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Whalers, a Byron Bay light-filled cottage has been recently listed for sale with a price guide of $1.25 million to $1.4 million.
It is offered by Ed Silk from Ed Silk Byron Bay.
<a href="http://www.edsilkbyronbay.com.au/property/light-filled-whalers-cottage-presents-endless-opportunity/?utm_source=Agent+Box&amp;utm_campaign=910229bc14-104+Yagers+Lane+-+Newsletter_COPY_01&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_a6178be1a1-910229bc14-99809275" target="_blank">Located at  22 Burns Street</a>, the Whalers cottage is located just minutes walk to Main Beach and Town.
<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/2018/6/14/byron%20bay%203.jpg" alt="">
Set on a 397sqm north facing block, the home comes with two bedrooms plus studio, living area, kitchen, sunroom, and backyard. 
The enclosed studio, sitting separately from the home which can act as an art studio, home office, games room or anything else.
<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/2018/6/14/byron%20bay%202.jpg" alt="">
The suburb's median house price sits on $1.47 million, according to CoreLogic.  
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Byron Bay whalers cottage listed for sale

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The inner Sydney residential market is cooling off, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
Dwelling values are down almost 7%.
The majority of the suburbs are returning to longer-term auction clearance rate averages with typical auction rates over recent months being closer to the 60% mark, the valuation firm noted.
Auction numbers and clearance rates for these areas during early to mid 2017 were generally well above 70%.
Housing market conditions in general have continued to slow after a period of sustained growth over recent years in the inner west and inner regions of Sydney which HTW noted include a vast range of property types that appeal to a broad spectrum of purchasers including first home buyers, upsizers, downsizers and investors. 
Sydney’s inner west has seen dwelling values fall by 6.8% as of 1 May 2018, it advised adding this region of Sydney had been performing extremely well for a sustained period of time.
"It is not uncommon for a previously heated market to experience some correction."
There are also property types and locations that continue to be in high demand such as Annandale, which was named the most popular inner west suburb in a recent survey, the report noted.
The new unit investment market in particular is now feeling the squeeze as banks have tightened lending criteria across the board with a focus on interest-only loans and investment loans.
"This is intensified with lending restrictions on certain postcodes, most of which are high-density apartment markets around the city fringe locations.
The valuation firm suggested that "based on recent indications we anticipate that the property market will continue in a similar fashion for the remainder of 2018."
"We consider that the market will generally remain subdued with longer selling periods as buyers can be more selective and the frenzy style buying conditions are no longer a factor."
"Oversupply is a strong word, but there is some evidence of this in certain areas."
The market is still going through many large-scale developments, particularly around Green Square.
It remains unknown whether investors and overseas purchasers will have any issues when it comes time to settle the report suggests.
The valuation firm suggests that "we are seeing is an increasing number of units which sold off the plan in the past two to three years being valued below purchase price when they become due to settle".
During the heated market conditions experienced in recent times, it was common that most property types and locations performed well, however given that we are now within a different part of the property cycle there is likely to be a contrast between good quality properties and inferior alternatives.
The HTW June report predicts that property types that appeal to the broader market (owner-occupiers and tenants alike) and location fundamentals such as proximity to train or light rail, shopping, cafes, parks and other services and amenities will continue to be key in ensuring that a property performs well.
While other factors that may have a material effect on the market could relate to interest rate changes (RBA or bank rates), the banking royal commission, legislation and politics, media and overall consumer sentiment.
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Longer selling periods as buyers more selective amid inner Sydney price cooling

