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

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Entrepreneur Tony Denny has acquired a 5 per cent stake in the listed real estate agent agency, McGrath.
An ASX substantial holding notice was lodged yesterday after Denny acquired his 5.05 per cent stake in the agency.
The cashed-up businessman took a position ahead of the agency unveiling its turnaround strategy.
The 7.2 million shares were bought over the past fortnight after buying shares on March 12 and 20 costing just over $3 million.
Some were likely acquired from McGrath's biggest institutional backer, Perpetual which sold almost 2.5 million shares on March 12 to reduce its stake from 14.2 per cent to 11.6 per cent.
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<div>Denny's is a Central Coast-based property developer, whose $355 million fortune came from selling his AAA Auto dealership European network to Polish private equity firm Abris Capital Partners in 2014.  AAA AUTO was the largest used car dealer in Central and Eastern Europe.
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<div>Denny's sold-out apartment development called Vue at Gosford used McGrath's Central Coast office in its marketing.</div>
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Shares in McGrath closed Tuesday up 2.5 per cent at 41 cents, having dipped to a 39 cent record low last Friday after a series of earnings downgrades and board turmoil.
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A spokeswoman for Denny's development company, Central Real, told The Australian Financial Review the shareholding was a "passive long-term investment".
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For $3 million, Central Coast entrepreneur Tony Denny buys 5 percent stake in McGrath

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The listed real estate agency McGrath have signalled their expected revenue for the FY18 to be half their forecast.
Their latest trading update put the revenue within the $5 million to $5.5 million range.
The incoming chief executive called it "the right baseline financial position."
McGrath shares closed at 43 cents on Monday, no change from the Friday close, and opened Tuesday at 42 cents.
The announcement comes just two months after the then board suggested they would be targeting between $10 million to $10.6 million.
CEO Geoff Lucas, who is back at the agency having left in 2016 just after the company floated, cited the impact of reduced sales volumes.
 “It is important that the market is aware of the right baseline financial position that appropriately reflects the current status of the McGrath business and trading conditions.
"The impact of reduced sales volumes has affected the company more significantly than the prior forecast contemplated.
"We are pleased that this period is behind us, and are encouraged by current activity levels generating improved results.
“At the core of the McGrath business is a high quality and well respected real estate agency with a market leading position.
'The new Board and CEO are harnessing the capacity and skills of the existing management team which has injected a revitalised energy into the business and we are encouraged by the support, enthusiasm and momentum of team members.
“The cost cutting program put in place late last year is starting to generate the financial benefits expected, and we are seeing an uplift in performance so far this month, with expectations of continued rebuilding to the end of this financial year.”
McGrath have lost a number of key staff to various agencies over the past two years.
The review comes after Lucas, who was previously the COO before his 2016 departure, undertook an initial review of the company's accounts and operations.
The company says it generated underlying EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation) for the eight months to the end of February of $720,000, before $3.2 million of one‐off costs. 
Last month John McGrath revealed his new board of directors, with Andrew Robinson and Peter Lewis.
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McGrath halves 2018 forecast earnings 

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The 2018 auction season has started well for McGrath as the company reports solid bookings for March.
Still booking auctions for the 17th and 24th March, McGrath anticipate both Saturdays will emerge as “Super Saturdays” in the lead-up to Easter. 
“The first strong indicator for us is Saturday 3rd March, where the network’s auctions have increased by 38 percent," Adrian Bo, the general manager of company owned sales said.
“We have noticed an upswing in our 2018 auction numbers leading into Easter compared to the same period for 2017," he said.
Its Sydney metro auction bookings are up 40% to the comparative period in 2017.
"We are seeing the largest increase YOY in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs (+115%) with 28 properties to be auctioned on the first auction day in March, followed by the Sutherland Shire (+64%). 
“We were faced with a shortage of listing inventory this time last year due to reluctant sellers in a fluidly growing market.
"Vendors were fearful of the market getting away from them by around 10% if they sold first, without securing their new home in an equivalent market environment.
"As the Sydney market has now reached its peak, our clients seem more inclined to transact in an increasingly balanced market. We have certainly seen an uplift in buyer sentiment this calendar year.” 
Bo pointed to a townhouse at 5 Pitt Street, Randwick that passed in at auction in December 2017 with no registrations or bids sold this month for $2.5 million, well over the asking price. 
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McGrath sees two pre-Easter Super Saturdays

