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

Mcgrath

<html><body>
McGrath chief executive Geoff Lucas has listed in Cremorne after he bought in Bellevue Hill where he secured half a Palladian villa.
It has been listed for August 17 auction through McGrath agent Claudia Portale.
Lucas had previously listed his Wonga Road property (above and below) in early 2018 when its failed to sell when listed by the now departed McGrath agents Adrian Bridges and Michael Coombs.
It was listed with <a href="/news/wonga-road-cremorne-offering-by-former-mcgrath-executive">$6 million to $6.6 million hopes</a> in February 2018.
Lucas paid $3,425,000 for the home in 2005, snapping it up pre-auction after just 12 days.
<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/2019/7/25/Geoff%20Lucas%20Wonga%202.jpg" alt="">
He owns 1/100th and wife, Nicola the 99/100ths.
The Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill duplex (below) was bought after being passed in at June auction at $5.825 million.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom Mediterranean-style mansion (above and below) was built in 1992 on its 725 sqm block with views over Royal Sydney Golf Course to the harbour and the ocean. 
The Briggs family had bought it for $3.525 million in 2002.
The property comes with pool and tennis court, which is shared with the neighbour.
<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/2019/6/26/Geoff%20Lucas%20Bellevue%20Hill%203.jpg" alt="">
It was listed for Sothebys auction in April last year with overly ambitious $7 million to $7.5 million price guidance.
<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/2019/6/26/Geoff%20Lucas%20Bellevue%20Hill.jpg" alt="">
Lucas returned to McGrath, the ASX listed company in February last year as its chief executive.
Its lower north shore office has been ravaged by agent departures.
The office lists just three agents including William Manning who has been based in Sydney's east.
 
</body></html>

firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

McGrath chief executive Geoff Lucas lists in Cremorne after buying half a Palladian villa in Bellevue Hill

<html><body>
Ben Cannon, who was at Ray White, has joined McGrath Estate Agents in its Brisbane office at Bulimba.
Cannon has been an agent for 16 years having worked in the Inner South East of Brisbane for his entire life.
He is a licensed agent and auctioneer. 
Cannon has been ranked an Elite Performer Ray White Group for three recent financial years.
He was ranked in the network's top 2% of agents in Australia.
Ben is joined by fellow property specialist Jade Loch and Gunther Behrendt in his transition to McGrath Bulimba. 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Ben Cannon quits Ray White for McGrath in Brisbane

<html><body>
McGrath chief executive Geoff Lucas has bought in Bellevue Hill securing half a Palladian villa.
The Victoria Road duplex was bought after being passed in at auction at $5.825 million. There has been no sale price reveal yet among the increasingly-garrulous, but so-called tight lipped eastern suburb agents and buyers' agent.
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom Mediterranean-style mansion (above and below) was built in 1992 on its 725 sqm block with views over Royal Sydney Golf Course to the harbour and the ocean. 
The Briggs family had bought it for $3.525 million in 2002.
The property comes with pool and tennis court, which is shared with the neighbour.
<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/2019/6/26/Geoff%20Lucas%20Bellevue%20Hill%203.jpg" alt="">
Not sure what the arrangement is but when ad man Michael Ball and wife Daria owned it in the mid-1990s, they played tennis on odd days of the month, with the plastic surgeon Ted Gibson and wife Barbie playing on the even days when they owned the southern half of the Lucienne de Mestre-designed villa. 
It was offered through Steven Zellner of L&amp;S Double Bay who has been involved in its first sale in 1995 at $2.1 million.
It was listed for Sothebys auction in April last year with overly ambitious $7 million to $7.5 million price guidance.
<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/2019/6/26/Geoff%20Lucas%20Bellevue%20Hill.jpg" alt="">
Lucas will relist his Wonga Road, Cremorne property, which he owns with wife Nicola.
It struggled to sell when listed for the now departed McGrath agents Adrian Bridges and Michael Coombs.
It was listed with <a href="/news/wonga-road-cremorne-offering-by-former-mcgrath-executive">$6 million to $6.6 million hopes</a>.
Lucas paid $3,425,000 for the home in 2005, snapping it up pre-auction after just 12 days.
He owns 1/100th and wife, Nicola the 99/100ths.
Lucas returned to the ASX listed company in February last year as its chief executive.
He had left his role as McGrath Ltd chief operating officer in 2016 to briefly take a job at the NSW bread maker and café group, Sonoma after being at the estate agency for almost eight years.
Lucas had a 4.3 percent shareholding in the McGrath Group on his departure, with the 5.7 million shares then sold, according to the 2018 annual report.
On his return the McGrath shareholders were advised Lucas was entitled to a total fixed annual base salary of $500,000 (inclusive of statutory superannuation).
Lucas was also eligible to participate in McGrath's short term incentive plan, up to 50 percent of base salary per annum, subject to the satisfaction of key performance indicators.
Lucas was to be eligible for securities valued at up to 50 percent of base salary per annum pursuant to a new McGrath Equity Incentive Plan being developed by the company, which is likely to include vesting over a three year period and financial targets, subject to Lucas' continuing employment with McGrath during the period.
His employment contract includes a restraint of trade period of 18 months preventing him from competing with McGrath should he leave again.
The board granted 2,500,000 share options to Lucas as part of the CEO LTI Program in May 2018. The options have a grant date fair value of $0.092 per option.
The shares are trading at 24 cents.
</body></html>

