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

Investor Opportunity

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Mackay units have been on a roller coaster ride over the past five years with a large number of smaller duplex, triplex and quadpruplex units competing with large scale unit complexes, according to Herron Todd White.
Herron Todd White's September Month in Review noted during the planning and construction phases, the market in Mackay turned quite sharply and quickly on the back of the downturn in the resource industry.
"Standard residential vacancies some two to three years ago were below 1%, and now hover just over the 9% mark. Rental values have reduced significantly on the back of this reduced demand and fallen in some instances up to 40% from previous highs," the review mentioned.
"In the past 18 months, there are another five highrise towers recently completed or nearing completion within the CBD or fringe locations: Rivermarque; Riviera Mackay; Carlyle Apartments; Pacific Sands; and Gateway Apartments. Rivermarque is a new eight level residential unit tower located within the fringe of Mackay CBD.
"Most of the new completed units in the CBD were purchased off the plan in 2012 prior to the fall in the Mackay market. It will be interesting to see when resales occur the level of demand and prices that can be achieved in the current market."
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Mackay units on a roller coaster ride: Herron Todd White

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Four investors competed for a $327,500 Russell Lea studio, Sydney's cheapest weekend auction sale.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-russell+lea-120377129" target="_blank">The 7/275 Lyons Road studio</a> had last sold at $172,000 in 2005, so not quite doubling over the decade.
Its price growth was 6.6% annually.
Currently rented at $300 a week, it reflected a gross 4.7% rental yield.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=120377129&amp;theme=rea.buy" rel="photos" data-id="120377129"><img src="https://i4.au.reastatic.net/456x342/70e8611bc74acd71afcb0f228fdc51747d6aa457fcccbdc5a29e9ae11bf7cf73/image3.jpg" alt="7/275 Lyons Road, Russell Lea" title="7/275 Lyons Road, Russell Lea" data-index="2"></a>   
Selling agent Rocky Mammone at Richardson &amp; Wrench Five Dock said the property was announced on the market at around $315,000 with competition from four investors.
"This is an ideal opportunity for the first home buyer to secure a property in this popular, vibrant Russell Lea precinct with easy access to the city," was his marketing suggestion.
<img src="https://i3.au.reastatic.net/456x342-resize/c66f50138028775e4fa465a14cde8fca783a5b77cc8a2f701414841d9e66592c/floorplan1.gif" alt="7/275 Lyons Road, Russell Lea" title="7/275 Lyons Road, Russell Lea" data-index="5">
The auction came ahead of data showing loans to property investors across Australia rose in July, according to figures released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) monthly banking statistics.
It showed that $539 billion worth of loans to property investors were on the books in July this year, up 22 per cent on the $439 billion in July last year and up on June's $507 billion tally.   
<div class="domain-article-content-body">
But the breaks in investor lending are finally showing up after APRA introduced a 10 per cent annual growth limit on bank loans to property investors in December 2014.
Westpac, which has the largest investor loan book at $156 billion, was up just 0.3 per cent on its June level, or 3.6 per cent annualised.
Westpac's book is around a complying 9.5 per cent above the level of a year ago.  
</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Four investors compete for Russell Lea studio, Sydney's cheapest weekend sale 

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An Ashfield studio was Sydney's cheapest weekend sale.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-studio-nsw-ashfield-119988145" target="_blank">It sold at $382,000</a> to an investor.
The recent rent was $340 a week, reflecting a gross 4.6% yield. Rents hadn't changed much over the past four years when $330 a week was sought.
It last sold in 2003 at $192,000, reflecting 5.89% annual price growth at 23/8 Cavill Avenue.
The selling agents were Melody Kochman and Frank Mazzotta at PRDnationwide Bexley North. Melody Kochman indicated to Property Observer that a fresh coat of paint could possibly see the studio secure a slightly higher $350 a week.
<img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/800x600/762ae92a6e6b102739b9238d36f9e806e551669e9f5b9590883712767b3ea572/image2.jpg" alt="23/8 Cavill Avenue, Ashfield" title="23/8 Cavill Avenue, Ashfield" data-index="1"> 
Some eight contracts were issued, for the studio with car space, with two being to unsuccessful first home buyers.
There were just the eight sales at weekend auction across Sydney at $500,000 or less.
Just one was a house - at Mount Annan at $472,000 - and two were townhouses.
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Ashfield $382,000 studio sale Sydney's auction cheapest

