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Australia’s property market isn't going to crash, according to the Commonwealth Bank economist Gareth Aird.
Nor even a hard landing, but something not too dissimilar to the corrections of 2010 and 1989, he said.
But he has forecast that house prices in Sydney and Melbourne will continue declining until the end of next year.
“We (CBA) see the peak to trough being around 10% in Sydney and a little less in Melbourne (8.8%)," he told Business Insider.
Click <a href="https://edge.alluremedia.com.au/uploads/businessinsider/2018/09/CBA1.jpg" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge
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<img src="https://edge.alluremedia.com.au/uploads/businessinsider/2018/09/CBA1.jpg" alt="">Source: Commonwealth Bank
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Aird’s model is calculated as a function of the four variables listed below.
1. Annual changes in mortgage rates (1 year advanced);
2. The annual change in the flow of credit (six months advanced);
3. Auction clearance rates (four months advanced);
and 4. The house price expectations index from the Westpac/Melbourne Insitute consumer sentiment survey (2 months advanced).
He concedes that “predicting property prices can look foolish retrospectively”.
However, the chart below shows that the four leading indicators outlined above track actual movements in house prices “very well”.
<div>
<img src="https://edge.alluremedia.com.au/uploads/businessinsider/2018/09/CBA2.jpg" alt="">Source: Commonwealth Bank
</div>
“Clearly, we can’t forecast auction clearance rates or the household perception around the future path of dwelling prices.”
CBA’s base case is that Sydney home prices will decline by 5% annually in 2018 — a relatively mild assessment given the latest weekly data from CoreLogic Sydney house prices are currently 5.9% lower than this time last year.
That would take overall declines from Sydney’s July 2017 peak to around 7.5%.
“For Melbourne, prices would be down by around 5% from their November 2017 peak,” Aird said.
“Nationally, we think prices will end the year down by around 3% with a roughly similar outcome likely in 2019."
Aird noted the broader economy outside of housing is still performing well, along with the continued strength in Australia’s labour market.
He expects the unemployment rate will decline further which lowers the risk of mortgage defaults.
There’s Australian rate of population growth, he added.
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CBA's Gareth Aird forecasts 10 percent decline in Sydney house prices into 2019

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<div>Australia’s fresh fruit famers, including strawberry farmers, affected by the ‘fruit sabotage’ issue are being urged to contact their bank.</div>
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<div>There is assistance on offer which can include deferred loan payments, waiving fees and restructuring loans.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The assistance is on offer to all farmers affected, including any who may be caught up if the issue spread to other fruits.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>CEO of the Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh said that banks were always ready to help local producers affected by these kinds of issues and urged any farmer who needed assistance from their bank to contact them directly.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Banks have years of experience in assisting rural producers through disasters and are ready once again to stand shoulder to shoulder with our farmers who need help,” Ms Bligh said.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Australian Banks are ready and willing to help any producer affected by this spate of fruit sabotage, therefore anyone affected should contact their bank for assistance."</div>
<div> </div>
<div>“Banks have specific hardship teams which specialise in this area, contactable through the main switchboard, who can walk customers through what can be done to see farmers through this difficult time,” she concluded.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>ABA Member banks offer a range of services to help customers experiencing circumstances outside their control.</div>
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Bank help offered for farmers affected by fruit sabotage

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Purplebricks is set to amend its offering in Australia so that half of the commission fees will be payable on sale, rather than all on signup.
Purplebricks Global COO Neil Tavender said the changes were a natural evolution of a business.
They have however raised their commission again, progressively from its initial flat cost of $4500.
Purplebricks has sold over 4,000 homes since its launch.
Kenny Bruce, its co-founder, toured Australia to speak with their listing agents.
“For customers, our new offering reduces exposure when a home isn’t sold whilst still offering a flat fee that side-steps large com
The new structures sees:
• An all-inclusive fee of $8,800 incl. GST when selling with Purplebricks. If the property goes to auction, an additional fee of $600 incl. GST is incurred by the customer.
• Only half of this fee is paid on listing ($4,400 incl. GST), although every customer can choose to defer this payment for six months or until settlement.
• The remainder of the fee is only payable when the home is sold following settlement.
• Access to a best-in-class marketing package that now includes ‘premiere’ listing on realestate.com.au, the cost of which would normally be paid by the seller and range between $1000 and $4000. This is coupled with professional photography, floor-plan, for sale board and other marketing and advertising as part of the overall package.
As part of the changes, Purplebricks agents will have the opportunity to more than double their income per listing, receiving an additional payment on the successful closure of the sale of the home.
“Our agents will continue to be highly motivated to achieve strong sale results and have the bandwidth to provide the highest level of service as we expand our footprint across the nation.”
“An entrepreneurial franchising model has always been at the heart of our business and is what has facilitated tremendous growth for Purplebricks across the globe." Tavender said.
Purplebricks Australia will honour terms and conditions in all existing contracts.
The offering will be in implemented from 1 October.
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Purplebricks evolves its offering in Australia so not all commission upfront 

