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Canberra’s median house price rose by 27 per cent in the past three years, however it is slowing to an estimated three per cent in 2017/18.
The median house price sits at $700,000 at June 2018.
BIS Oxford Economics released a report this week that estimates that the Canberra market is roughly in balance at June 2018, although a very tight vacancy rate of 0.7 per cent was recorded in March quarter 2018.
This report suggests that part of this tightness is as a result of the removal of around 1,000 asbestos-contaminated houses from the dwelling stock in recent years.
Median house rents have been rising over the past 2–3 years, and unit rental prices are now following.
“In contrast to the low vacancy rate, new dwelling completions have reached a record peak in 2017/18 and this is likely to have been a contributor to the slowdown in house price growth,” said Angie Zigomanis head of BIS Oxford Economics' Residential Research Unit.
“Completions in Canberra also on track to remain elevated and close to record levels in 2018/19.”
Continued high levels of supply are expected to continue to dampen upwards pressure on prices, although with the highest household income of Australia’s capital cities, affordability remains attractive.
The BIS Oxford Economists forecast that this will result in price growth of five per cent in 2018/19, but progressively slowing over the following two years as the recent surge in population reverts to longer term averages.
Canberra’s median house price is forecast to rise by a total 10 per cent in the three years to June 2020, which reflects a rise of three per cent in real terms.
In contrast, the unit sector, where there is more supply coming through, is forecast by this report, to experience price growth of only six per cent, which is actually a two per cent fall factoring for inflation.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "<a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-house-prices-forecast-to-tread-water-through-to-2020-21-bis">Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21</a>".
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Canberra's median house prices stabilises after three year growth spurt: BIS Oxford Economics 

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Darwin’s median house price has now fallen by 19 per cent after peaking at $620,800 in June 2014, according to a report released this week by BIS Oxford Economics.
This has taken the median to an estimated $505,000 at June 2018 and the upturn to 2014 was driven by the ramp up in resource sector investment led by the Icthys LNG project.
However, construction work on this project has been winding down, while lower commodity prices have also seen other mining facilities mothballed.
“The boom in mining investment was accompanied by a boom in new dwelling construction,” said Angie Zigomanis, head of BIS Oxford Economics' Residential Research Unit
“However, dwellings were being completed as mining investment was retreating and population growth contracting, which in turn saw Darwin’s vacancy rate rise to a peak of 7.8 per cent in December quarter 2016.”
House price falls in Darwin are expected to have bottomed out in 2017/18 and although quarterly median house prices have still been patchy, it appears that the downward trend has at least stopped, noted the BIS Oxford Economics economists.
Nevertheless, the oversupply means house prices are forecast to remain flat in 2018/19, before limited growth comes through over the subsequent two years.
The collapse in new dwelling construction is expected to see excess stock steadily absorbed in this period.
The report forecasts that Darwin’s median house price is to rise by a total of only five per cent in the three years to June 2021, which will result in a real house price decline of three per cent over the period.
Unit prices have retreated further than house prices, with the median being 33 per cent off its peak at June 2018 reflecting the high level of unit supply that has been added to the market.
BIS Oxford economists forecasts are that unit price growth over 2018 to 2021 to be slightly lower than for houses at a total four per cent, or a four per cent decline in real terms.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "<a href="/expert-insights/buying/melbourne-house-prices-forecast-to-tread-water-through-to-2020-21-bis">Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21</a>".
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Downward Darwin housing market trend has stopped: BIS Oxford Economics

