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

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

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

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

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

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

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

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

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

Luxcon

Prominent luxury property developer Luxcon Group are set to break into two new markets.

The Sydney-based developer, who has a string of high-end projects across Sydney's eastern suburbs and Melbourne, is set to launch two new high-end projects in Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay.

The two projects, Escape in Surfers Paradise on Garfield Terrace and Bohemian in Byron Bay on Jonson Street, located on the popular tourist spots most sought-after streets, will be part of Luxcon's new Coastal Collection.

Escape, Luxcon's first project in Queensland, will comprise 28 full floor and dual level penthouse-style residences, each with four bedrooms. There will be two floors of amenities including a pool, gym, sauna and spa.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113448 project_image_fid=206730]

Sydney architecture firm PBD Architects suggested in their design statement submitted as part of the development application process back in July that Escape&nbsp;will be an iconic tower overlooking the ocean from the coast of Surfers Paradise, towering out amongst the Gold Coast cityscape as a new destination for those looking for resort-style luxury living.

"Its uniqueness is comparably contemporary and "edgy" amongst a sea of beachfront architecture incorporating coastal curvature and sleek ripple effects in their designs. It also creates a highly sophisticated urban design," PBD noted.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113448 project_image_fid=206732]

"Inspired by the natural transition or movement from the coast to the air by the cooling coastal breeze, Japanese art of paper folding, origami, a simple rectangular paper begins to articulately transform into a sculptural object."

PBD were also in charge of the designs for&nbsp;Bohemian at 96 Jonson Street Byron Bay. That will home 44 two and three-bedroom apartments, at the heart of Byron Bay’s main strip and just moments to the beach.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108275 project_image_fid=206721]

The Byron Bay project will sit above a 1,750sqm retail shopping and international food plaza and will also include a rooftop terrace with infinity edge pool, gym and spa.

Both developments will feature VZUG Swiss appliances and interiors by Coco Republic.

The Bohemian and Escape developments will see prices start from $2.2 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108275 project_image_fid=206722]

Highland Project Marketing CEO David Highland, who secured quick-fire sales at the Sydney-based Sammut's Coast development down the road, said&nbsp;it is a pleasure working alongside such a highly credentialed developer to bring the exclusive range of apartments to market.

“It is incredibly rewarding to be collaborating with Luxcon to deliver these projects and doing the unveiling at Margaret was phenomenal,” Mr. Highland said.

“We never expected anything less from Neil Perry, but with Margaret he raised the stakes and having him there on the night was just wonderful.”

Luxcon Director Ilya Melnikoff said the team are excited to have launched the projects to market and look forward to what is to come.

“We have worked closely with PBD Architects to evolve a design that is both sophisticated and functional, capturing the essence of true coastal luxury living,” Melnikoff said.

Luxcon Director Ilya Melnikoff said the team are excited to have launched the projects to market and look forward to what is to come

Luxcon launch new Coastal Collection apartments in Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay

The Sydney-based luxury apartment developer Luxcon Group is breaking into the Gold Coast apartment market, and they&#39;re doing it on&nbsp;Surfers Paradise&#39;s prime beachfront strip.

Luxcon, headed by Ilya Melnikoff, are set to create Escape, a 30-level tower with just 28 apartments.

It will replace the ageing apartment development Sea Breeze at 63-65 Garfield Terrace.

PBD Architects say Escape&nbsp;will be an iconic tower overlooking the ocean from the coast of Surfers Paradise, towering out amongst the Gold Coast cityscape as a new destination for those looking for resort-style luxury living.

&quot;The Garfield tower will rise 30 storeys refining the luxury residential buildings in Gold Coast,&quot; PBD noted in their design statement submitted to the local council.

