dual-key units, but the downside is capital growth prospects are more limited than for traditional detached housing and owner-occupier style attached housing.
"Also, while the gross yield tends to be high on some property types, the net yield can be fairly unappealing once management costs and other outlays are factored in."
This can typically extend and apply to outer lying regions too where high yielding properties such as duplexes and dual occupancy bring a great gross income but less impressive net income.
"All in all, higher yields reflect higher risks. While some Brisbane metrics look good, economic uncertainty at the national and international level compels us towards caution," the valuation firm said. 
Many of the asset classes associated with higher yields appeal to a more limited buyer segment (being the investor market) and when there is a limited number of buyers for this style of property. It can become difficult to liquidate assets without a significant discount.
Setting aside the position laid out above, let’s take a look at some high-yield examples in our river city.
Inner city investor stock and dual key apartment are certainly available. Some typical price points include:
<ul>
<li>One-bedroom units in the city at $300,000 to $350,000 with rents at $360 to $400 per week reflecting yields of circa 6%;</li>
<li>Two-bedroom units in the city at say $500,000 with rents at $525 to $575 per week reflecting yields of circa 5.5%.</li>
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One example is this dual key apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-131039374" target="_blank">2006- 2007/255 Ann Street </a>(pictured below) in the CBD which sold in July 2019 for $355,000 and rents for $690 per week, reflecting a gross yield 10.1%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/brisbane%20city%201.jpg" alt="">
Another is this one-bedroom UniLodge property located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-qld-brisbane+city-129661882" target="_blank">2511/104 Margaret Street </a>(pictured below) in the CBD which sold in July 2019 for $135,000 with a rent of $336 per week, reflecting a gross yield 12.94%.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/brisbane%20city%202.jpg" alt="">
The HTW report notes rents are higher due to being inner city positioned close to public transport and amenity as well as the oversupply of rental stock over the past few years starting to be absorbed.
For inner city units, townhouses and dwellings, higher yielding properties are typically located around the university hubs as they are often let out on a per room basis reflecting a much higher overall rent, often with a few little extras included such as free internet and full furnishing (generally of very modest condition and quality though).
Some of the outer ring suburbs such as Burpengary, Caboolture and Morayfield have estates full of dual occupancy and duplex style accommodation which will attract higher yield in comparison to traditional single unit dwellings.
Tenants in the dual occupancy and duplex style accommodations of the outer ring suburbs are often attracted to the lower cost associated with renting just their part of the dwelling as well as the modern or new condition of the asset in comparison to renting out an entire property.
Furthermore, although shared, these assets are generally still seen to offer privacy in comparison to units or townhouses although they are often of a similar size internally.
There is an alternative in new estates for some investors - a display home with a leaseback to the builder in place.
While they can show an excellent return on paper, they often sell at above market prices to reflect the inclusion of the leaseback.
Often these agreements can be for one or two-year terms with options at the end to extend further.
While the agreed rent on a display home can vary, typically they are rented back at a commercial rent which is well above standard market rents.
There are of course ways to boost the rental return on your existing investment such as renting room-by-room, renting furnished or letting the car space separately.
The report suggests higher density dwellings which offer the ability to be rented out on a per room basis (particularly those which are en suited) tend to do well.
There are some dwellings being built new that offer four or five large bedrooms each with their own en suite and a small kitchenette or wet bar, although they have minimum living area in the common parts of the house.
Whilst these are classified as dwellings, they will yield a much higher return due to the ability to be let per room.
An example of a recent sale of a multi-income stream property is this one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-unitblock-qld-hendra-130661294" target="_blank">292 Nudgee Road, Hendra </a>(pictured below) which sold on a 9.1% gross yield in June this year.
It comprised five self-contained apartments, each with bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/16/hendra%20.jpg" alt="">
Occasionally in areas such as St Lucia, some of the larger two-bedroom units located in those 1970s style walk-up units have been converted into three-bedroom units at the expense of smaller living areas.
This increases the rental income substantially.
Likewise, there are a large number of high set dwellings which get built in under (not necessarily considered to be habitable height) to accommodate additional space to be let out.
"The caution here is that from a valuation point of view, a lot of these areas end up being treated as storage as they aren’t strictly deemed habitable under building guidelines. As such, the assessed rent applied by valuers is often far less than the rent actually received by the owner," the valuation firm said. 
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Where to find high yielding rental properties in Brisbane: HTW residential 

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A Balwyn North mortgagee home has been sold for $965,000.
The three bedroom, two bathroom townhouse last sold for $1.13 million in 2016.
Mark and Rob Fletcher of Fletchers Real Estate marketed the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-vic-balwyn+north-131970578" target="_blank">5 St Bridgets Rise</a>, the abode was sold at auction with a price guide of $960,000 - $1,050,000.
Set on 526 square metres, the two storey home features a double auto-garage.
Built in 1980, the home is located a short walk from multiple schools, cafes, public transport options and other amenities.
When the home last sold, it was also during an auction but it went under the hammer with a lower price guide of $900,000 - $990,000, despite the higher final sale price.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/balwyn-north-vic-3104">Balwyn North</a> is $1,561,500 according to CoreLogic. 
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Balwyn North mortgagee home sold for $165,000 loss

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A Melbourne mortgagee home has been sold for $542,000.
The apartment last sold for $585,000 in 2012. It was an off the plan purchase.
Edward Thomas and Amanda Draper of Edward Thomas marketed the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-vic-melbourne-131970274" target="_blank">910/639 Lonsdale Street</a>, the two bedroom two bathroom apartment also has an underground parking space.
The home has been on market for a combined 1700 days over the course of 3 campaigns before it successfully found a buyer.
It was only offered as a mortgagee in this latest campaign which started in September 2019 and it sold at auction with a price guide of $470,000 - $510,000.
Located in the Upper West Side development, the unit has access to a number of features including a well equipped gymnasium, heated lap pool, rock climbing wall as well as communal gardens and BBQ areas.
It is positioned opposite the Southern Cross station, near trains, trams, The DFO, Coles, Crown Casino, Southbank and Docklands restaurants.
Built in 2014, the home was offered as a rental as recently as 2017 seeking $635/pw, an increase on what it sought in 2014 when it was listed for $560/pw.
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The median price for a home in <a href="/developments/melbourne-vic">Melbourne</a> is $590,000 according to CoreLogic.
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Melbourne mortgagee apartment sold for $45,000 loss

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

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

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

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

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

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

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

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

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Staff reporter

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