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Liverpool was again the location of Sydney's cheapest weekend sale.
It was a two bedroom apartment (below) that fetched $317,500 through Ray White agent Adrian Bonino.
<img src="https://i2.au.reastatic.net/456x342/e37b6f9bfe75cb092eb9b35deb4ff37bbb6b82efdcd640a1892a91c3cb84acd8/main.jpg" alt="29/42-44 Copeland Street, Liverpool" title="29/42-44 Copeland Street, Liverpool" data-index="0">
It last sold in 1983 at $35,000. 
The 29/42-44 Copeland Street complex's last sale was in February when another two bedroom apartment fetched $300,000. It was put up for rent a $300 a week, reflecting a 5.2% yield before costs.
There was an 85.1% success rate across the Sydney market that barely paused for the Queen’s Birthday holiday.
Nearly 400 homes were listed which is similar to the last year's 393 and predictably well ahead of the 853 auctioned last weekend, Dr Andrew Wilson, the APM senior economist.
Sydney’s upper north shore hosted the most number of auctions with 55 listed followed by the west with 52, the south west 50, the south 45, the inner west 44, the lower north 32, the northern beaches 32, the s 55, the city and east 31, Canterbury Bankstown 22 and the north west with 18 auctions scheduled this weekend.
Mosman and Hornsby were the most popular suburbs for auctions in Sydney with eight each followed by Blacktown and Guilford with seven each.
Sydney’s weekend auction market bounced back on the last May Saturday to end its record breaking season clearly on a high.
Sydney ‘s has recorded a remarkable average Saturday clearance rate of 84.4 percent over autumn which is well ahead of the 79.3 percent recorded over autumn last year. Clearance rates over the past three months have been the highest ever recorded by Sydney reflecting an unprecedented wave of auction activity.
Although clearance rates are at record levels, the number of auctions conduced this year in Sydney has declined. 10,334 Saturday auctions have been listed since the beginning of February compared to 10,622 over the same period last year.
In late May 10/22 Nagle Street, Liverpool $336,000 - a two bedroom unit (below) was the cheapest on that weekend.
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/photogallery_new.ds?id=119670199&amp;theme=rea.buy" rel="photos" data-id="119670199"><img src="https://i1.au.reastatic.net/456x342/defb7ae0bac81e6df0af5daa0ebd987515ddfdc117147de4f6c13f05a2106c54/main.jpg" alt="10/22 Nagle St, Liverpool" title="10/22 Nagle St, Liverpool" data-index="0"></a>
Property Observer gleans the LJ Hooker Liverpool agent Pat Bugge sold it to an investor. It was up for rent last August at $290 a week, reflecting a 4.5% yield.
The block's previous highest two bedroom sale was $321,000 in early 2015, then put up for rent at $300 a week.
 
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Less auctions, as Liverpool again led the cheapest Sydney weekend purchasing opportunity

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There were just 13 sales at $500,000 or less at weekend auction - when a record 88% clearance rate was secured.
And within what's commonly ascribed to Sydney, just the seven sales. There were 737 auctions scheduled on the weekend, with the initial results by Australian Property Monitors <a href="/expert-insights/buying/stellar-88-weekend-sydney-auction-success-rate-ensures-sales-from-a-to-z">including 626 results</a> analysed by Property Observer.
The cheapest weekend auction was $220,000 at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, on Sydney's outskirts. It was a two bedroom unit at 3/67 Lurline Street which sold through McGrath Real Estate. It's last sale price in 2011 was at $220,000 and at $212,000 in 2010. It's most recent asking rent was $280 a week, so reflected a 6.6% rental yield.
The cheapest Sydney house was $380,000 when the three bedroom 42 Eton Road, Cambridge Park (pictured above) was sold by R&amp;W Rooty Hill.
The only other Sydney district house was $480,000 at 81 Warburton Crescent, Werrington County.
A Darlinghurst apartment sold for $390,000. It was a one bedder at 12/6 Farrell Avenue. And at nearby Potts Point a one bedroom unit at 3/114 Victoria Sreet fetched $441,000.
A Kirribilli studio fetched $460,000 at 32/33 Bues Point Road, (below) 22 sqm internal plus 8 sqm balcony. Currently tenanted on an expired lease receiving $395 per week, the furnished apartment was marketed by Perry Calkin at Blues Point Real Estate as having a proven track record of offering good solid returns.
The price guidance was over $400,000. It's $460,000 sale reflected a 4.4% yield, before costs that include $730pq strata, $160pq water rates and $210pq council rates.
A one bedroom Sutherland unit fetched $480,000.
The Central Coast secured four sales under $500,000 including two house sales at Blue Haven sold through R&amp;H Charnhaven  at $342,000 and $386,000, and a villa at Woy Woy that fetched $455,000. There was a $380,000 Point Clare house sale at 19 Wendy Drive.
There was a four bedroom house sale at $367,000 at Blue Bay near The Entrance too.
A two bedroom Bexley unit slipped in at $500,000.
The 11/65 Queen Victoria Street, Bexley flat sold through McGrath St George.
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Katoomba, Central Coast home or Kirribilli studio: The stark sub-$500,000 weekend auction choices

