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

Land Values

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The total land value for the Murray region has increased over the 12 month period to 1 July 2016 by 6.6% from $9.13 billion to $9.73 billion, according to the latest report from the Valuer-General.
The Report on NSW Land Values at 1 July 2016 found that overall land values in the Murray region showed slight to moderate increases.
Exceptions to this trend were the former LGAs of Corowa (10.6%) and Urana (14.9%) where land values experienced strong increases.
The largest increases overall were for properties zoned commercial (9.3%) and rural (8.3%).
The strongest increases in commercial land values occurred in Albury (11.9%) and Murray (5.1%) while Corowa and Wakool remained steady.
The strongest increases in rural land values occurred in Albury (13.9%), Corowa (22.2%), and Urana (15.6%).
These increases follow good seasonal conditions and continuing strong commodity prices.
There was an overall increase of 5.2% for residential land values across the region.
There is a small farm with big neo-Federation homestead <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-lifestyle-nsw-corowa-7820802" target="_blank">currently for sale</a> at $690,000.
Burnewang Homestead, which was built in 1991 by Brentnall Homes, sits on 21 hectares with 12 cows/calves currently being carried.
Albury (6.1%) showed the largest increase, influenced in part by increases of up to 16% in the urban growth corridor of Thurgoona.
Industrial land values across the Murray region showed an overall slight increase of 3.9%.
The Albury LGA (4.7%) and former Deniliquin LGA (3.0%) increased slightly, while industrial land values in Berrigan and the Murray River LGAs remained steady.
For more information including interactive online land value summaries for all LGAs and 14 regions covering the state go to <a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au</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/2017/01/24/nsw-6.jpg" alt="">
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Corowa rural land values up 22%: NSW Valuer-General

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The total land value for the Riverina region has increased over the 12 month period to 1 July 2016 by 9.1% from $13.24 billion in 2015 to $14.44 billion in 2016, according to the latest report from the Valuer-General.
The Report on NSW Land Values at 1 July 2016 found that overall land values in the region showed a moderate increase.
Exceptions to this trend were the LGAs of Lockhart (18%), Griffith (13.1%), and Bland (18.1%) where land values increased strongly.
The former LGAs of Gundagai (1.6%) and Murrumbidgee (-1.3%) remained stable overall.
The largest increase in land values in the region was for rural properties, with an overall increase of 11.6%.
The LGAs of Bland (20%), Carrathool (19.7%) and Lockhart (19.5%) experienced the strongest increases.
There was a recent sale of the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-nsw-carrathool-7844346" target="_blank">Carrathool farm</a>, Haylock and Katika at an undisclosed price.
Residential land values showed moderate increases overall, however there were strong increases in the Griffith LGA (18.1%), while Coolamon (7.4%) and Junee (7.4%) LGAs experienced moderate increases.
Land values in Murrumbidgee (-8.5%) decreased moderately as supply over the period exceeded demand.
Land values for commercial land increased moderately overall by 5.2%.
Temora (14.6%) and Gundagai (14.4%) LGAs showed the strongest increases due to strength in the local rural and tourism industries.
Industrial land values for the region have remained steady.
Exceptions to this trend were seen in Temora (10%) and Junee (8.1%), which both experienced moderate increases resulting from demand by industries supporting the rural sector.
There were also smaller increases of around 5% in Griffith and Cootamundra.
For more information including interactive online land value summaries for all LGAs and 14 regions covering the state go to <a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au</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/2017/01/24/nsw-10.jpg" alt="">
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Riverina rural prices up 11.6%: NSW Valuer-General

