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

Commercial Market

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A Sydney-based investor has snapped up a Murrumbateman service station and convenience retail centre for $4.1 million to benefit from the higher returns on offer in Canberra and surrounding markets.
Murrumbateman is in Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, nearly 40 kilometres from Canberra.
The Caltex-branded petrol station and Friendly Grocer is located at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-murrumbateman-501764962" target="_blank">2-22 East Street</a>, fronting the Barton Highway.
The 2,716 sqm retail investment was brought to the market by a local vendor -- a prominent local builder. The vendor previously operated the service station before selling the business to the current independent operator.
The property was sold with leases to blue-chip tenant Friendly Grocer (owner by IGA), along with local business Murrumbateman Butcher. The tenancies offer a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of about 7.48 years and produce a net income of $324,600 per annum.
 CBRE’s Mark Nicholls brokered the sale.
“The main road positioning with exposure to approximately 12,000 cars per day appealed to a range of buyers," he said.
The site features a mix of grocery, convenience and petrol retailing - with parking, six covered pumps, office and storage areas. It is the only major grocer in the catchment. 
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Service station near Canberra snapped up by Sydney buyer for $4.1 million

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Retail investment hit $8.4 billion in 2015 across all retail sub-sectors, according to JLL's Australian Shopping Centre Investment Review &amp; Outlook with sub-regional shopping centres being the standout market.
Offshore investors purchased the highest level of retail assets in Australia on record and are expected to lead the buying demand again in 2016, according to JLL’s head of retail investments Australasia, Simon Rooney, who added the record level of offshore investment in 2015 at $2.4 billion is a clear indication that Australian retail property remains attractive in a global context due to the stability of returns and transaction scale.
“2015 was another record year for the retail investment market and yields reached new benchmarks for core assets. Owners were cognisant of the significant volume of primarily-offshore capital that is seeking transaction scale in highly transparent and low-volatility markets, while also taking advantage of the weaker AUD and historically low debt costs," he said. 
“We expect transaction activity to remain elevated in 2016 as a result of pent-up demand for assets, primarily from passive sources of capital, and vendors that are motivated to sell non-core assets and mature, stable assets that have limited opportunity to add value.
“The record level of offshore investment in 2015 at $2.4 billion is a clear indication that Australian retail property remains attractive in a global context due to the stability of returns and transaction scale." 
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Retail transaction volumes in Australia hit the $8 billion mark for the first time

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A site leased to Mitre 10 in Melbourne's Sorrento for 35 years recently sold for $11.465 million, nearly $6 million above its reserve price after furious bidding.
The owners of 80-98 Ocean Beach Road property in the popular holiday spot had set the reserve at $5.5 million, but competition amongst 10 bidders pushed the result to more than double that mark.
The yield works out to just 0.39 percent, one of the tightest yields ever recorded in Victoria.
A spokesperson for selling agent CBRE said no one saw the result coming, and it's finish was just as unusual it appears.
“We knew that there was some X-factor potential with this property due to its location and 40+ metre frontage to the main street, but the auction result exceeded expectations beyond comprehension,” the spokesperson said.
Selling agent CBRE defended its handling of a high-profile commercial property auction in Sorrento on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, after the bidding was restarted at the end of the auction.
A number of those present told The Australian Financial Review the property had already sold under the hammer before a dispute arose; the property was subsequently put back on the market, and bidding resumed. The original winning bidder lost out.
The property comprises a 2,601 sqm block of land with 1,217 sqm of improvements, with street frontage on Sorrento’s main street. It has leases in place until at least 2020 to Mitre 10 and O’Brien’s Removals and Storage, but is being touted as a future development site.
Three of the bidders were Chinese developers and investors, but the winning bid came from a local investor, the spokesperson added.
“Whilst the property is potentially not earmarked for an overly large-scale development, there was a ground swell of buyer interest from parties with property in their blood wanting to deliver a project in their own backyard."
It was 1946 when Jack Womersley bought interests in a local Frankston timber mill which dated back to 1922.
In 1959, Jack became one of eight founding members of Mitre 10, before handing the reigns to sons Geoff and Fred.
The business has been run by Jack's grandson's Stuart, Peter and Scott Womersley.
The family purchased Sorrento Timber and Hardware in 2004 and the Chelsea Heights Mitre 10 store in 2007.
A former Mitre 10 site on Sydney's northern beaches sold earlier this month.
The nearby Continental Hotel at Sorrento is under offer, listed by the Di Pietro family with $15 million expectations last March.
 