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The Future Melbourne Committee has unanimously endorsed plans for the first new urban park in the Hoddle Grid since City Square was developed in 1980.
The Market Street public park is adjacent to Cbus Property and ISPT’s <a href="/expert-insights/investing/collins-arch-melbourne-signs-up-third-law-firm-office-tenants">Collins Arch development at 447 Collins Street</a> in the CBD’s western grid.
The new park will introduce 1,900 square metres of open space.
Collins Arch is set for completion late next year.
The Market Street park in 2020.
The City of Melbourne will decide on a name for the park at a future date.
Cbus Property is developing the park which will then be handed back to City of Melbourne for public use and management.
<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/2018/9/19/Hoddle%202.jpg" alt="">
The new park will be connected to a further 1,750 square metres of publicly accessible and occupiable space within the Collins Arch development via a large amphitheater.
The total open space added to the block will be nearly 30 percent larger than the previous forecourt of <a href="/expert-insights/buying/cbus-secures-approval-for-its-447-collins-street-project">the National Mutual building</a> which was demolished despite its architectural merit.
It was among a handful of CBD buildings rejected by the state government for heritage protection as some regarded the 27-level building as a prime example of post-war International style. 
It is being designed by landscape architects Oculus, incorporating a collection of spaces, including a City Garden, Central Plaza, a Terrace and Northern Lawns.
Each space will create clear pedestrian connections via north-south links to public transport, the Northbank, as well as the broader precinct, including the Immigration Museum.
<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/2018/9/19/Hoddle%203.jpg" alt="">
The creation of the park will see the western side of Market Street repurposed into public space, while the eastern side will be transformed to include a new bike lane.
The remainder of Market Street will become a single lane carriageway for southbound traffic and kerbside parking.
The $1 billion plus mixed-use Collins Arch development will include 49,000 square metres of premium-grade office space, 940 square metres of ground floor retail and a <a href="/expert-insights/investing/collins-arch-to-feature-melbourne-s-first-w-hotel">five-star W Hotel</a>, as well as 184 luxury apartments.
Pictured below is the now demolished National Mutual Building
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/19/Arches.JPG" alt="">
(source: Victoria State Library)
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Collins Arch garden plans revealed for Market Street

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Pimpama Village, the master-planned land development located on the old Coulters Farm on the Gold Coast, is approaching its third stage sell out.
The 53-hectare estate house and land packages start at $508,778, and comes with a number of customisable house designs.
Stages one and two have both sold our already and stage three has nearly sold out, just <a href="https://www.choicehomes.com.au/estate/pimpama-village" target="_blank">7 lots remain of the 74 which were on offer.</a>
The only properties remaining are four bedroom homes, which can span either one or two levels (above).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/9/14/Pimpama%202.JPG" alt="">
The development is just south of Hotham Creek and sits near the soon to be opened Pimpama City Shopping Centre.
Pimpama City (pictured below), which has 18,000 sqm of retail space, is set to open on September 21, with a line up of retailers including Coles, Coles Express, ALDI plus Best &amp; Less. 
<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/2018/9/19/PImpaming.jpg" alt="">
The estate is situated a short distance from Ormeau train station, the M1 Motorway, providing it easy access to the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
 Pimpama Village includes a central town centre with proposed Coles, Aldi, KFC, Hungry Jacks, a medical centre, childcare, and specialty shops.
For more information on Pimpapa Village, <a href="https://www.choicehomes.com.au/estate/pimpama-village" target="_blank">click here.</a>
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Pimpama Village on the Gold Coast soon to sell out stage three