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The total land value for the North West region has increased moderately over the 12 month period to 1 July 2016 by 8.0% from $15.22 billion to $16.43 billion, according to the latest report from the Valuer-General.
The Report on NSW Land Values at 1 July 2016 found that rural land values showed the largest overall increase of 8.7% due to improved seasonal conditions over the period.
There were strong increases in large scale cropping and grazing properties in the LGAs of Moree Plains (12.2%) and Gwydir (14.6%).
However rural land values in the LGAs of Gunnedah (0.59%) and Liverpool Plains (1.02%) were steady.
The total residential land value across the region increased by 6.8%.
The highest increase occurred in Walgett (14.1%) following very strong increases experienced in the town of Lightning Ridge (29%).
Residential land values in Tamworth (9.6%) increased moderately due in part to ongoing demand for vacant land in the new estates at Calala and Hillview.
However, residential land values in Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Moree and Narrabri remained steady.
Most commercial land values across the region were steady. However, increases of 5% to 7% occurred in the Local Centre zoned areas of Tamworth and Moree.
Walgett commercial land values increased slightly (1.6%).
Industrial land values across the region showed a moderate increase of 6.6%.
Tamworth experienced the highest increase (9.7%) due to limited supply and strong demand for industrial land.
For more information including interactive online land value summaries for all LGAs and 14 regions covering the state go to <a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au</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/2017/01/25/nsw-88.jpg" alt="">
A four bedroom Lightning Ridge log cabin on 3500 sq m at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-lightning+ridge-121983298" target="_blank">1 Aerodrome Road</a> (above) has been listed for sale for $85,000.
Its pricing highlights land values in the town which is 727 kilometres from Sydney.
Similarly a two bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-dirranbandi-123266894" target="_blank">5 Lignum Avenue</a> (below) has been listed for sale for $99,990 at Lightning Ridge.
It last traded for $17,000 in 2008, showing an annual price growth of 22.94 percent should it sell for $99,990.
<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/2017/01/25/5%20Lignum%20Avenue.jpg" alt="">
A 7321 ha mixed used farm called the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-nsw-lightning+ridge-7702711" target="_blank">Glenelvyn</a> (below) has been listed for $2,533,000.
<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/2017/01/25/Glenelvyn.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a 7197 ha farm called the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-mixed+farming-nsw-collarenebri-7865958" target="_blank">Burdekin</a> (below) has been listed for sale for $2,935,000.
<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/2017/01/25/Burdekin.jpg" alt="">
Sales are sparse, but they include a 2500 sqm land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-lifestyle-nsw-lightning+ridge-7705735" target="_blank">8 Old Angledool Road</a> (below) over recent years.
It sold for an undisclosed price having been although it was listed for $120,000 in late 2015.
<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/2017/01/25/8%20Old%20Angledool%20Road.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a six bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-lightning+ridge-113551479" target="_blank">23 Lappkalle Street</a> (below) was sold for $300,000.
Set on 1000 sqm, the home previously sold for $20,000 in 2003.
<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/2017/01/25/23%20Lappkalle%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Lightning Ridge residential values bolt: NSW Valuer-General

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The total land value for the Hunter region has increased over the 12 month period to 1 July 2016 by 8.7 percent from $118.57 billion to $128.84 billion, according to the latest report from the Valuer-General.
The Report on NSW Land Values at 1 July 2016 found that decreases were experienced in land values in and around the Hunter coalfields due to the downturn in the coal mining industry. Muswellbrook (-5.3 percent), Singleton (-2.9 percent), and Upper Hunter (-3.1 percent) LGAs all experienced decreases.
Residential properties experienced the largest increase in land values with an overall increase of 9.8 percent. Residential land in coastal areas such as Newcastle (13.2 percent), Wyong (12.7 percent), and Gosford (10.2 percent) LGAs saw strong increases. These areas have experienced strong demand, and infrastructure projects like the upgrade of the Central Coast Highway and Hunter Expressway are continuing to have a positive influence on land values.
Commercial land values in the Hunter region increased moderately by 6.6 percent. Renewed interest in mixed use sites allowing high rise residential development had a positive influence on commercial land values in Newcastle (14.3 percent), with strong increases also experienced in Lake Macquarie (13.0 percent).
Industrial land values across the region increased slightly by 3.5 percent. The strongest increase was experienced in the former Wyong LGA (8.7 percent), with the largest decrease in Singleton (-11.3 percent).
Rural land values for the region increased slightly by 3.1 percent. Moderate increases were experienced in larger broad acre holdings. Lake Macquarie showed a strong increase of 10.7 percent, influenced by high demand for hobby farms and rural home sites.
For more information including interactive online land value summaries for all LGAs and 14 regions covering the state go to<a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank"> www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au</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/2017/01/24/nsw-4.jpg" alt=""> 
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Hunter coalfield towns see falls in land values, but Newcastle residential values up 14 percent: NSW Valuer-General

