Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<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/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

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

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

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

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A prime Adelaide CBD multi-deck car park with development potential in central Adelaide has sold for $27,001,000. 
The sale price represents a rate per bay of almost $47,000.
Colliers International’s Ian Thomas, Alastair Mackie and Paul Van Reesema sold the Union Street car park located at 52-70 Frome Street in Adelaide.
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Adelaide CBD car spaces fetching $47,000

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Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne has approved an amended Grocon application for 85 Spring Street, Melbourne, which was refused planning permission in early April. 
Wynne ruled the proposed 46-level Grocon tower was too high and too close to other buildings in the eastern Collins Street precinct, preferring the advice of city hall over his planning officers, who had recommended in favour of the tower, with conditions.
There is no height limit at 85 Spring Street, occupied now by a 16-storey office tower which Grocon acquired in 2013 for about $45 million.
Grocon will trim its proposal to 39 levels and reduce the number of apartments, originally about 305, down to about 225.
The building would no longer overshadow the adjacent Gordon Reserve, while Grocon would have to secure air rights from neighbour Anzac House as part of the planning permit. This move would protect the views of the new apartments.
Positioned just a few hundred metres from Parliament House, the 16-storey building is a late 1980s office building.
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Victorian planning minister Richard Wynne approves Grocon on Spring Street

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The home of Melbourne's Hare Krishna movement in Swanston Street has been sold to a Chinese investor for $15.8 million, breaking the 16 year drought of selling a freestanding property in central Swanston Street.
Savills agents Clinton Baxter and Nick Peden said the buyer of 123 Swanston St had bought three weeks before the close of the expressions of interest period.
"This is the state of what is an extraordinary market where a purchaser buys several weeks prior to the close of a campaign with a knock-out offer more than $5.8 million or nearly 60% above expectations for the property," Mr Baxter said.
"The eight level building is leased to two long-standing tenants including Downtown Revolution which occupies the ground and basement levels, whilst the Hare Krishna organization occupies three of the upper levels on a five year lease.  
"Both tenants have five year leases at a total current rental of $438,400 per annum."
"The vendor purchased the property in 1997 for $1,860,000 and enjoyed exceptional capital growth of 849% during the 18 years of ownership plus rental income throughout."
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Hare Krishna's Melbourne HQ sold

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Marketing of the $300 million Melbourne development, Shadow Play, a 46-level tower at 105 Clarendon Street, comes with no ordinary video.
It is a <a href="https://www.bpmcorp.com.au/" target="_blank">saucy film</a> to help sell <a href="https://www.bpmcorp.com.au/projects/shadow-play/" target="_blank">the 494 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments</a>.
Perhaps 50 Shades of Grey inspired?
The vibrant developer, BPM recently announced a local lawyer buyer had purchased the 712 sq m penthouse. 
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The 45th floor was originally designed as five separate apartments, but will now be amalgamated to form one large apartment, as is often the case with other highrise.
Designed by Ellenberg Fraser, with interior finishes from designers Hecker Guthrie, the project is set for completion in 2018 at the corner of City Road and Clarendon Street, previously home to King Furniture.
The defining feature of the tower will be a sculptural exterior, creating undulations in the building’s facade to create movement with reflected light. 
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Apartments will range from 45 sq m to 101 sq m with prices starting at $371,000.
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The developer had previously focused on medium density residential project in Melbourne’s bayside suburbs with BPM founder Jonathan Hallinan telling the mid-week Sydney launch the high-rise development marked a new direction for the company.
“The launch of Shadow Play represents a new era for BPM and is the realisation of my long term vision to contribute to the architectural impact on Melbourne’s skyline,” Jonathan Hallinan said.
The residential apartment tower, set near Crown Entertainment Complex, is on display this weekend at the Park Hyatt, Sydney through Colliers International.
Ashley Bramich, the sales and marketing director for developer BPM, recently noted that while some Melburnians were still yet accepting of the concept of innercity apartment living, the uber-wealthy were embracing it as a prestige living option, as it is considered in many European and American cities. 
 
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Shades of Grey suggestiveness in BPM's Shadow Play highrise marketing

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Commercial property giants DEXUS Property Group, GPT Group and Knight Frank have signed new partnership arrangements with tech start-up Divvy Parking, which has developed an airbnb-style platform to unlock the latent value in the thousands of under-used car parking spaces around Australia.
<a href="https://www.divvy.com.au" target="_blank">Divvy Parking</a> also announced it has secured $2.5 million in a Series A funding round, to expand and scale its smart solution that connects commuters with affordable commercial parking spaces. Both deals accelerate the parking platform’s expansion from a peer-to-peer service into the commercial property sector. 
Funding will fast-track the roll-out of industry-changing access technology, transforming how people access short and long term parking by opening up under-utilised short and long term spaces.  
Under the terms of the new partnerships the property groups will use the Divvy platform to assist in the management of their extensive car parking assets, enabling them to rent out unused spaces for short or long term periods.
Divvy had also recently signed with office tower tenant services provider Inlink, which it said would potentially give it access to a further 50 per cent of the commercial office tower market. 
The firm was originally founded as a peer-to-peer company similar to Airbnb letting individual users rent its parking spaces.
But Divvy founder and CEO Nick Austin advised the company had since pivoted to make commercial property providers its primary target for monetising the platform.
Some 80% of the company's revenue now came from corporate clients.
Knight Frank managing director Aaron McGhee say he had seen improvements in the management of its parking assets since the early days of its partnership with Divvy.
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Divvy set to disrupt CBD car parking industry