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There were three bidders when 37/89-91 Hughes Street, Cabramatta went to weekend auction.
The first floor recently renovated 61 square metre two bedroom apartment fetched $351,000.
The 1974 built apartment was marketed as an entry level perfect home for first home buyers or an ideal investment with potential rent of $320 per week.
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/for-sale/apartment-unit-flat/nsw/cabramatta/?adid=2011571207" target="_blank">Peter Ly of Raine &amp; Horne Cabramatta</a> told Property Observer it sold to an investor. 
It last sold in 1998 at $66,000, reflecting 10% annual growth over the 16 years.
 <img src="/images/2014/12/02/cabramatta-dec-2-two.jpg" alt="">
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10% annual growth as Cabramatta unit sells as $351,000 weekend cheapie

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Expecting interest from resort chains, owner-operators and syndicates, Western Australia's Coral Bay Ningaloo Reef Resort is on the market.
In a campaign to be conducted by CBRE and Colliers International, the <a href="https://www.ningalooreefresort.com.au/pages/1564/home" target="_blank">34-room, three-star resort</a> comes with two separate manager's residences, a cafe, bar and alfresco dining area. It also includes a swimming pool inside landscaped tropical gardens.
It has been the project of owner-managers Aspen Parks and Resorts since 2007.
It sits on 1.8407 hectares, and there may just be the potential for future developments with the zoning.
Wayne Lawrence, Colliers International director investment services, said that it is a "once in a blue mood" opportunity in a tightly-held market.
“This is a resort sitting on the doorstep of a World Heritage Precinct, and a very major tourism draw – it enjoys very strong occupancy, particularly during the peak periods of April to July, and is a highly-profitable business with diverse revenue streams derived from food, beverage and accommodation,” he said.
While Ryan McGinnity, associate director CBRE, said that Coral Bay is the gateway to Ningaloo Reef, a place where diving with the whale sharks is an offered experience. The area is a World Heritage precinct.
“This is the only true resort property in Coral Bay, and a unique asset that we expect will be the subject of very strong enquiry from a range of buyers,” said McGinnity.
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Want to buy a resort? An opportunity just opened up in WA