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Westpac has cut its rates, and promised longer discounts.
The nation's second-largest lender has cut lending rates by up to 110 basis points in an aggressive bid for new borrowers.
Its new loan packages also aim to lock-in new borrowers with lucrative discounts of up to 80 basis points for the life of the loan. A basis point is 0.01 percentage point.
Fairfax Media advised the new Westpac rates will also apply for new lenders for Bank of Melbourne, BankSA and St George Bank.
The offer will replace the existing two-year introductory discounts with a life of loan discount for principal and interest and interest only borrowers. The new flexi first option home loan, with its basic home loan product with a headline rate of 3.98 per cent, will now include a 75 basis point discount for the life of the loan.
The flexi first principal and interest option for investors, which has a headline rate of 4.48 per cent, includes an 80 basis point discount for the life of the loan.
The interest only version has a headline rate of 5.08 per cent and a 71 basis point life of loan discount.
The offer excludes owner occupied loans with interest only repayments or to switches within the Westpac Group.
Westpac is set to advise the new first time buyer flexi first option home loan borrowers will receive an 85 basis point discount for the first five years and then roll onto a 75 basis point discount for the life of the loan. The headline rate is 3.88 per cent. First time investors will receive a 110 basis point discount for the first five years and then revert to a 80 per cent discount for the loan's life.
Its headline rate is 4.18 per cent.
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Westpac cuts new loan rates, and promises longer discounts

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The Sydney Metro Northwest upgrades have resulted in a variety of retail spaces on and around five of the new railway stations.
This follows the previous appointment of Savills Australia to conduct an expressions of interest leasing campaign for retail spaces at 12 of the Sydney Metro Northwest stations, which closed on June 1, 2018.
Now, phase two will differ by instead offering long-term retail opportunities in purpose built buildings on the station unpaid concourse.
Sydney Metro in partnership with Landcom are also offering on the land reserved for future development surrounding the station a 3,000sq m (approx.) ground lease opportunity and short term pad sites within “Interim Activation Areas” suited to a variety of uses, for example food and beverage trucks, pop up retail and events.
Savills Australia executive of retail services, David Kleiner has been appointed to conduct a new expressions of interest leasing campaign and said he has received an overwhelming response since the beginning of the first release.
These new opportunities have become available at five Sydney Metro Northwest stations at Tallawong, Kellyville, Bella Vista, Hills Showground and Cherrybrook stations. Chcha
Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project – 13 metro stations open in the city’s north west in the first half of next year, with metro rail to extend into the Sydney CBD in 2024.
The expressions of interest campaign will commence 19 September 2018 with the activation of a dedicated website being www.sydneymetroleasing.com.au and close 19 October, 2018.
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Sydney metro offering long-term retail spaces

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Propertylink Group (ASX:PLG) has announced that the Propertylink Enhanced Partnership (PEP) has entered into a contract for the sale of 80 Mount Street, North Sydney for $71 million.
The sale price represents a 29 percent premium to current book value and delivers an annualised total equity return of 58 percent while reflecting an initial yield of 4.32%..
Propertylink has a 25 percent co-investment in the PEP fund with Goldman Sachs holding the majority interest of 75 percent.
Following the sale of 80 Mount Street, the fund comprises of 8 office and industrial assets.
Completion of the sale is unconditional and is expected to occur in November.
The sale will contribute approximately $3.5 million in co-investment income to Propertylink’s distributable earnings in FY18.
80 Mount Street is a B-grade office tower comprising of 6,204 sqm of net lettable area across 14 levels.
The building was acquired by Propertylink, via the PEP fund, as part of the acquisition of the Denison Portfolio in August 2016.
Propertylink’s Chief Investment Officer, Peter McDonald said “Since the acquisition of 80 Mount Street, we have deployed a targeted capital expenditure program to refurbish and upgrade the building. Most significantly however, we have undertaken extensive leasing activity across 55 percent of the building area, driving occupancy from 75 percent to 92 percent over the last two years.”
With the approval of Goldman Sachs, Propertylink commenced a campaign to market the property for sale in July 2018.
“The sale campaign attracted unprecedented levels of interest from both local and offshore groups who were attracted to the location of the asset in the heart of North Sydney, a market with upside potential and just 6.3% vacancy,” Mr McDonald said.
The selling agents for 80 Mount Street were Knight Frank’s Tyler Talbot and Dominic Ong and CBRE’s James Parry, Kenny Duncanson and Sharon Yang.
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Propertylink has divested a North Sydney office tower for a 58% return