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The Wollongong residential market has experienced strong growth in recent years, over 20% greater than Newcastle.
Primarily because of its proximity to Sydney and the potential for the population commute to Sydney, where there is a larger variety of higher paying jobs, according to the latest report from BIS Oxford Economics.
Wollongong’s median house price is calculated to have risen by 68 per cent in the four years to June 2017, but growth has slowed down to around two per cent in 2017/18 in line with the slowdown in the Sydney market.
In contrast, median house price growth in Newcastle has lagged, having risen by an estimated 42 per cent in the four years to June 2017, although house price growth in 2017/18 has been stronger, at an estimated five per cent, the report noted.
The lower price growth in the Hunter Region reflects it being largely outside the orbit of Sydney from a commuting perspective, and weaker local employment conditions that have been impacted by falling coal investment.
The economists suggest, that the market appears to be tightening, with vacancy rates in the Hunter Region falling below two per cent since the last quarter of 2017.
"Both regions will start to show slowing price growth over the next three years, in line with the weaker Sydney market", the report forecasts.
"Starting from further behind, more upside is forecast for the Newcastle market, where the median house price is expected to rise by a total six per cent in the three years to June 2021."
In contrast, prices in Wollongong are expected to remain flat, with aggregate growth of one per cent in the three years to June 2021, the economists suggested.
Recent population estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggests that despite decreasing affordability in Sydney, there hasn’t been significant growth in migration into these regions from Sydney as yet.
However, if movements were to accelerate, there could be some upside to the price forecast for both markets, concluded the report.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21".
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Newcastle and Wollongong's residential market growth to weaken in line with Sydney: BIS Oxford Economics

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The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian has announced that the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) will be reporting through the Department of Premier and Cabinet to the Premier – rather than to the Minister for Planning. 
 Led by chief commissioner Lucy Turnbull, the Greater Sydney Commission is the independent body responsible for championing the vision of Sydney as three 30-minute cities.
“Strategic planning and the coordination of land use planning and infrastructure is finally being recognised as a core government agenda with the joining of GSC reporting to the Premier” commented PIA NSW President Jenny Rudolph.
PIA has consistently advocated for the infrastructure coordination role of the Greater Sydney Commission to be strengthened beyond its role as chair of the Infrastructure Delivery Committee. PIA looks to the new arrangements to ensure that capital investment decisions by all agencies deliver on the sustainable growth vision set out in the Greater Sydney Regional Plan.
The GSC should now be expanded to play a broader role for strategic planning and coordination in the regions. PIA acknowledges the key role of the Minister and Department of Planning and Environment in reforming the planning system and strengthening its capability to deliver better planning and development outcomes for our community.
“The two portfolios will need to quickly and clearly resolve their roles and accountabilities for strategic planning, growth areas, planning policy, LEP local plan making and planning systems in Greater Sydney” stressed PIA President Jenny Rudolph.  
“The GSC should have a level of mandate to ensure that State Government infrastructure providing agencies coordinate their programs and budgeting with the Greater Sydney Region Plan and District Plans. This will ensure the Plans are delivered,” noted Jenny Rudolph.
2GB radio broadcaster Ray Hadley recently offered an open invitation to chauffeur the Commission boss Lucy Turnbull around Sydney after the PM’s wife claimed the city is “far from full”.
 
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Greater Sydney Commission to report to Premier Gladys Berejiklian

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A four bedroom house in Western Australia's Quinns Rocks has been listed by mortgagees.  It is listed at $279,000 through Sharen Lewis at Laurence Realty.
It was built in 1995. It last sold at $370,000 in 2012.  
The <a href="https://reiwa.com.au/10-cresswell-place-quinns-rocks-4091707/" target="_blank">10 Cresswell Place, Quinns Rocks</a> house has an open plan living, four bedroom, two bathroom, and two space parking. It features a theatre/lounge, and below ground pool.
It is moments from schools, transport, shopping, parks, restaurants, cafes, and beaches. The suburb's median house price sits on <a href="/developments/quinns-rocks-wa-6030">$450,000</a>  according to CoreLogic.
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Quinns Rocks house listed by mortgagee

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Media and entertainment giant Village Roadshow will be moving from its headquarters at the Jam Factory on South Yarra’s Chapel Street to nearby Wilson Street.
Fitzroys agents James Lockwood and James Spencer, negotiated the deal at $140,000 per annum net for the 500 sqm first floor space at 60 Wilson Street in South Yarra.
The self-contained office consists of a part-partitioned and part open-plan layout.
The triple-fronted site benefits from three on-site parking spaces and surrounding tenants.
Lockwood and Spencer said the strong leasing outcome was attributed to the quality of the offering and the lack of well-located office stock in South Yarra.
“We are seeing office tenants now seeking more than just good working space."
"They are looking for surrounding amenity such as dining, shopping and recreational options,” Spencer said.
“The property’s proximity to Chapel Street, Jam Factory and Botanic Gardens assisted in the uptake of this space by a premium tenant in Village Roadshow,” Spencer said.
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Village Roadshow relocates headquarters in South Yarra

