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 Retail

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After dipping down in May, The Data App estimate trend cap rates rose to 6.66% in June; an increase of 13 basis points on last month. and 62 basis points higher than a year earlier, according to Rob Ellis, Director of The Data App (TDA).
Mr Ellis said, "this means cap rates, in trend terms, have risen to their highest level since June 2016.”
“From their low point in March 2018, <a href="https://thedataapp.com/" target="_blank">The Data App</a> calculate trend cap rates for commercial retail assets have now increased by 96 basis points.”
“While retail assets continue to be brought to the market, there is little doubt demand is becoming more subdued," he noted.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/1/TDA%201.JPG" alt="">
Trend estimates for June show:
<ul>
<li>The value of shopping centre transactions was the lowest since April 2017 and;</li>
<li>The volume of gross lettable area (GLA) transacted during the month was the lowest since April 2012; over seven years ago.</li>
</ul>
TDA conservatively estimates around 1.3 million square metres of gross lettable area (GLA) is currently up for sale.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/1/TDA%202.JPG" alt="">
Mr Ellis said, "current trend cap rates (6.66%) are still well below their long-run average (7.42%). Simple mean reversion would point to some further upside, while cyclically weak consumer demand, the impact of internet shopping as well as a number of AREITs being net sellers of shopping centres, would suggest scope for even higher cap rates.”
"Pulling in the opposite direction, commercial retail property is offering increasingly attractive yields, especially when compared to other asset classes. This value attraction will eventually encourage buyers back. For now, the balance of risks to shopping centre values remains skewed to the downside,” he concluded.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/1/TDA%203.JPG" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Commercial retail cap rates reach three year highs: The Data App 

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Dubbo in regional New South Wales is the only region at the peak of the retail market, finds valuation firm Herron Todd White.
Sydney and Melbourne are offering strong retail markets, however Brisbane is starting to decline.
Dubbo currently has four retail properties up for sale, one the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-dubbo-502456842" target="_blank">Jubilee Street Shops.</a>
The three retail spaces which are available in one line are being marketed from $99,000.
One is currently tenanted
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/4/11/clockcomm.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/4/11/clockcomm.jpg" alt="">
 
 
Herron Todd White noted the strong Sydney market over the last year.
"The retail market in Sydney has seen substantial growth over the past 12 months as a result of increased demand for good investment assets, growth in rental income and generally lower vacancy rates," the report suggested.
They believe the next 12 months will follow the same trend.
Melbourne's retail market performed in similar fashion
Herron Todd White noted it was duo to limited quality stock available and strengthening purchaser demand.
Brisbane are declining after feeling the loss of major retailers departure.
"The recently announced massive headline loss by the Myer Group and the troubles surrounding the Retail Food Group have intensified the focus on the retail sector and it is generally perceived as having the highest risk profile of all principal asset classes," Herron Todd White said of the Brisbane retail market.
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Dubbo at peak of retail market: HTW

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Mixed-use retail assets continue to find favour with investors, most recently evident from the ongoing auction campaign to sell two lots in Sydney’s Inner West, say Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
Located at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/lots-1-2-270-liverpool-road-ashfield-nsw-2131-2013999807" target="_blank">270 Liverpool Road</a> (pictured above) in Ashfield’s retail strip, the lots comprise two brand new strata retail stores tenanted by ANZ Bank and Chemist Warehouse.
According to Cushman &amp; Wakefield, the strong interest in the upcoming auction for the two lots has been driven primarily by high net worth individuals and family investors, both from the local area but also interstate and overseas. These investors are attracted to the long term capital growth presented by the retail sites.
With the rise in medium and high density housing, there has been a significant effect on the way we work, shop and live, say Cushman &amp; Wakefield.
This is also driving experiential and mixed use retail as retailers look to meet the challenge from online shopping.
Demand for mixed use retail and lively high streets storefronts are, in part, also in response to increasingly compact living spaces that are impractical for entertaining.
For developers, the mixed use retail component of a development can generate significant returns, and margins can be increased through maximising the retail pricing and refining their strategy.
“With an apartment tower and space below you effectively create a vertical community,” says Cushman &amp; Wakefield’s head of Research Dominic Brown.
“The retail offers more than convenience; the right tenant emphasises that local village atmosphere and occupiers buy into the concept of a café where the barista knows their order, or bank where the teller knows their name.
“The natural solution for residential adjacent retail is convenience retailing, however, any business offering something the internet can’t is ideal. An experience or service element which is not appealing or available for online purchase will be well received by any resident.”
The two lots going to auction on December 5 reflect this trend.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/11/24/Ashfield2.jpg" alt="">
Lot 1 is occupied by Chemist Warehouse, which is on a new 10-year lease to 2027 plus options to 2037.
The net income from the property is $434,687 per annum plus GST.
The net lettable area is 789 square metres.
Lot 2 is lease to ANZ Bank which is on a seven-year lease to 2023 plus options to 2033.
The net income from the property is $253,838 per annum plus GST.
Its net lettable area is 274 square metres.
Both properties have 4% annual increases.
The listing agent is Anthony Bray.
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Mixed-use retail values boosted by surging residential development: Cushman & Wakefield

