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

Adding Value

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First impressions are crucial for properties, particularly when it comes to selling or renting them out. If you have an ugly facade, then you're shooting yourself in the foot.
That initial photo that goes onto the listings website, and the way that prospective buyers see your home as they drive past or come for an inspection, will really affect your ability to sell or lease the home. 1) A clear pathway If you don't already have a path to the front door of your property then it's time to put one in. A pathway provides the eye somewhere to go, helps bring in a sense of welcome to a property and draws the buyer in. It also assists homes where the front door isn't in the middle of the home, or where the property is turned sideways on a block. Minimise confusion and give them less to think about when they view your home. While this could be done with cement, a quick fix is to use nice pavers, that can be picked up from Bunnings or a local garden centre, to provide the suggestion of a path. This will save you time, and money, and can be done in a way that suits the house. Plain, square pavers will look appropriate for a modern house, while circular or off-sized pavers can work well for something a little more rustic. If you already have a path, it might just be in need of paving paint or a thorough tidying up, which brings us to point two. 2) Clean, clean and more cleaning A lot of problems can be solved with a really thorough cleaning. While this isn't anyone's favourite task, cleaning properly can save you a lot in money that you might otherwise have spent sprucing the place up. Get yourself a pressure hose cleaner and set about thoroughly washing down paths, driveways and even the walls of your property. Be sure to check the instructions to make sure the pressure will not do damage to any specific materials you have on your property, but the majority of the time it will do marvellous things for your home. Get out a bucket and make sure to clean the windows and the front door. Leave it sparkling. 3) Garden furniture A lot can be done with a simple bit of furniture. If you have a lot of space in your front, or even a nice cosy area, a few pieces of garden furniture could show a buyer or renter how they might use the space. It may be a bench on the porch or a table and chairs tucked away, but anything that shows the space as functional is worthwhile. Also don't forget solar lights that can help provide a bit of an uptick for the property for buyers who will drive past in the evening (and keen buyers certainly will), or lights that can provide a bit extra for an overcast showing. Lastly, some shiny new features can also do well. A gleaming house number, knocker, door mat, and perhaps a new handle can help show off your home. Consider a new mailbox as well - a small investment that can provide a major boost. These can be purchased fairly cheaply, without looking it.
Remember to consider who is purchasing or likely to rent. A dog kennel, or children's play equipment, may also show how an area is useable, but it must suit your target demographic. 4) Gardening Less is more for your front yard. If you have overgrown shrubbery, weeds and lawn - it's time to cut it back. Reducing bushes in the front garden may also open up the front windows, and thus the inside of the house, to some natural light. You should be able to do much of the manual labour in this respect yourself - mainly requiring pulling out the uglier plants. Some of your nicer plants may, however, just need moving. If you haven't got green thumbs, then it might be worth handing over a few hundred dollars to a landscaper for some expertise in planting and placement. Getting a couple of pot plants for your front door, or to plant around focal areas - as well as to inject colour - can be the boost you need. This is worth doing a few weeks, if not a month or so, in advance to provide the plants time to grow in to their new surroundings and for any lawn issues - such as bare patches - to be attended to. Ensure regular watering over this time. 5) Fencing If you haven't got an exterior fence, or if yours is fairly worn, it may be the last thing on your list to focus on - however, it isn't the last thing potential buyers look at. Families with children and pets, or who may want them in the future, look very kindly on fencing. Similarly, they give a sense of security to homes that is also desirable. If you're offering your property to renters with pets, this is also worth a look. Fix your fencing, or look to install some, for an added tick on buyers' and renters' lists.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Five ways to spruce up your property's exterior for added value