McGrath chief executive Geoff Lucas buys half a Palladian villa in Bellevue Hill

<html><body>
The bellwether listed estate agency McGrath Limited has told shareholders that continued subdued 2019 market conditions have further hit its financial profitability.
With improved sentiment yet to translate into increased listings, and sales, McGrath Ltd says it now expects a full year earning's loss of $6 million to $6.5 million due to headwinds across the nation's housing markets.
The forecast loss is up on <a href="/news/mcgrath-estate-agents-dip-in-earnings-worsens">the envisaged $4.5 million EBITDA loss advised in its March update</a> for the first eight months of the financial year.
McGrath shares have slipped from its $2.10 listing price in December 2015.
The shares were trading at 27 cents before and after this morning's update.
The ASX-listed realtor said today market conditions for FY19 had been challenging with transaction volumes and property values in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne further subdued in the 12 months to May.
"While we have seen a general improvement in interest and enthusiasm in the market, we are yet to see this translate to an increase in listings," chief executive Geoff Lucas said in a statement. He did detect signs that sellers are now more prepared to meet the market.
While property market sentiment has started to improve following the federal election and house price declines have started to ease, McGrath chief executive Geoff Lucas said market conditions for FY2019 "have been challenging".
McGrath lost its <a href="/news/kon-stathopoulos-departs-mcgrath-estate-agents">head of sales Kon Stathopoulos</a> last week.
"While we have seen a general improvement in interest and enthusiasm in the market, we are yet to see this translate to an increase in listings," Mr Lucas said.
"However, with the elections now behind us, there is evidence of rising confidence in the property market and broader  economy.
"We are seeing significantly increased buyer engagement at auctions, both from owner-occupiers and investors, buoyed by the recent interest rate cut by the RBA - the first since August 2016, and APRA’s decision to lower the mortgage assessment criteria for new loan serviceability.
“There is certainly more activity in the housing sector and we expect more favourable conditions will flow through to an improved performance in the next financial year”,
McGrath will announce its full year FY2019 results on August 26.
In a separate announcement McGrath advised appointment of Howard Herman as chief financial officer, effective June 24 after its former CFO Glynn Wright resigned after just 18 months with the company earlier this year.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Herman has over 25 years commercial experience most recently as chief financial officer of global apparel business Naked Brand Group Limited, listed on NASDAQ and previously of Speciality Fashion Group, an ASX listed fashion retailer. 
His experience in the property sector includes finance roles with, Bovis Lend Lease in Sydney and Anglo American Properties in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mr Herman said he was thrilled to join the team at McGrath. 
"The company is entering an exciting new phase and I look forward to playing an integral role in its future growth, working closely with Geoff and the Board to execute on our strategies to generate long-term sustainable value for our shareholders.”
Mr Herman holds a Bachelor of Commerce (University of Cape Town) and is a qualified chartered accountant (South Africa and Australia).
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
McGrath continues to focus on its cost base and noted its strong balance sheet position at 28 February 2019, featuring no debt and $14.3m million in cash.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

McGrath forecast bigger losses as improved housing market sentiment yet to boost revenues