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The Bank of Queensland is among five lenders to have increased their mortgage rates.
BoQ, one of the nation's major regional banks, is increasing variable home loan rates for interest-only owner occupiers and investors by up to 15 basis points.
"Funding costs have significantly risen since February and have primarily been drive by an increase in 30 and 90 day BBSW rates, along with competition for term deposits," said Anthony Rose, Bank of Queensland's acting group executive.
"While the bank has absorbed these costs for some time, the changes announced will help to offset the impact of increased funding costs," Rose said.
The interest rate changes are effective July 2.
BOQ today announced variable home loan rate for owner occupiers (principal and interest repayments) will increase by 0.09 per cent, per annum;
<ul>
<li>
Variable home loan rate for owner occupiers (interest only repayments) will increase by 0.15 per cent, per annum;
</li>
<li>
Variable home loan rate for investors (principal and interest and interest only repayments) will increase by 0.15 per cent, per annum; and
</li>
<li>
Owner occupier and investor Lines of Credit will increase by 0.10 per cent, per annum.
</li>
</ul>
Anthony Rose said the decisions "are always difficult" and BOQ balances the needs of our borrowers and depositors when making changes.
Elsewhere rates in some cases are up by 40 basis points.
It comes as the lenders suggest they can no longer absorb the impact of rising funding costs on net interest margins.
<div>
IMB, the nation's third largest building society, has raised standard variable interest rates by 8 basis points for new and existing home loans.
AMP Bank has hiked rates on some investment products by up to 40 basis points. 
</div>
<div>
Greater Bank and Homestar Finance are also raising some rates by 10 basis points.
</div>
 
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Bank of Queensland raise IO investor rates

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Adelaide’s estimated median house price of $510,000 at June 2018 represents a four per cent increase for 2017/18, according to a report released this week from BIS Oxford Economics.
“With relatively soft economic conditions, prices in the Adelaide market appear to be responding to low interest rates,” said Angie Zigomanis head of BIS Oxford Economics' residential research unit.
“Net interstate migration outflows have improved slightly, although remain high, while new dwelling completions remain elevated."
Mr Zigomanis forecasts that “economic conditions in South Australia are to remain subdued in the short term."
"The unemployment rate for the state is above the national level, and a lull is expected as the economy responds to the shutdown of automotive manufacturing ahead of other future employment drivers such as ship building ramping up."
Affordability in Adelaide does not appear to be a constraint on the market and this will support prices.
Growth in net overseas migration inflows into South Australia is unlikely, although net interstate migration outflows are expected to slowly improve as the employment outlook eventually improves, the economists suggested.
Modest growth averaging three per cent per annum is forecast for 2020/21, beginning to accelerate into the final year of this outlook as the economic environment steadily improves.
In contrast, there has been a decline in median unit prices in 2017/18 in response to high levels of unit supply and a further decline is forecast in this report for 2018/19 before unit prices stabilise and improve in subsequent years, although still only display modest growth.
For a look at our take on the BIS Oxford Economics report for the national market check out, "Melbourne house prices forecast to tread water through to 2020/21".
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Adelaide's housing market remains affordable: BIS Oxford Economics