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Consolidated Properties Group and CVS Lane Capital Partners have commenced a major refurbishment and leasing program for the Wilsonton Shopping Centre, which they acquired 2 months ago.
The $20 million refurbishment program, which is expected to be complete by July 2019, will include upgrades to the northern and western entry facades, additional signage, full internal and external repainting, new furniture and lighting, new landscaping and improvements to roofing and public amenities.
<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/2018/9/13/Wilstonton%202.jpg" alt="">
Wilsonton Shopping Centre is located in Northern Toowoomba and was established in 1996, with the last expansion in 2015 to add a health and services precinct.
Consolidated Properties Group Executive Chairman Don O'Rorke says the strong fundamentals, including the solid trading history of anchor tenants Woolworths and Coles, were key to the acquisition.
The 18,500 sqm Wilsonton Shopping Centre is the latest addition Consolidated Properties Group and CVS Lane Capital Partners retail partnership portfolio.
Mr O'Rorke said, "the portfolio now comprises four shopping centres along the eastern seaboard, with a focus on the non-discretionary retail sector and neighbourhood retail precincts which have the potential for upgrade or expansion."
The Centre services about 44,000 weekly visitors.
Wilsonton Centre currently has around 45 specialty stores and upon completion of the refurbishment program, Wilsonton Shopping Centre is expected to have an end value of approximately $90 million.
In addition to the Wilsonton purchase, the retail partnership has recently commenced construction of new full-line Coles Supermarkets at both the Karalee Shopping Village and Pavilions Palm Beach.
The pipeline also includes a retail and lifestyle centre to be developed within the Yeerongpilly Green master planned community - another joint venture between Consolidated Properties and CVS Lane Capital Partners.
Assets under development within the retail partnership have a completed value approaching $400 million, and is anticipated to grow to $600 million plus over the next two to three years
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Refurbishment of Wilsonton Shopping Centre underway

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A Bentley Park four bedroom house with mountain views has been recently sold by mortgagees for $340,000.
It was listed by Patrick Kenny from Ray White Cairns South.
Located on the south side in Kingfisher Estate, the house at<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-bentley+park-128367282" target="_blank"> 14 Ainscow Drive</a> comes with two separated tiled living areas, galley style kitchen, four bedrooms with built-ins, outdoor patio with views and double remote garage. 
Other features include the security screen, solar hot water and backyard.
It last traded at $138,500 in 2012. 
The suburb's median house price sits at <a href="/developments/bentley-park-qld-4869">$351,000</a> according to CoreLogic. 
 
 
 
 
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A four bedroom Bentley Park, Queensland home sold by mortgagees

A who's who of Australian surfing, business and entertainment has emerged on title records following the completion of Esprit Rainbow Bay, the latest boutique beachfront apartment development by former professional surfer Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects.

The completed project has attracted an enviable collection of owners, many with long-standing ties to the southern Gold Coast and the surf culture that has helped define Rainbow Bay and neighbouring Kirra for generations.

Given Gedoun's own background in surfing, it perhaps comes as little surprise that some of Australia's most recognisable surfers have chosen to buy into the development overlooking one of the country's most celebrated stretches of coastline.

Pezet Matheson directors Jayde Pezet and Todd Matheson launched the project in late 2021, and have managed the sales campaign all the way through to its sell-out and recent completion.

<img alt="Esprit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08fc6261-b84e-4b09-8a44-66d3067fd0d1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-29%20at%208.51.05%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4AOcb6ETZwNUnMPdTtz1B3pZAIB_jgZ2" />

Former world champion Mick Fanning, who grew up in Coolangatta, secured an apartment in 2023. He paid&nbsp;$2.07 million. Last year he sold his Bilinga home for over $16 million.

Three-time world champion Joel Parkinson also purchased in the development, alongside big wave surfer Mark Mathews. Mathews bought the most expensive apartment in the building, spending just over $4 million.

Joining them is Rip Curl founder Doug Warbrick, whose company helped shape Australia's global surfing industry over the past five decades.

The appeal of Rainbow Bay has extended well beyond the surfing community.

International DJ Paul Fisher purchased an apartment through his investment vehicle, YLB Developments, an abbreviation of his trademark phrase "You Little Beauty".

The purchase comes as Fisher and his wife Chloe are developing their own luxury apartment project further north in Palm Beach. Their boutique beachfront development, Pescado, comprises just seven apartments on Jefferson Lane, which start from just shy of $6 million. The couple intend to retain the two-level penthouse as their Australian base between international touring commitments.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy and his wife Wendy have also invested in Esprit, purchasing two apartments after spending decades holidaying on the southern Gold Coast. They also have a luxury apartment in Joe Adsett's Rockpool, less than 400m away from Esprit.