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Former McGrath chief operating officer Geoff Lucas has emerged, according to the Australian Financial Review, as the lead candidate to take the top job at real estate company.
It suggests Lucas could start his role as chief executive next Monday. He was previously at McGrath for a decade until just after the 2016 float.
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Its former chief executive Cameron Judson left last Friday.
The paper suggests Lucas was a "clear choice" for the role, having seen "through a period of growth to 80 agencies from 16 on the eastern seaboard," sources indicated/calculated.
The Financial Review contacted Mr Lucas but he reportedly did not respond.
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<div>The paper says McGrath and Lucas are still in negotiations.</div>
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<div>Lucas, who was overlooked for the chief executive role in 2016 in favour of Judson, then briefly joined artisan NSW bread maker and cafe group Sonoma as its chief operating officer.</div>
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He is selling his Cremorne house through McGrath on Sydney's lower north shore to upgrade locally. 
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Former McGrath COO Geoff Lucas tipped to return to the agency

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McGrath Estate Agents has secured the return of Michael Conolly as Head of Network Property Management for McGrath.
Mr Conolly has over 28 years’ experience in residential, commercial and business management.
Mr Conolly returns to McGrath after a short break from the company. He first started with McGrath in 2002 - 2005 as General Manager of Property Management, and returned in 2010 to a newly established role of Head of Network Property Management.
McGrath Head of Franchise, Christopher Mourd, said Michael "will be a strong asset in our future growth.”
Conolly will work alongside Rob Fearnley, Head of Corporate Property Management for McGrath.
Fearnley joined the Company in September last year and is responsible for overseeing the Company Owned Property Management business across NSW and QLD. 
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The McGrath network has 33,082 properties under management representing approximately $21.5 billion in residential asset value. 
"All our clients, investors and long-standing teams across the country need to remember that McGrath has not only survived all past cycles, but has flourished and continued to grow," Conolly said.
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McGrath hires Michael Conolly as property management head

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McGrath Estate Agents has recruited Kevin Mendes and Imran Hamidi to join its sales team in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, specialising in the key suburbs of Paddington, Woollahra and Bondi.
Mendes brings with him more than 30 years of industry experience. He began his career as an independent, later becoming a franchisee and director at boutique real estate brand Laing + Simmons in 1996. In 2001 he opened Laing + Simmons Mascot/Alexandria followed by Laing + Simmons Woollahra in 2009.
Mendes is a member of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), Sydney Football Stadium and Sydney Roosters.
Hamidi also joins McGrath from Laing + Simmons Woollahra.
Mendes and Hamidi secured the recent sale of a Federation block of six large apartments in North Bondi which sold for $6.33 million.
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McGrath recruits two eastern suburbs agents from Laing + Simmons

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McGrath Limited has announced the appointment of two new, non‐executive and independent directors, Andrew Robinson and Peter Lewis.
Lewis has taken on the role of non‐executive chairman. He is currently Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and an advisory board member of Anacacia Capital and Gravity Media Group Ltd. 
He previously worked as Chief Financial Officer for the Seven Group of companies. 
Andrew Robinson (below) established his legal practice in 1982 with specialisations in tax disputes, corporate re‐constructions and commercial negotiation. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/2/20/lewis.jpg" alt="">
His best known client was Paul Hogan. Robinson has been involved in the property sector over many years as either a manager or investor.  
Andrew has been a long term supporter of various not for profit and charity groups, including Tour de Cure and The Mater/St Vincent’s Hospitals.
Lewis said he was very excited to join the leadership team "as we stabilise the group after a challenging period for both it and the industry”. 
Mr McGrath and the new board are now developing a new corporate plan for the group, including the senior management structure, and an announcement to the market will be made in due course.  
It needs to appoint a chief executive.
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Lawyer Andrew Robinson joins McGrath board