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The total land value for the Central West region has increased over the 12 month period to 1 July 2016 by 13.4% from $12.11 billion to $13.73 billion, according to the latest report from the NSW Valuer-General.
The Report on NSW Land Values at 1 July 2016 found that rural zoned land saw the largest increase in the Central West region, with an overall increase of 17.2%. Exceptions to this trend were seen in the former Harden and Young shires, where values increased by 5% to 7% and in the Gilgandra and Parkes shires, where values increased by between 2% and 3%.
Residential land values showed an overall increase of 6.6% throughout the region. However, residential land values remained steady in the council areas of Coonamble, Parkes, Warrumbungle and Weddin and the former council areas of Boorowa and Wellington.
Overall, commercial land values remained steady across the region, with the exception of commercial land in Gilgandra Shire Council, which increased by 5.2%, Narromine Shire Council, which increased by 9.6%, and Warren Shire Council, which increased by 5.9%.
Industrial land values remained steady across the region. However, industrial land in Gilgandra Shire Council showed a strong increase of 15.8%.
For more information including interactive online land value summaries for all LGAs and 14 regions covering the state go to <a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au</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/2017/01/24/nsw-3.jpg" alt="">
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Rural land values in Central West NSW soar by 17%: NSW Valuer-General

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The total land value for the North Coast region has increased over the 12 month period to 1 July 2016 by 8.4 percent from $54.29 billion to $58.84 billion, according to the latest report from the Valuer-General.
The Report on NSW Land Values at 1 July 2016 found that overall land values in the North Coast region showed a moderate increase. Exceptions to this trend were the LGAs of Kyogle (-0.1 percent) and Kempsey (0.4%) where land values were generally steady.
The continuing upgrade of the Pacific Highway along the Mid North Coast is influencing land values, with Port Macquarie (8.2 percent) and Nambucca Heads (5.4 percent) showing moderate increases. The largest increase in land values in the region was for residential properties, with an overall increase of 9.7 percent. The largest increases occurred in Ballina (13.8 percent), Tweed (11.5 percent), Lismore (12.5 percent) and Byron (10.5 percent).
Overall land values for commercial land increased by 6.5 percent. The largest increases occurred in the LGAs of Byron (11.7 percent) and Tweed (9.9 percent).
Total industrial land values for the region increased by 7.3 percent. The highest increases were recorded in Bellingen (17.8 percent), Nambucca (13.7 percent) and Byron (12.6 percent).
Rural land values for the region have shown a moderate increase of 5.2 percent. The largest increases occurred in Ballina (10.4 percent) following strong demand for rural lifestyle properties.
For more information including interactive online land value summaries for all LGAs and 14 regions covering the state go to<a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank"> www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au</a>.
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Pacific Highway boosts Mid North Coast land values: NSW Valuer-General