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The CoreLogic Quarterly Regional Market Update ranks Geelong as taking regional honours with the largest annual increase in median values in both houses (15.8%) and units (12.2%).
Houses increased by nearly 16%, while units saw an increase of over 12%.
Sales activity was down 3% across Geelong
Rental rates for units in Geelong increased by nearly 2%.
<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/2018/6/12/geelong%201.jpg" alt="">
A home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-125229510" target="_blank">161 Verner Street</a> (top) recently sold for $1,420,000 after being built in 2011.
The 860 square metre parcel last traded for $319,000 in 2009.
A <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-127809642" target="_blank">Mundy Street home</a> (below), designed and built in 2014 by Padarc, sold for $950,000 after having a guide of $899,000 to $969,000.
<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/2018/6/26/Geelong%201%2042%20Mundy%20St%20950000.jpg" alt="">
The three bedroom property was built to wrap around a central courtyard.
It was a windfall result for the vendors, who paid $198,662 for the 210 square metre parcel then $350,000 for the build of the home.
A classic cottage at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-128297002" target="_blank">16 Brownbill Street</a> (below) sold for for $650,000 at its recent weekend auction.
<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/2018/6/29/2c4cad4713c947fab85b8404d63de9af.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-128428562" target="_blank">46 Bourke Crescent</a> recently fetched for $780,000.
The 455sqm homestead (below) last sold for 288,000 in 2003, almost a 300 percent increase in value in 15 years.
<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/2018/6/26/Geelong%203%2046%20Bourke%20Crescent%20780000.jpg" alt="">
A two bedroom, one bathroom house marketed as a quaint and charming family home recently sold for $581,000 (below).
Located on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-geelong-128360630" target="_blank">151 Swanston Street</a>, the 301sqm one-story holding last sold for $272,500 in June 2009.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/26/Geelong%205%20Swanston%20St.JPG" alt="">
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What $650,000 buys in Geelong, the nation's top performing regional area

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Neither the Sydney nor Melbourne property market is going to crash, veteran estate agent John McGrath has blogged.
"There are too many fundamentals holding prices up, such as the undersupply, high population growth largely due to migration, very low interest rates, low unemployment and a strong economy," he told investor readers on the Switzer website.
But he agreed the cities were "seeing prices paring back."
He indicated just how far prices will fall "is a hard question to answer with any real accuracy," but added it was reasonable to rely on history for an indication of how low prices might go.
He cited recent research showing Australia has had six previous episodes of declining housing prices since 1980, with the peak-to-trough range of 2.5 percent to 8 percent.
McGrath cited the buying urgency has gone, competition was weaker, "there’s more homes for sale and much less risk of paying a premium at auction.
"We’re getting back to normal market conditions," he said adding it was good because market corrections prevent bubbles.
"We want a period of consolidation now to cement in the significant price gains of the boom.... Sydney house prices were up 67% and Melbourne house prices were up 40% since mid-2012 when the growth cycle began.
"So, even if they fall by 8%-10% or more, most home owners shouldn’t be concerned by this. 
"At the end of the day, the gains made during the boom will far outweigh any price falls we experience now," he said.
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Sydney and Melbourne property markets won't crash in 2018: John McGrath

Buyers considering a residence at boutique Gordon townhouse development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/lume-gordon-43-47-dumaresq-street-gordon-nsw-2072">Lume</a>&nbsp;now have another reason to bring forward their decision.

For a limited time, purchasers of a residence at Lume will receive a BMW iX3 50 electric SUV, valued at more than $120,000, as part of their purchase. The offer is designed to add value for buyers while complementing the lifestyle envisioned for the architecturally designed Upper North Shore development.

Scott Timmins, Development Manager at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/winim">WINIM</a>, said the partnership was created to provide buyers with a compelling reason to act.

"In today's market, buyers need a compelling reason to act now, and the BMW partnership was designed to create that catalyst. We wanted to add genuine value for our future purchasers. Choosing the all-electric BMW iX3 50 also reflects the values behind LUME, forward-thinking design, innovation and a more sustainable way of living. It's a premium incentive that complements the lifestyle our buyers aspire to and rewards those who commit early."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374893]

Delivered by WINIM in partnership with Burtonwood Investment Partners, Lume comprises 14 architecturally designed two, three and four-bedroom townhomes created for families seeking the space of a freestanding house with the ease of modern, low-maintenance living.

The three-storey residences, designed by award-winning architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, have been tailored for families and multi-generational living, featuring private internal lifts, flexible lower-level spaces, generous open-plan living and entertaining areas, media rooms, and landscaped outdoor spaces with custom outdoor kitchens.&nbsp;

Inside, engineered oak flooring, bespoke dining joinery with integrated wine fridges and backlit bars, sculptural porcelain bathrooms, Parisi freestanding baths and Astra Walker tapware create interiors that balance functionality with refined finishes.