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Estate agent veteran John McGrath has reacted quickly to the 9.42am trading halt secured this morning by the panicked, soon-to-depart McGrath Group directors and executives.
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Rampant rumours forced McGrath to break his personal mantra of avoiding comment on adverse media.
He issued a 6.29 pm statement to shareholders who have watched the wealth destruction of the company escalate in recent days with dismay.
"The ridiculous recent press coverage seeking to link matters which are personal to me with McGrath Limited is distracting attention from the important work of the company, to a point where I have concluded I need to make a statement to clear the air."
The dysfunctional McGrath board had asked the ASX to suspend shares from trading this morning after the company "become privy to further information", which it wouldn't comment on, other than assuring shareholders "they had not taken the step lightly."
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McGrath has been in the news recently over alleged, but limply denied, $16.2 million gambling debts and its alleged funding through an alleged $100 million margin lending facility.
McGrath's response this evening addressed the issue with more candor than his pronouncements over the past two weeks.
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"Like many Australians, I enjoy a punt," he told shareholders.
"I have a credit account with a bookmaker for this purpose.
"That account is not secured by, or otherwise connected with, my shares in the company.
"The account is well within my means in the context of my net wealth.
"I am in full compliance with the terms of that account.
"I have never, and would never, let what I might choose to do in my personal time impact upon the company."
McGrath then advised he dedicated more than 60 hours per week to his work for the company he founded 30 years ago. 
"I thank the great team at the company for their support at what has been a personally challenging time for me. 
"I will continue to focus my energies on the important work of improving performance, growing the company and restoring shareholder value. 
"I do not intend to comment further on this personal matter," he concluded, without advising whether legal action would be pursued.
Last week John McGrath advised shareholders the $16.2 million gambling debt allegation was "rubbish" and that he had never used his McGrath shares as security for any loan.
<div>
Ending the day of debacle, the listed real estate agency also needed to update the ASX with a corrected financial advisory at 6.46pm, given an embarrassing nine errors when McGrath Group reported its small loss. There were no wrong numbers in the statutory accounts, rather the investor pack. 
Last week John McGrath told the McGrath Group board that he was well progressed in discussions with securing new proposed directors (two appointments are needed as a minimum) to replace those who had recently handed in their resignation to allow John McGrath to resume executive control, apparently without any privatisation.
It will see the departure of the McGrath chair, Cass O’Connor who has presided over a board united in obvious turmoil with the company founder.
The news of the deteriorating trading results in the McGrath estate agency finances first emerged last month in an internal document obtained by The Australian Financial Review.
<div>Details of the McGrath board meeting on Friday, January 19 were published on the following Monday, January 22.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The Fairfax newspaper also advised there had been "threats by the board to resign en masse over the Christmas holiday."</div>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

John McGrath says his punting losses are "well within his means" 

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The listed real estate agency McGrath requested and secured a trading halt on Thursday morning pending an "announcement regarding recent media speculation in relation to Mr McGrath."
Its chief executive Cameron Judson said "it was a precautionary measure."
"The event that will end the trading halt is the company issuing an announcement by Mr McGrath," the company statement said.
"The company has become privy to further information, which I can't comment on, re this matter and is seeking urgent clarification from John McGrath," chief executive Cameron Judson said during the 11am investor call.
"The board has considered this trading halt a significant development and let me assure you they have not taken this step lightly." Judson is leaving the company on Friday said the board was doing everything in its power to update the market as soon as it could.
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"An update is though contingent upon John McGrath providing further information," he said.
Judson declined to advised on the unspecified further information.
Mr McGrath has been in the news recently over alleged debts and its funding.
"This matter will be dealt with in due course once all the facts are settled," Judson advised.
The comments came at the beginning of the briefing which was delayed two hours.
Last week John McGrath said he has never used his McGrath shares as security for any loan.
This morning McGrath reported a small loss, while some agents have been given an $850,000 allocation to keep them from departing the public listed company.
 