<html><body>
McGrath Estate Agency intends to depart its long-time Edgecliff head office in Sydney's east and take space in inner-city Pyrmont.
But there is some muted internal backlash since staff were advised of the move last friday.
It could see the agency set up a small Double Bay office.
For its head office, McGrath has taken the lease of a refurbished 1500 sqm ground floor space at 100 Harris Street, Pyrmont from late October. 
One insider reportedly suggested the new digs enabled McGrath to "continue its brand renewal."
The gross annual market rent in the former 1890s wool store sits was $600 to $700 a square metre, giving McGrath savings in lease expenses, according to the Nine Entertainment website.
McGrath will share the building with Domain and WeWork.
The agency had reduced the Edgecliff office size required on <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/edgecliff/1718420/" target="_blank">New South Head Road</a> last year with its executive suite advertised for lease.  
It moved to the current New South Head Road premises around 2002.
Its previously had its office at Goodhope Street, Paddington terrace and then Juniper Hall on Oxford Street, Paddington.
<div> </div>
</body></html>

Pyrmont headquartered McGrath likely to open small Double Bay office

<html><body>
Kon Stathopoulos, the head of sales, has departed McGrath Estate Agents.
Stathopoulos is no longer listed on website showing the McGrath management team.
He had been with McGrath since the beginning of 2014.
He became head of company sales in October 2016 when he was elevated from being McGrath’s general manager of sales, NSW.
He took on the current role when McGrath Limited lost its longtime head of sales, Matt Lahood to The Agency, <a href="/news/mcgrath-group-loses-head-of-sales-matt-lahood-after-two-decades">with the Lahood departure and Stathopoulos appointment announced to the stockmarket</a>.
He was listed among the agencies' top earners in the 2018 company annual report with a $625,000 annual renumeration, including bonuses, up from $560,000 in the 2017 financial year and $413,000 in 2016.
Lahood had been on $679,000 in the first year after the McGrath float.
The mid-week departure has not been notified to shareholders, nor any replacement details.
He joined the Sydney office in 2014 when he moved into real estate from Melbourne, and took 12,000 shares in the group in the late 2015 IPO grant to executives, and 77,000 shares in the 2017 grant.
He'd previously been in sales for almost 14 years, starting off as a teenager as a telemarketer for Neopost Australia, a mail and logistics company.
He advanced to manage revenue, profit and their entire Australian sales team at Neopost, which included culture, strategy, training and recruitment.
 McGrath was a client.
On his 2016 appointment the then chief executive Cameron Judson announced he was "excited about the energy and enthusiasm that he brings."
Stathopoulos has previously explained his enthusiasm was that "real estate has always been in my DNA."
He'd purchased his first home at 22 and second at 29, both in Melbourne.
He'd noted proudly that the McGrath agency had superstar agents.
"One of my favourite roles is being able to celebrate the agents who have committed and been loyal to the business for many many years," he recently said.
McGrath will shortly be leaving its long-time head office in Edgecliff in Sydney's eastern suburbs and heading to inner-city Pyrmont.
It has taken the lease of a refurbished 1500 sqm ground floor space at 100 Harris Street from late October. 
One insider reportedly suggested the new digs enabled McGrath to "continue its brand renewal."
The gross annual market rent in the former 1890s wool store sits was $600 to $700 a square metre, giving McGrath savings in lease expenses, according to the Nine Entertainment website.
McGrath will share the building with Domain and WeWork.
The agency had reduced the Edgecliff office size required on <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/edgecliff/1718420/" target="_blank">New South Head Road</a> last year. 
Initially developed in 1989, and expanded in the early 2000s, the Edgecliff building has five levels of commercial office space a total lettable area of 3,500 square metres as well as basement parking for 67 cars.
The building sold last month for $41 million back to Anka Eastern Pty Ltd.
It had previously sold in 2005 to long-time Mirvac chief Bob Hamilton who paid $19.26 million reflecting a sale yield of 7.75 per cent when it was bought from Anka Property Group, directed by Andrew and Vera Boyarsky.
Anka Property Group had paid $10.6 million in 2001, it having been the temporary offices of Woollahra Council.
It was leased on its 2001 sale to McGrath and data warehousing firm Tacoma, with the price translating to a sale yield of more than 9 per cent when sold by mainland Chinese investor Grand Ocean, which bought the building in 1995 for $10.8 million. 
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Kon Stathopoulos departs McGrath Estate Agents