<h2>Boutique project draws owner-occupiers</h2>

Esprit launched in 2021 and sold strongly, with buyers drawn to its boutique scale, beachfront position and contemporary design.

The completed development comprises 94 apartments across 11 levels, offering expansive floorplans designed primarily for owner-occupiers rather than the investor market.

Crowning the building is Club Esprit, pitched as being the Gold Coast's first residential rooftop wellness centre. The roof features a&nbsp;25 metre magnesium lap pool, which is surrounded by wet daybeds and poolside cabanas,&nbsp;multiple barbecue areas,&nbsp;a yoga and relaxation play lawn, and a private dining room with a kitchen scullery, bar, lounges, and an outdoor terrace.

The wellness centre is&nbsp;fully equipped with a Technogym, ice bath, infra-red sauna, steam room, thermal room, and treatment room. The roof has views spanning&nbsp;Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

<h2>S&amp;S Projects continues to shape Rainbow Bay</h2>

S&amp;S Projects founder Paul Gedoun has become one of the key figures behind Rainbow Bay's evolution over the past several years.

After establishing S&amp;S Projects, Gedoun has focused on delivering lifestyle-driven apartment developments designed primarily for owner-occupiers seeking a permanent coastal home.

Esprit is Gedoun's third completed project in Rainbow Bay, following Flow and Awaken, both of which achieved record prices for the suburb.

He is now delivering <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, a 38-apartment development on Boundary Street that is currently selling, and has no plans to leave the precinct anytime soon. S&amp;S Projects has also lodged plans for its fifth Rainbow Bay development, an 88-apartment project on Boundary Street featuring a strong wellness focus.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">First look: S&amp;S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street</a>

&nbsp;

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Joel Robinson

Who's who of buyers revealed as Esprit Rainbow Bay settles

Nature Based Cities (NBC), the not-for-profit organisation focused on improving biodiversity and nature outcomes in urban development, has launched its latest industry design guidelines and accreditation framework, this time targeting precinct-scale residential communities.

The move extends NBC’s influence beyond its initial focus on medium and high-density residential developments. Several projects have already achieved NBC accreditation since the launch of its Medium &amp; High-Density Residential Guidelines in early 2025.

The expansion into masterplanned communities and new residential precincts reflects the growing need for stronger nature-positive benchmarks as Australia’s outer suburban growth corridors continue to expand at pace.

Paul Hameister OAM, NBC Founder and the Executive Chairman of Melbourne developer Hamton who itself leans heavily into nature and biodiversity in its developments, says the&nbsp;nature-first approach to mitigate the effects of climate change has become standard in other parts of the world such as the UK, but Australia is lagging.&nbsp;Australia’s environmentally sustainable design (ESD) rating tools have no minimum mandatory requirements for living landscapes.

“We’ve always wanted to do more, and we know other developers who want to do more, but the ESD rating tools just aren’t there,” Hameister says. “In Australia, you can have a five-green-star rated building that’s concrete and glass with not a blade of grass. 
 
“The focus is on reducing emissions, which is laudable, but there hasn’t been enough attention paid to protecting and re-establishing nature. We need both for the health of the environment and for communities.”

He says that having now&nbsp;made good progress in supporting developers of medium and high-density residential projects, NBC is now looking to bolster better nature-based decision-making and recognise developers of greenfield projects in the outer ring and large inner-ring brownfield precincts, who want to champion nature and living landscape as a defining feature.

Since 2022, the not-for-profit has sought to remove the roadblocks preventing developers from incorporating nature and living landscapes into their projects, shifting the conversation from the reduction of emissions and grey infrastructure, toward recognising nature as an essential infrastructure.

The New Communities Design Guidelines and Scorecard arm developers with the tools needed to deliver a nature positive outcome for their new communities. Intended to be adopted at the outset of the planning process, the guidelines are designed to help create communities that are cooler, healthier and more resilient while also enhancing social wellbeing and long-term economic value.&nbsp;

New Communities developers seeking accreditation will be independently assessed across a range of key criteria including ecology, tree canopy, biodiversity, and walkability. Once the masterplan is complete and submitted for approval, the scorecard is formalised based on proposed outcomes. Projects that meet the NBC criteria will receive either Commended or Exemplary accreditation outcomes, creating a clear benchmark for nature-positive new communities in Australia.&nbsp;

Janis Fischer, Director at Tract and NBC Advisory Council member, said the development of new communities in our suburbs can have a substantial impact on nature and biodiversity.