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Credit Corp Group, an Australian listed company, has committed to a new lease of circa 3,000 square metres at 201 Kent Street, Sydney.
Savills Australia national leasing director Rob Dickins says the deal highlights the Barangaroo effect which has firmly taken hold as corporate users are seeing this now as a firmly established precinct.
"If not moving into Barangaroo they are setting their sights on premium buildings within very close proximity."
201 Kent Street, which forms part of the Maritime Trade Towers Complex, is a 40,000 square metre A-Grade building strategically located within the western CBD fringe bordering the new Barangaroo precinct.
According to Savills National Leasing Director Rob Dickins who brokered the deal, Credit Corp Group have taken the whole of levels 15 &amp; 24 of 201 Kent Street. 
Credit Corp Group’s current HQ are over four floors at 10 Barrack Street and this new move will amalgamate the Group over two whole floors with a brand new fit out.
The 3000 square metre lease was signed for an initial period of five years with a further five year option. Although the rent has not been disclosed rents in 201 Kent Street have been in the order of $675 per square metre net.  
Mr Dickins said that demand for office space at 201 Kent Street had been significant. 
“As at November of last year there was circa 7,000 square metres of vacant space at 201 Kent Street and within less than six months we have leased all available space.”
In three separate leasing deals in May, Savills leased approximately 2,300 square metres of space at 201 Kent Street, tenants included an education provider, a childcare facilities group and a property consulting group.
“The Barangaroo effect has firmly taken hold as corporate users are seeing this as a firmly established precinct and, if not moving into Barangaroo, are setting their sights on premium buildings within very close proximity,” added Mr Dickins.
201 Kent Street, which forms part of the Maritime Trade Towers Complex, is a 40,000sqm A-Grade building jointly owned by Investa Property Group.  It is strategically located within the CBD and the new Barangaroo precinct.
Rob Dickins advised Credit Corp Group have taken the whole of levels 15 &amp; 24 of 201 Kent Street. 
"Credit Corp Group’s current HQ are over four floors at 10 Barrack Street and this new move will amalgamate the Group over two whole floors with a brand new fit out.
The 3000 square metre lease was signed for an initial period of five years with a further five year option.
Although the rent has not been disclosed rents in 201 Kent Street have been in the order of $675 per square metre net.  
Mr Dickins said that demand for office space at 201 Kent Street had been significant. 
“As at November of last year there was circa 7,000 square metres of vacant space at 201 Kent Street and within less than six months we have leased all available space.”
In three separate leasing deals in May, Savills leased approximately 2,300 square metres of space at 201 Kent Street, tenants included an education provider, a childcare facilities group and a property consulting group.
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Barangaroo effect in Sydney office lease deals

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DEXUS Property Group (DEXUS) and DEXUS Wholesale Property Fund (DWPF) today announced that they will acquire Waterfront Place and Eagle Street Pier within the prime commercial precinct of the Brisbane CBD for $635 million.
It reflects $9,664 per square metre for the complex and a capitalisation rate of 6.9%. 
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Stockland agreed to sell its 50% stake in the 40-storey Brisbane Waterfront Place office tower and Eagle Street Pier for $317.5 million to DEXUS.
Stockland will generate $296 million from the sale of the office tower, which is a 3% premium to its December 2014 book value of $287.1 million.
As part of the transaction, Stockland will also sell its 50% stake in the Eagle Street Pier retail and restaurant precinct for an additional $21.5 million.
Stockland and the Future Fund, through its manager Corval, entered into the agreement to sell the entire 100% interest in the tower and pier to DEXUS in what is a challenging leasing market.
The asset is currently 90% leased.
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Waterfront Place overlooks the Brisbane River and features 59,500 square metres of premium office space with floor plates averaging 1,800 square metres. The building has a 5 star NABERS energy rating and a 4 star NABERS water rating. 
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Stockland acquired the office tower in February 2004 and has invested $171 million, including the cost of additions, in its 50% stake.
The other 50% interest in the property was placed into a Stockland- managed retail fund and subsequently sold to the Future Fund in 2011 for $216 million.
CBRE advised it is the largest single office sale to have occurred in Queensland and one of the largest to have occurred in Australia - and certainly the largest since the GFC. 
“The acquisition by DEXUS is a significant vote of confidence in the Brisbane office market and the medium term outlook for Queensland,” said Bruce Baker, CBRE senior managing director, Queensland.
“Whilst foreign capital has featured heavily in the Australian market recently, the Waterfront Place transaction shows the big domestic players are still actively pursuing prime opportunities,” Flint Davidson, CBRE Director, institutional investments said.
 