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Hotel Saville, in South Yarra, and its Punt Road vacant block used as parking, have hit the market as two separate purchasing opportunities.
The hotel site, 1-5 Commercial Road, South Yarra, has been trading since the early-1970s and is said to be “synonymous” with the South Yarra skyline. It has an octagonal-shaped façade and currently operates as a 3.5 star motel facility.
It has 34 rooms and 360 degree views.
The parking opportunity is at 270 Punt Road. Combined, the sites are expected to fetch circa $7 million.
There is the suggestion that the hotel could be redeveloped into a multi-storey site, and both are zoned Residential 1.
The <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+yarra-501125927" target="_blank">1- </a><a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-land+development-vic-south+yarra-501125927" target="_blank">5 Commercial Road</a> site is 940 square metres, while 270 Punt Road is 450 square metres.
 Colliers International selling agent Ben Baines said that it has a significant upside potential.
“We expect the properties to attract interest from residential developers as well as hotel/motel developers,” said Baines.
“There is also the flexibility for a purchaser to acquire the two sites and keep running them as a Hotel in the short to medium term while they obtain planning permits,” he said.
It has multiple street frontages, and is offered as a freehold and going concern.
Meanwhile, Ted Dwyer who is co-appointed to sell the offering, said that the apartment market in South Yarra is booming, which may be another attraction.
“The properties have great access to popular attractions and amenities such as the Prahran Market, Chapel Street, Fawkner Park, the Botanical Gardens and Albert Park Lake,” he said. “St Kilda Road, the Monash Freeway and public transport are all nearby, while The Alfred Hospital is just down the road,” he said.
Currently, standard Queen beds are from $105 per night with a minimum seven night stay, according to online booking details. It is also called the “affordable alternative” for accommodation in the area.
Expressions of interest for the site close on 12 June at 3pm.
Currently, an<a href="https://www.longreachaustralia.com.au/sentry/monument-pinnacle/Monument-Investment-Report.pdf" target="_blank"> investment report from Longreach Property</a> is available about the site, which suggested that an 84-apartment, 82-carpark development was the plan for the site, with a potential for 320 square metres of retail on the ground floor, with an entrance from Affleck Street. The DA was put before the City of Stonnington in 2010.
The development would have been known as <a href="https://www.longreachaustralia.com.au/sentry/monument-pinnacle/Monument-Investment-Report.pdf" target="_blank">Monument South Yarra</a>, designed with Bruce Henderson Architects. Other information from <a href="https://www.pinnacle-props.com/downloads/investorbrief/Monument%20-%20Investor%20Brochure.pdf" target="_blank">Pinnacle Property Investments</a> suggests that it may have been a plan for 90 apartments over 10 levels. Vogue on Chapel Street is identified as the closest example, bringing pricing of Monument to $503,500 for a level four two-bedroom apartment with parking and $453,750 for a one-bedroom level four apartment. This was several years ago.
The City of Stonnington received the application in late-2010 according to their date stamp on <a href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=7&amp;ved=0CFMQFjAG&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stonnington.vic.gov.au%2FDownloadDocument.ashx%3FDocumentID%3D4716&amp;ei=7FKFU9LDC8vNlAWxoID4Bg&amp;usg=AFQjCNHJ4SDmG5LOzcAvazYUwlAKaNlFLA&amp;sig2=hbtylruplw3YLXkX3ihP_Q&amp;bvm=bv.67720277,d.dGI" target="_blank">Urbis’ Planning and Urban Context Report (note: link is a PDF download of the report)</a>.  
Clearly, this never went ahead, leaving an opportunity for the next purchaser.
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On the market: Hotel Saville, a piece of the South Yarra skyline

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A Redcliffe mixed-used redevelopment site, with DA approval, has been listed through Ray White Commercial Queensland, coming with 32 residential units and a ground floor retail or office space.
At 11-13 Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe, the 1,646 square metre site is asking for expressions of interest, explained Ray White Commercial Queensland director of sales and marketing, Peter Alexander.
“The site is strategically located directly opposite the new Bluewater Square Shopping Centre Complex which is anchored by a Woolworths in addition to several specialty retail outlets,” said Alexander.
<img src="/images/2014/05/14/redcliffe-may-14-three.jpg" alt="">
The site includes views to Moreton Island, and Alexander notes it is close to the Kippa-Ring Railway Station that looks to be completed in 2016.
Meanwhile, Ray White Special Projects Queensland associate director Matthew Fritzsche said that it is highly sought after in this area, considered an ‘up and comer’ in Queensland.
“The Redcliffe waterfront is a picturesque location overlooking Moreton Bay and the Pier is a drawcard for tourists,” he said of the area.
Expressions of Interest on the site must be made by 4pm May 21.
<img src="/images/2014/05/14/redcliffe-may-14-two.jpg" alt="">
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DA-approved Redcliffe site with 32 residential units listed

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The fifth round of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) will not proceed, following a 2014 budget announcement.
It was mooted in pre-budget leaks after the latest round of NRAS applications, round five, had been put on ice.
NRAS, which brings new rentals 20% below market into existence through incentives to developers and investors, has been under fire.
Property Observer has previously explored <a href="/expert-insights/scrapping-nras-should-the-affordability-scheme-continue">whether the scheme ought be scrapped</a>. <a href="/expert-insights/scrapping-nras-should-the-affordability-scheme-continue"> </a>
Sarah Toohey, the affordable housing advocate, tweeted the news of NRAS not proceeding to its fifth round, along with the Community Housing Federation of Australia.
<img src="/images/2014/05/14/tweet-may-14-one.jpg" alt="">
The budget papers suggest the saving by not proceeding with round five will be $235 million over three years.
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