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Property leased to Mitre 10 in Melbourne's Sorrento auctioned $6 million above reserve price

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Private investors are on the move in the inner-city Brisbane fringe, as evident from a recent $2.325 million sale.
220 Boundary Street, also known as Portman Place in Spring Hill, has been snapped up by private investors with business interests in Papua New Guinea.
The tenanted site reflects a net passing initial yield of 10%.
The selling agents were JLL’s Sam Byrne and Christian Sandstrom.
The property is home to Kennedy McLaughlin &amp; Associates, one of Brisbane’s longest running and most highly respected accounting firms. They have been the primary tenant occupying four lots, for more than 27 years.
“The purchasers were very attracted to the asset given the long established tenant, the five-year lease term, fixed annual review and of course, the property’s proximity to the Brisbane CBD,” Byrne said.
“We expect transaction activity in the area will remain strong during 2016 as a result of the likelihood for long term capital growth in the Spring Hill precinct with the draft Spring Hill Neighbourhood Plan being a major catalyst,” added Sandstrom.
Portman Place comprises a two-level office building with a net leasable area of nearly 565sqm, located on the corner of Boundary &amp; Mein Street’s in Spring Hill.
The building is made up of four lots and boasts a strong street presence and is just about a kilometre from the Brisbane CBD.
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Private investors snap up Brisbane's Spring Hill property for $2.3 million 

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Sentiment in the Australian commercial property market hit a new high in Q4, but the headline index continues to mask big differences across property sectors and states, according to NAB’s quarterly tracker on the state of the sector.
The NAB Commercial Property Index rose to +17 points in Q4 from +10 in Q3, a new high since it first came out in 2010.
<a href="/images/2016/03/2/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-02%20at%2012.16.02%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/03/2/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-02%20at%2012.16.02%20PM.png" alt="">
By sector, CBD hotels and office markets are leading the way. NSW and Victoria are also out-performing, but WA is lagging considerably, it showed.
Property professionals noted a deterioration in their funding conditions on both debt and equity fronts in Q4, with tighter credit conditions also reflected in higher pre-commitment hurdles for new developments. 
The improvement in the overall index was led by CBD hotels, followed by office and retail. Sentiment in industrial property markets fell and is now weakest overall. 
Looking ahead, property professionals operating in CBD hotel markets are most confident, which may reflect a shortage of supply and the broader pick up in tourism on the back of the lower AUD, along with a pick-up in business travel. 
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Confidence is lowest (albeit positive) among retail property operators, perhaps reflecting expectations that the impetus to household consumption from the housing market will wane through 2016 as house price growth slows. 
The headline Commercial Property Index also continues to hide some very big differences in performance by state. 
“NSW and Victoria remain at the forefront of the improvement in market sentiment, with WA still wallowing in deeply negative territory,” said NAB Group chief economist Alan Oster. 
NSW would remain the most optimistic state for commercial property in the next two years, with Queensland tipped to be the big improver and WA the most pessimistic. 
Survey respondents believe that CBD hotels will provide the best capital returns in the next 1-2 years (4% in each year), followed by office (1% &amp; 1.2%), with significantly higher returns in NSW and Victoria masking further big corrections in WA. Capital returns are expected to be lowest for retail property (0.4% &amp; 0.6%). 
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<img src="/images/2016/03/2/Screen%20Shot%202016-03-02%20at%2012.18.46%20PM.png" alt="">
In leasing markets, office property is expected to provide the best returns over the next 1-2 years (0.7% &amp; 1.7%), with rental growth in NSW and Victoria leading the way. In contrast, office rents in WA are expected to continue falling heavily amid elevated and climbing vacancy rates, significant over-supply and weak tenant demand. 
In the national industrial market, the outlook for rents has been pared back a little (0.2% &amp; 0.4%) with rental returns for retail property also softer (0.2% &amp; 0.5%). 
Despite an overall improvement in commercial property market sentiment, the survey reveals that fewer developers are planning to start new works in the short term. 
“Funding issues may be playing a role here, with more developers indicating that their debt and equity funding situations had deteriorated,” said Oster. 
Tighter credit conditions are also being reflected in higher pre-commitment hurdles for new developments - up for the third consecutive quarter to 53.5% in Q4 and expected to tighten further over the next 6-12 months. 
Around 250 panel respondents participated in the Q4 2015 survey, consisting of real estate agents/managers, property developers, asset/fund managers and owners/investors. 
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Sentiment at record high in NAB Q4 commercial property survey  

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A fully leased strata retail investment in the Northland Homemaker Centre at Preston has sold at auction to a private local investor for $5.12 million.
The 1,080 square metre retail suite was sold with a lease to boutique French provincial furniture retailer Maison Est.
The selling agents were CBRE’s Josh Twelftree, Rorey James and Ryan Arrowsmith.
“Bidding opened at $4 million and after 38 bids from four investors, including a Mainland Chinese group who was the under bidder, it was eventually sold for $5.12 million,” Twelftree said.
The transaction was equivalent to a building rate of $4,741 per square metre and yield of just over 6%.
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Retail suite in Melbourne sells for $5.12 million

