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

Illawarra

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Strong buyer competition looks set to continue to drive prices up in the Illawarra through the early part of the year, according to HTW's February 2017 update.
The valuation firm says the major factors that may slow down the market could be interest rate rises along with tighter lending regulations.
Until these factors come to light, it predicts that the Illawarra residential property market will continue to perform strongly.
"Strong growth commenced in Wollongong in mid-2013 and each Christmas break has failed to dampen the market, with the new year often starting as strong, if not stronger," HTW says.
Demand for stock and sale price increases flowed down the coast to the Shoalhaven which also saw substantial growth in 2016.
“There is good demand across all price points and locations from basic cheapie $300,000 dwellings in Sanctuary Point through to prestige properties in the Northern Illawarra beach suburbs and Hyams Beach,” the report states.
2017 will continue to see the marketing or construction of a number of large unit complexes in the Wollongong CBD including Parq on Flinders Street (221 units), Signature on Regent Street (125 units) and Crown Wollongong (317 units) among others.
“There have been concerns voiced over off-the-plan unit sales in capital city CBDs recently by the major banks and whilst Wollongong doesn’t have the same scale, the CBD has had a massive influx of unit supply in the past four years,” HTW cautioned.
“Any shift in the property market could severely impact these projects with off-the-plan sales stalling and settlement risk increasing.”
Construction of the Berry Bypass will continue through 2017 and into 2018 with new passages of road being released when completed. This work is decreasing the travel time between Nowra and Wollongong making the distance between the two locations more convenient.
“As work progresses it is expected that the property markets will be more closely correlated in the future and Wollongong investors and owner occupiers who are seeking affordability will head to the Shoalhaven in larger numbers with Wollongong median prices continuing to increase,” says the report.
For the median price of $792,000 a house such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-wollongong-122488026" target="_blank">127 Kembla Street</a>, Wollongong (above) can be purchased for $800,000.
For $525,000 a unit such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-nsw-wollongong-124545186" target="_blank">25/26-28 Market Street</a>, Wollongong (below) can be purchased for between $520,000 to $570,000.
<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/2017/02/14/25_26-28%20Market%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Strong competition to keep pushing Illawarra prices higher: HTW

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Property markets in regional Australia had a mixed performance in the quarter ended September 2016, with the Illawarra region in NSW recording double-digit growth for both houses and units in value terms, while values fell in Townsville and Bunbury, according to CoreLogic’s latest regional market update.
According to Tim Lawless, senior researcher at CoreLogic, “several regional property markets within driving distance to major capital cities saw strong home price growth over the past quarter”.
Some of the report’s highlights:
<ul>
<li>Over the year to September 2016, the Illawarra region had the largest annual increase in values for both houses (14.3 percent) and units (11.5 percent).</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Illawarra.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
       <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Illawarra.png" alt="">
<ul>
<li>In addition, home values rose across each of the three regions in NSW over the year ending September. 
</li>
<li>For houses, Townsville in Queensland and Bunbury in WA were the only regional markets where values fell, down 2.2 percent and 0.4 percent respectively. Unit values were lower across the five regions, with the greatest falls also in Townsville (4.5 percent) and Bunbury (4.1 percent).</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Townsville.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
       <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Townsville.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Bunbury.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
       <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/11/CoreLogicReg-Bunbury.png" alt="">
<ul>
<li>Transaction activity rose on a year-on-year basis across the Richmond – Tweed region, while across all other regional markets analysed, sales activity was lower over the year.</li>
</ul>
In the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and the Richmond- Tweed regions, home values rose by less, however, each property type saw gains of more than 6 per cent. When looking at transaction activity, the Richmond- Tweed region was the only region with an increase over the year (3 per cent), while sales activity fell in the other two regions. 
In Queensland, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast were the strongest performing regions across the state, with both house and unit values rising. While Townsville, Wide Bay and Cairns showed moderate growth or falling values over the year. Transaction activity also fell, with sales volumes across all regions decreasing over the year, but transactions were well above the five-year average in each region with the exception of Townsville. 
Sales fell in Victoria’s Geelong and Latrobe-Gippsland regions too, down 1 per cent and 5 percent respectively. However, home values rose in both regions, Geelong recording the highest value growth, with house values increasing by 6.9 percent and unit values up 3.7 percent. 
Western Australia’s Bunbury region saw house values fall by 0.4 percent, while unit values fell by 4.1 percent. Sales volumes were down 11.5 percent over the year, and 10 percent below the five year average for the region. 
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Illawarra home values show double-digit growth amid mixed showing in regional Australia: CoreLogic 