"By incorporating nature-based design principles at the inception of a project, developers and their design teams can achieve nature positive outcomes that are good for both people and the planet.’’&nbsp;

NBC accredited New Community projects will gain access to NBC branding and marketing tools to help communicate their nature-based credentials to purchasers and the broader market.&nbsp;

Nature Based Cities: A new Australian benchmark for developing nature-positive new communities

Apartment buildings are increasingly being designed around how people actually live day to day, not just how they want a building to look.

For buyers, that shift is showing up in practical inclusions that respond to changing habits. Work-from-home spaces, EV charging, wellness amenities, secure bike storage and parcel management are becoming part of the broader apartment conversation, reflecting a move toward buildings that reduce friction in everyday life.

Online shopping has become one of the clearest examples of that change.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion online in 2025, with nearly one in four retail dollars now spent online. That has made parcel delivery a regular part of apartment living, rather than an occasional inconvenience.

For apartment residents, however, the delivery process can be less straightforward than it is for detached homes. Parcels may be left in lobbies, redirected to Post Offices, missed entirely, or placed under the responsibility of building managers and concierge teams.

That is why secure parcel infrastructure is increasingly being considered alongside more familiar apartment amenities.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VjjLwoViX0?si=A3k7ws9NX35Uac7_" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Australia Post Parcel Lockers offer one way to address the issue. When a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS, then collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN. The parcel is kept secure, accessible and removed from common areas.

The broader Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations across Australia, positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and other accessible locations.

For new apartment projects, the relevance is clear. A building’s amenity offering is no longer only about lifestyle spaces, but also about convenience, security and functionality.

As buyer expectations evolve, secure parcel delivery is becoming part of the same design conversation as flexible working, sustainable transport and resident wellbeing.

It is one less thing for residents to worry about, and another example of apartment design adapting to the way Australians now live.

Apartment design is adapting to the way Australians shop

While school holidays and trips to Europe tend to define the winter property market, there's been no cold snap at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-177-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a> in North Sydney.

Developer-builder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> sold more than $35 million worth of apartments throughout June, including a $6.8 million apartment that now ranks among the highest apartment sales ever recorded in North Sydney.

SRM Residential agent Ben Stewart said buyer demand throughout June reflected a mix of improving market confidence and longer-term thinking from owner-occupiers.

"We're seeing strong demand from owner-occupiers who are taking a longer-term view," Stewart said.

"Many recognise the opportunity to secure an apartment in an iconic building and premium location while values remain attractive. They may initially lease the property, but the intention is to eventually move in themselves, rather than purchasing purely as an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=367129]

Located at 177 Walker Street, The Walden will deliver 161 one, two, three and four-bedroom residences across a 30-storey tower designed by Rothelowman. Every apartment occupies a corner position, maximising natural light, cross ventilation and views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, Sydney Heads and the northern districts.

Rather than a traditional balcony, the residences feature winter gardens that seamlessly extend the open plan living areas, creating versatile spaces for relaxing or entertaining throughout the year. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws in natural light while showcasing sweeping views from the building's elevated Walker Street position.

Every apartment features high-end Calacatta marble, bespoke joinery, and fully integrated appliances.

The larger residences have been planned with distinct entertaining and private zones, with many master suites positioned on corners to capture natural light and harbour views. Walk-in dressing rooms, freestanding baths and refined stone finishes reinforce the house-like feel that has resonated with downsizers and owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6393]

Rothelowman Principal Ben Pomroy said the project was designed to make the most of its unique position overlooking the harbour.

"The Walden is a celebration of all things beautiful, curated for those who expect nothing less than exceptional," Pomroy says.

"Meticulously designed entertaining spaces and light-filled living areas that capitalise on capturing the natural beauty of Sydney's iconic harbour."

Residents will also have exclusive access to The Pavilion, a dedicated amenity building featuring a rooftop pool, wellness studio, gymnasium, sauna, concierge service, residents' lounge, private dining spaces and work-from-home facilities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6402]

The project marks ALAND's first major luxury apartment development in Sydney's inner-city market after more than two decades delivering residential communities across Greater Sydney.