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A good development strategy for a first time developer and investor wanting to boost their property portfolio is a dual occupancy project; buying land where you can build two dwellings and subdividing. 
The dwelling/villas may be attached or freestanding, either way you are basically halving the land cost for each. And that is where the value lies.
Where Property Bloom develops, there is usually opportunity to create around $100,000 in equity through a dual occupancy development within about 12 months. This does not take into consideration any capital growth that also may occur during the development period. That is a bonus if it occurs.  If you are developing when the market is moving up, then you have timed your development well. Even if the market is flat, you can manufacture some equity. The equity created is purely because you are the developer and you are adding value to the land not with one dwelling but with two.
Here’s an example of a dual occupancy project we recently completed:
Land cost: $200,000
Stamp duty: Nil
($5,000 <a href="https://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/lib/doc/factsheets/ofs_nhg1.pdf" target="_blank">NSW New Home Grant</a> applied so the government contributes $5,000 and this off sets the stamp duty cost)
Legal fees: $1,500
Build cost, including subdivision costs, for two freestanding, three bedroom, two bathroom villas:  $430,000
Total cost:  $631,500
Actual end valuations:  $750,000 or $375,000 per villa
Equity created:  $118,500
Gross yield: 6.3% based on renting each villa at $380 per week
If you are borrowing at around 4.5% then the project may be cash flow positive for you. This is when the rent and depreciation benefits combined cover the costs of interest, insurance, council, water rates and management fees.
Expected depreciation: $20,000 in year one (using the diminishing method)
Want to know how to do it?  Well you can either use an experienced project manager to guide you through or have a go yourself, it will depend on the resources or skills you have available, time, experience and some grit. 
The steps involved in a dual occupancy development strategy are:
<ol>
<li>Finance preapproval. It’s important before you start looking at development sites or any property, that you have a preapproval from a lender in place. 
</li>
<li>Understand the council requirements for dual occupancies in this area. Read council’s local environment plan (LEP) and development control plan (DCP). This will let you know the size of land you’ll need for your dual occ and what is permissible. 
</li>
<li>Focus your attention on the area you want to develop in, making sure the location is correctly zoned for dual occupancies. But even if it is zoned for this type of development, there may be covenants on the land preventing it.  It’s important to narrow down to one or two suburbs based on your research.  This is a really important stage and you need to understand the area well.   </li>
<li>Search for land that meets the dual occupancy criteria. Size – look at the frontage and know what the minimum width is for your dual occ. If it’s a duplex site, you may need a minimum of 18-20 metres frontage – it will depend on the duplex design you want to use. Look at the depth and size to ensure the land is large enough to meet the DCP requirements, look at the aspect and if there is enough area to meet the minimum outdoor private space requirement.  Make sure there are services to the site; electricity, sewerage, gas. Then ensure the land is relatively flat with a slight slope to the street unless there is a drainage easement at the back.  
</li>
<li>Check the planning certificate to see if it is in a bushfire or flood zone.  You can still develop in these areas but it will add to your build costs.  
</li>
<li>Have your builder look at the site. This is very important as the builder will look at the land from a different perspective. 
</li>
<li>Run your feasibility to ensure the project will be viable. You will need to find recent comparable sales references then you can base your end value estimate on this.  Talk to agents about the current rental market and what rent could be expected then work out the projected yield on completion.  Most importantly, you need to have a good understanding of the build costs. The build costs will evolve over the design and planning process. Your builder can give you an estimate once a concept plan is available, but as the full development application (DA) plans and documentation is available, the builder will then need to run a full tender. You can cross check this against your original estimate. If it’s in line, lodge the DA if it’s not, go back to the design and look at areas where you can reduce costs. Once the plans are approved, the builder may run a second tender if council asked for any changes. If not, then a last tender will be generated once the engineer’s plans for the construction certificate (CC) are available. 
</li>
<li>Secure the dual occ site and try for a long settlement period with permission to lodge a DA from the vendor. You can get all the design work and perhaps even have the DA and CC approved before you settle on the land, this will reduce your holding costs. Make sure you include the subdivision on your DA. 
</li>
<li>Once you have the DA and CC approvals, you can then go back to your lender to obtain your unconditional construction loan. As soon as this is in place, the builder can start. 
</li>
<li>The build phase for a dual occupancy should be around three to four month or so, depending on weather. You need to be on site each week to check the builder’s progress and put out any ‘fires’ that may arise as you are under construction. 
</li>
<li>Once the building works are completed, an occupation certificate will be issued. You can now have your villas tenanted. Don’t forget to order a depreciation schedule; this is simple, just email the plans and builders tender and any other cost details to your quantity surveyor.  
</li>
<li>You can now apply for the subdivision certificate and once council issues this, you can register the subdivision (after your lender has signed off on it).  There is no need to register immediately if you are planning to hold and not planning to refinance as you may find costs such as rates may be a little less if the villas are kept on one title.</li>
</ol>
I’ve summarised the process very quickly, it’s not that straight forward and you really do need the time to work on this development strategy closely as mistakes can be costly when developing property. But you can have your cake and eat it too by using an experienced property development project manager. You will learn so much from the process, can still keep your day job and know that you are in the hands of a professional. Then you may find you will be ready to do the next project on your own.
<a href="https://www.propertybloom.com.au/" target="_blank">www.propertybloom.com.au</a>
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