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Due to the strength of the residential property market in the Illawarra, small infill developments are currently more feasible than ever, in fact quite lucrative for owners where development is possible, according to Herron Todd White’s latest market report.
The property advisory firm states that the most common small scale development is a dual occupancy, often with Torrens or strata subdivision.
"We are noticing two types of dual occupancy.
"The first is typically an older established dwelling on a larger block around 700 to 1,200 square metres and with a frontage over 16 metres," the report stated.
R1 or R3 zoning makes council approval easier. The current house is kept as is and a new detached dwelling is constructed at the rear of the block.
Usually a garage or other site improvements need to be demolished to allow for construction of the new dwelling.
Illawarra suburbs where this is prevalent include those close to the main CBDs such as Fairy Meadow, Coniston, Bomaderry and Nowra.
The second type of dual occupancy is the construction of a new duplex pair. This can involve the knock down and re-build of an older dwelling in an established area or allowable construction in a new estate.
These blocks of land (or older houses) with dual occupancy potential are often purchased by small scale developers, with both duplexes sold individually once construction and subdivision are completed.
This type of dual occupancy is widespread in recent land subdivisions in Lake, Heights, Berkeley, Flinders, West Nowra and South Nowra.
There is currently strong demand for new properties which is driving up prices of duplex properties, thereby increasing developers’ profit margins.
A ten year old, semi-modern duplex recently sold in May 2016 for $564,000 after the vendor had purchased it in March 2015 for $462,000 - an 18% increase in just over one year.
Where possible, developers are best to hold off selling their new constructions for as long as possible while prices continue to increase rather than selling them off the plan early on in the project.
With strong prices in the residential market being achieved across the townships of Moss Vale, Bowral and Mittagong, it is not surprising that there is an increase in activity in the stand alone renovate, extend and sell market.
Traditionally 1910 to 1920s cottages close to the town centres have been the subject of the first wave of this style of development.
This has more recently extended to second ring areas that historically have been characterised by affordable, stand alone dwellings of circa 1950s to 1960s.
Under the current Wingecarribee LEP 2010, there have been infill development opportunities for villa development, which have now become economically viable with the increase in completed unit sales prices.
"This is particularly the case in the townships of Bowral and Moss Vale.
We have also noticed the emerging popularity of dual occupancy developments across the hamlets of Hill Top and Bargo being located in reasonable proximity to the freeway," the report stated.
Entry prices range from $500,000 to $1 million and experienced developers have been obtaining normal profit on costs of 10%, timing and quality being the key.
Similar to the Southern Highlands, HTW suggested redevelopment opportunities of stand alone cottages within walking distance of town seem to be the most popular type of development for the small developer.
"Again key to success is experience in the market and control of costs via utilisation of local reliable contractors," the report stated.
Entry prices are between $450,000 and $600,000.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Illawarra's strong dual occupancy push: HTW

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The residential property market in the Illawarra has gone from strength to strength since 2013 with no particular price point or location being left out, according to Herron Todd White’s latest monthly market report.
The property advisory firm said that all purchaser types have been affected, from first home buyers, investors focused on returns to prestige buyers. Demand from buyers has shifted south from Sydney into the Illawarra and even the Shoalhaven has come out of a long market slump.
PriceFinder reports that the most active price ranges for house sales in the Illawarra during the 2016 financial year vary for the different Local Government Authorities. The highest volume of house sales in the Wollongong LGA was 420 sales in the $600,000 to $700,000 range. One example would be a three bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-wollongong-122458686" target="_blank">96 Rowland Avenue</a> (pictured above) that was recently sold for $620,000.
The most house sales in the Shellharbour LGA was between $400,000 and $500,000 with 292 sales.
Kiama’s LGA has the highest range with 68 sales in the $700,000 to $800,000 range while the Shoalhaven LGA has the lowest with 756 house sales between $300,000 and $400,000.
Affordability and availability is the key to the most favoured price points. When a property is deemed affordable it has the broadest market including first home buyers and mum and dad investors. The more common types of property will also become available to the market more often, leading to higher volumes.
The least amount of activity in the Illawarra is, not surprisingly, the prestige market. While this market has been relatively strong over the past three years, there is still a limited amount of activity, mainly due to a limited amount of supply of this property type to the market.
Prestige properties in the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama LGAs tend to be in the $2 million plus price bracket while this drops to $1.5 million in the Shoalhaven LGA and is limited to beach front or large acreage style properties.
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Illawarra property market strength continues to shine: HTW

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Illawarra home values have increased over the past year by 14.3 percent for houses and 13.9 percent for units, according to CoreLogic's regional market report.
Growth across the region, however, is beginning to moderate, down from a 17.8 percent year-on-year growth for houses in February this year, and 15 per cent for units over the year to May.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.11.28%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.11.28%20AM.png" alt="">
Sales volumes have lowered over the past two years and are currently 10 per cent lower than one year ago.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.11.46%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.11.46%20AM.png" alt="">
Average vendor discounting and time on market rates indicate the market is still geared towards those selling their properties, with less room for negotiations on the buyers’ side.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.12.09%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.12.09%20AM.png" alt="">
Rental returns across the region are trending lower, at 4.5 per cent for houses currently, compared to 4.9 per cent one year ago and 4.9 per cent for units, down from 5.3 per cent in June 2015.
<a href="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.12.43%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-07%20at%2010.12.43%20AM.png" alt="">
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Big increase in home values in Illawarra