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The total land value for the Central Tablelands region has increased over the 12 month period to 1 July 2016 by 4.7 percent from $14.37 billion to $15.05 billion, according to the latest report from the Valuer-General.
The Report on NSW Land Values at 1 July 2016 found that residential land values across the region increased slightly by approximately 3.6 percent. The highest increases occurred in the City of Lithgow, which showed an increase of 8.1 percent and Cabonne, which showed an increase of 9 percent.
Demand for well-located commercial property in Orange, particularly by investors, resulted in a moderate increase of 9.5 percent. Industrial land values across the region showed a slight increase of 2.5 percent.
However, industrial land in Cowra showed an increase of 10.4 percent, while industrial land in Oberon showed an increase of 14.8 percent due to a limited supply of industrial land in established locations.
Strong stock and commodity prices, along with good seasonal conditions, have driven demand in the rural market with values increasing overall by 5.8%.
For more information including interactive online land value summaries for all LGAs and 14 regions covering the state go to <a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au" target="_blank">www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au</a>
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Lithgow land values outperform Central Tablelands: NSW Valuer-General

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Will Rogers probably didn't have Sydney's inner west in mind when he famously said "don't wait to buy land; buy land and wait", but it would have been an apt observation if this has been the case.  
The New South Wales Valuer General reported that total land values had risen yet again by 11.3 percent in the 2016 financial year to $1.5 trillion.
The value of the state's land is up by more than 57 percent in only four financial years.
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 <div>Unsurprisingly the gains were driven by residential land values which rose by 11.1 percent to $1.2 trillion.</div>
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<div>Inner west land pressures</div>
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<div>Caution should always be exercised when interpreting residential land value figures, which were calculated from a sample of more than 38,000 sales in the 2016 financial year. </div>
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<div>This is particularly so at the Local Government Area (LGA) level, where median values can be skewed higher by sites with development potential, particularly at this advanced stage in the cycle.</div>
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<div>As usual the most valuable residential land was the in the leafy LGAs of Mosman to the north ($1.84 million median) and Woollahra to the east ($1.82 million) which remain very much the domain of the wealthy, but most of the serious gains have been seen in the inner west of Sydney.</div>
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<div>No fewer than 16 LGAs now have a median residential land value of more than $1 million, which will result in hefty land tax levies. </div>
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 <div>Not everywhere saw large gains in land values, with often only moderate changes in regional and coastal New South Wales, and the Blue Mountains, for example. </div>
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There were declines too in mining locations.  Broken Hill and the mining areas of the Hunter (the LGAs of Muswellbrook, Singleton, and the Upper Hunter) recorded drops in land values ranging from around 8 per cent to 15 percent.
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 <div>On the other hand, the greatest gains in the financial year were seen in Burwood, with land values up by no less than 37.5 per cent, a location which saw the sale of a number of development sites in both the centre of the suburb and along Parramatta Road. </div>
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<div>Over the past four financial years there have been crunching gains in half a dozen or more LGAs located to the west of the Sydney Central Business District.</div>
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 <div>We live in a nominal world, as the saying goes, and when looking at the greatest dollar value increase in median residential land values, top of the pile was Strathfield which has recorded an astronomical increase of $723,000 since FY2012.</div>
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I can't think of anything pithy to say about these numbers, so I'll leave the last word to Will Rogers: "Find out where the people are going and buy the land before they get there." Indeed.
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<div class="post-footer">
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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NSW land values rise again to $1.5 trillion: Pete Wargent