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<div>A locally-based Chinese syndicate has purchased Melbourne’s landmark Burgundy Plaza in Heidelberg for $14,390,000.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>CBRE negotiated the sale with Miles Real Estates with the sale price representing a passing yield of 1.75 percent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The building rate was $14,155 per sqm and a land rate at close to $6,000 per sqm.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Burgundy Plaza at <a href="https://www.cbremelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Burgundy_Plaza_4pp_08.pdf" target="_blank">101-111 Burgundy Street</a> comprises a collection of retail shops and first floor offices situated on a Commercial Zoned 1 landholding suitable for long-term, mixed use development.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The retail complex has 31 rear car spaces.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was sold by a local investor who had owned the it for 30 years.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There were over 25 offers totalling more than $220 million for a strata retail asset with limited immediate development.</div>
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Melbourne retail landmark Burgundy Plaza sold to China group for $14.3 million

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GUEST OBSERVER
It might seem unlikely that there’s stores in Australia, selling only a small range of products, at prices significantly higher than supermarkets, yet turning over millions of dollars each year. But an increase in stores catering to personal shoppers, called daigou, are growing in the Australian retail scene.
As demand for Australian products increases, daigou stores allow Chinese shoppers to send goods to China. One public relation agency estimated there are between 1,200 to 1,600 small daigou stores that offer “pack and send” services in Australia. Until now, these businesses were fragmented and operated independently.
However, the first Daigou retailer recently listed on the ASX, AuMake. The retailer has seven stores in Sydney and plans for more.
Daigou stores are emerging in response to the demands of a burgeoning Chinese middle-class and their hunger for Australian brands. By 2022, 76% of China’s urban population will be considered middle-class.
Why Australian brands can’t ‘go it alone’
Poor quality Chinese products, food safety concerns combined with ongoing issues of counterfeiting have contributed to a deficit in trust of Chinese brands. This lack of trust is driving demand for authentic, high quality products – particularly from Western markets like Australia.
So, why don’t Australian business simply cut out the middleman and go straight to the consumer? It comes down to the establishment of trust between the consumer and the retailer, and the length of time it takes a foreign retail business to establish consumer trust in China. Australian-based brands like Suisse, Blackmores and Jurlique sell through Daigou retailers to quickly establish authenticity of the product and consumer trust.
Daigou businesses are quickly becoming market influencers, that can make or break brands in China. Case in point is Bellamy’s infant formula, Airwallex Founder Lucy Liu stated: "what Bellamy’s didn’t expect was that the daigous’ customers would be more loyal to their daigou, than to the Bellamy’s brand."
Chinese consultancies are now offering to connect Australian businesses with highly-influential Chinese bloggers and Chinese social media personalities to help promote your products and services
A viable market
Despite low domestic growth in food and groceries, an AFGC State of the Industry Report identified a real hunger for Australian manufactured brands internationally. In 2015-16 food and beverage exports grew by 11% to A$26 billion and grocery (non-food) exports up 32% to A$4 billion.
Notably, China has become Australia’s largest export market for the first time in 2016-17.
So lucrative is this daigou model, that the 2017 Australia-China Business Week Conference allocated an entire afternoon to a workshop on Chinese social media platform WeChat. The aim of the session was to demonstrate to marketers and business how WeChat could be utilised to connect, influence and sell to Chinese consumers.
Global consultancy firms like Nielsen are scrambling to advise entrepreneurs and brands on how they can leverage this new retail model for financial growth.
A final cautionary note
As these daigou stores open up around Australia and become the legitimate “go to” for Chinese consumers seeking quality, authentic Australian brands, it would appear the days of individual daigous striping supermarket shelves of infant formula may be numbered. The model provides a regulated channel to the Chinese consumer and circumnavigates the need for individual daigou shoppers.
While this new retail model presents a great opportunity for Australian products and brands, ultimately, the future remains uncertain. On one hand, Chinese entrepreneurs may increase the number of stores across Australia and small brands will compete for shelf space, in order to access the lucrative Chinese market. Alternatively, established daigou relationships based on trust may endue and the business model becomes irrelevant.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/86844/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">In the end, this retail model remains viable only as long as the Chinese government permit online shopping from international markets – they could close the door overnight. Chinese officials have already imposed bans on foreign books, movies and games being imported to China.
Gary Mortimer, Associate Professor, Queensland University of Technology and Charmaine Glavas, International Business Lecturer, Queensland University of Technology
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/chinese-personal-shoppers-have-created-a-new-type-of-retail-store-in-australia-86844" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Chinese personal shoppers have created a new type of retail store in Australia: Gary Mortimer & Charmaine Glavas

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Savills have prepared charts on major retail development analysis across Australia.
It shows stock under construction and national development by retail type.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/27/Retail-Construction.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/27/Retail-Construction.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/10/27/Retail-Dev.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/27/Retail-Dev.png" alt=""> 
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Major Australian retail development analysis: Savills