<html><body>
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
McGrath Limited has secured the services of Richard Shalhoub, who has been operating as Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty - CBD and Pyrmont.
It marks a return of the high performing sales agent who was prominent in the Walsh Bay precinct, the home turf of McGrath founder John McGrath.
He returns to the McGrath agency where he previously worked for nine years between 2007 and 2016.
The ASX was advised that McGrath entered into an in agreement to acquire the business and assets, including a rent roll, of a business owned and operated by Shaloub.
The total consideration is expected to be $1.6 million.
It will be settled in cash, with the binding agreement expected to be completed in early July 2019.
McGrath CEO Geoff Lucas said Richard Shaloub's return to McGrath earmarked the importance of the Sydney CBD precinct.
It would complement the company’s presence in a key market that has been serviced by its Eastern Suburbs sales office.
“Richard returning to McGrath is a win-win for us both and is in line with our overall strategy to increase market share in key markets with the recruitment of exceptional agents who have the desire to be part of a well-resourced and well established brand.
“Not only is Richard an outstanding agent with an unparalleled depth of knowledge of Sydney’s CBD and northern CBD residential precincts, he brings with him an intrinsic understanding of the prestige market that has been transformed by the substantial infrastructure, lifestyle and work precincts seen at Barangaroo and Millers Point,”Mr Lucas concluded.
Shalhoub has established himself as one of the CBD’s leading agents over the past 15 years.
He was instrumental in the company first being appointed by Property NSW in 2014 as their exclusive selling agent for the Millers Point program, and involved in the success of the Government selloff.
He left the McGrath in August 2016 to become principal of Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty - CBD and Pyrmont.
“There has been a clear shift in market sentiment and conditions over the past 12 months in the CBD as we have transitioned to a more subdued marketplace," Shaloub said.
"As a result, I feel that to best represent our clients we need to be aligned with a respected and dominant brand with strong referral networks. 
“I believe there will be a growing desire for small agencies to consolidate so they can focus on servicing their clients and grow market share rather than the day to day running of a business.
"We are clearly seeing a transitioning market over the last 12 months – and despite changing market sentiment, there is still plenty of activity in the prestige sector and opportunity in a highly desirable area of Sydney for buyers who are actively seeking luxury residences."
He points to sales including Penthouse 28A, Stamford Residence, 171 Gloucester Street, The Rocks for $13.5 million; 73 Windmill Street (block of 11 apartments) for $10,050,000; 11-13A Dalgety Road Millers Point sold at $5 million; and 5-7 High St Millers Point sold at $5,605,000.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
McGrath McGrath Millers Point | Sydney CBD will be located at 27 Kent Street, Sydney.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Richard Shalhoub returns to McGrath as agency grows Sydney CBD footprint

<html><body>
McGrath's biggest institutional backer, Perpetual has further reduced its shareholding in the listing estate agency.
It has sold shares between May 6 and May 29 which took its shareholding down to 7.48 percent.
It had been sitting on 9.04 percent.
Its sale of the 2.6 million shares caught a recent spike following the post election property optimism.
Its shares have risen from a record 20.5 cents low, just before the election, to its current 28 cents level, where it has been since last Wednesday.
In March last year Perpetual sold almost 2.5 million McGrath shares that reduced its stake to 11.6 percent from 14.2 percent.
There has been no advisory from Perpetual on its declining stake.
No doubt one recent factor has been the initial listing stockbroker Bell Potter ceasing its coverage of the estate agency, which means analysis of the stock is no longer done by any stockbroker. 
It was in the 2015 float at $2.10 that Perpetual emerged as a surprise major backer of the McGrath Estate Agents’ initial public offering.
McGrath began public life as a company worth $282 million, which has dipped, along with property prices and fewer star agents, to $47 million.
At $2.10 per share, it equated to 8.8 times forecast earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for fiscal 2016.
The fund managers liked McGrath’s cashed-up position, and its opportunities to expand in a highly fragmented industry.
McGrath shares slumped to $1.72 on its second day of trade in late 2015 with Perpetual taking so-called advantage to increase its shareholding to 9 percent from its initial holding of about 6 percent. 
In September 2017, when McGrath shares were trading at 64¢, Perpetual, along with fellow fund manager Argo, lifted their stake in the real estate group.
The 2017 acquisition saw Perpetual acquire six million shares, taking its overall stake to 14.16 percent from a previous 10.05 percent.
The biggest shareholder remains John McGrath, followed by Aqualand and Tony Denny.
With the company now capitalised at $47 million, McGrath's personal stake is worth a little over $10 million given his near quarter holding.
The float allowed him to pocket $37 million, some of which he quickly spent buying further shares in the agency.
Last March the Central Coast-based property developer, Tony Denny amassed a 5 percent shareholding as a "passive long-term investment" paying around 40¢. Denny <a href="/news/for-3-million-central-coast-entrepreneur-tony-denny-buys-5-percent-stake-in-mcgrath">spent $3 million on 7.2 million shares</a> in March last year which took his holding to five percent. 
Aqualand took its stake in <a href="/news/mcgrath-secure-10-7-million-strategic-investment-from-aqualand">June last year</a>.
They paid 42.5 cents a share for their 25,189,880 shares which totalled $10.7 million.
 