<a href="/new-apartments/escape-surfers-paradise-63-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise"><img alt="" height="714" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-20_at_9.38.01_am.png" width="1154" /></a> 
The planned Escape on Garfield Terrace. Image credit: PBD Architects

&quot;Its uniqueness is comparably contemporary and &quot;edgy&quot; amongst a sea of beachfront architecture incorporating coastal curvature and sleek ripple effects in their designs. It also creates a highly sophisticated urban design.

&quot;The building enthusiastically embraces its iconic role by contributing to the vibrant skyline of the coast, whilst also providing opportunities for stunning vistas of the ocean, the Nerang River, and the greater city.

&quot;Inspired by the natural transition or movement from the coast to the air by the cooling coastal breeze, Japanese art of paper folding, origami, a simple rectangular paper begins to articulately transform into a sculptural object.&quot;

<a href="/new-apartments/escape-surfers-paradise-63-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise"><img alt="" height="704" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-20_at_9.38.15_am.png" width="1148" /></a> 
The planned Escape on Garfield Terrace. Image credit: PBD Architects

There will be a three-level podium which will home the resident amenity.

The ground level will feature lounges and cabanas that will be an outdoor barbecue space set in lush landscaping. Level one will home the start of the fitness centre, a&nbsp;gym facing the beach. That will be feature a spiral staircase&nbsp;which leads to the lap pool and spa, steam room, sauna and changing rooms.

The apartments start from level three, with 270 sqm, full floor three-bedroom apartments, each with their own cellar, butler&#39;s pantry, and second living space at the rear of the apartment. The main open plan kitchen, living and dining area opens to an ocean-facing balcony, as does the master suite which has a walk in wardrobe and ensuite.

Topping the building is a huge two-level penthouse, spanning 440 sqm of living area. That will have four bedrooms, its own home office, and a wine room.

<a href="/new-apartments/escape-surfers-paradise-63-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise"><img alt="" height="692" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2022-07-20_at_9.38.10_am.png" width="1140" /></a> 
The planned Escape on Garfield Terrace. Image credit: PBD Architects

It&#39;s the latest plans for the busy Garfield Terrace, which is set for a huge redevelopment.

In December Iris Capital, who are developing the $800 million V&amp;A Broadbeach, filed plans for a 38-level tower at 71 Garfield Terrace, just a few doors down. That will have 51 apartments and a two-level beach house.

Another aimed at the high end holiday maker or owner-occupier, the smallest apartments on offer will have three bedrooms and span half a floor, oriented to have ocean-facing balconies.

They run over half way up the tower, before hitting the resident&nbsp;facilities on level 24 where there will be a swimming pool and pool deck, a gym with a sauna, and an outdoor barbecue and dining area.

<img alt="" height="829" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/iris_garfield_2_0.jpg" width="1200" /> 
The planned Iris Capital tower 71 on Garfield. Image credit: DBI Architects

Up to level 33 will be the full-floor, four bedroom apartments, each with a study and private plunge pool on the balcony.

Next door Weiya Holdings recently secured approval for&nbsp;Aalto, which will also rise 38 levels. It will have 64 apartments designed by&nbsp;Conrad Gargett.

Down the street KTQ are creating something different, something the Coast hasn&#39;t seen before.

Serēn (pronounced serene),&nbsp;will comprise an independent luxury, 60-room hotel, which will&nbsp;occupy levels three to six. Above, after the separate&nbsp;hotel and the residences pool and recreation decks, will be 60 apartments, spanning a huge 350 sqm each and offering three-bedrooms and a multi-purpose room.

Toward the pointy end of the 42-level tower will be full floor apartments and a special two-level penthouse.

Luxcon was established in 2008 by Founder and Managing Director Ilya Melnikoff, and have developed a number of luxury projects, primarily in Sydney&#39;s eastern suburbs. They have a number of projects in the pipeline in some of Melbourne&#39;s best suburbs as well, including The Address overlooking Fitzroy Gardens.

PBD Architects say Escape will be an iconic tower overlooking the ocean from the coast of Surfers Paradise



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