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Purchasing inquiry levels are up on the Gold Coast residential market following a slowdown during the Commonwealth Games.
Most agents have reported that buyer enquiry across the central areas of the Gold Coast has now improved to a steady level, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
Despite the volume of sales activity dropping over the past twelve months in most areas, it has been reported that some suburbs are still performing quite well, particularly within the Varsity Lakes and Mermaid Waters areas.
The report attributes, the positive levels of buyer enquiry in these suburbs to a shortage of good quality stock in central areas and asking prices being more affordable in comparison to neighboring suburbs.
Agents who specialise in the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach areas have noted that they are still receiving steady levels of enquiry for listed stock, particularly up to $500,000.
"A good slice of their enquiries are buyers from south of the border (New South Wales and Victoria) which demonstrates that interstate investors still see good value for money opportunities in this market segment", the report noted. 
"However, it is becoming more apparent that agents are finding it tougher to get a quick sale for unit stock priced between $500,000 and $1.5 million."
There are many new medium to high rise developments under construction between Mermaid Beach and Surfers Paradise currently.
This may create a huge oversupply in the near future.
The report notes that, there has been mixed feedback in relation to how the waterfront home market has performed in the past month.
Broadbeach Waters, which has been one of the more sought after suburbs in recent years, still appears to be one of the better performing locations.
Entry level waterfront property (priced between $800,000 and $1.1 million) is still moving rather quickly.
"Selling waterfront properties priced above $1.5 million is becoming far more challenging for some agents", stated the valuers at HTW
"More recently we have noticed a significant decrease in sales volumes and market activity, particularly in Clear Island Waters and Benowa in this segment of the market."
The valuers forecast the second half of 2018 will remain stable, with sales volumes not expected to increase any time soon, steady levels of demand and a lack of listed stock will likely continue in most central suburbs.
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Strongest buying up to $500,000 on the Gold Coast residential market following Commonwealth Games slowdown

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Sydney's lower North Shore suburbs making record-breaking sales aren't indicative of the actually slowing market, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
Prestige property on the Lower North Shore appears to be following the current general market trend, with a reduced number of potential purchasers and these same buyers now have the luxury of taking their time to make decisions in purchasing, the valuation firm suggests.
It hasn’t definitively resulted in reduced sale prices as yet, there are still some very strong results, noted the report.
In particular, Cremorne had a record suburb sale in March this year, with a prestige waterfront home selling for $18 million.
Indicating the continued strength of the prestige market, that record lasted just over two months, broken by the sale of 8 Wonga Avenue, Cremorne (pictured above) in late May for around the $19 million mark.
The purchaser is reportedly a foreign buyer, showing that they are still present and remain confident in this segment of the market.
The Lower North Shore market is currently in line with most other Sydney markets for the most part.
A general slow-down is being reported by local agents in the area with fewer potential purchasers at open homes and fewer bidders come auction time.
The region has had a relatively strong 71% clearance rate for the week ending 27 May, noted the report.
The valuers stated that "although the general lower North Shore market is showing some resilience, we do expect the market to further soften over the next few months and then stabilise towards the end of the year.
"The investor product in particular, as in other areas, appears to be constrained by difficulty in gaining finance."
It is becoming clear that it is in fact the restrictive lending environment that is the main driver of softening prices, rather than an actual lack of confidence in the market.
With the current banking royal commission being undertaken, we do not see any potential change in restrictive lending in the near future.
"The banking royal commission on lending restrictions will have less impact in the prestige market, which is likely part of the reason we haven’t seen the same clear softening market conditions for prestige property on the Lower North Shore compared to the general market" concluded the HTW valuers.
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Record property prices persist amid Sydney's lower North Shore slowing market: HTW 

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As winter hits Ballarat the property market traditionally sees less stock transacting, as vendors hold off marketing their properties until spring.
Despite lower transaction numbers, the prices being achieved continue to be strong with quality inner city and period stock and rural residential property the standout performers, according to the June report from the valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The valuation firm noted a major upcoming project which is beginning to have a strong impact on certain sections of the market is the development around the Ballarat train station.
The land to the north and east of the train station which has long been a car park and open storage space is in the process of being developed into a large hotel and conference centre.
Additionally, land on the corner of Armstrong and Mair Streets has development approval for a building of approximately eight levels which will be known as the Gov Hub or Government Hub.
This building will be predominantly government office space and will become a workplace for around 200 people, noted the report.
These two developments are creating quite the buzz among local traders in the area and from a residential perspective, are creating significant demand in the area.
The valuers stated that "not only will the developments increase demand for residential accommodation in the area, they will also beautify sections of the city which have been unsightly for some time."
"This demand will seep into the remainder of the Ballarat market and for that reason, we foresee continued sustainable growth in the residential market between now and Christmas."
Elsewhere in the residential market, residential serviced lots appear to be selling well, the report noted.
There is a significant supply of lots in the more affordable south-western section of Ballarat around Alfredton, Symthes Creek and Delacombe.
The report notes that, the development of shopping facilities at the Delacombe town centre has assisted.
At the upper end of the vacant land market however, there is a limited supply.
Insignia Estate has sold out and the Lucas Platinum Estate has almost sold out.
There is a new estate coming online in Ballarat North called Drew’s Paddock which is receiving significant interest.
The valuation firm suggests that, the demand for these products primarily comes from increases in the population of the area as the population growth has been strong in the past ten years, and it will be this continued growth that will dictate the success of the new land coming onto the market.
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Continued sustainable growth tipped for the Ballarat residential market in 2018