Founder and CEO Andrew Hrsto previously said the rarity of the Walker Street site made it an opportunity the company could not overlook.

"This is a rare opportunity to bring a truly exceptional project to life in one of Sydney's most iconic locations, and to showcase our craftsmanship and design expertise at a world-class level," Hrsto said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6383]

The Walden has been introduced to the market at a time when demand for living in North Sydney is at an all-time high. Billions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure, including the recently opened Victoria Cross Metro station, located just 300 metres from The Walden, providing residents with direct access to the Sydney CBD in just minutes.

Private investment has also transformed the area through the arrival of new retail and dining destinations, elevating the lifestyle offering in what was once considered primarily a commercial precinct rather than an aspirational residential address.

The Walden is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

ALAND records $35 million in sales in North Sydney as The Walden bucks quiet winter selling season

The long-awaited redevelopment of the former Eastlakes Shopping Centre site has reached a major milestone, with Conquest's plans for a new mixed-use precinct officially placed on public exhibition.

The State Significant Development Application would transform the 1.7-hectare site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/19a-evans-avenue-eastlakes-nsw-2018">19A Evans Avenue</a> into one of Sydney's largest urban renewal projects, delivering 736 apartments above a new shopping centre anchored by Woolworths, alongside specialty retail, dining, commercial space and new public open spaces.

The public exhibition marks the next chapter for the project after <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/conquest">Conquest</a> acquired the stalled Stage Two development from Crown Group, who completed the first stage across the road prior to their voluntary liquidation.

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fca22c5-d1ed-4e2c-8801-03f7df1eafc8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland%20podium.png?VersionId=uomwr41nF8CmLUZRDcu3mHQechlbxucS" />

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Designed by DKO Architecture, the proposal comprises four residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys above a two-level retail podium. The development would deliver 736 apartments, including 74 affordable homes, 215 Build-to-Rent apartments and 521 market residences. Provision has also been made for dual-key apartments, which could increase the total number of dwellings to 877.

At ground level, the shopping centre has been designed as the suburb's new meeting place, anchored by a full-line Woolworths and complemented by a curated mix of fresh food retailers, cafés, restaurants, health services and everyday convenience shopping. Generous pedestrian links and landscaped public spaces will connect the retail precinct through to Jack Mundey Reserve, creating a more walkable and connected neighbourhood.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

"Eastlakes has been overlooked for too long, and this is the community’s moment. We are building a shopping centre and homes, a genuine heart for the suburb, and we genuinely want locals to help shape it."

"We enrich communities through the creation of homes, places, and experiences designed for life, built to last, and owner for generations. That starts with listening, so we warmly encourage everyone with a connection to Eastlakes to view the plans and share their thoughts."

<img alt="First look: Conquest unveils plans for 736-home Eastlakes Shopping Centre redevelopment" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22f6fb20-54fb-4bd7-8a92-48fafdd00608" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/eastland.png?VersionId=cugp7s9hrMHGJJdYzkeAkrFoQgnF4GXf" />

DKO said the design had been shaped by the site's landscape setting and surrounding open space.

"Our vision for the site embraces its unique Bidjigal identity by blending the residential living with generous landscaping and a material palette inspired by the Bidjigal locality, and celebrating the panoramic views to Botany Bay and the wetlands reserves."

"Taking cues from Country, we seek to harmonise built form with the landscape and lightly touch the earth. By reconnecting, retaining and regenerating existing ecology, and weaving in natural elements, we can deepen our connection to Country."

The landscape strategy extends across the podium and rooftops, incorporating communal gardens, children's play areas, lawns, community gardens, family gathering spaces and extensive tree planting. New landscaped links will also strengthen the connection between the precinct and Jack Mundey Reserve, while publicly accessible open spaces have been integrated throughout the development.

The proposal builds on Conquest's broader placemaking strategy for the site. Through an ongoing partnership, local artist Joe Rashbrook has been appointed Urban Art Curator, working alongside young residents to transform the project's site hoardings into a public art gallery that allows the community to engage with the redevelopment before construction is complete.

Conquest has rapidly expanded its development pipeline since acquiring the Eastlakes site, with more than $6 billion worth of mixed-use projects now in planning across Sydney, including Stanmore, Castlecrag and Waterloo.

Conquest CEO Michael Akkawi said the redevelopment was about far more than replacing a shopping centre.

Staff reporter

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