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An absolute beachfront at Coledale in the Northern Illawarra has been listed with $3 million hopes.
Last traded for $2.25 million in 2008, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-coledale-122754286" target="_blank">10 Hyde Street</a> is considered as one of the best true beach front properties in the region.
Positioned on a 809 sqm double block, the four bedroom brick home offers direct walking access to the beach with 20 metre beach frontage.
It offers uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean from its oversized, 18 metre wide, covered entertaining deck.
There's also an internal courtyard amongst ample gardens and pristine lawns.
The offering comes with DA approval for a 2nd storey addition and extensions.
Ray White Helensburgh agents Simon Beaufils and Mattias Samuelsson have the listing.
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Beachfront listed for $3 million in Illawarra's Coledale

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Regional areas across Australia are under the spotlight due to a lift in transaction levels and median values given the rising expense of capital city property markets, according to CoreLogic RP Data's Regional Report for the March 2016 quarter.
According to CoreLogic RP Data, the Illawarra region in New South Wales leads the way as the best year-on-year performer with house values increasing by 15.8 percent and unit values increasing by 13.2 percent.
ILLAWARRA STATISTICS
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CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher said the Illawarra region has been a stand out performer in the past year, with the market driven largely by a surge in Sydney property prices as people find themselves priced out of the capital city housing market.
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"The Illawarra region offers not just an affordable alternative for owner occupiers; it’s also attracting buyers keen to secure holiday homes," he said.
“With mortgage rates at their lowest levels in 53 years and tipped to drop even further, we’re likely to see housing purchases popular across larger coastal regional markets throughout 2016.” 
"In another win for NSW, Richmond-Tweed was the only region to see sales volumes increase over the year, up 10.8 percent to 5,930, while Newcastle &amp; Lake Macquarie and Illawarra both saw transactions lower relative to last year, down -1.4 percent and -3.2 percent respectively. 
"Across Queensland, the Gold Coast recorded the largest increase in dwelling sales over the year to February 2016, up 7.3 per ent to 19,516 sales, followed by Wide Bay, which saw dwelling sales increase by 4.4 per cent to 5,471. Regional Townsville experienced the biggest fall in sales volumes over the same period, down -8.3 percent to 3,419 sales while in The Sunshine Coast and Cairns regions, volumes dropped by -2.4 percent and -2.3 percent respectively."
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In regional Victoria, dwelling sales increased in Geelong, (up 2.0 percent to 6,117), and sales volumes across the Latrobe-Gippsland region increased by 7.4 percent. 
Houses and units across Geelong rose by 5.4 percent and 2.8 per cent, according to the report, with house values in the Latrobe-Gippsland region up 3.0 percent and unit values up by 2.1 percent over the year to March 2016. 
According to the report detached house stayed  relatively unchanged in Bunbury in Western Australia and recorded a rise of just 0.3 per cent. 
Cameron Kusher said unit values fell by -3.7 percent over the year to March 2016 while sales volumes were down -9.2 percent for houses and -24.1 percent across the smaller unit market, indicating current transaction levels are -4.2 percent below the five year average for the region.
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Illawarra region in New South Wales best performing regional market: CoreLogic RP Data

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Illawarra's heritage housing market is anything but basic with Californian bungalows and miner cottages dotted throughout the region accordding to analyst firm Herron Todd White.
Herron Todd White's recent heritage market review found around the Illawarra district, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven regions, have considerably more heritage housing precincts with prices varying due to their appeal and location.
According to HTW as they are generally located within close proximity of the CBD area or coastal regions, the values tend to be higher than outer areas, underpinned by a higher land content and value but don't appeal to all.
"There are costs and problems associated with restoration and upkeep and many buyers are seeking modern fixtures and fittings rather than heritage style. If a full restoration is to be undertaken the cost to complete such work to comply with local council regulations and rules will be higher than that required for non listed buildings. Therefore cost will not always equate to value added and unless located in a highly sought after inner area where capital values are rising, return on investment is not assured," HTW said.
"Attributes which make these types of dwellings desirable generally include proximity to good infrastructure and a liquid market. In villages such as Berry or Jamberoo there is also a pattern established where there are a group or precinct of such dwellings of the same ere which are all renovated or restored to much the same standard and they become the norm for period dwellings.
"The Southern Highlands residential property market has been increasing in both volume and price activity since late 2014. We saw a noticeable increase in activity by investors in 2015. The Highlands property market is heavily influenced by the Sydney property market with many buyers relocating from Sydney to the region. Now that Sydney has slowed and softened, the Highlands market, while currently still increasing, is also anticipated to slow."
HTW gave a recent example of a heritage listed dwelling which sold at the higher end of the scale in nearby Kiama. Rockleigh (above), a heritage listed circa 1860 Victorian style two storey dwelling in Bong Bong Street with northerly aspect and ocean and harbour views recently exchanged at around $1.1 million.
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Heritage property aplenty in NSW's Illawarra district: HTW  