Each townhome has been designed to combine generous internal spaces with sustainability initiatives such as EV charging infrastructure, while <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>'s landscaped communal areas, centred around a restored creek line and native planting, encourage residents to connect with nature and spend more time outdoors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=269527]

Rothelowman's Gary Tsui said the architecture was conceived to respond carefully to its Upper North Shore setting.

"Our vision was to create elegant, uplifting homes that draw on and positively contribute to the local character through meticulously considered design and an interaction with the surroundings."

The communal landscape has been designed as more than an open space between homes. Arcadia's Ben Newell and Kate Phillips said the adjoining reserve provided an opportunity to create a distinctive natural retreat for residents.

"Just as waterways carve their way through Ku-ring-gai's landscape, a raised boardwalk weaves through the reserve, connecting the homes to this tranquil oasis."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7354 project_image_fid=374892]

Located just 300 metres from <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/gordon-nsw-2072">Gordon</a> Village and Gordon railway station, Lume offers convenient access to Sydney's CBD while placing residents close to some of the North Shore's leading schools, including Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College and Knox Grammar. Lane Cove National Park, Gordon Golf Club and a range of cafés and restaurants further reinforce the family-focused lifestyle on offer, with the BMW iX3 50 complementing everything from local trips around Gordon to weekend drives and city commutes.

Construction is underway with completion expected in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7354]

Joel Robinson

Boutique Gordon townhomes now come with a BMW iX3 50

Two apartments have sold for more than $10 million at EADE Byron Bay, setting some of the highest apartment prices ever achieved in the coastal town and underlining the growing appetite for luxury beachfront apartments in Australia's most popular coastal locations.

The $210 million project by Vitale Property Group has now secured more than $70 million in sales, led by residences that changed hands for $12.75 million and $11.75 million.

The record-breaking transactions reinforce the shift occurring in Byron Bay's premium property market, where affluent downsizers and lifestyle buyers are increasingly opting for high-end apartments over large beachfront homes.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/eade-byron-bay-29-shirley-street-byron-bay-nsw-2481">EADE Byron Bay</a> occupies a rare 6,000 sqm absolute beachfront site on the corner of Shirley and Milton Streets overlooking Main Beach and The Wreck surf break, just 350 metres from Byron Bay's town centre.

The 25-residence development is the first beachfront apartment project approved in Byron Bay in more than a decade and is currently under construction, with completion expected in May 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359521]

The project has attracted a mix of local Byron Shire residents downsizing from larger homes, alongside interstate buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane seeking a permanent coastal lifestyle without compromising on space.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a> and with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/alexander-co">Alexander &amp; Co</a>, EADE comprises&nbsp;10 garden apartments ranging from 284 sqm to 622 sqm, nine with private pools, five full-floor apartments and 10 rooftop residences with private plunge pools, expansive outdoor entertaining areas and uninterrupted ocean views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359527]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/vitale-property-group">Vitale Property Group</a> Managing Partner Chris Vitale said the project's combination of scale, location and limited future supply was driving buyer demand.

"There isn't another beachfront holding in Byron Bay of this size and position that could be developed again," Vitale said.

"Buyers are responding to the scarcity and the irreplaceability of a site of this calibre and to floorplans they can't find elsewhere in the market.

"We are seeing buyers place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of the location. The sales achieved to date demonstrate that discerning purchasers recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay.

"Many are coming from larger homes in the Byron region, or from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are after the space, security and convenience, without the upkeep of a house."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145590 project_image_fid=359523]

The Byron Bay project follows Vitale Property Group's delivery of the Mondrian Hotel and Private Residences at Burleigh Heads, with EADE continuing the developer's focus on luxury coastal developments.

Residents will have access to a resort-style swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, cold plunge pool, concierge services and dedicated workspaces, while the project is targeting an 8-Star Green Star rating.

EADE Byron Bay is being exclusively marketed by Projx Australia in conjunction with WHITEFOX Projects.

WHITEFOX National Projects Director Phillip Rand said demand had been driven predominantly by owner-occupiers.