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Brisbane Waterfront Place sold to Dexus

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Savills have sold a Melbourne CBD development site with a permit for a twin tower project incorporating 400 apartments.
It was likely to fetch more than $20 million, but secured $35 million.
Major UK student accommodation developer, Scape paid a record CBD land rate of $37,154 a square metre for a major CBD development site. The 212-222 La Trobe Street property, comprising a large 942 square metre site zoned Capital City 1 with five street frontages, is located directly opposite Melbourne Central shopping centre. The recently approved permit would see the construction of connecting Jackson Clements Burrows-designed towers of 39 and 54 levels on the site which stretches through to a second frontage on Little La Trobe Street. According to Savills agent Nick Peden and Clinton Baxter, the property offered the single best redevelopment opportunity to be offered to the Melbourne market this year.
The property, which has been privately owned for 31 years.
Expressions of interest closed June 10.
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Savills secures snappy $35 million La Trobe Street, Melbourne site sale

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Brigt Australia, an Australian based property investment company with a head office in China, has lease office space at 133 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.
The deal, negotiated by Jamie Horton of Savills Office Leasing, comprises of 226 square metres of fitted out office space.
It was at a rental of circa $168,000 per annum net.
It was Brigt Australia’s first office premises in Australia, having had branches throughout Asia.
133 Castlereagh Street is a 32 storey "A" Grade office tower featuring column free floor plates of approximately 1,236 sqm.
Located between Market and Park Streets, the complex also features onsite childcare, secure basement parking, bicycle racks, showers, lockers and change room facilities.
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Brigt takes Sydney office space through Savills

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GUEST OBSERVER
Traditionally, parents of Melbourne have settled their clan in the eastern suburbs, close to many of the city’s best schools and facilities. But as prices across Melbourne soar, especially in the inner east, affordability is a big issue for young families. 
We’re seeing a number of young couples come to the inner north where a family home in the likes of Brunswick, North Melbourne or Preston comes at a modest price point of $700,000 to $800,000. Plus, families are close to the CBD and employment opportunities, as well as the lifestyle amenities abundant in the north, including restaurants, parks, cafes and cultural activities.
However, the trade-off for this buyer market is the limited schooling options. The number of secondary facilities in the inner north are few and far between. While mums and dads typically prefer to live close to schools and travel to the city to work, we’re now seeing the opposite where parents are within minutes to the CBD but are having their children commute to schools in the eastern suburbs.
This has meant that the demographic of buyers in the inner north has shifted. This season, we’ve witnessed a magnitude of families on the hunt for a home for the next 15 to 20 years. As such, family homes or large townhouses like <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=hDqEtOi4rl-_B88xFYBr3T3NjKoWiIrUWJ2e0lT7zwfpotDdeHDSCGgAdAB0AHAAOgAvAC8AdwB3AHcALgBoAG8AYwBrAGkAbgBnAHMAdAB1AGEAcgB0AC4AYwBvAG0ALgBhAHUALwAxADkAXwBGAE8AUgBEAF8AUwBUAFIARQBFAFQAXwBCAFIAVQBOAFMAVwBJAEMASwBfAFYASQBDAF8AMwAwADUANgBfAFMATwBMAEQA&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.hockingstuart.com.au%2f19_FORD_STREET_BRUNSWICK_VIC_3056_SOLD" target="_blank">19 Ford St in Brunswick</a> are being snapped up at auction.
As families start to see the merits of the north, the local market has spurred along - especially when compared to the end of last year.
The difference between then and now has no doubt been interest rate cuts, which have stimulated a tremendous amount of confidence in the market and created the best market conditions we’ve seen for years.
Clearance rates are strong, sitting at over 75% (although the likes of Fitzroy, Carlton and Fairfield have been above 85%) and annual growth figures show properties in Melbourne’s inner north have grown by an average of 5.5%.
The influx of new buyers and rate cuts have also helped boost the apartment market, which is performing terrifically. Step back to 2014, the apartment market had moderate growth, but wasn’t performing as we’d hope. Come February this year, the reduction in the cash rate clearly spurred on more first home buyers – particularly young couples who are expecting a child – to dip their toes in the market. We’ve seen a rush of this cohort looking for inner north apartments which are not only affordable, but located in the heart of the action for youngsters. 
Looking forward, there’s predictions interest rates will remain low. However, whether these changes will continue to drive up demand for property is uncertain. Taking into consideration other factors at play in the economy – such as high unemployment rates and job cuts across various sectors in Victoria – it’s hard to forecast what the market will do in six months’ time.
For the next three months at least, a perfect storm has brewed for buyers and sellers alike. There’s a great selection of stock, strong appreciation, low borrowing conditions and ultimately great outcomes for vendors in Melbourne’s inner north. And it’s no doubt becoming an area for young families to call home.
ROB ELSOM is director of <a href="https://www.hockingstuart.com.au/" target="_blank">hockingstuart </a>Brunswick, Carlton, North Melbourne and Northcote.
 
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