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A double-fronted retail freehold in Melbourne’s inner suburb of Malvern has sold under the hammer for $3.02 million, at a crisp yield of just 2.68%. 
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-vic-malvern-502552166" target="_blank">1425-1427 Malvern Road</a> asset has two-double storey shops on one title, comprising longstanding tenant Allpress Antiques and the popular Milton Wine Shop.
The selling agents were Fitzroys’ Chris Kombi, James Lockwood and Jordan Ceppi.
The sale price was $420,000 above the reserve. 
The 400 sqm site is zoned Commercial 1.
It was sold with a five-year lease in place with the option for a further five years, returning $81,033 per annum. 
Lockwood said the Malvern Road retail and lifestyle strip is underpinned by rapidly growing residential catchment, with numerous mediums and high density mixed-use developments in the vicinity recently completed and others at various stages of planning. 
“Hospitality and retail services have subsequently benefited from the growing catchment immediately around Melbourne’s inner and middle-ring precincts.” 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Double-fronted retail freehold in inner Melbourne fetches above $3 million at auction  

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An IGA-anchored convenience centre in Brisbane’s Everton Hills has sold to private investor for $7.7million in a deal brokered by Savills.
The shopping centre, On Q Centre, has a gross lettable area of 2,019 sqm and the transaction reflects an initial yield of 6.7%.
Everton Hills is located in the Hills District of northern Brisbane.
The centre features a prominent 5,035 sqm site located at the corner of Queens and South Pine Road.
The deal was negotiated by Jon Tyson and Michael Harcourt of Savills following an on market expressions of interest campaign.
Tyson said the On Q Centre had a high exposure location due to its corner position on two main roads.
It has a mix of retail, service and medical oriented tenancies.
“Well located convenience centres like On Q Centre continue to be highly sought after by a range of buyer groups primarily including private investors smaller fund managers and property syndicates,” Tyson said.
On Q Centre is the latest in a string of South East Queensland convenience centre sales brokered by Savills during the first half of 2017, added Harcourt.
Others brokered by Savills this year include Wynnum West Shopping Centre for $7.88 million, Pinnacle Pines Shopping Centre for $19.7 million and a Red Rooster-anchored convenience centre in Narangba for $4.2 million.
“This sustained level of activity clearly indicates that investor demand for centres of this nature remains solid as we enter the second half of the calendar year,” Harcourt said.
Recently, two adjoining commercial properties in the Brisbane suburb of Kangaroo Point, opposite the Shafston Hotel, were snapped up for $1,940,000 in an off-market deal through Savills.
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Brisbane convenience centre sells for $7.7 million through Savills

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One of Melbourne’s leading antique dealers, McPhees, has decided to put its Chapel Street, Prahran shop under the hammer after 116 years of trading.
The auction will be on September 28.
The business, which will continue trading in another location, was established by George McPhee who moved the business to the present location in 1924. The business started just on High Street in 1901. 
The 200-202 Chapel Street property comprises a two level, 497 square metre, building in near original condition.
According to listing agents, Teska Carson’s Matthew Feld and Tom Maule, the property will attract strong interest at time when Prahran is undergoing a development phase that has seen the local population rise in line with Melbourne’s growth.  
According to great grandson Duncan McPhee, who now runs the business with his brother Sean, the fourth generation of McPhees to be involved in one of Australia’s oldest family businesses is looking forward to a new era for the business. 
“Much has changed in Chapel Street over the last 100 years. It has become a destination for cafes, restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues, and now the family is seeking a more appropriate address, an address which we hope will be home to the business for many more years to come.”
“We have customers that have been with us for 30 or 40 years or more and we would like to continue our service to them and at the same time nourish the business in a new location,’’ McPhee said.
McPhees has a reputation for supplying high quality early furniture especially in the English taste of the Eighteenth century, into the Regency period and continuing through the reign of George IV. 
“This part of Chapel Street has an enviable aura and reputation driven by its eclectic mix of tenancies from cafes to restaurants to bars and entertainment venues, boutique fashion houses to the Chapel Street Bazaar, The Jam Factory and Prahran Market,” Feld said.
“The list goes on. If you get an opportunity to buy in this part of Chapel Street you take it.’’
Current improvements allow for a conversation into two separate tenancies by re-instating the central wall, added Maule. 
He said the Commercial 1 zoning allows for mixed use commercial centres for retail, office, business, entertainment and community uses, as well as residential uses. 
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Prahran's iconic antique dealer to sell its shop of 93 years 

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Melbourne's coffee king Salvatore Malatesta has sold a North Bondi residential apartment block for $3.82 million.
The syndicate proceeds are set to fund a hotel development in Melbourne.
The Blair Street property, comprising four one bedroom apartments and a butcher tenancy on a five year lease, was offered with net passing income of $148,000 a year, reflecting a 3.8 percent yield.
Ray White agent Phillip Elmowy sold the property in conjunction with CBRE's Michael Khouri.
It last traded for $1.66 million in 2008.
The recently married coffee entrepreneur Malatesta is a pioneer who recently launched his coffee brand partnership, Sensory Lab, in David Jones Bondi Junction last week.
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