"We are seeing buyers at EADE place significant value on quality, space, design, resort-style amenities and the rarity of this location," Rand says.

"The sales achieved to date demonstrate that purchasers at this level recognise the long-term significance of what is being created at EADE Byron Bay."

Residences at EADE Byron Bay are currently priced between $4.75 million and $15.95 million.

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[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145590]

Vitale breaks Byron Bay records with EADE sales flurry 

When buying an apartment, most people compare the big-ticket items first. Floorplans. Kitchens. Balcony size. Natural light. The view.

But there's one everyday consideration that often doesn't come up until after moving in: how parcels are delivered.

As online shopping has become part of everyday life, parcel deliveries have shifted from an occasional event to a regular occurrence. Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally.

For apartment residents, that can present a challenge.

If nobody is home to accept a delivery, parcels may be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in a building lobby or common area, or require building management to step in. In higher-density buildings, where dozens or even hundreds of residents may receive deliveries each day, parcel management has become an increasingly important part of everyday living.

That can create a range of frustrations. A missed delivery often means making time to collect a parcel elsewhere, while packages left unattended in foyers or mail areas can create clutter and increase the risk of theft. What seems like a minor inconvenience can quickly become a recurring issue for residents who shop online regularly.

It's one of those details that rarely features in a display suite but can have a noticeable impact once residents move in.

As a result, buyers are beginning to look beyond traditional apartment features and consider how a building supports day-to-day convenience, including whether there are secure options for receiving deliveries.

Australia Post's Parcel Lockers provide one solution.

<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/CkF2oKmlACg?si=C50sDaoUUn2nuLmq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than having a parcel delivered directly to an apartment, eligible deliveries can be sent to a nominated Parcel Locker. Once the parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can collect it using a QR code or one-time PIN at a time that suits them.

The Parcel Locker network now includes more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with installations at Post Offices, shopping centres, transport hubs and an increasing number of residential developments. By providing a secure collection point, Parcel Lockers help reduce missed deliveries and avoid parcels being left unattended in common areas.

For developers, parcel infrastructure is becoming another way to improve the resident experience. Rather than relying on concierge staff or leaving parcels in communal spaces, secure collection points help streamline deliveries while preserving the presentation and functionality of shared areas.

For buyers, it's a reminder that the best apartment features aren't always the most obvious.

A generous floorplan or quality finishes might help narrow the shortlist, but the conveniences that simplify everyday life, whether that's EV charging, secure bike storage or reliable parcel delivery, often become the features residents appreciate most once they're living there.

The apartment feature many buyers don't think about, until their first missed delivery

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hg-developments">HG Developments</a> is doubling down on Maud Street in Newstead, filing plans for a new apartment tower just a few doors down from its under-construction Aire Newstead development.

Recently submitted to Brisbane City Council, the proposal is for an 18-storey building designed by bureau^proberts, which has drawn heavily on Brisbane's subtropical design principles while referencing the suburb's industrial heritage.

A total of 64 apartments are planned for the amalgamated 1,518 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-21-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">17–21 Maud Street</a>, a short walk from the Brisbane River and Newstead Riverwalk.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a400c7fd-bd15-48f8-a63b-10ede92efe00" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20bldg.png?VersionId=.0vPmjpbC7CNP7kqGWa6L7rGIwsNExaw" />

"The building is defined by a series of vaulted motifs that reinterpret the arches, colonnades and layered facades evident throughout Newstead's historic built fabric," the Urban Design Report states.

"Combined with recessed glazing and generous balconies, these elements create a layered building envelope that provides shade, weather protection and opportunities for natural ventilation whilst establishing a distinctive architectural identity."

The proposal comprises 64 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 18 residential levels, positioning it alongside a growing number of taller residential projects transforming Newstead's northern precinct. The tower incorporates extensive subtropical landscaping, with cascading planter boxes, deep planting at street level and a landscaped rooftop recreation area.