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Urgent clarification being sought by McGrath board from its founder

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<div class="page" title="Page 1">The real estate agency McGrath has reported a small loss.</div>
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<div class="page" title="Page 1">But despite being hit with a sales revenue slump, some 22 estate agents have benefited from a $850,000 allocation in additional bonus commissions to keep them from departing the publicly listed estate agency.</div>
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<div class="page" title="Page 1">Revenue for the six months to December 31 was $51.6 million, down 23 percent on the same period a year ago.</div>
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<div class="page" title="Page 1">No interim dividend will be issued.</div>
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<div class="page" title="Page 1">Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation notched a $52,000 loss from EBITDA of $9.6 million a year earlier.</div>
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<div class="page" title="Page 1">But company founder John McGrath broke his silence to say he was "proud" and "excited" to again be leading the business from tomorrow when its chief executive Cameron Judson leaves the company. 
Chairman Cass O’Connor and current non-executive directors Elizabeth Crouch and Cath Rogers have also announced their intention to resign on Monday.
Replacement directors have yet to be appointed, with suggestions a Sydney solicitor is among the likely replacements. Senior staff including Adrian Bo are set for elevated administrative roles in the new regime. Bo holds two post graduate degrees in business administration, including an MBA.
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The company went into a trading halt until Monday.
''The reason for the trading halt is a pending announcement regarding recent media comment in relation to Mr McGrath," the company said.
"The event that will end the trading halt is the company issuing an announcement by Mr McGrath."
Meanwhile company owned sales generated $2.6 billion in sales value from 1,712 sales for 1H FY18 compared to $3.5 billion and 2,544 sales in 1H FY17.
Its franchise services offices exchanged 4,324 sales during 1H FY18 with a sales value of $3.9 billion compared to 4,222 sales with a sales value of $3.8 billion in 1H FY17. 
As at 31 December 2017 the network comprised 27 company owned offices and 70 franchise offices with 583 agents. 
Total agents decreased significantly. Agents in the franchise offices decreased 3% to 393 and agents in the company owned offices decreased 21% to 190. 
McGrath's report advised it continued to have a "concerted focus on talent identification, to attract, develop and retain high performing agents and emerging sales agents."
"The company’s performance has fallen short of expectations, and is influenced by several factors including lower volumes of listings, lower agent numbers and a significant slow-down in the traditionally volatile project marketing segment," it advised.
The company posted a loss of $25.5 million after impairments of $22.9 million to goodwill. 
The directors slashed the business’s goodwill which was on the balance sheet at the end of last year at $53 million.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/15/overview.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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McGrath has $3.4 million cash, no debt, and net assets of $74.4 million. 
Founder McGrath, who has taken back direct management control of the company, said a “new approach” was needed, and thanked investors for their loyalty.
“I am very proud and excited to again be leading the business,” he says.
“Despite the challenges we have endured since listing, McGrath remains one of the best real estate businesses in Australia with outstanding talent throughout the Group. 
“Residential real estate is one of the largest industries in Australia, as well as being the country’s largest asset class, and we remain very well positioned to leverage our scale and quality brand for future success and growth.
<div id="taboola-mid-article-stream-thumbnails" class=" trc_related_container trc_spotlight_widget">“Our investors and team have exhibited great patience and loyalty during this difficult time and I intend to work very hard to repay them for their confidence in the company. </div>
“I have a clear plan to rebuild momentum but I will let our results speak for themselves from here.”
The company floated in December 2015 at $2.10. The shares last traded at $0.425 before it halted trading.
Outgoing CEO Cameron Judson says earnings have been adversely impacted “by the underperformance of our company owned sales business, including project marketing”. 
“Our annuity businesses, Property Management, Franchise and Oxygen have performed largely to expectations,” he advised shareholders.
The company announced a $1 million write-down of acquired property management rights. Company owned property management decreased the number of properties under management (leased) to 7,449 at 31 December 2017, from 7,498 at 31 December 2016.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/2/15/revenue.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/2/15/revenue.jpg" alt="">
Oxygen Home Loans settled $422 million in mortgages during the period, slightly down on last year (5%). The book value of loans under management has increased 12% year on year to $2.9bn. At 1H FY18, there were 33 brokers supporting the network, compared to 32 in 1H FY17.
Judson says the restructuring of the board, executive and corporate functions have delivered annualised savings of $5 million with in the leaner organisation.
Cost savings included space relinquished at its Edgecliff headquarters where the business gave up one of its three floors. 
The McGrath network has 95 offices and 2,000 staff.
Keeping staff has seen a McGrath Future rollout which includes high performance bonus commission, recruitment trail commission and a property management equity partnership structure.
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