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The home of the late Wendy Hughes, the acclaimed actress, has been sold in Wombarra by her children.
The 850 sqm oceanfront on the NSW Illawarra escarpment was sold for $1.9 million, a tad less than its $2.1 million asking price.
The beachfront retreat was built after she paid $154,000 in 1988. It was listed by Urban Property agent Wayne Bennett.
Hughes starred across television, film and the stage, winning Logie awards in 1977 and 1984 in the best supporting actress category for Power Without Glory and Return To Eden.
In 1983 she won the Australian Film Institute's Best Lead actress award for her role in Careful, He Might Hear You. 
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Wombarra oceanfront sale of late Wendy Hughes home

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Illawarra in NSW has seen reasonable growth in the past 12 to 18 months in all sectors and there is a sense in the market that it will continue, particularly in the below $600,000 section of the market, according to recent sales and agents’ advice, say Herron Todd White in their March property clock.
Affordable housing has had a blip from the lows of late 2011 to 2012 but there are few suburbs in the general Illawarra area where it is possible to get something in the sub $400,000 range.
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In the south, across the Shellharbour LGA there are some older houses under $450,000 but these are getting harder to come by as well. This is a big change from three years back when properties could be purchased for under $300,000. The postcode to look for here is 2529.
As usual it is always the lower end of the market that moves first and sees the better percentage increase in value. Never forget the low end of a market in the better located suburbs. You will generally be a clear winner when the whole market moves.
The mid range has remained strong during the past year and the $700,000 to $850,000 range has a bit more strength, depending on the suburb of course. This is the second home buyer’s sector and those who bought four years ago have seen some genuine increases, particularly around the northern beaches. Suburbs such as Figtree, Keiraville, Balgownie, Fairy Meadow, Corrimal, Woonona and Towradgi have experienced some good growth in values in this time. The postcode to look for here is 2519.
Above $900,000, the depth of buyers drops off, but there is still reasonable activity and some good strength. Over $1 million there are some good sales but it is generally thinly traded and tending to be harder to find bargains. The major influences in this sector are interstate investors and Sydney buyers looking for an upmarket house close to the beach but within commuting distance of Sydney. Bulli, Thirroul, Austinmer, Coledale and Stanwell Park are all attractive to this buyer sector.
Kiama and Minnamurra are also included in the southern parts of the region, with a good deal of holiday house buying pushing the market.
Let’s look at some of the good long term growth sectors in the Illawarra market.
In our view this lies in the lower ranges, affordable ($600,000 to 700,000) in a desirable location i.e. north or close to Wollongong CBD.
For units, we see CBD units close to the beach, university or hospital in the range of $350,000 to $450,000 as being a good bet for the future.
What offers the average buyer the best chance of growth over the medium term?
Pick up an older home in a good location....(close to Wollongong, Shellharbour or the beach) where the majority of the value is in the land... worst house in the best street etc. Don’t go for the new project home in a fringe location - remember that only the land increases over time, not the improvements – a tried and true adage in real estate. Forget about having all the mod cons when buying your first house – buy a shack on the best land you can. It will serve you well in the long term. Remember the 60/40 rule.
If someone called our office looking to spend a reasonable amount of money but didn’t want to sit on the property forever, we would direct them to inner suburbs close to employment centres, whether Wollongong, Shellharbour or Kiama LGAs.
The average buyer profile in this sector is mixed and includes investors and first home buyers, but increasingly we see small builders and amateur developers invading the market. 
Overall, the Illawarra property market has remained quite buoyant especially in the low and mid ranges, with the prestige markets tapering off. The outlook for the Illawarra property market appears to be in a steady but not spectacular growth mode. If interest rates rise there will be some fallout and values may ease. 
As an illustration, Property Observer found two examples of recent sales in the region:
 
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1. A four-bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-berry-121385030" target="_blank">4 Womack Close Berry NSW 2535</a> (above) sold for $710,000 recently.
<img src="/images/2016/03/23/main-3.jpg" alt="" width="677" height="508">
2. A two-bedroom apartment at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-fairy+meadow-121939174" target="_blank">3/138 Carters Lane Fairy Meadow NSW 2519</a> sold recently for $345,000.
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