<img alt="First look: HG Developments plans 18-storey subtropical apartment tower for Newstead" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8140f4-8b98-45cd-b1b8-1efe8c8e266b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Maud%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=VAZtbCoD44YCJ57N99fQCAKeSJx7ldZs" />

Bureau Proberts has prioritised passive environmental design throughout the project, with generous balconies, recessed glazing and operable façades helping reduce solar heat gain while maximising natural ventilation. River views become available from the upper levels, while the building has been orientated to capture prevailing breezes from both the Brisbane River and the west.

The architects say landscape is intended to be integral to the building rather than an applied element.

"Vertical greenery, cascading planter boxes and elevated gardens are woven throughout the architecture, softening the built form and strengthening the connection between residents and the subtropical environment."

"Through the integration of landscape, high-quality materials and passive design principles, the development delivers a refined residential address that celebrates Newstead's heritage character while contributing positively to Brisbane's evolving subtropical identity."

Newstead has remained one of Brisbane's most active apartment markets in recent years, with a number of developers continuing to back the inner-city suburb.

HG Developments is currently delivering the 40-apartment Aire Newstead at 25 Maud Street. Fortis recently launched the 65-apartment <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> on Kyabra Street, while builder-developer BPG and Don O'Rorke's Consolidated Properties are both expected to launch their respective Newstead projects before the end of the year.

HG Developments doubles down in Newstead with second Maud Street apartment development

Walk past a new apartment development promoting its sustainability credentials and it's easy to picture rooftop gardens, mature trees, landscaped courtyards and residents surrounded by nature.

But in many cases, that's not actually what those sustainability ratings guarantee.

Australia's leading environmental rating tools have played a significant role in improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of buildings. Yet despite their focus on reducing emissions, many don't require developers to include trees, biodiversity or meaningful green space.

In other words, a building can achieve one of the country's highest sustainability ratings while containing little more than concrete, glass and hard landscaping.

That disconnect has led to the emergence of a new movement across Australia's property industry: nature-based cities.

The concept goes beyond designing buildings that consume less energy. Instead, it encourages developers to treat nature as essential infrastructure, integrating biodiversity, tree canopy, living landscapes and green spaces into projects from the earliest stages of planning.

Research has consistently linked access to nature with better physical and mental health, cooler neighbourhoods, improved biodiversity, stronger climate resilience and more connected communities. As Australia's cities continue to become denser, advocates say those outcomes should be considered just as important as energy efficiency.

Nature Based Cities (NBC) was established in 2022 to help accelerate that shift.

Founded by Hamton Executive Chairman Paul Hameister OAM, the not-for-profit was created after research highlighted a significant gap in Australia's sustainability framework. While existing environmental rating tools rewarded energy performance and emissions reductions, they placed little emphasis on the inclusion of 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."

Since its launch, NBC has developed independent design guidelines and accreditation frameworks that encourage developers to prioritise ecology, biodiversity, tree canopy, walkability and living landscapes alongside traditional sustainability measures. The organisation first focused on medium and high-density residential developments before recently expanding into precinct-scale communities and masterplanned neighbourhoods.

Jan Talacko, founder of sustainability consultancy Ark Resources and a member of the Nature Based Cities Advisory Council, says the initiative addresses an area that has largely been overlooked by the property industry.

"Throughout my 25 years of working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the property sector, I've always favoured a pragmatic approach to sustainable design which encourages initiatives that not only meet environmental expectations but also improve amenity," Talacko says.

"Whilst we are making steady progress in relation to energy and carbon emissions from buildings, there has been much less emphasis on encouraging biodiversity and tackling the urban heat island effect.

"The Nature Based Cities initiative responds to a gap in the suite of tools currently used by the property development sector, which don't provide sufficient incentive, or recognition, for the integration of landscaping and greenery."

For apartment buyers, the shift is also changing the questions worth asking.

Rather than assuming a sustainable building will naturally include abundant green space, buyers are increasingly being encouraged to look beyond environmental ratings and ask what nature is actually being delivered. How much tree canopy will the development create? Has biodiversity been considered? Are landscaped spaces designed for people as well as appearance?

As Australia's cities continue to grow upwards and outwards, the next generation of sustainability may not simply be measured by lower emissions, but by how successfully developments bring nature back into everyday urban life.

Staff reporter

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