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The residential property market in the Mildura region shows no signs of slowing, according to the June report from the valuation firm Herron Todd White.
The region's selling periods remain comparatively low, often below 30 days, which contributes to agents having a shortage of listings, it noted.
The main sector to see growth is the upper end of the market, with a higher than normal number of sales occurring above $600,000
Many of these sales are in the surrounding semi-rural areas of Irymple, Nichols Point and Gol Gol.
This sales activity points to strong confidence in the local economy and is likely to also reflect a bit of a rub off effect, with some buyers having sold properties in metropolitan areas.
The valuers have noted, "a dramatic improvement in rural land values has been providing an impetus for older farmers to plan their retirements and we expect that this will bolster demand for better standard homes."
"In the past month, we have seen several examples of this occurring, including the sale of a riverfront property at Gol Gol for over $2 million", the report stated.
Values appear relatively stable in the lower end of the market, while mid-range properties appear to have risen by around 4% to 5% over the past two years.
"Building activity remains strong, with a number of residential subdivisions selling quite quickly", according to the HTW valuers.
The value of serviced lots has risen faster than established housing over the past few years due to a limited supply, which has helped developers recoup the higher cost of completing subdivisions.
The valuation firm forecasts that it is unlikely the current strong conditions will weaken during the remainder of 2018 and that while it appears that the Melbourne market has peaked, they expect that the Mildura market will continue to improve or at least remain stable.
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Mildura residential property market showing no signs of slowing: HTW 

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The Whitsundays residential markets and businesses are still recovering in the wake of cyclone Debbie, according to the valuation firm, Herron Todd White.
There are still noticeable signs of recovery with Daydream and Hayman Islands closed to the public and boats filled with tradesmen travelling to Hamilton Island daily.
On a smaller scale, there are still a number of houses and units that are in need of repair.
The report states that, "In regard to tourism, the Whitsundays market has been experiencing a growth in domestic and international tourist visitors compared to the past few years."
"It is worth noting however that although visitor numbers have increased, tourists are staying for a shorter period and are spending less in the region, but this is as expected with some of the major attractions and smaller businesses still recovering."
This recovery is well reflected by the Mackay region unemployment rate, postulates the report.
In 2012 the unemployment rate was 3.2%; it rose to 8.4% in 2015 and is currently sitting at around 4.4%.
The report noted that, "We have started to see positive growth in the residential market of Airlie Beach and surrounding suburbs."
"There has been a significant increase in sales volumes from the third quarter of 2017 with a mild increase in the median sale price."
The rental market has increased at an unsustainable rate with gross yields at 5.6% and an average rental of $480 per week.
The region is looking forward to the completion of a number of larger projects including the reopening of Daydream Island.
"With the completion of these works, anticipate a significant number of workers leaving the region and this will most likely lead to an increase in the vacancy rate, as well as a decline in the median rent back to sustainable levels", the report suggested. 
The report predicts that, as the construction work declines, tourism will continue to increase with a renewed appeal to the region.
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Whitsundays residential markets and businesses still recovering in the wake of cyclone Debbie: HTW 