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Residential land values in NSW increased by 11.1 percent to a total of $1.2 trillion in the 12 months to 1 July 2016.
It continued the trend seen in the preceding two years.
The land values were based on the analysis of over 38,000 residential property sales across NSW.
The Sydney metropolitan area experienced the strongest increases. 
Burwood's 37.5 percent rise, parts of Canterbury-Bankstown (previously Canterbury) (25 percent) and parts of Inner West (previously Ashfield) (24.6 percent) recorded the strongest increases in residential land values driven by demand for property with redevelopment potential, close to transport and the Sydney Central Business District (Sydney CBD).
The increases within Burwood were especially around the town centre and along Parramatta Road, where the government has released an urban transformation strategy foreshadowing higher density apartment construction with some parts of Burwood, such as <a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au/land_value_summaries/lga.php?lga=137" target="_blank">Milton Street</a> parallel to Parramatta Road, seeing land values soar 100% within the year. The highest increases were generally sites allowing residential unit development close to infrastructure, shops and services, also in Homebush, Flemington and South Strathfield where land values increased by around 76 percent.
Land values in the south western growth areas of Campbelltown, Camden, Liverpool and Wollondilly local government areas (LGAs) increased by around 25 percent, and the north western areas of Hawkesbury and The Hills by around 18 percent.
<a href="https://www.valuergeneral.nsw.gov.au/land_values/interactive_portal" target="_blank">The NSW Valuer General </a>noted not all areas increased at the same rate. Residential land values north and south of the Sydney CBD generally showed increases of 10 percent to 15 percent, while values in Sydney’s eastern suburbs (Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra LGAs) all increased by less than 5 percent.
Coastal areas of NSW also recorded moderate increases with residential land values in most areas increasing between 5 percent and 13 percent.
It included the major population centres of Wollongong (7.8 percent) and Newcastle (13.2 percent) LGAs.
There were mixed results in regional NSW with residential land values in most LGAs remaining stable or recording slight increases of up to 5 percent.
Broken Hill and the mining areas of the Hunter (Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter LGAs) recorded falls in land values ranging from about 8 percent to 15 percent.
There are now 16 LGAs where the median residential land value is over $1 million dollars - all in the eastern or central parts of the metropolitan area.
The highest median land value is in the LGA of Mosman at $1,840,000, up 12.2% in the year to 1 July 2016, followed by Woollahra at $1,815,000, up 5.5 percent.
The lowest median residential land value is in the Central Darling LGA, $2,400, which increased by 62.1 percent from a low base which results in a large percentage movement.
Land value is the market value of the land only, as if it had sold on 1 July in the valuing year. It does not include the value of buildings or other structures.
In September each year the Valuer General determines new land tax and premium rate thresholds for the coming year.
The requirements for the determination of new thresholds are set out in Division 4A of the Land Tax Management Act, 1956.
The adjustments to the thresholds are based on the annual movement in the average land values of land within residential, commercial, business and industrial zones in NSW.
The rate of change of land values in these zones from 1 July 2015 to 1 July 2016 was determined to be 11.087 percent.
The land tax threshold for the 2017 land tax year was determined to be $549,000 and the premium rate threshold was determined to be $3,570,000.
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Burwood's 37.5 percent rise in land values more than trebles NSW's 11.1 percent overall value jump 

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AMP Capital’s Global Direct Property Fund (GDPF) offloaded a multifamily development land parcel in Tampa, Florida for US$11.5 million, delivering an annual return of 58.1 percent over the holding period.
The site was acquired for US$2.5 million in February 2013. The fund’s US investment strategy focuses on acquiring middle-market assets (around $25-65 million).
Located at the southern end of the Tampa CBD on Harbour Island, the multifamily development land parcel is zoned for 340 high-rise residential units.
GDPF purchased both the land parcel and the adjacent class A office building from two different vendors, hoping to unlock the maximum value from the acquisitions.
AMP Capital subsequently sold the land parcel to a US residential developer together with rights to use up to 560 excess parking spaces from the adjacent office building, to be connected via a sky-bridge to be built by the developer.
The fund has retained the office building, hoping to profit from its leasing program and a cyclical recovery in the Tampa office market.
AMP Capital Fund Manager Tim Fallet said that investors had benefited from its disciplined strategy.
“This transaction demonstrates the fund’s entrepreneurial and disciplined approach with a focus on acquiring real estate at a compelling entry price, aggressive business plan execution and strategic marketing to buyers. Over the last five years the fund’s US portfolio has delivered a return of 19.8 per cent per annum," Fallet said.
“We continue to see a strong pipeline of attractive core-plus investment opportunities in select submarkets and sectors across the US where we will look to deploy this capital.” 
The fund plans a further round of capital raising.
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