</body></html>

McGrath's biggest institutional backer, Perpetual reduces its shareholding 

<html><body><div title="Page 1">
McGrath Limited's presence on the lower north shore of Sydney has expanded through an agreement to acquire the real estate business owned and managed by John McManus (currently operating as LJ Hooker Willoughby/Artarmon).
Its ASX shareholders were told the total consideration is expected be $2 million.
“We are excited to welcome John back to McGrath where we expect that he will make a significant contribution to our Lower North Shore business,"McGrath CEO Geoff Lucas said.
"John is without doubt an elite performer within our industry, and has an outstanding depth of knowledge with respect to the Lower North Shore market, where he has lived for over 20 years.”
<div title="Page 1">
Mr McManus returns to McGrath having been their No. 1 agent in FY2011, and ranking in their Top 10 for several years.
Mr McManus left the company to become principal and licensee of LJ Hooker Willoughby/Artarmon in January 2014, where he was awarded the title of Top Sales Agent for NSW/ACT in 2018 and No. 1 World Champion Sales Person for their International division.
McGrath Willoughby will be located at 150 Mowbray Road, Willoughby.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Lucas advised the acquisition was "consistent with our previously announced corporate strategy of maintaining our presence in the lower north shore of Sydney and expanding our rent roll assets organically and by acquisition."
"The company has entered into an agreement to acquire the business and assets, including rent roll, of a real estate business owned and managed by John McManus (currently operating as LJ Hooker Willoughby/Artarmon)," the announcement said.
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></body></html>

McGrath expand on Sydney's lower north shore 

<html><body>
McGrath Estate Agents have expanded their reach, opening a new office in Ballarat in regional Victoria.
Their move, which is part of the focus to expand into key regional areas in the state, comes after they opened a Geelong office, their first regional
John McGrath, the founder and executive director of McGrath, said Ballarat is an important growth area of Victoria.
“We earmarked Ballarat over two years ago in our McGrath Report as an important key regional market that has transformed itself from an industrial hub to an attractive lifestyle centre that offers more affordable housing, employment opportunities, a strong sense of community and a relaxed way of life," McGrath said.
"Ballarat is a prime example of a regional city that is no longer the sleepy second tier town but conversely, one that has come of age as thriving economic centre and community.”
McGrath Ballarat will service the area of from Ballarat North to Durham Lead in the south; and Cardigan in the west to Warrenheip in the East. Key suburbs will include Ballarat Central, Solders Hill, Wendouree, Canadian and Ballarat North.
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
Christopher Mourd, head of franchise network for McGrath, said Ballarat has been on our radar for some time. 
"As the third largest city in Victoria, it is one of Australia’s fastest growing and most liveable regional cities with diversified manufacturing, tourist, education and professional services in abundance," Mourd said.
“Ballarat is a well-planned city that is steeped in history from the days when it was at the heart of the gold rush, and then a manufacturing town.”
McGrath Ballarat will be led by principals Daniel Nestor (above on the left) and Sean Toohey (above on the right) who have been involved in a sales and operational level with various real estate agencies in Ballarat.
Most recently they were both directors of Ballarat Property Group.
Nestor said Ballarat deserves a premium brand with the highest quality people servicing the market.
"We want our clients, both vendors and buyers, to benefit from the best marketing, knowledge and customer experience that we can offer," Nestor said.
 
 
</div>
</div>
</div>
</body></html>

Mcgrath

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Mcgrath

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News