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The turbulent Gladstone residential market has been tracking upwards, according to the June report from valuation firm Herron Todd White.
At the beginning of 2018, many positive statements were made about what was happening in the Gladstone market; statements such as increased sales volumes; declining vacancy rates; reduced days on the market; multiple offers being made; and an increasing trend in new dwelling construction.
"Now at the midpoint of the year, there is some solid evidence that these statements were not just speculation with some recent transactions have shown the slight increase in capital values that the market is showing", the report suggests.
A 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhouse in Telina sold in April 2017 for $176,000. It resold in March 2018 for $185,000 representing an approximate 5% increase in value.
1990s 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom brick dwelling in Telina sold in January 2017 for $226,500. It resold in May 2018 for $259,000 representing an approximate 14% increase.
"Not to suggest the entire market has magically risen 5% to 15% over the past six months however be aware that times are changing and market sentiment is definitely trending upwards", the report noted.
"There has been a minor shift in values with many price points now pushing the boundaries of the value levels of six to 12 months ago."
Other indicators include the vacancy rate which currently sits at 3.7%, which has been slowly trending downward from 4.7% in January 2018.
The latest quarterly data shows that the median rent for a 4-bedroom house ($260 per week) has increased by 8% from the same period 12 months ago.
"2-bedroom units have also tracked upward by $10 to a median of $150 per week over the same time period."
"After an upward trend in new construction activity throughout the first half of 2018, new construction now appears to be slowing, but positively so as there is a general lack of land available in Gladstone but seemingly good demand", this report suggests.
The HTW valuers forecast that the value of land will trend upwards and some larger developers will start to release lots in estates that have typically been in a holding pattern over the past several years.
There has been a sharp decline in the number of mortgagee in possession transactions and it is the expectation that the market will continue to improve throughout 2018 on the back of continued affordability in the region.
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Gladstone residential market has been tracking upwards: HTW 

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The Cairns residential property market holds steady but is subject to sudden change, according to the June report from the valuation firm Herron Todd White.
2018, according to Herron Todd White, has been a "stodgy" time for the Cairns residential property market.
Residential property demand remains constant, but prices have remained flat and the market has remained stuck in a steady state position, and the latest trended median price readings in Cairns for sales during April 2018 stood at $405,000 for houses and $209,000 for units, the valuation firm noted.
"Although these represent price changes during the past twelve months of -2.4% for houses and -5.5% for units."
An assessment by HTW valuers found that "individual property value movements over the past 12 months have been varied by no more than plus or minus 5%."
The upshot is that even though solid fundamentals are in place with low rental vacancy rates, no obvious oversupply in any market sector and continued economic improvement, the Cairns property market is still being hampered by a lack of confidence and a constrained fiscal environment.
"We have been expecting demand for most residential property to revitalise during 2018 as a result of ongoing economic improvement", the report suggested.
The report forecasts a slow but steady increase in sales volume which will flow through to modestly rising prices although so far it hasn’t happened.
What’s more they boldly predict, is that if it doesn’t happen in 2018, it never will.
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Flat prices remain in Cairns residential property market

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Mackay's residential market is undergoing an infrastructure revolution and it’s full steam ahead in 2018, according to the June report from Herron Todd White.
Economically speaking, Mackay is probably in its best shape in almost five years, with falling unemployment, a buoyant resource sector, increased infrastructure projects and generally improved sentiment, the valuation firm advise.
Projects underway include the $500 million (approximately) Mackay Ring Road project which is in full swing, the sports precinct out by Central Queensland University, Vines Creek Bridge and the Eton Range Bypass as well as many more.
The Mackay Regional Council has also announced a number of infrastructure projects such as flood mitigation and drainage work in East Mackay.
The report states that, "this has then had a flow on effect to the residential market and vacancy rates have virtually halved in past 12 months, leading to increased rental values (only slightly so far).
"There has been increased buyer demand for owner-occupied dwellings, with reducing days on market and good activity across almost all sectors."
While activity has increased and general sentiment has improved, keep in mind there have yet to be any real increases in value as of yet.
The valuers noted there are still a number of hurdles in the Mackay market, with harsher lending policies still in effect for the 4740 postcode and the large equity reduction seen in the market over the past six years.
All in all though, the past six months has definitely been a big improvement for not only the Mackay residential market but the whole Mackay region and the report forecasts, "a continuation of this for the rest of the year."
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Mackay's residential market undergoing an infrastructure revolution

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."

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[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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