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Artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, 3D printing and other technologies are shaping the future of cities in high-speed and unpredictable ways, according to the latest Savills Europe report.
It is still debatable whether the innovations of the future will have a positive or a negative impact on society, <a href="https://image.email.savills.info/lib/fe9e13707565057575/m/1/megatrends-in-european-real-estate---issue-1-2015.pdf" target="_blank">the Megatrends in Europe report concludes</a>.
"On the one hand new technologies facilitate our lives, but on the other they displace middle level jobs, leading to increasing structural unemployment and income inequality.
"The optimists argue that, historically, technological evolution has created new jobs and industries as much as it has destroyed some of the older ones.
It suggests the affinity of the Y and Z generations with technology determines their expectations, their lifestyle and the way they relate to space.
"The smart technologies of the future will change the way we live our lives, but will they also alter the way we use physical space? connectivity, contact, communication, comfort, choice and collaboration.
"In Europe, internet penetration exceeded 70% and mobile use penetration exceeded 60% in 2014, and continue to grow.
"Information technology and the digital world reshape the real one and re-define work, mobility, communication, retailing and distribution, as users achieve more by moving less.
"Big data gathered via sensors, surveys, mapping and other sources will enable the policy makers and urban planners to analyse and share the information, leading to more efficient, more manageable, ‘smarter’ cities.'
It concluded the real estate industry is trying to adapt and preempt the changes that new technologies bring to people’s habits and lifestyle.
"It is not clear yet if technology will lead to a dramatic reduction in the need for physical space or will change the way space is used.
"Geography remains important and people continue to cluster in hubs of like-minded people.
"Cities with a spirit of innovation are likely to attract young talent and become hubs of communication, collaboration and knowledge.
"The large European capitals of London, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam, Vienna are established centres of innovation, while smaller secondary cities also compete for this title.
It noted last year the European Commission awarded Barcelona the title of European Capital of Innovation (iCapital) ahead of Grenoble and Groningen for ‘introducing the use of new technologies to bring the city closer to citizens’. 
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Savills Europe suggests winners and losers in the high tech cities of the future

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Savills has opened its first office in Canada following the purchase of Toronto-based commercial real estate firm Real Facilities.
Stan Krawitz, founder and president of Real Facilities, will oversee the operation for Savills Studley as executive vice president, founder and head of Canada.  
He said Savills Studley and Real Facilities have collaborated on numerous large transactions for clients on both sides of the border for more than five years. 
"In many ways, this is just the formalization of the great partnership we’ve enjoyed. Joining Savills Studley provides us with a true global platform for our clients.  Many Canadian companies are expanding to the U.S, as well as seeking locations in Europe and Asia," he said.
"The transition has been seamless.”
Savills operates from over 600 owned and associate offices, employing more than 30,000 people in over 60 countries.
 
 
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Savills open first Canadian office with eye on Asia

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A potential mixed use development site (subject to council approval) on a prominent Parramatta Road corner at Ashfield in Sydney's inner western suburbs is up for sale for the first time in 30 years.
The combined sites, at 502-596 Parramatta Road (above) and 164 Frederick Street, are being marketed by Ray White Commercial Inner West's Kristian Morris and Tim Morrison.
Price expectations were not disclosed.
The corner block was a former timber yard and spans nearly 1,445 square metre. 
“The land offers high exposure to approximately 100,000 vehicles daily and is less than 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD," said Morris.
The site has three street frontages and rear lane access.
“The site is zoned Flexible B6 Enterprise Corridor which allows a 15 metre building height limit and a maximum floor space ratio (FSR) of 1:5:1,” added Morrison.
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Corner site for sale in Sydney's Ashfield

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Pet Supersavers is the latest business to move to North Point Business Park in Queensland's Kallangur and the tenth deal this year, up from only one in the previous 12-month period.
The 30-hectare Walker Corporation's commercial park is now more than 90% committed, with only one lot at 2.8 hectares of general industry-zoned land remaining for sale.
The retailer agreed to a 10-year lease term with local developer Donnelly Partners, who purchased the land from Walker Corporation earlier this year and developed a purpose built new store for Pet Supersavers.
The 2,620 square metre lot consists of a two unit industrial strata development of which Pet Supersavers occupies 750 square metre including a retail store, warehouse, backyard and car park. 
“North Point Business Park presented us with an opportunity for a bigger and better facility at an affordable cost, all under the one roof," said Leichelle McMahon, director of Pet Supersavers.
"We now have a reptile room that replicates the look and atmosphere of a rainforest, a vet and microchip service, dog rescue and quarantine, doggie day care and cat room, pet training, kids’ parties and holiday club, adult and child educational classes, a backyard for the dogs and more, with ample customer parking.” 
North Point has experienced its busiest year to date, introducing a further eight new businesses in addition to Pet Supersavers and Elite Soil Testing. 
The spike in demand at the business park has been helped by government-funded infrastructure upgrades to the area, in particular, the soon to open Moreton Bay Rail Link which adjoins the business Park. 
In addition to the rail link, upgrades to the local road infrastructure have greatly improved connectivity to the Bruce Highway only 3 km away. Located 25 km from Brisbane CBD, North Point is Walker Corporation’s latest industrial development and represents a $75 million investment by the company in south-east Queensland. 
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